Answers May Edition

Answers - The News Magazine of Rational Christian Ministries


►	Feature Story
	Global Warming: Time is Running Out	May 1, 2006 Vol. 1 Issue 4 Copyright © 2006 Rational Christian Ministries, Inc.

►	Health News
	Are Restaurants Safe Anymore?	Not a subscriber to this ezine? Sign me up.. I want Answers!

►	Health Question of the Month
	Has Coconut Oil Been Given a Bum Rap?	Trouble reading this newsletter? Click here to read on the web.

►	Biblical Living Feature
	Trusting God During Times of Trial	Feature Story Global Warming: Time is Running Out

►	Safe and Effective Home Remedies
	Grapefruit Seed Extract - A Secret Weapon

►	This Month's Scrumptious Healthy Recipe
	Angel Bars - A Dessert From Heaven

►	Amazing Testimonies
	Tennis Shoes and the Faith of a Child

►	Closing Thoughts
	Exciting Progress in Hawaii - A New Health Retreat

The earth - an endangered planet

Global Warming: Time is Running Out
.by Arnie Suntag

Some baby boomers, like myself, fondly recall the environmental movements of the 1970s. These grassroots efforts represented the earliest concerted collaboration to change the way mankind has been abusing the planet. The main thrust of these efforts was to curb global warming, or the greenhouse effect - buzzwords not previously popular in the vernacular. I can personally recall one noteworthy effort, where a popular segment of The 21st Century

television series, with Walter Cronkite, was used during an environmental awareness week to raise the consciousness of young adults around the nation and to bring concerns about global warming to the forefront. Entitled What are We Doing To Our World, this two-part episode graphically depicted the potential consequences of unchecked industrialization and air pollution, including the ultimate melting of our polar ice caps. Apparently, not too many were listening then. Are they listening now?

Over the last couple of years, there have been landmark articles about global warming published in major magazines and tabloids, from National Geographic to USA Today. Just this past month, a Time Magazine cover story graphically pleaded the case about global warming. The story’s ominous title, Be Worried – Be Very Worried, could not possibly instill a greater sense of urgency. But, is anybody really worrying, or are we still viewing the consequences of global warming as a distant concern without any real time implications?

Most of us are wise enough to recognize that the envelope of air surrounding the earth is very finite. Yet, few accept the fact that the constant spewing out of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and myriad other poisonous chemicals into the atmosphere will create an irreversible toxic cocktail that will not only raise the planet’s temperature and melt our polar icecaps (causing the bizarre weather phenomena we are now beginning to witness), but will eventually asphyxiate all life on earth. Nonetheless, corporate greed and the quest for larger profits continue to take precedence over sound reasoning and even survival itself. It is this insane impulsiveness about material wealth that is carrying us to the brink of annihilation, much like the lemmings rushing to the sea. Will the sudden appearance of new warning signs make any impact at all

on stopping this suicidal progression?

As an example of the cavalier attitude about our own potential extinction, an international treaty to curb emissions of greenhouse gasses died in 2004, in large measure because the Bush Administration opposed it. The reason: concerns about potential job losses that would arise from costly infrastructure modifications. Ironically, the United States generates more than 25 percent of the greenhouse gasses responsible for global warming. The laissez-faire attitude about the problem by the Bush Administration has only further impeded efforts to explore alternative fuels and sources of clean energy. The dollar is still the primary motivator for maintaining a status quo that is now rapidly destroying our planet. But, what rational argument will anyone have left about profit and loss once the inevitable consequences of air pollution and global warming have been realized? Will the American Dream still flourish in an atmosphere so toxic and a land so ravaged by weather anomalies, that survival itself has been compromised? Hardly.

