Sky Angel TV Exclusive: Michael Rood examines the modern day calendar vs. the biblical calendar as it pertains to past and future spiritual events.
Both Jews and Christians have forsaken the Creator’s calendar for an invented reckoning of time. The modern Jewish calendar was invented in Tiberius in 359 of the Common Error, utilizing Babylonian astronomy to calculate a completely new reckoning of time. The modern Christian calendar, invented in Babylon nearly 4,000 years ago, remains just as pagan as the day it was fabricated.
Join Michael Rood and his guest, Nehemia Gordon, as they expose both of these man-made calendars and turn to the ancient Hebrew Scriptures to rediscover the Creator’s reckoning of time – so that we, the children of light, might not be ignorant of His times and His seasons. Four hours of inspiring teaching recorded in the Hebron Hills of Israel.
About Michael Rood
Former US Marine Michael Rood is on a mission. He dares to go where few men have gone before, to challenge long-held beliefs about the Bible and to guide all who "have ears to hear" to an historically accurate interpretation and understanding.
Michael Rood's direct, hard-hitting style is both disarming and refreshingly honest. His bold attitude is backed-up by Scripture and well researched historical data. He is both teacher and story-teller. His assignment? To bring the good news of Messiah and Torah to a lost and disillusioned world.
AIR TIMES:
3pm-7pm ET/12pm PT
Angel Two/Sky Angel Channel 9702
Now Showing On YouTube
Monday, June 30, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
The Story of Creation from different Cultures
While the story of creation may have been passed down from one generation to the next in oral fashion, the catastrophic event of the flood would have possibly stopped the oral tradition dead in its tracks. Here we must consider the reliability of the testimony of Adam and Eve being kept intact for 2,000 plus years.
The second event to interfere with the possible transmission of the ancient tales of creation was the confusion of languages, leading to the development of diverse ethnic groups and cultures.
It should not surprise us to discover that each ethnic group has within its cultic literature some variation of the creation narrative. It should also not surprise us to discover that a number of these “creation myths” contain similar patterns and details to those in the biblical account.
From Africa come the following stories:
The Ancient One, known as Unkulunkulu, is the Zulu creator. He came from the reeds and from them he brought forth the people and the cattle. He created everything that is: mountains, streams, snakes, etc. He taught the Zulu how to hunt, how to make fire, and how to grow food. In the beginning there was only darkness, water, and the great Elohim Bumba. One day Bumba, in pain from a stomachache, vomited up the sun. The sun dried up some of the water, leaving land. Still in pain, Bumba vomited up the moon, the stars, and then some animals: the leopard, the crocodile, the turtle, and finally, some men, one of whom, Yoko Lima, was white like Bumba.
From Japan:
Before the heavens and the earth came into existence, all was a chaos, unimaginably limitless and without definite shape or form. Eon followed eon: then, lo! Out of this boundless, shapeless mass something light and transparent rose up and formed the heaven. This was the Plain of High Heaven, in which materialized a deity called Ame-no-Minaka-Nushi-no-Mikoto (the Deity-of-the-August-Center-of-Heaven). Next the heavens gave birth to a deity named Takami-Musubi-no-Mikoto (the High-August-Producing Wonderous-Deity), followed by a third called Kammi-Musubi-no-Mikoto (the Divine-Producing-Wondrous-Deity). These three divine beings are called the Three Creating Deities.
From China:
In the beginning the heavens and earth were still one and all was chaos. The universe was like a big black egg, carrying Pan Gu inside itself. After 18 thousand years Pan Gu woke from a long sleep. He felt suffocated, so he took up a broadax and wielded it with all his might to crack open the egg. The light, clear part of it floated up and formed the heavens; the cold, turbid matter stayed below to form earth. Pan Gu stood in the middle, his head touching the sky, his feet planted on the earth. The heavens and the earth began to grow at a rate of ten feet per day, and Pan Gu grew with them. After another 18 thousand years, the sky was higher, the earth thicker, and Pan Gu stood between them like a pillar 9 million li in height so that they would never join again. When Pan Gu died, his breath became the wind and clouds, his voice the rolling thunder. One eye became the sun and one the moon.
