"Spritzing the Joy-Juice 2000"
NEWSLETTER




Burt Rosenberg's UpComing OutGoings
E-pistle
October 18, 2002
"First On the Sniper Scene"
*************************************


Dear Beloved You,

You have to see this. I just received a note from my dear buddy, Jim Ault. He was the first one on the scene at the Home Depot sniper shooting on Monday night. (He's a captain in Fairfax Co. Fire/Trauma). It is amazing. Thought you might like to see it. --Would you please do me a favor? Send my brother some prayer-blessing...
Yours, in the Light no darkness can extinguish,
Burt

In a message dated 10/18/02 8:37:02 AM:
<<
Hey me bro..dont know if you noticed my ugly mug on cnn but I was the first one on the scene that night.. insanity...not knowing whether you are in his sights or not...I spent 2 hours one on one with Ted Franklin... none of the usual things can be said.."she had a good life ""she didnt suffer..". or even do you believe in God? (which might at that moment open the door of bitter reprisal for a soul that doesnt know the truth.. but I had a chance to show some deep compassion and bonding in his pain and maybe later to drop a word in season...still in all, unlike the Pentagpn where at least I could walk in the devestation and horror with the sense that the cowads were dead under my feet..I fought rage of knowing this bastard (s) was still free and reveling in his success.....for what... I dont know whether I hated feeling that deep seated hate and rage or dealing with the whole situation worse...
Jim >>

(Response from Burt)
10/18/02
Jimmy,
No, man, I didn't see you on CNN. But, I am speechless at your words....
(And I don't get speechless that much, in case you hadn't noticed.)...
Wheww! The very idea of showing up in the line of fire is stunning... How did you come to be the first one there? -- By His grace, you really are presenting your body as a living sacrifice, an instrument. I am so thankful that the Lord had you be there with Ted, one-on-one. No one better for that divine appointment. Bless you, bless you, bless you, Jim.
You DO need to write down these experiences, for a book. Such as this agonizing, exquisite time with Ted Franklin. And some point on this Earth, we are all Linda Franklin. And Ted Franklin. Whewww! These experiences written will be/are so much more than books people write about the saga of doing this & that at horrible sites. This is the real stuff...
Also, it would help you to unburden yourself, meditatively, by getting it out and onto a page, getting each word from God. And giving each word to God...
Even though I ain't your daddy, I'm proud of you.
Love, your brother,
Burt

(Jim’s Response)
In a message dated 10/19/02:

<< Hey buddy...
Well. I was around the corner at the 7corners fire station and had just pulled in around 9:10 and 5 minutes later they hit us out for a shooting..this area is typical for that with frequent gang activity but when I heard Home depot..i just knew.. there were 2 cops sitting in the parking lot of the shopping center gabbing so it was just a second before they arrived, and me just behind them with a fire engine and medic..418 ... it was obvious to me immediately that she had been hit by rifle fire and not the vanilla pistol shooting we see in drivebys.. and the parking lot was deserted save for Ted sitting on the ground against the car.. logic tells you the shooter is gone but your mind says that you are in the crosshairs waiting for another shot to crack.. within 10 minutes the place was crawling with ATF, FBI and every other letter combos you can imagine.. its nuts... a car bomb would have taken out over 100 law enforcement officers and we would have been sitting ducks.. the perfect setup... strange being at war.. I pray that this is not Al Queda ..but my heart says differant.. if it was just a killer, he would hit easy targets.. he is going into business areas to instill terror at his brazen behavior.. and its working..
Thanks so much for your encouragement.. it is an answer to prayer and I really feel like I am supposed to write... I just wasnt sure what my motives were.. I dont want to just write about sensationalistic experiences.. or glorify my trade.. but I know that there is a lesson to be shared about being on the sacred edge of life and death.. I just cant put my finger on what it is I am trying to convey..I just know how it affects me.. and makes me appreciate life and the small things... maybe Im getting closer to my real thesis. any thoughts???
anyhoo...thanks for your words me bro..as usual you cheered me up.. I got an email from Geri M and we ought to get together for lunch sometime..she really seems like a true-blue person and would fit right in with us maniacal types....she checked out your website and is dying to meet you..
I love ya buddy..lets catchup soon..
Jim >>


<< whoa burt!! that's something! i'm sending it on to others if'n you don't
mind. daughter, carrie, is city clerk in a close little burg near here and
has great rapport with the police dept. guys there. i'm sure she'll pass
this along to them. see, even the far hinterland folks are touched by what's
occurring back in your neck of the woods. WE ARE SO ONE!!!!
re: > --Would you please do me a favor? Send my brother
>> some prayer-blessing...
Before they call, I will answer. 'Tis done dear brothers. give jim our love.
Mary Blair >>

<< Burt,
Wow! Would you please mention to your friend that there are many others out here who agree with you, that he should put these experiences into a book? I would buy it in a New York minute (and now the whole world knows just how fast that is, don't they?). God bless you and your friend.
Tina Oakley
Clarksville, KY >>


<< Burt, I love the sweet reply to your buddy. I ain't your mama, but I'm sure
proud of you too!
Molly >>


<< Hey Burt,
WOW! Great response to Jim Ault. I will be praying for Jim and the
Franklin's.....the whole situation. Knowing and Seeing that our God is
sovereign is the only way we can get through these apparently horrible days.
Love,
Silvia Audi
Fairfax, VA >>


