GMAF NEWSLETTER

May - June 2003

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

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break thorugh nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Jesus Christ

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

The Apostle Paul

"Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain."

Psalm 127:1

The future of Christian martial arts looks good. We've grown from a small number of organizations and members 50 years ago to hundreds of associations, federations, fellowships and church and club programs and thousands of members today. We have many Christian martial artists to thank from those early days when they trained together at schools, colleges, camps and churches to further the Cause of Christ. Much of their training was often classical and traditional. They loved Jesus and shared Him freely at every opportunity. I had an opportunity to train with a Christian martial artist during a summer camp in1966 and was very impressed with his skills and attitude. I was pretending to be a Christian at the time, so the positive aspects of our training was noted for future consideration. I trained with other Christian martial artists who were members of early Christian MA clubs soon after I received Christ in 1971. Again I was impressed with their skills and attitude. It was a lesson for me that our martial arts skill and attitude leave a lasting impression on the saved and unsaved martial artists as we represent Christian martial arts in our community.

What has happened since those early days, especially in the last ten years, is quite remarkable. Many new martial arts styles are committed to Christian principles and goals. You can read through the GMAF Newsletters from the last five years and get a sense of how Christian martial arts are reaching into more communities and nations with greater impact than ever before. One example is Shinsei Hapkido. It is an authentic martial art started by Christians to share the Gospel around the world. The Korea Hapkido Federation recognized Shinsei Hapkido as a separate and unique Kwan several weeks ago. Christian martial artists are writing books, hosting web sites, producing video tapes, appearing on radio and television, hosting tournaments and starting national and international organizations dedicated to the preaching of the Gospel of Christ. We see a strong, concerted effort to join forces and use our energies, time, resources and skills to support each other.

This is wonderful! Unity is our strength. Paul wrote the Ephesians: "With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Notice the important key words:

1) lowliness and meekness

2) with longsuffering

3) forbearing one another in love

4) endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit

5) in the bond of peace

The unity we experience is "of the Spirit." It is a spiritual relationship. That is what will keep us together and strengthen us for the challenges in the future: our spiritual relationship. Christ is the One Who unifies us.

Careful study of God's Word demonstrates that Satan is very concerned about what's happening with Christian martial arts. Christians are being strengthened and trained. The lost are receiving Christ and coming into the Light. This is contrary to Satan's plan. He wants to weaken Christians and keep the lost in darkness. We must remember the battlefield directives we received from our Commander in Chief. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

The future of Christian martial arts is bright. If we continue to pray, be vigilent and stay close to God's Word, we'll do well. We are soldiers in a war for souls. We need to use every spiritual weapon at our disposal to assure that when the dust settles we're standing and the enemy is on his knees.

"Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly , as I ought to speak."

Our prayers are with each of you every day as you wage spiritual warfare in your community. May God be praised for the great things He has done and what He will do in the coming years!

Having spent some 30+ years involved in engineering research, I came to see such research was often very poor and did not lead to any advancement in science. Recently, my attention has tuned to medical research and it reveals an even more appalling scenario. Medical research is often an insult to unbiased research - no wonder there are daily contradictions in the press. Medical research is often an insult to unbiased research -- no wonder there are daily contradictions in the press. Medical research has, to a surprising degree, often sidetracked by special interests, especially those desiring drug patents and monetary gain. This has resulted in a society with an over-reliance on research that promotes man-made drugs. Drugs may save your life in an emergency, but they do not heal, only the innate intelligence within can truly heal. Unfortunately, Christians are not aware of what god has provided for them to assure total overall health.

the health of all three of our aspects (body, soul and spirit) is important, with our physical health being the least important and our spiritual health the most. However, physical health issues are often neglected and not given due consideration. Each aspect has an influence upon the other; thus, poor health in one aspect can cause problems in the others. So, a balanced approach to health is sought for overall wellness, ideally with the goal of longer/better service to the Lord. The Lord instructs us in 1 Cor. 3:16-18 and 6:19-20 that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we are careful not to hard a building but then willingly or through indifference defile the real temple of the living God. This is not an issue to gloss over, for God says, "If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy..." .

Origin of Disease

Illness does not normally happen to a person when an outside force upsets a system of the body, most often the illness occurs as a symptom of a long standing problem. (Why Christians Get Sick - Rev. George H. Malkmus) We were created with a design, and, when not living in accordance with our design, disease is a natural consequence. We generally are not the victims of germs, heredity, or other outside forces, but our own lifestyle, our own purposeful activity. As strange as it may seem, disease is also part of something that is purposeful and proceeds in accordance with some design; thus, it can often be prevented/cured. Consider this admonition, "When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee; and put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat." Proverbs 23:1-3. In a physical sense, the king's delicacies are truly deceptive foods because they taste so good yet lead to what are known as the king's diseases: heart disease, cancer, diabetes, gout, arthritis, obesity, etc. Today the western/American diet is the king's diet.

From our physical anatomy it is clear we were created as primarily plant-eaters (herbivores), with omnivore undertones. Thus it can be safely stated, "A tremendous amount of evidence now shows that deviating from a predominantly plant-based to a domesticated animal-based diet is a major factor in the development of heart disease, cancer, stroke, arthritis, and many other chronic degenerative diseases. It is now the recommendation of many health and medical organizations that the human diet should focus primarily on plant-base foods - - vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, etc. Such a diet is thought to offer significant protection against the development of chronic degenerative disease." (Natural Medicine - Drs. Joseph E. Pizzorno and Michael T. Murray)

Biblical Facts

When the entire Word of God is carefully, honestly and reverently studied it is clear that in the Age of Grace God allows us to eat anything we desire. Romans 14:14 says nothing is unclean of itself, which would indicate that all meats are allowable for consumption. However, while it is not sinful to eat anything we want (except gluttony) that does not mean all food is good for our system. the study of the Word provides an incredible number of health clues and principles that are meant for all ages. For example, in Leviticus 3 and 7 animal fat was to be dedicated to the Lord not eaten. A good principle for today would be to carefully limit the amount of animal fat we consume. However, the typical western diet has at least 43% animal fat and this is the source of many of our problems. Optimum health will be attained by applying the principles observable throughout the Word of God, i.e., eat/drink food items as close as possible to the way they were created (whole, raw, non-processed, non-engineered ...).