From Maya:
In the beginning were only Tepeu and Gucumatz. These two sat together and thought, and whatever they thought came into being. They thought earth, and there it was. They thought mountains, and so there were. They thought trees and sky and animals. Each came into being. Because none of these creatures could praise them, they formed more advanced beings of clay. Because the clay beings fell apart when wet, they made beings
In all of these various stories we witness similar elements to those in the biblical narrative of creation, such as primordial chaos, division of water, winds fluttering over the water, the creation of living things from clay, etc. While some modern scholars may use these similarities to challenge the authenticity of the biblical account, I would argue that these similar details help to establish the truth of the biblical account. What becomes evident from these different stories is that at some point in every culture’s history, its members stood in the present and questioned where they came from. It is the answer to this question of origin that establishes the character, meaning, and purpose of a culture, as well as its future direction. While many cultures may have wrested the answer to the question of their origin from various ancient tales and the apparent evidences of nature, this cannot be said of the people of Israel. While elements of the biblical narrative may have been known and passed down through Noah and his descendants, the version that we know and study in the Torah was revealed to Moses some 2,000 years after the events. While we may easily imagine the truth of this story changing with each culture’s language and circumstances, these variations were corrected at Mount Sinai. We should also recall that the ancestors of these diverse people groups all came from Noah and his sons. At one point in their history, they all knew and believed in the one true Elohim. Over time, however, most of these people groups fell to superstitions, myths, and polytheism. Some may be surprised to discover that even the ancient Hebrew people assimilated the cultures around them and held varying beliefs about creation and the number of elohim. We must remember that the ancient Hebrew people were not always monotheistic.
Because of this cultural drifting from the truth into polytheistic myths and legends concerning the beginning of the universe, we may understand the Creator’s desire to reestablish the truth upon Mount Sinai. We may ask why the Creator waited until Sinai to reveal the truth of His identity as the sole Creator of the universe. As we have already stated above, the answer to this question of origin establishes a culture’s character, meaning, purpose, and direction. We should, therefore, see in this revelation of the story of creation a direct relationship between the Creator and the children of Israel, their character, identity, meaning, purpose, and future.
The second event to interfere with the possible transmission of the ancient tales of creation was the confusion of languages, leading to the development of diverse ethnic groups and cultures.
It should not surprise us to discover that each ethnic group has within its cultic literature some variation of the creation narrative. It should also not surprise us to discover that a number of these “creation myths” contain similar patterns and details to those in the biblical account.
From Africa come the following stories:
The Ancient One, known as Unkulunkulu, is the Zulu creator. He came from the reeds and from them he brought forth the people and the cattle. He created everything that is: mountains, streams, snakes, etc. He taught the Zulu how to hunt, how to make fire, and how to grow food. In the beginning there was only darkness, water, and the great Elohim Bumba. One day Bumba, in pain from a stomachache, vomited up the sun. The sun dried up some of the water, leaving land. Still in pain, Bumba vomited up the moon, the stars, and then some animals: the leopard, the crocodile, the turtle, and finally, some men, one of whom, Yoko Lima, was white like Bumba.
From Japan:
Before the heavens and the earth came into existence, all was a chaos, unimaginably limitless and without definite shape or form. Eon followed eon: then, lo! Out of this boundless, shapeless mass something light and transparent rose up and formed the heaven. This was the Plain of High Heaven, in which materialized a deity called Ame-no-Minaka-Nushi-no-Mikoto (the Deity-of-the-August-Center-of-Heaven). Next the heavens gave birth to a deity named Takami-Musubi-no-Mikoto (the High-August-Producing Wonderous-Deity), followed by a third called Kammi-Musubi-no-Mikoto (the Divine-Producing-Wondrous-Deity). These three divine beings are called the Three Creating Deities.