<< Prayers on the way. And I am proud of you.
Love, Bettie
Pennsylvania>>

:
<< I just wanted you to know that I will be praying for Jim. I can't imagine
the pain he must go through when things like this happen, not to mention the
helpless feeling when he's there picking up the pieces and trying to put the
puzzle together to figure out exactly what happened and why. I pray he gets
the words out on paper and in voice like you said to help him deal with it.
I pray God gives him everything he needs to minister to people out there who
are hurting at times like this--words, compassion, actions. I also pray God
gives him peace in the midst of this storm. Peace totally beyond his
understanding...
Lynda McBurnett
P.S. Didn't have his email address, so if you want, you can forward this to
him. >>


<< Just read the note from Jim. My heart is gripped with compassion...and wanting to lift him up in prayer. I suppose there are a lot of 'Jim's' up your way that are battling some rage and anger at the insanity of it all. It causes me to want to press in that much more to guard my heart... to stay in the secret place. We are all connected together and this battle is definitely going on from another level! Thanks for sharing..
Janet Woodham,
West Palm Beach, Florida >>


(Response from Burt)
Yes, this battle IS surely going on from another level. And we must respond from another level: the secret place of the Most High. We are experiencing the "exam" for all the things we "know," aren't we?
Blessings,
Burt

:
<< I'm on it, Brother.
Love, Bonni
Dothan, AL >>


<<
Burt,
Defendantly Speechless.
Thanks for sharing that !!! For each one gone, a prayer for the family goes up. This helps to know just how amazing He is through it all.
IN reading recently , I came across Jesus saying, the Father gave me authority over every person on Earth. That must mean even this sniper. !!! How much greater He will aid the families of the deceased !!! AND How much comfort for us not to live in fear !!
In realizing this week , just how close you are , I am truly thankful that there is no worry for you !! ( Much thanksgiving is hitting Heavens throne .)
Lord bring your altimate purpose in this devastation, bring and gather your ones to your side, and thank you for your "aiding ones" to comfort. Expose and deliver all evil quickly. We Thank you. !!
Love and Blessing in your midst,
Kathi Gow
Apalachin, NY >>


<< Ah, dear Burt,
I will keep you in my prayers. We are getting a taste of what it must be like to live in the Holy Land...Thank you for your continued praise and joy in these dark times. But the times are always dark for those apart from God, aren't they? The enemy's work is just a lot more visible now. Thank you for forwarding Jim's message also. Very sobering. Your words to him were encouraging to me as well.
Dead and Alive as well,
Cynthia Tucker >>


<< Dear Burt,
Thanks for sharing... WOW! How powerful!
Barb Card
Germantown, MD >>


<< That's a trip. You're right Burt, I casn't think of anyone better to have on
the scene, out of all who could have been, than a child of the living God, a
"..God of compassion and full of mercy". In other words, God was there for
Ted in his terrible moment of sorrow, if he wanted Him. " And lo, I am with
you always". It is written.
Tom Panella,
San Diego, CA

P.S. Still workin' on the plan to get you out here Bro.

:
<< Isn't it wonderful that God had someone to show that man the love of God, right after his wife was murdered. It's almost as if "before you ask, I
have answered." It makes me wonder who He had at all the other shootings,
as we know He was represented! I have thought of all of you in the D.C.
area so much, these days. As I leave a store to walk to my car, I think
about snipers......it takes me to " our times are in His hands" which is the
only place of peace.
Blessings on you and your friend!
Love, Harriet (And Wade too)
Louisville, KY >>


<< Burt-
Thanks so much for forwarding Jim's message to me. I will continue to pray for him, and for all the people who have been affected by this insanity/evil. His insight is chilling that this is probably terrorism. But I am reminded of God's sovereignty and of his mercy...I pray that He will use even this to his Glory. You are right that we are being called even more to be Light as the darkness deepens. It really is possible to have joy in these times. And it is exciting to be one of His warriors. Joy Warriors? Joy and peace to share with all the lost--what a privilege!
May God continue to keep you in his care-
Cynthia >>


<< Burt,
Thank you for sharing with me. I have had his comments on my heart / mind often. I had a most unusual dream last night. I won't go into all of the details but it had to do with the heartfelt act of worship ....and the word 'play'. As I was gathering some red,white and blue balloons from my party..I looked up and saw a 747 break into..a very dark cloud...and I then released the balloons. There was a 'knowing' that in the release of the balloons they would float above the heavy clouds and give support / encouragement to those in higher places as they reminded them that 'the clouds' are real...but we can absolutely rise above it..and have an impact in the world as we 'play'. My heart goes out to those that are walking in duty. I support them as I live a life of wholehearted worship..and 'play'. Our eternal party will go on and on! Letters like those of Jim's are a reality-check that we are living in those days of 'final exams! I look forward to seeing God's Hand move in this sniper thing. You know He has a way of saying, 'I've had enough'...and proves Himself!
Thanks for sharing with me. I haven't had dreams like this often. This one has stayed with me today.
Blessings!
Janet Woodham
West Palm Beach, FL >>


Yes, isn't is unspeakably ineffable that being a "Joy Bringer" is really a powerful form of spiritual warfare?
Blessings,
Burt


<< Dear Burt,
I was just in awe at the letter from your friend. I was in tears reading it, it was so anointed, and it seems to me like he was right where he was supposed to be. Thank you so much for sending it. I had wondered about the Al Queda connection, also.

You asked about Fred in your previous email. I'm happy to say that he's doing really well, and is back to work doing home repair and improvements. The business was a slow start, but it's getting better all the time.

The church (New Covenant) finally realized that the Lord had other plans for all of us, so we gave the building to another new church, and we all went where we felt we were supposed to go. We're now at the First Church of the Nazarene, and it's great. It's just good to be one of the people!

