TAX SALE

                                                                       TAX SALE              

    This message could provide a copy of the Faith Walk property tax sale in the list of county properties to be auctioned off at the delinquent tax sale. The current taxes also must be paid, so it is really a sale that requires payment for three years' taxes. I could
give you the sale list, but I won't right now. When you begin a serious meeting, the host generally tells a humorous story to set the people more at ease. They say when a person is born, he/she is given an allotment of words to be used in a lifetime. Women are
believed to talk more than men, so they are given a larger  allotment of words. The conclusion is that women usually live longer than men so they can use up their allotment of words. Yes, friends, I'm supposed to be a bible teacher, not a comedian. But at least I try.

    Back to what I could write about the tax sale if I would, but I won't. That's because I can't. There was no tax sale of Faith Walk property. God told us the taxes would be paid, and He does what He says. The county's deputy treasurer was stunned to receive the three years' taxes anonymously. This is a secular office--a hated government facility, not a Christian organization. She had heard of things like this happening, but this was her first experience to see it actually happen. She did not see the donor, who was really
 anonymous. How was that for a Christian witness?

    We are thankful for the anonymous donor, and also to others who have contributed to help Faith Walk Ministry. Help given a ministry is a Christian's justification. The material help combines with prayer in earning a Christian reward or credit in eternity. Faith Walk usually receives very little cash, but people provide material help such as an appliance, food and physical labor. The latter was extremely vital when Anita had to assume full responsibility for the farm, livestock and ministry while I was hospitalized. My daughter was my "private nurse", even while I was in the hospital and undergoing therapy. We
are admonished to raise our children properly, and they become a treasure later in life.

    Getting the cattle home as quickly as possible and the pending tax sale gave us a double dilemma. We had some time left to raise tax money, but the cattle could be slaughtered. The money the cattle represented would not be paid to the county, so theoretically the cattle were virtually a free bonus. We began to work on getting the
cattle home, and knew we had made the right choice because God told us the taxes would be paid. That, too, was a witness to the attorney who was provided by a secular government agency. 

     We understand that some people, including Christians, will doubt our stories. Friends, if you do, and want proof, we'll provide the names and contact numbers of these people. After all, Thomas was a doubter, and he studied under Christ. In fact, none of those around Christ were able to fully understand Christ's teaching. We're not about to suggest
that God will speak to everyone. There are all sorts of people who  make strange claims about hearing from God. You have to know how to hear from Him, and not confuse your personal desires with thinking these desires meet His approval. It ain't easy. 

    Some think we were not good stewards of God's provision--the farm and cattle. We've heard many Christians say they want to be good businessmen. There's nothing wrong with that as long as Christ and His teaching come first. Unfortunately, business usually is measured by profit and loss, with little consideration or compassion for people. We also hear people say God wants you to have abundance. Here, again, abundance usually means money. There are many uses for money, and that doesn't necessarily mean tithes. If you are a well-read Christian you know we are not under a strict tithing law. This is the age of grace, not law, which took Christ to the cross. That doesn't mean tithing is wrong; it means that it alone does not satisfy your obligation to God. It also doesn't mean the Ten Commandments are no longer valid. And, don't forget Christ's Eleventh Commandment.

    God gave us the farm and registered animals, and we were to be the stewards. Then He added strays and unwanted animals, even a cow or two. They all needed care, and many became wonderful animals and/or pets. Part of our bible training included counseling,
and we soon found some hurting people could be helped through companionship with the animals. When we placed a high priority on the cattle, it was because of our responsibility to stewardship. These animals have an important role in the ministry. They are the subject
of a book we prepared a number of years ago.

    While the anonymous donor was someone familiar with our ministry's work, the attorney who helped us get the cattle back and the other government people were part of the secular world. We have to understand that God is in control of the entire world, and Christians make up only a small part of the population. Matt. 5:45 tells us "that you may be sons of your Father in heaven, for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." Sometimes secular people can help you when Christians don't. This is our second experience where the veterans' organization failed to help. We're not condemning them, but we have seen some bad management and some lower level workers who are there only for a generous paycheck. Many people brag about patriotism and carry flags, but when it's time to help vets, it becomes a matter of money and their personal pocketbook. None of our modern day presidents or the current Congress have a handle on veteran care. In fact, Congress is looking to cut expenditures now, in the face of a growing number of casualties from ongoing "wars".

