The

Reaper
Spring 2008

Source of Light Ministries International

The Seed of the Gospel goes forth . . .

(See Pages 8,18)

Source of Light
Ministries
International
Source of Light is engaged in a
worldwide literature ministry. For
many years it has been meeting
the spiritual needs of multiplied
thousands through Bible study
lessons and other literature. Les-
sons are distributed by the Inter-
national Headquarters in Madi-
son, Georgia, and its Discipleship
Training Branches and Associate
Discipleship Schools throughout
the world.
A brochure, Discipleship Train-
ing Using SLM International Bible
Lessons, is available that explains
the various plans through which
the courses may be used by oth-
er qualified ministries.
Representatives, Missionaries,
and Appointees of Source of
Light are available to present the
ministry and its needs to church-
es, missionary conferences, and
other groups. Contact the SLM
Public Relations office for sched-
uling.
For information on any of the
ministries of SLM, please contact
us.
2 3
The Reaper
Spring 2008
The
Reaper
The Reaper is published by Source of Light
Ministries International, Inc. and is sent free of Source of Light Ministries International
charge to anyone requesting it. Write or call to
be placed on the mailing list. Spring 2008
SLM International
1011 Mission Road
Madison, Georgia 30650 Table of Contents
• Phone: 706.342.0397
• Fax: 706.342.9072 4 News & Views from the General Director
• E-mail: slm@sourcelight.org
• Web Site: www.sourcelight.org by Bill Shade
The Reaper 5 Observations from the Director Emeritus
Editor: Billie Will
Graphic Design: Marianne Rosenberger by Glenn Dix
Prepress: SLM Publications
6 God’s at work in . . . Germany by Ron Furst
Production: SLM Printing
Board of Directors
8 “The Aroma of the Gospel” by Hemanth Peter
D. Lowry, Chairman 10 Nationals That Make a Difference . . . Virgie Espinas
L. Valentine, Vice Chairman
Daniel De Jong, Secretary by Ben Watson
E.B. Shoff, Treasurer
J.C. Carter • Dr. A.J. Cooper
11 SLM Materials
P.R. Fogle • Dr. J.M. King 13 Destinations
Dr. D. Linebaugh • Dr. G.S. Palmer
Dr. R.J. Sans • Dr. B.H. Struthers 14 Milestones
Administrative Council 15 Who Upset the Fruit Basket? by Rosina Brandon
Dr. B. Shade, General Director
R.R. Walker, Chief Financial Officer 16 Extreme Assignment by Judy Strausbaugh
E. Brandon, Director of Human Resources 18 A Special Day In My Life by Chris Hodges
G.P. Busenitz, Director of Operations
B. Watson, Director of Field Ministries 20 People You Need to Know — Judy Strausbaugh
R.R. Walker, Director of Printing Operations
by Billie Will
21 Prayer & Praise
About the Front Cover Photo:
In November, 89,000 people 22 In Loving Memory
attended a large crusade in 23 Investing for Eternal Rewards Part 8
Ethiopia; thousands prayed to
receive Jesus Christ (see page 19).
 H ave you ever noticed how counterintuitive
God is? What do I mean by that?
T he thing that we would intuitively assume is true is almost invariably
opposite of what God says is true. Let me show you what I mean:
Paul writes, . . . for when I am weak, then am I strong (2 Corinthians
12:10). Spiritual strength comes from knowing our own weakness and
relying completely on God. So how “strong” are you?
A nother counterintuitive statement is: The race is not to the swift, nor
the battle to the strong (Ecclesiastes 9:11). Aesop’s Fables tells the
story of the tortoise and the hare. In it, the hare, though by far the fastest
runner, loses the race to the plodding tortoise by becoming distracted and
overconfident. We smile, but how tragic if the goal is heavenly reward,
and overconfidence deceives us into thinking we are winning when we
are losing (1 Corinthians 9:24).
F or whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth
himself shall be exalted (Luke 14:11). In Scripture, the way up is
always down, and the repentant publican is justified while the self-
righteous Pharisee is condemned (Luke 18:10–14). So the last shall be
first, and the first last (Matthew 20:16).
O ur natural inclination is to believe that those who work at being
good will be saved, but Scripture says, But to him that worketh not,
but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for
righteousness (Romans 4:5). All of this demonstrates the truth that, There
is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways
of death (Proverbs 14:12).
W hen Paul and his companions preached the saving message in
Thessalonica, those who heard cried, These that have turned the
world upside down have come hither also (Acts 17:6). The world was
already upside down only they had gotten used to it that way, and God’s
message, which turned it right side up, was counterintuitive to them. Is it
possible that God’s truth is counterintuitive to you?
4 5
Recently, I had the privilege of participating
in meetings at Piedmont Baptist College
and Salem Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Many
missionaries reported encouraging spiritual fruit through the use of our
Bible lessons in several languages. Retired missionary Jackson Moore
used our Portuguese lessons in Brazil. One of the missionaries told me
