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Siinglle Persoon Approved by God

Is the world going down the gurgler? Modern Missionaries: can God save your life? 21 Sure-fire Ways to Alienate and Discourage the Singles in Your Church Happiness - a futile pursuit? Win a

Moral decadence and $60 voucher terrorism: the connection The narcissism epidemic

FFORTY YYEARS SSINCE EELVISS’’S DDEATH Regullar Segments: ☬ Letters to Lou ☬ Puzzle Page ☬ Creation Ministries ☬ ☬ Christie’s Kitchen ☬ Words of Wisdom ☬ Rest Ministries ☬ Open Doors ☬

0 ☬ Happiness Habits ☬ Tantalising~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug Trivia 2017 ~ ☬ The Creative Urge☬ 0

A quarterly, electronic magazine for all Christians, with a focus on singles. Issue No. 9 June-August 2017 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Contents

CONTENTS 5 7 12 13 22 27 Competition: Win a $60 Voucher!

Moral decadence and The narcissism My problem with #CompetitiSPAG competition! Happiness: a 21 sure-fire ways to terrorism: the connection epidemic the Bible (ends 31 October 2017) futile pursuit? alienate and dis- on courage the singles in your church

32 41 41 43 52 55

Is the world going A non-traditional Introducing: There is no 'I' in God shines most A veritable miracle: fine down the gurgler? blessing Joseph Kolapudi, 'anxiety'. No. Wait. in our messiness tuning without a fine A history of global SPAG’S new There totally is. Oh gosh! tuner living conditions in five journalist charts

57 68 69 71

Did the king know Luda and the jewellery set X-Plan: Giving your What are the the King of Kings? kids a way out Apocryphal 40 years since 33 books? Elvis’s death

2 3&4 6 6, 26, 42, 68, 79 Regular Sections: 19

14 20 23, 30, 53 24 31 42 44

about Elvis News Snippets Presley Happiness Habits: Open Doors: Aung* Modern A-Musings: the Up close & personal derailing depression and Phyu* – from missionaries: can dance of life with Aussie wild- part 3 Buddhism to Christ God save your life? life: tiger quoll 45 46 48 54 74 77 78

Puzzle Page

Are your prayers at Good Grief: Getting Creation Infants murdered I’ve learned to go risk of becoming Over Rover: Why Our Ministries: after foreign with the shunts babbling? Grief Over a Dog Is Adam and Eve dignitaries visit So Intense

1 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 1

~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Editor’s Letter

So, how many words do you get for that kind of money? Out of curiosity I determined that the total number of words to date has been around 225,000, and we’ve had over 160 articles/items since we first began. That of course

Welcome to the ninth issue of SPAG. doesn’t take into consideration the enormous amount of research and time It was on the first of June back in 2015 that SPAG Magazine was officially involved in preparing articles, finding and creating images, sourcing other launched, and what a second birthday issue we have for you with a articles, updating our webpages, and putting the magazine together etc. whopping 80 pages! (We’ll be back to normal size for the next issue.) As always, we’d love to hear your feedback. Don’t forget to send in your I’m so thrilled to have been a part of the magazine’s development since letters to Lou, our Counsellor if you need some guidance. You can either that time. It’s been exciting to see how it has evolved and the addition of email us at [email protected] or post it to us to our new postal new segments with amazing contributors from different countries and address: PO Box 9772, Frenchville Qld 4701 (Australia.) Actually I’d like to organisations. We’ve shared articles from people willing to open their hearts thank Ruth whose donation enabled us to rent our first postal box for a year and lives to you, others who have vulnerably shared their weaknesses, ~ thanks so much Ruth! failures, struggles and deep pain. We’ve covered a huge range of diverse topics from present day slavery through to sexuality, modern missionaries I hope you enjoy the terrific topics we have in issue nine. Don’t miss your chance to win a $60 voucher in our competition on page 13. to happiness habits, and from inspirational people through to Christian artists sharing their work and passion. Warm regards You’ll notice there have been some little tweaks to some of our layout and Vicki Nunn,, a segment from Christian Today Australia in which they provide current SPAG Editor news spots. We also welcome onboard Joseph Kolapudi who has offered his writing skills to contribute regular articles. You can read Joseph’s first two SPAG (Single Person Approved by God) is a free quarterly, articles on pages 7 and 71, and find out a little about him on page 41. Joseph electronic magazine for Christians, with a focus on singles. While it has been writing for Christian Today Australia (Press Service International) is based in Australia, it is an international, inter-denominational and here is a link to his previous articles with this quality Christian publication aimed at encouraging, challenging and inspiring all publication. Welcome on board Joseph! Please encourage Joseph by sending believers, with a focus on singles. Another of our aims is to provide him a note of welcome and thanks: email: [email protected]. Church leaders and married couples with some insight into the We continue bringing you articles from Creation Ministries International, problems and needs of the singles in their congregation who can Open Doors, Christian Today and Rest Ministries. Our Counsellor ‘Lou’ sometimes feel overlooked or even unwanted in their church. shares more guidance and wisdom to readers going through struggles and my lovely niece Christie provides us with new easy low-carb recipes in SUBMISSIONS: “Christie’s Kitchen” on page 77. Please feel free to write to SPAG via our email: This August marks 40 years since Elvis Presley’s death and we ask if he [email protected]. Ensure you title your email with the was a believer on page 57. (In fact, our trivia in this issue is all based around relevant section of SPAG or address it to the Editor. You may feel him.) We share a tongue-in-cheek article on page 27 titled: “21 Sure-fire Ways compelled to respond to an article, or you may like to submit an to Alienate and Discourage the Singles in Your Church.” Can you relate to any of article1 or photo1 of your own for consideration. Perhaps you have these? While some are exaggerated, they’re based on real experiences of a question for Lou, SPAG's Counsellor. Christian singles, including some of my own. Please note that any item for publication must be your own Frank T. McAndrew talks about grief when it comes to our pets on page original work and not copied from elsewhere.1 46 with his article, “Getting Over Rover - Why Our Grief Over a Dog Is So Intense.” Although much of the media tends to paint the state of the world in ADVERTISING: depressing shades of black, Max Roser has kindly shared his in-depth If you would like to promote your business or major Christian research into how the world has actually improved in the last couple of activity in SPAG, please contact the Editor Vicki Nunn on email: centuries in his article, “A History of Global Living Conditions in Five Charts” [email protected] or phone (+61) 042 44 33 772. You can find on page 32. I hope it encourages you to realise how truly blessed you are to more information about advertising costs on SPAG's website (link live in this era. here.). For anyone with children, particularly teenagers, Bert Fulks has a very helpful and easy plan to implement for moments when our kids are away Community or non-profit groups are advertised free, though we from home and find themselves in an uncomfortable or difficult situation. cannot guarantee that there will always be sufficient space. His article “X-Plan: Giving Your Kids a Way Out” is on page 69. Plus as ------always, heaps more great stuff! 1. By submitting your letter, item or article for inclusion in SPAG, you personally accept all legal responsibility for your submission, and acknowledge that you have not extracted nor copied written I’ve enjoyed my two year journey with SPAG Magazine as journalist, or photographic or other material from elsewhere that does not belong to you or whose copyright is editor, layout artist and graphic designer. We’ve grown from just 25 pages owned by another. You hereby accept all legal responsibility and exempt SPAG and anyone in our first issue to an average of 55 pages in each of the previous four associated with this magazine from any and all legal consequences and responsibilities. By submitting your letter, item or article you are giving your complete approval for SPAG Magazine issues. During that time I’ve also managed to squeeze a bit of extra energy and anyone associated with it, to freely use it in SPAG Magazine or on our website, agreeing that and time into writing two Christian books of fiction. (I have the third and use of said item will be without charge and that you waive all financial compensations for said item. final book in the series in the works.) Unfortunately it costs money to SPAG agrees not to share your personal details or your contribution with any other organisation publish books and the funds to do this have been eaten up by the costs in or person not associated with it. providing this magazine free to you, as well as replacement of our ailing computer. Did you know that if ten people could contribute just 60¢ a day, Singles: we understand that you may feel invisible, overlooked or our basic operating costs could be met? even unwanted in the church. Be assured that your needs, concerns 10 people x 60¢/day = basic operating costs and problems are real. You are not alone, but are part of a vast Would you consider being one of those ten people? Perhaps you could family of brothers and sisters. God sees you and your struggles: He ask nine people from your church or singles group to make up the knows you and He loves you. The articles here are written to remainder. Wouldn’t that be marvellous! encourage, challenge and inspire you. ~Please feel free to share SPAG with others.~

2 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 2 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Letters to Lou

Letter 1 – Disappointed in My Dad solid value system as to the sort of relationships and allow your Dad to Dear Lou person with whom you would like to take responsibility for his life. share your life. You build your When my parents split up six years Please relax a little and enjoy what standards and live by those Godly ago, I stayed with my Dad because I've you have at the moment. I would love principles. always felt close to him. I'm still at home, to see you with a mentor who will be even though I'm now 24 because we get You can be sure of one thing and a sounding board for you in a lot of along really good. Since I started dating, that is Dad’s are pretty protective of your decisions. Sincerely Lou Dad has been clear about the kind of guys their daughters, so they will always Letter 2 – His Behaviours are Killing he thinks I should date: only Christian think the boyfriend they choose is My Love never good enough for their little girl. men who treat me with respect. Dear Lou Renee, build your own set of I've been encouraging him to find principles and don’t compromise I've been married for almost eleven someone to love and for a long time he your values. As you go deeper in your years and we have two kids. My husband wasn't interested, because he was hurt relationship get someone who you has OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Dis- after what happened between him and love and respect and have them talk order) which I knew about before we mum, and after the divorce and he wasn't to you about your developing married. But knowing about it and living sure if he could marry again. relationship. It is a challenging with it are two different things. About 4 months ago, he began to think adventure but well worth working on His obsessions include extreme about dating after talking with our for your own future. cleanliness and orderliness. While I Pastor. Ever since then, I've noticed Dad You mention Dad getting a divorce. understand and accept that we should checking out women wherever we go. Reality is that he is possibly now only have a certain order to things at home eg Sometimes it makes me feel uncomfortable getting over the hurt of a marriage where items are located so we can find that's he's ogling them. I'm not sure if break down, and the fact that you are them, but my husband goes beyond that. he's always done that, or if he's taking a young woman is allowing him the Towels have to be folded in a certain way more notice of women now. I kind of feel opportunity to look forward to his and placed in the cupboard in a certain disappointed in him now because he's just own future. You have given your Dad way; all towels, sheets etc have to be white thinking about the way women look. permission to move on, and are and if there are any stains or greyness, he Now that I know he might find a supersensitive to the fact that he is throws them out and we have to buy new girlfriend, I've started worrying that if he now in the single-again group of ones. It's such a waste of money when gets married again, that things will people. It appears that he is ready to they're still perfectly fine to use. change between us. I want him to be look for a future partner. I've tried reasoning with him, but he happy, but I worry about if she'll like me Because of this you are sensing fears won't listen. I've suggested getting and maybe we won't get along. Renee that you cannot control. You have no counselling but he's resisting because he Hi Renee, power right now to determine doesn't think he should be the one to You have put a lot of information whether or not you will be able to change, but that I should change, and that into one letter, and I can imagine that build a positive relationship with any I knew what he was like before I married these things have been going round woman your Father meets. One of the him. and round in your mind for a toughest matters to work through in I worry our kids will grow up and considerable amount of time. your situation is the blended family become obsessed the same way my The bottom line is this: you are matters. Renee, when and if your husband is, but mostly I worry that using up a lot of energy worrying father goes into a new relationship, they'll never be in a healthy relationship about things that, when it all boils you will work out what it means to because the only example is what they've down to it, are out of your control. build a new relationship with that seen with my husband and me and the way we fight. I worry too that one day it's From your letter you mention person. all going to be too much for me and I'll about ‘our pastor’, so I am assuming You are responsible for you. You walk out. I still love him, but I feel like that you are a Christian or at least are make the best possible decisions in I'm being slowly smothered by his going to church. Assuming that, I your power in your personal extreme behaviours which are getting would expect that you already have a worse. Grace

3 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 3 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Letters to Lou

Dear Grace, Please get some help because this is Dear Aiden, You have analysed your situation, one issue which is going to need far In your letter you tell a lot about and now find yourself trapped. more knowledge than you are able to yourself and also struggles with provide. The issue for you both now is to get relationships. You present relation- into some level of counselling. You Remember it is an ‘our’ problem. ships as your big struggle. need to reaffirm that this is not ‘his’ Most males will resist strongly if they I have a statement I live by when it problem, but it is an ‘our’ problem. perceive that this is ‘my’ problem. If comes to working with and helping You can approach him by saying “I you have family/friends, get your people. The statement is this, “The need help to know how to work children to look at what their family real problem is always deeper down through our current situation, and in relationship is like, and even get your and further back.“ so doing enable each of us to bring children talking about what they see Without knowing you, if you came positive change into the marriage.” as a normal, healthy family life. to me for help I would start with you. Many, many times, I have heard the Get help as soon as you can. I would be looking at a number of phrase you have used, “You knew Lou. things which go to make you the what I was like before we were person you are. This would include Letter 3 – Am I That Creepy Guy? married and I don’t see the need to your family and upbringing, your change now.” Dear Lou personality, events in your life, how I help out at church in a few things. I'm The problem with that statement is you came to faith in Christ. I would 23 and I know I’ve got a lot to learn about that it is extremely selfish. The reality suspect that one of the primary issues being a Christian, but I think I'm a nice, is that once you are married you now in life is about who you are, how you considerate guy. I know I'm not good are a couple and live together. If your see yourself, developing a positive looking, and I'm too skinny. Why can't partner upsets you can’t go home – self-worth, and trying to understand the women in my church see past my you are home. This means that you the messages you are sending looks and see the nice guy inside? need to work together to make your yourself. Do the women think I'm creepy, and marriage work. His comment to you I don’t think we need to talk about desperate because I'm so friendly and that you should change is an arrogant building relationship or friendship because I've asked a few women out? statement and is a level of bullying. with people, but about getting you to (They always say no.) I've noticed that You need to make an appointment a Christian Counsellor who can spend when I'm about to start talking to a with a marriage counsellor and even a considerable amount of time woman after church, they sometimes kind if he refuses to go with you, go helping you to become the person that of look around me when I get near them, anyway. you would like to become and that like they're looking for an escape route. God wants you to be. Sadly many a marriage has broken One time when I sat next to a girl who is Once that happens I would hope we down over issues like you talk about. quiet and hasn't got many friends, and The high priority is to get help for are able to look at a much more when I started talking to her, she got up positive relationship with other yourself and also for your marriage. and moved away from me. That really people, both male and female. I know You mention about your children. hurt my feelings! I wasn't interested in you might think I have not answered Remember that children learn what her, but thought she looked lonely. After your question, but remember the real they observe, and you are going to that I started worrying that I'm coming problems are always deeper down need to assure your children of your across as a creepy guy. and further back. My prayer for you love and care for them. The fact that I even tried NOT talking to them, but Aiden is to find a Christian your children are aware of the they certainly didn't start chasing me! I Counsellor who can help you believe struggle you have (they problem- can't even seem to get to be friends with in yourself, then later to help you struggle with any obsessive any of the single women. What am I work through the ability to build behaviour they observe) means they doing wrong? How do I change my friendships with people. are open for you to talk with them approach? Should I just give up? about what is normal. Aiden Regards Lou Your children will love you both, but struggle to love the behaviour.

4 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 4 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Moral Decadence and Terrorism: the Connection Moral Decadence and Terrorism: the Connection

by John on our beaches is common, known to most Christians today? Skinner language heard on the streets from Paris Attacks children would make our Many were stunned by the Press Services grandparents shudder and then stories the media published International there is the 'Safe Schools’ following the callous murder Columnist legislation threatening our spree of Daish-backed terrorists in I have, for many years, been schools. In fact, 'Safe Schools’' is Paris on 13 November 2015. concerned about the decline in the already in place in Victoria. However, few people are likely to moral standards of our society We are well aware of the have read Daish's own statement both here in Australia, in Europe banning of prayers in schools; our of responsibility for the attacks and North America. kids are no longer given religious and their stated reasons for Prostitution is legal in many education unless their parents carrying them out, all ignored by places, gay rights have been specifically allow them and the the media. The media, perhaps forced upon us and marriage mention of God or Jesus is strictly understandably, has demonstrated between two men or two women forbidden. an unwillingness to aid in the is now legal in some countries We have become a secularised spread of their propaganda but I against what in my view is God's society. Our society has gone to believe there is another reason. Word and may soon be in great lengths during recent It is uncomfortable even to Australia. decades to marginalise biblical acknowledge the contents of the Pornography is available daily Christianity in the public statement because its description on our television sets – see World sphere.Where am I going with a of the increasingly decadent West Movies and SBS – without even subject which is already well- is rather 'too close to the bone.' Let mentioning the internet - nudism

5 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 5 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Moral Decadence and Terrorism: the Connection, Words of Wisdom & What is it? it be absolutely clear though, in Do the facts suggest this is so? What some find exasperating what follows, I am not suggesting To deny this is simply the crassest about this wilful blindness is for a moment the perpetrators of political correctness. Christianity is the 'force for good' these crimes were justified in their Satanic Shenanigans for any society and we reap what actions. Nevertheless, there is we sow if we suppress its truth. Why is it taboo to mention the surely a connection between the [END] connection between such terrorist secularisation of Europe and the ------acts and the religious ideology increasing jeopardy of the safety Biography: behind them? Why did the media of its citizens. John Skinner served in Vietnam then avoid drawing attention to the Danish Media the Tasmanian Police before taking up the satanic shenanigans of the position of CEO of the Australian Rough Columnist and award-winning Bataclan rock concert? They Riders Association (professional rodeo Danish journalist Iben Thranholm, desperately want to believe the based in Warwick, Queensland, having previously worked for 'war on terror,' which Western Australia). Before retirement to his small farm, he was a photo-journalist for 25 Denmark's equivalent of the ABC, nations must fight, has nothing years. He is married with 3 children and 6 threw caution to the wind and whatever to do with religion! grandchildren. spoke her mind. However, in their hearts, at John Skinner's previous articles may For instance, while the media least some people suspect this to be viewed at: www.pressservice international.org/john-skinner.html reported the name of the band be true. playing at the Bataclan Theatre Article link: Apostle of atheism, Richard www.christiantoday.com.au/news/moral- was ‘The Eagles of Death Metal,’ Dawkins wrote: decadence-and-terrorism-the- they chose to ignore the fact the "There are no Christians, as far connection.html killing spree happened just at the as I know, blowing up buildings. I ☬ moment when the band were am not aware of any Christian performing their popular song, suicide bombers. I am not aware 'Kiss the Devil'. of any major Christian “If you do not plan to live the Was it, as Thranholm wrote, a denomination which believes the Christian life totally committed to 'diabolical irony' the massacre penalty for apostasy is death. I knowing your God and to walking in took place just as people were have mixed feelings about the obedience to Him, then don't begin, joining in with the lyrics, "I'll love decline of Christianity, in so far as for this is what Christianity is all the Devil, I'll sing his song?" Christianity might be a bulwark about. It is a change of citizenship, a The deaths of so many people, against something worse." change of governments, a change of many in the prime of life, is Christianity, the Force for Good allegiance. If you have no intention of absolutely tragic however, letting Christ rule your life, then Thranholm goes on to highlight listening to some political leader- forget Christianity; it is not for you.” some of the sure signs of this ship through the media, one Kay Arthur abandonment of Christianity, such would think the 'jihadists' were as the removal of "all religious not motivated by their Islamic symbols from public spaces" on faith at all and yet they say they the part of several EU member are. countries.

Thranholm again; "There is These are things with which we little sensibility to religion and are becoming increasingly spirituality in Europe - and none familiar. The 'root of the problem,' Can you whatever among the political elite. as Thranholm makes clear, is the identify the This is the root of the problem... "spiritual and moral vacuum item in this The decline of Christianity in the which has resulted from the photo close West has created a spiritual and -up? rejection of Christianity." moral vacuum of colossal Answer on page 79. proportions."

6 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 6 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ The Narcissism Epidemic

not. From Adolf Hitler to Paris Hilton, The Narcissism Epidemic we see that their tendency to dictate other people’s lives in servitude to an unfortunate consequence of the their own affected hundreds, if not, by Joseph Kolapudi society we find ourselves living in. millions of people, and negatively No longer is narcissism confined affected their own. SPAG Journalist to the margins of society, but it is now Psychologists now refer to this as Some time ago, when I used to blown up on the big silver screen, NPD, or Narcissistic Personality watch ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ invading our personal lives, and Disorder2. As much as it can be around the TV during dinnertime dragging down the conscience of treated, it is said to be incurable. with my family (don’t ask why), the individuals to a level where there is The warning signs of narcissistic nightly back-to-back episode that no constructive outcome. tendencies can be seen early on. particular evening followed the Of course, before delving in too Frequently, these can be identified as wedding of Robert, Raymond’s deep, let’s back it up and define this the smallest of signs early on in brother, to Amy, who was Raymond’s term called ‘narcissism.’ relationships, whether it is between a wife’s best friend. According to its German roots, the boyfriend and girlfriend, husband It was quite an amusing ceremony mythological story is told of the youth and wife, best friends, or even an ex. to watch, complete with monologues Narcissus who fell in love with his How individuals respond to conflict, from Raymond’s mother during the own reflection in a pool of water, and or pointedly closed questions, or even ceremony itself, monotonous after wasting away from unsatisfied something as simple as taking out the speeches during the reception, and desire, transformed into a flower rubbish on a Thursday night, these mad parents having arguments in which is known today as the bulbous situations all require a response. How front of the bride and groom. plant, Narcissus, with yellow flowers one responds to certain situations can At the climax of one such debate and a cup-shaped corona1. be a reflection of one’s character, and their tendency to act in a certain way, over whether or not Robert’s mother Other synonyms used to describe especially if it becomes a pattern. should or should not have objected the word narcissism include self- during the ceremony, Pat, the bride’s centeredness, smugness, and ego- According to studies conducted in mother, speaks up. Pulling Robert’s centrism. All words, noticeably, that the USA, the levels of narcissism, mother Marie aside, she insists, “You focus on self. particularly amongst college students, know, this wedding, whether we like have steadily risen since the 1970s, Since the time the word was first it or not, was for Robert and Amy, and young people are now much coined in the early 1800s, it has been and you never should have intruded more likely than older adults to difficult for people to really on their moment of happiness in the experience NPD3. understand if they are narcissistic or chapel”. By this time during the show, I was exchanging glances with my sister, as my parents were in the lounge room also watching it. So Marie, Robert’s mother, replies insistently, “I was doing it for them!” Then Pat delivers the killer line, “Oh, Marie…I think, maybe you were doing it for you. You were so busy thinking about what you needed to express, you didn’t think about anyone, including your son. I think that’s called ‘narcissism’.” By this point, my parents, of course, were only half-smiling. Perhaps we all know of a narcissistic individual, who preys upon the lives of others for their own personal enjoyment. Such sadism is

7 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 7 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ The Narcissism Epidemic

`This is rising at an alarming rate, they will endeavour to control and doesn’t seem to be slowing down. us through emotional Another major study published by the blackmail. National Institutes of Health, found We cannot fool ourselves that 9.4% of Americans in their 20s into believing that a narcissist had experienced NPD at some point will change if only we loved in their life. That’s almost ten percent them more, or gave into their of millennials, affecting over 14 demands more. Often that just million people in the United States reinforces the narcissist’s belief alone. that we are weak and deserve Some of these contributing factors to be used by them. are shown to have an effect on the If we’re married to a level of narcissism one experiences, narcissist, they may even go to such as individualism, ego-ism, self- counselling as a way of faking esteem, and the importance of social that they care for us and that status, not to mention materialism. they want to change. They will Furthermore, the Personality say all the right words and Disorder Awareness Network claims sound genuine to us and to the this is not simply limited to a certain counsellor, but they rarely subsection of society, but NPD have the desire to change. represents a significant portion of Most narcissists simply mental health illnesses worldwide4. don’t have the insight to Relationship with a Narcissist understand why their Trying to be friends with a behaviours are harmful, nor manipulation of others, exploiting narcissist, having a parent who is have any idea how or why they them to such an extent that they are narcissistic, or marrying a full-fledged should change. able to achieve their own goals. narcissist, can cause us enormous Anti-social Behaviours Unfortunately, those who exhibit such harm because in most cases, An interesting study entitled a trait treat people not as individuals, narcissists see nothing wrong with “Narcissism and Machiavellianism in but as a means to an end. their manipulative and often nasty Youth” was conducted by a group of I remember growing up listening behaviours. researchers led by Dr Christopher T to one of my favourite rappers, who To them, taking advantage of Barry, who found that both released an album under the alias, others to feel superior, and to gain narcissism and Machiavellianism in Makaveli. Of course, as a teenager, I control of them and to use them for adult populations have found to be didn’t know any better, but after their own advantage, is perfectly risk factors that lead to a variety of some initial research realised with acceptable. In most cases, the antisocial behaviours, from entitle- horror that the man considered narcissist looks down on others when ment and exploitation to self- himself as a sort of ‘saviour of they can take advantage of them, absorption and defensive egotism. society’, who thought he could because the narcissist sees them as Unfortunately, this antisocial be- establish his legacy by dominating weak and therefore deserving of haviour exhibited during the years of anyone who came in his way. being exploited. youth tend to bear destructive fruit in For many, such a standard of Often by the time they’ve reached later years5. living is unthinkable, yet narcissist their mid 20s, narcissists have already The link between narcissism and traits can begin to wreak havoc in learned many of the behaviours by Machiavellianism lies within the relationships, homes, and person- which they can manipulate others, perception of power. Niccolò Mach- alities almost imperceptibly. and they will use them to their iavelli was an Italian political philo- advantage. They are always on the sopher, who during the late 1400s to Perhaps we have all been lookout for ways they can use others. early 1500s developed a theory that witnesses to this consequence in our own lives. Even if a person is single, As Christian brothers and sisters, utilising deceit and ignoring moral the relationships between parents, it’s important to be loving towards standards can be justified in the siblings, even friends, can become them, while at the same time pursuit of political power6. strained by unpredictable behaviour remaining alert to the likelihood that Such a personality trait feeds off that becomes commonplace over time. an individual interested in the

8 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 8 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ The Narcissism Epidemic

How Do Narcissists Develop the Disorder? In many cases, narcissism begins when a child, usually before the age of seven or eight years old, is exposed to physical, emotional or other types of abuse. The child becomes emotionally stunted and this affects the normal growth of their personality. This child then grows up into adulthood with a sense of ‘neediness,’ which can never be satisfied, no matter how much love and attention they receive. By the time they reach full adulthood, they’ve grown to believe that everyone around them is there for their own use, so they can feel that they’re loved and in some cases, of letting it spiral into a destructive meaning ‘joy’. entitled to a form of power that is pattern with no way out. often abused. To think that someone would While I was travelling in Germany actually experience joy from harming The problem is, because of this recently, I was surprised to hear from someone is alarming, but emotionally and relationally stunted my German friend, who was showing unfortunately, this is the perception of growth, they can’t fully wrap their me around town, a classic narcissistic heads around the whole concept of that Germany, and individual. love. Because they can’t understand Because they can’t indeed, all of love, they can never receive enough But can such a Europe is slowly attention to fill the void in them. understand love, tendency be drawing to a moral guarded against? Additionally because they can’t decline that doesn’t they can never Perhaps it can. As understand love, they can never give seem to be with most it. This is an important point we must give it. reversible. personality dis- recognise if we are in a relationship In Germany, there is a word orders, narcissism is one that often with a narcissist or want friendship known as ‘schadenfreude,’ which is begins early in life, and can be seen from them. Absolutely nothing that basically defined as pleasure derived mostly during the teenage years to the we do or say, no matter how much by someone from another person’s early 20s. love, affection and attention we give misfortune. It is actually a compound them, it will never fill that emptiness However, as society progresses, word from the German root words in the narcissist which began from the need for early prevention instead schaden, meaning ‘harm’, and Freude, that early abuse. of a later cure is likely to have more Shockingly, this behaviour can even surprise the worst of individuals at the beginning, but it can quickly become routine if not checked initially. Contrary to popular belief, narcissists are not born narcissists. Sometimes, the most intelligent of human beings can become the worst manipulative monsters if no one opposes them. It is imperative to seek help if this is happening in the lives of loved ones or even personally, instead

9 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 9 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ The Narcissism Epidemic positive and far reaching effects than a simple placebo to the problem itself long after it has arisen. Can a Narcissist be Helped? In the majority of cases, a narcissist will not recognise that there is anything wrong with their behaviours. In their minds, the manipulation of others is perfectly normal. Because they are unable and unwilling to open up their inner person to explore their problems, narcissists won’t accept that they have any. They honestly believe that the problem is with everyone else, ● They often envy the easy way that them, sometimes their actions and particularly those closest to them. other people interact with their responses will be puzzling, In extremely rare cases, a narcissist friends, family and co-workers; confusing and even inappropriate may recognise their unhealthy ● They may believe that others envy to those around them. behaviours, but because this was a them and they can sometimes ● If something doesn’t go their way, coping mechanism that they learned fantasise about their own or if they perceive another person/ in early childhood, and because their attractiveness, success and even organisation will interfere with personality and emotional develop- their power; their ability to get what they want, ment were stunted, it is unlikely that ● They may be arrogant, particularly they can show signs of rage they will ever be able to change much, towards those that they’ve found towards them that are far out of if at all. In a way, the behaviours that are easy to manipulate; proportion to the event that caused they learned were a substitute for that it, and they can maintain the rage ● They lack the ability to empathise stunted little child that never grew for months and sometimes years7 up. with others and genuinely don’t understand other people’s feelings Relationships With a Narcissist: Of course, God can and does work or needs; As a Parent: miracles, but we must always remain mindful of the fact that narcissists will ● They can use exaggeration and The classic example of ‘helicopter say and do anything to get what they even lies about themselves, their parenting’ often springs to mind want. achievements or about events in an when thinking of a narcissistic parent. attempt to gain attention, to look Overbearing expectations, strict How can we therefore know for good in front of others or superior disciplinary measures, paranoid sure if they have really made a to them; observations are all warning signs heartfelt commitment to God? The that your parents might be onto you, answer is - we can’t. Most Christians ● They believe that they deserve in a negative way. would be ecstatic if someone they more attention, better favours and know turned to Christ, and while it advantages than anyone else and Unfortunately, such parenting is would be wonderful if that were true will use other people to ensure often difficult to defy, which actually of narcissists, we can never really they receive them; reinforces this form of manipulation know for sure. ● They not only desire frequent and can lead to more severe consequences. It is possible, however, Even if they do make a true admiration and praise from others, to challenge this form of behaviour commitment to God, it will prove they expect it because they truly through a positive attitude and a extremely difficult for them to ever believe they are either superior to willingness to seek the root of the overcome their harmful, long-term everyone around them or deserve cause, rather than outright defiance. behaviours. superior treatment; As a Spouse/Partner What Are Some of the Signs of ● By observing the interaction of Narcissism? others, they may learn appropriate Early in new relationships, the behaviours in relationships, even if narcissist will come across as warm, There are several symptoms that they don’t understand them, and charming and loving and show the can indicate a person has narcissism: because they don’t understand behaviours that they believe are

