Prayer, Week of December 1
Knowing and Experiencing the All-inclusive, Extensive Christ
"To whom God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Col. 1:27)
"As therefore you have received the Christ, Jesus the Lord, walk in Him, having been rooted and being built up in Him, and being established in the faith even as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Col. 2:6-7)
Praise the Lord for His rich speaking during the recent Thanksgiving Conference! The following key statements summarize the burden:
- God's will for us concerning the all-inclusive, extensive Christ is that we would know Christ, experience Christ, enjoy Christ, be saturated with Christ, and have Christ become our life and person.
- We can walk in Christ as our living land and absorb Christ as our rich soil, in which we have been rooted, so that we may grow with the elements that we absorb from the soil and be made full in Christ in our experience.
- Because all the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Christ and because we have been put into Him, we have been made full in Him—filled up with the divine riches—and all that He is and all that He has belong to us, and all that He has experienced has become our history.
- If we allow the peace of Christ to arbitrate in us and if we are filled with the word of Christ, we shall have the new man in a practical way; all the saints in the all the churches throughout the Lord's recovery will be living Christ in the one new man.
Please pray that the all-inclusive and extensive Christ unveiled in the messages would become the subjective knowledge and experience of the saints in all the churches. May we open to Him and cooperate with Him to give Him the preeminence in all things in our personal universe. May we freshly give ourselves to pursue Him unreservedly and know Him subjectively as our experience and enjoyment.
Children and YP Service Fellowship
This fellowship will be December 15 in Halls 1, 3, 4, 5; December 22 in Hall 2. The specific time will be announced in each district. All parents and all new serving saints are encouraged to attend. Please pray for full participation and for uplifting of our service to gain our children and young people for the Lord's move.
United Kingdom – General Election
A general election for all 650 members of Parliament is scheduled for December 12. Due to political turmoil in the UK, this is the third general election in four years. May the Lord's sovereign will be done in this election and in the ongoing Brexit process. Lord, arrange all things for Your interests and for the advancement of Your move in the UK and in Europe!
Germany – Arabic Speakers Conference
An Arabic speakers conference will be held for the first time from December 6 to 8 in Germany. Up to 50 Arabic-speaking seeking ones are expected. Please pray for this conference that the Lord may gain remaining fruit for the church life.
Hong Kong
The Lord is on the throne. He is still sitting enthroned during these days of unrest. May He bless His people with peace. In His ascension, Jesus Christ is the Leader and the Savior, giving repentance and forgiveness of sins. He rules sovereignly over the earth with His authority that the environment might be fit for God's chosen people to receive His salvation (Psa. 29:10-11; Acts 5:31).
We are conscious of the need to rise up to pray steadfastly for the Lord's interests and testimony in Hong Kong. We need the Body in this matter. We beseech the churches in the Lord's recovery to stand with us in prayer. In particular, we would like to ask you to pray:
- That the Lord will continue to preserve and strengthen the church in Hong Kong.
- That the church in Hong Kong will continue to pray steadfastly for His interests and move in this city.
- That there will be no disruptions to the regular church meetings, that all districts would have a peaceful environment for the saints to meet normally so that the church would be built up.
A recent letter from the church in Hong Kong addressed to all the churches is available in English and Chinese at https://churchinlosangeles.org/prayer.
Announcements
- Morning Revival: REPEAT Week 22 of Crystallization-Study of Numbers, vol. 4.
- December Semiannual Training is December 23 to 28. This is the last chance for saints in LA and Santa Clarita to register for the video training! The firm deadline is Tuesday, December 3 to submit payment ($105) and register at http://tinyurl.com/wintertrainingla.
- Audio of the October 20 Joint LA Meeting is available in English at http://tinyurl.com/godlyfamily.
- Spanish language radio broadcast: Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 9:30 pm. LA County 100.3 FM; San Fernando Valley and Ventura County 90.3 FM.
- The Southern California Spanish-Speaking Conference and the Southern California Young People's Blending Conference will both be Friday night, January 17 to LD noon, January 19 in Anaheim. Information in English is here; y en Español en http://www.socalspanish.org.
Prayer, Week of November 24
Becoming Living Stars Who Watch for the Lord's Coming
"And we have the prophetic word made more firm, to which you do well to give heed as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts." (2 Peter 1:19)
Numbers 24:17 says, "There shall come forth a Star out of Jacob"; this Star refers to Christ. The fulfillment of this type of Christ is found in the word of the magi, learned men from the east, recorded in Matthew 2:2: "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star at its rising and have come to worship Him." When Christ came the first time, He appeared openly as a star, but when He comes the second time, He will be the morning star to His overcomers, who watch for His coming; to all others Christ will later appear as the sun.
Christ's faithful followers are shining and living stars, those who follow Christ as the shining and living Star to be His duplication. The living stars give heed to the prophetic word of the Scriptures "as to a lamp shining in a dark place" so that Christ as the morning star rises in their hearts day by day. If we give heed to the word in the Bible, which shines as a lamp in a dark place, we will have His rising in our hearts before His actual appearing as the morning star. He will secretly give Himself as the morning star to those who love Him and who watch and wait for Him so that they may taste the freshness of His presence at His coming back after a long absence. (CS Numbers, msg. 22, I, A, 6; II, C, 2)
Thanksgiving Conference
This weekend, November 28 to December 1, saints from all over the world will gather in Houston, Texas for the International Thanksgiving Conference. Around 25 saints from Los Angeles are planning to participate. Please pray that the Lord will take more crucial steps for the advancement of His purpose.
Many localities, including Los Angeles, will partake of this time via webcast. Pray that many will give their time to attend these webcasts and to speak with one another after the meetings. Lord, prepare us all to feast with You for Your joy and for our enjoyment with You and with one another!
Semiannual Video Training in Los Angeles
To be trained is to have the rich supply of Christ ministered to us that we may grow, and it is to be equipped that we may be skillful in speaking, in contacting new ones, and in shepherding and in preaching and teaching. (Life-Study of Ephesians, ch. 41)
This winter's Semiannual Training (December 23 to 28) will be the Crystallization-study of Deuteronomy. For those not attending the live sessions in Anaheim, the church in Los Angeles has arranged video trainings in multiple locations.
