GMAF NEWSLETTER

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2004

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

"Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe."

Jesus Christ

" Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds."

The Apostle Paul

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."

Psalm 139:14

 

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." Psalm 139:14

The human body is the most complex structure on Earth. I saw a report recently that we will breathe enough air in our lifetime to fill ten million balloons. We will eat and digest 30 tons of food. Our skeletal and muscular systems are amazing in scope and nature. The largest bones of the body can withstand an impact of a thousand pounds, a force powerful enough to break granite. That's because of the way God designed bones to deal with force applied to them. Bone cells constantly repair damage and change the structure of each bone depending on the need of the moment. The largest organ of our body is our skin. It weighs about nine pounds and covers almost 20 square feet. It makes the body waterproof, both inside and outside, and acts as a phenomenal system of filtering, protecting and cooling the body. The body can reach extremely high temperatures during exercise, but special systems within skin keep the heat from damaging delicate internal organs. Skin has tremendous flexibility and can heal itself continually. The brain handles millions of ideas and communication signals every second for even the simplest of physical activities. God designed the brain to handle the vast workload by dividing it among the billions of cells in the brain. Each brain cell communicates through electrical connections to ten thousand other cells in the body giving direction to everything from the simplest movement of an appendage to the most complicated physical feat. That means the brain has the ability to guide and control the activity of trillions of cells at any given moment in time with no noticeable delay.

Exercise strengthens the skeleton. Lack of exercise weakens it. No matter how we treat our skeleton, the bone cells give us a new one every ten years. We build a stronger or weaker skeleton throughout our lives depending on what we do with it and for it. Bones of all size in our bodies help us with the complexity of balancing a physical design that is heavier at the top. Bones in the feet are some of the weakest in the body, yet God structured them in a way that would absorb all of the weight of the body whether standing, walking, running or jumping. Another set of small bones is found in the hand. Though the bones can be easily broken or crushed, the hand has the ability to crush with great power or control with great dexterity. Every cell of the human body is a manufacturing plant with its own fuel supply and master communications system.

We have trillions of cells in our bodies. Each cell is directed by its DNA (God's Design System for every individual human being). Every cell knows what to do and does it on time. As billions of cells in our bodies die every day, millions of new ones are being made every second.

God gave us several important senses that help us in every aspect of life. Those include touching, tasting, hearing, seeing and smelling. Sight is the most complex sense and uses more cells in the brain than the rest of the senses put together. The brain's ability to control and make sense of physical, mental, social and emotional experience while all senses are stimulated is beyond amazing and approaches the miracle of God's creative Genius. We were fearfully and wonderfully made!

Martial artists perform feats of strength, agility and flexibility that amaze onlookers. How can the human body move with such precision, power and balance while looking relaxed and in complete control of every movement? We know it comes from training, practice and the exercise of our will.

As Christian martial artists we know the human mind and body are great gifts from God. He created them to function successfully in specific ways and we are successful as we agree with Him about those functions. Those of us who have the privilege of teaching martial arts are given the opportunity to help men and women, boys and girls learn how to use their minds and bodies effectively and efficiently. We have the great responsibility of using mind and body for God's Glory and teaching our students how to use theirs for Him. Jesus was asked what He believed the great commandment was. His answer: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." God wants us to love Him with every fiber, every cell of our being. We should do everything for Him. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."

As we practice and teach martial arts this year, let's keep in mind why we do it. God will bless us as we live for Him!

The following five factors help differentiate a good food from a bad food.

Whole: as close to the natural, created form as possible. Fresh is better than frozen, frozen better than canned. Most whole-wheat flour is processed, fresh whole grain flour is good. Most supermarket oils are refined and not whole (extra virgin olive oil is an exception).

Raw: raw foods have God's enzymes and the weak-organic bonds have not been modified by heat, and there is no human tampering.

Satiety: satisfying in small to moderate amounts, there is not a tendency to overeat

Alkaline ash: those foods that yield an alkaline ash are preferable to the acid ash foods.

Compatibility: can be readily used by our body, contains that which is essential for our body's use, nourishing and/or cleansing, not a phony/fake food, non-poisonous, contains no additives or other man-made products/residues.

Using the above five factors and applying a rating system the author has developed the following chart of common foods. Items rated very low are harmful and will damage one's long-term health. The foods get better with higher ratings. Foods rated 10-12 are very healing and health promoting. Foods grown and processed without pesticides, herbicides, genetic engineering, artificial fertilizer, etc., are called "organic" and are superior to conventionally produced foods.

Quality Rating ___________________________Foods____________________________________________

Health

1. 12 ... Sprouts, raw fruit, raw vegetables, raw almonds, melons, fresh fruit & vegetable juices, green soybeans, -- (all organic)
2. 11 ... Almond butter, flax seeds/oil, dried figs/dates
3. 10 ... Vegetable protein, cooked fruit/vegetables, steamed or sauteed vegetables, most raw nuts (not peanuts) and seeds, dried fruit, extra virgin olive oil
4. 9 ... Home-made bean or veggie soup, herbal teas, Ezekiel break, goat's milk (babies)
5. 8 ... Cold water fish, whole rice, whole grains, honey, some energy bars, plain yogurt
6. 7 ... Whole grain cereal, whole grain bread, tea, wild poultry, free-range eggs, healthy muffins, bottled fruit juices
7. 6 ... Whole grain pasta/spaghetti, wine, wild game animals, free-range poultry
8. 5 ... Butter, peanut butter, free-range beef, better soft drinks, whole/natural cheese
9. 4 ... Store veggie-meat soup, regular breakfast cereals, roasted nuts/seeds, bottled fruit drinks
10. 3 ... Feed-lot beef/poultry, pizza, homo-pasteurized cow's milk, best pork
11. 2 ... White bread, hamburger and French fries, coffee, chocolate, white sugar, white oils, ice cream, excess animal protein, processed cheese
12. 1 ... Fried foods, strong alcohol (hard drinks(, cream-filled sugary dessert snacks, donuts, sugar coated refined cereals, most soft drinks (including diet)