10 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 10 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ The Narcissism Epidemic

with each other was considered of high importance rather than an optional privilege. In such a community, there was never a place for narcissistic tendencies. Instead, this Christ-like community continued to grow and grow as a result, and became a model for others to follow. Perhaps we know a few Pats and Maries within our own community or circle of friends, but if we learn to welcome them, and to understand their likes and their dislikes, especially if they have a problem with us or others around us, we can learn to become a real community - one that cares and considers others, and what they’re going through. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll be able to know what a truly caring heart is appropriate, sometimes even taking it tendencies day after day, which can capable of, instead of a heart that is up a notch so that the focus of their lead to quite a predictive pattern. incapable of knowing what true attention will come to believe utterly However, if their aggressiveness is community is supposed to be. [END] in the narcissist’s sincerity and compromising a positive working ------devotion. environment and affecting those References Once they are confident that their around you, it is imperative that this 1 Narcissus. (n.d.), Dictionary.com, available: ‘love’ is reciprocated, the narcissist's is addressed early on in the working www.dictionary.com/browse/narcissus, accessed 17/05/17. behaviours will relationship before 2 Narcissistic Personality Disorder, slowly shift into ... their domination of things get out of Psychology Today, available: www. that of a hand. It’s better to be psychologytoday.com/conditions/narcissistic- controller to the other will feed open and honest than personality-disorder, accessed 17/05/17. ensure that their hide your feelings 3 Twenge, J. and Campbell, W., “The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of domination of the their ego and their and regret it later. (For Entitlement,” Free Press, 2009, ISBN-10:1- other will feed unquenchable need more information on 4165-7598-7, accessed 17/05/17. their ego and how to deal with these 4 Behary, W., “Narcissistic Personality their for admiration and issues, please click here). Disorder,” available: www.pdan.org/what- are-personality-disorders/narcissistic- unquenchable Conclusion personality-disorder/#.WR8rNNKGPIU, need for approval. As mental health accessed 17/05/17. admiration and becomes more of a priority, especially 5 Barry, C., “Narcissism and approval. in Western countries, the need for Machiavellianism in Youth: Implications for the Development of Adaptive and This unreasonableness to accept or community is also important, be accepted can form negative Maladaptive Behavior,” American especially for individuals who feel as Psychological Association, 2011, ISBN: perceptions early on the relationship, if they cannot relate to others. 9781433808456, accessed 17/05/17. but it is important to realise that your Withdrawal often occurs when people 6 Machiavellianism. (n.d.) American spouse does need attention, just like are neither recognised nor cared for, Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, everyone else, the difference being and this can become a problem for Fifth Edition, available: www.thefreedictionary. com/Machiavellianism, accessed 17/05/17. that this follows the precedent of those who feel as if they need to be 7 positive reciprocation Mayo Clinic: Personality Disorders, heard, especially by those around available: www.mayoclinic.org/diseases- As a Co-worker or Manager them. conditions/personality-disorders/symptoms- causes/dxc-20247656, accessed 22/05/17. It is very easy to identify the The community we find in the first coercive co-worker or the mani- century is one that cared for the other, pulative manager, especially if you which placed people’s interests before ☬ have to deal with their negative personal priorities, where sharing

11 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 11 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ My Problem With the Bible My Problem With the Bible

by Brian Zahnd except in the case of the Bible it’s will. the opposite! This is the sub- This is Roman Christianity after versive genius of the Hebrew Constantine. This is Christendom I have a problem with the Bible. prophets. They wrote from a on crusade. This is colonists seeing Here’s my problem… bottom-up perspective. America as their promised land I’m an ancient Egyptian. I’m a Imagine a history of colonial and the native inhabitants as comfortable Babylonian. I’m a America written by Cherokee Canaanites to be conquered. This Roman in his villa. Indians and African slaves. That is the whole history of European That’s my problem. See, I’m would be a different way of telling colonialism. This is Jim Crow. This trying to read the Bible for all it’s the story! And that’s what the is the American prosperity gospel. worth, but I’m not a Hebrew slave Bible does. It’s the story of Egypt This is the domestication of suffering in Egypt. I’m not a told by the slaves. The story of Scripture. This is making the Bible conquered Judean deported to Babylon told by the exiles. The dance a jig for our own Babylon. I’m not a first century story of Rome told by the amusement. Jew living under Roman occupied. As Jesus preached the arrival of occupation. What about those brief the kingdom of God he would I’m a citizen of a superpower. I moments when Israel appeared to frequently emphasize the revolu- was born among the conquerors. I be on top? In those cases the tionary character of God’s reign by live in the empire. But I want to prophets told Israel’s story from saying things like, “the last will be read the Bible and think it’s the perspective of the peasant first and the first last.” How does talking to me. This is a problem. poor as a critique of the royal elite. Jesus’ first-last aphorism strike One of the most remarkable Like when Amos denounced the you? I don’t know about you, but things about the Bible is that in it wives of the Israelite aristocracy as it makes this modern day Roman a we find the narrative told from the “the fat cows of Bashan.” bit nervous. perspective of the poor, the Every Story Has a Bias Imagine this: A powerful charis- oppressed, the enslaved, the Every story is told from a matic figure arrives on the world conquered, the occupied, the vantage point; it has a bias. The scene and amasses a great defeated. This is what makes it bias of the Bible is from the following by announcing the prophetic. vantage point of the underclass. arrival of a new arrangement of the world where those at the We know that history is written But what happens if we lose bottom are to be promoted and by the winners. This is true - sight of the prophetically those on top are to have their subversive vantage lifestyle ‘restructured.’ point of the Bible? What happens if those on top How do people receive this? I read themselves into can imagine the Bangladeshis the story, not as saying, “When do we start?!” and imperial Egyptians, the Americans saying, “Hold on Babylonians, and now, let’s not get carried away!” Romans, but as the Now think about Jesus Israelites? That’s when announcing the arrival of God’s you get the bizarre kingdom with the proclamation of phenomenon of the elite his counterintuitive Beatitudes. and entitled using the When Jesus said, “Blessed are the Bible to endorse their meek, for they shall inherit the dominance as God’s earth,” how was that received?

12 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 12 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ My Problem With the Bible & Competition There’s nothing nec- essarily wrong with Competition : being a relatively well-off white American male, Win a $60 Voucher! but I better be humble, Until the end of October 2017, SPAG hospitable, and generous! Magazine is offering our Australian readers the If I read the Bible with chance to go into the draw to win a $60 voucher to spend in our online store! the appropriate perspect- All you need to do is make a purchase from ive and humility, I don’t our store totalling $20 or more in one use the story of the Rich transaction before the end of October 2017, Man and Lazarus as a and you’ll automatically go into the draw. This can include donations, gift vouchers etc. proof-text to condemn Jesus speaks to the rich young man Ensure you provide all of your details others to hell. I use it as a including a phone number and an email reminder that I’m a rich man and address, when you submit your order. Well, it depends on who is Lazarus lies at my door. Please note: the competition is only available for purchasers with an Australian address due hearing it. The poor Galilean I don’t use the conquest to the costs and difficulties with setting up our peasant would hear it as good narratives of Joshua to justify shop for overseas buyers at this time. news (gospel), while the Roman in Manifest Destiny. Instead I see So What’s Available? Just to whet your appetite, below are some his villa would hear it with deep myself as a Rahab who needs to examples of what’s available in our online suspicion. (I know it’s an welcome newcomers. store. We have a great selection of earrings, anachronism, but I can imagine some key-rings and pendants along with I don’t fancy myself as Elijah previous issues of SPAG, and a gorgeous, Claudius saying something like, calling down fire from heaven. I’m inspirational e-book. Not all items are Christian “sounds like socialism to me!”) more like Nebuchadnezzar who based, but I’m sure you’ll find something you like either for yourself or someone you care And that’s the challenge I face needs to humble himself lest I go about. We also have gift vouchers available to in reading the Bible. I’m not the insane. purchase: Link to the shop here. Galilean peasant. Who am I I have a problem with the Bible, 2 kidding! I’m the Roman in his but all is not lost. I just need to villa and I need to be honest about read it standing on my head. I it. need to change my perspective. If I too can hear the gospel of the I can accept that the Bible is trying 3 4 kingdom as good news (because it to lift up those who are unlike me, is!), but first I need to admit its then perhaps I can read the Bible radical nature and not try to tame right. [END] it to endorse my inherited entitle------6 ment. 5 Biography: I am a (relatively) wealthy Brian Zahnd is the founder and lead white American male. Which is pastor of Word of Life Church, a non- fine, but it means I have to work denominational Christian congregation in hard at reading the Bible right. I Saint Joseph, Missouri. Brian and his wife, Peri, founded the church in 1981. Brian is 7 8 have to see myself basically as also the author of several books, aligned with Pharaoh, Nebuchad- including, Water to Wine, A Farewell To nezzar, and Caesar. Mars, Beauty Will Save the World, and In that case, what does the Unconditional?: The Call of Jesus to Radical Forgiveness. 9 Bible ask of me? Voluntary 1. Armour of God keyring Article link: 2. *Three sizes of owl earrings poverty? Not necessarily. But https://brianzahnd.com/2014/02/problem-bible/ 3. *Celtic knot yellow earrings 4. Faith keyring certainly the Bible calls me to deep 5. Knotted cross pendant 6. Purple ‘lava lamp’ earrings humility — a humility 7. *Small cross earrings ☬ 8. Christian charms keyring demonstrated in hospitality and 9. *Red 7 drop earrings * swarovsky crystal beads generosity.

13 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 13 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Happiness Habits: Derailing Depression Part 3

Happiness Habits: Derailing Depression Part 3

Just because you're a or asking for deliverance or just tackled and in many cases, it can’t be Christian doesn't mean having enough faith, will necessarily overcome without help. that happiness comes remove it. From Where Does Depression automatically as part of Unfortunately for some of us, Come? the package. depression can be a nasty cycle where Depression can stem from trauma Society tells us that the depression causes unhealthy and stress, even dating back to our happiness comes from behaviours, eg avoiding people and childhood. It can result from being in being successful, famous, social activities, not getting enough a hostile work or home environment, young, slim and/or attractive, but it's an sleep, not eating properly etc, which from ongoing financial hardship, to illusion. Those things don't buy can then contribute to deepening of worries about what is happening in happiness. In fact, happiness is not a the depression and perhaps other dis- the world, concerns about our destination, ie you don't reach a state of orders, and around and around it children and family, loss of a partner happiness and stay there forever. Rather, goes. or family member, health issues, long- happiness is a choice. It comes from As we continue this topic, may I term illness and so on. regularly practicing good mental, remind you that God’s love for you is It can also occur due to a emotional and physical habits which you unchanging. When we are weak or physiological problem such as a maintain for a lifetime. troubled, God loves us no less than chemical imbalance in the brain, There are various happiness habits when we are strong. hormonal imbalances, thyroid that mental health professionals suggest God has no wish to inflict pain and problems, lacking in particular you undertake regularly. A different one suffering on us – why would He vitamins or minerals or even not will be provided in each issue of SPAG. desire to see our child raped and getting enough sunshine. It may stem “Hardships often prepare ordinary murdered; or to cause us horrendous from another mental illness, or as a people for an extraordinary destiny.” bodily harm; or to see our family side-effect from some medications, Screenwriters Christopher Markus, Stephen persecuted and our home burnt to the use of narcotics or alcohol etc. McFeely and Michael Petroni ground? It’s not in His nature to wish Statistics suggest that as many as ======harm on us. 45% of the Australian population will In this issue, we continue with part He can use our experiences suffer a mental health condition in three of the article: Happiness Habits: though, to stretch and shape us, and their lifetime. In any one year, around Derailing Depression. (Part 1 was from them we can develop more one million adults in Australia have shared in the December 2016 – empathy, compassion and under- depression, and more than two February 2017 issue and part 2 in the standing for others who also suffer. million suffer anxiety. It is claimed March - May 2017 issue.) Since one of our greatest that depression is the leading cause of 1 Introduction commandments is to love one disability worldwide . Depression is a mental illness and another, then developing these traits Symptoms of Depression Christians can suffer it too, although can be a helpful gift for us in our Some of the symptoms of there are some Christians and interaction with others. depression can include: churches who think they know better What is Depression?  Difficulty sleeping or too much – ignore them because they are Depression is a feeling of sadness sleeping; uninformed. We discussed this in that doesn’t pass quickly. Some  Finding ourselves focussing on the more detail in our article “Can people can experience other negative and unhappy things in Christians Have a Mental Illness” in symptoms as well such as anxiety and our life; the previous issue of SPAG Magazine, panic attacks.  Difficulty enjoying things we once and we took a glimpse into the lives One of the problems with took pleasure in; of well-known Christians and Biblical depression is that it’s not something  Feeling emotionally numb or people who struggled with we can be talked out of by “just apathetic, or feeling like crying, depression at some point in their getting over it,” “by looking on the screaming or shouting even over lives, in the same issue. bright side of life,” “confessing our trivial matters; While sometimes depression may sin,” or “having more faith.” It really arise from sin, more often it does not, is a serious issue that should be and no amount of confessing our sin

14 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 14 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Happiness Habits: Derailing Depression Part 3

 Complaining a lot, particularly if (a) See Our Doctor this isn’t something that we (b) Get Medication and/or usually do; Help from a Therapist  Worrying much more than usual; (c) Pray, Pray and Then  Overeating or not eating; Pray Some More  Feelings of guilt that don’t seem to Then we began to pass; look into happiness  A physical reaction such as knots habits that we can in the stomach or tightening of the undertake ourselves throat muscles that won’t relax; which can be of great benefit to us, such as  Lack of enthusiasm for socialising, focussing in our prayer lacking the motivation to leave our time and also some simple usually forgotten to enjoy the home or perhaps even wanting to suggestions on how to improve our simple things. It often takes a close the doors and windows and prayer time. conscious and sometimes daily turning out the lights, as if we’re effort to change our approach. trying to shut out the world; In the previous issue we continued with this topic and looked seeking One of the things we discussed  Anger with people around us and counselling, focussing on facts rather in an earlier issue of SPAG even God, which may be out of than feelings and then looking after Magazine was a ‘Happiness proportion to the situation, or ourselves. Journal,’ were we daily write won’t go away; down some of the good things we In this issue we’ll share the final  Lack of patience and even lashing experienced during the course of part of this series and look into out at others over small things; our day. If we can begin this habit, finding things to enjoy, which will  of pausing to enjoy something, and Doubting that others love us, boost those positive brain chemicals making a note of it at the end of including God or perhaps feeling that make us feel good, and lastly, we our day, it can begin to alter in the like we aren’t worthy of love; look at finding God’s purpose or us. chemicals in our brain which make  Reluctance to read the Bible or us feel more positive – apparently pray, or to attend church or Bible Part 3 it’s been scientifically proven. Study; 5. Find Things to Enjoy (b) Practicing Gratitude  Feeling hopeless or even like Each of us can make conscious there’s no point in going on, choices to undertake activities or There’s a reason why attitude perhaps even as if we’re in a deep, change behaviours which result in a sounds like it’s part of the word dark pit with no way out; and boost of the good chemicals in our gratitude – changing our attitude can once again stir up those good  Thoughts of suicide. brains which encourage us to feel more positive, and can reduce our brain chemicals. While this is If several of these ring a bell, I depression. It’s exciting to think that linked to the previous section would encourage you to seek help as we can actually make a literal about enjoying the little things, soon possible. There’s no point in difference in our own brain chemicals. this takes it up a notch or two. delaying or making excuses, because We can use the Happiness in many cases, depression doesn’t go (a) The Little Things: Journal to write down something away on its own. Obtaining medical The happiest people I’ve for which we are grateful every help in the early stages of depression known are not those who seek day. For some of us it’s easier to can make it much easier to manage after possessions, power or harp on about things that are than when it’s in full swing. position, but those who find going wrong, particularly if we’re enjoyment and joy in the small While God sometimes does heal depressed, but focussing our mind things. It may be as simple as depression, for many people it will be each day on at least one thing for taking the time to enjoy a sunset, a part of the struggle of our life’s which we are grateful, can help to the smell of rain, or a tasty dish of journey, perhaps even one of the knock depression onto its butt, or sausages and mash! burdens that we carry for life. maybe help to derail it before it Getting Help for Depression When we allow ourselves to takes hold. wallow in a pity party, when we In the Dec 2016/Feb 2017 issue we A neuropsychologist by the focus on the negative things in our looked at ways to seek help for name of Donald Hebb believes life or what we haven’t achieved depression including: that groups of neurons in our or what we don’t have, we’ve

15 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 15 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Happiness Habits: Derailing Depression Part 3

healthier – aim to walk 5,000 steps in a day. Step 1: buy an inexpensive pedometer; Step 2: for one week, walk 1,000 steps; Step 3: for week two, walk 2,000 steps; Step 4: find a nice park to walk to and aim for 3,000 steps every day for one week; and so on. ... Step 6: walk 5,000 steps! If we’re prone to being tough on ourselves or being far too competitive and want to push ourselves too hard, remember the aim here is to reach a goal. We’re not actually required to punish ourselves if we don’t achieve that day’s or that week’s goal. There’s brains that trigger during our life In time it becomes a little easier no need to beat ourselves up, experiences, actually fuse or wire each day to write one thing, and because that’s going to mess with together if the experiences are sometimes we may want to write those lovely, happy-feeling chemi- similar. If we complain a lot and down even more. We can use our cals going on in our brain. more often focus on the negative journal any way we want – there If we don’t achieve that day’s things in our life, those neurons are no hard and fast rules – it’s goal, that’s fine – we can continue that fire when we complain also ours to use to help us on our the following day. That’s hard for fuse together. The more we journey. those of us who are competitive – complain, the more easily those Then in a year, we may like to to let go of our need to over- neurons are triggered until go back to those early entries to achieve. We must remember what eventually they begin to fire much remind us of all of the things for the aim here is: to get healthier – more easily than neurons that which we are grateful during that it’s not about killing ourselves and result from positive experiences. period. over-extending or possibly even harming ourselves. We’ll feel That means that we teach our (c) Setting Goals own brains to become wired to pretty foolish if we Another way to being negative and critical. “You are never tear a tendon in the boost those good first week because The opposite is also true – the brain chemicals is we pushed ourselves more we focus on being grateful too old to set to achieve a goal. too much! and endeavour to find joy in our Whether it’s another goal or Once we’ve life, the more easily our brains will something small or achieved that goal, trigger our positive and happier large, we can set dream a new we can celebrate thought processes. ourselves a goal with a silly dance; If we’re struggling to find and work out how dream.” reward ourselves things because we’re feeling down, we’re going to Les Brown with a night out at it can be challenging to look past achieve it. There’s the movies; or do whatever such difficulties, but there are no point in setting ourselves a goal appeals to us. After that, we can almost always things for which we in which we’re likely to fail – no, choose to continue our 5,000 steps can feel grateful, eg a child or sorry, you’re probably never going each day (if we have the time and grandchildren, a partner, music, to be an astronaut. Set a realistic enthusiasm) then set ourselves a our eyesight, the use of our hands, goal, and break it down into steps. new and different goal, eg read all a talent, our favourite food etc. Here’s an example – goal: to get of the Psalms in one month; learn how to paint; take up archery; or

16 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 16 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Happiness Habits: Derailing Depression Part 3

stirring up the endorphins. The more we smile and laugh, the more our endorphins kick in. Throw on a comedy or a classic TV series we used to enjoy, and even when the jokes are old, it can still make us feel good. We can add more to the list of things which may boost our save up enough money to buy a made to be hugged. I’m not endorphins including smelling new camera. suggesting that we rush out and vanilla or lavender, eating spicy We should start planning for grab hold of complete strangers or foods, or just stretching our our next goal just prior to start hugging everyone in our bodies. Perhaps stretching soon completing our last one and we’ll workplace - that’s unlikely to be after we arise in the morning be ready to go when the time well received! might just be a good way to boost arrives. If we feel uncomfortable with our mood, and to start our day well. While small aims are great, we hugs, perhaps it’s about time we should also encourage ourselves to should overcome our hang-ups, A good dose of laughter each set big ones as well. otherwise if possible, we could get day, or just smiling and getting a dog and be prepared to give and those smiling muscles moving, If we’re feeling uninspired, we receive lots of doggy love. Cats can really can make us feel good. can go online and read about the be good too, though they may not goals other people have set (g) Eating Well always be in the mood for a hug themselves, or think about those In the rush, rush , rush of our when we need it. little dreams we’ve had over the busy lives, it can be easy to leave years. (e) Remembering Our Achievements good nutrition out of the equation. When I was eighteen I Another brain booster is If we aren’t obtaining the proper undertook a ceramics course, and I reminiscing about things in our nutrients from our diet, it can enjoyed it so much that I promised past that we’ve done particularly certainly impact on our health and myself that I would do it again. It well, or were commended for. also on what is happening in our wasn’t until thirty-four years later While I’m not suggesting that we bodies and brains, which that I was able to finally achieve focus all of our time thinking ultimately affect our moods. that goal! about the past or wishing things It’s not my responsibility to nag were as good now, indulging in a While there may be limitations you – so take the time to improve little spot of day-dreaming every to achieving all of the goals we your knowledge and perhaps even now and then, remembering those had when we were younger, your cooking skills. achievements, is good for us. whether due to limited finances or (h) Meditation It’s not supposed to be about physical restrictions, I’m sure there The majority of us find it pride, but more about reminding are still many things that we can difficult to meditate, especially in a ourselves that we’ve done some achieve, even when we’re well world where we are switched on pretty good stuff, and that we still past retirement age. most of the time with our have the capacity and the time to (d) Hugs, Friends and Puppies electronic devices making phone achieve more. While that may sound like a calls, sending text messages and (f) Releasing Endorphins strange title, having friends, giving tweets, keeping up on social and receiving hugs and owning Most of us have probably heard media, watching television and so pets, particularly dogs, can boost that eating chocolate or laughing on. the good chemicals in our brains as can release endorphins (more While it may have been easier well. chemicals) which make us feel for our predecessors to meditate in good. While it may seem almost Culturally, at least in Australia, the past because they had fewer fake if we have to force ourselves we don’t seem to get anywhere distractions, they also had much to smile or to laugh, oddly enough, near as many hugs as we need, less leisure time than us and were it really can work. Just by particularly adults. While men likely physically more tired than stretching our lips into a smile for may feel uncomfortable with that we are. ten or twenty seconds, can start thought, we human beings are

17 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 17 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Happiness Habits: Derailing Depression Part 3

Meditation isn’t something that many churches seem to discuss or encourage Christians to put much effort into. Meditation is a learned technique that can take a long time to master, but it’s a God approved practice which is discussed and encouraged in the Bible: “Finally, brothers and sisters, fill your minds with beauty and truth. Meditate on whatever is honourable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is good, whatever is virtuous and praiseworthy.” Philippians 4:8 [VOICE] may just sit quietly in His minds to focus on His greatness, “Often at night I lie in bed and presence, trying to be open to the such as Psalm 145:5-9: remember You, meditating on touch of His Holy Spirit. “Your majesty and glorious Your greatness till morning smiles To begin meditating, we must splendour have captivated me; I through my window.” Psalm 63:6 put away distractions and give will meditate on Your wonders, [VOICE] ourselves sufficient time to relax sing songs of Your worth. “And yet I can’t forget the and focus on God, even if it means days of old, the days I’ve heard so We confess - there is nothing we have to get up a little earlier much about; I fix my mind on all greater than You, God, nothing each day. Find a comfortable spot You have done; I ponder the work mightier than Your awesome in which we can sit straight, but of Your hands; I reach out my works. I will tell of Your greatness not stiffly. There’s no need to sit hands to You. All that I am aches as long as I have breath. cross-legged or to have any special and yearns for You, like a dry land The news of Your rich pose. For some it’s helpful to close thirsting for rain.” Psalm 143:5-6 goodness is no secret - Your people our eyes, while others may find it [VOICE] love to recall it and sing songs of easier to concentrate with our eyes “Your majesty and glorious joy to celebrate Your righteous- open. splendour have captivated me; I ness. Some people like their medi- will meditate on Your wonders, The Eternal is gracious. He tation to be quite structured sing songs of Your worth.” Psalm shows mercy to His people. For because it helps them to channel 145:5 [VOICE] Him anger does not come easily, their thoughts, while others may What is meditation and how do but faithful love does - and it is be more relaxed in their approach. we do it? We often think of rich and abundant. Some find it easier to talk out loud, meditation as someone sitting but meditation for many people is But the Eternal’s goodness is cross-legged, eyes closed and usually quiet. not exclusive—it is offered freely monotonously repeating the to all. His mercy extends to all His There are myriad books and mantra “Aum,” or something creation.” [VOICE] along those lines. (That isn’t websites that provide suggestions and techniques which encourage We don’t need to chant but Christian meditation but rather simply to focus on an aspect of Buddhist.) us in our desire to mediate on God. While eastern mysticism also God and to try and brush aside the Meditation can form a part of suggests the use of meditation, we random thoughts that flit through our daily time with God, and it’s a should avoid any cross-over our minds. It will be challenging at prayer where we meditate or focus between the two, particularly first because we’re so used to our mind on the nature of God and repetitive phrases that quickly lose letting our minds race around with His works, such as Jesus’ sacrifice their meaning. no focussed control. for us, and the Holy Spirit’s If this is something that we indwelling. The Psalms can be a good place in which we can find ways to desire to pursue more deeply, we We may choose to look at the praise God, or to encourage our can ask the Holy Spirit to help us wonders of His creation, or His to develop the necessary skills and holiness or majesty. Otherwise we

18 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 18 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Happiness Habits: Derailing Depression Part 3 & Kooky Corner to quieten our thoughts, and with depression, but hopefully we’ve time and practice it will become covered some of the more important easier. ones. 6. Find God’s Purpose for Us We must remain mindful that God God gives each of us gifts which desires for us to be healthy in our we should be deliberately working at bodies, minds and spirits, and to have developing. Those who’ve grown up a healthy and balanced self-image. in unhealthy environments as There are behaviours and thought children, may have come to believe processes that are unhealthy for us to that they’re not a worthwhile person, indulge, and which we should avoid. or that they have no gifts or talents. I hope you will be encouraged to Some people miss out on start these techniques in your life and opportunities to develop their talents your every day living, and to actively as they’re growing up, and others look at ways that will derail may not even be aware that they have depression before it begins to take any. Some of us come to believe that over, while at the same time ensuring the little talent that we have isn’t that your first priority is your worth anything, or isn’t as good as relationship with God above all others Advertising Promotion those of other people, but that isn’t things. [END] true. 1 Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2008). National Survey of Mental Health and ~ Miss Terry Woman ~ We seem to honour people whose Wellbeing: Summary of Results, 2007. Cat. no. talents are more in the frontline of the (4326.0). Canberra: ABS. www.missterrywoman.com church such as the pastor or the Bibliography: No author, no date, All About “Praise to God,” From classic to quirky, you can worship team, sometimes forgetting available www.allaboutprayer.org/ praise-to- find a huge variety of products the many unseen or forgotten workers god.htm accessed 28/10/16 with graphic designs created by whose talents keep a church operating No author, no date, CBN “Overcoming Australian Christian artist Vicki such as: cleaners, gardeners, teachers, Depression,” available www1.cbn.com/overcoming-depression Nunn: IT people, church accountant, accessed 28/10/16 secretary, treasurer, organisers, No author, no date, God Questions.org “What  Clothing; deacons, missions co-ordinator and so does the Bible say about depression? How can a  Kitchenware; on. There are many people whose Christian overcome depression?” available: https://gotquestions.org/depression-  Phone covers; work outside of the church are also Christian.html accessed 29/10/16. important: RE teachers, prayer Johnson, Andy J, PhD, 2016, Life Counselling  Clocks; warriors, Bible study leaders, Center “Understanding and Overcoming missionaries, and many more. Depression” available:  Canvases; www.lifecounsel.org/pub_johnson_understand Nobody came into those positions ingDepression.html%20accessed 30/10/16.  Stationery; without putting in effort to develop No author, no date, Wikipedia “Christian  and so much more! their talents in some way. We have a Meditation” available: www.en.wikipedia.org/%20wiki/Christian_me There'll be something to please responsibility to seek out areas in our ditation%20accessed 01/11/16. lives and our skills where God can Hampton, Debbie, no date, The Best Brain you at 'Miss Terry Woman.' use us, and as time passes, we may Possible “How Happy Happens in Your Brain” You can find links to the four find opportunities to develop further available: www.thebestbrainpossible.com/how- happy-happens-in-your-brain/ accessed different shops at: talents. 31/10/16. www.missterrywoman.com Conclusion No author, no date, OpenBible.info “What Does the Bible Say About...Mediation” available: with over 25,000 items in the This article developed into a much www.openbible.info/topics/meditation larger and wordier piece than I’d accessed 01/11/16. Australian shop alone. No name, no date, The Hearty Soul “How anticipated, but there are so many areas that contribute to our well-being Complaining Physically Rewires Your Brain to be Anxious and Depressed,” available: which can discourage depression that www.theheartysoul.com/complaining-brain- it seemed appropriate to include as negativity/?t=MAM&W=spirit accessed many as possible. I’m sure there are 07/11/16. many other things we can do in our ☬ efforts to reduce our vulnerability to

19 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 19 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Open Doors: Aung* And Phyu* – From Buddhism To Christ

Aung* and Phyu* – From Buddhism To Christ

by Open Doors worked as a carpenter until his cover of darkness, Aung removed Australia & conversion in 2012. the traditional Buddhist shrine New Zealand Constantly working to earn from his home and carried it t o This story first appeared ‘merits’ through good deeds, the local pagoda. He was secretly on Open Doors Blog Aung sponsored boys to train in followed. The next day the village (www.opendoorsblog.org) chief demanded that every Welcome to the monastery, practised household send a representative Pindaya, Myanmar (formerly meditation and learned rituals for to a meeting to confront Aung. known as Burma), where tourists casting out evil spirits. and pilgrims from around the It was Aung’s older sister At the meeting Aung was world journey to see the limestone who changed the course of his life. asked to bow before the idol and caves and over 8,000 golden She had invited Aung and Phyu to recite a passage from Buddhist statues that are set up as a shrine a Christian meeting. They were scripture. He refused. The monk to Buddha. moved by the worship and demanded that Aung publicly declare himself a Christian. Aung Nearby, a missionary pastor teaching and gave their lives to quietly said, “My family and I are quietly transforms his humble Jesus. Christian.” home into a church for former Trouble started as soon as the Buddhists who are now disciples couple returned home. Their “I can’t hear you!” The monk of Jesus. All of them are now village consisted of about 200 screamed. “Speak up. Shout!” outcasts. households, all Buddhist. Aung Aung grabbed a microphone This story was first published was “invited” to the monastery to and boldly declared, “My family in our Frontline Faith Magazine – explain where he and his wife had and I are Christian!” The Rise of Extremism Edition. been. When he openly explained, The monk then announced, he was told that they had three Aung* and his wife Phyu* were “Aung is no longer a Buddhist. He days to return to Buddhism. once devout Buddhists. Aung can no longer live in our village. Four days later, under the Are you agreed?” Everyone raised

20 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 20 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Open Doors: Aung* And Phyu* – From Buddhism To Christ Organisation Promotion Single? Christian? Looking for fun, friendship and fellowship? Club Solo is delighted to invite you to an outing or camp. Operating for more than 34 years, Club Solo is an inter- denominational ministry which serves Christian singles. There are Club Solo groups in Melbourne, Adelaide, Geelong, Sydney and Brisbane. their hands. furniture and burned everything One of the largest events is the annual Gold Coast camp which runs for around Aung fled from his village to to the ground. eight days in January. Singles from Pindaya, where the house church Aung and Phyu were left several states enjoy this friendly and pastor gave him refuge and without a home, work or income. relaxed get-together. accommodation. Aung’s son The couple have found temporary For more information, contact the remained at home with his auntie. shelter in a nearby town. Their Director, Rev Steve Mitchell who has a Shwedagon Pagoda, pastor shared that two other real pastor’s heart for singles: families in his congregation have Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar, Phone: (03) 9407 1240 faced similar problems when they 600km from Pindaya. Email: [email protected] converted from Buddhism to For the next two months the Christianity; the monks threw Web: www.clubsolo.org.au boy suffered—mocked by his them out. “Officially, the central school mates because of the shame authorities make a phone call and Suggestions for Electronic of his parents. Aung went back to Daily Devotions: say, ‘let them worship freely,’ but the village to check on his son and Adults: the villagers don’t cooperate.”  www.worthydevotions.com tend his garden. He slept in his  Aung and Phyu’s son has felt www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ old house for two nights before his encouragement the persecution, observed his  presence was discovered. www.insight.org/resources/devotionals parents’ response, and is now a Women: The village leader offered a  www.joycemeyer.org/Articles/Devotional.asp follower of Jesus. He prays that he solution. Aung could come home x can one day attend Bible school  www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/girlfriends and tend his garden, but he had to and become a worship leader or  www.justbetweenus.org/dailydevotionsfor promise not to practice anything christianwomen pastor. Men: outside of Buddhism, or attend Please pray for Aung, his  www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/mens- church. He was told to never bring devotional-bible family and the increasing number another Christian into the village.  www.powertochange.com/blogs/experience/ of Christians displaced through devotional Reluctantly Aung signed the  Buddhist extremism. www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/harvestdaily agreement. Seniors: ------ www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/seniors Several months later when the *Names changed for security reasons.  www.lightsource.com/devotionals/daily- Pindaya house church held This story was first published in living-for-seniors evangelism training, the teachers our Frontline Faith Magazine – The Rise of  www.christianity.com/devotionals/daily- living-for-seniors Extremism Edition, 28 September 2016. asked to visit Aung’s home and  www.hope-fulldevos.com Link to this article: pray for the village. That night, www.opendoorsblog.org/2016/09/28/aung NB: these links are provided as a suggested resource only. five villagers stoned Aung’s -and-phyu-from-buddhism-to-christ/ Provision of these in no way suggests that SPAG Magazine endorses these sites or their products, or other house, smashing the roof and materials connected with them, nor does SPAG Magazine windows. They removed the ☬ vouch for the content or security of these sites.

