To be read unitedly either on the evening of February 17 or sometime on February 18

By MariaMaria #552 CM/FM 3320 11/00

Dear Family,

1. God bless you! Peter and I pray you're having a wonderful time of rest, relaxation and fellowship this Family Birthday. As a special birthday present‚ the Lord has poured forth an inspiring and uplifting message, com­plete with a vision. We pray it's a great encour­age­­ment to you!

2. Also, you should have received the "Song of Victory" on audio cassette by now. The arrival of that tape must be especially exciting for those of you who weren't able to download it from the MO site at the time of the Feast. If your Home has not yet heard the song, we ask that you listen to it unitedly some time on the Family Birthday. As we explained in the Grapevine, we would hope that the "unveiling" of this song for your Home would be done in unison and that you would hear it for the first time when you are all together, rather than listening to it here and there at random. Please hold the tape when you receive it and then play it for everyone at a time on the Family Birthday that you feel is most appropriate, so it will receive the respect and attention it merits. Thank you so much! If you have time, you might want to review what the Lord said about this very special song at the end of GN 922.

3. Okay‚ dear loves, without further ado let's move on to the special words and vision from our loving Husband.

Vision of a Heavenly Banquet!

4. (Vision:) Thank You, wonderful Jesus! What I'm seeing is so captivating! I've seen pictures like this before, but it's awesome every time I see all these people in Heaven. Everyone's gathered together in what looks like a big banquet hall. It's a celebration! So many are ­gathered there, and it appears to be a big deal. There are departed saints—people who lived on Earth and passed on, famous personalities from history, and common folk. And there are Heavenly citizens—those who've never lived on Earth. There are even some far-out looking animals! I see spirit helpers and angels too, and every­one's gathered around the tables. There's Jesus at the head of the table, with Dad nearby, and sitting closest to them are Family members who have already passed on. Everyone looks aglow! The Lord is talking and seems to be directing whatever He's saying to Dad and the Family members there.

5. Now I can see these different ones standing up and taking turns to say a few words, and it's apparently all directed toward the Family. Dad looks so beautiful, so handsome and energetic! Every time someone says something‚ Dad raises his hands and praises the Lord. Then he looks over and points to the other Family members, and then he points to something else—I can't quite see what it is. Dad seems to be giving credit to others; that's the impression I get.

6. Wow! This is so neat! Now I can see it clearer. On the wall, behind Dad and Jesus—and in fact‚ on all four walls all around this big banquet hall—is a giant movie screen which is playing scenes of the Family on Earth, flashing from one scene to another. That's who Dad was pointing to—he's pointing to the Family, giving credit to the Family. Thank You, wonderful Love‚ it's very impressive.

7. Jesus, Dad, other Family members, and others in Heaven are having this big celebration. It appears to be a dinner, like a banquet, and all around them is this movie rolling of the Family in action on Earth. They're all there watching the Family! On the screen I see the Family in all types of scenarios—witnessing in parks and shopping centers, going office to office and house to house, passing out literature in subways and train stations. I see them performing on big stages and in front of TV cameras, and in orphanages and hospitals singing to the sick. I see lots of flashes of the Family busking in restaurants‚ on the streets, and in sidewalk cafés. I see them caring for the sick and comforting the lonely.

8. I see many shots of Family folks praying with others. I see them teaching classes, gathered in their Homes and in institutions teaching the Word. They're passing out tracts. I see lots and lots of tracts, all these scenes of our Family passing out tracts in all languages. I see them in South America and Africa, Russia and Northern Europe, then Southern Europe. I see them in the U.S. passing out hundreds and hundreds of tracts, then way over in China I see them very clandestinely sharing the Word with hungry people. I see them in Japan and Thailand and countries of the East.

