MY 4TH TRIP TO
CENTRAL AMERICA

Through a series of events the Lord sent the funds for me to buy my first round trip ticket to Honduras in March of 1994. It all started when I received a letter, written in Spanish, from someone I had never heard of before. I asked a bi-lingual friend to translate it for me and write a reply to the effect that although I appreciated the letter I had little or no money to send to help them or to ever visit their country. Although I knew Honduras was somewhere in Central America, I didn't know exactly where in relationship to Panama, which I knew because our American history books covered the building of the Panama Canal. I also knew of Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala because of all the news stories about the civil wars in those countries but could not have told you their exact location on the map. All I knew was that these were dangerous and remote areas of the world to live in. No one in his right mind would want to go there for even a visit. This was brought home forcibly to our minds when a self-supporting medical missionary in Guatemala, Lon Cummings, was kidnaped back in the mid 1980's and held for ransom by a small band of guerrillas seeking money and notoriety for their "cause." It was a big story at the time. He was eventually released and returned to the US where he died a few years later. It only galvanized in my mind the dangers of traveling in foreign countries, let alone trying to live and do any kind of missionary work. I talked to Lon on the phone, published his story and circulated some cassette tapes he sent me about his work and his kidnaping. I never met him personally but was impressed that he was truly a man of God who had sacrificed his life for a cause he believed in, which was not well known and certainly not appreciated or supported by many people. In fact, some church leaders purposely circulated false information about him so as to discourage people from supporting his missionary work.

All these things came to my mind when the idea of going to Honduras was first presented to me. In my reply to this letter I specifically mentioned the dangers I had heard about. I also stated that the only reason I would ever go would be to preach the gospel but since I had no money and no invitation I knew that it was not God's will for me to place my life in jeopardy. A few weeks later another letter arrived telling me that some pastors had been contacted and they were willing for me to come and preach in their churches. In fact, one local elder who was also a lay pastor called me collect a few days later asking me if it were true that I was coming to their church to hold a week of prayer. I told him that I didn't know anything about that nor did I have any such plans. After I hung up the thought occurred to me that the Lord was already arranging an itinerary for me whether I liked it or not. But I dismissed the thought as I knew that I had no money for such a trip and was too busy to take off for two weeks. About a week later I received a donation in the mail which was more than enough to buy a plane ticket to Honduras and about $500.00 traveling expenses. So, that was how the Lord arranged for me to go to Honduras the first time.

For those of you who have never visited a third world country, it is really hard to describe what it is like. I know you may have heard mission stories about Africa and Haiti, etc. Well, next to Haiti, Honduras may be one of the poorest countries in the world. I have no statistics at this time. I know there are other poor nations such India and many African nations, possibly worse off than Honduras. I don't know their exchange rates. But in Honduras the exchange rate in 1994 was 7 to 1. That is, 7 Honduran dollars (Lempiras) for $1.00 American dollar. Today it is 14.6 to 1. In Guatemala City, 3.1 million population, it is currently 7 to 1 and they have better roads, more automobiles on the streets and less buses and taxis. Throughout Honduras the roads are worse and the streets in the capital (Teguchilgalpa) are crowded with buses and taxis. The taxis and buses in Guatemala are in much better condition as well. The first time I arrived at the airport in Teguchigalpa I was in a state of shock at the obvious signs of poverty. I spoke only a few words of Spanish such as, Por favor, habla dispachio. (Please speak slowly). The Lord gave me an interpreter or I would have really been in big trouble. In fact, I had two interpreters. One for the churches where I preached and one to travel with me each day on the buses. It takes about two hours and thirty minutes to ride the bus from Siguatepeque to the capital. The country side is similar to Oregon only drier and hotter most of the year.. But during the months it is cooler you need a blanket at night to keep warm. This time it was in the low 50's at night but in the 70's and 80's during the day which is typical for January and February. March brings warmer weather with some hot days. But the people are used to this kind of weather just like they are used to the poverty, having lived there all of their lives..I remember sitting on the bus during one of those long rides with tears rolling down my face for the condition of the people financially, physically and spiritually. Julio Iglesia was singing one of his famous songs and it just touched my heart. As I look back now, I realize the Lord knew that if He could just get me down there one time He would be able to plant a desire in my heart to learn Spanish and prepare literature in the Spanish language on the character of God from my books and articles. And, of course, that is what has happened during the last six years.

After two weeks I am always ready to return to the good ole USA where I have a car to drive on good roads and a decent house where you can take a hot shower and a good bed to sleep in at night to say nothing of the food you are used to eating. I know there are some people who may have traveled in Central America or heard about it. I remember one gentleman told me in 1997, I've been there, Mike, I know what it's like." The truth of the matter was he flew over some Latin American countries and landed in an airport. I don't know if he got off the plane or not. If he did he was driven to a nice hotel with all its accommodations. Trust me, friend of mine, that doesn't count.

Let me explain something to you, it is one thing to travel in a country and sleep in the best hotels and motels and eat in the best restaurants, etc. and have your friends and family with you to talk to in English, and a bi-lingual tour guide as a translator with you or your group. I only had that luxury the first time, but only about 50% of the time. It is an altogether different story to go out into the towns and villages and eat, sleep, bath, shave, travel and basically live like everyone else, except you carry a Spanish-English dictionary with you 24 hours a day so you can look up the words you need to say to survive. Until you do that for at least a week or two, you will not realize what a third world country is really like.

This trip was the most successful in terms of getting the message out to the people. As usual, I did not really want to go as I felt that I had already done as much as I could to get the character of God message to the people. There were no invitations to preach in any church, even before Hurricane Mitch ravaged the country. In fact, the only person who really wanted me to go down there was my wife, Sulma, who had flown down there Dec. 20th with our son, to visit her family for the holidays, after three years absence. I called her Jan. 1, 2000 to let her know nothing bad had happened in spite of all the dire predictions. She asked me when I planned to fly down to join her. I told her that I had no plans at all because of all the orders I had to fill from the Christmas mail and that I needed to send out another newsletter and begin my articles for the next paper. But I told her that I would seriously pray about this matter, which I began to do. The next day, out of curiosity, I looked on the travel page to see if any flights to Honduras were listed. I hadn't seen any listed since Hurricane Mitch. To my surprise there was one listing, so I called to check it out only to discover there were no seats available. Suddenly, my eyes seemed to be directed to an ad for Guatemala by Traveland.com. There was a special on a one way flight for only $149.00. The Lord spoke to me directly. Look, Mike, you could fly into Guatemala and then take a bus over to Honduras. This is what I have planned for you. Trust Me and I will prepare the way for you. My first reaction was, "I didn't even know there were any buses going into Honduras after Hurricane Mitch." My second reaction was, "Right, and get kidnaped, shot or put in jail." The Lord is always very patient and urged me to check it out quietly explaining His desire to expand the character message to the masses via the printed page. I wasn't sure how that could be done but the idea came to my mind to contact the newspapers, which I had never done before. Then the Lord became very specific. Michael, write an article telling the people I didn't send Hurricane Mitch to destroy their country--that I am not a destroyer, but a life giving God they can trust and believe in. So, I called the 800 number and sure enough they did have some specials going on. But I didn't make a reservation because I didn't know anyone in Guatemala or if I could even get a bus over to Honduras.