21 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 21 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Happiness: a Futile Pursuit? Happiness: a Futile Pursuit?

by Paul Lewis happiness that I believe our to ask. In stating that we want to current culture shares. In the be happy it suggests that we are Press Service essay, a lady espouses the view currently unhappy and Iternational 'we have a right to happiness'; to simultaneously reveals our desire Columnist this Lewis responds and says: for happiness. King Solomon at the height of "A right to happiness doesn't, However, it is merely a his greatness as a king had many for me, make much more sense statement of desire and does not profound and sobering thoughts than a right to be six feet tall, or to indicate the method in which the on both life and its pursuits. One have a millionaire for your father, said happiness is to be attained. consistent theme throughout or to get good weather whenever To what extent should this Ecclesiastes was that "all is you want to have a picnic. happiness be pursued? What if vanity". I can understand a right as a this happiness comes at a cost? Among his many pursuits, freedom guaranteed me by the laws Does the end justify the means? wealth, fame and pleasure are of society I live in. Thus, I have a Lewis disagrees: three that we can certainly identify right to travel along the public "They did not mean that man with today. They are the things roads because society gives me that was entitled to pursue happiness that we often presume will bring freedom; that's what we mean by by any and every means - us happiness. Vanity, he labelled the roads 'public'. including say, murder, rape, them. I can also understand a right as robbery, treason and fraud. No In Ecclesiastes chapter 2, a claim guaranteed me by the laws, society could be built on such a Solomon says "I said in my heart, and correlative to an obligation on basis". "come now, I will test you with some-one else's part. If I have right Faithful Christians mirth; therefore enjoy pleasure"; to receive 100 pounds from you, We must realise that what but surely, this also was vanity. I this is another way of saying that makes us happy may not said of laughter- "madness!", and you have a duty to pay of mirth, "what does it me 100 pounds". accomplish?" Solomon attempts to Lewis makes a seek satisfaction and was more salient point here that often than not left wanting. speaks to the heart of This is instructive for us in the the idea behind our present. Indulge me whilst I society's idea of being attempt to share my take on the happy. You see, pursuit of happiness in today's happiness in one sense context. is too vague for the I do not dispute the fact that we purposes of claiming all want to be happy and that the the right to be happy, desire is legitimate, Christian or this is what I mean; if I not. I am disputing the were to say to you "I contemporary view of happiness want to be happy", you as I understand it to be, and would probably ask proposing what I do believe and "how could I make you would have others believe as well. happy?" or "what would you need to be In C.S. Lewis' essay, We Have happy?" Those No 'Right to Happiness', he questions would be addresses a sentiment on very logical questions

22 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 22 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Happiness: a Futile Pursuit?

necessarily be good. As faithful perceived highway to happiness. "man shall not live by bread alone, Christians, both the means and the Ironically, it was the cul de sac of but by every word that comes end must matter to us. despondency. from the mouth of the living God". Unfortunately, this does not sit As mentioned earlier, the desire I close with the celebratory well with our current society – we for happiness is a normal human words of Augustine: want to have our cake and eat it as inclination. However, it should be "This is the happy life, to it were. We want a society built a desire that drives us to pursue rejoice in you, of you and for you. solely on allowance without something of greater eternal This is the happy life, and there is restriction. significance instead of the fleeting. no other". We often regard boundaries C.S. Lewis once said: ------and limitations as the antithesis of "If I find in myself a desire which Paul Lewis is a Staff Worker for satisfaction. The sense of no experience in this world can boundaries is foreign to the Universities and Colleges Christ- satisfy, the most probable explanation ian Fellowship in Kingston, modern man's concept of is that I was made for another world". Jamaica, where he also resides. He happiness, since "freeing oneself I would also argue that the means to of all inhibitions" is thought to be has aspirations of becoming a happiness ought to be pursued with Christian Apologist and he loves the pinnacle of true satisfaction. another world in mind. Chesterton reading especially topics like: Remember the mantra of the along the same line said this which is sexual revolution, with its History, Philosophy and of worth to consider, "I came to feel as Theology. You can follow him on ideology of free love and "do your if magic must have a meaning, and twitter @VeritasDeiVinci. own thing"? We see traces of it in meaning must have someone to mean today's culture. Paul Lewis' previous articles it. There was something personal in may be viewed on this link. Do these satisfy? Consider the the world, as in a work of art; Link to article: pursuit of happiness in the sexual whatever it meant it meant it www.christiantoday.com.au/news revolution; where did that lead to? violently". Inclusive sex wasn't enough /happiness-a-futile-pursuit.html The violent passions and anymore, it progressed to the use wanton desires that rage in us, ☬ of drugs to compensate for what crying out to be fully satiated, are sex could not ultimately deliver. Little Known Facts tell-tale signs of our deep and Elvis: And when one woman wasn't utter need for a saviour. They are Did you know that Elvis’s favourite enough, more women were added board games were Scrabble and but spiritual bread crumbs, clues and then even those of the same Monopoly? in God' grand scheme that would gender. What about TV? Elvis enjoyed ultimately lead us to the bread of watching Monty Python and saw the The result of such pleasure life that ought to drive us to our movie “Monty Python and the Holy seeking was not the initially knees with the humble realisation Grail” at least five times.

23 23 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Modern Missionaries: Can God Save Your Life? Modern Missionaries: Can God Save Your Life?

by Liz the gunman, confused by the My husband David has been Campbell lights like an animal in a headlight caught in crossfire twice (once glare, had already moved his with an armoured vehicle), held This article first appeared in “A pistol from my husband to the up at gunpoint twice, witnessed a Life Overseas: oncoming car. beheading, carried victims of the Missions Seeing his opportunity, my abduction and rape to counsellors, Conversation” husband calmly put the engine lost friends to violence, spoken at Introduction into gear and drove off past the the funerals of the youth he was “We run the place ya know” oncoming car. It was only after he working with, and counselled said the gunman, casually was around the corner and on the gunmen against retaliation in revealing his semi-automatic open stretch that he began to heated situations. weapon with extended magazine. shake all over. When he returned “Can God save your life?” is a The midnight air, pregnant with home to our one room flat in very real question for us as a tension and the smell of weed, Trenchtown and told me his news, family and one that I have faced wrapped darkness around both calm had almost returned to his again and again over the last ten him and my husband on the body. years. deserted road leading down into But in me the storms were just I recently asked my husband Majesty Gardens.1 beginning. this question again, and without David drew a breathe, I had left my family half a hesitation his emphatic answer “Actually, God runs the place,” he planet away and come here to was “Yes!” He can say this so said calmly, his eyes carefully work alongside my new husband confidently because his experience reading every flicker on the in Trenchtown, Jamaica. What if so far has proven God’s gunman’s face. Jesus didn’t have our backs? faithfulness in this area. God can As he spoke, two more men That night led me on a long emerged from the shadows, one journey with God, trying to find close, one farther off. reassurance against a backdrop of “So can God save your life?” violence, crime and fear. the gunman glared menacingly, Ten years later we are still here, drawing closer. and I am still on this journey. “Yes” David said, meeting his Violence in Jamaica gaze, “He can.” Violence has a long history and Did he believe those words in a short fuse here in Jamaica, that moment? He said he did, but especially in the inner city comm- did I, soon after when he arrived unities where we work. Despite a home to tell me what had population of just 2.9 million happened? people, Jamaica has one of the As the words left his mouth, highest (per capita) homicide rates another car turned into the in the world. In 2015 alone there alleyway further ahead, its were 1,205 murders (that’s more headlights draping light over the than three each day), 1,069 darkness. The bright light seemed shootings, 589 aggravated to confuse the gunman. He didn’t assaults, 577 rapes, 1,904 robberies know where to look, and he and and 1,777 break-ins2. In 2013 there his friends grew visibly agitated. were ten thousand cases of “Squeeze it now man, squeeze reported child abuse3. it,” urged one of his friends. But

24 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 24 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Modern Missionaries: Can God Save Your Life? save his life because He already Pals and their three very young has. children, were killed in a car We work alongside mission- accident on their way to language aries who have reported bullets school in preparation for the ‘pinging’ away from them as they mission field. were caught in gun fire, as though Does this mean that somehow an invisible shield was protecting God let them down? Did Jesus not them. have their backs just as my After my husband was caught deepest fears suspect? in crossfire between an armoured The truth is actually much police vehicle and gunmen one larger than either of these answers evening, a friend overheard some tell us. young men in the community God’s Promise saying “Bwoy, ‘dat white man God doesn’t promise to save must really a’serve God, because our life. He can save our life. But so many bullets a’fly and not even the Bible does not promise safety, one catch ‘im!” comfort or stressless living. What So, if we work for God does it does promise is God’s presence that mean we are invincible to with us. human violence? Daniel walked through the through white waters of any kind, Are Christians Invincible to lions den, and Shadrach, Meshach he is walking with us, walking in Violence? and Abednego went through the us, walking us through, out into I wish I could tell you that I furnace. God was with them, either every day life or eternal life. could confidently say that God walking closely alongside them, Randy Wentzel, Harold will always protect us from strengthening them and encourag- Nichols, Roberta Edwards and the everything we fear, from all pain ing them. In these cases God did Pals family were not alone when and violence. But I can’t. save their lives; yet the prophet they were taken violently from Isaiah was cut in two, and James It is true that He has. I and my this world. Jesus was with them, was killed while Peter miraculous- husband and many other there, in their last moments, ly walked out of Jail. missionaries we know can retell walking closely alongside them, many stories of Gods protection: There were many cases of lives strengthening them and encourag- bullets missing their target, miraculously spared among the ing them just as he had been gunmen avoided, lives saved. But early Christians, yet all but one of throughout every other day of it doesn’t always end this way. the disciples would eventually their entire life and ministry. They In April 2016, two American suffer a violent death. In the first were never alone. 200 years of Christianity, four missionaries, Randy Wentzel and Can God Save Your Life? Harold Nichols, were violently million Christians were killed The gunman’s question ‘Can murdered here in Jamaica. Despite under the Roman empire. God Save Your life?’ holds within the fact that Jamaica is in the top Had God saved just a few, only it an assumption. His question five nations for homicide rates in to neglect four million others? assumes that life is all we have to the world, their deaths shocked No. In all these cases God kept lose and that he and his gun Jamaicans. his promise, the promise of His ultimately have power over this. Last year in Haiti another presence with us. This gunman and his friends lived missionary, Roberta Edwards was Jesus knows what pain and in the reality of the darkness of shot and killed as she sat behind suffering feels like, intimately this world, a choice which the wheel of her car. from inside the frail shell of ultimately led to their demise less In July 2016, trainee human existence. He has done it, than a year after their interaction missionaries Jamison and Kathryn and when each one of us walks

25 25 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Modern Missionaries: Can God Save Your Life? with my husband. But we live in Theologian Tom Wright writes, “For the Spirit God gave us does another reality. “The Christian Vocation is to not make us timid, but gives us In that moment, when the be in prayer, in the Spirit, at the power, love and self-discipline. So do gunman asked that question, gun place where the world is in pain, not be ashamed of the testimony about in hand, David had to choose and as we embrace that vocation, our Lord or of me his prisoner. which reality he would live in. He we discover it to be the way of Rather, join with me in suffering for had to choose where his eyes fell following Christ, shaped according the gospel, by the power of God.” and what his heart believed. to his messianic vocation to the 2 Timothy 1:7-8 [NIV UK] Which was more real in that cross, with arms outstretched, ------moment, the barrel of a gun or the holding on simultaneously to the Biography: Liz Campbell is an Australian, face of Jesus? pain of the world and the love of married to a Brit, and living in Where does real power lie? We God.” Jamaica. Together Liz and her husband David have been working with vulnerable often live, as the gunman’s words Jesus is no stranger to suffering. inner-city Jamaican children, families, and imply, feeling that our lives are What can we say to a suffering communities for the past ten years the most important thing we have world if we flee from suffering (through the mission organisation to lose. We feel that suffering is ourselves? Like Jesus, we are ‘Fusion’) while also homeschooling their wrong, like Jesus somehow should called to give our lives for love. two beautiful children. Liz’s passion is for human beings, particularly restoring hope prevent us ever experiencing pain Not in comfortable Christendom, and wholeness to broken lives and broken or loss. Fear has a power that can reading books about faith, but in communities. She writes monthly about easily drown out God’s voice. It is the gritty, messy, sometimes life as a human being our enemy’s greatest weapon violent battleground of human at: seeingbreathingliving.com . Further stories, photos and information about against us. life, living in the reality where David and Liz’s work is available In the past year we have seen God is King, no matter what the at: fusionjamaica.org as never before, that we are in a outcome of the battle in front of us ------world rocked by violence, a world may be. Bibliography: torn apart by war, pain and fear. The war is already won. 1 An Inner City Community of Kingston Jamaica An estimated 115-250 people a day Conclusion 2 Jamaica crime and safety report by the U.S. lost their lives in the Syrian Can God save your life? Overseas Security Advisory Council. conflict, 80 died in France under 3 Karyl Walker, Jamaica Observer, June 17th He has. Jesus is with us; the Son the wheels of a terrorist’s truck, 49 2014 of God who laid the foundation of were shot dead in Orlando. Teen- Campbell, Liz, 16 December 2016, A Life the universe. A gunman with a Overseas - A Missions Conversation: “Can God age gunmen, terrorist rampages, Save Your Life,” available: www.alifeoverseas. pistol looks pretty small from that racial violence, police shootings: com/can-god-save-your-life/, accessed 05/01/17. perspective. our world is bracing for the next suicide bomber to blow them- No bullet will take you without ☬ selves up for religious extremism, God already having prepared that for someone to mow down victims moment from the beginning of in the name of prejudice and hate. time to be your homecoming to Him, with Him, and in Him. Jesus is with us. He can save our life, and He can walk “Faith is the vision of alongside us as we live and as we die (as He did) for love. the heart; it sees God If we are brave, we are not in the dark as well as brave because we presume we are invincible, we are brave because in the day.” we live in a reality where God is Anonymous King and Jesus is walking with us all the way.

26 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 26 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ 21 Sure-fire Ways to Alienate and Discourage the Singles in Your Church 2xx1 Sure-fire Ways to Alienate and Discourage the Singles in Your Church

Here’s an easy ‘how-to’ guide to 3. On the rare occasions a Pastor guarantee you’ll easily alienate and does mention singles, they should discourage the singles in your church. always: Pastors, leaders and married couples (a) remind everyone that singles within your congregation should be are desperate for marriage; appraised of the correct procedures. worthy and mature: the (b) suggest that singles can’t married people; Let’s begin with one that seems to control their sexual urges (c) encourage the single women come so naturally within some unlike married people who and widows to form a sewing churches: never think about sex because or quilting club or similar 1. The Pastor should always keep they already have a spouse; kinds of ‘girly’ hobbies to the focus of their church on the (c) encourage them to work keep them occupied, besides significant people within your towards becoming the best it will help them to feel useful church, ie the married couples: wife/husband possible; rather than just spending (a) if there’s an engagement or a (d) and while not saying it out their time looking out of marriage, reinforce with the loud, suggest that singleness windows, sighing and day- congregation the undeniable is kind of like a disease and dreaming about when their truth that our highest aim marriage is the cure; and prince will come; (after being a Christian) (e) while they’re waiting for ‘the (d) encourage the older widows should be marriage; one,’ they can take on the and widowers to mentor the (b) regularly provide sermons ministries which couples younger singles because that’s about the duties of a Christian shouldn’t be expected to do all the old people can really wife and/or husband and eg child-minding during the do now they’re no longer connect that with the relation- church service, kid’s clubs married and are lacking in ship between Jesus and the and youth groups and any any real skills and abilities, church; and menial tasks (see following except perhaps for serving in (c) every mother’s day, father’s segment.) the kitchen after church; day, or whenever there’s a (e) avoid assigning any tasks to birth, share a talk about the divorcees who have demon- significance of parenthood, strated clearly by their failed within marriage of course. marriage that they’re lacking 2. Never share a sermon about the in maturity and therefore roles which singles might play in can’t ever be trusted with anything - then they can the church, and instead: 4. Everyone should be aware that spend that time figuring out (a) the Pastor should remind singles are generally only good what their sins were and singles as often as possible for certain tasks within the where they went so horribly (with a wink and a nudge) church: wrong; and that they know that singles (a) at least the church is (f) remind the singles on a are probably too busy looking guaranteed that there’ll regular basis that when they for a significant ‘other’ to put always be someone to do the get married, they can finally time towards important tedious and less important be trusted to take on the more church tasks and activities; jobs like gardening, cleaning vital roles within the church and and church maintenance and because it’s essential that (b) never suggest that God used looking after the children’s they’re never allowed to single people in the Bible in ministries; forget what their most amazing ways such as Paul, (b) the important roles and tasks important aim in life is (oh, Jeremiah and that other guy ... within the church will then be after God that is.) who was that? Oh yes, Jesus. available to those who have proven that they’re trust-

27 27 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ 21 Sure-fire Ways to Alienate and Discourage the Singles in Your Church

5. Make sure that the parishioners 10. When singles ask for counselling recognise how incomplete the or for help: singles in their midst are. The (a) they should be placed couples should pray for a towards the bottom of the list Christian partner for those poor, of tasks because everyone desperate singles, and specifically knows that singles don’t have that God will help the individual 9. When it comes to singles activities any real problems and if they to figure out where they’re going or groups, church leaders should: do have any issues, they’ll be wrong. Couples should regularly fixed once they’re married; (a) if necessary, encourage the point out to the individuals what and their particular faults are so they singles to start up their own (b) never provide counselling for can fix their emotional, sinful, Bible Study, but only if it’s led by a married couple whose a single person of the mental and relational issues and opposite sex unless your be worthy of getting married, maturity will help keep things spouse sits in on the appoint- otherwise God will continue to on track and ensure the ment because you don’t want punish them with singleness. singles keep their hormones under control; to encourage the single 6. Discourage singles from believing person to fall in love with you (b) if the Bible Study goes well, that God has a purpose for them or be tempted because hey, the singles will hopefully pair while they are single. We all know you’re in a position of power off, get married and then start that they’re just incomplete, and authority and will a new Bible Study for married useless individuals until they get obviously prove irresistible to people on their own; married when at last they’ll come them. (c) sigh loudly and roll your eyes to know God’s purpose for them. whenever the singles ask to 7. Remind singles that sex is hold an event or to use the 11. Whenever a new single person wonderful within a marriage and church building for a single’s attends your church, invite them if they’d only snaffle up a partner, activity so it will be clear how to lunch at your home and they could learn all about it. much of a bother it is; Reminders should be included in organise for another single person (d) make it plain that you’re sermons and conversations about of the opposite sex from your uncomfortable with singles how beautiful intimacy is (within church to attend. Any awkward- groups because they’re only a marriage) because otherwise the ness will eventually be overcome ‘meat market’ and can’t singles might forget what they’re when they fall in love. You don’t possibly be any source of help missing out on. This will need to take into consideration or encouragement for the encourage them to work extra whether they have anything in singles in their Christian walk hard to find that elusive partner. common because as everyone or when they’re having knows, they’re both so desperate, 8. When it comes to ministry work struggles - because everyone they’ll take anyone. besides working with children, knows that when you’re encourage the singles: single you don’t have any real 12. The Pastor and church leaders shouldn’t discourage the thinking (a) if they’re protestants, to think problems; of some singles: about switching to the (e) if they’re annoyingly persist- Catholic church, where the ent about having an activity, (a) that other singles of the same options for singles are more urge them to find another sex are competition; clear-cut; or location and hope they’ll stop (b) that it’s acceptable to ignore (b) to seriously consider mission- bothering you with it, because singles of the opposite sex if ary work, because everyone they should understand that they aren’t suitable marriage knows that it’s pretty much you’re married and have material, and to treat them the only thing at which more important things at with condescension - they they’re going to any good - home and at church to focus certainly wouldn’t want the besides, at least in a foreign on; and other person to get any country they won’t make a (f) make sure you ‘forget’ to romantic ideas; and mess of things ... with anyone include the notice about the (c) that there is only ever going important. event in the church bulletin. to be one person in the entire world for them.

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13. Singles should be discouraged 16. Regularly encourage singles by: 17. When pastors and married church from: (a) asking them “Have you found leaders meet to discuss hiring a (a) coming across as too happy, a boyfriend/girlfriend yet?” new pastor to a church, they should never consider a single friendly or smiling because (b) requesting that the widows person for the role because: people will think the single and widowers in the church person wants to romantically set up blind dates for their (a) a single Pastor will be too pursue them, even if that younger counterparts, and focussed on finding a spouse person is married; nor that way both groups will feel and not on the church family; (b) striking up a conversation useful and wanted; (b) they won’t be able to relate to with a married person of the (c) implying that they’re single the important people within opposite sex - and if they do, because they’re too picky and the congregation, ie the not to be surprised if their should be happy just to take married couples; spouse possessively grabs anyone who’s a Christian; (c) they’ll be too focussed on sex; hold of their partner’s arm in (d) quoting verses at them about (d) they’ve demonstrated their a clear ‘hands off’ signal. being patient in the Lord, immaturity simply by not 14. Ensure that most church focussing on Him, and being married, and the longer resources, courses, dvds and praying more earnestly; they remain unmarried, the church camps/conferences: (e) reminding them that perhaps more likely this will prove to (a) are about relationships and the reason they’re still single be true; maintaining a healthy is because God wants to teach (e) they have a problem with marriage; or them something important so their sexuality or perhaps (b) are about snapping up a they’ll develop into a more they like little children which spouse: marriage-worthy person; is why they’re not married; (i) in which the women (f) suggesting that the reason (f) they’re likely to cause trouble should appear more they’re still alone is because by dating someone within the submissive (particularly if they are committing a sin; church and then have to be they have a strong (g) encouraging them to lose fired when it all falls to pieces personality) and not show weight or wear nicer clothes or it will cause the women to off her intelligence because so they’ll be more attractive, start bitching amongst them- it will scare off potential or perhaps to improve their selves; or mates; and personality if they’re ‘facially (g) the married parishioners will (ii)which encourage the men unfortunate;’ leave and go to another to just be themselves (h) telling them to stop looking or church where the married because there’s generally appearing desperate, because pastor understands them. an over-abundance of the moment they do and start 18. In the same vein, if there are any single Christian women so accept being single, their other positions that become the guys can have their spouse will suddenly appear! vacant within the church, pick of them; but. (i) suggesting ways they can find discourage any of the single (c) don’t provide anything about a partner such as Christian people from applying for what is marital break-ups because dating websites, Bible college obviously an important role and you don’t want to encourage or Christian singles camps should therefore go to a married divorcees to think that your where they’ll find a person. church believes that divorce smorgasbord of potential 19. Talk to the singles as if you is acceptable under any partners; and understand everything they’re circumstances. (j) reminding them often about going through because: 15. Discourage singles from becom- how much more fulfilled and (a) you were single once and ing foster parents or adopting contented they’ll be when remember what it was like, orphaned children because they’ll they’re married so it’s worth well sort of, and it was only never be able to provide a fixing up any of their small, thirty years ago; balanced parenting role for them existing problems while they (b) all of the issues you dealt with without a partner, and then the wait for ‘the one.’ when you were a teenager are child will grow up with problems.

29 29 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ 21 Sure-fire Ways to Alienate and Discourage the Singles in Your Church & Tantalising Trivia

still relevant today and 21. Remember to always treat nothing has changed; and singles as if they’re part of your church family: the same (c) although you were married when you were nineteen, way that you treat that weird

you’re sure issues for older old bachelor uncle of yours singles, divorcees and who walks around in his widows/widowers will be dressing-gown muttering to exactly the same as for single himself, or your spinster aunt who everyone calls the ‘crazy teenagers. cat lady.’ [END]

20. Whenever you organise groups

for Bible Studies or adult Sunday

School etc: Do you like this humorous mug from the (a) lump like-groups together Bibliography: first picture of this article? I’m considering Graham, Carly Isaac, 28 May 2015, DTS Magazine: such as married couples, adding the ‘Singleness’ image as well as Christian Spirituality - How the Church Can teenagers, old fogies and several similar ones about ‘Spinsterhood’ Encourage Singles, available: www.dts.edu/read/how- the-church-can-encourage-singles/, accessed 01/05/17 singles into their separate and ‘Bachelorhood,’ on products in my No name, 10 March 2017, Passion 374: A place for groups because they’ll be able online stores in the coming months. Let Singles in the Church, available: www.passion374. to relate better to each other; me know if this is something that you’d com/en/2017/03/10/a-place-for-singles-in -the-church/ like to buy.  Vicki Nunn, Editor accessed 01/05/17 (b) never consider that mixing Lindsay (no surname), 17 December 2013, Lindsay’s up the groups could be Thoughts, Just a Girl Figuring Out Her World: 6 Ways beneficial, eg providing in- to Love Single Women in Your Church, available: www.lindseysthoughts.wordpress.com/2013/12/17/6- sights into the experiences, ways-to-love-single-women-in-your-church/, accessed life challenges and wisdom of 01/05/17 different people; and Thornett, Emma, 19 August 2013, the Briefing: Satan’s lies about singleness, available: www.matthiasmedia. (c) don’t hold group meetings at com/briefing/2013/08/satans-lies-about-singleness/,

the home of a single person accessed 01/05/17 Thebarge, Sarah, undated, “7 reasons why it’s hard to because it’s probably messy be single in the church,” available: www.sarahthe or not set up for more than barge.com/2015/01/7-reasons-why-its-hard-to-be- single-in-the-church/, accessed 03/05/17 two or three people. Email me: [email protected]

Q. What was Elvis Presley’s first #1 hit song? A. It was Spankox’s remix of Elvis’s song A. Many might suggest that it was "Baby Let's Play House" which reached 84 on Elvis Presley Q&A “Heartbreak Hotel,” which was released in the pop charts in the UK in 2008, although early 1956, but it was instead a song released it’s probably not going to be the last. Q. How many #1 songs did Elvis Presley in the previous year that made it to #1 on the Q. What was Elvis Presley final #1 song have in the Pop charts during his life? country charts: “I Forgot to Remember to after his death? A. There were eighteen BUT if you take his Forget.” “Heartbreak Hotel” made it to #1 on A. One of Elvis’s last #1 songs was a JXL hits in the country, R&B and the UK Pop the pop charts not long afterwards. remix of his song “A Little Less Charters, altogether there were a Q. In what year was Elvis inducted into the Conversation” in 2002 which was a hit in phenomenal thirty-one number ones. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? many countries the world. In the UK though, Q. How many gold and platinum albums A. 1986 - the first year that Hall of Fame there were three reissues of previous songs did Elvis achieve? was established. In that initial year they that reached #1 only in that country: A. Forty-three platinum and eighty gold inducted a total of ten singers/musicians. “Jailhouse Rock”/“Treat Me Nice,” “One albums. Q. In what year was Elvis inducted into the Night,” and “A Fool Such As I,” in 2004. Q. According to the Recording Industry Country Hall of Fame? Association of America’s (disputed) A. In 1988. calculations, Elvis sold how many records Just to finish, a couple of tough ones: across the world? Q. What was the very first Elvis song to A. Over one billion: 60% of his hits were in make it onto the pop charts? the USA and 40% were outside that country. A. It was his 1954 song “I Don't Care If the Q. According to the Rolling Stone Sun Don't Shine” which he recorded at Sun magazine’s list of the 500 greatest albums of Records. It went to number 74 on the charts. all time, where is Elvis on that list? Q. What was his last song on the charts after A. Elvis placed in 59th position with his his death? very first album which was self-titled.

