enjoying

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september/october

l i f e

2012

on wheels
pa g e 1 4

hope

for the Best?

pa g e 1 8

ARe YoU PRePAReD

Workday?
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A chilDs tYPicAl

matter
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your words

Share the Gospel

Feed the Hungry

Rescue Victims of Human Trafcking

Give Orphans a Home

Help Hurting People

Rebuild Lives

If it had not been for this ministry; if it had not been for Joyce being on my television saying, You can work through this, I dont know where Id be right now. I was going through a tremendously horric time. But I knew if I could just physically, emotionally and mentally get through it, God would take care of me. And when I did get through it, I knew God wanted me to give back.

Ive been a partner for 10 years now. Its my way of helping reach people in dark places like where I found myself at one point in my life. When I felt like I had nothing to hold on to but Joyce on that TV screen, God was using her to speak to me.

I TRULY BELIEVE THAT IN MY

A

HEART. C athy Hamilton, labama

Scan this code to learn more about Cathys testimony, or go to joycemeyer.org/partnerstories.

GIVE FROM YOUR HEART. Help change lives through partnership.

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2012 joycemeyer.org

Partners like Cathy are making a difference in peoples lives. Join our family of partners to help others nd hope and healing in Christ, because together we can share the Gospel with millions every day and do our part to ease human suffering on a global scale.

VO LU M E 26

No 6
SE P/ OC T

Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!
Proverbs 15:23 NLT

2012

10 18 22

14

Contents
10 Your Words and Your Life
By Joyce Meyer
Learn how to choose thoughts and words that will help transform your life.

14 Hope on Wheels
By Kyle Rogers
Mobile outreach centers bring food, education, safety and God's love to children who spend their days working in the dumps of Phnom Penh.

6 9 27 28 30

PART NE RS TOGE THE R RE Al li fE PE RS PEcT i v ES GOdS wORd m A dE PE RSO N Al A lE T T E R TO OuR fRi E N dS Tv bROAdcAST Sc HEd u lE

18 Sowing Seeds of Greatness

By Joyce Meyer
You can have all God has for you. But first, learn a few lessons about cultivation, because good soil is a vital key.

22 Forced Child Labor: Life Inside a Sri Lankan Brick Factory

By Ginger Stache
You would expect a thirteen year old to go to school, hang out with friends, talk on the telephonenot work a ten-hour day in a factory.
THANK YOU! Every day our Partners help us Share Christ and Love People. Check out joycemeyer.org/annualreport to find out exactly how. To become a partner, see pg 2.

ENJOYING EVERYDAY LIFE joycemeyer.org

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT JOYCES CHILDRENS BOOK, EVERY WHICH WAY TO PRAY

From the Editor:

Welcome to the new look of Enjoying Everyday Life!
Were excited to give you something fresh and new along with the same inspiring and encouraging teaching from Joyce, along with other ministry news youve always found in our magazine. As we begin our something new, we want you to join us. We appreciate you and believe you have something to say that can encourage other readers. So in upcoming issues, we are going to share what our friends, like you, have to say about how God is working in their lives. Be sure to check it out, and dont be shy about letting us know whats on your mind. Thanks for encouraging others to enjoy their life in Christ!
SUSAN HUTCHISON, EDITOR

Christy McNeal My daughter LOVES this book and has it memorized at 3 years old! I love hearing her tell me that Jesus lives in her heart! Annie Sadecki I bought this book for my 41/2 year old daughter and she absolutely LOVED IT! After I nished, she shouted, 'Again, again, again!' Thank You Joyce for teaching the children too. God is amazing! Robin Therrien Got your new book for my daughter, and she loves it. Good job Joyce. We look forward to more!

WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY

If you've read Joyce's newest book, Change Your Words, Change Your Life, tell us what you think. How did God speak to your heart about the words you speak? facebook.com/joycemeyerministries @joycemeyer

Join the conversation! Follow us at facebook.com/joycemeyerministries.

Contributors

Enjoying Everyday Life is published by

Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc. , a nonprot corp oration, Fenton, MO USA 2012 Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc. Publications Agreement No. 41709522. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Enjoying Everyday Life has no subscription price and is supported through contributions worldwide. Because all Enjoying Everyday Life issues are preplanned, we are unable to accept unsolicited manuscripts. For more information or to order, call (636) 349-0303. Internet address: www.joycemeyer.org Enjoying Everyday Life is a registered trademark of Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc. [J] is also a registered trademark of Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc.

JOYCE MEYER is one of the worlds leading practical Bible teachers and travels the country and the world conducting conferences. She has written nearly 100 inspirational books and her Enjoying Everyday Life radio and television programs are broadcast all over the world.

DAVE MEYER is Joyces husband and Vice President of Joyce Meyer Ministries. His passion is to share about this countrys rich Christian heritage at conferences and motivate people to get involved by praying, learning about the issues, and taking action.

GINGER STACHE is an award-winning TV producer and Chief Media Ofcer of Joyce Meyer Ministries. She has traveled to many nations with her passion to help others and share the love of God with them.

KYLE ROGERS of Jyra Films captures stories of the least of these and brings them to life through video, photography and writing. He traveled to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, with Joyce Meyer Ministries, to report on Hand of Hope outreaches there.

All Bible references are from The Amplied Bible unless otherwise noted.

