More YEA NEWSLETTERS

JULY-AUGUST-2003

In this Issue:

The Rocheport Assembly Sponsors 
The Second Annual Youth Camp

We certainly want to extend our gratitude to the Rocheport Assembly who sponsored the second annual youth camp June 20th—29th. We feel that it was a tremendous success. Last year there were 18 who went through the camp, but this year the numbers increased to 34. Wow! What a handful! If you don’t believe me, ask Dwayne and Elise Wilson who were the leaders of the pack, so to speak.

Their last child was only six days old when the camp began. One would think that they already had their hands full with the new baby and all, yet this didn’t deter them from their duties with the youth. Everyone just pitched in and helped.

It was such a good time for the youth to be able to gather together and get to know one another. So many are scattered here and there and don’t have the opportunity to have fellowship with other youth in the faith in their age group most of the year. They were able to make new acquaintances and renew old ones. It had to have been like a mini Feast of Tabernacles without the adults around.

Our heartfelt thanks goes out to those who were willing to sacrifice their time and efforts in making this year such a resounding success. Thanks especially goes out to Dwayne and Elise, but also to the ladies who were always available and handy to prepare meals, etc. This includes Trish Bane and Therese Cecil.

On the final Sabbath, one of the camp attendees, Tabitha Bane, was baptized. Of course, we realize that she was already in the process of counseling for baptism, but what a perfect ending for a youth camp which had for its theme "Here to Overcome." After all, that’s what we want for our youth, a life long commitment to the true faith of YAHWEH and YAHshua, HalleluYah!!!

We understand that the group will have to be limited to a certain number next year unless there are more volunteers to help out. If any of you would be interested in helping the youth camp next year, please contact the Rocheport Assembly. We know that it will be well worth your while.

Following are reports by three of the youth who attended:

Wow! This year’s youth camp was like no other! There were over thirty youth attending from seven different states. For most of the campers, this was the first time for them to attend. This made the week a lot different from the past years when the group was smaller and more familiar. But the new faces and larger number made the week much more enjoyable than the past two years.

Youth Camp 2003 was just such a blast! Between games, water fights, Bible studies, and outings, we were going non-stop. Not one camper left without feeling completely exhausted, yet among all the hustle and bustle, we still had plenty of time to grow closer to each other and to renew ourselves spiritually.

Spending ten days with other youth in the faith is such a spiritual booster. If you haven’t ever been to youth camp, I highly recommend you come next year, because just like every year, I think that it will only get better. Praise YAHWEH for Youth Camp 2003!

2003 YAIM Youth Camp has come and gone. The theme this year was H2O (Here 2 Overcome) and not only did we learn to overcome, we forged new friendships and had tons of fun. The youth camp was a big success. I have found that none of the campers regretted taking time out of their busy schedules to join us for fun in Rocheport.

The first day started with a wiener roast and s’mores. There were two that didn’t like hot dogs. Imagine that!!! The sponsors said "Hi" with Billy Bob teeth; a nice ice breaker. They aren’t sticks in the mud after all.

We played a shoe game to get to know one another and it was unanimous that Zach had the smelliest shoe. He was a great sport about it all. The next day was Sabbath. Camp went into full swing on Sunday with lots of games. We had some thought-provoking seminars, from teaching us not to keep others out of our group, to Nathan doing push-ups for us all (6 for each, 216 in all) so we could have donuts teaching us that YAHshua died for us all, even though we don’t all accept His gift.

We had more fun with games from water day (sorry about the busted lip, Rosie) to neighborly chairs (my personal favorite) and wheelbarrow races (got to eat s’mores with that one; a big mouthful!!). We got to go on an underground storage facility after bowling, and to a nursing home after a sweet trip to Russell Stover chocolate outlet store where we all satisfied our sweet tooth.

We went to Rockbridge State Park and played in the icy water for a while. Our rafting trip was canceled due to high water, but was replaced with a trip to City Museum in St. Louis where we all crawled through the caves and Trish almost got stuck in an underground passage. It was nice that we didn’t have that kind of publicity!! The trip to the City Museum was definitely a trip worthwhile. After the museum, we went to the arch and took a picture of everyone in front of a church with the tetragrammaton over the door. Thanks for the side-trip, Dwayne.

Eating out of the trunk of cars is not nearly as easy as picnic tables, but everyone was fed and happy.

Overall, camp was a huge success and we owe thanks to everyone who pitched in at the last minute. A big thanks to Dwayne and Elise for the gift of teaching youth that YAHWEH has bestowed on them. Thanks, Theresa and Trish for putting up with our madness and thanks for the good food. Thanks for the pictures, Tammi. Sue, your cookies are unparalleled. There was talk about you opening up a cookie shop across the street being circulated around for a while.

The last night was tough; laughter and tears, sharing about one another after we had shared our skits and commercials with the assembly. We won’t forget how camp has changed us in many ways. The good-byes were hard because we all grew close to each other, and the two who we had to graduate into adulthood, Nathan Stubbs and Hannah Leys, will be greatly missed. The youth who chose to stay in Texas instead of joining us at camp were greatly missed. Camp wasn’t the same without you guys—Josiah Jay, Keith Wilson and Dewey Wilson—Trish needs a word with you!!!

Even though there were tears involved, there were no regrets and we are all looking forward to next year. There is a hideous rumor that the numbers will be limited for next year’s camp, so we all need to get our applications in early so we won’t miss out!

Memories of this year’s camp will live with us for many years to come.

Youth Camp Report
By Rachel Healan

The first night we were there we sat around a campfire and ate hot dogs and sang songs. On the Sabbath, Jim Meyer brought a great message on how to stay pure and how great it is to do so. It was a great message and it influenced all us youth. Thanks Jim.

There were lots of great things that we did. We went to a nursing home and sang songs to the people there. It was great to see how their faces changed when we started to sing. Some of the people even started singing along with us. A lot of us started crying but it was a great experience.

We played lots of fun games. My personal favorite and a few others, too, was neighborly chairs. We had some very good Bible studies and every one of us learned something new.

One day we played water games. It was the perfect day for it, too. On another day we played "snowless snowballs." These were like snowballs except they were panty hose with flour in them. It was really fun.

We had great meals every morning, noon and night. We were supposed to go on a float trip on Thursday but the river was too high. A lot of us were bummed but we had fun in St. Louis. We went to the City Museum. It had so many interesting things for us to do and look at. We also went to see the Arch. It was so cool. We wanted to go up in it, but it cost too much money. Maybe next time.

Well, Youth Camp ended with lots of hugs and more hugs. We said our good-byes and went our separate ways. Dwayne and Elise were awesome camp directors. I hope that we have an even bigger group next year. Just some advice to the ones who didn’t come this year. It was so much fun and you missed out on a lot of stuff. I hope you come next year.

The new moon of the fifth has just occurred on the last days of July. That means that there are less than two months before the feasts begin occurring in the seventh month.

It is time to begin planning to attend the fall feasts. As many of you very well know, we have hosted the Feast of Tabernacles for two years in a row in the Texarkana area. While these feasts have been a blessing and a tremendous time for rejoicing, we have determined not to host a Feast of Tabernacles this year. We certainly encourage everyone to attend the Feast of Tabernacles who possibly can.

There are several feast sites that we know of and would like to give you information concerning these various places.

The brethren of Cisco, Texas, of course, will be hosting the Feast as they always have. You won’t find a warmer or more loving group of brethren than the Cisco brethren. They have recently moved into their new sanctuary and it is certainly a most beautiful and comfortable building. The kitchen facilities are also excellent with plenty of refrigerators, stoves and area in which to prepare a meal if your camp space would be limited.

They also have a good bit of camping space and since the new sanctuary has been opened there are showers available in the men’s and women’s restrooms there.

For the less adventurous, there are plenty of motels in the city of Cisco which is about 10 miles from the feast site.

If you feel like you would like to attend the Feast at Cisco, please write to them at P. O. Box 509, Cisco, TX 76437 or call 254-442-3962 or email them at

We also have a new Feast site to announce this year. The brethren at New Covenant Fellowship in Emory, Texas are going to be hosting the Feast of Tabernacles. They are in the process of adding another bathroom with shower, etc. to their existing building. They do have plenty of space for camping, but no trees. They have a couple of RV hook-ups and could probably rig up fittings for another one or two, but the existing electrical lines probably won’t handle too many.

The brethren at Emory are a very delightful group and full of zeal for YAHWEH and His word. We certainly would recommend their site. Since it will be a new one, it is one that you could truly grow with. The family of YAHWEH is a most delightful family and are truly a joy to be around.

There are local motels and other campgrounds nearby with plenty of RV hook-ups if that is what you need.

You may contact Tony and Janie Clawson at 903-473-3506 or Jim and Darlene Kneberg at 903-474-9622.

If you feel inclined to attend the Feast in Missouri, we would highly recommend YAHWEH’S Assembly In The Messiah’s feast-site. As most know, they have a beautiful campground with plenty of shade trees. There are a couple of bath houses with plenty of showers and other facilities.

Elder George Garner and his crew have been working very hard in order to get the bath houses repaired and on-line for the Feast. They are making improvements that we think will enhance your stay there.

