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Our dearly beloved M.M.M. family,

With all of the work our heavenly Father has given us to do, we look forward to these times when we can share with you the blessings of this blessed work. We have come to the end of yet another year; and though many events point to the soon coming of our Lord and Saviour, we also see that there are still so many precious souls in need of hearing of a God who loves them, and desires more than anything to save them.

This is a special newsletter issue. One that should give hope and encouragement to all who desire to actively take part in ministry, and work selflessly for Gods cause. Our prayer is that all who profess the name of Christ, do all within their power to minister to this dying world. We put forth enormous effort working for things that will soon perish.

Oh what wondrous blessings are in store for you as you read through this newsletter. We felt it to be so special, that we decided to make it a color issue. Do share it with your friends and loved ones.

A Beacon of Light

(Testimonies)

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. No other words can express how we feel. Ten years ago, we entered the mission field, not knowing what to expect. In this short period of time, God has allowed us to establish a medical missionary Outpost, a Christian school for our church children, and a beautiful House of Prayer in our mountain village. Just when I thought we had enough responsibility on our plate, God inspired Elsa to establish a totally vegetarian restaurant right in the center of the town of Santa Barbara. At first, I wasn’t very impressed with this idea, because it would be very time consuming for her; After all, she had church activities and the school to attend to, not to mention the duties at the Outpost. Nevertheless, we moved forward; And there is now a beautiful vegetarian restaurant, La Canasta de Vida, in Santa Barbara.

I’m not one to doubt or think negatively, but I admit, starting out, I wondered how in the world could this restaurant be a success in a town of people who survive mainly on “frito pollo,” (fried chicken)? At best, it would only be effective in ministering. But, as God has told us from the very beginning; If we lift Him up, make Him first and foremost in all that we do, He will draw all men unto Him, and make you and all that you do successful. La Canasta de Vida has been open for only one year, and it far exceeds anything we could have imagined.

My name is Nancy, I’m an orthodontist in town. I come to La Canasta de Vida everyday! I always bring someone with me, because the food is so delicious and most importantly, it is healthy. I have a very fast metabolism, and was hungry all the time…eating all the time. I knew that was not good for my system. But since coming to this restaurant, my metabolism has balanced out. I think it is because I’m eating whole grains and lots of vegetables and other wholesome foods, and my body feels satisfied. I’m so glad they are here.

Rodolfo, comes regularly to the restaurant to pick up carry out lunch for the people he works for. I have seen Rodolfo over the years in the streets of Santa Barbara. I know he has a drinking problem. So I was happy to be able to see him every day to try to encourage him and show him God’s love. I know he feels ashamed, but we always make him feel welcomed. He enjoys the delicious soups we make, and I have given him the book Steps to Christ., and have also helped him with some herbs for his liver. Do keep him in your prayers.

I’m director of nursing a the hospital here in Santa Barbara. I consider myself a healthy person. I’ve tried to live right and eat right all my life. I heard about this restaurant through a co-worker of mine, who told me about this elegant vegetarian restaurant in town. Well, I just had to come and see for myself. The people here really care about their customers, and the atmosphere just can’t be beat. With my hectic schedule, I need a place to escape and unwind, and this is the place.

Ola, I’m Fanny, an elementary school teacher, who needs lots of energy. I started coming to La Canasta de Vida because I saw my friend Carlos loose weight and looking younger, so I thought I’d give this vegetarian food a try… and now I’m hooked. These people make some delicious dishes and they are so friendly and loving. Now I feel great and have lots of energy, and the problem I had with sinus infections has gone away. I told Dona Elsa, that she could never close this restaurant, it is a blessing to so many people. I tell my friends that I actually look forward to waking up so I can come and eat at La Canasta de Vida.

Have you ever received a free health consultation at a restaurant after enjoying a healthy meal? ….Only at ―La Canasta de Vida. That’s right folk, Elsa cant’s turn away anyone whose in need of help; even if it means giving health tips and consultations at the restaurant. I couldn’t believe it either, so I just had to take pictures of this rare event. God’s people must always be minute men; ready for whatever He sends our way.

Seeking Those Who Are In Need

by Elsa

The Lord has told us that the poor will always be with us, and He expects us His children to open up our hearts and reach out to them. In our years of experience here in the mission field, we have learned that the truly poor are not those that stand out begging., in fact the truly poor are ashamed to let their condition be known. So it is as we seek them and visit that we find these precious ones.

