December 8, 2014 Steps to Life Newsletter

Dear STL Supporter

The Irony of Hospices de Beaune or Hotel-Dieu de Beaune

The Hospital of God for the people of Beaune, France, was built in 1443 to 1452 by Nicolas Rolin and his wife. It became known as the palace for the poor. Nicolas was chancellor to the Duke of Burgundy - Phillip the Good. The Rolins had taken the concept of their project to the then pope, Eugene IV, and gained his blessing as he sought allies to support him in his internal struggle for power within the Roman Catholic church.

France had been engaged in the Hundred Year's War with England drawing much of Europe into the conflict. It was a war about national supremacies, ruling elites within countries, religious power of factions of the dominant Roman Catholic church in Europe and the future national and religious alignment of Europe. A treaty was signed in 1435 to cease the war but marauding bands of de-mobbed soldiers continued pillaging the countryside causing famine and hardship. Most of the people of Beaune, France were destitute as a result. Then the plague broke out exacerbating the poverty and hastening the death of many.

The Hospital of God for the people of Beaune was unique in its concept, hygienic in its design, and modeled best practice nursing care that can only be admired today. It still stands today for tourists to visit. Two rows of beds parallel to the side walls, each screened from the other by beautiful velvet drapes, in a rectangular room measuring 50 by 14 metres, opened onto a chapel for the inpatient part of the hospital. The room was heated by an open fire. Between each side wall and the rows of beds is a small corridor for nurses to operate from allowing patients to be cared for individually without other patients being disturbed and ensuring privacy of treatment. An apothecary is attached to the hospital dealing in the potions of the day. A special order of nuns was created to staff the hospital. They were also housed in it. The decorations are works of art. No expense was spared. There was a stark contrast between the normal living conditions of the majority of the patients and their living conditions in the hospital.

Nicolas and his wife supervised every aspect of the construction and operation of the hospital to ensure that it met the highest standards. No doubt they eased the burden of many of the impoverished and ill who were taken in. The Rolins totally invested their lives and fortune in the hospitals construction and ongoing operation.

During the time of its operation the hospital provided outstanding care for hundreds of patients who had no means of paying for it. What a blessing the Hospice de Beaune was to the poor in the district of Burgundy! The concept was later extended to other locations in France.

The irony of the Hospital of God for the people of Beaune is that Nicolas and his wife sincerely believed that in all their generous and charitable works they were building up a good works bank account that would ensure their salvation. The Bible says that, 1 that's not how we gain salvation. The apostle Paul in the book of Romans (Ch 5: 15-24) clearly states salvation is a free gift not to be bought or sold - Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. (V 18)

Our good works should follow as fruit or evidence of our gratitude for the gift of salvation Jesus freely gives to us by His death and resurrection. Jesus says - Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. (Matt 10: 8)

The Christmas season is a good time, but not the only time, for us to freely give as we can to those who have misfortune. Our giving should include the gift of the good news of salvation as our response in gratitude for it. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom 6: 23)

Why Do We Mail Some Newsletters When You Have Asked to be on the Email List?

We still mail to everyone the three newsletter which contain the brochures for the spiritual seminars. This is because Cherryl says many folks don't open the program attachment of the seminars and inundate her with phone calls asking for particulars. It costs us unnecessary postage but saves Cherryl a lot of time on the phone and you will have the brochure in your hand to share with others.

Steps to Life's 2013/14 Financial Audit Has Been Completed

STL's auditors have completed their financial audit for 2013/14 and report that - In our opinion the financial report of Steps to Life (Aust) Ltd is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

(a) giving a true and fair view of the company's financial position as at 30 June 2013 and of its performance for the year ended on that date in accordance with the accounting policies described in Note 1;

(b) complying with Australian Accounting Standards to the extent described in Note 1 and complying with the Corporations Regulations 2001

The Board of STL is grateful to God for His leadership and blessing for a very full 2014

Christmas Holiday Office Closure

We are closed for the Christmas break from December 25 to January 5, reopening January 6, 2015. Online orders will be dispatched at intervals during this period.

Downloading STL DVD's

Earlier this year we trialed the option of downloading STL DVD's through Vimeo. This has significantly lowered the purchase price for those who wish to purchase by downloading rather than by buying hard copies of DVDs. Because the trial was successful we have now moved to privately hosting the downloading and are no longer listing with Vimeo, which blocked the sale of Alternative Sexuality and the Christian Church DVD's. The process for downloading now is to simply go online into the STL shop where you will be given a choice of how you wish to purchase a STL produced DVD - by download or as a DVD. Click the alternative you want and then follow the prompts. The cost saving by downloading is passed on to you.

Christmas Loyalty Thanks For Customers From Now Through January 2015

Online: From now to the end of January each online order will gain an additional 100 shopper points to the normal points gained by online orders. This equates to an additional 10% discount on future purchases when the bonus points are applied. You must open an account to receive the points.

Mail & Phone Orders: Will receive a 10% off discount voucher to use at their next purchase. Current until June 30 2015.

Righteousness By Faith in the End Time - Amazing Facts Evangelist, Pastor Dennis Priebe, February and March 2015

Dennis Priebe will be in Australia for STL's first spiritual seminar series of 2015. He says, Whenever God tells us something important, Satan immediately prepares a counterfeit to confuse and distract. In this seminar Pr Priebe contrasts the Biblical gospel with the popular evangelical gospel sweeping through conservative Christian churches today. Advertising being sent out with next newsletter.

Seasons and Christian greetings from Cherryl and the Steps to Life Team.

Brian Way/Programs Coordinator