30 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 30 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ A-musings: The Dance of Life The Dance of Life by Vicki Nunn style also suggest something about I personally think the ‘Bump’ from dancing? the 1970s was invented by someone Many years ago I began dating a Most of us at some time have found who’d spent way too much time man that I'd met through friends at a ourselves in that situation when we’re endeavouring to stay upright on public nightclub. We'd been going out for a walking towards someone and then transport. (If you’re under the age of 40 while, but had never actually danced comes that moment when we almost you’re probably wondering what the together. bump into the other - we each try to heck ‘the Bump’ is, and now you’ve When we finally got up on the dance move out of the way of the other automatically relegated me to the ‘old floor one night, I wanted to laugh out person, but sometimes begin moving in fogey’ category haven’t you?) loud at his silly antics. "What a clown!" I the same direction, and end up doing a There are times I've seen girlfriends thought, "He's certainly got the wackiest strange, awkward little dance as we try of mine doing ‘The Twist’ in those sense of humour." to step around each other. Backwards dreadful dressing room as they try to After two minutes, it became and forwards we go, mirroring each see if they can pull on the smaller sized evident that he was in fact being quite other’s steps and mumbling an apology item of clothing they deluded serious... and I was left stunned by the when we finally get by? It almost seems themselves into believing would shear uncontrolled mayhem of his like some kind of terrible waltz don't actually fit them. Perhaps someone dance movements. My boyfriend's you think? could also invent a new dance called dancing was so atrocious that he was in So then I thought, what other parts ‘The Mangle,’ based on women trying danger of seriously maiming people of life are like a dance? Could walking on full-piece swimsuits. within three metres of himself. barefoot on the bitumen on a hot This whole thought process had I blushed with shame and summer's day be likened to a ‘Polka?’ begun when we were having humiliation... How could I face people Would we seem to be doing the ‘Cha renovations done at a previous work- once they knew I was dating someone Cha’ when an insect gets under our place. Two workers were talking as they who danced like a spastic chicken? (One clothing? were placing cables up into the ceiling gets upset over such important issues cavity near my desk. ‘Tap’ might seem to be an when one is young.) appropriate style the moment a At one point I was reminded of I never did go dancing with him cockroach enters our line of vision. Chubby Checker and said, "It sounds like again, and despite his complete and What about those instances when we you're giving dance instructions." utter lack of grace and anything slip-over in the bathroom, or take a This was in response to the comment remotely resembling a dancing ability, tumble down the steps, desperately one of the workers had called out to his we still dated for almost two years. flailing our arms about as we try to mate holding the other end of the cable: Dancing is a funny thing isn't it: we regain our balance - could we appear to "Just twist again, like you did last each have our own ideas about what are be doing the ‘Jive?’ time!" [END] acceptable dancing styles and what are not, especially when it comes to our parents. It doesn’t matter how talented our parents are (even if they’re operators of a dancing school) when we’re in our teens, anything our parents do, especially dancing, is always going to cause us complete and utter humiliation. Is it just me, or did everyone else grow up with at least one other relative who enjoyed embarrassing us with their outlandish dancing style when we were out in public or at parties? Or was that just lucky me? When it comes to more mature people, we know that they’re older simply by their dancing styles. That idea got me thinking: could our walking

31 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 31

~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Is the World Going Down the Gurgler: a History of Global Living Conditions in Five Charts Is the World Going Down the Gurgler? A History of Global Living Conditions in Five Charts

Introduction by Vicki Nunn considered, do you think the world is to start two hundred years ago, before With all of the terrible things happening getting better or worse, or neither the time when living conditions really in our world from militant Islam and getting better nor worse?” In Sweden changed dramatically. terrorism to nuclear testing; from the ten percent thought things are getting Researchers measure extreme ongoing threats of war to persecution to the better, in the US they were only six poverty as living with less than $1.90 millions of desperate, fleeing refugees; from percent, and in Germany only four per day. These poverty figures take the sexualisation of our children and adults percent. Very few people think that into account non-monetary forms of through to increasing narcissism and the world is getting better. income – for poor families today and lukewarm Christianity; and from the What is the evidence that we need in the past this is very important, increasing millions of annual abortions to consider when answering this particularly because of subsistence through to the acceptance of euthanasia, to question? The question is about how farming. The poverty measure is also many Christians it can seem like our world the world has changed and so we corrected for different price levels in is falling to pieces and that year by year, our world is going down the gurgler. must take a historical perspective, different countries and adjusted for basing the answer upon the world as price changes over time (inflation). Through social media and the general a whole and include the entire world Poverty is measured in so-called media, we are daily bombarded with population. The answer must international dollar which accounts discouraging newsfeeds and negative information, with the suggestion that there consider the history of global living for these adjustments. is no hope for our future, and yet there is conditions – a history of everyone. The first chart shows the estimates some quite startling statistical information I. Poverty of the world population living in that reminds us that during the last two To see where we are coming from extreme poverty. In 1820 only a tiny centuries, the world in some vitally we must go far back in time. Thirty or elite enjoyed higher standards of important ways, has actually improved even fifty years are not enough. When living, while the vast majority of significantly. you only consider how the world people lived in conditions that we I hope that you find the following article looked during our lifetime it is easy to would call extreme poverty today. and charts from Max Roser reassuring, that make the mistake of thinking of the Since then the proportion of your hope for the future will be renewed and world as relatively static – the rich, extremely poor people has fallen that you’re encouraged to continue healthy and educated parts of the continuously. More and more world contributing to making the world a better world here and the poor, uneducated, regions have become industrialised place. We have, and we can continue sick regions there – and come to a and thereby increased their making a difference, both as individuals, as false conclusion that it always was productivity which made it possible communities and as countries. like that and that it always will be like for more people to rise out of poverty: A History of Global Living that. In 1950 three-quarters of the world Conditions in Five Charts If we take a longer perspective, it were living in extreme poverty; in becomes very clear that the world is 1981 it was still forty-four percent. For not static at all. The countries that are the last year, research suggests that by Max Roser rich today were very poor until just the portion of the population in very recently and were in fact worse extreme poverty has fallen below ten off than the poor countries today. percent. (This is the introduction to Our World in Data, a web publication that shows To avoid portraying the world in a That is a huge achievement! For how global living conditions are changing.) static way – the north has always been me as a researcher who focuses on A recent survey asked “All things much richer than the south – we have growth and inequality, it is perhaps

Child labour

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the biggest achievement of all in the there was more food, better clothing, machines, and communication tech- last two centuries. It is particularly and less cramped housing. Product- nology – made some very rich, while remarkable if we consider that the ivity is the ratio between the output of at the same time it increased the world population has increased our work and the input that we put productivity and income of others. It seven-fold over the last two centuries into our work; as productivity is hard to overstate how different life (On our webpage, you can switch to increased, we benefitted from more in zero-growth and a positive-growth the ‘absolute’ view to compare the output, but also from less input – economy are. numbers.) weekly working hours fell Unfortunately the media is In a world without economic substantially. obsessed with reporting single events growth, such an increase in the Economic growth was also very and with things that go wrong and population would have resulted in important because it changed don’t give enough attention to slow less and less income for everyone. A relationships between people. For a developments that reshape our world. seven-fold increase in the world long time the world existed as a non- With the empirical data on the population would have been enough growth world, ie the only way for reduction of poverty, it becomes to drive everyone into extreme someone to become better off was for evident how a news report on global poverty. Yet, the exact opposite has someone else to become worse off. development would look. The occurred. In a time of unprecedented Our own good luck was our neigh- headline might read “The number of population growth our world bours bad luck. people in extreme poverty fell by managed to give prosperity to more Economic growth changed that. 130,000 since yesterday” and they people and to continuously lift more Growth made it possible that we wouldn’t have this headline once, but people out of poverty. became better off when others also every single day since 1990. On Increasing productivity was became better off. The ingenuity of average, there were 130,000 people important because it made vital goods those that built the technology which fewer in extreme poverty every day. and services less scarce. That means increased productivity – the car,

33 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 33 II. Literacy How did the education of the world nine in ten that you weren’t able to population change over this period? read – today more than eight out of The chart below shows the share of ten people are able to read. And if the world population that is literate you are young chances are much over the last two centuries. In the past higher since many of today’s illiterate only a tiny elite was able to read and population are old. write. Today’s education – including If you think science, technology, in today’s richest countries – is again political freedom are important to a very recent achievement. It was in solve the world’s problems and you the last two centuries that literacy think that it helps to read and write to became the norm for the entire do this then look at the figures in population. absolute numbers. In 1800 there were In 1820 only every tenth person was one hundred and twenty million literate; in 1930 it was every third and people in the world that could read now we are at eighty-five percent and write; today there are 6.2 billion globally. Put differently, if you were with the same skill. alive in 1800 there was a chance of

~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Is the World Going Down the Gurgler: a History of Global Living Conditions in Five Charts

II. Literacy: you weren’t able to read. Today more How did the education of the than eight out of ten people are able world population change over this to read. And if you’re young, chances period? The chart below shows the are much higher that you can read, share of the world population that since the majority of today’s illiterate is literate over the last two centuries. people are old. In the past only a tiny elite was able to If you think science, technology, to read and write. Today’s education and political freedom are important in – including in today’s richest solving the world’s problems and that countries – is again a very recent it helps to read and write to do this, achievement. It was in the last two then look at the figures in absolute centuries that literacy became the numbers. Today there are 5.4 billion norm for the entire population. people older than fifteen years (as the In 1820 only every tenth person chart shows), of which eighty-five was literate; in 1930 it was every third percent are literate, ie 4.6 million and now we are at eighty-five percent people. In 1800 there were fewer than globally, ie if you were alive in 1800 one hundred million people with there was a nine in ten chance that these skills.

34 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 34 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Is the World Going Down the Gurgler: a History of Global Living Conditions in Five Charts

III.Health social life contributed more than nineteenth century. In retrospect it is One reason why we do not see medicine. Improvements in housing hard to understand why a new theory progress is that we are unaware of and sanitation increased our chances can possibly be so important. At a just how bad the past was. of surviving infectious diseases to time when doctors did not wash their reach old age. Healthier diets – made hands when switching from post- In 1800 the health conditions of possible through higher productivity mortem to midwifery, the theory our ancestors were such that around in the agricultural sector and overseas finally convinced our ancestors that forty-three percent of the world’s trade – made us more resilient against hygiene and public sanitation were newborns died before their fifth disease. Surprisingly, improving crucial for health. birthday. The historical estimates nutrition and health also made us suggest that the entire world lived in The germ theory of disease laid the smarter and taller. poor conditions; there was relatively foundation for the development of little variation between different But surely science and medicine antibiotics and vaccines, and it helped regions, and in all countries of the mattered as well? A more educated the world to see why public health is world more than every third child population achieved a series of so very important. Public health died before it was five years old. scientific breakthroughs that made it mattered hugely: everyone benefits possible to reduce mortality and from everybody else being It would be wrong to believe that disease further. Particularly important vaccinated, and everyone benefits modern medicine was the only reason was the discovery of the germ theory from everybody else obeying the rules for improved health. Initially rising of disease in the second half of the of hygiene. prosperity and the changing nature of

35 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 35 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Is the World Going Down the Gurgler: a History of Global Living Conditions in Five Charts

With these changes, global health liberties over time when on the Polity index as it is the least problematic of improved in a way that was IV index shows it’s the least the measures that present a long term unimaginable to our ancestors. In problematic of the measures that perspective. 2015, child mortality was down to present a long term perspective. The index measures political 4.3% – ten-fold lower than two In fact we are raising the bar by regimes on a spectrum from +10 for centuries ago. We have to take this which we judge our liberty. full democracies to -10 for full long perspective to see the progress Quantitative assessments can there- autocracies; regimes that fall that we have achieved. fore be useful when they help us to somewhere in the middle of this IV.Freedom measure freedom against the same spectrum are called anocracies. To Political freedom and civil liberties yardstick across countries and over this I added information about the are at the very heart of development – time. world’s countries that were ruled by as they are both a means and an end Various attempts to measure the other countries as part of a colonial for development. Journalism and types of political regimes that govern empire. public discourse are the pillars on the world’s countries and to capture Again I want to give a time which this freedom rests, but something as complex as a political perspective to get an idea of how qualitative assessments of these system is necessarily controversial, political freedom has changed over aspects bears the risk that we are and there’s no way around that. In the last two hundred years. mistakenly perceiving a decline of this analysis I will rely on Polity IV The chart shows the share of

36 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 36 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Is the World Going Down the Gurgler: a History of Global Living Conditions in Five Charts

people living under different types of and has increased seven-fold since This transition from high mortality political regimes over the last two then. and fertility to low mortality and centuries. Population growth increased fertility is called the demographic Throughout the nineteenth humanity’s demand for resources and transition. In those countries that century more than a third of the amplified humanity’s impact on the industrialised first, it lasted at least population lived in colonial regimes environment. But this increase in the from the mid nineteenth century to and almost everyone else lived in world’s population should evoke the mid twentieth century, and it took autocratically ruled countries. more than thoughts of doom and ninety-five years for fertility to decline from having an average of The first expansion of political gloom. more than six children to having less freedom from the late nineteenth First of all, this increase shows a than three children per woman in the century onward was crushed by the tremendous achievement - it indicates UK. rise of authoritarian regimes that in that that humans stopped dying at the many countries took their place in the rate at which our ancestors died for What we can see in countries that time leading up to the Second World the many millennia before. followed was that they sometimes achieved this transition much more War. In pre-modern times fertility was quickly: South Korea went from more In the second half of the twentieth high – five or six than six children per century the world changed signifi- children per woman to less than cantly: colonial empires ended, and woman were the ...global three in just eighteen more and more countries became norm. What kept population growth years, while Iran democratic: the population achieved this in just ten growth low was The share of the world population peaked half a years. living in democracies increased the very high Just as particular continually. Particularly important rate in which century ago. countries went through was the breakdown of the Soviet people died and this transition, so the Union which allowed more countries that meant that world also went through this to democratise. Now, more than every many children didn’t reach transition. Global fertility has more second person in the world lives in a reproductive age. The increase in the than halved in the last fifty years, democracy. world population followed when humanity began to win the fight from more than five children per The huge majority of those living against death. Global life expectancy woman in the early 1960s to below 2.5 in an autocracy – four out of five – doubled just over the last hundred today. This means that the world is live in one autocratic country: China. years. well into a demographic transition Human rights are similarly and that global population growth Population growth is a conse- difficult to measure consistently over peaked half a century ago. quence of fertility with a time and across time. The best simultaneous decline in mortality. Now as we see fertility declining empirical data show that after a time The fast population growth occurred everywhere, we come to an end of the of stagnation, human rights when fertility was still as high as it population growth: while the global protection improved globally over the was in the unhealthy environment of population quadrupled over the past three decades the past, but mortality had declined to course of the twentieth century, it’s V. Population the low levels of our time. unlikely to even double over this current century. By the end of the If you click on ‘Absolute’ in any of What we’ve seen in country after century the UN expects a slow annual the previous charts (on our webpage) country over the past two hundred population growth of 0.1% although you can see the increase of the world years is that once women realised that demographers from IIASA expect an population over the last two the chance of their children dying end of population growth around the centuries. The world population was declined substantially, they adapted year 2075. around one billion in the year 1800 and chose to have fewer children.

37 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 37 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Is the World Going Down the Gurgler: a History of Global Living Conditions in Five Charts

VI.Education literate young woman today will be a None of the achievements over literate old woman in 2070 and a the last two centuries could have student with secondary education been made without the expansion of now will be a graduate with knowledge and education. The secondary education in the future. revolution in how we live was not Today, the younger generation is only driven by education, it also much better educated than the older made education more important than generation, and as class sizes ever. decrease, existing schools can provide We know that education is on better education for the following track to improve globally. Contrary generations. to many other social aspects where The final chart shows the forecasts are of limited use, I think projection of the IIASA institute for education is an aspect where we can the likely size and the educational make some useful projections about composition of the world population the future. The reason is that the until 2100. It is an interesting look into educational composition of today’s the future: with today’s lower global population tells us something about fertility the researchers expect that the the education of tomorrow – a number of children will decline from

38 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 38 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Is the World Going Down the Gurgler: a History of Global Living Conditions in Five Charts

now - there will never be more natural disasters, election outcomes news that focus on singular bad children on the planet than today. As that we are not happy with. events. mentioned before, the IIASA Positive developments on the The difficulty in telling the history researchers expect the world other hand often happen very slowly of how everyone’s lives have changed population to peak in 2070 and to and never make the headlines in the over the last two hundred years is decline thereafter. event-obsessed media. that we cannot pick individual stories. Focusing on the educational As a consequence of the media and Stories about specific people are much breakdown, the projection suggests an education system that fails to more engaging. We like those that by 2100, there will be almost present quantitative information on personal stories, but they cannot be noone without formal education and long-run developments, a large representative of how the world has there will be more than seven billion majority of people are completely changed. To achieve a representation minds who will have received at least ignorant about global development. of this overall change we have to tell secondary education. Even the decline of global extreme many, many stories all at once, and that’s where statistics come in. With the great importance of poverty – by any standard one of the education for improving health, most important developments in our To make it easier for myself and increasing political freedom, and lifetime – is only known by a small for you to understand the trans- ending poverty this projection is very fraction of the population of the UK formation in living conditions that we encouraging. (ten percent) or the US (five percent). have achieved, I’ve summarised the In both countries the majority of charts in which I translated this two VII. Why Do We Not Know How people think that the share of people hundred year history as the history of Our World is Changing? living in extreme poverty has a group of one hundred people to The motivation for this history of increased. Two thirds in the US even show how their lives would have global living conditions was the think the share in extreme poverty changed if they lived through this survey result that documented the has ‘almost doubled’. When we are transformative period of the modern very negative perspective of global ignorant about global development it world. development that most of us have. is not surprising that few think that [Here's a link where you can More than nine out of ten people do the world is getting better. download the two hundred year chart not think that the world is getting The only way to tell the history of in high resolution to print out.] better. How does that fit with the everyone is to use statistics, only then empirical evidence? VIII. Why it Matters that We Don’t can we hope to get an overview over Know How Our World is Changing I do not think that the media are the lives of the twenty-two billion The successful transformation of the only ones to blame, but I do think people that lived in the last two our living conditions was possible that they are to blame for some part of hundred years. The developments only because of collaboration. Such a this. This is because the media does that these statistics reveal a slow and transformation would be impossible not tell us how the world is changing, steady transformation of our global for a single person to accomplish. It instead it tells us what in the world is living conditions. They are reported was due to putting our collective going wrong. in this online publication (Our World minds and our collaborative efforts One reason why the media focuses in Data) which my team and I have together to bring about such an on this negativity is that the media been building over the last few years. improvement. focuses on single events and single We see it as a resource to show these events are often bad – look at the long-term developments and thereby There are big problems that news: plane crashes, terrorism attacks, complement the information in the remain. None of the above should

39 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 39 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Is the World Going Down the Gurgler: a History of Global Living Conditions in Five Charts give us reason to become complacent. Solving big problems requires a means of self-improvement. On the contrary, it shows us that a lot collaborative undertaking, and people Freedom is impossible without of work still needs to be done – that are able to work together today faith in free people, and if we are not accomplishing the fastest reduction of are a much, much stronger group aware of our history and believe the poverty is a tremendous achievement, than ever before on this planet. We opposite of the truth, we risk losing but the fact that one out of ten people have seen the change over time, and faith in each other and in the future of still lives in extreme poverty today is the world today is healthier, richer, mankind. [END] unacceptable. and better educated for our efforts. ------We also must not accept the For our history to be a source of Biography: restrictions of our liberty that remain encouragement we have to know our Born in 1983 in Kirchheimbolanden in in the world. It’s also clear that history. The story that we tell our- Germany, Max Roser grew up with two humanity’s impact on the environ- selves about our history and our time sisters and a brother, and spent much of ment is at a level that is not matters. Our hopes and efforts for his youth playing the guitar in a band sustainable which is endangering the building a better future are with friends. biosphere and climate on which we inextricably linked to our perception An economist working at the depend. We urgently need to reduce of the past and it’s important to University of Oxford, his research our impact. understand and share information interests are the growth and distribution of global living standards. Most of his It is far from certain that we will about global development up to now. research is concerned with inclusive and make progress against these problems A positive outlook at our efforts sustainable growth. These interests relate – there are no iron-clad laws that and those of our fellow man is vital if to his studies: with a BSc in geoscience, a would ensure that the world we are to gain perspective in our BA and an MA in philosophy, Max has an continues this trend of improving ongoing endeavours. It is essential to MSc in economics, and a doctorate from living conditions, but what is clear understand that we’ve come a long the University of Innsbruck, Austria. from a long-term perspective is that way in improving living conditions Bibliography: the last two hundred years brought us and must continue working together Link to website: to a better position than ever before so for improvement in the future which www.ourworldindata.org/a-history-of- that we may be able to solve these will be both a means by which we global-living-conditions-in-5-charts/ problems together. show respect for others and as a

40 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 40 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ A Non-Traditional Blessing & Joseph Kolapudi’s Biography

A Non-Traditional Blessing by Sr. Ruth Fox, OSB May God bless you with discontent with easy answers, half truths, superficial relationships, so that you will live from deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, abuse, and

exploitation of people, so that you will work for justice, equality,

and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you will reach out your hand to comfort them and to change their pain to joy. May God bless you with the foolishness to think you can make a difference in this world, so that you will do the things which others tell you cannot be done.

If you have the courage to accept these blessings, then God will also bless you with:

happiness: because you will know that you have made life better for others; inner peace: because you will have worked to secure an outer peace for others; laughter: because your heart will be light; and faithful friends: because they will recognise your worth as a person. These blessings are yours - not for the asking, but for the giving - from One who wants to be your companion, our God, who lives and reigns, forever and ever. Amen

Biography: Joseph Kolapudi Born in degree in business management and could help developing relationships Australia HR, which interestingly provided a between international organisations, P to Indian way to understand people from their missions’ agencies, social enterprises, parents, own unique perspective, a skill that the US government, and local Joseph has would prove helpful in his writing initiatives. been a later on. Desiring to combine his Joining the international missions’ lover of experience in academic writing as agency, Interserve, provided an books and writing for as long as he well as an interest in sharing people’s opportunity to return to India, where can remember. From a young age he stories and connecting with them, he he is currently working with Olive enjoyed biographical stories of people pursued a theological degree from Technology in the role of a Business who influenced the world which Fuller Theological Seminary in Analyst. A surprising bonus has been inspired him to turn to writing. When Southern California. the opportunity to write website he became an author at 17, he realised It was here that he realised that articles about reaching a more that his ability encouraged the writing was more than a pastime and academic audience, while also passion of others, and was a gift that was also an art-form that could have reviewing project proposals for couldn’t be ignored. His first job as a a global influence on the way people Christian ministries all over India. He journalist for an online publication perceived themselves, their society, also regularly contributes articles of a opened his eyes to the influence that and the culture around them. reflective nature for Christianity he could have on a wider audience. He completed his master’s in Today Australia, both local and This eventually led to an interest in International Development and international print magazines. writing internationally for the Urban Studies, and began to look into Joseph’s latest venture includes academic world. combining his skills and writing becoming a regular contributor to He graduated from the Queens- experiences which led him to the US, SPAG Magazine. [END] land University of Technology with a Center for World Mission where he ☬

41 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 41 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Up Close and Personal with Aussie Wildlife: Tiger Quoll & Words of Wisdom

Up Close and Personal “The essence of Lutheran theology: with Aussie Wildlife It's all about God, not about me. And even when it isn't about God, it's ~ Tiger Quoll (Dasyurus maculates) ~ about my neighbour, not about me. It's never about me.” Gordon Straw The Tiger Quoll is the largest are around three months of age, carnivorous marsupial found on the they have usually become quite Can just 60¢ a day really help? Australian mainland and is classed independent of their mother. Yes it can! The basic operating costs per as ‘near threatened.’ quarter to provide SPAG Magazine free are Male Tiger Quolls can have a around AU$550. If just ten people could There are several quoll species home range of around 128 hectares. contribute 60¢ a day for a year, our basic though the Tiger Quoll is the [END] operating costs would be met. Would you consider being one of those ten people? biggest with the males weighing an (Perhaps you could ask nine people from your average of 3.5kg and the female church or singles group to make up the around 1.8kg. They are found as far remainder.) north as southern Queensland right 60¢/day x 10 people/year = operating costs down the east coast into Tasmania. Your generous contribution can make a big difference! You can purchase items from our While once they were found also in online store: www.spagmag.com/shop.

Victoria and South Australia, Other costs:

European settlement has impacted Could you be one of ten (x10) people to help their range. There is a pocket of the with each of our annual costs? (in Australian currency) endangered subspecies Dasyurus (a) Fonts, graphics & software 2¢/day = 14¢/wk maculates gracilis found only in one (b) Fonts, graphics & software 2¢/day = 14¢/wk area in north Queensland. (c) Aust Religious Press Assoc membership 2¢/day = 14¢/wk With reddish brown fur and (d) Cartoons 3¢/day = 21¢/wk white spots, the Tiger Quoll is the (e) Website costs 3¢/day = 21¢/wk only one of its species with spots on (f) Postal box rental 3¢/day = 21¢/wk (g) Printing & stationery 3¢/day = 21¢/wk its tail as well as its body. (h) Promotion of SPAG 7¢/day = 49¢/wk They prefer damp eucalyptus (i) Office equip/computer 24¢/ day = $1.68/wk forests and generally hunt for their TOTAL 49¢/day day = $3.43/wk food higher up in the trees, though Why should you help? they will sometimes scavenge from All ongoing costs are presently borne by our dead animals including cattle, Editor, Vicki Nunn who struggles on a small disability pension, and yet she currently dingoes, kangaroos and feral pigs. receives no wages for the hundreds of hours The main part of their diet includes she puts into this magazine. That’s right, she lizards, insects, snakes, possums, doesn’t get paid and the costs come out of her pocket so that SPAG Magazine is published - for small wallabies, wombats, free. It’s almost like she pays you to read it ! pademelons, birds, platypus, Consider also that in the past year we’ve rabbits, small mammals, crayfish spent around $2,000 for a new computer and and occasionally, even small monitor, and while we’ve received some donations (thank you very much!), we still need poultry. ------to find around $1,700 to cover the full While adults are nocturnal, Bibliography: replacement costs. young Tiger Quolls will sometimes No name, no date, Wikipedia: “Tiger Quoll,” Would you make a commitment to help us? available: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_ Email us: [email protected] and let us venture out of their burrow in quoll, accessed 15/12/16. know how you’d like to become a regular daylight hours. supporter. Bank details are as follows: After birth, the young ones ☬ Name: VS Nunn BSB: 014125 (ANZ Bank) spend a short time in their mother’s “God made earth-creatures in a vast variety of Account: 289007034 pouch. They’re entirely dependent species: wild animals, domesticated animals of all Are there other costs not shown here? on their mother during the first fifty sizes, and small creeping creatures, each able to reproduce its own kind. God saw that His new Yes, we haven’t included insurance nor wages, to sixty days when they’re which means that those who contribute their time creation was beautiful and good.” Genesis 1:25 [VOICE] completely blind. By the time they and talents, don’t get paid.

42 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 42 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ There is No 'I' in 'Anxiety'. No. Wait. There Totally is. Oh Gosh!

There is No 'I' in 'Anxiety'. No. Wait. There Totally is. Oh Gosh!

by Sam Burrows asked my lady friend across the painfully and quietly with only table what the plural of foetus cats as friends. But it turns out that Press Service was. She wasn't impressed. (It is New Zealand has a bit of an issue. Iternational both foetuses and foeti by the way It turns out that twenty-five Columnist - I researched afterwards). percent of the population is I'm a worry. Seriously. I've literally trained myself to probably just as nuts as I am. This summer, while most of my droop my eyelids when talking to According to a study reported friends seem to have been strangers to disguise the panic and on in the Sunday Star Times, last prancing around on beaches and hide the crazy before I go back year 784,000 Kiwis were smiling for cameras, I've spent home to research lung disease prescribed drugs for depression, most of my time creating a vast while also discovering that the insomnia and anxiety. This is up array of situations in which all the back pain that I'm assuming is fifty percent since 2007 putting us good things in my life could be caused by my worry could be in the high end of the world taken away from me due to spinal stenosis, fibromyalgia or spectrum for anxiety and unforeseen external factors. spondylitis. depression. My mind is convinced that the If I can't think of anything to Anxiety is driving a significant universe picks on me, and that I'm worry about I usually just arrive at amount of behavioural and destined for catastrophe. I suffer the inevitable conclusion that I emotional problems in children from anxiety for a bit, every year will probably die really soon and there are dangers that we are or so. because there's no way that things too readily turning to a pill to be Somewhere along the line, stay good for long. It is usually at the messiah of our minds. With a probably as a result of some this point that I grab a beer and growing trend like this, you've got repressed traumatic incident from vow to name my firstborn to ask what's behind it, and then my childhood, I developed an Lorezepam if I survive. how best to address it. It appears inclination for my mind to prefer a Pill Poppers of the Pacific to be the plague of the next particular neural pathway. This generation for the West, like Originally I was reluctant to be puts me on constant high alert. smallpox. Just more panicked and this open about my mental issues, less itchy. Phone calls terrify me as concluding that if people knew I potential bringers of bad news, was like that then everyone would The study suggests that while babies scare the heck out of me be freaked out, would slowly stop medication helps, it doesn't fix the due to their dropability, and the talking to me, leaving me isolated deeper causes of mental disorders. other day I heard a noise and and destined to fall into an With the fast pace of modern panicked because I couldn't work escalating drug addiction and die society and the complexity it out whether it was my phone, work computer, Macbook, Skype, Facebook, Instagram, email or TV. Luckily it was just my fire alarm. Sometimes it turns into social anxiety, and the fun really begins. Negative past experiences tell me that talking to girls will result in being compared to a rat like that time when I was twelve years old, or that on a date I'll say something totally bizarre like that time I

43 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 43 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ There is No 'I' in 'Anxiety'. No. Wait. There Totally is. Oh Gosh! & Christian Today News Snippets with narratives about human experience that

insist that life should be News Snippets about one carefree road trip Middle East Christianity, Threatened after the next and to expect The film, Faithkeepers, shares about life to be a fulfilling and the shocking decline of Christianity in exhilarating journey of the region, and the stories of many adventure. That to Christian refugees fighting for their experience anything else, to faith. [Link] suffer, is in fact wrong. ‘If I speak of Islamic violence, I must speak of Catholic violence,’ says Pope Maybe that's the issue: Pope Francis shares why he chooses we've convinced ourselves brings, doctors are finding it is far not to comment on Islamic violence, more simple to just throw drugs at that suffering isn't supposed to claiming that each religion, Catholicism patients rather than addressing happen to us, that it's not included, has violent extremists within. underlying issues. While a small necessary, and it makes it difficult [Link] percentage of depression is for us to understand our suffering Christians fasting, praying in China as actually caused by a chemical God. We are certainly not okay new wave of ‘severe’ persecution imbalance, quite frankly, Prozac is with not being okay, so we try to looms cheaper than sorting out make it stop rather than dealing Church leaders in China pray fervently as soon-to-be laws are being passed someone's marriage. with it. We avoid the source. Not that will result in severe persecution that I would know any better, I "Make Me Happy. Make Me Feel for Christians. Despite this, Christianity Good." have panic attacks over non- in the country seems to be spreading existent problems. But perhaps these are all the rapidly. [Link] wrong questions. In the early 90s, I don't think you can just Churches should reach out to Muslim refugees with love, Christian author influential pastor Eugene Peterson swallow your brokenness away. says once addressed the question, "Do (I'm not on drugs, kids.) Tom Doyle spoke to CBN news, pastors face more difficult ------encouraging and challenging fellow problems today than in previous Biography: Christians to not fear Muslim refugees, generations?" He responded by but rather to share the love of God Sam Burrows is an ex-Middle saying, "I know this is a mixed-up, with them in the wake of crisis. [Link] School teacher (he made it out difficult, damaged generation. But it's Muslims converting to Christianity in alive) who is currently working in arguable that the main difference Nigeria, despite brutal persecution Young Adult ministry while today is not how much people are Often overlooked by media, Northern completing a Graduate Diploma in hurting, but how much they expect to Nigeria has faced unspeakable Theology at Laidlaw College. In be relieved from their hurting." persecution for decades from Muslim his spare time he likes to pretend extremist groups. Churches continue to "The previous century suffered to be a rock star and writes for expand as more Muslims turn to Christ just as much; in fact, probably much enjoyment and in order to impress despite the possible consequences. more. Just think of all the illness, a potential wife. [Link] death in childbirth, infant mortality, Should “13 Reasons Why” never have Sam Burrows previous articles plagues. The big difference today is been told? may be viewed at: that we have this mentality that if it's Hit Netflix series, “13 Reasons Why” www.pressserviceinternational.or wrong, you can fix it. You don't have tackles heartbreaking themes including g/sam-burrows.html to live with any discomfort or suicide and sexual assault. Reviews have been mixed, some saying the frustration. And the pastor is in the Article source: www.christian today.co.nz/news/there-is-no-i-in- show has brought them great comfort, front line of people who get while others saying the gruesome anxiety-no-wait-there-totally-is- approached: ‘Make me happy. Make details have triggered them negatively. me feel good.’" oh-gosh.html [Link] Perhaps the real issue here is ☬ www.christiantoday.com.au that we are constantly bombarded

44 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 44 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Rest Ministries: Are Your Prayers at Risk of Becoming Babbling?

