THREE CROSSES

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Two offenders and the Son of God-born to be Savior of the World, each brutally nailed to a cross. The first criminal, in his suffering and guilt, cried out in anger, “If you are Savior of the World, rescue us!” The second offender, in his anguish and guilt, bowed his head in remorse and protested: “We deserve this but He does not!” Jesus, their Creator, in His agony and pain, heard their cries - completely aware of their present torment and their past failures. Moreover, He knew they faced an eternity without hope.

Suddenly, one called to Him, asking for mercy and for a future in the Heavenly Kingdom.

“Remember me!” A simple, painful cry from the heart!

Immediately, the Savior of the World –

answered with a promise! “Today, you will be with me in Paradise!”

The Love of God always triumphs Over guilt and failure!

JESUS “…it was our grief that he bore, our sorrows that weighed him down…he was wounded and bruised for our sins…we are the ones who strayed away like sheep…yet God laid on him the guilt and sins of every one of us.”

“I have come as a Light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer wander in darkness…I have come to save the world and not to judge it. But all who reject me and my message will be judged at the Day of Judgment.” (Scriptures: Isaiah 53 and John 12 (Living Bible)

Contents: Three Crosses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Home Page The Winner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

The Winner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Victory by Anita. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Jesus the Man . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Bolivia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Christian Triumph news . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

*Volume 130 *No. 04 *Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 * APRIL 2011

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The Winner

I was watching some little kids play soccer. These kids were only five or six years old, but they were playing a real game – a serious game – two teams, complete with coaches, uniforms, and parents. I didn’t know any of them, so I was able to enjoy the game without distraction of being anxious about winning or losing – I wished the parents and coaches could have done the same. The teams were pretty evenly matched. I will just call them Team One and Team Two. Nobody scored in the first period. The kids were hilarious. They were clumsy and terribly inefficient. They fell over their own feet, they stumbled over the ball, they kicked at the ball and missed it but they didn’t’ seem to care. They were having fun. In the second quarter, the Team One coach pulled out what must have been his first team and put in the scrubs, except for his best player who now guarded the goal. The game took a dramatic turn. I guess winning is important even when you’re five years old- because the Team Two coach left his best players in, and the Team One scrubs were no match for them. Team Two swarmed around the little guy who was now the Team One goalie. He was an outstanding athlete, but he was no match for three or four who were also

very good. Team Two began to score. The lone goalie gave it everything he had, recklessly throwing his body in front of incoming balls, trying valiantly to stop them. Team Two scored two goals in quick succession. It infuriated the young boy. He became a raging maniac-shouting, running, diving. With all the stamina he could muster, he covered the boy who now had the ball, but that boy kicked it to another boy twenty feet away, and by the time he repositioned himself, it was too late-they scored a third goal. I soon learned who the goalie’s parents were. They were nice, decent-looking people. (Continued on Page 3)

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I could tell that his dad had just come from the office-he still had his suit and tie on. They yelled encouragement to their son. I became totally absorbed, watching the boy on the field and his parents on the sidelines. After the third goal, the little kid changed. He could see it was no use; he couldn’t stop them. He didn’t quit, but he became quietly desperate, futility was written all over him. His father changed too. He had been urging his son to try harder-yelling advice and encouragement. But then he changed. He became anxious. He tried to say that it was okay-to hang in there. He grieved for the pain his son was feeling. After the fourth goal, I knew what was going to happen. I’ve seen it before. The little boy needed help so badly, and there was no help to be had. He retrieved the ball from the net and handed it to the referee-and then he cried. He just stood there while huge tears rolled down both cheeks. He went to his knees and put his fists to his eyes-and he cried the tears of the helpless and broken-hearted. When the boy went to his knees, I saw the father start onto the field. His wife clutched his arm and said, “Jim, don’t. You’ll embarrass him.” But he tore loose from her and ran onto the field. He wasn’t supposed to – the game was still in progress. Suit, tie, dress shoes, and all – he charged onto

