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Post by penguin on Sept 6, 2014 12:12:48 GMT -5
Maybe someone will remember who it was that told us some times ago that the trust fund(s) that the workers had formed with their extra funds was in a foreign country. Someone mentioned Israel...the thought from the workers being that when all the world gathers against Jerusalem, then the 2x2s will have a foot into Jerusalem as a supporter of God within Jerusalem and that the friends and workers would move to Jerusalem and join in Jerusalme's side of that battle for God will be the victor of that battle as we read in Zech 14......when one thinks about storing up against the day of necessity perhaps one can at least try to understand what the workers were thinking about at least for a t the time, the reasons for those trust funds accumulating in an offshore account! I am not sure that this is really right, but again if we're to believe the bible then we can at least put a bit of understanding why some zealous worker(s) would figure this out and pay heed to the call for future needs! I dont personally believe that money is required by friends and workers (in Israel) for God's fulfillment of biblical promises God will find a way
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Post by Persona non grata on Sept 6, 2014 13:49:06 GMT -5
Have you considered places like Bangladesh, Bolivia and others? Yes, I have considered the activities of the ministry internationally. Hence I wrote "Most of the early workers, such as John Long, lived by this same pattern, and some others still do. But for the majority of workers today, faith in God for their daily provision, doesn’t seem to play much of a part. They are “guaranteed” food and lodging, and a standard of living far exceeding that of a servant." I will have to take your word for it. I assume you have inside info. Yes, this comes directly from personal experiences told to me by individual workers. Yes, this is true. But would it be appropriate for our ministers to live like "poor" servants? Entirely appropriate if that is what they profess to be. You may read John Long’s diary for one example of how it works in practice. When they come to stay, we give them beds less comfortable than ours and serve them meals more humble than we usually eat? Is that how you'd treat a servant, Emy? I liked an earlier post of yours about simple meals, etc. - I think you have the right idea. For us, we gladly accept the workers offer to do the cooking or the washing up. We also put them to good use in the garden or helping with jobs around the house - everyone seems to enjoy it. That's possible, but are we saying the Spirit is NOT leading the offering? Do we know what God is preparing for us (think Joseph in Egypt)? What might be the needs of the future? Only God and the giver themselves know whether their offering is Spirit led. Another practice that I’d encourage is that of giving in non-monetary form. I see this practice more and more - instead of giving $500 to the convention fund, one family donates 50 coffee pots, another donates a few rows of seating for the meeting tent. Recently, one busy young mother took the time to sew/make alterations to clothing for the sisters. These types of offerings contribute to the well-being of the ministry/fellowship without contributing to the excess of funds. Mark 9:40 For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward. (ESV)
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Post by Persona non grata on Sept 6, 2014 13:54:53 GMT -5
Thank you for raising this issue, elizabethcoleman. I believe that Jesus’ requirements for His servants were: to leave all; to give their money to the poor (and to continue giving to the poor); and to follow Him. I understand that new workers may be instructed to hand over their money to the work That doesnt seem to be quite the original command I know of a worker who had a small inheritance and gave it to the needy, and she gets my admiration for that. You're correct, Jesus was rather explicit that it be given to the poor.
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Post by Persona non grata on Sept 6, 2014 13:58:54 GMT -5
Maybe someone will remember who it was that told us some times ago that the trust fund(s) that the workers had formed with their extra funds was in a foreign country. Someone mentioned Israel...the thought from the workers being that when all the world gathers against Jerusalem, then the 2x2s will have a foot into Jerusalem as a supporter of God within Jerusalem and that the friends and workers would move to Jerusalem and join in Jerusalme's side of that battle for God will be the victor of that battle as we read in Zech 14......when one thinks about storing up against the day of necessity perhaps one can at least try to understand what the workers were thinking about at least for a t the time, the reasons for those trust funds accumulating in an offshore account! I am not sure that this is really right, but again if we're to believe the bible then we can at least put a bit of understanding why some zealous worker(s) would figure this out and pay heed to the call for future needs! Someone has a pretty good imagination, then.
