fm feb2009
DESCRIPTION
New President of Christian Triumph A Word from Israel: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord.” THANKS, Steve ! *Volume 108 *No. 02 *Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 *FEBRUARY 2009 Left to right: Pastor Israel, Evelyn Anderson, Vitalina + (Continued on Pg.2)TRANSCRIPT
Steve Beletic:
Former Christian Triumph President
THANKS, Steve !
For volunteering many hours to help in this
Missionary ministry.
You are loved and appreciated!
God go with you -
As you pursue new avenues of Service.
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“Blessed is the man
who trusts in the Lord.”
New President of Christian Triumph
Pastor Israel Hernandez
Left to right: Pastor Israel, Evelyn Anderson, Vitalina
A Word from Israel:
When I was 16 years of age, I dedicated
my life to God.
On the following day, September 17th, I
was baptized.
Later, I began serving God through
missions located in Michoacan, Mexico. After
helping there, I moved to Reynosa, Mexico, and
pastored for four years.
In 1978 – I met Rev. Lyell Janes, founder
of the Christian Triumph missionary ministry,
and from that time on, I became closely involved
with Brother Janes and his extended family.
My wife, Vitalina, and our children
helped in the local mission church and served
where needed. (Continued on Pg.2)
Contents:
Thank You, Steve 1
A Texas-size Miracle 2
Our Children 3
Our Unborn Children 3
The Potter’s Clay 4
Poet’s Corner 5
A Look at the Book of Matthew 6
Letters 7
*Volume 108 *No. 02 *Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 *FEBRUARY 2009
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We now pastor the mission church and
have been ordained by the “Grace of God” and
the Church of God in Anderson, Indiana.
This New Year, I have also been elected to
serve as President of Christian Triumph
Company, and one of my goals for this
missionary work is to increase (as well as
maintain) the growing Spanish Bible
Correspondence Courses.
Additionally, the old buildings at
Christian Triumph are now becoming unsafe,
and there are plans to create another structure
for the office and the local mission congregation.
My heart goes out to the community for it
is essential that the little children and adults
have a safe environment in which to worship,
to learn, and to fellowship. (edited)
����
More Information on Pastor Israel
While serving God through missions in
Michoacan, Mexico, Pastor Israel (with God’s
direction) established three churches, pastoring
them and then encouraging other Christian
pastors to fill the positions.
When possible, Israel and his wife,
Vitalina, now visit those churches, taking to
them the Spanish literature from Christian
Triumph. Furthermore, the Hernandez give
other items from their own resources to fill the
great needs in Mexico.
During this month of February, Pastor
Israel and Vitalina have once again returned to
Michoacan for a short visit to repair the roof on
one of the churches while encouraging the Saints
and speaking in the services.
The economy in this area is so poverty
stricken that often those who wish to give
offerings can only present practical things such
as “eggs.” (What precious offerings!)
Wherever the Hernandez family is found,
they can be seen humbly serving God and others
with all their energy and resources.
Christian Triumph Ministry is very
fortunate to have such devoted, caring
leadership. As we express our thanks to God for
Steve Beletic’s faithful service, we also convey
our appreciation to Him for Israel and Vitalina.
A TEXAS-SIZE
CHRISTMAS MIRACLE
The same weekend the little children at the
Christian Triumph Mission Church were about to
receive their holiday gifts from Jo, her family and
friends, another Christmas miracle was in the
making.
Before Sunday, Jo, her daughter and
children had decided to take a closer look at the
Gulf – they walked out on the seawall that goes into
the rolling waters, and it was there that Jo’s
daughter laid down her purse for a moment! Inside
were valuable personal and business documents.
Time passed, and the family decided to
return to Port Aransas for some rest. Several miles
down the road, the purse was nowhere to be found.
Greatly concerned, the family called the Police in
Corpus Christi. After explaining where they had
been and that the purse was left on the seawall, the
Police assured them that a search would be made.
Many anxious minutes later, the Police
called to say the purse had been turned in to a local
motel nearby. In fact, nothing had even been
disturbed or taken from the purse; everything
important and valuable was completely safe!
God blessed His children with a Christmas miracle!
Faith Messenger Permit #695
Periodical Paid at Corpus Christi, Texas
Published monthly, except July and August. POSTMASTER SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO:
Christian Triumph Company
P.O. Box 5187
905-909 Bluntzer
Corpus Christi, Texas 78405
L.Y. Janes, Founder (deceased); Steve Beletic,
President; Israel Hernandez, Vice-President;
William Anderson, 2nd
Vice-President; Diana Beletic,
Secretary/Treasurer; Una Collins, Asst. Sec./Treas.