that he had worked with SLM’s Sika Yawo using our lessons in Togo,
Africa.
At the 150th anniversary of the Little White Church in Conklin, New
York, many shared appreciation for how God used activities of the church to
form good spiritual foundations before God launched them into His service
as pastors; evangelists; missionaries; professors in Bible colleges, seminaries,
and universities; and chaplains. More than 100 of us have been in full-time
Christian service, including nineteen who have served at Source of Light.
Only eternity will reveal the lives touched. It was good to see some that
I led to Christ, and to fellowship with Dr. Hal Webb, the one who led me
to Christ as a teenager. I was reminded of John 1:40-42: Andrew, Simon
Peter’s brother . . . first findeth his own brother Simon . . . and he brought
him to Jesus. Then Acts 2:14 refers to Peter standing up with the eleven,
which included Andrew, as Peter preached to the multitude. The spiritual
tide continues to roll. I led my younger teenage brothers, Leland and
Lynn, to the Lord, and they are both in Heaven. Leland served the Lord
for twenty-five years through the Little White Church radio and television
ministries. Adam, one of our current SLM apprentices, was in our seminar
on personal soul winning. Recently, he was used of God to win a sixteen-
year-old Korean student to Christ. Our other apprentice, Britney, led a
seventeen-year-old girl from Portugal to Christ. Praise the Lord! So the
ripple effect continues to broaden as lives demonstrate 2 Timothy 2:2. And
the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same
commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Let us
all be part of Past and Present Blessings in service for our Savior.
 launching an evangelistic and a sound Bible church with
outreach from our living room. indigenous leadership.
But God had other plans for us.
by Ron Furst Events moved quickly, and
I enjoyed good health in November 2003, we started
usually, but I contracted a the work of translation. At this
severe case of bronchitis. An juncture, I started to count
operation became inevitable. my many blessings. My wife,
This helped, but I still had Hildegard, is German and is
Editor’s note: In each of our This is a brief story of how infection. The doctor suggested fluent in German and English.
publications of “The Reaper,” God led us, Ron and Hildegard a second operation in Germany, She performs the lion’s share
we have been focusing on the Furst, into this ministry. and also he suggested a of the translation work. I check
Branch offices and Associate change of location to a higher the translation for theological
Discipleship Schools to give Sometimes it is hard to see correctness.
you a more comprehensive view God’s leading until we have
of this ministry. One of our passed through the experience. In translating
features today is not a Branch the courses, we have
or an Associate Discipleship Our Biblical Ministries had our work cut
School. The main work is the Worldwide Associate Director out for us. We found
translation of SLM’s Bible of European Ministries, David three proofreaders
study lessons into the German Brown, disturbed our status quo to go over our
language. by posing this piercing question: work. In January
“Have you ever considered 2007, we received
Perhaps Christians in the translating SLM courses into 4,800 copies of
United States cannot fully the German language?” the evangelistic
comprehend the importance course, Light from
of translation. Our ears are Long before this inquiry, the Gospel of
tuned to English, and for most the acronym of SLM had been John, from SLM
Americans, another language flashed upon our horizon. We Ron and Hildegard Furst headquarters.
never enters their pathway. knew several people with SLM. altitude. The Lord brought this While still in the process of
However, if you spoke only In a nutshell we replied . . . “can verse to mind: In multitude distributing the course, we thank
German, how frustrating would we place this question on the of counselors, there is safety the Lord for those who have
it be to only have a Bible lesson back burner until we have more (Proverbs 24:6). requested the course with the
in English. God is using Ron time to reflect?” “Sure,” David view of using them for one-on-
and Hildegard Furst to prepare responded. I submitted my resignation. one evangelistic encounters.
a needed translation. It is not an A few days later, David Brown
easy task. It is time consuming At that moment in time resurrected the suggestion As Hildegard and I reflect
and frustrating. Translation is we had other ideas. We had of being on loan to SLM. In upon the past four years, we can
a vital work going on all over arrived in Luxembourg in 1997 the meantime, friends found only respond with thanksgiving
the world in many languages. and had acquired a workable an apartment for us in a town for the loving leadership of our
The goal is making God’s word fluency in the language. With 1,800 feet above sea level, Lord Jesus Christ.
plain. another couple, we envisioned with a well-known lung clinic
6 7

