“You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the Name of the Lord your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you: And my people shall never be put to shame.”

October 2005

Dear Friend,

Trusting that all is well with you and your loved ones. We are enjoying a new season at Christian Hope Network. God is doing such wonderful things! On October 2^nd, churches throughout the world will be praying for the peace of Jerusalem. We look forward to seeing how God answers all these prayers! It was a blessing to be a part of this outreach under Eagles Wings ministry. We look forward now to our next assignment from the Lord! This month begins our monthly “ Good Shepherd Bereavement Support Group” at our office location. We are also continuing our “Coffee Break for Caregivers Support Group” which will take place an hour before the bereavement group each month. If you are interested in joining a group, or want more information, please call 1.718.745.1003!

Our Hope Connection Crisis Helpline has been extremely busy with calls from people who need someone to talk to. The time around September 11^th is always a crucial time, as our country is on alert and so much talk goes on about terrorism. Your partnership and prayers help to support this personal ministry, one to one, encouraging and supporting people both spiritually and practically. Thank you!

Can you believe that fall is here already? How fast the time goes! I love this time of year, when the air begins to get crisp, and the leaves from the trees begin to change. The brilliant colors of autumn always fascinate me, they are so vibrant, and seem so alive! It is so peaceful to gaze at an autumn scene, and take in all the beauty. As we breathe in this fresh autumn air, and enjoy the color, nature is, however, reminding us of different seasons in our life. When we go through the hard times, God reminds us that He is there to see us through, and that there are new beginnings.

We read in Joel Chapter 2 how the Lord is zealous for His land, and promises to send grain and new wine and oil. What is concerning you right now? Do you need a special touch from God? Take a few minutes right now, to just relax, and concentrate on Him. Think of His promises written in His Word, and how He promises relief and blessings where both spiritual and physical needs will be met. Sometimes we can get so caught up in our problems that we forget His promises, and what He desires for us to have! We think of times past when we failed, or missed what God wanted to do in our life and think that there is no use, our times are past, and our future cannot be what it was meant to be! But that is not what God says! He says that we can begin again! He says that we need to turn our eyes outward and upward towards our Loving Father! The wonderful thing about God’s grace is that it is ongoing! “Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more” (Romans 5:20).

The prophet Joel brought an inspiring message of hope of new beginnings. It is God’s delight to give his failing children a chance to start all over again! He says “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the Name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you.” Then He says, get this now, and soak it up! “And My people will never be put to shame.” (Joel 2:26) God is so strong about this, that in verse 27 He repeats “My people will never be put to shame.” Wow! When God repeats something, He is trying to get into our spirit and soul His intentions for us!

After telling us this, God goes on to say that His Spirit will be poured out on all flesh, our sons and daughters will prophesy, old men will dream dreams, and young men will see visions. He says He will pour out His Spirit on all menservants and maidservants.(vs. 28,29) All signs and wonders are part of God’s unchanging nature and working! Peter told the people “Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38) Then he goes on to say how this promise is for us and for our children in Vs. 39.

Therefore, let us take hold of the promises given to us, written in God’s Word, the Bible. He is speaking to us today! He is telling us that there are new beginnings, and that He is there to forgive us, cleanse us, renew us, and give back to us all that was taken from us by the enemy. We who believe, will never be put to shame! We have the Holy Spirit to help guide us, teach us, give us wisdom and direction, and encourage us. He is our Helper, our Friend, and our Guide. He will never leave us or forsake us. He is there to fill us with His Gifts, His anointing, and not only to restore us, but to bring us to a newer, stronger, fresher relationship with Jesus Christ! If we call upon Him, He will refresh us and see to it that we receive all that we need to live the Christian life, and go on to the things God has called us to do. We can begin now, today, right at this moment!!

Let us take a few minutes right now, to repent of any sin in our life, and ask God to forgive us. The power in the Blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. Through the Blood of the lamb, we are made righteous as though we have never sinned. Let us ask Jesus to send His Holy Spirit to renew and strengthen us in our walk with Him. Let us turn ourselves over to the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, and receive all that He has to give us. Let us rise up and confess with our mouth the wonderful Glory of God, and give Him praise for all that He is, and for all that He has done! Glory!

God bless you,

Rev. Dr. Barbara Anne Yovino

Vice-President