World Evangelist

A New Blog, Seek Ye First The Kingdom

2009-07-11T10:46:00.001-04:00

Dear Brethren,

Brother Leo Nikoldze is a faithful member of the West End congregation (the spiritual family of which I am a part, and with whom I labour here in Toronto). Leo is set to begin his third year at the University of Toronto this Fall and is a brilliant student, but his true passion is for the Lord and to do His will.

Leo has recently begun a blog called, Seek Ye First the Kingdom. I am proud of my young brother and I want to encourage you to check out his writings, subscribe to the blog, leave helpful
comments, etc...

Leo is a great and much beloved friend, very much like a son to me in the faith.

I pray that you are all thriving in the faith!

Your Friend and Brother,

John Maddocks

Stephen Buys - Report May & June 2009 - South Africa

2009-07-11T10:22:00.002-04:00

Dear Brethren,

In writing my report this month I thought I would not have much to say. Until I started reflecting upon what has been happening the last few weeks and realized just how busy we have been.

I continue teaching and conducting services every Sunday here at the congregation that meets in our home. The Church here at Horizon Park is growing spiritually if not numerically at the moment. Some of our regular visitors have been struggling to make worship, family illnesses and transport problems. Sometimes we forget just how blessed we are with our own motor vehicles. Our public transport system here in South Africa is not only difficult to use, but it's also expensive. Public transport consists primarily of mini bus taxis (license for 15 but overloaded to 19 passengers) which are not always road worthy and the drivers drive recklessly.

I am teaching first principles currently on Sunday mornings. While it is not the most challenging of topics for the teacher, the firm foundation of Christ and the apostles teaching is of vital importance to new converts.

What I find very motivating, however, is that I get feedback about discussions that the members have friends and family, how they are able identify, and argue against unscriptural worship practices that their friends and family are engaged in.

My weekly bible studies on Revelation are continuing and I believe are bearing fruit and helping Marie to grow in knowledge and understanding.

My weekly evening visits to the Rehabilitation hospital are continuing. There are a few new patients in and things seem to be encouraging so far, but only time will tell. I am making arrangements to visit the hospital in the day, which should give me more time to spend with patients.

I am booked to preach in Nylstoom every weekend while Les & Linda Maydell are away but unfortunately I had to cancel my trip for the 28th of June. Wendy had hurt her back on the Friday and I did not her to transfer my heavy weight any more than was absolutely necessary.

I was also asked to perform a marriage ceremony for one of my brother’s friends, although he is not a Christian, he wanted his marriage recognized as a religious ceremony. I took the opportunity to teach God’s will regarding marriage.

On a personal front, I've been busy with my secular studies. I wrote my first set of exams in May, June for the Counseling Psychology degree.

I am very pleased to say I passed all five subjects. In fact I did better than I had expected. My studies are continuing well and I fully believe they can only aid me in doing the Lord’s work. This is Wendy’s busy time of the year and she has been working extremely long hours. The international financial crisis has made the budget forecast period extremely stressful.

Considering the financial crisis that the world is undergoing at this stage, I would like to once again thank the various congregations and individuals for the financial assistance that you're giving me, and the Fellowship that we have in spreading the gospel here in South Africa. I really do appreciate it.

Please keep praying for me and the Lord's work here in South Africa.

In Christ's service,

Steve Buys

Preaching the Good News in Norwalk, Ohio: June 2009

2009-07-08T09:32:00.002-04:00

Brethren,

Greetings.

Peace, mercy, and grace be with you all from God our Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ.

We are enjoying an overall cooler summer, and pray that you are well.

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Working with the Brethren

While some members are still experiencing various challenges, we have been encouraged to see one such member repent of her sins and work diligently to improve her condition. We have also enjoyed many different opportunities to share meals with many of the brethren and hope to continue to do so.

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Lessons, Classes, and Studies

Morning lessons in June focused on Jesus' parables, Jesus' resurrection, why good things happen to bad people, and 1 Peter 1:1-7. We have continued a study of the books of the Bible with the evening lessons, focusing on Jeremiah and Lamentations. As always, the lessons are available in outline and mp3 forms at norwalkchurch.org.

The men's Bible class on Ephesians is finishing up and has been well-received. We are also continuing our study in Luke with our recent converts who are still doing well at bringing their friends to assemblies.

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Evangelism

The Bible correspondence courses are continuing. We have been encouraged to see some local responses thanks to some posters in public places and advertisement of the course on our sign.

We again knocked on doors this month and hope to do the same through the rest of the summer. We are also preparing for our fall meeting in September.

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Truth Lectures

Toward the end of June my family and I headed to Bowling Green, Kentucky, for the Truth Lectures. I was asked to speak on Whosoever Will: The Tension Between Divine Grace and Human Freedom, an attempt to document the history of the dispute over predestination and free will and to try to foster understanding of not just the issue but the perspectives of God and attitudes toward tradition that perpetuated the dispute. The responses to the lecture indicated that I was successful in my objectives for the lecture. I appreciated the opportunity for deeper study of a issue that often troubled me and the opportunity to promote the Gospel.

My participation in the Truth Lectures should not be construed as an endorsement of everything that is taught by the various people involved with the Guardian of Truth Foundation. It was an opportunity to study an issue in greater depth and encourage brethren through greater understanding of that issue. If anyone has questions or
concerns, please let me know.

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Support

I would like to thank all of you for your participation in the work here in Norwalk, either through your prayers or through encouraging me or through financial support. I would like to solicit your continual prayers so that the work here may prosper.

May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirits.

Ethan R. Longhenry

Ethan R. Longhenry / deusvitae@hotmail.com
Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org]
Homepage: deusvitae.com
AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056
Y! IM: discipuliiesus

Spiritual Manna
A biweekly devotional for your life.
www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna

Review - The Big Picture of the Bible - by Ken Craig

2009-07-07T11:29:00.003-04:00

Clearing Away the Clutter

In just 34 pages Kenneth Craig does the remarkable job of clearing away centuries of clutter, and laying out clearly and succinctly, the "Big Picture" of the Bible, and the clear Gospel message of salvation. I believe what Kenneth has done here is nothing sort of remarkable!

I would encourage all to clear their minds of preconceived ideas and to prayerfully read through this booklet. Have a Bible on hand to read for yourself the abundant scripture references that Kenneth has provided.

Don't think that because this is just a booklet that it has little to say. David was just a youth, and yet he killed Goliath. Why? Because the Lord was with him. Judge for yourself if what Kenneth says is from God, but do not think that because the book is small in size that it doesn't have a mighty message!

Apologetics Press Response to the Ida Fossil

2009-05-23T08:23:00.006-04:00

If you have been keeping up with the news this past week, you have no doubt heard about "the most significant scientific discovery of recent times”, that being the fossilized remains of, Ida, purported to be a link between man and his ancient primate ancestry.

On the Apologetics Press website is an excellent article, refuting these outrageous claims. You can read the article here:

http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/240160

Many thanks to groups like Apologetics Press for refuting, clearly and plainly, the boastful claims of those who claim to be wise in the scientific world.

Contend earnestly for the faith brethren,

John Maddocks

UPDATE

Here is another excellent article on this subject, this time from Answers in Genesis:

http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2009/05/19/ida-missing-link

And yet another great article, this one from Creation Ministries International

http://creation.com/darwin-fossil-ida-hype

A service of Thanksgiving

2009-05-19T07:09:00.001-04:00

The following is from Tol Burk's excellent, Caribbean Way, blog.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I arrived in the Dominican Republic yesterday at 3:45 and was outside with luggage in 5 minutes-a minor miracle. From there we traveled 30 minutes to Guerra, where one of the sisters was having a service of thanksgiving at her home. They were alreay singing when we arrived--between 65 & 70 people and after a couple of songs I preached to the group. Most of the brethren from Guerra (25 or so) were present, which means there were around 40 visitors, so my theme was the importance of knowing God´s Word, encouraging them to ask the local brethren for help. One of the "problems" here is that close to half of the older men can´t read but are ashamed to admit it, so anything that might reveal this "weakness" they shun. Studying the Bible can be very embarrasing because they are asked to read, so I dealt with that a little.

After the service was over all were served juice, snacks in a small styrofoam box and what you would think of as a birthday cake.

The ocasion for thanksgiving was the new block house the family had. The sister is probably in her mid 30's, with 3 small children. She is a widow--her husband was killed in a car wreck about 3 years ago, leaving her with no job, 3 babies, and a small wood house (in the VI wood houses are called temporary houses--the first hurricane will destroy them). The company he worked for had pity on her and began the construction of the concrete block house and neighbors & family helped with the labor, a few pesos, etc. and she now has a 2 bedroom, 1 bath house with kitchen & living room (around 1000 square feet). She wanted to first thank God for her new home, then family & friends who helped, also taking advantage of the ocasion to let the Gospel be preached to them.

Tol
P.O. Box 50182
Toa Baja, PR 00950
blog: caribbeanpost.blogspot.com
priglesiadecristo.com
tolburk@gmail.com

Prayer Request from Uganda

2009-05-16T13:01:00.002-04:00

Dear Brethren,

Brother Keith Sharp forwarded this to me an I am now passing it on to you. Pray
fervently for our Ugandan brethren!

Your Brother,

John Maddocks

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: aburu rosemary (aburu@yahoo.co.uk)
To: Keith Sharp
Sent: Saturday, May 16, 2009 6:11 AM
Subject: Re: Re:

Brother Keith,

Please tell the American brethren to urgently pray for the brethren in Uganda because they need God's urgent hand to supply them with daily bread, The Masese Brethren and Tororo brethren are most hit, The other day the son of one our Sisters in Masese went to pick food from dust bin which he got, but on his way home he was struggled to death and the food was taken by some hungry people, yet other sisters sons and daughters whom these sisters used to send to the streets to beg for bread and also to pick food from dust bins were carried away to children's remand home being mistaken for street children yesterday. Yes it would break some one's heart to see these sisters weeping helplessly for their children, I loved these children whenever I would meet them in the strees, I would share with them the little I had and told them to back home and take food to their mothers.

The government of Uganda tried to ask the public to come in and help Children in Masese but only few NGOS came and talk some few children whom they got in the streets.

Like wise the Tororo brethren who cried to me like babies because of hunger when I went, Brother Fred is very weak and thin, their hearts are broken because of hunger and it is predicted that the famine will get worse by the month of June this year because rainy season this year changed, therefore there is no food for those who depend on their gardens like Tororo Brethren. This affects the whole nation because Ugandan economy depends on farming.

But there are three sisters in Jinja Church here whom me and my brother Fracis take care of them like our own mothers they are above seventy years and above {1} Maama Ajambo {2} Maama Nerima and another one.

Please send this prayer request to American brothers and sisters, the word of God says that whatsoever we do to least of his brethren we do it unto him. we are not asking for urgent funds for these brethren but for urgent and earnest joint prayers for these heart broken brethren.

God bless you all,

Rosemary

God bless you

David Raif - Guatemala Progress Report - 11 May 2009

2009-05-12T06:04:00.003-04:00

The Work
Greetings from the Raif family from Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. In mid-March, I started a study of Daniel and printed lesson books for all. Some of the brethren seem to appreciate the added challenge of homework. Even some who I've never seen participate are filling in their lesson sheets. I think the brethren are excited to begin a more disciplined study of a book of the Bible…at least I am.

The church meeting in Zona 8 of Quetzaltenango agreed to let me come and teach for several consecutive Wednesdays. My goal in the study is to help the brethren familiarize themselves with their Bibles. We began with a general discussion of the story of the Bible and now are walking through a survey of the New Testament.

José, our blind brother, helped bring about an exciting opportunity in Buena Vista, a small community just half an hour northwest of Xela. The brethren there have some institutional practices but are eager to study. On Thursdays, I have been studying with them about the nature and purpose of the local church. I pray they will continue to be receptive as we get into potentially controversial subjects.

Doña Juana continues to be a promising contact. We are now studying with her 20-something daughter Lucía, as well. Both women have expressed their sincere joy in being able to understand the Bible and have started visiting our assembly on Sundays. Higenio is another with whom Jerónimo and I have been in contact. He is currently associated with a denomination called La Sana Doctrina which has many biblical ideas, but also many Calvinistic doctrines. For three weeks, he has come to study in our home. I hope his excitement continues.

In all of these opportunities and studies, please pray for effective speech and for open hearts.

A Little Encouragement
Elijah, depressed and afraid, huddled in a dark cave of Mount Horeb where he lamented to God, "I alone am left; and they seek my life to take it away." God responded with these words of comfort: "I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him" (1 Kings 19:18, NKJV). Elijah felt alone, but he did not realize Jehovah had an army of believers at his disposal.

It is never easy to move to a new place with a new culture. However, Amy and I have been amazed that our overall experience in Guatemala has been quite peaceful in comparison to what could have been. We've been lucky…or have we?

While in the States in December and January, it was humbling to realize we have an army of brethren who have been and continue to pray diligently for us. One family informed us that they keep our picture on the refrigerator and pray about us every night. At one point, Amy commented, "It may be that we have had such a good experience in Guatemala because of all the prayers."

It was a privilege to alert this same army of believers to the need of Gílmar and María's six year old son, Angel. They and we have been impressed by the overwhelming show of support offered during Angel´s recent inflammation of toxoplasmosis and herpes in the brain. Angel still has not regained his full health and is fighting an uphill battle, but the family has been strengthened and comforted by the prayers of the saints. Thank you.

God has an army of believers at his disposal, in the United States, in Guatemala and in the entire world.

A Personal Note
The rain has returned. After six months without a drop, we were abruptly introduced again. My youngest daughter was puzzled by water falling from the sky. It makes it challenging to teach under tin roofs.

The congregation is starting another building project. When we enlarged the auditorium, we had to tear down the children's classroom. Since then, they have been using various spaces in brethren's homes. Amy is excited by the prospect of having a little more space for all 30 of her students.

Catholics and Protestants in Chiapas and in Guatemala celebrate Easter a little differently than other parts of the world. I think you'll find interesting our photos taken during "Semana Santa".

We continue to enjoy our work here in Guatemala. I pray the Lord will bless you in His work in your part of the world.

Vaya con Dios,
(Go with God)
David Raif

Stephen Buys - March and April 2009 South Africa Report

2009-05-10T21:15:00.002-04:00

Dear Brethren,

This year so far has really been going well and it is my prayer to God that things will continue to do so.

The congregation in Horizon Park is finally growing in numbers -- we have had two baptisms this last month, from two different families that have been regular visitors here. It is always encouraging to see people accepting God's word at face value and acting upon their belief.

Time will tell if the other visitors will accept God's teaching. Another positive is that Corno is able to bring his younger brother with him on a regular basis - and, when her parents allow it, his girlfriend attends. (Her family belongs to an Afrikaans denominational church)

I have started a weekly bible study with the lady that was baptized on the book of Revelation. Although this wouldn't be my usual starting point in helping a person grow spiritually, I believe that it is the correct decision in this case.

She used to worship with a well known charismatic religious group here and has a number of misconceptions - the millennial kingdom, the rapture and the signs of the end of times etc.

With out getting these doctrines sorted out now, they will constantly be clouding the waters when trying to teach other doctrinal subjects.

The good news, however, is that she is eager to learn the truth - and willing to accept God's word as authority.

We are continuing with our bi-weekly Bible study advertisement in local fliers. Concerning my visits to the rehabilitation hospital - these have gone slower than I would have liked during April. My caregiver was on leave and getting me to the hospital in the evenings was a problem. My health also suffered slightly as I was less active for fear of falling out my wheel chair and this greatly increased my spasms and left me exhausted at the end of the day.

My visits with the patients there are still productive. I have a man with whom I have a lesson with every time I visit. One of my other "students" has left the clinic and returned back to his home in Zimbabwe. I have given him contact details for the church in the town where he lives, and I will remain in e-mail contact with him.

Not only that but I have had the opportunity to teach one of the nursing staff members there and have dropped off a number of lessons for her - specifically on the gifts of the Holy Spirit and talking in tongues.

It seems to me as if the only people who are willing to listen to God's word, are those people who are looking for physical proof of God's existence -- the Pentecostal gifts. South Africa has a "celebrity evangelical preacher" by the name of Angus Buchan One of his doctrines is that God reveals special messages to individuals, God told him to plant potatoes.

In other news - I was asked to "say a few" words at a fellow Christians wedding recently. The service was to take place in a denominational church as this is where his in-laws wanted it held.

Based on our conversation on the Wednesday before the wedding I assumed I was to speak at the reception. When we got there on the Saturday to my surprise I discovered I was to speak for about 20 minutes during the service. Well nothing like pressure. I basically gave a lesson on the sanctity of marriage and the importance of marriage vows made before God.

Fortunately I was prepared and I believe everything went very smoothly. It reminds me of "be ready in season and out".

I have tried to get accredited by the government in order to perform marriage ceremonies, but without a National head office, to apply on my behalf, it seems like I can not get accredited.

In my last report I mentioned that my vehicle was in for repairs ($ 3,500). These were completed ahead of schedule and I was able to make a preaching engagement with the Nylstroom congregation on the 15th of March, after having to cancel my journey on the 8th while the vehicle was in for repairs. I had preached there on the 1st of March, just before the vehicle went in.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

In Christ's service,

Steve Buys

Luis Barros Venezuela Report

2009-05-09T05:52:00.002-04:00

Letter of April 2009

By: Luis Adriano Barros from Venezuela
E-mail: idcbarros@hotmail.com

“And he said unto them, Go ye into the entire world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15)

The Lord’s work in Maracay (Evangelism):

The Lord’s work in this city is going well. During these months I have been visiting the contacts that I have through the Newspaper. I have some new contacts (6) and I went to give them the Bible material. I hope and pray some of them have a good attitude to the truth, but most of the time, they only want to receive the Bible Course. However, when I visit them, I talk with them about us and about the gospel, then, I tell them that they need to study the bible to find the Truth about Jesus as Lord and Savior. So, in my first interview, I preached the Gospel to them and I encourage to follow the study.

Now, I have bible classes with three persons. One of them called Lucia. Until now, we have had two classes, and she look like encourage. I hope and pray she keeps this good attitude. The second is called Jeremias, we had our first class and I will be studying with him during the month. However, this man came from a Pentecostal Church, and the most of the time, these people do not want to persist with the bible class because they do not want to recognize the truth about “The end of the spiritual gifts” so, I will need to be very patient with him. The third is called Erwin; he is brother of our brother in Christ Gustavo. We had our first class and we will be studying soon.

The Lord’s work in Maracay (Edification):

We began a study of the collection and I have been teaching them “What the bible authorizes to use the Lord’s money”. I am glad that they were interested in this matter because they want to have a better knowledge about this topic. I can see that they have been having more interest in the Lord’s work.

We are still having the class to the man of the local church. We have been studying about “Our responsibility how man of the church” I have been teaching about: How to preach in our assemblies. I can see how they have been growing and maturing. Now, the most of the brothers has been teaching and doing a very good service in the assemblies (4 men have been preaching and giving a bible class in this church) this is a very good progress. They are: Elvis, Carmelo, Juan Carlos and Alonzo. Also, I have been teaching in the Bible Class about “New Testament church”. We will have very long classes about this topic. But the church has been growing in knowledge because there are some new members that need to understand the work of the church in this world.