the field, and he picked up his son so everybody would know that this was his boy, and he hugged him and held him and cried with him. I’ve never been so proud of a man in my life. He carried him off the field, and when he got close to the sidelines, I heard him say, “Scotty, I’m so proud of you. You were great out there. I want everybody to know that you are my son.” Daddy,” the boy sobbed, “I couldn’t stop them. I tried, Daddy, I tried and tried, and they scored on me.” “Scotty, it doesn’t matter how many times they scored on you. You’re my son, and I’m proud of you. I want you to go back out there and finish the game. I know you want to quit, but you can’t. And, son, you’re going to get scored on again, but it doesn’t matter. Go on, now.” It made a difference – I could tell it did. When you’re all alone, and you’re getting scored on – and you can’t stop them – it means a lot to know that it doesn’t matter to those who love you. The little guy ran back on to the field – and they scored two more times – but it was okay. I get scored on every day. I try so hard. I recklessly throw my body in every direction. I fume and rage. I struggle with temptation and sin, with every ounce of my being (Page 4)

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– And Satan laughs. And he scores again, and the tears come, and I go to my knees – sinful, convicted, and helpless. And my Father – my Heavenly Father rushes right out on the field – right in front of the whole crowd – the whole jeering, laughing world – and he picks me up, and he hugs me and he says, “ John, I’m so proud of you. You were great out there. I want everybody to know that you are my son, and because I control the outcome of this game, I declare

you – The Winner.” Used with permission of The Daily Encourager Author unknown

“For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels won’t, and all the powers of hell itself cannot keep God’s love away. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, or where we are – high above the sky, or in the deepest ocean – nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when he died for us.” Romans 8 (the Living Bible)

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“COME”

The Spirit and the Bride* say, “Come!” And let all those who hear say, “Come!”

Then, let him who is thirsty come, And drink freely of the water of life.

(*Church) Paraphrase of Revelation 22:17

-Byrum C. Lee

VICTORY Gerald, my husband, opened a box which contained a small, dried bulb, plant starter, and a container with instructions. Patiently, he planted, then waited until a little green piece of growth peeked through the soil – next a stem – and now - a beautiful red flower. There is a reward for those who think beyond the dried up bulbs, as they act upon their faith. Similarly, the weary, hopeless heart of man thirsts for new beginnings. Jesus, our Creator, understands the condition of every individual, and He promises: “…everyone who takes refuge in him will be freely pardoned.” His sacrifice brought rebirth and recovery to all mankind. (Psalms 34) The Living Bible

Jesus arose victorious over (our) sin and death. The cross, the tomb could not hold Him! “The sting of death is sin…but, thanks be to God…which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1st Cor. 15:56 KJV It is crucial that we confess our sins, asking forgiveness (the forgiveness that He purchased) so that we can be set free from our transgressions and can claim the Victory. Ours is a RISEN SAVIOR; ours is a RISEN LORD! Claim your victory – TODAY! “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly…” Romans 5:6 NIV

Anita edited

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JESUS! THE MAN! Article IV

One of us! After the temptations in the wilderness, Jesus began His ministry and was soon well known; everyone admired Him. And then…He returned to His boyhood home where He attended the synagogue, reading the Scriptures. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted and to announce that captives shall be released and the blind shall see, that the downtrodden shall be freed from their oppressors, and that God is ready to give blessings to all who come to him.” (Isaiah 61) The Living Bible

Closing the scroll, Jesus sat down; everyone was staring at Him as He said to them, “These Scriptures came true today!” (Jesus– divine and human, one of us – chosen to reunite every person with God) All were astonished by His great words, but Jesus knew their hearts, as He foretold, “…I solemnly declare to you that no prophet is accepted in His own home town.” Luke 4 The Living Bible