    There are loads of "feel good' inspirational stories in publications and in presentations by religious and motivational speakers. These have a purpose, but I fear some people are seriously hurt by outcomes that don't answer prayers. When we first began the ministry, we encountered many unchurched people who had been turned off by hypocrisy by both leaders and church members. While I am ordained, we never became affiliated with any denomination. We've found that denominational rules prove divisive. There is one Christ and one church.

    I have guest preached for many denominations, and found a common problem among them. Too much emphasis is placed on denominational doctrine, and not enough time is spent studying the very Words of Christ. There is no one denomination "better" than others. If the unadulterated Word of Christ is preached and followed, there will not be division within the denominations. I've preached before Catholics and Protestants.
The Word of God does not vary. Christ warns us about this in Luke 9:49,50. "Now John answered and said, 'Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow  with us." But Jesus said to him, 'Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side.'" 

    The feel good syndrome led me to shorten a speaking engagement at a Full Gospel Businessmen's gathering. I was invited to tell about the  miracle of finding and acquiring Faith Walk farm. I was seated at the head table next to a man who was a traveling representative for a major company. During the dinner he "bent my ear" with his prowess of leading people to salvation. He would pick up hitch hikers, and when he delivered
them to the drop off point, every one was saved. His bragging to me spoiled the dinner. When I began my address, God told me to tell the gathering they were interested in "big" miracles, but they were ignoring small every-day miracles. After I had spoken for a few minutes, this man passed me a note to speed up my presentation. He wanted to hear the
"big story." My blood ran cold, because he was not admonishing me to ignore God's routine blessings; he was rejecting the presence of God in people's every day lives.

    1 Sam. 6:7 explains this man's attitude. "And the Lord said to Samuel, 'Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me." God was telling me that this man represented the gathering, and they were only interested in the bells and whistles of my story. I did speed up my address, but I did not tell them about the miracle they expected. When my wife and I left, we found the
books I mentioned above were taken (stolen) from the display. This was not a good reflection on full gospel teaching or businessmen. We have never published more copies of the book.

    I was reluctant to write about the cattle and tax sale because of experiences such as this. There are so many people who know of our problems that deserve to know the glory of God. We want Christians and others to expect answers to prayer. It must be understood that words alone frequently will not provide the solution you want. Christ  was a person of action as well as words. God expects the same from you and me. Faith and works go together. The word "Good" should always preface Works. Faith Walk Ministry will continue as long as the Lord directs and people need and heed the glory of Christ.

Rev. Walbear

AWESOME DAY--PART 2

                                                            AWESOME DAY, PART 2

    It's a terrible thing to make a historical error when you actually lived through that particular time period, but that's exactly what I did in the Awesome Day message. I'll tell you why in advance, and then get to the details. One thing that should be added is the
role of the Navajo code talkers. The last surviving member of that heroic group died this week.

    World War II began in December, 1941, and by the time D Day arrived in June of 1944, to most of us it seemed the war had been going on for years and years--forever to those of us in primary school. For more than 2.5 years, the daily newscasts and newspapers had lead stories about progress or loss in the war. By D Day in 1944, it was difficult to find a family or friend in your neighborhood who was not touched by the war. I was eight years old, not six, and in the third grade, not the first. Every one of us lived and breathed the war from day to day.

    We had practice air raid blackouts, rationing of consumer goods, no new civilian vehicles, strict gas rationing, few if any tires and all kinds of rules to support the war effort. The practice air raid preparations scared us kids, and lots of adults, too. Germany had developed the "buzz" bomb, a forerunner of jets. These bombs would be released by Germany and directed to the broad area of London. No one--not even the Germans--knew where they would fall. When they ran out of fuel, they would fall and destroy that area. People had to go to air raid shelters when the sirens went off. You never knew if you would be in the target area.