The deadline to register at http://tinyurl.com/wintertrainingla and submit payment ($105) is December 3. This is a firm deadline. For more information, fellowship with the registration coordinator in your district.
Please ask the Lord to increase our number participating in His up-to-date speaking to the churches in this video training. Ask Him to stir our hearts to pursue Him actively: "For it is God who operates in you both the willing and the working for His good pleasure" (Phil. 2:13).
LA Children and Young People Fellowship
Lord's Day, November 24, was a fellowship time with all the saints in LA who serve with children and young people. In December, district-level fellowship will take place in each hall, to which all parents and new serving ones are invited: December 15 for Halls 1, 3, 4, 5 and December 22 for Hall 2.
Please pray for all the parents to be released to participate in these times of fellowship. Pray also for the Lord to uplift our care for our children and young people, in family life, in personal shepherding, and in meetings, so that many godly families can be firmly established.
Hong Kong
The events in recent weeks, in particular the conflicts on the university campuses, have directly affected our propagation on the campuses and damaged the Lord's interest in Hong Kong. The campuses were ruined, classes were suspended, and non-local students had to evacuate Hong Kong. The serving ones and trainees for the campuses were unable to enter the campuses to contact people, and the propagation of the gospel is thus interrupted. All these are the work of the enemy.
Please pray that the gospel propagation on campuses would continue to have an open door without hindrance, and that the young people would receive the gospel of God's economy as the meaning and goal of their life (Acts 28:31; Rev. 3:8; Eph. 3:9).
Europe
Please pray for the raising up of the Lord's testimony in major cities in Europe, including Lisbon, Portugal; Vienna, Austria; Thessaloniki, Greece; Zagreb, Croatia; Belgrade, Serbia; Geneva and Zurich, Switzerland; Sevilla and Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Tirana, Albania; Gdansk, Poland; and Malta.
Milan, Italy Meeting Hall
The church in Milan (100 saints; city population 3 million) and the literature center in Italy (29 titles published; sold in ten Christian book stores in Italy) are in the process of acquiring a property in Milan. A total of €741,000 (approximately $830,000) must be paid by January 13, 2020. The church and literature work have provided €200,000. Please pray for the Lord's blessing on this property for His increase in Milan and in Italy. Gifts can be given to LME or to the church, designated "Milan Meeting Hall."
Announcements
-
Morning Revival: Week 22 of Crystallization-Study of Numbers, vol. 4.
Next week, after Thanksgiving weekend, we will REPEAT Week 22. - Wednesday Night Ministry Meeting: There will not be a meeting on Wednesday, November 27, due to the Thanksgiving Conference in Houston. The ministry meeting will resume on December 4.
- December Semiannual Training is December 23 to 28. Registration for webcasts in LA ($105) due by December 3. No late registrations. Register at http://tinyurl.com/wintertrainingla.
- Audio of the October 20 Joint LA Meeting is available in English at http://tinyurl.com/godlyfamily.
- Reports on the Lord's Move in Germany, website in English: http://germanyreports.info.
Prayer, Week of November 17
Our Need to Live a Prophesying Life
"Oh that all Jehovah's people were prophets, that Jehovah would put His Spirit upon them!" (Num. 11:29)
"For you can all prophesy one by one that all may learn and all may be encouraged." (1 Cor. 14:31)
"Proclaim the word; be ready in season and out of season" (2 Tim. 4:2a)
Our God is a speaking God. God is a mystery, but this mystery has been revealed by God's speaking. God today speaks in a person [the Son], and this person has increased to be a corporate person, including all the apostles and all the members of this person's Body. The believers are all a part of the corporate Son. God is still speaking in the Son. The speaking God desires to have a speaking people.
If we are going to prophesy, we need to live a prophesying life. We need to be revived every morning. We also need to live an overcoming life every day by fellowshipping with the Lord moment by moment, by walking according to the spirit, and by speaking the word (the Lord) in season and out of season. (Crystallization-Study of Numbers, msg. 21, I., I.A, E.2-3, F; V.H, H.1, H.2)
May the Lord bring us all into such a prophesying life with daily revival, fellowship, walking in spirit, and speaking!
LA Children and Young People Service Policy Fellowship
The church in Los Angeles has adopted a new Policy for the Protection of Children and Young People which will be effective beginning January 1, 2020 in all halls and districts. We believe that one accord is the master key to receive the blessing from the Lord as we head in this direction. With this in view, there will be an important church-wide fellowship for all existing children and YP serving ones this Lord's Day, November 24 from 3:00 to 4:30 PM at Hall 5 (522 S Sepulveda Blvd, LA 90049).
Next month, district-level fellowship will take place in each hall, to which all parents and new serving ones are invited: December 15 for Halls 1, 3, 4, 5 and December 22 for Hall 2. Please reserve these dates in your schedule.
Southern California College Conference C
Last weekend, November 15 to 17, our UCLA and USC students enjoyed a wonderful conference at Oak Glen. The Lord answered many of our prayers regarding the students' hearts being open and soft, and many veils were removed. Praise the Lord!
Two students from the USC area were baptized. Also, there was only one last minute cancellation in the entire conference, which is truly an answer to prayer.
Now, let us pray that the revelation that they saw in the mountain would be wrought into them and applied during their daily life.
European University Conference
The conference, for university students, recent graduates, and young professionals, is November 22 to 24 in England. We will learn together how to advance in our experience and enjoyment of the wonderful and mysterious union we have with our awesome, all-inclusive, and all-extensive Christ as unveiled in the book of Colossians. Please pray for this.
India – Translation Work
The Indian Gospel Room was established in 1996 and is commonly known today as Amana Literature. India is a multi-language country with 22 official languages. Currently, there is a five-year schedule for the NT Recovery Version to be translated simultaneously into six Indian languages and made available by 2021. Translators are also being prepared for the Recovery Version in Hindi, which is the largest spoken language in India and the fourth most-spoken language in the world.