I'm sorry that we haven't kept in touch; I was afraid you might not remember me when I emailed you last time! I always enjoy getting your emails and seeing where you're going and what's been happening in your life. I forward them to a friend in Omaha, Nebraska, who goes to Trinity Church Interdenominational (I'm not even going to try to spell-check that one; that is one big word!), and I know he would be blessed to meet you if you're ever in that area.

Burt, would it be alright if I share the letter from Jim with some other friends of mine? It's been a topic of conversation lately, and a couple of them live near that area. If not, I understand.

Well, I could go on and on, and I usually do (!) but I will let you go. Thanks again for the wonderful email, and we hope to see you again next time you're down this way.

Have a blessed week!
Tina Oakley
Clarksville, KY >>


<< Will certainly pray for Jim. Thanks for passing this along. I can't
imagine how difficult this all must be for him and what a toll the
accumulative effect must be at continually having to respond to this kind of
devastation and threat. At first I was so thankful that God sent a
Christian as the first one into this situation. Then I thought about how
much he needs the support of the body to continue to carry this kind of a
burden. Please tell him there are brothers and sisters standing and
kneeling with him. Russ and I are equipping people within our fellowship
for Steven Ministries. We meet tomorrow night and will pray specifically
for him as a group. I'm hoping that Ted Franklin will again seek him
out..................for whatever purpose God might intend. Where exactly
do you live, Burt? I've been wondering about that as I've heard of the
shootings.
Always offer up prayers as you come into my thoughts. I have a nephew in
Norfolk, Va. He travels to Virginia Beach for business and he has been on
my mind a lot lately also. Shalom my friend, Shalom, Shalom............... >>


<< wow!!! thanks for sending this burt....and thank jim for sharing so
personally about his experience. i think it's so great that he has a desire
to write about it and then goes ahead and does it. great suggestion on your
part...there's the shakesperian "twice-blest" thing here in that, like the
quality of mercy, his sharing "blesses him that giveth and him that
receiveth." he gets blessed and we get blessed....doesn't get any better
than that does it? (smile)
Love,
Mary Blair
Texas>>


<< Wow! I really don't feel that it is coincidental that Jim was the first "fire
and rescue" on the scene....there is something prophetic in that. I'm not
sure what exactly just now. Perhaps God is going to give him a "strategy" in
the spirit on how to pray to uncover this sniper (s...I'm not convinced
there's just one) or give him prophetic insight as to who is specifically
behind it. Or it could be for Ted or the other policemen there on the scene
before him....only the Lord knows, but I am praying that Jim will hear Him
clearly and not 'dismiss' the way the circumstances went down as 'just the way they went down', if you get my drift. Please encourage him for me to stay tuned to God concerning this matter. Thanks for forwarding his mail....I will continue to pray for him and the families and all of the personnel that have been involved in this horrible time.
Love,
Bonni Montgomery
Dothan, Alabama >>


<< My dearest spritzer...."But, there is no terror in the secret place." These
words just resonate inside of me. Makes me think of Jesus living from that
place moment by moment which made Him able to go about His Father's business without fear. I don't think we ever realize how fearful and vulnerable we are until something happens which brings it to our attention. Those of us outside the circle of the DC area can't even begin to imagine what you all must be living in. All we get are the "highlights" of the day to day. We don't get anything on what the everyday must be like. I am glad you are there to speak His word and BE Him in the midst of all of this. I know there are others also. Don't forget we're holding you up and believing with
you that incredible light will issue forth out of this terrible darkness, for the darkness and the light are all the same to the ONE with Whom we have to do.....

Thanks for sharing Jim's words. He sounds like a very precious man. It continues to amaze me how very intimate God is with each of our lives and those "divine appointments" He makes happen as we go about our daily
business.....Makes me want to weep and fall flat on my face in worship.....
My heart and prayers are with him and all his compadres....lifting, lifting, lifting.....always lifting upwards.....calling forth the LIGHT....

Much much love to you dancing partner.

Judy Dunn >>


<<
Burt,
Jim is apsolutely Precious, How the Spirit moves about in such simplicity and kindness. All i could think about in reading his note , is what the Spirit shared with me recently. "As you go about speaking, whatever it may be, (good, or concern or need), let each word be a prayer unto me. For i care for every little thing." ... Just this morning, as i awoke, He spoke again concerning this, But this time, it was " Now let every little thing be brought up In Worship to me. For i desire to fill all in all through your worship to me.! " Jim is just worshipping in His sharing and Yes, it must be shared. It all Glorifies the Father ! Esp . in Him !!
Share this with him if you'd like.
Thank you lord for your filling,
Thanks Burt ,
Love,
Kathi Gow
Apalachin, NY >>


<< Dear Burt,
As usual, I enjoyed your recent email. I loved the quote, "Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance."
Yes!!
The emails between you and your friend Jim Ault were tremendous. A steady light is burning in the middle of this death. I saw it in your emails to each other Isn't it wonderful to have the hope within us? What do people do without that hope?! I shared the emails with a christian friend at work. He was quite impressed. I've been thinking of you quite a bit lately and praying for you as all this crazy killing is going on. I know you Burt, and I know that you are not afraid in all this. (Just don't wear that yellow suit while you're pumping gas-it's too good of a target.) Bless you dear brother.