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2012 joycemeyer.org

Heart

STRAIGHT FROM THE

riends, do you have any idea just how powerful your words are? Our words make an enormous impact on our lives, as well as the lives of those we speak them to. I believe we can either help or hinder the direction of our day, a situation were facing or even our life, simply with the words we speak. The truth is, God is already doing the work of changing us; we just need to learn how to get into agreement with Him. And we can do that by rst learning what His Word says about us and then saying what His Word says about us! Confession is such a large portion of building and expressing our faith in God. We dont always necessarily feel what were saying at rst. But just continue to confess Gods Word over your life and see if you dont begin to feel better. Even if your situation doesnt change right away, at least youll begin to have a better attitude about it. Its the same with the words we speak to and about other people. Here at Joyce Meyer Ministries, we pray for our friends and partners every day. And we make it a point to speak positive things over their lives, families, work, or any specic requests they send us. We know God is not about overriding another persons will, but we do believe He will begin to orchestrate circumstances that could possibly bring about the beginning of a change in them. Begin to be more aware of the words you speak every day. Do a study on the impact of words. You could start with the Bible study page in this issue. Just remember, words are extremely powerful. And if you change your wordsyou can change your life!

if you change your words...you can change your life!

ENJOYING EVERYDAY LIFE joycemeyer.org

partners T O G E T H E R

GOD Time Among Friends

BE SPIRITUALLY REFRESHED AT A CONFERENCE THIS YEAR!
MANY PEOPLE experience the presence of God in powerful ways as He speaks to their hearts during praise and worship.

BY ANNE WILLIAMS

MANY PEOPLE COME TO JOYCES CONFERENCES for a weekend escape from everyday lifeso her goal has always been to send them home to their same set of circumstances with a fresh determination to enjoy everyday life. I want to give you the tools you need to live in victory, says Joyce. Its just not enough to get through life, because we can have everything Jesus died to give us if we will step out in faith and do what Gods Word tells us to do. Attending a conference is an amazing way to experience the practical, straightforward, biblical teaching Joyce is known for. At this years 30th Anniversary Womens Conference, thousands of women will gather in St. Louis to celebrate the hope theyve found in God. My experience at the womens conference was awe inspiring, said Jena from Indiana. Joyce has been a bright light to me during darkness and I am thankful for Mama Joyce every day. While the womens conference is an annual event just for the ladies, the rest of the year our conferences are open to both men and women.

Kenneth from California attended Joyces conference in Long Beach. The worship was great, he said. I loved the fact that we were allowed to go up close to the stage and sing our hearts out for Jesus. And the message Joyce shared was awesome. I learned not to be so quick to judge others when they do wrong but to have mercy because they may be going through some issues. I strongly recommend that everyone go to a Joyce Meyer conference because you will have a blast and leave there feeling changed. Whether you come to a conference wanting to know that God is real and He cares for youor you have a deep desire to be refreshed by the Holy Spirityou can be sure of one thing: God will speak to your heart. After attending Joyces conference in March, Kevin from Maryland felt like God gave him a new start. I came to the conference not quite sure what to expect and not sure where I was in my walk with the Lord. This conference has awakened the Holy Spirit in me. I am now on re for the Lord again just like I was when I rst accepted Jesus. Thank you for waking me up and recharging my spiritual life. Everyone needs time alone to connect with God on a personal level. But conferences are a great way to enjoy God time together. Invite someone specialshare the experience with a friend!

LEARN MORE about upcoming conferences, speaking engagements and international events, and sign up to volunteer with our conference team!

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2012 joycemeyer.org

PARTNER TESTIMONY Dear Joyce and Joyce Meyer Ministries, I am writing to thank you for all that youve done for me over the last fteen years in my life. Here I sit, in a hotel room in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, waiting to attend the last day of a power-packed conference on the mouth. This is my fourth conference and all of them have been life-changing! I started watching Joyce on television as a college student in 1997. Since then I have been married and have two children and am working hard as a school administrator in the public school system. When I came across Joyce on TV, I was miserable and wornout and just plain unhappy. Joyce taught me how to begin to live my life with joy. My mom saw the transformation beginning and she also started to watch Joyce. My friends and I began to grow and we have seen some miracles along the way! Now we are all in our thirties, trying to manage life, children, husbands and careers. But we have been impacted in countless ways through this ministry. Thank you, Joyce Meyer Ministries, for fteen years of spiritual food for this cracked pot! I look forward to partnering with you and helping Gods kingdom come to earth! The rst conference I went to, Joyce spoke that God had planted a seed inside of us that we need to water and grow to produce fruit for His glory. I was pregnant with my daughter at the time. She is now ten years old and has started asking me to wake her up to watch Joyce on TV each morning. She will be coming to her rst conference next year and I am so thankful that God has placed this desire in her heart.

This is my fourth conference and all of them have been lifechanging!

C asey

Milstead,

North Carolina

IM A HAPPY CRACKED POT. At last years womens conference, Joyce shared why God uses imperfect people to shine His light to the world.

ENJOYING EVERYDAY LIFE joycemeyer.org

ber 12-14 Edward Jones Dome St. Louis, MO

JOYCE MEYE RM WOMENS CO INISTRIES NFERENCE Septem

YOU ARE GOD'S MASTERPIECE. Ephesians 2:10

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Ladies, this weekend is just for you, so leave the men and children at home and enjoy a few refreshing days away!