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Post by SharonArnold on Sept 6, 2014 14:50:14 GMT -5
When they come to stay, we give them beds less comfortable than ours and serve them meals more humble than we usually eat? Is that how you'd treat a servant, Emy? I liked an earlier post of yours about simple meals, etc. - I think you have the right idea. For us, we gladly accept the workers offer to do the cooking or the washing up. We also put them to good use in the garden or helping with jobs around the house - everyone seems to enjoy it. PNG, what a gift to them. I am reminded of the Kahlil Gibran quotes: On clothes: “And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.” On work: “You work that you may keep pace with the earth and the soul of the earth. For to be idle is to become a stranger unto the seasons, and to step out of life's procession, that marches in majesty and proud submission towards the infinite.” I think the worker lifestyle is an unnatural one, and for the most part they are robbed of the above. I know that when I am feeling kind of reactive or out of sorts, if I just go pull some weeds, prune/train grapes, harvest produce, or put in some really good creative work time, that all of a sudden, MY world re-orients itself on its axis. This is something that the workers, because of their lifestyle, are robbed of to a great degree. (Now, I have been out of the system for 18+ years now, and in terms of a human life span, that is approaching dinosaur-ship.) However, I did know workers who worked very hard (if they were staying with someone where there was a known need). My mother (who had lots of opinions – and I am personally now trying to be more informed than opinionated) always said that she thought that workers should have the lifestyle – no better, and no worse – than the people they were ministering to. Now, not difficult in a place like Canada (though I have seen exceptions), but it gets a little trickier in the poorer countries of the world.
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Post by emy on Sept 6, 2014 18:26:21 GMT -5
You may read John Long’s diary for one example of how it works in practice.
John Long is from another time and place. I was thinking of our affluent societies.
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Post by Roselyn T on Sept 6, 2014 19:47:24 GMT -5
So people who no longer profess are sinners ?? Yes, if they are no longer serving/believing in God.Nathan, what about those that no longer profess but still serve and believe in God ? Are they sinners ?
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Post by Roselyn T on Sept 6, 2014 20:20:18 GMT -5
Why are the workers seeking prodigals? People raising in the truth but didn't profess or used to profess but now no longer for whatever reasons. They are sinners and need a Savior. I have gotten in touch with some prodigals through my website/message board.Nathan re-read what you wrote here, "People raised in the Truth but didn't profess or used to profess but now no longer do for whatever reasons. They are sinners and need a Saviour" Yes we are all sinners & all need a Saviour BUT why did you state that those raised in Truth that didn't profess or are no longer professing are sinners ?? Are those that no longer profess bigger sinners than others ?
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Post by Roselyn T on Sept 6, 2014 20:23:16 GMT -5
People raising in the truth but didn't profess or used to profess but now no longer for whatever reasons. They are sinners and need a Savior. I have gotten in touch with some prodigals through my website/message board. Nathan ~ Please clarify who you are calling prodicals or lost souls here? I'm sure you are aware that some people who have left the 2x2's have gone on to other churches that suit them better and have not lost their faith or confidence in God as a result of departing the 2x2's? In fact, for some, their faith has increased as a result of becoming connected to a Bible-based church, which engages in mission work and expository teaching, which expands their knowledge of the Bible as well as provides areas for usefulness within the community or within overseas mission outreach programs? My own church has engaged in both for some time and it's truly a blessing to see love in action within one's community and abroad. I believe you would cause such "hands-on Christianity?" Surely, you don't consider such committed Christians outside the will of God because of leaving the 2x2's and finding another place to call home?