The Lord is doing wonderful things in our Bible study. We are all getting grounded in who we are. We really have learned more of our justification, righteousness, grace, faith--how all that works together. We began the study back in February I think. We're on the last unit now. This week's lesson is really touching me on a deep level. It's about God opening his heart to us and revealing himself through Jesus Christ to us.

On a different note--your Yankee friend here did a daring thing and rode with the pack this weekend. Yes....I was a motorcycle Mama this past Saturday. All the Harleys, leather and fringe were present. Myself and 3 or 4 others were the one ones with full face helmets on-the others had the typical Harley skull cap. The ride was a benefit for a lady with cancer. It (the ride) was named after the brother of my co-worker who died earlier this year of cancer. Three guys from work were present with their Harleys and I was asked to ride with one. Rick..he's a hippy leftover. Bald (that's a good thing-don't get defensive on me), earring, the good ol Harley handkerchief scarf tied on the head. (he comes to work this way) Oooh boy, if the First Baptist Church of Newark Valley, NY could see me now! Boy, oh, boy, that Julie is really backslidden! Anyhow, what I'm trying to say is,"I had a blast!" It felt great to be moving fast in the wind, looking at the nature sights around me-being part of the same thing that others are enjoying. (It was kinda funny being the ones being gawked at--I made a point to wave at people, especially the little kids.) And you know what I found out? (Don't tell this to the people at the First Baptist Church of Newark Valley, NC cuz they won't believe you.) But I found out that this group of Harley people are....are.....are....I just can't say it......regular people! Some of them are even Christians. Yes, I know it's hard to believe, but it's true. Anyhow, the motorcycle thing was realy fun. We rode 100 miles and I think they raised $20,000. (I think some buisnesses chipped in) I went to bed tired, but I had played hard! That felt good. (not that we go by feelings)

Well, It's time to gear down. 5:15 comes early. (Actually it comes the same time every day.) Ha ha.

love from your "backslidden" Yankee friend,
Julie Watkins
North Carolina

P.S. I have two wonderful children that I get to be a parent to. Jessica has her driver's permit now and no I haven't stood up in the floor board yet or sucked in air through my teeth, making that hissing noise. Katie is doing wonderfully in school. She is caught up in Algebra and getting good grades in it. She has a good friend now and relationships are better all around.

"Praise God, I'm living in the name of love."
- sung by The Whites >>


Go, Go, GO-O-O-O, Julie.
Yes indeed, I can just see you zoooomin' down the road...wavin' to the sidewalk-bound. Born to be Mild!!!
You are right, by His grace, haven't had one anxious moment about all this sniper business. You can't kill a corpse. So, I ain't lettin' no stupid sniper mess up my Monday.
Yours, in the light that no darkness can extinguish,
Burt


<<
Dear Burt, Thanks so much for your forwarding of Jim Ault's note to you. God is so awesome...He just uses those of us who walk with him in the most amazing ways. You guys are blessed to have one another as friends. As Jesus said, and Paul too, all this craziness in the last days is just the "birth pangs" of the end times......it's a drag for the most part, but oh so necessary to get from the "isness of now.....to the "isness" of what will be unspeakable glory.
Do you remember Brother Andrew, "God's smuggler?" Anyway, we heard from a British pastor at a worship conference on Saturday, that he's now 74 and living in Holland, and is spending the last years of his active life, making friends and praying for terrorists! Yeah, just like Jeshua.....he actually visits and has fellowship with folks like Yassar Arafat and some of the leading Colombian drug lords. He's no threat to them, hangs with them, tells them that they're terrorists and bound for hell if they don't repent and turn to Jeshua, and hegets away with it because he loves these enemies just like Jesus did......what a concept. Loving our enemies is kinda easy to read about in the Gospels, yet kinda hard to actually do....have you noticed this interesting pheonomenon?
Also on Saturday, we legally signed Stephanie in as our daughter. Her new name is Stephanie Leona (Sharon's grandmother's name) Doll (Sharon's maiden name) Schempp. Brandon was in attendance, and it had to be hard for him to be there, but I had a brief talk with him later, telling him that we still love him, and that if he wants to humble himself and deal with his past rejection and anger responsibly, he can come back to us. However, he's still in "Prodigal Son Mode" and even blew up at his new foster dad when he was late in picking him up, so for now, it seems God is protecting the rest of us from his rage. Please keep praying for him.
Steph turned 13 a few weeks ago, and also elected to be baptized! God is doing awesome things in her life right now. We also have plans to visit the synagogue of one of her unsaved Jewish classmates for Shabat some Friday night. Good stuff.....the foundation of our faith. Or as Edith Schaeffer has said so well......."Christianity is Jewish."
Keep praying for Randy Fox's recovery of a severely pulled Achille's tendon. He's still on crutches for a few more weeks. Let us know when you're heading this way again. We sure miss your shinning baldness! Love, Ted >>
In a message dated 10/21/02 11:22:58 PM:
<< Buddy..Im speachless!!! Tough guy firefighters arent supposed to cry but this really caught me off guard.. you are so blessed to have such wonderful people in your life lifting up your ministry.. and I feel the Lord's love through their/your words. Thank you sooo very much Burt.. this is a special blessing.. you are the greatest.. Jimmy >>

Jim,
I'm the greatest??...
No, YOU are the greatest...
No, HE is the greatest!...
Love,
Burt
P.S.
Uh, say, did you maybe get a wee clue about whether putting your inner and outer experiences in written form would be a blessed thing?...