Are Your Prayers at Risk of Becoming Babbling?

is impossible for them to be unheard. same words over and over can be a by Lisa Yet we can believe that if we are more form of laziness. How can you use the efficient in our request, He will hear Word to change your prayer from Copen us. So why not repeat it again and babbles to communion with Him? again until we get what we want? Song Link: I loved the lyrics of this Have your prayers gone from true This is what we are being warned song and how we often don’t know conversation to just babbling? Lisa of - babbling. The Greek word is what to pray. We can raise our hands shares. “battalogesete” and means to though - even in the middle of the “And when you pray, do not keep stammer. Other translations say to chaos and the floods in our life. Enjoy on babbling like pagans, for they think avoid “heaping up phrases” [AMP], this touching song, “All I Need” by they will be heard because of their “rattling off long prayers” [PHILLIPS], the Rhett Walker Band. – Lisa many words. Do not be like them, for and “vain repetitions” [KJV]. ------your Father knows what you need I like how The Message before you ask Him” About the author: summarises this scripture: Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Matthew 6:7-8 [NIV] “The world is full of so-called Ministries and she lives in San Diego with her When my son was 11, he could say prayer warriors who are prayer- husband and son. Be encouraged by one of her the same five words repeatedly for ignorant. They’re full of formulas and books today! 100% proceeds go to Rest hours - literally, if he wanted Ministries. You might like to check out “Why programs and advice, peddling something. I would try to converse Can’t I Make People Understand?” which is techniques for getting what you want and ignore it for awhile, but available in the Rest Ministries shop. from God. Don’t fall for that eventually I would blow. Ironically, I ------nonsense. This is your Father you are usually knew what he is going to ask Bibliography: dealing with, and He knows better from the beginning. His babbling was [NIV] Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® than you what you need.” Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® not about conveying a desire, but to Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Matthew 6:7-8 [MSG] wear me down and hear himself talk. [MSG] The Message Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, ------1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson What are your prayer requests Prayer: Father, I want to talk with [AMP] Amplified Bible Copyright © 2015 by The like? We are told to pray continually - You - not just talk to You. I long to Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights but this means conversing with God - hear Your voice in my life. Hearing reserved. not trying to wear Him down. I’ve [PHILLIPS] The New Testament in Modern English by my own voice repeat what I want or J.B Phillips copyright © 1960, 1972 J. B. Phillips. known people who pray for healing need over and over will not draw us Administered by The Archbishops’ Council of the for years, yet their prayers have gone closer, but only give me a false sense Church of England. Used by Permission. from asking for God’s mercy to a of conveying my desire to You. [KJV] King James Version uncopyrighted habit of babbling. Their relationship Teach me how to with the Lord has become empty. pray so that it brings me God knows our requests before closer to You. Hearing they are spoken. Prayer is not my own voice babble necessary for God to hear us, but will not fulfil the rather it is a gift given to us so we intimacy with You that I commune one-on-one with the Holy seek. Amen Father. We need prayer, which ------includes the act of surrender and Do you ever find praise. yourself babbling to Unanswered prayers are not God? He wants us to unheard prayers. Since God knows pour out our heart to our prayers before we speak them, it Him, but we must also be aware of saying the

45 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 45 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Good Grief: Getting Over Rover Good Grief: Getting Over Rover Why Our Grief Over a Dog Is So Intense by Frank T. When the fourteen years which friends. Anthropologist Brian Nature permits Hare has developed the McAndrew “Domestication Hypothesis” to PhD Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits, explain how dogs morphed from (This article first their grey wolf ancestors into the appeared in And the vet’s unspoken socially-skilled animals with Psychology prescription runs Today) whom we now interact in very To lethal chambers or loaded guns, much the same way that we relate What is it About Dogs, Exactly, Then you will find – it’s your own to other people. That Make Them So Precious to affair – In fact, our relationships with Us? But ... you’ve given your heart to a dogs can be even more satisfying My wife and I recently went dog to tear. than our human relationships, if through one of the more Many times friends have for no other reason than dogs excruciatingly sorrowful exper- guiltily confided to me that they provide us with such un- iences of our long married life: the grieved more desperately over the conditional, uncritical positive euthanasia of our beloved dog, loss of a dog than over the loss of feedback. Murphy. friends or relatives. As the old saying goes, "May I Losing a dog is hard enough; Research has confirmed that for become the kind of person that my dog setting the time and date in most people, the loss of a dog is in thinks I already am." advance and then counting down almost every way comparable to Interacting with dogs makes us the hours that we had left with her the loss of a human loved one. feel good, and just looking at them was almost more than we could Unfortunately, we do not have the can make us smile. Dog owners bear. I still get choked up when I corresponding cultural grief score higher on measures of well- remember making eye contact rituals to help us get through the being and, on average, they are with Murphy moments before she loss of a pet, which can make us happier than people who own cats took her last breath: she flashed feel more than a bit me a look that was an endearing embarrassed to show blend of confusion mixed with the too much public grief reassurance that all was well over our dead dogs. because we were both by her side. Why Dogs Are When people who have never Special? had a dog see their dog-owning What is it about friends mourn the loss of a pet, dogs, exactly, that they probably think it is a bit of an make them so overreaction. After all, it is “just a precious to us? dog.” Fortunately, most are too For starters, dogs polite to say this out loud. But have had to adapt to those of us who have loved a dog living with humans know the truth: Your own pet is and they have done it never "just a dog." very well - they are Rudyard Kipling captured this the only animal to sentiment in a stanza of his poem have evolved "The Power of the Dog": specifically to be our companions and

46 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 46 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Good Grief: Getting Over Rover and those who own no pets at all. the family dog frequently gets am sure that I will put myself Dogs seem to feel the same way confused in the same mix as other through this ordeal again in the about us. They have been human family members, indi- years to come. selectively bred through cating that the dog’s name is being I'd like to finish this essay with generations to pay attention to us, pulled out of the same cognitive another stanza from the Kipling and MRI scans show that dog pool in which the names of other poem: family members are swimming brains respond to praise from their When the body that lived at your around. Curiously, this rarely owners just as strongly as they do single will, to food - for some dogs, praise is happens with cat names. With its whimper of welcome, is an even more effective incentive It is no wonder that we miss stilled (how still!) than food. Dogs recognise people our dogs so much when they are When the spirit that answered from their faces and can learn to gone. your every mood infer human emotional states from Why Grief Over the Death of a Is gone - wherever it goes - for facial expression alone. Studies Dog Is So Intense also indicate that dogs can under- good, Psychologist Julie Axelrod stand human intentions, that they You will discover how much you pointed out that the loss of a dog try to be helpful to us, and that care, is so painful because we are not they will even avoid people who losing just one thing; we And will give your heart to a dog do not cooperate with us or treat experience multiple losses at the to tear. us well. same time. ------Dogs communicate with us as We may be losing our primary Biography: no other animal does. They are companion, a source of un- Frank is an award-winning teacher skilled at comprehending spoken conditional love, a ‘life witness’ who was born on a US military base in words and using their own Germany and masqueraded as a college who provides security and vocalisations to communicate with wrestling coach for almost 30 years. He comfort to us, and maybe even a and his wife Maryjo have two children us in return. protégé whom we mentor like a (Tim & Maura) and one grandchild Our strong attachment to dogs child. The loss of a dog seriously (Colleen). was subtly revealed in a recent disrupts our daily routine, even He is the Cornelia H. Dudley Professor study of “misnaming.” This is more profoundly than the loss of of Psychology at Knox College and a what happens when you call Fellow of several professional organi- most friends and relatives, and sations, including the Association for someone by the wrong name, such changes in lifestyle and routine Psychological Science (APS). He is an as when parents mistakenly call are one of the primary building evolutionary social psychologist whose one of their kids by a sibling’s blocks of stress. research is guided by the simple desire to name. It turns out that the name of make sense of everyday life, and he is A recent survey of currently studying gossip, aggression, and bereaved pet owners creepiness. documented the common McAndrew’s research has appeared in experience of mis- dozens of different professional journals perceiving ambiguous and is regularly featured in popular media outlets such as NPR, the BBC, The New sights and sounds as the York Times, and NBC's Today Show. He deceased pet. This occurs has written for many popular print and most frequently shortly online magazines, including Time, CNN, after the death of the pet, The Washington Post, Salon, Newsweek, The Daily Beast, PBS Newshour, the especially among indi- Huffington Post, The New Republic, and viduals who had very high Scientific American. levels of attachment to Article Source: their pets. www.psychologytoday.com/blog/out-the- ooze/201701/getting-over-rover-why-our-grief- I miss my dog more over-dog-is-so-intense dated 29 January 2017. than I can say, and yet, I ☬

47 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 47 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Creation Ministries International: Adam and Eve

Adam and Eve Adam and Eve by Lita Cosner the same reason - they are direct the view that women are chattels, creations of God. On Day 6 after this isn’t the force of the word at all. creating the land animals, God Indeed, the Old Testament uses the created Adam from dust then same word when it describes God breathed life into him (Genesis 2:7). as a ‘helper’ (for instance, Exodus From the beginning, unlike animals 18:4, Psalm 3:20; 115:9, Hosea 13:9). (and angels), human beings were a The idea is that women are equal in mixture of physical and spiritual spiritual status to men and fulfil a attributes. This made Adam critical role, without which fundamentally different from all the humanity cannot function. animals that God created, which is Does Genetics Show Adam and why none of them were suitable as Eve Were the First Parents? companions for Adam. Naming the In recent years, evolutionists animals was a great object lesson for have used genetics to try to Adam to show him that he needed undermine confidence in the someone like himself, not animals. Genesis account of Adam and Eve. Up until now in the creation They claim that humans today are account, every time God saw descended from a population of something, it was good, but for the around 10,000 people around first time, God sees something that 100,000 years ago. However, these Periodically, there are bursts of isn’t good - Adam is alone. Creation estimates are driven by articles about Adam and Eve. What is incomplete. This doesn’t mean evolutionary models and their does the Bible say about them? that God didn’t foresee the need for inherent assumptions, and so can’t What was the historical Adam like? a companion for Adam; it just be used to prove the very model it Did he even exist? What does means that now, when Adam assumes. genetics indicate about our first realises his need, God is going to do parents? Unfortunately, many something about it. Moreover, the genetic data can conclude that Adam and Eve are be used to support a In the first - ever ‘surgery’, God myths; nothing more than straightforward biblical mode, removed a rib from Adam’s side characters in a fictional story. But including a single starting couple and from it He created a woman, Jesus and Paul believed they were (Adam and Eve), a restriction in the who Adam named Eve. When real people, and they didn’t hesitate population (Noah’s Flood) and a Adam saw her for the first time, he to base key doctrines1 on what single dispersal across the planet recognised that she was not like the Genesis tells us about Adam and (Babel). So one cannot conclude that animals - she was a person like him. Eve. the genetic evidence invalidates the And Genesis affirms that like men, Bible, when biblical geneticists have Creation of Adam and Eve women are fully created in the an explanation for the same data4. The Bible is clear that Adam had image of God2 (Genesis 1:26–27). The Image of God no human parents - Luke calls him The Bible states that Eve was the son of God because of this (Luke created to be Adam’s ‘helper’ Adam and Eve were uniquely created in the image of God, unlike 3:38). In the Old Testament, the (Hebrew ‘ezer’). While this is angels are called ‘sons of God’ for sometimes criticised as promoting the animals and the rest of the

48 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 48 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Creation Ministries International: Adam and Eve

to divorce his wife, so the Pharisees were concerned about the conditions under which one could divorce his wife. One way of thinking was that a man could divorce his wife for anything - even something as frivolous as burning his dinner, while others said that only serious sin like adultery warranted divorce. But Jesus said that both sides were missing the point, because they were looking at a law that God gave to fallen people to limit evil. Basically, Jesus said that God gave them divorce through Moses because their hearts were hard, but that was never God’s will in the first place. God’s will was reflected in creation when He created Adam and Eve to be married to each other6. Paul also points back to the creation of Adam and Eve, and for him, it’s theologically significant that Adam was created first, then physical creation. Many people try physical created beings to be. But Eve, and this affects how the to equate the image of God to there are some attributes unique to Church should be governed. While human abilities like abstract God, such as unchangeableness, this passage is interpreted different reasoning, or having a conscience, time-lessness, omniscience, omni- ways by various theologians, it’s or the possession of an eternal spirit. presence, and omnipotence. None of clear that Paul was referring back to But the language used seems to these characteristics were given to the historical fact of the creation of indicate that the image of God is a Adam and Eve even in their Adam and Eve6. holistic trait, and therefore it’s unfallen state. They were still Relationship with God probably not possible to isolate a subject to their limits as created group of aspects that are ‘the image beings. God created Adam and Eve in His image so that they could enjoy a of God’ apart from the whole The First Married Couple person. The simplest way to put the relationship with Him. They had the Adam and Eve since they were biblical concept is that Adam and capacity to worship Him and the only people to be married before Eve were created to be like God in commune with Him. They were the Fall, they represent God’s certain ways, and to represent Him created completely without sin - perfect intent for marriage - one to the rest of creation as His they had the ability to conform to man and one woman united in stewards. God’s standards perfectly. But they marriage for life5. This repudiates all also had free will, so they were able This means that they were sorts of sexual sins, from to choose to disobey. This is endowed with the communicable homosexuality to fornication to important because any meaningful attributes of God - these are the polygamy. relationship would have needed the divine attributes that created beings That Adam and Eve represent can also have. They were morally possibility of contrary choice. God’s intent for marriage was perfect, they had free will, they What Did Adam and Eve Look illustrated when the Pharisees came could reason, and so on. In other Like? to Jesus to ask Him about divorce. words, they had the potential to be The Mosaic Law allowed for a man Many picture books make Adam as much like God as it is possible for and Eve blonde and fair - skinned,

49 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 49 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Creation Ministries International: Adam and Eve but when we consider that they trees. It was their job to take care of were the ancestors of everyone who the garden - an easy and pleasant ever lived, it’s easy to see that they task, and one that made sense, since probably did not look like that. they benefitted by being able to eat Instead, they had to have a the fruit11. And they enjoyed combination of genes that could fellowship with God Himself12. give rise to all the traits that we see While there were many sorts of in human beings today (except a trees in the Garden, only two are few that arose through mutation in specifically mentioned. The Tree of localised areas post - Babel) - from Life was connected to Adam and very dark Africans to very pale Eve’s continued immortality (see Norwegians, and everything in Genesis 3:22), but the Tree of the between7. Knowledge of Good and Evil was So most likely Adam and Eve forbidden. They stood together in had middle-brown skin, hair, and the middle of the garden. brown eyes. Just like the parents of Adam and Eve Were the First the ‘two - tone twins8’, they would Human Sinners have had the potential to have Unfortunately, Adam and Eve offspring both darker and lighter weren’t in their perfect home for than themselves. And the genetic very long. The conditions for their evidence9 matches what we would continued stay there were very expect if we really were descended minimal, but it wasn’t long before from two people only several they began to question God’s thousand years ago. Do Men Have One Fewer commands. The first couple was different Rib than Women? The Bible teaches that the from all people who would ever Some people say that the creation serpent13, who was the craftiest of come after them in a couple of account can’t be true, because if it the creatures in Eden (and later ways. First, they were created fully - were men would have one fewer rib revealed to actually be Satan; see grown; they were never babies and than women. But this is easily refuted - Revelation 20:2), struck up a didn’t have to develop through if a father lost his hand in an accident, conversation with Eve one day, childhood and adolescence. Because would his sons all be born with only asking her if God had really said of this, they didn’t have navels10 - a one hand? that they couldn’t eat from any of navel is a scar where the umbilical It’s notable that the critic is the trees. What a ridiculous cord attached while a person was in implicitly endorsing a largely command that would have been! the womb. Adam and Eve never discredited theory called Lamarck- had umbilical cords, so they would Eve replied to the serpent that ianism - inheritance of acquired characteristics. This was disproved not have had the scar from it. God had said that they could eat the fruit from the trees - just not from even long before modern genetics And while they were in the the Tree of the Knowledge of Good showed us how traits are usually Garden of Eden, they didn’t have to and Evil. She said that God had passed on from parents to children. wear clothes. Genesis tells us that commanded not to even touch it, But interestingly, Adam may not they were naked, but weren’t which was interestingly nowhere in have had to live his whole life with one ashamed. Because there was no sin, the original command to Adam; fewer rib - the rib is one of the few there was no need for them to wear perhaps Adam had told Eve not to bones that can regenerate, if it is clothes. This also tells us that the even touch it. carefully removed and the surround- climate was perfect for them, ing membrane is left intact. The serpent contradicted God’s because they didn’t need clothes to (For more information see Regenerating ribs.) warning, saying that she wouldn’t protect them from cold, heat, or bad weather. die - instead, something wonderful would happen - she would become A Perfect Home just like God! He implied that God Adam and Eve lived in Eden, a was depriving them of something garden filled with all sorts of fruit

50 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 50 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Creation Ministries International: Adam and Eve good by keeping them from eating the fruit. All this seemed to make sense to Eve - the fruit looked good, and even the name of the tree sounded good - after all, isn’t knowledge about good and evil a good thing? So she disobeyed God and ate the fruit. The text suggests that Adam was standing nearby for all of this, but he didn’t intervene. When Eve offered him some of the fruit, he ate it. Right away they began to experience the consequences - they realised they were naked14, and it made them ashamed. They tried to make clothes out of fig leaves to cover themselves. Sin is why human beings wear clothes, and why We know that Eve received this over the serpent would be man and nakedness is shameful; see for promise with faith, because of her God. Of course, her theology was instance Genesis 9:21–23. pronouncement when she had her badly misapplied. But she applied her When God came to the Garden first son, Cain. Most English theology correctly when at the birth of that day, they didn’t enjoy the translations say, “I have gotten a her son Seth, she said, “God has fellowship that they had been man with the help of the Lord.” But appointed for me another offspring intended for - instead they were literally, it reads, “I have gotten a instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.” afraid and hid. Sin had separated man: Yahweh.” This would have The use of “offspring” is the same them from God. been cryptic to early readers of as in God’s pronouncement in Genesis 3. She understood that Seth’s Adam and Eve Were the First to Genesis, but from our New Testament line would be the one from which the Receive the Gospel perspective, we can guess that Eve had a very sophisticated theology! ultimate Offspring would come. God pronounced judgments on She knew that the one to gain victory [END] the serpent, Eve, and Adam.

Because of sin, the serpent would Notes: crawl on his belly and eat dust, Eve 1 See “The Use of Genesis in the New Testament” at 10 See “Did Adam have a Belly-Button?” www.creation.com/genesis-new-testament www.creation.com/did-adam-have-a-belly-button and all women after her would have 11 See “Did Adam and Eve Have to Eat Before the 15 2 See “The Bible’s High View of Women Grounded pain in childbirth , and Adam and in the Creation Account“ at Fall?” at www.creation.com/did-adam-and-eve- have-to-eat-before-the-fall. all of his descendants would www.creation.com/bible-view-women 3 See “Regenerating ribs” at www.creation.com/ 12 See “Was the Garden of Eden a ‘sanctuary’ from a experience painful toil on the earth regenerating-ribs-adam-and-that-missing-rib hostile outside world?” at www.creation.com/eden-sanctuary until death. 4 See “The Non-Mythical Adam and Eve!” at 13 See “The Serpent” at www.creation.com/ serpent2 But in the middle of these www.creation.com/historical-adam-biologos 14 See “Does God Care What I Wear?” at 5 See “But from the beginning of ... the institution of terrible pronouncements, there is a marriage?” at www.creation.com/but-from-the- www.creation.com/clothes glimmer of hope. God says to the beginning-of-the-institution-of-marriage 15 See “Pain in Childbirth - Result of the Fall or 6 See “One man, One Woman: Does the Bible really Fear?” at www.creation.com/pain-in -childbirth- serpent, “I will put enmity between teach monogamy?” at www.creation.com/ result-of-the-fall-or-fear you and the woman, and between monogamy-bible-one-man-woman 16 See “Eve’s Offspring, the Serpent, and His your offspring and her offspring; he 7 See “Could Adam and Eve have given rise to all Offspring - Part 1” at the ‘races’?” at www.creation.com/adam-eve- www.creation.com/offspring-1 shall bruise your head, and you races-genetics Bibliography: shall bruise his heel.” He promised 8. See “Two-tone Twins” at www.creation.com/ two- Author: Lita Cosner, dated 3 December 2013. Available: www.creation.com/adam-and-eve, that a son (or male descendant) of tone-twins 9 See “Is ‘Mitochondrial Eve’ Consistent With the accessed 07/12/16 Eve would claim victory over the Biblical Eve?” at www.creation.com/mteve- biblical-eve serpent16. ☬

51 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 51 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ God Shines Most in Our Messiness God Shines Most in Our Messiness

by Steven Lee Life is messy. For some of us, that and ministry, Jesus Christ shines even scares us to no end. We don’t know more brightly and brilliantly.” This article appeared in what to say, what to do, how to “DesiringGod” on 25 The tragic irony is that we hide. engage, or how to help. Many step February 2017 We throw a rug over the vomit of our into community tentatively, secretly A recent bipolar diagnosis shocks lives sitting in the middle of the room. hoping it will not be messy. We want the group. Cancer ravages the health We withdraw when our blood good friends, loving community, and of a young wife and mother. An pressure rises. We recoil when easy, comfortable, enjoyable conver- impending divorce threatens to tear tempers flare. We pull back when sation. But the reality is that every apart a marriage, family, and we’ve been offended. We lean away true Christ-centered community will community. A member struggling when sin is exposed. have its difficulties. with same-sex attraction searches for In these moments, we must battle ways to share his struggle. The lone Christian community, by necessity our natural instincts, and trust our black man in the small group is and design, is messy. We are sinners, growing gospel instincts, to lean into peppered yet again with questions the world is broken, and God is at the mess. It’s not easy. It’s never easy. about racism. The single mom cries work. In the gospel story he has But as we lean in together with his out for help with her teenage son. A written, his grace and love shine more people, guided by his Spirit, and young couple struggles to accept that beautifully than ever in the messiness dependent on his grace and help, God they can’t have biological children. of our lives. brings hope and healing. The widow, married for more than six Powerful Gospel Wanted: Broken People decades, gropes for reasons to go on. The gospel helps us to move from God always works the mess for A father of six children shares the risk-adverse and messiness-avoiding good, for those who love him. He has news of his recent layoff. people to those who lean into one designed the body of Christ such that Life is hard and broken. Christian another when the pain and confusion every member, even the broken ones clichés aren’t going to cut it in the come. The gospel transforms — especially the broken ones — are unavoidable messiness of realities like naturally self-centered people into needed. In God’s plan, the broken and these. those who selflessly serve others. The needy ones are often the ones we Community Is Messy gospel transforms, over time, a proud need most. and arrogant man into a humble man “Let God use the messiness to The apostle Paul says, “If the foot willing to ask for help. The gospel make you and others more like him.” should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, turns an ingrown, self-absorbed I do not belong to the body,’ that Christian community — in the group into one welcoming to the would not make it any less a part of local church, in small group, spiritual seeker. The gospel generates the body. . . . If the whole body were missional community, or wherever generosity in a community to help an ear, where would be the sense of else — is messy. If our friends are make the dream of adoption a reality smell?” (1 Corinthians 12:15, 17) [ESV] plunging headlong into a dark place, for a couple. The gospel motivates a someone needs to go after them. And group to fold a widow in and become We need every single part. We we have no quick fixes for the deep her new family. The gospel slowly need the feet, even those with wounds we face: depression, anxiety, mends a broken marriage through ingrown toenails. We need ears, eating disorders, broken relation- consistent Bible study, prayer, and mouths, and noses. No part is ships, miscarriage, loneliness, encouragement. indispensable. That means we need unemployment, deteriorating health, the broken and hurting among us just In the darkest moments, the gospel wayward children, death of a parent, as much as we need the spiritually of Jesus Christ shines its brightest and disability, and the list literally goes on mature. We need those who suffer most brilliant. and on. from mental disability, physical “In the darkest moments of life

52 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 52 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ God Shines Most in Our Messiness, Glasbergen Cartoon & Tantalising Trivia infirmity, or broken hearts as much as that seem to be weaker are we need those who are doing well indispensable” (1 Corinthians 12:21– * Peculiar Presleyisms * and flying high. 22) [ESV] Have you ever seen the stuffed cane toads Some Sunday mornings, I sit next “God does his best work in and dressed up in various outfits? Jamie to a young man who has Down through us when we seek to serve one Buchbaum of Cincinnati in Ohio took that syndrome. He is filled with the joy of another, especially in our messiness.” concept to a new level with the creation of Christ and sings with more gusto than Whether you are a hand, a foot, or specialised costumes for cockroaches! One anyone around him. He has a bigger a big toe with a bunion, the body of of the critters, that was lovingly named Elvis smile on his face than anyone I know, Proachley, had a microphone and guitar and Christ needs you. It won’t be easy — was appropriately dressed right down to its and he always greets me heartily. He for anyone — but we need each other, blue-suede shoes! serves me by reminding me of the and the reminder that God does his * * * * * excitement and exuberance that brightest work in our messiness. There was a Mexican man who called should accompany the worship of When we walk with one another himself El Vez and styled himself on the real God with his people. This young man through joys and trials, we’ll better Elvis. After the USA issued Elvis postage — who has lived all his life with a see the transforming power of the stamps, the Mexican gentlemen decided to put out his own line of stamps with pictures disability — reveals the beauty of gospel. joyful and uninhibited praise. He of himself in a famous Elvis pose. Whereas God does his best work in and the US stamps had the usual mild glue on the reminds me worship isn’t about me, through us when we seek to serve one back, El Vez put different flavours of glue on but God. I need that reminder. I need another, especially when we run out the back of his stamps including mild chilli, him. of answers, quick fixes, and clichés, so medium chilli and extra hot chilli. Lean Into Community that we point others directly to Jesus * * * * * At one time the Lloyd’s Insurance Company Bearing one another’s burdens and and his cross. provided a policy for a Memphis radio station forgiving one another is messy. But ------which asked its audience to bring them let God use the messiness to make Biography: conclusive proof that Elvis was still alive. you and others more like him. “The Steven Lee is the pastor of small groups * * * * * eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no and community outreach at College Church in An inventor by the name of Richard need of you,’ nor again the head to Wheaton, Illinois, where he lives with his wife Tweddell III developed a plastic garden the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’ On Stephanie and their four children. He is a mould which could be fitted over young the contrary, the parts of the body graduate of Bethlehem College & Seminary. vegetables as they were growing. Eventually Web Address: the vegetable grew into the shape inside the www.desiringgod.org/articles/god- mould, which had been especially developed shines-most-in-our-messiness by Tweddell. His special moulds were shaped like Elvis and he claimed that the vegetables even tasted better...Perhaps he grew some ☬ herbs and called it Elvis Parsley. * * * * *

53 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 53 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Jerusalem Journal: Infants Murdered after Foreign Dignitaries Visit

Infants Murdered after ירושלים יומן Foreign Dignitaries Visit by Abel Lissnar and almost seemed to hang over us. Some the wise -men began to pack up their July 26BC swore that its rays were focussed in one area. caravan, servants and camels. Murder of Dozens of Jewish Babies On my way back to the inn, I came In the evening, the star abruptly reappeared over Bethlehem, blazing in the Standing here amidst the tragedy that across an even stranger sight when I stopped sky and I felt strangely troubled. has occurred in Bethlehem today, I am in at the stables to check that my horse had appalled at the heinous crime committed been properly cared for. The shelter was After bribing a Roman soldier, I climbed against the most innocent of us by King filled with shepherds from the local area. to the top of the wall and looked southwards Herod, the man placed into a position of One crazy old sheep-herder gleefully towards its light. There, the little town lay, power for our supposed protection. claimed that the Messiah had come, bathed in the brilliant glow of the star. Below suggesting that it was the infant who had me I noticed the caravan making its way There are trails of blood and red droplets been born there earlier that evening to the towards the town, and I determined to find everywhere on the streets, doorways and young couple who’d sought refuge in that out more. walls across this small town. Around me I dirty place. see women splattered in the bright red blood Hastily I returned home, packed a bag, of their murdered infants, as they hold close Recent Visit by Foreign Dignitaries took my horse and exited via the Gate of the the mutilated little bodies, screaming out in In recent days we received news at the Essenes and followed them. their pain, agony, anger and confusion. Journal’s offices that some dignitaries from Where is the New Jewish King? There was no warning. Just a single day the east had arrived to meet with Herod. By the time I arrived, it was too late in had elapsed since the departure of the Sources from within the palace said the the evening to conduct any interviews. The caravan of foreign dignitaries, returning to men were esteemed, wise and wealthy next morning when I arose, I discovered that their homes in the east. leaders from their respective countries, and the caravan and its wise-men had departed Then a garrison of Roman soldiers had recognised that the enormous star that first thing that morning to return home. arrived here around midday. Going from had suddenly appeared near Jerusalem those Further enquiries led me to the home of a home to home with military precision, they many months before was a portent. young couple with a toddler who were busy killed every child they could find to the age After consulting various texts, writings packing their meagre belongings and of two. Some infants were literally suckling and charts, they agreed that it was a sign of seemed anxious to be gone. I spied some jars at their mother’s breasts, and were torn from the birth of a great king, so they planned of myrrh and frankincense in their them and killed before their mother’s eyes. their long trip to Israel to worship him. belongings. The young wife quickly covered Anyone who resisted was brutally This omen had been the same bright star them up when she saw me eyeing them. beaten and some were put to death as they that I’d witnessed over Bethlehem almost I wondered if this was possibly the same tried to protect their young ones. two years ago. couple that I had seen twenty-two months The sound of wailing can surely be heard Up until recently, the star had remained before in the stable. The man admitted that in Jerusalem 9km away. If our great God in steadfast in the sky and we’d become so they’d been in the town the first night the heaven is real, then He must also be weeping used to its presence that it was only when it star was seen, but would tell me no more. at the great atrocity committed against His abruptly disappeared that we wondered at When I asked if they’d seen the eastern own beloved people, particularly against its origins and significance. emissaries, the husband responded these innocent little ones. After travelling for many months the evasively, “What would such men want with It’s now dusk, and the bright star that Eastern visitors had finally reached me, a simple carpenter?” reappeared several nights ago in the skies Jerusalem and enquired about the newborn Soon they were settled on their donkeys, above Bethlehem, has now gone, perhaps king with several of the city’s leaders. leaving Bethlehem behind them and me with dimmed forever by the dark evil behind this Though they’d asked for an audience with many unanswered questions. merciless deed. King Herod, he remained unavailable. Little did they know how fortuitous their The Motivation for Murder Sources claim that Herod heard about escape had been, for it was just a day later The last time I found myself in the reasons for their journey and frantically that the massacre of the children took place. Bethlehem was when Caesar Augusta consulted with the chief priest, head scribes I recalled that first night in Bethlehem, decreed that all citizens take part in the and leading Jewish teachers about seeing the couple with their new-born baby census. As you remember, we Israelites had prophecies concerning a new king. in the stable, surrounded by shepherds and to travel to our forefather’s birthplace. The Jewish leaders unanimously agreed animals. It seemed appropriate then that if I’d been returning to Jerusalem after that Micah’s prophesy spoke of a Ruler who the prophecies could possibly be true, that interviewing people in several surrounding would come from Bethlehem in Judea that the child who was one day supposed to towns and had stopped in this little town on would become the shepherd of the people of become the shepherd of the Jewish people, my way home. Israel. had first been welcomed to the world and worshipped by simple shepherds. It was an odd night - every inn was After that Herod agreed to an interview packed with travellers and late in the with the men from the east, but we were [END] evening everyone came outside to witness unable to learn exactly what was said in that private conversation. Later that same day, the bright star which had suddenly appeared ☬

54 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 54 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ A Veritable Miracle: Fine Tuning Without a Fine Tuner A Veritable Miracle: Fine Tuning Without a Fine Tuner

by Rowan horror at the thought!" rigorous, selfless, clinically Forster From that point on, he gathered objective, single-minded, scientific a collection of almost uniformly quest for truth is alive and well.) This article first appeared in non-theistic theories and opinions Other enlightening contri- ‘Online Opinion’ from mostly American academics butions included: in December 2014 and scientists in fields such as "One explanation of the fine cosmology, astronomy, astro- An edition of ABC TV's science tuning is that's just how it is. physics and philosophy. Their program Catalyst from late 2014 Period. End of story. Accept it." contributions included the was titled "Custom Universe - "Fine tuning could be nothing following, and each was delivered Designed for Us?" more than a coincidence." with a perfectly straight face: Presenter and narrator Dr "The reason the sun and moon "Anything that's possible will Graham Phillips began with this are the same size in the sky just happen, right?" (Assoc Prof observation: happens to be a fluke." Charlie Lineweaver). "If some of the laws that govern Cosmologist and prominent "It's true; aliens could have our cosmos were only slightly atheist Lawrence Krauss said in created our universe." (Dr Sean different, intelligent life simply one breath: Carroll.) couldn't exist. It appears the "It's certainly fine-tuned so we "There is a real possibility that universe has been fine-tuned so can exist," we are living inside some elaborate that intelligent beings like you and and in the next: me can be here. To write off the computer simulation that some "There is no evidence of design fine-tunings as mere coincidences futuristic kid has set up in his or purpose to our universe." seems far-fetched." garage". (Prof Brian Greene). This apparent contradiction But atheists need not have "What does it matter if the between acceptance of fine tuning feared that Dr Phillips was origin of our universe was the big and denial of design was not heading down a path towards bang or a kid in his garage? We explained. There was no answer to intelligent design. After noting still have life as we know it, I've the question, how is fine tuning that "some take fine tuning as got my wife and kids, it's fun! I'm not indicative of design - apart evidence that God created the just going to live it as if it were from it’s just a fluke, that's just universe", he added: real!" (Prof Greene again. how it is, and what does it matter? "You can imagine physicists' Good to see the detached, The one contributor who came the closest to making compre- hensible, definitive sense was eminent physicist, cosmologist and astrobiologist Prof Paul Davies. Speaking of the finely tuned fluctuations evident in the formation of the universe, he said: "They're absolutely crucial. If those variations weren't there, we wouldn't be here discussing it. So there seems to be a sort of Goldilocks zone of density contrast that makes things come out just right."