P.S. For the record, I professed for 30 years, but when I left, neither friend or worker ever contacted me again or even inquired concerning the reason for my absence. How do you equate that with caring or concern on behalf of the workers or friends? If they considered me lost for leaving their group, why no effort to seek me out or encourage me to return to the fold? Doesn't sound like a loving fellowship to me where people are respected and valued for their part. However, I have attended different churches since and moved on to another over time, but some folks still keep in touch and want to be friends. How do you explain that one compared to the treatment that many receive when they leave the 2x2's? Something is apparently lacking in the area of love and concern for one another as brethern in Christ, IMHO?
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Post by Roselyn T on Sept 6, 2014 20:24:55 GMT -5
Prodigals are those raised in the truth but never surrender to Jesus.... Or those who once professed but for whatever reason are no longer serving God. Oh gosh..... I can't believe you're self righteous enough to actually say that out loud..... I wonder what percentage of the 'friends' believe this? I'd say it's pretty high, but I think it's changing from year to year, s l o w l y.
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Post by emy on Sept 6, 2014 21:06:52 GMT -5
You may read John Long’s diary for one example of how it works in practice.
John Long is from another time and place. I was thinking of our affluent societies.
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Post by Greg on Sept 6, 2014 21:07:07 GMT -5
Hi NathanB, very interested in your statement re the 10%of wealth to different charities. Do you have any reason to believe that the workers do this with the income they receive? When I was in the work I sent the extra money that I have to the workers who in smaller fields where they have little support. We knew all the money which we accumulated during the year had to be given to the senior worker in charge at preps so all the workers can have about the same amount for the next year [emphasis added]. Why? hoard all the money during the year when we knew we couldn't keep it so share it with other workers.The money is not collected so everyone can have about the same. The money is collected to help pay expenses - skim off the cream - and then divided out.
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Post by elizabethcoleman on Sept 7, 2014 1:08:09 GMT -5
Hi NathanB, very interested in your statement re the 10%of wealth to different charities. Do you have any reason to believe that the workers do this with the income they receive? When I was in the work I sent the extra money that I have to the workers who in smaller fields where they have little support. We knew all the money which we accumulated during the year had to be given to the senior worker in charge at preps so all the workers can have about the same amount for the next year. Why? hoard all the money during the year when we knew we couldn't keep it so share it with other workers.Wooah! You went from "10% of wealth to different charities" to giving some extra to workers in other fields when clarified. Not that I am condemning that in any way, but where do the "charities" come in? Does this simply mean "charity to other workers"? And where does the "different charities" come in? Bible League? Open Doors? Christian Blind Mission? Or just workers in "different" countries? I get the feeling that the "10% wealth to different charities" is great overstating or misrepresenting the true picture, Nathan. Also, what you chose to do with your extra funds surely in no way necessarily reflects the 2x2 leadership's position? I get the feeling that this was your position only? Am I the only one who finds it a little offensive if the workers count themselves as "the poor" to whom help should be given? Surely there is a vast different between those who choose to be poor as a lifestyle and those who are poor because of circumstances beyond their control? Sorry, but in "giving to the poor", giving money to workers doesn't count. Give to support the ministry, tithe, whatever. But don't pretend you are giving "charity" or "helping the poor" when giving money to workers. If you need Jesus to point you towards the real poor, he will start with the orphan and widow.
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Post by penguin on Sept 7, 2014 1:43:40 GMT -5
Nathan said: AND 10% of the friends trust fund goes to different charities! like the Red Cross, people who lost their homes in typhoon, Earthquakes, Tornadoes, etc...
I have never heard anything like this before, although someone I do think is reliable said if money is put on deposit any interest gained is given to charity
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Post by penguin on Sept 7, 2014 1:43:56 GMT -5
Nathan said: AND 10% of the friends trust fund goes to different charities! like the Red Cross, people who lost their homes in typhoon, Earthquakes, Tornadoes, etc...