by Hemanth Peter
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be
ye steadfast, unmovable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord,
forasmuch as ye know that your
labor is not in vain in the Lord (1
Corinthians 15:58). We do rejoice
that our labor is not in vain. Being
steadfast and unmovable in changing
times, is the need of the hour.
On January 2, 2007, I was handed
the baton from my father to
continue the ministry of the South
Zone of India. India is such an
immense country with 1.1 billion
by day. Atrocities on Christians
have been reported in increasing
numbers over the past year. Yet, the
aroma of the Gospel is spreading
across our State and our own
Hemanth (right front) with zonal
leaders
South Zone staff has been invited
by other churches to preach and
teach. In the past eight months,
345 people have come to the Lord,
and we are discipling them.
The Lord also has opened the door
for the preaching of the Gospel
through television, and I have had
the opportunity to preach both in
English and Kannada.
Here are some testimonies of
what God is doing.
In Dharwad, a young girl, Manjula,
who lives here, came to know the
Lord Jesus Christ. She wrote to us
that she was
interested to know
more about Him
and requested
of salvation. Now I am very much
encouraged.”
Mr. Basappa says, “I was addicted
to drinking. For the first time,
I heard about Christ from an
evangelist who also introduced the
Bible lessons to me. While doing
the lessons, I found salvation in
Jesus Christ. Now I am very happy
in the Lord. I study God’s word,
pray, and witness regularly.”
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he hath anointed me to
preach the gospel to the poor . . . to
preach deliverance to the captives
(Luke 4:18). This
verse is very
relevant to us
as God opened
the doors of the

evangelists have shown great the Bible lessons.