This periodical is issued without charge in the name of
the Lord Jesus to help inspire child-like faith and
maintain Christ-like simplicity among the people of
God. To send donations or for your FREE
SUBSCRIPTION, write to the address above or contact
Christian Triumph Co. at
[email protected]. Or see us on the web at
christiantriumphcompany.com
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Little children at Christian Triumph Mission
OUR CHILDREN
In God’s sight, children are precious beings.
We as parents and grandparents have a
responsibility to tell them of Jesus and His love.
Deuteronomy 6: 4-7 states, “Hear O Israel:
THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD; and thou
shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and
with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these
words, which I command thee this day, shall be in
thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently
unto thy children and shall talk of them when thou
sittest in thine house and when thou walkest by the
way, and when thou liest down and when thou risest
up.”
The scriptures are saying how very
important it is to repeat over and over God’s word
to our children. When we do this, they begin to
believe it. Paul also tells us in Ephesians 5:15, “See
then that ye walk circumspectly not as fools, but as
wise, redeeming the time, because the days are
evil.”
It is in the Christian home that they are to
learn the principles and teachings of God’s word, so
children can be ready when trials come and be able
to make Godly decisions.
All of God’s word is given for our own
good, and when we disobey, we bring harm upon
ourselves.
So let us be obedient and gain wisdom in
our lives, by being doers of His word.
There is no doubt that today’s children
require every bit of encouragement they can get;
especially from their parents.
God bless you - Jo
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OUR UNBORN CHILDREN
� Editor
Did you know that in 1996, statistics show that
in the United States of America, there were over
1.37 million little unborn children aborted. That
means 3,700 innocent little ones lost their lives
every day in 1996.
Are we still a Christian nation?
Who is having abortions? Statistics show that
37.4 % are Protestants.
31.3 % are Catholics
1.3 % are Jewish
23.7 % have no religious affiliation
18 % are “Born Again” Evangelicals
World-wide – there are 42 million abortions
performed in a year.
Why?
Statistics indicate the motives are as follows:
93% - Social reasons
6% - Potential health problems
1% - Rape, Incest (The Center for Bio-Ethical Reform)
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Blessed is the Blessed is the Blessed is the Blessed is the
man who does man who does man who does man who does
not walknot walknot walknot walk
In the counsel In the counsel In the counsel In the counsel
of the wickedof the wickedof the wickedof the wicked
Or stand in the Or stand in the Or stand in the Or stand in the
way of sinnersway of sinnersway of sinnersway of sinners
Or sit in the Or sit in the Or sit in the Or sit in the
seat of seat of seat of seat of
mockers.mockers.mockers.mockers.
But his delight But his delight But his delight But his delight
is in the law of is in the law of is in the law of is in the law of
the Lord,the Lord,the Lord,the Lord,
And onAnd onAnd onAnd on His law His law His law His law
he meditates he meditates he meditates he meditates
day and night.day and night.day and night.day and night.
HeHeHeHe isisisis like a tree like a tree like a tree like a tree
planted by planted by planted by planted by
streams of streams of streams of streams of
water,water,water,water,
wwwwhich yields its hich yields its hich yields its hich yields its
fruit in seasonfruit in seasonfruit in seasonfruit in season
And whose leaf And whose leaf And whose leaf And whose leaf
does not wither.does not wither.does not wither.does not wither.
Whatever he Whatever he Whatever he Whatever he
does prospers. does prospers. does prospers. does prospers.
Psalm 1
THE POTTER’S CLAY By Anita
Did you ever mold objects out of clay as a
child? Wet clay is easy to shape and will hold its
form when dry. If heated, it becomes almost as hard
as stone and even watertight.
My older brother, Oscar, made a pig out of
clay while at school, and it made quite an
impression on me. My little nephew, Richard, made
the imitation of a frog; I have it and enjoy seeing it,
mainly because he made it.
Clay in a potter’s hands can be shaped into
the likeness of almost anything, and as it becomes
hard, it retains its formation.
Unlike that clay, we can be reshaped,
and our lives can be reformed. In fact, the scripture in 2nd Corinthians 2
reminds us that we are as treasures in jars of clay
with lives that demonstrate the all-surpassing power
of God to save and recreate us.
Isaiah 64 confirms this thought, “…O Lord,
thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our
Potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.”
Our potential for becoming more than just
ornamental figures is endless. We are created in the
Image of God, made for nobility, great worth, and
for the purpose of becoming a positive influence in
our world. In yielding ourselves to the Master, our
lives will radiate joy and love for God and others.