There is still considerable debate about the causes of global warming and it is easy to understand why. The primary contention seems to be between the business community, with a vested interest in technological exploitation, and the scientific community, which has for years touted empirical

data about the impact of greenhouse gas emissions. To the average person on the street, the reality of global warming should be one of pure common sense. The earth’s atmosphere has been accosted by industrialization for a couple of centuries. Now, we are finally witnessing the deterioration of our world resulting from the uncontrolled pursuit of material wealth. This is not a simplistic or unfounded concept, by any means. We are now beginning to pay the price for centuries of self-aggrandizement through the ruthless exploitation of natural resources and the recklessness of poor long-term planning for managing waste disposal. From a Biblical perspective, we have been poor stewards over the land that the Lord has graciously given us, while at the same time placing more value in material wealth than faith in God. But, share that thought

with the CEO of any major corporate polluter and you will be little more than a laughingstock. Most will argue that making a living comes first and that religion is something you squeeze into your agenda for an hour or two each weekend, time permitting.

So, what are the actual consequences of global warming? Here are just a few examples. When Glacier National Park was commissioned by President Taft in 1910, it contained about 150 glaciers. Today there are fewer than 30. The well-known snows of Kilimanjaro have melted more than 80 percent since 1912. They may be gone in less than 20 years. Based on current levels of snow and ice melt, researchers believe that most central and eastern Himalayan glaciers will disappear by 2035, if not sooner. It was recently acknowledged that rising sea levels resulting from glacial melting may have been grossly underestimated. This means that a number of islands, including several in Micronesia, may be completely under water in less than 40 years. The Marshall and Cook Islands are particularly threatened. The island of Majuro (Marshall Islands) has already lost up to 20 percent of its beachfront. Tuvalu, an island nation that comprises nine coral atolls between Australia and Hawaii, has been increasingly affected by lowland flooding over the past several years, affecting drinking water and food production. Because its highest point is only 15 feet above sea level, it is expected that the entire nation will be submerged in less than 50 years, and possibly much sooner, as the earth’s temperature continues to rise. And this is only the beginning.

The effect of global warming on glaciers, islands, flora and fauna, and other factors has become extremely pronounced, but the impact on weather has been absolutely catastrophic. The past few years alone have seen meteorological anomalies including major hurricanes, killer tornadoes, typhoons, and flooding, right alongside droughts and high winds – all the result of global warming and

changes in the surface temperature of the oceans. Capitalizing on these startling phenomena, a recent Hollywood film, The Day After Tomorrow, depicted killer storms and another Ice Age. But, as whimsical as the film may have been to moviegoers, it was definitely not the stuff of science fiction. The fact is, we are headed down a path of irreversible climatic changes that will bring about weather phenomena of Biblical proportions. Hurricane Katrina may wind up looking like a pleasant afternoon shower compared to what lies ahead. Read more


	Are Restaurants Safe Anymore? .by Staff Writers

		If you think that your favorite restaurant is just as safe and healthful as eating at home, think again. In a nation where the relationship between employer and employee has become a tug of war, with loyalty and appreciation abandoned long ago, restaurant workers are no exception to the wave of apathy in the corporate world that is sweeping across America. This apathy has resulted in poor customer service, a lax attitude about maintaining standards, and outright recklessness in performing even the most fundamental tasks. Case in point: an extraordinary case of salmonella poisoning at a Chili’s restaurant in Chicago during 2003. According to a Dateline NBC report on October 3, 2004, 300 people suffered
	food poisoning, 150 of which were diagnosed with extremely serious salmonella, because of negligence on the part of the local franchise’s manager. Apparently, the restaurant’s water heater had stopped working and there was no hot water available to wash dishes, clean tables, or even wash hands. Despite health regulations and the obvious safety risks, the manager allowed the restaurant to remain open. Later, local health officials traced the unprecedented number of salmonella poisonings to one of the restaurant’s food handlers, who did not properly wash his hands after a bowel movement. One of the victims of the salmonella poisoning, a medical student, became so ill, that she had to drop out of medical school and lose an entire semester’s tuition. Another victim required months to recover from the diarrhea and fever.