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2012 joycemeyer.org facebook.com/lovelifeconference

real life P E R S P E C T I V E S

We Love to Pray for You

BY CHARLOTTE REIFSCHNEIDER

NOT ALONG AGO I traveled with my family to see an exhibit, which shows all the major phases the Bible has been through so it could be made available to us today. What was really interesting to me was that during every major phase, there was something or someone who tried to stand in the waytried to hinder the Word from moving forward. Yet no matter how hard they tried, Gods Word stood rm. As the division manager over our Correspondence Department, I have the privilege of leading the prayer teams here at Joyce Meyer Ministries. And I believe those prayers have the same power I saw through that timeline of the Bible. Because when you pray according to the Word, no matter what tries to come against you, the Word will not return void. Prayer has always been a strong foundation for this ministry. From the very start when Joyce had only three

employees, they would daily pray the Word over the ministry and for our friends and partners. When you write down a prayer request and send it to us, you are stepping out in faith that God will answer that prayer. We want to join with you in that. I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers (Isaiah 65:24 NLT). Our Correspondence Department reads the prayer requests that come in through the website, postal mail and emails. Those requests are then distributed to thirty prayer teams. I am personally able to go through many of the requests before they are distributed, but there are many I simply hold to my heart and pray God would bless every single request represented in them. I love that I can pray like that and trust that God knows every word, heartache, pain and tear that has been shed. Psalm 145:18 says, The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth (NLT). Please know we love you and believe in the power of prayer. We pray you will experience the great love of God and know Hes with you through anything you will ever experience.

WE WANT TO PRAY WITH YOU! Submit your prayer request today at joycemeyer.org/prayer.

ENJOYING EVERYDAY LIFE joycemeyer.org

10

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2012 joycemeyer.org

UR YO

ORDS W

&

YO U R

LIFE
BY JOYCE MEYER

U N D E R S T A N D I N G T H E I M P A C T O F E V E R Y W O R D Y O U S AY

am sure you have heard someone say, You are going to eat those words. It may sound like a mere phrase to us, but in reality we do eat our words. What we say not only affects others, but it also affects us.

Words are wonderful when used in a proper way. They can encourage, edify and give condence to the hearer. A right word spoken at the right time can actually be life-changing. Proverbs 15:23 says, A man has joy in making an apt answer, and a word spoken at the right momenthow good it is!

ENJOYING EVERYDAY LIFE joycemeyer.org

11

We can literally increase our own joy by speaking right words. We can also upset ourselves by talking unnecessarily about our problems or things that have hurt us in relationships. Not too long ago I had a disappointing situation take place with someone I considered to be a close friend and I noticed that each time I talked about it, I would have a difcult time getting it off of my mind for the remainder of the day. I nally realized that if I wanted to get over it, I was going to have to stop mentally and verbally going over it again and again. People kept asking me about the situation out of genuine concern, but I ultimately realized that I had to answer, It is better for me if I just dont talk about it.

God desires that our spirit be light and free so it can function properly, not heavy and oppressed. We can learn to choose our thoughts, to resist wrong ones and think on good, healthy, and right ones. I have often said, Where the mind goes, the man follows. And it could also be said that where the mind goes, the mouth follows! When we understand the power of words and realize that we can choose what we think and speak, our lives can be transformed.

PLAN TO SAY SOMETHING POSITIVE God has given His children a new nature, and we are taught to daily renew our mind and attitude. Having a positive outlook on life and speaking positive words based on Gods Word is one of the most wholesome things we can do. You dont even have to be talking to someone to increase your joy with your words. The mere confession of good things is enough to cheer you up. When you get up in the morning, if there is something you need to attend to that day that youre not looking forward to, you can say, I dread this day, or you can say, God will give me strength today to do whatever I need to do and to do it with joy. Which of these two statements do you think would better prepare you for the day? As we have seen, we eat our words, and we can rightfully say that they are food for our souls. Anyone who wants to be healthy is careful to choose quality food that will provide good nutrition. If we want to be healthy in our soul and spirit, we should also choose to take in words that will build us up and increase our peace and joy. Fortunately, we dont have to wait for someone else to cheer us up! We can do it with our own words by what we choose to talk about.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE SPEAK? The words that come out

of our mouth go into our own ears as well as other peoples, and then they drop down into our soul where they give us either joy or sadness, peace or upset, depending on the types of words we have spoken.

LIFE IS N O T FA I R GOOD.

GOD ISN'T IN CONTROL. IS

NOT I'M IGHT WHERE R I NEED TO BE .
12
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2012 joycemeyer.org

Joyce shares more about agreeing with Gods Word on the Enjoying Everyday Life television broadcast Sept 10-14. Check your local TV listing for stations and program times or visit joycemeyer.org/tvlistings.

DRAW ATTENTION TO THE POSITIVE I believe there are many

good things happening in the world and there is probably more good than bad, but the evil is magnied in a way that often seems overwhelming. Turn on any news station or buy any newspaper or news magazine and you will nd it lled with reports of murder, theft, wars, famine and all kinds of horribly tragic events. We want to be well informed of what is going on, but to talk about world problems excessively or with no

Even some of our problems can be linked to bad choices we make about what we say. I want to encourage you to take some time and think about the types of things you usually talk about. What kind of conversation do you enjoy and participate in?

HOW TO GET MORE JOY OUT OF LIFE Your words may not be
the cause all of your problems, but they can cause a lot of them and they should be given a good deal of

WHEN WE UNDERSTAND THE POWER OF WORDS AND REALIZE THAT WE CAN CHOOSE WHAT WE THINK AND SPEAK, OUR LIVES CAN BE TRANSFORMED.
purpose merely creates a gloomy atmosphere that nobody will enjoy. I recently walked into a room and heard a group of people talking about several businesses that had recently led bankruptcy. Then they mentioned two others that they had heard were going to le bankruptcy. I felt a gloom hanging in the atmosphere so I said, Well, God is not bankrupt and He is on our side. Everyone agreed with me and immediately, the atmosphere changed. I am not suggesting at all that we deny reality, but we can choose what we talk about. Instead of feeding ourselves a steady diet of bad news, we should choose to read, watch and talk about good things. consideration when we are looking for answers to the problems we encounter in life. We all have challenges in life, but we can make them better or worse by the way we talk about them. I dont believe we can change all of our circumstances into pleasant ones by making positive confessions, but I do believe many of them will change according to Gods will. I simply want to teach you to be in agreement with God and learn to say what He says. One thing is for sure, speaking negatively could hurt you and speaking positively never will, so why not go with the positive and see what kind of results you get? This article is based on an excerpt from Joyces newest book, Change Your Words, Change Your Life.

