Welcome to the GMAF Newsletter! We pray it will encourage you in your Martial Arts and Outreach for Christ.
" The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord...This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears."
Jesus Christ
"I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."
The Apostle Paul
"Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar."
Proverbs
"For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward." KJV
"Now this is our boast. Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace." NIV
2 Corinthians 1:12
Can we say this about ourselves? Can we "boast" we have conducted ourselves in the world and with our brothers and sisters in Christ in "the holiness and sincerity that are from God?" Paul was speaking straight from his heart to the hearts and minds of his friends in Corinth. He was also speaking to you and me and every other believer through the centuries. Paul was an example to Christians of how they should conduct their lives on earth.
Notice several highlights of this verse.
1. Paul was "boasting." That's something many Christians would think is wrong. It is in some cases, but not in this one. The word "boast" is kauchesis . It means "to boast, be proud, to glory, the matter or cause for glorying or boasting." The KJV uses the word "rejoicing" to explain the meaning. This is what Paul is proud to say.
2. Paul's "conscience" testified. The word "conscience" is suneideseos . Literally, the word translates as "a knowing with." Dr. Vine wrote, "i.e., a co-knowledge (with oneself), the witness borne to one's conduct by conscience, that faculty by which we apprehend the will of God, as that which is designed to govern our lives." A conscience is a person's "own internal witness". Each of us has one. Some are more sensitive to its voice than others. Christians should have a very sensitive conscience because they are practiced in listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit. I believe the Spirit works with our own conscience to speak to us about what's right and wrong, what's good and bad, what's holy and unholy, what's true and what's false.
3. The Spirit of God led Paul in his writing of this letter. That's why it's included as part of Holy Scripture. Paul is telling the truth when he says his conscience "testifies". The word "testifies" is marturion . It is a noun. The literal translation would be: "the testimony of the conscience of us." The word means, "testimony, witness, evidence, proof, the declaration which confirms or makes something known." Paul is speaking about how his conscience is "proof" of what he is saying. He knew it was true deep in his soul. No matter what anyone else said or thought, Paul knew. That's the way of the conscience. Others may try to fool us. We may try to fool ourselves. But when we are quiet and honest with ourselves, we know what's true about us and what's not true. We may fool others, but we don't fool ourselves for long.
Our conscience is an important part of our lives. It's easy to get carried away with what other's think about us. It's easy to be confused by our own thoughts and perceptions. God has given every person a powerful internal tool called the "conscience." Listen to it. Listen to the Spirit and the Truth of God's Word. They will guide you into all truth. Listen to the Christ Who is "in" you.
4. Paul's conscience testified about how he "conducted" himself. The word is anestraphemen . It comes from the words ana ("back") and strepho ("to turn"). The idea is "to turn back, return." It is in the passive voice here and speaks to the way someone conducts themselves. It indicates what kind of life a person lives. It means "to conduct one's self, to behave, to live in the sense of the practice of certain principles." Paul is speaking honestly about the way he lived his life. It's one thing to boast in speech and written word. It's quite another to boast by one's actions. The phrase "actions speak louder than words" is true. Paul's conscience was proof to him and others about the way he conducted himself.
5. Paul speaks about two locations for his conduct. One is "in the world." The other is "especially in our relations with you." Paul lived his life in two worlds. One was the world around us: the cities and towns, the stores and markets. Paul knew that conducting himself well to the unsaved world was important to his testimony as representing Christ. The other world Paul lived his life was his relationship with brothers and sisters in Christ. He could honestly boast about the way he conducted himself in both worlds.
You and I also live in two worlds. There's the physical world and the spiritual world. We exist in both worlds simultaneously. You are always "conducting" yourself in those two worlds throughout your day. One minute you are relating to the physical; the next minute you are relating to the spiritual. It happens in our homes, our extended family, our jobs, schools and community involvements. Paul could say that his conscience was a testimony to how he conducted himself in the world and "especially" to the Corinthians. The most important relationships we have in life are with other Christians. These are people with whom we will spend eternity. Christ has made us a "spiritual family." There is no stronger bond!