	Naturally, many of us gloss over stories like these with the assumption that our own favorite restaurant is somehow exempt from these seemingly sensational stories. But, according to the same NBC report, 82 percent of the 1,000 major restaurants sampled had at least one critical violation, that is, a breach in the health code that could potentially kill an unsuspecting victim.
		Casual and family dining chains, like Ruby Tuesday, Applebee’s, IHOP, Outback, Red Lobster, and Denny’s, came out the worst. And if this is not sufficient to make you think twice about eating out, how about some of the other food poisoning incidents from recent years? On July 28, 2000, CNN reported that 13 people suffered severe E. coli poisoning because of a visit to a Sizzler restaurant in Milwaukee. On December 21, 2005, ABC News reported that 5,000 people received more than $800,000 in damages from the bankrupt Chi-Chi’s restaurant chain, because of a hepatitis outbreak connected with a local franchise that occurred two years earlier. This did not include damages for the 4 persons who died. On March 8, 2006, CBS News reported that a woman was suing an upscale Mexican restaurant in Chicago for $100,000 after she and her .
	friends suffered food poisoning. How about the story of a man in China who was executed for intentionally poisoning the food of a rival restaurant, killing dozens of people? This story, reported on China Television in 2004, is illustrative of just how vulnerable we all are when eating at restaurants.

	Of course, we have all heard the stories about the ants in the soup, the cockroaches in the soda, or the chewing gum in the taco. But these events, as graphic as they may be, are rare. The real danger is from the things that we do not see. These include, improper hand washing, incorrect food temperatures and storage, and failure to properly disinfect equipment or utensils. The

	problem is that with the lethargy and lackadaisical attitude of many American workers today, health regulations are being violated more frequently with more serious consequences each time. The gravest danger, of course, is a potential terrorist plot affecting the restaurant industry. Can you imagine what could happen if a terrorist group were to taint foods distributed en masse to one of the fast food chains, like McDonald’s? The consequences would be devastating.

	When considering the recent headlines about food poisoning and the potential risks associated with food handling, is the regular visit to your favorite restaurant still a palatable idea? The fact is, nothing can compare to eating a healthy diet at home using foods prepared in our own kitchens. But then, of course, there are the dangers of supermarkets and other food sources to consider! We will cover these in a later issue of Answers.

Has Coconut Oil Been Given a Bum Rap?
.by Suzanne Loeper

Many of us have already learned the deadly secret about canola oil: that after years of touting this product in mainstream health food circles, it has been deemed unfit for human consumption. Just check out the plethora of information about canola oil on the Internet. But, what about coconut oil? Has its reputation been maligned by a food industry focused strictly on profits? You be the judge.

In the traditional tropical cultures, the coconut has been a nutritious diet staple for thousands of years. Dr. Weston Price, a dentist, traveled throughout the South Pacific in the 1930’s. He examined the traditional diets and their effect on dental and overall health. His findings showed that even though these diets had a high fat concentration, those eating a diet high in coconut

products were healthy and trim. Another study was conducted on the populations of two Polynesian atolls in 1981. The main source of caloric energy in both groups was coconut. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of this study demonstrating that vascular disease was uncommon in both populations. There was no evidence of any harmful effect from the high saturated fat intake in these populations.

Many other medical studies have also found that heart disease patients, who are fed coconut oil, get better. Coconut oil decreases the tendency for platelets to stick together and form clots. According to Mary Enig, Ph.D., the nation’s leading expert on fats and oils: “Coconut oil has a unique role in the diet as an important physiologically functional food. The health and nutritional benefits that can be derived from consuming coconut oil have been recognized in many parts of the world for centuries. A review of the diet/heart disease literature relevant to coconut oil clearly indicates that coconut oil is at worst neutral with respect to atherogenicity of fats and oils, and in fact is likely to be a beneficial oil for prevention and treatment of some heart disease. Additionally, coconut oil provides a source of antimicrobial lipids for individuals with compromised immune systems, and is a non-promoting fat with respect to chemical carcinogenesis.”

