| The Chronicles of ShadeTree Ministries, Inc. a FAITH Ministry November, 2001 Volume 6 Issue 5 My dear friends, co-laborers for Christ's sake, Proverbs 18:24a says "A man that hath friends must (and that is an imperative) shew himself friendly..." well, y'all are truly friends, and 'helpers' in the advancement of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Our Messiah. I MUST share, with all of you, my friends, some of the things that have happened in this year, that is so fast growing to a close. Each of you having received our Ministry Newsletter may recall some of the events, but I will attempt to recap a few of them here, in any case. To start off with, we must share that our family is in relatively stable, if not good health (and, NO, we haven't starved yet, as was feared by some). We (each of us) are as eager for the ministry that God has called each of us to, as we were at the beginning, PTL. Oooh yes, the children are growing, definitely in the Lord, but also in personality, character, stature, and in height (Christine is up to her Mom's (Debbie's) height as is 'lil Melissa. And David-Joseph has surpassed me in height, now 6'1"+, and John -Paul as now attained 6'5"(Holy Moses 6'5") I sound like a proud Dad, don't I? Well I am, and I owe it all to God. And do the children ever enjoy serving. Christine is now in her Sophomore year at Lee University, taking 'Broadcast Journalism', and John-Paul is preparing to go to Lee as well, only he intends to study 'The Law'. Both Christine and John-Paul are looking for 'scholarships' and each have good 'grades' to back them up. PRAY. Meanwhile, David-Joseph and Melissa both attend Horizon Christian Academy in Cumming, GA which has been partially paid for by one of our wonderful and dedicated supporters (one of y'all). Up until this point David-Joseph and Melissa had been 'homeschooled', but both Bill and (really) Deb were no longer able to 'carry' that chore. And all but Melissa (who is looking forward to the opportunity) have been through their own individual 'Vida Nueva' (the youth Tres Dias) weekend, and have served on others as well. In the aftermath of the horrific tragedy of the WTC demolition and the continuing terrorist activity the health scares that still exist. During these times we have been blessed to witness to more people as they have come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. More this year than any other for this Ministry. There have been many that have rededicate their lives to His service, and others that have 'discovered, for the first time', HIM working in their lives. The BIBLE has said, that "Obedience is better than sacrifice". The number of those decisions made through the ministry of ShadeTree Ministries is now nearing 700 'Souls' in these past seven years. This past Sunday I was 'blessed' to be able to 'talk' to two people in The Rehab unit at North Fulton Regional Hospital, where twice a month my ministry is 'allowed' to speak. One of those present was an elderly lady by the name of 'Gladys'. When I was 'prompted' to ask where it was she 'thought' she was going, her response was: "Heaven." When I asked her why, she said, "Because I am a good person." My response was, "The only goodness that has anything to do with it, is GOD's goodness." To which she replied, "Well I know Jesus." I responded with, "Even those in hell know Jesus. But do you really want to KNOW HIM?" Her response was an unequivocal, "YES." I pointed out that it was only because of the sacrifice of 'blood' from GOD's HOLY LAMB that allowed 'one' access into Heaven. We prayed and I was able to point out the WAY, the TRUTH and now Ms. Gladys now is a subscriber and her name is in the Book of LIFE. Praise HIM. There are times where we have been privileged (indeed honored) to be present at the 'home-going' of some 136 people (many of them Saints). And to comfort their families; some were expected, while for others it was quite sudden and unfortunate. These latter families, received no less comfort, understanding and compassion in the midst of their grief and sorrow, they were not condemned, nor were they chastised for their lack of spiritual awareness, yet they received GOD's Word and His compassion as best and as sensitively as it could be ministered under their particular circumstance. Just a few weeks ago, we had the privilege of standing beside a dear FRIEND, moments after he had 'passed'. And within the last few minutes as well as the preceding hours of Norman's life he was testifying of God's absolute goodness, as Norman always did. I shall miss my friend, my companion, my lunch mate. No matter the 'problem' nothing seemed too large, Norman would never hesitate; you could count upon Norman Levine. I also had the privilege of speaking (along with relatives and a Rabbi) at Norman's funeral, one of over fifty wherein I have spoken, in the last seven years. Yes, I am slowing down. But experiencing God and doing His Good pleasure, is always a challenge for each of our lives. Is it easy? No..., one could not say it is easy; II Corinthians 6:10 says it rather well "...having nothing, yet possessing ALL things." That we have come through these trials and tribulation is more evidence of His Sovereignty at work in our lives. We have, and are continuing to, experience His mercy, His Grace and His compassion as well as His forgiveness for the times when we have 'missed it.' We continue to be blessed by your faithfulness; faithfulness in your prayers for us and your faithfulness, in contributing to our ministry. As you all faithfully remember us in your prayers, let me cite for you several examples of other friends that do remember us during these times: * One couple contributes monthly towards our ongoing expenses as well as praying for us daily; * There is a trucker friend (whom we were able to see come to