I began a series of lessons about “The Jesus’ personality” I think we must to get to know better about our Master Jesus because we are His disciples. We live in a world where we need to show the people that we are different people because we follow a different example of live.

The Lord’s work in San Juan (Edification):

We have been studying the book of 1st Peter during the week. We have this bible class every Saturday.

Also, the preacher called Anibal Oropeza is helping with the preaching to the church in San Juan. The church is very enthusiasm with the work of our brother Anibal. We give our thankful to the Lord because there are preachers with good wild to do the Lord`s work.

Concerning my writing:

Now, I will be giving to you information about my work writing books. Several brethren have encouraged me to dedicate time to write books and articles about several topics of the Bible. In this month I began to work about the theme: “The music’s worship (no-instrumental music in the assembly) and benevolence to the saints” Let me tell you that, there are very few Hispanic preachers to write Biblical books and articles. For this reason, I began to work in this matter and help to Hispanic churches. I feel so encourage because your love and support allow me the time to dedicate diligently in this worthy work.

Final words:

My beloved brethren, my wife and I want to tell you that we always give our thankful to the Lord for your love, sincere concern and support. How you know, this support makes possible to do this worthy work in this country and in some others places around the world. We are so rejoice because we can count with you. Thank you so much and our Lord be blessing your soul.

We love you in Christ,

Luis, Susy and Ana Barros

Preaching the Good News in Norwalk, Ohio: April 2009

2009-05-07T08:44:00.004-04:00

Brethren,

Greetings.

Peace, mercy, and grace be with you all from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We have made it through a rather tempestuous April, but things are going well overall. We hope and pray that all is well with you.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Working with the Brethren

April has been a very trying month, but we are glad that things are going a bit better. It began quite well with our spring meeting during which brethren were together. We enjoyed another movie night also.

We have a few members going through some difficulties with mental health and the brethren have tried to be as supportive and as encouraging as possible. We also had two members in the hospital toward the end of the month with various physical health problems, and both received many visits from our brethren.

We were very encouraged to see how the brethren rallied around one another throughout these various difficulties, and hope that such continues in the future.

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Lessons, Classes, and Studies

Morning lessons in April focused on Romans 8:31-39 and Isaiah's Good News, a consideration of Isaiah 61:1-4 and Luke 4. We have continued a study of the books of the Bible with the evening lessons, focusing on Psalms and Proverbs. As always, the lessons are available in outline and mp3 forms at norwalkchurch.org.

The adult male Bible class on Ephesians has begun, and the men are participating well. The adult female Bible class also has begun, and the women are quite encouraged by it. The Ladies' Bible classes are continuing also.

We are continuing the Love & Respect series with a member of the congregation.

I have also begun studying Luke with our recent converts weekly. We are very encouraged by their example: they have been very active in inviting their friends, of whom two have actually visited with us. We look forward to continuing to encourage them in the future!

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Evangelism

Our spring meeting took place on April 3-5. The subject was "More About Jesus." Paul Buchanan of Medina, OH, spoke on "Prophecies of the Christ and Jesus' Birth," Bobby Blackburn of North Ridgeville, OH, spoke on "Jesus' Life," and John Hains of Dayton, OH spoke on "Jesus' Death" and "Jesus' Resurrection and Lordship."

We were very encouraged to have strong member attendance and the presence of eight community visitors. Six of them were directly invited by family or friends, and two were past frequent visitors to whom we mailed a meeting announcement.

The Bible Correspondence course remains quite active and popular; we have more signups that span the country.

Since the number of visitors is increasing again we are looking to find more effective ways of encouraging them and following up with them.

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Travels

At the end of the month we traveled to assemble with the church in Kirkwood, Missouri. We greatly appreciate their participation with us in the work in Norwalk, and it was good to meet them and to get to know them a bit better. I enjoyed the opportunity to preach for the congregation on Sunday morning regarding who we are.

Unfortunately, on our way home, we not only hit a deer but also had our windshield cracked by a rock in separate incidents. Everyone is well, thankfully, but it is leading to unexpected expenses.

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Support

I would like to thank all of you for your participation in the work here in Norwalk, either through your prayers or through encouraging me or through financial support. I would like to solicit your continual prayers so that the work here may prosper. If you ever have any questions or comments about the work here in Norwalk, please feel free to contact me at evangelist@norwalkchurch.org or at (419) 541-6254.

May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirits.

Ethan R. Longhenry

Ethan R. Longhenry / deusvitae@hotmail.com
Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org]
Homepage: deusvitae.com
AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056
Y! IM: discipuliiesus

Spiritual Manna
A biweekly devotional for your life.
www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna

The Williamses In South Africa

2009-05-04T08:27:00.001-04:00

The Williamses In South Africa
Paul and Helen Spreading the Gospel in Zululand
P.O. Box 324, Eshowe, 3815 South Africa
paulkwilliams.za@gmail.co.za

1 May 2009

Joel, Mzwandile, and Three Others from Eshowe Hold Tent Meeting - Eight Baptized

The two-week tent meeting near Flagstaff (5 hrs from Eshowe) was a physical marathon. Joel and Mzwandile had a time keeping order at the tent as there were a number of young people intent on making trouble. They both got hoarse, and Joel is still suffering from allergy symptoms two weeks later. Attendance was great—with over 100 on many nights. Six young ladies and two young men were baptized, and seven of the eight were present for the Sunday service following the meeting.

In Eshowe:

Attendance continued as usual; contributions were up. In March I presented The Big Picture in the home of one of the young men baptized fairly recently. In April Bonginkosi Langa taught three classes in the same home, and Joel taught the class the last week of the month. Two ladies from that house attended the morning service the last Sunday of April.

Schools and colleges had a one-week-plus-one-day holiday, and we were able to use this time for some valuable classes. I taught Zipho (in college in Durban), Nkanyiso (at University of Zululand), and Mkhulekiseni (out of high school) two classes in the book of Acts. They were completely ignorant of the book, and the classes went super.

Through the influence of our foster son Cyril, a number of young men from Ntumeni (20 minute drive) have been attending, and five have been baptized. The four who are still in the Eshowe area, plus the brother of one, Zipho and Mkhulekiseni gathered with me for a “support group” meeting. We started with 1 Cor. 6:9-11, then discussed a number of things in the first chapters of Proverbs. These are great guys who appear to be 100% serious about their service to God.

Economic News:

About eight months ago the rand/dollar exchange rate was about R10 per dollar. It is now about R8-55 to the dollar. This cuts the extra those of us who get paid in dollars were receiving because of the favorable exchange rate, but it is good news for the South African consumer because imported goods will be a bit cheaper. The oil price is continuing to be below $50 per barrel, so our petrol price is coming down. At the end of the month the year-on-year inflation figure was about 8.5%, a bit higher than expected, but the trend is downward. The government cut 1% from interest rates on the last day of the month, so that will stimulate the economy slightly. The April 22 elections went off smoothly.

Book Review - The Noticer

2009-04-27T13:39:00.002-04:00

It's all a matter of perspective. This is a truth, masterfully taught by Jones, not Mr. Jones, but just plain Jones, a drifter who comes into the lives of various characters in the book, The Noticer. Whether it be a recently orphaned young man now living under a pier; a couple who's marriage is floundering; a twice divorced man contemplating suicide; a widow who feels her time is passed, and there's nothing left to live for; or a soon to be father, who's business misdealings are leading him to disaster, Jones is able to masterfully instruct them in the fine art of seeing things from a different and better perspective.

I think as evangelists there is a great need to help others see things from a biblical perspective. To help folks see the great need to stop looking inward, to stop being short sighted, and instead, to see the big picture. Jones does a great job with this, and reading the book you can't help but come away from it with some good ideas that can be used practically in your work for the Lord. At 156 small pages it is a quick read, but it is a book I can see myself reading again and again. It is not a book of complicated theology, and I for one am thankful for that. There is good practical advice and wisdom though that can be of great benefit to the one who has eyes and ears open for it. Andy Andrews is a masterful story teller and I thoroughly enjoyed my short time sitting at his feet. I would encourage you to read it, I couldn't put it down.

Getting Accustomed

2009-04-21T04:51:00.002-04:00

The following excellent article is from Tol Burk's excellent blog, caribbeanpost.blogspot.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The fact that we live in a city of 224,000 people, on the edge of two other cities that together total about the same limits the wildlife we see, even though we are in the Tropics. Because our house backs up to the drainage canal we do see iguanas fairly regularly, plus the smaller lizards that predominate on the islands. We hear a few water birds as well the coquis (tree frogs) but haven't seen many birds other than doves. About a month ago we started seeing a couple of bananaquits (the "yellow bird" of the well known Jamaican song), which was nice. They've since built their nest less than 5 feet from our front door. Dana was sure they wouldn't even complete the nest--after all it's right next to the front door, but they did and seem to preparing to raise a family.

I'm a little surprised they chose our house, but they don't have a lot of choices in this area. They seem to be accustomed to our coming and going--they don't leave the nest most of the time. Of course this could lead to their capture and/or death over time--the more they're in close proximity to people, the more accustomed they become. The more accustomed they are, the less they perceive the danger.

Lot was like the bananaquits--he moved his family into Sodom. 2 Pet. 2 tells us that he was a righteous man who was vexed by the wicked conduct of his neighbors. Rather than becoming accustomed to their immorality it disturbed him. One has to wonder about his family, particularly his wife. Did she become accustomed to these things, so that in spite of the angel's warning not to look back, she looked back anyway? And what about his daughters who decided the only to preserve their Father's seed was to get him drunk and sleep with him? His family became so accustomed to the immorality of their neighbors that they repeated it.

We live and work and study in an increasingly immoral society. Immorality that used to be "in the closet" is now paraded down the street, literally. In the interest of "not hurting anyone" society at large at least pretends that however people live is okay, "who am I to judge?" If we're not careful this attitude rubs off on us and rather than call sin what it is--sin, we choose to ignore it. While this may not affect us, it does affect others--others who are looking to you for moral guidance. There is no justification for crude, rude comments about the sins of others, but speaking out against such may be the only time some around you hear that such action is wrong. By keeping silent we assist in society getting accustomed to sin.

Tol
P.O. Box 50182
Toa Baja, PR 00950
blog: caribbeanpost.blogspot.com
priglesiadecristo.com
tolburk@gmail.com

Luis Barros Venezuela Report

2009-04-13T07:26:00.002-04:00

Letter of March 2009

By: Luis Adriano Barros from Venezuela.

E-mail: idcbarros@hotmail.com

“And he said unto them, Go ye into the entire world, and preach the gospel to every creature”

(Mark 16:15)

The Lord’s work in Maracay (Evangelism):

The Lord’s work in this city is going well. During these months I have been visiting the contact that I have through the Newspaper. I have some new contacts and I went to give them the Biblical course. I hope and pray some of them have a good attitude to the truth, but most of the time, they only want to receive the Bible Course.

I want that you know, the work concerning evangelism is so slow, I have been trying to do the best I can, but the people in this country have been thinking only in political. When you go to preach the Gospel on the street and I try to give them a tract about the Bible, they accuse me to follow Chavez, and I lost the opportunity to talk about the Gospel. The point is, the people know that the follower of Chavez have been giving on the street information about his “good” government and they confuses me with a follower of Chavez. So, some time I fell frustrating, and I am thinking all the time how to preach the Gospel, in fact, I have been thinking about a new plan. Because is the same situation if you go knocking door by door preaching the Gospel. However, we have the opportunity with the news paper and the radio program. Until now, we have been preaching the Gospel and we are praying and waiting the fruits of this work. But we know that this fruits is going to take time and we need to be patients. However, we are preaching the Truth of the Gospel.

Believe me, it is not nothing easy, but we must trust in the Lord and we do this worthy work. Keep us in yours prayers.

The Lord’s work in Maracay (Edification):

We are still having the class to the men of the local church. We have been studying about “Our responsibility how men of the church” I have been teaching about: How preach in our assemblies. I can see how they have been growing and maturing. Now, the most of the brothers has been teaching and doing a very good service in the assemblies (4 men have been preaching and giving a bible class in this church) this is a very good progress.

Brother Johan Dominguez, Juan Carlos Blanco, Elvis Piplas, Carmelo Blanco and Alonzo Herrera have been teaching and preaching to the assembly every Sunday. I feel so good because they have been having a good attitude to serve the saints and the Lord.

I Finished the lessons “Love one another” according to the book of John. I was teaching about this matter all the month. Also, I have been teaching in the Bible Class about “New Testament church”. We will have very long classes about this topic. But the church has been growing in knowledge and because there are some new members that need to understand the work of the church in this world.

The Lord’s work in San Juan (Evangelism):

About this work, we are using a news paper to offer a free biblical course. We have received two calls and I have been visiting the friends.

The Lord’s work in San Juan (Edification):

The preacher called Anibal Oropeza is helping with the preaching to the church in San Juan. The church is very enthusiasm with the work of our brother Anibal. We give our thankful to the Lord because there are preachers with good wild to do the Lord`s work. We have been studying the book of 1st Peter during the week.

Concerning my writing:

Now, I will be giving to you information about my work writing books. Several brethren have encouraged me to dedicate time to write books and articles about several topics of the Bible. Now, I have my first book, and the church in Maracay helped me to print it and I gave the first edition to the local church in Margarita. Why? Because in this first book you can find topics about: “The work of the local church; Sound doctrine in our teaching; The true worship; Institutionalism and liberalism; what is a local church; love one another” In this month I began to work about the theme: “The music’s worship (no-instrumental music in the assembly) and benevolence to the saints” Let me tell you that, there are very few Hispanic preacher to write Biblical books and articles. For this reason, I began to work in this matter and help to Hispanic churches. I feel so encourage because your love and support allow me the time to dedicate diligently in this worthy work.

Wedding:

My brother Jose Barros married with sister Odaliz Pena in Midland Texas. They invited to go to the wedding and they gave me the privileged to preach in the wedding and brother Wayne Partain had the direction of the vows. I had the opportunity to preach in some churches. One in English and 3 in Spanish.

Final words:

My beloved brethren, my wife and I want to tell you that we always give our thankful to the Lord for your love, sincere concern and support. How you know, this support makes possible to do this worthy work in this country and in some others places around the world. We are so rejoice because we can count with you. Thank you so much and our Lord be blessing your soul.

We love you in Christ,

Luis, Susy and Ana Barros.

Paul Williams - South Africa Report

2009-04-11T08:59:00.009-04:00

Preaching the Good News in Norwalk, Ohio: March 2009

2009-04-02T09:50:00.001-04:00

Brethren,

Greetings.

Peace, mercy, and grace be with you all from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Spring has come to northern Ohio, even if it is a bit fitful at times. We pray things are well with you.

Working with the Brethren

We have continued to enjoy many opportunities to encourage the brethren, both in assemblies and studies and in more individual events. We have been very encouraged by the growth in the camaraderie of the brethren here.

Lessons, Classes, and Studies

Morning lessons in March focused on Romans 8:12-30, who we are, and the language of Ashdod. We have continued a study of the books of the Bible with the evening lessons, focusing on Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, and Job. As always, the lessons are available in outline and mp3 forms at norwalkchurch.org

The adult Bible class in Revelation is wrapping up and has been a very profitable study for those involved. We have rarely seen such high levels of interest and participation!

Next quarter the adult class will divide by gender; the women will be studying Having a Mary Spirit, and I will be leading the men in a study of Ephesians.

The Ladies' Bible classes have continued.

We are continuing the Love & Respect series with a member of the congregation.

Evangelism

Much of our evangelism has focused on the upcoming spring meeting on April 3-5 on "More About Jesus." We were able to knock about 175 doors in late March in preparation for the meeting, and we have encouraged the members strongly to invite their family, friends, neighbors, and associates to the meeting.

The Bible Correspondence course remains quite active and popular.

Support

I would like to thank all of you for your participation in the work here in Norwalk, either through your prayers or through encouraging me or through financial support. I would like to solicit your continual prayers so that the work here may prosper.

I would again like to thank you all for your participation in these efforts. If you ever have any questions or comments about the work here in Norwalk, please feel free to contact me at evangelist@norwalkchurch.org or at (419) 541-6254.

May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirits.

Ethan R. Longhenry

Ethan R. Longhenry / deusvitae@hotmail.com
Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org]
Homepage: deusvitae.com
AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056
Y! IM: discipuliiesus

Spiritual Manna
A biweekly devotional for your life.
www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna

Gerardo Hernandez Feb. 2009 Venezuela Report

2009-03-26T20:57:00.001-04:00

March 6, 2009

Report for February 2009
Geraldo Hernandez
Caracas, Venezuela

Thursday the 12th Teresa Caripa was baptized for the forgiveness of her sins. She is the Mother of our sister Cristina Caripa, who fell away for about 2 years and in Jan. announced her repentance and intention to return to the Way. Sister Teresa began to receive studies one day a week in her home. She had participated in the studies that we had before with Cristina, but did not make the decision to be baptized back then.

I continue to visit my contacts, as well as handing out tracts and preaching on the street.

Sunday the 22nd about 15 brethren from the church in Coro visited with us for services. Coro is in Falcon state, to the west of the country, about 8 hours by bus from the capital. They are also family by blood—brothers, uncles, nephews, cousins, etc. and were here visiting other family who live in the capital.

We have to give up the place the church is meeting, since the owners have decided not to renew the contract—they need the place for themselves. We have searching for another place to meet, but it is impossible, as the price of rent has gone out of sight. As the date for vacating the building is fast approaching we talked with the church that meets in Caricuao, a neighborhood on the south side of the city. Since they are few in number, 7, we proposed that we join them as members of that local church, which they accepted gladly.

Because of this my work preaching on the street will now be extended into this area, something which had not been done on any kind of a regular basis before. I will also have the help of 2 more brothers who are members there.

In our business meeting downtown it was unanimously agreed that the date of move to Caricuao would be the 1st of March.

Thank you once again for all you concern for the work being done here in Venezuela. I ask again your prayers so that we may grow, always fortified in the knowledge of the Will of our Heavenly Father.

May God bless you.

Your brother in Christ,

Gerardo Hernandez

--
Tol Burk
P.O. Box 50182
Toa Baja, PR 00950
(787) 998-2098
(787) 930-6341 cell
blog: caribbeanpost.blogspot.com

Stephen Buys - Report January & February 2009

2009-03-20T08:55:00.003-04:00

Dear Brethren,

The first two months of 2009 have flown by

Concerning my work at the rehabilitation hospital it is progressing well.

I have had a bit of teething trouble in finding the right time to visit the patients so that I do not interrupt the rehabilitation centre's staff timetable or eating times. (I believe the quickest way to have the welcome mat removed is to become a pest to the doctors and nurses). I've settled on visiting between 6 pm and 8 pm during weekdays and in the afternoons on weekends. From a care point of view the hospital seem very concerned about their patients and welcome any positive input in their well being. The staff have been most supportive of the work I am doing as long as it does not harm the patients' treatment regimen.

