Dear Colonel Tanner,
On January 20th my company was requested by a local Police Department to assist in a search for a weapon used in a homicide. The Miami Dade county divers had searched the area but with no success earlier that same day. I agreed to assist in the search and we began the next day. Myself and two of the ALERT dive masters spent much of the day searching probable areas. The weapon was not in the search areas. The following day (Jan. 22nd) Capt. Gast brought all of the ALERT guys up to assist in the search, and around 13:30 the men located a 9mm barrel from a handgun. This was exactly what the Detectives were hoping for. I wanted to let you know that your men did an outstanding job! They went from knowing nothing about diving, to bringing great success in a high level police investigation in less then two weeks! The men were professional and left a great impression on the Detectives, Lieutenants, and officers involved in the case.

Later after the men left, I was notified that the Miami-Dade Forensics lab was able to make a ballistics match on the barrel. Your men did the Police Department, CETi Diving Corporation, and Myself a great service, and I am very grateful. Please extend my utmost thanks to the men.

Sincerely,
Jordan Harvell
President
CETi
Diving Corp.
305-746-4334

Libby Zellon, who works in the ATI Department at Headquarters, went to the WIT Conference as an Assistant to Paul and Jenny Speed.  The following is her testimony of the conference.

Have you ever experienced the presence of a Holy God? Have you ever realized that you were on sacred ground? Have you ever looked into the eyes of a hopeless person searching for love? As I was able to watch and examine the people surrounding me I was in awe. To see the people lost in darkness and death is something I can’t really describe. However, when I saw them embrace the light and freedom that comes along with it, it causes my mind to explode with thanksgiving. Our God is so good to rescue those lost in themselves.

What happened at the WIT conference is beyond description. God is amazing. He doesn’t need to prove it to me, but when He does it usually blows my mind. That is exactly what He did this past weekend. He allowed me to be a part of a movement of Him that was powerful-the movement of the WIT conference.

The WIT conference is not your typical marriage conference. It deals with the things that you normally don’t want to deal with. They are things that people would rather shove under the rug and forget about them. However, when people try to ignore this ugly beast of sin it usually ends up destroying families. The beast rises in many different ways and quickly shackles its victims. When these couples come they are bound and chained by their sin. They are trying to blame the other person for putting them in their bonds but miss the fact that they are they ones who allowed the chains to be placed on them. I watched couple after couple enter the auditorium that were oppressed and tormented. Couples entered the room apart from each other as if this invisible wall was standing firm between them.

Before the conference began we met in a room for a meeting that lasted about 3 ½ hours long. In the meeting all the table leaders met and shared amongst each other. They shared their hurts, fears, pain, tears, and allowed their masks to be torn off. They declared in that room that they would be wiling to go back to their past for the sake of freedom for others that would be attending. One proclaimed, “I will NOT stop! I will declare to the spiritual realm victory and freedom!”

Session after session Paul and Jenny Speed repeatedly opened up their ugly past to these couples, reliving the memories and visited each story with a yearning for those listening to find freedom. The power of the openness and brokenness was beyond human power. People often question the reality of ‘supernatural’ power at events such as this. What happened as they spoke was indeed supernatural. It’s almost like you could see freedom coming out of their speech and reaching into the lives of the people around them.

I will admit it was a hard thing to sit back and watch it happen. I wanted to go around and inject truth into these people’s lives. It was like looking at a person that was dying and wanting to just shoot them up with life. But we couldn’t do it; we couldn’t force it upon them. The people there had to choose life for themselves. There was one time I won’t forget for a long time. My parents attended and so I met them in the hallway as they were talking to another couple. This couple was entangled in darkness that they were totally unaware. I had the opportunity to speak to the man and drench him with perspective, life and love. Watching him react to all of those things was heart wrenching. The man broke and tears streamed down his face. It was a beautiful thing to see how Jesus love can be used in people to reach people. To be used by Him was so humbling; it caused me to weep for this man and wife that were struggling in the chains that were tearing them apart.