The Rocheport Assembly has a very nice dining hall and kitchen facility, however, they don’t have quite the kitchen facilities that are available in Cisco. They do have a couple of refrigerators, but only one cook stove.

We do think that we can guarantee you a most joyous feast with the loving brethren there.

There are plenty of motels and restaurants nearby in Columbia. There is also a motel in Rocheport itself.

If you desire more information or to register then please call the office at 573-698-4335 or write to them at 401 N. Roby Farm Rd., Rocheport, MO 65279.

The Congregation of YHWH of Irving, Texas will be sponsoring a feast site in 2003 at Lake Texoma, Oklahoma once again. The dates for that will be October 10-17, 2003. We will also have Sabbath services there on the 18th, the day after the Last Great Day.

In order to make arrangements, you can call them at 1-800-687-0150, or write to Congregation of YHWH, PO Box 170309, Dallas, TX 75217-0309, or email at info@yahsaves.org.

Another group which will be hosting their usual annual Feast of Tabernacles is the Assembly of YAHWEH at Eaton Rapids, Michigan. This is probably the oldest and most consistent feast site in the country. If I remember right, both Jacob O. Meyer and Donald Mansager attended the feast with these brethren for a time or two before going out on their own.

Pastor Sam Graham informed us that there are 23 campsites available. Nine of those campsites have RV hood-ups. There are also motels available within 10 miles of the feast site.

They will be observing the feast in accordance with Jerusalem time which will put their dates from Oct. 12-19.

For more information, reservations, etc., please call Pastor Sam Graham at 517-663-3724, or write to them at P. O. Box 102, Holt, MI., 48842.

The Congregation of YHWH will also be hosting a feast site at Eldon, Missouri. Below is a write up on their feast site:

It's time to plan for the fall Feasts! This is a note to share with you that the majority of the North Texas Fellowship in YHWH has decided to attend the fall Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day with the Congregation of YHWH in Eldon, Missouri. The Feast begins October 10 and ends with the Last Great Day on October 17th. There are excellent hotels and housing of all types available. For those who might want to camp, there are many camp sites in the area. If anyone is interested in attending the Feast in the Lake of The Ozarks (at Eldon, Mo.) and would like to have a Feast packet mailed to them describing hotel accommodations and other activities, please either call or mail your request to us. This years Feast will have something for all, including special studies and presentations, inspiring messages, a fun show and a program for the kids. Anyone desiring to present a special study or presentation, please let us know. We have only four months left. The Festivals are a wonderful time to offer praise and worship the Father in Spirit and Truth. YAHWEH willing, we hope to see you there!

Festival Coordinator, Marvin T. Wilson 9056 Hwy 289, North Celina, Tx 75009, Phone: 972-382-3220.

Once again, the Congregations of YAHWEH will celebrate YAHWEH’S Feast of Tabernacles in Navarre, Florida at the Comfort Inn Conference Center, 8680 Navarre Parkway (U.S. Highway 98). We will begin our worship on October 10^th and will continue through October 17th (Last Great Day). Comfort Inn should give you the following prices:

Double bed occupancy -- $ 39.00 per night

King -- $ 43.00 per night

Suites -- $ 63.00 per night

These rates are "plus taxes."

Reservations can by made by calling (850) 939-1761.

Many condominiums and beach houses are available through Gulf Properties (www.gulfproperties.com), (850) 939-2311. Many of these rentals can be cheaper if you rent for a month rather than by the week. Ask for the monthly rate and compare.

Please contact Darryll Watson if you have any questions or suggestions.

(NOTE: This is not a Sacred Name feast. It is a Messianic feast, but there will be national speakers attending.)

Come join us for the first annual multi-congregational Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) held at Loyd Park, Grand Prairie, Texas. Loyd Park sits on the shore of beautiful Joe Pool Lake. We will begin Friday evening with opening ceremonies of Praise and Worship, Israel banners, Davidic Dance, and flags.

Our celebration will feature dance, drama, praise and worship lead by the team of John Savage and national Messianic speakers such as Neil Synder, Benyamin Turkia, Monte Judah, Bill Cloud, Dominic Zangala, Kay Snyder, Ralph Messer and more.

Throughout the Festival there will be adult, youth, and children's programs. Every morning begins with the reading of the word. The schedule includes a morning midrash, afternoon study workshops and an evening program. During the week you can avail yourself of the dance workshop, a flag workshop and a daily exercise class.

This is an eight day feast in which we are commanded to come out of our homes and dwell together in booths. Come! Laugh and praise, worship, learn, and break bread together! Fellowship with the Saints of the Most High God! Join in the Rehearsal of Tabernacling with our God. Remember 5 will put 100 to flight but 100 will put 10,000 to flight. The LORD blesses us exponentially as we join together in His name. Spaces are limited. Register now for your spot! Come and be a part.

Alliance Texas 2003
October 10-19, 2003
www.Sukkotalliance.org

Cost will be $100.00 per registration and $75.00 per family member.

Many people who oppose the Sacred Scriptures make much of their slogan, "The Bible is full of contradictions."

It is true that the King James Version of the Bible does contain many contradictions; but, if we go back from the King James translation to the original source, we will rejoice to find that the so called contradictions disappear, and the Word of YAHWEH stand out in its Majestic Grandeur, the Monument of truth.

Our Saviour, YAHshua the Messiah, in teaching His Parables in the Gospels, pointed out that after the Apostolic Age the enemy would go over the same field in which He had sown the wheat ( the Word of Truth), and would sow tares among the wheat. (See Matt. 13:24 to 30, and 37 to 43.) The tares are symbolic of lies and deceit.

The Prophet Isaiah prophesied that men would mistranslate the Scriptures, thus transgressing the Word of YAHWEH, as recorded in Deut. 4:2, and 12:32, for Isaiah said, "Thy first father hath sinned and thy interpreters (translators) have transgressed against Me." Isaiah 43:27. (See marginal reference).

The Prophet Jeremiah is more explicit, for he says, "What! You say you are wise, and you have the law of YAHWEH; when, lo, your scribes have falsified them and written them wrong?" (See Jer. 8:8, Moffatt’s translation, also Leeser’s translation of the Hebrew Text, or even in the margin of the King James translation). No wonder that Jeremiah cries out again in the next verse, saying, "The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken; lo, they have rejected the Word of YAHWEH, and what wisdom is in them?" Jer. 8:9.

Surely these warnings should be heeded by those who claim the Holy Scriptures as the foundation of their hope, and they should investigate, not take for granted the theological hodgepodge handed out to them by the conventional preachers as the Word of the Most High.

In order to bolster the theory that the New Testament was written in Greek, the theologians have put forward the idea that at the time of our Saviour, the Palestinian Jews spoke the Greek language, and that the Saviour Himself spake the Greek in order to make Himself understood.

This lame alibi falls to the ground when confronted with the actual evidence found within the New Testament, and by contemporary writers of the New Testament times.

Here I shall offer repeated statements of Josephus Flavius the Hebrew historian who lived in that so-called Hellenic Age, and prove that the Hellenic (Greek) culture did not contaminate the Palestinian language.

In "The Antiquity of the Jews," Book 20, Chapter XI, Section 2, we read the following: "And I am so bold as to say, now I have completely perfected the work I proposed to myself to do that no other person, whether he were a Jew, or a foreigner, had he ever so great an inclination to do it could so accurately deliver these accounts to the Greeks, as is done in these books. For those of my own nation freely acknowledge that I far exceed them in the learning belonging to the Jews. I also have taken a great deal of pains to obtain the learning of the Greeks, and understand the elements of the Greek language, although I have so long accustomed myself to speak our own tongue, that I cannot pronounce the Greek with sufficient exactness. for our own nation DOES NOT ENCOURAGE THOSE THAT LEARN THE LANGUAGES OF MANY NATIONS, and so adorn their discourses with the smoothness of their period; because they look upon this sort of accomplishment as common, not only to all sorts of freemen, but to as many of the servants as please them to learn them. But they give him the testimony of being a wise man who is fully acquainted with OUR LAWS, and is able to interpret their meanings; on which account as there have been many who have done their endeavours with great patience to obtain this learning, there have yet hardly been so many as two or three that have succeeded therein who were immediately rewarded for their pains."

In the "Wars of the Jews," Josephus in his preface, Section I, says, "I have proposed to myself for the sake of such as live under the Roman Government, to translate those books into the Greek tongue, which I formally composed in the LANGUAGE OF OUR COUNTRY...(the common Hebrew, otherwise known as Aramaic).

See also Ibid Book 5, chapter 9, Section 2, also book 6, chapter 2, Section I, where Titus used Josephus to address the Jews in the Hebrew language, in an effort to dissuade them from rebelling against the Romans, and thus save the Holy City.

Herein follows the testimony of investigative scholars, who have not gone along with the myth of the Greek origin of the New Testament. Dr. H. J. Schonfield, in translating an Old Hebrew Text of St. Matthew’s Gospel, in his 1927 Edition, says, "My opinion is that the canonical Gospel of (Matthew) is an abridged edition of a larger work, of which fragments still survive, and which contained all and more of the acts and saying of Christ (Messiah) than is now found in the four accepted Gospels put together. I believe this Protevangel WAS WRITTEN IN HEBREW, NOT ARAMAIC, (the emphasis is ours) and was intended for Judean Christian (believers) who produced it, to become the last book of the Old Testament canon, such a collection as the New Testament not having at that time been thought of."Preface, page 6.

