I would like to give a testimony of someone who greatly changed my life. That person’s name is Joshua Jung. About 5 years ago, I came to a point in my life where I realized that there had to be more than the meaningless life I was living. I realized that only God can solve my life’s problems so I began to look for Him. This proved to be more difficult than I thought because God is spirit and I was so physical minded. I tried to change the person I was but failed miserably. Overcoming temptations and following my conscience was difficult because of the life I had grown accustomed to. I felt weak, hopeless, and doomed to a life of misery. I began to think….. “Who can possibly help me? Who can give me strength because I am so weak?” I began praying to God and asking for help but I didn’t know God. Who was God? What was He like, and why would he want to help me after I ignored Him for so long. I was introduced to a Bible study called the 30 principles. The first lesson taught me not only about God but about myself. I learned that I was focused on the physical life and neglecting the spiritual. My spirit was starving and that is why I was so miserable. Only through feeding my spirit would I find true satisfaction in life. The 30 principles Bible study was so great that I had to ask who the author was. Who was this man who can change lives with the words he spoke? A man named Joshua Jung dedicated his entire life to becoming close to God and learning God’s deep truth. Joshua Jung worked hard for many years to uncover the word of truth and love. Joshua Jung read the Bible many times and dedicated his life to knowing God and bringing others to the knowledge of God. After finishing the 30 principles Bible study, questions about the Bible and God were answered. My eyes were opened to the meaning of life. God wants a relationship with each one of us and He is with us everyday. God is the help we are looking for but we must open our eyes and ears to experience Him. Teacher Joshua Jung has been the key to open this in my life.

-Fernando Jauregui

Dear President Obama,

I thank God and our Lord Jesus Christ for appointing you as the leader of this nation. Your journey will not be an easy one, but with God as your primary advisor, and the Lord guiding your path,  I believe that you will succeed in bringing this nation together. I know you have selected a great team to stand by your side and to help you do your work, but I beg of you to please rely only on God and the Lord for wisdom and knowledge, to make all the right decisions; and to have the courage and strength to follow this tough journey that is ahead of you. Congratulations, and may God’s blessings be upon you and your family.

Sincerely,
MD

This is a song I composed and dedicated to Jesus our Lord.

You can find the sheet music here.

Lyrics:

He leads me through my darkest road
He shines his light in the darkness of the world.
To feel his touch, he stirs my heart,
my hands, my heart, my all, I offer to you Lord.

He gives me life, with words of life,
to all who seeks, he answers gently.
With joy, with hope, and love of God,
I live my life to give all glory to you Lord.

And who(he) is my redeemer,
and who(he) guides me through my life,
and who(he) leads me to salvation,
the lord who lives in me. (and he lives in my heart.)‏

Music with vocal:
[flash http://www.gospelofprovidence.com/wp-content/uploads/he_shines_in_my_life.mp3 h=0 mode=1]

Instrumental music:
[flash http://www.gospelofprovidence.com/wp-content/uploads/he_shines_in_my_life_instr.mp3 h=0 mode=1]

With love,

Shinki

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Anorexia Nervosa is a mental disorder that affects many people each year. Untreated, it can easily result in death. It is also one of the most difficult diseases to treat because the individual has a distorted view of their self image, causing them to feel that they are unattractive and overweight. Although it occurs most frequently among young women, it can occur in men and older adults as well.

There are countless reasons as to why an individual may become anorexic. Studies have shown that individuals with anorexia often “value achievement and outward appearance more than an inner sense of self-worth and self-actualization.” They are often like robots trying to conform to others’ image of what is ideal. By most researchers, the most prevalent cause for this mental disorder is “the media’s pressure of displaying a set norm for the female body.” In most cases, people with anorexia are high achievers and religiously work out. They usually have “distorted images of their bodies that causes them to believe that they could improve their looks or performance by decreasing their weight.” Anorectics avoid high caloric foods and obsessively count calories for each food they eat. This is different from calorie awareness or counting for weight management.

