www.thenkomos.

com

PRISONERS OF HOPE March 2009

EDITORIAL..BR N. NKOMO
Over the last few days I have been dwelling upon a sermon that got me thinking, as all good sermons
should. The preacher stated how it was that his father used to leave home every morning, after prayer, with
eight pieces of Adventist literature. He would take it upon himself to distribute these to people that he met
during the day. Eight pieces of literature a day, for a number of years, represents a significant effort to
reach out to others for Christ.
What has obviously been foremost in my mind is the question, “How much do I do for Christ on a daily ba-
sis?” The question that has been troubling me is, “How much do each of us do on a day to day basis to share
with others the Word of God?” Yes, our lives should be a witness, but I fear that we have begun to hide be-
hind that fact as an excuse not to verbalise the love of Christ for a dying world.
One of the most common excuses that I have heard over the years is that some of us are naturally shy and
that we find it very difficult to speak to people and therefore “cannot be expected” to be able to share the
glad tidings of Jesus with others. What we need o realise is that we are all called to spread the gospel mes-
sage. What we need to realise is that we cannot take the message to the world in our own power, but that
we need to step out in faith after pleading for the Holy Spirit. As simplistic as it sounds, no matter how shy
we are to speak to others about Christ, if we ask that God send us the Holy Spirit as we approach someone
and we by faith open our mouths to speak sweet truths, He will work through us to reach others. If for
some reason, we still feel and fear being tongue-tied, then we should be involved in the literature ministry,
which I will touch upon below.
The preacher mentioned some practical ways in which two Adventists are using means at their disposal to
reach out to the world. The first, the owner of a shoe factory, includes in every box of shoes that leaves the
premises, a piece of our literature. The second, the owner of a plant that assembles pressure cookers, does
the same with every pressure cooking leaving their plant. These are two simple ways that these people use
to distribute literature and they got me thinking of practical ways that we can use to do the same. These are
designed to give us ideas and I challenge each of us to seek other ways.
The first issue is that we should always carry on our person some Adventists literature to distribute. This
already means that we have the intention to do something. We cannot distribute what we do not have.
1) Whenever you either fill up your car or dine out and you tip the fuel attendant or the waiter, why not
“tip” them with both cash and a booklet that has the ability to attend to their spiritual life? INSIDE THIS ISSUE
2) Often, especially in smaller shops that many of us visit, the cash register attendants have some worldly Editorial ......................... ……1
magazines that they read to while away the time. Why not offer them some heavenly material that they Dear Laodecia ................ .….2
can read and benefited for this life and the next. Dead Bury The Dead ..... .….3
3) Some of us have the misfortune of having to visit doctors when we are beset by various ailments, why
Mission Spotlight .......... ..…5
not leave, amongst the magazines in the waiting room, some of our literature on healthy lifestyle and
Lift Up Your Heads ....... .….6
living so that others may discover the truths that we hold onto regarding our health message.
Literature Distribution .. .….7
4) Have you ever wondered how it is that a large number of hotels around the country, in South Africa at
Don‟t Blaspheme ........... …..8
least, have Gideon‟s Bibles in the rooms? Where were we when they got permission to deposit these
Bibles, and are we willing to organise bulk purchases of SoP books that can sit alongside the Bibles? In Social Purity .................. …..9