During these visits, I have met and had discussions with one avowed atheist, a few Jews and a Muslim man. These patients had no interest in a religious discussion so I have confined my discussions to physical encouragement and practical advice.

However, I have had some success in teaching a few patients regarding the kingdom of God and the gospel of salvation.

I'm still fine tuning teaching methods, but my basic teaching method starts out with an overview of the Bible and the reasons why we accept it as the inspired word of God. Next I move on to the threefold promise and their fulfillment, focusing on the Nation and the Land promise. Lastly, I introduce the Seed promise and the annulment of the Old Covenant and the establishment of the New.

These lessons normally take five or six visits to deliver.

If anyone has other suggestions on how to go about hospital teaching, I will be more than grateful for the input.

The Church here in Horison Park is starting to bear fruit.

Corno has settled in to his new home and is now worshiping with us regularly once again. We have undertaken to pick him up and drop him off for services. The other good news is that there are now three families that are visiting with us most Sundays.

I have had the opportunity to preach at the congregation in Nylstroom three times so far this year - but unfortunately had to cancel my last trip there on 8 March. Unfortunately the bad news is that my motor vehicle (Jeep) has some serious drive train problems and will be in the shop for until the 19th of March. The replacement drive train is going to cost about

$3,500. I seriously debated whether I should sell the vehicle and buy another, but unfortunately I would still end up in paying about the same amount out of my pocket, so the decision was made to rather keep the vehicle that I know what problems exist. Vehicle prices are extremely high here in South Africa, well above what you would expect to pay for the equivalent in the United
States (Almost double the prices in the States)

On the personal front my studies are continuing well - although I do want to disagree with the anthropology lecture on a number of issues - Wendy keeps saying - "Give the answer the lecturer wants to hear" - this is very difficult. But if I want to pass I will have to follow the advice.

In other personal news, please keep Wendy in your prayers, she is suffering from Anemia and the doctors are struggling to find the underlying cause. She will be undergoing a gastro scope and other tests tomorrow.

In Christ's service

Steve Buys

Steve and Wendy Buys

Update Dear Brethren,

Thank you all for your prayers and concern. This is just a short note to say my tests went well yesterday and all results come back as normal - while this means the cause of the anemia has not been found at least everything is fine so far.

In Christian love

Wendy Buys

Tol Burk's Puerto Rico February Report

2009-03-19T07:36:00.001-04:00

March 10, 2009

Dear brethren,

My prayer is that you are all well and enjoying the richest blessings of our Heavenly Father, as we are. February has been a good month for us here - several firsts and the promise of more to come.

Attendance in both the churches at Caparra has been up - we've had 2 or 3 visitors from off island every Sunday at the English church and a renewed attendance from some of our visitors at the Spanish church. I met with Araceli, one of those visitors toward the end of the month and she's agreed to study on Tuesdays around 6 PM. She works at a beauty parlor and Tues. is her only day off, so I'm not able to go to Ponce right now, as they meet on Tues. Araceli told me she knows she needs to be baptized, but doesn't feel she knows enough yet. Her son Jeffrey is a real joy - he's just 6 so doesn't read yet, but loves to sing all the hymns. Since our repertoire is limited, he knows parts of most of them - his favorite is *Solo de Jesus la Sangre (Nothing but the Blood of Jesus).* He has always been the most faithful in attendance among the children and I know his interest has encouraged Araceli to be more serious.

We also had a restoration in English - Georgina Santiago, a lady in her 70's who was baptized at Caparra close to 20 years ago. Her son came home from college a Christian and taught her and his brother & sister, who were all baptized. Georgina's husband was so opposed to the church that he finally divorced her, leaving her with 3 children, 1 in college, another not far behind, plus one several years younger. Although she persevered for a time, she eventually fell away, but has now been restored. Please pray for her - she doesn't have a car (or a telephone) and lives in a gated apartment complex, so it's hard for us to communicate with her, since it all depends on her.

A new church began meeting in Juncos. A couple from the church in Dorado moved to Juncos and since Joe Carrasquillo, who preaches in Dorado actually lives on one side of Gurabo and Juncos is on the other side (Gurabo is to the right of Caguas on this map), the 6 of them meet on Sunday afternoon in Juncos. Joe still preaches in Dorado on Sunday morning as usual.

Brethren, I'm not sure what the outcome of this effort in Juncos will be. The Colon's are living with their daughter, who is a Jehovah's Witness, and the church is meeting in the carport of the daughter's house. Since the Colon's are in the States for 3 weeks, the church will not meet until they get back. The church met for 3 weeks, but will not meet for 3 weeks. I understand, but will visitors?

I'm also kind of at a crossroads with the liberal church in Ponce. They are more alive than they've been in 4-5 years, but much of that is social - they're now eating in the building almost every Sunday, for example. I've been praying, and ask you to pray with me, as to how to proceed. My plan is to go one Tuesday, tell them I believe it is wrong for them to eat in the church building, ask if they would be willing to listen to "why", and end by telling them I will not eat with them, but will work with them if they're willing. I don't know what their answer will be.

We are frequently asked if Puerto Rico is safe and the answer is, "Yes" at least more or less. While we were gone Monday afternoon a young man broke into our house and opened all the drawers in both bedrooms, took 6 or 7 pairs of earrings, my non-functional watch, and Dana's camera. He also took my laptop, but when my neighbor chased him in the car and pulled up as he was crossing the road he put the laptop on the hood of the car then took off running. Because of the traffic our neighbor couldn't get on the road, so he lost him. The doors were locked, but the window slats on one door were open, so he reached in and opened the door. It could have been a lot worse - he left some cash on top of the dresser, as well as the credit cards that were beside my watch. I guess he didn't recognize my camera - it's very small. If we had been home I doubt he would have tried - seems he was just a kid.

--
Tol Burk
P.O. Box 50182
Toa Baja, PR 00950
blog: caribbeanpost.blogspot.com
priglesiadecristo.com
tolburk@gmail.com

Simple Truths of Service

2009-03-04T15:03:00.004-05:00

I saw this short films link on Jason Hardin's, thingshopedfor.org page, ans I'm sure glad I took the few minutes it took to watch. Here is the link:

Simple Truths of Service Movie

Think about what you've watched brethren!

Your Brother,

John

February--a Month of Firsts

2009-03-03T06:33:00.000-05:00

February has come and gone but it was an exciting month for us in Puerto Rico. The churches continue to grow and as a result, so do brethren. We have had two brethren at Caparra (San Juan) lead their first prayer while waiting on the Lord's table. 3 were baptized at Moca (2 hours west of San Juan) and both men have lead prayers. The young man that was baptized in Jan. at Moca is also serving the Lord's table.

Growth is by spurts and at times seems to be two steps forward, one step back, but it is progress no matter how slow. One of the young men at Caparra, when asked to lead the prayer for the bread, back out because (he told me later) "he didn't know the prayer you had to say"--he had decided there these prayers were according to a formula and had to be said exactly or they were not valid.

Attendance at Caparra yesterday was 11 in English, 15 in Spanish and 12 at Moca.

There is another new church meeting in the center of the island, at Juncos. Presently there are 6 meeting there, Joe Carrasquillo and his family and Oscar and Ana Colon. They are passing out literature and inviting the neighbors, so we trust the Lord will give the increase. There is not a church in this town, nor in several of the towns around it.

Please continue to pray for us as we work here and that the Lord will provide the support for Joel Holt to move here in July, to work with us, as scheduled.

Tol

Tol Burk
P.O. Box 50182
Toa Baja, PR 00950
blog: caribbeanpost.blogspot.com
tolburk@gmail.com

Preaching the Good News in Norwalk, Ohio: February 2009

2009-03-01T11:09:00.005-05:00

Brethren,

Greetings.

Peace, mercy, and grace be with you all from God our Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ.

Winter's grip is loosening, and we are gaining some glimpses of warmth. We hope that you are doing well despite these difficult times.

Working with the Brethren

We have engaged in plenty of activities with the brethren this month. We spent many evenings with brethren in their homes or in ours, and also enjoyed another movie night and a sing night. Many families are interested in spiritual growth and are willing to work toward those ends. It is very encouraging.

Lessons, Classes, and Studies

Morning lessons in February focused on studying the Bible, the value of God's Word, Elijah's Flight, and Uncomfortable Christianity. We have continued a study of the books of the Bible with the evening lessons, considering 2 Kings, and 1 and 2 Chronicles. As always, the lessons are available in outline and mp3 forms at norwalkchurch.org.

The adult Bible class in Revelation is continuing with a high level of interest and participation.

The Ladies' Bible classes have continued. The daytime class is focusing on hospitality, and the evening class is studying shorter books of the Bible.

We are continuing the Love & Respect series with a member of the congregation.

Evangelism

We were fortunate in February that the first real day of warming up happened to fall upon our standard door knocking Saturday, and therefore we went out and knocked on approximately 75 doors. We have now officially completed the northwest section of the city. The Bible Correspondence course remains quite active and popular.

Additions and Baptisms

Miranda, one of the children of our members, has returned home and is part of us again.

Mark is a brother in Christ whose job is quite stressful and full of long hours. We have not seen much of him for a couple of years, but since taking a voluntary layoff during the winter, we have seen him consistently over the past two months. His two sons, Andrew and Taylor, have now reached the teenage years; his nephew Kory has reached 18. The three boys showed an interest in being baptized, and we went through the Big Picture of the Bible presentation. That afternoon they put on Christ in baptism.

Their zeal has been very encouraging. The next weekend they went down with us to a Men's Day in the Word event at Laurel Canyon in Columbus, have talked seriously about setting up a consistent Bible study, and say that some of their friends are interested in coming to church. We look forward to strengthening them in their faith.

Spiritual Manna

I have neglected to mention Spiritual Manna in my reports. In November I began Spiritual Manna as a biweekly online devotional, with new thoughts coming out every Tuesday and Friday. It has gained increasing popularity on the Internet, and I have received many comments from brethren and others regarding them. Spiritual Manna has its own webpage (http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna) along with groups on Facebook and Pleonast.

Support

I would like to thank all of you for your participation in the work here in Norwalk, either through your prayers or through encouraging me or through financial support. I would like to solicit your continual prayers so that the work here may prosper.

I would again like to thank you all for your participation in these efforts. If you ever have any questions or comments about the work here in Norwalk, please feel free to contact me at evangelist@norwalkchurch.org or at (419) 541-6254.

Ethan R. Longhenry / deusvitae@hotmail.com
Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org]
Homepage: deusvitae.com
AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056
Y! IM: discipuliiesus

A big family

2009-02-28T10:41:00.004-05:00

I'm preparing a series of lessons on what it means to be a Christian. Last week was based around the phrase in 1 John "born of God". Used only in this short book it appears 6 times, each time in a context that highlights one aspect of being a Christian. This week will be about what it means to be in the "family of God".

As I was preparing the powerpoint I was thinking about our very large family, spread all over the world. Above are two photos of small parts of our family after they have worshipped--two small churches from two different islands, with two different cultures, that use two different languages, etc. Now multiply that by the thousands of congregations throughout the world and you begin to see what a big family it really is.

There are 4 sound churches here in Puerto Rico, all with about 15-20 in attendance. One worships in English, so you can imagine how isolated they sometimes feel. Yes, they share a building with a Spanish speaking group, but they meet at different times and hardly see one another. But even though they are so few here they, like all of us, are part of the family of God.

Please pray for your family throughout the earth. Some suffer persecution (China, Nigeria, etc.), some are starving (Zimbabwe, The Phillipines), some are almost totally ignored (Western Europe), while others are working in areas where people are more receptive to the Gospel, but they all need your prayers.

Tol Burk
P.O. Box 50182
Toa Baja, PR 00950
blog: caribbeanpost.blogspot.com
tolburk@gmail.com

Florena Predescu, a sister in Christ from Romania

2009-02-04T11:10:00.004-05:00

Dear Brethren,

Brother Alan Williamson (alaninrom@aol.com) has asked me to post this message to my website. It concerns the passing of sister Florena Predescu, of Romania. Alan writes, "I know the woman who died as well as the woman who wrote this. Elena is a Romanian living in the US. Florena was a faithful Christian who died last week in Pitesti, Romania." Though dead, she still speaks to us. Listen carefully!

-----Original Message-----
From: Elena Tanase
Sent: Mon, 2 Feb 2009 10:32 pm
Subject: Florena Predescu, a sister in Christ from Romania

Florena Predescu died on January 28, 2009 in Pitesti, Romania

For those of you who do not know her, Ms. Florena was a very dear friend and sister in Christ. Although the world would have considered her average, she certainly was not an average Christian. On the contrary, she was quite special. Ms. Florena was baptized approximately in 2002, by George Micu, one of the Christians who tried to start a work in Pitesti, Ms. Florena's home town. A year later, George moved to Bucharest, and she was left alone, the only Christian in a fairly big city. Although the circumstances of being a newly converted Christian in a heavily Orthodox religious culture could have discouraged many, she was not discouraged. Sunday after Sunday, without exception, Ms. Florena would go to20Falfani, in my mother's home, with the Christians from Bucharest, and worshiped there with my mother, my father at that time and the Christians that went there from Bucharest. After my father passed away in August 2007 and my mother went for several months to Spain, Ms. Florena continued her faithful journey of serving God. Sunday after Sunday, in the winter, she would go to Bucharest – approximately a three hour one way trip, using public transportation— to worship with the Christians in Bucharest. She did this for nearly eight months, until my mother came home from Spain in July 2008. Then Ms. Florena's desire was to continue to worship in the village with my mother, who herself was also the only Christian left in that village. Unfortunately the Christians from Bucharest no longer could make the trip to Falfani on Sunday afternoons, as they did for thirteen years. The situation was quite challenging for both Ms. Florena who was left alone in Pitesti and my mother who was left alone in the village. Ms. Florena was again the one willing to walk the extra mile. She started to go to Falfani every other Sunday to worship with my mother. It was not easy. She would leave Pitesti in the early morning for an hour long ride on a bus that would take her to the village, where my mother lived. They would spend time together, encourage each other, worship together, study together. I was so grateful when I, my mother and Ms. Florena came up with this arrangement in October 2008, after it was determined that the Christians from Bucharest would no longer continue to go to the village on Sundays. And so it was, until the end. Ms. Florena would faithfully go there every other Sunday, just as she said she would.

Ms. Florena had a wonderful attitude about life. Although she was poor in the eyes of the world, she was rich in the ways that count. I have never heard her complain about anything. I have never seen her discouraged. She had so very few material things, however she lived like she did not lack anything. She had a pure joy and a measure of contentment that only GOD can put in our hearts. Ms. Florena was a joy to be around. Her very small apartment was never too small to invite many people, friends, neighbors, college students to study the Bible in her home. Her door was always open. Her heart was set on GOD and on doing HIS will.

Ms. Florena worshiped with my mother on Sunday, 1/25/09. It was a good worship. When I talked with my mother later that day, she said that Ms. Florena was doing well. They ate together=2 0that day, spent time together, laughed together, worshiped together. Everything was ok … just one week ago.

Dreadful news came my way last Thursday on 1/29/09, when I called my mother. Through tears, my mother was trying to explain that Ms. Florena passed away Wednesday morning, due to a heart attack. The next door neighbor found her dead at her door Wednesday morning. Her family rushed the burial, and she was gone from among us the next day, on Thursday. She was buried according with the Orthodox ritual, with priests and having a ceremony in the Orthodox church…. with none of her brothers and sisters in Christ being there for her on the last way. It was too late when my mother found out about what happened…. Ms. Florena was already gone from us. The shock was immense. The grief is great. The very thought that she died alone, that she tried to ask for help but she did not make it…. it is hard to bear. However, GOD will be our comfort, for indeed, she was not alone. GOD was there with her opening the gates of Heaven before her. Although I take great comfort in knowing that she is with the Lord, I will feel her loss for years to come. Not to see her again in this world it will be my loss.

My mother would miss her even more, as without Ms. Florena she has no one now to worship with on Sundays. So, whoever you are, reading this, please pray for my mother that she would be comforted and her faith would be strengthened. My mother's name is Ana Tanase.

Why do I write this? I feel that I owe it to Ms. Florena. I cannot just let her go from among us, without anyone knowing. She was not just a Christian. She was a wonderful Christian. She truly was the real thing. Her presence will be greatly missed. We bid you farewell, dear sister. You will not be forgotten here, as you will live in the hearts of those you have touched with your faith.

Elena Tanase

elenainrom@yahoo.com

Report on the work in the Netherlands - October, November and December, 2008

2009-01-20T09:16:00.004-05:00

Greetings here from a pretty cold Netherlands.

The last couple of weeks we have had temperatures as low as -15 degrees and that is very cold for this country. However, as we are an skating-country so many are happy with the results that these temperatures bring and that is ice! And ice can be skated on, so we do love it! What a great sight it is to see old and young on natural ice having a lot of fun together. However, the last week temperatures have dropped again and I, for one, do like that better.

I would like to know for those who support me that I am very thankful for that. Without you and your commitment to the work here I would not be able to do that which I do. I love to sit with people around the kitchen-table and share the gospel message. I love to teach Bible-classes, I love to preach, it is a privilege to be able to do so. I count this a true honour in the first degree and without you and your commitment I could not do this. THANK YOU!

1. Studies in Knokke (Belgium)

In my last report I wrote about the conversion of Didier. Didier has since created teaching-opportunities for us.

Back in November we had studies on the life of Paul, Didier had brought about 15 of his friends together and we enjoyed a good afternoon. This week we will have the second opportunity to speak to this same group again. Peter has been asked to teach two lessons:
-The influence of the media.
-Materialism.

We pray that this time we will have renewed interest as we study some very crucial themes and hope to be able to generate interest in the great and awesome God who rules this complete system.

However, I have realized that these opportunities come often but the bearing of fruit often comes slow. We are living in a society that has been saturated by the concept of evolution and as a consequence of this we are living in a society in which right and wrong does not exist. But in all things we do believe that Gods word will never return void. And for that we live to preach and teach.

2. The church in Turnhout. (Belgium)

This group continues to do well. In my last report I wrote about Samson and Amma coming back to church after we had to dis-fellowship from them. Well, I am happy to be able to write that things have gone well with them and that they are both working hard to have a pure and blessed marriage as God intents. They have done well. We are proud of them and their children.

Some changes in this group.

The group in Turnhout has consisted of members from a number of different places. Peter and Silvy live in Genk (1.15 hours away from Turnhout) and they have faithfully attended this group for years. Raf and Dirk are also from Genk.

About June of last year we decided that studies would be conducted in Genk to be able to reach out in that city. As we result there came to be about 5 steady visitors. As these studies continued the visitors also showed an interest of coming to worship services. In November we decided to start worship-services in Genk. The group in Genk are now conducting worship in the house of Peter and Silvy and we are happy with that. Much good have already come from this. However, this has also resulted that the Ghanean family are conducting worship with just their family.

I continue to conduct a weekly-study with them and that has been very good. We are currently studying the book of Esther. We and others are helping them to encourage them.