6. Paul's conduct and relationship with others was "in the holiness and sincerity that are from God." Notice the two things Paul pointed out as important in our behavior before the world and fellow Christians: "holiness and sincerity that are from God." "Holiness" is hagioteti . The KJV translates the word "simplicity." It comes from the root word hagios (holy). It is an inherent or acquired moral holiness. It deals with the way one's mind and soul direct one's moral actions. What you are inside shows itself on the outside. Again, we may fool ourselves for a time, but our conscience will tell us what we really believe as will our actions towards others. The phrase "practice what you preach" is a truism.
I've spent most of my ministering life in the workplace with a mixture of saved and unsaved. One of the most often complaints by unsaved about saved is they don't practice what they preach; that they're "hypocrites." Paul is saying clearly here that he was not a hypocrite; that he practiced what he preached. That's what every Christian should be able to say about themselves. It's a boast we should be able to echo with Paul; not in pride but in fact.
"Sincerity" is eilikrineia . It was used for unmixed substances that were unalloyed and pure. It comes from the words heile (the shining or splendor of the sun) and krino (to judge, discern). It means "sincere, pure, unsullied, free from spot or blemish to such a degree as to bear examination in the full splendor of the sun." Paul used the word in other writings for moral and ethical purity. The idea was of an uncorrupted, pure Christian behavior in the light of God's judgment. That's something when a Christian can say the way they conduct themselves in the world and with other believers passes the judgment of God's light!
Notice that "holiness" and "sincerity" are "from God." They are not from ourselves. They are not something you and I can work up in our own power and intelligence. They must come from God. They must! We do not have the power, wisdom, knowledge or ability to be truly holy and pure. No way! The Christian must rely on God for everything. Being a Christian means living a life dedicated to and depending on God's strength. If we try to live out God's expectations for His children in our power, we will fail. Only God can live a holy and pure life through us. Our strength to lead a Christian life comes from Christ "in" us. We need Him just like Paul did.
7. Paul gives God the credit
for everything he accomplished. Paul was not trying to make himself
sound great or special. He wanted everyone reading the letter
to know it was because of God's Greatness that he had lived a
life of which he could boast. "We have done so not according
to worldly wisdom, but according to God's grace." There is
no possible way you, I or anyone else can live a life of holiness
and purity in the world and with other Christians from the wisdom
of this world. You've read and heard the wisdom of people in the
world. Their wisdom doesn't hold up. It can't under the pressure
of real living. Life is hard but God is full of Grace and Power
and will get us through anything if we'll commit our plans and
actions to Him. Let God be God in our lives! Let Him show us the
way. He knows best. What lasts in this life and the next is the
power of God's Grace! God knows what's true. He knows what will
work. He knows that the Holy Spirit will take His Perfect Word
and do a Holy work in our hearts and minds. He knows that "if"
we obey His Word and the leading of His Spirit, we will be able
to "boast" with Paul that "we have conducted ourselves
in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the
holiness and sincerity that are from God."
(Next newsletter: You Shall Know the Truth!)
Psalm 119:15-16 says, "I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word." The question we must ask is, "What is acceptable meditation? Much of what goes on in training halls, dojos, dojangs, and schools in the name of "Martial Arts Meditation is unbiblical.
Most of the Eastern forms of
meditation, whether up front or behind the scenes, have a common
denominator in that they teach we are all part of an impersonal
universe. They teach to get rid of the personal things in order
to get to be one with the impersonal universe. This is the "empty
yourself "or "empty your mind "concept that many
martial arts instructors have their students participate in.
Yoga meditation teaches the student to become "one with the
impersonal universe. Yoga is a Sanscript word that literally means
to become "One with God." Through yoga and Zen meditation,
the concept is to be absorbed into the universe. This in not the
road to peace! We cannot find inner peace without first knowing
the peace that can only come from the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.
What is true meditation? In a biblical perspective, it is a conscious, intelligent use of the mind to learn or study something. True meditation is founded upon the nature and character of God. God loved us enough to send Jesus to pay for our sins in full. We do not need to empty our minds, we need to fill our minds with and meditate on the fact that God loved us enough to sacrifice His son for our sins so that we could have fellowship with Him. God considers us more valuable than anything in this creation. We must meditate on the great love of God.