I have never heard anything like this before, although someone I do think is reliable said if money is put on deposit any interest gained is given to charity
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Post by Mary on Sept 7, 2014 4:05:24 GMT -5
When I was in the work I sent the extra money that I have to the workers who in smaller fields where they have little support. We knew all the money which we accumulated during the year had to be given to the senior worker in charge at preps so all the workers can have about the same amount for the next year [emphasis added]. Why? hoard all the money during the year when we knew we couldn't keep it so share it with other workers. The money is not collected so everyone can have about the same. The money is collected to help pay expenses - skim off the cream - and then divided out. So is all the money on their cash flow (ATM) and credit cards taken off and put back to zero or whatever they are given or is the money left on them and only cash collected? They seem to carry money cards and credit these days. So what is the limit on their credit cards? By carrying cards they can say they are penniless because they are not carrying cash but cards.
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Post by whyisitso on Sept 7, 2014 4:49:38 GMT -5
Wooah! You went from "10% of wealth to different charities" to giving some extra to workers in other fields when clarified. Not that I am condemning that in any way, but where do the "charities" come in? Does this simply mean "charity to other workers"? And where does the "different charities" come in? Bible League? Open Doors? Christian Blind Mission? Or just workers in "different" countries? I get the feeling that the "10% wealth to different charities" is great overstating or misrepresenting the true picture, Nathan. Also, what you chose to do with your extra funds surely in no way necessarily reflects the 2x2 leadership's position? I get the feeling that this was your position only? Am I the only one who finds it a little offensive if the workers count themselves as "the poor" to whom help should be given? Surely there is a vast different between those who choose to be poor as a lifestyle and those who are poor because of circumstances beyond their control? Sorry, but in "giving to the poor", giving money to workers doesn't count. Give to support the ministry, tithe, whatever. But don't pretend you are giving "charity" or "helping the poor" when giving money to workers. If you need Jesus to point you towards the real poor, he will start with the orphan and widow. Let me clarify thing 1) When I mention about 10%... I was hoping the overseers would use the friends trust funds to help the poor, needy in our fellowship, and compensate to the workers who left the ministry with some funds so they can start all over again..... AND 10% of the friends trust fund goes to different charities! like the Red Cross, people who lost their homes in typhoon, Earthquakes, Tornadoes, etc...'I was hoping the overseers would use ....' So this is your wishes only, not what actually happens?
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Post by Persona non grata on Sept 7, 2014 6:37:03 GMT -5
Is that how you'd treat a servant, Emy? I liked an earlier post of yours about simple meals, etc. - I think you have the right idea. For us, we gladly accept the workers offer to do the cooking or the washing up. We also put them to good use in the garden or helping with jobs around the house - everyone seems to enjoy it. PNG, what a gift to them. I am reminded of the Kahlil Gibran quotes: On clothes: “And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.” On work: “You work that you may keep pace with the earth and the soul of the earth. For to be idle is to become a stranger unto the seasons, and to step out of life's procession, that marches in majesty and proud submission towards the infinite.” I think the worker lifestyle is an unnatural one, and for the most part they are robbed of the above. I know that when I am feeling kind of reactive or out of sorts, if I just go pull some weeds, prune/train grapes, harvest produce, or put in some really good creative work time, that all of a sudden, MY world re-orients itself on its axis. This is something that the workers, because of their lifestyle, are robbed of to a great degree. (Now, I have been out of the system for 18+ years now, and in terms of a human life span, that is approaching dinosaur-ship.) However, I did know workers who worked very hard (if they were staying with someone where there was a known need). My mother (who had lots of opinions – and I am personally now trying to be more informed than opinionated) always said that she thought that workers should have the lifestyle – no better, and no worse – than the people they were ministering to. Now, not difficult in a place like Canada (though I have seen exceptions), but it gets a little trickier in the poorer countries of the world. There's a lot of wisdom in your post here, Sharon.
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Post by Persona non grata on Sept 7, 2014 6:52:59 GMT -5
You may read John Long’s diary for one example of how it works in practice.John Long is from another time and place. I was thinking of our affluent societies. Oh, Emy - this answer, as often as I hear it, saddens me. If being from another time and place (Ireland, c. 1900) makes the ministry of John Long irrelevant, what does that make that of Paul or Peter (Eastern Mediterranean/Roman Empire, c. 50)? No, I believe that faith is faith, regardless of time or place.