From China:
In the beginning the heavens and earth were still one and all was chaos. The universe was like a big black egg, carrying Pan Gu inside itself. After 18 thousand years Pan Gu woke from a long sleep. He felt suffocated, so he took up a broadax and wielded it with all his might to crack open the egg. The light, clear part of it floated up and formed the heavens; the cold, turbid matter stayed below to form earth. Pan Gu stood in the middle, his head touching the sky, his feet planted on the earth. The heavens and the earth began to grow at a rate of ten feet per day, and Pan Gu grew with them. After another 18 thousand years, the sky was higher, the earth thicker, and Pan Gu stood between them like a pillar 9 million li in height so that they would never join again. When Pan Gu died, his breath became the wind and clouds, his voice the rolling thunder. One eye became the sun and one the moon.
From Maya:
In the beginning were only Tepeu and Gucumatz. These two sat together and thought, and whatever they thought came into being. They thought earth, and there it was. They thought mountains, and so there were. They thought trees and sky and animals. Each came into being. Because none of these creatures could praise them, they formed more advanced beings of clay. Because the clay beings fell apart when wet, they made beings
In all of these various stories we witness similar elements to those in the biblical narrative of creation, such as primordial chaos, division of water, winds fluttering over the water, the creation of living things from clay, etc. While some modern scholars may use these similarities to challenge the authenticity of the biblical account, I would argue that these similar details help to establish the truth of the biblical account. What becomes evident from these different stories is that at some point in every culture’s history, its members stood in the present and questioned where they came from. It is the answer to this question of origin that establishes the character, meaning, and purpose of a culture, as well as its future direction. While many cultures may have wrested the answer to the question of their origin from various ancient tales and the apparent evidences of nature, this cannot be said of the people of Israel. While elements of the biblical narrative may have been known and passed down through Noah and his descendants, the version that we know and study in the Torah was revealed to Moses some 2,000 years after the events. While we may easily imagine the truth of this story changing with each culture’s language and circumstances, these variations were corrected at Mount Sinai. We should also recall that the ancestors of these diverse people groups all came from Noah and his sons. At one point in their history, they all knew and believed in the one true Elohim. Over time, however, most of these people groups fell to superstitions, myths, and polytheism. Some may be surprised to discover that even the ancient Hebrew people assimilated the cultures around them and held varying beliefs about creation and the number of elohim. We must remember that the ancient Hebrew people were not always monotheistic.
Because of this cultural drifting from the truth into polytheistic myths and legends concerning the beginning of the universe, we may understand the Creator’s desire to reestablish the truth upon Mount Sinai. We may ask why the Creator waited until Sinai to reveal the truth of His identity as the sole Creator of the universe. As we have already stated above, the answer to this question of origin establishes a culture’s character, meaning, purpose, and direction. We should, therefore, see in this revelation of the story of creation a direct relationship between the Creator and the children of Israel, their character, identity, meaning, purpose, and future.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
YHWH
The WORD OF YHWH flows like a river throughout the whole of scripture. Like pure water this word brings life even in the most arid of places and the most desolate of souls. From the beginning of time mankind was meant to be the "earthen vessel" that would carry this life giving water to the whole world. But just as a river picks up silt and pollution as it rolls down the hill, so too has the Word of YHWH been polluted by the traditions of mankind and his need for religion. The PATH OF PURE TORAH is a treasure map showing us where we may find the pure life-giving WORD OF YHWH, that we may dive in and be cleansed of all religious defilement.
Concept of Grace
One of the most misunderstood topics in all of the scripture according to the western Gentile mindset is the concept of grace and its relationship to the law. Christian theologians incessantly fantasize that "grace" was invented on the day of Pentecost, and until the day that Peter baptized three thousand people in his second story bathtub, an angry God ruled the universe by his ridiculously impossible "law".
