February 1992 Personal Letter

Dear Friends,

Last month we published in our newsletter our annual “State of the Ministry” report to you, the proper owners of this outreach. It was primarily a business report since it is appropriate for us to keep you informed of how your donations are used and how we’re getting along in a tough financial situation. But there’s another side to the state of the ministry that I’m much more interested in and that is how well our spiritual mission is working out. We are obviously not doing what we do in order to make money; this would be a poor choice for any businessman. Venturing literally millions of dollars on a product that only earns its keep once it’s produced, paid for and delivered is no way to get rich. In fact, I sometimes think it’s no way to survive at all.

I can truly say that our ministry calls on the Lord every day of the week because we need His help so much. If I saw no other proof in this world that there really is a caring God who really does have a plan and who really does inspire people to accomplish that plan, the financial records of this ministry would be proof enough. There is a marvelous unseen hand that guides us through good times and bad, and in the bad times all I have to do is follow a scriptural command to make our needs known.

Spiritually, our ministry is at a very high point. In all our years we have never produced so many television programs, put out so many publications, created so much music, or testified to so many human beings in so many places in so many ways. Economically, these are not good times, as with so many small businesses. I have begun to say on television that people should not put God last. God is certainly not the problem. If we need to economize, accomplishing God’s work is hardly the place to start. Most ministries, in fact all but the biggest ones, would fail quickly if their support lessened by even a small percentage. And most of us are conscious of how many small ministries have come and gone over the years. We would like to keep on going; we have an important mission. I think that’s enough said.

You help us a great deal when you purchase our products, whether the books, the music, the tours, the Institute of Jewish and Christian Studies (our correspondence course), or anything else found in our catalog. You help us a great deal when you recommend that folks tune in our program, because inevitably some of them do watch, profit spiritually by it and eventually support it. Finally, you help us by remembering us when you pray. Again, I have no delusions that I could operate this impossible little business without God’s help and I’m aware that He wishes to be called on by many for that help. So thank you for your prayers. I’ve seen often how effective they are for me and this ministry.

I want to say a word about Israel, too. Defending that country against the horrific and inexplicable onslaught of the news media and the administration is one of our principal and, I think, our noblest efforts. I am not exactly trying to get the unbeliever to stop criticizing Israel, since that won’t happen. “It is written” that the Holy Land will ultimately be “hated of all nations” (Mt. 24:9), but I am trying to maintain the believers’ love for this besieged country. A host of false churches lead the crusade against the Promised Land, and occasionally they persuade the otherwise faithful to buy into their mindless theologies and anti-Semitic claptrap. This must grieve the God of Israel, not to mention His Son who was sent explicitly “unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Mt. 15:24). The Holy Spirit, who came to Jerusalem on the day of a great Jewish festival and gifted three thousand Jewish people with new life, must also be mystified at how a single believer can turn his back on Israel at a time like this.

If you can join us on one of our tours, I think you will see instantly what I am talking about. The criticism of Israel is politically motivated, unfair and dishonest. Come with us and you’ll see that exuberant democracy, that pristine land filled with hardy pioneers who help massive numbers of refugees from some of the most tormented nations on the earth to make new lives. When you see Israel with your own eyes you will realize how faithful God is to His promises.

Our Spring tour will be a good opportunity. Israel is enjoying a time of real peace. We leave on March 15 and you may choose from three options: The Basic Israel Tour (March 15-24) which includes Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jericho and many other inspiring biblical sites; the Deluxe Tour (March 15-27) which continues on through the Negev Desert to the beautiful beach-front resort of Eilat on the Red Sea; and the Grand Tour (March 15-31) which also includes an Egypt excursion. Write or call (214-690-1876) for details and a brochure.

Be sure to watch our new series Unto the Gentiles, which we made during our last Feast of Tabernacles Tour. I’m back in a robe again, in answer to many requests (a Greek robe this time, for Greek sites). Please send up a prayer for us, and if you can provide a little bit of worldly help at this time, it would be extremely appreciated. Thanks so much for all of your past support. May God bless you until He comes for you.

Your messenger,