The truth is, coconut oil offers many health benefits, including the following:

♦ Reduces the risk of heart disease

♦ Promotes weight loss if and when it is needed

♦ Supports a healthy immune system and a healthy metabolism

♦ Reduces the risk of cancer and degenerative diseases

♦ Provides an immediate energy source

♦ Helps keep skin healthy and prevents age-related damage

♦ Supports the proper function of the thyroid gland

♦ Prevents infections from harmful bacteria, yeast, viruses, and other micro-organisms

Coconut oil is also the only oil stable enough to resist heat-induced damage because it contains very few fats with highly perishable double bonds and NO TRANS FATS. Therefore, it is the best oil to use when cooking. Use it instead of butter, olive oil, vegetable oil, or any other type of oil in recipes for a healthy light flavor. Put it in smoothies or juiced drinks, in salads for a tropical flair, and it makes a great mayonnaise! For those seeking real practical uses for coconut oil,

along with its health benefits, the book, The Coconut Diet by nutritionist Cherie Calbom, offers a 3-week life changing plan involving the use of coconut oil in the diet.

When it comes to fats, the bottom line is that all fats are NOT equal. A fat is considered solid at room temperature, while oils are liquid, because of their structure or fatty acid chains. Coconut oil is composed of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) and coconut oil is nature’s richest source of these healthy MCFAs. On the other hand, most common vegetable or seed oils are made of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs), which are not so healthy for the body. For instance:

♦ LCFAs are difficult for the body to break down

♦ LCFAs put more strain on the pancreas, liver, and entire digestive system.

♦ LCFAs are predominantly stored in the body as fat.

♦ LCFAs can be deposited within arteries in lipid forms such as cholesterol.

Now compare the LCFAs characteristics with those of MCFAs:

♦ MCFAs are smaller, so they permeate cell membranes easily.

♦ MCFAs are easily digested, imposing less strain on the digestive system.

♦ MCFAs go directly to the liver and are converted into energy, rather than being stored as fat.

♦ MCFAs in coconut oil can actually stimulate the body’s metabolism, leading to weight loss.

Coconut oil has often been compared to carbohydrates because of its ability to be “burned” for energy. However, since insulin is not involved in the process of digesting MCFAs in coconut oil, there are no carb-related spikes in blood sugar levels. This is especially good news for those with diabetes or other blood sugar problems. Many animal and human research studies have also shown that replacing LCFAs with MCFAs results in both decreased body weight and

reduced fat deposition.

Several studies have shown that MCFAs enhance physical or athletic performance, and have also shown that, due to its metabolic effect, coconut oil increases the activity of the thyroid gland. There are also other benefits to boosting the metabolic rate. The healing process accelerates. Cell regeneration increases to replace old, worn-out or damaged cells, and the immune system functions better overall.

Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, which is found in mother’s milk. When consumed, lauric acid transforms into monolaurin, the actual compound responsible for fighting numerous types of infections. Considerable research has been done demonstrating the ability of lauric acid to fight dangerous microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, yeasts, fungi, parasites, and molds. Numerous studies have also shown that viruses like influenza, measles, HIV, herpes, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) are inactivated by MCFAs. Similarly, bacteria like streptococcus, staphylococcus, gonorrhea, Heliobacter Pylori, salmonella, and clostridium botulinum, along with other “bad guys” like candida and ringworm fungus are also disabled.


And remember that if it is good for you, it is also good for your pet! But there is more! Coconut oil is ideal for skin care. Experts believe that coconut oil may restore damaged or diseased skin.

When coconut oil is absorbed into the skin and connective tissues, it limits the damage excessive sun exposure can cause and helps to prevent sagging and wrinkling by keeping connective tissue strong and supple. Coconut oil will also aid in healing and/or removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, making skin smoother. It also penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin to strengthen the underling tissues. Ray Peat, Ph.D., physiologist and biochemist, considers coconut oil to be an antioxidant, due to its stability and resistance to oxidation and free radical formation. It reduces the need for vitamin E and its associated antioxidant protection.