<< Dear Joy-Bringer,
At this very moment, the news is breaking on yet another sniper shooting, in Maryland. But here is the REAL news, not on television. It is a note from Capt. Jim Ault, our firefighter/trauma unit brother. What he says in it to me, is really to YOU. And through you, to Him. -- After his words you can read what was sent to him from you.
Love never fails.
Yours, in the Light that no darkness can extinguish,
Burt Rosenberg

From Jim Ault:
<< Buddy..Im speachless!!! Tough guy firefighters arent supposed to cry but this really caught me off guard.. you are so blessed to have such wonderful people in your life lifting up your ministry.. and I feel the Lord's love through their/your words. Thank you sooo very much Burt.. this is a special blessing.. you are the greatest.. Jimmy >>

Jim,
Hope you don't mind, good buddy, but took the liberty to send your email to some praying friends. You touched a chord. And, this is what is coming back on every wave...
Let's talk soon...
Love,
Burt

<< Prayers on the way...
Love, Bettie Cope
Pennsylvania >>

<< I just wanted you to know that I will be praying for Jim. I can't imagine
the pain he must go through when things like this happen, not to mention the
helpless feeling when he's there picking up the pieces and trying to put the
puzzle together to figure out exactly what happened and why. I pray he gets
the words out on paper and in voice like you said to help him deal with it.
I pray God gives him everything he needs to minister to people out there who
are hurting at times like this--words, compassion, actions. I also pray God
gives him peace in the midst of this storm. Peace totally beyond his
understanding...
Lynda McBurnett >>


<< ...Burt, I can't think of anyone better to have on the scene, out of all who could have been, than a child of the living God, a "..God of compassion and full of mercy". In other words, God was there for Ted in his terrible moment of sorrow, if he wanted Him. " And lo, I am with you always". It is written.
Tom Panella,
San Diego, California >><< << Just read the note from Jim. My heart is gripped with compassion...and wanting to lift him up in prayer. I suppose there are a lot of 'Jim's' up your way that are battling some rage and anger at the insanity of it all. It causes me to want to press in that much more to guard my heart... to stay in the secret place. We are all connected together and this battle is definitely going on from another level! Thanks for sharing..
Janet Woodham,
West Palm, Florida >>


<< Burt,
I was just in awe at the letter from your friend. I was in tears reading it, it was so anointed, and it seems to me like he was right where he was supposed to be. Thank you so much for sending it. I had wondered about the Al Queda connection, also...
Wow! Would you please mention to your friend that there are many others out here who agree with you, that he should put these experiences into a book? I would buy it in a New York minute (and now the whole world knows just how fast that is, don't they?). God bless you and your friend. -- Burt, would it be alright if I share the letter from Jim with some other friends of mine? It's been a topic of conversation lately, and a couple of them live near that area. If not, I understand.
Tina Oakley
Clarksville, Tennessee >>

 

<< I feel your friend's every word........that night I couldn't sleep thinking
'someone is out there planning to do this again'...............It just won't
compute. -- I will be thinking of your buddy and please let me know how he is from time to time. Tell him someone here in Kentucky is loving him and trusting his words and love will be delivered at just the right moment. I love you,
Linda Bunting,
Louisville, Ky >><< Thanks for sharing, and yes, we have prayed for God's blessing to be upon
Jim, and all of you in that area. You and Jim will continue to be in our
prayers.
Bill Hodge
Kentucky>>

<< I will be praying for Jim and the Franklin's.....the whole situation. Knowing and Seeing that our God is sovereign is the only way we can get through these apparently horrible days.
Love,
Silvia Audi,
Fairfax, Va >>

 

<< Burt-
Thanks so much for forwarding Jim's message to me. I will continue to pray for him, and for all the people who have been affected by this insanity/evil. His insight is chilling that this is probably terrorism. But I am reminded of God's sovereignty and of his mercy...I pray that He will use even this to his Glory. You are right that we are being called even more to be Light as the darkness deepens. It really is possible to have joy in these times. And it is exciting to be one of His warriors. Joy Warriors? Joy and peace to share with all the lost--what a privilege!
May God continue to keep you in his care-
Cynthia >><< Isn't it wonderful that God had someone to show that man the love of God, right after his wife was murdered. It's almost as if "before you ask, I
have answered." It makes me wonder who He had at all the other shootings,
as we know He was represented! I have thought of all of you in the D.C.
area so much, these days. As I leave a store to walk to my car, I think
about snipers......it takes me to " our times are in His hands" which is the
only place of peace.
Blessings on you and your friend!
Love, Harriet and Wade Wearren,
Louisville, KY >>

 

<< wow!!! thanks for sending this burt....and thank jim for sharing so
personally about his experience. i think it's so great that he has a desire
to write about it and then goes ahead and does it. great suggestion on your
part...there's the shakesperian "twice-blest" thing here in that, like the
quality of mercy, his sharing "blesses him that giveth and him that
receiveth." he gets blessed and we get blessed....)
love, mary blair >><< Will certainly pray for Jim. Thanks for passing this along. I can't imagine how difficult this all must be for him and what a toll the
accumulative effect must be at continually having to respond to this kind of
devastation and threat. At first I was so thankful that God sent a
Christian as the first one into this situation. Then I thought about how
much he needs the support of the body to continue to carry this kind of a
burden. Please tell him there are brothers and sisters standing and
kneeling with him. Russ and I are equipping people within our fellowship
for Steven Ministries. We meet tomorrow night and will pray specifically
for him as a group. I'm hoping that Ted Franklin will again seek him
out..................for whatever purpose God might intend.
Shalom my friend, Shalom, Shalom...............
Jeanne Hammond >>