any case, you and I can ensure that every time we stay in a hotel room we leave a copy of one of our Sweet Vegan Delight ..... ….10
SoP books in the drawer for the next visitor and also some literature for those that will change the bed-
ding when we leave.
5) Many libraries in around us are begging for books and they are more than willing to accept our books to
be loaned out to the various communities. All we have to do is to drop off the books at the library and
they will take care of the rest.
6) We have a wonderful resource available to us in the form of the Voice of Prophecy. Our individual
churches, via our suggestions, should get involved in acquiring VoP material. We should then intro-
duce systematic enrolling of students whereby, every week, each of us are required to give an enrol-
ment card to someone, or else bring to the church the name and address of someone that you would
like enrolled.
These are a few, but not exhaustive, ways in which we can practically get involved in evangelism and my
prayer is that we will add to these and think how we can get involved in spreading the truth about our risen
and soon coming Saviour to a dying world. The one thing though, to remember throughout the process, is
that our duty is to plant; and to pray that the Holy Spirit attend to the germination of the seed in the heart.
 DEAR LAODECIA... BY SR T NKOMO
Dear Luke Warm, you, don‟t really talk TO you, but rather, AT you. They come
with assumptions, and never ask how you really are. I know it
How are you? I‟m ok, just busy working on a presentation. took me a while to realise that some people have company
My family is fine, the kids are talking too much for me, there‟s cars, not their own personal cars, yet people assume that just
constant jabbering unless they‟re asleep, which is when I get because one has a vehicle, those people are well-off and don‟t
time to study. I‟ve done all my compulsory assignments al- have a care in the world. So I guess that‟s what‟s happening-
ready and I think I‟m on track. Homeschooling is a pleasure that people just assume…It‟s the same with the assumption
right now because they‟re still at a young age, we just do one that stay at home mothers do it because they can afford it.
or two official school activities during the day then the rest of They don‟t see the tears we shed because we can‟t get our
the time they play or we cook together. I hope your family is children that container of yoghurt they‟re asking for. They
well, please greet them for me. don‟t see the tears we shed because we have to ask others for
money to buy our children jerseys when winter comes rolling
I hope you had a blessed Sabbath, mine was blessed indeed by. The sadness at not being able to afford all the
and I think God that we have this day of rest and fellowship. homeschooling equipment they would like to enhance their
How was the sermon? Who preached? I didn‟t go to church children‟s learning and playtime experience. The Bible re-
this week, I stayed home with one of my friends who wasn‟t sources they will never be able to buy…
going to be able to make it to church for
a few weeks. You have no idea how wor- But that‟s nothing compared to those
ried I am about your state. Testimonies who don‟t even have a husband who‟s
to the Church volume 1 is very clear that working. How do they survive? At least
we are our brothers‟ keepers, but I don‟t we have family members who help feed
see much „keeping‟ going on amongst and clothe us and our children. What
us. My new friend has had a tough time, about immigrants and refugees who
and no-one has taken the time to know have nothing and no-one? I remember
her properly. It seems as if no-one cares an elder at church saying that we stay in
for each other. I know the Bible did our cliques and don‟t talk to others. I
prophecy that among the members, the remember thinking “Well, that‟s a gener-
love of many would wax cold, but the alization because I don‟t do that. I do try
MANY part had never clicked till now. to find those who I don‟t know and en-
Now I see it. Please pray for them, her gage with them. So obviously there are
husband will be going for a job inter- many others that do it too. You can‟t be
view very soon and I pray that it works out, because it seems a Christian without loving each other-that doesn‟t work!”
that they only have themselves, to rely on, unemployed as But ,that was till l I visited this friend I mentioned in the
they both are. So much for this General Conference Resolu- other paragraph. Do you know what it‟s like to stand outside
tion from the 1880‟s “That we strenuously urge the offi- church and have no-one say anything kind to you? And not
cers of every church, and of the Sabbath-school, and only that, to have those who do talk to you, making sarcastic
the missionary society connected therewith, to meet comments? When someone feels so unhappy that they end up
together for prayer and counsel, as often as once a walking to a far away church to try and find fellowship, then
month; and that proper steps be taken by the officers you know you have failed as a church. I remember my hus-
to ascertain the standing, both spiritual and band, receiving a text message from a stranger, asking if it‟s
temporal, of every member, so that assistance may right that no-one greeted him. The man had taken his num-
be rendered when necessary [Oct. 23]” ber from the bulletin…Maybe it‟s because it‟s never happened
to others. I know what it‟s like because it happened in Kenya.
Sadly, that has gone to the place where all the evangelistic Out of a church of more than 2000 members, we can count
zeal has gone…Now it seems that individuals have to do the on one hand the number of people who were friendly. Maybe
seeking out, and we‟re not doing a very good job either! I that experience has helped me to fully understand the isola-
don‟t think we know what it is to sacrifice for others. Maybe tion this friend of mine went through. Do you know what it‟s
it‟s because we don‟t care about each other anymore. Have we like to have no food in your cupboard at all? To need to bor-
let the cares of this world choke out any true love and interest row money just to buy bread? And to have no hope of any
for others? And some others that do take the time to talk to money at any time?

2
At least those who get salaries know that even though their me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil
expenses are larger than the amount they get, at least they‟ll and his angels: 42For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no
have food on the table. What about those who are unem- meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43I was a
ployed and are trying to find honest, non-Sabbath-breaking stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me
work? Where‟s their hope, if not in us, their fellow brothers not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44Then shall
and sisters? they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an
hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in
Remember what Matt 25 says? Beginning at verse 31 “When prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45Then shall he an-
the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy an- swer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye
gels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
32And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall
46And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but
separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his the righteous into life eternal.
sheep from the goats: 33And he shall set the sheep on his
right hand, but the goats on the left. 34Then shall the King How will we wake each other up to our duties, if we can‟t
say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my take care of each other here in the family? Is it any wonder
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the that we have very few Adventist orphanages in our land?
foundation of the world: For I was an hungered, and ye
35 And it‟s not because we‟ve adopted these parentless chil-
gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a dren either. My heart breaks for the suffering ones. And for
stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I us, because we will have to face a day of reckoning. What
36

was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came will our excuse be?
unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying,
37

Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or While you ponder on these words, let us please pray for
thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a each other to have our eyes opened so that we can see
stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 where there‟s a genuine need. Please pray that we will all
Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto have willing feet that will go the extra mile to help others.
thee? 40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily And please pray that we will all have loving hearts that will
I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the act prompted by principle, not by avarice. And don‟t ever
least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 41Then forget, you‟re in my prayers “Luke”, you and the rest of the
shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from “Warm” family. God bless

LET THE DEAD BURY THE DEAD…..BY BR E PREWITT

Continued from last edition:
Punctuality and decision in the work and cause of God are
highly essential. Delays are virtually defeats. Minutes are
golden, and should be improved to the very best account.
Earthly relations and personal interests should ever be sec-
ondary. Never should the cause of God be left to suffer in a
single particular, because of our earthly friends or dearest
relatives. "And he said unto another, Follow me. But he
said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus
said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou
and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said,
Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them fare-
well, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto
him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and look-
ing back, is fit for the kingdom of God." [LUKE 9:59-62.]
GW92, p. 248
Before we take these principles too far, it would be well to
acknowledge that “secondary” is not “fifthdary.” Our duty to
our families can not be lightly regarded. The man that feeds
not his own is worse than an unbeliever. We can do our
duty to our families and still do all that must be done for the
world.
No earthly ties, no earthly considerations, should weigh
one moment in the scale against duty to the cause and work
of God. Jesus severed his connection from everything to
save a lost world; and he requires of us a full and entire
consecration. There are sacrifices to be made for the inter-
ests of God's cause. The sacrifice of
feeling is the most keen that is re-
quired of us; yet, after all, it is a
small sacrifice. You have plenty of
friends, and if the feelings are only
sanctified, you need not feel that
you are making a very great sacri-
fice. 3T, p. 500
This testimony was written to a particular man. It may not
be true for all that we “have plenty of friends.” We may not
all have the same sacrifices to make. But of all God requires
“unselfish and willing service.” Sister White continued to
write to the gentleman:
3
You do not leave your wife among heathen. You are not should have an impact on our thinking. If his regular employ
called to tread the burning African desert, or to face pris- is to separate us from the work, then we should be guarded
ons, and encounter trial at every step. Be careful how you lest he work on our cases and learn from his successes.
appeal to your sympathies, and let human feelings and per-
What we need now is untiring energy and perseverance, so
sonal considerations mingle with your efforts and labors for
that we will not be broken off from the work by difficulties
the cause of God. He demands unselfish and willing service.
and home perplexities. If we do allow our interest to be thus
You can render this, and yet do all your duties to your fam-
separated, the enemy will understand it, and he will make
ily; but hold this as a secondary matter. 3T, p. 500.
trouble right in our families to draw us away from the
The thoughts expressed in the quotations above find a varied work. Ibid.
expression in the book Historical Sketches. There Ellen
The trouble in our families can be best avoided by the angelic
White bemoans that “As a people, we have as yet scarcely
ministration mentioned earlier. We ought to take our stand
begun to realize the importance of the work entrusted to
as God's workmen, saying, "The Lord has given us a mes-
us.” She writes that “A soul is of more value than all the
sage, and we cannot be faithful watchmen unless we stand
world; and to let things of a temporal nature come in be-
at our post of duty; we will carry the work through at all
tween us and the work of saving souls is displeasing to the
hazards," then we shall find that angels of God will minister
God of heaven.” She pleads “Oh that the servants of God
to our households at home, and will say to the enemy,
might have a new touch from his divine power! Oh that they
"Stand back." It is a great and solemn work in which we are
had more faith to prevail with God in prayer, and more, far
engaged, and God will help us to carry it forward, if we
more, earnestness and perseverance in their labors!” HS, p.
learn to rely wholly upon him. Ibid.
127
But not all the troubles at home can be blamed on the evil
We are, as it were, asleep to the depth of the requirements of
one. Many are the direct result of our poor organization and
the gospel commission. You might even say we are dead to
chosen business principles. How would God have us to or-
its claims.
ganize our homes?
Christ said,
Oh, my brethren, put on the whole armor of God, and move
"Follow me; and
with wisdom and intelligence. Do not work weeks and
let the dead bury
months to bring around a condition of things that will bind
their dead." If
you hand and foot so that you cannot engage in the warfare
you could only
as bold soldiers of Jesus Christ, and then mourn and com-
see the impor-
plain because your circumstances are such that you cannot
tance of the work
give yourselves wholly to the work. Ibid.
as it has been
presented to me, It is not God who lays upon you this burden. He has given
the paralysis that you reason, and he wants you to use it. He would not have
is upon many you arrange things at home so that when you go out to la-
would be shaken bor your minds will be continually upon your families. Be-
off, and there would be a rising from the dead and a coming fore you make any move with reference to your families, he
to life through Jesus Christ. HS, p127. would have you consider carefully whether you are piling
up burdens that will hinder you from engaging in his work.
Once the armor is put on, it “is not to be laid off for slight
I have felt sad as I have heard different individuals tell how
excuses.”
difficult it was for them to give themselves to the work of
Christ meant something when he said, "And every one that God. They do not like to consider the steps that they have
hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or taken to place themselves in this position. Ibid.
mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake,