There are many brands of coconut oil on the market, and they vary in the manufacturing process, the age and type of coconuts used, and other issues that impact the quality, effectiveness, and health value. Here are a few guidelines in choosing the best and healthiest coconut oil:

♦ Certified organic by USDA standards

♦ No refining

♦ No chemicals added (including hexane)

♦ No bleaching

♦ No hydrogenation

♦ No deodorization

♦ Made from traditional coconut palms only, no hybrid or genetically modified (GMO) varieties

♦ Made from fresh coconuts, not the dried copra used in cheap oils

♦ Made without heat processing

When you consider the many benefits of coconut oil, the most obvious question is: how did this important food garner such a negative reputation by the so-called industry experts? The story began a couple of decades ago, when the edible oil industry began to denounce all saturated fats because of the newly developed awareness of their role in heart disease, and instead began to promote polyunsaturated fats such as canola, soybean, safflower, corn, and other seed and nut oils. Coconut oil was left out of the pack because of its saturated fat content. After all, coconut oil solidifies at cooler temperatures, conjuring up comparisons to lard and the like. Although coconut oil is relatively inexpensive and easy to manufacture, the craze created by the canola oil enthusiasts was easily able to take the market by storm, and the counterfeit oil became the accepted standard for healthy diets. So… now you know the rest of the story.

Trusting God During Times of Trial
.by John Wilson

When we struggle with trial or affliction in our lives, we should consider Jacob when he was about to face his angry brother. He went alone at night to plead with God to give him strength and protection. He was greatly concerned about his family and their safety. As he prayed, he encountered the angel of the Lord. Jacob thought it was an enemy and began to wrestle with him. Similarly,

we look at the trial and affliction that God has allowed for the purifying of our character as an enemy. Therefore, we squirm and wrestle with it. Feeling as though we are being attacked, we complain and retaliate. It is important to recognize that because we have given ourselves to God and desire to please Him and work with Him, we will experience certain trials so that our character may be purified.

It is necessary that we realize who is in control and who is the Lord of our life. Therefore, all trials and afflictions that God allows are from Him. We are in Christ, in His school, and have chosen to be in His will. We need to remember that we are in His protection as well. The trials come for the purpose of developing our level of trust, so that we do not complain and retaliate, and lose our faith through doubt.

Christ has been given full authority in heaven and in earth. Heaven is His throne and the earth is his footstool. He is Lord of all who have given their hearts to Him. But there are portions of our hearts that still retain pride and selfishness. The trials we face daily are God’s means of revealing to us these hidden defects. This is a large part of the school of Christ that we have joined. We are not in this school to prove how much we know or how good we are. Rather, we are to find out what we do not know and where the defects are that need to be corrected. All trials and afflictions that are received as training in the school of Christ should bring joy instead of sorrow and anger. We are here to learn what is wrong in our disposition,

our character, and our nature that needs to be changed. So, when someone disturbs us, and these defects surface, we should have joy because we know just what to give to Jesus to improve within us.

The fiery trials we face are allowed by God to purify us and bring about changes so that we may be prepared for the important job ahead. We are to reveal Christ to the world and to the nations. To do this, we must keep the faith of Jesus; trust in Him, and continue to develop a character fit to serve and honor God here on earth. This has an eternal reward that is beyond compare.

So, when faced with trials and affliction, we should be thankful that we are thought worthy to be purified and prepared to honor God here and now. We must let Him continue to work in us to fulfill His will and purpose. We must not complain or retaliate when the fires of affliction burn. The gold is being purified; our disposition, our character, and our nature are being prepared to glorify God. It all

begins in our own home. Here is the great proving ground. Here our attitudes and dispositions are revealed. Here they are to be corrected and made Christ-like. From here, we go out to the neighborhood and then to the world.

We all have our own trials, disappointments, and afflictions. Some we have brought upon ourselves. Some are from Satan and his helpers. But, the Lord has nonetheless permitted them. All are meant to bring us joy with God and with one another. There is a purpose, and when we remember that, our joy will remain with us for He is with us in it. By feeling the pain of this sinful world, we know we want no more of it. By enduring the pain in the spirit of Christ, we enter into His joy here and now. It is not easy to learn this lesson without complaint or doubt. But, when we consider our eternal reward, things in this world look very small. Our light afflictions are only for a moment, when compared to eternity and everlasting joy.