And then…Jesus revealed the Love of His Father, quite unlike their

beliefs or way of life: Every individual is of vast worth to God, regardless of religion, nationality or gender. Furiously, the people responded with intolerance and prejudice. Mobbing Jesus, they tried to throw Him over a cliff, but “… he walked away through the crowd and left them.” (Jesus - destined for a Cross.) Luke 4 The Living Bible

Many miracles later, misunderstood, with enemies planning His murder, Jesus- God and man- spoke to His followers: …”Out in the world the master sits at the table and is served by his servants. But not here! For I am your servant.” (our Heavenly King with values, often unlike our own.) Luke 22 The Living Bible

Timeless moments later, agonizing, knowing His destiny, Jesus called out to God, His Father, as He fought a lonely battle, aware that our eternity rested upon His willingness to sacrifice Himself on a cross - for it would be there that the penalty for our sins would be paid. The Light of the World arose and entered the dark night as His betrayal began. Without justice, He faced accusations, mocking, beatings, and the horrible cruelty of mankind. Sentenced to death (by crucifixion) Jesus’ ageless words rang out for infinity, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing.” Like one who wins the Victory, Jesus shouted triumphantly, “It is finished!”–The cry of our Savior Who set us free to love God again. Luke 23 Barclay MAY FM – Triumphant Resurrection

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NEWS FROM SOUTH AMERICA

Donna Schillinger and her family are back in Brazil after traveling through Bolivia. Sunday evening at the church in Brazil, Donna and her family witnessed a miracle. A young man, deep into a belief that practices Voodoo, came to the church service and made a choice to give his life to Jesus. In the following days, he will face many challenges, Please pray diligently for him as the Pastor, Narciso Zamora’s son, will be visiting and teaching this fellow Christian more about the Love of God. Before this April Faith Messenger was printed, Donna returned from a ministers-missionary convention in Paraguay. Narciso Zamora was the Director. Donna met several persons who were acquainted with Evelyn Anderson, and they not only were thrilled to meet Evelyn’s granddaughter but were happy to renew their commitment to evangelize using Christian Triumph literature. More subscriptions were received for El Mensajero, the Spanish periodical. As well, Donna spoke with others who wish to help Christian Triumph spread the Gospel. This missionary ministry is reaching out to new avenues of Spanish and Portuguese literature distribution.

We pray that 2011 will be a year of growth and even change for this missionary literature work and that God will bless with a greater vision for those who need The Savior. We thank you, our readers and friends, for your interest and

help and appreciate your wonderful letters and faithful prayers.

The Women sit along this sidewalk in

Bolivia, working as they wait for a store

to open.

An Official Building where the people

and birds gather to enjoy the day.

Pictures of Bolivia - by the Schillingers

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Evelyn Anderson’s 96th Birthday Party. Her daughter, Violet, (lower left) granddaughters, and great granddaughter. Happy Birthday! “The steps of good [persons] are directed by the Lord. He delights in each step they take. If they fall it isn’t fatal, for the Lord holds them with his hand. I have been young and now I am old. And in all my years I have never seen the Lord forsake a [person] who loves him…” Psalms 37 God bless you, Dear Saint of God!

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Letters

From Oregon, Michigan,

Texas, Indiana, Kansas, Illinois, Oklahoma, California, and others.

THANK YOU for your special letters! We love to hear from you! It is our privilege to pray for the requests and remember you, your friends and loved ones in prayer. Please remember Christian Triumph, too.

PRAY for: Donna A., her neighbor, and friend, Maxine

Doris and her husband, Idell,

Pastor Israel and Vitalina, Ann,

Teresa, Those who have lost loved ones,

The missionaries And our Soldiers.

If you would like to share your prayer

request, please send to Christian Triumph, PO BOX 5187, 905 Bluntzer, Corpus Christi,

Texas 78465-5187

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Graduates Christian Triumph

Local - Spanish Bible Courses.

Pastors and Teachers

God bless you, our readers.

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Faith Messenger

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