True "grace" began in the Garden of Eden - it was administered by an angel with a flaming sword that kept Adam from making a mistake that would be eternally uncorrectable. Five thousand years ago, "Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD" before the deluge wiped the majority of humanity from the face of the earth. The word grace appears over five times more often in the Torah than it does in Paul's writings - but that does not mean that "the age of grace" ended at Pentecost. God's grace is just as eternal as his law - which is admittedly sweeter than honeycomb and more precious than fine gold (according to King David who was an obvious recipient of Yah's grace).
We grow up with prejudiced filters that skew our perceptions of the Almighty and his eternal plan. Todd's Bennett's seventh volume in the series, The Law and Grace, removes those blinding filters and gives a heavenly perspective to a unified subject that has been ignorantly twisted into tangents as diverse as War and Peace. This insightful work is an essential clarification that effectively defines the foundation of the Messianic movement.
True "grace" began in the Garden of Eden - it was administered by an angel with a flaming sword that kept Adam from making a mistake that would be eternally uncorrectable. Five thousand years ago, "Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD" before the deluge wiped the majority of humanity from the face of the earth. The word grace appears over five times more often in the Torah than it does in Paul's writings - but that does not mean that "the age of grace" ended at Pentecost. God's grace is just as eternal as his law - which is admittedly sweeter than honeycomb and more precious than fine gold (according to King David who was an obvious recipient of Yah's grace).
We grow up with prejudiced filters that skew our perceptions of the Almighty and his eternal plan. Todd's Bennett's seventh volume in the series, The Law and Grace, removes those blinding filters and gives a heavenly perspective to a unified subject that has been ignorantly twisted into tangents as diverse as War and Peace. This insightful work is an essential clarification that effectively defines the foundation of the Messianic movement.
Shavuot Celebration
What a feast it was! Hundreds of men, women and children gathered in Denver, CO to feed on Glenn McWilliams' teaching of the Word as water and his in-depth commentary on the Torah portion. Michael Rood walked us through Acts 1 & 2 and the Book of Revelation in his special teaching style that makes scripture come alive. We joined in praise and worship with Jimmie Black, Paul Wilber, Brenda Wheeler and the Israeli Celebration Dancers. Judith Rood updated us on the Lydia World Outreach Project with many pictures from her recent trip to Israel. Our children met with Mrs. Noah in the Ark Room for their own Torah class with crafts and games.
On Saturday night as Paul Wilber led us in worship, he called all the men to the front. What an awesome moment as the men worshipped in song and then Paul and the assembly prayed for them and spoke blessing over them.
That same night, all the children attending Mrs. Noah's Torah Tales class came in with the puppets they had made and sang for us. If you are like me, nothing touches my heart like seeing my grandchildren learning Torah and praising Yahweh.
Monday morning while many of us were packing and leaving for home, several people asked Michael if they could have a mikveh service in the outdoor swimming pool. He agreed and a line formed at the pool along with many witnesses. When the mikveh was done, Michael went back inside. Soon he noticed another group gathered by the pool and went out again - MIKVEH #2! What a glorious close to our Shavuot gathering!!
We will offer a post conference special on all CD's and DVD's of the event.
SURVEY
There is a buzz in the air about another big event! If you would be interested in attending The Feast of the Trumpets in October to be held in Atlanta or Nashville, please call the office and submit your vote so that we can plan our next gathering. 616-583-0200
On Saturday night as Paul Wilber led us in worship, he called all the men to the front. What an awesome moment as the men worshipped in song and then Paul and the assembly prayed for them and spoke blessing over them.
That same night, all the children attending Mrs. Noah's Torah Tales class came in with the puppets they had made and sang for us. If you are like me, nothing touches my heart like seeing my grandchildren learning Torah and praising Yahweh.
Monday morning while many of us were packing and leaving for home, several people asked Michael if they could have a mikveh service in the outdoor swimming pool. He agreed and a line formed at the pool along with many witnesses. When the mikveh was done, Michael went back inside. Soon he noticed another group gathered by the pool and went out again - MIKVEH #2! What a glorious close to our Shavuot gathering!!
We will offer a post conference special on all CD's and DVD's of the event.