Hemanth Peter (center back) and
family; His father, Solomon Peter
(center front)
people. Source of Light has divided
the country into several zones.
Bangalore is the headquarters for
the South Zone where I serve.
Pramod Das works mostly in the
East around Cuttack, and Sanjeeb
Sahu is in the north around Delhi.
The number of attacks on
evangelists is increasing day
8 9
courage in serving the Lord. They
are using the Bible lessons in their
churches to disciple their flocks.
This has helped them to cling to the
truth. In the last nine months, there
were seventy-two baptisms in three
different places. Of these, ninety
percent were from non-Christian
backgrounds. Presently, there are
thirty-one churches and fifty-two
Bible fellowship groups in the
South Zone. It is mostly one-on-
one sharing that has borne fruit.
The ills of modernization have
begun to show their ugly heads.
Today many families are under
various stresses. Children are
bearing the brunt of this situation.
God has helped us to counsel
many families and teenagers. The
prison to the
Now her entire
Bible lessons.
family knows
The Bangalore
Christ.
Central Prison,
In Tumkur, which holds
Mr. Shivanna around 5,000
writes, “I have inmates, has a
Hemanth Peter preaching
completed the chapel. Every
New Life in Christ, course 1 lessons Saturday our church evangelist
in Kannada and have received the visits the prison. These prisoners
certificate. Now I would like to are lonely, depressed, and forsaken.
reach more people in my village They hear the word of God with
with Bible lessons.” joy. The message of forgiveness
brings them healing and hope. Here
A person from Bangalore writes:
they get an opportunity to share
“I work as an assistant in a private
their heart and request personal
hospital. I was very depressed and
prayer. Many of the prisoners have
disappointed because of problems
enrolled in the Bible lessons.
in my life. I was then introduced
to these lessons. While doing the Pray with us that the Aroma of the
seventh lesson of New Life in Gospel will continue to work in the
Christ 1, God led me into the path lives and hearts of the people of India.
 by Ben Watson
Have you known people
who just fairly bubble over with
enthusiasm? Do you know anyone
who explodes with it? This is
Virgie Espinas. I met Virgie on
a trip to the Philippines in 2005
Virgie teaching
to help celebrate PhilSOL’s 25th
anniversary. Who is this lady and
why should we know her and her
ministry?
She and her husband, Fastino,
minister to the southernmost
part of the Philippine Island of
Mindanao, where Fastino pastors a
church, and where Virgie ministers
among a group of people usually
hostile to the Gospel. And yet, Virgie
Espinas uses our SLM Bible courses
to teach children in predominately
Muslim public schools.
A few years ago, the school
authorities began to notice that
students who studied the Bible
10
courses behaved better than
other children. Virgie was asked
by the head of the Department of
Education in Mindanao to teach
our courses to the children.
Since she was only one, and
there were many children in many
schools to teach, Virgie decided
to train the teachers in how to
teach the courses. She set to work
making lesson plans for one course
and then another. Then, she held a
seminar to instruct the teachers in
how to teach the courses for release
time, religious instruction classes.
About twice a year, she holds one
of these seminars as she finishes
the plans for another course.
Attendance at these seminars
averages 300 teachers.
The Espinas Family
Rejoice with us in one of the
unique ways God is using our
courses. Pray that God will greatly
expand this ministry.
Nothing reveals who God is and His
care for us more than a study of His
names as recorded in Scripture – and
no one is more qualified to teach
this subject
than Dr.
Hap Struthers. Dr. Struthers
has been presenting “The
Names of God” series for
over 20 years to audiences
all over the world, and the
effect has been truly life-
changing. Now SLM is
making this tremendous
series, filmed before
a live
audience, available on
DVD. Over eight hours of
thrilling exposition. You
can own the entire set
for just $49.00. Order
your set on the order
form on page 13.
11
 Order/Information Request Form
o Please send CrossWalk 220 $10.00 per course
o Please send CrossWalk CMF $10.00 per course
o Please send CrossWalk IPR $10.00 per course
The Crosswalk courses are spiral- o Please send Biblical Prophecy $49.00 for 10 CDs
bound (8 1/2” x 11”) and each o Please send Names of God $49.00 for 4 DVDs
book is 100-123 pages in length. o Please send the Literature Information Packet o Tract Samples - $3.00
These courses, costing $10 each, o Please send information about WWBI o WW LIT and The Ezra Institute
are fantastic for interactive small-
group study. Preferred minimum order is $10. Please add 30% for Shipping & Handling.

Name _____________________________________ Phone _____________

CrossWalk 220 (CW-220) is a discipleship course of 13 lessons, to Address ______________________________________________________
ground the believer in the Christian life. City _______________________________ State ______ Zip ____________

CrossWalk Christian Marriage & Family (CW-CMF) has 14 lessons

and is designed to teach Biblical values for the family.
CrossWalk Interpersonal Relationships (CW-IPR), a 15-lesson Emerson Brandon
course, shows Biblical principles for handling everyday problems as we March 3 - 6 – Luther Rice University, Lithonia,
relate to others. Georgia
May 2 - 4 – East Putnam Community Church,
Putnam, Connecticut
Glenn Dix
April 10 - 11 – Biblical Ministries Worldwide,
An entire audio course on biblical prophecy, covering Lawrenceville, Georgia
the foundations of prophetic interpretation, and mov- Dave Keener
ing on through fulfilled prophecy to future prophecy April 10 - 11 – Biblical Ministries Worldwide, Lawrenceville, Georgia
from now till eternity. Each lecture (with questions to
stimulate learning) lasts approximately thirty minutes. Bill Shade
Your faith will grow and your heart will burn as you March 3 - 4 – SLM Board of Directors, Madison, Georgia
listen to this set of twenty lectures by the Director of
March 28 - April 4 – Faith Baptist Church, Altoona, Pennsylvania
April 6 – Grace Bible Church, Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania
SLM International, Dr. Bill Shade. A set includes 10
April 9 - 11 – ANAM Executive Forum, Dallas Ministry Center, Dallas,
CDs, each containing two full lectures.
Texas
Price: $49.00
12 13