Joyces newest book now available

20%
OFF

WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? We talk a lot and quite

often pay no attention to what we are saying, let alone think seriously about the impact of our words. If we are honest with ourselves, we may nd that some of our bad moods are directly linked to our conversation.

Change Your Words, Change Your Life

Hardcover by Joyce Meyer

$18.39 $22.99 U.S. Funds

joycemeyer.org/changeyourwords Look for it wherever books are sold.

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14

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2012 joycemeyer.org

2 FEEding busEs in Cambodia ContinuE to REaCh imPovERishEd ChildREn

by kyle rogers

Phnom PEnh, Cambodia You can't miss them. The children certainly dont. Two bright orange and yellow Greyhound-sized buses miraculously navigate through a matrix of narrow neighborhood streets in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. Sunday through Friday they are a regular sight along this route. And the kids flock to them, because on these two buses roll food, refuge and education administered in the love of Christ. It was a creative solution that arose from the unacceptable discovery that so many kids in this impoverished area were spending their days digging through a 100-acre waste dump to salvage items they might sell to provide minimal food, clothing or shelter. Joyce personally witnessed this heartbreaking scene in 2007 and urged David L. Meyer, CEO of Hand of Hope, Joyce Meyer Ministries World Missions, to find a solution. He set out to buy land and build a feeding center. When it became clear that no practical location could be secured, they decided instead to take the location to the kids through these colorful buses. And while feeding hungry children is a primary focus of this mobile outreach, it offers much more than that. Over the years it has made a huge difference in the lives of hundreds of children just like Srey Eang.

A Refuge foR ChildRen The odds have

been stacked against Srey Eangs ten short years, but you would never know. Posture tall and proud, she offers up a radiant smile that seems bigger than what her sweet little face can contain. She is one of six children with two sisters and three brothers ranging from five to thirteen years old. While blessed with loving parents, their impoverished situation forces her mom

and dad to work long hours at a local garment factory, leaving the children to fend for themselves during the day.

When asked where her home is, Srey Eangs answer is mixed with uncertainty. In reality, she doesnt have one. Her parents have arranged a place where they can sleep for a small fee each night, but it doesnt play a role in We had a four-year-old girl who was her life like home does for many. being trafficked, added teacher Kong Koung. But we found out about it from her brother and sister and were The buses are so significant for this able to get her to the buses. She has family because all the children are now been coming here for a year. able to come here each day, get food and learn, explains Kong Koung, Srey Eangs teacher for the three Rescuing children from the dangers years she has attended. Her behavior of the dump and the atrocities of is good, and her speaking is now soft, things like human trafficking is one Kong adds. She goes home talking about what she learns here. My parents think this bus is good and they send me here. They want me to learn English. Srey Eang smiles sweetly. Almost embarrassed, she continues, Everyone on the bus loves me. I have made many friends here. And my teachers love me too. On Sunday, they pick me up on the bus and take me to church.

The buses also offer a safe place for these children. Cambodia is a hotbed for human trafficking, and little girls like Srey Eang are prime targets hunted by a growing network of predators. The oversight, protection and sense of community created on the buses make them less vulnerable.

His teacher Kong Koung explained that, Even though he just joined us two weeks ago, his behavior has already changed. According to neighbors, he was very disobedient to his mom, but he now is obeying her and is getting along with the others here.

FuTuRES FaR away FROM ThE duMP Some may still visit the
local waste dump, but compared to when the buses began operating in 2008, it now resembles more of a ghost town. Although many families still live there, the government has shut down the dump. Our hope is that the children aboard the ministry buses dont ever have to return therethat their lives and futures are transformed

ThE kIdS FLOCk TO ThEM...On ThESE TwO BuSES ROLL FOOd, REFugE and EduCaTIOn adMInISTEREd In ThE LOvE OF ChRIST.
of the main reasons Hand of Hope felt compelled to start something here. All of it has been done to give children hope for their futures and the experience of knowing the amazing love of Christ. and their paths lead them to places far away from the dump. When I grow up, I want to become an English teacher, declares Srey Eang. That dream wasnt even on her radar before she boarded the bus. These buses are providing her a chance at a life she and her five siblings may never have otherwise found. The success of this outreach is a testament to the creativity of our Creator God. Though countless roadblocks were encountered, He led the way to a solution. And the partners of Joyce Meyer Ministries quickly and faithfully responded and have helped us keep them running for several years, and hopefully, for many years to come. Dreams are coming to life all along each side of the bus aisle. The opportunities these children will have and the impact they will make for Gods kingdom are significant and limitless. Thank you for making those opportunities a possibility.

InSIdE ThE FEEdIng BuSES

The children buzz with excitement, cool air from the air conditioning giving relief from the warm temperatures outside. These mobile feeding and education centers, remodeled with rows of desks on each side of the aisle and a marker board at the front for the teachers use, are now parked in an open dirt area in the heart of the neighborhood. The children work diligently on their assignments, learning English. The scene is unique. Its impact is extraordinary. Impoverished children, hungry for so much more than food, are cared for in many ways aboard these ministry buses as they are provided an education, a clean shower and bathroom, safety, and most importantly, the love of Christ. The children sing songs of praise to God, thanking Him for creating them and everything they can seesomething they learned on the bus.