Please pray for this translation work. Many churches in India were raised up through the spreading of the ministry. We can testify that the people are wide open to the ministry of Watchman Nee and Witness Lee. May the word of God continue to run and be glorified in India!
Announcements
-
Morning Revival: Week 21 of Crystallization-Study of Numbers, vol. 4.
After Thanksgiving weekend, we will repeat Week 22. - Children and YP Service Policy Fellowship: On November 24, 3:00 to 4:30 pm there will be an important fellowship for all serving ones of children and young people in LA to strengthen and upgrade our service. This will be at Hall 5 (522 S Sepulveda Blvd, LA 90049).
- December Semiannual Training is December 23 to 28. Registration for webcasts in LA ($105) due by December 3. No late registrations. Register at http://tinyurl.com/wintertrainingla.
- Audio of the October 20 Joint LA Meeting is available in English at http://tinyurl.com/godlyfamily.
Prayer, Week of November 10
Transferred from the Authority of Satan to the Authority of God
"To open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light and from the authority of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me." (Acts 26:18)
The authority of Satan is Satan's kingdom (Matt. 12:26), which belongs to darkness. Satan is the ruler of this world (John 12:31) and the ruler of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2). He has his authority and his angels (Matt. 25:41)….Satan has his kingdom, the authority of darkness (Col. 1:13). According to [Acts] 26:18, we are transferred from the authority of Satan to God. Actually, to be transferred to God is to be transferred to the authority of God, which is God's kingdom belonging to light. (Life-Study of Acts, chap. 69, sec. 1)
Lord, keep us submissive to God's authority and upholding God's authority (II.C.2)
Southern California College Conference B
Last weekend (November 8 to 10) we had a marvelous conference. Praise the Lord. Through all the messages and fellowship the Lord was able to breakthrough many barriers. In three of the four messages emphasis was put on the heart and how to take care of our heart.
Now, let us pray that the revelation that they saw in the mountain would be wrought into them and applied during their daily life.
Southern California College Conference C
This year's fall college conferences in Southern California are split up into three sessions at Oak Glen. The general subject is "The Metaphors for the Christian Life." Last weekend, students from CSUN participated; this weekend, November 15 to 17, students from UCLA and USC will go. Please pray that:
- the Lord would prepare every heart this week to be the good earth for His words of life;
- everyone who signed up would make it to the conference safely;
- the enemy's activity would be bound both in the environment and in the minds of all those going so that the Lord may move and operate in an unhindered way;
- everyone would be more rooted in Christ and built up in Him!
Material Giving to Experience God's Riches in Glory
Outwardly, we give material gifts to the church for support of full-timers and trainees and for practical needs. Inwardly, we give to follow the Lord's leading in us and to experience His blessing.
"And my God will fill your every need according to His riches, in glory, in Christ Jesus." Since Paul considered the Philippians' material gift to him a sacrifice to God, he believed with assurance that God, who was one with him and who was his God, would richly repay the Philippians. Since the Philippians cared for God's sent one, God would care for their every need. God supplies us according to His riches, not according to our needs. His riches exceed our needs. (Phil. 4:19 + notes 1, 3, 4)
Bibles for America
BfA has reached another milestone! During the month of October, we shipped 11,199 NTs to individuals all over the US. Previously, the largest number of orders fulfilled in a single month was 7,757 in September 2015. We expect this number to keep growing as more people find out about our free offer for the NT Recovery Version.
As the orders increase, please pray for the faithful saints laboring at our distribution center in Commerce to be strengthened. Pray that the Bible packaging and mailing process would be smooth and efficient, and that more local volunteers would be able to serve. Pray also that each recipient would be poor in spirit and pure in heart as they read their new Bible.
Meeting Hall in Berlin
The church in Berlin has purchased a large property that will meet the needs of the church and support the Lord's testimony in this strategic city. The purchase price is US$5.6 million with a November 15 closing date. We believe that this property is the result of the fighting prayer in the whole Body, and that the Lord has graced many saints and churches in this financial fellowship.
Thank the Lord that through His grace and the giving of His Body, as of the end of October, all the funds needed to complete the purchase have been received in time for the final payment on November 15. May He use the acquisition of this facility to bless and build up the church in Berlin. Praise the Lord!
Announcements
- Morning Revival: Week 20 of Crystallization-Study of Numbers, vol. 4.
- UPDATED: Children and YP Service Policy Fellowship: On November 24, 3:00 to 4:30 pm there will be an important fellowship for all serving ones of children and young people in LA to strengthen and upgrade our service. This will be at Hall 5 (522 S Sepulveda Blvd, LA 90049).
- SoCal Children's Work Conference: Saturday, November 16, 9:00 am to 12:15 pm in Diamond Bar. No lunch provided. Bring FM radio for translation. Donation $10. Go to http://www.scyp.com/registration.
- Audio of the October 20 Joint LA Meeting is available in English at http://tinyurl.com/godlyfamily.
- December Semiannual Training is December 23 to 28. Registration for webcasts in LA ($105) due by December 3. No late registrations. Register at http://tinyurl.com/wintertrainingla.
- Reports on the Lord's Move in Germany, website in English: http://germanyreports.info.
Prayer, Week of November 3
Taking Time to Enjoy the All-inclusive Christ
"And you shall take possession of the land and dwell in it, for to you I have given the land to possess it." (Num. 33:53)
"As therefore you have received the Christ, Jesus the Lord, walk in Him, having been rooted and being built up in Him..." (Col. 2:6-7a)
"I pursue toward the goal for the prize to which God in Christ Jesus has called me upward." (Phil. 3:14)
God's intention is to bring all His people into the good land, which typifies Christ as the goal. In the Old Testament God's people journeyed and then arrived at the goal, but in the New Testament we, the believers, having been baptized into Christ, are already in the goal. The good land today is Christ as the all-inclusive Spirit, who dwells in our spirit to be our enjoyment. To walk according to this Spirit is the central and crucial point in the New Testament.