by Ray Walker
Brother Charles was ushered into
the courts of the Great King in
Heaven on October 30, 2007,
where his beloved wife, Bette, had
preceded him by a few months.
This was a blessed release, as he
had suffered a stroke some time
ago and had other problems.
The Lord used Charles, along with
Ed Steele, Cam Thompson, and others in the founding of
Source of Light Ministries which had its beginnings back in
1952. The Lord brought these three men together for a Gospel
Distribution, with a follow-up program, which resulted in
the founding of Source of Light. Charles and Ed prepared
a salvation study on the Gospel of John which was to be
distributed on the island of Jamaica in the West Indies. They
later prepared a doctrinal series, Basic Bible Truths, which
we use today. The initial response from the distribution of
the Gospels, which included an enrollment coupon, brought
overwhelming response. The early years of the ministry were
a struggle for Charles and Ed and their families, as they
resigned their pastorates in the area to develop the follow-up
lessons promised with the first lesson. Their trust was in God
to provide for this fledgling ministry. The vast ministry of SLM,
which reaches around the world, began with their vision.
Charles will be greatly missed by family and friends. He was
loved and honored far and wide for his service for our Lord.
14
by Rosina Brandon
“Apples, pears!” the leader hollered out. Individuals with those titles hastily
exchanged seats. Other fruit names were shouted, as the game went on. We
sat on the edge of our seats, not knowing when we would hear “Upset the Fruit
Basket!” Then everyone scrambled to reach their destination. No one wanted to
be left standing with no place to sit. What fond memories of days gone by!
Walking through our Madison Discipleship
School (MDS) one day, I noticed new desk chairs
in various stages of assembly. Offices were being
changed around; everything was in disarray.
Someone had “upset the fruit basket!”
I saw him outside a cubicle down near the floor,
with a tape measure in his hand. It was the new
director for MDS, Robert (Bob) Hearing. He and
his wife, Wanda, came to us from Warrenton,
Missouri. Something good is about to happen in
that department!
Bob was saved at the age of twelve and understood,
through 2 Timothy 2:15, the importance of
studying God’s Word. He was faithful in church
and Bible study, and later attended Philadelphia
Bible Institute, graduating in 1953. He went on
to Bryan College where he earned a BA degree in
Christian Education. He comes to us with expertise
in working with adults and children alike.
Understanding a child’s heart comes from Wanda’s own personal experience,
for she realized, when but a little girl, her need to be saved.
We are thankful for God’s direction in leading Bob and Wanda here. They have
worked with CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship) for many years; the last eight
years, Bob served as Director of the CEF Mailbox Club. Their experience in
ministry will be an asset to SLM International.
The Lord has required us to bear much fruit. May He enable the Madison
Discipleship School to “fill a basket,” full to overflowing!
15

Britney Cross was 17 when she
first learned of Source of Light
Ministries International’s new
apprenticeship program, Extreme
Assignment.
Immediately, she heard God
calling. “As soon as Dr. (Bill) Shade
told me about it, I was committed,”
she said.
After graduating from high
school, the Pennsylvania native
headed south to enroll in the year-
long program, Extreme Assignment,
to learn what it takes to fulfill the
Great Commission, Go ye into all
the world, and preach the gospel to
every creature.
Britney and the other young
apprentice have taken a radical step
to be part of a team that produces and
distributes more than eight million
Bible lessons a year, disciples more
than a million new believers, and
16
by Judy A. Strausbaugh
sees an average of 27,000
people a year give their hearts
to Jesus Christ.
Extreme Assignment is the brain-
child of Dr. Shade, Director of SLM,
who has a background in founding
Christian outreach programs for
teens and young adults. SLM
headquarters in Madison,
Georgia, is the perfect place for
a mission-focused apprentice
program. Dr. Shade said, “Our
staff at SLM represents many
years of dedicated service on
many continents. The combined
experience they represent is
staggering, and it is their joy to
share that wisdom and experience
with those who are stepping
forward to take up the torch.”
Through hands-on application, the
apprentices are taught practical skills in
alternative media, pre-press, printing
and bindery, computer technology,
operations management, discipleship
training, and cross-cultural living. The
students also participate in a missions
trip to a foreign country. This spring,
the 2008 class will spend time in
Jamaica, where they will serve God
alongside the nationals.
Britney feels the Lord’s call to
work with children. The oldest of
four siblings, Britney has a desire
to serve wherever the Lord calls.
Currently, she is fulfilling her
vocational training in SLM’s Order
Department.
Adam Oakley, also of
Pennsylvania, spends his after-
noons in the IT Department. A
self-proclaimed computer geek,
Adam, 18, has a fresh vision for
the technological direction SLM
can go in distributing Bible lessons
and God’s Word around the world.
He and his twin brother, Jeff, were
actively involved in their high
school’s multi-media programs.
Already, SLM staff has come to
depend on him to solve random
technological glitches that might
hinder their mission.
The top priority with Extreme
Assignment is the study of God’s
Word. The apprentice digs into
course study where he can grow
in Biblical knowledge and show
himself approved unto God, a
workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word
of truth. Because of the fast-track
nature of Extreme Assignment, each
student is given the opportunity
to receive an associates degree in
Christian ministry and earn other
college-level credits in just one
year.
17
A mentor program also helps the
students grow in grace and character
as they apply Biblical truth to their
lives in a loving and encourag-
ing home environment. Judy A.
Strausbaugh, 52, is coordinator of
Extreme Assignment. A newspaper
journalist in Pennsylvania for 25
years, Judy answered God’s call to
begin work at SLM soon after the
death of her husband, Jeff. She has
four grown children, and she and
her husband were host parents and
mentors to a number of international
exchange students over the past 15
years. Judy has continued in the
foreign-exchange program with
ASSE International, and SLM’s
student home hosts Seung Hun
Jeon, 16, of South Korea, and Ana
R. Costa, 17, of Portugal.
The foreign roommates expose
the SLM apprentices to cross-
cultural living in preparation for
life as a missionary.
Extreme Assignment begins
its 2008-09 year in September.
A program application is available
to anyone who is serious about his
walk with God, and who is ready to
be challenged and stretched in new
ways.
To learn ways to support this
faith initiative, or to request an
Extreme Assignment information
and application packet, call
SLM at 800-776-1207, or e-mail
apprentice@sourcelight.org. For
information on SLM’s mission,
vision, and statement of faith, visit
www.sourcelight.org.