SURVEY
There is a buzz in the air about another big event! If you would be interested in attending The Feast of the Trumpets in October to be held in Atlanta or Nashville, please call the office and submit your vote so that we can plan our next gathering. 616-583-0200
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Todd Bennett
Dear Torah Fans,
Several years ago I was sitting with Todd Bennett in my living room in the Galilee discussing one of the chapters in his upcoming book that I had just completed editing at his request. The chapter that I had just finished reading, "The Sabbath" was not only good - it was brilliant!
"Todd, you need to forget the idea of one large book with 12 chapters. What we need is an in-depth exposition of each one of these topics. Your insights deserve not just a chapter, but an entire book in itself." I realized that if Todd continued developing this entire series and documenting all of his references, that it would save me years of work doing the same thing - years I didn't have.
Now, several years into the process, Todd Bennett's fifth book - the first volume in the series, Restoration, is a benchmark for the Messianic movement and a call to action for all who consider themselves to be followers of the Messiah. I encourage you to study each and every one of Todd's books for your own spiritual enrichment and enjoyment. This is the high-powered ammunition it takes to defend "the faith once delivered to the saints."
Save on individual shipping by ordering the first five completed books in the twelve volume Walk in the Light series. We will be pleased to notify you when subsequent volumes are published. As with all our materials, we provide "evangelistic bulk rates" for those who are actively ministering. Call our office today to discuss ways that we can help to energize your ministry.
Several years ago I was sitting with Todd Bennett in my living room in the Galilee discussing one of the chapters in his upcoming book that I had just completed editing at his request. The chapter that I had just finished reading, "The Sabbath" was not only good - it was brilliant!
"Todd, you need to forget the idea of one large book with 12 chapters. What we need is an in-depth exposition of each one of these topics. Your insights deserve not just a chapter, but an entire book in itself." I realized that if Todd continued developing this entire series and documenting all of his references, that it would save me years of work doing the same thing - years I didn't have.
Now, several years into the process, Todd Bennett's fifth book - the first volume in the series, Restoration, is a benchmark for the Messianic movement and a call to action for all who consider themselves to be followers of the Messiah. I encourage you to study each and every one of Todd's books for your own spiritual enrichment and enjoyment. This is the high-powered ammunition it takes to defend "the faith once delivered to the saints."
Save on individual shipping by ordering the first five completed books in the twelve volume Walk in the Light series. We will be pleased to notify you when subsequent volumes are published. As with all our materials, we provide "evangelistic bulk rates" for those who are actively ministering. Call our office today to discuss ways that we can help to energize your ministry.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Michael Rood > Note From the Staff
Shalom to all our friends and family.
The staff thanks you for your generosity, prayers, and comments from our last newsletter. It is truly heartwarming to know that we have such an extended family that cares. Because of the overwhelming response, we have decided to continue to give you updates from inside this ministry, as a family should do.
Here at the office, we get hundreds of letters, emails and phone calls from people sharing their testimonies each week. We try our best to read each piece of mail, genuinely listen to each phone call and respond to every e-mail. This gets tough as our family grows, but these pieces of communication are the gold nuggets that make being on the front lines of the battle worth it all.
Last month, we received a letter from a gentleman that touched us to the point of tears. This month, we would like to share that letter with you, our extended family so that you can feel the joy that ran through our souls as we received his second letter this month.
"Dear Michael Rood and staff,
"I am writing this letter long-hand due to some changes in my life. Sadly, we have let our internet go as well as our satellite TV that received your Sky-Angel channel program.
My wife and I came to Albuquerque, NM to see your Jonah Code presentation and unfortunately we were unable to purchase all of your materials that were offered at your seminar.
I have wanted to support your ministry financially for a long time but I felt checked in my spirit at the time and we both know why, it was prior to your move to Michigan.