We must take time to enjoy the Lord as the all-inclusive land so that all the elements of Christ as the rich soil may be absorbed into us for us to be made full in Him in our experience. If we would absorb the riches of Christ as the soil, we need to have tender, new roots. We should not let ourselves get old but be fresh and renewed every day. We need to forget our situation, our condition, our failures, and our weaknesses and simply take time to absorb the Lord so that we may be built up in Him for the building up of His Body, His corporate expression. (Crystallization-Study of Numbers, msg. 19, I.B-C,C.6)
SoCal College Conference B
This year's fall college conferences in Southern California are split up into three sessions. Students from CSUN, along with other universities, will participate in the second conference from November 8 to 10 at Oak Glen. The general subject is "The Metaphors for the Christian Life." Please pray:
- For the safe and timely arrival of the participants and the preparation of their heart before arriving.
- That the Lord would appear to all those who will be attending, both in their personal fellowship with Him and in the messages, so that these metaphors can have a lasting impact on their Christian life.
- For every student to be refreshed by releasing their spirits and touching the Lord, especially during the singing times.
- That the atmosphere would be full of shepherding and that the practical services needs would be met.
SoCal Children's Work Conference
The next Children's Work Conference is Saturday, November 16 in Diamond Bar. These meetings are for parents with children under 12 years of age and for the saints who are serving with the children's service. During the two sessions, we will focus on the burden and vision for the children along with some practices for the families in the homes and for the churches in raising up the next generation. Pray that all who registered will be able to attend and that all will receive the vision and burden.
The schedule is from 9:00 am to 12:15 pm. No lunch provided. Bring your FM radio if you need translation. Donation is $20. Registration deadline is November 10 at http://www.scyp.com/registration.
Germany – Translators' Training
All day Saturday, November 9, there will be a translators' training for the German-speaking churches at the Frankfurt meeting hall. This is open to all who seek perfecting in translation involving German, English, Farsi, or Arabic to improve fellowship among these language groups and to strengthen the presentation of the ministry to all. About 70 saints are registered.
Poland
From October 20 to 27, around 1,000 copies of the NT Recovery Version were distributed for free at the International Book Fair in Krakow, where Bibles for Europe was an exhibitor. Furthermore, 120 recipients gave their email addresses and 11 young people called on the name of the Lord. Please pray that a genuine seeking will be stirred up in all the readers and that through continued contact a good number will be shepherded into the church life. May the Lord's Word to run and be glorified in Poland!
Central Europe
A blending conference was held from September 28 to 29 in Bratislava, Slovakia. Approximately 160 saints attended from 13 countries and 33 localities. Besides the saints from Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, and Austria, there were saints from Poland, Ukraine, Germany, Lithuania, Romania, Russia, and the UK. The main subject of the conference was "Living in The Reality of the Body of Christ by Keeping the Principles of the Body."
Please pray that the Lord will bring all of us into the practical living of the Body of Christ in keeping all the principles of the Body. Also pray that the Lord will bring all the churches in this region into more vitality, prophesying, and clustering for the practical expression of the Body in Europe and on the earth.
United Kingdom
Having been on Premier Christian Radio for 20 years, a new radio airtime was launched in October. In addition to the regular 8 pm broadcast, there is now a 5:30 am time slot. There is also a new initiative called "Saturdays at Bower House" to which radio listeners are invited. Please pray that this will be a great encouragement to all involved, and provide a way for those who enjoy this ministry to be brought into more fellowship and enjoyment of the Word together and to meet others from their area.
May the Lord bless this new slot, as well as the Saturday at Bower House with the saints and the new ones enjoying the ministry together.
Hong Kong
For the past several months, there has been considerable unrest and turmoil in Hong Kong. In such times, the church needs even the more to fulfill the ministry of prayer (Eph. 6:17-18). Please pray for the Lord's preserving so that the regular church meetings would not be affected.
Announcements
- Morning Revival: Week 19 of Crystallization-Study of Numbers, vol. 4.
- SAVE THE DATE! CYP Service Policy Fellowship: On November 24, 3:00 to 4:30 pm there will be an important fellowship for all serving ones and parents of children and young people of all languages in LA to strengthen and upgrade our service. This will be at Hall 5 (522 S Sepulveda Blvd).
- Audio of the October 20 Joint LA Meeting is available in English at http://tinyurl.com/godlyfamily.
- The Thanksgiving Conference will be in Houston, Texas from November 28 to December 1. Saints from LA who plan to attend are asked to RSVP at http://tinyurl.com/memdayla. Childcare registration required. All information and links are at https://churchinlosangeles.org/prayer.
- December Semiannual Training is December 23 to 28. Registration for webcasts in LA ($105) due by December 3. No late registrations. Registration for the live sessions in Anaheim is already closed. Saints in LA are invited to register and follow the payment directions at http://tinyurl.com/wintertrainingla.
- Spanish language radio broadcast: Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 9:30 pm. LA County 100.3 FM; San Fernando Valley and Ventura County 90.3 FM.
Prayer, Week of October 27
Regenerated to Become Christ's Increase, His Bride
"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that everyone who believes into Him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that everyone who believes into Him would not perish, but would have eternal life." (John 3:14-16)
"He who has the bride is the bridegroom… He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:29a-30)
"For He gives the Spirit not by measure." (John 3:34b)
John 3 reveals that regeneration is not only to bring the divine life into the believers but also to make them the corporate bride for Christ's increase. As Adam was increased in Eve, so Christ is increased in His bride. By Christ being lifted up on the cross as the bronze serpent, Satan's increase has become Christ's increase, His bride. We who were once the increase of Satan have become the increase of Christ.
All regenerated persons are components of the bride, who will be married to the Lord Jesus as the Bridegroom. Regeneration means that our serpentine being is annulled and that we receive the divine life in order to become a new being so that we may be a part of the bride. By this we can see that regeneration is for producing the bride of Christ.
The intention of John 3 is to show that the unlimited Christ must have a universal increase and that He is in the process of gaining this increase today. The immeasurable Spirit produces a universal increase for the unlimited Christ.
