Date: Thu, 20 Feb 1997 08:31:41 From: Patty Mitchell Subject: Books Hi Danl- Thanks for (still) keeping all of this work up and running for those of us who want to know what's going on with Rich. You do a great job. I have a couple of questions; will Rich EVER make it back to California (yes, we are a little shallow here - remembering his quote about Californians...but I'd still love to hear him in person!). Also; I know that I saw a list of books he was reading, or had read. I know that Irving's Prayer for Owen Meany was on it (read it), and Manning and Buechner of course, but now I'm not sure what else was there. I am an avid reader, but don't have time to waste on books that are not worth the time. Since I respect Rich, I kind of think maybe I'd enjoy what he would recommend. Let me know if you know where that list was, would you please? ...or, if you or anyone else happens to be able to talk to 'the man', ask him for his top 10 (and tell him we already know that the Bible is first, that that doesn't get to be included - and that it's cheating to then list books from the Bible instead!) I don't know if you or anyone else has time for this, but I thought I'd try. Thanks- Patty oboe@earthlink.net
Hi Patty,
In response to the touring, you're not the first to ask about the west coast. I don't mind getting questions about Rich's schedule, but I should tell you that everything I have is online. I try not to let any touring info I receive sit for longer than a day or two, before posting.
Date: Tue, 25 Feb 1997 10:32 From: Gary Steward Subject: greetings from "the other side of the world" Danl, My brother sent this to me from a friend. Please read this! Did you know what the words meant? Thanks Gary Steward stewardg@cc.sdstate.edu ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Mon, 24 Feb 1997 21:49:33 -0700 (GMT) From: hedstrom@ksc.th.com Subject: greetings from "the other side of the world" Hello everyone! I know I just sent out a long letter a few days ago to everyone, but we just had one of those 'wierd' experiences that kind of put a person on shock for a minute or two. No, nothing serious, just something that was totally unexpected. It all started about 5 months ago when we were packing to leave for Thailand. One of the things I wanted to bring was some of our favorite music cassette tapes (even some of the old ones). Well, tonight I just happened to listen to one that I had not listened to in a long time. It was a tape of contemporary Christian music that was produced in the late 1980's (yes, a little bit dated....) Anyway, the artist is Rich Mullins and the tape is entitled "Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth". Some of you might actually have this same tape. Well, if you have, you might remember that the first song is called "The other side of the world" and it begins with some children singing in a different language. Well, now I know what language they are singing in. You can about imagine my shock when I heard that and realized that I understood it because they are singing in Thai!!!! And how many years have I listened to that song and never had even a hunch what language it was ?!? (Mary thought they were speaking in tongues...) Well, now that I've peaked your curiosity, I will try to give a very rough, un-poetic translation of it. There is much meaning to the words, especially when applied to the ministry here in Thailand. Anyway, here is the jist of the words: "Pray to God, until you find peace; Pray to God, until you find peace; I invite you to come, I invite you to come and try (Him) and see, please come try (Him) and see; Pray to God, until you find peace." Like I said, that is a very rough translation based on what our very basic knowledge of the Thai language is, so we shouldn't try to theologize or critique that too much. But there are two parts that really ring true here in Thailand. The first is the invitation to try it.... or as the Psalmist says "Oh taste and see that the Lord is good". In this relational culture where the relationship with another person is valued more highly than the truth, one will not be too effective if one 'forces' Christianity on someone else. It seems that the most effective thing in terms of evangelism is living out one's faith openly (but not offensively) and continually offering the invitation for the Thais to learn about God and about Jesus through studying or reading the Bible. The second part of the song that rings true is the call to find peace. While many Asian religions have some sort of meditation and 'clearing the mind' of thoughts as a way to find peace, the reality is that most people don't have peace inside. Most people live in fear of the many spirits roaming around and consequently show respect and/or leave offerings at the many spirit houses and temples permeating this country. You can read more about this in our next newsletter....coming soon.... So, this song is fitting for life and ministry here in Thailand. It encourages me to think about what we are doing here and why we are here. I hope it also encourages you. May you taste and see that our God IS good. May you also remember the many people around you who haven't put their faith in Jesus as Savior. God bless you all! Love, Dale (and Mary) Hedstrom PS The song that follows the Thai chorus is really good, too. The first line is " the other side of the world is not so far away as I thought that it was...and the distance just dissolves into the love..." I guess there's more truth to those words than I originally thought now that I am on the other side of the world. So if you don't have the tape, go out and buy it and hear Thai for yourself :) It also has the song "Awesome God" on it, and everyone should have that song, don't you think? :)
Date: Fri, 28 Feb 1997 03:15:21 From: Matt and Marlene Ritzenthaler Subject: Re: Welcome to RichMailList Through a discussion on DALNET (an IRC server) in the #christian_cafe channel I found out where it found in the bible... Urim and Thummim - Lev. 8:8 Apostles casting lots (tossing dice) - Acts 1:26 The apostles cast lots to decide who would replace Judas Iscariot, but however there is no mention of any apostle ever doing this again in the New Testament. I was told that the reason this is not recorded is that soon after the lot fell on Matthias, the twelve apostles received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentacost thus eliminating the need to cast lots to determine the Lord's will. -Matt
Rob Henschen sends this info on a date in South Bend, IN...
... I've been a fan ever since I saw him at Taylor University my sophomore year. I've got another concert for you. He and the Ragamuffins are performing at Bethel College in South Bend, IN in the Everest-Rohrer Fine Arts Center on Saturday, March 15th, at 7:30 p.m. This is sponsored by Pulse FM (96.9). I know because I am going to it. Tickets are available at any area Christian Bookstore or you can call Bethel College at 219-257-7633.