Comments on Wall post by Soren K Vestergaard

Soren K Vestergaard

Urantia Question: Is Africa a Fraud?

In a recent communication with the Urantia Book Fellowship, we were informed that if we wanted to purchase Urantia Books from them, we would have to pay a premium price—up to 25% more than what we could find at online bookstores. They also indicated that if a proposal of funding Urantia Books to us were to be formally presented to the IFC, it would be rejected. If the Second Miler Grant Project would receive a proposal, they would recommend not funding it.

This is not surprising. It is evident that much of the Urantia Book outreach in Africa involves fraud. Individuals who have little, have discovered that posing with a Urantia Book and claiming to be involved in Urantia Book outreach can elicit funds for their life necessities, even though they have no connection to the teachings in the Urantia Book. For example, there was an incident where a bishop in Africa received several hundred Urantia Books from us, only for us to discover that he had stored them in his house.

However, our group is not overly disturbed by these occurrences. We believe that beneath all this, the Spirit of Truth is at work. Is it strange that people who have nothing would attempt to defraud us? We think not. The Master even spoke about such situations in his parable of the Sower, explaining how it is impossible to know in advance which grains will land on fertile ground. Our group believes that the Urantia Book has inherent power, and when delivered to those who ask for it, some will respond to its teachings. It is not our role to judge in advance who might be receptive. We trust the process and the Spirit of Truth to do His work.

But what do you think? Is Africa only a fraud?, and should we leave as this large Urantia organization has already done?

Love, Soren

  • Monica Kemp
    • 88 views
    By Monica Kemp

    Great article and question, brother, especially in identifying SOME of the fraud,, as all our contacts are not so scheming...there seems to be a sincere groundswell in interest in the Revelation in recent months, from the educated youth, who, we pray, will go all the way.

    And in meditation one day a few months ago, seraphim let Paul know that they are pleased with what is happening in Uganda...while I may not see it, those above DO..yay! So great to be mortal and know that all is well with the outreach! And that I must trudge on, not taking my hand off the plow...persistence , perseverance and progress...

    Let us continue on in the faith-adventure that Jesus took even with Judas!

  • Soren K Vestergaard
    • 129 views
    By Soren K Vestergaard

    Very powerful words, my sister Monica, and so good we can have these insights put on SFN!

  • Niwamanya Onesmas
    • 247 views
    By Niwamanya Onesmas

    Dear Soren,

    I understand your concerns about fraud in Africa, and I appreciate your willingness to listen. As an African myself, I want to humbly share my perspective.

    While it's true that fraud exists in Africa, just like in any other part of the world, it's not accurate to assume that all Africans are fraudsters. This stereotype is harmful and unfair to the many genuine and hardworking individuals who call Africa home.

    I understand that your experiences with the bishop and others may have led you to question the integrity of Africans. However, I implore you to consider the many stories of resilience, innovation, and kindness that also define our continent.

    Let's work together to address fraud and support those who are genuinely seeking truth and knowledge. I'm confident that with mutual understanding and respect, we can build bridges of trust and foster a more positive environment for everyone.

    Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your thoughts.

    Warm regards,
    Onesmas ❤️

  • Paul Kemp Administrator
    • 245 views
    By Paul Kemp Administrator

    Thank you Niwamanya Onesmas for these words of encouragement. Soren has correctly understood the parable of the sower and I have often repeated this to Monica as events with the revelation unfolded in Africa. The wisdom of the Master keeps us all at the work of this day and generation. My joy is to see the seeds that fall on fertile soil grow into Mighty Messengers of the new Revelations even as Jesus stated " "Now will I tell you the last of the parable of the sower."

    1. THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER

     

      151:1.1 About this time Jesus first began to employ the parable method of teaching the multitudes that so frequently gathered about him. Since Jesus had talked with the apostles and others long into the night, on this Sunday morning very few of the group were up for breakfast; so he went out by the seaside and sat alone in the boat, the old fishing boat of Andrew and Peter, which was always kept at his disposal, and meditated on the next move to be made in the work of extending the kingdom. But the Master was not to be alone for long. Very soon the people from Capernaum and near-by villages began to arrive, and by ten o'clock that morning almost one thousand were assembled on shore near Jesus' boat and were clamoring for attention. Peter was now up and, making his way to the boat, said to Jesus, "Master, shall I talk to them?" But Jesus answered, "No, Peter, I will tell them a story." And then Jesus began the recital of the parable of the sower, one of the first of a long series of such parables which he taught the throngs that followed after him. This boat had an elevated seat on which he sat (for it was the custom to sit when teaching) while he talked to the crowd assembled along the shore. After Peter had spoken a few words, Jesus said:

      151:1.2 "A sower went forth to sow, and it came to pass as he sowed that some seed fell by the wayside to be trodden underfoot and devoured by the birds of heaven. Other seed fell upon the rocky places where there was little earth, and immediately it sprang up because there was no depth to the soil, but as soon as the sun shone, it withered because it had no root whereby to secure moisture. Other seed fell among the thorns, and as the thorns grew up, it was choked so that it yielded no grain. Still other seed fell upon good ground and, growing, yielded, some thirtyfold, some sixtyfold, and some a hundredfold." And when he had finished speaking this parable, he said to the multitude, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

     

      151:3.15 Before he dismissed the group for the night, Jesus said: "Now will I tell you the last of the parable of the sower. I would test you to know how you will receive this: The kingdom of heaven is also like a man who cast good seed upon the earth; and while he slept by night and went about his business by day, the seed sprang up and grew, and although he knew not how it came about, the plant came to fruit. First there was the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And then when the grain was ripe, he put forth the sickle, and the harvest was finished. He who has an ear to hear, let him hear."