November 2009

This month, I encourage you to celebrate the joys of Thanksgiving with family and friends no matter what has happened in the past. The Scriptures say, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."1

Manson Documentaries

Many of you have contacted us regarding the recent Manson documentaries. In fact, over forty thousand have visited our site with more than one and a half million hits during August and September. I cannot get cable, so I was unable to view the History channel, but I did receive several comments by letter; one will be shared later.

I understand that one documentary is named after my book "Will You Die For Me?" It features Catherine Share, a former Manson family member, who is now a born-again Christian. I hear that she verifies the facts in my book, confirming its truthfulness. I feel this is why viewer comments are more favorable towards this program than the one called "Manson," where I am told the actors are unrealistic.

If you saw the "Manson" UK docudrama, it features Linda Kasabian and Vincent Bugliosi. You may recall that she was only with the Manson family for a few weeks when she was ordered by Manson to participate in the murders. I tell of her days with the Manson family and how she was given immunity for her testimony in my book, "Will You Die For Me." She testified honestly to what she saw, whereas Bugliosi fabricated many of his ideas about the personalities of the family members.

Comments from one letter

"I watched the documentary with Linda Kasabian in it about the Tate murders. She told her side of the story, but the documentary was done very badly. She has supposedly been in hiding for the last 40 years and has yet to forgive herself for her part in all of it. Her face was partially covered in shadows, but you could tell that it was really her. She needs to read your website so she can move ahead with her life.

Vincent Bugliosi was also in the documentary. It was surprising to see that many of the facts in his book were different from Linda's version. She said that you were the first person to befriend her and that she felt safe with you. Also, that you were just a quiet person who liked to work on cars and kept to yourself most of the time.

It was an interesting show, but I can't help but feel badly for Linda. I pray that she receives God's forgiveness and allows herself to enjoy a second chance at life that only God can give. Look what He has done for you!

She said she has not talked to any of the others involved and that she feels terrible guilt that she did not go to prison when they did. I am sorry if you get tired of hearing stories like this. I suppose it is hard for you to put things behind you when there is always someone bringing it up again. Maybe you could say a few prayers for Linda. She needs them very much." -- Carol, Richmond, VA

The Lost Sheep

Carol's request flows from the heart of Jesus for the lost sheep. He says, "If a shepherd has one hundred sheep, and one wanders away and is lost, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others and go out in the hills to search for the one? And if he finds it, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn't wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father's will that even one of these little ones should perish."2 Will you pray with me for Linda's salvation?

I was pleasantly surprised to hear that she has come out of hiding to face her past. It saddens my heart that she is still in bondage to the events of 1969. Freedom came for me when I received right standing with God by faith in the cleansing blood of Jesus. Listen, "...God in His gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He had done this through Christ Jesus, Who has freed us by taking away our sins. For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed His blood, sacrificing His life for us."3

On the other hand, Linda may have already received Christ, but she hasn't consistently renewed her mind with God's love and forgiveness, like many of us have over the years. That is, "...be renewed in the spirit of your mind."4 As a result, we have experienced a transformation of life, being brought into line with God's Word and will.

Those of you who doubt this fact, should "Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really geniune."5 Genuine faith says, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has God removed our transgressions from us."6 The Prophet Micah said, "The Lord will have compassion on us; He will subdue our iniquities; and He will cast all our sins into the depth of the sea."7 Let us all pray that Linda will realize the mercies of our loving heavenly Father, and thank Him for her freedom.

Let's Be Thankful

Praise, thanksgiving, and worship are the languages of our faith. As I reflect on my past, I find that I'm more thankful after Christ came into my life. I'm thankful for the wonderful family God gave me as a child, but I'm much more thankful to be a part of the family of God. Maybe you are at a place in your life where you find nothing to be thankful for in the past or present, with very little hope for the future. You may be asking yourself, "How can I be thankful in everything?" You may be wondering how I could be thankful for anything in prison.

At the beginning of this view, the Scripture says, "in everything give thanks in Christ Jesus!" Before Christ came into my life, I was blind to God's mercies, so I had little reason to be thankful. Now that I know God's loving kindness, my forgiveness of sin, and my right standing with God, I have every reason to be thankful, no matter what happens. "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them."8

Let us rejoice, "For God knew His people in advance, and He chose then to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, He called them to come to Him. And He gave them right standing with Himself, and He promised them His glory."9 "O Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good: for His mercies endure forever."10

A Prayer For You ...

We give thanks to You, Oh Lord God, Our Father and Redeemer, for You are good and Your mercy everlasting. You have redeemed us from the adversary, gathered us from all over the world and made us Your Children. We used to sit in darkness, in the shadow of death due to our sins, because we rebelled against You and Your Word. We cried out in our trouble, but there was none to help. Then, we cried to You, LORD. You saved us from our distress and brought us out of the darkness. You saved us from the death caused by our sins. How wonderful are Your works. You have delivered us and healed us through Your Word and through the Living Word, Jesus Christ. Thank You, Father, for Your love. In Jesus' Name, Amen!11

Scripture References:

1 1Thess. 5:16-18
2 Matt. 18:12-14
3 Rom. 3:24, 25a
4 Eph. 4:23
5 2 Cor. 13:5
6 Psa. 103:12
7 Micah 7:19
8 Rom. 8:28
9 Rom. 8:29, 30
10 Psa. 107:1
11 Psa. 107:1-3, 10-15

Acknowledgement: A special thanks to Sherry for transcribing this months view!