During the following week I talked to Sulma and told her I was thinking of flying into Guatemala to distribute my pamphlets there and contact some newspapers to see the cost of placing some half or full page articles, and then taking a bus over to Honduras. Her reaction was immediate: Oh, no, Mike, Don't go to Guatemala. Es muy peligroso. Muchas ladrons alli, she warned. (Translation: "Is very dangerous. Many robbers there.) "Just forget about coming down here because I am thinking about coming home early." At first I was surprised and then relieved because that meant I didn't have to go down there after all. I was sure the Lord would understand the situation. Well, my friend, if you think the Lord would let a little thing like that upset His plans for me, you have another big think coming. That very night and the next day my spirit was not happy, almost depressed. At first, I couldn't figure it out. Then, I realized Jesus was sad that I was not trusting in Him to do what He had asked me to do. So, I began praying, asking for wisdom and strength to follow and do His will, whatever it might be. The next morning, as soon as I awakened, the Lord began urging me to call TRAVELAND.COM again, which I did. A lady named Lorena arranged a flight for me into Guatemala on Jan. 31 with a return to Portland from Honduras on Feb. 21. So, I had three weeks to do whatever the Lord directed me to do. Remember that I did not know one single soul in Guatemala City, the capital, with a population of 3.1 million.

As soon as I hung up the phone the Lord spoke to me: Michael, I am so happy you have stepped out in faith like this. Many beings were here with me watching to see if you would accept this mission or not. They were so excited to see you put your total trust in Me. Now, they have all gone to prepare the way for you. I believe He was referring to the angels mainly, but possibly there were other beings here as well. It really isn't possible for me to fully explain or describe the excitement and joy that filled my heart as he explained this to me. At the time I did not fully understand what He meant until the next day when I told Sulma that I had found a really good deal on a flight into Guatemala. She resigned herself to the fact that this is what I was going to do. Then the Lord spoke to her mind as she told me of a friend she knew who was from Guatemala. They are mutual Spanish friends who sometimes help us with mail outs. Bladdie is from Guatemala and you can stay with her family. Well, that is exactly what happened. The Lord had it all planned out. Bladdie was raised Catholic but has gone to church with us and I have given her many bible studies on the character of God and end-time events. So, she was very happy to be able to help in my missionary adventure in Guatemala.

The final decision to go on this trip was made about Jan. 14th, which gave me about two weeks to have the Spanish literature I needed printed plus prepare and ship out the orders that had been coming in for the last three weeks. I had been working on them little by little but now had to go day and night to try and finish them before Jan. 31. It was obvious the Lord was preparing the way for me as He performed a lot of little miracles so I could tie up all the loose ends and get the literature ready as well. It was obvious to me that the Holy Spirit was beginning to be poured out before I even got on the plane for Guatemala. Sunday night, Jan. 30th, I stayed up late preparing packages and went to bed at 2:00 A.M.. Alfred phoned me about 3:30, as I had requested. He is from Mexico and a recent convert we took to some evangelistic meetings. George and Bladdie also heard the phone call and got up at the same time, ready to take me to the Portland airport.

Amazingly, I was not tired but seemed to have more energy than usual. I was going to need it with two large suitcases, one extra large duffle bag crammed with pamphlets, and one carry on overflowing with the literature I planned to distribute in the Houston airport. All three were each just barely under Continental's 70 pound limit. Even so, I had to pay $60.00 extra on my visa for the third bag. I arrived in Houston at 12:30 PM CST. giving me over seven hours to pass out papers and pamphlets throughout the airport and talk to people so as to use my time wisely and help the time pass more quickly. That old colporteur spirit of my youth began to come out again as I walked up and down the corridors searching for souls who might be interested in reading my two latest papers in English or a pamphlet or booklet in Spanish. This time I had nearly 3,000 pamphlets in Spanish entitled "DIOS NO MATA" (GOD DOES NOT KILL) plus an 11 page booklet entitled, "JESUS, EL FUEGO LA VERDAD," (JESUS THE FIRE OF TRUTH) which explains the truth about God's fire in the bible, that it is not destructive. It is from chapter 17 of my 412 pg. paperback, "INTO THE FATHER'S HEART." I had over 100 of them plus a separate booklet of 16 pages containing chapters 1, 3, 6 and 8 stapled together. I also printed chapter 28 on the "Animal Sacrifice System" (24 pages) which I gave out to those who were interested in going deeper into the character of God. The acceptance rate of the Spanish people of my yellow folleto "DIOS NO MATA" has been about 99.5% in Honduras and proved the same in Guatemala. It is really incredible. In the Houston airport the percentage was about the same for the Spanish speaking people although some of the more educated or well to do refused. But the percentage of acceptance for white Americans is only about 50% to 60%. I was in Canada passing out literature the weekend Princess Diana died in Paris. It was the first time I had ever tried working in that country and was truly shocked at how rude the people were. The acceptance rate was about 30% or less.

During the seven hours I had to work in the Houston airport that Monday, Jan 31, 2000, I was able to pass out about 300 pieces of literature on God's character which included the "GOD DOES NOT KILL PAMPHLET" in both languages plus about 150 of my last three issues of GLC newspaper. I always do this whenever I have a layover in an airport or bus station. But this time I decided to do it as a test and learning experience on how to approach people after the Lord impressed me that I needed to learn how to discern (Mal. 3:18) who would accept before I asked them. "Desire of Ages," page 139, tells us that Jesus had this gift to the max, i.e., in all its fulness. "But Jesus did not commit Himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man." John 2:25. Cf. Matt. 12;25; Luke 6:8; John 6:64; John 13:1-11. I believe this is one of the gifts the Spirit of God will give His final elect (army) to do battle with the forces of evil in the last three and a half years of this earth's history. We are told to ask God for the best gifts to exalt His Name and further His kingdom. "And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you...If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give a serpent? ...if ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?" Luke 11:9-13.