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Post by elizabethcoleman on Sept 7, 2014 7:27:48 GMT -5
Wooah! You went from "10% of wealth to different charities" to giving some extra to workers in other fields when clarified. Not that I am condemning that in any way, but where do the "charities" come in? Does this simply mean "charity to other workers"? And where does the "different charities" come in? Bible League? Open Doors? Christian Blind Mission? Or just workers in "different" countries? I get the feeling that the "10% wealth to different charities" is great overstating or misrepresenting the true picture, Nathan. Also, what you chose to do with your extra funds surely in no way necessarily reflects the 2x2 leadership's position? I get the feeling that this was your position only? Am I the only one who finds it a little offensive if the workers count themselves as "the poor" to whom help should be given? Surely there is a vast different between those who choose to be poor as a lifestyle and those who are poor because of circumstances beyond their control? Sorry, but in "giving to the poor", giving money to workers doesn't count. Give to support the ministry, tithe, whatever. But don't pretend you are giving "charity" or "helping the poor" when giving money to workers. If you need Jesus to point you towards the real poor, he will start with the orphan and widow. Let me clarify thing 1) When I mention about 10%... I was hoping the overseers would use the friends trust funds to help the poor, needy in our fellowship, and compensate to the workers who left the ministry with some funds so they can start all over again..... AND 10% of the friends trust fund goes to different charities! like the Red Cross, people who lost their homes in typhoon, Earthquakes, Tornadoes, etc...Hi Nathan, sorry, I may have misunderstood your previous post about the 10%. Yes, it is a good "hope" of yours that some of the trust funds would be used for this purpose, and I agree that those who leave the ministry do need some funds to start over again. When you say "AND 10% of the friends trust funds goes to different charities" - do you mean you HOPE it does, or it ACTUALLY does and you have seen evidence of this? If it really is the case, why would the workers not say this to the friends in general? From my experience with the group, I do not ever recall the friends being encouraged or exhorted to give to needy causes. They never even mentioned disasters such as typhoon, earthquakes, etc. and certainly never prayed for those situations. So I cannot imagine them giving funds towards them. Happy to be proven wrong on this!
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Post by Persona non grata on Sept 7, 2014 8:48:39 GMT -5
Let me clarify thing 1) When I mention about 10%... I was hoping the overseers would use the friends trust funds to help the poor, needy in our fellowship, and compensate to the workers who left the ministry with some funds so they can start all over again..... AND 10% of the friends trust fund goes to different charities! like the Red Cross, people who lost their homes in typhoon, Earthquakes, Tornadoes, etc... Hi Nathan, sorry, I may have misunderstood your previous post about the 10%. Yes, it is a good "hope" of yours that some of the trust funds would be used for this purpose, and I agree that those who leave the ministry do need some funds to start over again. When you say "AND 10% of the friends trust funds goes to different charities" - do you mean you HOPE it does, or it ACTUALLY does and you have seen evidence of this? If it really is the case, why would the workers not say this to the friends in general? Clearly NathanB is talking about his own hopes and ideas about how it ought to be, he's not saying that's how it actually is today. The grilling he's being subjected to is reminiscent of @review005's style. From my experience with the group, I do not ever recall the friends being encouraged or exhorted to give to needy causes. They never even mentioned disasters such as typhoon, earthquakes, etc. and certainly never prayed for those situations. So I cannot imagine them giving funds towards them. Happy to be proven wrong on this! Neither do I ever recall being encouraged or exhorted by they workers to give to specific needy causes. Just as they never ask for or exhort us to donate funds to themselves. This is one of the very positive things about the ministry. All charitable offerings that I make are as a result of my own personal conviction and not as a result of any pressure from the church.