Secondly, we discover that true meditation is grounded in God's Word. Psalm 1:2 says, "But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." Ps 119:97 says, "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day." True meditation is to study God's Word, and then apply it to ones life.
Thirdly, true meditation is centered in Jesus Christ. Col 2:2-3 says, "That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." This is the key understanding. We don't empty ourselves to find peace. Peace comes from God. Col 3:15-16a says, "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom." Peace is only through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. We don't descend into the universe for peace, we look to heaven for our peace. We must fix our minds on Christ not on "nothingness.
There is a great difference between Eastern meditation and Christian meditation. Christian meditation is not a technique, it is a continual lifestyle of Godliness. Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God." We must realize this: We must learn to meditate on God at all times, and even in the midst of adversity, we must be still and look for God in the situation. This is the ultimate result of our biblical meditation.
If you study self-defense for four years and learn all the techniques for the rank of Black Belt, yet you never practice, you will have only the knowledge and how to do a given technique. However without practice your skill at applying techniques will be lacking. A black belt with just knowledge without skill is NOT a black belt. Knowledge without skill can be dangerous. It is for sure lacking Wisdom.
The same can be said of someone who can pass the written test at the DMV to drive a car, yet has never been behind the wheel or actually driven an automobile or truck. This is only an example of incompetence. About the only thing worse than knowledge without skill is not even having knowledge or skill. Let's go up a level. The Mental level is vitally important in self-defense. Even if you have knowledge and skill, if you're too frightened to apply yourself to the occasion "you're roadkill." The mind in training for personal protection is necessary. In a fistfight or in a tournament you must be able to concentrate, otherwise you will be unable to apply your techniques. Forgetting, because of nervousness, often gives a body stage fright or a freeze up.
Ok! Now we are ready for the Big one. Spiritual attack is the most-often used against all of us. Not having the knowledge to recognize a mental attack is bad enough, but not knowing how to defend against the wiles of the enemy is like fighting blindfolded or with your eyes closed and ear plugs in you ears. The same can be said concerning Spiritual attacks. If someone is not educated as to the contents of the Bible, there is little hope of successful happiness and a joy-filled life.
Let me use the automobile to illustrate my meaning concerning how we take care of ourselves physically, mentally, and Spiritually. Or I should say how we "DON'T" take care of our bodies known by many folks as the TEMPLE of the Holy Spirit. Our situation would be like if we purchased a brand new car. Then without reading the manual about how much air to keep in the tires, and what kind of gas to use regular or a higher octane, or even reading how much oil to put in and how often to change the oil, we might run amiss somewhere in the future by not knowing when to tune the engine or rotate the tires. In other words our maintenance would be lacking and the car might be worse for the wear and tear. Taking proper care of an automobile will give it longer life and better gas mileage, not to mention less breakdowns.
Our bodies are somewhat similar in upkeep. The better care we give ourselves the longer life span and the healthier we are. Mentally IF we are aware that smoking, party hopping, night clubbing, womanizing, substance abuse, overworking, extreme sports that endanger the life of its practitioner, any thing that produces too much Stress, disappointment that turns into anger, which in turn produces depression, and then anxiety, all in all this kind of living often leads to death sooner than God had planned. Our freedom to choose is often to our demise. Intelligence is not always in the best interest of the beholder. Using myself as an example I was once tested in College to determine what my IQ was and to my astonishment it turned out that I scored a whopping 185. Which I'm embarrassed to say proved that stupidity could come from being a Genius. My not being aware of the manual of life, I had a little physical knowledge of how to live properly, however I didn't follow the instructions very closely. Which resulted in my mental and physical impairment. Boy, did I learn the hard way.