(Next month: God's Natural Laws)

Dr. Shober is a Doctor of Naturopathic Ministries, Master Herbalist and Director of Biblical Health Ministries. He is available for seminars, conferences and workshops.You can contact him at shover@chorus.net or 608-836-9579.

Dr. Shober is holding a special Biblical Health seminar on June 7, 2003 from 10am - 3pm at Clarion Suites, 2110 Rimrock Road, Madison, Wisconsin. It is next to the Alliant Energy Center (Coliseum) near the West Beltline Highway. The seminar is titled "Natural Approaches to Menopause" and is for all women over 35, pastors, counselors and husbands. The cost is $30 an includes a buffet lunch. Registration is due May 14th. Checks payable to Biblical Health Ministries. If you are unable to afford the seminar, write about a discount.

We were lead out of a small, secluded house that sat miles off of any main road. There we had gathered and dressed for war with ourselves. We were quiet and reverent at heart, awaiting the beginning of class. Our minds had become like a cathedral whose door were wide open, beckoning, empty, eager.
He had entered the room, silent as a breeze and we followed after him into the virgin snow. The cold air came as a bracing rush into our lungs as we breathed in the ozone rich twenty-degree tonic. The snow bit at our feet as we walked into the woods along a narrow path twisting between large trees and clumped brush. The forest closed in behind us and the dark canopy held our presence secret until we came to the clearing. The sun had cast a spotlight marking the place of enlightenment. The old barn had stood for a hundred and sixty years. Its' beams were cut by hand and were a foot and a half square, each spanning the length of the place. We walked in and bowed to the raised mat made of straw and quilts. It was time for the warrior within to awaken. We felt the groan and stir of anticipation deep within. Our souls were agape. It was time for church. It was time for class. It was time to fly.

He said nothing but instead settled on his haunches facing us. Class would be conducted in silence, him leading, we following his every movement. He sat transfixed and prayed a silent prayer. He slowly arose and climbed to the top of a homemade ladder. Stepping onto the center beam he strode like a cat, stopping at a point that stretched above the mat. He leaped, tucked, and for a moment seemed to pause in mid air, hanging there, waiting for the command of gravity to overtake him, waiting to ride it down like a horse under him. He hung, looking up at the roof, his back flat as if he were laying on some invisible surface. For a time it seemed he had surprised nature and caught the force off guard, then it snatched him out of the air and down to the mat as if it was angry at his taunting. A ribbon of light separated him from the mat when he slapped the surface with his hands as if striking for his life. He landed on his back like a pillow dropped from the bed. As he got up we were climbing the ladder behind him. For an atom of
time, for a twinkling of an eye, he had shown us we could fly and we believed. In believing and in trusting that he had prepared us, we also took to the air and our souls laughed at the tickle of gravity's greedy hands around us. The only words I remember being said for those two hours were his closing prayer; " Father, as they have faith in me, and I have faith in you, so let my faith guide these students to you." His name was James Hiner, student of Bong Q. Park, student of Choi.

One may view faith as trusting in the outcome even though you cannot see the path. In practicing breakfalls we jump over a rope suspended in mid air at the height of our shoulders. If you attempt to watch where you are going you will spear the mat and break your neck. You must tuck and flip. This makes it impossible to see where you are going or where you are in space. You must trust your technique in the blindness. This is faith. We build up our level of faith by seeing the technique work over and over again. I have lost count of how many times God has protected and lead me in the dark; in my
blindness. I have faith in him although I do not see him. Each time I feel his hand on my life my faith increases.

As teachers, we must live the life and communicate faith.

(We would love to hear from you about any topic relating to Christianity and the martial arts. Please send your thoughts and articles for publication to mmcgee@gmaf.org.)

1. I will bring Honor to the Lord Jesus Christ, my family, my Martial Arts, and by Seeking first the Kingdom of heaven, all other things will be added to me

2. I will seek God's truth

3. I will show respect to my fellow man

4. I will encourage and stand firm with my fellow man

5. I will do all that I can to make the world a better place to live by being a light beaming

in the darkness, and remembering that though I am not of this world, I am in this world for a short time.

6. I will always remember that I am more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ.

7. I will always remember that by following the Holy Spirit and walking in his ways, that if there ever be a need to arise that I may have to use my Martial Art, I will use it not in anger, but with a clear mind, for God is not the author of confusion.

8. I will, as a Christian put all of my efforts towards learning my art, and learn it with commitment, respect to my Sensei, fellow students, and all others involved within my dojo.

9. I will diligently put forth the foremost effort to studying the word of Jesus Christ daily, praying daily in my own prayer closet, as well as prayer without ceasing, my school work, obeying my parents, and helping, not judging those who are less fortunate than myself.

10. I will learn to encourage, not discourage, for the tongue is sharper than a two edged sword and everything that comes out of my mouth is either a curse, or a blessing. I will be God's instrument on this earth, through Christ Jesus, and know always that Martial Arts is not only a way to teach me discipline, self defense, and character, but is an effective tool to bring souls to Jesus Christ, which is my duty on earth.

Copyright © 2003 Koreja Do Karate Association

We'd like to hear from you! Let us know what you do in your martial arts ministry that you think is special and we'll share it with the Fellowship. Many members write us each month asking for guidance in developing and expanding their martial arts ministries. Please send your ideas to mmcgee@gmaf.org .

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. We begin with the sad news that our brother Steve Patton has left us, but we rejoice that he is with his Savior.