Bar-Hebrews, the famous Eastern historian of the Twelfth Century, noted the fact that the Greeks Hellenized many Aramaic-Hebrew names, and stated that they changed the form of many nouns, and did not pronounce them as given in the originals.

"In the Johannine Gospel the terms ‘Bethesda,’ ‘Gabbatha,’ ‘Golgotha, ‘Rabbouni’ are called ‘Hebrew’."John 5:2; 19:13; 20:16. "Words of Jesus," Page 6.

The Aramaic was the mother tongue of the Galileans as of the people of the Gaulonites, and natives of Syria, according to Josephus (Bell. Jud. 4:1, 5) were able to understand it. Idem, page 10.

"From all considerations must be drawn the conclusions that Jesus (YAHshua) grew up speaking the Aramaic tongue, and that He would be obliged to speak Aramaic to His disciples and to the people in order to be understood."

"That this (the writings of the Gospels) was done in the Greek by three out of four Evangelists has long been an accepted TRADITION; though it is NOW ON PHILOLOGICAL EVIDENCE DISPUTED (the emphasis is ours) "Light on the four Gospels from the Sinai Palimpsest." Prelim. P. 4 by Mrs. Agnes Smith Lewis, Hon. D. D. (Heidelberg) Ph. D. (Halle) L. L. D. (St. Andrews) Litt. D. (Dublin) F. N. A. B. A. Published in London by Williams and Norgate.

Prof. D. S. Gregory, quoted in Smith’s Bible Dictionary, Article, "Gospel of Matthew," says, "The Jewish Historian Josephus furnishes an illustration of the fate of the Hebrew original of Matthew, Josephus informs us that he wrote his great work, "The History of the Jewish Wars," originally in Hebrew, his native tongue, for the benefit of his own nation, and he afterwards translated it into Greek. No notices of the Hebrew originals now survive."

The following is a quotation from Renan, the famous French scholar and archeologist, who spent many years in the East in research work for the Imperial Government of France: "It is not probable that Jesus (YAHshua) knew Greek. This language was very little spread in Judea beyond the classes who participated in the Government, and the towns inhabited by the pagans, like Caesarea...Neither directly nor indirectly, then did any element of Greek culture reach Jesus (YAHshua). He knew nothing beyond Judaism; His mind preserved that free innocence an extended and varied culture always weakens. In the very bosom of Judaism He remained a stranger to many efforts often parallel to His own.""The life of Jesus," by Ernest Renan, as quoted in "Gospel Light," by Lamsa. Page 25, Introduction.

In the same introduction to "Gospel Light," page 24, Dr. Lamsa says, "Greek culture, philosophy and religion had no influence on Jesus (YAHshua) and His disciples or the early Christians (disciples). The Jews resisted every influence not Semitic. Greek customs and manners were forbidden. During the reign of Trajan and Hadrian, the Jews were not permitted to learn Greek or use Greek ceremonies. The first part of the Talmud, ‘The Mishna,’ EMPHATICALLY declared IT WAS WORSE FOR A JEW TO LEARN GREEK THAN EAT SWINE’S FLESH. These laws were strictly observed, with few exceptions, by the Palestinian Jews who jealously preserved their religion, customs and language from contamination."

Dr. F. C. Burkit of Cambridge says, "But our Lord (YAHshua) and His first disciples spoke Aramaic; there is nothing to suggest that they were acquainted with the current Greek version (the Septuagint.) In the Synagogue they would hear the Scriptures read in the original Hebrew, followed by a more or less stereotyped rendering into the Aramaic of Palestine, the language of the country, itself a cousin of the Hebrew. A faithfully reported saying therefore of Jesus (YAHshua) or Peter ought to agree with the Hebrew against the Greek, or at least ought to acquire its point and appropriateness from a peculiar rendering in the Greek." Quotation by Dr. Lamsa in "The Gospel Light," Introduction Page 30.

So far I have quoted from a few of the modern scholars who were not satisfied to accept blindly the popular theory of the theologians, and investigated for themselves, not for their personal curiosity, but for the sake of truth, and for the benefit of the truth seekers. That the New Testament was written in Hebrew and Aramaic is attested by authentic historical evidence, plus internal evidence found in the New Testament itself. In this study I propose to prove without fear of successful contradiction, that the claims of the Christian theologians, to the effect of Greek originals of the New Testament are absolutely baseless.

I will now continue the array of evidence by quoting ancient authorities, and begin by listing a number of the early church leaders and writers who either possessed, or had access to, the Hebrew and Aramaic Gospels: Papias, Hegesippus, Justin Martyr Symmachus, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, Origin, Pamphilus, Epiphanius and Jerome.

Now I shall proceed to quote from their works, giving documentary evidence that the New Testament was written in the language in which it was inspired, the language which the Apostles spoke and that language was Hebrew and Aramaic.

"Matthew, who also is Levi, and who from a publican became an apostle, first of all the Evangelists composed a Gospel in the Hebrew language and characters, for the benefit of those of the circumcision who had believed; who translated it into the Greek is not sufficiently ascertained. Furthermore, the Hebrew itself is preserved to this day in the library at Caesarea which the Martyr Pamphilus so diligently collected. I also was allowed by the Nazarenes, who use this volume in the Syrian City of Beroea, to copy it, in which, it is to be remarked, that, whenever the Evangelist makes use of the testimonies of the old Scriptures, he does not follow the authority of the Seventy Translators, (the Septuagint) but that of the Hebrew." Jerome, Catal. Script. Eccl.

From a later testimony of Jerome, it is evident that he too, undertook to translate it, for in, Hieronymus: (Jerome) Comment. to Matthew, in Book 2, chapter 12 and 13, he states, "The Evangel which the Nazarenes and Ebionites use, which I translated into Greek, and which is called by most persons, the Genuine Gospel of Matthew."In Hieronymus De Virus, Book 3, Chap. 36, again Jerome says, "Pantaenus found that Bartholomew, one of the twelve Apostles, had there preached the advent of our Saviour...according to the Gospel of Matthew which was written in Hebrew letters and which, on returning to Alexandria he brought with him."

From the above, it must be evident not only that the Gospel of Matthew was originally written in Hebrew, but that it must have been copied in Hebrew, for the evidence here is plain that there must have been more than one copy of the Hebrew Matthew. Also please note, the very fact that Jerome states that Matthew did NOT follow the translation of the Seventy (the Septuagint) is evidence that he was not versed with the Greek language, nor was the Septuagint in anywise used by the Saviour or His disciples, for they knew that the Septuagint had been corrupted, and that the Names of the Elohim of Israel had been substituted in it by then names of Zeus, Theos, Kurios, the appellations of the Greek deity.

In fact it has lately been discovered that the original translators of the Old Testament into the Greek by the Seventy Jewish scholars at the request of Ptolomy-Philadelphius, did not translate, nor transliterate the Name of YAHWEH, but in every place where the Sacred Name was written, they blocked off a space, and then in gold, they inscribed the Tetragrammaton (the four lettered word Y. H. W. H.), which in Hebrew is pronounced YAHWEH. The Greek copyists not being able to make out the Name which was written in Hebrew letters, they read it as PiPi, which made no sense to them, so they inserted the names of their chief deities, mainly Theos, and Kurios (which are the evolvements of Zeus and Horus), and used these names indiscriminately.

Now let us return and continue with further testimony of the early church fathers, who because of their having had contact with, and in many cases actual possession of, the original apostolic documents (Gospels and Epistles), were in a better position to know the truth than the modern Christian Theologians who uphold the theory of the Greek origin of the New Testament Scriptures.

Eusebius, in his "Ecclesiastical History," Book 4, chapter 22, says of Hegesipus, "In his history he states some particulars of the Gospel of the Hebrews, and from the Syriac, and particularly from the Hebrew language, showing that he himself was a convert from the Hebrews. Other matters he also records as taken from the unwritten traditions of the Jews."

Eusebius in his "Ecclesiastical History," Book 3, chapter 4, says, "That Paul preached to the nations and established churches from Jerusalem around as far as Illirucum, is evident from both his own expressions and from the testimony of Luke in the book of Acts, and in what provinces Peter also proclaimed the doctrine of the Messiah, the doctrines of the New Covenant appear from his own writings, and may be seen from that epistle we have mentioned as admitted in the Canon, and that he addressed to the Hebrews in the dispersion, throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bythinia."

Of the preceding Eusebius says, "We may mention as an instance what Ignatius has said in the epistles we have cited, and Clement in what is universally received by all, which he wrote in the name of the church of Rome to that of Corinth, in which after giving many sentiments taken from the Epistle to the Hebrews, and also literally quoting the words, he clearly shows that this work was by no means of late production: when it is probable that this was also numbered with other writings of the Apostle’s; for Paul addressed in the language of his country (HEBREW). Some say that the Evangelist Luke, others say that Clement, translated the epistle; which also appears like the truth, as the epistles of Clement and that to the Hebrews preserve the same style and phraseology, and because the sentiments in both of these works are not very different."