Some of the physical consequences of this disease suffer all the symptoms of individuals who starve to death.

Physical Effects of Anorexia (Similar to starvation):

1. Heart pumping less efficiently, heart muscles becoming weak and thin, chambers growing smaller, and blood pressure falling.
2. Sudden stopping of the heart due to lean tissue loss accounts for many cases of sudden death among severely emaciated subjects.
3. Reduced blood proteins.
4. Increased fine body hair.
5. Skin dryness
6. Complaints of not feeling rested
7. Amenorrhea (menstrual cycle loss)

Symptoms of Anorexia as defined by the American Psychiatric Association:

1. Refusal to maintain body weight at or above minimally normal weight for age/height
2. Intense fear of gaining weight, being fat, even when underweight.
3. Amenorrhea (absence of at least 3 consecutive menstrual cycles)

Although anorexics may be aware that they are becoming less healthy, they are unable to take control and stop the behavior. Usually, criticism from others causes the anorexia to worsen. Anorexic individuals will go to great lengths to deceive family, doctors, therapists, and friends. This makes early detection and treatment more difficult.

Then, what are the similarities and differences between Anorexia and Bulimia? Bulimia is the most prevalent eating disorder. The most common behaviors that often are aware of are self-induced vomiting and self-induced bowel movement. Generally, the bulimics usually maintain close to normal weight, however, bingeing followed by purging or vomiting occurs on a regular basis. Nearly 1/5^th of college-age females may display bulimic behaviors.

Like anorexics, bulimics tend to base their self-esteem on appearance and they generally have low self-image. Anorexics are often described as being very realistic and goal-oriented whereas bulimics have a “fantasy life.” They believe they could have the best of both worlds.

Physical effects of Bulimia often include:

1. Damage to the teeth
2. Irritation of the throat
3. Esophageal inflammation, swollen salivary glands
4. Broken blood vessels in the face
5. Cracked damaged lips
6. Rectal bleeding
7. Dehydration
8. Ruptures in upper gastrointestinal tract
9. Kidney damage

Symptoms of Bulimia as defined by the American Psychiatric Association:

1. Recurrent episodes of binge eating
2. Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behavior in order to prevent weight gain such as vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, fasting, etc.
3. Average of two binge-purge episodes a week for at least 3 months
4. Over-concern with body shape and weight
5. Lack of control over binges

To put it simply, anorectics are hospitalized when they are 20% below their body weight. Then they go on a series of weight gaining programs. Like alcoholics and drug users, percentage of relapse is great. Thus they go on various behavior modification therapy, but they are often unsuccessful as well. The reason for it is because a therapist’s job is to correct an anorectic’s stubborn attachment to false beliefs about food and their self-image.

With bulimics, treatment is much easier because they often want to be treated. They are often treated with a course on nutrition and balanced meals. They often go on therapies that often help them to boost their self-image and self-confidence.

Regardless of the type of eating disorder one may have, whether they are an anorexic, bulimic, or an overeater, there is an underlining trait to all sufferers. “Victims often feel as though they are not good enough, that they never do anything right, that they are scrutinized by others for their appearance, and that their lives would get better if they could just lose weight.” Victims can feel like they do not deserve to be happy, “that they don’t deserve to have anything but what is felt as a miserable existence.” They often feel like a burden to others, trivialize their own problems and feel as though other people deserve help more than them.

The founder of Providence church constantly reminds us that only when we understand and realize the value of ourselves can we start valuing others. He also emphasizes the beauty of each person’s uniqueness. In a society and era where beauty standards are drawn out for us, constant comparisons and putting ourselves down in the process can result in such eating disorders. However, if we can understand the value of ourselves and the beauty in being different and unique, there is hope that eating disorders can be healed. Let us first be strong to NOT conform to the trends of our society (such as waifs, twiggies, or super-skinny models). Instead, why not appreciate our bodies as is and strive for health from there? And conclusively, healing for eating disorders begin with the mind and the spirit.