Sickness

Advice to follow:

1. 1. Do not eat items rated 0, 1 or ~2 -- they are very harmful.
2. 2. Do not eat any underlined items (something in the compatibility area is very harmful).
3. 3. Best not to eat items ~2, 3, 4 (if you do, eat only small amounts, rarely)
4. 4. It is okay to eat items 5, 6, 7, but eat small - moderate amounts, occasionally.
5. 5. Items 8 & 9 are beneficial, eat small - moderate amounts, fairly often.
6. 6. Items 10, 11, 12 -- eat a lot and often. Very health promoting.

Getting Started:

One need not be fanatic about dietary issues, but a return to a simple, mostly unprocessed, predominantly raw, largely plant-based diet can be healthful. Such a diet helps assure a non-contaminated temple (body), which is surely God-honoring. When we follow His principles, we can more sincerely pray, "...bless this food to my body and may my health be used for Your service."

Errata:

Is disease something that just happens to a person, something that is not a part of that person's purposeful activity, or, is disease part of something that is purposeful and is proceeding actively in accordance with some design and is thus preventable/curable?

Are you frustrated with prayers for healing because the prayers often seem ineffective or you get the same sickness again? Be sure, the Lord cares and has placed in His Word a specific health plan for each aspect of our being.

"Have you wondered why Christians are just as sick as non-Christians? Or, why very spiritual Christians are just as sick as less spiritual Christians? Could it be that Christians don't want to acknowledge the possibility that perhaps something they are doing (or not doing) is responsible for their illness? (Blaming instead some outside forces, such as germs, heredity, viruses, fate, God, etc)." (Pastor George Milkmus)

BHM classes will show that, "...it is possible to escape the pain, astronomical medical bills, and loss of our faculties experienced by the majority of us and, instead, be energetic, productive and happy until God takes us home." (Rev. David Strong)

You will learn that you can never treat enough symptoms to correct the cause of disease. Germs are not the cause of disease, low resistance to them is (Dr. Ted Morter). The innate intelligence God has placed within the body runs it according to His divine plan and design (prayer may supersede that design).

For more information about having the special series on Biblical Health Principles presented at your church or organization, contact Dr. Steve Shober. Dr. Shober is a Doctor of Naturopathic Ministries, Master Herbalist and Director of Biblical Health Ministries. You can contact him at shober@chorus.net or 608-836-9579.

Grace Martial Arts Fellowship appreciates Dr. Shober's kindness is providing this series of special articles about Biblical Health. You will find the entire series of articles on Biblical Health Principles at: http://www.gmaf.org/gmaf_biblicalhealth.html.

Who is this God we seek? What is his character? If He created all things and by Him and through Him all things exist, what can we say about Him? What does He tell us about himself? Here are the names by which He is called in the scriptures. Each name reflects part of His character. By these names we know Him.

THE FIRST AND LAST: Isa. 44:6, 48:12.
ADONAI: Lord or Master
ABHIR: Mighty One
ANCIENT OF DAYS: Dan. 7:9, 13, 22.
CHRIST: Messiah, The Anointed One
DESPOTES: Lord
EL ELYON: Most High
EYALUTH: Strength
ELOHIM: God (a plural noun)
EL ROI: God of Seeing
EL SHADDAI: God Almighty, God All Sufficient.
EL-OLAM: Everlasting God
EL-BERITH: God of the Covenant
EL-GIBHOR: Mighty God
GAOL: Redeemer
HUPSISTOS: Highest
JEHOVAH: LORD Yahweh is the covenant name of God "The Self-Existent One," "I AM WHO I AM" or 'I WILL BE WHO I WILL BE" I AM: "Before Abraham was, I AM," John 8:58.
JEHOVAH-JIREH: The Lord will Provide.
JEHOVAH-ROPHE: "The Lord Who Heals
JEHOVAH-NISSI: The Lord Our Banner
JEHOVAH-M'KADDESH: The Lord Who Sanctifies
JEHOVAH-SHALOM: The Lord Our Peace
JEHOVAH ELOHIM: LORD God
JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU: The Lord Our Righteousness
JEHOVAH-ROHI: The Lord Our Shepherd
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH: The Lord is There (Ezek. 48:35).
JEHOVAH-SABAOTH: The Lord of Hosts
JESUS: Derived from the Hebrew "Joshua" (Y'shua) JEHOVAH IS SALVATION
KADOSH: Holy One
KURIOS: Lord
LOGOS: The Word of God
MAGEN: Shield
MY SHEPHERD Psa. 23, 79:13,
SHAPHAT: Judge
SOTER: Savior
TSADDIQ: Righteous One
THEOS: God
THEOTES: Godhead
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6).
YESHA: (Y'shua) Savior
ZUR: God our Rock