    There was a continuing search for spies, because the axis was clever in using Germans who could speak English fluently, many of whom had been educated in our colleges. Citizens of German descent were careful not to speak German, and Japanese-Americans were moved to detention camps. After all, their sneak attack on Pearl Harbor was a vicious and treacherous act. You did not criticize the government, because we all
understood that WE had to be part of the war effort or WE would be part of retraining to speak German or Japanese and work for them, not for us.

    Today, there is only a small number of citizens touched by men and women going off to war. Veterans are recognized on special occasions, but most people don't really become personally involved. Our "peerless" leaders seem to designate soldiers as cannon fodder, worrying about the cost of equipping and caring for them. Our leaders want to cut costs,
so military pay, supplies and care are a prime target. Officials don't want to recognize injuries or health problems, and banks are quick to seize homes, many illegally. 

    In World War II, young men and women had a very strong feeling of real patriotism. A draft dodger or conscientious objector was ostracized and despised. Young men quit school to volunteer, some as young as 15. It wasn't long after the war ended that the feeling of patriotism seemed to die. Young people made all kinds of excuses not to serve their country, and now it seems they're all too busy planning their careers. Decisions by our Congress and presidents appear to be based on "freedom", but when all is said and done, it's the military and industrial complex and corporate profit that rules. Human losses are only collateral damage.

     Ironically, the original American people, the American Indians, couldn't even vote during the war years. The code work by the Navajo Indian marines was a major reason we defeated the Japanese. The African Americans were not originally accepted in the military until towards the end of the war. When the white American leaders became desperate to win the war instead of losing it, these citizens made a difference.

    We are far enough removed from the days of World War II that our citizens have lost track of the real meaning of freedom. Some leaders in my age group still remember how "good" it was before discrimination was actually recognized and addressed. Many young people didn't gain any of that life and death experience, and focus on their personal wants and unbiblical principles. 

    I thank the gentlemen who pointed out my historical error. I suppose I'll forget my birthday next. The mistake did enable me to point out some things that weren't in the original message. For all those who say we're a Christian nation, I'm not holding my breath until I see evidence that our leaders are following their supposed leader and teacher, Jesus Christ.

    Meanwhile, Luke 12:48 concludes "for everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required, and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more." Americans set the standard during World War II. Something has happened along the way.

Rev. Walbear

AWESOME DAY

                                                                    AWESOME DAY

    The morning of June 6, 1944, was a beautiful, sunny summer day in western New York. I went to my usual chair in the kitchen where my mother was preparing breakfast. She was very serious and seemed lost in thought, unlike her usual enthusiastic self. I asked her if she was sick or something. Her expression didn't change, but her answer caused me to be overcome with awe as I attempted to understand with my 6-year-old mind.

    She told  me we had better pray, because our country was, as we spoke, attempting something that could determine not only our life in America, but the entire world. American soldiers and allies had that morning landed in Normandy to invade Europe to try to stop the Axis from conquering the world. The Axis, I knew, was Germany and Japan, and a few other countries. Everybody knew Germany was Hitler and the Nazis. My knowledge of Geography was limited since I was a first grader, but if the soldiers were at a place called Normandy, it must be close to Germany.

    Okay, here we go with another history lesson. Why history when I'm directed to teach the Gospel? Man's failure to understand the history given us in scripture causes him to repeat past mistakes and keep him separated from salvation and/or eternal life. Before I get into the  significance of D-Day, we need to consider how Satan cleverly manages
to infiltrate God's Chosen people to lead them astray. Make no mistake! People don't just wander astray! People follow leaders, whether it's a gang, drinkers, thieves, politicians or church leaders.

    The crisis causing D-Day came about by a cozy combination and a choice of a sacrificial goat.  The cozy combination was Hitler and Germany's industrial complex. The Jews were the sacrificial goats. Germany's industrialists wanted to make money--lots of money. They
were having difficulty in trade competition. They needed raw goods and a market for their goods. When you can't buy or sell, you turn to taking away. You need someone or something to blame for your satanic action. The Jews were it.