by Rev. Chris S. Hodges
President, Abiding Above Ministries
It was a special day in my life. Little
did I know what it would lead to as
I walked to my mailbox, looked
in, and found a simple Bible study
lesson written by Mr. George Eager.
I was in seminary and living above
the study of a great preacher of the
gospel, Dr. Stephen F. Olford. But,
what I was to discover in this Bible-
study series would transform the
way I viewed God and how He views
me. I turned the page one day in the
lesson booklet and saw a picture of
two crosses. One cross had Jesus on
it that said, “Christ Died for Us.”
The other cross showed a young
man hanging on it with Jesus. It was
then I learned that we, as Christians,
have been crucified with Christ
(Galatians 2:20).
I did not read the lesson when I first
saw the picture. I somehow knew
I was about to learn something
very special. So, I left my desk,
stretched out on the floor, and
started weeping with tears of joy,
thanking God for what He was
about to show me.
I went back to my desk and my
eyes fell upon these words in the
lesson, “When God saved us, He
put us in Christ on the cross. What
happened to Christ happened also
to us because we were in Christ.
18
When He
was crucified,
we were
crucified
with Him;
when He
died, we died
with Him, Chris Hodges preaching
and when
He rose again, we rose again with
Him. The Apostle Paul said, I am
crucified with Christ. What was
true of the Apostle Paul is also true
of us as Christians. Christ died for
us, and we died with Him.”
When I began to see myself the
way God sees me, perfect in Christ,
my mind began to be renewed,
which affected my actions and
my feelings. This caused my
personality to change. Instead of
looking to people for approval and
my social status for significance,
I found that I was approved and
accepted by God, and there lies
my significance.
My friend, if you are a child of
God, this is true of you even if it is
hard for you to believe. Remember,
For as he thinketh in his heart, so
is he (Proverbs 23:7).
So many things could be shared
with you as a result of the
transforming work of God in my
life. I have served as Minister of the seed money to make this God-
Pastoral Care with Dr. Adrian given dream come true! That started
Rogers at the 29,000-member something we will never forget!
Bellevue Baptist Church; and I
founded Abiding Above Ministries Haile and I met together and he
where I serve today, sharing the asked me to pray about holding a
Gospel of Jesus Christ with every crusade in Ethiopia. God put it on
person, encouraging spiritual our hearts to follow through and
growth in every believer by the as a result, we had 89,000 attend
power of the Holy Spirit and to the our first crusade with thousands
glory of God. praying to receive Jesus Christ!
Haile, with a limited budget and
My good friend, George Eager, volunteers, did a wonderful job
introduced me to Jack Stiles, an organizing the entire crusade.
Associate Missionary with Source
of Light Ministries. Jack and I have I have shared my story with you,
ministered together in Kenya, Africa, hoping it will inspire you to enroll
preaching in high schools, conducting in the Bible lessons with Source of
a large youth rally, and holding a Light. I promise if you will read
Pastor’s Con- the lessons,
ference. We along with
have enjoyed your Bible,
great success and apply each
together in new principle
ministry. One you learn, you
morning at will begin to
breakfast, Jack live the best
told me about life, now!
an Ethiopian
bu s i n e s s m a n I also want
in Atlanta, to thank all
Georgia, named Chris Hodges and Haileselassie Tefera during of you who
Haileselassie the camplaign support Source
Tefera. God had put it on his heart of Light! My story is just one of
to sell all that he had and go back hundreds that can be shared of
to his country and share Jesus with what God is doing all over the
them. Later, Haile shared his vision world as a result of your prayers
with me, to build a Christian school and financial support. May God
and a Christian training center. The bless you and make you a blessing
President of Ethiopia has made land as you continue to walk along with
available for this and Source of Light Him Who is your Life!
Ministries has graciously given
19