LOvE IS a COMMOn ThEME aBOaRd ThE BuSES Kakada

Peksamnage feels the love too. Hes a young boy who had only been coming to the buses for two weeks when we met him. I really like the teachers who take care of me. When I come to this bus, many kids are the same age as me. They like me. They are happy to see me, talk to me and play with me. Abandoned by his father when he was six, Kakada was developing into a bit of a troublemaker. The local school would not accept him. But the Fatherly love, care and education he has received aboard the bus have produced rapid results. I like learning English. And playing football, Kakada says as he kicks a small rock across the dirt.

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2012 joycemeyer.org

HAND OF HOPE is the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Our goal is simply to help as many hurting people as we possibly can, to alleviate human suffering and to help Christians grow in their faith. joycemeyer.org/handofhope

ENJOYING EVERYDAY LIFE joycemeyer.org

17

ave you ever wondered why some believers experience the best life God has for them, while others seem to only reach a certain point somewhere between mediocre and less than ideal? Some end up settling for less than the best and grow stagnant in their walk with Christ. And then there are still others who meet Christ, receive salvation, but then quickly walk away from the precious gift they just received.

In the Bible, Jesus tells a simple story that gives us powerful insight into why some Christians can hear Gods Word and not bear any fruit from it while others do bear fruit, but at different levels. You see, God has no favorites. He gives you and me the same opportunity to have the very best. So, if we want to reap Gods best in our lives and not just settle for something less,

we need to study what Jesus talked about. Lets take a look at the parable of the sower in Mark 4:3-8 (AMP): Give attention to this! Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.

Other seed [of the same kind] fell on ground full of rocks, where it had not much soil; and at once it sprang up, because it had no depth of soil; and when the sun came up, it was scorched, and because it had not taken root, it withered away. Other seed [of the same kind] fell among thorn plants, and the thistles grew and pressed together and utterly choked and suffocated it, and it yielded no grain. And other seed [of the same kind] fell into good (well-adapted) soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing, and yielded up to thirty times as much, and sixty times as much, and even a hundred times as much as had been sown. Notice how Jesus rst says Give attention to this! Obviously, this parable is important. Next, we need to understand that the sower is the Holy Spirit, the seed is His Word, and everyone receives the same kind of seed. God is no respecter of persons and each of us hears the same Word of God, no matter what our circumstances. The ground is the key in this parable. Lets look at the four types of ground, or soil, Jesus describes and think about which one ts you. The rst type of ground is a weak, unprepared ground that allows the enemy to easily snatch up, or steal, the seed thats been sown. An example of this is a believer who gets angry with someone right after a powerful message in church, so they lose what they received.

Then there is the ground that cannot focus. This is a big problem today because we have so many frequent distractions, like cell phones, that keep people from spending time with God, causing them to miss out on things He wants to tell them. Lastly, Jesus described a good soil that takes the seed and produces a harvest. This is where we want to be if we want Gods best. If you arent experiencing the harvest of Gods best in your life, it could be that you need to become better soil for the seed of His Word. If so, there is something that you need to know

COMPROMISE LIMITS GODS BEST

Compromise relates to a lack of commitment. If you are not fully committed, you will not reap the hundredfold harvest that God says you can receive. A commitment level to Christ thats not 100 percent is the reason some people only bear thirtyfold or sixtyfold, like the parable describes. If we want to reap a harvest of a hundredfold, then we must get the compromise out of our lives, which is anything contrary to Scripture. For example, if youre bitter with someone, your heart is not right with that person or God and you are compromising your godly character. Someone may have treated you badly, and you may feel justiably upsetbut according to Gods Word, you have no right to stay angry with them. Remember, God is not mad at you. Hes forgiven us of every sin weve confessed and repented of, and we need to forgive others too.

Are You Settling Or Excelling?

LIVING IN THE RIGHT SOIL If we want the

best God has for us, we need to simply till our soil and remove the rocks, like compromise or a weak commitment level. Give God your all and dont hold back! A heart thats totally committed to Christ provides excellent soil for the seeds of Gods Word to take root and grow into a hundredfold harvest that will amaze you. And thats what He wants for you. So dont settle for less than the best of what He has for you!

Don't Settle for Less Than the Best

Four Audio Teachings by Joyce Meyer

$26 U.S. Funds

20

The second type of ground has no depth. This represents a shallow Christian who may love God, but they live controlled by their will and emotions instead of the Holy Spirit.

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2012 joycemeyer.org

Want to learn more on how to live in Gods best? Get more insight from Joyce on the Enjoying Everyday Life television broadcast September 3-7. Check your local TV listing for stations and program times in your area or visit joycemeyer.org/tvlistings.

IN 2011, MORE THAN

MILLION
MEALS SERVED
AROUND THE WORLD

31

YOU HELPED FEED

HUNGRY CHILDREN
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ANNUAL REPORT 2011

HAND OF

hope

Forced child labor

Life inside a sri Lankan Brick factory
by GinGer Stache

Sri Lanka

Thirteen-year-old Madhuvanthi (center) toils in the filth and heat of a brick factory, manufacturing bricks and roofing tiles for ten hours a day.

theSe are workinG conditionS no one should have to endure. it takes me a moment to focus because my eyes are burning from the fumes. Then i see her small arms reaching into the press, carefully timing her movements to avoid the crushing motion of the machinery. it is noisy, dark and dangerous, and the dizzying odor makes it difficult to think straight. it is miserably hot and sweat is streaming down her face. The work area is filthy and slippery from the waste oil used to cover the mud to keep it from sticking to the presses. She is covered with the murky film as well, but i can still tell she is far too young to be here.

a childs workday Her name is Madhuvanthi and she is thirteen years old. it is after 5:30 p.m. and her ten-hour workday is finally drawing to a close. She should have spent the day in school or playing with friends, instead she is forced to make bricks and roofing tiles from red clay dirt. Her parents work beside her while her younger siblings fend for themselves. When they are strong enough, they will be expected to work as well. Maybe then they will have enough money for at least one meal a day. now that the workday is over, her alcoholic father will likely get drunk and her mother will attempt to scrape together some food. The factory owns the house they live inone tiny room without water or sanitationand provides some rations to feed the family, which

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is deducted from their meager earnings. In essence, the factory owns her family. How can this be happening? The nagging question keeps repeating in my mind. Are there really people in the world so evil that they would rather see a child here, forced into labor, than in school learning that she could have a better life? The answer is right before my burning eyes. Forced child labor exists and boys and girls like Madhuvanthi here in Sri Lanka and other places around the world are trapped in a cycle of misery and poverty that few of us can even imagine. He Saw a Need and Filled It. But I thank God that there are also people in the world like Winston Corerapeople who see desperate situations and do something to change them.