As we trust in God’s saving grace, this joy
can be authentic for it is found in yielding to His
glorious plan for our lives. God’s plans are always
the most excellent and the most gratifying. (edited)
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Have Thine own way, Lord!
Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter,
I am the clay.
Mold me and make me
After Thy will;
While I am waiting,
Yielded and still. �
Poet’s CornerPoet’s CornerPoet’s CornerPoet’s Corner
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
Unconditional Love, sent from heaven above.
Jesus came just to prove that God is Love.
Such incredible Grace, that He should me embrace,
As I look on His face who took my place.
Irrepressible joy is mine without alloy,
Since I'm in the employ of Christ, my Lord.
--Byrum C. Lee 04/2007
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
“GIVE ME THAT MOUNTAIN!”
Caleb cried. “Give me that mountain!”
His words have echoed through the years--
Showing forth a stalwart warrior--
A man of courage who did not fear.
Though old age was bent upon him,
And the rocking chair was near
He refused to live with comfort
And stood out from all his peers.
His hair and beard were white with aging.
His piercing eyes were strong and bright.
With agile steps and arms of power,
He spoke the truth and stood for right.
Man undaunted--he was respected.
His image mirrored a walk with God.
Integrity of soul with purpose--
A wilderness his feet had trod.
Accepting not, the fleecy slippers.
Wanting only shoes of steel,
For his heart was of a conqueror--
The sense of victory, he could feel!
Giants tall--they did not sway him,
Walled high cities were his style.
Mountains great—they did not stop him,
Though the odds were fiercely piled!
Faith in God was his sure weapon.
Trust in Him—he’d never quail!
For with every fiery fortress,
He and God would never fail!
And so God gave to him that mountain.
And he drove the giants out.
But his name lives on forever
On God’s scroll of lives that count!
Maxine Trigleth
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Scripture Living Bible
“Oh, the Joys of those
Who do not follow evil men’s advice,
Who do not hang around with sinners,
Scoffing at the things of God.
But they delight in doing everything
God wants them to,
And day and night
Are always meditating on his laws
And thinking about ways to follow him
More closely.
They are like trees along a river bank
Bearing luscious fruit each season without fail.
Their leaves shall never wither,
And all they do shall prosper… Psa. 1
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A LOOK AT THE
BOOK OF MATTHEW SERMON ON THE MOUNT
Chapter 5
(Reference for this study comes from the Holy Bible
as well as the book,
The Gospel of Matthew, Volume 1
By William Barclay)
Matthew Matt. 5:38-42
“You have heard that it has been said: An eye for an
eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you not to
resist evil; but if anyone strikes you on the right
check, turn the other to him also; and if anyone
wishes to obtain judgment against you for your
tunic, give him your cloak also; and if anyone
impresses you into the public service to go a mile,
go with him two miles. Give to him who asks you,
and do not turn away from him who wishes to
borrow from you.”
This scripture begins with the oldest law in
the world, often described as “tit for tat.” Even
though it appears to be merciless, it was, in fact, the
beginning…of mercy.
In the earliest days of mankind, blood feuds
were typical of clannish civilization. We have even
heard about these in our times, families persisting in
bitterness, determined to pay back a wrong that was
done in the past. However, this Old Testament law
was not meant to promote vengeance but instead
was given as a guide intended for Judges - as they
assessed the penalty for a person of unjust behavior.
God’s mercy is described many times in the
Old Testament as well: “Thou shalt not avenge or
bear any grudge against the children of thy people”
(Leviticus 19:18)
“If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread
to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink.”
(Proverbs 25:21)
As stated, even though ancient principles
were based on “tit for tat”, they were not intended
for personal revenge. Furthermore, Jesus (God the
Son) declared another principle of living: the
principle of LOVE, introducing the gift of non-
retaliation.
And yet, life is often difficult and full of
heartaches. Even the ones who claim to love us
often prick our hearts with unthoughtful actions,
insults and insensitive comments. It seems that
when we do good things for them or others,
complaints or criticism can be heard, as our actions
are ignored or misjudged.
Truthfully, we could spend a lifetime aching
over careless remarks made in our presence or in
secret discussions.
Sadly, we find this thoughtless behavior
even in our churches. Often, faithful, kind persons
who work for the Master are victims of those
proclaiming their undying love for God.