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord,
which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. REV 1:8

Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours, yours are the eyes through which is to look out Christ's compassion to the world: yours are the feet with which he is to go out about doing good; yours are the hands with which he is to bless men now.
St. Teresa of Avila

Christ's living in me is at the same time himself and myself. From this moment until I am united with Him in one spirits there is no longer any contradiction implied by the fact that we are different persons. He remains, naturally and physically, the son of God I remain the singular person that I am. But mystically and spiritually Christ lives in me from the moment that I am united to Him in his death and resurrection Thomas Merton

The story of Mary holds within it, several deep lessons for the Christian mystic. Even before the great schism between the Orthodox and Roman churches, Mary held a place in the minds and hearts of the Christian church. Later, in church history, in a move to balance what was felt to be an over-emphasis on Mary and her status, the Protestant church began to diminish her status until she is now considered little more than a willing incubator for Jesus. Polarization is an all too human reaction, which leads us, in many cases, to fully reject a doctrine and even a person when we believe it, or they, are in error. The error may hold only a part of what is presented, but the rejection is full. Thus large areas of truth are thrown out with areas of error.

The Bible tells us she will be called blessed, but many do not call her anything at all. The majority of Protestant believers ignore Mary. It is the overcompensation to avoid the recurrence of the error. Throwing truth out with error, the baby that got tossed out in the bathwater of error this time happened to be the Mother of Jesus. I do not support an extreme elevation or veneration of Mary or of any creature for that matter, since such a view would cloud the vision of the preeminence of Christ. But, neither do I agree with the place to which most Protestant churches have resigned her.

Although it is true grace shed on someone does not indicate moral or spiritual status, it is also true God had a plan for salvation from the foundations of the world and in His plan, Mary had a place. As people of faith, Mary's story has a deep and significant meaning for us. Grace is given without, and many times, in spite of spiritual condition. It was not Mary's state or condition but the willingness of her decision that drew the sovereign will of God. In this vein the early fathers found something so fascinating and deeply spiritual about the story of Mary they elevated her to a venerated status. As we look closer into the story of Mary we will see she is the template and prototype of the true mystical experience. Her experience is the key and summation of the entire Christian process. In her we find our spiritual likeness, our history, and our story. In the story of Mary the mystical life is foretold.

LUKE 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things, which were told her from the Lord. 46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

LUKE 1:48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. 51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

In His grace, God chose Mary, a young woman with no obvious attributes that set her apart from hundreds of others. In her own words, she was someone who counted herself as a lowly maiden. In his power and mercy He came to her. His spirit was on her and in her and He communed with her within her heart and soul. God, being out of time and space, had a plan for creation before He created. This also includes the incarnation. Creation was created for Jesus and through Jesus. The plan for creation was completed in the mind of God before the act of creating. Therefore, Mary was in God's plan for the birth of Jesus before creation, but because of free will she had acquiescence. It was because of her free will and the obedience that followed from it she was blessed. We cannot know why Mary was chosen and set apart. God has always used men and women who seemed common and ordinary to do great things. So it was with the mother of God. Mary, by believing the child in her was indeed sent and fathered by the Holy Spirit of God and set in her virgin body for the redemption of man, became the first Christian.

" The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."

It was not through doctrine or church that they met but through a real and powerful personal communion. This is the essence of the mystical experience. God draws us and woos us to Him and in our desire to be with Him we are allowed an intimate communion with Him. In this spiritual state of togetherness with God, the Holy Spirit of God implants Christ in our spiritual wombs. Christ forms in us, grows in us, moves in us and through us until we give birth to Him through our hearts and souls and show Him to the world in our love and actions with spontaneous acts of love and serving. It is through a heart and mind that calls out to Him and declares, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." Only in this can we contain God's Spirit. Only in this will God hold us. By this alone comes the world's greatest experience. What we do not realize in our simplicity is each time Christ is birthed in us we are experiencing the mystical equivalent of the incarnation once again. Each time we nurture Him in us and show Him forth to others, we have become Mary and the great incarnation has come upon us.

ISA 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

It is for this event that even if man had not fallen, still Christ would have come. He is the crown of mankind. He is the crowning of creation. He was destined from the foundation of creation to be the one and only avenue for the union of God and man. Such a union going far beyond any understanding communion could bring. Thus, we may commune with God but Christ lives in us, in a state that is distinct yet in union.

IN:

Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.

(Author unknown)

One day a small opening appeared on a cocoon, a man sat and watched for the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no further. So the man decided to help the butterfly, he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.

The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.

What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If God allowed us to go through our life without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. We could never fly.

I asked for Strength
And God gave me Difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for Wisdom
And God gave me Problems to solve.

I asked for Prosperity
And God gave me a Brain and Brawn to work.

I asked for Courage
And God gave me Danger to overcome.

I asked for Love
And God gave me Troubled people to help.

I asked for Favors
And God gave me Opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted.
I received everything I needed.

God will take care of your needs but not necessarily your greeds.

We have already examined the concept of the warrior in chapters past. Now, let us turn our attention to the warrior spirit and Christianity.