When our characters are purified and our behavior within our own families reveals it, we will be prepared to glorify God in our businesses, communities, and with our friends. We must

demonstrate to the world the love of Christ in every aspect of life. In this way, we will serve the world and demonstrate the true value of the Kingdom of God. In all of this, the character of God will be rightly revealed and He will be honored by us and through us to the world. This will afford an opportunity for every honest soul to receive Christ and His Kingdom. This is our future. This is what God is preparing us for. It is bigger than we may have thought.

Be sure to take time to review and absorb the promises God has made to us, by studying the following verses: Matthew 11:27-30; James 1:2-5; Romans 8:16-18 and 24-25; Revelation 3:18-21.

Grapefruit Seed Extract - A Secret Weapon
.by Susan Suntag

For many years, antibiotics have been prescribed to treat a variety of infectious organisms, many of which do not even respond to such medications. For example, most viral organisms are unaffected by antibiotics. As of a result of this long-standing tendency to over-prescribe, drug-resistant bacteria and other infectious organisms are now becoming more commonplace. Considering the rather unpleasant side effects of most prescription drugs and their increasing ineffectiveness, it is vital for us to find reasonable

and genuinely effective alternatives. Just about the best alternative is grapefruit seed extract – a yellow-amber colored liquid produced through the conversion of grapefruit seeds and pulp. Too simple to seem effective? Read on.

While most of us are aware of the fact that certain citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and grapefruits, are valuable in fighting infections because they are high in vitamin C, who would have thought that an extract of grapefruit seeds could be so effective as a broad spectrum antibiotic and anti-microbial? The fact is, grapefruit seed extract has been proven effective in fighting both internal and external infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungus, and intestinal parasites. It contains high levels of vitamin C and E, and bioflavonoids. The primary reason for the effectiveness

of grapefruit seed extract is that it helps to alkalize the blood, that is, raise the pH. But wait, you say. How can an acidic fruit make the blood alkaline? Simple. Despite their recognized acidic properties, when lemons, limes, and grapefruits are metabolized, they actually raise the pH level of the blood. They also contain very little sugar and an abundance of oxygen. As a result, grapefruit seed extract is particularly effective in fighting candida.

Grapefruit seed extract is non-toxic and can be used for extended periods of time without any harmful side effects. Furthermore, it is effective even in very low doses. As with any supplement or natural remedy, however, it is always wise to use grapefruit seed extract to treat a specific problem rather than to use it as part of your regular daily regimen. Supplements or natural remedies should never be used to replace a healthy diet, but rather as an adjunct.

Grapefruit seed extract is one of the very best treatments for candida and also giardia and other waterborne diseases. In addition to these, it can be used to effectively treat bacterial infections like strep throat, sinusitis, and otitis (ear infection), viral infections including herpes, flu, and common cold, and may also be used to manage flatulence, gum disorders, halitosis (bad

breath), yeast infections, and chronic fatigue. Physicians have discovered that herpes simplex virus becomes inactive just 10 minutes after an application of grapefruit seed extract. Externally, grapefruit seed extract is effective in treating acne, nail fungus, athlete’s foot, along with various parasitic skin infections like ringworm and allergic reactions such as poison ivy. Grapefruit seed extract is also effective in helping to support those with compromised immune systems caused by HIV or other autoimmune diseases.

The overall effectiveness of grapefruit seed extract can only be expressed by its truly broad spectrum nature. According to scientifically documented studies, it is effective against Candida

albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus sp., Streptococcus faecalis, Salmonella cholerasuis, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium sp. Tuberosi, Fusarium sambucinum, Penicillium funiculosum, Penicillium sp., Trichophyton interdigital, Scerotinia laxa, Chaetonium globosum Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lambia, Herpes Simplex Virus, and Type 1 Influenza.

Grapefruit seed extract in concentrated form can also be used to disinfect counter tops, cooking utensils, and for other disinfecting applications. Always be sure to follow directions in using grapefruit seed extract, taking precautions to properly dilute it before ingesting it.

Of all the natural remedies one can find on the market today, grapefruit seed extract stands out as far ahead of the pack. Always be sure that you are purchasing pure grapefruit seed extract, and not a watered down or imitation product. If you are willing to put traditional medicine aside and try this remarkable remedy, you will not be disappointed – it really works!