Eusebius’ "Ecclesiastical History," Book 3, chapter 38, reads: "Papias, a disciple of John, says, "And John the Presbyter also said this: Mark being the interpreter of Peter, whatsoever he recorded, he wrote with great accuracy but not however in the order in which it was spoken by our Saviour, but as before said, he was in the company of Peter, who gave him instruction such as was necessary, but not to give a history of our Saviour’s discourses wherefore Mark has not erred in anything by writing some things as he recorded them; for he was carefully attentive to one thing, not to pass by anything that he heard, or to state anything falsely in these accounts."

Such is Papias’ account respecting Mark’s Gospel. As concerning Matthew, we read in Eusebius "Eccl. Hist." Book 3, chapter 39, that he said, "Matthew composed his History (Gospel) in the Hebrew dialect, and every one translated it as he was able.."

Of Irenaeus, in Eusebius’ "Eccl. Hist." Book 5, chapter 8, we read, "Since we have promised in the outset of our work to give extracts occasionally when we refer to the declarations of the ancient presbyters and historians of the church, in which they have transmitted the traditions that have descended to us respecting the Sacred Scriptures, among whom Irenaeus was one, let us now give his words: "Matthew produced his Gospel, written among the Hebrews, in their dialect, whilst Peter and Paul proclaimed the Gospel and founded the church at Rome. After the departure of these, Mark, the disciple and interpreter also transmitted to us in writing what had been preached by him."

Of Pantaneus, Eusebius, "Eccl. Hist." Book 6, chapter 10, says, "Of these Pantaneus is said to have been one of them, and to have come as far as India. And the report is, that he there found his own arrival anticipated by some who were acquainted with the Gospel of Matthew, to whom Bartholomew one of the Apostles had preached, and had left them the same Gospel in Hebrew, which was preserved until this time."

"Eccl. Hist.," Book 5, chapter 14, Eusebius, writing of Clement, says, "But the epistle to the Hebrews, he asserts, was written by Paul to the Hebrews in the Hebrew tongue; but carefully translated by Luke and published among the Greeks, whence also, one finds the same character of style and phraseology in the epistle as in Acts. But it is probable that the title ‘Paul the Apostle’ was not prefixt to it; for, as he wrote to the Hebrews who had imbibed prejudices against him and suspected him, he wisely guards against diverting them from perusal by giving his name. But now as the Blessed Presbyter used to say, ‘since YAHshua was the Apostle of the Almighty sent to the Hebrews, Paul by reason of his inferiority, as if sent to the Gentiles (the nations), did not subscribe himself as the Apostle to the Hebrews."

Concerning the Gospels, he (Clement) says that those which contain the Geneologies were written first: but the Gospel of Mark was occasioned in the following manner, "When Peter had proclaimed the word publicly at Rome and declared the Gospel under the influence of the Spirit, as there was a great number present, they (Jews in Rome) requested Mark, who had followed him from afar, and remembered well what was said, to reduce these things to writing, and after composing the Gospel he gave it to those who had requested it of him: which, when Peter understood it, he directly neither encouraged it nor hindered it."

Eusebius, "Eccl. Hist.," Book 16, chapter 16, speaking of Origin, says, "So great was the research which Origin applied in the investigation of the Holy Scriptures, that he also studied the Hebrew language; and those original works (the Gospels and Epistles), written in Hebrew and in the hands of the Jews, he procured them as his own. He also investigated the editions of others, who beside the Seventy had published translations of the Scriptures, and some different from the well known translations of Aquilla, Symmachus and Theodocian, which he traced up and traced to K know not what ancient lurking places where they had lain concealed from remote times, and brought them to light."

Here follows Origin’s statement, as found in Eusebius Eccl. Hist. Book 6, chapter 16, "As I have understood from tradition respecting the four Gospels, which are the only undisputed ones in the whole church of God (Elohim), throughout the world. The first according to Matthew, the same that was once a publican, but afterwards an apostle of (YAHshua the Messiah) who having published it for the Jewish converts, wrote it in Hebrew. The second is according to Mark, who composed it as Peter explained it to him; the third according to Luke commanded by Paul, which was written for the converts from the Gentiles; and, last of all, the Gospel according to John.

Jerome, "Nicean and Post Nicean Fathers," Vol. 3, chapter 1, in his "Lives of Illustrious Men,’ says, "Simon Peter the son of John (Jona) from the village of Bethsaida in the province of Galilee, brother of Andrew the Apostle, and himself chief of the apostles, after having been Bishop of Antioch and having preached to the dispersion, the believers in circumcision, in Pontus, Galatia, Capadocia, Asia and Bithynia... He wrote two epistles which are called Catholic (Universal, or General), the second of which, on account of its difference from the first in style, is considered by many not to be his, then too the Gospel according to Mark who was his disciple and interpreter is ascribed to him."

These writings directed to the Jews dispersed in many nations were certainly written in the Hebrew language.

Jerome, writing of Mark, in the same book, chapter 8, says, "Mark the disciple and interpreter of Peter wrote a short Gospel at the request of the brethren at Rome, embodying what he had heard Peter tell. When Peter heard this, he approved it and published it to the churches to be read by his authority. Clement in the sixth book of his Hypcryposes, and Papias, Bishop of Hierapolis, record...’ "So taking the Gospel which he himself composed, he (Mark) went to Egypt; and, first preaching the Messiah at Alexandria, he formed a church so admirable in doctrine and continence of living that he constrained all followers of the Messiah to his example. Philo the most learned of the Jews, seeing the first church at Alexandria still Jewish in a degree, wrote a book on their manner of life as something credible to his nation, telling how, as Luke says, the believers had all things in common at Jerusalem, so he recorded what he say was done at Alexandria, under the learned Mark."

The same Jerome, writing of Paul says, (the same book, chapter 5), "He wrote nine epistles to seven churches: to the Romans one, to the Corinthians two, to the Galatians one, to the Ephesians one, to the Philippians one, to the Colossians one, to the Thessalonians two, and beside these to his disciples to Timothy two, to Titus one, to Philemon one. The epistle which is called ‘The Epistle to the Hebrews’ is not considered his on account of its difference from the others in style and language, but it is reckoned, either by Tertullian, to be the work of Barnabas; or according to others, to be by Luke the Evangelist, or Clement afterwards the Bishop of Rome, who they say, arranged and adorned the IDEAS of PAUL in his own language; though, to be sure, since PAUL was WRITING to the HEBREWS and was in dispute among them, he may have omitted his name from the salutation on this account. He being a HEBREW wrote in HEBREW, that in his own TONGUE and most fluently, while the things that were written in HEBREW were more eloquently turned into Greek, and this is the reason why it seems to differ from other epistles of Paul.

In the same book, chapter 9, Jerome writes of John’s Gospel, saying, "John the Apostle who YAHshua most loved, son of Zebedee and brother of James, the Apostle whom Herod, after our Saviour’s passion, beheaded most recently of all. The Evangelist wrote a Gospel at the request of the Bishop of Asia, against Corinthus and other heretics and especially against the then growing dogma of the Ebionites, who assert that the Messiah did not exist before Mary. On this account he was compelled to maintain His Divine nativity. But there is said to be yet another reason for this work, in that when he had read Matthew, Mark, and Luke, he approved indeed the substance of the history and declared that the things that they said were true, but they had given the history of only one year, that is which follows the imprisonment of John, and in which he was put to death; so passing by this year the events which had been set forth by these, he related the events of the earlier period before John was shut up in prison, so that it might be manifest to those who should diligently read the volumes of the four Evangelists. This also takes away the discrepancy which there seems to be between John and the others."

The very fact that John wrote his Gospel on the instance of the growing dogma of the Ebionites, (who were a group of Samaritan believers) whose language was Aramaic gives added evidence that it was written with an eye single to reach the Aramaic speaking people. Epiphanius (Against heresies, chapter 30:3) says, "Others again have asserted that the Gospel of John is kept in a Hebrew translation in the treasury of the Jews, namely at Tiberias, and that it is hidden there, as some converts from Judaism have told us accurately. (Ibid (Chapter 30:6) says, "And not only this alone, but also the "Gospel of Matthew" which was originally written in Hebrew."

That the Gospel of John was translated into Hebrew can be understood, as the original was written in Aramaic. See C. F. Burney, in his "Aramaic origin of the Fourth Gospel."

In addressing Justin Martyr, (In his dialogue with Trypho the Jew, chapter 10) Trypho says, "Moreover I am aware that you precepts in the so-called Evangelion are so wonderful and so great that I suspect no one can keep them; for I have carefully read them."