9. I see others teaching the children, and others are cooking and tending to duties in the Home, while others are traveling on road trips. Some are provisioning in restaurants and ministering to friends. I see the Family engaged in CTP ministries, ministering to people in war-stricken zones, and others busy in disaster–hit areas. I see other scenes of the Family all dressed up in formal wear in places that look quite fancy; it appears they're ministering to the rich. ­Others I see working away at their desks, writing letters, and others are going out on business, running errands and tending to many details. ­Others are simply in prayer. I see them at home seated reading the Word and sitting in quiet meditation. I see them in devotions, united as they read and pray together. I see lots of clown shows and puppets and balloons!

10. All of a sudden the screen goes blank for a few minutes‚ then the scenes of the Family come back again. Now there are scenes from various countries around the world, and in ­every single one I see the Family with Activated materials in their hands. In every scene there's someone in the Family either signing someone up for the Activated program or following up on the hungry people they've met. I see scores and scores of letters and envelopes, which seems to signify following up through the mail. I see them visiting their sheep and inviting them over to their Homes, teaching them the Word.

11. Then everyone in the banquet hall is stand­ing up and clapping. It appears they're giving the Family a standing ovation. Everyone's applauding and cheering! And Dad is so happy! His hands are straight up, praising the Lord! He's praising and thanking the Lord and praying in tongues. (End of vision.)

Birthday Treasures!

12. (Jesus speaking:) Happy Birthday‚ dear Family! This is a day to celebrate in Heaven as well as on Earth! Today we salute you‚ the children of David! You are always highly esteemed in Heaven. Every year we Here in Heaven are accustomed to celebrating the Family's birth, for this is a milestone event. But this year I've declared the Family Birthday to be an extra, extra–special occasion. This year we're holding a special banquet to give honor to whom honor is due—that is to you, the children of David. This is our time to give special recognition to you, dear Family! I've found no others on Earth ­worthy of the admiration we wish to show you‚ our beloved teammates, in the greatest era of action of all time.

13. We begin our festivities by highly honoring the man who made it all possible. We love you, David! Come on over here, Dave, and take your place at the head of My table. I know you don't feel worthy, but you deserve it! This is your day! I know, I know, you're pointing the finger right back at Me. That's David for you, and this is why I've been able to use him so mightily all these years, and why I continue to use him like I do. This is one of the many things I love most about David—he's truly a humble man‚ always giving thanks and praise to others, never taking credit to himself. However, today we're going to give credit to whom credit is due.

14. Today we honor you, David, and all your children! By the faithfulness of one man, many have been made righteous. By the obedience of this one man, this Family was born, and as David and all of you willing spirit helpers continue to help guide them, this Family will fulfill the destiny for which it was created!

15. I've asked that these two days be reserved as free days for all Family members so you can have a time to rest, relax, and commune with Me, as well as a time to have fun, fellowship, and festivity! I've not only declared that these days be set aside for a special time for you down there on Earth, but I've also declared this time a national holiday in Heaven! Naturally, we want to join in on the fun! Don't worry, up Here we don't have holidays in the sense that all of Heaven is going to come to a halt; we're not going to let our guards down and abandon our responsibilities to come to your aid whenever help is needed. But I've declared this a time when the Heavenly host will join with you to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of the Family!

16. These two days are to be special festive days in Heaven, a time when we can show you our appreciation for all you are and all you do! That's right, we want to show you in very special and extraordinary ways how much we love, appreciate‚ and need you! We've prepared scores of special treats and surprises! Are you ready? Brace yourselves, it's going to be a great time!

17. I suggest each of you take these two days to rest and relax, get extra sleep if you wish, go on an extended get-out, enjoy a walk or talk with others, play with the kids or take the children on a special excursion, have a picnic‚ or enjoy a nice quiet meal and a glass of wine. If you wish, see an inspiring movie, spend a little time on your favorite hobby, write a poem or a song. Enjoy the fellowship of others. Join together to love and praise Me. Have a dance, a love feast, a talent show; tell jokes or play games. Take your pick of one or several things to do.