The church members and volunteers have been busy visiting through out the village, and on one of those visits, Johanna discovered the living condition of one of those poor families. She came back to the outpost concerned that the little babies didn’t have warm clothes to wear and one of the older girls has a habit of eating dirt, obviously she has some kind of deficiency. We immediately got some clothes together and a bag of food for them. The next visit she took clothes for the children, and has been counseling the mother. The older girls have felt loved and little by little have come out of their shell, smiling and showing up for Sabbath school every week. After church we take the opportunity of bringing them up to the outpost so they too can enjoy a nice nourishing Sabbath meal.

Joanna is ever faithful in her outreach to the poor, she often brings a few little ones home for a healthy meal.

End of the Year Blessings

by Elsa

The M.I.C.E (Maranatha Institute of Christian Education) finished their school year hands-on with practical training. The Lord is so good to us; He always hears and answers our prayers. As you read in our last newsletter the Lord has shown us the fruit of true education, a transformation of character in the students. And He even answered my prayer that the students would have a take home project, something that they had made with their hands.

For the last two weeks of school, the Lord sent us Brother Jerry from Arkansas. He shared with the students some graphic designing skills, and then went to work with them, making small tables and book stands. He also taught the younger students weaving.

Our end of the year program was very touching. Teachers, students and parents testified and gave thanks to God for the education they are receiving. The students sang hymns they had learned in English class, and shared the skills they had learned on the guitar. We praise God for having blessed another school year.

God is Leading His People

by Joe

For more than a decade Maranatha Medical Ministries has encouraged our brothers and sisters everywhere to work for God. This is our objective whenever we visit the United States. We have not tried to do this through word only, but by example. We also have reminded Christians that the time for doing what God has counseled us to do is drawing to a close. It isn’t easy telling people to simplify their lives, get out of debt, move to a remote country setting, and direct all of their time and energies to doing the Lords work. While everyone we’ve met and spoken with agree with the counsel God has given, few are willing to step out on faith, with God by their side. Of course, most of the people we address are Seventh-Day Adventist. Why? Because we have been given the Present Truth Message for this time; A message which is to be given by us to all the world. But how can we give a message to the world if we do not believe it ourselves? The simple fact is, we do not trust God to keep His promises. Let me share with you something that is taking place right now, even as I write this article.

A few months ago, when Elsa and I were in the States, we were asked to stop by a Christian home in Tennessee to give a missionary presentation to several families. After the presentation, we got to speak with each family personally, and what we discovered was tremendously encouraging, sobering, and, in a good way, somewhat shocking. Each of these families stated that they had been impressed by God to sell all that they have, move out of the country, and focus solely on working for Him. Elsa and I were dumbfounded. These are not Seventh-Day Adventist. These people do not know the Present Truth message for our time. They are ordinary Christian folk; well, not so ordinary,…..you see, these families have heard Gods voice speaking to them, and they have vowed to do whatever God tells them to do.

Troy Schaffer with his family

Campsite for three families, plus a few volunteers

Elsa and I realized then and there, that we were witnessing prophecy being fulfilled. It kind of reminded me of ―Gods chosen people‖ of old, who had been given the light and truth for their time; But they rejected that truth, and in doing so, rejected the giver of that truth, Jesus Christ. As a result, the truth was given to ordinary people who would accept Him, and all of His teachings. These ordinary people would become His chosen people, because they were not only hearers, but doers of the Word. We should not think for a moment that because we (Seventh-Day Adventist) have been given the Present Truth message for this time, that we are exclusively privileged, and that God does not have other sheep in His fold. Christ tells us in John 10:16 & 27 ―And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. (verse 27) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.‖

Over the past few months I have been in communication with these families, one in particular. They told Elsa and I that we were inspirational in helping them make their decision to move forward. We told them of our desire to go to Mexico in search of a second missionary outpost location. It just so happened, God had also impressed them to find a settlement in Mexico and begin work for Him there. After leaving them in Tennessee, we went on to Jalcomulco, Mexico to help a young man who is establishing a modest sanitarium there,…single-handedly.

Jalcomulco is a beautiful, old fashioned, typical Mexican village; A perfect place to establish an Outpost for the Lord. We told our friends in Tennessee about this little village, and they knew it was God directing them to this area. So, what did these families do? Did they come together and just talk and dream about how wonderful it would be if they could start a work in Mexico? No dear friends; They immediately began fasting and praying. And what’s equally important, they began planning and moving forward. They began stepping out on faith.