Some believe by entering the ministry they must leave behind "the Warrior Way." The uninformed may think we merely teach people how to fight. In reality, we teach students so they do not have to fight. When one is confident in one's ability to defend oneself, one does not have to fight to prove it. We do not have to fight someone to prove our abilities. As martial artists, we have proven our abilities in the dojang, so those issues are long settled in our hearts. The first lesson of self-defense is to avoid confrontation all together. Without that as a foundation, the warrior becomes an uncivilized thug. There is a time to stand. An outstanding example of the "warrior spirit from a Christian perspective can be found in the Bible in II Samuel 23:8-12 in the list of David's mighty men:

These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time. And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away: He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil. And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentils: and the people fled from the Philistines. But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.

The biblical warrior, Eleazar literally stood and fought until his muscles became so contracted his sword was literally stuck in his hand. Many Christian martial artists develop this spirit of Eleazar; they are willing to stand until the end and work for God with all their might and all of their heart. In this day and age when most people have the remote control frozen to their hand, we need men and women of God to develop the warrior spirit so exemplified in Eleazar, so we may shake the gates of hell for the glory of God.

We now turn our focus on the warrior spirit of Shammah, for he also exemplifies the Christian martial artist. The Bible tells us when the battle raged and everyone else ran away, Shammah stood "in the midst. The practice of martial arts instills the self-confidence needed to take a stand "in the midst. In today,s world, many Christians try to straddle the fence and avoid difficult decisions. One who is taught to have confidence in God, through the Christian martial arts, is much more likely to take a stand in the midst of tragedy, when the non-warriors are long gone. Shammah stood during the crisis. It is easy to stand when all is well. Martial artists are taught to stand when all is not well. The principle of "mind like water in Hapkido is a fine example of thinking rationally when circumstances are irrational. Calm, But Not Passive

"I believe every minister ought to spend some time taking martial arts. If nothing else, it would give them some backbone." Dr. Peter S. Ruckman, pastor of the Bible Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida. The mind must be calm, like an undisturbed body of water. Smooth water reflects accurately the image of all objects within its range; if the mind is kept calm, the comprehension of the opponent's movements, both psychological and physical, will be both immediate and accurate. If this can take place, then one's responses, both defensive and offensive, will be appropriate and adequate.

In the contrary state, if the surface of the water is disturbed, the images it reflects will be distorted. In other words, if the mind is preoccupied with thoughts of attack and defense it will not properly comprehend the opponent's intentions, creating an opportunity for the opponent to attack. When something enters our mind that disrupts its peace, it is like throwing a rock in a still lake. In order to use the "mind like water" principle to one,s benefit, one must allow the lake to be free of ripples. Water also has other properties. Water can be very destructive. In fact, over time, water is one of the most destructive forces on earth. Your mind must be like water. When necessary, be as destructive as you must, be no more than you need to be.

In a physical sense, the water principle is the essence of the Hapkido art. Water always follows the most efficient path to its end. It cannot do otherwise. As the water runs its course, barriers and obstacles arise, which at first, appear to impede or slow the flow of the water. Understanding this can lead to the better understanding of Hapkido.

On the surface water represents a gentle form of energy, always yielding, always conforming and soft, and yet, water is the great shaper of nature. It shapes the mountains and canyons, the shorelines of all the continents.

The first level of understanding the water principle in its Hapkido application, invokes the concept that even while yielding to our opponent's strength, we embrace him and his directed energy, which in the end dilutes his attack and focus. When an opponent thrusts, we recede, when he retreats, we fill in the space, just as water does. Though we are separate from our opponent, by applying the water principle, our movement becomes one with his. We are together; we are one. Each apart, but each causing the movement of the other. In the end, there is only the flow, the one movement, the principle of water. There is an even deeper level of the water principle. Water is free to flow in any direction, so the possibilities are limitless; but, in the end, water always chooses the most efficient path, regardless of terrain or obstacles. Water cannot make the wrong choice about its course of flow.

To properly apply the water principle in Hapkido, the martial artist must take an endless journey to flow to the sea. Success and failure become obstacles in the flow of the journey. In an advanced application of the water principle, we can become as water; totally fluid and integrated with all our surroundings. The martial artist does not learn the water principle; he experiences it, becomes it, and expresses it, thus entering the flow.

There has evolved a crisis of massive proportion in today,s world. Passive Christianity. There is a desperate need to instill the "warrior spirit in the youth of our country so they will not bend, bow, or budge to the pressures of world and stand firmly on the principles of God's Word. This is precisely what Christian martial arts can be used to build the X-Generation into warriors for Christ.

So why did Shammah stand? He was not defending all of Israel, nor the Holy City, nor the Ark of the Covenant, nor the King. He was fighting to defend a "field full of lentils; a pea patch! Fighting by himself, when the whole army fled, Shammah defeated the Philistine army, over a pea patch! And why you ask - because they were God,s peas. We learn from Shammah the biblical concept of the warrior spirit, "If it is God,s, it is worth fighting for. Don,t the children belong to God? Aren't,t they worth fighting for? Without exception, the children reached through the martial arts ministry, have become radical Christians turning the community upside down for Jesus. Why? The warrior spirit. We must suit up for battle and shake the gates of hell.

Encounter The Warrior's Heart
<http://www.1stbooks.com/bookview/18526>

By Joseph Lumpkin and Daryl Covington

IS NOW OUT IN PAPERBACK!