The worst of these cases is that prayer for help in solving our
shall receive an hundred-fold, and shall inherit everlasting
problems will not likely bring relief. Our burdens could be
life." He intended to impress upon us the fact that we must
lighter if we would only counsel with God.
make eternal things of first importance, and so relate our-
selves to the cause and work of God that we shall not be hin- If God should work a miracle to bring them out of this posi-
dered by things of a temporal nature. Everything of this tion, they would go right to work to bring about another
character must come in secondary. The armor of God, once similar state of things. Such do not feel the necessity of
put on, is not to be laid off for slight excuses. Ibid. counseling with God; they prefer to follow their own incli-
nation and judgment. Ibid.
The freedom of the devil to operate where and when he wills
Amen.
4
 MISSION SPOTLIGHT...COLPORTEUR
The following are just snippets, snapshots- if you will- of Jim: " Oh certainly."
what a colporteur in a faraway part of the world does. Me: " I agree that none of us are infallible."
Far from us here in South Africa. May it provide encour- Me: " Do you think it is possible that YOU could be in error
agement to those that are contemplating going this route in terms of when the rapture takes place?"
to spread the gospel of God. Jim, " Yes, it is possible."
Me: "If I'm wrong about this and yet am right with Jesus
Last week I finished working a literature booth at the coun-
and expecting to be here during the tribulation but am
try fair and will work another next week. There were sev-
raptured out before.. I will not drop an anchor" I would be
eral very good contacts and about 500 silent messengers
happy to go."
handed out. As is customary some of the best contacts were
Jim: "Yah, you would have nothing to loose."
with other vendors. I took one vendor a sample of my ve-
Me: "That's right, but what if you are incorrect and not
gan pizza that a church friend made for me. They thought it
thinking you would be here, have not studied this out and
was wonderful and traded me a bottle of their health prod-
face the mark of the beast totally unprepared. Then what
uct for two vegan cookbooks. They are not vegetarian but
would happen ?"
are open. Two young men that worked the carnival rides
Jim: "Yah, I see what you mean. How much IS that book?"
stopped at the booth
Me: "The only payment I
several times. One of
really want is for you to
the men read through
read it but some folks of-
10 chapters of the Great
fer a donation to help out.
Controversy (Darkness
I would be very apprecia-
Before Dawn) the
tive."
first day while working.
Jim is very happy to help
The next day he took
out, will value the book
and read half of Minis-
more because of the do-
try of Healing. The next
nation; he has an interest in the subject that he did not
day he took another
have before and I have a little gas money.
book. I sought him out to see if he was reading the books
and when I approached him he was intently reading the This week I worked another literature booth at the local
book. In many instances these "silent messengers" are county fair. The responses were encouraging and some
speaking loudly,... nay,... screaming out... all across the were nothing short of incredible. We had a table on one
country. There were several short Bible studies at the side of the booth with 16 magabooks laid out. Another table
booth. Churches that do not take advantage of their county was set up in front with free literature on each side and a
fair are missing golden opportunities that probably will not drawing box in the middle. Then there was a back table
exist next year at this time. with several sets of books sitting up and staggered across
the table. Behind that was a 5ft tall colorful vinyl banner
I had man stop at the booth who purchased three sets of saying "Building Character through Stories" and showing
our children's books and a Bible Readings seven years ago. several sets of books. I tied balloons shaped like poodles
He read part of the Bible readings and lent it out. The per- and swords (sword of the spirit) and handed out "Amercia
son that borrowed it lost it. I gave him another copy in pa- Super Power of Bible Prophecy", “Shiloh", and a Bible
perback and a "Mark of the Beast” by Vance Ferrell. The Story and a health brochure to everyone who stopped at the
man said that “we really don't need to know about that be- booth. Each day I posted a thought provoking question on
cause we will not be here anyway”. Like so many he has the free-drawing box and offered a free book to those who
bought into the rapture theory and everything taking place answered the question correctly. Questions were asked
in Israel. Since we were not able to study it out, I used an such as " Is there a verse in the NT KJV that specifically
approach that works very well in this situation in terms of addresses living together? The answer is "yes" and the
jogging the person into realizing their need for further verse speaks of "chambering" Romans 13:13. Another ques-
study. It goes something like this.. tion was "Do the wicked receive the gift of eternal live?"
Me: " Do you think, Jim, I could be in error believing that Romans 6:23. Another was "How many cattle entered the
the rapture does not take place before the tribulation? ark?" This often led to a discussion on health. Cont p7…..
5
 LIFT UP YOUR HEADS...
NEWS: The east of England Yesterday's talk, on Ash Wednesday, "Torn About Porn?" was
may be the most godless re- advertised to include "discussion about arguably alternative
gion of the UK, according to forms of pornography that are not supposed to be exploitative,
a "belief map" published by a but rather radical and empowering." On Saturday, February 28,
theology thinktank today. pornographic film director Tristan Taormino will speak at the
Almost half of adults there university on "Relationships Beyond Monogamy" - …. She will
believe the theory of evolu- discuss her book "Opening Up: A Guide to Creating and Sus-
tion makes God obsolete, taining Open Relationships" with Jenny Block, author of
and more than 80% disagree "Open: Love, Sex, and Life in an Open Marriage." Taormino is
with creationism and intelli- also the author of "True Lust: Adventures in Sex, Porn and Per-
gent design, which propose version."…This week is "Transgender Awareness Week" at Seat-
that humans were created by tle University, which includes a session on allegedly trans-
God in the past 10,000 gender Bible heroes and heroines and "Criss-Cross Day," where
years, and that life owes its students are encouraged to "come dressed for the day in your
complexity to divine intervention…..The survey suggests there best gender-bending outfit." The events are sponsored by the
is a widespread lack of religious sentiment across Britain. Na- university's Office of Multicultural Affairs and the student
tional average figures revealed that less than a third of adults Trans and Allies Club.