Now with a great sadness I write you and ask your help. Please bear with me as I relate the details of the past several months. Please understand that I am not sad for myself, but my family. I waited until I was in my 40's to marry and have a family. I am now just 50 and have 4 beautiful children, Yolanda 6 ½, Dennis 5, Lynnelle 3 ½, and Nikita 2. My wife and I planned them kind of close together due to my age; my wife is 35 and her name is Oxana.
I have built homes over the last few years and felt a little run-down. I thought it might be my age, hard work and trying to raise my family. For forty-years I loved the Lord, but Yashua the Messiah truly became real to me through your teaching. I feel like I wandered in the desert for 40 years and I don't want my children to do the same as I did, going to churches with the "Western gentile mentality." Michael, would you consider doing some teaching for children, my children, all children? I'll help you if I can. Santa Claus, The Easter Bunny and The Christmas tree are gone from our house but I don't know for how long because I was diagnosed (Feb 15, 2008) with terminal prostate cancer. It's a stage 4, very aggressive and has moved from my prostrate to my bones, all the way from my left femur to my pelvic bone, and up the spine to about the shoulder blades. Good news is: it is not in any of my organs. The prostate was surgically cut off from the testosterone and I had a steel rod inserted in my left femur.
Time? I was given 1 to 5 years to live, short time to bring all my children into the kingdom of God with my poor teaching skills. In six months will be the first time goal of treatment, with surgery, radiation treatment and medicine, hopefully the doctors will stop the cancer growth. In 3 more years the cancer could find a new source of life from some other place in my body. Yahweh could heal me if He wills it, but in all likelihood, I will have a premature death caused by this cancer. If I make 3 to 5 years, possibly there are better medicines that could come available.
The real issue to me is: please, help me with the "right" teaching materials to teach my children the "right way."
I have gone to various churches all my life and I think they are pretty silly when it comes to teaching. My wife is Russian orthodox, though she liked you in person at your seminar. After several attempts at various churches, needless to say, I am still looking for somewhere to celebrate the Sabbath. I would love for my family to celebrate Pesach in Michigan with your planned celebration, only YHVH knows.
Please let me know if you can help my family with teaching materials in any way or if you have a referral in the Denver area.
Thank you so much - shalom
Barry Allen and family"
This letter left us with an empty feeling in our stomachs and a strong need to do everything we could to help this family. You see, behind the scenes we deal with it all-the good, the bad, and the ugly. But these types of letters are the reason we continue fighting on the front lines of this battlefield.
A care package was assembled, as instructed by Michael for those who cannot afford it. The Torah commands us to allow those in need to glean from the corners of our fields and we do that regularly out of obedience and love.
We sent the care package and called the family to let them know how much their story touched us. A month later, the second letter arrived . . .
"Dear Rood Family and staff members,
4 or 5 weeks ago I wrote your office with my request for material to teach my children as I have terminal cancer. A Rood staff member called me to talk about my situation and the material was sent as well as the 6008 Shavuot registration.
First, I appreciate the material so much, along with the registration fee being waived so my family can attend the event. I sent a small love offering of $25.00 and frankly, I didn't tell my wife as it was my last $25.00 and I didn't want to upset her. Within 10 days or so, Yahweh blessed us with some $2500.00 to meet all our bills and expenses connected with our current situation. As some more financial help has come our way, I asked my wife if I could send you another $25.00 (things are really tight due to my cancer and treatment, and my wife is working and currently handling all our finances). Due to our situation, I expected the "square eyes" and "sour look" my wife would give me at this request. But she said, 'Go ahead, it's your money anyway.' The next day, two checks were in the mailbox totaling close to $600.00 - as well as other positive financial news. Yahweh truly has provided for all my family's needs. Everything is tight but we are keeping up on our house payments and maintaining a temporary residence in Denver while I undergo treatment.
Last but not least, every time I receive your newsletter, all I do is weep and cry over it. I feel so upset that I can do so little to help the only ministry I believe in. I spent some 35 years in various church denominations that I really don't think were right, but I didn't have too many choices. I tithed for years - when I wish I could help your ministry now, I am unable to be of much help and I only hope my prayers are helpful.