Thus, it must be said that in our service to
mankind or even to the church, we must do our
good deeds for God and learn that He will show us
the appreciation our hearts desire. In the depths of
our spirits, we may even hear those glorious words:
“Well done!” God’s love will prevail over the
carelessness of others! The Holy Spirit’s precious
Presence will minister to our hearts as we quickly
turn our hurts to him. The impulse to “get back” and
repay insensitive actions or words will cease as we
trust God to heal our hurts.
In following Jesus’ words, we can be
empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue to serve
even in challenging circumstances. God’s Spirit will
help us set aside the temptation to claim our rights,
to practice tit for tat, and instead to choose to give
our precious, unique SELF into the arms of a loving
God.
As humble servants of the Master, we will
be rewarded many times over for quickly turning
away and trusting in the Good and Almighty Father.
Although we cannot change others, we can
ask God to change us. And in doing so, our lights
will shine in this old dark world as witnesses to
those who seem to test our one last ounce of
patience. Perhaps, even our gentle service which
requires no “reimbursement” will even help persons
to realize that …Someone…somewhere is doing her
or his best to read the Scripture and then doing her
or his best to follow those amazing, divine words of
Jesus. (if asked to go one mile, go with him two)
In conclusion, Jesus asks that we give and
do not turn away from those who wish to borrow.
There are no limits to sharing!
Although we are often concerned about
enabling the undeserving when we give; who can
say what will help another in life? (Cont. on Pg. 7)
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Perhaps, it may be better to give than to risk
turning away a person in real need.
Giving is definitely a personal service unto
God and this duty or privilege must be guided by
the Holy Spirit as we remember the words of Jesus,
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown
mercy.” Matt. 5:7
Giving changes the Giver more than it
changes the Receiver. An open heart that shares will
find freedom and joy unspeakable!
March Faith Messenger: Matthew 5:43-48
Comments on this study of Matthew are welcomed!
Please send to Christian Triumph Company,
PO Box 5187, 905 Bluntzer
Corpus Christi, Texas 78465-5187
A note from the Editor �
The January Faith Messenger was late in getting to
some of our readers, and the reason is yet unknown.
The February Faith Messenger may also be behind
schedule due to the ICE STORM in the Midwest
which brought down power lines. We apologize and
are persevering in returning to the scheduled
mailing time as soon as possible. � Thank you!
From Oregon: Hello! I thank God for all His
goodness to me. He keeps me safe day and night
and when driving the car and otherwise. He is
health and strength and comfort to me.
Last April when I was sound asleep I was
suddenly awakened by a voice, and it said my first
name, “Idell” only. But immediately I knew it was
my husband’s voice. It was a joy to hear his voice. I
am still amazed and thankful to God that this
experience happened to me. I got up right away and
looked at the clock and it was two minutes after
midnight. That surely was the highlight of my year.
Hope this finds you well…God bless you. Idell
From Florida: The “Faith Messenger” periodical
is very uplifting to our family. John
From Texas: Dear Christian Triumph Family:
Warm greetings in our Savior’s name. Thanks so
much for the books and tracts. I send a Christmas
letter to many friends and family and will include a
tract. I appreciate your ministry so much, I pray
God will continue to bless everyone involved. May
God bless your church in Corpus. Doris
From Michigan: It is so cold, I have not been
going out to get my mail every day. We are having
more snow earlier this year. I have been plowed out
twice…We have had 14 inches of snow in our area.
God is so good to us all. The Lord bless all of you
and the mission work. Love and prayers, Donna
From Texas: Dear Christian Triumph Co., Thank
you for the Faith Messenger and El Mensajero. Also
a big thanks for Walking Man. I enjoyed reading it.
Some parts of it made me laugh, but most important
was the parts that made me stop and reflect how
very little my missionary involvement has been.
And in spite of it all how very wonderful the Lord
has blessed my life. My prayers are for Udela and
Narciso and all of God’s workers out in the mission
field all over our world. Because of the book, my
involvement is improving.
Yours in Christ, Elvira
From Texas: Dearest Friends, Greeting in the
Name of our Savior Jesus Christ…I am doing very
well today and give all the glory to God for that.
Thank you for the great visit by mail...Take care
and write when you can. Jesus loves you and so do
I. In His love, Jimmy (Jimmy Huff Ministry)
More letters are coming in the March Faith
Messenger. THANK YOU – each one – for such
interesting, lovely letters. We enjoy each one!
A little one-liner: “The task ahead of us
is never as great as the Power behind us.”
We send our love and prayers!
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Faith Messenger
A publication of Christian Triumph Company
P.O. Box 5187 905 Bluntzer Corpus Christi, TX 78465
Address Service Requested
“Nothing
Is
Impossible
With
God!”
Luke 1:37
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