Below: Photos from the latest Global Encounters trip to Southeast Asia

For testimonies or for information on Global Encounters, please visit Global Encounters or IBLP

Chris Hogan, the President of ATI, and his wife Anne discuss how they introduce the Wisdom Booklet material in their home and offer some encouraging advice.

In 2003 Chris Hogan, the President of ATI, came across some research explaining the number one cause for prodigal children was a father offending his children and never taking the time to reconcile the offenses with his children. As Chris thought about this problem and sought God for an answer, he realized that communion was the key to clearing up offenses on a regular basis. In this video clip the Hogan family demonstrates a family communion.

The most important thing we do every day is investing the eternal Word into the eternal souls of our children.

Flexibility. Dependability. Sacrifice. Peace. Flexibility allows us to enjoy the fullness of our time, energy, space, and possessions being completely surrendered to God for His purposes.

While serving in the ATI Department, I’ve truly seen the rich quality of flexibility displayed by my officemates over and over again. Although we have a larger department than many others, valuable people are constantly being cross-trained in other areas, enabling them to use the talents that God has given them. Also, there are times for trips, conferences, seminars- things that are well worth the time being away. What this requires, however, is flexibility.

One time in particular I’m thinking of is such a clear reflection of this attribute. It happened very recently- a few days ago, actually. (As I write this, I am at home with my family, spending some time away before the rush of the busy conference season. Ironic, right?) Working in the office that day, my head simply swarmed with things to do, people to call, emails to write, etc. At the beginning of the day, it all seemed pretty feasible. The morning went well, and I was anticipating a good afternoon. Little did I know, the afternoon was going to bring much turmoil and stress for me.

The task list of things to do was not getting much shorter. All week, my roommate had been preparing for a gathering of girls to come over that night to celebrate the beginning of Spring. My ride home had just called to let me know that we would be leaving in a few hours. I was not packed. The floor needed to be vacuumed, I felt- at least people couldn’t see what needed to be done on the computer screen! I was swimming in my thoughts. Where would it end? Would I even be ready to leave? Could I entertain guests while trying to pack a suitcase?? Beyond that, was I ready to face the trial waiting for me at home?

Alas. The first demonstration of flexibility. In the midst of my tizzy, a dear friend told me that she would take care of things so I could take a short walk. Not my usual habit in middle of a work day, I did take a few moments to tell the Lord just what I was feeling. And to know that the office was taken care of while I was doing it was a good relief.

However, as not a whole lot changed between that time and the end of the day, I wasn’t sure exactly what to do. There would not be many people in the office next week. I would be gone, my boss would be gone… Just then, I heard a voice say, ‘What can I do? What do you need me to do next week while you’re gone?’

Not quite sure why I was doing it or how I could stand for it, I dumped a huge load, piece by piece on another’s desk, who willingly took it on. I saw her eager eyes wait for more: here, a person to call; there, a fax to send. There would be more than that too- a huge ATI mailing that needed to get out soon. Those holding down the fort would be taking this project.

I was able to share my burden with sisters in Christ who so readily demonstrated the quality of Flexibility. I was so blessed. The Lord really used that experience to teach me to trust Him, and He used the character in other people’s lives to show me a glimpse of His sovereignty. For this I am grateful.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20 (KJV)

(photo via Flickr)

 
Roger Magnuson presents a dynamic message on the value of Biblical commitments and how they fit into the concept of “total surrender.” Sharing the “serendipities” of Isaac’s life and explaining the meanings behind the names of Abraham, Sarah, and Rebekah, he illustrates the victory that comes to those who totally surrender to God. This DVD message was given at a 2005 ATI Training Conference.

 
Paul and Jenny Speed testify of the power behind the promise that if we confess our sins to one another, the Lord will be faithful and just to heal. With sincerity and humility, the Speeds share how the Lord set their whole family free as Paul confessed his secret failures to his wife and how together they walked through the door of forgiveness and into freedom from spiritual “tormentors” that had gained ground in their home. This message was given at a 2005 ATI Training Conference. By Paul and Jenny Speed CD; 58 minutes

 
Today, believers are living with an obvious absence of God’s power. The world measures power in practical terms. Do we have the power to control our temper or our appetites? Do we have the power to keep our marriages together and to train up sons and daughters who are dynamic and grateful? Tragically, the answer to these questions is a resounding “no!” Believers are having just as many problems as the world in many of these areas. Yet, we claim to serve a powerful God. This book reveals the 49 “secrets” of power that come from applying each of the commands of Christ. Success in life and power for living occur as we are conformed more and more to the image of Christ. Success is not the absence of problems but rather the power to overcome these obstacles, because “greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (I John 4:4). Discover and experience the power of Christ’s commands to demonstrate to a watching world the mighty love and power of God! IBLP Paperback; 116 pages

For more information, or to order, please visit The IBLP Store

"At the start of the year my wife and I both felt that the Lord was telling us that this year would be a year of change and now that the year is past, He has only confirmed this. The start of the changes began when our family joined ATI.