by Billie Will
I have a little flower pot on
my desk that says “The Lord Will
Provide.” We have a new staff
member, Judy Strausbaugh, and
there is no doubt the Lord has
provided in her life and in the life
of SLM through her.
Judy is a vivacious extrovert
who has come to be “MOM”
to the Extreme Assignment
students in their year of study
here in Madison.
Judy came to us with excellent
qualifications to do the job.
She loves teens . . . and is not
intimidated by them. God has led
her through some deep waters in
recent days that will only cement
and forge the things she wants
to teach these young people as
they live together.
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God led her through twenty-
five years as a newspaper writer.
She and her husband, Jeff,
besides raising their four children,
looked beyond themselves and
agreed to take on more than
twelve exchange students from
around the world over a thirteen-
year period. Most came for a
year. Several left as born again
Christians. This past July, God
saw fit to take Jeff home. In her
hours of sorrow and grief, God
was preparing and providing the
perfect place for Judy.
An e-mail “just happened” to
cross her desk, expressing a need
for a mature Christian woman to
serve as a house mother for the
Extreme Assignment of SLM. The
prerequisite for the job fit Judy
exactly. In complete faith, Judy
came to Madison to check out
this possibility. Her thoughts of
her ability to do the task required
was negative . . . until she saw
the house for the Extreme
Assignment students. When she
walked through the front door,
she knew she was home.
We here at SLM have no
doubt that the Lord has provided
the right person for this task.
She has become “MOM” again to
more teens. We are so thankful
for God’s provision.
* As the Lord
provides funds and work teams,
renovations of the Headquarters
building will be done. This includes
construction of offices upstairs and
renovating the offices downstairs.
Much wisdom is needed to keep the
work functioning as this all takes place.
* After a period of deputation in the
U. S., Pablo and Dalila Correa are back
in their homeland of Peru, excitedly
working there with plans to expand the
ministry. Additional financial support is
needed, so pray that God will provide
as they minister in this needy country.
* Competent readers and funds
are needed for the Mega Voice project.
These are inexpensive, small devices
capable of holding 80-160 hours of
material that cannot be changed. Our
lessons can be recorded in the various
languages, along with Scripture, to be
distributed in Third World countries,
that will reach those who do not have
the Bible in their language, or are
unable to read it for themselves.
* Pray for the young people God
will send us in the summer as Interns
and in the fall as Apprentices. This
Extreme Assignment program gives
young people hands-on missionary
experience in addition to studying the
Word of God at the same time.
* Continue to pray for those in Pre-
Field ministry to soon have their needs
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met and join the ministry full-time. More
applicants are needed to fill the shoes
of some of our aging staff members.
* The Lord directed
Bob and Wanda Hearing to come here
to serve in our Madison Discipleship
School. Bob’s leadership is resulting
in increased enrollment. Joe and Nita
Certain have also come to minister in
that department where Joe counsels
with many of the thousands of inmates.
* Praise the Lord that each of
our Apprentices had cross cultural
opportunities to witness at the Dix
Lodge where they are living. Two foreign
exchange students have joined them
there, and Adam led Seung Hun, from
Korea, and Britney led Ana, from Portugal,
to the Lord. What great opportunities they
are now having to disciple them.
* PhilSOL, Philippine Source of
Light directed by Dr. Lucy Nacionales,
was given a commendation by the
Bureau of Corrections Superintendent
for the change he has seen in the moral
and spiritual lives of inmates since they
have had PhilSOL ministry in the prison.
* Cristian Oprea, Director of SLM-
Romania, is grateful for an increased
enrollment in the courses and for
a number of salvation decisions.
Angel Gragu is a new worker in that
department. Additional translations are
being done and God’s Great Salvation
in Romanian is ready to print.