As I walked up and down the corridors, I prayed for this gift of discernment. I looked in people's faces, especially their eyes, which is the doorway to the soul, searching for the ones whom the Lord wanted me to give the papers to. When I did this there was about 70 to 80 percent acceptance. The ones who would not accept almost always had the same basic character profile. Their faces revealed a mysterious mixture of anger, sadness, doubt and unbelief. The atmosphere around most of them was cold and hard with no light in their eyes. I could sense the presence of evil angels holding these people in bondage. In contrast, the people who accepted my literature were kind, loving and friendly with light in their eyes. But these were in the minority. The vast majority of the people in this country are resistant to the truth about God. We live in a gospel hardened society...a community that is burned out on religion. That is the reason the Lord is going to allow Satan to bring all the disasters the Bible and SOP have predicted will come on this nation and world. We have only seen a little of what is coming because God is still holding back the winds of strife until His servants are sealed in their foreheads. Read about it in Rev. 7. This is speaking specifically about the sealing of the 144,000 which is the wheat harvest which does not take place until after the virgins are awakened by the Barley, for the 144,000 come from the five wise virgins who are also sleeping with the foolish. The word "sleep" here is used in a symbolic sense, referring to a lack of awareness or insight into what is going on in the world. Yet, these five wise virgins will become God's chosen instruments, His servants to reap the grape harvest which will be one third of the human race. Zechariah 13:8. Study Dan. 12 and Rev. 12 together for more insights on the events and their timing which I have already covered in past articles.

During those seven hours of witnessing I met some very nice people who were open to the gospel. One such person was a handsome young man named Juan, who had been visiting his family in Peru and was returning to his apartment and job in New York City. He had very kind eyes with a tinge of longing and sadness for something better in his life. He spoke good English with only a little accent. He said he had been watching me and was very impressed that I was trying to reach people with the gospel. He told me he had not seen anyone else doing this kind of work. This is what we all should be doing, he said. He admitted that he had not read his Bible much for some time and missed it as he had read it daily for a period of fours years and then gradually allowed his business affairs to crowd out His time with the Word. He indicated that our encounter made him realize he needed to begin reading his Bible again as he really missed it. He gave me his name and address and I will be writing him soon. In three weeks I met scores of these kinds of people and have their names and addresses. These are the kind of contacts that make the pain in my legs, back and right hip worth the effort. I had a spinal fusion in my lower back in 1966 and when I lift over 35-40 pounds very often it causes me pain. So, I wear a large weight lifting belt which helps a lot but there is still a certain amount of pain.

One young black man took the English version of "GOD DOES NOT DESTROY" and began eagerly reading it. Later he came up to me and asked for another pamphlet explaining that someone was so interested in the message that they had taken it out of his hand and wouldn't give it back. I laughed and said, "Praise the Lord," and gave him five new ones to hand out to some of his other friends. The Spanish people were always the most accepting and appreciative of the pamphlets, smiling and saying, "Muchas Gracias." By 4:00 P.M. I was sleepy and hungry so sat down and immediately went to sleep for about 20 minutes. When I awoke I went and bought a banana and apple which refreshed me enough to continue my missionary work for another two and half hours until my plane left at 7:10 P.M.

As I walked up and down the corridors of the airport in Houston I kept thinking about the angels who were there waiting and hoping that someone would make contact with the soul they were assigned to for life. I could not get this thought out of my mind. It drove me on to reach as many people for Jesus as possible before I left that night. Never have I felt such an urgency. Reluctantly, yet expectantly I boarded the plane for the last leg of my journey to Guatemala. Flight #1569 touched down in Guatemala city at 9:54 PM . After successfully passing through customs I loaded all four of my suitcases onto a little cart and headed for the exit where four members of Bladdie's family were waiting for me. They had a taxi waiting to take me to their home, not far from the airport and El CENTRA (downtown), where they made me feel very welcome. The taxi was 21 Quetzals or $3.00 US.

Early the next morning I was eager to begin passing out my folletos (pamphlets) throughout Guatemala City, alone, I presumed. But, again the Lord had already prepared the way. He had chosen a special guide for me, a very positive, out going, level-headed young man named Patrick, 32. I didn't know it til later but he was a local hero because of his skills in the game of soccer. As soon as his mother introduced him to me he said, Yo estoy listo esta manna por guia usted donde queria usted la gusta. (I am ready this morning to be your guide anywhere you like). Muchas gracias, Patrick, vamos. (Thank you very much, Patrick, let's go).

As we walked down the street to the bus stop a few blocks away, I began passing out my yellow folleto, "DIOS NO MATA," to everyone we passed in the calle (street). Patrick just watched for a little while, shocked that virtually every single person accepted my little pamphlet and seemed very interested in the topic. He asked me for some and began passing them out himself even though he had never even read it. I taught him how to look in the face and eyes of the people we passed and make sure the more intelligent and happy looking ones received them first because sometimes it was not possible to give a folleto to every single person as we were passing so many as we walked along. For those who looked too young to be in school but held out their hand for a pamphlet, I asked, ?Usted leer bien? (Do you read well?) It never ceased to amaze me that even those who looked angry and/or depressed almost always accepted the pamphlet and said, "Graci," with a little forced smile. I have seen hundreds of people sitting on buses and other places in cities throughout Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras reading this little pamphlet intensely. I have watched their faces and body language become more positive and happy within minutes. I have also talked to many of them afterward, sharing more insights from the Bible and my other booklets. I have seen their eyes light up with an inner glow as the Holy Spirit begins to reveal the matchless charms of the Saviour to their minds for the first time in their lives. One preacher was so excited after reading a few paragraphs that he began preaching to those around him and begged for more folletos to share with his congregation. My friends, these people are dying of thirst and hunger for the Word of the living God. Like the woman at the well in John 4, they eagerly grasp the truth about God, are set free and immediately begin telling others about this marvelous God who knows all the intimate details of their lives but loves them with an intensity that staggers their imagination. To experience such transformations first hand is such an incredible emotional experience there are really no words adequate to describe what is transpiring. I watched this transformation in Patrick as he saw the people transformed before his very own eyes. He truly became an evangelist in his own right the very first day. I asked him where the largest newspaper in the city was located. He told me it was "La Prensa," and said we would have to go there the next day, Wednesday because everything shut down about 2:00 P.M. So, we just continued to give out the folletos to everyone we met on the sidewalks and buses. A group of young policemen and policewomen boarded the bus and I immediately gave each of them the "DIOS NO MATA" folleto. They were handsome and intelligent looking. One girl, about 25, was especially fascinated with the message and read the entire pamphlet through in about two minutes without looking up even once. I watched her eyes and face begin to glow as the message sank in. It was just incredible. When she finished I offered her two of my booklets which she eagerly received and began devouring them the same as she had the folleto. She gave us her name and address before she got off the bus thanking me profusely and waving goodbye with mucho gusto. I will never forget the look on her face. She was so happy she was near tears and I am not making this up. Patrick was non-plused. He was shocked that even city police officers were enthusiastically accepting my literature and reading it with gusto.