Troy Shaffer, his wife and three children, are the one family I’ve been in communication with. He informed me last month that he and two other families have decided to move to Mexico; To come to Jalcomulco and help with the building of the sanitarium. We were so happy to hear the good news, but we also knew what was in store for them. It hasn’t been easy for them, but these families have sold all that they have, and are, even now, in route to Mexico. They spent their last few days saying their goodbyes to friends and family, knowing that there’s a great possibility they will never see them again (on this earth). Troy told me that the hardest thing for his wife Christy to give up was her washing machine. We encouraged them, letting them know they would enjoy building a Pila (a concrete outdoor wash tub), and washing clothes by hand, like we do at our Outpost.

Can you imagine, dear friends? Three families, (sixteen men, women, and children), selling all that they have, and traveling together to a foreign country to do missionary work. Why would they do such a thing? Because God said Go!!!

Some of you may be feeling deep within your hearts, “I sure wish I could do something to help them.” Well friends,…there is. You can daily keep them in your prayers. These faithful ones are not discouraged; They are not sad, worried, or doubtful. These folk are as happy as can be, because they know they have heard the voice of God speaking to each of them, and they have all obeyed His voice. I can only hope and pray that you and I will do the same when God speaks to our hearts.

Having lunch under the Mango trees

What a beautiful outdoor toilet

Sabbath afternoon worship services are so special

Everyone participates, including the children

The Entering Wedge

by Elsa

The end of October marked our one year anniversary since the opening of ―La Canasta de Vida restaurant‖. From the very beginning our motive for this endeavor was to reach the hearts of the people and prepare them to receive the everlasting gospel. The Lord has blest our efforts and the restaurant has become very popular and quite busy. But our motive remains the same. I want to thank God for knowing our hearts and listening to our cries…because I sure did cry out to Him. Many a times as I drove through the congested city traffic of San Pedro Sula, picking up supplies for the restaurant. I would say “Lord, you know I would only go through this for you!…so that souls can be reached for your kingdom…so please bless the efforts, and if in a year I don’t see fruit in souls coming to you, then there is no purpose in all this effort; I did not want to run a business, but a means of reaching souls for you!!” This would often be my conversation as I would shift gears, through the crowded streets of the market.

Well, dear friends, God heard those cries, and those prayers. We are sharing the testimonies of some of our regular customers. These are people that now consider us their friends, we have won their confidence, they are open to listen to our advice, they know we care about them because we serve a God that wants to give them life and life more abundant.

The last weekend in October we had a blessed surprise, when one of our regular customers, Dr. Guillermo Sabillon and his wife and little girl, showed up at church for Sabbath service. Afterwards We invited them for lunch at the outpost along with the poor children of the village. They were very impressed and asked many questions about the Sabbath and the health message. Before leaving his wife told me that, when the Doctor got up that morning , he said “let’s go spend the day with the Adventist in La Zona, this is the day they go to church.” Well, they were delighted to be at the outpost, and we had the opportunity of giving them the ―Ministry of Healing‖ book along with the Ten Commandment poster.

Another wonderful testimony we want to share is that of Pastor Elwin Castillo, an evangelical pastor who has been eating lunch at the restaurant for the past month. When he came his health was in poor condition. He needed to lose weight, his cholesterol levels were totally out of balance, triglycerides were high, etc… After a month he told us that he felt great, that the restaurant was a great blessing to him. He had lost eight pounds, cholesterol levels were improving, and he felt great! Even his wife was thankful, because he no longer kept the neighborhood awake with his snoring. He said that he wanted his congregation to learn the health message, and would we be willing to come, that he would give us the whole Sunday to share; and of course we were delighted.

The first Sunday we went, we were so inspired by the reception and enthusiasm of the people, everyone had pencil and paper writing every bit of information that I and brother Hernando gave on health reform, and a healthy diet.

In the afternoon, we taught them how to make soy milk, tofu cheese, mayonnaise and other products from the soy bean. They were so excited, that they wanted us to come back the next Sunday, and the pastor was so excited that he asked, if we would make lunch for them, so that his congregation could taste some of the delicious food that he ate at the restaurant.

So as you see friends, I had to say ― Okay Lord we will keep the restaurant going…your grace is sufficient for me, for when I am weak, you are strong‖ God is faithful, He blesses our efforts, He sees the sacrifice and He hears the prayers.