I know the "evil one" fights Michael for all it's worth, because we all know Michael is in the "elite special forces" for Yahweh, instead of the Marines.
I will do my best to support Rood Ministries in prayer and financially when I can. I hope that Yahweh will multiply my little help as only the Creator can.
Love and prayers, the Allen Family
Our tears multiplied at this letter. The reason this was so powerful was not because we were surprised that Yahweh had kept His promises about multiplying the tithes and offerings, but because it finally put ALL the money that is sent in by ALL our supporters in perspective.
We really never thought about why people send in money, but now it all makes sense. It is because they believe in this message and the work that we do. The Almighty says, "I will bless those who bless.."
We cannot thank you all enough for the support that you have given, especially the prayers! We need the intercessory prayer just as much as the finances. This family is supporting us with prayer and the small portion they can afford and they are being blessed.
Thank you, Yahweh, for this family and every other family out there who is going through similar situations. May You multiply their blessings!
Shalom
Your Office Staff
PS - We will be tithing to this family a portion of the donations that we receive from this newsletter. If anyone lives in the Denver area and would like more information on this family or would like to invite them to your fellowship, please call our office at 616-583-0200 and let us know.
PSS - By the way, shortly after the first letter, Mrs. Noah arrived on the forefront of the battle to help teach our children.
The staff thanks you for your generosity, prayers, and comments from our last newsletter. It is truly heartwarming to know that we have such an extended family that cares. Because of the overwhelming response, we have decided to continue to give you updates from inside this ministry, as a family should do.
Here at the office, we get hundreds of letters, emails and phone calls from people sharing their testimonies each week. We try our best to read each piece of mail, genuinely listen to each phone call and respond to every e-mail. This gets tough as our family grows, but these pieces of communication are the gold nuggets that make being on the front lines of the battle worth it all.
Last month, we received a letter from a gentleman that touched us to the point of tears. This month, we would like to share that letter with you, our extended family so that you can feel the joy that ran through our souls as we received his second letter this month.
"Dear Michael Rood and staff,
"I am writing this letter long-hand due to some changes in my life. Sadly, we have let our internet go as well as our satellite TV that received your Sky-Angel channel program.
My wife and I came to Albuquerque, NM to see your Jonah Code presentation and unfortunately we were unable to purchase all of your materials that were offered at your seminar.
I have wanted to support your ministry financially for a long time but I felt checked in my spirit at the time and we both know why, it was prior to your move to Michigan.
Now with a great sadness I write you and ask your help. Please bear with me as I relate the details of the past several months. Please understand that I am not sad for myself, but my family. I waited until I was in my 40's to marry and have a family. I am now just 50 and have 4 beautiful children, Yolanda 6 ½, Dennis 5, Lynnelle 3 ½, and Nikita 2. My wife and I planned them kind of close together due to my age; my wife is 35 and her name is Oxana.
I have built homes over the last few years and felt a little run-down. I thought it might be my age, hard work and trying to raise my family. For forty-years I loved the Lord, but Yashua the Messiah truly became real to me through your teaching. I feel like I wandered in the desert for 40 years and I don't want my children to do the same as I did, going to churches with the "Western gentile mentality." Michael, would you consider doing some teaching for children, my children, all children? I'll help you if I can. Santa Claus, The Easter Bunny and The Christmas tree are gone from our house but I don't know for how long because I was diagnosed (Feb 15, 2008) with terminal prostate cancer. It's a stage 4, very aggressive and has moved from my prostrate to my bones, all the way from my left femur to my pelvic bone, and up the spine to about the shoulder blades. Good news is: it is not in any of my organs. The prostate was surgically cut off from the testosterone and I had a steel rod inserted in my left femur.
Time? I was given 1 to 5 years to live, short time to bring all my children into the kingdom of God with my poor teaching skills. In six months will be the first time goal of treatment, with surgery, radiation treatment and medicine, hopefully the doctors will stop the cancer growth. In 3 more years the cancer could find a new source of life from some other place in my body. Yahweh could heal me if He wills it, but in all likelihood, I will have a premature death caused by this cancer. If I make 3 to 5 years, possibly there are better medicines that could come available.