55 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 55 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ A Veritable Miracle: Fine Tuning Without a Fine Tuner Elsewhere Prof Davies has Sermon on the Mount without presenter and football commentator, and radio written: Jesus? Or as William Paley asked, newsreader on 774. He's had opinion articles published in The Age and The Sunday Age, "The laws of physics seem to be if we found a watch in a field, and is a frequent writer of letters to the editor. the product of exceedingly would we not assume a Rowan also teaches English as a Second ingenious design. There is watchmaker? Language at the Auburn Baptist Church in Melbourne. Web: www.onlineopinion.com.au/ powerful evidence that there is Given the carefully calculated view.asp?article=16967 something going on behind it all. It precision, unerring predictability seems as though somebody has and breathtakingly vast and ☬ fine-tuned nature's numbers to intricate design of the universe,

make the Universe. The impression from sub-atomic particles to far- Why not contribute to SPAG Mag?

of design is overwhelming." flung galaxies, it may seem 1. Do you have an interest in Christian music? puzzling why most of the How would you like to be our volunteer In his book “Ideals and Christian music reviewer, with your very own Opinions - The World as I See It,” scientists who appeared on column and webpage? Albert Einstein expressed similar Catalyst appeared to believe it 2. Send in your photos. Submit your best good quality natural scenery photograph (vertical sentiments: makes more sense to believe that format) for our back page, or good photos of all of this resulted from a school Aussie wildlife including birds, insects and "The harmony of natural law ... spiders. (Note your photo must be your own kid's computer, or aliens, or some reveals an intelligence of such work and not the property of another); random, blind, unplanned, 3. Send your original article for consideration. superiority that, compared with it, (When writing your piece, ensure you make undirected, accidental cosmic all the systematic thinking and note of all of your sources including web fluke. Surely the odds against this addresses, book details, authors etc); acting of human beings is an would be truly astronomical. 4. Ask for help - write to our counsellor (Lou) utterly insignificant reflection." with your personal questions or struggles; and Postscript: One text lists 32 5. Suggest topics - put forward ideas about So, can there be "exceedingly articles you would like us to share in a future finely tuned parameters in the ingenious design" without an issue. universe without which life as we How can you find out more? exceedingly ingenious designer? know it could not exist. They Please email us at: [email protected] Can there be so many instances of include factors such as the minutely precise fine tuning centrifugal force of planetary without a fine tuner? movements, the speed of light, In the case of any other gravitational force, electro- observed pheno- magnetic force, the menon, such ...can there be oxygen and carbon questions would dioxide levels in the be taken as "exceedingly atmosphere, the rhetorical. For Australia ingenious design" Earth's distance Since its founding in 2002, Christian instance, would from the sun, the we have the four without an Today Australia has become the leading Earth's gravitational non-denominational Christian news website presidential faces exceedingly interaction with the in the country. Christian Today Australia on Mount Rush- moon, the place- gains affiliation to the Christian Today more without the ingenious designer? network based in the UK, and is part of the ment of Jupiter to CMCI Group, the world's largest Christian designers and the protect the Earth, the thickness of news company. four hundred sculptors? Would the Earth's crust, the earth's axial Christian Today Australia's vision stems we have St Paul's Cathedral tilt, the speed of the earth's from the calling to establish the kingdom of without Christopher Wren, or the God on earth through media by serving as a rotation, the amount of seismic Sydney Opera House without Jorn platform from which Truth is presented activity, the ocean to continents according to Matthew 5:37, "Simply let your Utzon? Would we have the Sistine ratio, and many more. [END] 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No, 'No.'" Chapel ceiling without ------The publication aims to bring unity Michelangelo? Or the Messiah among Christians across all denominations Biography: and restore God as the centre of the nation. without Handel, Beethoven's fifth Rowan Forster is a Melbourne-based Web: www.christiantoday.com.au without Beethoven, Hamlet writer and journalist. He's a former ABC Contact us at: www.christiantoday.com.au/contactus without Shakespeare, or the radio and television news reporter, sports

56 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 56 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Did the King Know the Kings of Kings? Forty Years Since Elvis’s Death Did the King Know the King of Kings? ~ 40 Years Since Elvis’s Death ~ by Vicki Nunn was to be their only child, and Introduction became particularly close to his mother. Elvis Presley was just forty-two when he died on 16 August 1977. This While in Tupelo, the family August marks forty years since his attended the Assembly of God death and in this article we’ll look church where it became clear that the into a portion of his early life, the young boy (at the age of two) was impact of his music and performances keen on music. Gladys his mother on our society, and delve into recalled that Elvis: answering the question: “Did the “...would slide down off my lap, King know the King of Kings?” run into the aisle and scramble up to The church and Christian faith the platform. There he would stand played a significant role in Elvis looking at the choir and trying to sing 1 Presley’s life, especially in his with them. ” formative years. It was in church that For his eleventh birthday, he he discovered his passion for music, received his first guitar, and while it and gospel music in particular, which wasn’t the gift he wanted, Elvis came to strongly influence his musical received guitar lessons from two style. It was gospel music as well that uncles and his church pastor, and came to impact his on-stage presence quickly showed a passion for music, and performance. practising and singing every day. Through most of his performing His father Vernon was unsuccess- life and recordings, gospel songs and ful as a provider in those early years, even older-style hymns were so and the family often had to seek help important to him, that he consciously from others family members to obtain chose to keep them as part of his enough money to get by. In 1938, regular repertoire. Vernon was sent to jail for eight Elvis’s home when he was born in 1935, in Tulepo, Mississippi Out of his fourteen Grammy months for cheque fraud. Perhaps his father’s early lack of stability was the nominations, Presley won three, which were all gospel recordings. His leading reason why he developed final win was for “How Great Thou such a close relationship with his Art” on his ‘Elvis Recorded Live on mother. Stage in Memphis’ album in 1974, just The Teenage Years in Memphis, three years before his death. Tennessee There is enough evidence to The family moved to Memphis, confirm that Elvis Presley believed in when Elvis was thirteen, and a year God and while many of his Christian afterwards, they shifted into a two fans would like to believe that he was bedroom apartment in the Lauderdale a Christian, we’ll look at the available Courts which was a public housing information to see if it’s possible to complex. The family attended the determine the level of his faith, or if local First Assembly of God church. he had ever made a commitment to Elvis had been introduced to God. gospel music through his church The Early Years attendance at the white church he Elvis Aaron Presley was the one attended with his parents and later surviving twin born to his parents with local black churches that he snuck off to attend. It was from both Gladys and Vernon Presley in Tupelo, A very early publicity photo in 1956 Mississippi on January 8, 1935. He for the CBS program Stage Show

57 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 57 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Did the King Know the Kings of Kings? Forty Years Since Elvis’s Death of these that he came to develop quite record several songs and brought in a passion for religious songs along upright bass player Bill Black and with a remarkable memory for them.1 guitarist Winfield "Scotty" Moore to Slowly overcoming his shyness support the young man’s singing. and his fear of singing in public, when For several hours Elvis played and he was eighteen he performed the sang many songs from his repertoire, new hit song “Till I Waltz Again with but Phillips was still unhappy with You” in the Humes’s Annual the sound. As the evening drew to a ‘Minstrel’ show in early 1953. Of his close and they were thinking about performance, Presley later said heading home, Presley picked up his "I wasn't popular in school ... I guitar and began to belt out the song failed music - only thing I ever failed. “That’s All Right.” Taking their cue And then they entered me in this from Elvis as he was jumping around talent show ... when I came onstage I and acting silly, the two musicians heard people kind of rumbling and joined in the antics. Impressed by whispering and so forth, 'cause what he was hearing, Phillips stuck nobody knew I even sang. It was his head around the control room amazing how popular I became after door, and after telling them to begin that.1" again, recorded the music. By the time he finished high- Three days later, the song hit the school, Elvis recognised that music local airwaves and proved so popular would be his career. While he was that the phone-lines were jammed with callers asking for the identity of never formally trained, Elvis was Performing live at the Mississippi-Alabama the singer. That marked the keen on many different styles of Fairgrounds in Tupelo, Mississippi, 1956. music, and his knowledge of the blues beginning of Elvis’s rise to fame. amazed songwriters Mike Stoller and There are two world firsts which that feeling, I would believe I had 3 Jerry Leiber when they first met the are attributed to Presley: contributed something to the world.” nineteen year old singer. 1. It was through his debut album, In 1957 in a Photoplay interview The Early Recordings which featured Elvis singing and he said: Between 1953 and 1954, Sun playing guitar on the cover, that “No matter what I do, I don't Records recorded several songs by for the first time, the guitar became forget about God. I feel he's watching Presley that weren’t successful. He the most popular lead instrument every move I make. And in a way it is 4 was also unsuccessful in gaining a in music. good for me.” place as a singer in the Songfellows, a 2. When his self-titled album was Also in that period he said, local vocal quartet where he was released on 23 March 1956, it “I believe in the Bible. I believe turned down “because he couldn’t became the very first rock ‘n’ roll that all good things come from God. I sing,” though group member Jim album to reach number one on the don't believe I'd sing the way I do if Hamill later said it was because Elvis Billboard chart. God hadn't wanted me to.”5 2 had no ear for harmony. Along with his music, his style and When he was dating Dottie Meantime he found a job as a truck sound as well as his physical Harmony in 1956, she later said driver for Crown Electric and not long attractiveness, it was these ‘firsts’ that “We used to read the Bible every after was once again rejected as a also contributed to his eventual night, if you can believe that - he used singer, this time with Smith’s popularity. to read aloud to me and then talk professional band. The group’s leader Evidence Supporting Elvis’s Belief about it. He was very religious - there Eddie Bond told him to stick with in God was nothing phony about that at all.”6 driving a truck: In the 1950s Presley said: Elvis Presley released the first of “...because you're never going to “I ain't no saint, but I've tried several gospel albums “Peace in the make it as a singer.1” never to do anything that would hurt Valley” in 1957, and he continued

Sun Record’s boss Sam Phillips my family or offend God ... I figure all incorporating gospel music in most of began looking for a white singer with any kid needs is hope and the feeling his performances until his death, the sound of a black performer who he or she belongs. If I could do or say including hymns like “How Great would appeal to a larger audience. On anything that would give some kid Thou Art.” 5 July 1954, Phillips asked Presley to

58 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 58 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Did the King Know the Kings of Kings? Forty Years Since Elvis’s Death

At a concert in South Bend, Evidence Suggesting Elvis Wasn’t a Indiana on 30 September 1974, three Christian years before his death, Elvis noticed a In Steve Turner’s book “Hungry sign held up by a fan that read for Heaven” we learn that at the something like “Elvis is the king,” to height of his rock ‘n’ roll fame, Elvis which he responded by stopping the visited with his old minister in the music and saying, late 1950s. Pastor James Hamill was “The thought is beautiful dear, and the former minister of the First I love you for it ... I can’t accept this Assembly of God in Memphis and kingship thing, because to me there’s had known Elvis from childhood only one, which is Christ.7,8” when he’d attended his own church. He persistently sought the truth of At their meeting the singer said, Elvis Presley with his backup group for many God up until he died, though he was "Pastor, I’m the most miserable years, The Jordanaires in 1957 likely diverted from Christian and young man you’ve ever seen. I’ve got Biblical truth as he sought wisdom in all the money I’ll ever need to spend. new age concepts and books on I’ve got millions of fans. I’ve got eastern mysticism, encouraged by his friends. But I’m doing what you guru Larry Geller. In the mid 1960s he taught me not to do, and I’m not was still calling himself a Christian doing the things you taught me to and didn’t believe that reading those do." types of books or looking into The concerned pastor then wrote spiritualism or numerology was un- to the Assemblies of God’s General christian. Superintendent saying that Elvis: He once said to Geller, “...seems to be caught in a ‘web,’ “All I want is to know the truth, to spun by Satan and those around him know and experience God. I'm a who have suddenly brought him to Elvis and other recruits, being sworn 9 into military service searcher, that's what I'm all about.” fame and fortune.” The one thing we do know for He also recommended that they Geller encouraged him to read books sure, is that Elvis Presley never should pray earnestly for the musical on theosophy, positive thinking, rejected Christianity or God outright. star.5 medication, Judaism, Hinduism as He still occasionally expressed his well as Christianity, and Presley spent Whereas Elvis had once been quite desire to sing Christian songs and hours reading them, trying to find the vocal about his Christian faith and even said to actor Natalie Wood that: purpose of his life. Whenever he went belief in God in the first ten years, by on tour, he took a large number of “He felt he had been given this the late 1960s and into the 1970s, metaphysical books with him. gift, this talent, by God. He didn't those kinds of comments were less take it for granted. He thought it was frequent in interviews and his Despite his desperate search to fill something that he had to protect. He discussions. This would certainly that void, it appears that it was never had to be nice to people, otherwise, suggest that he had fallen far from the fulfilled in any of the alternative God would take it away.”10 faithful, naive and God-fearing young religions or concepts Elvis pursued, At his first Christmas in Graceland man of those early years. but then neither did he seem to be able to fill that emptiness with Christ. in 1957, Elvis’s aunt and uncle gave When Elvis first met his guru him a Bible which he kept with him Larry Geller in April 1964, they talked Living in the unreal and bizarre all of his life. The bible was sold at for a couple of hours, and during that world of celebrity and fame; auction in 2012 and was found to conversation the singer confessed, imprisoned in hotel rooms or his contain some of his personal thoughts home because he was mobbed by fans “I swear to God no one knows how and was well worn which certainly wherever he went; taking copious lonely I get. And how empty I really indicates that it as well used. Some of amounts of drugs just to function; feel.”15 his favourite Bible verses were unable to live a normal life like This suggests why he endeav- highlighted including a very telling anyone else; and seeking the illusive oured to find truth and fulfilment in verse from Luke 9:25: promise of contentment and peace other religions and concepts, “For what is a man advantaged, if he that was alluded to in mysticism and including books such as Timothy gain the whole world, and lose himself, other metaphysical topics; Elvis was a Leary's “Psychedelic Experience.” or be cast away?”11,12,13 lost man.

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The books the star read were often of sex,19 and a Times writer in 1956 about quite complex topics and while wrote that Elvis’s “movements suggest, they seemed to suggest that he might in a word, sex.20” Cultural studies find purpose and peace through them scholar Erika Doss said that “Elvis by providing deep insights, the fact clearly violated mainstream sexual that he continued reading further, roles21” of the time. suggest the Presley was never able to Several religious leaders such as achieve the kind of contentment he so David Wilkerson, author of ‘The desperately sought. Cross and the Switchblade’ were Instead of going back to the simple very vocal and scathing in their childlike faith suggested in the Bible, attacks on Presley. Wilkerson Elvis instead filled his mind with commented that Elvis wiping down the Company “D” sign more and more knowledge, and less “...rock ‘n’ roll was a godless (around 1958) and less peace, and instead of cult,” drawing closer to God, the distance “Satan is now staging a rock and between them seems to have grown. roll rally!” Elvis’s Impact on the Younger “Satan has used rock and roll to Generation imitate the work of God at There was much written in the Pentecost!” media and elsewhere in the mid to “It’s a supernatural manifestation late 1950s sharing extreme concerns from hell!” and about the impact of rock ‘n’ roll on the youth of the day. While it’s difficult that Elvis “...received power from for those of us who weren’t around in below.22” that era to understand or even Elvis wasn’t oblivious to the Elvis in the tank division in Germany. imagine the sheer hysteria about rock moral concerns being expressed about ‘n’ roll music and Elvis which gripped him and his music and knew that he churches and even sung there in their the younger generation at the time. It was a particular focus of their attacks. youth. Each were likely influenced by alarmed leaders and parents because He was distinctly uncomfortable with mixed-race services where up-beat they believed it encouraged sexual any negativity about him, particularly music, clapping, dancing and even promiscuity, depravity and even when he felt it was unwarranted, and speaking in tongues was the norm. violence. his need to please others was one of Various writers have written on Historian Marty Jezer wrote, the driving forces of his early life. this subject and how it contributed to what the artists chose to record and "As Presley set the artistic pace, On January 6, 1957, he deliberately perform, and sometimes impacted on other artists followed... Presley, more chose to perform the gospel song how they conducted their life.23 than anyone else, gave the young a “Peace in the Valley” as part of his belief in themselves as a distinct and third performance on the Ed Sullivan In an interview in October 1957 somehow unified generation - the first Show. During that rendition, the just prior to his appearance at the Pan in America ever to feel the power of an camera focussed only on Elvis’s body Pacific Auditorium, Los Angeles, the singer was asked by interviewer integrated youth culture.16" above the waist so that the viewers would not be concerned that he might Dolores Diamond of ‘Dig Magazine,’ Many churches preached against make ‘vulgar’ movements with his why he moved his hips the way he rock ‘n’ roll, particularly in light of hips. It was an attempt by Presley to did and Elvis replied, concerns with dancing, its links to placate the rising concerns of public sensuality and its impact on the moral “I wasn't aware of what I was leaders and parents who believed that fibre of believers. One southern doin' until people told me. I just sing he was a wicked rebel who wanted to church leader said that Elvis was like they do back home. When I was the destroy the morals of American leading the youth on a “march of younger, I always liked spiritual youth.19 24 destruction.17” quartets and they sing like that. ” The concerns about the morality of In some places rock ‘n’ roll music She then asked how he felt about rock ‘n’ roll music and its impacts was banned on jukeboxes, and police the critics who accused him of inciting weighed heavily on the minds of Elvis stopped dances where the music was juvenile delinquency. Presley replied and several of his contemporaries at played.18 Even the phrase ‘rock ‘n’ “I don't understand it. Delin- the time, especially those who like roll’ was a direct reference to the act quency to me means robbing, knife Elvis, had attended charismatic

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fighting, and things like that. I've to let into the Kingdom ... I might done nothing to cause that and I'd have to choose Elvis.” He thought that never set up a pattern like that for “...Presley was a major bridge between others to follow ... I always try to the white and black worlds.23” conduct my personal life to set a good In a 1986 article, the soul singer Al example for them (my fans). I think Green who came from the south and about this all the time.24” loved listening to Elvis who had There were other church leaders became popular when he was a child, though who didn’t believe the said publicised negative propaganda and there’s a “...distinctive spirit in one even applauded Presley for his the South ... slaves didn’t have much abstinence from alcohol and of anything, but they had God, and cigarettes. In 1957 Rev Milton Perry, when they sang, what they sang was leader of Jersey City’s Deliverance for Him, and it had meaning, and it Temple noted that Elvis came from: had feeling.27” “...a home of Orthodox ‘sanctified In an interview in 1972, Elvis said Pentecostal’ parents who taught a boy of his early church music experiences, to love and fear God.”23 “We used to go to these religious Rev Perry, a black minister who A publicity photo for the singin’s all the time. There were these 1957 film “Jailhouse Rock” was quite vocal about racial equality, singers, perfectly fine singers, but was impressed by the singer’s nobody responded to ‘em. Then there we know of him, it’s likely he never conduct including Presley’s beliefs on were these other singers - the leader quite overcome her loss. racial issues and his involvement with wuz a preacher - and they cut up all During his two year stint in the a local charity for orphaned black over the place, jumpin’ on the piano, army, RCA continued to put out children25. movin’ every which way. The previously unreleased tracks of Elvis had always believed in audience liked ‘em. I guess I learned Elvis’s that they’d accumulated in equality, possibly beginning with his from them singers.28” preparation for his absence, and love of music by black artists for Elvis’s Middle Years despite no new recordings during his whom he developed a deep respect. army stint, Elvis had a further ten top At that time, American men were In a 1956 interview he shared about forty hits. expected to participate in the US listening to the blues musician Arthur Selective Service System for two years It was an enormously stressful Crudup in his childhood. Presley said: of active service, and four years in the time for the young man, unable to “...if I ever got to the place where I reserves even though there were no freely walk the streets of Friedberg, could feel all old Arthur felt, I'd be a conflicts at the time. Germany where he was stationed, for music man like nobody ever saw26.” fear of being mobbed. He had to hire After his application to the bodyguards at his rented home for Interestingly, rock ‘n’ roll was military, Elvis was eventually protection. having a positive impact on the conscripted to the army in January integration of whites and blacks, at a 1957. While both the navy and the air- His sequestered lifestyle meant time when a significant portion of the force offered him special treatment he that he was unable to enjoy the simple white population, particularly in the declined, preferring instead to be a pleasures that many young men from south, didn’t want to change the normal G.I. his unit took for granted, even though status quo, preferring to look down most nights he slept with a different He deferred his application to on black people in their communities, girl. It led to greater feelings of complete the movie “King Creole,” a ‘race of people’ that they considered intense loneliness which he never and then officially joined in March inferior. seemed to overcome in his life. 1958. In an interview in 1958, the There was pressure from US In August the same year, his Director of the Southern Christian leaders and the army for him to curb mother grew seriously ill and Elvis Leadership Conference and civil his behaviour, and after the exciting took leave to be with her. His mother rights activist, Minister Andrew lifestyle prior to his service, the died shortly after of heart failure at Young said, mundane army routines were likely to the age of forty-six. Presley was contribute to feelings of boredom and “...rock and roll did more for devastated. He had such a close isolation. Additionally he was still integration than the church and if I relationship with her that from what was going to choose who I was going mourning his mother.

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It was during this time that Presley by film studio executives to lose the was introduced to amphetamines weight immediately.32 while on manoeuvres, and he came to It was likely at this point that diet enthusiastically believe that they were pills were added to Presley’s growing a great benefit to him by providing list of daily medications, a crutch extra strength and energy.29,30 This upon which he’d continue to rely so was likely the source of his long-term that he could indulge in comfort food, drug addiction. in an attempt to mollify his deepening While a jeep driver with the tank unhappiness. division of the third Armored Between 1965 and 1968, he had Division in Friedberg, Elvis met only one hit song. Many in the public fourteen year old Priscilla Beaulieu no longer believed in him or his whose stepfather was stationed there. music, he lost many of his former What began as an innocent attraction fans, and some people thought that and friendship, grew into a seven and he’d simply lost his way. Some looked a half year courtship. According to upon him as a joke after the Priscilla, Presley maintained a chaste prolifically awful movies and Elvis’s Elvis and his co-star Juliet Prowse distance from the young girl until songs. This was partially evidenced in a publicity photo for G.I. Blues (1960) their wedding night. by the increasing failure of the movies all the markings of failure before it From 1960 after completing his and the songs and how decreasing had barely begun. stint in the army was ended, Elvis had numbers went along to see the films. Due to ongoing decline in sales, several more hit songs and recorded Don Siegel, the Director of one of and the continuing failure of his his first LP of sacred music called Presley’s only two dramatic roles albums, Presley’s manager Colonel “His Hand in Mine.” Despite the fact “Flaming Star,” was not impressed by Parker turned his attention back to that the album wasn’t rock ‘n’ roll, his manager’s handling of Presley’s television. Elvis recorded a show in pop or country music, it reached movie career. While the director Burbank, California in June 1968, number three in the UK and number believed in the young man’s natural which eventually aired that thirteen in the US music charts, a acting ability, later in 1971 referring to December. It became known as the remarkable achievement. Colonel Parker, Siegel said: “'68 Comeback Special.” It was in the 1960s, that Presley’s “...he has not handled Elvis well as The show was so successful that music output declined due to his far as being an acting star. Elvis is the album reached the top ten in 1969. heavy movie schedule, with up to kind of a joke in the industry as an Elvis was back! three films in a year. The majority of actor.”33 the films were formulaic and Thrilled at his renewed success, This period contributed to the uninspired, including the music- Elvis continued recording and in June star’s increasing stress levels and a tracks and grew progressively worse 1969 released “From Elvis in driving desire to regain his with each year. Memphis,” and it was another popularity, and perhaps as a means of success. Delighted, Presley agreed to By 1967, although he wasn’t regaining the feeling that he had a perform fifty-seven shows in just four enjoying his work he stayed on purpose. because he’d been contracted to weeks at the International Hotel in On 1 May 1967, after meeting more complete the movies. Much to his Las Vegas, an enormously heavy than seven years earlier, Elvis married frustration, because of his Manager’s schedule for any performer, and likely Priscilla Beaulieu at the Aladdin Hotel agreement with the film studio, he had a negative impact on his young in Las Vegas. Exactly nine months had no control of either the scripts or marriage. later, their only child Lisa-Marie was the songs. Elvis’s Last Years born. By 1967, now in his early thirties It is probably the latter half of During those first months of their and growing more distressed about Elvis Presley’s life that is more well- marriage while Priscilla was the awful movies and songs in which known to most of us: his failed pregnant, Elvis persisted in philan- he was featured, Elvis became so marriage, his drug use, poor health dering and when confronted by his depressed that he turned to food for and early death paint a picture of wife, denied it. Elvis spoke about comfort.31 Packing on over ten man whose life was out of control. It separating from Priscilla two months kilograms just prior to commencing is also during this period where to all before the baby was due but later filming of Clambake, he was ordered appearances, he seemed to have changed his mind. Their marriage had

62 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 62 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Did the King Know the Kings of Kings? Forty Years Since Elvis’s Death almost completely turned from his downers to sleep, painkillers and faith and his belief of God. more. Although Elvis was enjoying a While Elvis had always been anti- resurgence in his popularity and drugs, in his own mind he believed performing in public, his marriage that junkies were people who used was strained to breaking point. While recreational drugs, but didn’t Elvis told Priscilla that he loved her, it consider that anyone was a junkie if didn’t discourage him from regularly they took prescription drugs as he sleeping around, and it’s likely that did.36 When friends tried to bring the she would have heard the talk about matter to his attention, Elvis would his many infidelities. grow angry or simply dismiss their The heavy touring schedule concerns, claiming that he had the contributed to the relationship break- drugs under his control. down as well. By 1971 after Elvis’s In 1973, after overdosing on affair with Joyce Bova, the couple barbiturates, Elvis was in a coma for were barely speaking and were no three days and later in the same year longer living together. was hospitalised due to a pethidine They officially separated in early addiction. Elvis and his Manager Colonel Tom 1972, and Elvis wasted no time in Despite his increasing health Parker in 1969 bringing home his new girlfriend issues and drug addiction, he agreed spoke, he was impossible to Linda Thompson to live with him. Yet to more live shows in 1973 and 1974, understand due to the drugs and his when the divorce was finalised in with Colonel Parker booking more poor health. October 1973, it stilled rocked him to performances than ever before. There To comprehend what else the core. Joe Moscheo of the Imperials was further pressure between 1973 contributed to Elvis’s life spiralling (Elvis’s backing group) said that and 1976 with the singer recording out of control, we need to learn a little Presley’s marriage failure: around six more albums. about what was going on in the "...was a blow from which he never His unhealthy lifestyle also flowed background, particularly in relation to recovered.34“ into his eating habits and he became his Manager, Colonel Tom Parker and In February of the following year well-known for his partiality to those who became known as the 39 while performing, four men rushed southern fried foods37 and Elvis’ Memphis Mafia. the stage to attack him. The incident sandwiches were another example, When Colonel Parker first began increased Elvis’s stress and resulted in although some of the stories that his association with Presley, he may signs of extreme paranoia. circulate have likely been exaggerated have had every intention of doing or made-up. What Contributed to Elvis’s Decline what was best for the young singer, in Health? His health continued to decline but as the years passed and more and there was a further blow in money was coming in, this appears to For many years Presley resisted August 1972, when three of Presley’s have degenerated into outright greed alcohol and recreational drugs. In the former bodyguards who had been and exploitation. 1970s showgirl Cassandra Peterson fired by his manager Colonel Parks, encountered him when he was Over the years, Colonel Parker were about to release the book “Elvis: working in Las Vegas. She said: increased his control over Elvis’s What Happened?” in which they career and by 1967 was taking fifty "He was so anti-drug when I met spoke about his drug addiction.38 percent of the income from Presley’s him. I mentioned to him that I smoked In late 1976, he split-up from his films, merchandise and recordings40. marijuana, and he was just appalled. girlfriend Linda Thompson and By February 1972, Parker retained a He said, 'Don't ever do that again.'35" afterwards began cohabiting with his third of the profits from the star’s live Presley rarely drank because he’d new girlfriend Ginger Alden. By early appearances and increased that to half seen several of his family members 1977, he was very unwell and losing a of the fees by early 197641. become alcoholics, and wanted to battle with his weight. Despite his Parker appeared to have little avoid the same outcome. He was determined efforts to meet his touring concern for what Elvis wanted and against recreational drugs, not commitments, he often had to curtail seemed entirely focussed on what recognising that prescription drugs his concerts, and disappointed fans at would bring in the most money, could be just as addictive and deadly. his concerts with his inability to rather than what was best for the He was popping handfuls of pills a perform well. At some, when he singer’s career. day - uppers to be able to perform,