Available formats for this book:

Paperback (6x9) $ 16.50

Electronic Book $ 5.95

Early Christianity would have disappeared in a flash, if it wasn't for the literal Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Yes, many died for a cause, but the disciples of Jesus saw their cause die on the cross, thus ending Christianity in their minds!

The disciples "knew" the end had come, and were afraid for their own lives--a depression only reversed through the actual Resurrection of Jesus!!

Of course, there are those who believe a Resurrection is NOT possible. One of the most popular theories is "all life" came from "nothing", NOT God.

First, I think it would be difficult to comprehend a condition that equals absolutely nothing. No matter, no anti-matter, no dimensions, no intelligence, no force, no strength, no energy, no entropy, no quarks, no neutrons, no leptons, no muons, no quantum fluctuations, no movement, no particles, no spirits, no souls, no life, no death, no cells, no molecules, no water, no love, no time, no gravity, no Universe, no pizza, and no existence of anything the imagination can muster!

To accomplish work, with absolutely no one or without any force to do any work EVER, would be an impossible task indeed!

Give me 2 rooms. Place nothing in one and a highly skilled watchmaker with tools and resources in the other.

Out of which room is a watch more likely produced?

Could an assembled watch, with precision gears, a balance wheel, a mainspring, and a numbered face, pop or evolve out of an empty room?

Of course not!

No can our complex human life system pop out of or evolve from a dumb nothingness.

The idea that we come from nothing is logically impossible. It is the weakest of all arguments! Yet a popular one at that. Hmmmm...

For those who would rather believe anything but the "truth", will find their own "way" to explain "life."

Yet Jesus clearly said "...I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6

Examine your heart; examine your mind. If you want to know the Way, the Truth, and the Life, just ask for Jesus, and He will change your life forever.

And forever is a very long time...

(Reprint rights are granted if no changes are made including this footnote. Mark A. Smith, B.A., M.S.M., 1112 Baxter Lane, Freeport, IL 61032. For an electronic copy email: sandmark12@AOL.com)

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.

GULF COAST MARTIAL ARTS WINTER CAMP

JANUARY 17 18, 2004

ORANGE BEACH, ALABAMA

Hosted by Gulf Coast Jujitsu and Akayama-Ryu Jujitsu with the assistance of Karate for Christ and the United Jujutsu Yudanshakai.

Join us for 2 days of training with some of America's finest instructors in a fun and supportive environment. The Alabama Gulf Coast is the perfect location to bring the family and enjoy the beautiful sugar-white beaches, great dining and entertainment and all the Southern Hospitality imaginable. All styles and ranks are welcome.

All training will take place at the Winfield Resort. Rooms are available for $49.00 by calling (800) 981-6242 and asking for the Gulf Coast Martial Arts rate. For more information on the resort, visit: Winfield Resorts.

GUEST INSTRUCTORS

Marlin Sims, Kuk Sool Won

Robert Carver, Heiwashin Jujutsu

Craig Hamm, Shinsei Hapkido

Van Bushnell, Yoshinkan Aikido

Mark Burton, Akayama Jujitsu

Joseph Lumpkin, Shinsei Hapkido

Daryl Covington, Shinsei Hapkido

Ben Bergwerf, Tori Ryu Jujitsu

Chris Dewey, USJA Judo

Mark Barlow, Akayama Jujitsu

If you have further questions, please contact us at (251) 979-6019 or Barlows@gulftel.com

Karate for Christ Homecoming

April 3rd and 4th (Sat and Sun) 2004 at the country church headquarters in Blountsville, AL Located just off of US 231 halfway between Huntsville and Birmingham, Alabama. Please do your best to make it. This meeting is the conclusion of the last 5 years of work to grow the ministry. It is my hope we will have every style and denomination represented in two days of fellowship, worship, and training.

Bernd Höhle
www.MAA-I.com

Martial Arts Association - International

Mega Stuntworkshop in Datteln/ Germany
with Top Stuntman Hakan Haslaman
24. April

The Spirit of Martial Arts
Big Martial Arts Seminar with many Grandmaster and Master of the MAA-I
15. May 2004 in Dortmund/ Germany

Jesse Glover Bruce Lees Top Student
6./ 7. March in Ettenheim/ Germany

Combat Stick Fight- Trainerausbildungsseminar
Teilnahme ab Grüngurt in einer Budo-Sportart möglich.
Im Mai, in Stadthagen, Infos bitte anfordern!

Fu Jow Pai Summer Camp 3.-12. July 2004 in Greece
Promotor: Soke Prof. A. Papadatos
For MAA-I Members only 550 Euro ( regular 800 Euro )

The West Virginia camp will be Labor Day Weekend, Sept 4th and 5th. For more info contact Adam Bradford at bigsifu@yahoo.com

For reservations to the lodge contact Twin Falls Resort State Park, Rt. 97 Box 1023, Mullens, WV 25882

(304) 294-4000 ...1-800-CALL WVA

E-mail: twinfallsinfo@wvstateparks.com

Rooms $ 70

Suite $ 80

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.

Thank you for your prayers. Let me share some recent news how the Gospel is spread in Moldova through inductive Bible studies.