Gifts received in memory of:
Stewart Anderson by Mrs. Dorothy M. Anderson
Vernon Babb by Mrs. Melissa Babb
David Bunt by Mr. & Mrs. Joe Jenkins
Jackie Estes by Ms. Ella Margaret Estes
Robert C. Herrington — Mrs. Marjorie I. Hall
Norman Hirschy by Mrs. Berdine B. Hirschy
Alfa & Fannie Ingalsbe by Mrs. Melissa Babb
Mary Isbill by Mrs. Mary Esther Messmore
Mrs. Estelle B. Slaughter
Mr. & Mrs. Glen Ward, Jr.
Sarah Moorhead — Anonymous Gift
John Ourednik — Mrs. Patricia A. Ourednik
Helen Peaco by Mr. & Mrs Harry W. Bennett
Child Protection Agency
Miss Florence Houck
Mr. Charles A. Hutchinson
Mr. & Mrs. Charles E. Will enable you to detect a need for a change.
Mr. Michael Will
Mary Samson — Mr. Douglas R. Samson
Bill & Julia Scifres by Mrs. Carole Schwab
Charles Taylor by Mr. & Mrs. Edward W. Sansom
Edith Treat by Mr. & Mrs. William E. Treat
George Webster by Mr. & Mrs. Larry P. Leutzinger
Gifts received in honor of:
Justin Dick by Mrs. Annette Dick
Ron & Sherry Dick by Mrs. Annette Dick
Stan & Joni Fast by Mrs. Annette Dick
Andrew & Heather Gosen by Mrs. Annette Dick
Julia Gosen by Mrs. Annette Dick
Leroy & Marlene Harder by Mrs. Annette Dick
Andrew and Jessica Wehrli by Mrs. Annette Dick
22
A LESSON FROM OL’ RIP
Washington Irving’s famous tale, of
the man that slept for twenty years
and found the world quite different
when he awoke, ought to remind us
that things change drastically in a
relatively short time.
So decisions made twenty years,
or even ten years ago, are often
not the decisions we would make
today. That can particularly be true
in regard to your Will.
SHOULD YOU REVIEW YOUR
PRESENT WILL?
Listed below are several questions that will
1. Have those receiving outright
gifts in my Will shown
themselves to be unable or
unstable to manage those
gifts, or should I consider the
protection of a trust?
2. Should the amounts of any
gifts be increased or reduced
because of changes of the
needs in any designated
beneficiaries?
3. Has any article mentioned in
my Will been disposed of?
4. Does my Will take full advantage
of tax savings?
Part 8
5. Have I acquired any new
property or possessions that
should be included in my Will?
6. Are there any changes in the
witnesses to my Will? (Have
they moved out of state, or are
they deceased?)
7. What is the present status
and value of my life insurance,
investments, business, etc.?
If any of the above describe your
situation, it’s time to review your
Will. One final question: Will your
Will accomplish what you want it to
for the Kingdom of God? Or to ask it
another way, Is your Will according
to His will?
A Will protects you! As a responsible
steward of what God has given
you, I want to urge you to take this
step immediately. If you have not
reviewed your Will in the past five
years, I would urge you to do so now.
You can also learn creative ways
of saving money while providing
for God’s work by calling 1-800-
776-1207, or e-mailing rwalker@
sourcelight.org. Don’t wait – contact
us today. We will gladly answer your
questions without cost or obligation
and all information will be kept in
strictest confidence.
 Source of Light Ministries International
reaches the people of the world
through Christ-centered and time-tested materials
which result in evangelism, discipleship,
and church planting.

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MADISON, GA
Permit No. 33
Organization

PAID
Nonprofit
The
Reaper
Spring 2008

Providing the Tools to Finish the Task

SLM International
1011 Mission Road
Madison, Georgia 30650
Phone: 706.342.0397
Fax: 706.342.9072
E-mail: slm@sourcelight.org
Web Site: www.sourcelight.org

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