18. But aside from whatever special activities you decide on, most importantly, dedicate a good portion of this time to join Me in My bedchamber. I've made preparations for each of you, so be sure to come often into My private quarters. It's nice and quiet here. Don't forget to take time in My Word, praising Me and loving Me and listening. And don't forget to listen, because I have special words prepared for each of you. You can bring any questions you have when you come, any burdens or problems you need solutions to‚ and I'll be ready and waiting to answer anything you ask.

19. There are all sorts of ways you can organize your time during these free days, but if you'll ask Me, I'll help each of you know what's best for you personally. But whatever you decide‚ however I lead you in your particular Home‚ you can count on this—in loving appreciation for you, dear beloved Family, we have prepared a unique and special birthday gift for each of you!

20. Yes, for each and every Family member we have a tailor-made gift that's waiting to be delivered to you during these birthday holidays. Just to make it fun and exciting, My Heavenly surprise committee unanimously agreed to attach some teensy-weensy stipulations to each of you receiving your gift. Don't worry, it's not too hard or too embarrassing. Here's the deal: The treats are to be distributed in a treasure hunt fashion! Yes‚ you heard Me right. Heaven has organized a treasure hunt for you, dear Family, to celebrate your birthday—and it's designed so that all of you are going to be the winners if you'll just follow these simple instructions! Here's how it works:

21. All each one of you has to do is exercise your faith. All you have to do is open your eyes and ears, be on the lookout, search things out, hunt, uncover, pull down, look behind‚ look around, look over and beyond. You must each search out your individual treasure and follow our leading, and we'll lead you to your personal surprise!

22. You can ask questions. Ask Me, ask your spirit helpers. You can ask whatever you like, and we'll tell you when you're getting hot‚ or if you're cold, and so on. If you listen closely, we'll give you clues on where to look, tell you what type of surprise you might expect, and any other necessary details in order to direct you to your personal gift from Heaven. How's that for all the help you can get? All you have to do is simply listen and ask, then follow our directions. You've got to search, seek‚ ask questions, and then listen carefully to the reply.

23. You've got to be alert; you've got to exercise your faith and allow it to be stretched, if need be. Remember, each surprise is tailor-made for the individual; they come in all shapes, sizes, and forms. All you have to do is be aware! It may come when you least expect it—in the morning‚ in the afternoon‚ in the twilight hours. It may come in a vision, in a dream, or while you're walking along. It may come while you're sitting at the dinner table, while you're taking a break, while on a walk‚ sitting out under a tree, lending a helping hand to others, caring for the baby, or feeding the dog.

24. Your personal surprise may come when you least expect it. But if each of you will reach out, if you'll seek Me and seek the help of your Heavenly helpers‚ you can be confident that we'll lead you right to it. It may be the answer to something you've wondered about for a long time. It may be a very extra-special blessing. It may be the revelation of a hidden secret. It may be finding a key that unlocks the solution to a problem you've been having. It may be a memor­able experience that will encourage you and live with you forever. It may be a special message from Heaven. It may be a new spirit helper who desires to join you. Or it may be something very different and unique—something you never could have thought of or dreamed of! It may be any one of a number of things. It's up to you to search and find out your own personal treasure. I guarantee, we've got something specially prepared for each and every one of you—your own happy birthday present. So don't be lazy, go for the hunt and find your treasure!

25. Enjoy, My loves! Enjoy utterly and completely! Indulge yourselves in the pleasures we have in store, and find the treasures we wish to hand out during these birthday days! Open yourselves wide and receive these tokens of our love, in heartfelt appreciation for all you do.

26. Now, to get you started, I'll give you this one wise tip: Expand your horizons! Don't let yourself be put in a box; don't put Me or your spirit helpers in a box. While searching out your treasure, go for it all the way! Think big, pray deep, open wide, and receive. Don't underestimate what is possible. Believe and receive! Have fun!

A Tribute from

The Host of Heaven!