Feelings of frustration, loneliness and hopelessness are not uncommon all throughout the world. These feelings, commonly diagnosed as depression, can in extreme cases lead to suicidal thoughts. If that wasn’t bad enough, some websites actually “guide” readers through a suicide attempt. In the United States alone, there are over 32,000 deaths by suicide each year, the 4^th leading cause of death for adults. Internationally, there are about 1 million suicide deaths each year. These numbers are steadily increasing. Generally, more women than men attempt suicide, but (rather ironically) more men die from suicide.

Why are these numbers so high? What does all this mean? The numbers are not just numbers—they represent valuable lives.

At the lowest point of depression the individual suffers from a distorted view of the self, the world, and life in general. It’s as if they are constantly looking through a dark pair of glasses. Indeed, medical science has shown that the environment, such as the amount of sunlight, diet, exercise, and stress, influences these feelings immensely. Stress can form due to abuse, job loss, broken relationships, and bereavement. However, there are still mysterious causes to depression unknown to medical science. People have reported a sudden urge to end their life, while others claim to have heard voices prompting them even on the specific method of suicide. There are reports of people that swear they felt someone push them to jump. The medical field generalizes these mysterious causes as psychological disorders. However, to diagnose it simply as a mental problem prevents more holistic ways help can be provided for people suffering from depression and in danger of taking their own life.

The Spiritual Aspect of Depression

Religion explains these mysterious causes as the spiritual influence of unseen forces, typically called demons. It is an explanation most quickly rule out, simply because they don’t believe in God. It’s a dangerous assumption because regardless whether you believe in spirituality, its effects are still very real. One might ignore gravity, but one cannot ignore its effect. For the sake of those, spiritual or non-spiritual, suffering through depression, let’s leave the debate of God’s existence to another day, and see what we can learn from spirituality.

The key to surviving depression is you. Yes, you!

The first step is to take responsibility and determine to survive.

Here is a list of further steps you can take to survive depression.

o Count your blessings: Right now, it may not seem like you don’t have much to be thankful for but in actuality, there are so many things we might not have noticed. So go ahead and even the tiniest thing you can find, really, and I mean, really be thankful about it. And I’m sure more will come to mind in due time.

o Exercise: Not only is exercising good for the health but it also circulates blood and delivers oxygen to the brain. This will affect your mood tremendously. Yes, the problems will still be there but how you view the problems will differ. So why not give it a try?

o Watch a movie: Whether it be a funny movie that can help you forget your problems for awhile or a sad movie that will help put your life in perspective, it could prove to be the right thing for you.

o Talk to a friend: Even if your problems or depression is something you want to keep to yourself, just talking to a friend can help you take a load off your chest. And if you can muster up some courage to pour your heart out, all the better!

o Focus on your responsibilities: When we are depressed, we don’t want to do anything and our focus is on how pathetic and hopeless our life is. Try to revert your focus back to your responsibilities…approach life one duty at a time. Not only will this take your mind off yourself, but also it will help you to realize that things are not so bad after all.

o Take a break: Take a short nap, go on a vacation, just take some type of break away from your routine. This will help you think more clearly and start to enjoy life all over again.

o Get out: Just get out of the house. Movies, a nice restaurant, out for a walk, to the park, the gym, a friend’s house, or even a library, wherever you want to go, just get out and have fun. Just don’t put yourself in a situation where you worsen depression. (ex. sad music, dimly lit room, turning down all invites, etc.) Go ahead and indulge yourself with some fun time!

o Make lists: Make a list of the people you love. Make a list of things you achieved. Make a list of things you can improve. Make a list of things you are thankful for. Make a list of things you want to accomplish in life.

o Cry: Yes, just give it a good cry. Depression can also be an accumulation of stress and pressure you may have received from people around you, circumstances, or even your skewed view of yourself.

o Pray: Who else can you talk to but God who knows everything? Just let it all out and you’ll find that you are not alone and that there’s someone who understands not only what you are going through but what you are feeling inside.

For more help, please contact admin@gospelofprovidence.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Why? Because we care!