3. The church in Rotterdam. (The Netherlands)

This group is also doing well. Both Wes and Titia remain strong in their commitment to so what is right. It is such a joy to work with them. They love the Lord from a true and dedicated heart. We have printed post-cards and other material for evangelism and when Wes and Titia go to the store or to the market, they always take a pile of them with them and pass them out as they go.

Linda, a good friend of Wes and Titia always visits with us, we hope that in time she will also make the commitment to Jesus.

In our mid-week study we study the book of Matthew. I am teaching this class, Wes also teaches the occasional class.

4. Preaching and teaching for several congregations.

Ever since I have been working more with the church in Rotterdam I have spoken to the church in Eindhoven and I have now changed my schedule with them. I was preaching for them once a month, I have asked if I could change that to teaching their mid-week class and this was workable for them, so we did accordingly.

I still preach for the Den Dolder church bi-monthly.

5. Personal studies.

In my last report I wrote about our studies with Elly. When we started out our studies with Elly she made the promise to us that if we would come across any teaching that was not according to the Bible she would write her preacher (Pentecostal) and ask him about it. Well, as some of the teachings of Pentecostalism were exposed she would share with us that headquarters might be teaching these matters but not her local church. Well, I wrote her preacher and asked him questions, well the answers were identical. In our next study with her I shared these answers and asked her to think them over and contact us if she wanted more study. She has not contacted us since.

I have a study with a Robert, Robert is about 45 years of age and lives in Rotterdam. He is someone that has good knowledge of the Old Testament but knows little about the New Testament and the relation between the two. He has been good friends with a Jewish teacher for years and this man has been of much influence in his life, resulting in his good knowledge of the Old Testament but little of the New Testament. We have now started to look at the book of Hebrews and are going to study the relation between the two Testaments and how God has spoken through Jesus in the last days. I am excited about this study.

There are a number of other studies that Peter and I did together. Worthy of mentioning is a study with a Pentecostal preacher in Rotterdam. We had a study with him after he requested free Bibles through our website and our study was very good. He was going to think things over and would come back to us. This study was in December, he would come back to us in the end of January/beginning of February, this due to his heavy schedule. We are praying for fruit.

We had a similar study with a young mother (Marianne), she opens up her home for the less-fortunate and requested free Bibles. We had a good study with her. A friend of her was also present and we could sense that Marianne was much more open then her friend. Marianne was obviously touched by the things we studied and promised to get back together again near the end of January. I have not heard from her.

Please do keep these studies in your prayers.

6. A visit to Dalian, a city in China.

The 28th of November I flew from Amsterdam to Shanghai (China) and then to Dalian, a city of about 8 million in the north-east of China. I met up with Bob Buchanon and we were in this city for about 9 days. Also traveling with us was Lilian Kok from Singapore.

We started our teaching on Sunday the 9th, throughout every day we had studies with a good number of students. We would start every morning at about 9 and continued through about 9 at night.

We usually started with the same group each day, they would come in at about 9 and stayed till about 11, then they would go for lunch. At about 11.30 two students would come and stay for about 1.5 hours. After that the others would come back and stay for another study till about 5. At about 5 we would have dinner and then start another session at about 7, that session went through about 9 at night.

In the afternoon we would often have questions and answer period. The students would ask questions and Bob and I would answer them to the best that we could. These times were very rich as much internal growth has been accomplished through this.

Franc, the local evangelist, did all the translating and he did a SUPER job. Bob and I were able to share the teaching together, however Franc did all the translation.

It was a good time, we all felt sad that we had to leave. It was a rich time. The church was edified and we are planning on going back again next year.

Also, check Bob's blog. He has a word on all the students that we had with us. http://bobbuchanon.spaces.live.com

Greetings, Gert-Jan van Zanten,
The Netherlands
In Him and for Him alone

Paul Williams - South Africa Report

2009-01-20T08:57:00.003-05:00

The Williamses In South Africa
Paul and Helen Spreading the Gospel in Zululand
P.O. Box 324, Eshowe, 3815 South Africa
paulkwilliams.za@gmail.co.za

1 January 2009

Three Baptized in Tent Meeting
One Baptized in Eshowe

Joel, Mzwandile, and Simon Sikhakhane, aided by some young men who accompanied them, preached a 12-night tent meeting at KwaNibela, which is a 3-hr drive from Eshowe where they have preached tent meetings before. There was good interest throughout, and some rowdyism on the last night (Mzwandile called the police to make sure things didn’t get out of hand. They were helpful.) Three were baptized in this meeting on December 2. (Mzwandile, Simon, and Lungisani had diarrhea, one of the hazards of working in rural areas.)

The father who will not allow his 14-yr.-old Christian daughter to attend services impressed Joel favorably. He came to most of the services and asked questions, mostly about the Shembe religion. He respects Mzwandile. He explained that the reason he will not let his daughter go to church is that there is no role model for her. He is concerned with raising her to be a good girl. Joel said that it is true that there is no role model. She probably lives a purer life than any of the other Christians. Please pray for her and all those Christians in KwaNibela. Pray for her father, too.

After the Eshowe gospel meeting with Ken Craig, Mzwandile brought 17-yr.-old Ntombifuthi Ngema to be baptized. She is one of those with whom he has been having weekly classes as a result of his Sunday night radio broadcasts. She attended all the services of the gospel meeting.

Very Profitable Gospel Meeting in Eshowe

We were greatly blessed that Bro. Ken Craig came from Birmingham, AL to preach a gospel meeting in Eshowe December 13-16. He taught morning classes explaining his method of explaining the gospel to people. He calls this The Big Picture and we prepared by printing copies of the 76-page flipchart book in English and in Zulu. We gave them to the students, who were quite keen. Ken’s sermons were very strengthening. Since he and Joel departed for America on Wednesday, Dec. 17, the last night’s sermon was preached by Robin Bauer of Cape Town. Attendance was 70-80 at all services, including the morning classes. Brethren came from many places and slept in the homes of Eshowe brethren. We had a great meeting.

Starving Brethren in Zimbabwe

Five gospel preachers from the Harare-Mutare area of Zimbabwe came for our gospel meeting. They told us that brethren there are existing on what wild fruit they are able to find. (And cholera is killing people. While here they got word that an older brother died of cholera.) Zimbabwe dollars are worthless. A man’s pay for one month will buy less than one loaf of bread. So people are quitting their jobs and trying to make money in any way they can.

They said that food can be bought if a person has hard currency (U.S. dollars, preferably). There are eleven congregations in that area of NE Zimbabwe, so there are a lot of people needing aid. I sent them some money from my personal funds, and I am suggesting that others do the same. Money can be sent by Western Union. Contact Russell Nyarambi for details. His email address is:

rnyarambi@yahoo.com

The brethren are very careful to handle the money in a way so that all can see it is used properly.

And pray.

Joel Recovering From Tickbite Fever

After he returned from the tent meeting, our grandson Joel complained of various aches and pains. I persuaded him to go to the doctor who said he was suffering from tick bite fever. The medicine was supposed to cure it in a couple of days, so he was OK by the time he left for America.

Williams Treated for Macular Degeneration

My mother went almost blind from macular degeneration when she was in her 80’s, so I was not charmed to learn that I, at age 78, have “wet” macular degeneration in my right eye. As long as it is in only one eye, it is not much of a problem. But in that eye the central vision goes, with only peripheral vision left. The ophthalmologist is treating me by injecting something into the eye. Two treatments so far don’t seem to have accomplished much. But there is a possibility that the hemorrhage under the macula can be made to subside and the vision will return to normal. We are praying.

Janet Goosen Dying of Liver Cancer

Ashley Goosen and Janet live in Port Elizabeth, a 14-hr. drive south of Eshowe. Ashley preaches there and in other places in the Eastern Cape. Janet, who is now 63, has been diagnosed with liver cancer and is being sedated for pain. Evidently she has only weeks left to live. ashleygoosen@vodamail.co.za. Helen and I plan a trip to see them. Keep them in your prayers.

Two Old Brothers in Johannesburg Die

Bro. Derrick Free, 89, and Bro. Willie Rezant, 86, died on the 21st and 22nd respectively. Uncle Willie was in a wheelchair, and one bench is made short so that there is room for his wheelchair at the end. Both brethren will be greatly missed. (The Brixton church in Johannesburg is where I preached before coming to Eshowe.)

Good Attendance for Richards Bay Lectures

Mzwandile Gazu and I and a number of other brothers spoke during the lectures of the church in Richards Bay (1 ¼ hrs from Eshowe) December 28-30. Probably close to 150 people were in attendance. Brethren came from many areas, including Botswana. Zipho Passes High School At about 6:30 a.m. Dec. 31 the bell rang. Our foster son, Zipho, almost knocked me down as he ran for the gate. “My friend.” And he had a newspaper. In a short while Zipho was in our bedroom showing us his name in the paper with an “H” after it. The H means he is eligible for higher education, though not university! We were astonished! Amazed! And very happy. So was he!

Work Fund Contributions

Many, many thanks to you and to God for the money which continues to be contributed so that we can make the many trips, transport people to church, print tracts and lessons, and preach tent meetings.

Preaching the Good News in Norwalk, Ohio: December 2008

2009-01-19T06:31:00.002-05:00

Brethren,

Greetings.

Peace, mercy, and grace be with you all from God our Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ.

It is a time of transition: 2008 is all but finished, and 2009 is upon us.
We hope and pray that the Kingdom and you will prosper in the upcoming year.

Working with the Brethren

The holiday season has facilitated brethren spending time together. Many
get-togethers were held, including our annual potluck at our house.

Movie night was held, and there seems to be interest in sing nights and game
nights during the winter months.

We feel that we are doing much better now at interacting with and
encouraging the brethren on a personal level after getting to know them over
the past three years, and we look forward to continuing that work for the
near future.

Lessons, Classes, and Studies

Morning lessons in December focused on the rich young ruler, the poor widow,
and materialism and consumerism. We have continued a study of the books of
the Bible with the evening lessons, considering Judges and Ruth, and also
engaged in a study of the meaning of 1 Corinthians 14:34-35. As always, the
lessons are available in outline and mp3 forms at norwalkchurch.org.

The men are concluding the men's training class in the assembly Bible class
period. Many of them are now more active in the assembly activities.

I will be teaching the adult Bible class in the first quarter of 2009 on the
book of Revelation.

The Ladies' Bible classes have continued.

Evangelism

We knocked on a few doors in December despite extremely cold weather. We
hope that we will catch a break in February or March or both and will have
the opportunity to knock on more doors. We have finished approximately a
quarter of the city over the past three years.

As the conditions seem to have deteriorated in our country, I have noticed
increased interest in the Bible correspondence course. We have received
many more new signups than usual, and more people are involved in them than
ever.

Planning for evangelism in 2009 will take place in January.

Support

I would like to thank all of you for your participation in the work here in
Norwalk, either through your prayers or through encouraging me or through
financial support. I would like to solicit your continual prayers so that
the work here may prosper.

I received notice from the church in Cedar Park, Texas, that they will be
phasing out my support during 2009: they are cutting $500 as of January, and
will cut the remaining $700 by the end of the year. I would like to thank
them for their support over the past three years, and can understand the
difficulties that the recent economic downturn has caused.

This means that I am now in need of finding an additional $1,500 monthly in
support in order to cover all expenses, especially for medical needs and
taxes. If your congregation is able to provide some or all of that support,
or you know of some congregations that would be able to provide some or all
of that support, please contact me. Thank you!

I would again like to thank you all for your participation in these efforts.
If you ever have any questions or comments about the work here in Norwalk,
please feel free to contact me at evangelist@norwalkchurch.org

May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirits.

Ethan R. Longhenry / deusvitae@hotmail.com
Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org]
Homepage: deusvitae.com
AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056
Y! IM: discipuliiesus

"Nobody is interested in the Gospel today!"

2009-01-17T07:24:00.005-05:00

Another thought provoking article from Tol Burk's, Caribbean Way, blog.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Have you heard brethren make this statement? Have you yourself made it? Having preached in more than one culture in two languages I have not found this to be true.

I met Antonio Wed. afternoon in the home of a Sister here in the Dominican Republic. He is an old family friend, although they had not really spent time with him in 15-20 years. He came to the capital seeking a visa to travel to the US and needed somewhere to stay for a week or so. Nino began talking with him about the Bible that morning and that night he was baptized. He has been in many churches, seeking the true church. When he finally found it Wed. he didn't delay his obedience.

Last night in a rural village (less than 300 population) 55 were present for a service at the house of one of the members. Around 25 of those were visitors, some of whom regularly visit. Although there had been a death in one family in the village that day, 25 were present to hear the Word of God. The church in El Mamon is growing, primarily because the brethren are working. Many in the village can't read or write, but they can listen to the Word preached or taught.

You may say, "But that's in a foreign country". True, but there are people where you live who are looking for the true church also--they're waiting for you to contact them. Could the difference be, not in the "audience" but rather in us as workers?

Tol

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tol Burk
P.O. Box 50182
Toa Baja, PR 00950
blog: caribbeanpost.blogspot.com
tolburk@gmail.com

Stephen Buys - November & December Report

2009-01-16T07:10:00.002-05:00

Dear Brethren,

Another year has come and gone, and to be honest I do not look back on 2008 with fond memories, but hopefully the worst is over.

As you know it has been a very tough year for us emotionally and spiritually. I must admit at the beginning of December things did not seen to be getting better but just worse. As you all know I have been trying for the last two (nearly three) months to get permission to teach and encourage patients at the rehabilitation hospital where I was treated. They finally came back to me stating my request had been declined - I would not be allowed to visit their patients.

Well, thinking it a lost cause I contacted another rehabilitation hospital (closer to home). And I was shocked - they immediately arranged a meeting between myself and their therapy team and three days later I had permission to visit and encourage their patients. The difference in outlook is remarkable. The therapy team there are truly concerned about their patients physical and emotional well being - spiritual encouragement is seen as an advantage not as detrimental to the patients.

Nothing like striking while the iron is hot. I have been making two to three trips a week to visit the patients there in the spinal unit. Many of their patients have been there two or three months already and some are expected to stay longer. I have been able to set up a number of study sessions and have held a number of discussions with the patients. It is often difficult to fit in with the patients hospital care and routine, and during the festive season many were allowed home for home visits, but God's word is reaching people sorely in need.

The hospital work is taking up a fair amount of my time and I expect it to get busier as new patients come in.

Otherwise my work has been continuing slowly. I have had renewed interest in the bible correspondence course and even a few face to face studies - however these were with a member of Jehovah's witness and contact has been abruptly halted from their side - God's truth is difficult to accept if you do not want to listen.

During my studies surrounding the Godhead or Deity of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, I realised that the New King James Version and the King James Version sometimes causes trouble with the "additional verses" that they contain.

Revelation 1:10-11 (NKJV)

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last," and, "What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."

While it is possible to prove the Deity of Christ without this verse, it is better to use a version of the scriptures that does not contain "additional verses" when pointing out to the Jehovah's Witness that they have got additions in the Scriptures that are not in the ancient manuscripts.

I have been looking at both the "New American Standard Bible" And "the New Revised Standard Version", trying to decide which version most closely resembles the new King James version with regards to words and phrases so that I can continue to get the right Scriptures from the concordance.

I would appreciate any advice on which would be the best version to choose.

Regarding my work with the Church in Horison Park, both Corno and John have moved to different towns. John has been returned to stay with his father about 50 miles away, there is a congregation close by and we are encouraging him to worship there.

Corno's parents are divorced and he has been moved from staying with his father to stay with his mother - about 10 miles away. I have been trying to set up a bible study with his family there but no success yet.

While we have lost some members, we have had some visitors coming to hear the gospel. A young man from Malawi (a country north of Zimbabwe) visited us twice before leaving to go home for the festive season. We had a discussion on baptism, where he indicated that he was baptized for the remission of sins by immersion. He raised an issue which I have encountered before -- some people contend that a new testament baptism is done in the name of Jesus only -- they exclude the father and the Holy Spirit. He was of the understanding that the scriptures teach the authority of all three, which I was very pleased to hear.

Hopefully, when he return to South Africa, he will return to worship with us.

We have also been having a couple and their small grandson visiting with us weekly since the start of November. We pray they will obey the gospel soon.

During November I had the opportunity to preach in Nylstroom a few times and at the congregation that meets at Mabala Bala - about 350 miles away.

On the personal front I have registered to study counseling psychology this year at Unisa. (Correspondence University). I believe that this will help serve the Lord better. It will help me have more insight to the workings of the patients' minds, other than just my personal experience.

Once again, I thank you all for your spiritual, emotional and financial support during this past year and I pray that 2009 will bring God's blessings upon us all.

In Christ's service

Steve and Wendy Buys

Tol Burk's Puerto Rico Report

2008-12-12T05:48:00.002-05:00

December 10, 2008

Dear Brethren,

My prayer is that you are all well, as we are. This is the time of year we look forward to, when the cold fronts make it down to us. It's 73 degrees right now and rained for 45 minutes this morning, so it feels really cold. Daytime highs are in only mid 80's.

The work here continues to progress slowly. Things at Moca have settled down to those who are really interested—around 14 in attendance most Sundays. Carlos & Ramona and Ruben & Maribel are always there. Ruben and Maribel's two daughters are usually there, along with their husband (the older daughter) or boyfriend (the younger one). Darien, the boyfriend has expressed a need to become a Christian and asks very good questions. Jesus and Mirta are another couple who attend and are very interested. They're building a house ½ hour away and Jesus told Ed that he would like to have a mid-week Bible study at his new house, "but I have to become a Christian first." Jesus has read the Bible enough to realize that the denominations he visited were not following it. Ramona's Sister Lucy is always there too and needs your prayers as well. She's got a bad family situation and has also been visiting the 7th day Adventist on Sat., and a Pentecostal church on Sun. morning, so she is really confused. I continue going to Moca every other Sunday, although I was there the last 2 Sundays in Nov, as Ed was off island.

At Caparra things are slowly improving. Attendance at the English church is steady at 13, although with the holidays some have been off island. They're growing spiritually, which is producing changes. Attendance in the Spanish church is more variable—with from 10-20. Sister Carmen brings some of her great grandchildren every Sunday, but not always the same ones. This is good, as they enjoy the class, but they can be very disruptive during the worship service. Part of the problem is that Carmen doesn't even seem to know they're there and others are hesitant to step in. I plan to deal with this problem in class next Sunday and suggest that each child have an "adult" assigned to them and that they all sit separately. I think in their revolt against the ritualism of the Roman Catholic Church brethren here have gone almost to the other extreme and so order and reverence during the services is sometimes a problem.

I was to meet with Araceli, the grown daughter of one of the members here last week, but she forgot. Her son Jeffrey, loves Bible class, loves to sing during services, in short loves "church". Araceli is consistent in her attendance and interested in the teaching. She readily accepted when I asked to talk to her, so please keep her in your prayers. Bobby and his Mother Annie have also been somewhat erratic in their attendance and are in need of prayers—Annie has been loosing weight and after a number of medical tests they still can't figure out why, so her strength is not what it should be. Bobby is being backed down on methadone, which is bringing the "normal" problems of bouts of depression, mood swings, etc.