<< Wow! I really don't feel that it is coincidental that Jim was the first "fire
and rescue" on the scene....there is something prophetic in that. I'm not
sure what exactly just now. Perhaps God is going to give him a "strategy" in
the spirit on how to pray to uncover this sniper (s...I'm not convinced
there's just one) or give him prophetic insight as to who is specifically
behind it. Or it could be for Ted or the other policemen there on the scene
before him....only the Lord knows, but I am praying that Jim will hear Him
clearly and not 'dismiss' the way the circumstances went down as 'just the way
they went down', if you get my drift. Please encourage him for me to stay
tuned to God concerning this matter. Thanks for forwarding his mail....I will
continue to pray for him and the families and all of the personnel that have
been involved in this horrible time.
Love, Bonni Montgomery
Dothan, Alabama >>


<< Burt,
Jim is apsolutely Precious, How the Spirit moves about in such simplicity and kindness. All i could think about in reading his note , is what the Spirit shared with me recently. "As you go about speaking, whatever it may be, (good, or concern or need), let each word be a prayer unto me. For i care for every little thing." ... Just this morning, as i awoke, He spoke again concerning this, But this time, it was " Now let every little thing be brought up In Worship to me. For i desire to fill all in all through your worship to me.! " Jim is just worshipping in His sharing and Yes, it must be shared. It all Glorifies the Father!...
Share this with him if you'd like.
Thanks Burt ,
Love, Kathi Gow
Apalachin, NY

<< My dearest spritzer...."But, there is no terror in the secret place." These
words just resonate inside of me. Makes me think of Jesus living from that
place moment by moment which made Him able to go about His Father's business without fear. I don't think we ever realize how fearful and vulnerable we
are until something happens which brings it to our attention. Those of us
outside the circle of the DC area can't even begin to imagine what you all
must be living in. All we get are the "highlights" of the day to day. We
don't get anything on what the everyday must be like. I am glad you are
there to speak His word and BE Him in the midst of all of this. I know
there are others also. Don't forget we're holding you up and believing with
you that incredible light will issue forth out of this terrible darkness,
for the darkness and the light are all the same to the ONE with Whom we have to do..... Thanks for sharing Jim's. He sounds like a very precious man. It continues to amaze me how very intimate God is with each of our lives and those "divine appointments" He makes happen as we go about our daily
business.....Makes me want to weep and fall flat on my face in
worship.....My heart and prayers are with him and all his
compadres....lifting, lifting, lifting.....always lifting
upwards.....calling forth the LIGHT....
Much much love to you,
Judy Dunn >>

<< Dear Burt,
Yes, I have your friend in prayer as well. We are so
blessed to have men out there on the "front lines" who
know the Lord and share His message.
As you know I am a teacher with a class of 27
kindergarteners. Last week I prayed that we would
start a Bible Study for the teachers. That was Wed.
night. On Thursday morning one of the other teachers
was moved to start a Bible study and we all got notice
of it on Thursday afternoon. Our first meeting was
this afternoon after school from 4-4:30. One of the
nuns attended as well as 3 other teachers and the
leader (an evangelical born again believer) and
myself. This is a Catholic school. PTL! Maybe God is
using these horrible shootings to bring people to the
Lord -- I doubt it but I cannot get into the mind of
God. I just pray it will stop and the guy will be
caught soon. I am so grateful that I had our Bible
study to fall back on before I heard the latest news
today when I left school - The message he left for the
police was quite chilling!
Love,
Barb Card,
Germantown, MD >>

<< Thanks Burt for sending all those wonderfully written, but most of all, LOVE -Filled letters to him !!! I wanted to cry just reading them myself... This is what it is all about, reaching out and loving one another.... ITs all anyone needs to bring healing and stablility through hard times.
I wondered though about my own words. If it would mean anything, since i don't Know Jim. So your note really did encourage me. Thank you !! (God knew i needed that ! )
Such encouragement indeed. Thanks Lord. !!
Love and blessings back abundantly,
Kathi Gow,
Apalchin, NY >>
:
<< Burt,
please send this to your (our) friend Jim.

Bless you, bless you, bless you Jim.
In Him you live and move and have your being.
How hopless so many people are in the midst of this shooting mess.
How do they stand it?
Although fear may try to show up in our bodies and our emotions, we are
differnet.
We have that hope that lives in us.
That hope Who is a person.
THEE PERSON.
Our life is hidden in Christ.
How strong He has made you.

In His hope,
Julie Watkins
Salisbury, NC

 