Prayer of Someone Hanging by Her Last Thread

Dear God,

I don’t see the point of living anymore. This is the last straw. Just yesterday, I found out that my friends went to the movies without me, planned! And when I came home from school, I just wanted to see my mom and seek her warmth. I longed for her encouragement and even a little comforting. But to my disappointment, she yelled at me for not washing the dishes and made a comment that I was hopeless and that I wouldn’t amount to anything with these bad habits. Maybe she’s right. I can’t even have friends who like me. And even at home, where we all should be accepted and loved, I can’t do anything right. I’m not even wanted in my own home.

God, I really don’t want to live anymore. Another day like this and I feel like it is worse than hell. I learned in Sunday School that committing suicide is one of the worst sins but can receiving punishment be worse than what I’m going through right now? In fact, I think killing myself would benefit everyone else. No one would miss me. And I can’t help but wonder if death is just eternal sleep with no dreams. How beautiful it would be to not feel anything at all. I’m sure it would be better than feeling this misery.

As I’m praying, I can feel that you would be sad if I killed myself. Would you, really? Yeah, I guess you would. I would be sad if my dog, Teddy, died before his time. But God, why am I so pitiful? Why are all these bad things happening to me? You said that if we seek you first, all things will be given to us. When? How?

Okay, okay, I do remember some…no, a lot of the things you gave me. You helped during that one near car accident. My mother did cry by my side when I was sick at the hospital. My friends did throw that one surprise birthday party. And I can’t be all bad. I guess I can just try to be better. What’s just one more day of misery? Who knows? Maybe things will take a brighter turn. Oh, but it is so painful to hope and be disappointed again. Can I be strong enough to handle another disappointment? God, can you really help me?

And how will you help me? Through a friend, my parents, through a wind in the breeze, or a dream? I don’t know what to expect. I just want to give up but praying like this makes me feel I’ll only regret later if I give up. And I surely don’t want people I love to be sad. God, I’ll hold on one more day but please let me feel hope and please make things better. If it’s something I must do, please give me wisdom to know how to make things better. God, I’ll hope in you. Please take care of me.

And God, thank you for loving me and listening to my prayers.

In the name of Jesus Christ,

Amen.

I was raised in a Buddhist family, but fortunately, my parents registered me to study at a Catholic school. I fell in love with Jesus there in elementary school, and whenever I looked at the cross I couldn’t help but wonder why people would have persecuted Him. Jesus lived such a righteous life; He taught people the truth.

Before meeting Him I never imagined that there could be a person with such a heart to love and forgive others even to the point of death. Because of that sacrifice I wanted to follow and obey Jesus, and so I kept asking my parents to allow me to be baptized all throughout junior high school. It wasn’t until high school that I finally received permission. So, I studied the catechism when I was 16 years old and was baptized at 17. I was happy in my faith until I came to the United States in 1998.

Everything was so different in the U.S. I not only experienced culture shock but also confusion with the freedoms that people exercised regarding relationships and morality. I had been raised in a protective environment, so whether I was going to school, visiting family, or working in my family’s store I was never really exposed to harsh the realities of life until the Los Angeles riot of 1998. I also started to make new friends who I discovered would often sleep around with each other. That sort of behavior made me feel uncomfortable, but I also felt lonely being away from my parents and the people whom I loved.

In 1999 my family ran into financial problems and I felt that Satan truly exploited the stress of that situation by attacking me at that time. My atheist roommates began challenging me with questions about the Bible. My faith was strong, but my knowledge of the Bible was not, so I had very few answers for them.

Meanwhile, some protestant friends asked me to visit their church. The contradictions of the two faiths caused me to wonder, ‘in which place is Jesus actually at work?’ Nothing prepared me for all the many denominations within Christianity. At one point, I went to two different churches every week for 6 months trying to understand the difference. I also started reading various theology books which lead me to analyze my faith in God and Jesus. I constantly asked tough questions to each pastor I met. I wanted so badly to understand why there are so many different doctrines for one God.