I preached a Gospel meeting in St. Croix the week of the 9th of Nov. which was pleasant—sort of like going home. We lived there 8 years and most of the brethren are people we baptized or helped strengthen. They asked their preacher to leave, so have been without a full-time preacher since July. They had already lost some members before he left so are down to 14-15 now. They needed a boost, which this meeting I believe provided. Ed and I have agreed that one of us will come preach every other Sunday. The plan is to fly over Sat. afternoon and return home Mon. morning.

I continue to go almost every Tuesday to teach the class for the liberal church in Ponce, a little less than 2 hours away. They are becoming more active, which is good, and we are making some progress on liberalism. They rejected institutions some years ago through their experience with Prensa La Paz—a printing house run by brethren here on the island. They eat in the church building, but not in the auditorium, but I've heard the Sunday they have a meal planned, attendance at the "worship" will be sparse until it comes time for the Lord's Supper; suddenly 10-15 show up—they've been in the kitchen preparing the food. Could this be one of the many reasons Paul was directed by the Holy Spirit to say, "Do you not have houses to eat and drink in?" I've talked with one couple about this and while they haven't closed the door I don't know that I made much progress either. I've been specifically asked to come preach on a Sunday morning, but don't know when I'll be able to do that.

With Ed Rangel, the other preacher here, moving to Moca by January, I will not have the backup here anymore. We have discussed that we will continue to cover for each other, but that makes it difficult to preach anywhere else on the island on Sunday. Joel Holt and his wife Anna have made a commitment to move here by July 2009, if the Lord wills. Joel is just beginning to seek support and I believe him to not only be worthy of support, but that he would be a great asset to the work here. If you are interested in helping with his support his contact info is below:

Joel Holt
15113 Hwy. 72 West
Rogersville, AL 35652

Home phone (256) 275-4865
Cell (256) 349-9036

e-mail: holtzter@gmail.com

As for my travel next year, I obviously will not be able to travel as much and my thoughts are to do more Sunday afternoon-Sat. trips to the other islands, being gone from Caparra only on Wed. I need to go to the Dominican Republic in January - some opportunities have recently opened and we need to take advantage of this window before it closes and my plan is to leave around 3:30 PM on Sunday then return Sat. morning.

We will make a whirlwind tour at the end of the month to see our kids and grandkids - we leave here the 24th for Atlanta to see Kristi, then on to KY to see Paxx and his family Christmas day to drive to FL to see Kai and his family on that Monday to fly out of Atlanta again on New Year's day. We also plan to be in FL in Feb. for the FC Lectures and spend a weekend each with the Honeysuckle Rd. church in Dothan, AL and Perry Hill Rd. church in Montgomery. We need to go to Texas to see churches there and visit our parents, but that will have to wait until later in the year.

Our support remains the same, for which we are grateful to our Heavenly Father and you. Please continue to remember us in your prayers. We have Elkin and Yvonne Vigilant visiting with us for a few days, on their way home to Dominica, where he preaches. Please remember them in prayer as they travel the last 600 miles home on Friday.

Your brother,

Tol Burk

--

Tol Burk
P.O. Box 50182
Toa Baja, PR 00950
blog: caribbeanpost.blogspot.com
tolburk@gmail.com

Paul Williams - South Africa Report

2008-12-05T09:28:00.005-05:00

The Williamses In South Africa
Paul and Helen Spreading the Gospel in Zululand
P.O. Box 324, Eshowe, 3815 South Africa
paulkwilliams.za@gmail.co.za

1 December 2008

Baptized: Mzwandile baptized a lady in Empangeni who contacted him because of the radio program. Joel baptized a boy and two girls in Flagstaff. Azaria (a young man who was converted in Nongoma) baptized a girl in Newcastle, where I preached last month. Rejoice with us.

Other Radio responses: Mzwandile says that he receives a lot of ugly SMS’s on his cell phone because of his radio preaching. But also—many opportunities for classes. Some who want classes are rather far away and he is not able to go to them.

Support needed for Thembinkosi Apleni: The Boerne, TX church writes that they are unable to continue supporting Thembinkosi Apleni with $200 per month. They send deep apologies, but there are only 13 meeting together now and they simply do not have the money. Anyone who wishes to send support to Bro. Apleni may please contact me.

Preaching at White River: Our foster son Zipho who got his driver’s license a couple of months ago helped me on the 6-hr trip to White River where I spoke for the church November 16. Rob Buchanan was on a trip to Zimbabwe and Zambia with Bob Buchanon. We had an enjoyable trip and I especially enjoyed being with the church there. (Zipho is an excellent driver!)

Piet Joubert dies: Piet Joubert, 84, died November 19 in Durban, leaving sadness in my heart. Piet, a South African, was preaching the gospel in Durban when we moved to Johannesburg in 1968. He had a great personality and was a favorite of everyone. He preached a gospel meeting for us in Johannesburg. But Mickey, his wife, had been married before. At one time I was told they were not sleeping together in order not to commit adultery. But as the years went by, Piet became looser and looser on the subject of divorce and remarriage. He finally came to take the position that the adultery Jesus talked of in Matthew 5:32 and 19:9 was the act of divorcing and remarrying. If one committed that sin, then he or she could repent of that sin and receive forgiveness without leaving the second wife or husband. As a result of his unscriptural teaching, some left the congregation where Piet preached, and he and the group he was with had no fellowship with other Christians in South Africa. And the results of his unscriptural teaching on divorce and remarriage will be felt long after Piet’s death. It was, and is, a sad situation.

Helen, Scott Tope and I attended the memorial service (no casket) for Piet Joubert in the building of the Bluff church. There were 40-50 in attendance. The building looks very nice, but the church impressed me as very, very weak. One brother talked to Helen and me. He was the first one baptized in Durban, and he talked all about Tex Williams and other liberal preachers. He was thrilled about World Bible School.

Sad. Depressing. I don’t see any possibility of rescuing any of them from error.

A Great Opportunity to Learn
How to Teach Non-Christians

Ken Craig of Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.A. will be in:

ESHOWE, KZN
Church of Christ

DECEMBER 13-17

To teach us his one-lesson method which he calls:

THE BIG PICTURE

Those who attend will receive a free 76-page flip-chart book of charts and illustrations.

Classes will be:

Saturday afternoon from 2 p.m.
Monday-Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Bro. Craig will preach sermons:
Sunday at 10:30 and 6:00.
Monday and Tuesday at 7:00

Someone else will preach Wednesday at 7:00

Bring a blanket. We will try to find a place to sleep everyone.
Phone 035-474-2656: 083-574-9084

Preaching the Good News in Norwalk, Ohio: November 2008

2008-12-02T07:19:00.004-05:00

Brethren,

Greetings.

Peace, mercy, and grace be with you all from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Some snow has fallen, and it seems like it is going to be a long winter. Nevertheless, the work continues. We pray that all is well with all of you.

Working with the Brethren

Brethren have spent much time together in November through the movie night, monthly study, assisting with moving, and the Thanksgiving observance. We have done what we can to encourage some of the weaker members, and strive to maintain a good connection with most of the members.

Lessons, Classes, and Studies

Morning lessons in November focused on Matthew 21:28-32, rendering to Caesar and God, hardened and softened hearts, the need for us to be busy in the Kingdom, and the need to teach children diligently. We have continued a study of the books of the Bible with the evening lessons, considering Leviticus through Joshua. As always, the lessons are available in outline and mp3 forms at norwalkchurch.org.

The men are engaging in a men's training class in the assembly Bible class period, and it has been quite encouraging to see the men of the congregation step up and work to begin or to improve on their service in the assemblies.

The Ladies' Bible classes have continued.

The monthly study focused on 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and why women are to be silent in the assemblies.

Evangelism

We knocked on another 225 doors in November, and, weather permitting, hope to knock on some doors in December also.

We are continuing with the Bible Correspondence course, website, and other evangelistic functions. Members keep striving to promote the Gospel in their own lives.

Additions

We are pleased to announce that Brad and Jenni Dalton have moved back into the area and have identified themselves with us in Norwalk.

Happenstance

My wife and I were able to enjoy a date night in November, and in so doing were able to make a contact in the local community who has come and visited our assembly. It was very encouraging to see how happenstance can lead to evangelistic opportunities if we are prepared to take them. We pray that we will see the family again and be able to continue to encourage them in their walk with God.

Support

I would like to thank all of you for your participation in the work here in Norwalk, either through your prayers or through encouraging me or through financial support. I would like to solicit your continual prayers so that the work here may prosper.

I would again like to thank you all for your participation in these efforts. If you ever have any questions or comments about the work here in Norwalk, please feel free to contact me at evangelist@norwalkchurch.org or at (419) 541-6254.

May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirits.

Ethan R. Longhenry / deusvitae@hotmail.com
Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org]
Homepage: deusvitae.com
AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056
Y! IM: discipuliiesus

Progress Report - Guatemala - David Raif

2008-11-30T10:29:00.003-05:00

28 November 2008

The Work

Greetings from the Raif family from Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Glendy, Henrry and I have continued our weekly studies in Acts. Glendy has been very excited and involved ever since her baptism in October. Even before she was baptized, Glendy was talking to other people about Christ, and now she and Henrry have been studying with some Seventh Day Adventists. Though uncertain of having adequate knowledge, she agreed to help substitute in Amy and Paola’s weekly children’s class while we are travelling. It seems our weekly studies will have to be postponed until they grow accustomed to their life with a new born. Glendy gave birth to a two and a half pound girl on Friday, November 21, 2008. The baby came eight weeks early. Pray for their quick recovery.

Glendy sees her new daughter for the first time. Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

Jerónimo and I have also been studying Acts with Hilda who lives in Urbina. We resolved many of her doubts about becoming a Christian, but she remains hesitant. Our reading of Acts has been helpful to answer her remaining questions and to give her the courage and initiative to obey. She restudies what we cover with her oldest daughter who cannot be with us due to her work schedule.

We finished our study of Genesis. I really believe the brethren enjoyed and benefited from our study together. We more frequently study the Bible topically and our textual study of Genesis offered a more balanced diet. I’m very happy with how much we learned. When prompted, many of the brethren can place events in their corresponding chapters. I’m looking forward to starting another series when we return from the States. We leave next Monday, December 1st. Scroll down to see our schedule.

A Little Encouragement

Gílmar was given “special treatment” as the only son out of 8 children. His parents never told him no or corrected his bad behavior. As if this free reign weren’t dangerous enough, his father started sharing alcohol with him at the age of 13. Quickly Gílmar picked up the habit that haunted him for years to come.

Gilmar and his son Ángel. Taken August 19, 2006.

Through relationships with some of the Christians in the area, Gílmar’s older sister Irma became a Christian in 1998. She began assembling with the Christians in Urbina, even periodically having the assembly in her own house. On various occasions, Gílmar found his way to the door, listening to praise and bible teaching within, but never entering. Quitting school in favor of a job to pay for alcohol, the pull of the world was still strong for Gílmar. But he didn’t stop his frequent eavesdropping at the door of the assemblies of the Christians. At the age of 19, Gílmar became convinced that he needed a relationship with Christ and was baptized. His wife Maria soon came to the same conclusion.

It took three more hard years, the help of his new brethren, and his own determination to try again and again and again, for Gílmar to successfully leave the alcohol behind for good. He made the hard decision to stay away from family and friends who pulled him down, and even committed himself to prepare and present one bible lesson each week, forcing himself into spending time in the Word. Gílmar is 30 now. His children’s fear of him has been replaced with obvious affection and respect. He is an apt teacher. He and Maria are great assets to the brethren here.

Gílmar Pérez is a Christian. He is your brother in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.

A Personal Note

Several of the men in the congregation hiked Santa María, a dormant volcano not far from Xela. Singing hymns in our makeshift tent in the middle of the night and the glorious sunrise over a string of volcanoes made the trip well worth the effort.

Sunrise on Santa María Volcán Santa María, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

I underestimated how much I would enjoy the thought of going back to the USA. Of course being so far from family and friends has been difficult, but it is the small, insignificant things that we are missing now. I can almost taste apple pie and Amy has been craving grits for months. Paola, Jerónimo’s daughter, has her visa and is excited to accompany us on our trip. We are thankful she will have the opportunity to meet and encourage so many brethren in the United States.

Waiting for Paola's embassy appointment in the capital. Guatemala City, Guatemala

This will be my last report until we return to Guatemala in February. Thank you for the many shows of support you give. I’m looking forward to seeing many of you. Below is an idea of our schedule. If we happen to be in your area, we’d love to be able to see you. I may not be speaking in all of these places, but I plan to be in attendance. Let me know if you have any questions. I’ll be reading my email even when we are traveling.

Vaya con Dios,
(Go with God)
David Raif

Sunday, December 07, 2008
Northside church in Livingston, Texas – AM
Dowlen Road church in Beaumont, Texas – PM

Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Kleinwood church in Spring, Texas – PM

Sunday, December 14, 2008
Oak West church in Burnet, Texas – AM
Cy-Fair church in Cypress, Texas – PM

Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Iglesia en Arlington – PM

Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Castleberry church in River Oaks, Texas – PM

Sunday, December 21, 2008
Morton church in Morton, Texas – AM
Green Meadow church in San Angelo, Texas – PM

Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Iglesia en Athens, Alabama – PM

Sunday, December 28, 2008
Westvue church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee – PM
Eastside church in Athens, Alabama – PM

Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Germantown church in Germantown, Maryland – PM

Sunday, January 04, 2009
Marietta church in Marietta, Pennsylvania – AM
Exton church in Exton, Pennsylvania – PM

Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Gettysburg church in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania – PM

Sunday, January 11, 2009
Iglesias en New York, New York – AM/PM

Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Westside church in Warner Robins, Georgia – PM

Sunday, January 18, 2009
Iglesia en Pasadena, Texas

Steve Wilsher and Ken Craig - Ethiopia Report

2008-11-26T16:22:00.005-05:00

Brethren:

By clicking on each of the three graphics below you can read this most encouraging report. Don't miss the video of LaGasse's baptism at the bottom of this post. Please note that LaGasse is not showing reluctance to be baptized but rather that the water was flowing fast and it was difficult for him to get a footing.

Brotherly,

John Maddocks

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

South Africa Report - Stephen Buys

2008-11-19T06:58:00.001-05:00

Dear Brethren,

I was holding this report back until I had confirmation on a teaching opportunity that I am pursuing. I had hoped to report back on a meeting held between myself and the therapy management team of the spinal injury unit at the rehabilitation clinic where I was a patient. I approached them with a proposal, asking them for permission to speak to their patients, teaching them through example, that there is life after spinal cord injury. The main thrust of my teaching will be a focus on spiritual health, offering bible studies as a means to stimulate and productively occupy a person's mind. We scheduled a meeting wherein I was interviewed by the entire team (Nursing, physio therapy, occupational therapy and psychology), the most exciting part of the meeting was they themselves admitted that many patients expressed a need for spiritual guidance. They said they would let me know in due course, and on Thursday last, they sent an email saying that they had sent my proposal forward to the hospital management committee. Basically I have been waiting for a final reply from them for the last 5 weeks. They have far more bureaucracy than I would have thought.

Things have been going slowly here with the congregation in Horizon Park. Attendance to the worship service has been erratic by some, but attendance to mid-week bible study is more encouraging. Our advertizing seems to be bearing little fruit - I have had a number of queries and have sent out numerous copies of a correspondence course, but after one or two replies, interest wanes. It is frightening just how worldly and self absorbed mankind is becoming - I suppose every generation has the same thought, but I firmly believe that the constant media we are indoctrinated with on a daily basis is aggravating the lack of spiritual conscience. One of the ladies in the congregation is going through tremendous emotional turmoil at present, please pray for her to find spiritual peace. One positive aspect of the last few weeks is that a younger man who works for a friend of mine has visited our congregation and has expressed a desire to continue to visit.

I have had the opportunity to preach a number of times at the Nylstroom congregation while Les & Linda Maydell were away.

On a more personal note, I had a mishap in my workshop where I overbalanced and tipped over backwards. Not wanting experience concussion again I cushioned my head with my hand, and cracked the bone in my thumb. While looking at the x-rays of my hand the doctor was unhappy with the perceived bone density and sent me for a bone density scan. The scan has revealed while my back has maintained normal density, my hips have started to show signs of bone loss. This, unfortunately, is a complication that may people with limited movement develop. The doctor has decided not to treat as yet, but has instructed me to have annual scans.

I ask for your continued prayers for our work here in South Africa, and I ask that you would also remember those Christians in Zimbabwe, that the Lord may grant them sufficient for each day while political turmoil there continues.

In Christ's service

Steve & Wendy Buys

Evangelism Seminar - A Reminder

2008-11-14T06:38:00.003-05:00

I will be there, and I hope some of you will too!

John

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Below is the schedule for the evangelism2go seminar (click on it to see a larger version). Everyone is invited. There are a few places that remain for those needing a place to sleep. First come, first served.

in Him,

Alan Williamson
alaninrom@aol.com

^^Click image above for a larger picture^^

Work or study?

2008-11-13T07:01:00.001-05:00

The following thought provoking article is from Tol Burk's, Caribbean Way, blog.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I read somewhere that John Adams, the 2nd President of the United States, was not a particularly eager student and when he finished the preparatory school that existed in his time, he didn't want to go on to college. He enjoyed the outdoors--hunting, fishing, etc., not sitting behind a desk. When he told his Father this, he agreed that John did not have to go if he didn't want to, but that if he was not studying he must work on the farm. John agreed to this, no doubt thinking that anything outdoors would be preferable to studying books indoors. As time passed though, he changed his mind and when it was time to register for the next term he was quite ready to enroll in Harvard.

I believe John's Father was a wise man--he didn't argue, cajole, or even force John to go to college, but neither did he throw his hands up and allow his son to become a lazy bum. His actions showed John the two roads ahead of him--he could work with his back or with his brain. He believed his son needed to be busy in something useful, either work or school.

As citizens of the Lord's kingdom, no matter our age, health, or abilities our King expects, even demands that we be busy in His kingdom. To use the analogy of John Adams, you will either study and prepare yourself or you will begin working without such preparation, but you must be busy.

"But I can't preach or teach publicly" you cry. I don't question that, but what CAN you do for the Lord? Your health may not permit you to do as much as you used to in the Lord's service, but is there not something you can do? I tire quickly of those who are continually giving excuses as to why they CANNOT work for the Lord, rather than finding a way around their obstacles to fulfill the Lord's commands. I suspect the Lord does too, especially since He KNOWS whether they're excuses or reasons.

Tol
tolburk@gmail.com

David Banning on Instrumental Music

2008-11-12T17:16:00.001-05:00

No Instruments? from David Rogers on Vimeo.