Keeping Children Out of the Factory Buddika is a precocious seven year old. From the moment we arrived in the village, he was my buddyglued to my side, eager to help and even more eager to have fun. Buddika doesnt know who his father is, but while his mother works, he spends his time at the church receiving private tutoring and eating a good meal every day. Before the program began, Buddikas mother felt she had no choice but to give one of her children away, his sister, because there were more mouths than she could feed. I cant imagine her heartache. Thanks to the feeding program and church, she has hope for Buddika and his younger brother.

Are there really people in the world so evil that they would rather see a child here, forced into labor, than in school learning that she could have a better life?

Winston began feeding the younger children of the village while their parents and older siblings worked. Determined that one person could make a difference, he simply did what he could. He also understood that with help he could accomplish more, so he shared his vision with Hand of Hope, Joyce Meyer Ministries World Missions, and together we expanded the feeding program. We built a church so the entire family could hear about Christ and the children could spend the day in a safe place and receive an education. We also dug a well so families would have access to safe water. Together we are making a difference. Approximately 60 percent of the young children are now enrolled in schoolreceiving an education that will give them opportunities beyond working in the brick factory. Many children and some entire families have accepted Christ and their hope for a future is increasing.

What Happens When We Work Together Winstons prayer is to keep Buddika and the other children from working in the factory. One by one, we are seeing those prayers answered. From a seed of inspiration placed in his heart, to an opportunity for us all over the world to partner together and reach out with Christs love, these efforts are reaching children and pulling them out of a nightmarish cycle of forced labor; it is nothing short of miraculous. The nagging question lingering in my mind, How can this be happening? turns to another question: What am I going to do about it? Im so grateful that through Hand of Hope, we all can be part of the solution. Buddika and I spend more time playing a silly game with an empty water bottle. Sometimes, its the little things that make a difference.

A feeding program and church you're helping provide in Sri Lanka is keeping children like Buddika safe from forced labor.

HAND OF HOPE is the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Our goal is simply to help as many hurting people as we possibly can, to alleviate human suffering and to help Christians grow in their faith. joycemeyer.org/handofhope

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HAND OF

hope

Photo Credit: Ryan Bourque

AMERICAS MOST RELEVANT TENT REVIVAL

why teensand their parentslove "the 99"
THE U.S.
by aNNE WILLIaMS

Visitors gather, surrounded by hundreds of prayer requests posted inside the prayer room. Each one shares a unique need only God can fulfill.

EvEry day, an average of 99 young people die in Americamany due to preventable causes like fatal car accidents, drug overdose, gun violence, and suicide. Now a ministry called The 99 is helping teens and parents face that reality and fight back. Billed as the ultimate near death experience, The 99 is an expansive walk-through theater sheltered by a 20,000 square foot tent. Inside, live scenes graphically spell out how teens decisions impact their future, alongside a poignant Gospel message. There is also an opportunity for one-on-one counseling and prayer at the end. The 99 is one of the most successful

youth outreaches in America. More than 100,000 teens and adults have made a decision to receive Christ since this mysterious ministry pitched a tent in their cities. Their goal is to reach 1 million students each yearand our partners are helping that vision take shape. The friends and partners of Joyce Meyer Ministries planted the very first seed into The 99, said Terry Henshaw, Director of The 99. And God is making that seed grow. In just over three years, more than 340,000 people have been reached with the Gospel message by walking through the production. God Shows Up to Save, Heal and restore Ester, a mom who attended the Brownsville, Texas

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event was heartbroken to learn her fourteenyear-old son had tried to take his own life.

We think we know everything thats going on with our kids and we want to be there for them, but truly, we dont know everything that goes on, What made the difference? said Ester. There is so much theyre exposed to. Seeing the outcome really helped, And as parents, we need to be aware. said Joanna. When I go back to school after a weekend at The 99, kids The 99 helped her son open up about the will come up to me crying, give me a struggles hed been facing at school. big hug and say, Thank you for inviting me. Thank you for telling me to Ive been through a lot of bullying and I just got come. Ive had kids ask me what time I to the point where I tried killing myself, he said. have church. It makes me feel amazing I was very glad that the counselor was there. It that Im actually a part of this. made me feel comfortable to let it all out. And it

"Before [The 99], I could go up to somebody and tell them about God. Now I feel like I can actually stand my ground."