see evolution as part of God's plan, 89% dismiss intelligent de- COMMENT: Shocking that the dominant Christian religion in
sign and 83% reject creationism as plausible explanations for this world would have such things going on at some of their in-
the existence of human life. stitutions of higher learning. How long will God be mocked?
COMMENT: Reading such articles makes one truly begin to Angels must weep when they see how the devil has so many
appreciate how wide the road that leads to everlasting death professed Christians bound in a spell.
really is. It also makes one wonder what it is that we are doing
as the remnant to get the gospel to all the people in all the NEWS: Teenagers who preferred popular songs with degrad-
world. If we were to be arraigned for “turning the world upside ing sexual references were more likely to engage in intercourse
down” would we be found guilty, or would we be set free by the or in pre-coital activities, researchers claim in an article pub-
courts of the land? lished in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. "This
study demonstrates that, among this sample of young adoles-
NEWS: The Obama administration plans to reverse a regula- cents, high exposure to lyrics describing degrading sex in popu-
tion from late in the Bush administration allowing health-care lar music was independently associated with higher levels of
workers to refuse to provide services based on moral objections, sexual behaviour," Dr Brian A Primack from the Centre for Re-
an official said Friday. The rule protects the rights of health search on Health Care at the University of Pittsburgh School of
care providers who refuse to participate in certain proce- Medicine in the US, wrote in his report. "In fact, exposure to
dures….Under the rule, workers in health-care settings, from lyrics describing degrading sex was one of the strongest asso-
doctors to janitors, can refuse to provide services, information ciations with sexual activity...."
or advice to patients on subjects such as contraception, family COMMENT: Science is only now beginning to understand how
planning, blood transfusions and even vaccine counseling if important it is that we guard the avenues of the soul. By be-
they are morally against it. holding (in this case hearing), you become changed. Oh that we
COMMENT: Should the new president of the USA go ahead would only listen to spiritually uplifting music.
and reverse regulations that were put in place by the last ad-
ministration, it will likely have far-reaching implications for NEWS: An anti-gay U.S. Christian
truly upright Christian men and women that desire to stand for preacher and his daughter have been
right though the heavens fall. It would mean, for example, that barred from entering Britain as they
if someone desired an abortion you would have to counsel them could spread "extremism and ha-
and perform the ungodly procedure. If the repeal is successful, tred," the British government said
this is one more nail in the coffin on civil liberty and freedom Thursday…British Home Secretary
under the Obama administration. Jacqui Smith said she had decided to
prevent Phelps and his daughter
NEWS: As Christians worldwide kneel in prayer to begin the Shirley Phelps-Roper from entering
holy season of Lent, students at three Jesuit Catholic univer- the country. "Both these individuals
sities are busy celebrating extramarital sex, homosexuality, have engaged in unacceptable behav-
cross-dressing and pornography, the Cardinal Newman Society ior by inciting hatred against a num-
has revealed. From February 23 to 28, Georgetown University ber of communities," a Home Office
is hosting "Sex Positive Week," sponsored by feminist and ho- spokeswoman said. "We will continue to stop those who want to
mosexual student clubs. On Monday, the event "Sex Positive … spread extremism, hatred and violent messages in our commu-
What's That?" featured a speaker from Black Rose, an organiza- nities from coming to our country."
tion "which provides a forum for the many different expres- COMMENT: So much for freedom of speech. Let us awake and
sions of power in love and play. This can include dominance & preach while we still can before they actively seek us and at-
submission, bondage & discipline, fetishism, cross-dressing, to tempt to prevent our message getting out.
name a few."
6
One vendor spent a total of 3 hours or more in my booth ble through and at the core has many protestant be-
talking about health and then purchased over $300.00 liefs...does not believe the Pope is infallible, does not believe
worth of our health books even though one of her parishion- in purgatory, does not believe the church was founded on
ers working a booth directly across from me told her church Peter. He accepted the book National Sunday Law. I ap-
Baptist members at her (and my ) booth that we were a cult, proached him that" being an attorney I thought he might
do not believe in Jesus, and believe we are saved by works. I enjoy the book."
took this lady wonderful salads each day from my garden.
Her church member turned a few people away but most I came down with a severe bug due to putting forth so
were won over by former knowledge of our Bible Story much energy for 12 hours day after day but was sustained
books, as many have them, by our good spirit, and by all the enough to weather the last few days with a whole roll of pa-
activity at our booth. Many of these Baptist folks would not per towels for my nose and a thousand sneezes. Probably a
turned away. Some were so moved by the studies I held at few people were infected with more than the Holy Spirit but
the booth that even though they were counseled to stay clear I had no choice other than to stay home and I trust the
of us they accepted books on pointed prophecy and one fel- price was not too much to pay for the people receiving so
low took a paperback on the Mark of the Beast back to one much truth. I will visit many again later in their homes but
of the booths the Baptist's were working and proceeded to mean time trsut and pray and that the Silent Messengers are
read the book in spite of friends telling them not to. I have speaking loudly to some and shouting to others as the time
never seen the devil work so hard against us and yet evil was is at hand.
overcome with kind and continually persistence and the
prevailing presence of God infected the people. The Holy Spirit is moving upon the people. If we will just be
moved they will be moved to listen and respond. We do not
In the booth to my right the prosecuting attorney was work- have to be at fairs though as there are opportunities every-
ing finger printing the children. After a few days we warmed where if we are only watchful, waiting, anticipating, and pre-
up to each other. I eventually learned that he is very consci- pared to speak and act. I try to carry literature with me
entious and moral Catholic gentlemen who has read his Bi- everywhere even when I'm off duty and out of uniform.