Don't like sending this, tears in my eyes, we have lost a true friend and Saint. Steve passed away and is now with the Lord. I will see Vickie this evening and will let you know more then. Keep Vickie and the kids in your prayers. Steve is in no pain anymore, he's with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He now enjoys the joy of being with the Lord and we will need to minister to his family. I will follow this e-mail tonight after meeting with Vickie.

At 6:53 am this morning my best friend, partner, and brother in Christ went home. Please keep his family in prayer during this most difficult time. I will inform you as to funeral arrangements as they are complete. To Tony and Larry; I love you guys. Pick up your heads; after so long a struggle he is at rest. God bless.
JIM

Steve was a member of Karate for Christ, a teacher, and as all teachers should , he ministered to his students, members, family, and friends. He will be missed.

First and foremost I wish to thank you all on behalf of the Patton family for the outpouring of love and devotion that was so very beautiful to see. This is what Steve envisioned when he started this program. It's something I know we will all carry with us as we move forward striving to teach people to be better human beings thru Jesus Christ our Lord. A warrior has gone home, be warned; the enemy WILL attack when we are at our weakest, I have seen it all ready. Let's continue to lift each other in prayer and more importantly in deed. Know that if you need me, I will be there for each of you. As you have each been there for me. We love you and will talk to you soon. Please pass this along to anyone I may have missed. God bless you all.
JIM TJ

I wanted to inform you Karate for Christ members that we in Kenya we have lost our master and
chief instructor Tong Il Moo Do Master Elly Ocheing Okula a 3rd dan, a role model to us, he helped us
reach where we are know from white belts to 5 black belts in our club. Please warriors of Christ pray for
him and his family for he has gone to be with the Father, remember his club also in your prayers, thank
you.

Thomas Rading
1st Dan black belt
Tong Il Moo Do Karate - Kenya

A dear friend and fellow Christian martial artist named John Fetzer from Philadelphia PA. just found out that his 19 year old daughter Michelle has pelvic cancer. I am writing to all of you because I know you believe in Gods awesome healing power. Please remember Michelle and the Fetzer family in prayer.

God Bless,

Larry Mason

It is with great awe and amazement that I make the following announcement:

On March 26, 2003, the Korea Hapkido Federation recognized Shinsei Hapkido as a separate and unique Kwan. This has only been done 79 times in history. We are the first Christian based style to ever achieve this status. With the approval of our linage, system of techniques, and curriculum, the Korea Hapkido Federation has granted this status, which fully accredits all ranks in Shinsei Hapkido and links them back to the Korean Government. Our special thanks goes out to Dr. Richard Hackworth, Master Kang Rhee, Erle Montaigue, and others who assisted in this quest. I especially want to thank Daryl Covington for his tireless efforts and command of the Korean language both of which were put to the test in the last year.

We will celebrate this event on May 3rd at the studio, church, and home of Daryl Covington. Please come and be with us. 662-836-5668

Straight Bayou Martial Arts Academy
Straight Bayou Baptist Church
157 Church Road, Anguilla, MS 38721

Yesterday I had the meeting with my disciples who are the instructors of Taekwon-Do Club "Stolas Leukas" which I found. I was so glad to have this fellowship after our return from the States where we were teaching with my wife Nastica. I was so glad to know that at the National Championship of Moldova, the sportsmen of our club won 30 medals and19 of them were for 1st place. We pray that this result will bring glory to our God and will open new doors for us to preach the Gospel to the people of our country. I am so glad to see the eagerness of the instructors to preach the Gospel even if they have so many obstacles and persecution. In Costesti village, and it is a big village, Valeriu face a lot of opposition. The orthodox priest came and asked the director of the school where Valera is teaching to put Valera out of
the school because he teaches the Bible to the children. So, the director, because is corrupted, asked a big amount of money in order to let him to stay and it is impossible to pay it. Now, Valeriu has to teach the children and young people in the yard next to the village. So, please pray for this situation and also for all other instructors who are facing the same or different persecutions and opposition. I am so glad to see how each of the instructors was sharing about young people accepting Jesus in their groups and how God changes their lives. Please, pray for this wonderful ministry God is doing in our country. Pray also for the camps we are planning to do in order to have this children and young people more in the Word of God. We pray for the sponsorship for housing, meals and bible study materials because this children and their parents are in very bad economical situation. Yesterday, one of my friends told me that he had read in the newspaper one statistic according to which, each second person in Moldova is living under the minimum material level for life.

May God bless you!

With love in Christ,

Vasile Filat

I know that July is still a few months away but if your life is like mine, you need all the lead time you can get... We'll be working out a full day on Sunday to accommodate the extra instruction. The dates of the Camp are Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13. For reservations at the motel, call 1 800 544-4853 and ask for the AKAYAMA rate. To book a cabin or reserve RV or tent space, call 1 800 ALA-PARK. We are unable to offer a discount on cabins or camping rates. The cost of the motel room is 95.00 and every room is a beach front room opening directly on the beach. Also, any instructor (whether they or a guest teaching or not) who preregisters 10 students will have their room comped for the weekend.

To reflect the diversity and unity of these Camps, I've decided to quit calling them Akayama-Ryu Camps. In the future, the Winter and Summer Camps will be Gulf Coast Martial Arts Camps. While there will always be at least one Akayama-Ryu instructor participating, this event is more than a one system gathering and I want the name to reflect that. By bring together Karate for Christ, Jujitsu Yudanshakai and various styles and schools, we've grown beyond stylistic prejudices and are creating long lasting bonds and friendships. As Joseph Lumpkin and Robert Carver know, this has been my fondest wish for several years and I thank everyone who is working to make this a reality.