The truth is, our teenagers are in pain and they need help. They need healing.
helped me think I can live my life now because I have Godand He can take away my troubles. He is one among many teens who have felt helpless and didnt know where to find help. What weve seen here is kids who are depressed and suicidal or theyre cutting themselves because of whats going on either at home or at school, said Brownsville volunteer Diana Carubba. Ive talked to girls who go to the Christian school in our community. They think, Well, Im okay because Im saved. I already know God. But then theyll open up and say, My dad doesnt talk to me, or My mom and dad fight all the time. The truth is, our teenagers are in pain and they need help. They need healing. The 99 Gets Teens Excited About Sharing Christ Fourteen-year-old Joanna Maza spent every spare second she could at The 99 when it came to Brownsville in January. Ive been playing hood girl, in the car wreck room, Joanna said. Ive also handed out clothes in wardrobe. Im coming every day because if I dont, I feel like Im missing out. Joanna says that because of her time with The 99, shes more excited to go to church and more likely to tell her peers about the joy they can have living for God. The 99 is touching more and more lives, both inside and outside the church. Our tent is a gathering place where the body of Christ ministers to the lost, said Terry. They begin to see the needs that exist in their community and can minister to people one-ononeand thats powerful. Once they see God transforming lives right in front of them, theyre inspired to share their faith. And theyre motivated to continue long after weve moved to another town.

Many visitors to The 99 have never attended a church service. Here, scores of young people take the opportunity to receive one-on-one prayer.

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HAND OF

hope

The 99 Helps Motivate the Local Church It takes 250 local volunteers to make The 99 happen. In most cities, people come from multiple churches in the area, all working together as the body of Christ, ministering to hurting people and leading the lost to Christ. Many of them have never shared the Gospel with anyone, and then in a single night, they help lead dozens of people to Christ. When The 99 came to Brownsville, several churches came together to help minister to local teens. Its been an effort of the community, said volunteer Diana Carubba. Churches are working together and people are getting saved by the thousands! I counsel about fifty people a night, she said. Sometimes we scream as were praying because its so loud. But they leave the tent with smiles on their faces and peace in their heart. If they dont belong to a church we get them connected. Joanna Mazas mother, Ana, was equally passionate about the event. Weve seen kids come here who are hurting and in painyoung men and women that, if it wasnt for the hope that Jesus is bringing into their lives through The 99, theyd be completely lost. It has opened up the eyes of a lot of parents, and it has opened up the eyes of our children to see that there is hope out there and God does have a future for them. To contact The 99 about hosting an event or to view their current schedule, visit www.whatisthe99.com.
Top Individual prayers emerge from a tapestry of requests. Middle Left Fourteen-year-old Joanna Maza of Brownsville, Texas, shows off her volunteer wristbands. Middle Right Each evening, teen volunteers join hands and pray for their city. Bottom Excited about the prospect of reaching thousands of local teens, Pastor Tom Carubba and his wife, Diana, invited The 99 to Brownsville, Texas.

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GOD'S

word

MADE PERSONAL

Change Your Words, Change Your Life

Lets take a look at the importance and the impact of our words positive or negativeon our lives and the lives of those we speak to.
1. The book of Proverbs is filled with many verses that deal with our words. Go through and pick out some that apply to your situation right now. List them below.

2. What effects are you seeing in your life right now that may be a result of words youve spoken in the pastor even that youre speaking now?

A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger. Proverbs 15:1
Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the mind and healing to the body. Proverbs 16:24

3. Wisdom, another major characteristic referred to throughout the Proverbs, greatly influences and is influenced by the words we speak. How have your words affected or been affected by this quality?

A mans [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil]. Proverbs 18:20

4. Are there some words you need to change? List some alternative statements you can begin to make about your situation, yourself or someone else below.

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letter T O

OUR FRIENDS

The Right Mindset Makes All the Difference

Find a Whole neW outlook and Receive all God has FoR You

Dear Friends,
Teaching the Bible is a huge part of what Gods called me to do and it gives me joy. One thing Ive discovered over time is some people are more difficult to teach than others because they struggle with receiving and applying Gods Word to their lives. Its not because I dont speak their language or the teaching is too complicated to understand. And its certainly not because theyre bad people. The reason is one I personally understand all too well: Sometimes we refuse to let go of old mindsets that keep us from experiencing Gods best in our lives. Wrong mindsets can make us unteachable, because we would rather hold on to a certain way of doing things, even if its not bearing any fruit in our lives. The challenge is we have to let go of the ideas and attitudes were holding on to before we can learn something new. Thats the hard part. But once you get rid of a wrong idea or a bad thought, your mind is ready and excited to receive life-giving truth from the Word of God. You see, no matter how many wrong mindsets you may have or how many lies youve believed, when you have a good attitude and a teachable spirit, you open the door for God to work in your heart and life. When you make the choice to live this way, your circumstances lose their power to dominate you. To help you understand this, Ive identified three of the most common wrong mindsets Ive encountered over the years ministering to people. See if any of this sounds familiar: Wrong Mindset #1: Bad things always happen to me. Its not good for me to get my hopes up.

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Id rather not expect anything good to happen than be disappointed when it doesnt. As long as this attitude controls your thinking, youll be miserable. But you wont be alone. Many people think this wayeven in Scripture. Look at how God freed the Israelites. He sent plague after plague until Pharaoh finally let them go. He parted the Red Sea, provided for their needs, and faithfully led them through the wilder-

you do? You wait for something every day. You wait in traffic. You wait in line. You wait for your food order. You spend more time waiting than doing just about anything else, so youll be so much more peaceful and content learning to wait well for Gods timing. Hebrews 6:12 tells us that we inherit the promises of God through faith and patience. Youll be frustrated and miserable if

When you make the choice to live this way, your circumstances lose their power to dominate you.