Our natural life and living are not part of the increase of Christ. Only the regenerated part of our being, our regenerated spirit, is Christ's increase. In a real and practical way, Christ should be our life and our person. We live Him and are one spirit with Him. We abide in Him, and He abides in us. Therefore, He and we have one life and one living—this is the serpentine people becoming the bride of Christ. When we have this kind of living, then in reality we are serpentine beings in the process of transformation into the bride of Christ, the increase of Christ. The ultimate consummation of this bride will be the New Jerusalem as the tabernacle of God and the wife of the Lamb.
May the Lord have mercy on us that we may learn to live by our regenerated being! (Crystallization-study of Numbers, msg. 18, II.C-F, III.B.2-5)
Bibles for America
The number of Bibles that BfA ships from its distribution center in Southern California has been steadily growing, with an average of 800 to 1,000 Bibles mailed per week. Two weeks ago, the volunteers at the distribution center shipped an unprecedented 1,000 Bibles in just one day! This substantial increase in Bible orders is attributed to small changes that have been made to the wording on our Facebook ads, which have increased their visibility.
Please pray for the online ads to continue to be effective, so that more and more people could receive the food which abides unto eternal life. Pray also for the volunteers at the distribution center to be strengthened, energized, and filled with joy as they prepare Bibles to be sent to God's seekers.
Ministry Digest
Issue 2 of the Ministry Digest has been published. The two specific goals of this new publication are: (1) to help the saints enter into the riches of The Collected Works of Witness Lee, and (2) to provide ministry content for the churches in their corporate weekly pursuit. Subscribe directly at http://md.lsm.org. Pray that this publication will help us develop a taste and deepen the desire for reading the ministry in a consistent way.
Balkans Regional Conference
This year's Balkans Regional Conference will be November 1 to 3 in Zagreb, Croatia. Please pray that the Lord will gather the saints and the Rhema contacts throughout the Balkans for fellowship and blending and will abundantly bless the saints and the churches through this conference.
United Kingdom
Please pray that the Lord will rule sovereignly over the Brexit process. May the Lord rule over the situation for His interests and for the advancement of His move in Europe!
Europe
Amana Trust will host four one-week trainings at Bower House in London this fall, beginning October 28 and November 4, 11, and 18. The overall theme will be "The Four Great Pillars in the Lord's Recovery: Truth, Life, the Church, and the Gospel." These training sessions will help all to receive a vision of the Lord's recovery. These times are also appropriate for new contacts and seeking ones.
Attendees will also participate in FTT London classes and other activities as well as meetings with the church in London and surrounding churches. There will be fellowship regarding our daily life, practicing the vital groups, spreading the divine truths throughout Europe, being fruit-bearing branches in the vine, and developing our function for the building up of the church in our respective localities. There will also be a special outing related to the history of the Lord's move in Europe.
Poland
An international book fair took place last week in Krakow, October 24 to 27. Approximately 70,000 visitors were expected. Bibles for Europe was an exhibitor. The saints distributed free copies of the NT Recovery Version in Polish. Please pray for the Lord's Word to run and be glorified in Poland!
Hong Kong
Over the past several months, there has been considerable unrest and turmoil in Hong Kong. In such times, the church needs even the more to fulfill the ministry of prayer (Eph. 6:17-18). Please pray:
- For the Lord's peace to come upon all districts of Hong Kong and every person's heart.
- For those in authority to have the wisdom from God in seeking a solution.
- For the citizens to know the Lord and receive hope from God, especially that the young people would be protected and have a heart to seek God so that they would be open to the gospel.
- For the Lord to cause the saints in the church to be strong in spirit and to be in one accord to preach the gospel of the kingdom.
Announcements
- Morning Revival: Week 18 of Crystallization-Study of Numbers, vol. 3.
- Audio of the October 20 Joint LA Meeting is available in English at http://tinyurl.com/godlyfamily.
- SAVE THE DATE! On November 24, 3:00 to 4:30pm at Hall 5, there will be an important fellowship for serving ones and parents of children and young people to strengthen and upgrade our service.
- The Thanksgiving Conference will be in Houston, Texas from November 28 to December 1. Saints from LA who plan to attend are asked to RSVP by October 31. Childcare registration required. Information, including hotels, is at https://churchinlosangeles.org/prayer.
- SoCal Children's Work Conference: Saturday, November 16, 9:00 am to 12:15 pm. No lunch provided. Bring your FM radio for translation. The location is the Church in Diamond Bar meeting hall. Donation is $20. Register by November 10 at http://www.scyp.com/registration.
- December Semiannual Training is December 23 to 28. Registration for webcasts in LA ($105) due by December 3. No late registrations. Registration for the live sessions in Anaheim is already closed. Saints in LA are invited to register and follow the payment directions at http://tinyurl.com/wintertrainingla.
- Receive prayer and announcements by email: sign up at https://churchinlosangeles.org/prayer.
Prayer, Week of October 20
The first item below is composed from the speaking in the joint meeting of the church in LA. Let's pray ourselves into this burden. You may listen to the fellowship (in English) at http://tinyurl.com/godlyfamily.
LA Joint Meeting Overflow – The Godly Family
"By faith Noah, having been divinely instructed concerning things not yet seen and being moved by pious fear, prepared an ark for the salvation of his house, through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith." (Heb. 11:7)
"For the grace of God, bringing salvation to all men, has appeared, training us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in the present age, awaiting the blessed hope, even the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all lawlessness and purify to Himself a particular people as His unique possession, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:11-14)
Noah brought salvation to his whole family by living a godly life in the midst of an evil age. To live a godly life means to live a life that is of God, for God, in God, and like God. To live such a life requires us to make a decision—a deep resolution. We all need to make this resolution and declare it in prayer.
Noah was able to live in a godly manner because he found grace in the eyes of God (Gen. 6:8). Today, we can all come forward boldly to the throne of grace in our spirit to receive mercy and find grace for timely help (Heb. 4:16). Then, we must learn to hope in the appearing of the Lord Jesus rather than in anything of this world (Titus 2:13). In this way, we can live a godly life.