Here's the roster of teachers:

Frank Calhoun Aikido

Mark Burton Jujitsu

Robert Carver Jujitsu

Joseph Lumpkin Hapkido

Greg Faulkner Aikido

Chris Dewey Judo

Daryl Covington Hapkido

Craig Hamm Jujitsu

Van Bushnell Aikido

Jeff Cook Jujitsu

Mark Barlow Jujitsu

Take care and I hope to see everyone soon.

Mark Barlow

(Rooms are available for $95.00 a night at the Gulf State Park Resort Hotel. All rooms are on the beach. There are also camping and RV spaces available but these go fast. To make Hotel reservations, call 1 800 ALA-PARK (252-7275) and ask for the AKAYAMA rate. This rate is also good for anyone who would like to come a day or two early or stay a day or two late. Any instructor (whether you are teaching at the Camp or not) who brings 10 paying students will have their room comped for Friday and Saturday nights. Just let me know beforehand and I'll reimburse you for your room at the Camp. )

As Christian Martial Artists I am sure that you are often asked how we reconcile Christianity with the
martial arts. This is a major point of contention for many of us which love the Lord and see the martial arts as a valuable tool to reach youth for Jesus Christ. Many times it is easier to invite a young person to a Christian martial arts demonstration than inviting them to a church service. In that spirit, Christian Forces Martial Arts Ministries is hosting the First Annual Fellowship Tournament here in Orlando, Florida on Memorial Day Weekend at the Expo Centre. This tournament is open to youths up to the age of 17 and will be unlike any martial arts tournament ever! The focus will be on Christian fellowship and praise and worship of the God that has endowed us with the freedoms we celebrate on this national holiday. Our theme is Christian and Patriotic and will include entertainment and events that celebrate our God, our Country, and our love for the martial arts! We invite all KFC members and their students to join us in this tournament to celebrate the diversity of the family of God within the martial arts. Please help us make this event a huge success for the Honor and Glory of the Lord! If you would like to participate as a competitor, vendor, or referee we would love to have you! The harvest is great but the workers are few! For more information go to www.signmeup.com/19686 or email me with any questions at
christianforces@yahoo.com. We look forward to seeing you there. God Bless!

Sensei Joe Morejon
Christian Forces
Martial Arts Ministries

I write to inform you that I just returned from Guyana after spending two weeks. I met with the President , the Prime Minister and all members of his cabinet to implement my school programme and Karate for Christ Ministries in their country. I conducted twenty three TV interviews and 14 martial arts demonstrations which will be run at 40 schools within the island. It is hoped by your presence coming to my Summer Programme in July you will get an opportunity to visit the students and instructors of that country. They are also willing to register with your organization. I have 4 black belts conducting the program in Guyana.There are Garfield Newton, Trevor Smith, Troy Bobb and Carl Ramsey. They will be overseeing the development of our organisation in their homeland. I am sending you this e-mail from Barbados in which similar work is been done for the upliftment of our organisation. God's richest blessings to you and your organisation.

Soke Francis - Trinidad

As the body comes together as a family, it begins to minister to itself. God raises up people to help others in times of need. Karate for Christ now has a resources page. Listed on this page are people waiting to help free of charge. If you are in need, hurting, need assistance with issues, please check this page for the brothers and sisters God has placed here for you.

If you have training, resources, or gifts you would like to share with this ministry, please send our webmaster your information.

I am very proud of you all. We are now 600 strong and reach into all corners of the globe.

Please send in anyone's email address you believe who like to receive our emails or belong to Karate for Christ

God is raising up an army of gentle, strong warriors

Joseph

The Christian Forces Martial Arts 2003 Fellowship Tournament is a martial arts tournament like no other!! This tournament held on Memorial Day weekend will bring the best Christian martial artists together in a spirit of friendship to enjoy the diversity of the family of God within the martial arts. Join us for the praise and worship music, patriotic entertainment, prizes, and fellowship! The tournament program will include praise and worship music, a color guard presentation, and patriotic music performed by the Orlando Police Drum and Bagpipe Band

The tournament will begin with Weapons competition and will be followed by Forms competition. There will be an intermission before the Point Fighting to allow for refreshment at which time there will be exciting Martial arts demonstrations displaying the best of what martial arts has to offer.

Browse our Christian vendor booths for the latest Christian music, books, T-shirts, martial arts supplies, and much more!

We've thought of everything to make this an event for the whole family! The tournament will include Traditional and Creative Weapons and Forms as well as Point Fighting. The divisions will be divided by age group. Competitor Fees are $40 for online or pre-registration. Spectators are $5 at the door.

Help us make this a great success for the Lord and the Christian Martial Arts community! To register go to www.signmeup.com/19686. For more info or to RSVP (no registration necessary) please email us at christianforces@yahoo.com

Our church, Eternal Fellowship Christian Church, has grown to 36 members and we are still adding souls to the Kingdom of God as we grow. Recently, we have had a man re-dedicate his life to the Lord, and his Japanese wife was saved two weeks ago. We will be baptizing them together along with another member of our church in the East China Sea during the month of May. This will be a festive event, with a BBQ on the beach along with Church Service on the beach as well.

We have a couple getting married on April 27th. The Lord has provided a "helper" for our translator. This is the first wedding from our church.

Our Martial Arts Ministry is also drawing souls into the Kingdom. Last week we had a young man walk in from the street, trained with us, and received the Word as we discussed the war from a Biblical perspective. He is really seeking, but has not made the step of faith yet. Keep him in your prayers.

All of this is wonderful news! Anybody that has been to Japan will tell you that evangelism is pretty tough. I have seen missionaries come and go over the years. Many are disappointed that people don't come to the Lord in droves. Sometimes, you will only lead one person to the Lord in a year. In fact, compared to other countries in Asia, Japan looks almost forgotten as far as missionary efforts are concerned. Please include the people of Japan in your prayers.

That's all for now from the Far East. God bless you, and keep us in your prayers.