By God’s grace the customers of La Canasta de Vida, will be prepared for His kingdom as a result of the restaurant ministry.

“God has given us talents to use for Him. To one He gives five talents, to another two, and to another one. Let not him who has but one talent think to hide it from God…..Through the right use of one talent one hundred souls may receive the truth. It is not to those who have the greatest number of talents to whom the ―Well done‖ is spoken, but to those who in sincerity and faithfulness have used their gifts for the Master….There is a great work to be done in our world, and we are accountable for every ray of light that shines upon our pathway. Impart that light, and you will receive more light to impart. Great blessing will come to those who use their talents aright.” MLT 113

Please continue to keep all of our volunteers and our outreach ministry in your prayers. Thank you so very much for your prayers and support. Over the years, you have enabled us to reach hundreds,…yes thousands with God’s present truth message.

Spiritual Tips for the New Year

Dear M.M.M. Family, though we love sharing with you of the wonderful things God is doing in the foreign mission field, we feel it our obligation to also inspire and encourage you in personal soul preparation for the soon return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We pray that these spiritual tips will help you in that preparation.

I recently read, in one of our no longer published denominational books, that “true conversions are very rare and many Seventh-Day Adventists are not truly converted, and will be lost.” What a sobering thought! The fact is, many of us are genuinely good hearted folk, but deep within the recesses of the soul, there is one spot of selfishness, one small trace of sin. We must realize friends, that one small sin in the life makes us completely sinful. Little defects of character separate us from Christ.

• Apart from Christ, there is absolutely no power to resist or to overcome Satan. OHC 76; 5T 294; 8T 292.
• Apart from Christ, there is absolutely no virtue. 4BC—1141.
• Apart from Christ, there is no repentance or forgiveness. 6BC 1056.
• Apart from Christ, every effort to overcome sin will fail. SC 69.
• Apart from Christ, no man can overcome one sin or resist one temptation. DA 676.

What is perfection of character? It is the complete, final, unbroken victory over sin, here and now in this life.

We must realize that in order for us to be saved, we must be more, so much more, than ―good folk. We must be perfect in Christ. Some say that it is impossible for the Christian to live a perfect life. That we will only ―receive perfection when Christ returns and changes us into His likeness. Dear friends, do not believe such teachings. “…those who say that it is not possible to live a perfect life, throw upon God the imputation of injustice and untruth.” RH Feb. 7, 1957. But how can we obtain perfection? Well friends, “while we cannot claim perfection of the flesh, we may have Christian perfection of the soul. When we surrender ourselves wholly to God, and fully believe, the blood of Christ cleanses from all sin. The conscience can be freed from condemnation. Through faith in His blood, all may be made perfect in Christ Jesus.: 2SM 32 “Perfection of character is attainable by everyone who strives for it.” 1SM 212.

Christ is very soon to throw the censer down, and declare, “It is finished.” The time for character perfection will be finished. Now is the time dear friends; Now is the time to make your calling and election sure. Do not wait to the end of the year to examine yourself. We need earnest, prayerful, daily self-examination. Only then can Christ reveal to us our defects of character, that we may surrender them over to Him while He still ministers in our behalf in the Most Holy Place of the Sanctuary.

Thank God we are not dealing with impossibilities. We may claim sanctification/perfection. By the power of the Holy Spirit the moral image of God is to be perfected in the character. “We are to be wholly transformed into the likeness of Christ.” TM 506. May we enter this new year with determined effort to strive for perfection of Christ’s character.

Prayer Corner:

Pete Raimondo – Continued prayer for healing of eyesight.

Willis Families – Health, healing, perfection in Christ Jesus.

Troy Schaffer & Friends – Continued faith and trust in God’s guidance.

Maranatha Institute of Christian Education -Teachers and students.

Cortney Smith – Healing during and after surgery.

M.M.M.—Wisdom and guidance in search of a second M.M.M. Outpost.

―After we have offered our petitions, we are to answer them ourselves as far as

possible, and not wait for God to do for us what we can do for ourselves. The

help of God is held in reserve for all who demand it. Divine help is to be combined

with human effort, aspiration, and energy. But we cannot reach the battlements

of heaven without climbing for ourselves. We cannot be borne up by

the prayers of others when we ourselves neglect to pray.‖ MLT 19