As I wrote you before, brother Valeriu Vizitiu is teaching the Bible through a Taekwon-Do class in Costesti, a town very resistant to the message of the Gospel. After 12 of his disciples accepted Jesus the orthodox church priests from the town, came and in front of all the teachers and pupils put them "in shame" and put in fire their bible study books. The priests gathered more than 1000 signatures from the people in that area in order to stop Valeiu to teach the Bible. They instigated men of that village to attack Valeriu. In the same time, Valeriu continued teach the Bible and arranged to show the Jesus movie in the town. There came more than 300 people and during the movie came drank people trying to stop people watching by cursing Valeriu and stopping the lights. But, they insisted with the movie and by the end 30 people accepted Jesus as their Savior. Now, please, pray that God will give strength and power to this people to stay firm and to follow Jesus.

Last spring, in Lapusna, the town where I was born, Luba who is studying in the high school, came to the bible study and accepted Jesus. Last week, while she was sharing the Gospel to her classmates, she told them that Jesus loves them and that she loves them too. Then, one of the girls came and slapped her and asked: "Do you love me even now?" Luba said: "Yes! I love you and Jesus loves you!". Then she slapped her again and asked the same question and got the same answer. After the lessons all the class was making fun on her as she went home praying for them all to be saved.

Let me ask you prayers support for the situations of this people and that Lord will give to all of us power and courage to preach the Gospel in this the last days. Pray also for God's provision for the seminars I am going to teach for the Taekwon-Do instructors and English teachers. The first one will start after tomorrow.

May God bless you and Merry Christmas!

With love in Christ,

Vasile and Nastica Filat

Merry Christmas from Karate for Christ.

The IRS has given us a present. WE ARE NOW A 501-c-3 org. This means we are tax exempt and considered a non-profit , charity/religious body. Karate for Christ has been a not-for-profit company in the state of Alabama for a while, but the 501 C 3 has taken almost a year to acquire. Special thanks goes out to Joyce Dujardin, who did the leg work....as a matter of fact, I gave her power of attorney for this and she did the entire thing.

Thanks Joyce and Praise God!

For this Holiday season, I'd like to share the four gifts of Christmas. Three have been given already, and the fourth, well, you'll have to decide if that gift has been given yet.

The first gift was given by God, the Father on that first Christmas day. Was it on the 25th of December? Probably not, but that doesn't matter. The fact is, that Jesus was born over 2000 years ago. He was a gift of God. Messiah was born. Given to man by a loving God, as he had planned before the beginning of time.

The second gift was given 33 years later, by Jesus, the Messiah. He gave all that He had, He gave it willingly, knowing what was in store for him. He gave himself up to man, to be tortured and killed for sin he didn't commit, and thereby making salvation available for all who would make it their own.

The third gift was that of the Holy Spirit, given by the Father and the Son. He was given to be our comforter, our guide, our access to God. He was placed into our lives, even our very hearts, to give us the capability to live, to love, in a way that is beyond ourselves, beyond human comprehension or ability.

These gifts were given two thousand years ago. Have you received them? have you made them your own? They were given for you! To give you the opportunity to spend eternity with God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

This brings us to the fourth gift of this Christmas season. After all of the wonderful gifts that God has given us, there's only one gift he desires. The desire of God's heart is that we give ourselves to him, and live for Christ, our Lord, totally, completely, without reservation.
You may say, "That's a lot to ask for!" It is. However, Jesus died for you, is it too much to ask that you live for Him? He suffered a horrendous death. Our death. He took our place so we wouldn't have to suffer it. He's done his part.

Why not give the Lord the desire of his heart? Give yourself to him. If you have already done so, why not examine your life and see if there is any area of your life that you've been holding out. Give it up for Him. Put Jesus first in your life this Christmas. It'll bless you as much as it will bless him!
I pray God's blessing, and peace into your lives! Merry Christmas!

In the love of Christ,

Russell

A member has died.

I regret to inform you of the passing of Frank Nunez. As part of Karate for Christ and a Christian Warrior, he will be missed. Let us keep his family in our prayers.

I am sending this in case the word about Frank's passing missed some of his friends. As he sent you this e-mail I am assuming he was someone you knew. Frank passed away on December 3rd, 2003. He was a much loved guy and my best friend.

He died on December 3rd, investigation is still ongoing. He was found on the banks of Newton Lake a short distance from his house and died a few hours later of hypothermia in the hospital. He is survived by his wife, 2 daughters, and his mother. The viewing was Sunday night at his church, the line extended around the church with a 90 minute wait, showing how many people he was loved by. He was buried at Arlington cemetery on Monday morning in Pennsauken, NJ. He will be missed very much.

If you need any info send me an e-mail back.

CWorrell@MenuFoods.com

I am asking for some urgent prayer for one of my students/co-instructors in CKK. His name is Randy Tedrow and last year he was awarded his 1st Black Belt - and now runs our childrens program through highlands community church in Renton Wa. He is completely blind in both eyes, and is a remarkable influence on the children and fellow students in our class. He was recently hospitalized with pneumonia, and during the exam a large (baseball sized) tumor was found on his main bronchial arch. I visited him yesterday and he seemed in good spirits, if also in great pain. Today he is listed in "critical condition" and likely will not leave the hospital. Randy is a devoted Christian, a man of great faith, and holds no fear of death, but I do hate to see him suffer, and he will leave behind a wife of only six months. Please, pray for him and his wife, they are in great need.