Pastor Bill

Some of you may remember my posting on a student who broke an arm during one of my classes. As we subsequently found out, he had a tumor in the exact area where the break occured that unless something like this happened, there would have been no reason to xray that arm at that specific place and the tumor could have spread to his entire arm. The tumor is the size of a baseball and almost encompasses the entire bone of his left bicep area. Due to the extent of the tumor, the bone in that area was very brittle (what little he had left of it) which made a simple break fall technique enough to cause a break. It further caused concern in that the doctors said that healing in the area would depend on how fast the tumor itself would heal. I had the entire class lay hands on him and in the Precious and Holy Name of Jesus we rebuked whatever the illness was that caused the growth of this tumor. We received notice from his mother that they had a subsequent xray done of the arm a few days ago and the arm shows incredible healing in just a few days!!! They say that if he continues to heal as he has the arm will heal in a few weeks. I just had to share this with all of you and thank you for your prayers; for the fervent prayer of righteous men does avail much!! May the Glory and Honor be His!!

Thank you and God Bless you all!

Sensei Joe Morejon
Christian Forces
Martial Arts Ministries
www.christianforces.org

Gentlemen - I spoke with Larry Ingle tonight. He was at home walking around and eating ice cream! He asked me to let you know how much he appreciated your prayers, and that he felt them. He said he had literally collapsed in the doctor's office when they were reading the MRI. His spinal cord was compressed to a quarter of the size it should have been-due to this, the doctor was concerned that there would be permanent nerve damage. He was praising God this evening because he felt that because of our prayers, his martial arts future was in tact, and he wanted to let everyone know how much he appreciated us interceding for him.Thank you all and God bless you!

In Christ,

Mike

The MAY addtion of Black Belt magazine is out. There is an article about Karate for Christ and Shinsei Hapkido in it. We will also be in the next addition of Tae Kwon do Times. For those of you who get Martial Arts Success, I am told there is a letter about us in the next addition.

God is on the move!

Due to schedule conflicts, the Training Camp scheduled for Twin Falls Resort in West Virginia has been rescheduled for the weekend of November 7, 2003. The rooms will be less expensive, and the weather will still be fair at this time. This time, we have more rooms available also. This may give a better arrangement time for everyone wanting to attend, and for those willing to come and teach. More details will follow.

Call me at 1-304-732-7714 with any questions.
Adam Bradford

I am a promotions director for a small martial arts school in Texas, in a region seemingly filled with biblical "knowledge." In addition, I know that there are numerous Christians advocating that Christianity and the martial arts cannot coexist, and that it should be proclaimed heresy to teach otherwise... With that in mind, I was hoping that you could provide me, (a simple publicity-man, untrained
in the arts)with some method of reaching this public to draw them into our school. In addition, I am
pressed to prepare a demonstration for chapel at a local parochial school (k-12), and must accommodate a more highly critical and sensitive audience with biblical foundation and subtle promotion of our martial arts programs. Might you have some advice or free materials on how to approach these issues? Please e-mail me with some information that could help the situation. I would appreciate your help.

Thankyou,

Chris Reinecke

Promotions, Gifted and Talented Academy

Plainview, TX

All American Christian Martial Arts... The First Annual Smoky Mountain Christian Martial Arts Classic ... August 2, 2003, Pigeon Forge Middle School, 300 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863... 8:00am ­ 9:00am REGISTRATION, 9:00am BLACK BELT MEETING

Suggested Accommodations Norma Dan Motel, 3864 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37864... For Reservations Call 1-800-219-6809 Room with 2 Queen Beds... Normal Rate: $92.00/night... AACMA Rate: $82.00/night . Please mention All American Christian Martial Arts when making reservations to receive this special rate.

The Shinsei Hapkido Winter Camp will be held in West Virginia November 7th. This place is beautiful! Adam Bradford has reserved the biggest hall that they have, and all of the resorts 20 some rooms. All rooms, suites to singles, will only be $59.00 plus tax! The contract Adam has with the resort managment is fixed to where he is the one who books the rooms, so, he needs members to tell him what they want, how many nights lodging and send him a US money order or check for their room fee.

Contact Adam Bradford at bigsifu@yahoo.com

Starting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 3rd, there will be a free Shinsei Hapkido Seminar at Straight Bayou Baptist Church, in Mississippi. For directions call 662-836-5668, or email drdarylrcovington@yahoo.com.

Seminar Instructors will Include:

Do Ju Nim Joseph Lumpkin, Shinsei Kwan Founder
Dr. Daryl R. Covington, 7th Dan Shinsei Hapkido
Craig Hamm, 7th Dan Shinsei Hapkido
Barbara Sullivan, 1st Dan Shinsei Hapkido

There will also be a time of freefighting, technique sharing, and questions and answer, as well as an opportunity to test in the Shinsei Hapkido System. All attending will receive an award at the ceremony that night.

All attending are asked to bring sandwiches, chips, or snacks to share for lunch.

We will meet at Straight Bayou Baptist church with Pastor Daryl Covington on May 3rd. in Anguilla MS. The celebration meal will began at 7:00 p.m. The meal will be farm raised Catfish filets, and all the fixin's. The cost for the meal will be 8$ per plate, with any profit going to youth missions for Straight Bayou Baptist Church. The youth group will be serving. I will need to know in advance how many will be attending. All reservations due immediately. All Underbelts attending will receive geup certificates from the Korea Hapkido Federation if the names are sent in prior to April 30th. There will be a promotion ceremony for 6th and 7th Dans as well, plus other awards will be presented. This is a historic moment. I hope the practitioners of our style realize this and make the journey.

Again: Info for reservations is: 662-836-5668, or email drdarylrcovington@yahoo.com

I took 7 of my student to a tournament on Saturday and after all was said and done we brought back 21 trophies and 1 Grand Championship. Matt Youngblood won the Grand Championship in Youth Underbelt Weapons. The Karate For Christ International / Shinsei Hapkido and The United Budoshin-Kai Culture were well represented at the tournament. There were some instructors there that were members of KFC and some that wanted to know more about the KFC and Shinsei Hapkido. The word is out there and we are trying to spread the values and Word of our Lord through our representation.

