The Mailbox
by Anonymous

CHRIST IS MAKING IT

Hi,

My name is Angela and I am from Scotland. I just wanted to write a few lines about our mini-British conference this past weekend. As usual everyone was really friendly and there were cuddles galore before we got down to business discussing where we were all at with God. For me it was wonderful despite the fact my feelings hated it, as I believed God was being too brutal with me. He just kept keeping at me until my heart was totally open to Him, giving me no choice but to trust Him. And I do not want any other choice but my one fixed choice knowing that Christ is living His life through me. I am now 100% relieved to know that I cannot make it through this life and it is Christ making it and not Angela. And I am sure there are a couple of people close to me just as relieved as I am.

The big thing for me at the conference was the emphasis on choice and since then I make and declare the choice that no matter what my feelings are, it is certainly not who I am and somewhere I know I have it, because Christ has it, even though it can feel hard; but so what.

I want to say I appreciate and feel privileged about all the people who took time to talk to me and above all be honest with me. A very special thanks to Sanda, Pat, Scott and Steven for coming all the way from the USA.

Thank you all.
Lots of love and gratefulness,
Angela

THE IMPORTANCE OF FELLOWSHIP

Dear Chris,

There are a couple of things I have come to realize over the past few months. One is the importance of fellowship to me. Being in contact with and seeing like-minded believers is vital and keeps me reminded of and in tune with our great commission to share the mystery of the Gospel–which is Christ in you, the hope of glory–to the whole church. As I see Christ being all out through others it kindles the fire–the desire in me to be and do all that Christ wants to be and do through me.

I have noticed too over the past two months that I watch less television. I am aware of the temptation to use it as an escape and for company as I live on my own. There are very few programs which are entertaining without excessive sex, violence or aggression being involved. I may be accused of not living in the real world but these things are no longer a part of the world I and the people I am closely involved with are in. I am very grateful to God for my freedom of choice to be the Christ operated vessel He has chosen me to be.

I will close for now and get some sleep. Love to all the Scottish folk.

Much love,
Mary Walsh

DEALING WITH FEELINGS

Dear Folks,

I loved being in Castleton and spending time with everyone. I am so grateful to God for the family he has given me. I am very aware of how much God cares for us through each one.

During this conference I dealt with feelings of being left out. I spoke back faith knowing God is in charge of all and has exactly the right people in place for His purposes. While under Satan’s deception and seeing myself as "just me", I relied on these feelings for my self worth. Now, as my mind is renewed, I know that I am privileged to have God live in me and through me–and live my life. He uses me for His purposes whatever I feel. It is His plan and His timing and His glory.

Also, speaking about what is going on with us gives us clearer understanding and sheds light on an area where Satan can hide.

Love, Marian

A PRIME TARGET FOR SATAN

The highlight of the British Fall Conference for me was the personal testimonies, a game we all played called the Knot and one-to-one sharing.

On one of the late night chats with one of the other husbands, it was apparent that we had similar problems in family relationships. God has set up family units. Of course, it’s going to be Satan’s prime target to try and break up what God has set up: a right believing family operating by faith in Christ–supporting, building up, encouraging and pointing out unbelief in each other. If Satan can cause dysfunction,
especially through the father or husband, he has gained a victory. I know Satan has caused this through me. Some problem pops up–I feel hurt, don’t want the pain of conflict, etc., so I isolate, shut down feelings by not communicating, then resentment gets a foothold. I’ m soon on a downward spiral of unbelief. It was strongly suggested that I always keep current on issues, otherwise, they build up and spoil God’s testimony to others. Satan wins if the head of the home is out of touch with reality. This seems to happen a lot in most families.

The answer is to first believe it is Christ living his life as me and he is the perfect father and husband. As that perfect expression of Christ, I will be willing and able to do the next right thing as God directs.

Jim Langley

A PLEA FOR SALVATION

(Sheryl felt pressed to write this letter to her uncle when he had cancer. Shortly before he died, he affirmed his faith in Jesus Christ as his personal savior.)

Uncle Ken,

Mom told me about you having cancer. It seems like forever since I’ve seen or talked with you. I’ve done a lot of growing up in the years. About three years ago my life became totally unmanageable. I was drinking, smoking and living an awful lifestyle. Finally, I hit the bottom when I realized I couldn’t function without my addictions. I called Mom desperate for an answer. I was ready to hand my life over to God. I had accepted Jesus into my heart when I was little but from that age until I was twenty-four I rebelled against God.

I was ashamed to say I was a Christian for fear of being made fun of so I just went with the "crowd." I thought I was satisfied and happy. Well, all it brought me was the opposite-dissatisfied and miserable. So, I had to make drastic changes in my behavior. I moved home after living on my own for five years, quit my job of six years and gave up old friends. I had to start all over again with a new life. I made a commitment to God and trusted other Christians for what to do next. I knew that the place for me to have the best spiritual guidance and growth would be for me to move to North Carolina and live with other Christians whose lives worked. That was the turning point for me.

The most important choice I made at a young age was to accept Jesus. He has been the answer for my life. I’m deeply concerned for you. Mom says you haven’t accepted Jesus. When we die we go to either heaven or hell. Anyone who has not accepted Jesus into their hearts and asks Him to forgive their sins is going to hell. Hell is an eternal life of pain and suffering. You need to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. I don’t want you to live in hell. I want to see you in heaven someday enjoying living in peace and happiness. Uncle Ken, it is very easy. All you have to do is ask and Jesus is in you. This is a very important choice for you to make. It’s life or death. As it was for me. I believe if God had not stopped me I might be dead now and living in hell. There is life after death-that is what is unsettling to me for you. I want to know what your answer is, to accept Jesus or not.

From my heart to yours.

I love you.
Sheryl