	Angel Bars - A Dessert From Heaven Fresh from the Suntag Kitchen

			Can you imagine a dessert cake that is absolutely scrumptious, containing nothing but healthy ingredients, no added sweetening of any kind, and prepared with little or no cooking at all? Now, what if this wonderful treat took only minutes to prepare? It would be a blessing from Heaven, wouldn't it? Well, fasten your seat belt, because here comes our special recipe for this unique and tasty addition to any meal. And you will be surprised how simple it is to prepare. You will think it came from Heaven. Your guests will too. We did. That's why we call these delectable dessert cakes, Angel Bars.

	Start off filling a one quart jar (32 oz.) about half full of dried prunes. Using another jar, do the same with dried apricots. Add enough water to more than cover the dried fruit in each jar. Let these soak overnight, or until soft. You will then be ready to prepare your Angel Bars.

	♥ Place 5-6 large ripe bananas in a very large mixing bowl and mash thoroughly.
	♥ Add the jars of prunes and apricots (with water) and mash again.
	♥ Dice or grate 2-3 large apples and add to the mix. Mash again.
	♥ Add ½ cup of raisins.
	♥ Add 1 tablespoon of alcohol-free organic vanilla extract.
	♥ Add 1 ½ tablespoons of organic ground cinnamon.
	♥ The mix should be very moist or watery. If not, add up to ¼ cup of water.
	♥ As you continue to mash the mixture, add up to 1 ½ cups of organic rolled oats.
	♥ Add the oats and mash until the mixture is thick and pasty.
	♥ Lightly coat a large pyrex baking dish with grape seed or coconut oil.
	♥ Pour the mixture into the baking dish and smooth out evenly.

	Place the dish in the oven at 250-275 degrees F for up to 20 minutes. Alternatively, you may use a dehydrator to keep your treat completely raw, and experiment for best final results. The bars are done when they are not mushy or excessively moist to the touch. You do, however, want them to be stay somewhat moist. Use your own judgment and personal tastes on this.

	Let your new creation cool and then cut into even bars and place on a serving dish. It is best to keep the bars refrigerated when not serving. Once you get the formula down, you can prepare this wonderful treat in less than 30 minutes. It is well worthwhile and very healthy. If your guests comment that the bars are like something from Heaven, you can tell them the secret - they're Angel Bars!

Tennis Shoes and the Faith of a Child
by Dean Huggins

Back when my oldest son Michael was about 5 or 6, we left the house to get gas for our little Toyota Corona at the corner gas station up the highway. Michael was very enthusiastic, as usual, and was bouncing around the car. The gas station is situated in a rural community called Newman Lake. The station sits at the corner of the road that leads to the lake and the hundreds of homes in that area.

While filling the tank, we watched a man on a motorcycle come around the corner. On the back, behind the driver, was a brand new box of Adidas tennis shoes. As he made his turn, the shoes shot off the back of the motorcycle, hit the street, and popped open, spilling the new tennis shoes onto the asphalt. Two other people saw this happen. We all looked at each other as if thinking, “those shoes are mine,” because we knew we would never find the man driving up

to the lake on his cycle. As my son said something, I bolted for the shoes. Within seconds, they were mine. Mike was jumping up and down on the back seat like a spring. With big eyes he said, “Dad, that man lost his shoes. Should we take them to him?” I smiled at his foolish thoughts. There are dozens of roads and hundreds of homes hidden away up the road. Not possible, I thought. But to humor the child, I paid for the gas and off we went to look for the motorcycle.

It was a beautiful day. I didn’t have much else to do and Mike was so excited about the adventure that I couldn’t disappoint him. I felt pretty good about my new shoes. I decided to let Mike have a big part in the mission impossible and asked him which way to turn every time we came to a Y in the road or an intersection. He was grasping the little bucket seats, filled with excitement the whole time. As we drove onward, we went deeper and deeper into lake territory.