27. Moving along, to kick off these birthday days, I take great pleasure in presenting you with the following: The host of Heaven wishes to pay you tribute, dear Family! We're together to salute you, our beloved mates and teamworkers, in this last great and final era of action on Earth! Without you, our most highly esteemed colleagues and teamworkers‚ we would not be complete. Without you, Heaven's mission and purpose would be thwarted. Our goal is to bring Heaven to Earth, and you, our earthly mates, are a very integral part of this plan.

28. In loving appreciation for you, dear Family‚ I'm proud to present these Heavenly representa­tives who would like to share a few words with you. They've been chosen from among the Heavenly host to convey our love and appreciation for you, the children of David. I can attest that they speak for all of us Here in the Heavenly realm. These words of love and appreciation are but small tokens to express how we feel and what we love about you.

29. You didn't choose to live for Heaven—Heaven chose you! Yet each of you had to accept the challenge. Each of you had to make the right choices—and you did! You've made the right choices. Each of you has chosen of your own free will to take up the challenges which await you. You deserve a medal! And, believe Me, you have many waiting! When you arrive up Here in Heaven, you'll see.

30. Without further delay I present to you our representatives of the host of Heaven:

Martin Luther:

31. One thing I highly appreciate about the Family is how you carry the torch in prayer! You're not afraid to pray as if everything depended on prayer. Your childlike faith and complete trust in Jesus set you apart from all other Christians in the world.

32. Most everyone knows the story of how I once told my colleague Melanchthon we had to spend twice as much time in prayer if we were going to accomplish our day's work and meet our busy schedule. Seeing the Family in action brings peace to my soul. There's no doubt in my mind that the Family is going to exceed my own expectations of prayer. I know it‚ because I have not seen in modern times such dedication as the Family possesses. You've got the spark and fire that other Christians lack. The zeal and the willingness of you children of David to want to please Jesus in all you do, the determination to keep going and not dare fail your sheep, to prayerfully teach and train the little babes that are entrusted to your care—these are some of the things that I admire about the Family. You take God's promises and stand firm upon them. You claim the Word; you're doers, not hearers only. For this, I salute you! Keep it up; you're going to see great results! (End of message from Martin Luther.)

Heavenly angel:

33. The Family is not afraid to walk in where we angels fear to tread. As an angel in Heaven, I know my limitations; but you‚ dear Family, have faith that even the angels are tempted to envy! This has won my confidence! You're tops in my book! (End of message from angel.)

William Tyndale:

34. I know what it means to commit long hours to the tedious task of translating God's Word. I dedicated many hours of my life to translating the New Testament. However, never have I had such respect for, nor held in such high esteem, this great company of publishers, the Family. And to your credit, you're not only a company of publishers, but you're promoters, pushers, and distributors who give out the Word at all costs. I died for my faith, but you, dear Family, each die daily by laying down your lives every day to seek and save the lost and to spread the Word. For this you have my utmost respect and ­highest regards. (End of message from ­William Tyndale.)

Florence Nightingale:

35. Tending to the sick, the lonely, the forlorn; the Family's willing­ness to go anywhere, anytime; to be little nobodies to help others, to serve ­others, to tend to their wounds, to comfort their broken hearts, to kiss away their tears and pray away their fears—this is what I love about the Family! You've far surpassed all my hopes and dreams. I'm proud to assist you from this side. Anytime‚ anywhere, at any hour, I count it an honor to help you, dear Family, in any way I can. To be one of your assistants is a great privilege. (End of message from Florence Nightingale)

Sakondro (spirit helper):

36. I've fought many battles and faced down many ­devils, yet the courage I see in each Family member is a constant sample to me of perseverance, faith‚ and trust. Even when you don't feel victori­ous‚ you keep on fighting, and this is what victory is all about. The Family sets an example not only for the inhabitants of Earth, but for all of us in the spiritual realm. You might not see it, you might not feel it, but you've got it! As long as you keep following the Words of life, you're an un­beatable force! (End of message from Sakondro.)