LITERATURE DISTRIBUTION.... BY BR N NKOMO

We would once The demand for the Bibles was so great that they finished
again like to issue “ahead” of schedule and a member of the group gladly sur-
our heart-felt rendered his personal Bible when one of the passengers
thanks to those begged for a Bible.
that assisted in the
second literature Our prayer is that before we leave for our mission work in
distribution that Tanzania, that we will be able to organize another distribu-
we had two Sab- tion; so please join us in our prayers.
baths ago. A special
thank you to
Blessed Hope who
rendered special
items, to all those
that gave sermonettes on the train and to those people that
donated cash to assist us in reaching out to our communi-
ties.

Following on from the distribution of 320 SoP books that

we did in the middle of December, the Lord, through His
faithful agents on this earth, allowed us to purchase 500
Bibles that were handed out to very gleeful and grateful
passengers on the afternoon trains in Cape Town.

7
 DO NOT BLASPHEME THE HOLY SPIRIT.... BY SR EG WHITE
Mk 3:28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven convict and convert the sinner. "Let him alone" (Hosea 4:17)
unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever is the divine command. Then "there remaineth no more sac-
they shall blaspheme:mBut he that shall blaspheme against rifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment
the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries."
eternal damnation: Because they said, He hath an unclean Hebrews 10:26-27. PP, p405
spirit.
In this our day men have placed themselves where they are
Christ told them plainly that in attributing the work of the wholly unable to fulfill the conditions of repentance and con-
Holy Spirit to Satan, they were cutting themselves off from fession: therefore they cannot find mercy and pardon. The
the fountain of blessing. Those who had spoken against Jesus sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit does not lie in any
Himself, not discerning His divine character, might receive sudden word or deed; it is the firm, determined resistance of
forgiveness; for through the Holy Spirit they might be truth and evidence. 5BC, p1093
brought to see their error and repent. Whatever the sin, if the
It is not God that blinds the eyes of men or hardens their
soul repents and believes, the guilt is washed away in the
hearts. He sends them light to correct their errors, and to
blood of Christ; but he who rejects the work of the Holy
lead them in safe paths; it is by the rejection of this light that
Spirit is placing himself where repentance and faith cannot
the eyes are blinded and the heart hardened. Often the proc-
come to him. It is by the Spirit that God works upon the
ess is gradual, and almost imperceptible. Light comes to the
heart; when men willfully reject the Spirit, and declare It to
soul through God's word, through His servants, or by the di-
be from Satan, they cut off the channel by which God can
rect agency of His Spirit; but when one ray of light is disre-
communicate with them. When the
garded, there is a partial benumbing of
Spirit is finally rejected, there is no
the spiritual perceptions, and the sec-
more that God can do for the soul.
ond revealing of light is less clearly dis-
The Pharisees to whom Jesus spoke cerned. So the darkness increases, until
this warning did not themselves believe it is night in the soul. Thus it had been
the charge they brought against Him. with these Jewish leaders. They were
There was not one of those dignitaries convinced that a divine power attended
but had felt drawn toward the Saviour. Christ, but in order to resist the truth,
They had heard the Spirit's voice in they attributed the work of the Holy
their own hearts declaring Him to be Spirit to Satan. In doing this they delib-
the Anointed of Israel, and urging them erately chose deception; they yielded
to confess themselves His disciples. In themselves to Satan, and henceforth
the light of His presence they had real- they were controlled by his power. DA,
ized their unholiness, and had longed p322/3
for a righteousness which they could
not create. But after their rejection of Every day, in their refusal to repent,
Him it would be too humiliating to receive Him as the Mes- they took up their rebellion afresh.
siah. Having set their feet in the path of unbelief, they were They were preparing to reap that which they had sown. The
too proud to confess their error. And in order to avoid ac- wrath of God is not declared against men merely because of
knowledging the truth, they tried with desperate violence to the sins which they have committed, but for choosing to con-
dispute the Saviour's teaching. The evidence of His power tinue in a state of resistance, and, although they have light