Finally, the last set of directions I took from my son led us down a dead end street. I knew our little joy ride was nearly over. As I drove to the end of the street and turned around, I saw something I will never forget for the rest of my life - the man on the motorcycle was right in front

of me dismounting his machine. I was shocked and dismayed. I realized that the shoes no longer belonged to me and that I must return them, as my son repeatedly reminded me from his little perch. I got out of the car with the box of shoes and noticed that the man had just discovered his missing cargo. I walked up to him and handed him the shoes. “You dropped these back at the intersection of the gas station,” I said. He had the most amazed look on his face. “How did you find me?” he asked. I looked him in the eye and said, “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

I got back into my little car, where I sliced off a big piece of humble pie and began gnawing on it. Mike was very pleased with the whole situation and talked about it all the way home. I will always remember how the Holy Spirit used my little boy to show me a miracle and teach me a lesson. These days, I always listen to little children when they say something. Sometimes it is not really them speaking.

We are looking for other testimonies to be included in future editions of Answers. If you would like to share your own personal testimony, please e-mail us. Those whose testimonies are selected for publication will receive a free copy of The Rational Christian.

Exciting Progress in Hawaii - A New Health Retreat

A Special Letter from the Editor

This has truly been a banner month for Rational Christian Ministries. In addition to acquiring new writers for our rapidly growing newsletter, Answers, we have made significant progress in the community through health and wellness education. Our first health presentation, specifically tailored to the unique environment of Hana, Hawaii, was an unqualified success. At the same time, we opened a new and specialized health retreat

offering hope and encouragement for those seeking to change their lifestyles and live a healthier and more fulfilled life.

For those who have not visited Maui, Hana is a remote community accessible via the famous Road to Hana – a 50-mile long two-lane highway with over 600 turns along sea cliffs with spectacular waterfalls. It is one of the few remaining traditional Hawaiian strongholds, where the rich culture of Hawaii still flourishes amidst the lush rainforests and beautiful ocean vistas.

During this past month, we kicked off a specialized health education series designed to help the people of this community combat the scourge that has arrived in the form of diabetes and heart disease. These serious medical conditions are rampant here, with the number of hospitalizations and fatalities increasing every year.

Our small series opener included a brief health lecture about the role of diet in preventing and healing disease, followed by a vegetarian cooking demonstration, presented by Brian Igarta, a renowned Hawaiian chef and author of The Maui Vegetarian – Cooking With Aloha. The presentation was attended by a number of community figures, including a chiropractic team, an organic farmer, a behavioral counselor for the local public school, and one of the respected

town elders. We were also blessed to have the station manager of the local TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) affiliate and her husband join us. The foods provided at the presentation received rave reviews, eliciting comments such as, “I didn’t know vegetarian food could taste this good.” The presentation led to requests for further information, health lectures, and Bible studies. We are

hopeful that interest in the health series continues to grow as we plan for a much larger event during the month of June.

The recent opening of our new health retreat, The Road to Life, could not have been better timed. With the interest being generated in the community and the inquiries we are receiving from around the country, the retreat should help provide a viable solution for those seeking a healthier lifestyle, while at the same time furthering our efforts in the community. The retreat

offers seaside accommodations and custom tailored diets for guests. The gourmet vegetarian meals are included in the rates, as are the health lectures and cooking demonstrations. Bible studies and worship services are always part of a stay at The Road to Life. For information on the opening of the retreat, check out the latest news release or visit The Road to Life on the web.

As our readership for Answers continues to grow nationwide, we are thankful to be able to reach out to those seeking the truth during troubled times. We will continue to offer the newsletter on a monthly basis, although the publication dates may vary slightly from month to month due to numerous other ministry commitments and obligations. In any event, Answers should appear in your mailbox no later than the 15th day of each month.

We are pleased to bring you this month’s issue of Answers and look forward to continuing to provide Answers in the future. If you missed a previous issue and would like to read it, you may view it online in our archives. We encourage comments and questions from our readers. We would also like to hear from you if you have a testimony that attests to what Jesus Christ has done in your life. Please e-mail us if you have comments or would like to share a testimony.

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Once again, I thank you for subscribing to Answers and look forward to serving your needs as our ministry continues to grow.

With love in Christ,

Arnie Suntag

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