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Post by rational on Sept 7, 2014 9:43:35 GMT -5
So is all the money on their cash flow (ATM) and credit cards taken off and put back to zero or whatever they are given or is the money left on them and only cash collected? They seem to carry money cards and credit these days. So what is the limit on their credit cards? By carrying cards they can say they are penniless because they are not carrying cash but cards. If that is the route they are taking they could avoid telling a lie simply by living without specie! Might be quieter as well.
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Post by emy on Sept 7, 2014 13:45:40 GMT -5
You may read John Long’s diary for one example of how it works in practice.John Long is from another time and place. I was thinking of our affluent societies. Oh, Emy - this answer, as often as I hear it, saddens me. If being from another time and place (Ireland, c. 1900) makes the ministry of John Long irrelevant, what does that make that of Paul or Peter (Eastern Mediterranean/Roman Empire, c. 50)? No, I believe that faith is faith, regardless of time or place. Maybe you would describe to us what john Long's example of a servant of the gospel is. Otherwise, I would see sharing in the friends' lifestyle, in whatever circumstance, would be acceptable. (Did I ever answer your question about how I would treat a servant? I haven't been in the position of having an unpaid servant, but they would have comfortable quarters and the same food we have.)
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Post by Persona non grata on Sept 8, 2014 13:03:34 GMT -5
Oh, Emy - this answer, as often as I hear it, saddens me. If being from another time and place (Ireland, c. 1900) makes the ministry of John Long irrelevant, what does that make that of Paul or Peter (Eastern Mediterranean/Roman Empire, c. 50)? No, I believe that faith is faith, regardless of time or place. Maybe you would describe to us what john Long's example of a servant of the gospel is. Otherwise, I would see sharing in the friends' lifestyle, in whatever circumstance, would be acceptable. (Did I ever answer your question about how I would treat a servant? I haven't been in the position of having an unpaid servant, but they would have comfortable quarters and the same food we have.) Thank you, Emy. I suspect that this thread has run its course but I'll leave you with three excerpts from John Long's Journal which give an idea of his example of going out along faith lines (and hopefully Elizabeth with consider these relevant to her opening post and the thread's title): From an entry dated OCTOBER, 1900: From the time I started on Faith Lines until the experience in England, I had no financial straits; but from that time until February 1905, I had repeatedly some severe trials. While I was originally helped by William Irvine, yet he often interfered with my providential leadings. I had a companion young man; and we were mostly in lodging and on new ground; and very much depended on the kindness of the people we laboured among; nevertheless God kept us from owing on the one hand or laying up treasures on the other.From an entry dated JANUARY, 1902: One day I went to visit a Christian home in the district; as I walked to his house I was meditating over that Scripture, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets," Matt. 7:12. Just then I met a poor man on the road who was in need and I gave him a shilling. In the home where I visited, my friend slipped a shilling into my hand coming away. On my return journey, I was thinking about an Evangelist in Dublin who was in financial need, so I sent him a postal order for ten shillings; that very night again a Brother from Banton slipped ten shillings into my hand. My text for that day was: "The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant," Psa. 25:14. That night a remarkable turning point began in the meetings outside all my efforts. A band of Christians from Banton came from love to Christ, to help us with their fife and drum, and like Miriam and David, made a joyful noise unto the Lord, and the people gathered into the meetings; souls decided for Christ, and we had a little revival. As the outcome of that mission, John Duncan built a wooden hall in Hollingsrush, where a little mission work has been held ever since.From an entry dated NOVEMBER, 1904: John Fawcett and I went to Prescot; and hired a hall in which we had a weeks meetings. The people did not come in so we went to the streets; and had some stirring meetings; on one occasion I preached on a square to a large crowd for one hour, after which the police removed us to another part where we had not the same success. The Brethren in the independent Methodist made a small contribution of money which helped to pay for our week’s keep; though our financial weakness was at that time a great cause of humility and faith and prayer; not at all pleasant to the flesh.