As we walked by a large Catholic Church downtown I asked him if he thought it would be possible to visit the priest. He immediately stopped at the large front door and rang the bell. A very pious looking woman of about 50 + years finally opened the large, heavy door just enough so we could see her face. Is posible por nosotros visit un pastor? I didn't use the title, "Padre." I stepped back so Patrick could explain in better Spanish that we wanted to visit the priest, if possible. She nodded her head and said, "Momento." In about three minutes she re-appeared, opened the door and motioned for us to enter. It was a typically large Latin church with high ceilings and cement floors. The priest was a stocky fellow , 5:8 or 9, friendly and intelligent looking, light complexion and about 60. He smiled and invited us to sit down, which I was only too glad to do. Like most priests I have met, he spoke English, so I began explaining to him what we were doing and while we were passing his church decided to say hello. He said that he was glad we did. Then I gave him the yellow folleto and two other booklets explaining that an American priest, John Powell, of Loyola University in Chicago, also had written on this same topic, emphasizing that God does not destroy. He was very "simpatico" (kind, nice, pleasant) and said that he would enjoy reading all the literature I gave to him. I didn't want to take up too much of his time even though he said he was just catching up on some bills, etc. He mentioned that he had also served in the USA where he learned English. I asked him if he would have a word of prayer with us before we left and he graciously consented. I prayed first in a little of both languages for Patrick's sake then the sacerdote (priest) prayed for our work and safety. It brought tears to my eyes as I saw how God was working in our behalf.

Patrick mentioned to me more than once that he would like for me to meet his wife and little baby boy. Muy bien, Yo la gusta mucho, I responded. (Very good, I would like that a lot). Patrick was a serious and courteous person, treating everyone with dignity and respect which is rather typical of the Spanish people in general. He didn't make negative comments about anything, stare at or flirt with the girls like so many American young men would do. He never asked me for any money even though he was not working at the time. In fact, it was difficult to even give him a little money. Before we finished that day we also visited a very nice orphanage which was started by Elder Fleck and his wife a few years ago. An SDA pastor in the south said the lady who was in charge might be of help in contacting ministers. As it turned out she only knew one and it was not possible to contact him. But we enjoyed the quick tour of the facility and especially seeing all the precious little children who all wanted to be held and called us both Papa.

Our hearts really went out to each one of these precious little children and made us realize how many others there must be around the world who have no place to go. We were shown a map of several other ICC orphanages around the world and thanked God for each one.

Although I had initially wanted to contact some SDA churches and pastors to see about preaching in one or more of their churches the Lord did not lead me in this direction at all. But there were some pastors the Lord wanted me to contact and it happened in a most mysterious manner. While we were trying to find the orphanage Patrick continued walking down this street in a fairly nice residential area. Suddenly I saw a sign which indicated this was the headquarters for either the Guatemala Conference or Union or perhaps for all of Central America. We walked up some stairs, opened a door, went in and asked the secretary if we could talk to some ministers. Just then about four SDA pastors came down the stairs and I was able to talk to each of them and give them one each of my booklets and pamphlets. We walked outside and continued talking to them. I remember this as another one of the miraculous events of my trip. I also obtained the names and addresses of each one of them. Later I also met a bi-lingual teacher who was the only one who spoke good English.

Every once in awhile I remembered what the Lord had told me after I accepted this mission and called the travel agent for a ticket to Guatemala..."Trust me, I have prepared the way for you." It takes faith to believe that God is really guiding your every step when you seem to be going in circles trying to find certain addresses. But when you think back on all the people you meet along the way and the timing of it all you realize an all-knowing, infinitely wise Creator truly is leading and guiding you each step of the way. What we often look at, as unnecessary and annoying delays, detours, stupid mistakes and even crazy and weird events, that make no sense all, are in reality the daily Providential acts of God. I don't necessarily mean that He actually causes these things to happen. But He knows exactly when each event is going to happen ahead of time and uses them to accomplish His will without interfering with the will of His creatures. This happens in everyone's life but few recognize the hand of God and blindly go on in their own way, stumbling in the darkness of their own reasoning, complaining, cursing and blaming God and everyone else but themselves, for the delays and detours that the Lord is using to accomplish His ultimate purposes. I don't like to admit it, but for many years I myself lived like this until the Lord taught me how to praise Him for all things, "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Eph. 5:20. Cf. I Thess. 5:18. Actually, if you were to attempt to express this phenomenon in terms of a mathematical equation you would need several pages to try and write it down, as if that were even possible. The reason I say that is because of what I read in "Desire of Ages," pg. 330. "Worry is blind, and cannot discern the future; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief. Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service and honor of God supreme will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet." DA 330.

This is precisely what happens to me each time I go to Inter-America. Actually, it happens every day of my life no matter where I am the same as it happens to you and everyone else, for God is no respecter of persons. But I think when we focus our energies on a certain project that needs to be done, in a certain period of time we are more aware of God's leading. It may also be because the Lord knows I need more help in a country where I am not as sure of myself as I am in the USA and my language skill in Spanish, although much improved, is not the same as when I am in the USA. But beyond that I believe God's Spirit is able to touch people's heart faster and more deeply in the Spanish world due to the fact that the people are so empty and therefore open to His voice because they are so needy. Yet, in spite of these factors one must constantly be in an attitude of praising God for all things and talking to Him every minute or you will not realize or see His guiding hand and fall into the trap everyone else is in most of the time, of thinking life is just a series of happenstance events based on good luck or bad luck. Isn't that what people say? "Boy, what luck running into you today! I was just thinking of calling you this morning because I needed to talk to you about this very important matter. But I got busy and forgot. Boy, this truly is my lucky day meeting you like this." Now, friends, you know this happens all the time...every day. People do not even recognize that God exists, let alone is guiding their lives. But because He is the Creator of all He takes care of everyone the same even though the vast majority don't even know Him. Listen: "For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me:" In vs. 6 the Lord goes on to explain His motive for operating in this fashion is so eventually everyone will know that "there is none beside Me. I am the Lord, and there is none else." Then He uses Isaiah to write this famous but curious and difficult to understand verse, "I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things." Isa. 45:7. But in light of all we have been discussing here we can see that God is simply saying that He is in charge of everything and nothing happens unless He makes it happen...both "good and evil." The Hebrew word for "evil" in this text is not referring to wickedness, per se, but simply to the ups and downs of life...the roller coaster ride of our daily existence which is becoming more and more difficult to predict...like the stock market, for just one example. This world is getting less and less predictable every single day. And our God is permitting this "Time of Trouble" to come upon the earth as a test for the human race in this final age before the millennium. Dan. 12:10 predicts that only the "WISE" will know what is going on (understand) but none of the "wicked" or "foolish" will have a clue and will be walking in the darkness of their own understanding, complaining and cursing as usual. I invite and challenge you today to become one of the wise ones of the earth. It is a much better way to go. Jesus invites you: "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matt. 11:28-30.

