IPC Tabernacle Dallas, Inc.
Volume 1, Issue 3
October 2009
Editor’s Note
A grade school child came up to
me and asked how God could let
―back to school‖ happen to good
people. He assured me that he
was excited about going to
school; he just didn‘t care for the
preparations. I had to laugh.
From buying school supplies to
setting up dorms and from
finishing up summer assignments
to applying to colleges, most
people that I came across were
very busy. Most students I talked
to were excited about going back
to school. However, as the
semester progresses, the initial
excitement fades away, making
room for tiredness. Many in
Christian life start with great
determination and strong faith,
but as life goes on, only a few
remain faithful. We continue to
have the same exposure to
God‘s word; we have a strong
support system in our fellow
brethren. We are aware of our
expectations. We know the
standards we have to meet. So
why is it that half way through,
we give up or we do a mediocre
job in practicing our faith and
belief. Christian life, in general is
not an easy life. Many times we
get carried with social obligations
and a preset protocol. Like in
schools, maybe we should take a
break – a pause - to reflect on
our progress. We should stop for
a moment and assess how far off
we are from our determined path.
The ultimate destination we are
striving for demands perfection.
Renewing the commitment
everyday is a good advice for
both students and believers. It is
a hard walk, but the pay off is
good.
Betsy
Build a Character Oriented Life by Rev. K.P. Mathew
The foundation upon which all
permanent success is con-
structed is on the character of
the individual. Individuals make
up the society, and the
success of a society is a
reflection of the individuals within the
society. In the early years of the United
States, the educational thrust was along
religious and ethical lines, focused on
building students‘ characters.
The home is the right place to start building
a society‘s character and attitude. Parents
have a tremendous influence on the
children. Even as an infant, a child will ob-
serve how adults speak, move, and behave
at home. Parents should be role models for
their children. Once a young boy was
arrested for stealing and his response was ―I
don‘t understand the mistake.‖ It was evident
that his had father committed the same
crime in the past.
Albert Einstein believed that human beings
must have clear standards of right and
wrong in order to realize their potential.
According to him, the most important human
endeavor is striving for morality in actions.
It’s Your Choice by Bro. Abe Samuel
Choices… choices… choices… we are
surrounded by so many of them in our every
day lives. Whether it be on our campuses or
outside there are so many of them that vie
for our attention and beckon us for a try.
Some of these choices can be traded, but
others cannot. Some are easy to discard,
while others are not. Some bring blessings
in our life, and others a heavy heart.
Morality is what gives beauty and dignity to life.
Without high standards of right and wrong,
people cannot live together in peace and
friendship. We need to know that Christian
theology cannot be destroyed, and that a
Christian witness will not be an answer to the
world without ethical principles placed at the
core.
There is no substitute for practicing love that
transforms people. We should respond to rude
behavior with the utmost kindness. Many
well-educated, highly paid professionals do not
express mature behavior. Their characters may
not have been formed due to tragic incidents in
their lives. True love can turn a foe into a
friend.
With integrity, honesty, and patience, we too
can overcome adversity. The story of Helen
Keller shows that. She was born a normal,
healthy girl. A terrible disease robbed her of
her sight and hearing at a young age. As she
grew older, she became a spoiled child and
was seriously afflicted. Anne Sullivan came to
her house to work with Helen. The first day,
(Continued on page 4)
In the word of God, we see many people who
made choices that impacted their destiny. One
among them we find in the book of Genesis 13: 9
-11. Lot was faced with a choice and the first
impulse was to look ―Wow!" he said to himself.
―The green, well-watered, fertile land will serve
my purpose… it will allow me to accumulate
more…‖ He looked, liked what he saw, and
(Continued on page 3)
 Around Us
US sees increase in secular student
groups
Atheist and religious skeptic groups are
on the rise in high school and college
campuses across the US. The Secular
Student Alliance added its 160th
affiliate campus group last week and
reports that demand for their group
starting packets are high. More
Americans are claiming no religion and
many have taken on more outspoken
and public campaigns. According to the
2008 American Religious Identification
Survey, 15 % of Americans are part of
the non-religious population, or
"nones", up from 8.2 % in 1990.
Christians “vital” for Middle East
peace
The head of the Palestinian Bible
Society believes Christians are ―vital‖ to
bringing peace to Israel and Palestine.
A recent report from the UN Security
Council said that war crimes had been
committed by both sides and called on
Israel and Palestine to launch
investigations into their actions. Nashat
Filmon said in a visit to Bible Society in
the UK that Israel and Palestine were
both to blame for the recent war in
Gaza. Christians, he said, could help
foster peace by acting as a bridge
between Palestinians and Israelis.
Member Spotlight
Raju Mathai
Press man
US Treasury
I handle millions of
dollars on a daily basis.
Does that make me a
millionaire? NO! But when I see the
millions of dollars pass before my
eyes, I usually place my hands on the
dollars and pray that it may be used for
Page 2
Indonesia's new stoning law alarms sentences to 6 men found guilty of
Christians setting houses on fire and engaging in
Christians have expressed deep con- unlawful assembly by defying the
cern over the passing of new law in a curfew, according to the Press Trust of
province of Indonesia that would allow India. So far, 12 people have been
women who are caught in adultery be convicted in the Kandhamal riots case,
stoned. The law - which also allows which spread to several other states as
punishments of up to 400 lashes for well last year after the murder of a
child rape, 100 lashes for homosexual Hindu leader. Although Maoists claimed
acts, and 60 lashes for gambling - was responsibility for the killing, Hindu
passed unanimously by lawmakers, radicals took revenge by going on
according to Agence-France Presse. rampage in Christian communities.
The US-based International Christian Open Doors launches ministry for
Concern has requested Christians to traumatized Iraqi children
pray for the believers in Aceh province. Open Doors has launched a new
"The law is a part of a trend in the ministry in Iraq focusing on helping train
region of stricter and stricter application
teachers, church workers, and others
of Islamic law - an effect that always who interact with traumatized children
results in increased hostility against who face the continued violence that
Christians and non-Muslims," a has become part of their daily lives.
spokesperson for the group said. Open Doors, a non-denominational
Indonesia is an overwhelmingly Islamic Christian mission that support
country. According to the 2000 census, persecuted Christian believers in more
Muslims make up 86.1 % of the than 45 countries, said it has received a
population, and Christians account for positive feedback from the
8.6 % beneficiaries. Open Doors supports and
Orissa: Six more sentenced for at- strengthens believers in the world's
tacks on Christians most difficult areas through Bible and
A court in the Indian state of Orissa has Christian literature distribution,
sentenced another 6 people to 4 years leadership training and assistance,
imprisonment for their involvement in Christian community development,
violence against Christians a year ago. prayer and presence ministry and
Additional Sessions Judge in advocacy on behalf of suffering
Kandhamal district passed the believers.
the right purposes and for the glory of Finny Benjamin
God. Respiratory Therapist
My favorite book is ―Captured by Grace" Medical City Dallas
by David Jeremiah. He enjoys cooking both
My philosophy in life is based on Proverbs Indian and American
3:27: "Do not withhold good from those to cuisines. His favorite books are The
whom it's due, when it is in the power of Iliad by Homer and The Prince by
your hand to do so." Do good to people Niccolò Machiavelli.
whenever you can with whatever you His motto is ―God loves to help him who
have and as long as you can. strives to help himself.‖