and mercy exasperated them. They could not prevent the and knowledge, repeating their sins of the past. If they would
Saviour from working miracles, they could not silence His submit, they would be pardoned; but they are determined
teaching; but they did everything in their power to misrepre- not to yield. They defy God by their obstinacy. These souls
sent Him and to falsify His words. Still the convicting Spirit have given themselves to Satan, and he controls them ac-
of God followed them, and they had to build up many barri- cording to his will. TM, p74
ers in order to withstand its power. The mightiest agency The most common manifestation of the sin against the Holy
that can be brought to bear upon the human heart was striv- Spirit is in persistently slighting Heaven's invitation to re-
ing with them, but they would not yield. DA, p321/322 pent. Every step in the rejection of Christ is a step toward the
God works by the manifestation of His Spirit to reprove and rejection of salvation, and toward the sin against the Holy
convict the sinner; and if the Spirit's work is finally rejected, Spirit. In rejecting Christ the Jewish people committed the
there is no more that God can do for the soul. The last re- unpardonable sin; and by refusing the invitation of mercy,
source of divine mercy has been employed. The transgressor we may commit the same error. DA, p324/5
has cut himself off from God, and sin has no remedy to cure
Cont: p10
itself. There is no reserved power by which God can work to
8
 SOCIAL PURITY
How much is included in the seventh command-
ment?
"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou
shalt not commit adultery; but I say unto you, That whoso-
ever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed
adultery with her already in his heart." Matt. 5:27, 28.
"And bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience
of Christ." 2 Cor. 10:5.
Does God know the thoughts?
"Thou knowest my down sitting and mine uprising, thou
understandest my thought afar off." Ps. 139:2.

What are the people of God exhorted to omit? Then how should one treat him who indulges in
"But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let low, impure conversation?
it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; nei- "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of dark-
ther filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are ness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to
not convenient; but rather giving of thanks." Eph. 5:3, 4. speak of those things which are done of them in secret."
Eph. 5:11, 12.
What does the apostle class this inclination?
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: In conversation, against what should one be
Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness." Gal. strenuously guarded?
5:19. "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth,
but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may
Of what will those who are guilty in this direction minister grace unto the hearers." Eph. 4:29.
be deprived?
"I have also told you in time past, that they which do such What are the proper things to engage one's mind?
things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." Gal. 5:21. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever
things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever
If one professing godliness is known to be impure, things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever
what is our duty regarding Him? things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if
"But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if there be any praise, think on these things." Phil. 4:8.
any man that is called a brother be a fornicator." 1 Cor.
5:11. NOTE. - To male and female alike this rule applies. All
should avoid associating with those who indulge in low,
If one received evil communications, how will they
impure thoughts, as their presence and influence are alike
affect him?
contagious. One soon receives the mould of a frequent
"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good man-
companionship, whether the companion be good or bad.
ners." 1 Cor. 15:33.
All should strive against the reception of grovelling, vulgar
thoughts; for, as has been truthfully said, "no one can suc-
When a person allows corrupt thoughts to be sown
ceed long in keeping himself from vicious acts whose
in his heart, what may he expect to reap?
thoughts dwell, without restraint, upon unchaste subjects.
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man
Purity of life depends upon purity of mind; and the only
soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his
way to secure the first is by the cultivation of the second.
flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth
Incessant mental occupation is the only safeguard against
to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Gal.
sin.
6:7, 8.