Belize Report - Bobby Graham

2008-11-11T17:02:00.002-05:00

BELIZEAN BRIEFS X

The Trip: For the tenth time since April 1999 I was privileged to be able to travel to help my dear brethren in the Lord’s work in the country of Belize in Central America. This trip differed little from most of the others, though there are small and almost imperceptible differences on each trip. A later section will deal with changes observed over the two-year period. My friend and brother Joe Greer, preacher form the Elkton, Tennessee, congregation, traveled with me from October 30 to November 7, 2008. We went from Huntsville, Alabama, to Houston, Texas, and then on to Belize City, Belize. The entire trip takes only four hours of flying time, but the layover in Houston is a long one for both going and returning from four to five hours). Joe has traveled to Michigan, Western Canada, South Africa, and Zimbabwe on earlier preaching trips. Some might wonder why I return to Belize yearly; but when the brethren ask me to come back and I read that Paul and Barnabas revisited their brethren on the Second Missionary Journey, I also see that the same need sometimes exists to “see how they are doing” in both Orange Walk and San Narciso.

Support for the Trip: The good brethren in the Butler, Alabama, church again supplied my travel expenses and some incidental necessities for the trip, as they have done for several years. The church on Spring Avenue in Decatur, Alabama, sent some funds for tracts and books which we took to the Christians and others in Belize and for shipping costs involved in the trip. The church in Sudbury, Ontario, upon learning of my plans to make this trip, also joined in sending money to help with the trip. Individuals at Old Moulton Road in Decatur, Alabama, and Eastside in Athens, Alabama, gave money for needs arising in Belize. Any who have traveled recently know how much expenses for flying, luggage, food, and gasoline/diesel have increased. Individual funds are used for meeting medical and other needs of Christians and a few non-Christians in the country. The liberality of churches/individuals has never failed in my experience of making these trips.

Joe Greer: Joe married the former Sandra Richter of Athens, Alabama, a former student of mine. His in-laws, Fred (an elder) and Magdalene Richter, work with Eastside in Athens, which supports Dana Whisler at Orange Walk Town in Belize. He and Sandra moved from Michigan to Lewisburg, Tennessee, for his work with General Motors about twenty years ago, For many years he did some preaching in Michigan and Tennessee, but he began full-time work with the church in Elkton, Tennessee, a few years ago after retirement from GM. Joe’s work is of a high caliber because he is conscientious, sound in faith, and talented in song leading and preaching.

Improved Health: The Whisler family has suffered repeatedly and sometimes greatly because of health problems. If memory serves me correctly, Luke has remained healthy. All of them seem to be much improved; and it is clear that young Caleb and his mother Carol, who have had the most puzzling problems, are doing much better. Many were concerned about them and prayed for them. We thank our Father and theirs for their improvement!

Orange Walk Meeting: We spoke here Thursday night through Sunday morning, and again on our last Thursday night. Joe taught thrice and I spoke four times. My lessons dealt with Humbling Ourselves, Temptation’s Progress, Aids for Remembering in the Lord’s Supper, and Not Worth Doing Wrong For. Attendance here ranged from 17 to 26, but it was mostly in the 20’s. There were some neighborhood visitors present. Efforts were made to spread the word by means of radio and door-to-door work.

San Narciso Meeting: We taught for this group Sunday afternoon through Wednesday night. Joe spoke twice and I spoke thrice. My lessons covered two of the same topics as Orange Walk with one added (Marks of a Humble Person). Attendance here ranged from 50 to 65. Some problems in recent years have diminished the number, but the troublers have left. The members seem to be enjoying peace and love for each other.

Ben Junkin: Readers of Belizean Briefs for the last few years will recall that Alton Bailey of Cullman, Alabama, went to Belize with me a couple of times before he and his wife Diana went on their own earlier this year. Their daughter Melissa, who is married to Colby Junkin, gave birth to their firstborn named Ben, while I was in Belize on this trip. Colby turned from Baptist doctrine and practice about three years ago, and most of his family have done the same in recent years. He now preaches Christ. I mention this item of special interest, because Alton tried to reach me by cell phone at the Houston airport before we left there for Belize and then sent an email with Ben’s picture attached to me in Belize. That was one proud grandfather wanting me to know and to see that new grandson. Because I was unable to open the attachment, I did not see Ben’s picture until tonight at home in Alabama. This all made me to think about the wonderful news of salvation in Christ which the gospel declares to the world. How many of us try to get the message out to any who will hear it (Mt. 28:19-20)?

Daily Studies: Each year I arrange to spend daily time with Greg and Dana (Acts 17:11), American brethren in Belize, because they are the most mature ones in the two congregations and often teach others, they rarely are able to spend time studying with others doing the teaching. The Book of Ecclesiastes was the study this year with Greg, but we also spent much time discussing problems and concerns Involved in their work. Our studies with Dana dealt with the Bible’s teaching on wealth, particularly as a hindrance to the gospel of Christ.

Yard Yelling: In our country we call it door knocking; but in Belize the custom is to approach the door or possibly stand before the steps or at the gate of the yard, calling out “Buenos Dias” or “Good Morning” until someone comes to the door or no one appears to care enough to answer. Door knocking has become much more difficult in many places because few people are at home much of the time, but Belizean society still has not changed as much as American society has. Less developed countries make this practice somewhat productive, where someone is usually at home. Paul’s familiarity with this or a similar way of teaching from house to house is mentioned in Acts 20:20. Even in Belize, mixed reactions take place at the door, ranging from not showing up, cordial invitations to come in to talk, or being busy with something else. In parts of our country I have had several say, “I am Catholic,” or “I’m not interested,” and a few slam the door.

Conspicuously Absent: When I was boy at home, I remember Brother Vernon Freeman’s prayers frequently saying, “We are thankful, Lord, for the faithful few upon whom we can depend.” It sometimes becomes obvious that some of those faithful few are not present for good cause––sickness, death, injury, vehicle problem, weather, flooding, etc. In this instance, a brother and sister living in Blue Creek were unable to be present at any time during our visit to Belize. They were likewise unable to make it to Orange Walk Town for their weekly class with a sister whom they taught and converted to the Lord. Rains over the last month had caused flooding, so that seven to ten feet of water covered the road leading out of Blue Creek. These diligent workers (the Tostis), who live at their own expense, are a boost to the American workers in Belize.

Luke Whisler: Eleven-year old Luke is one of the three children composing Dana and Carol’s “second family,” with their two older children (who accompanied them on their move to Belize) being back in the Keystone State of Pennsylvania. I highlight Luke here because of his outstanding “footprint” for his young age. Like Hannah and Caleb, he is well-behaved, courteous, and helpful. Now that he is a Christian, he leads prayer, reads the Scriptures (as he did for me during my preaching), leads singing in both English and Spanish, helps with the Lord’s table and contribution, goes regularly with Dana on studies one day a week, as he went with me to do yard yelling and studies. He also enjoys riding his horse and playing with others near his age like John, another young and impressive Christian. Luke helps with daily chores and “manages” Dana’s (and ours, while in Belize) computer problems. He came to San Narciso each night Dana came. Joe Greer spent some time helping Luke on song leading. Dana uses all such times to teach Luke, as Deuteronomy 6 instructed Israelite fathers to teach their young ones. Luke Whisler is quite a boy for eleven years old!

Local-Church Problems: Like local churches anywhere else in the world, congregations in Belize sometimes have problems because people constitute them. The church as designed by God is perfect, needing no correction; but the church as composed by humans is far from perfect, needing constant correction. The divine and human aspects of a local church differ greatly, just as they differed in the writings of the New Testament letters. One has but to compare the existing problems in those first-century churches with the divine model used to bring about correction to those problems to learn the difference between the divine and human sides of local churches. Churches in Belize have had problems involving lack of faithful devotion, immorality, gossip, and pride. Perhaps the greatest problems in all congregations result from pride, as reflected in the desire for preeminence and the unwillingness to see and admit one’s faults. The involvement of pride worsens and prolongs any church problem, as well as hindering its solution (Prov. 6:17; 16:18). Sometimes the attempts of many to help one are thwarted by that one’s proud refusal of the help, because of the refusal to concede sin and the need for help.

Incommunicado: Sunday-morning phone calls failed to reach me from my wife Karen, because the line was busy at the Whislers and then there seemed to be a problem with the phone at home. Email is out of the question with Karen. A daughter Mary Katherine later sent an email message explaining the situation. Moving on to Greg Whipples that afternoon placed us where there was no internet service at the house. I was unable to read the message from our daughter until Monday at the internet shop. News of the Presidential election at home did not arrive till the next morning by means of a telephone worker, who came to the Whipple house to put their telephone in working order. All of this points out the need for dependable and trustworthy communication. Technology often fails, as do humans. Humans ought to be more careful about what they say, to ensure its accuracy. As indicated in Paul’s reference to “faithful/trustworthy sayings” in his letters to Timothy and Titus, God’s message is ever trustworthy. Aren’t you thankful that it is?

Early Morning: Having been an early riser from youth on a small farm, it is nothing new for me now to rise close to 5:30-6:00 to begin the day’s activities. A long walk usually begins my day, and Joe joined in. Time is then available to discuss activities of that day or previous days, talk about needs, and plan and coordinate lessons, while working out stiffness from sleeping on an air mattress and getting valuable exercise. Walking by the way was one time mentioned by the Lord in Deuteronomy 6 for talking to one’s children about the Lord’s word, and it was while walking possibly 50 miles to Mt. Moriah that Abraham surely taught Isaac by word and example (Gen. 22). May all parents take time to teach their children, and may all of us “take time to be holy.”

Strengthening American Families: American families dedicated enough make necessary sacrifices to go to distant lands for the Lord’s sake are already among the strongest; but their years away from families, friends, and brethren take their toll in some ways. The need for spiritual companionship with mature Christians is an area that often suffers, making visits by others especially meaningful. Such time spent in mutual edIfication by visiting and residing brethren can be just as beneficial as their time used in teaching the lost, because it keeps the saved strong for the needed work (2 Tim. 2:2). One of our major efforts this year was to study with the two evangelists (wealth and its hindrance to the gospel with Dana; Ecclesiastes with Greg) and to talk about matters that would encourage them. Some yard yelling and home studies did take place, but we used more time with the families this time. Barnabas was an encourager/exhorter who needed the help of Saul in Antioch for a year (Acts 11:22-23).

Changes over Ten Years: God’s desire to see all saved and man’s need for Christ have not changed! What has changed since I first went to Belize? Some people both in the church and in the world have grown richer, diminishing their sense of dependence upon God. Some brethren have grown unfaithful, just as in your congregation. Once newly established churches have begun experiencing some of the same problems which the rest of us have long had--strained/broken relationships among brethren, love and zeal growing cold, less actIvity toward teaching the lost by some, gossip by some “Christians,” and proven lack of dependability by some thought to be stalwarts. The years have also brought some new faces, newly found faith, fresh supplies of ardor for the Lord’s work, maturing faith and readiness for service by some growing brethren, understanding the need for peace and ways of keeping it in the local church, and a steady stream of visitors to the services, making teaching the lost a continuing definite possibility. Such positive changes far outweigh the negative ones cited. Assured that our “labor is not in vain in the Lord,” we thus persevere in the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58)!

Bobby L. Graham
bobbylgraham@pclnet.net

Paul Williams - South Africa Report

2008-11-08T09:56:00.004-05:00

The Williamses In South Africa
Paul and Helen Spreading the Gospel in Zululand
P.O. Box 324, Eshowe, 3815 South Africa
paulkwilliams.za@gmail.co.za

Radio and Web Page Conversions

Our web page, www.knowyourbible.co.za, is receiving 90 or more hits each month, probably because its title makes it easy for people looking for Bible material to find. On the webpage we have the Know Your Bible Correspondence Course which can be filled out online. Joel, who designed the webpage, does the grading and responding to questions.

In September a white lady who lives east of Johannesburg took the course and asked how to contact a church of Christ. Joel contacted Bro. Neil Hadfield of Brakpan who went to see the lady. She was delighted to hear the truth and angry that her denomination had deceived her about what a person must do to be saved. In October she was baptized and started attending the Brakpan church.

Mzwandile Gazu preaches on the local radio station at 8 p.m. two Sundays per month. He preaches for 30 minutes and takes phone calls for 30 minutes. He gets lots of contacts and is quite busy with home studies as a result. He also receives many ugly SMS’s!

One lady phoned to tell him that she left the Roman Catholic Church because of his preaching. She joined the Ebenezer Church, but found that it did not teach the truth. Mzwandile began having classes with her, and she was baptized October 30th. She lives in Empangeni and will attend the Richards Bay church where David Ngonyama preaches.

October Happenings

I preach in Phoenix (Durban) and Newcastle: The brethren in the predominantly Indian congregation which meets on Central Park in Phoenix asked me to return on October 19 to teach on the subject of elders. I preached in the morning on The Baptism of the Holy Spirit and in the afternoon on The Work of Elders. Some came from other congregations for the afternoon service. The brethren there hope to be able to appoint elders. Pray for them.

Zipho (our 19-yr-old foster son who has just obtained his driver’s license) and I drove to Newcastle on Sunday the 26th. We stopped at Dundee and picked up 32-yr.-old Rodney Mhlongo who was converted in Eshowe but who has been working in the bakery at Dundee for eight years—and there is no church of the Lord in that town. He was delighted to go with us.

At Newcastle (a four-hour drive from Eshowe) 19 or 20 met together in the living room of Sis. Mnyangu’s house. I taught my PowerPoint lesson on The Baptism of the Holy Spirit while Zipho interpreted into Zulu. This was his first time to interpret for me, and he did a fine job. I was able to have a good talk with Rodney who has promised to take care of a personal matter which is sinful. He is a fine man. Please pray for him.

The “Big Picture” flip charts printed: Mzwandile and Joel worked very hard to translate the 76 Power Point slides of the Big Picture flip chart books into Zulu. This is Ken Craig’s book which he uses to teach people the gospel. When he is with us December 13-17, he is to show us how to use this book in personal teaching.

I took the slides to Nashua Zululand in Richards Bay. They printed 30 B&W books in English, 50 B&W books in Zulu, and one color English (for me) and one color Zulu (for Mzwandile.) They did a super job, and we are delighted with the results. The books will be given to those who come to the classes given by Ken Craig.

Westville Meeting: Eshowe brethren filled three vehicles and Richards Bay brethren came in another to the Friday night service of the gospel meeting in Westville, Durban. Bro. Norman Saayman from Uitenhage (Port Elizabeth) did a good job of preaching, and we enjoyed the service. After the service, some white brethren talked with Scott Tope and Norman Saayman. They said they were in a new church meeting in Durban. But when they said that Shane Els was their preacher, Norman told them that this young man was divorced and is living in adultery. They did not like to hear that. One man phoned Scott the next day and let him know that they don’t talk about things like that and were insulted that Norman said that about their preacher. So those brethren are tolerating evil and do not want to be corrected!

Lady baptized at KwaNibela: Two men from Richards Bay, Thobelani Zulu and Themba Xulu, drive 2 hrs to KwaNibela (Hluhluwe) to preach on Sunday mornings. This is the congregation which was begun when Joel and Mzwandile preached a tent meeting there. Shadrack Shabalala told us that a lady was recently baptized there.

Attendance and contributions: The Eshowe church occasionally has 60 or more on Sunday morning, with half that many on Sunday night and Wednesday night. Contributions need to be better. There is unity and a good brotherly spirit.

To preach at White River: Helen, Zipho and I are looking forward to our trip (6 hrs driving time) to White River. I am to preach there November 16. Rob Buchanan is to be in Zambia at that time.

Travel Fund Complete

We are happy to report that we have received enough money to cover most of our expenses on our three-month trip to America. We thank you brethren very, very much.

A Reminder of How Badly the World Needs the Gospel

2008-11-06T17:49:00.005-05:00

Everyday even a casual perusing of the news reminds us just how badly the world needs the gospel. This article was just such a painful reminder for me today. Let us all be doing the work of the Lord while it is still day. Time and opportunity are such precious commodities and they should never be wasted!

Girl, 13, stoned to death in Somalia
Posted: 05:19 PM ET

(CNN) — A 13-year-old girl accused of adultery was stoned to death last month in a soccer stadium in Somalia, witnesses told CNN.

The killing occurred October 27 after the girl, Aisha Ibrahim Duhulow, told officials of al-Shabab, a radical Islamic group that controls the port city of Kismayo 500 km (300 miles) south of Mogadishu, that she had been raped by three men, said Amnesty International, citing sources.

The human rights organization said 50 men participated in stoning the girl, who had been placed in a hole in the ground, as about 1,000 people watched.

“It was absolutely appalling to be there, the girl was screaming and begging for mercy as she was being dragged to her killing hole,” said a Kismayo resident who did not want to be identified out of fear for his safety.

None of the men accused of rape were arrested, Amnesty International said.

Evangelism2go Seminar - Morgantown, WV - November 18-20

2008-11-05T12:41:00.002-05:00

Below is the schedule for the evangelism2go seminar (click on it to see a larger version). Everyone is invited. There are a few places that remain for those needing a place to sleep. First come, first served.

in Him,

Alan Williamson
alaninrom@aol.com

Tol Burk's Puerto Rico Report

2008-11-04T06:57:00.006-05:00

October 2008 report
Tol Burk
San Juan, Puerto Rico

Dear brethren,

October was certainly a busy month although I know the calendar says it's over, I'm not too sure yet. Seriously, I know it is but yesterday, Sunday Nov. 2nd, I drove almost 300 miles—we left home at 8:30 AM for services at Caparra from 9-11 AM in English, then 11:20-12:20 in Spanish (had to leave early) so I could pick up Juan and Amanda Vargas so we could be in Moca at 4 PM (to show them where the church meets—they'll drive themselves the 45 minutes each way from now on). We left Moca at 6; I dropped them off and got home at 9:30 PM. That was typical of all of October.

As I mentioned in my last report we began helping these brethren in Moca in Sept. The first Sunday in October the Moscoso's planned to withdraw their membership from the liberal church in Aguadilla and announce they were beginning a church in Moca, but it didn't quite work out. I wasn't there, so don't exactly know what was said, but I was denounced as a false teacher during the announcement period at the end of services and Carlos was not allowed to make his announcement. It did get made finally, but you can imagine the ruckus. That Wed. night the class title was "What to do after you've listened to a false teacher" and you can guess who it was directed to. Carlos and Ramona were both very hurt and a bit confused—they'd been worshipping there almost 2 years and had never seen this side of the preacher there. We had a confrontation with him that first Sunday afternoon, fortunately not while most of the visitors were there—he started before they arrived, stopped, then picked up again after everyone left. I believe the brethren in Moca (all 4 of them) are "over" this, but please pray for them as they begin this new work. They are trying to get some idea what they'll have to pay in rent for a meeting place, although I don't think they're quite ready for that. Attendance continues to be 14-18 and although there is always a first timer or two, there are 4-5 consistent visitors. Lucy is Ramona's older sister and she seems very interested. There is another couple who has been in a number of churches, but has always seen through them. There is also the daughter of Ruben & Maribel as well as a male friend, Dariel, who seems very interested. If the Vargas' begin meeting with them it would be a welcome addition—Juan used to preach before he went blind and his wife Amanda is a real stabilizing force. There are other brethren in San Sebastian (10 minutes away) who stopped meeting, so there is the hope they can be restored.