Craig Hamm

It's official. Pastor Bill will be in Tokyo, Japan next month for an interview with BBC about Eternal Fellowship's Martial Arts Ministry. There are many other groups that have been supporting us in our ministry efforts like GMAU, KFCI, ICMA, THA, and PMAA (all are listed on www.eternalfellowship.com). All of these wonderful organizations will receive mention in the interview. Please pray that God will grant me wisdom so that this interview will glorify Him.

Thank you all for your support and your prayers.

God bless,

Pastor Bill

We have recently opened up a store through Polished Arrow Christian Martial Arts Network. It is not comp-letely up BUT a partial listing is available. (When the store is fully up, we will feature an additional 5% off as a Grand Opening). We do have a full line of uniforms and some weapons and video/books. Keep checking back for updates. You can order immediately...usually at a 20% savings

The store site is: http://castleen.com/cma/cma.html

Pastor Jim Garrett

"To radically reach, teach, nourish, and unleash this and future generations with the life-changing power of Jesus Christ,"

I hadn't talked with you since last year when I was gathering information to start a new Christian karate martial arts ministery thru my church. There have been so many people in so many organizations who have been very helpful and we have seen the Lord's hand work in a mighty way. We first started a small group thru a homeschooling program involving a couple of families and totaling 11 students. The one thru my church took much longer and just got started last week but the Lord blessed us in a big way. I was hoping for 10-15 students and we had 24 show up and sign up and 2-4 more said they were coming but couldn't the first night. I am thankful for so many martial artists in the body of Christ who offered prayer support, helpful suggestions and words of encouragment... Children ages 6-11 meet on Tue evening at the church between 6:00 pm & 7:00pm with 12-99 meeting from 7:00 till 8:30. All ages meet from 10:00 until 11:30 on Sat. morning next to the church at the Neil Clark recreation center. Prayer and devotions from the Bible are an integral part of all classes. Contact Steven Riggs anytime at 828-322-6904 or e-mail at stevencriggs@yahoo.com

I agree with all that has been said. The mission of having Shinsei recognized is to provide a broader base of evangelism into the secular world. Perhaps the greatest thing I have seen in martial arts this year is a young hindu boy come to Christ as a result of our outreach. Over the course of the last year, we have had many come to Christ in our class, and in "demo" events. He that winneth souls is wise....

Go get em for Jesus.
daryl

Steve! DELEGATE, give your yellow belts two white belts to bring up. Each color belt can teach a lower belt. It has worked for me these past 45 years. Be Blessed and keep Christ First in ALL you do.

Christ's servant.
Pastor Karl

check us out on the web. www.keichu.com or www.keichudo.com

Good stuff Joe. You have the right idea. I know God will Bless that. As you know "God provides were He Guides"

Pastor Karl W. Marx, Sr.
An old has been, used to be.

I only know one thing. I know my father's voice. Two days ago we gave away 90,000 tons of sweet potato's. And when I told the parents of our new Christian Martial Arts School, and they were welcome to join Karate for Christ when they came to enroll, the children's eyes lit up when I showed them the patch they could get and put on their uniform. Yes, brothers. Martial Arts is part of our lives such as tent making was part of the Apostle Paul's, but it is a tool. I know one thing. What the word says. I love and pray for you all daily, and in Christ and humility I send you not my words, but his. Be Blessed until I meet some of you if Christ does not return first:

Matt 6:33 ... "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

1 Cor 14:33 ... "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Matt 25:35-40 ... "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

God Bless you and yours,

Dr. Neal Schiesske
http://www.agapediet.com

Dear Members.

I received this email today which brought me to my spiritual knees. This member is correct in what he has said. I have included his letter and my response also in this email. The last year or so has been a battle for us to establish the style and ministry at the highest levels of acceptability. It has consumed my focus. This was wrong. Now it is time to turn our eyes toward home once again.

Please read both the letter and response.

I am asking each member to submit stories of salvation that happened because of the martial arts ministry. Tell us what happened and how you used the art to lead someone to the Lord.

We will continue to keep you informed of events, but now I am asking you to share your stories as they happen.

In my little class of 40 kids, we had 2 saved last week. I started coming to early service and made announcements in class that we had a special pew for Karate for Christ members and I would be there. 3 kids showed up. After coming for about 4 Sundays, 2 gave their heart to God.

Your turn to tell us about your classes.

Joseph Lumpkin

Dear Joseph,

Just a thought, it's been some time now, over the past year or two I have received many E-mails notifying of coming event's, information on seminars, information on styles of martial arts, your style, other styles. Please correct me if I am wrong, this is from my observation only from what I have observed through many various e-mails from Karate for Christ. Maybe I am missing something? What I would like to know is how many lives Karate for Christ has led to the Lord? How many people have you
or karate for Christ led to ask Christ into their lives.I want to know more effective ways I can lead my students or whoever I come in contact with to lead them to ask Christ into their lives. Whenever a life is led to Christ it delivers a mighty powerful blow to Satan. Our fight is not in the flesh and Blood but in the spirit.I feel some what let down from Karate for Christ. In claiming to be for Christ, I have had nothing but alot of flesh and blood stuff sent my way. You might agree it is more important to learn how to
fight our battles spiritually more so than phisically. I'm 44 years old, my spiritual battles still haunt me and are much harder to deal with than my physical ones. The only rock I have that helps me with these battles is my relationship with the Lord, not my martial arts. Two years ago I lost my 22 year old son to cancer, the only thing he had when his time came was his trust in the Lord. With all the crazyness in my life and around me all I have is trust in the Lord. We all need to stay focused on earning our spirtual black
belts.