Please allow me to paint a picture of what freedom looked like at this conference. Imagine this man-once full of strength and honor is now sitting in a dark room looking haggard and shrouded in black. What once used to be a man that people looked to for guidance now was under the control of something more powerful. This power pulsed through his being, changing his appearance and glazing over his eyes. He was so manipulated by the power that he couldn’t even recognize that the people he had loved were now in pain and agony because he had given in to this power. The power is that of sin. It completely changed him inside and out to the point that it looks like he will never return to how he used to be. Suddenly another man in white steps in to the room. He starts speaking truth and life to this man. He commands the possessed man to look him in the eyes. The glazed eyes fight not to look, the strain is evident throughout his entire being. Finally they make contact-the Man that is full of light starts proclaiming that the man can be free. Suddenly, as the man accepts it, the darkness is bound and caste out of the room. Life rushes into his body and floods his soul. His eyes are lit with fire as he rises from the place he has been sitting in. He finally goes to his family and embraces them and is able to rise up again in the position of honor.

There are so many vivid images that will remain with me for a while. They are those of couples finally understanding pure love as they come together in communion, husbands drawing their wives close, and wives becoming beautiful from the freedom they have found. He made beautiful the ashes that were once there.

ATI Regional Conferences are packed with practical instruction, motivating messages, and family fellowship. Parents gain renewed vision for training their children, students learn about deepening their walk with God and pursuing their goals, and grandparents and friends discover what the ATI program is all about.

The conferences feature activities and sessions prepared to meet the needs of the entire family. Students can participate in a variety of programs that communicate the themes of the conference, while parents are uplifted and motivated through sessions that address key life issues.

To view the 2010 Conference Guide, or to register online please visit the ATI Website.

“I want Justice!”

The word seems right and has entered all of our minds at some point in our life….but do we really understand what we are asking for?

The Hebrew root word for Justice, found in Strong’s Concordance (# 6663), means “right” or the state of being right. God himself is the only one that is “right”. This right refers to the righteousness that God has and is. His righteousness is expressed towards us though his son Jesus Christ. Justice is utterly dependent upon righteousness. Out this state of being supremely righteous, God alone has the authority to make final judgments and he will exercise this right upon Judgment day.

Justice is a continual process and is carried out when we make decisions based on God’s Judgments. God’s judgments, simply stated, are His definition of what is “good” or “bad”. Justice, by its nature, will always be in accordance with the Character and Laws of God (I Kings 3:9).

Justice when applied to our lives brings order and peace. These are necessary for the survival of our very being. When it is not part of our daily existence we experience stress between our spirit and soul resulting in illness and disease.

The purpose for Justice is found in two of its basic meanings; to rectify and to prosper. God’s justice is for the purpose of bringing that which is wrong (sin) in man back to what is right, ultimately to restore man’s fellowship with his creator.

The depths of God’s mercy and love will never be experienced to its fullest until we understand Justice.

(photo via flickr)

“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Matthew 4:19

Following Jesus Christ and obeying His commands has been a truth stressed in our family for a number of years. Being a pastor’s daughter, I have seen many youth of the present-day Christian church walk away from the things of the Lord and attempt works in the power of their flesh. My heart breaks as I hear story after story of sons and daughters choosing the ‘broad way’.

One of the key principles in faithfully following Christ is a daily submission of our wills. A surrendered person is a broken person. “A broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” A state of surrender involves losing ourselves in the will of God. This is done by giving our purposes to the Lord and embracing His purpose in our lives (knowing and serving Him and making disciples).

Too often, Bible-believing Christians are categorized as hypocrites. This is because the world is seeing us ‘talk the talk’ but not ‘walk the walk’. They see us living for our own selfish ambitions but claiming we love Christ and are following Him whole-heartedly. It’s a life of contradiction. No wonder our youth are falling away!