By my NOT taking time to read the instructions of how to maintain my physical, mental, and Spiritual bodies, my human maintenance was lacking and believe me I am paying the price. Like an old car it cost more to keep me running than I would like to pay. My frame (spine) is bent, my tires (feet) have to be rotated or changed (shoes). I need a tune up more than I can afford (high blood pressure). Thank God for insurance. And my motor (voice) sounds like a tractor. My battery (heart) is weak and my transmission (nervous system) needs top grade fluid to keep from stripping my gears (joints) to name but a few examples or comparisons. You see, when I don't read the manual of how to maintain MY body, I paid a large price for my negligent behavior. Now I need a Mechanic (medical doctor) to keep me going.
So, now we come to the Owners Manual. The author of that book is none other than God Himself, and that is the best you can get anywhere. If you're not a Christian, know this, Martial Arts like Religion has some good ones and some bad ones. Self-Defense is also a situational effective field. Many methods or styles are different, thus everyone has to choose which of the styles or religions he or she will study. There is still the attitudinal or "how much do you want it" process to deal with. If you practice what you believe ,you will be better at it than one who doesn't.
So whom do you love? Will you choose to study a Japanese style, or how about a Korean? Maybe you prefer a Chinese style? Then there are the different styles within the system. Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, yes, I know most of them come from Okinawan background, so what? Judo and Aikido. In the Korean ring there is Tae-Kwon-Do, and Hapkido, Tang-Soo-Do, and from China there is Kung Fu, and the many styles within that. Choy-Li-Fut, Drunken style, Crane style, and so on. Religion is similar, with Catholics, Protestants and the many styles within the protestant believers. Baptist, Methodist, Assemblies of God, and then First Baptist, Second Baptist, Four Square, Calvary Chapel, on and on.
My purpose in all this is to open your eyes to see the reality of what Self-Defense actually is. The Human Being is different from an automobile, however, the similarities of maintenance are not so foreign. Both are necessary for longer existence. Or if you will, LIFE. Be it car or human, both are better served if properly cared for. So, if you choose a martial Art school that teaches an inferior style or has an instructor lacking in knowledge and Wisdom you may progress well, but to what avail? You may be a black belt in one martial Art, and according to their requirements be considered to be great. However, a student of another style might be only a Green Belt and have the skill and technique to defeat you.
The same might be said concerning different religions. Except in this section your Mental and Spiritual existence is at stake. If you practice a certain karate style and lose in a tournament, that is no big deal. However, if your religion is lacking you stand to lose a lot more. Your upkeep maintenance could take a terrible toll on you life. The incorrect Spiritual understanding will always weaken your mental ability to overcome adversity. Strong Spiritual knowledge brings forth great Wisdom, and that in turn makes you a formidable opponent for ANY adversary, be it Human, Mental, or spiritual warfare.
(Next Month: Self-Defense continues!)
When we started the outreach in 1990 that became Grace Martial Arts Fellowship, our desire was to support and encourage Christians in their lives and ministries. Resources for that journey have been an important consideration. We have partnered with other Christians in developing resources in addition to creating some specific to GMAF.
Most of what we have so far began because Christians asked for specific help them in their lives, ministries and training. We will use this column in each GMAF newsletter to share those resources with you. We begin with some of the books written for Christian martial artists by Christian martial artists.
"Martial Art Spirit" by Grandmaster Karl William Marx Sr.
"If I Can Do It, Anyone Can" by Grandmaster Karl William Marx Sr.
"The Chinese Five Word Song" (Secrets of Temple Style T'ai Chi) by Grand Master John Chung Li (edited by Mark McGee)
"Encounter The Warrior's Heart" by Joseph Lumpkin & Daryl R. Covington
"The Warrior's Heart Revealed" by Joseph Lumpkin
"The Tao of Thomas" by Joseph Lumpkin
"The Tao Te Ching" by Joseph Lumpkin
"Jujutsu: Legacy Of The Samurai" by Mark Barlow
"The Fruit of the Spirit and Martial Arts" by Eric Stieg
"United States Judo Association Coach Education Program Level 1" by Chris Dewey
"United States Judo Association Coach Education Program Level 2" by Chris Dewey
"United States Judo Association Coach Education Program Level 3" by Chris Dewey
You can purchase these books from Fifth Estate Publishing.
"Martial Arts: The Christian Way" by Wendy Williamson
"Christian Martial Arts 101" by Wendy Williamson
You can purchase these books from Agapy Publishing.