    As most of you probably know, Germany was the homeland of Martin Luther, who basically founded the Protestant movement. Germany was a strong advocate for Christianity. Think of many current symbols of Christianity, such as the Christmas tree. Once Hitler and the greedy industrialists convinced the German Christians that Jews and other countries were causing Germany's economic hardships, the move to eradicate Jews and other nationalities moved quickly ahead. Even the Jews living in Germany did not heed God's warning. The Christian ministers sat on their hands. Some individual Christians did try and did help Jews, but it was a dangerous task. The Christian church
virtually did nothing.

    The United States' Congress did not want to get involved and didn't heed warnings. Until Japan followed Hitler's apparent successful lead in aggression and attacked Pearl Harbor, we did nothing. When our own hide became a target, we finally took action. If you don't like my review of history, I challenge you to read some books, but make certain you
include secular histories that have an unbiased report. Italy, the nation that includes the Vatican and Pope, the cradle of Christianity, did not stop Italy's joining with Hitler and Japan. Christians, for the largest part, failed to see the connection between money and leadership. When money wins, blood will eventually be shed. Read scripture, and learn how an easy life with perks and power results in the destruction of God's Chosen. And, it happens in regular cycles. A terrible crisis then requires a terrible solution. When things get bad enough, God will send Christ back to preserve earth and those people who weren't taken  in by the money-power-elite combination.

    The entire bible tells this story, so I'm not going to give you lots of scriptural quotes. I'm going to tell you about America during the four years of World War II. Our population was 132 million, compared to approximately 330 million today. More than 16 million men and
women served in that war. To compare, about 40 million would be in uniform today. Those not in service were nearly 100 percent solidly performing civilian support. Women handled jobs never before given to females. Children used allowances to buy war stamps and canvassed neighbors to collect paper and metal for the war effort. Nearly every
American sacrificed in some way. Over 300,000 Americans died, and over 700,000 suffered wounds, frequently leaving them disabled.

    We need to think about these historical facts to understand and relate to the Christian significance of people's reactions to a dreadful situation. When the chips were down, there were two avenues which could lead to freedom. Freedom, remember, is life, and Christ provides eternal life. America needed God's intervention, and America needed its citizens to step forward. God expects us to do what we humanly can do. He will take care of the rest.

    Sixteen million Americans put on uniforms and took the oath to protect America and the Constitution to the death, if necessary. These people offered themselves as a sacrifice. They were willing to die for the freedom of us all. How more Christ-like can you be? Oh, yes! They weren't all Christians. Yet, they somehow realized there are times when all humans must  choose about ME or WE. 

    It's bad enough when we dwell on thoughts of ME, but it's intolerable when those greedy thoughts drown out our conscience to the extent that we ignore the directives given us by Christ. How can we not want our fellowmen/women to have a decent life? Christ admonishes (yes, the present tense) to treat our neighbors as we would be treated. He did not say "if we could afford it." He did not say "make even the poor children sweep the floors at school for their lunch." If you believe this is political, get your bible and read the Gospels, especially the Parables.

    If you claim to be a Christian, you are required to follow Christ's rules for Christian conduct. Without being guilty of a single sin, He willingly gave Himself up to torture and execution. Our servicemen and women who took part on D-Day followed His example and offered themselves and their lives for the preservation of freedom. Christ does not change, and neither do His directions. Man-made rules may change our society, but they should not supersede the original. Americans who lived during the period of World War II (including those still alive) gave us an example of real Christianity, and the honorable meaning of WE.

Rev. Walbear

DECORATIONS, MEMORIALS and EVOLUTION

                                          DECORATIONS, MEMORIALS and EVOLUTION    

    It seems odd for an old timer like me to observe Memorial Day so early in the month of May. The date has been changed over the years to accommodate people's desire for a holiday weekend. The original date was the 30th of May, no matter what day of the week it happened to fall on. It was known back then as Decoration Day, because that day and a few  days that preceded it, were utilized by people to shape up cemeteries and place flowers at graveside. Evolution caused the purpose of this holiday to become Memorial Day largely because of the casualties of World War II.