<< Dear Burt,
After reading the beautiful responses you received after sharing Jim
Ault's letter. I'm again in awe at all the love that is available to us through our brothers and sisters. Today Trumpet Call wrote about the frequencies that come from EVERYTHING and how powerful they are when joined in focus . I've been pondering about how love works when focussed on the sniper or on Saddam, or Osama. bin Laden. We certainly can't love what they do. It's the person God loves through us. And right now no doubt most of our country is hating the sniper and wishing him dead asap. Our government wants Saddam dead. What is them difference in these cases. How can I love in an honest way when such horrible things go on.?
I know that those who do not or even cannot accept the grace of His love
are automatically under His wrath, the law of sowing and reaping. But
how does Love look at these men. It is coming to me that a good Father
diciplines his children in such a way that their gifts and talents are
developed to become a blessing, not a curse. God's love provided a way
that we could be delivered from the dominance of the "old man," through
the death of that "old man", the corrupted self for self nature, on the
Cross with Jesus. Why can't we focus our energies (thoughts, emotions,
feelings) on the love of God for the true self of each of these persons,
meaning release from the oppression of the false self. This, of course,
is a form of forgiveness which boomerangs back to us God's forgiveness
of us as deliverance from the dominion of the false self in us.
This is never condoning the corruption of tyranny whether by a dictator
or a sniper. We'd have to be sick in our own heads not to be angered at
such inhumanity to man, but what do we do with the anger before it
destroys us.? I suggest that we hand back to God the energy of this
anger and ask Him to direct its expression in an authentic, creative
form. I think you, yourself, are an example of doing this in response
to the anger you felt at the injustice revealed at the time of your
father's death.
I've been mulling all this over because our nation is on the brink of
falling into satan's trap of forgetting that "vengeance is mine, says
the Lord." As children of God we need to rise up and accept the
dominion of Christ in us over oppression in our circumstances and world.
Otherwise the old Adam nature will continue to reign and that is not why
we were born at such a time as this!
Thanks for letting me vent a bit today and/or think as I write.Our
Love-based intercession is mightier than nuclear warheads, the control
of the FBI or police departments. Right now I am reminding myself that
my Father is sovereign in my world, that the old me is already dead to
the law of action and reaction. an eye for an eye, and is free to
respond to the frequency of the Holy Spirit.
Love you,
Bettie Cope
Pennsylvania >>

<< Dear Burt,
I have been thinking much about you lately, are you okay? This sniper thing is insanity, to be so close to it has got to be chilling. You and your community are in our prayers. Thanks for the insight from your medic friend, I can't imagine doing what he is doing. May G-d bless him. I hope that you can continue to encourage a calmness in his life.
Please be careful. Bullets do not have peoples' name on them, and scopes do not always search for designated targets... some people are angry enough and sick enough to indiscriminately purpose harm knowing that to hurt one of us, hurts us all.
Your friend in Yeshua,
Amy. >>

Thank you, dear Amy. Oh yes, this is bizarre and diabolical drama here. But, I must say, I have not had a moment's anxiety. (Concern and ache for the victims and their families, yes.) Nor have I not gone anywhere I wanted to go. I ain't lettin no mishugannah sniper mess up my Tuesday. Greater is He who is in us, than he who is in the world. That is the truth. I trust "my" life to this Truth. What we are experiencing is a test of what we really believe/live, isn't it?
I received some wonderful responses from blessed souls to Jim's letter. And I sent excerpts of those responses to Jim.
Yours, in the Light that no darkness can extinguish,
Burt


<< I can't even come close to imagining what it must be like to walk right upon
the horrors of 9-11 and then, Linda Franklin's death. And, the
unpredictability of that moment at Home Depot and how Jim was bravely doing his job as unto the Lord...that was very touching. It really is the perfect picture of Good overcoming Evil--the One Truly Good One being the only One who can overcome the free-wheeling wickedness on this Earth. The sadness of the world really gets to me sometimes, but "at just the right time" God sends His love disguised as a regular person--Jim Ault, you and me (as you may say). That's what a blessed life is all about, isn't it? Being the
"first on the scene," having a front-row seat at the blessing, no matter
what the circumstances are, good or bad. Yep, I'm sensing it now, that Good
overcoming...and I'm filled and overwhelmed by Him, Jesus Christ, Yeshua
Hamaschiach (sp), Who makes good possible. A perfect plan, from the
beginning, and still unfolding.
We are called to a time such as this, and it's exciting and very
challenging. Only He makes us up to the task at hand. Left to my own
devices, I'm not up to it.
Laura Strobel
Greenbelt, MD >>


Well said, Laura. -- Ohh yes, His vessels are called to a time such as this. Despite his intentions, this mishugganah assassin is driving souls right into His hands. As the world continues to descend into madness, fear and despair, the Light is the only hope, and the Light dwells in us. What an honor to bring in the Light artillery (that IS the heavy artillery) at Severn, ESPECIALLY at such a time as this...We really are soldiers in this war, armed with light. The weapons are not anger, bitterness and resentment. It is not by might, not by power, but by the name and nature of the Light. Not making light of things that must be taken seriously, but bringing light to bear. Where light is, darkness must flee. One moment at a time...one person at a time...not being fooled by appearances. In addition to "seeing through" the darkness from serene Presence, isn't it amazing that joy, light-heartedness and, yea, even laughs are powerful weapons of this spiritual warfare. Who would dare believe that? I see that hand, Laura!
Love never fails,
Burt Rosenberg

<< Dear Burt,
Thank you for the e mail about your friend Jim Ault. It is most
informative and I really liked and agree with your reply to him. You
consoled him, recognized his heroic deed and gave him valuable advise. To
write out his thoughts to God, "getting each word from God and giving
each word to God." I've been doing this for a long time, it truly helps,
especially after Bill died.
Sorry, to hear you couldn't make the last New Windsor conference, neither
could I but we were there in Spirit.
Life goes on and your life sounds exciting. You are in my thoughts,
prayers. Do you hear from Fran? I haven't for a long time.
Love you,
Evelyn Addison,
Florida >>


<< Hi Burt,
After I sent my recent second reply to your sharing of Jim Ault's
letter, I heard these inner words in effect answering my question about
how to love the unlovely.
"You can't love them. You can only love Me as you become as a
little child and accept MY love as sovereign, expressing MYSELF
appropriately in each life,. through MY BODY. I'll work through you
when it is appropriate. Many others are also members of ME"
What a relief that is. I'm not responsible for loving anyone in my own
strength. I simply need to accept God AS LOVE, His love as omnipresent,
wherever His "enemies" may be, and rest in that knowledge.
How great it is to have a friend like you who encourages the sharing of
the truth that makes us free.!
Love, Bettie
Pennsylvania >>