Moreover, this godly life is not primarily for us alone; rather, it is for our family and for God's family. We may obtain eternal life as individuals, but in many ways we gain practical, daily salvation by household. When we have this kind of godly life, we bring salvation to our entire household. This matter of the household is intrinsically and deeply related to working out God's economy. If we truly see this, it will have a revolutionary effect on our life and church life.
Noah lived in a wicked age, but by living a godly life, he saved his entire household and turned the age to enable God's purpose to be fulfilled. May we all make this resolution to live a godly life for our family and for God's family to fulfill His purpose!
"But as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah." (Josh. 24:15b)
LA Chinese-Speaking Blending Retreat
This weekend, October 25 to 27, Chinese-speaking saints from LA will go to Oak Glen for their biannual blending retreat. Saints from Thousand Oaks and some other Southern California localities will also participate. So far there are close to 110 people registered, including children. Please pray:
- For a good time of blending among the saints.
- That all the saints would see the vision of the Lord's recovery and consecrate themselves for this.
- That all would cultivate a daily living of eating Christ and flowing out Christ.
Bibles for America
In August, BfA started advertising free copies of the Spanish NT Recovery Version on Facebook. Since then, the number of online orders for Spanish Bibles has increased significantly. In July, we sent out 141 copies; in September, we mailed out 1,142 copies! We have received many encouraging comments.
Please pray that more Spanish-speaking people would see this ad on Facebook, order a free NT, and share this offer with their friends. Pray also that the Lord would cause those who have already received a copy to read it and grow spiritually by being nourished with the truth.
December Semiannual Training Registration
This Lord's Day, October 27 is the firm deadline to complete registrations for the December Semiannual Training (December 23 to 28) at http://tinyurl.com/wintertrainingla. This deadline applies to saints from LA who wish to attend the live sessions in Anaheim ($205); those who plan to attend simulcast sessions in LA or Santa Clarita may register until December 3 ($105). Late registrations will not be accepted. May the Lord motivate and release many saints to attend!
United Kingdom
Please continue to pray that the Lord will rule sovereignly over the exit of the UK from the European Union (Brexit). May the Lord rule over the situation for His interests and for the advancement of His move in Europe!
Hong Kong
For the past several months, there has been considerable unrest and turmoil in Hong Kong. In such times, the church needs even the more to fulfill the ministry of prayer (Eph. 6:17-18). May the Lord direct our hearts with the vision of His eternal economy so that our hearts would not be disturbed but rather be established, that we would consider one another so as to incite one another to love and good works, not abandoning our own assembling together (Heb. 10:24-25a), and that we would live in the church life together for the building up of the Body of Christ to accomplish God's economy.
India
India has a population of over 1.3 billion people. Of the 185 established local churches, 141 are in the south, 28 in the northeast, and 16 in the north. This means that approximately 75% of the churches are in the south; however, the majority of the Indian population lives in the northern regions.
Please pray for the propagation of the resurrected and ascended Christ in Northern India. This is a move of the entire Body, so the prayer of Body is needed. May the gospel of the kingdom be preached to the more than 800 million people in Northern India!
Myanmar
Pray for the release of the Burmese Holy Bible Recovery Version app on October 22 in Google Play Store which is available to all people in Myanmar for free. May the word of God overflow and gain more Burmese by this Bible app!
Announcements
- Morning Revival: REPEAT Week 17 of Crystallization-Study of Numbers, vol. 3.
- Audio of the October 20 Joint LA Meeting is available in English at http://tinyurl.com/godlyfamily.
- SAVE THE DATE! On November 24, 3:00 to 4:30pm at Hall 5, there will be an important fellowship for serving ones and parents of children and young people to strengthen and upgrade our service.
- December Semiannual Training is December 23 to 28. Registration is open until October 27 for the live sessions in Anaheim ($205) and December 3 for webcasts in LA ($105). No late registrations. Saints in LA are invited to register at http://tinyurl.com/wintertrainingla and follow the payment directions.
- The Thanksgiving Conference will be in Houston, Texas from November 28 to December 1. Saints from LA who plan to attend are asked to RSVP by October 31. Childcare registration required. Information, including hotels, is at https://churchinlosangeles.org/prayer.
- Reports on the Lord's Move in Germany, website in English: http://germanyreports.info.
Prayer, Week of October 13
The Water for Impurity
"...Tell the children of Israel to bring you a red heifer without defect, in which is no blemish and upon which a yoke has never come." (Num. 19:2)
The heifer, the principal component of the water for impurity, signifies the redeeming Christ. The color red signifies the likeness of the flesh of sin, which is for the bearing of man's sin outwardly. The heifer being without defect signifies that although Christ was in the likeness of the flesh of sin, He did not have the sinful nature. That the heifer was without blemish indicates that Christ was perfect. The heifer having never been under a yoke signifies that Christ was never used by anyone, especially by or for God's enemy, Satan. (Footnote 1 on v. 2)
"And a man who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer and place them outside the camp in a clean place, and it shall be kept for the assembly of the children of Israel as water for impurity; it is a sin offering." (Num. 19:9)
Ashes signify Christ reduced to nothing. These ashes were kept for the water for impurity; it was a purification of sin, or a sin offering.
The impurity in this chapter does not refer to sin but to death. Death issues from sin, and sin is the root of death. From the sin of rebellion, death became prevailing among the children of Israel. Thus, there was the need for the water for impurity. Only the working of Christ's redemption, through His dignified and humbled humanity, with His death and the Spirit of His resurrection, could heal and cleanse the situation from the uncleanness of death. (Footnotes 1 and 2 on v. 9)
Joint LA Meeting
The whole church in Los Angeles will meet together on Lord's Day, October 20 at 10:00 am at Hall 2 (8655 Haskell Ave). Brother Minoru Chen will be joining us for some special fellowship. After the meeting, we will stay to eat lunch together.
Please pray for a strong and healthy attendance of all the saints in Los Angeles. Pray for a rich time of blending among all the saints—across all the languages, ages, districts, and halls—for the Lord to gain His shining testimony and expression in Los Angeles. Also pray that there will be much blending through the exercise and release of the spirit in our gathering with the flow of life being prevailing to refresh and water all the saints.