Because of the work that needs to be done around Moca and the fact that it's 2- 2 ½ hours away from Bayamon, Ed Rangel is planning to move there by the first of the year. This will be a shock to the brethren in Caparra—they know we're working in Moca, but don't know anything about Ed's plans to move. Please pray that this will not set the work back here.

The Gospel meetings we planned for the first 2 weeks in October went off well. We had 3 nights in the church building in Caparra (Sun.-Tue), the English Bible class Wed. night, and then 3 nights at Ed's house, on his covered patio. The 3 brethren each preached twice in Dorado (Sun.-Fri.) that same week, with Joe Carrasquillo, the preacher in Dorado, picking them up on his way each night. We passed out about 1200 flyers on Mon. morning around Caparra, about 1000 on Tues. morning in Dorado, and close to 2000 in the neighborhoods around where we live on Wed., Thur. & Fri. mornings. The 3 preachers who came to help—Valente Rodriguez, Javier Serrano, and Andres Pong were good workers, not only in the pulpit, but each morning as well. The results from these flyers were 3 phone calls around Caparra and 1 phone call and 3 visitors from our urbanization (neighborhood).

That Saturday 3 of us went to Ponce to help the brethren pass out tracts at the central plaza and then Andres preached at 6 PM. We came right home, as we had a full day planned for Sunday. Both Sunday's most of us went to Moca, after the 4 ½ hours at Caparra. Monday afternoon we passed about 500 flyers out in Moca, and preached Mon & Tue. nights—we had planned to preach Wed. night, but the hurricane was projected to pass right over the Metro area sometime Wed. night, so the wind was supposed to be gusting up to 60 mph in our area. Since Moca is almost 75 miles west it wouldn't be as strong there, but it would make it difficult to worship on the carport; besides, most people wouldn't leave their houses in that kind of weather. We thank God the hurricane passed well east of Puerto Rico—all we got was some rain the next day from the outer rain bands. The brethren in St. Croix (where it actually passed) and St. Thomas are fine—a few broken down fruit trees, but nothing more.

Joel Holt and his wife Anna arrived on the 26th to visit for a week. We put Joel to work immediately—he preached in English and Spanish at Caparra and then at Moca that afternoon. Yesterday he preached in both again at Caparra as well as accompanying Ed and I to Moca.

The brethren in Caparra continue to make progress—it's just little things, but they are growing. I think we're nearing the point that they can begin to effectively reach out to others so I'm hoping we'll have some contacts from them. Attendance in Spanish has stabilized at 15-20 again and in English is the same 11-13.

If the Lord wills, I leave for St. Croix Sat. to preach from Sun-Fri. It will be a joy to be with them again. This will be my last preaching trip for 2008.

My support for the October continues the same, for which we are very thankful. With all this "company" and the extra traveling to Moca and Ponce we've had extra expenses this month, which the Spanish speaking church helped us with. Tolls alone were $50 more in October than usual. The tolls on each round trip to Ponce or Moca are a little over $10.

Your brother,

Tol Burk
P.O. Box 50182
Toa Baja, PR 00950
blog: caribbeanpost.blogspot.com
tolburk@gmail.com

Preaching the Good News in Norwalk, Ohio: October 2008

2008-11-02T06:38:00.002-05:00

Brethren,

Greetings.

Peace, mercy, and grace be with you all from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Despite some cold days, October has ended more seasonably. Winter is coming, and we pray that all is well with all of you in these uncertain times.

Working with the Brethren

October continued the trend of strong association among the brethren. There were many occasions upon which brethren got together, and we've continued having a movie night.

Lessons, Classes, and Studies

Morning lessons in September focused on man's ideas about religion, trusting in God, fellowship, and serving God. We have begun a study of the books of the Bible with the evening lessons, starting with Genesis and Exodus. As always, the lessons are available in outline and mp3 forms at norwalkchurch.org

The Ladies' Bible classes have continued.

We have also been able to do some studying with a work associate of one of our members. We pray that we will have good influence on him.

Evangelism

We knocked on about 150 doors in October and hope to knock some more doors in November.

The Bible Correspondence Course is gaining more participants.

Baptism

We are pleased to announce that John Morris put on Christ in baptism in Norwalk in October. John intends to marry one of our former members who is a college student in Kentucky. John also lives in Kentucky. We were glad to have the opportunity to help John in his walk with God.

Churches of the New Testament

On a personal note, I am pleased to announce that my book, Churches of the New Testament, has been published by DeWard Publishing. It was a work I wrote while preaching lessons regarding the topic last summer, and I pray that the book is a benefit to people in their studies.

Support

I would like to thank all of you for your participation in the work here in Norwalk, either through your prayers or through encouraging me or through financial support. I would like to solicit your continual prayers so that the work here may prosper.

I would again like to thank you all for your participation in these efforts. If you ever have any questions or comments about the work here in Norwalk, please feel free to contact me at evangelist@norwalkchurch.org or at (419) 541-6254.

May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirits.

ELDV

Ethan R. Longhenry / deusvitae@hotmail.com
Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org]
Homepage: deusvitae.com
AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056
Y! IM: discipuliiesus

Paul Williams - South Africa Report

2008-10-24T08:22:00.004-04:00

The Williamses In South Africa
Paul and Helen Spreading the Gospel in Zululand
P.O. Box 324, Eshowe, 3815 South Africa
paulkwilliams.za@gmail.co.za

1 October 2008

In Eshowe:

Bi-weekly classes continue: Three preachers (and sometimes a fourth) from the Richards Bay area, one from Nkandla, plus Joel and Mzwandile attend the morning class every second Monday in our living room. We study the Bible (Malachi, at present), discuss and study Bible topics, and talk about our work. We get a lot of good from this class.

A lady withdrawn from: An unmarried sister is now pregnant. Repeated calls to her to repent went without result, so the church withdrew from her.

Special prayer meeting: We got word that a couple who were converted in Eshowe and have been very special to us are in the process of a divorce. Fourteen mature Christians gathered in our living room for an evening of prayer for them. Our prayers are continuing.

Amanda Gazu’s father dies: Amanda Gazu (Mzwandile’s wife) got word that her fat her died, apparently of Aids. She did not know her father until recently, when he identified himself to her at the funeral for Amanda’s grandmother, who raised her. She and Mzwandile drove six hours to attend the funeral.

Sis. Ngwenya’s daughter dies: I counted seven gospel preachers sitting at the front when we conducted the funeral for Sis. Ngwenya’s daughter. She had once obeyed the gospel but had for a long time been disobedient. Her death was apparently from Aids. Mzwandile’s visa application denied: We were shocked that the interviewer at the U.S. Consulate in Durban refused to give Mzwandile Gazu a visa to go to America for one month. She cited his low salary as evidence that he might stay in the U.S. illegally. We have decided that Mzwandile should apply again, and Joel and I are writing letters to explain why Mzwandile should visit churches and individuals who are supporting him. Joel (our grandson) is planning to take Mzwandile with him to America. and be with him for that month. Then Joel intends staying in the U.S. another two. months before returning to South Africa. We ask your prayers.

Attendance: On Sunday mornings continues in the 50’s, and attendance is a little more than half that on Sunday and Wednesday evenings. Mzwandile has been teaching a home class as a result of his call-in radio broadcast (one hour twice a month on Sunday night), and some young ladies are now attending the Sunday morning services. Bonginkosi Langa fetches them in the Ford pickup. Joel, Mzwandile and I take turns preaching on Sundays. I teach the adult class on Sunday mornings (Joel and Mzwandile usually drive to Nongoma and Flagstaff and return in the afternoon). Joel teaches the men’s class on Wednesday nights while I teach the ladies.

Remanufactured engine installed: An individual paid for the installation of a
remanufactured engine in our 2004 Ford Ranger pickup. The engine was damaged through overheating while we were in America. We are very thankful to have the pickup in A-1 condition again, and thank the individual who helped us so much. (The money contributed for the new pickup is being held until it is needed.)

Plans for December gospel meeting: Bro. Ken Craig of Birmingham, Alabama (he is
an elder in the Helena congregation) has promised to be with us December 13-17. He is to spend four hours on Saturday the 13th teaching us how to use his flip-chart book The Big Picture. This is a method of personal work which I am very excited about. We are urging brethren from all over South Africa to be present, and we are having the 74-page book printed in English and Zulu for distribution to those who come. Please pray for these efforts.

Wedding: Thobelani Zulu, who was converted in Eshowe but now lives in Empangeni near Richards Bay, married a Christian 27 September in Eshowe. We are very happy for this couple.

Happy personal news: Helen and I bought a 7-wk.-old miniature dachshund puppy whom we have named Nduduzo (Comfort). He is a comfort after the death of our 10-yr.-old dachshund, Gretchen, who died while we were in America. He is training us to take him outside every few hours! And I had to replace my computer mouse and speakers because he chewed the wires! He is a happy, uncomplicated puppy and we are glad we have him.

Other News:

I preached twice in Durban: I preached first for the church which meets at 5 p.m. on Sundays in the Westville library. This is where Scott and Sharra Tope and Gloria Cass attend. Later in the month I preached for one of the churches which meet in Phoenix, an area with a mostly-Indian population. Helen and I received a wonderful reception from the brethren at both places. I am to preach again in Phoenix on November 19. That afternoon I am to bring a special lesson about elders, since the church is hoping to be able to appoint elders in the near future.

Baptism in new congregation: A few months ago three families began meeting in the single-car garage of a brother in St. Lucia, on the coast north of Richards Bay. Shadrack Shabalala, who does most of the preaching, phoned to tell me that they baptized a 17-yr.-old girl on the 28th. (Shadrack is one of the preachers who study with me on Monday mornings.)

Joel gets driver’s license: For almost two years Joel struggled to get his Alabama driver’s license converted to a South African license. This should have been no trouble, but he got no cooperation from the U.S. Consulate or the Alabama licensing department. His Alabama license expired. Finally he got a learner’s license so that he could take a South African driving test. On the 29th he came home from his test to say, “They took away my learner’s license and did not give me a driver’s license.” That was true, but not all the truth. He passed the test, but because the computer
program was not working they gave him a pink slip to prove he passed and will phone him when the computer is working again. We are all happy that he finally has a license.
Hurricane Ike: I was glued to my computer reading The Houston Chronicle as Hurricane
Ike approached the Texas coast and hit. We are thankful to God that brethren survived so well.

SA President forced to resign: On Saturday 20 September President Mbeki resigned
as President of South Africa, obeying the edict of the governing body of the African National Congress, the majority political party. There has been a long-standing and bitter struggle for control of the party, and Mbeki and his allies lost. They will now probably start a new party. This has the potential for political warfare so bitter as to provoke killings, but not a civil war.

Progress Report - Guatemala - David Raif

2008-10-16T09:03:00.006-04:00

11 August 2008

The Work

Greetings from the Raif family from Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. I have focused most of my efforts these past two months on the work here in Quetzaltenango, but I did enjoy a few trips visiting Christians in other cities: Tapachula, Piedra Parada, Colima II. I’ve included various photos from our excursions in the pictures area of my website. Especially note the recent baptisms in Colima II. I did not study with any of these brethren, but did enjoy being present for their entrance into the kingdom.

Antoñia is 81 years old and is blind. Now she is a babe in Christ.
(Colima II, San Marcos, Guatemala)

Jerónimo and I have had several positive studies together with members of the community. Hilda and Areli (mother and daughter) live in Urbina, not far from the place of assembly. Jerónimo had some studies with Hilda in the past, but she and her daughter recently renewed their desire to search the Scriptures.

We studied with Gregorio’s son Juan in the past. He still has some interest, but soccer seems to be more interesting at the moment. Although Juan does not seem to be actively studying, he has been speaking with others. His mother now has desire to study. We studied with her on one occasion, and Jerónimo continues weekly.

On Mondays, Henrry, Glendy, and I have been studying the book of Acts. Some of her specific questions were addressed in the first two chapters. Yesterday, Henrry called me excitedly to tell me Glendy was ready to become a Christian. Later in the afternoon, Marco’s wife Guadalupe called to tell me she planned to be baptized. Last night we rejoiced over the new birth of both. It was the answer to many prayers.

They went on their way rejoicing!

A Little Encouragement

Two doors stood before Anselmo. In one waited his friends and the promise of a life filled with pleasure, excitement, and sin. In the other stood Jesus and the promise of difficulty, persecution, and righteousness. Anselmo chose Christ.

Anselmo never intended to become a gangster. He grew up in a family of Christians and attended the assemblies with regularity. His friends were not bad kids, but as they started associating with the wrong group, Anselmo followed the herd and quickly found himself part of a gang. Always in the back of his mind, he knew what they were doing was wrong, but he treasured the friendship and support he received.

However, the closer he grew to his friends, the further he was drawn away from his family and from God. He became stubborn and rude with his loved-ones and brethren who came to visit. He started spending all his time with immoral friends, only coming home to demand food from his mother. At age 15, his family finally gave him an ultimatum and time to consider. He could change his ways and continue to live with them, or he could take a bag they had packed for him and follow his life as a gang member. For several weeks, he waged an internal battle, torn between two worlds he knew could not coexist.

Finally on the eve of a New Year, Anselmo sat with his parents and his eleven brothers and sisters and discussed which door he would choose. When his brothers assured him that he would have family and support following a changed path, he made his decision to leave his friends and follow Christ. On the New Year, he was baptized and began a new life with Christ.

That was five years ago. Since then, Anselmo has continued his battle against temptation and the world and has found strength in his new family in Christ. He leads the group in Bible studies. He is an encouragement to me and an example to everyone in the congregation. Every day each of us is faced with the same decision. From one door Christ calls us to the path righteousness and from the other the devil tempts us to give in to our self-will. Let us bear one another’s burdens. Let us give all the encouragement and support we all need. Let us always chose Christ.

Anselmo Valle Aguilar is a Christian. He is your brother in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.

A Personal Note

A little late night work on a new leather bible cover.

A couple folks here, including me, have needed their Bibles repaired. I’ve been glad to find leather readily available here and am glad to see some brethren have benefited from my hobby.

Amy enjoyed celebrating a Guatemalan birthday, complete with firecrackers and burritos. The brethren here have been so gracious to my family and me.

We’re making some final preparations for our drive to the States in December. While some dates and appointments are still uncertain, I’ve posted a calendar of our plans during our nearly two month visit. We are very excited to see many of you (and very excited to eat some of mom’s cooking).

Vaya con Dios,
(Go with God)
David Raif

More pictures

Report on the work in the Netherlands - July, August and September 2008

2008-10-15T14:51:00.004-04:00

Greetings here from the Netherlands. We had a lot of rain during the summer, however the last few weeks, as the fall is slowly setting in, we are enjoying beautiful sunny days. The leaves are coloring, the leaves are falling of the trees and plants are getting more and more bare, we enjoy these beautiful days.

Thanks to them who faithfully support me and my work here in the Netherlands. It is muchly appreciated and an encouragement to have faithful supporters. Much thanks to you. I cannot do without you and I want you to know that. As a result of your commitment I am able to study, preach and teach. Many are the blessings. THANK YOU.

1. Baptism.

(The following was written by Peter vanderbuerie)

Rejoice with us in the rebirth of Didier. Didier is a middle aged man who lives in Knokke Heist who for several years has been searching for God and truth. He is raised catholic and since the dead of his mother he started actively searching for God. This search started when he heard the last words his mother spoke. When she was dying he asked her what was troubling her. She had answered him 'the Bible'. This was the start of his search. Grace to Gods providence our lives have crossed through the internet. We have had contact over the internet for some period and during the last weeks there were several personal studies together with brother Willy from Lissewege, Didier and myself. He heard the true gospel and repented from catholicism to serve the living God. Didier is self employed (he sells fish) and is so eager to spread the word that even since before his rebirth he offers free Bibles in his store to his clients. Pray for him and leave him a note to confirm and encourage him in his faith. (vishandel.degroote@scarlet.be)

Last week Peter was invited by Didier to do a study on the life of Paul. Didier had been invited by a group of friends to speak on the life of Paul and asked Peter to do so. I went there to and it was very good, we had some good talks with the folks that came out. There is a good possibility that more studies can follow. All the visitors were excited about the study and requested that we would come back and speak on other topics. Please do pray for this wonderful opportunity.

2. The church in Turnhout.

The church in Turnhout is doing well. We are slowly growing and things have been well.
In my last report I wrote that there were talks with Samson and Amma about their coming back to church. They were withdrawn from in December. We are happy and we feel blessed to be able to write that they are now back with us. For the greater part they have found solutions to their marriage-problems and they both have expressed a deep desire to return to the Lord and to the church. We are happy with their commitment.

Last week our new song-book was introduced. Silvy did a lot of the work in regards to it. She compiled the songs together and after much editing and making sure we had all the right information with some of the songs (official registration) it came to a completion and last Sunday we used it for the first time. It has two parts, a Dutch part and an English part. Since we have brothers and sisters from Ghana, a brother from India, we needed to include English songs too.

3. The church in Rotterdam.

This new group is doing really well. Both Wes and Titia are courages, committed and beautiful Christians. They are such a joy to work with.Titia was raised in the Pentecostal movement and Wes had been a part of it for the last 20 years, they both have a good knowledge of the scriptures. It is such a joy to work with them. They both have their own unique talents. Both are good and careful students of the word. Both are very caring, loving and hospitable Christians.

Postcards and other material has been printed for evangelism in this city of 600.000
On Thursday-afternoons and sometimes other days we are found on the streets of Rotterdam and try to find those that are interested in the good news of salvation. Last week Saturday Wes and myself went to the local market and tried to have conversations with folks. We both had a number of good talks. Got two phone-numbers to follow up on.

We have had several visitors both in the worship-service and in the mid-week Bible-study. Linda, who is a frequent visitor to our studies is a good friend of Wes and Titia. Tiny, a middle-aged man who lives in my area is a frequent visitor. We feel blessed to be able to study and to make known to others the pure Gospel. Others have visited and commitments have been made to study.

In our mid-week study we study the book of Matthew. We are presently in chapter 4 and moving into chapter 5. I am teaching this class, Wes also teaches the occasional class.

4. Studies in Genk.

The studies in Genk are going well. Peter is teaching this class. Much growth come from these studies, usually they have Peters mom and Raf's mom visiting these classes.
Arrangements are made in Genk to evangelize at the local market and on the streets.

5. Preaching for several congregations.

I continue to preach for one other congregation on a monthly basis. In the Eindhoven COC I do a study in the book of Galatians and I speak for them in the worship-service.
Eindhoven is a group of about 50 Christians.

Then I speak for two other groups on a bi-monthly basis. These groups are in Soesterberg, the Netherlands and Brugge, Belgium. Both these groups number about 15- 20.

6. Personal studies.

At present we have three personal studies.

On Wednesday-afternoon Peter and myself study with Elly, Elly is about 50 years of age and is involved with a Pentecostal church. We have had about 5 studies with her. It is a little difficult to study with her since she is not always consistent. We are trying to keep up our studies with her. I have now written her “preacher” and asked him questions to their exact beliefs. She is a part of a large Pentecostal movement, all the mail that goes through their website ends up at their headquarters. I was able to get in contact with her “preacher” and asked 6 questions, he is supposed to get back to me within a few days.