Thank you,

Dan Edwards

I want to take a moment and share the message a pastor brought today. He said, "We have substituted the emotional for the spiritual. We have sought a good feeling without a change for the better. We have tried to discipline the flesh with the flesh. We have said " I have to be strong enough to quit this habit or that sin, and we can not quit for very long." The church has told us was is right and wrong. This approach is not correct and it has not worked. The church must point the way to Jesus. He will do the changing. We must seek the spirit of God. His spirit must change our spirit. Our flesh will then be changed. The flesh follows the spirit. God must change our spirit. When we have the Lord we will know what is right and what is wrong. The time of judging others is over. The times of good feelings for the feeling's sake is over. Seek the spirit of God. It may not be a wonderful feeling. It may be difficult as He cleans and changes you, but seek Him anyway. It is the only way for real and lasting change. It is the Jesus --- only way "

Joseph

I praise God for the tremendous blessing and encouragement you have been in my life. Back in 1999, while in the USAF, stationed on Okinawa, Japan, our Lord blessed me with a 1st degree black belt (Shodan), completely skipping over brown belt. Our Lord had given me favor with my Sensei, Akio Kinjyo-san, instructor in the style of Butou Taikyokuken (an original form of Chinese Tai Chi). However, prior to this miracle, I was led to your website and had expressed a desire and vision our Lord had given me to teach a form of Christian martial arts using kungfu. But my instructor would not allow me to teach his style. You and the GMAF created and sent me a video of the Basics of Hwa-Yu Tai Chi Ch'uan. What an encouragement it was to not give up on the vision God's given me! Today, although I am not using Hwa-Yu, I have been blessed to be an assistant instructor and board member of the newly founded International Martial Arts Ministry. The founder and head instructor, Bro. Mike Katz <Mmcckatz@aol.com> and I presently teach Christian karate and kungfu at Calvary Chapel, Spring Valley here in Las Vegas, NV. Please add us to your prayer list, especially Bro. Mike Katz and his family (whose wife and two daughters are also students). Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has compelled Bro. Mike to quit his regular, full-time job to start running and working full-time in this new Christian MA ministry. Please agree with me in prayer that our Lord will meet and exceed all his family's needs and that God will grant him godly wisdom to operate a successful ministry and business.

As for me, I'm still in the USAF, with three more years to go to retirement before I'll be free to go into full-time ministry. I'm presently playing drums and teaching the youth for the Hispanic Ministry at Mt. View Assembly of God, here in North Las Vegas, NV.

Thank you and God bless you for your time and prayers...in Jesus' name.

B.T.

Birdes T. West III

If you could post this prayer request it would be much appreciated. Two dear unsaved children from our Jeet Kune Do classes have recently (miraculously) enrolled in our Christian grade school. We overcame many obstacles with the Lord's help to keep them enrolled and their mom has been volunteering at the school two days each week, so she too has been exposed regularly to the gospel.
Her son trusted Christ about two weeks ago and the same day led his unsaved friend to the Lord in the car on the way home from martial arts class. The mom heard everything as she was driving home and joyfully related all this to me. I believe she too will soon become a Christian but something unexpected has happened. She was surprised to find out that she is now expecting their fourth child. As their finances are very tight we worked with them and came to a workable solution. Then she discovered she is expecting twins. Well her anxiety level was high when the news came about one new baby but she really is struggling emotionally now, and it looks like they're going to pull their kids out of the Christian school (in spite of all of our efforts to keep them in).

My heart is broken and if you would pray that we could somehow work all this out over the Thanksgiving weekend we would be so grateful. Otherwise they will be going back to the public school next week and we will probably not see them at church anymore.

In His Service.
Chris Kiesling

Good News!!!!!!!!!!

Karrah Nicole Hamm was born at 9:05 am on Monday November 24, 2003. She weighted 6 lbs 12 ounces and 18 1/2" long. Angie and Karrah are both fine and health Thanks to the Lord. We should all be home late Wednesday night. God has blessed our family in the last few years with 2 children and great friends. That is one of the things that I am thankful for this holiday season but most of all that I am a Christian And serve a Risen, Loving God in Jesus Christ. Happy Thanksgiving to All !!

Strength Through Christ,

Craig Hamm
www.hammsmartialarts.com

I am in the process of setting up an outreach program through my local church. The dilemma I face is that I am uncertain how to set up this program so that it primarily available to children outside the church. I wish this to be a program that will be inviting to the un-reached population. My concern is having a class full of Christian children from the church (2000+ members). Even though I do not want to eliminate Christians from the class (I need some to serve as witnesses and to build relationships) I don't want it to become a church activity. I am considering having the church members sponsor the children that can not afford to be part of the program as opposed to offering lessons for free. I also considered having the fees adjusted based on income. I hope there are others reading this post that have dealt with this in the past and can offer some help.

Sincerely,

Kevin Janisse

Just a quick note to let you know that The Christian Martial Arts Network http://www.agapy.com/cma has changed substantially over the past few months. Check it out, and if you know of any new Christian martial arts schools or associations, or other resources, please let us know.

Agapy Publishing is now accepting proposals and manuscripts on Christian martial arts. Agapy is NOT a self-publisher, but a conventional publisher. If we accept your proposal or manuscript, you pay nothing to have it published! We edit, typeset, design, publish, print, and market your book. You will receive a royalty on all sales. For information, go to www.agapy.com

Finally, I'd just like to announce a new book which will be available in early 2004. Christian Martial Arts: The Ultimate Text is the book that you've been waiting for to complement your martial arts curriculum and study. More information coming soon.

God bless you!