Wednesday morning did not come soon enough for me because I wanted to find out if the newspapers would publish the special article I had written about Hurricane Mitch which I will now share with you:

In the world we live in today there are many things which are hard to understand. The question most people ask is, "If God is love why does He permit so much suffering?" In fact, many people believe that God Himself sends sickness and disaster as a punishment, such as earthquakes or the recent Hurricane named Mitch which struck Honduras and other countries. Is it possible to know the answer to such difficult questions? Yes, it is possible and actually much more simple than most people imagine.

First of all, let us look into our very own hearts. If you have children you know how much you love and care for them. Right? Right. A loving parent would not discipline or correct an innocent little baby or child who has done nothing wrong. This would be very cruel. Why then do we think or imagine that our Heavenly Father would be so cruel to hurt and kill innocent people with a terrible devastation like Hurricane Mitch? The Bible declares that God loves all the people in this world. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn (judge) the world but that the world should be saved through Him." John 3:16, 17.

Saint Paul refers to Jesus as the visible image of our invisible God. The humanity of Jesus is the window through which we look into the heart of God. Everything that you want to know about God the Father has already been lived out, dramatized, if you please, in the wonderful life of Jesus Christ, His Son, who willingly let wicked men crucify Him on the cross of Calvary. Did the Father lash out in revenge against those who killed His Son? Absolutely not, for that is not His character. God does not kill! Why even His own law states, "Thou shalt not kill." Would God break His own law which He commands us to keep? Of course not! God is not a hypocrite. He never asks us to do anything that He Himself would not do. In John 8:44, Jesus identified the one who is a hypocrite, liar and murder. It is Satan, our enemy. He is also identified as the "Destroyer" who killed the first born in Egypt, Exodus 12:23, 24. Read Psalm 78:40-49 and you will learn that it is Satan and his evil angels who destroy. They caused the plagues on Egypt and they are also the ones who will bring the seven last plagues on the world in our day. It is Satan and his angels who caused or brought hurricane Mitch. God's angels protect us and are pictured in Rev. 7 as the ones who are holding back the winds of strife.

In fact, even as He was dying on that cruel cross Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." So, God looked upon the crucifixion as a sin of ignorance which could be forgiven. Saint Peter also testifies about the righteous and loving character of Jesus while on earth. "You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil; for God was with Him."

The prophet Jeremiah tells us that just before the world comes to an end that God will reveal the thoughts and purposes of His heart to the human race. Jeremiah 23:19, 20. In order to go into the Father's heart and know who He is and what He is really like you must study the Holy Bible and pray to God yourself. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you and He will do it. "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know." Jer. 33:3. In Matthew 11 Jesus prayed to His Father and thanked Him for revealing so many profound truths to "babes." And then Jesus gave this beautiful invitation which is for you today: "Come to me, all of you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden or load is light." Matt. 11:28-30.

The Lord had been impressing me for several weeks to write something on this topic but I kept putting it off due to so many other pressing matters and duties in the ministry. But finally, I knelt down and prayed and then began to write and was quite surprised that it was such a short article. This was about Jan. 24th, one week before my departure. I took it over to a bi-lingual friend who had helped me with other translations. He finally completed the translation into Spanish on Jan. 27th. So, now here I am about 9:00 A.M., in Guatemala City, going into the largest newspaper office in Central America to see if they will publish this one little article in their periodical which has a circulation of over 300,000. It would take a long time to contact that many people in person. The cost would be nearly $800.00. I asked them if they could put it on my visa and they said they could. It would be published Friday, Feb. 4th in "PRENSA LIBRE," Un Periodismo Independiente, Honrado Y Digno. Ano XLIX, No. 15804. I didn't realize it would be so easy.

Next, I told Patrick that I wanted to go to the next largest paper and see if I could place an article in their paper as well. After taking another bus and walking what seemed about two miles and passing out another 200 to 300 folletos we finally arrived at the newspaper office of "Siglo Vientiuno and Al Dia." As we climbed the stairs to the office where we were to discuss what I wanted to put in these papers, the Lord spoke to me and said, Mike, I want you to publish "DIOS NO MATA" in both of these papers. The cost would be $1,635.40 for two full page ads. Once again they agreed to put the cost on my Visa. I didn't like going in debt like this but I believed God was speaking to me and I didn't know if I would ever have this kind of opportunity again. So, I followed the voice believing the Lord would touch people's hearts to pay for them. As soon as this business transaction was completed with this lady I knew in my mind that my work was completed in Guatemala even though we continued to pass out pamphlets on the bus and as we walked down the side walks and streets (calles). I knew that I would be leaving the next day on the bus for Honduras, traveling through El Salvador for the first time. I felt humbled and awed that God had permitted this great victory to take place. I was truly praising God for a great burden had been rolled off of my shoulders. Then I began to think of all the hundreds of thousands of papers that would be printed that Friday about Hurricane Mitch not being sent by God and the two full page ads the following Monday carrying the full text of "GOD DOES NOT KILL" or "DIOS NO MATA," in Spanish. Then I envisioned in my mind the millions of angels who would be leading the people to read these articles to prepare them for the closing work of the third angel's message. Stage by stage the message is going and the people are being prepared.

Before I tell you about my last night (Wed. 2-3-2000) in Guatemala and my trip the next day through El Salvador and the great miracle God performed there, I want to address an issue which people ask me about from time to time. This has to do with prayer and hearing God's voice. 1. How does God speak to you and how do you know it is God and not just your own thoughts or even the Devil speaking to you? 2. Do you hear an audible voice outside of your mind or head or is it just in your own mind so other people cannot hear?