We will never be able to be fishers of men and draw others to the love of Jesus unless we begin to follow Christ by taking heed to the Spirit and obey His commands. We are to be the light of the world shining bright for the Lord! When others see our good works they will be able to glorify the Father which is in heaven!

I admit that I am continually learning to dethrone my intellect and allow Christ to sit on the throne of my heart. Though many instances in my life, I have had to learn the hard way. Accomplishing my will always results in hardship, pain, suffering, and sorrow but following Christ and discipling others results in a life of freedom, joy and peace. Not only am I blessed in the process but Jesus Christ is glorified!

Are you in high school but ready to start college?

For many students dual enrollment reduces the time and cost of college. The Verity program blends foundational Christian truths and initial collegiate studies, equipping students to succeed in higher education. Verity Dual Enrollment: spiritually fortifying and academically jumpstarting students for college.

Verity’s dual enrollment program begins with a two-day orientation at the Verity campus in Indianapolis, Indiana. Students receive instruction in topics ranging from test taking to essay writing. Biblical worldview lectures provide students a framework for beginning college studies. After orientation, students complete the remainder of the program at home.

In the first phase, students complete foundational studies in the Biblical Worldview and the Life Purpose Planning modules. In the second phase, academic studies focus on preparing students to earn college credit through examination. Students complete two six-week academic modules, each culminating in a comprehensive test (such as CLEP and DSST). Study materials, class DVDs, and textbooks are provided to each student on a library system. Advisors work individually with students to answer questions and provide accountability for accomplishing student’s academic goals. Our on-line forum facilitates student interaction and discussion of class concepts.

For more information on Verity’s Dual Enrollment program, please visit:
http://verityinstitute.org/academics/dualenrollment/

Piano Pedagogy I & II

This is a 2-week workshop designed for advanced pianists desiring to teach piano with a Biblical emphasis. You will gain a broad perspective on the requirements, responsibilities and rewards of being a professional Christian piano teacher. You’ll learn about setting up a professional studio, teaching beginning students, and understanding differences in learning styles. Studies will include: forming a philosophy of teaching, developing studio policy, conducting interviews, evaluating piano instruction methods, and teaching correct piano techniques.

Format: Classroom lectures and discussion, individual instruction and practice, master classes, role-play of interview and teaching situations, project assignments, compilation of reference notebook, student presentations.

Prerequisites: Résumé of musical experience, Basic Materials in Music Theory (or a grade of 85% or higher on a proficiency exam), intermediate to advanced level piano skills.

Schedule: 25 classroom hours, 15 study/project hours
Location: Verity Institute in Indianapolis, IN
Dates: April 19-30, 2010
Cost: Early Registration (before March 12) ­ $350
Late Registration (after March 12) ­ $500
Credits: 3 hours

Contact:
Joshua Ingersoll
Verity Music
music@verityinstitute.org
866-9VERITY (ext. 25)

Instructor:
Jane Baldridge Nationally Certified Teacher, Music Teachers National Association

"On August 28th of this year we were watching a DVD by Bill Gothard (The Anger Resolution Seminar) for our morning worship and part of our homeschool program. On this day, he gave an example of a man who lost his business, put these principles to practice, and within a day or two got not only his business back, but more. Mr. Gothard gave an acronym to use to remember the principles. In short, here it is:

When you are faced with a trial (great or small) remember to be GREAT.

Give thanks immediately! You don’t have to know why or really feel thankful, just give thanks knowing that God has a purpose for everything.

Rejoice in all things. This is where you begin looking for possible benefits like teaching a lesson, drawing you closer to God, putting someone specific in your path, etc.

Engraft Scripture. Romans 8:28 is good for this one, but you can also apply one that fits your situation.

Ask God to give you added grace to get through. Realize that He wants you to succeed and be happy and healthy. It takes a good character, and this is sometimes what it takes to develop our character.

Triumph in the victory! When you follow the prior steps, you will triumph and know it was God’s victory in you!