In the midst of my search for the truth I experienced the most passionate prayer sessions. I often cried out to Jesus in agony asking, “Jesus, just let me be like Thomas and please show Yourself to me! I want to know where You are—I want know who You are!” It was in 2000 that a friend of mine invited me to a Providence church. At first I was still skeptical whether there was anything left in the Bible to study. I had read so much already and heard it all before. Could this Bible study really answer my questions about life and faith? I soon realized that God himself had lead me to the Bible study on the Berkeley campus.

I look back at studying the 30 Lessons Bible study by Teacher Joshua as the best time of my life; I have never felt so close to God. I remember having a vivid dream in which Jesus approached me and gave me a hug, yet He was wearing modern clothing. I felt overjoyed that God chose me to understand Jesus and the Bible on a deeper level than I ever thought possible.

For a while I only knew about Teacher Joshua from other people’s stories about him. The moment finally came when I met him in London in late 2000. It’s hard to describe the moment; for me it was intensely spiritual, and I’ll never forget it. Everyone was trying to get a moment to be near Teacher Joshua. Because I was new I was given the chance to greet him during a song. I felt a bit overwhelmed, but I’m not ashamed to say that I started to cry. I prayed in that moment, asking God to open my spiritual eyes. Its difficult for me to describe what I saw next, because it happened spiritually. What I saw was the same spirit of Jesus right there next to Teacher Joshua. I’ll never ever forget it. To this day I am infinitely grateful to God for showing me that sight. As a skeptical person by nature, I would never have believe it if I did not experience it myself.

This year will be my 7th in Providence. Having spent a good part of my life searching for truth I can easily say that there is no other faith that is so pure, so clean, and so beautiful as the faith I discovered in Providence. Providence people are those who have been transformed into lovers of God, and sweetened by the fragrance of affection, passion, and determination towards God. There is a added maturity and degree of intimacy in their union with God that perplexes Christians in much the same way Christians once provoked the Jewish faith. I can truly testify that I am a changed person.  I once was out of step with God’s will, ignorant of the spiritual world, and sorry for my distant relationship with Jesus Christ. But, Teacher Joshua opened up the Bible to me in a way that wiped away the generations of preconceived ideas, misinterpreted doctrine, and restrictive dogma that shrouded my faith.

I remember myself as a child when one day I made a promise to Jesus that I would be just like that disciple at the cross promising to defend Him and his church. I will keep that promise, though I fail to comprehend how people can judge evil a righteous man like Teacher Joshua. I pray for people like you who read my testimony: think deeply about Jesus’ time period! Put yourself into the gospel and imagine your response. How would you judge Jesus when He let Mary Magdalene—a woman thought to be a worthless whore—come so close to Jesus as to touch Him and clean His feet? How would you react to the obvious rumors that would be certain to circulate?

Non-religious types attempt to destroy Teacher Joshua’s reputation because his teaching is beyond reproach. Religious types attack Teacher Joshua’s theology because they are close-minded and judgmental people, fearful of losing their influence and happy to finally have an enemy in the flesh. Do wicked cults flourish? No, they are flashes in the pan before dying out. Providence is stronger every year—for over 30 years now. It started with one person and now spans the entire globe. If Teacher Joshua is guilty God will judge him and leave him to the consequences of sin. Yet, Providence grows strong, produces Godly men and women who prosper in life. I tell you plainly that Teacher Joshua is a man directed by the hand of God. Would you be so foolish to risk striking at him when it could mean striking God’s hand too? Has this world learned nothing from studying history? The righteous people sent by God are always labeled heretics and persecuted viciously—it happened throughout history and it is happening again now. Read the Bible deeply and recognize the pattern. Before you make comments about Teacher Joshua listen to him speak and pray deeply about what you hear.

May all the glory of this testimony be for God and the Heaven on earth that surrounds those who love Him with all their heart, soul and life.

Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
Hebrews 9:27-28 (New International Version)

Written by: Anonymous