The experience of the child Samuel in I Sam. 3 may help answer the first question. God called to Samuel and he thought it was Eli calling him. But when he went into Eli's room he found out Eli had not called him. After this happened three times Eli realized that God was speaking to Samuel in His mind and instructed him to say, "Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth." I Sam. 3:1-10. Then God gave him an audible message that only Samuel heard in his mind. Eli never heard a thing proven by the fact that Eli questioned Samuel the next day about what God had said to Samuel. I believe this is also how God spoke to Adam and Eve and all of the patriarchs and prophets such as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as well as to Moses at the burning bush. I also believe there are varying degrees of this phenomenon. For example, Elijah heard God's voice more directly and dramatically than Elisha. Elijah was translated and Elisha died of a sickness. In the case of John the Baptist there is no record that He heard an audible voice until God spoke from heaven at Jesus' baptism, declaring, "This is my beloved son, listen to Him." Yet, the Baptist was beheaded in his lonely prison cell. God speaks to each of His servants in a manner which is most effective for that particular individual. For example, the first time God speaks to a person it is usually very dramatic and impressive...an unmistakable revelation or epiphany such as Moses had at the burning bush and Gideon had when the angel appeared to him. But after that there is just a quiet voice in the mind whispering instructions...as Elijah heard in the Mountain, "A still small voice," or as the margin says: "A delicate whispering, as of the breeze among the leaves," which is how Jesus described the moving and working of the Holy Spirit. John 3:8. That is why it is important to have personal quiet times when God can speak to you as you meditate and read the Scriptures. I noticed the Lord beginning to move upon me in a special way about 1968. When I was preaching He would put new thoughts in my mind and Scriptures. Then one Sabbath just before I got up to preach my well outlined and prepared sermon He gave me an entire new line of thought which I preached on without any notes. From that day on I seldom used notes.

When He called me to begin preaching on the radio He led me to do the same thing. He would put an idea or text in my mind and I would preach on that topic for 15 minutes, sometimes making a weekly series of it, completely without notes. In early May, 1970 I decided to go on station KCTA out of Corpus Christi, TX. The day I signed with the station I was driving the 70 mile trip back to our home in Victoria. It had been a stressful and nervous day with many important decisions about the radio ministry. I was impressed to change the name of the broadcast from "The Voice of Truth," to something different but couldn't think of any name that I felt was appropriate. Suddenly, a voice spoke loud and clear in my mind, "GOD'S LAST CALL." At first I thought someone had spoken to me. "Did you hear that?" I asked my wife? "No, I didn't hear anything." "Someone just said to me, 'GOD'S LAST CALL." I was not used to this kind of direct revelation, but just simple, quiet ideas which were silently inserted into my thinking. Up until this time I was not in the habit of saying, "The Lord said this to me," or "God told me such and such." I never had talked like that before because I didn't want people to think I was either nuts or bragging. But as time went along the Lord began to speak to me more and more about what I was to preach about and to do on a daily basis. It just became a way of life for me growing stronger each year. It is also a trial and error experience where you learn to distinguish between your own thoughts, God thoughts and thoughts Satan may be allowed to insert into your thinking. If you are walking close to the Lord and have a strong prayer life you will be able to tell the difference very quickly. But if you aren't you can become deceived. This happened to Baalam and the children of Israel throughout their long history. Later it happened to King Saul when he disobeyed the Lord, became proud and jealous and tried to kill David. His deception became so complete that he went to see the psychic (witch) at Endor. Later even King David was led on by a spirit of lust and murder. All these stories are in the Bible for us as examples. Study the lives of more modern servants of the Lord such as Luther, Calvin, Wesley and others. Study the life of Ellen G. White, whose ministry is like Elijah and John the Baptist to help prepare the way for the Barley and Wheat harvests in our day.

As I mentioned earlier, Patrick said he would like for me to meet his wife and little baby boy. So, as we walked back to his house about 5:00 I told him that I would be leaving the next day so if he still wanted me to meet his wife and child we needed to do it right now, before I went back to his aunt's home where his mother also lived. In my own spanish it would go something like this: Si, usted la gusta yo encontrar su esposa, necesito va a su casa ahora, hoy, por que yo salida manna, temprano. Although my spanish was not what he is used to hearing he got used to it and understood me most of the time. His response was. Ok, vamos ahora por me casa. (Ok, let's go to my house right now). I had no idea what his wife was like but I knew he was faithful to her because of what I mentioned earlier that he never ogled the ladies or flirted. His house was a simple structure made of cement blocks. As we walked down to it his wife appeared smiling and waving to us. She was about 5:1 with a stocky build but the outstanding feature you noticed first of all was her beautiful, young (24) smiling face filled with love for her husband and child. Her eyes were filled with light and joy as we entered her humble abode so typical of the common people in Central America. She was content with what she had, having never been outside of her country let alone ever visited the USA. So she had nothing to compare it with. Patrick had already told her all about our work every day so she was very excited to meet me. I desired so much to help her and Patrick understand the deeper things of God but our time was limited. But I was surprised at her ability to comprehend quickly so we covered a lot of texts in a short time. Even though she was a Catholic she loved to study the bible for herself. I got the impression that Patrick never went to church much, if at all. While we were studying her mother came over and brought us some food. She was a devout member of an evangelical group, which surprised me. I gave her some of my booklets and a bill worth 20 quetzal which would have been about $2.90 cents. The rest of the money I still had in Guatemalan money (quetzals) I gave to Patrick for helping me. It was probably about $15.00 or $20.00 at the most. He reluctantly accepted it. It was already dark outside so I told them we needed to have prayer so I could get my things ready to "salida manna." We stood in a circle and I asked them each to pray. Patrick's wife took one of my "Dios No Mata" folletos and held it up to God as we began to pray. This made a deep impression on my mind once again of the power of this message. I believe she was asking God to bless each one of the pamphlets that had been given to the people in Guatemala City. It was a wonderful memory to carry with me as I left for El Salvador the next day. But there was more to come. That evening a little girl of about eight was sick with a fever and cold. Her mother and father were relatives of my friends in Oregon. Her mother came and asked me if I would pray for her. So, I stopped my packing and went to their room. Usually the girl was jumping around the house with lots of energy. Now, she had a sad, empty, listless look on her face. Her mother said she had bronchitis or worse and was having trouble breathing. I asked if they had some vicks salve and olive oil. I put the vicks on her back and upper chest and then told the family we were going to anoint and pray for her which I did. Before I could return to my room to finish my packing they asked me if I would pray with another person, an elderly gentleman who was suffering from depression from a long illness. I asked the family to gather around as I read Psalm 103, 23 and Romans 8, all from a little Spanish Bible someone had discarded in Oregon. I forgot to bring my bi-lingual bible so this ended up being the only Bible I had to give studies from along with my dictionary. The family were very encouraged and then I prayed and anointed this man as well. As I left his room the little girl I had just prayed for seven minute before came bouncing up to me as happy and healthy as could be. Now, don't get me wrong. I believe in miracles as I have seen my share of them through the years and experience many myself. But my first thought was that this little girl was not really very ill to begin with. But the mother was not of that opinion. To her this was a very great miracle from God that had been performed this night. I finally was able to return to my room, finish packing and go to bed. So, that was how I left the family who had befriended me in Guatemala. I haven't received a report on the elderly gentleman's condition but continue to pray for him.

