May 7, 2009
Dear Family and Friends,
| | | | Tara, Rob, and Maddy enjoying the Texas bluebonnets | | A big part of our ministry is equipping Christians in understanding Mormonism and how non-Christian it really is. Last month Tara corresponded with a Christian gal who has been considering joining Mormonism. This gal has not been getting the full story from her LDS family as to what Mormonism really teaches. I also had dinner with a friend from church, who was dating an LDS gal.
Another big part of our ministry is reaching out to those dealing with divorce. Tara, Maddy, and I just completed our second 13 week session leading a Divorce Care group. It is amazing to see the change that many in our group have undergone. One of the things we like to do in starting off our sessions is to go around and share not only a low for the week, but also a high. This forces the group to not wallow in the negative. Life is more than a sum of negative things. There are always positive things going on, and we need to be aware and thankful for all that God is doing in our lives. James 1:17 says, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above.”
A couple new items posted to MormonInfo.org: Elder B’s testimony (see how YouTube videos played a role in bringing this individual out of Mormonism) and an FAQ on Jesus’ negation of marriage in the afterlife (this was written in response to an LDS blog on the myth that polygamy resulted from too few men crossing the plains).
As for our townhome, we had a number of showings when we first listed it. Then we went a whole month without any showings. But for the last few weeks, we’ve had at least one showing per week. We need to sell our place before we can move to Utah, but we also need to continue raising our monthly support.
Last month was good for us financially, but we need to have this continue every month before we can move. Would you please take some time to seek the Lord on how you can best invest in this ministry? For those of you led to financially partner with us, please send in a tax-deductible investment today. If everyone reading this simply gave $25 per month, we would have no problem being at 100% of what we need. We have a secure electronic funds transfers program available if you are interested in the simplicity of monthly withdrawals without the stamp. Finally, if you are interested in taking advantage of tax-free stock donations (e.g., an IRA rollover to CCU), we can also help you with that. This will help you avoid capital gains taxes. Please see our "Invest" page for all the details of how you can partner with us financially.
Thank you so much for your concern, financial investments, and prayers for this ministry, and for those trapped by false religions and philosophies.
Rob Sivulka
President, Courageous Christians United
[email protected]
MormonInfo.org
JWInfo.org
****PRAYER REQUESTS****
1. For our townhome to sell soon
2. For my book I’m writing
3. For more fundraisers
****MAILBAG****
God's got you man, of this I'm sure. In my own life, I've seen Him do some wild things with finances, real estate, etc. Things that made my jaw hit the floor. I'll pray He moves the same way with you and the fam.
Keep rocking brother, you're an inspiring man of God who I admire and feel honored to be related to. There are a handful of people in this life who are my heroes. You are included in there Rob.
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there exist so many religions in this world that contradict or disregard the bible. Mormonism actually accepts the bible and uses it in conjunction to other scriptures. Mormons accept Jesus Christ as their savor. If your ministry is to Jesus and the planet is yet filled with billions of non believers who have not accepted Christ (which the Mormons have always done, it is the center of there beliefs.). Why would you find it necessary to devote so much work and time to this cause? Would your time not be better spent teaching others about Christ? What is the real truth about your contention with the Mormon faith? Please doesn't answer me with the masterful alibis your high intellect can easily formulate to entice any listener. Reach a little deeper, inside the heart where all truths really reside. I wish only to interact in truthful and honest dialogue if at all this is possible.
[I responded:] Of course other religions contradict the Bible or disregard the Bible. For Mormons, the Bible is the word of God only as it is translated correctly (8th Article of Faith). Evidently, it was not translated very well since Joseph Smith's translation (JST) is quite a bit different from all other versions (also cf. 1 Nephi 13:23-42 where the Bible is corrupted after the founding 12 apostles). Nonetheless, LDS use the King James Version. LDS also have three other books of Scripture--the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price (cf. 2 Nephi 29:3-14). Joseph Smith taught that only LDS believe the Bible and "all other sects believe their interpretations of the Bible, and their creeds" (History of the Church 3:28).
We hold that the Mormon Church is teaching a false Christ, and Jesus told us to beware of false Christs as well as false prophets (Mt. 24:24). For more info, see the differences on the home page chart of MormonInfo.org. Many people who used to be Mormons have found this to be true and have come to follow the much more powerful Christ of the Bible (see some testimonies HERE).
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Rob I have a question for you. I hope it isn’t too naïve on my part. Please let me know your observations. Is it possible that there are some Mormons that are clueless as to their real teachings, ie you are gods, God was once a man like you or I, etc.? In other words. The deeper very obviously heretical teachings are hid from most of their people and instead they actually believe they are just Christians who believe in the Jesus of the Bible for salvation?
[I responded:] Sure it's possible, and I think it's actual that there are some that have no clue about what LDS really think. I've met some. Having said that, most LDS are fully aware that God's literally their human Father in heaven and has many wives, and we can grow up to become just like Him for our own worlds. You really must watch THIS.
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I was just on your site and I am a little confused by the Events section as it lists both Mormon related events and ex-Mormon related events? Am I correct in understanding that this sites intended purpose is to help those who are making the decision to leave Mormonism in favor of the Truth? Thank you for taking the time to read my inquiry. (In case you're wondering, I am not nor have I ever been Mormon. I do however, have several friends who are and I am researching in hopes that I may better reach them).
[I responded:] Yes, I can see how that looks a little confusing. I list LDS events since my site is an "Info" site. Everyone--LDS or not--can go to these to learn more about Mormonism. Further, the LDS events are great opportunities for Christians like myself to take advantage of evangelism to the Mormons. Thanks for your inquiry!
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I was just talking about you a few days ago. We had recently moved, and a couple of missionaries stopped by for a chat. I invited them in, and the conversation drifted to Christian hatred of Mormons. Of course, they mentioned those Christians who gather outside the temple with signs, to which I said that I have a friend who ministers in that way. I was disappointed that only one knew your name.
What turned it all around is when I asked them if they REALLY cared about those with whom they spoke. They didn't quite get it, but then I mentioned that your ministry is indeed an act of love. They started to scoff, until I mentioned that if Christians REALLY didn't care about them, they would not bother to share the truth with them. It would be so much easier, and much more hateful, to simply do nothing at all.
That usually gets a pause, but this time the missionaries had no comeback, nothing at all. I invited them to come back, but I'll bet someone in ward leadership will warn them off from returning. …God bless you and the family, my friend, and Lord willing, we'll find you back in Utah this summer!
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Thanks again, Tara and Rob. I am so grateful to both of you and the entire DivorceCare program. I was so proud last night when [another] said he could see my transformation. I have felt it too - I know I have not completed the healing process, but I definitely feel that I have progressed, especially over the last 2 weeks with forgiveness and reconciliation. And… it is all through the grace of God. Thank you for your love and your compassion through all of this. You have both been such an example of Christian love, and you have given me hope that I will be OK. I am not going to let this divorce define me.
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