The discipleship we have received through the ATI video programs and curriculum has been instrumental in our spiritual growth. God has worked tremendously through them. We have been so excited about all the molding that God is doing and how He’s opened our eyes to so many truths. Although there have been family and friends that have not understood our change, we have welcomed this journey and our new insights about knowing our Lord more. We find it peaceful to follow the Lord with our whole hearts and lives. God says in Proverbs 2:10, “For wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.”

We had started the Basic Seminar before we went to the family conference in Nashville. The Lord prepared us and opened our ears spiritually for the incredible week. We were so excited to be with like-minded people. Our daughters, Madelyn – 15 and Abigail 14 – years old, “felt at home” they told us. Out of all the vacations we’ve taken this was where they wanted to return the next year. We all enjoyed the teaching, the study of God’s Word and meeting others there. What a blessing to have such incredible vessels of God sharing, encouraging, and igniting our walk with the Lord. We all strongly feel it is an invaluable week to experience together as a family and plan to return.

As we learned more about courtship with our daughters through “I Kissed Goodbye to Dating” (with video tapes) and “Before You Meet Prince Charming” we were all excited how it made much more sense than the typical route so many take in finding God’s mate for you. Then when we came to the ATI conference our girls were even more excited about courtship. They came to us asking if they could buy “Seven Secrets to Courtship” with their own money. They are completely sold out to the concept and we are on board in letting God lead us. We appreciated the help in the conference as well.

Our daughters have separate and yet similar testimonies of what God has already done in their lives. Madelyn was a competing gymnast. She has always heard Kelly and I speak of God “calling” us in situations. She came to us one day saying that she finally knew what it meant to be “called” and that she felt God leading her to stop gymnastics. She was so upset about disobeying God that she was afraid to continue another day. She then started ballet. After learning more about courtship and focusing on God’s plan for her life she felt it inappropriate to be wearing leotards and ultimately dancing with male cast members. Her convictions led her to also give up ballet.

Madelyn then had two metal rods attached to her spine in early November as a result of scoliosis (thank you for your prayers, by the way). To her, and us, this is a continuation of the physical changes that God will use in her testimony. We don’t know all that God will do with it, and may never, but, we trust what it says in I Corinthians 2:9, “Eyes has not seen…the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” is true.

Abigail was competing in equestrian events and taking riding lessons. Her heart was burdened with what God had for her life as well. She wanted to make sure that what she was doing was bettering God’s kingdom or she didn’t want to do it. She wanted to be serving instead of receiving. She then decided to stop lessons and competing.

Both girls were spending four to five nights per week, and some traveling on weekends, participating in their respective events. Once they left their lessons they then had a large amount of time open. As a family we have been seeking God’s will in how to serve Him with this extra time. We feel He has something specific for us, meanwhile we are busy serving Him in ways we always do.

Grayson had lost $100 of his own money. We all looked feverishly for it to no avail. We encouraged him that because it was God’s money and if God allowed it to show up, to ask God what it was that He wanted him to do with it. Well, Gray felt like the Lord would want him to get Bibles for the soldiers overseas and give to Toys for Tots needy children. It showed up that very day. He really enjoyed picking out everything for the children and writing an encouraging note to the soldiers in their new Bible’s. He too is learning to follow the Lord and it was really special to see the excitement in his eyes when he experienced that.

It was so exciting to understand and experience God’s principles and wisdom for daily living. God bless Dr. Gothard and all the others that have spent so many years putting all this material together in a way that is easy to understand and follow. There have been so many times that I have understood what the Bible said about this or that subject but, didn’t technically know how to apply it.

The Basic and Advanced seminars has had a great impact in our family in many ways. It has presented in a clear fashion God’s principles and wisdom for living and opened our hearts to so many of His truths. God has shown us so much and we have enjoyed this spiritual journey in finding His treasure. One of the areas that God convicted our family was in cleansing our home. We all identified things that were not edifying or glorifying God and agreed to remove them from our home. These included music as well as contemporary Christian music, books, videos, toys and more. We gathered all of the items and threw them away and then asked God to help us keep our home free from anything that did not bring glory to Him. We also recognized that all we have belongs to God anyway.