Thomas the Apostle:

37. I ­really admire the Family's childlike faith. It took me a long‚ long while to come to the point where you are. This is the lifeblood of the Family—your simple childlike faith; that's what I love about you! (End of message from Thomas)

Queen Victoria:

38. I thought Britain was great when she reached the point that the sun never set on the British flag. Britain has had her great moments, but it's nothing compared to the new nation of the Family. Not only does the sun never set upon the Family, not only is there a Family member somewhere witnessing, helping others, reaching the lost, every waking moment around the globe, but you're doing it in a way that is truly making a difference. You're conquering the world for love and the truth—the real values in life. This is what I admire most in the Family. I only gave the world British rule; you're giving the world the Kingdom of God! (End of mess­age from Queen Victoria.)

David Livingstone:

39. Your love for the lost, to do or die trying—that's what I love most about the Family. You too are pioneers and explorers, for you have pioneered a way of life that few have lived since the days of the Early Church, and you are always exploring new ways to spread the Word. I admire your perseverance and pioneering zeal. (End of mess­age from David Livingstone.)

Abner:

40. You guys down there are doing a tremendous job! I just want to encourage you to keep it up! I'm proud to be a member of this Family, but as a Family member up Here in Heaven, I want to say that one thing that puts you at the top of the charts is your stick–to-itiveness, the do-or–die, we-can't-stop spirit you possess, the determination and faith to keep on going no matter what!

41. It's my joy, my passion, and my livelihood to stand in the gap for you whenever needed. You keep me busy, and I love it, because I know we're fighting for the right side! Oh, I know sometimes you don't always feel like you have the strong stick-at-it determination, but believe me, you guys have got what it takes, and I'm honored to stand guard for you. Don't any of you let the Enemy steal that crown away from you. Just knock him right out if he tries any tricks. Call on me whenever you feel the need—I'm always here! Keep at it. Keep living each day as if it's your last; that way you get the most out of every minute. When you get up Here, you'll be glad you did! (End of message from Abner.)

Rasputin:

42. You have to have a little bit of craziness if you're gonna make it in the world! This is what I love about the Family. Da, da‚ I know, I know, it takes all kinds, but it's the crazy faith that will see you through rough times, and you Family folks have got it! When the stiff‚ staunch, whitened sepulchers are all dead and gone, you'll keep on going and you'll rise far above all those dead men's bones! Ha, ha, ha! They can't hold good men and women down—those who are crazy enough to believe what God says, and who go right on and do it! That's what I love about the Family! Don't ever let anyone steal away your crazy faith! It won't be long, and we'll all be together—and what a great bash that will be! The Lord is saving His best wine to toast your arrival in Heaven. As for me, I can't wait for that day! Keep rising above with Jesus and nothing can stop you! (End of mess­age from Rasputin.)

William Booth:

43. The Fam­ily's guts and conviction‚ that's what I admire! You're not afraid to win the lost at any cost. You're not afraid to go down there and rescue them out of the garbage can if you have to. I stood on many a street corner in order to preach the Gospel. I stood up for my faith and tried to help the poor and the down-and-outers. I stirred up a hornet's nest‚ and many people didn't like what I was doing. They didn't fancy the thought of me bringing the riffraff of society into their fancy churches; conse­quently I received a good deal of persecution. I know what that's like.

44. This is what I admire about you Family disciples—you're not about to let a little persecution or the opinions of man stop you. You're not afraid to get your hands dirty in order to save others. And your music—that's a story all its own! The Salvation Army band is a great thing, but Family music, now that's something to brag about! You're doing a stupendous job! I started an army, but the Family, you're without a shadow of a doubt the elite, crack troops of Christian endeavor! I salute you! (End of mess­age from William Booth.)

Mahatma Gandhi:

45. There's a time and place for everything. Passive resist­ance bore fruit in my time, but there were times I failed to be more Spirit-led. What I admire about the Family is that you don't let anybody put you in a box. Your willingness to look constantly to our King Jesus for your directions puts you in a class all your own. You keep your eyes on Jesus. It's the outstanding connection with your King that puts you way out in front of others, not to mention your ability to keep a tough spirit but a soft heart; that's what makes your perform­ance out­standing! (End of message from ­Mahatma Gandhi.)