Wendy and Francisco

Provided by Chicago Daily Herald on 10/27/2003

by Patrick B. Massey, M.D.

Back to Healthy News

Depression is on the rise in the elderly. It is a complicated problem that is most often treated with a number of different antidepressant medications - all of which have significant side effects. Medications can affect the elderly differently than the younger adult population. Older people taking medications for common medical problems seem to be more susceptible to side effects. This is a serious problem considering that the average Medicare patient is taking seven to nine medications. I am a great believer that there are often safe and effective approaches that can sidestep the need for many drugs. For depression in the older population, an ancient therapy from China - Qigong breathing - may hold great promise.

A recent article in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry notes a strong correlation between clinical depression in the elderly and illness. Patients whose physicians and families perceived them to be ill had a higher incidence of depression. The traditional treatments for depression are medication and psychotherapy. In the elderly, medication is the most common medical approach because it costs less and is generally more effective then psychotherapy. The authors looked at how other culturally based medical systems address depression. In China, the use of Qigong breathing exercises is commonly used for a variety of medical conditions. The researchers designed an experiment to examine if Qigong breathing can help clinical depression in the elderly. Qigong is actually two words. Qi (pronounced chi) means "life's energy" and gong means "to develop." It is translated as a way to develop your life's energy. Qigong is a way of breathing, often synchronized with simple physical movements. It has a meditative quality that is mentally relaxing and refreshing. In this study, eight elderly patients with clinical depression as well as a history of stroke, Parkinson's disease or rheumatoid arthritis were taught Qigong breathing forms. They practiced these forms daily for three months. At the end of that time, without any other medical interventions, seven patients improved significantly. Their physical activity, sleep patterns and depression all improved. Although the rate of improvement with Qigong was slower than with medication, there were no side effects and it was less expensive. Other benefits included improved physical function, such as greater strength and flexibility.

I prescribe Qigong for many of my patients who have had strokes or who have Parkinson's disease or arthritis. For Parkinson's patients, I have found that it increases balance and decreases depression. It gives the patients confidence that they have the power to improve their conditions. Do we abandon antidepressants? Of course not. However, quality of life can be greatly enhanced if we take a more global view in the treatment of depression in the elderly.

- Patrick B. Massey, M.D., Ph.D., is medical director for alternative and complementary medicine for Alexian Brothers Hospital Network. His Web site is www.alt-med.org.

(C) 2003 Chicago Daily Herald.

From: "Ken Haugland"

"Lessons From Trees"

It's important to have roots.

In today's complex world, it pays to branch out.

If you really believe in something, don't be afraid to go out on a limb.

Be flexible so you don't break when a harsh wind blows.

Sometimes you have to shed your old bark in order to grow.

If you want to maintain accurate records, keep a log.

It's okay to be a late bloomer.

Avoid people who would like to cut you down.

As you approach the autumn of your life, you will show your true colors.

You could be Brilliant!

In other words "bloom where you are planted and make the best of what you've got."

(I know you will join us in praying for each of these Christian martial artists, their families and ministries.)

We welcome these new members to Grace Martial Arts Fellowship.

I am a retired US NAVY Chaplain who holds a GODAN in Kempo and SHICHIDAN in American Bujutsu. I would like information on participating in your organization.

Thank You and God Bless.

Chaplain Alexander Ganzy, PhD
LT CHC USN (Ret)

Leslie Sowl is a 2nd Dan and teaches Shinsei Hapkido in Ashland, Ohio as part of High Reaches Karate.

My name is Julie Ann Lang and I am very interested in learning more about your program and possibly becoming a member! (Julie lives in Aurora, Colorado)

My 9 year old daughter and I just started Taekwon Do training at a club in our small town. We are also devout evangelical Christians. We only began martial arts training after a lot of prayer and investigation into what some call the "open door to the occult".

I have read your belief statement and much of your Nov-Dec newsletter and I like what I have read so far.

Sean K.Blake

I look forward to hearing from any of the other members, but I'm especially interested in fellowshiping with others with backgrounds in isshin-ryu and kobudo.

I'm 37, married for the past 12 years & am the father of 4 year old twin boys. I began training in 1983, but quit 2 years later when I joined the Navy. I've been teaching youth karate classes in my church for the past years & was recently promoted to nidan. My instructor, at Quincy Karate Club is (5th Dan) Gary Baucom.

Thanks and God bless!

Eric East

Steven King... Red Belt, TKD

In US Army - Stationed at Fort Gordon, GA

Attend Dayspring Baptist Church, Augusta, GA

My name is David Tolley. I am a black belt in American Kenpo Karate. Most importantly I am Christian. I want to open up a Christian Karate School here in Oldsmar, Florida.

I just saw the GMAF web site. I'm a Christian (by God's grace), and my hobby is martial arts. I've been doing it avidly for 2-1/2 years, but spent a few years on the heavy bag before that.

I'm interested in receiving your newsletter, and meeting GMAF folks in my area, Raleigh, NC. There's several teachers from NC listed on your web site, but none from my part of the state.

What a blessing it is to do martial arts. I hope God gives me strength to do it for many years. I have several good friends to work out with, but none are believers. I do mostly JKD, but also spar and workout with folks from other styles.

Thanks for the nice web site.

Jim Yuill

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.

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

Please send us a picture and information about your martial arts ministry and we'll feature your group in an upcoming newsletter.

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 .

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.

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

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