I was especially convicted about removing anything involving science fiction including Star Wars. I explained this to Grayson, our ten-year-old son, that none of this honored God and was contradictory to His design of the universe as He created it. After we discussed this, Grayson wanted to and was willing to remove all of his Star Wars toys and books from our home. His example and testimony he shared with a friend has led him to do the same thing. I was so encouraged by his willingness and obedience. We have replaced many of these things with books and videos honoring God and it has brought a new closeness within our family.

God has also convicted the girls to consider how they dress. They have decided to dress feminine yet modestly in order to prevent those of the opposite gender not to sin.

I also gave my children spoken blessings and they were so excited about this. We pray about the blessings and discuss them often.

My wife and I are determined to stop generational sin and after watching this part of the seminar discussed them with our children along with the recommendations. We prayed about each of them and asked God to help us stop generational sin within our family.

We also recognized that we belong to God and each of us dedicated our bodies and our lives to Him. It was so thrilling to “complete” our dedication. We had dedicated our soul when we got saved and now our bodies. Each of us also made vows to read our bibles and to study and apply God’s word to our daily lives. We had never made vows other than our wedding vows. We didn’t realize how important they were and to just be aware helped us realize how much we needed to do so in these key areas.

As I learned to forgive and let go of bitterness, I began reconciling old friendships and reinforcing present relationships, which has been so freeing. I (Kelly) realize Dr. Gothard uses that word a lot about that subject, but it truly is the best adjective. By realizing that my true love and acceptance comes from God, not others, has released the expectations on those relationships, put priorities in proper order, and let go of bitterness and helped me to forgive. This allowed me to see what I was really doing. It was a tremendous relief to ask forgiveness from people and set this straight. It all stems from not feeling loved enough by my parents or feeling I wasn’t a priority as a child. I have been able to love my parents more and be more forgiving. This part is still in the works, but all the other relationships are clean and clear.

The Anger seminar has really humbled all of us and has changed the way our family deals with anger issues. We have adopted a resolution process to help any one that has become angry. First, someone will tell that individual that he or she may be angry. This is meant to help the person realize that indeed they are angry. They must then accept responsibility for their anger, stop and immediately ask for forgiveness. To which the other individual or others forgives that individual and then all will pray for them. This has made dealing with anger a time of prayer instead of a time of conflict. It has brought peace where anger may have continued and caused additional tension and hurt. This was especially powerful for me (Nick) as I truly had the spirit of anger.

I (Kelly) have been diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis (Painful Bladder Disease) four years ago. Since that time my life has changed tremendously. The pain that comes from the disease is debilitating. But, God has allowed this infirmity to cause me to reach deeper into His Word and seek the Lord’s truths even more (and take the family along with me). By the time we started ATI my condition has improved greatly, but God’s timing is so precious every time. It was by this time that God had prepared my heart, all of our hearts; in a way that we were ready for this process that God used ATI to bring us through.

ATI is ultimately about strengthening and deepening our relationship with God and is a wonderful tool that helps focus us on God and His Word. The truths that are presented and reinforced are life changing in the way God intended and desires us to be. We have had the opportunity to share ATI with our home school association, our church family and friends. Our children love the Wisdom Books and look forward to them each day and are disappointed if for some reason we are not able to do them. They love to learn about God’s Word, His wisdom and the world as He designed it. They also love to sing the hymns every day and memorize scripture.

To some, our testimony may not seem as though our changes have been monumental. Yet, if it weren’t for these transformations we could not be where God wants us to be – living in His will – learning more about the Lord we love and serve. How can we be more like Him if there isn’t growth and change? Though some of the molding process has been uncomfortable it has been more valuable than anything. As David said in Psalm 119:71, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” We are learning to love our God with all of our heart and soul and mind by learning more of His truths.

We continue to be humbled at the work God is doing in our entire family, especially as parents. It has been our “Bethel” as Jacob had – a place of great change. We are elated that our children get this opportunity at much younger ages than we are to be empowered with this knowledge. We have been passionate about the program and want others to hear the truths from God’s Word in dealing with daily life issues. Our desire is to own the seminars in our home for future generations.

Please encourage Dr. Gothard that the vision God gave him and the mission he has pursued so many years ago is still changing hearts and lives for eternity one family at a time."

Written, December 2009

In this segment you’ll learn how to go from the Upper Path to the Lower Path using the next 5 Commands of Christ.

Study Guide:

Noble Moments Session 3 Study Guide

Other Sessions:

• Noble Moments Session 1: Slow is Fast in Relationships
• Noble Moments Session 2: Taking the Lower Path in Relationships
• Noble Moments Session 4: The 9 Levels of Intimacy