Surely, in the above, one can see that the Jew Trypho refers to the Sermon on the Mount, which he had read in his own language. The date of this dialogue was about A.D. 140, and the reference undoubtedly to the Hebrew Matthew. T. B. Shabb, 116 A., states that the Rabbi Meir and Rabbi Jochanan called it, (the history of Matthew) Evanglion. In the same book B. T. Shabb 166A. B. the author tells a story that bears out the fact that the Aramaic and Hebrew Gospels were well known and read by many. Now for the story: "Imma Shalom was the wife of Rabbi Eliezer, and sister of Rabbi Gamaliel. There was in her neighborhood a ‘philosoph’ who had got a name for not taking a bribe. They sought to make fun of him. She sent him a lamp of gold. When they came before him, she said to him, ‘I desire that they divide to me the property of the woman’s house.’ He said to them, ‘divide it.’ They said to him, ‘For us it is written, where there is a son, a daughter does not inherit.’ He said to them. ‘From the days when ye were exiled from the land, the law of Moses had been taken away, and the law of the Evangelion has been given; and in it is writte, A son and a daughter shall inherit alike.’ The next day Rabbi Gamaliel sent him a Lybian ass He said to them, ‘I have looked further to the end of the book, and in it is written, I am not come to take away from the law of Moses, and I am not come to add to the law of Moses, and in it is written, ‘Where there is a son, a daughter does not inherit’."

The above was written in Aramaic, proving that this Jewish ‘philosoph’ had access to the New Testament writings, for the quotation is purely Matthewan, and the date of this is about A. D. 80.

Origin against Celsus, Book 2, Chapter 13 says, "This Jew of Celsus continues after the above, in the following fashion: Although he could state many things regarding the events in the life of Jesus (YAHshua), which are true, and not like those which are recorded by the disciples, he willingly omits them."

Undoubtedly there is more evidence than I have been able to dig up, and any one interested may find more evidence, because I firmly believe that we are living in that age of which the Saviour said of the Angels (Messengers), He was going to send them to separate the wheat (The Word) from the chaff (the tares), the corruptions that Satan has sown. Note, He did not say Angel, as of one, but Angels, that is many. So I expect that many of YAHWEH’S children will take up the cause and get busy on the work of searching, finding, and restoring that which was taken away, picking out and casting out that which was added, in order to fulfill that which was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, when he said, "And they that shall be of thee (meaning faithful Yahwists) shall build up the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called a repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in," Isaiah 58:12.

There is beside the above an abundance of internal evidence in all the Gospels, with the exception of the Gospel of Luke, which was expressly written to the Greeks by a Greek, for the Greeks that were coming into the churches of the Jews. But even this is but an editing into the Greek language, the traditions taken directly from the Semitic source material available to Luke (See Luke 1:2 to 4), then translating and transliterating into the Greek language for the Greeks who were coming into the church, at the instigation of the Apostle Paul. See Origin’s statement found in Eusebius Eccl. Hist. Book 6, chapter 16. Even the Acts of the Apostles, which bears the name of Luke, shows evidence that the early part of the book was originally written in Hebrew, by some Hebrew author, and when Luke joined with Paul (see Acts of the Apostles 20:5), from there on it seems that Luke took the account of the Acts by some Jewish scribe, and translated it into Greek; and from then on, he kept the record. The first part of the Acts show abundant evidence of having been translated, while the last part gives evidence of having been composed in Greek.

This explains what has been puzzling the theologians for so long, when they could not understand the difference in the grammatical construction between the first part and the last part of the Book of Acts.

Now as to the Epistles, James writes to "the twelve tribes scattered abroad," for even those living in Greece could still understand the Hebrew as well as those who lived in India, Persia, and in Libya, or any other part of the globe, where Israel was to be found. As for proof, I place the entire contents of the epistle as evidence, for the epistle is loaded with quotations from the law in a way that only those acquainted with the law could understand it.

Peter’s two epistles were also definitely addressed to the "sojourners of the dispersion." And they were the dispersed Israelites, who had been scattered in the Assyrian and Babylonian dispersions, as well as the Roman. He too in his epistles, makes much use of the Old Testament as proof that the recipients of his epistles were people who were acquainted with the law as well as the language he wrote in. Note also his reference to Paul’s epistles, when he says, "Even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, hath written UNTO YOU." 2nd Peter 3:15.

Now if Peter wrote to the scattered Israelites ( and he said he did), in the aforesaid quotation, he distinctly states that Paul wrote his epistles to the same people who were the recipients of Peter’s epistles; and, if so, then Paul also must have written to them in their language, THE HEBREW. Please do not misunderstand me, IF there has been such a thing as a purely Greek congregation, I believe that Paul would have written to them in Greek, even if he had to get Luke to translate it for him; but I don not know from the epistles now in our present text, which one of them might have been purely Greek. From the first verse of the 5th chapter of 1st Corinthians, I gather that Paul wrote to Hebrew believers; for says, "It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the GENTILES." Here Paul shows the contrast between the Gentiles and the Hebrews. As for the epistle to the Romans that too is full of evidence that the most part of the congregation of the church at Rome were Hebrews. Anyone with a sharp eye can go through the epistle and find plenty of evidence of its Hebrewism; for example, read carefully the 2nd chapter in its entirety, especially verses 14, 17, 24 and 25. The third chapter also in its entirety is full of Hebrewism. The fourth chapter, particularly the first verse, the ninth chapter, especially versed 24 to 29, also the tenth chapter; and, as for the eleventh chapter, read the thirteenth verse to the end, and you will find that it is an exhortation to Gentile believers who had joined the congregation which was in the main Jewish, telling them, that they were not to boast as if they were better than the Jews, for their (the Gentile) salvation was dependent upon the fact that the Gospel was to the Jew first, and then to the Gentile.

The book of Revelation is so full of Old Testament symbology that to the Gentile mind, which has no knowledge of the Old Testament apocalyptic message, the book that is intended to be a Revelation of the culmination of the glories to be revealed, he (the Gentile) sees nothing more than the ravings of a mad-man impossible to be understood.

The Holy Scriptures were written in Hebrew, by Hebrews, for Hebrews, particularly for the Israelite branch to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the services of YAHWEH, and the promises. The Covenanted Israel is more than the Jew, but it takes in the so-called Ten Tribes of Israel, which the Christian Church calls Gentiles (the Caucasian Race in their blindness.

In closing let me remind you of the incident in the life of the Saviour; When the Greeks came to Philip, and said unto him, "We would see YAHshua," then Philip tells Andrew, and both of them came and told YAHshua. Reader meditate on what YAHshua said, "The house IS COME that the Son of Man is to be crucified." In other words when the Greeks came to look for YAHshua, it did not auger good but evil. The Saviour knew that the Greeks were going to bring corruption into the Holy Seed which he had sown (The Word of YAHWEH); and , in His messages to the seven churches, in the second and third chapters of Revelation, He warned against the Nicolaitanes (Greek worshippers of Zeus), the synagogue of Satan. Through them the Scriptures have been perverted, the doctrines paganized, and the people confused. No wonder the Holy Spirit is calling loud to them that have ears to hear, "Come out of her, my people that ye be NOT partakers of her sins, and receive not her plagues." The Roman church and apostate Protestantism is the direct outgrowth of Greek infiltration into the early Jewish Apostolic Church.

All of the Christian feasts are nothing else, but glorified ancient pagan festivals, even to the making into a saint of the Nicolaitanes that the Saviour said He hated.

Awake, O Israel, Awake, O Children of the Most High, it is time to work while it is yet day; for the night cometh when no man can work.

The bible meets every need of man. One who reads its pages with a sincere and open heart will find his spirit strengthened, and his soul purified. No one can take up this Book without having some sin challenged or some virtue encouraged.

The Bible makes many declarations concerning itself, the chief one being that it is the Word of YAHWEH. Along with this, there are other claims that should inspire one to diligently search out the Scriptures for the spiritual riches that are therein.

Here are some of the aids to Believer’s living that can be found in this sacred Word:

"But he answered and said, ‘It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of YAHWEH, Mt. 4:4. "I have esteemed the words of his mouth, more than my necessary food." Job 23:12. "Thy words are found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Almighty YAHWEH of hosts." Jer. 15:16.

As our physical life is sustained by food, so our spiritual life is sustained by the Word of YAHWEH. And every soul is to receive life from YAHWEH’S word for himself. As we must eat for ourselves in order to receive nourishment, so we must receive the word for ourselves.

As the body must have a well-balanced regular diet to be in health, so the Messianic believers must be nourished by the wide variety of teaching to be found in the Bible. It is not enough to read the Psalms and the Evangel accounts. To be strong in faith and works one must find in the history of the patriarchs, the children of Israel, the kings, and the prophets, as well as in the Epistles, lessons that are important to the believer’s experience.

"Thy word is a lamb unto my feet, and a light unto my path," Psa. 119:105. "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; where unto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place until the day dawn, and the star arise in your hearts," 2 Pet. 1:19.

If we would have the light that has been provided for us, we should show our desire for it by diligently searching the Word of YAHWEH...with humble hearts, subdued by the grace of our Almighty Father. You should come to the task of searching the Scriptures, prepared to accept every ray of divine light, and to walk in the way of holiness.

"Is not My word like as a fire; saith YAHWEH; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?" Jer. 23:29.

In the word of YAHWEH the mind finds subject for the deepest thought, the loftiest aspirations. Here we may hold communion with patriarchs and prophets, and listen to the voice of the Eternal as He speaks with men. Here we behold the Majesty of heaven as He humbled Himself to become our substitute and surety to cope single-handed with the power of darkness, and to gain the victory in our behalf. A reverent contemplation of such themes as these cannot fail to soften, purify, and ennoble the heart, and at the same time, to inspire the mind with new strength and vigor.