Southern California Senior High Conferences
The Fall 2019 High School Conferences will be October 18 to 20. The sisters will be in Irvine and the brothers in Huntington Beach. Please pray that the high school young people would come to know the God who hides Himself (Isa. 45:15), and learn that in the midst of the challenges in their daily life, He is caring for them. Pray also that they would learn how to cultivate a hidden root life with the Lord. Lastly, pray they would be encouraged by and blended with other young people across Southern California.
National Campus and YP Serving Saints Fellowship
From October 15 to 17, about 150 brothers serving on college campuses and with young people across the United States will be gathered together in Charlotte, North Carolina for some important fellowship. We are seeking the Lord together for how to go on in the labor with the next generation in a more blended and coordinated way. Please pray that:
- The Lord would accomplish a solid blending work among all those gathered during this time.
- We would make significant advance in the way to care for young people And college students, including bearing much fruit in these age categories.
- We would have the wisdom in caring for all those serving with the next generation and have the clear direction under which we all can labor to release the lords blessing in an unprecedented way!
Germany – Frankfurt Book Fair
The annual Frankfurt Book Fair is the world's largest trade fair for books. Last year approximately 285,000 visitors attended, 70% from Germany. This year it is October 16 to 20. Bibles for Europe and Lebensstrom (LSM Germany) will co-sponsor a booth. They will have free Recovery Version NTs in multiple languages and German ministry books for sale. There will also be NT distributions outside the conference center.
"Pray concerning us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified." (2 Thes. 3:1) And pray for the present reality of Acts 13:49, "The word of the Lord was carried through the whole region" of Germany, Europe, and the earth.
From the church in Frankfurt: we have a burden to gain local German people for the church life. Therefore, we included a small card with each NT to allow people to contact us if they would like to have a Bible study. May the Lord provide some sons of peace to contact us for fellowship.
European Brothers Training and Blending Conference
The European Brothers Training will be October 15 to 17 in the Netherlands. This is a three-day digestion of ITERO with viewing of three messages plus small study groups each day. There will also be times of fellowship about the Lord's move in Europe. Following this training is the International Blending Conference for all saints in Europe, October 18 to 20.
Lord, bless both of these times with Your rich presence and clear speaking, and anoint much fellowship and blending among all who attend!
Southern Africa
October 18 to 20 in Pretoria, South Africa, is a Southern Africa Training for Elders and Responsible Ones. This will spread the messages from the October 3 to 5 ITERO to many in Southern Africa who could not go to India.
Announcements
- Morning Revival: Week 17 of Crystallization-Study of Numbers, vol. 3. Next week, we will REPEAT Week 17 after the Joint LA Meeting.
- December Semiannual Training is December 23 to 28. Registration is open until October 27 for the live sessions in Anaheim ($205) and December 3 for webcasts in LA ($105). No late registrations. Saints in LA are invited to register at http://tinyurl.com/wintertrainingla and follow the payment directions.
- The Thanksgiving Conference will be in Houston, Texas from November 28 to December 1. Saints from LA who plan to attend are asked to RSVP by October 31. Childcare registration required. Information, including hotels, is at https://churchinlosangeles.org/prayer.
- Spanish language radio broadcast: Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 9:30 pm. LA County 100.3 FM; San Fernando Valley and Ventura County 90.3 FM.
Prayer, Week of October 6
Digging the Well to Allow the Spirit to Flow Freely within Us
"Then Israel sang this song: Spring up, O well! Sing to it! The well, which the leaders sank, which the nobles of the people dug, with the scepter, with their staffs…" (Num. 21:17-18)
"Because of this I also exercise myself to always have a conscience without offense toward God and men." (Acts 24:16)
The digging of the well signifies the digging away of the "dirt," the barriers in our heart—our conscience, our mind, our will, and our emotion—so that the Spirit as the living water may spring up within us and flow freely. We need to go to the Lord to be "dug out" for the free flow of the living water within us. There is much "dirt" within us that needs to be dug out.
We must forget about our needs, our jobs, our future, and our circumstances. We must seek only the Lord's presence and ask Him to bring us into His light. Then we can follow His light to dig away the dirt in our heart, conscience, mind, will, and emotion.
This digging is accomplished only by prayer in our private time with the Lord. We have to spend more time with the Lord and pray according to His inner leading. The more we dig away the dirt, the more living, strengthened, and victorious we will be as the living water flows freely within us to cause us to grow in life for the building up of the Body of Christ. (Crystallization-Study of Numbers, msg. 16, III.A-B,B.6-8)
ITERO Follow-up
The International Training for Elders and Responsible Ones concluded this past weekend in Bangalore, India with blending meetings in three cities on the Lord's Day. Almost 1100 brothers from all over the world gathered for this training. The general subject was "The One New Man Fulfilling God's Purpose in Creating Man." The brothers were deeply impressed that now is the golden time for the one new man to be brought forth for the fulfillment of God's eternal purpose. For this to happen in reality and practicality, we all need to take Christ as our person and be renewed in the spirit of our mind.
Please pray for the prayer needed for the reality and practicality of the one new man. Pray for the dissemination and digestion of these messages in all the churches. Also pray for all the saints traveling, as many saints are now participating in blending trips in India.
Southern California Junior High Conferences
The Fall 2019 Junior High Conferences will be October 11 to 13. The sisters will be in Fullerton and the brothers in Diamond Bar. Please pray for our junior high students to be impressed with the precious blood of Christ (1 Pet. 1:19), and learn how to practically apply the blood to enjoy the Lord in their daily lives. Pray also that they would be encouraged by and blended with other young people across Southern California.
Los Angeles Campuses
The Fall is always one of the busiest times of the year for contacting people on the college campuses. The burden for the Lord to gain some young vessels that would be useful to Him is still strong, and much prayer, coordination, and labor is needed to carry it out. Please continue to join us in the labor on the campuses by your prayer in the following directions:
- That the Lord would continue to supply the laboring ones on the campuses, including the students themselves.
- For the strategic person-by-person follow-up with all of the new students that have signed up with us, including connecting many of them with companions among us.