the Saving knowledge of Jesus) who contributes when he is able, and he and his daughters pray for us. * Then there is a Dentist, a fine man who enables yours truly to keep his teeth in working order; * A Barber friend, a very dear Brother, who faithfully contributes each month (and NO he does not cut my hair); * Another woman, in her 80's, (a Jewess who has had a great influence, and whom has impacted my life deeply) is diligent to see Gods best for us; * A man in the transportation industry has helped us immensely by his 'straight talk' as well as his gifts to the ministry; * A dear brother and sister (He a well-known actor and She, an accompished writer-Books as well as screen-plays) pray for us and contribute monthly; * An insurance agent and his wife have helped us become more focused and give as they are able; * Old friends (not literally), he Produces cartoons and lives in Korea, continue to pray for us and have been regular contributors. * A dear Pastor friend (our family Pastor, from years ago) has honored us by his gifts as well as by his leadership and teachings; * An Automobile/Truck Dealer continues to be a blessing; as well as do his Service Department. * An Evangelist and Marriage Minister remembers us in prayer and assists us in the ministry, helping as they are able. * A wonderful Godly woman in her 80's (the mother of another friend, a friend of ours in her own right) sends us 'love gift' as able; Through our mailing ministry we touch people in various parts of the U.S. and throughout the world. We pray each morning, for each that receive these messages. Wherever you are, and whatever your 'calling' is (and it doesn't have to be glamorous), please know that 'GOD is able' to use you, your availability is what is important, it is said that we must "bloom where we are planted" in order that we each come to be a sweet aroma to our Father God, He IS worthy...in spite of us. We have been richly blessed by having friends like you, your prayers, guidance and financial support are critical to our being able to maintain. Many of you know that I have traveled extensively and have made friends throughout the world; in my travels I have had the immense gratification of having shared my faith anywhere He guides and with everyone and ANYONE HE leads us to 'minister' HIS Love too. In short, we have been open to what God has for us and will continue to be open to His guidance, His leading, He hasn't steered us anywhere else but on a course of His direction and for His purpose, even though we may not have recognized it, at the time. It always will, and must, be a "relationship" and never religion that keeps us close to him. It is simply obedience. About support, and being "Charasmatic" we are reminded of what the half-brother of Jesus said in James 2:15-17. To our minds (as best we understand it) that word 'Charismatic' (a Greek adjective, from the noun 'Charisma') simply means: "Filled with the Power of the Holy Ghost and operating under His influence to see Gods best be made manifest in one's life." That (in the best of Christian vernacular) is what it is all about. And isn't that what we should all be operating in as Gods people? It seems that we are not either fully Pentecostal or fully Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian or Episcopal yet we are all of them, we are, simply put 'metha-bapti-costal-Jews', and 'on fire' ones at that. That there may be some, who do not know what to do with us is evident, yet we KNOW what we are to do for God, and we will endeavor to do it with all our strength and with all of our might. Many do know what to do, however, and from time to time we have been able to participate with several Pastors, Teachers, Prophets and Evangelists, that represent any number of other Churches, and to us, that is much needed affirmation of our work. BE ASSURED; just look unto the fields, they are "...white unto harvest". You, are our brothers and our sisters. The Book of Amos 3:3 says: "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?", you have agreed with us and we hold that covenant with you; for Matthew 18:19KJV says, "...that if (any) two of you SHALL agree on earth as touching ANY THING that they shall ask, it SHALL be done for them of my Father which is in heaven", and we have agreed about our ongoing ministry. For our well-being, we thank you sincerely, for affirming us. Please pray about how you may be able to assist ShadeTree Ministries, Inc., during these times, as we continue to do as He would have us do. We look forward to a better year ahead through all who hear HIS call to help. We share our financial needs only (and purely) as a point of prayer, for God knows our needs without our resorting to begging and/or pleading and definitely without pressure on any of you. In this regard you might want to read I Corinthians 4:7. As we began this epistle, we shall also close with the same scripture, Proverbs 18:24, as it goes on to say "...and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." It is describing our Lord Jesus Christ; as the song says "...trust and obey, for there is NO other way." Friends...we are here to say, that He has never failed us. Always, and in ALL ways; continuing as, your friends, The Braden Family Bill, Debora, Christine,John-Paul,David-Joseph,Melissa ShadeTree Ministries, Inc. (a not for Profit Georgia, USA, Corporation) c/o 3245 Old Evergreen Way, Alpharetta, Georgia 30022 Telephone: (770) 442-5652 Fax: (770) 410-7733 An OLDE Southern Pulpit Story: A Pastor is speaking to his FLOCK , "I have GOOD news and I have BAD news. First the GOOD news: We have enough money to build our new Church. Now the BAD news: the money is still in y'alls pockets" This same JESUS...shall so come....Acts 1:10, 11 And HE IS coming soon, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help." Psalm 121:1 |