Aphrodite:

46. What deeply moves me is the Family's willingness to be the love of God for others. Your yieldedness to flow with the Spirit of God, to be vessels of our dear Master's love, this is what I love about the Family—your yieldedness to the spirit of love, your hot fire and ardent passion‚ your desire to spread love to others. (End of message from Aphrodite.)

Apostle Paul:

47. The Family's ability to become all things to all men in order that some might be saved is one of many things that I admire greatly; likewise, your ability of availability—to be ready to go, ready to stay‚ ready to help anybody at any time. This has won the highest respect of all the patriarchs who have ever lived. On behalf of all these Here, I pay you tribute! (End of message from Apostle Paul.)

Moses:

48. Because you walk with God, dear Family, your faces shine. You don't always realize it, but we Here in the Heavens bear witness. You shine as brilliant lights in a dark, dark world. Those who are perceptive in spirit know it. ­Others don't always understand from whence this brightness comes; yet though they understand it not, they still see and they know how different you are. Your light shines and bears witness that you have something extraordinary. (End of message from Moses.)

Che Guevara:

49. I love the revolu­tion­ary spirit the Family carries! You're true revolu­tion­aries. I admire your unwavering dedication to the cause. The Family's willingness to fight for unity is admirable. It's this unity that makes you strong. (End of message from Che Guevara)

Jesus:

50. Your fiery passion, deep kisses, and ardent lovemaking are what turn Me on! I love the fact that you're My loving, sexy, wild and free brides. It will take all of eternity for Me to express My love and devotion to you, dear brides—and how I look forward to it! (End of message from Jesus.)

51. (Mama: ) Now that is some tribute! If you needed a little boost or to be reminded of what makes the Family different, there you have it! To make the point even clearer, I've composed a simple list of your attributes that these Heavenly inhabitants mentioned, dear Family. When you see the points one after the other, you re­alize what a miracle the Family is! The Family is truly a unique and wonderful creation of God.

52. Here are the things our dear friends and teammates in Heaven mentioned as being what they admire about you:

53. You carry the torch in prayer; you have childlike faith and complete trust in Jesus. You are dedicated to Jesus, and have determination. You keep going and don't dare fail your sheep. You stand on God's promises, claim the Word, don't just hear but do! You have great faith. You publish, promote and distribute the Word; you die daily to spread the Word. You are willing to go anywhere, anytime, to be little nobodies to help others. You have courage, which is a sample of perseverance, faith, and trust. You're making a difference, conquering the world for love and the truth—the real values in life, as you're giving the world the Kingdom of God. You have love for the lost, stick-to–itiveness‚ and a do-or-die, we-can't-stop spirit.

54. There's also your determination and faith to keep on going no matter what, and your crazy rise-above faith, guts and conviction. You're not about to let a little persecution or the opinions of man stop you, and you're not afraid to get your hands dirty in order to save others. You've created and promote Family music. You don't let anybody put you in a box, and you're willing to look constantly to Jesus for your directions as you keep your eyes on Him. You keep a tough spirit but a soft heart, and you're willing to be the love of God for others. You're yielded to the spirit of love‚ you desire to spread love to others, and you're willing to become all things to all men in order to save some. You have the ability of availability; you walk with God, and have a revolutionary spirit and un­wavering dedication to the cause. You're willing to fight for unity, which makes you strong. And last but certainly not least, you're the Lord's loving‚ sexy, wild and free brides!

55. What a Family! Glory to our magnificent Husband and Lover!

56. God bless you, dear ones, with a wonderful time of fun, relaxation and sweet fellowship with our amazing Husband and each other on these two Family birthday holidays. I pray the special "birthday gift" that the Lord has prepared for you personally in His fascinating "treasure hunt" is exactly what you want and need. I know it will be! You deserve the best of everything the Lord has to give you! You're doing great, and Peter and I love you!

With prayers and gratitude on this very special day‚

Mama