―
‖
―
―
‖ .
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14
It’s Your Choice by Bro. Abe Samuel (Continued from page 1)
allowed his senses to dictate his choice.
For a while all seemed to run well, until
one bad choice leads to another. He got
so calloused to everything around him
that he was estrangement from God and
became a subject of God‘s judgment. He
survived only because Abraham pleaded
with God.
Yes, we are living in a different day and
age where we have to make a lot of
choices, and it is not easy.
The decision to study hard today will put
you on the right track for a bright future.
The choice to seek advice from parents
and godly role models can turn into a
blessing in your life. On the other hand,
the choice to ignore advice and
corrections from your parents and
Volume 1, Issue 3
? by Sis. Suja Daniel
?
(Continued on page 4)
counselors can lead to heartache and so that you can move on in your life.
bitter results. At a time in your life Friend, are you standing on the brink of
when you are ready to conquer the making a choice that will determine
world, heeding to advise is not the your future course? Pause and take
―cool‖ thing to do. It‘s easy to be some time to prayerfully think about the
blinded by your desires and fall into a journey you are about to embark on.
ditch. Five years from now, if you looked
Lot had opportunities, but it was not back, would you regret the decision you
easy to leave everything because of the are about to make? While there are
pull those had on his life. Can you some roads that allow detours with
imagine the thoughts going through minimal troubles, there are others
Lot‘s mind as he was running for his where a big price has to be paid. I pray
life? Are you at a point where you re- that as you tune your heart to the one
gret yesterday‘s decision? who understands you best, His Spirit
Hebrews 4:15-16 reminds us of a high will guide you to make the right choice.
priest who understands us and can Remember, choices have
sympathize with us. Approach his consequences! The ball is in your court.
throne and ask for grace to overcome It‘s your choice!
Page 3
Build a Character Oriented Life by Rev. K.P. Mathew (Continued from page 1)
Helen threw food at her and screamed.
Ms. Sullivan simply looked at her and
said, ― Little girl, you can act like you
want to. You can be as mean as you
choose to be, but I don‘t see you in the
same way you see yourself. I believe
that you were put here for a purpose. I
believe that there is enormous potential
inside of you. I am going to love you so
much and treat you in such a way, that
the potential inside you is going to
come out.‖ Helen Keller went on to
influence millions through her books
and life story. She toured the world
telling her story of overcoming
‗ ‘
‗ ‘
Page 4
adversity. But Anne Sullivan was the Then I give it the scripture test. I see if
individual who made that story possible. the Bible has anything to say for or
Loving others without any selfish against it. Then I may add a fourth, the
motives, respecting and honoring elderly conscience test.‖ But the most important
in the community, mutual submission in thing is to follow Jesus‘ suggestion as
the church, sincerity and honesty in all found in John 7:17, ―If any man will do
dealings should be adorned in one‘s life. his will he shall know of the doctrine,
It is always important to know what is where it be of God, or whether I speak
right and what is wrong. Billy Graham of myself.‖
writes, ―When I have a problem deciding A success oriented life is a goal for
what is right and what is wrong, always many, but for a Christian, a character
give it three tests. First, I give it the oriented life is more meaningful and
common sense test and ask if it is relevant to be an effective witness in
reasonable. Then I give it the prayer the society. It leads to permanent
test. I ask God if it is good and edifying. success.
? by Sis. Suja Daniel (Continued from page 3)
‗ ‘