The word of YAHWEH is the seed. Every seed has in itself a germinating principle. In it the life of the plant is enfolded. So there is life in YAHWEH’S word. He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character of YAHWEH.

It Is A Probing Sword, Revealing The Inner Motives Of The Heart

"For the word of YAHWEH is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart," Heb. 4:12.

The study of the Bible will ennoble every thought, feeling, and aspiration as no other study can. It gives stability of purpose, patience, courage, and fortitude; it refines the character and sanctifies the soul.

As the Bible is read, its words probe the innermost recesses of the mind and heart and expose the sinful thoughts and purposes lodged therein. This should lead to repentance and confession of sin. As one studies the Word he should pray for guidance.

It Is A Defensive Sword Against The Wiles Of The Enemy

"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of YAHWEH," Eph. 6:17.

In the truths of His word, YAHWEH has given to man a revelation of Himself; and to all who accept them they are a shield against the deception of Satan. Those who are earnestly seeking a knowledge of the truth and are striving to purify their souls through obedience, thus doing what they can to prepare for the conflict, will find in YAHWEH’S truth, a sure defense, "Because thou hast kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee," is the Savior’s promise.

None but those who have fortified the mind with truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict. In view of all these blessings that the Word of YAHWEH offers, how precious it should be to us. Should we not be studying it more and more, heeding its counsels and walking in its light?

August 7, 2003 is the ninth day of the month of Av (The fifth month in the Jewish calendar). Tradition says it is the day that the spies returned from the Land of Canaan with a report that caused Israel to weep. This was not what YAHWEH had planned for His people, whom He had delivered from the bondage of Egypt and brought to this land He had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. So, the Rabbis say that when YAHWEH saw Israel weep, He declared, "I will give you cause for weeping on this day." So it is that the ninth of Av, Tisha B'Av, in Hebrew has become a day of mourning and of sorrow.

The scripture records: Numbers 14:34 'According to the number of the days in which you spied out the land, forty days, for each day you shall bear your guilt one year, namely forty years, and you shall know My rejection. 35 'I YAHWEH have spoken this; I will surely do so to all this evil congregation who are gathered together against Me. In this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.'"

It soon became traditional to fast on the ninth day of the fifth month.

Zechariah 7:3-5 . . . to ask the priests who were in the house of YAHWEH of hosts, and the prophets, saying, "Should I weep in the fifth month and fast as I have done for so many years?" 4. Then the word of YAHWEH of hosts came to me, saying, 5. "Say to all the people of the land, and to the priests: 'When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months during those seventy years, did you really fast for Me; for Me?

It was on Tisha B'Av that Solomon's Temple was destroyed in 586 B.C.E. Centuries later, in 70 CE, the Second Temple was destroyed on Tisha B'Av; over 2.5 million Jews were killed during the war with Titus, and over 1 million were sent into exile.

In 132 CE, the Bar Kockba Revolution was crushed, the city of Betar was destroyed along with over 100,000 Jews, on Tisha B'Av.

The following year, on Tisha B'Av, the Romans ploughed the site of the Temple and built a pagan city in its
place. In 1095 on Tisha B'Av, the first Crusades were declared by Pope Urban II, which led to the total destruction of the Jewish community in most of Rhineland and France. In 1190, on Tisha B'Av, the Jews of York, England committed mass suicide in response to the riots of the Third Crusade. Only recently did the British government retract the Order of Excommunication keeping Jews from settling in York.

On Tisha B'Av in 1492, all of the Jews were forced to leave Spain; nearly 200,000 left on one day.
Centuries passed, but YAHWEH’S prophecy did not fail. In 1914, on Tisha B'Av, Britain and Russia declared war on Germany. Unresolved issues of WWI led to WWII, during which 75% of the world's Jewish population was murdered. In 1942 on Tisha B'Av, as part of that extermination, the Jews of the Warsaw Ghetto were deported to the Treblinka Concentration Camp. As recently as 1989, on Tisha B'Av, the Iranian delegation walked out of Mid East Peace talks in Kuwait.

What is the lesson of Tisha B'Av for us as believers? There are several.

FIRST, that those who lack faith shall not inherit YAHWEH’S kingdom. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to Elohim must believe that He is, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.

Habakkuk 2:4 "Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faithfulness.

I believe YAHWEH has a great project planned for all His children to do and that faith is a necessary requirement for being able to accomplish it.

Our SECOND lesson is that YAHWEH watches over His word to perform it. As Joseph told Pharaoh in Genesis 41:32 "And the dream was repeated to Pharaoh twice because the thing is established by Elohim, and Elohim will shortly bring it to pass."

And also: Isaiah 46:9 Remember the former things of old, For I am Elohim, and there is no other; I am Elohim, and there is none like Me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,' 11 Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it.

That last verse sounds like it directly applies to the destruction of Jerusalem. The THIRD lesson that comes to mind is about us. Tisha B'Av is a traditional day of sorrow for the double destruction of the Temple of YAHWEH. In this present day, through YAHshua the Messiah, we are YAHWEH’S Temple; We are living stones, from all backgrounds, even with many Jewish stones included. We are the Temple and, sad to say, YAHWEH’S temple is not all it should be.

Many have allowed doctrinal differences and traditions of men to shape them, rather than to be formed exactly as YAHWEH Himself ordained with all the stones fitting together perfectly in love.

A good reading for this Sabbath is Habakkuk 1:1 to 2:4 It seems to be a prophecy of events of Tisha B'Av.

The Haftara portion for the day is from the prophecy of Isaiah 1:1-27

I personally plan to observe Tisha b'Av by fasting, repenting, and reading these scriptures: Many of them are traditional Jewish readings for the day. The new moon was sighted in Jerusalem and in the USA on 7-30-03 which means Friday 8-8-03 is the ninth of Av. (The Jewish calendar has it on the 8-7).

Here are the readings: Evening Reading on 8-7-03: The book of Lamentations Morning Readings for 8-8-03 Deuteronomy 4:25-40, Jeremiah 8:13 - 9:23, and John 2:13-25 Afternoon readings (any time before sundown 8-7-03): Exodus 32:11-14, 34:1-10, Isaiah 55:6 - 56:8, Hosea 14:2-10, Micah 7:18-20, and John 8:1-58

The fasting on this day shall not last forever: Zechariah 8:19 "Thus says YAHWEH of hosts: 'The fast of the fourth month, The fast of the fifth, The fast of the seventh, And the fast of the tenth, Shall be joy and gladness and cheerful Feasts for the house of Judah. Therefore love truth and peace.'

This is Tony Suckla writing from India, where I have come on command of Mt. 28:19,20 where YAHshua Messiah said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."

I last wrote shortly before the feast of ULB of 2003. I kept the feast in the southeastern Indian city of Vizakhapatnam. There were about 30 to 50 in attendance each of the eight days. During the feast time in Vizak seven people received baptism. All had to make hard decisions to keep Sabbath day without attending there jobs and schooling on Sabbath. Here in the state of Andhra Pradesh the schools and government offices are open on Saturday and so if someone wants to follow YAHWEH’S commandments there is usually big decision to be made on the Sabbath question. But they all decided to keep Sabbath at any cost.

Pentecost 2003

The feast of Pentecost was kept in Hyderabad with Pastor Y. Sunith Premanand with a group of about 70. During the two feasts we had to have a truck bring us water as our state went through a drought this year. It was the worst in the past 50 years, temperature rose to as high as 120 degrees this summer. About 2000 died because of the heat in my state alone. The monsoon season has now started and is bringing the much needed rain. Many of our assembly members suffered loss of crops and cattle. I thank the ones that gave to help on the drought situation.

After Pentecost I helped to organize the three schools that we have started. Pictures of the three schools have been posted at: http://geocites.com/ftwm_1999/main I never thought I would be involved in helping to school children in India, but there was a need, as all the government schools in our state require attendance on the Sabbath day. The Ten commandments are taught in the three schools. There are 17 children at two schools and 30 at the third.

Trip to Northeast India

During the latter part of June and first half of July me and Pas. Y. Sunith Premanand from Hyderabad took a trip to far Northeast India. I had heard of YAHWEH worshippers in the states of Manipur and Mizoram but had never been able to go there. Flying was too expensive so we went by train and bus. We had to go up through Calcutta and around Bangladesh. In the northeastern part of India the people look Chinese. When I got to Manipur we met Pas. G. Israel that has been calling on YAHWEH and YAHshua for over ten years and has a nice congregation of about 75 persons, in Manipur there were about 1000 YAHWEH worshippers in various places in the state. The state of Manipur is about 50 percent Christian. And about 60 percent of the people could speak English. The local languages have only had a written alphabet for about 150 years and so their local languages use the English characters. The British missionaries translated the Bible into the local languages, and so the Bible was the first book that many ever started to read. All the schools are in English medium as there is no knowledge of the sciences in the local languages. Pastor G. Israel and his family spoke "Zo" as their native language, but they knew English fluently also.