What is even the thought of foolishness said to be?
"The thought of foolishness is sin." Prov. 24:9.
On what condition does God accept the sinner?
"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man
his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will
have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abun-
dantly pardon." Isa. 55:7.
What is promised to the pure in heart?
"Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God."
Matt. 5:8.
From what source come our words?
"O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good
things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth
speaketh." Matt. 12:34.

Of what will all give account in the day of judg-

What other consideration should lead us to sobri-
ety?
"But the end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober,
and watch unto prayer." 2 Peter 4:7.
Where should one's thoughts be held?
ment?
"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall
speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judg-
ment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy
words thou shalt be condemned." Matt. 12:36, 37.
9

PRISONERS OF
HOPE
This newsletter is authored by
members of the SDA church
whose desire is to provide a
thought provoking newsletter
for Adventists dwelling on the
banks of Jordan; in the process
appealing to entire fidelity to
the Bible and the Spirit of
Prophecy.
Continued from p8:
Heb 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word
preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard [it].
God bears long with the rebellion and apostasy of His subjects. Even when His mercy is
despised and His love scorned and derided, He bears with men until the last resource for
leading them to repentance is exhausted. But there are limits to His forbearance. From
those who to the end continue in obstinate rebellion, He removes His protecting care.
Providence will no longer shield them from Satan's power. They will have sinned away
their day of grace. RH, September 17, 1901
No soul is ever finally deserted of God, given up to his own ways, so long as there is any
hope of his salvation. "Man turns from God, not God from him." Our heavenly Father
follows us with appeals and warnings and assurances of compassion, until further oppor-
tunities and privileges would be wholly in vain. The responsibility rests with the sinner.
By resisting the Spirit of God today, he prepares the way for a second resistance of light
when it comes with mightier power. Thus he passes on from one stage of resistance to
another, until at last the light will fail to impress, and he will cease to respond in any
measure to the Spirit of God. Then even "the light that is in thee" has become darkness.
The very truth we do know has become so perverted as to increase the blindness of the
soul. MB, p93
Because of love rejected, grace despised, the sinner will be destroyed. DA, p600
SWEET VEGAN DELIGHT
Nectarine & Mango Sorbet
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup unbleached cane sugar (you can use honey if you are so inclined)
1 1/2 lbs. nectarines, peeled, pitted, and sliced
1 mango, peeled, pitted, and sliced
1 cup orange juice
1 T. lemon juice
In a small saucepan, place the water and sugar, and bring to a boil. Stir the mixture to
help dissolve the sugar, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the
mixture from the heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes. In a blender or food processor,
place the nectarines, mango, and cooled sugar mixture, and process for 1 minute. Add
the orange juice and lemon juice and puree the mixture until very smooth. Pour the
mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instruc-
tions.
Or if you do not have an ice cream maker, place sorbet mixture in a plastic container,
cover, and chill for 3-4 hours or until partially frozen. Process sorbet mixture in a
blender or food processor. Return the mixture to the plastic container, cover, and freeze
3 additional hours. Repeat the processing procedure, transfer back to the plastic con-
tainer, cover, and freeze until solid
Orange & Pineapple Freeze
1 – 400g can crushed pineapple (You can substitute with 2cups fresh pineapple)
4 bananas, peeled
2 cups orange juice
1 t. vanilla
Drain the crushed pineapple and reserve the juice. Line a large casserole with plastic
wrap, and spread the drained pineapple evenly over the plastic. Place the peeled ba-
nanas around the edge of the casserole dish. Place the casserole dish in the freezer for
several hours or until fruit is thoroughly frozen. In a blender or food processor, com-
bine the frozen fruit, reserved pineapple juice, and the remaining ingredients, and
blend until smooth. Serve immediately in chilled glass.
Contact Information:
+27(0)21 557 4944 086 608 7075 +27(0)83 268 7575 www.thenkomos.com
poh@itshe.com  71 Villa Rustica, Chestnut Cr,, 7441, Cape Town, South Africa 10