Prayer Requests
Please pray for the Vadakara region that
the work may be fruitful and God’s name
will be glorified.
Continue to pray for our brothers and
sisters who have lost their jobs, that God
may open new ways for them.
Please keep our sick members in your
prayers that they may recover and have
fellowship with us soon.
Please pray for the members who are
in schools and colleges.
Please pray for the families in
Philippines and Indonesia effected by
the flood and the earthquake.

Our One True Source of Happiness by Sis. Betty Varughese

Where does your true source of
happiness come from? Your friends,
your spouse, your children, your wealth?
I want to tell you about a friend I met a
few years ago. As I got to know her, I
realized she had several problems in
her life. Lots of health issues came up
over the years, her marriage on the
rocks, etc. But through it all she seemed
so calm; she had her ups and downs,
but for the most part she was calm. She
was so optimistic. I know if I was in her
shoes, I would be all in pieces. I didn‘t
know how she kept so calm amongst all
the heartache and pain she was going
through in her life, until the day I asked
her to pray for me. The words that came
out from her prayers were such powerful
words; they brought healing to my heart.
In the midst of all her circumstances,
she praised God and believed he would
bring her through it.
My friend had started taking medicine
for her many ailments, as many as 16
pills a day. I knew she was getting tired
of taking all these medicines.
One day she told me she was going to
a one week ministry seminar to get
deliverance. She came back and told
me of the healing she had. She was
down to taking 3 pills, and after another
week she had told me she was down to
no pills at all. And she never felt better
in her life. To make a long story short,
in the midst of her circumstances she
found happiness and healing in God.
Dear friend, whom does your true
source of happiness come from?
Whatever your circumstance, praise
God and believe that he will bring you
thru it.
Psalms 20:7 Some trust in chariots and
some in horses, but we trust in the
name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 118:8 It is better to take refuge
in the LORD than to trust in man.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with
all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding.
How Great Thou Art
Contributed by
Dr. Junita Benjamin
I asked for strength and God gave me
Difficulties to make me strong.
I asked for wisdom and God gave me
Problems to solve.
I asked for prosperity and God gave me
Brain and Brawn to work.
I asked for courage and God gave me
Dangers to overcome.
I asked for love and God gave me
Troubled people to help.
I asked for favors and God gave me
Opportunities.
I received nothing I wanted,
I received everything I needed.

Our newest member—Alina Sarah Litty was born on 09-09-09 to Litty and Anitha.
Praise Report Congratulations, parents, for your bundle of joy.
Congratulations, Joel Chacko, for graduating a year early from high school.

Sinsu Thankachan is engaged to be married on November 7th. Congratulations.

Announcements Congratulations Daine Chennankara and Blessy Samuel were united in Holy
matrimony on October 3rd, 2009

Just for a Laugh

A Sunday school teacher asked her class as they were on their way to the church service, ―And why is necessary to be
quiet in the church?‖ One bright girl replied, ―Because people are sleeping.‖

Please email or call us with any prayer requests or praise reports for the next publication of TZone. You may also contact us for
any contributions to the newsletter. To get the newsletter in e-format, please email Betsy your address.

Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 5

 KIDZ KORNER
The Ultimate Sacrifice
by Naithan Varughese

ABRAM [Drawings by Sherin Stabley]

RICE KRISPIES [Drawings by Sherin Stabley]

Published by IPC Tabernacle PYPA. For private circulation only. Do not copy without permission. Please contact us with any feedback, contributions, ideas, or concerns.
Betsy Thomas: t_betsy@yahoo.com; Sheby Alexander: shebyalexander@yahoo.com; Jason Mathew: jasonmathew89@gmail.com

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