All the schools require attendance on the Sabbath day in Manipur and so Pas. Israel wants to start a school in his area of Chirachandpur next year. If any would be interested in the specific needs that the school in Manipur would need for next year, do contact me and I will let you know the details. I hope to go back next year and keep Pentecost with Pas. Israel and the believers in Manipur. Being that all the schools are in English medium, in another 20 years all people in Manipur will be able to speak English, so there is no need for them to have a Bible in their local language with the Sacred Names as they can just use the Sacred Name English Bibles. I gave ten Bibles to Pas. G. Israel to give to congregation members that learn the ten Commandments.

In Manipur many of the people converted to Judaism and so the state of Israel helped them to build a synagogue, which I got a picture of. I do not know if the Manipuri people really have Hebrew ancestory, but many of them believe they are descendants of the tribe of Manasseh. In Manipur there is an underground government that controls about 1/4 of the state and the situation was very tense militarily, there were Indian soldiers patrolling in many places. A few months back the underground government kidnapped a German tourist and held him for ransom; they released him later, unharmed. The underground government wants autonomy from India.

After I kept one Sabbath with the Manipur believers me and Sunith then when to Aizawl, Mizoram. We rode in a Tata Sumo car to Aizawl with several other people. It was a two day journey that goes through densely forested and mountainous regions. Most of the little communities that we stopped at said that I was the first white man they had ever seen. The fare for the two day journey was 12 dollars per person. In Aizawl I met with Elder J.H. Thangliana, I kept Sabbath day with him and his congregation of about 60. The state of Mizoram is about 90% Christian. Mizo is the native language and the government schools teach in the Mizo language. Pas. Thangliana witnessed to a Sunday keeper about the true Names and this man has translated the whole Bible into Mizo using the Names of YAHWEH and YAHshua. He had just written the text on paper, but he was praying to YAHWEH that he could get a computer to typeset the text, and someone donated him a computer about one month back for the project, so in another year or so he should have the text ready for printing. In Mizoram the school and government offices only have a five day week, everyone is off for Saturday and Sunday. So there is no big need to have Assembly schools there.

The Mizo people are the most evangelistic people in the world. Per capita, more Mizo people go as missionaries to other countries than any other group of people in the world. In the rest of India I am always accosted by many beggars, and there are people sleeping in the streets and using the street for all their bathing and toilet activities. But in Manipur and Mizoram I never saw a drunkard, beggar or anybody sleeping in the streets or doing such things, the city of Aizawl was peaceful. In the rest of India when a girl and boy get married, it is the custom that the girl pays dowry to the man, but in the northeast the boy pays dowry to the girl. In the main part of India thousands of girls die and are maimed over dowry harassment each year. What happens is the boy and his relatives will keep asking the girl for more money and she will either commit suicide or they will beat her, sometimes to death. It is really a backward custom, I do not know how they got into doing such a thing. I preach against it at every opportunity.

I visited two other congregations in Mizoram and they said there are about 2000 YAHWEH worshippers there. I plan on going back for the feast of Unleavened Bread in 2004, if there is anybody from abroad who would like to come for Unleavened Bread next year, it would be a nice experience to see the natural beauty of Mizoram. Mizoram is all mountains, and the cities and villages are all built on the tops of the mountains. While in Aizawl I got very sick with a terrible headache and chills, fever and diarrhea. I thought I had malaria as I had been bitten by several mosquitoes and I had just read in the paper how 60 people had died of Malaria in the last 3 months. So, I checked into a hospital and they did a blood test, but the results were negative. They gave me a shot of something and two bottles of intravenous fluid and after that I felt a lot better. I fully recovered in about a week. I am not for sure what I had. The doctor thought it was some type of typhoid fever. The local believers paid all my hospital bill and refused to take any money from me. The northeast is a different environment from most of the rest of India, culturally, socially, and physically. Some pictures of my trip to Manipur and Mizoram are posted on the above mentioned website.

I came back to Andhra Pradesh by myself as Pas. Sunith had left a week earlier.

Telugu Bible Translation Project

Back in Andhra Pradesh I am continuing with the Sacred Name Telugu Bible Project with Pas. G.B. Benoni. Genesis through 1 Samuel, and Daniel have been completed.

I have posted a website that is an outreach tool mainly for Hindus and Moslems here in India; it can be seen at: www.sevendayweek.com.

I thank everyone that has helped to support the various projects I have been involved with, monthly financial reports are sent out to any upon request, showing how all funds have been used.

Donation addresses:
Finish the Work Ministry
c/o Charlotte Lanier
1409 Milner St.
Irving, Texas 75061
(972)438-5829
charlotte.lanier@juno.com
or
The San Antonio Assembly of YAHWEH
c/o Jessie and Marilyn Vicknair
7945 Green Valley Rd.
Marion, Texas 78124
(210) 625-4963
marilynv@wireweb.net

The 19th annual Unity Conference was held in Rocheport, Missouri, on August 1-3 this year. First, we want to thank the Rocheport Assembly for graciously hosting the conference. They truly went out of their way in order to make the conference a success.

We also want to thank them for requesting that we at YEA aid them by helping to furnish a meal during the conference. My wife, Frances, made about 25 Dorito casseroles for the evening meal on August 1st. Of course, she didn’t have to do it without any help. There were plenty of hands available to help get the job done. Others were responsible for each meal prepared and served. All worked together in order to help the conference operate smoothly.

If there were any scheduling problems it was because of the enthusiasm of the brethren to worship YAHWEH in the regular Sabbath services or to linger in order to discuss His word. We appreciate the patience of those who had to hold up the "soup line", so to speak, because of scheduling difficulties which came about due to the regular Sabbath services going overtime.

It was a true blessing to be able to be there and to fellowship with the brethren. It is amazing how wonderfully the brethren can dwell together in unity and peace as long as they are not discussing their differences concerning the Scriptures.

After a very short introduction of each attendee, we got into the business at hand. Mike Mastropaolo presented a message concerning "How assemblies and small groups can work together on non-doctrinal projects." This had to do with sharing certain responsibilities, such as baptism, publication of feast and sabbath sites, distribution of recommended pamphlets, web-sites, etc.

He encouraged that a fund be established for no interest loans which could be made to needy brethren. He also spoke about a need for a prayer "hot-line" and notification network.

Jerry Healan gave the second message which you can refer to beginning on page 4. (How the Name YAHWEH Reveals YAHshua)

Dan Chaput presented the way to liberty through not only observing the weekly Sabbath, but the land sabbath as well as the Jubile.

Larry Acheson presented his research as to why the count to Pentecost should begin on the day after the first high day in Unleavened Bread rather than on the day after the regular weekly Sabbath that falls in those days.

John Dupus presented his research concerning the wearing of "tzitzits." We will suffice it so say that he opened his dissertation by utilizing Acts 15:1 in order to proclaim that circumcision (along with tzitzits) was not a salvation issue, but by the end of his presentation he had made it a salvation issue.

Mike Banak presented a very thought provoking idea that YAHWEH has found to be working through many who might not be in total obedience to Him. In other words, YAHWEH has the power to work through His own creation, ministers, organizations and others in spite of their complete submission to Him.

Dennis Bitterman presented his studies concerning the Passover and days of Unleavened Bread observance.

Arnold Bowen spoke concerning the count to Pentecost. His observations have led him to conclude that Pentecost should be observed in the fourth month rather than the third.

Matthew Janzen spoke on the duration of the Messiah in the tomb. His studies conclude that this period of time was not the three complete days and nights, but rather about a 36 hour period.

Finally, Jerry Healan spoke on "Debunking the Moon/Sabbath Cycle." This will appear in article form in one of the next two issues of the YEA Newsletter.

George Garner, Tom Schattke, Jerry Healan and Pastor Graham all gave a brief synopsis concerning the on-going work in the prison systems of the various states. We face continual difficulties with the state and chaplaincy systems. But the good thing is that we are all learning to work together and help each other in these ministries.

We voted and determined that the next Unity Conference will be hosted by the Eaton Rapids, Michigan congregation. We do acknowledge that the Cisco congregation lost out only by a vote or two, but they have hosted the conferences in 2001 and 2002 and they truly need a break.

We will reserve further comments on the materials presented at this time. Suffice it to say that we do disagree with the majority of materials presented, however, we will do studies on each issue and present our findings on each item as we are able to study them out. Who knows, we may have to change our opinion on some of these things if we are able to be proven wrong.

Once again, we heartily thank the Rocheport Assembly for being such gracious hosts. All were welcomed there whether that assembly disagreed with the items presented or not. While various and differing items presented would seem to have a tendency to lead to disunity rather than unity, these differences forces all of us to keep our noses in the Scriptures in order to prove all things and to hold fast that which is good.

We are looking forward to next year and YAHWEH willing, the Unity Conference will be held and we will all be there once again. May YAHWEH bless His people as they seek to overcome their differences and learn to dwell in unity. JH

The "fruit of the Spirit" is by definition something produced by the Spirit. Natural man does not produce the "fruit of the Spirit." Fruit is manifested through us as we let the Holy Spirit have its way in us. Paul said: "In myself, that is in my flesh, there is no good thing." Human effort will not produce fruit of the Spirit. No matter how you try, you cannot yield fruit of the Spirit. Fruit of the Spirit is a manifestation of life and health. The life inside is producing fruit on the outside. And only a good tree can produce good fruit! Galatians 5:23 - "Now the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." (Notice fruit is singular!) One Spirit, many types of fruit.