I left Guatemala at 6:30 A.M. for Honduras. Patrick was up early and arranged for the taxi driver (another relative) to take me to the bus station and helped me with my now half empty suitcases. This bus will take me to San Salvador, the capital, where I will get a bus to Teguchigalpa, the capital of Honduras. I could tell Patrick was sad to see me go and stood outside waiting for the bus to leave. I reached in my pocket and realized I still had some Quetzal left so got off the bus and gave it to him with a final hug and adios. I know that his life and those of his family have been changed by this message and will never be the same. I didn't understand everything he was saying to other people but one man on the bus told me, that young man out there was explaining your work to me and some others. He seems to have a high opinion and admiration for you. The man the Lord had chosen to sit next to me for our trip through El Salvador spoke those words to me as the bus pulled out of the station with Patrick waving goodbye. His English was not as good as his Spanish but good enough for him to understand the bible study I gave to him for the next hour on the Jewish harvest cycle and how to escape the coming tribulation. Although he was not a professing Christian he was fascinated by the concepts as I explained them to him. I had also given "Dios No Mata" to every person on this crowded bus and several people had already finished the folleto and were interested in more information. My friend was well acquainted with the capitol, San Salvador and warned me not to go downtown as it is very dangerous, especially for an American. The Lord had not impressed me to go down there or stop over even to check out the newspaper. So, when we arrived there I just waited to board the next bus. The sun was beginning to warm things up a bit and I felt like it was going to be a good day. I had no idea what a wonderful experience lie just ahead. I was warned ahead of time to be careful for shady looking characters and to put my bill fold in my front pocket. Patrick was telling me that all the time but I kept forgetting when I became so involved in passing out my folletos. So, when I got off the bus at San Cristobal I was immediately confronted with several young men who wanted to change my American dollars for San Salvadoran dollars. "Gracious, pero yo no necessito." As usual I began passing out my yellow folletos to these same intelligent looking, handsome young Spanish men. Soon I was surrounded by about 12 to 15 of them all trying to ask me questions at the same time. One spoke English and explained that they all were interested in this message that "God Does Not Kill." So, I began to try and explain it to them as I was giving them some of the booklets out as well. Never had I seen so much interest all at once. I could sense the presence of Holy Spirit as it moved upon these young men. I was impressed to ask them to come closer so we could pray together. We held hands and I began to pray in Spanish but suddenly stopped. I was so overcome with emotion that I began weeping with joy at what was happening. The young man who spoke English finished the prayer. I then explained to them that if they would place their names on the sheet of paper I gave to the English speaking fellow that I would send them more information when i got back to the USA. They were all so very excited and happy and kept asking me when I was coming back. It was truly the greatest one singly experience I had so far in my short four days in Central America. It was time to leave so I reluctantly got back on the bus wondering what future experience could be more electrifying than this. Here are the exact words I wrote five minutes after this experience: "As I got off the bus and began sharing my pamphlets many gathered close around me anxious to get a folleto. It was just incredible...the passion and desire of these young Spanish men for the message of God's love was beyond belief. I have never experienced such hunger for God's word." Here are some of their names: Walter, Hector, Carlos, two named Jose and Santo. I also obtained three more names on the bus, Carlos and Alain who both spoke good English and Claudia. They each read my literature and expressed a desire for more.

Each time the bus stopped along this highway we were travelling on through El Salvador I got off the bus and passed out as many pamphlets as possible. One time my bus pulled out without me and someone yelled to me that my bus was leaving. I had to run about 200 yards to catch it but fortunately it stopped just on the other side of the bridge. My first thought was, well, maybe the Lord has a special work for me to do here in El Salvador after all. But when I saw the bus slowing down on the other side of the bridge I realized it was going to stop to take on some more passengers. My legs and back were sore almost every day from carrying the heavy suit cases and my loaded brief case like satchel I carried over my shoulder everywhere I went. But the joy I felt passing out those pamphlets and seeing the light in the people's faces and how many of them wanted more for their friends was a reward far surpassing any earthly treasure. I arrived in the capital of Honduras about 8:00 P.M. that night and got a taxi to a fairly decent hotel which most Americans would not want to stay in, but it was basically clean and had hot water. Each day I had more similar experiences passing out my literature and talking to the people. But nothing ever happened again to match what took place at San Cristobal. That truly was the highlight of my trip to Central America this time.

On Feb. 5, Sabbath, I attended an SDA Church that was packed out for a baptism and received permission to pass out my literature. This was very Providential. The following Monday I was in Siguatapeque where we have a house on the outskirts of town in which Sulma's grandmother lives. I was trying to catch the last bus of the day instead of having to pay a little extra for a taxi. The regular cost is eight Lempiras which is about 55 cents whereas a bus only costs two Lempiras. The cost of fruit is much less there. For example, you can buy five cantaloupe for only ten Lempiras (about 75 cents). Here in Oregon they could cost over a dollar each or about 17 Lempiras each. You can get your shoes shined for anywhere from 4 to 6 Lempiras or less than 50 cents. In the Houston airport it costs $4.00. Many items are similar in cost but overall it is cheaper to live there and many Americans go there to retire.

It was about 5:00 P.M. on this particular day when I saw this Toyota pick-up and leaned down and asked the man if he was going out of town toward the Gran A Delia restaurant. He said that he would be glad to take me out there after he ran an errand and motioned for me to get in his truck. He spoke pretty good English even though he was Spanish. This turned out to be a very Providential contact as this 35 year old was not a Christian but was seeking to know the Lord. The next day I rode in to the Capital with him and spent the whole trip giving him a Bible study and explaining the New World Order, the dangers of modern medicine, how AIDS began and the dangers of vaccinations. He was absolutely fascinated with it all. He took me to the newspaper office of "TIEMPO" where I was able to make contact with the two largest papers in Honduras, next to La Prensa. But some believed "Tiempo" and "Al Dia," were more popular, reaching more people than La Prensa. So, this lady and her boss agreed to print my articles the same as in Guatemala, but at a lower rate of only $798.00 for full page ads of "DIOS NO MATA" plus the article on Hurricane Mitch. This was a great deal. But I would have to pay with the American Express M.O. we had to live on for two more weeks. I explained that I would have to return in a day or two. Jose was supposed to return and pick me up so I went down stairs to wait for him. The Lord impressed me to wait at some tables by a little hot dog stand. As usual I continued to pass out my literature. Three young people were reading the folletos, one of whom spoke a little English. I bought them a 7-up each and a sandwich as they listened to me explain the character of God message to them. Two of them had to leave but the one who was a sincere Christian and fairly good Bible student, 26 year old Mary. She listened with intense interest right from the start. She was one of those with the light of God's love already in her eyes and as we studied the light increased, as it always does for those who accept the character of God message. I carefully explained that the reason why most people worship God is out of fear of punishment. All religions teach that if you don't obey all of God's rules He will "castigo" (punish) you. She understood that. Then I explained what the phrase "wrath of God" means in Rom. 1:18-28. "La ira de Dios." Even though my Spanish is not perfect I know enough words to get my point across. So, when I would begin reading the text they often would help me, as they realize I can't pronounce all of the words correctly. So they continue reading it themselves out loud. This way they not only feel they are helping me understand Spanish better, which they are, but they becoming personally involved in the Word themselves. Then I ask them if they understand what the text means. They usually understand a little but not fully. So, that gives me the opportunity to explain to them in my own Spanish words, and English too, if they understand English, even a little. That way there comprehension is doubled by both languages. A good example of that is the word "require" in Isa. 1:10 where God asks Israel: "Who has required this at your hand?" In Spanish "require" is translated, "DEMANDA" which clearly reveals the personality behind the animal sacrifice system who is "demanding" that Israel kill animals to get their sins forgiven. This gives me the opportunity to ask them, "Es este un caracter de Dios? De Jesus?" "Is this the character of God? Of Jesus?" Of course, they get the point very clearly then.