The real issue to me is: please, help me with the "right" teaching materials to teach my children the "right way."
I have gone to various churches all my life and I think they are pretty silly when it comes to teaching. My wife is Russian orthodox, though she liked you in person at your seminar. After several attempts at various churches, needless to say, I am still looking for somewhere to celebrate the Sabbath. I would love for my family to celebrate Pesach in Michigan with your planned celebration, only YHVH knows.
Please let me know if you can help my family with teaching materials in any way or if you have a referral in the Denver area.
Thank you so much - shalom
Barry Allen and family"
This letter left us with an empty feeling in our stomachs and a strong need to do everything we could to help this family. You see, behind the scenes we deal with it all-the good, the bad, and the ugly. But these types of letters are the reason we continue fighting on the front lines of this battlefield.
A care package was assembled, as instructed by Michael for those who cannot afford it. The Torah commands us to allow those in need to glean from the corners of our fields and we do that regularly out of obedience and love.
We sent the care package and called the family to let them know how much their story touched us. A month later, the second letter arrived . . .
"Dear Rood Family and staff members,
4 or 5 weeks ago I wrote your office with my request for material to teach my children as I have terminal cancer. A Rood staff member called me to talk about my situation and the material was sent as well as the 6008 Shavuot registration.
First, I appreciate the material so much, along with the registration fee being waived so my family can attend the event. I sent a small love offering of $25.00 and frankly, I didn't tell my wife as it was my last $25.00 and I didn't want to upset her. Within 10 days or so, Yahweh blessed us with some $2500.00 to meet all our bills and expenses connected with our current situation. As some more financial help has come our way, I asked my wife if I could send you another $25.00 (things are really tight due to my cancer and treatment, and my wife is working and currently handling all our finances). Due to our situation, I expected the "square eyes" and "sour look" my wife would give me at this request. But she said, 'Go ahead, it's your money anyway.' The next day, two checks were in the mailbox totaling close to $600.00 - as well as other positive financial news. Yahweh truly has provided for all my family's needs. Everything is tight but we are keeping up on our house payments and maintaining a temporary residence in Denver while I undergo treatment.
Last but not least, every time I receive your newsletter, all I do is weep and cry over it. I feel so upset that I can do so little to help the only ministry I believe in. I spent some 35 years in various church denominations that I really don't think were right, but I didn't have too many choices. I tithed for years - when I wish I could help your ministry now, I am unable to be of much help and I only hope my prayers are helpful.
I know the "evil one" fights Michael for all it's worth, because we all know Michael is in the "elite special forces" for Yahweh, instead of the Marines.
I will do my best to support Rood Ministries in prayer and financially when I can. I hope that Yahweh will multiply my little help as only the Creator can.
Love and prayers, the Allen Family
Our tears multiplied at this letter. The reason this was so powerful was not because we were surprised that Yahweh had kept His promises about multiplying the tithes and offerings, but because it finally put ALL the money that is sent in by ALL our supporters in perspective.
We really never thought about why people send in money, but now it all makes sense. It is because they believe in this message and the work that we do. The Almighty says, "I will bless those who bless.."
We cannot thank you all enough for the support that you have given, especially the prayers! We need the intercessory prayer just as much as the finances. This family is supporting us with prayer and the small portion they can afford and they are being blessed.
Thank you, Yahweh, for this family and every other family out there who is going through similar situations. May You multiply their blessings!
Shalom
Your Office Staff
PS - We will be tithing to this family a portion of the donations that we receive from this newsletter. If anyone lives in the Denver area and would like more information on this family or would like to invite them to your fellowship, please call our office at 616-583-0200 and let us know.
PSS - By the way, shortly after the first letter, Mrs. Noah arrived on the forefront of the battle to help teach our children.
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