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Parker’s influence overlayed into support and help them, which forced more areas of Presley’s life as well, him to give up any idea of quitting, at such as refusing to renew contracts least until his finances were under with people who he thought were better control. influencing Elvis too much or by At the same time, due to Parker’s demanding higher stakes in the domination, Elvis was often royalties of Presley’s music colla- unknowingly forbidden from borators. Additionally, Parker’s collaborating with music writers of negotiating tactics or sometimes his which Parker didn’t approve and so outright refusal to provide infor- Elvis’s opportunity to sing new Elvis and Priscilla in 1968 showing their mation to Elvis about offers he’d material or further develop his style newborn Lisa Marie to the public received for movie roles for him, was stunted. "But we all knew it was hopeless ensured that as his manager, he In addition, Presley’s desire to because Elvis was surrounded by that retained his power over the artist’s explore more serious acting roles and little circle of people ... all those so- career and earnings. to improve his performing abilities called friends. 44” Elvis wasn’t ignorant of Parker’s were denied him. In an attempt to justify the group’s control, but did nothing about it. His These ongoing restrictions influence, one of these ‘friends, Marty inaction was possibly fuelled by fear, deprived Presley of the opportunity Lacker, later claimed that Presley: particularly after the downturn in his to develop his creative side which career in the sixties, and the likely "...was his own man. ... If we caused him considerable frustration, shame of failure. Having grown up hadn't been around, he would have particularly as he was a virtual 30 ‘dirt-poor,’ he had no wish to return been dead a lot earlier. ” prisoner when he wasn’t performing. to that condition nor subject his Elvis Presley’s Death According to his wife Priscilla: father, friends and family to living out By August 1977, Elvis Presley’s their years in squalor.” "Elvis detested the business side of body was failing him. He had several Another reason may have been the his career. He would sign a contract serious conditions including liver 31 star’s increasing unhappiness and without even reading it. " damage, an enlarged colon, glaucoma, likely depression from which he was Marty Lacker one of Elvis’s friends an enlarged heart, and high blood possibly experiencing limited enthus- from the ‘Memphis Mafia,’ believed pressure. These may have been iasm and energy levels. This would that Colonel Parker was: caused by, or at the very least also have made it more difficult for ...a "hustler and a con artist. He contributed to, by his persistent use of him to think clearly, let alone was only interested in 'now money' - large quantities of prescription drugs. considering wrestling the strong- get the buck and get gone.42" On 16 August 1977, when he was willed and domineering colonel for The ‘Memphis Mafia’ were his due to fly out to Memphis for a tour, control. closest circle of ‘friends’ who gained his girlfriend Ginger found him found According to Rolling Stone enormous control over him.39 unconscious on the bathroom floor. magazine, another major contributor Journalist John Harris said that the Though attempts were made to to Elvis’s stress levels and depression singer was: resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at the Baptist Memorial Hospital was his own father. Elvis had given "Surrounded by the(ir) parasitic at 3.30pm.30 control of his personal finances to presence," and Vernon Presley who was not only The cause of death was listed as “It was no wonder that as he slid unqualified to do the job, he was also cardiovascular disease, though two into addiction and torpor, no-one bad at it. later lab reports suggested poly- raised the alarm: to them, Elvis was pharmacy may have been the main By the late 1960s and early 1970s, the bank, and it had to remain open.43" Elvis wanted to quit many times due cause of his death, ie the overuse of The pianist Tony Brown, who to his unhappiness, rising self-doubt prescription drugs. One report played regularly with Elvis during the and dissatisfaction with his life and determined that there were “fourteen final two years of his life, saw the career. drugs in Elvis' system, ten in singer’s continuing decline. While significant quantity.”30 His finances were so poorly those who really cared for him What More Do We Know of managed and due to Elvis’s wanted to help him, they were unable Presley’s Faith? undisciplined spending, the star to get close because of the Memphis found himself in debt. On top of that Mafia. In one of his very early interviews were expectations from his family and in August 1956, Elvis spoke about a Brown said: friends that he would continue to

64 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 64 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Did the King Know the Kings of Kings? Forty Years Since Elvis’s Death green scrapbook his mother kept father Vernon was interviewed by about him from newspaper clippings. Good Housekeeping: He sent her the negative media “Elvis and I both wondered, over comments and articles he came across the years, whether his life would have so that when he returned home he been drastically different had his could read them to see if there was (twin) brother lived. I've concluded some areas in which he needed to that it wouldn't have been, because I change or improve. believe Elvis's career and contribution At one time there was a to the world were fated from the first. disapproving newspaper comment For during his early life, certain which claimed that while he’d started things happened which convinced me in a church choir, Elvis had forgotten that God had given my wife and me a that day I prayed to God that He all about his religion, so Elvis cut it very special child for whom He had would miraculously heal our child ... out and sent it to his mother. some very special plans. by that night, I could see that Elvis Referring to it he said, Gladys and I were so proud of was better. God had worked the “I expected they'd start saying Elvis and enjoyed him so much that miracle we'd asked for, again things like that. About me not being we immediately wanted more children. reassuring me that our son's life was religious, I mean ... Well, I'm not But, for reasons no doctor could special. exactly sure what they mean by understand, we had none ... There was I don't mean that I knew that Elvis 'religious' in that article ... so if they no medical reason why my wife didn't was going to be famous ... A person mean just going to church regularly conceive again, but she didn't. doesn't have to be a singer or a movie makes you religious, then I guess I When Elvis was about ten years star or a president to fill an important don't fit up to what they want. But I old, the reason was revealed very role in the world. He can be a truck want you to know this. I believe in clearly to me in a way that I can't driver or a farmer or anything else God, I believe in Him with all my explain - l can only say that God spoke and make his contribution. I only heart. I believe all good things come to my heart and told me that Elvis was knew that Elvis had a contribution to from God. That includes all the good the only child we'd ever have and the make one way or another, that the things that have come to me and to my only child we'd ever need. Elvis was a Lord seemed to have His hand on folks. And the way I feel about it, special gift who would fill our lives him... being religious means that you love completely ... As soon as I realized I am more heartbroken than I can God and are real grateful for all He's that Elvis was meant to be an only express over Elvis' death, yet I'm given, and want to work for Him. I child, I felt as though a burden was comforted by the sure knowledge that feel deep in my heart that I'm doing lifted. I never again wondered why we my son was a gift from God and his all this. And I pray that if I'm wrong didn't have additional sons and life was always in God's hands. From in feeling the way I do, God will tell daughters... one point of view, I would have wished me. Because I owe everything that's I was a deacon in the Assembly of him to live forever, yet I know that his happened to me to Him.46” God Church in East Tupelo and used early death, like all of his life, was a Around the same time, when to take Elvis to church with me every part of God's plan. I thank God that 47 asked about if he’d changed since Sunday. Later, after we moved to He blessed me with such a son. ” he’d become famous, Elvis replied: Memphis, he was baptized into my Conclusion “I feel the same now as I did five, church, yet neither the Assembly of By all the evidence we’ve seen, it’s ten years ago. The only difference I've God nor any denomination ever clear that there were many factors felt since then is happiness, and that owned him completely...” which contributed to Elvis Presley’s things have gotten better for me … Vernon said that when Elvis was death including stress and overwork, that God has blessed me and that He's about six years: strong grief due to his mother’s death given me a lot of the wonderful and “...he had developed acute tonsilitis and his divorce, probably depression good things in life. I hope I won't with such high fever, he was on the due to grief and other stressors, change. I hope I'll never be like some verge of convulsions... Our doctor overuse of prescription drugs, of the people I've seen, who forget that admitted that it was hopeless. 'Maybe possible mental instability, poor they never could have been successful you should call another doctor' ... My health habits and much more. or happy at all without God's help.46” wife and I turned in prayer to the It is his faith in his later years Vernon Presley’s Comments greatest healer of all, God. I do believe though on which we are focussing, so In 1978 after Elvis’s death, his in prayer. I do believe in miracles, so

65 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 65 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Did the King Know the Kings of Kings? Forty Years Since Elvis’s Death can we answer the question, “did the to God you could lead millions of king know the King of Kings?” people into the kingdom of the Lord.” Elvis’s appears to have declined Humbard said that Elvis began to markedly, from the trusting, naive weep, and the three held hands as and joyous young singer that he was they prayed. Then Elvis rededicated in his late teens and early twenties, to his heart to God.48,49 the lost, bloated, dazed, drugged, and A couple of months later, just two at times incoherent and lack-lustre days before his death, Elvis’s performer of his final months. stepbrother Rick overheard Elvis When I began this article I was praying: surprised to learn about his early “God, forgive me for my sins. Let President Richard Nixon presents Elvis with a faith, as it was something that wasn’t people have compassion and under- pair of cufflinks at the Oval Office, 1970 publicised in his final years when I standing of the things I have done.” the law. If someone else lives life under was a teenager. Then I stumbled Then on the final night of his life, the law, his sin will be judged by what across a couple of surprising articles he heard Elvis pray: the law teaches. by Rev Rex Humbard and another by Here’s my point: just because a his stepbrother, Rick Stanley. “Dear Lord, please show me a way. I’m tired and confused, and I need your person hears the law read or recited Rick was the son of Elvis’s help.”50,51 does not mean he is right before the stepmother, the woman his father one True God; it is following the law While it’s clear that Elvis lived a Vernon married after his mother’s that makes one right, not just hearing sinful, self-indulgent life, he was also death. When Elvis was in his mid it. a man who earnestly sought to know twenties, six year old Rick came to For instance, some outsiders who God, even if it was in the wrong live with his family at a house next to are not required to follow the law often places. He came to realise that they Graceland. live quite naturally by its teachings. weren’t able to satisfy the emptiness When he was about seventeen, Even though the law wasn’t given to in his heart and soul and that nothing Rick (and eventually his younger them, in themselves they have the law. but God could fill that space. brother David) became Elvis’s aides. Here’s the thing: their lives In Psalms there is assurance for Rick Stanley was a messed up, demonstrate that God has inscribed those who seek Him: drug-addicted teenager by the time the law’s teachings on their hearts. On that Elvis died, and though at first he “For the Eternal will be a shelter judgment day, their consciences will was angry at God for his stepbrother’s for those who know misery, a refuge testify for them, and their thoughts early death, it was just two months during troubling times. Those who will both accuse and defend them. This later that he became a Christian and know Your name will rely on You, for good news given to me declares that eventually cleaned up his life. Stanley You, O Eternal One, have not this affirmation and accusation will is now a Christian pastor. abandoned those who search for You.” take place on that day when God, Psalms 9:9-10 [VOICE] through Jesus, the Anointed One, According to Rick, Elvis asked the judges every person’s life secrets.” television evangelist Rex Humbard In Romans chapter two it speaks (Romans 2:12-16) [VOICE] and his wife Maude Aimee to see him about those who have not heard the Was Elvis a Christian? Did he after a show in Las Vegas (several good news about Jesus Christ and really turn to God in those weeks months before his death.) Humbard know in their hearts and minds the before he died? confirmed this in a later interview, difference between what is right and and said that in between shows, the wrong. Thankfully, it’s not my place to three went into a quiet room and I refer to these verses because it make that judgement. spoke on spiritual matters and suggests that God will judge people If Rick Stanley and Rex Humbard’s prayed. Humbard took hold of Elvis’s on their hearts and specifically on testimonies are accurate, then more hands and said: their efforts to live decent and important than an answer to that “Elvis, right now I want to pray honourable lives. It also suggests that question is the fact that we know the for you.” God will judge people on their desire King of Kings knew him. to know Him and their efforts to seek Elvis replied “Please do,” and If Elvis is now in heaven, he will at Him: began to cry. last know contentment, peace, love “If one lives life without know- and belonging with our forgiving and Maude Aimee told Elvis: ledge of the law - the teachings of the loving heavenly Father. [END] “...If you fully dedicated your life Torah - he will sin and die apart from ------

66 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 66 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Did the King Know the Kings of Kings? Forty Years Since Elvis’s Death Notes: Funston Clubb, “What about Rock ‘n’ Roll?” Home Life 1. Guralnick, Peter, 1994 “Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of (April 1957): 42, 43; Brian Ward, Just My Soul Responding, Elvis Presley,” Little, Brown; ISBN 0-316-33225-9. 100; William Ward Ayer, “Jungle Madness in American 2. Cusic, Don, "Singing with the King" Rejoice! The Gospel Music,” Youth For Christ Magazine (November 1956): 19- Reason No. 34 Music Magazine. Summer 1988. Available: 21; William Ward Ayer, “Are Demon Forces at Work in the www.biwa.ne.jp/~presley/elnews-GospelMusic2.htm World Today?” Baptist Standard, October 27, 1956, 5-7; and 3. Jackson, Thomas L., Ph.D., 2004 “Moments of Clarity, David Wilkerson, “Juvenile Jungle,” C.A. Herald (January Volume 3,” (p46), Xlibris Corporation: ISBN 1-4134-4340-0 1961): 8-9. 4. Lorentzen, Erik, no known, date “Elvis - A Touch Of Gold 20. Zoppi, Tony, “Presley Thrills Crowd of 26,500,” Dallas and witty conversation Lame,” unknown publisher Morning News, October 12, 1956, 2. “Music: Teeners’ ... well at least a witty conversation 5. Milburn, Dan, 2015 “Stupid People Are Smarter Than You Hero,” Time, May 14, 1956, 55. Think!” Lulu Press Inc: ISBN: 9781312815643 21. Doss, Erika Lee, Elvis Culture: Fans, Faith, and Image ... well, I can grunt. 6. No author, undated, “Real Life Stories: Elvis Presley,” (Lawrence, KS: University Press of Kansas, 1999), 129. available www.reallifestories.org/stories/elvis-presley/, 22. Wilkerson, David, “Rock and Roll: The Devil’s Heartbeat,” accessed 29/04/17 Pentecostal Evangel, July 12, 1959, 4. David R. Wilkerson, 7. https://youtu.be/8aZO85MVsPI (uploaded by lasoo88 on “The Devil’s Heartbeat Rock and Roll! Teenage Sins 17/02/11) Exposed! (Philipsburg, PA: Teen-Age Evangelism, n.d.), 3, 8. https://youtu.be/JEZpSFnDxRg (uploaded by J.R. as Elvis 8 Channel 2 on 24/08/12) 23. Stephens, R.J., 2016, Church History: “Where else did they 9. Tillery, Gary, 2013, “The Seeker King: A Spiritual copy their styles but from church groups? Rock ‘n’ Roll and Biography of Elvis Presley,” Quest Books: eISBN 978-0- Pentecostalism in the 1950s South.” Church History, 85(1), 8356-0915-9 97-131. doi:10.1017/S0009640715001365, available: www. 10. Harris, Warren G., 1988, “Natalie and R.J: The Star-Crossed cambridge.org/core/journals/church-history/article/where- Love Affair of Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner,” else-did-they-copy-their-styles-but-from-church-groups- Graymalkin Media: ISBN 978-1-935169-86-4 rock-n-roll-and-pentecostalism-in-the-1950s-south/ 11. No author, 9 September 2012, Reuters Entertainment News: 9892D9D60C00C91BF54F2DC278441A36, accessed 29/04/17. “Elvis Presley's bible fetches $94,600 at UK auction,” 24. Diamond, Dolores, 9 December 2009, Elvis Australia: available: www.reuters.com/article/entertainment-us-elvis- “Interview with Elvis Presley: October 28, 1957, Los auction-idUSBRE8880KB20120909, accessed 29/04/17 Angeles,” Dig Magazine, Los Angeles, available: 12. No author, 15 August 2012, BBC News: “Elvis Presley bible www.elvis.com.au/presley/interview-with-elvis-presley- to be auctioned in Stockport,” available: http://www.bbc. october-28-1957.shtml, accessed 18/04/17 com/news/uk-england-manchester-19272663, accessed 29/ 25. Perry, Milton, “A Minister in Defense of Elvis,” Cleveland 04/17 Call and Post, January 19, 1957, 7A. See also the remarks of 13. No author, undated, Creekwood Church of Christ: “Living songwriter Samuel “Buck” Ram in Hal Boyle, “Rock ‘n’ Water,” available: www.creekwoodcc.org/lw/lw_Elvis%20 Roll Defended as Descendant of Gospel Hymn,” Ocala Presley%27s%20Bible.htm, accessed 29/04/17 Star-Banner (Ocala, FL), August 23, 1956; “Minister Says 14 Hamill, James E, Memphis, TN, to Ralph M. Riggs, Rock-n-Roll True U.S. Art,” Chicago Daily Tribune, Springfield, MO, August 1, 1956, Flower Pentecostal February 17, 1957, SW16; and “It Can’t Be that Bad!” Heritage Center, Springfield, MO Baltimore Afro-American, July 28, 1956, 4. 15. Comfort, David, 2009, “The Rock And Roll Book Of The 26. Hall, Mitchell K., 2014, “Critical Moments in American Dead: the Fatal Journeys of Rock’s Seven Immortals,” History: The Emergence of Rock and Roll: Music and the Citadel Press Books, Kensington Publishing Corp: ISBN-13: Rise of American Youth Culture,” Routledge, Taylor & 978-0-8065-3121-2 Francis Group: ISBN 978-0-415-83312-7 16. Jezer, Marty, 1982, The Dark Ages: Life in the United States 27. Wilson, Charles Reagan, “Introduction: ‘The Soul-Life of 1945–1960. South End Press: ISBN 978-0-89608-127-7. the Land’: Meanings of the Spirit in the U.S. South.” Flashes 17. “Zion Body Hits Elvis Presley,” Baltimore Afro-American, of a Southern Spirit: Meanings of the Spirit in the U.S. South, December 8, 1956, 7. University of Georgia Press, 2011, pp. 1–24, 18. Martin, Linda and Segrave, Kerry, Anti-Rock: The www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt46nf5p.5. Opposition to Rock ‘n’ Roll (New York: Da Capo Press, 28. Hopkins, Jerry, 2014, “Elvis: The Biography,” Plexus Psalm 31:1-5 1993), 31, 32-35; Michael T. Bertrand, Race, Rock, and Elvis Publishing, ISBN: 9780859658997 (Champaign: University of Illinois Press, 2000), 181-184; 29. Connolly, Ray, 2016, “Being Elvis: A Lonely Life,” Hachette and Glenn C. Altschuler, All Shook Up: How Rock ‘n’ Roll UK, ISBN: 9781474604581 “You are my shelter, O Eternal Changed America (New York: Oxford University Press, 30. Guralnick, Peter, 1999, “Careless Love: The Unmaking of 2003), 105-112. Elvis Presley,” Back Bay Books, ISBN 0-316-33297-6. One - my soul’s sanctuary! Shield 19. Linda Martin and Kerry Segrave, Anti-Rock: The 31. Presley, Priscilla, 1985 “Elvis and Me,” G.P. Putnam's Sons, Opposition to Rock ‘n’ Roll (New York: Da Capo Press, ISBN 0-399-12984-7. me from shame; rescue me by Your 1993), 27-29; Paul Henry Lang, “Music and Musicians: The 32. Nash, Alanna, Smith, Billy, Lacker, Marty & Fike, Lamar, Riot in Asbury Park,” New York Herald Tribune, July 22, 1995, “Elvis Aaron Presley: Revelations from the Memphis righteousness. 1956, D5; James Nelson Goodsell, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Opposition Mafia,” Harper Collins. p.412. Rises: Adults Criticized Grand Jury Probes Riot State Law 33. No name, undated, “Elvis History Blog: The Truth About Sought,” Christian Science Monitor, May 8, 1958, 3; “Little Elvis Presley’s Controversial Hollywood Career,” available: Hear me, Lord! Turn Your ear in Richard Fined in Texas,” Dallas Morning News, August 28, www.elvis-history-blog.com/elvis-film-career.html, 1956, 5; Linda Martin and Kerry Segrave, Anti-Rock: The accessed 29/04/17. my direction. Come quick! Save me! Opposition to Rock ‘n’ Roll (New York: Da Capo Press, 34. Moscheo, Joe, 2007, “The Gospel Side of Elvis,” Center 1993), 31, 32-35; Michael T. Bertrand, Race, Rock, and Elvis Street, ISBN 1-59995-729-9. Be my rock, my shelter, my fortress (Champaign: University of Illinois Press, 2000), 181-184; 35. Hombach, Jean-Pierre, undated “Elvis Presley: The King of Glenn C. Altschuler, All Shook Up: How Rock ‘n’ Roll Rock 'n' Roll,” e-published, p14, available: https://books. of salvation! Changed America (New York: Oxford University Press, google.com.au/books?id=1XqDHXOhR8cC&dq=%22cassan 2003), 105-112; Milton Bracker, “Experts Propose Study of dra+peterson%22+%22He+was+so+anti-drug%22&source= ‘Craze,’” New York Times, February 23, 1957, 12; “Presley gbs_navlinks_s, accessed 29/04/17 You are my rock and my Termed Passing Fancy: Minister in Village Asserts Singer 36. Higginbotham, Alan, 2002, "The Guardian: Doctor Gives Teen-Ager,” New York Times, December 17, 1956, Feelgood," available: www.theguardian.com/theobserver/ fortress—my soul’s sanctuary! 28; “Rock ‘n’ roll Called a Disease,” Catholic Choirmaster 2002/aug/11/features.magazine27, accessed 29/04/17 42 (Summer 1956): 121; Martin “Butch” Hardman, “Rock 'n' 37. Smith, Liz, 10 November 2002, "New York Times: Ain't Therefore, for the sake of Your Roll: Music or Madness?” Youth for Christ Magazine Nothin' but a Chow Hound," available: www.nytimes.com/ (October 1958): 10-12; Norman King, “Teen-Age Idol 2002/11/10/magazine/ain-t-nothin-but-a-chow-hound.html, reputation, be my leader, my Worship,” Youth for Christ Magazine (March 1959): 6-7; accessed 29/04/17 “Rock ‘n’ roll,” Alabama Baptist, November 1, 1956, 3; 38. Dunleavy, Steve (Red, West, Sonny and He bler, Dave), Linda Martin and Kerry Segrave, Anti-Rock, 50-53; Verna August 1977, “Elvis: What Happened,” Ballantine Books, guide, my navigator, my commander. B. Gordon, letter to the editor, Life, September 17, 1956, 19; ISBN: 0-3452-7215-3 “Stritch Urges Catholics: Ban Rock and Roll,” Chicago 39. Ponce de Leon, Charles L., 2007, “Fortunate Son: The Life of Save me from the snare that has Daily Tribune, May 1, 1957, 4; “Rock ‘n’ Roll Hurting Elvis Presley,” Macmillan, ISBN 0-8090-1641-9. Teens, CYO Head Tells Police League,” Boston Globe, May 40. Guralnick, Peter, 1999, “Careless Love: The Unmaking of been secretly set out for me, for You 16, 1960, 4; Phyllis Battelle, “Rock ‘n’ roll Beat Irks People Elvis Presley,” Back Bay Books, ISBN 0-316-33297-6. the Nation Over,” Journal and Guide, June 30, 1956, 15; 41. Guralnick, Peter; Jorgensen, Ernst, 1999, “Elvis Day by Day: are my protection. I entrust my Tony Zoppi, “Presley Thrills Crowd of 26,500,” Dallas The Definitive Record of His Life and Music,” Ballantine, Morning News, October 12, 1956, 2; “Music: Teeners’ ISBN 0-345-42089-6. spirit into Your hands. You have Hero,” Time, May 14, 1956, 55; Erika Lee Doss, Elvis 42. Nash, Alanna, Smith, Billy, Lacker, Marty & Fike, Lamar, Culture: Fans, Faith, and Image (Lawrence, KS: University 1995, “Elvis Aaron Presley: Revelations from the Memphis redeemed me, O Eternal, God of Press of Kansas, 1999), 129; “Zion Body Hits Elvis Presley,” Mafia,” Harper Collins: ISBN: 10:0060176199. Baltimore Afro-American, December 8, 1956, 7; Jessie faithfulness and truth." [VOICE]

67 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 67 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Samaritan’s Purse: Luda and the Jewellery Set

43. Harris, John, 27 March 2006, "The Guardian: Talking about Graceland," available: www.theguardian.com/commentis free/2006/mar/27/talkingaboutgraceland, accessed 29/04/17 Luda and the Jewellery Set 44. Clayton, Dick and Heard, James, 2003, “Elvis: By Those Who Knew Him Best,” Virgin Publishing, ISBN 0-7535- 0835-4. My name is Luda. I 45. Connelly, Charlie, 2008, “In Search of Elvis: A Journey to Find the Man Beneath the Jumpsuit,” Little, Brown, ISBN was born in Soviet 0-349-11900-7. Ukraine. In 1991, when 46. Goodall, Nigel, 28/08/56, Elvis Answers Back Magazine: Interview With Elvis Presley, available: www.elvis.com.au/ the Soviet Union presley/interview-with-elvis-presley-august-28-1956.shtml, collapsed, many people, accessed 18/04/17 47. Nancy Anderson, January 1978, Good Housekeeping: including my family, lost Interview with Vernon Presley, available: www.elvis.com. all their savings. au/presley/interview-with-vernon-presley-1978.shtml, accessed 18/04/17 Many people lost their jobs. Those 48. Humbard, Rex, 2006, “The Soul Winning Century, The Humbard Family Legacy...100 Years of Ministry 1906- who managed to keep their job were not 2006,” Clarion Call Marketing, Dallas, ISBN: 1-59574-055-4 paid for months and months. I remember Then, one Christmas at church, when I 49. Williamson, Joel, and Shaw, Donald L., 2015, “Elvis Presley: A Southern Life,” Oxford University Press, ISBN: times when my Mum was paid March was about 13, I was given a green and red 978-0-19-986317-4. salaries in October. We were able to box. I was told that it came from the 50. Stanley, Rick, and Haynes, Michael K., 1986, “The Touch of Two Kings: Growing up at Graceland - a True Story,” survive because we had land and could United States of America and had a ISBN: 9997880552 grow vegetables, fruit and grain. The only special Christmas present just for me. I 51. Beard, Steve, 20/11/2002, “Showing Elvis Presley Grace: A response to Charles Colson's BreakPoint Commentary,” treat we would get when Mum was paid was very excited to open it. Inside were available: http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/791895/ (once a month) was a tin of instant cocoa coloured pencils, toys, a t-shirt, some posts, accessed 18/04/17 Bibliography: drink. I could never have imagined sweets, personal hygiene items and a card No name, no date, Wikipedia: Elvis Presley, available: shelves of lollies and chocolates. from the person who packed the box. One https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_Presley#CITEREFGuralnick 1994, accessed 17/04/17 Me, my sister and brother hadn’t had of the presents I received was a beautiful No name, undated, Wikipedia: “Elvis Presley,” available: jewellery set (earrings and a bracelet), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_Presley#CITEREFGuralnick brand new clothes for years. We used to 1999, accessed 22/04/17. wear hand-me-downs and had to look which I still have 17 years later. No name, 15 August 2009, Elvis Australia - the official Elvis Presley Fan Club - Elvis Presley In The U.S. Army: The Journey after the clothes well if we wanted to be I still remember the joy and excitement Begins, available: www.elvis.com.au/presley/elvisandtheus dressed. When Mum could buy us clothes, of receiving that special box. It was a great army.shtml, accessed 22/04/17. Stephens, Randall, 2016, “Where else did they copy their styles it was usually at least three sizes bigger, blessing to me and my siblings, who also but from church groups? Rock and Pentecostalism in the 1950s so we could wear it for a few years. In the received the shoeboxes full of goodies. South.” Church History, 85 (1). pp. 97-131. Cambridge University Press, ISSN 0009-6407 available: tallboy I shared with my siblings, I had I was very grateful to the people who http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0009640715001365 one shelf that fit all my clothes. That is No name, undated, Rolling Stone: Elvis Presley Bio, available: had spent their money to make my www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/e lvis-presley/biography, how little I had. Christmas much happier. I still am. I accessed 28/05/17 Our toys were either wooden or treasure those memories in my heart and

stuffed. Between me and my siblings we keep a part of the gift as a reminder that I had one box of toys. When I was about 11 need to help those less fortunate. years old, my mum bought me a cheap I arrived in Brisbane eight years ago to Love and ever☬ more love is the version of the Barbie doll. I looked after it visit my boyfriend and stayed. I call like it was my most precious possession, Australia home now. When I first heard only solution to every problem that as I knew I would not get a new one if that about Operation Christmas Child at comes up. one broke (no matter the excuse). I rarely Beenleigh Baptist Church, I knew I would went to the toyshop. Shelves were full, but be packing boxes for other children to If we love each other enough, we they had exactly the same item on every spread some love and happiness. shelf, every time. I think they changed I will keep doing it for as long as I live. them monthly. So, one month there were will bear with each other's faults and It does not cost much to make someone skipping ropes on all the shelves, next feel very special. [END] burdens. If we love enough, we are soccer balls, then hula-hoops and so on.

There were times when the only thing going to light a fire in the hearts of we would get for Christmas were others. homemade cookies. There were never boxes and boxes of presents under our And it is love that will burn out tree. the sins and hatreds that` sadden us. It is love that will make us want to do great things for each other. No sacrifice and no suffering will then Now would be a good time to start getting your boxes ready. Dorothy Day For more info go to: www.samaritanspurse. org.au/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

68 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 68 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ X-Plan: Giving Your Kids a Way Out X-Plan: Giving Your Kids a Way Out

by Bert Fulks and alcohol came rushing into my young world; I wasn’t ready for any First appeared on of it, but I didn’t know how to escape Empty Stone, and, at the same time, not castrate February 2017 myself socially. I still recall my first I get to spend an hour time drinking beer at a friend’s house each week with a group of young in junior high school—I hated it, but I people going through addiction felt cornered. recovery. Yes. Young people. I’m As an adult, that now seems silly, talking teenagers who are locked but it was my reality at the time. away for at least six months as they “Peer pressure” was a frivolous term home, someone is coming to get him, learn to overcome their addictions. for an often silent, but very real thing; and he has to leave. I’m always humbled and and I certainly couldn’t call my In short, Danny knows he has a honoured to get this time with these parents and ask them to rescue me. I way out; at the same time, there’s no beautiful young souls that have been wasn’t supposed to be there in the pressure on him to open himself to so incredibly assaulted by a world first place. any social ridicule. He has the they have yet to understand. This As a teen, forcing down alcohol freedom to protect himself while also comes with the bittersweet seemed a whole lot easier than continuing to grow and learn to knowledge that these kids still have a offering myself up for punishment, navigate his world. fighting chance while several of my endless nagging and interrogation, This is one of the most loving friends have already had to bury their and the potential end of freedom as I things we’ve ever given him, and it own children. knew it. offers him a sense of security and Recently I asked these kids a X-Plan confidence in a world that tends to simple question: “How many of you For these reasons, we now have beat our young people into have found yourself in situations something called the “X-plan” in our submission. where things started happening that family. This simple, but powerful However, there’s one critical you weren’t comfortable with, but tool is a lifeline that our kids are free component to the X-plan: Once he’s you stuck around, mainly because to use at any time. Here’s how it been extracted from the trenches, you felt like you didn’t have a way works: Danny knows that he can tell us as out?” Let’s say that my youngest, much or as little as he wants … but They all raised their hands. Danny, gets dropped off at a party. If it’s completely up to him. Every single one of them. anything about the situation makes The X-plan comes with the In the spirit of transparency … I him uncomfortable, all he has to do is agreement that we will pass no get it. Though in my mid-forties, I’m text the letter “X” to any of us (his judgments and ask no questions (even still in touch with that awkward boy mother, me, his older brother or if he is ten miles away from where who often felt trapped in the sister). The one who receives the text he’s supposed to be). unpredictable currents of teenage has a very basic script to follow. This can be a hard thing for some experiences. Within a few minutes, they call parents (admit it, some of us are I can’t count the times sex, drugs, Danny’s phone. When he answers, complete control-freaks); but I the conversation goes like this: promise it might not only save them, “Hello?” but it will go a long way in building “Danny, something’s come up and trust between you and your kid. I have to come get you right now.” (One caveat here is that Danny “What happened?” knows if someone is in danger, he has “I’ll tell you when I get there. Be a moral obligation to speak up for ready to leave in five minutes. I’m on their protection, no matter what it my way.” may cost him personally. That’s part At that point, Danny tells his of the lesson we try to teach our kids - friends that something’s happened at we are our brother’s keeper, and sometimes we have to stand for those too weak to stand for themselves.