It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord directs me to people who seem to just be ready and waiting to hear this message. In this particular case, this young lady had just one hour for lunch which was just the right amount of time to explain the most important points so as to pique her interest so she would study the booklets in greater depth. It is always so interesting and exciting to watch how the Holy Spirit guides people to understand. It is equally supernatural how the Lord gives me just the right illustrations which will be most effective with each individual due to their back ground and understanding. On this particular day, for instance, with Marabella, in order to make "Dios no mata" mas claro (more clear) I went through the "DIEZ MANDAMIENTOS" (Ten Commandments) one by one. Then I pointed out how all religions teach that even though God tells us not to kill or destroy (murder is from the same Hebrew and Greek word) that each religion also teach that God reserves the right Himself to kill or destroy whenever He deems it necessary, especially in the end time with the seven last plagues and after the one thousand years with the Lake of Fire. By the way, the Lake of Fire is not a literal fire because the word lake is a body of water and Rev. 17:15 tells us that water represents people. And if water in that context is symbolic then the fire would also be symbolic. You see, that is very simple, but because most religious people have a built in bias and pre-conceived idea and opinion about how God will literally destroy the wicked in the Lake of Fire they have closed their minds to the possibility that it is the sin in the sinner that God seeks to destroy, not the sinner themselves. That is why the Lake of Fire is simply a "Lake of Divine Purification," which is precisely what the original Greek intended it to mean. This is why one of the booklets that I hand out is a translation of chapter 17 of my book "INTO THE FATHER'S HEART," because an understanding of the "Fire of God" is critical to a complete understanding of God's character throughout the entire Bible.

If the person agrees with you that God would not break His own law then you have won a major point. It also shows that they are allowing the Holy Spirit to guide their minds. But if they argue with you on this point saying that God is God and can kill if He wants to, etc. then I explain that this is exactly the kind of deity the heathen have...a God who demands strict obedience to all his rules and regulations but exempts himself from obeying even the smallest requirement. I also point out how inconsistent this is with logic and God's character of love because the law of God itself (The Ten Commandments) is a transcript of His very own character. So, for God to kill is slandering and destroying the truth of His own character. That's when I read John 8:44 to them regarding Satan being a liar and murderer from the beginning, causing one third of the angels to fall with him and the whole human race to fall under the death penalty of sin. "Jesus es no hipocrita." (Jesus is not a hypocrite). Going back to the fire of God. Marabella asked me specifically about the "fuego de Dios," in Rev. 20:9. This gave me the "opportunitad" to explain what the "fire of God" actually is, using the tongues of fire on the Day of Pentecost as my first example. The tongues of fire represented the Holy Spirit, represented by a harmless dove which is what Paul tells Jesus is "Holy, harmless and undefiled." Heb. 7:26. This fire was not a destructive fire but a cleansing and infilling fire, both purifying and filling the disciples with the perfection of His holy presence so He could gift them with the power of new tongues and languages so they could preach the gospel to the entire then known world. This fire did not hurt or burn them at all. Then I went to Rev. 20:9 and she immediately understood that this was also a cleansing and infilling fire which prepared the wicked to become citizens of the heavenly city, New Jerusalem and enter into the gates with praise and thanksgiving which is the picture John paints for us in Rev. 15...all nations surrounding the throne of God and praising Him. All of her objections had been answered to her satisfaction. She then could understand clearly Luke 12:49 and Isa. 53:11.

This Bible study scenario I just recounted to you was repeated several times a day in various places where I met people as well as at night when it was too late to pass out the folletos on the street. I gave scores of Bible studies on buses. Each time my Spanish was improved as well as my theological understanding of God's character and human nature as well for meeting people like this is truly an advanced study in the psychology of human nature. And I credit my days as a colporteur in the Upper Columbia Conference with Vernon Bretsch for teaching me how to canvass the summer of 1957 in Bonners Ferry, Idaho when I was 19 years old. He was my teacher for three summers in all and is still a good friend.

So, I could go on and on telling you story after story right up until I returned to the Houston airport on Feb. 21st where I started on Jan. 31st. I had about 300 English "GOD DOES NOT KILL" pamphlets to distribute in less than two hours but the Lord helped me to get the job done before we boarded the plane for the last leg of our trip back to Portland PDX. In closing, I want to encourage each of you reading this article to seriously consider obtaining a passport so you can travel to various parts of the world. You don't have to speak a foreign language in most European countries because English is more widely spoken. Latin America is different in this respect because of the poverty and culture itself. But if you can speak any language at all, be it German, French, etc. please pray about taking a vacation to some foreign country. If you want a real challenge pray about Brazil whose national language is Portuguese. If you speak any Spanish at all you could pick any Spanish country and go there to pass out your literature. Of course, I would advise you to pass out the character of God message primarily because that is the cutting edge message that I see God blessing. But you could also pass out pamphlets on the state of the dead, the Sabbath along with the Great Controversy. My pamphlet, "DIOS NO MATA" contains the entire third angels' message including the Sabbath and Sunday law death decree and I can supply you with these pamphlets in both English and Spanish. I will pray about getting them translated into other languages as well but up to now have not had any request to do so. But just pray about it and God will lead you. I must close for now and begin another article. Thank you so very much for listening, praying, writing and supporting this outreach for the Lord Jesus Christ. Truly your friend and servant in Christ, our Lord, Pastor Mike Clute.