"Super Health: 7 Golden Keys to Unlock Lifelong Vitality" by K.C. Craichy
You can purchase this book from Super Health 7.
Here's a brief note about Christian Martial Arts 101 from the author.
"Christian martial artists are committed to developing a set of ideals in their lives. They are loyal to these ideals in the same way that the Samurai were loyal to the Code of Bushido and the Medieval Knights were loyal to the Code of Chivalry. The ideals that shape the lives of Christian martial artists don,t come from different traditions and styles. They don,t come from taekwondo, karate, yoga, or tai chi. The ideals come from one book, known as The Bible, and they form one Code, known as The Christian Way. The principles are as follows:
Salvation and Eternal Life (Chapter 5)
Christian martial artists accept their Salvation through the Son of God, which results in eternal life. Because of sin, people were separated and cut off from God; the only way back to Him and eternal life is through Christ, Son of God. Jesus Christ is the only truth, way, and life (John 14:6).
Physical Mental Spiritual Relationship (Chapter 6)
Christian martial artists love God with their bodies, minds, and souls. As a soldier prepares physically, mentally, and spiritually to protect a nation, her freedoms and beliefs, a Christian martial artist prepares physically, mentally, and spiritually to love God and do His will on earth.
Loving My Neighbors as Myself (Chapter 7)
Christian martial artists love their neighbors as themselves. While the focus is on our neighbors, it,s important to realize that we cannot love our neighbors if we do not love ourselves (body, mind, and soul). When we love ourselves, we are whole; when we do not love ourselves, we are dysfunctional, unable to love others as God intended.
The Fruit of the Spirit (Chapter 8)
Christian martial artists produce the Fruit of the Spirit. The Fruit of the Spirit is God,s expression of intimacy and love in our lives and relationships. When the Holy Spirit is flowing freely within us, we naturally produce Fruit, expressing His very nature. When the Holy Spirit is blocked because of selfish ambition, God,s expression of intimacy and love is prevented from flowing in and through our lives.
The Full Armor of God (Chapter 9)
Christian martial artists put on the full armor of God. The Full Armor of God is God,s protection over our lives when we are dealing with temptation, the devil, and the evil forces of the world. Christian martial artists train to be militant soldiers in God,s army, learning effective techniques, strategies, and tactics to overcome all things contrary to God and His ways.
The Great Warrior (Chapter 10)
Christian martial artists become great warriors. God calls us to protect others and ourselves from threat and harm. It,s better to avoid a single conflict than to win 1000 battles; in other words, force is only allowed when absolutely crucial. Christian martial artists are committed to protect and defend the souls of all people by bringing them to Jesus Christ.
The Child of God (Chapter 11)
Christian martial artists should always remain childlike (not childish) in some ways. When we come into adulthood, new sets of responsibilities are inherited, but we do not cease to be God,s children. Sometimes we forget. "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 18:3, NIV).
The Great Commission (Chapter 12)
Christian martial artists are God,s helpers. They go to all the corners of the earth and help Him bring the lost sheep home. "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned (Mark 16:15-16, KJV).
The Christian Black Belt (Chapter 13)
Black belt is not the end of a walk; it,s a new beginning. Christian black belts are equipped to bring all of the above ideals together and teach the Gospel through a Christian martial arts ministry. They are disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ and work for God by using their martial arts talents and every other gift that the Lord has bestowed on them.
Christian Martial Arts Pledge
Christian martial artists pledge allegiance to the cross of their Savior in much the same way that nationals pledge allegiance to the flag of their country and soldiers pledge allegiance to defend and protect their country. It's a great honor to be a Christian martial artist, but a great responsibility also.
If you are a Christian martial artist, this pledge is for you. Say it daily before your workouts and know who your master is in everything you are and do (JESUS is the MASTER!).
I pledge allegiance
to the cross
of my Lord, Jesus Christ,
and to the love
for which it stands ...
one Savior, everlasting,
indivisible,
with mercy and grace
for all ~Amen."
(Next Month: Christian Martial Arts Videos)
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.
Please continue to pray for
the special ministry at the Arnold Martial Arts Classic in March.