Your brother in Christ,

L F

Mr. F

AFTER READING YOUR LETTER AND THINKING ABOUT WHAT YOU SAID, I MUST SAY YOU ARE CORRECT IN YOUR OBSERVATION. For this I am deeply sorry.

To answer you question, I believe many many lives have been changed and in the last 2 weeks we have led 2 young men to the Lord. It is my fault this has not been communicated. As an explaination I have only to say that we have been working very hard to become a force in the martial arts world so that we can carry the message of Christ on to larger and international stages. We have succeded. In doing this I believe I have fallen victim to my own strong point. I have suffered from tunnel vision. I have left behind the truly Good News of Salvation in Christ.

You have my deepest regret. We will work to change this starting today.

Thank you for the Spiritual wakeup call.

Joseph Lumpkin

Nathan Bradford and his unit may get to come home from the middle east. Then, there is a possibilty that their commanders will want to open new tent cities in Iraq, and send them there. My prayer for them is for their safety and that they will be sent home. Please
pray for this.

Adam Bradford

Joseph, I appreciated your letter about refocusing your vision on the spiritual battles and the true focus, aim and goals we should all have. It is so very easy to take our eyes off the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. If I may add my 2 cents here, KFC has accomplished a lot in recent months with competition and the recognition by the Korean gov etc. Sometimes it seems there is almost no room for members who happen to be in other styles apart from jujitsu, hapkido and judo. These are all fine styles and I know I need more in the throwing, grappling arm bar area to be a better instructor to my students. But we are not all in that style or styles, and yet we seek to accomplish the same things you do in leading the lost to a saving knowledge of Christ and be an avenue for discipleship for those that already know Christ as Savior. I have spent 32 years in the martial arts, most of it in Tang Soo Do and Wado-ryu and another offshoot of Shotokan. I think these arts also have value and validity and can be used in the service of the King. After much prayer, effort and hard work we finally got our program thru my local church approved and have had our first week of classes. It seems to have followed the pattern of many others in KFC in the past. Ron Shively had said there would be people in the community who would come out solely for the reason that it was a Christian karate program. I heard others say that they always had initial turnouts that were really good. The karate school at the rec center next to the church will start a new beginners class 2 or 3 times a year and get 4-6 students join. In one week we now have 30 students between the ages of 6 and early 40's, Praise the LORD!!! We haven't even had time to do any advertising yet. Combined with my home schooling classes that gives me 41 students total with the possibility of more to join yet. KFC has been a real encouragement to me and the web site has referred several people just out of the blue seemingly to us. I know they are here in God's timetable but HE used KFC to bring them to us here in Hickory. I am not used to teaching such a large class by myself so I would greatly appreciate any one's prayers in this new adventure as we start off down a path that i don't know where it will go yet but I am getting indications from some people that we may have bigger and better things in the works as far as being able to expose more people to the gospel and do discipleship and teaching with those that are already believers. Thank you Joseph for the good job that you are doing and laying it all on the line. It isn't easy baring your soul but we all must do it from time to time. In Christ, Steve Riggs

I often tell my students that life and the study of martial arts have many things in common. One of these things is balance. Balance is critical to both life and martial arts; good balance (sleep. work, prayer, family, etc) = good life, good martial arts. Bad balance promotes the opposite. While we are all dedicated to our arts, we must balance the physical with the spiritual as professed Christian martial artists. There is a danger that many who teach the martial arts are not aware of and it is a critical one that may affect our ministries. I believe that it is not the same thing to be a Christian teaching a secular martial art as it is to be a Christian teaching a system that has been designed to be Christian in teaching from the ground up. In my style we pride ourselves in removing the secular Eastern influences within the martial arts (Buddhism, Taoism, Confusionism) and replace them with biblical principles. In our system we call this the TorukuKai Bushido Code. It is a moral absolute based on 15 Christian values each anchored in biblical text. Proverbs 22:6 calls us to "teach a child in the way he shall go and when he is older he shall not depart from it". My martial arts ministry is dedicated to training innercity youth in our truly Christian Martial Art but the great thing about God's family is that we all have different tasks to accomplish according to His will. We all have a distinct destiny that is our own. Just as Peter kept his eye on Jesus and was able to accomplish great things (like walking on water) so can we if He truly is our focus. Take your eyes off of Jesus and place it on your circumstances or earthly goals and you will sink (just as Peter did).

The NUMBER of people that accept Christ in our dojos is NOT the real issue. Otherwise, is there some mysterious quota out there we must fulfill? This mindset is one based on ACTS not FAITH. WE can not make anyone accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Only the Holy Spirit can do this! The real issue is do we WALK the TALK?? We must become mirror images of Jesus in all we do and say. THAT is what attracts others and opens doors of opportunity to share the gospel. 1 Corinthians 13:2 "And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. " How do we serve the Lord and bring others to the decision that will affect where they will live out eternity? It all comes down to this: Love the Lord thy God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself!

Ask yourself: Does your dojo "feel" different from the secular dojo? Do your students feel safe and loved?
Is your system flourishing with little or no effort on your part? Are students parents involved? Are they more like family than clients? Do you genuinely care about your students in and out of your dojo? Are your students groowing spirtually as well as physically? In other words, are you a pastor to your flock???
If the answer to any of these is no, then what makes you different from the secular dojo down the street?

Psalms 139:23 "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts"

Before we lead others we must first know the path ourselves. Is Jesus LORD as well as Saviour in your dojo and life? Think about it, then pray about it.

God Bless You All!
Sensei Joe Morejon
www.torukukai.com
www.christianforces.org

Dear Joe Moregon,

I appreciate your candid response as to what our "mission" is, particularly in Christian Martial Arts. By extension, and as a former pastor, I can say that your email speaks to the problems of many "ministries" today: not being focused on Christ.