ness for forty years to reach the Promised Land. Yet, they had the nerve to say life was better when they were back in Egypt! I cant believe theyd be so cynical and ungrateful. But then the Lord reminds me how easy it is for me to have the exact same mindset. Wrong Mindset #2: My life cant get any better until somebody else helps me. Why wont anybody do something nice for me? This is the classic pity party. Honestly, we all throw one for ourselves occasionally. We may feel better for a moment, but its all downhill from there. We end up mad at everyone, and its so easy to find fault with everyone but us. With this attitude, its almost impossible to grow or change. Wrong Mindset #3: I shouldnt have to wait to receive Gods promises. I deserve them right now. Have you ever thought about how much waiting

your attitude is impatient and negative, thinking you deserve something better or a shortcut to get what you want. Youve got to ditch that mindset before you can get your head and your heart in a healthy place. These are just a few of the mindsets I want to help you get rid of so you can experience the quality of life God has for you. Dave and I pray that God will help you discover and uncover all the wrong mindsets you need to unlearn. Now is a great time for us to check our attitudes and get our hearts right so we can receive everything God wants to do in us and through us. Believing with you,

Its Time to Stop Circling That Same Mountain

20%
Off

Overcoming Wrong Mindsets

Four Audio Teachings by Joyce Meyer

Dave and Joyce Meyer

$20 $26 U.S. Funds

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TV BROADCAST SCHEDULE
DAILY BROADCAST PROGRAMS AIR DAILY, MONDAY - FRIDAY

For stations and program times in your area, check your local TV listing or visit www.joycemeyer.org/tvlistings. Watch the Enjoying Everyday Life broadcast anytime you like at www.joycemeyer.org.

September
SepT. 3 7
reaCh The BesT anD no less
Monday and Tuesday, learn why some experience Gods best while others don't. Wednesday and Thursday covers the condition of your heart. On Friday, start dealing with distractions that get you off Gods path.

SepT. 10 14
Change your liFe wiTh worDs
Words have a profound effect on youeither positively or negatively. This week, learn how your words impact the power of God in your life and how to instantly increase your joy! Monday includes a Q & A with Joyce.

SepT. 17 21
Be BolD, Be ConFiDenT
On Monday and Tuesday, see how your support changed lives in our 2011 Annual Report broadcast.* Wednesday and Thursday, stop doubt from stealing your boldness. On Friday, learn to live with confidence.

SepT. 24 28
aTTiTuDe is everyThing
Monday, learn how mercy and forgiveness spread joy to your life and others. Tuesday, Joyce shares the Gospel in Eastern Europe.* Wednesday, discover the power of a thankful attitude. Thursday, learn how to have a love revolution.* Friday, let Christ give you confidence.

October
OCT. 1 5
regain ConTrol Through Forgiveness
Hear Joyce's new teaching about mercy and forgiveness on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday take The Forgiveness Test. Thursday and Friday, join Joyce in the studio to learn more about forgiveness.

OCT. 8 12
a Thriving Marriage
Monday, remember to celebrate your progress. The next two days cover kindness and goodness. Thursday and Friday, Andy Stanley joins Dave and Joyce to talk about secrets to a happy marriage.

OCT. 15 19
ChrisT in your hearT
Feel like somethings missing in your life? Monday through Thursday, learn how to draw closer to God as you experience His love. Friday, see how a genuine relationship with Christ provides a new life.

OCT. 22 26
leT goD FighT your BaTTles
Monday and Tuesday, learn how to really receive Gods forgiveness. Wednesday and Thursday, let God help you with selfcontrol. Friday, take a closer look at how your battles belong to the Lord.

OCT. 29 NOv. 2
rise aBove Fear
Monday, Joyce teaches about overcoming fear. Tuesday and Wednesday covers how God gives you victory over fearful thoughts. Thursday, move beyond worry and anxiety. And Friday, learn how to receive God's peace.

weekLY BROADCAST

PROGRAMS AIR ONe DAY A week

S e pT. 2 1 5 Developing power ThoughTs

Give your thought life a tune-up with Joyce's twelve biblically based power thoughts.

O CT. 14 O CT. 27 less sTress, More happiness

Find solutions to your weariness and let God's love lift your burdens. Joyce offers advice for getting past painful feelings.

S e pT. 1 6 29 FaiTh Chases away your Fears

Overcome your fears through your faith in Jesus Christ!

O CT. 28 N Ov. 10 healing painFul eMoTions

S e pT. 30 O CT. 1 3 ToTal resToraTion Means

CoMpleTe healing Discover steps to complete healing.
Schedules are subject to change. *TBN will receive alternate programming.

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2012 joycemeyer.org

FREE Find new messages daily. ENJOYING EVERYDAY LIFE PODCASTS www.JOyCemeyeR.ORg/POdCasTs

Be part of a life-changing experience. Volunteer for upcoming trips at

joycemeyer.org/ medicalmissions
Upcoming Medical/Dental Trips
El Salvador Ethiopia

Throughout the year our medical/dental volunteers travel to some of the poorest areas of the world to provide much needed care. And we hope youll join us! For up-to-date travel dates and more details, visit joycemeyer.org/medicalmissions.
Schedule is subject to change.

Jesus said to [him], I will go and heal him.

MATTHEW 8:7 NIV

Jakarta, Indonesia
Stadion Gelora Bung Karno, Senayan
Look for more details of this free event at joycemeyer.org/indonesia2013.

JAN 18 - 19

e Come hear Joyce share a message! Bring a friend! Enjoy live worship. Dont miss this chance to see God move!

joycemeyer.org/conference

facebook.com/joycemeyerministries

twitter.com/joycemeyerlive

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WHAT IF I LOST MY JOB TRUSTED GOD.

IN THIS ECONOMY

New Book by JoyceNow Available!

Joyces newest book can help you get more joy out of life simply by agreeing with Gods Word. Set yourself up for successchange your words and change your life today!
20% OFF

CHANGE YOUR WORDS, CHANGE YOUR LIFE Sale Price:

U.S. Funds

$18.39 / Reg. Price: $22.99

joycemeyer.org/changeyourwords

Order yours today!

Look for it wherever books are sold.