God is working and we appreciate your prayers at this crucial
time in planning for an evangelistic outreach to touch the hearts
and minds of thousands of martial artists from around the world.
Black Belts for Christ Grand Championship
November 5th... Sherwood Baptist Church, 2201 Whispering Pines Road, Albany, Georgia
Contact info@blackbeltsforchrist.com for more information
FUN TOURNAMENTS FOR THE MID-WEST:
Ask me about any of these fine tournaments by calling 812-290-5488 or mail at joecom50@earthlink.net
NEW YEARS KICK OFF IN LEXINGTON, KY.... JANUARY
P.U.M.M.A. FUND RAISER IN FRANKFORT, KY.... FEBRUARY
ULTIMATE CHALLENGE IN FLEMINGSBURG, KY.... MARCH
SOMERSLAM IN SOMERSET, KY.... APRIL
MOUNTAIN FRIENDSHIP IN JINKINS, KY... MAY
KARATE FOR CHRIST..... JUNE
SMOKY MOUNTAIN CLASSIC IN NEWPORT, TN.... JUNE
MASTER BOWLINGS INVITATIONAL IN SOMERSET, KY... JULY
CAPITAL CITY CLASSIC IN FRANKFORT, KY.... AUGUST
BATTLE OF GATLINBURG.... SEPTEMBER
SMOKY MOUNTAIN CLASSIC.... OCTOBER
THANKSGIVING BASH IN LONDON, KY.... NOVEMBER
P.U.M.MA NATIONALS AND BANQUET IN FRANKFORT, KY.... DECEMBER
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS :
November - KFCI Tournament in Fayetteville
November - Shinsei Camp in West Virginia
2007 - KFCI
Christian World Martial Arts Seminar
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.
(I know you will join us in praying for each of these Christian martial artists, their families and ministries.)
KFCI SUPER EVENT RESULTS:
Man, what a blast! We ended up with 88 participants total, with instruction by Joseph Lumpkin, Mike Lewis, Scott Catoe, David Price, Daryl Covington, Mark Abraham, John Murphy, David Williams, and Lester Moore. We had 3 schools from NC, one from SC, one from TX, one from KY, one from AL, 3 from VA, BCC students, and many more participate. To God be the Glory. Plus, we were able to donate 100.00 to the White Lake Water Rescue Squad, and $235.00 to Bobbie Monger in China for the Van Fund.
The Banquet Saturday was a HOOT! Nothing like seeing Mike Lewis fall out of a chair, laughing at the new name I accidentally came up with for Ninjitsu.
Sunday was a great time in the Lord, with Powerful testimonies from David Price, Mike Rhodes, and Mark Abraham, a Sunday Bible Lesson from Mike Lewis, and the message from Yours Truly. People were changed, and Glory to God, we saw someone saved! Amen!
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Let me thank you for your continuous prayer support for me, my family and for the ministry we are involved in. I would like to share about some of the blessings from the mission field in order to encourage you in your ministry and in your prayers for us.
Two weeks ago
I left Chisinau and went to Egypt. On my way stopped for one day
in Bucharest, Romania to help with the interpretation in Russian
for Shirinai Dosova, our dear sister from Moscow who was speaking
at the big women leaders congress organized and taut by Mia Oglice.
Saturday night I left Romania and Sunday morning arrived Egypt,
where after some hours I started to teach a seminar on inductive
Bible study for church planters of Egypt. I brought also the printed
book of Titus in Arabic and the participants where so exited about
the efficiency of the inductive method and how needed is it for
the discipleship in the churches. Now, the leaders are asking
for more books and we pray that God will help us to print more
to cover all the needs. There are 22 countries in the world where
Arabic is spoken. 11 of these countries
do not have churches, just individual Christians or small underground
groups. The other 6 countries have underground churches. I had
many strategic meetings with the leaders of the ministry in the
Arabic
World planning many important project on how to bring the Word
of God to this countries. One very urgent project is to bring
to a neutral place 2 or 3 leaders from each country and for 10
days to train them in an intensive inductive bible study course
so that they will be able to go through all the country to teach
and strengthen Christians and churches. The average cost for one
person will be $600. Please pray for this need
and as God leads you to be involved in the Gospel in this the
very difficult part of the world, now is the appropriate time.