69 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 69 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ X-Plan: Giving Your Kids a Way Out

Beyond that, he doesn’t have to say a kid, hopefully your family is having At the end of the day, however, word to us. Ever.) some conversations about that. the most important thing is that For many of us parents, we lament If you don’t talk about it or ask you’re having some open, honest the intrusion of technology into our questions, how do they learn? discussions with your kids. Keep relationships. I hate seeing people sit If you’re building a relationship of building a relationship of trust. down to dinner together and then trust with your kids, they’ll probably This isn’t the same world we grew proceed to stare into their phones. It be the ones to start the conversation. up in. It’s not like sneaking a beer at drives me nuts when my kids text me More importantly, most of these Billy’s house anymore. Our kids face from another room in our house. conversations need to take place on things on a daily basis that - given one However, cell phones aren’t going the FRONT-side of events. bad decision - can be fatal. Don’t away, so we need to find ways to use Ever taken a cruise? They all make believe me? I’ve been to funerals for this technology to help our kids in you go through the safety briefing in great kids from awesome families. any way we can. case the boat sinks. They don’t wait Friends, it’s a dangerous world, Since first publishing this piece, until the ship’s on fire to start telling and our kids are out in it every day. I’ve seen an incredible amount of you about the lifeboats. Talk with Prayers for strength and discussion about the pros and cons. them. Let your kids ask questions and compassion to the parents out there as Here are some of the questions folks give them frank answers. we all try to figure out this whole have had: If They’re Not Where They’re parenting gig - it never gets easy. Doesn’t This Encourage Dishonesty? Supposed to Be, Shouldn’t There Be I beg you to share this piece. Talk Absolutely not. It actually presents Consequences? about it with your kids. If this an opportunity for you as a parent to Let’s be honest. A kid in fear of somehow gives just one kid a way out teach your kids that they can be punishment is a lot less likely to reach of a bad situation, we can all feel honest (something DID come up, and out for help when the world comes at privileged to have been a part of that. they DO have to leave), while them. Admitting that they’re in over [END] learning that it’s okay to be guarded their heads is a pretty big life-lesson ------in what they reveal to others. (As seen on The Today Show, Mamamia, all by itself. However, don’t get so HerViewFromHome, Good Housekeeping, They don’t owe anyone an caught up in all of the details. ScaryMommy, MomsEveryday, The Huffington explanation the next day, and if asked This isn’t a one-size-fits-all Post, and numerous social and news media outlets.) can give the honest answer, “It’s scheme. Every parent, every kid, and Biography: Teacher. Speaker. Business Owner/ private and I don’t want to talk about Manager. Writer. Musician. Founder/Director/ every situation is unique. What it Knucklehead, Empty Stone Ministry. Humble, it.” Boom! Another chance for a social might look like in your family could wild-eyed follower. skill life-lesson from Mom and Dad. be totally different from mine - and Over 25 years ago, Bert began his journey Does This Cripple a Kid Socially that’s okay. into lay ministry (youth ministry; teaching Instead of Teaching Them to Stand Sunday school; leading camps/ retreats; praise Conclusion band leader; ministry through drama and Up to Others? I urge you to use some form of our comedy; small group ministry; speaking to I know plenty of adults who X-plan in your home. If you honour addiction recovery groups). Empty Stone Ministry grew from a time of desperate struggle to stand up to others. This it, your kids will thank you for it. brokenness, in which along with God’s healing simply gives your kid a safe way out You never know when something came this particular mission. as you continue to nurture that so simple could be the difference Web Address: valuable skill. between your kid laughing with you www.bertfulks.com/2017/02/23/x-plan-giving- your-kids-a-way-out-xplan/ What if This Becomes Habitual? at the dinner table or spending six If you’re regularly rescuing your months in a recovery centre … or ☬ (God forbid) something far worse.

70 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 70 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ What Are the Apocryphal Books? What Are the Apocryphal Books?

by Joseph F. Kolapudi six books that we know as the time, but rather according to the SPAG Journalist Bible, which form the authoritat- theme or classification of the book, ive canon. The canon itself has whether it was to do with matters Introduction been subject to controversy over of the law, or prophetical texts, or Over time, many people, the years, and this is still is an writings. As this was the case, it especially in both Christian and ongoing argument. was not until around 100 A.D. that academic circles, have asked the As history shows, the formation the Old Testament canon was question: what are the apocryphal of the Old Testament Canon and finally completed2. books, and do we even need the New Testament canon The New Testament, however, them? occurred during different periods. had a lot more revisions than the Far from being merely a The Canon Old Testament, particularly due to historical question, this question the time period in which it was The Old Testament was digs deep into the antiquity, formed, which was still under the compiled from rabbinical teachers accuracy, and acceptability of Roman rule of power. who began to piece together the literature that can be considered Scriptures under three major One of the earliest recorded apocryphal in the first place. subsections: lists of the New Testament books One thing is for certain, the was compiled by Marcion in 1. the law, or ‘Torah’, which plausibility of using apocryphal approximately 160 A.D., a native included the book of Genesis books to add depth and meaning of Pontus near the Black Sea, who through to Deuteronomy, also to a particular text, including was later excommunicated by the known as the Pentateuch; Scripture, remains valid, even church as a heretic3. today. 2. the Prophets, which included According to Marcion, the the Book of Joshua, Judges, 1st What Are Apocryphal Books? Jewish canon was for the Jews and 2nd Samuel, 1st and 2nd only, and was not applicable to the To examine this further, the Kings, and Isaiah through to definition of what even constitutes Christian church, as the Malachi; and lastly a text being ‘apocryphal’ needs to covenantal law was specifically 3. the Writings, from the Book of be considered. According to the made for the nation of Israel. Psalms, also known as the Merriam-Webster dictionary, As a result, the formation of the Psalter, Job, Proverbs, Ruth, apocryphal1 refers to a story or first canon according to Marcion Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, text of doubtful authenticity, often only consisted of the Gospel Lamentations, Esther, Daniel, referring to or resembling the according to Luke, and the letters Ezra, Nehemiah, and 1st and collection of writings known as written to the churches by the 2nd Chronicles. the ‘Apocrypha.’ Apostle Paul. These books were not The Apocrypha is almost like Later on, the church was categorised according to linear the ‘alternative canon’ to the sixty- challenged to form a more

'Susanna and the Elders,' Part of the Septuagint The Song of the Three The Gospel of Mary was found An illuminated manuscript from 1 Maccabees etching by Lucas van text of the Story of Holy Children from the in a 5th century papyrus codex from the 12th century Leyden Susanna Bowyer Bible written in Sahidic Coptic

71 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 71 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ What Are the Apocryphal Books? complete canon, which was Catholic Church and Protestant church, as to which books should eventually drawn up by Eusebius, Church began to make the be included and accepted bishop of Caesarea, in 325 A.D., distinction between their accepted alongside Scripture. In the end, which came to be referred to as the canon; the former included the the Catholic canon included these Muratorian Canon. Apocrypha, which the latter did books: Wisdom of Solomon, 1st That same year, the Council of not. and 2nd Maccabees, Tobit, Bel and Nicea came together to address Furthermore, the difference the Dragon, Judith, and Baruch. certain heretical texts and theories between extra-canonical, or extra- These make up the Apocrypha. that were to be debated and Biblical books, and the However, there were certain extra- ultimately rejected. Apocrypha, became much more Biblical books that were not included in the Apocrypha itself, Finally, in 331 A.D., it was the apparent. though referred to within the Roman emperor Constantine, As the extra-canonical books apocryphal books, which are: (himself a Christian), who were excluded from the canon we arranged for the publishing of a have now, they became almost Song of the Three Prayer of Holy Children Manasses number of Bibles by Bishop like an additional reading list, History of Susannah 1st & 2nd Esdras Eusebius. though they were not required as 3rd & 4th Maccabees4 Why Do Apocryphal Books Still relevant reading material within Exist? the context of the church. Despite the questions still surrounding the acceptability of So why is it, that even after These are still considered both the Old Testament and New important by some; as they are the Apocrypha in current times, when most don’t fully understand Testament canons were formed, referred to within Scripture itself. the canonical text, let alone any that apocryphal writings still exist Here are some of the numerous today? examples: additional writings, what is for Apocryphal Book certain is that the apocryphal texts Interestingly enough, some of Bible Books to which it refers themselves are worth reading. the apocryphal books are referred 2nd Samuel & Book of Jasher to in the canonical books From a personal standpoint, I Joshua refer to have read some of the apocryphal themselves. One of the reasons for 2nd Chronicles Story of the book myself, and they are quite this is due to the fact that Jewish refers to Prophet Iddo writers were also great readers, interesting and very informative. 1st & 2nd Book of Nathan However, discrepancies in certain relying on a variety of texts and Chronicles sections of the text, as well as historical literature, mainly due to 1st Chronicles Book of Gad the contradictions to the canonical the fact that at the time, there was Seer books are easily recognisable, not no canon in existence. Hence, the 2nd Chronicles Book of Jehu & to mention the historical divide writers of Scripture were able to Sayings of the Seers that distinguishes the two. access these additional writings Jude & 2nd Peter Book of Enoch As it stands, the apocryphal and refer to them in their own The Apocrypha itself became a writings are worth reading, but writings as well. point of contention within the This is exactly why the Roman not as a replacement to the

The Lost Apocrypha of Page from the Book of A page from the Book of An engraving from the early 14th Eleazar's exploit as described in 1 Maccabees 6:45 the Old Testament Enoch in Greek Baruch century showing debate about the books

72 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 72 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ What Are the Apocryphal Books? Scriptures themselves. something that people have been end, we ought to heed the words Some of the early reformers, looking for ever since the age-old that Scripture reveals to us, and be including Martin Luther, had question was asked by the Roman mindful of the fact that as we issues dealing with some of the proconsul Pontius Pilate, “What is continue to move toward a time claims of canonical Scripture, truth?” Indeed, how one when truth is seen as relative and especially the latter half of the approaches this, what is worth lesser than, those who firmly New Testament, which included believing, and how the truth is believe the truth are more than books such as Jude, Peter and often portrayed are all aspects that blessed. Revelation. According to Luther, one must consider when The canonical relevancy of the these books should not have been examining the truth itself. Only Bible shows this to be true, despite included in the canon, whereas then can one truly believe. notions to the contrary that seek to certain books in the Apocrypha Choosing whether to believe distract and detract from this ought to have included5. that the Apocrypha is authori- reality. For the truth uplifts those Others, such as the Jewish tative or not is certainly at the who believe in it, and inspires historian Josephus, rejected the discretion of the reader, since those who seek it. It is this Apocrypha outright and clung to throughout the history of the conviction that inspires others, as the canonical Scriptures. Never- church, this has been a timeless, it is the truth that indeed sets us theless, it can be seen that both age-old question that has plagued free. [END] hold the valid point that the the minds of many. ------canon, regardless of which books However, examining the References are included or not, is vital to the evidence, it can be concluded that 1 Apocryphal (n.d.)., https://www.merriam- strengthening of faith and a great although not ‘Scriptural’ in the webster.com/dictionary/apocryphal?utm_camp aign=sd&utm_medium=serp&utm_source=json encouragement to those who read sense of the word, the Apocrypha ld, accessed 19/05/17. it. should be considered historical 2 Kent, C., The Formation of the Old Testament reading that is beneficial for Canon, http://biblehub.com/library/kent/the_ Although the Apocrypha origin_and_permanent_value_of_the_old_testa includes a lot of incendiary ideas, further study alongside Scripture ment/xiii_the_formation_of_the.htm, accessed perhaps it is necessary to examine itself. 19/05/17. 3 these in light of Scripture as we As time has proved that the Hoover, R., How the Canon was Formed, https://www.westarinstitute.org/resources/the- know it, in order to discern the truth alone triumphs, the litmus fourth-r/how-the-canon-was-formed/, accessed differences and learn from them. test of history points to the fact 19/05/17. that the past does have an effect 4 The Old Testament Canon and Apocrypha., It is an elementary notion to http://www.bible-researcher.com/canon2.html, think that the Apocrypha holds no on the present reality, as well as accessed 19/05/17. standard of truth and should be future events. 5 Why Do Some Bibles have a section called the eliminated completely, instead, What we choose to believe is of Apocrypha? https://www.biblica.com/bible/ bible-faqs/why-do-some-bibles-have-a-section- those who do read it should imperative importance that has a called-the-apocrypha/, accessed 19/05/17. perhaps do so with a grain of salt. bearing on our lives and on the The search for truth is still lives of those around us. To this ☬

Introduction to Sirach, Judas Maccabeus Pursues Timotheus from The Testaments of the Judith with the head of Holofernes In the second books of Esdras, the prophet dreams of a codex sinaiticus from 1 Maccabees 5:28-44 Twelve Patriarchs from Judith chapter 14 three-headed eagle 4th century

73 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 73 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ The Creative Urge: I’ve Learned to Go With the Shunts The Creative Urge: I’ve Learned to Go With the Shunts

by Margaret I will offer You my grateful would be my Frost heart, for I am Your unique talents and creation, filled with wonder and abilities to be

awe. included in my

makeup. Introduction You have approached even What does that mean, to ‘go the smallest details with excell- He gave me a very strong with the shunts?’ It started when I ence; Your works are wonderful; I creative gift and that has was just a very young Christian, carry this knowledge deep within expressed itself in many different my soul. ways over the years. Besides art, God teaching me to trust His ‘Shunts.’ You see all things; nothing God’s Shunts have led me to explore ceramics, ticket writing, You may know what I mean - about me was hidden from You as sewing, patchwork and patchwork in the middle of doing something, I took shape in secret, carefully patterns, designing and making the thought comes, “Get the crafted in the heart of the earth special event clothing for clients - washing off the line.” before I was born from its womb. very exciting stuff for me! “What?” I respond. You see all things; You saw me growing, changing in my mother’s Many times an opportunity If I don’t heed the Shunt, five womb; presents itself, a ‘shunt,’ and after minutes later it’s raining and I’m I get over the thought, “You’ve got Every detail of my life was kicking myself. to be kidding me!” If I then decide already written in Your book; You I have learnt over the years to to give it my best shot, I know full established the length of my life go with His, “Hey listen to me!” well from experience, my learning before I ever tasted the sweetness of Shunts. curve is then going vertical. Only it. Obedience to the Word and His He knows what I am capable of, Your thoughts and plans are leading and guiding, is a lifelong and what I am not. (I certainly did treasures to me, O God! I cherish journey of learning to trust and not get the technology app each and every one of them! How obey. Peace in every facet of our installed at my conception, I know grand in scope! How many in being depends on this. To be fully that for sure.) I am a Creative and number! If I could count each one who I’m designed to be, relies on at the moment an Artist - who of them, they would be more than this. knows what else He has in store all the grains of sand on earth. for me? “For You shaped me, inside and Their number is inconceivable! out. You knitted me together in my The Keys Even when I wake up, I am still mother’s womb long before I took This year I came across an near to You.” [VOICE] my first breath. advertisement for the Mandorla Psalm 139:13-18 Art Award. Australia’s most is very inspir- significant thematic Christian Art ational for me Prize. This year’s theme was ‘The because I see God Resurrection’. The main prize was creating, putting $25,000! Was this a Shunt? me together in my I looked at the prize winners mother’s womb. I from the previous award and I am very visual so I was totally and absolutely imagine in my intimidated. What on earth could mind’s eye, Him I do? The answer came, “Hands deciding what

74 74 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ The Creative Urge: I’ve Learned to Go With the Shunts and keys.” But how? Months went trade, and used to hard work. The now?’ was the question. by and nothing I thought of work had started. Weeks later we were asked to seemed right. I did nothing! ‘The Keys’ was chosen as a pray for a guy who was suicidal. I I went to the biblical concord- finalist out of hundreds!!! It was wondered if this was the reason ance and there it was: the words I sold on opening night and then for my painting? I could give it had been given! ‘The Keys’ was also chosen to go away to someone who had need of “I’m alive, I died, but I came to on tour. it. life… See these keys in my hand? Only God knows the outcome So I broached the subject with They open and lock death’s doors, they of going with the Shunts. I stand his friend and the painting was open and lock Hell’s gates.” in awe! delivered to the guy. I was later

Revelation 1:18 [MSG] Go With the Shunts! told that he was stunned that it was exactly what his therapist had Just weeks before the due date I Recently I started a painting told him to get: something bright decided to ‘give it my best shot’ and then realised it was suicide coloured, with encouraging and see what happened. The related. wording he could see every day. painting would be of life size There is a lot in the news at this He was blown away that pierced hands holding the keys: time and I had lost a brother to someone had painted it for him, life size, so people could relate to suicide a long time ago as well. I and kept saying “I do not deserve the size, and maybe imagine how had a Shunt to create a positive this!” He put it up where he could it would have felt if it had been response to the dark thoughts that be encouraged by it every day. their hands. attack the mind. I also had my What sort of hands was the own perfectionist pressure to How good is God!? I was question? I took photos of hands, make sure it was right. A life thrilled and so very humbled to be my husband’s, my son’s and mine. could depend on it. part of what God was doing. Go with the Shunts! They had to be big capable hands, So I asked questions about the and as my son, a boilermaker said, wisdom of the wording I wanted Learning to Trust God “his fingernails would be really to use. That in hand, I finished the Do I always get it right? The short” Jesus was a carpenter by painting, ‘...but what to do with it answer is no. I’m like everyone

The Resurrection - The Keys “I’m Alive. I died, but I came to life … See these keys in my hand? They open and lock Death’s doors, they open and lock Hell’s gates.” Revelations 1:18 [MSG] Christ’s rough carpenter’s hands, pierced by a cruel crucifixion, holding the keys to Death and Hell for which he willingly paid the ultimate price on the cross. He showed the holes in his hands as evidence. Heaven’s golden key, resting on his belt, has the eleven apostles and Jesus at the top in pearls surrounding the heart of God, with the cross which opens the Way. The coarse fabric in his robe, because Mary at the tomb on the third day thought he was the gardener. The black background gives way to the Light of Life and the proof of His Lordship. “The Keys” by Margaret Frost

75 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 75 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ The Creative Urge: I’ve Learned to Go With the Shunts else in the ‘Learning to trust God’s application. I want to hear the continue to go with the Shunts. Leading’ class - learning as I go. words: I want Him to happily say: Knowing when I get it wrong I am “Well done, good and faithful “That’s my Girl!” [END] not condemned but forgiven and servant, you have used every ------helped back up again. In fact, talent I gave you.” years ago, I was asked to be our Biography: Conclusion Aglow treasurer but gave it up For as long as I can remember I’ve had What if you think you have no a strong God-given creative gift, that has when my husband said he was not talent! I beg to differ! Please read joyfully expressed itself in many ways; doing it again! That was another drawing, painting, ceramics, designing Psalm 139:13-18 as I did. app I did not have installed at and making patchwork wall hangings and conception. We are all unique - think about Special Event clothing. More recently I that! ‘One of a kind,’ put together have started painting seriously again. I I learn a lot and each day is a enjoy working in watercolour but also use in our mother’s womb with all new day to practice. Putting acrylic, ink, watercolour pencils, and sorts of gifts and talents to delight God’s word into action is a long pastels, appreciating each for their our heart and His. Seek them out! term process for every day versatility. Ask yourself, I was the winner of the Local Artist “What do I love to Award in the 2012 Rio Tinto Alcan Martin Hanson Art Awards (Gladstone). do?” Start a list My visual representation of the and see where it industrial activity in the Gladstone region, takes you: ‘Hi Vis Invasion’, is included in the building stuff; Gladstone City Art Collection. making stuff; My paintings hang in business cooking; music; premises and private homes both locally singing; numbers; and overseas. words; or I’m a member of the Art Street collective and on-line gallery. whatever floats www.artst.com.au/artist-margaret- your boat. frost.html We have a I’ve used a diverse range of subjects marvellous for my works from nature to abstract. I am Creative God who inspired by anything that hits my emotional button at the time and needs to wants us to be explored. explore who we I continue to learn and grow as an really are and Artist and am looking forward to what the make the most of future holds. Life is such an adventure what he has given when I explore the possibilities. us. Not a copy of This quote by Danny Kaye inspires my someone else! A creativity: totally individual unique you! Life is a great big I have no idea what I am capable canvas, and you of, but He does, should throw all the and I do not want to miss a thing! I paint on it you can. know that it gives Him joy when I follow his leading and guiding as His ☬ “The Struggle” by Margaret Frost child. So I will

76 76 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Christie’s Kitchen

LOW-CCARB RECIPES Easy recipes for one or two people, with regular supermarket ingredients. All recipes have been tried and tested, right in Christie’s Kitchen!

DESSERT: MAIN COURSE: DESSERT: Crème Sirop D'érable (serves 2-3) Avocado, Bacon and Eggs (serves 2) (Maple Syrup Creamy Dessert) Ingredients: Ingredients: 1 whole avocado 1½ tsp gelatine ½ tbsp natural vanilla 2 long pieces of streaky bacon ½ tsp stevia (100% stevia, eg Sweet Leaf) One boiled egg 100-120ml boiling water Toothpicks for holding bacon in place while 600ml full-fat (heavy) cream cooking Sugar-free maple flavoured syrup Instructions: Instructions: Pour the hot water into a bowl and quickly whisk through Boil the egg in water, peel and set aside the gelatine until dissolved. Add in the stevia and the vanilla Halve the avocado, remove the seed then gently and whisk in. Slowly pour in the cream and whisk it through. remove the skin. Place the boiled egg in the hole Wipe the inside of the ramekins with a little butter of where the seed was and then press the two halves of coconut oil. Pour the cream mixture into individual ramekins the avocado together. and place into the fridge to set for at least 3 hours. When ready to serve, place a bowl or plate over the top of the Wrap the avocado in the bacon and pin in place ramekin and gently tip the ramekin over. (If you have trouble with toothpicks as needed. getting it out, run hot water over the outside of the ramekin.) Finally pour a good drizzle of sugar-free maple flavoured Fry in coconut oil (or butter) until the bacon is syrup over the top, being mindful that the sauce can often be cooked through, then serve with a salad or intensely sweet. vegetables of your choice. Alternate berry topping (instead of maple syrup): You’ll need to give yourself an extra 3-4 hours to set the berry component. Begin with the berry part first. Whisk 1½ tsp of gelatine through 100-120ml of hot water. Purée a cup of berries then mix through the hot water and gelatine and add a little stevia if you like it a bit sweeter. Oil the ramekin, pour in the berry sauce and set in the fridge for 3-4 hours. Once set, follow with the creamy part of the dessert as shown above.

77 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 77 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Puzzle Page Puzzle Page

PUZZLE 1: The Bald and the Beautiful Word-search Step 1: This word-search is made more difficult by the fact that you have to figure out FIRST the names of thirty-two (32) people in the Bible who were tall, short, beautiful, handsome, were hairy, had long hair or were bald, as well as those who the Bible mentions were bearded. Keep track of how many names you find, so you can be sure to find all 32 of them in the list. Note that four of the men listed have both their Jewish names and Babylonian names included separately in this list (totalling eight names.) You might like to team up with a friend and challenge each other to see who can find the most complete list. Step 2: Lastly, locate their names in this puzzle. Note that the names may also read upside down and back-to-front. ** To get you started, here’s an easy name, though you might stumble on his alternate name. Do you know the name of the handsome Israelite who spent a night with some hungry lions? This man also had an alternate name given to him by the king of Babylon, and this name is included separately.

M H L E I N A D A S L E M H U B R B L R D S L O A H U I H N E I E S V E S U D E S A Q E T H K H K H A S S E L V M E E I U T C L A U S A A C T J E O S I H E E A H S H A N M H T E A M B B A I E O H G I R A B D I O N I S S A E M A I A I H E S E E N E L A D G A M Y R A M N S R S H L G S E U G A I H N E Z R R S A U G V O H H E O S A E Y S E A K I N D D A A H A N A N I A H G B M I M A I Z Z A C C H E U S C A S L S G Z G H L E L M O A R A I S D N E B U C H A D N E Z Z A R S K C A E S N M O L A S B A T H S H E B A D O N I J A H I O L H A J I L E I K E Z E H E R B A L M L I H S

PUZZLE 2: Utterly Unusual and Unique Words Can you determine the five following unique English words by their description? 1. A nice easy one to begin - this is the only word in the English language that ends with the letters ‘mt,’ and refers to something that occurred during the night. 2. This word is almost the opposite of the previous, because it’s the only English word that begins with ‘tm,’ and describes inserting one or more words between one word to make a new phrase or word, eg adding the word ‘so’ between ‘whatever’ and we get ‘what-so-ever.’ 3. This unusual word has three Ys in it and describes a rare astronomical event, ie when three celestial bodies align in a row such as the sun, the moon and the earth. 4. Can you think of an English word that possesses x, y and z in their correct alphabetical order? This unusual word is a medication which was developed in the 1950s that helps reduce anxiety and discourages sneezing! 5. This common five letter word sounds like a letter of the alphabet. Its first meaning was completely different to its current meaning. It originally referred to the tail of a mythical beast in paintings from the Medieval period, but later with some French influence, it became the meaning of something often quite annoying, that we know today.

Answers on next page.

78 78 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Next Issue, Puzzle Page Answers &Words of Wisdom Next quarter’s issue:

e grace we bestow on ourselves. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, communion without confession... Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate. Cheap grace, is to hear the gospel preached as follows: "Of course you have sinned, but now everything is forgiven, so you can stay as you are and enjoy the consolations of forgiveness." The main defect of such a proclamation is that it contains no demand for discipleship. In contrast to cheap grace, costly grace confronts us as a gracious call to follow Jesus, it comes as a word of forgiveness to the broken spirit and the contrite heart. It is costly because it compels a man to submit to the yoke of Christ and follow him; it is grace because Jesus says: 'My yoke is easy and Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Puzzle Answers PUZZLE 1: The Bald and the Beautiful Word-Search - names and locations within the puzzle (see puzzle layout table below on the left): Handsome Men Beautiful Women Long Hair Other Physical Traits Mishael (V9, NW) Hananiah (J8, E) Esther (L1, SE) Absalom (I11, W) Jesus (X3, S) was bearded Meshach (ie Mishael) Shadrach (ie Hananiah) Abishag (U3, SW) Nebuchadnezzar (F10, E) grew Ezekiel (M12, W) was (V8, N) (D3, SE) Bathsheba (H11, E) long hair after he went mad bearded Daniel (H1, W) Adonijah (P11, E) Rebekah (Q6, SE) Samson (S3, SW) was tall with Elijah (H12, W) was hairy Belteshazzar (ie Daniel) David (King) (H5, N) QueenVashti (S2, SW) long hair Esau (O10, NW) was hairy (P1, S) King Saul (C8, N) was Tamar (U2, SW) Samuel (P6, NW) had long hair Elisha (F7, NW) was bald Azariah (H8, NW) both tall and handsome Sarai (later Sarah) (I9, N) because he was a Nazarite Goliath (R8, NE) was tall Abednego (ie Azariah) Moses (J6, N) was Abigail (U3, S) Mary Magdalene (N7, W) had Zaccheus (B9, E) was short (I11, NW) handsome as a baby long hair which she used to wipe Jesus’ feet A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X 1 M H L E I N A D A S L E M H U B R B L R D S L O PUZZLE 2: 2 A H U I H N E I E S V E S U D E S A Q E T H K H Utterly Unusual and Unique Words 3 K H A S S E L V M E E I U T C L A U S A A C T J 1. Dreamt (dremt) 2. Tmesis (tuh-mee-sis) 4 E O S I H E E A H S H A N M H T E A M B B A I E 3. Syzygy (sizz-i-jee) 5 O H G I R A B D I O N I S S A E M A I A I H E S 4. Hydroxyzine (hie-drok-suh-zeen or hie- 6 E E N E L A D G A M Y R A M N S R S H L G S E U drok-suh-zine) 7 G A I H N E Z R R S A U G V O H H E O S A E Y S 5. Queue (kyoo) 8 E A K I N D D A A H A N A N I A H G B M I M A I 9 Z Z A C C H E U S C A S L S G Z G H L E L M O A What is it? 10 R A I S D N E B U C H A D N E Z Z A R S K C A E Did you guess this issue’s ‘What is it?’ (p6) 11 S N M O L A S B A T H S H E B A D O N I J A H I Answer: honeycomb. 12 O L H A J I L BIBLIOGRAPHY:E I K E Z E H E R B A L M L I H S The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved. Puterbaugh, Parke, 27/09/12, Rolling Stone: Elvis Presley: Elvis: 30 #1 Hits, available: www.rollingstone. com/music/albumreviews/elvis-30-1-hits-20020927, accessed 28/05/17 Goodman, Fred, 22/08/02, Rolling Stone: Reinventing Elvis, available: www.rollingstone.com/music/features/ reinventing-elvis-20020822, accessed 28/05/17 No name, undated, Rolling Stone: Elvis Presley Bio, available: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/elvis- presley/biography, accessed 28/05/17 Rolling Stone, 31/05/12, Rolling Stone: 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, available: www.rollingstone.com/music/ lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-20120531/elvis-presley-elvis-presley-20120524, accessed 28/05/17 Fricke, David, 13/2/86, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Rock's Top Ten, available: www.rollingstone.com/music/ features/rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-rocks-top-ten-19860213, accessed 28/05/17 Richards, Kevin, 16/08/12, 107/7 GNA: Country Trivia – What Was Elvis’ First No. 1 Hit?, available: www.wgna.com/ country-trivia-what-was-elvis-first-no-1-hit/, accessed 28/05/17 No name, undated, Wikipedia: Elvis Presley Singles Discography, available: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_ Presley_singles_7 accessed 28/05/17. No name, no date, Discovery Education: “Puzzle Maker,” available: www.discoveryeducation.com/free-puzzlemaker/ accessed 03/01/17 No name, undated, Dictionary.com: Five English Words That Are Utterly Unique, available: www.dictionary.com/ slideshows/unique_words#syzygy, accessed 04/04/17.

79 ~ Issue 9 Jun - Aug 2017 ~ 79 The Three Sisters Blue Mountains, NSW Australia