<< Thanks for sending this to me Burt. I haven't received the first letter yet (I'm assuming that is the letter you mentioned at services at Oneg?). But I feel very honored that you would share these with me.
Yes, the REAL news is that this is not about a sniper, really, but about our man-made, self-made defenses being torn down and our having either the wonderful privilege (if it ends in the Lord) or the terrifying reality of seeing that we are not as (self) protected as we think we are. I guess that might sound kind of harsh in the wake of all those wonderful responses to Jim's letter and to Jim's letter itself (and to your's and his exchange). I wanted to send out an organization-wide email this morning (lovingly, I hope) quoting certain Scriptures about fearing the Lord (instead of "fearing him who can destroy only the body"). I can't imagine what Jim must have experienced- in fact, he is fortunate if he DID experience deep gut-wrenching feelings instead of just a momentary terror, and then "back to business as usual." I hope he hears just what he needs to hear from the Lord in the midst of this...but not just in the midst of this, but in every single step he takes...
Terri Friedman
Germantown, MD >>


Blessed Co-conspirator, Terri,
In the midst of all the new about the killer on the loose, here is the REAL
news: That there is a Resurrecter on the loose.
Blessings,
Burt

<< Dear Burt,
Thanks for sending me Jim's letter! All I can say is WOW! I loved what he
said about "being on the sacred edge of life and death" and I loved what you
said in yours, about being able to face dealing with the possiblilty of
being a target for the sniper, by reaffirming to yourself that you are
already dead! (Gal 2:20) That is a good reminder to us all!
I will keep Jim in my prayers, as he faces all of this , daily.
Love,
Harriet Wearren
Louisville, KY >>

You are most welcome, Harriet. -- Yes, WOW is right! -- What an intense test of "seeing through" the horrific pictures of death and fear. Thank God the killers have apparently been apprehended. May the terribly expensive lessons not be lost in the sea of relief...
Love,
Burt

Burt and Jim,
It is truly amazing how God uses each of us. Jim please be assured that I
will keep you in prayer and that God will continue to place you in those
Divine Appointments and to give you His Words to speak. We both know that
nothing else said will matter in those times and places.
You are both in the line of fire where you live. My prayers are with you
both.
Judi Crumly,
Alaska

<< Burt,
as a PS to your note: my sister, Daphne lives about a mile from where one
of the victims was shot. Her son, Mike, (a recent retired Marine) lives
nearby also and told her to stay inside.
This is certainly the "End Times" .... >>


From Jim Ault:
<< what an awesome encouragement this is Burt thank you...it really helps..and the fact that God's grace interceded by catching these guys using Christians is sooo telling also isnt it.. please make sure your friends realize that this stress is not generated by danger but the fear of the next foot falling...in fact this job is easy compared to yours.. on stage comedy where bombing can mean bodily harm at mob action of ill tempered brothers and sisters.is far more terrifying and life threatening than a burning building or some second rate sniper.... thanks again for the blessing and I thank God for you!!
Jimmy >>


Ahh Jim, you are so right. That is why we are recommending O.S.C.T. (On-Stage Comedy Training) for swat teams and frontline sniperfighters. Once you have braved that, all the rest is somehow so-o-o much more mellow...
<< I thank God for you!! >>
Oh yeah?? Well, I thank God for YOU more!!
Burt

<< burt, did you get this? (about Ron Lantz, a Christian, spotting the snipers' car) just received it from luli. how's jim ault doing? thought about him yesterday. those days after a crisis and it's resolution can still be a bit tough, (normal emotional healing via our God designed human grief process) so tell him i'm still standing in faith for him, bless
his heart....and you too ;-) love, your sis,
mary blair


"Barbara Priddy, Sandra Sharpe, Marlene Zerbe" wrote:
Yesterday, we received the following true story about the man who found the
snipers and, as always, we are awestruck by the power of prayer and the
presence of God.
During the week of October 21, 2002, with the sniper at large in the
Washington, DC area, 50 Christian truckers got together to pray that somehow the sniper would be caught. One of the truckers, Ron Lantz, who lived in another area, would be retiring as a driver in a few days, but he felt sure that God would answer their prayers. In fact, he told the others gathered there that God was going to use him to catch the sniper.
A few days later, Lantz was listening to the radio as he drove through the
predawn darkness on Interstate 70 north of Washington, DC. Suddenly, he
felt compelled to pull off the highway into a rest stop. It was just a
couple of miles from where the prayer meeting had taken place a few days
earlier. As he slowly turned his rig and entered the rest stop parking
area, he was shocked to see a car, similar to the description he had just
heard over the radio, pulled over in front of him
Carefully trying to read the license plate in his truck's headlights, a chill went up his back as the numbers matched! Lantz quickly called 911 on his cell phone and, following the directions of the police, pulled his truck across the exit for what he said were the longest 15 minutes of his life! There would now be no escape for these elusive murderers.
The rest is now history. The snipers were taken into custody without a shot
being fired and today Ron's testimony is being beamed around the world.
What an example of the power of prayer! And, true to character, when Ron
Lantz was asked what he would do with the award money, he said his share of
the half million dollars would be given to the victims' families.
During the past three weeks, the snipers killed ten and wounded three in the
metropolitan area of our Nation's Capital, leaving the entire region in a
state of terror. Yet out of the great darkness has come a great beam of
light, giving clear and brilliant testimony to the power of prayer.
Please pass this on!
>>