- That many students would be released to attend the upcoming college conferences in November and see a vision of Christ and the church!
Iberian Peninsula Conference
This year's Iberian Peninsula Conference will be held from December 13 to 15 in Torremolinos, Malaga, Spain. Last year 374 adults plus 35 children—representing 18 countries—attended the wonderful time of blending. The firm deadline for registration is October 7. All the information can be found at the following links:
https://www.amanatrust.org.uk/calendar/iberian-peninsula-conference-2019 (English)
https://www.amanatrust.org.uk/calendar/conferencia-en-la-peninsula-iberica-2019 (Spanish)
You are warmly invited to participate. Please pray that the Lord will enable many to come and for the Lord to abundantly bless this time for His move in the Iberian Peninsula.
Announcements
- Morning Revival: Week 16 of Crystallization-Study of Numbers, vol. 3 (July Semiannual Training).
- Joint LA Meeting: The whole church in LA will meet together on Lord's Day, October 20, 10 am at LA Hall 2. Adults will meet in the main room. All junior high YP plus senior high YP and serving saints not at the HS conferences will have their own meeting. We will eat lunch together afterwards.
- December Semiannual Training is December 23 to 28. Registration is open until October 27 for the live sessions in Anaheim ($205) and December 3 for webcasts in LA ($105). No late registrations. Saints in LA are invited to register at http://tinyurl.com/wintertrainingla and follow payment directions.
- Thanksgiving Conference will be in Houston, Texas from November 28 to December 1. Saints from LA who plan to attend are asked to RSVP by October 31. Childcare registration required. Information, including hotels, is at https://churchinlosangeles.org/prayer.
- Reports on the Lord's Move in Germany, website in English: http://germanyreports.info.
Prayer, Week of September 29
Being Reconstituted with Christ to Become God's Dwelling Place
"As the living Father has sent Me and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also shall live because of Me." (John 6:57)
"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words which I have spoken to you are spirit and are life." (John 6:63)
God wants to change our diet to a diet of Christ as the real manna sent by God the Father for God's chosen people to be reconstituted with Christ and to live because of Christ to become God's dwelling place.
By feeding on manna, God's people eventually became manna. Our constitution must be rearranged through the eating of Christ so that the church as the dwelling place of God may be built up. May the Lord change our diet so that we may be reconstituted with Christ and become God's dwelling place. (Crystallization-Study of Numbers, msg. 15, III.G)
ITERO in India
The International Training for Elders and Responsible Ones (ITERO) takes place this week from October 3 to 5 in Bangalore, India. Many saints will participate in blending trips afterwards. Please pray for all the preparations, that the Lord can head up all the arrangements for the rich release of His up-to-date speaking without any hindrance. Also pray for the smooth entry of the overseas saints and the health, food and transportation of all the saints.
Lord, may Your recovery advance in India and throughout the whole earth!
December Semiannual Training Registration
Registration is now open for the next semiannual training, which will be from December 23 to 28 in Anaheim and by local webcasts. The registration deadline is October 27 for the live training ($205) and December 3 for the video training ($105). Late registrations will not be accepted. Saints in LA are invited to register at http://tinyurl.com/wintertrainingla. May the Lord motivate and release many saints to attend!
Los Angeles Intercollegiate Gathering
This Saturday, October 5, our students from UCLA, CSUN and USC will gather together for a day of activities, blending and fellowship. Please pray that:
- The Lord will motivate and release many students across Los Angeles to be blended together.
- All the new ones will feel welcomed and connected and built in a little more.
- Each student would receive the Lord's personal speaking and be strengthened and supplied in Him.
Parents and YP Serving Ones Fellowship
The next special fellowship for Southern California parents and young people's serving ones will take place this Saturday, October 5 from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the church in Anaheim district 3 meeting hall (2528 W La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92801). Lunch will not be provided. A $5 donation is suggested upon arrival to cover the cost of materials and snack. Translation into Spanish, Korean, and Chinese will be provided. Register before September 29 at http://tinyurl.com/2019pypsof. May the Lord bless this time!
BfA Tour in Northern and Central California
Bibles for America staff members joined local volunteers for a distribution tour in Northern and Central California earlier this month. BfA tables were set up at colleges and other locations. At every venue, people of all ages were happy to receive the gift of God's Word. We gave away 323 Bibles, 244 ministry books, and around 1,130 gospel tracts. Many also signed up to be contacted by the local BfA volunteers.
Please pray that each recipient would read the materials with a hungry heart and an open mind. Pray also for the follow-up with those who requested one-on-one Bible studies with the local volunteers.
Germany – Meeting Hall in Berlin
The church in Berlin has purchased a large property and villa that will meet the needs of the church and support the Lord's testimony in this strategic city. The purchase price is US$5.6 million; there is a shortage of US$2.46 million. The closing date is November 15.
We believe this property is the result of the fighting prayer in the whole Body. We pray that the Lord will grace many in this financial fellowship. Contributions designated 'Berlin Meeting Hall' may be given to the church in Los Angeles or at http://www.lordsmove.org (click on Offerings for various ways to give).
The complete letter from Berlin with photos is at https://churchinlosangeles.org/prayer.
Myanmar
Please pray for the Electronic Version of the Holy Bible Recovery Version in Burmese to come out in October. Also pray for the Full-time Training in Yangon, which currently has 68 brothers and 34 sisters attending, that these ones would be fully gained and perfected by the Lord for His economy.
Announcements
- Morning Revival: Week 15 of Crystallization-Study of Numbers, vol. 3 (July Semiannual Training).
- Joint LA Meeting: The whole church in LA will meet together on Lord's Day, October 20, 10 am at Hall 2. Adults will meet in the main room. All junior high YP plus senior high YP and serving saints not at the HS conferences will have their own meeting. We will eat lunch together after the meeting.
- The Thanksgiving Conference will be in Houston, Texas from November 28 to December 1. Saints from LA who plan to attend are asked to RSVP by October 31. Childcare registration required. Information, including hotels, is at https://churchinlosangeles.org/prayer.
- Receive prayer and announcements by email: sign up at https://churchinlosangeles.org/prayer.