As we allow the Spirit to lead us, we show forth "fruit of the Spirit" and walk in the Spirit...in love. This is not a natural product...it is supernatural. If I try to love you, I can’t love you correctly! If I allow YAHWEH’S love to operate through me, you receive YAHWEH’S love correctly. Please notice the distinction...it is not done by human effort. The human part is choosing to submit to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Happiness depends on circumstance but joy is produced by the presence of Y’shua living in us. When our focus is on YAHWEH...we radiate joy merely from being in His presence. In this manner, circumstances around us may appear disastrous, but the joy of YAHWEH is our strength and our assurance that we will come out safely on the other side of the storm or trial. Submit to the Spirit of YAHWEH, let His fruit manifest itself in your life...and you will be blessed and be a blessing to those around you!

Anna Marie Faith Linebaugh was born 07-05-03 at 8:17 a.m. She weighed 8 pounds 13 ounces and was 21 inches long.

Anna is the daughter of Tom and Deborah (Kirsten) Linebaugh. She is the granddaughter of Kerry and Tovayah Nelms and great granddaughter of Voy and Myrtle Wilks.

Although Anna breathed on her own, she showed signs of respiratory distress from birth. It was determined that she had aspirated meconium (breathed in pre-born baby poop), even though the caregivers were very careful and diligent in their suctioning her before they allowed her to breathe the first breath.

Meconium aspiration is a condition that is not necessarily related to the birth process itself. It could have happened even days or weeks prior to labor. According to the doctors, it cannot be determined when it occurred. Meconium is a thick tarry substance: "packing grease" for the pre-born baby's intestines. When it is breathed into the lungs, it can coat the tiny air sacs (called alveoli) in such a powerful way that they cannot do their job of taking up air for the blood's oxygen. Meconium is so sticky that it is very hard for the baby's body to break it down and get it out of the lungs. (Kerry and I had a baby who died at birth from this same condition.)

Shortly after birth, Anna was taken to King’s Daughter Hospital, a Stage One care facility in Temple, TX. Their staff was not trained to provide the care that her condition required.

However, there just "happened" (Praise YAHWEH!) to be a neonatal nurse there on an unrelated assignment, that was trained for Stage Three care of newborns. She was immediately called from her other work, and was assigned to Anna's care until a Stage Three hospital could be located who had room for little Anna.

Scott & White Hospital in Temple is the closest Stage Three hospital to Kings Daughter Hospital. However, Scott & White's neonatal unit "just happened" to be full, so Seton Hospital in Austin sent their medical transport team up about 5:00 p.m. Sabbath afternoon to take Anna to their facility. We later found out that Seton is the best facility for Neonatal critical care. (Praise YAHWEH!)

When Anna was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Seton Hospital around 6:30 Sabbath evening, the doctors who evaluated her wrote on Anna's chart that they did not expect her to live through the night.

Basically, by that notation, the doctors were saying that they believed that even with all their know-how, all their high-tech equipment, all their expertise, and all their highly trained staff, they would not be able to save Baby Anna's life.

And yet she did live! What saved her?

The doctors had admitted that it wasn't in their power to save her in the condition she was in.

Anna's living through the night, and gradually recovering, to complete and vigorous health can only be described as a documented miracle performed by YAHWEH. He heard the prayers of so many faithful intercessors, so many precious believers, on her behalf. And He answered them in a wonderful and powerful way.

Baby Anna had a serious downturn Monday morning of her first week, where the doctors and staff thought that they were losing her yet again. She was put on an oscillating ventilator, and given a paralyzing drug so that she could rest while the machine breathed for her. A number of other severe treatments were begun.

They talked to the family about transporting her to a Stage Four hospital in San Antonio, because they could not get her stabilized.

YAHWEH stepped in again, and began answering specific prayers for her to become stable. She was stable for 30 minutes; then she was stable for one hour; then she was stable for three hours; then six; then all night. What a blessing to see the effect of all of the prayers spoken before The Father from all over the nation, in that NICU room in Austin! It was awesome!

The staff kept saying they could not believe how rapidly she was progressing considering how poor her condition was earlier. Each day, new prayers were lifted before the throne of grace. Each day, new evidences of answered prayer were seen in Anna's closely-monitored condition.

And YAHWEH’S blessings showed in other ways as well. Usually, a mother who is pumping milk for her child has great difficulty in producing and maintaining a good milk supply, unless she is able to hold and/or nurse her baby at least some of the time.

Yet Deborah, who was not allowed to hold her baby for several weeks, and did not get to see her baby while pumping, was producing huge quantities of milk. The staff was amazed. They knew first-hand that it was very unusual for a NICU mom to produce like that.

Deborah was giving the staff the bottles of milk after each pumping to be stored in the NICU refrigerator for Anna's feedings. The nurses told Deborah to stop bringing them all of it, because they were running out of room to store it. So she started storing it in the freezer at their motel room.

During the time they were in Austin, Deborah sent three ice chests full of milk to us to store in our freezer! And Anna was receiving the full amount of milk she required during that time as well.

Only YAHWEH could make a milk supply like that in the circumstances Deborah was in. Milk is a blood-related product, so that kind of milk production is even more amazing: Deborah almost bled to death after the birth, and required saline IV's to replace the blood volume lost. Due to the hemorrhaging that she experienced right after the birth, Deborah was very anemic during all the time that she was producing this abundance of milk.

In the natural, it doesn't make sense for her to have such an abundant supply of milk. YAHWEH’S provision is the only way to explain it. Praise YAHWEH for His providence!

Anna is now at home and doing fine, HalleluYah!!!

Was born on June 13th to Dwayne and Elise Wilson at Rocheport, MO. He weighed in at 7 lbs. 8 oz. And was 19-3/4 inches long.

The interesting thing about Joshua is that he came so quickly that he was born on the hospital parking lot. To add insult to injury, the parents still had to pay the delivery fee to the doctors.

Joshua’s proud grandparents are Elder Tom and Kathy Schattke and Deacon Bob and Flo Saforek. Congratulations to everyone.

Was born on June 17th to Dusty and Latisha Bitterman. She weighed 6 lb. 12 oz. And was 19 inches long. Elder Dennis and Donna Bitterman are the proud grandparents.

Was born on July 12 to Chris and Sandy Dell. He weighed 8 lb. 14 oz. And was 21-1/2 inches long. Elder George and Janet Garner are the proud grandparents.

Was born on July 18th to Johnny and An gie Wilson. She weighed 7 lbs. 2 oz. And was 20 inches long. Bob and Flo Saforek are the proud grandparents.

Was born on April 25 to Andrew and Kathrine Pate. We don’t have the particulars as to weight and length, but he had some respiration problems at first, however we understand that he is doing fine now. His proud grandparents are Larry and Kathy Syyder. His proud great-grandparents are Bob and Flo Saforek.

Watch out folks! The Wilsons and Saforeks are on the increase!

Prayers have been specifically solicited for the following: Calvin Amos & Family, Gina Baez, Leah Baird, Bruce Balfour, Mona Baylon & Family, Sheleah Bradley, Evelyn Cooper, John I. Cox, Serena Cusson, Elaine Daniel, Dana Davis, Ennis Dewayne Davis, Fern Davisson, John & Loretta Dellipizzi, Emaleigh DeVaney,Alice Findling, Brad & Christine Folford, Infant daughter of Jon & Jody Francis, Sue Green’s Son & Daughter-in-law, Dorothy Grifford, Frances Healan, Elder G. D. U. Intong & Family, Vincent James & Family, Paul and Mary "Jolene" King, Elder George & Clara Kinney, Wendy Kinney, Evelyn Kacos, Dirk R. Lemcke, Infant Anna Linebaugh, Norene Looker, Pete Markunas, George McKenzie Jr., Rodney Miles, Marjorie L. Moore, Doyle & Mary Nesbitt, Margaret Nogales & Family, Jesus Oñate, George Paña & Family, Andrew Phillip Pate, Danny Perkins, Mona Perry, Jim Thompson, Floy Rynard, Mary Schimke, Mary Warren, Harold & Gayle Watkins, Ethel Watson, Britanny Wilhelm, Dennis Wilkins & Family, Judy Williams, Mike & Adelia Williams family, Jeff Wilson, and Stephen Yeakel.

Please remember these brethren in your daily prayers, lifting their names before YAHWEH’S throne of grace and mercy for the intervention that is needed in each case.

While we do not know the specifics in each and every case, there are some whose condition we do know of and would like to enlist the specifics of their problems here so that your prayers for them can be broken down a little smaller and more specifically. Pete Markunas suffers from diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia. Evelyn Kacos suffers from diabetic neuropathy and has recently broken a foot. Her condition has improved somewhat and we rejoice in this, but she still needs our prayers. Doyle Nesbitt is in the hospital. He has been in an automobile accident lately, but seemed to be in good condition for some time afterward. We are not sure what his problem is. Emaleigh DeVaney is an 8 year old who has cancer of the kidney. Mona Perry was operated on due to a cancerous growth found on or near her eye. Jeff Wilson fell and broke both arms, but is recovering.

The story about Anna Linebaugh is in the article "Birth Announcements."

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