So, we learned this, and I gave it to the children in the children’s story the following day at church. I used the story that Mr. Gothard gave in the DVD seminar. As we were there in the church service, we saw a fire engine race past the church with its siren on. After church, we could see smoke coming from the hills behind the hospital. By the end of lunch, the fire had gotten bigger. On our way home that evening, we stopped by one of our apiary sites that was within 3 miles of the fire to see if it might be in danger. We had 33 of our oldest and strongest hives there. That was about half of our production hives. We drove in, and it was apparent that the fire was moving in the other direction. We asked one of the neighboring residents to call us if anything changed, and then we went home.

At 5:00 the next morning on Sunday, August 30, we got a call from the neighbor saying the wind had changed, and our bees may be in danger. We woke the children, got everyone dressed and in our bee suits and jumped in the truck to race to the apiary which was about 30 minutes away. On the way there, we discussed how we had given hose bees as well as our other assets to God. We reminded each other that He is the one who has blessed our business, and He can remove the bees if it seems best to Him.

When we arrived, it was obvious that the bees would soon be in the path of the fire. There was no time to move them all. Each of the 33 colonies weighed an average of 300 pounds! We had to make a quick decision. We could save a few. Maybe we had enough time to load 4 or 5 onto the truck and get out, but the problem would be with the rest of the bees. There were approximately 1.5 million bees in that apiary. As soon as the fire would approach the hives, the bees would fly out. The only clear air path for them was right into the line of residential homes where the occupants and firemen were already working to put out the fire. One neighbor in particular is deathly allergic to bee stings. This could possibly create a bigger disaster than the fire. The only thing to do was to take the minutes we had to close the entrance of each hive to make sure the bees did not fly out. We broke into teams. Father and Mother got busy using duct tape to close up the entrances on one side of the apiary, Elijah and Tabitha teamed up to tape up the entrances of the hives on the other side of the apiary, and Elisabeth and Esther stood in the back of the truck watching the fire closely and letting us know how close it was getting. Pretty soon, both Elisabeth and Esther were all excited telling us we needed to leave now! We could feel the heat, and the flames were big, loud and close. We had to get out while we could.

We drove around to the street and helped one of the homeowners keep the fire from his house. We used hoses, wet towels and sheets, and shovels. Every once in awhile we would see a cloud of black smoke go up. It was another hive going up in flames. The water carrying helicopters came over us with their buckets and dumped as much water as fast as they could on the residences. We were so thankful that none of the houses got burned, and no one got stung, even though the fire burned over 8000 acres with 17 fingers to monitor at the same time. When it was over, all that was left of our bee hives were little piles of nails and metal queen excluders where each hive had been. As we walked through, we remembered the people whose homes each of those hives came from when we removed them as wild bees. We thought of all the honey we had harvested at this site, and how blessed we had been.

On the way home, hungry, tired, and a bit sooty, we talked about the day and Elijah said, "I’m kind of excited to see what God has in store for us. He wouldn’t just take half of our business away without having something in mind." Tabitha said, "Well, we don’t have to move those bees any more or harvest their honey."

Sure enough, a few days later on September 3, we were invited to speak at a retreat in Canada. We had been asked earlier during the summer, but we declined because we knew at this time we would be busy harvesting honey and moving bees. Now we had only a few weeks to get our talks ready and get passports and tickets, but God blessed, and we had a wonderful time! Those people in Canada told us the things we presented were just what they needed to hear. We just arrived back home two days ago, and God is still blessing. Now we’re just arranging for a new account with a large order. Nieman Marcus wants our honey! Praise God, He is so good!

When the children have a disagreement between them or we’re tempted to feel like we’ve been wronged, we can look back and remember, ‘Oh, G-R-E-A-T!!’"

Pictures:
Top-"Our family at this apiary site a few years ago before the hives were so large."
Middle-"This is what we could see from the neighbor’s place where we were helping keep the fire away from the homes."
Bottom-"Still smoldering, there was nothing left."