    I expect this, too, will change because such a small number of citizens have any connection to military service. When people are not directly involved in any activity, they usually do not connect to the issue. This ability to ignore an issue is the reason our nation is in trouble. It is not a political issue, it is a spiritual issue that God's Chosen were warned
about way back in the Old Testament. Check out Isaiah Chapter 6, but specifically verses 9 and 10.

    "And He (the Lord) said, 'Go and tell the people: Keep on hearing, but do not understand; Keep on seeing, but do not perceive.' "Make the heart of this people dull, And their ears heavy, And shut their eyes; Lest they see with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their HEART, And return and be healed." Note carefully: you may think you understand with your mind, but unless your heart is in the equation, you will likely make a serious mistake. In counseling people, we frequently hear them say, "How
could I ever have thought we would be the ideal couple?" Their problem was that the carnal mind (and probably lust) overshadowed the real feelings of their heart. The heart is where things get ironed out.

    As a veteran, I am sad to see the purpose of Memorial Day diluted by the lack of understanding now prevalent among Americans. A stark example of this came to my attention recently through a column written in a local newspaper. The writer not only did not know the subject, she didn't understand she was woefully ignorant of the subject. She stated she was an honest person with family responsibilities who went to her job
responsibly. The only difference between her and a soldier was that the soldier carried a gun. Now for the rest of this story.

     Every military person must take an oath to protect the country and the Constitution to the DEATH. Soldiers usually can't go to their home every day after work. It is not easy for a military family even when the soldier is stationed at an organized post, and they must relocate every time the duty station is moved. When a soldier's family is not with him, he may not see them for months or a year. A soldier in a battle zone carries a heavy pack and wears a uniform that can be very hot. Temperatures on the job may vary from cold
to 100 degrees. You may have to sleep in the open in a foxhole. Your day may not end at eight hours. The people you "meet" may have weapons they plan to use against you. If you don't like your job, you can't just walk away.

    You may be a part of or have to see graphic physical disturbances, including violent death. If you are wounded, it may take a lengthy time to recover, or you may be permanently disabled. It is not unusual to have great difficulty to  receive medical and financial assistance. Long delays occur, records are lost, homes and property are taken by impatient banks. If you suffer from post traumatic stress, you may be considered "dangerous" by civilians. Many people, including military, do not want to recognize PTS or other mental consequences from service. There's more, but this should be enough to
cause any thinking person that the difference between a civilian and a soldier is much more than carrying a gun.

    The respect a soldier received after World War II began to wane as soon as universal service (the draft) ended. When everyone no longer needed to be a part of our nation's defense, few people wanted to give up their civilian lifestyle and potential to make more money. When you are not a part of the "whole", your interest goes elsewhere. This is part of the four cycle historical rise and fall of culture and nations. Unfortunately we are now on the downside. When I was a teacher, I discovered quite quickly that students needed to be involved in the subject to learn. Isaiah's directive was to get the people to
understand they were ignoring the REAL ISSUES.

    Most people take a casual approach to the study of scripture, and miss signals God provides. God pointed out to Isaiah the problem His Chosen had, and Christ issued the same directions and warning. There are two things to remember before we get to the meat of the issue. God looks upon all His creation, not just Christians. The Israelies and Christians are His priests, and are charged to teach His Word. John 1:1 clearly states "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." The
responsibility of understanding scripture is our personal duty, it is the duty of the priests to correctly teach scripture. So...God considers all of the billions of humans on earth His people. Jews and Christians bear the responsibility of taking the Gospel to everyone. We are not "special" as some pastors teach; we just have a "special" responsibility.

    We are not doing the job very well. The teaching of the Gospels and many congregations are being hijacked by well-meaning, but clueless church leaders and politicians. For example, examine Matt. 13:10-13, where Christ is explaining the purpose of parables. "Because  it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken
away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see , and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand."

    The messages of Isaiah and Christ clearly refer to the Word of God, and have nothing to do with money. Yet people equate "abundance" with material things, of which money is king. God does want us to have material  abundance, but it is the abundance of spiritual (scriptural) knowledge that leads to heaven and everlasting life. If you fail to understand Christ's teaching in the Gospels, you are on the wrong path. The teaching by Christ stresses treating your neighbors (fellow humans) as you would be treated. Scripture does give us verses to guide us in how to use our material resources, but Christ never teaches about power and money,  except to warn us it leads to separation from God. It's not wrong to acquire  material things, but we have a responsibility such as that performed by the
Good Samaritan. 