After I introduced
the leaders to the way we are evangelizing people in Moldova using
sports, English and computer classes, pastors and leaders said
that in the Arabic World the young generation is very interested
in sports, English and computers and they asked to send instructors
from Moldova to train the local instructors in these countries.
Pray with us for this plan, and for another request the brothers
have to send missionaries from Moldova who will work as nurses
and doctors at the hospital in X location. It is a difficult
process to go through and to rise support for this missionaries.
Pray with us for this and for the first two missionaries who will
go this October to an Arabic country.
Being far,
I received a report from Natalia Boicu who organized an English
Bible Study camp through English for a New Life School in the
northern part of Moldova near the town Balasinesti. She wrote
me: "There came 100 campers and every morning we studied
a lesson from the course "The truth about sex" by Kay
Arthur and after this the students went to their groups to study
English. The doctor from the camp said that 10 years ago her son
committed suicide because he was abused sexually by another young
men from the town and he preferred to die than to tell his parents
or teachers about this. We brought 40 orphans from the orphanage
to the camp and after they studied the lesson, almost 80% of them
confessed that the main cause of them becoming orphans was sexual
abuse. One boy said that his mother killed herself
in front of all the children when she found that her daughter
was abused by her stepfather, the husband of this women. After
this, 3 children became orphans. And so many sad stories like
this... All this show us once
again how important is to teach this course through all the country."
Starting September
2004 till May 2005, the students of Moldova Precept Bible Institute
taught the course "The truth about sex" to over 45,000
teenagers and young people in the public schools, colleges and
universities. As a result more than a half of those who studied
made a covenant to keep themselves pure and not to have sexual
relationship outside of marriage. It is such a victory of the
Word of God! And the
most wonderful part is that every lesson of this course ends with
a great presentation of the Gospel. Now, on September 1st, in
Moldova starts the school year. Pray that God will help us to
cover all the country with this course and that God will give
us financial resources to print books for each students.
From Egypt
I went to Cape Town of South Africa to teach a course for the
students of the International Sports Leadership School. I taut
them how to make disciples through sports ministry using inductive
bible study method and materials and shared my experience. I am
glad that I had this great time to spend
with all of them and with my disciple Radu Blendarenco, the coach
of the Soccer team "Tintasii". He is one of the students
of this group of 26 students from 19 different countries. The
students were touched by the Word of God we studied and asked
for more materials and training in inductive bible study method.
I challenged and helped also each student to continue develop
a vision for reaching people through his sports when he will go
home. Pray for each of these wonderful brothers and sisters and
for the teachers who are teaching them. Pray for our brother Cassie
Carstens who is working hard to leads this school.
Now, I am on the way home and eager to see my wife and the children. Tomorrow is a big event for us. We will take Daniel the first time to school and we all are very exited by this. Pray for him and for David and Tica that they will be good in the school with their studies and most of all that they will preach the Gospel with all the courage as they are doing all the time.
Pray also for the session of the Institute we are going to start next Monday and will teach the students for two weeks intensively on Missions and also the course "Sermon on the Mountain".
May God bless you!
With love,
Vasile Filat
Please send
your news, pictures and information to Mark McGee for the next newsletter!
We welcome these new members to Grace Martial Arts Fellowship.
8th Dan ... Tang Soo Do
President of First Canada Tang Soo Do - WWW.FCTSD.COM and Black Belt of Karate Tang Soo Do Ltd.- WWW.FCTSD.COM/BBK
Three Time International Sport Karate Champion
Certified in both World and International Tae Kwon Do styles
Lives and teaches in Calgary, Alberta Canada
Black belt in (mixed-hybrid)Aikijujitsu
Training since 1986
Trained in
several southern Chinese styles, modern eclectic styles, and others
I have had a new life in Messiah Jesus since 2000
Interested in meeting/talking to others, especially locally
Located in
Roanoke, Virginia
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 ministry of GraceLife Ministries ©.