We can plant seeds, we can pluck weeds, We can water, BUT only God can make it grow!

Good thoughts and GBU!

Steven King

Someone mentioned 1st Corinthians 13 in relationship to our martial arts in one of the recent letters that we have received. I have seen many people try to apply these scriptures to their own lives, and end up drowning in self condemnation for falling miserably short. Try substituting the name of Jesus in the place of love or charity when you read this chapter. This will help you in your understanding of this part of the Bible.

While perfect love should be our goal, we should remember that while we are in the flesh, we will have limitations. That is why we often get distracted, fall short of our own expectations, and even commit sin. In these times, it is more important that we turn back to Jesus, experience His perfect love, and realize that everything about us depends on Jesus.

Pastor Bill

This is Pastor Tracy Benningfield from Seabeck MT ... I want you to know that Karate for Christ has been a blessing to us in other ways as well. I have, of course, members of the congregation that did not understand the idea of martial arts being practiced in the church. Having affiliation with organizations such as this helps to validate the opportunity that we can provide within the church setting.

Also, I have a mother in my program that started attending the MA program with her children. She then started coming to church. Her unsaved husband started attending services with her. He is a local sheriff with the county. I had lunch with him this last week and he has now given his life to Christ. He made the comment "I have a burden lifted from me I never knew was there before."

While it is God who causes growth may we never take lightly the work of planting and watering. My heart beat is evangelism and the Christ-centered program I offer is part of an effort to bring Christ into the vision of the un-churched that in seeing Him they might win the most important battle.

May God bless our efforts as we take the secular and set it aside for sacred use.

Be Blessed,

Pastor Tracy Benningfield

Senior Pastor, Crosby Chapel

We are in the process of putting together a Christian Martial Arts Demonstration Team. The purpose is to reach out to groups that you would not normally come in contact with. We plan on going to Churches, Youth groups, Open Events, Etc. The idea is not a new on but something that people could see that we are not out here teaching other religions ONLY JESUS SAVES AND IS ALIVE.

Craig

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.

I am the founder of the Swift Current Method Martial Art System and founder of Limitless Limitations Martial Art Institute here in Dayton, Ohio. The martial art institute is church affiliated and the curriculum consists of Bible study and the institute also has a library--please feel free to reach me at Limitless Limitations Martial Art Institute, 400 Linden Ave. , Dayton,Ohio 45403

May God bless and continue to strengthen us.

F. Justin Gay

Sensei Joe Morejon Central Florida area teaching a system known as TorukuKai AikiJitsu (1st Dan). The system is a Christian martial art that combines Aikido, Jiujitsu, Judo and Karate into one effective self defense system. Our websites are www.christianforces.org and www.torukukai.com. Phone 407-540-0337 or email us torukukai@yahoo.com.

Dr. Neal Schiesske, N.D., PHD
Doctor of Naturopathy, PHD Biblical Studies
http://www.agapediet.com

Shichidan 7th Dan in Koreja Do Karate ... Dojo located in Pensacola, Florida

Rev. Dr. Neal R. Schiessske, Author of "God's Diet" which you can pick up at your local Barnes and Nobles, or Amazon.com, is a Doctor of Naturopathy and Oriental Health. He also has his PHD in Biblical Studies. He has been pastoring and a music minister for Churches for many years.

He began his martial arts training in 1977 during his 6 year tour in the Marine Corps. He began by studying the art of Arnis in the Phillippines. Then he was stationed in Tokyo where he began learning Oriental medicine and studying the art of Aikido. He studied from who was hardly heard of then, but now are best selling Martial Arts authors such as Gaku Hamma, Sensei, or now Shihan of the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba Mitsugi Saotome, Sensei. He has also studied under Dennis Hooker, Sensei who is now head of the ASU in Pensacola and Orlando, Florida. Also the McIntyre Sensei's in Murfreesboro, Tennessee as well as many more. After an injury of his left knee during the Marine Corps, the Rolls and Tolls of Aikido began to disable Dr. Schiesske, so he began to study the arts of American Jujitsu and Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do under Sensei James Christian in Memphis, Tennessee and then Sensei Ron Little in Pensacola, Florida, then again back to Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Schiesske taught for several years under the guidance of the AITF and AIKIA which is headed by Bill (Superfoot)Wallace, Joe Lewis, and Dr. Jerry Beasley, and integrated all of his still growing knowledge of the Martial Arts into what he called Koreja Do Karate. The name comes from Ko (Korean) JA-Japanese, Do-The way. It consists of forms from Tang Soo Do, grappling and joint locks from Jujitsu and Aikido, Stick fighting and takeaways from Arnis, street self defense, a continuing learning experience for his Dojo, Katana, Bokken, Tanto, and Jo techniques. Dr. Schiesske had two dojo's with approximately 400 students when he was struck with inoperable cancer in 2000. He was given eight months to live. God through his miracle working power has completely healed Dr. Neal from every centimeter of cancer and he has now regained from 140 lbs and being fed through a stomach tube to 230 lbs and re-opening his Dojo in May of this year.

Jason Kilgore, Renshi
Head Senior Instructor/Head of Family - Bujinkan Koryu Aikidojo/Sierra Foothills Karate Jujitsu Dojo
12140 Shale Ridge Road # 2, Auburn, Ca 95602-8880

(3 locations - Auburn, Rocklin, Folsom) with the expansion of a fourth in Sept 2004

(5th Dan (Renshi) - Okinawa Shorin ryu Karate, Kobudo, Nippon Ketsugo ryu Jujitsu, Takeshin Sogo ryu Jujutsu

We appreciate your Fellowship in the Gospel of the Grace of God. We are praying for you and your opportunities to serve Christ. Please let us know about ways GMAF can help you in your service. If you know of anyone who might be interested in receiving this monthly newsletter, please ask them to e-mail Mark McGee. We'll be glad to put them on our monthly mailing list.

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