    Back to Memorial Day and veterans. If any citizens should reap material benefits for service to God and Country, who else puts their life on the line? All U.S. Congressmen/women and Senators take the same "to the death" oath as soldiers. Would you rely on these people to have your back in battle? Money and the national budget are important, but cutting expenditures to servicemen/women or taking an "oath" to deny aid to millions of people is totally against scripture and Christ's teaching. The people who use the word "abundant" to mean material wealth are not in God's camp, and may not have a clue. Study Matt. 25:14-30 (verse 26 especially) where the master admits his wealth was ill-gotten, and Luke 19:11-27. Political appointments led to power in these passages of Luke. 

    God is patient, but He tells us straight out that if we don't care enough to understand Christ's teaching and follow the principles of the Gospels, our heavenly abundant (eternal) life won't happen. On Memorial Day we need to understand which citizens honor God and country, and it's our personal obligation to see they receive adequate spiritual, medical and financial compensation for offering their life, if required. Christ illustrated the principle of self sacrifice. Who's teaching do you follow?

Rev. Walbear



    

 

Cattle Drive

It appears the Cattle Drive to raise funds to pay taxes on the ministry property failed, although the veterans' group has posted they paid the taxes. The truth is that they not
only reneged on the agreement to pay the taxes, but they have possession of the cattle, although they do not have the registration papers. They have possession of $12,500 worth of breeding animals, and the cost of tax sale has risen from the amount of cattle to over $13,000.

On April 17, we received a letter from the county stating our agreement to satisfy the taxes was cancelled due to failure to pay the installment amount. The vets organization had not paid since January, and that payment wasn't received until the middle of March.

We have not been able to contact Daniel Hoaglin, the organization's leader. They do not respond to our calls or e-mails. We contacted the State Police, who contacted Hoaglin, and the police were told another payment had been sent. That was not true. The January payment was the last one received by the county.

The police told us we couldn't go and get the cattle back with official authorization, and Hoaglin could keep us off his property if he chose.

We met with an attorney and found judges would not issue an injunction to protect the cattle. They could be sold or slaughtered, even though the organization has no proof of ownership. We can file a civil complaint, but that costs money we don't have, and it could be a long time before a solution might come. If there is an attempt to defraud, the people usually string the case out hoping the plaintiff runs out of money or gives up.

The police and district attorney haven't decided whether or not to take action. Nobody cares too much about cattle or livestock. We have written proof from credit card and other
receipts that JohnnysNewHope has received donations since the announcement of the Cattle Drive and as recent as a week ago.

Joshua Watkins, the creator of JohnnhsNewHope, denies any connection to Hoaglin and Project Eden. He also wrote he is not soliciting funds, yet his website is still accepting
donations. Hoaglin is listed on a business card as being affiliated with JohnnysNewHope, and Project Eden is listed elsewhere as a division of JohnnysNewHope.

When a donor last week asked for the IRS exemption number so an employer could contribute matching funds, he received no information. We haven't been able to determine if any of these organizations have such status.

The only recourse we have by law is a letter from the attorney asking for the return of the cattle. A neighbor to the Project Eden property tells us they may have lost one of the cattle.

In conclusion, Project Eden has not used our $12,500 they agreed to pay the county in installment payments as stipulated in a written contract. They have the cattle. To proceed with court action is beyond our financial means, and time is an issue because these are living creatures.

Project Eden has posted on the web they saved a veteran's property from tax sale. They (or JohnnysNewHope) are still  soliciting and receiving funds. Sounds like false advertising.
The laws favor those who prey on others. We have assisted  many people over the years, spiritually, financially and materially. We never expected a situation like this. God knows what is going on, and who can help if the secular law won't. Prayers are appreciated, but the cattle aren't 

home.

Rev. Walbear

BTW--That's Daniel Hoaglin standing with one of OUR cows in that picture.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/project-eden-prattsburgh-cattle-drive