We left Prescot, and went to St. Helens, where we had two weeks Street preaching. John’s Father died, and he left me to cross to Ireland. I was hard put to it; my last copper went to a beggar on the Street. Next day through the means of a very sudden frost; which resulted in a gift of six pence that preserved me for a night; next day I walked six miles looking for work. I found none but a woman gave me one shilling which did one another day and night. On hearing that some Go Preachers were leaving Liverpool to go to America, I walked into the city and saw them off; one of them gave me ten Shillings, and the present of a bicycle; another gave me half a crown; and looking thin in appearance, a sister gave me a bottle of Borvil. When I returned to St. Helens. I had a letter from John Fawcett, telling me about a Wooden Tent in Portadown, so I crossed to Dublin and after visiting Rathmolyon, I cycled to Portadown, and John and I had a mission in Bocombra in a Tent pitched on William Holmes farm.The journal, in its entirety, can be read at www.tellingthetruth.info/publications_johnlong/1longjohn.php#1872
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Post by emy on Sept 8, 2014 19:19:24 GMT -5
From an entry dated OCTOBER, 1900: From the time I started on Faith Lines until the experience in England, I had no financial straits; but from that time until February 1905, I had repeatedly some severe trials. Is there a mistake in dates here? I found this small sample rather difficult to follow, so I probably won't read at TTT. In addition, I have a bone of contention with Cherie about her website, so in general, I avoid it. (She is aware.)
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Post by Mary on Sept 9, 2014 3:22:29 GMT -5
1) Hi Nathan, sorry, I may have misunderstood your previous post about the 10%. Yes, it is a good "hope" of yours that some of the trust funds would be used for this purpose, and I agree that those who leave the ministry do need some funds to start over again. ~~ Thanks, no problem. After I left the work it was very difficult to start again with hardly any money. Thanks, for the friends who helped me out, finding work, and providing a place to live until I got back on my feet again. I have heard the last 15 yrs that different overseers have given money from the friends trust fund to help those who left the work.2) When you say "AND 10% of the friends trust funds goes to different charities" - do you mean you HOPE it does, or it ACTUALLY does and you have seen evidence of this? If it really is the case, why would the workers not say this to the friends in general? From my experience with the group, I do not ever recall the friends being encouraged or exhorted to give to needy causes. They never even mentioned disasters such as typhoon, earthquakes, etc. and certainly never prayed for those situations. So I cannot imagine them giving funds towards them. Happy to be proven wrong on this! ~~ The overseers and the friends don't make a trumpet about their given of alms like Jesus has taught in Matthew 6 to the needy or to the charities. I know the overseers have used the trust fund to help the needy in disaster area, such as typhoon, earthquakes in Haiti, flooding places, etc... I have given money, my goods to charities, and helping those in needs. There are things the overseers have done that many of the friends, and workers do NOT know it, because they don't want to make a trumpet or turn into a show about it but sometimes the news leak out and some of us know about it. The overseer used the trust fund money to pay for my dental, hospital bills. They paid for the workers who have cancer treatments.
The Holy Spirit within us teaches us to help others. Helping others become our second nature like our Savior Jesus going out of his ways to help others. Yep, I know of a worker who went to the Caribbean's to have alterative cancer treatment. Cost several thousand dollars a day. Who can afford that - except a worker?
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Post by emy on Sept 9, 2014 20:32:58 GMT -5
Yep, I know of a worker who went to the Caribbean's to have alterative cancer treatment. Cost several thousand dollars a day. Who can afford that - except a worker? I'm thinking there are numerous people who do this if they believe it will help. Even some of the friends.
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Post by Mary on Sept 9, 2014 21:15:39 GMT -5
We are talking about poor homeless penniless workers who do this. Do you know of any homeless people who go to the Caribbean for alternative cancer treatment at the cost of about $2,500 a day? I know because a professing person was receiving the treatment at the same time the worker was.
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