Then I study with Tiny, he is the man that comes with me to the church in Rotterdam. He is about 54 years of age. He lives near me, we have had some personal studies. It is a little hard to study with him since it is hard for him to comprehend things.

I continue to have e-mail studies with Mac. He is a man of about 45 years of age, he is a former Catholic. Through our studies he has learned that Catholisism is not found in the Bible and he has written his “pastor” that he wants to be out of the membership.
We have been in contact for a long time already, read 3 years, little by little we continue to make headway.

Please keep these studies in your prayers.

7. Our websites.

Both Peter and I own a website.

Peters website is: gemeentevanchristus.be
My website is: webbijbel.nl

Recently my web-site got a new look and lay-out. Have a look at it. We continue to send out about 2-3 free Bibles each week and about 1 correspondence course every month.
Several personal studies have come from sending out these free Bibles.

8. A visit from Francis Okech from Uganda.

In August we had Francis Okech from Uganda visiting with us. He stayed with me for about two weeks. It was great to have him here. Francis is very committed and I love him dearly. Plans are made for me to go their again next year. Francis was able to speak for us at all times that we meet. We also did some sight-seeing. It was grand to have him with us. It is not only me who loves him but now we all love him.

9. Preaching full-time.

As of next month I will be starting preaching and teaching full-time. Since 2002 I have been preaching part-time and the time has come that I will start working full-time. Please do pray for the work and for myself.

Greetings, Gert-Jan van Zanten,
The Netherlands
In Him and for Him alone

What Do We Do???

2008-10-12T08:48:00.006-04:00

The following excellent article is from Tol Burk's, Caribbean Way, blog.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It has certainly been an interesting couple of days on the financial front--with the stock market up and down, banks failing and being bought by other banks, warnings of impending recession or even depression. What are we to do?

I don't mean to minimize the problems we face, but God has NOT changed and He has promised to provice for our needs. I think this is something too many Americans, even Christians, tend to forget. If you thought government could "control" or "take care of" you, I trust you've been disabused of that notion by now. The economists can't even agree on what should be done to solve the problem, even when they agree on what the "problem" is. Our government has thus far shown us "politics as usual".

What is the answer? The only one we can depend on is God. Men may lie, or be mistaken, but God cannot do either. He is the only true ONE. Some people will be "forced" to turn to God, to grope after Him, although He is not far from each of us; for in Him we live, and move, and have our very being."

Are you willing to, having done all you can do, let God handle things? He WILL take care of us, no matter what may happen in the world around us.

Tol Burk

Your Brethren In Africa Need Your Urgent Help!

2008-10-10T05:32:00.004-04:00

Recently, I have had correspondence with brothers Mike Divis (IA) and Carl McMurray (IN). Both are capable gospel preachers. They have been involved in evangelism locally and abroad for many years. Mike and Carl recently returned from a missionary trip to Zimbabwe. They were shocked and dismayed when they learned of the state of the brethren when they returned this time.

Upon arriving they quickly learned that many of our brethren have starved to death. Times have been hard in portions of Africa for a long time, but it has taken an extreme turn for the worse.

There is no doubt in my mind that the poor will be with us always (Jn. 12:8). However, to neglect the poor is to neglect Christ (Matt. 25:42-45). John wrote, "But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?" (1 John 3:17).

As individuals, we can help our brethren. In order to make this possible, Mike and Carl are putting together a means of delivering funds to those who have the greatest need. Please consider the starving brethren in Zimbabwe. Check out their web site www.openheartshelpinghands.com. Visit also our blog of the trip.

Brethren, so many of us have never gone to bed truly hungry or worrying about where our next meal might come from. Your brothers and sisters in Christ need your help! No amount is too small, every dollar can be used. In fact a family of about six can live an entire month on just $40! $40!...I have spent that on one meal going out to eat at a restaraunt! (I have a family of six.) Surely we can do something to help.

For those who may have concerns, I want to stress this is an effort put on by Carl and Mike alone (as messengers to deliver funds). It is not a "Missionary Society" as the funds will only be used to help provide the physical needs for these brethren. Additionally, it will be tax deductible once all of the paperwork is in place and 100% of the funds will go toward the Christians. Mike and Carl are not expecting to pocket any of the funds for their efforts. Additionally, they are looking for help with some of the operating costs. (contact them about this).

Someone asked me in concern why they are not asking the churches to help. If a church desires to help, you might contact Mike or Carl to see how that might be possible though their non-profit will not accept donations for this effort from Churches, only individuals. This does not stop what the church may do in a scriptural manner, but that is a different subject to address.

The fact is, a church may collectively decide they chose not to help the brethren at this time. That would be their decision to make. However, within that local congregation there may be individuals who would like to take of their means to send to help. There are no restrictions placed upon the help one individual can provide for another. However, restrictions do exist concerning how church funds can be used.

Please share this information with all of those you know. Contact Mike or Carl with any questions or concerns you might have and please consider this earnestly in your heart. Consider making this part of your monthly budget, rather than a one-time consideration.

Thank you for your consideration,

Michel Mahler

The Story of a Sign

2008-09-29T16:54:00.001-04:00

Here is something to watch and to think about.

Sermon illustrations

2008-09-24T07:46:00.003-04:00

The following is from Tol Burk's excellent, Caribbean Way, blog.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One of the hardest things about preaching in another culture can be sermon illustrations. I'm probably more aware of this than many because I've seen more than one brother from the States use an example from everyday life (in the States) that falls flat in the Caribbean because they're not familiar with it. Wolves attacking a flock is foreign here--there have never been any wolves and flocks of sheep are uncommon. To be sure we have sheep (not wool sheep, but hair sheep) and goats, but they are generally tied out singly, or with a baby. In fact, the goat or sheep is more often the problem when they get loose and get into a garden.

Jesus used lots of illustrations when He preached--the parables are simply longer illustrations. As the master teacher, He knew people don't remember what they don't understand, so He used examples and illustrations to help them understand. Our audience today is no different. Think back to when someone gave you directions to get somewhere. Most people will give you landmarks along the way, especially if street signs are unavailable. If you're familiar with the area, the landmarks are easy to remember and help confirm you're on the right road (or not). But if you're not familiar with the area you will most likely forget many or all of the landmarks--you don't "understand" them, so you forget them. Rom. 6:1-5 uses the figure of death, burial, and resurrection to help us see the relationship of repentance, baptism, and salvation. In repentance we put to death the old man of sin, who must then be buried in baptism, and we are then raised to walk in newness of life.

Illustrations have gotten a bad name because some preachers misuse them. We've all heard preachers who tell so many stories, jokes, etc. that you forget the point of the sermon and that is certainly wrong. The Word of God is to be the source of authority, not man's books, poems, etc. But there is a real need for illustrations, especially when it comes to application of God's Word to my life. Sermons dealing with marital relations, raising children, relations with co-workers, become real when real life illustrations are used. People who don't want to see a principle can hardly help from seeing it when a good illustration is used.

I find telling the Bible stories works for me. I try to either quote or read key phrases from the text, but will also use the language people today would use sometimes. Do some preachers "jazz it up" too much? No doubt; and others play fast and loose with the text, which is also dangerous. Working in St. Croix I realized that in the Old Testament we would read the account, then I would retell it so people understood it, which amounted to a double reading. I finally decided to just tell the story, letting them read it at home before we studied. Like everything else telling the story well takes practice--it can't be too long, but you can't leave out too much of the detail either. I think some of the Bible stories are funny--the man born blind of John 9, for example, but the point of illustrations should not be get people laughing.

Now going back to my opening point--make sure your illustrations are understood by your audience. I once heard a preacher say, "Sister ______ was the only one in the ladies class that understood my barnyard illustrations." I immediately thought that if only one person in the class understood those illustrations he obviously needed other illustrations. You might be amazed at the impact local illustrations have--some years ago I was preaching in Mexico and while at a meal something was said about unexpected company coming for a meal, so "I just added more water to the beans". In the South someone might say "I put another bean in the pot" or "I peeled another potato". Later that week I preached about Jesus feeding the 5,000 and made the point that this was not "just adding more water to the beans". From the comments afterward it was obvious they understood the point--after feeding 10,000-20,000 people Jesus had more left over than what He started with. And isn't that the whole point?

Tol Burk

Report by Luis Barros. South America – Venezuela

2008-09-18T22:21:00.002-04:00

“And he said unto them, Go ye into the entire world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15)

The Lord´s work in Maracay:

The Lord´s work in this city is going well. Brother Jose Barros and brother Leonardo are working together with reference to evangelism and edification to the local church and new Christians. Also, I am still working with the newspaper. Now, I am writing an article every Monday where I teach about the Bible and I offer the Bible course. Several people have called requesting the Bible course. Now, brother Leonardo have been visiting them and give them it. Some others brothers have been teaching every Sunday during the assemblies. So, I can see how the brethren are growing and maturity. Also, I have been teaching to the church during the Sunday assemblies and having a bible class with the mans of the church, training them.

The Lord´s work in San Juan:

The Lord´s work is going slow but firm. We (Susy and I) have been studying with two contacts. Their names are Marcos and his wife Evelys. They have been visiting us in our assemblies. About the brethren, they are fine and they are growing in faith and knowledge.

Also, I want to let you know that, I am taking time to write many article concerning to several topics of the Bible. Why? Because there are very few sound preachers that write studies in Spanish in South America. And when I visit the churches, the brethren ask me if I have bible studies. Also, I am working in my web page. Also, the local church in Cagua, a small town close to San Juan, invited me to preach the Word of God, I was teaching about: Local membership of the church and The man of the church.

Preaching Trip to Cuba:

As you know. I had a plan to go to Cuba in August. So, I did this trip thanks to the Lord. Let me talk to you about my trip to Cuba.

Friday 8: I had to go to the International airport in Caracas, Vzla. I needed to be there very early (6 Am). However the fly was 12 Pm and I would be in Cuba 3 Pm. However In that day, we had a bad weather. So, we arrived to the airport 5 Pm. In the airport, brother Jose Tobias from Mexico and Nestor Sanchez from Chile were waiting for me. We have decided to work together in this trip. After we meet each other in the airport, we went to the Hotel to rent rooms for one day because the next day we were going to Holguin to meet with the sound church, a city to 12 Hrs from La Havana, the capital of Cuba.

I want to tell you that, La Havana is an old city. Buildings, houses, streets, commercial building and different places, all is look old. I think when Fidel Castro became president in 1959, everything is same in Cuba, and nothing has changed.

Sunday 10: We leaved the hotel in Holguin and we went to the assembly with the sound church in this city. They are 10 members. But they are so lovely, brotherly and friendly. They are so poor but their love to GOD and to the brethren is unique. The place where they meet is the house of one member. His name is Joel, and he is married with sister Arelis. Joel and brother Miguel are the teachers in the church. Brother Miguel takes time to preach the Gospel; he has been studying with some contacts, And he studies a lot the Scriptures to teach to the church. Now, some brothers and I will be helping brother Miguel with some financial help because we want that he be dedicate full time to preach the Gospel (If some of you are interesting in this matter, please let me know). After the worship, we ate a lunch and we began to study the Bible until night. Then, by 2 days more, we were teaching the Bible. I had the opportunity to preach on Sunday morning. I gave a lesson about ´Brotherly love´. Also I gave two lessons more: ´The conversion of Paul´ and ´Psalm 51´ (Monday and Tuesday). Also, we were answering several questions from our brother. Also, I was teaching about Authority and the error of Liberalism.

Also let me tell you that, the sound churches do not have the authority by the government to meet to worship GOD. So, we were a dangerous situation because we were infringement the law in Cuba. However, you know what the Bible says: Obey to God before mans (Acts 4:19-20).

Wednesday 13: In this day, we took our car, and we went to Santiago de Cuba. This is the second city of Cuba. There are some local churches in this city. But every one has relationship with the Institutional church from La Havana. However we went to visit a church in this city, and we found between them a very good attitude toward the truth, because they want to understand the truth about the error of Institutionalism and the council of churches of Christ in Cuba and around the world. For this reason, we had a very good and long conversation with some mans of the church. Then, I took the advantage to explain more about the Institutionalism and I was teaching them about the base of the unity (According John 17:20-23). Then, the next day, they had an assembly, and they invited us to teach. I was teaching about: The Authority of Jesus, and the doctrine of Apostles. My emphasis was: If we are listening the apostle, we are of God, but we do not listen of the apostle, we are not of God (I John 4:6). Because I wanted to make the different between listen to Jesus and the apostles, and listen the man. Then, we had to leave them, but let me tell you that, they encouraged us and they asked us come again and to be much time with them, because they want to learn more about the Sound Doctrine of Jesus.

Friday 15: In this day, we went to the State of Guantanamo, and when we were going by the way, we could see several signs and they say: Beware; this place is the high danger to the nation. I think they say that, because we were near to the base of USA in Guantanamo. Then, we arrived to the city of Baracoa.

There are several churches in city. Until we know, every church has broke relationship with the Institutionalism and with the council of churches of Christ in Cuba. However, a preacher told us that we must to have care between brethren because there are false brethren between them, spying in the churches and passing information to the council about of who was visiting the churches in Baracoa. Incredible, but I remember about Paul and the false apostles and brothers between primitives churches. The next day, they had an assembly and they invited us to say some few words from the Bible, because, we could not teach openly between them. We finished the assembly and we have to leave them, even they invited us to preach on Sunday. But we had compromise to preach in other city.

Sunday 17: In this day, we went to Moa because we were going to visit the church in this city; also we were going to worship the Lord. The local church here is going well, faithful to the sound doctrine and preaching the Gospel. Also, they are working in the city of Sagua. In Sagua there are 3 Christians. So, we had the opportunity to be with the church in Moa and Sagua, and we encouraged them to be faithful and keeping the good attitude toward the Truth of the Lord. Also, I had the opportunity to preach with the church in Moa. I was teaching about: Love one another.

Also we were visiting brother Nolberto Moreno and his family. He lives in Nicaro, a small town near of Sagua. Let me tell you that he was the only one sound preacher in Cuba receiving support from a church in USA. He is a very good man and very intelligence, and he has been doing a good work between some churches (Moa, Sagua and Nicaro). Also, we encouraged brother Nolberto to visit the brethren in Santiago de Cuba.

Monday 18: We had to leave the city of Holguin, because we leaved Sagua and we went to stay in a hotel in Holguin. The next day we went to La Havana, because we had a plan to visit brother Amado in that city. So, we were running by the way by 12 hours.

Tuesday 19: In this day, we went to visit brother Amado. He is a preacher with a local church in La Havana Vieja. There are two churches, one of them is the Institutional church and the headquarter of the council of the churches of Christ in Cuba. The preacher in this church is the president of the council, and this president has the control and the power around the country. Also, this council has a vice-president in every state, and they have the control between the churches in every state and cities, also every vice-president must to inform about the work of the preachers to the council and they take decision ON THE preachers and churches. This is the system how have been working the elders of the Institutional and sponsor church in Cuba. This sponsor church in Cuba, is a local church in Alabama, in the city of Athens, Mayfer Church of Christ.

When we get to brother Amado´s home, we found in the blackboard a lesson about Institutionalism and we began to talk with him about this topic because he had several question about this matter. The church meets in his home and he has been teaching to the church the error of Institutionalism and the sponsor elders. We had a very good and long conversation with him. I was explaining him how the sponsor church works in Cuba, and the liberalism between these churches. I told him, the error about this matter is: A human Institution is doing the work of the Divine institution (church) and the Bible does not authority this arrangement. We hope and pray this noble man keep this good attitude toward the Truth and keep teaching the Sound Doctrine of our Lord Jesus.

Then, we went to visit a preacher in Pinar del Rio. He is brother Orlando Dago. He has been preaching for long time without any help. Now, a local church in Texas began to help him with support. Pinar del Rio is a city close to La Havana. We encouraged brother Orlando to visit brother Amado, and helping him about his conviction toward the Truth.

Finally, I returned to Venezuela sound and save. This trip was a very good trip for my life as a christian. I gave thanks to our Lord because He gave me the oportunity to go and visit our brethren. Also, I gave thanks to all of you for your prayers and support. I am thinking to come againg the next year (Lord willing) because the brethren and the Lord´s work in this country need our help and espiritual support. Please, keep this matther in your mind, we need to work together againg. Thanks for your love and sincere concern. We love you, the brethern in Cuba send you greetings and their brotherly love to you.

Brotherly in Christ,

Luis Barros

Paul Williams - South Africa Report

2008-09-11T09:51:00.001-04:00

The Williamses In South Africa
Paul and Helen Spreading the Gospel in Zululand
P.O. Box 324, Eshowe, 3815 South Africa

New email address
paulkwilliams.za@gmail.co.za

On our return from America we found things going well in the church in Eshowe.

Helen and I were delighted to be back with the church in Eshowe, and to find that the brethren are doing well. Attendance continues at 50-60 on Sunday mornings and around 30 on Sunday and Wednesday evenings, and we continue to have a number of visitors. Joel taught the fortnightly Monday morning classes for preachers, and Jim Statham did a lot of the Sunday morning preaching. The brethren seem happy. They hardly missed me!

Jim Statham is well-liked. Joel said he did good by his preaching and example. He might eventually return to preach in South Africa.

A Young Man Baptized

On Sunday August 17, Senzo told me someone wanted to be baptized. I thought it was he and gave him a big hug, but it was the young man who heard Mzwandile’s radio sermons and has been studying with Mzwandile. He is Nkosinathi Sibiya, 20. He is unlearned because he was raised without parents near Mangose—taking care of cattle. He is now going to night school.

Engine on 2002 Ford Ranger pickup to be renewed.

Our Ford pickup truck is used to fetch people to church and for many other things. While we were in America, the engine overheated and suffered permanent damage. After considering all the options, I decided to have the Ford dealer install a remanufactured engine. It will cost about $3 000, and an individual Christian is paying the cost. We certainly thank this person.

The money contributed for a new bakkie will be kept aside for later.

Eshowe Beautiful on our Return

It was good to see our garden in such beautiful shape. We have been enjoying very beautiful shrubs and flowers.

Joel’s Pickup Window Smashed

On the night of Aug. 31 Cyril returned from delivering Nkanyiso to tell us that someone threw a rock through the passenger window of Joel’s Toyota pickup when he was returning near Cyril’s high school. The rock smashed the window and cracked the windscreen. It is a mess.

Our grandson, Benjamin, visits for a month; his father, Stephen, for two weeks.

Stephen is our fifth and youngest son (46), and Benjamin is his 12-yr.-old son. Benjamin traveled with us to South Africa August 1, and Stephen followed two weeks later. They went back to America at the end of August.

We really enjoyed their visit. Benjamin is a keen chess player!

We have had an unusual number of monkeys in our yard — 12-15 in a troop Our foster son, Cyril, saw a monkey come in the back door and grab a banana from the kitchen counter. We will have to keep our back door closed. Since our dachshund, Gretchen, has died, the monkeys are not hindered, and cats are enjoying our yard, too.

Computer Upgrade

Joel bought a wireless modem. It enables us to connect all computers together, to the internet, and to the printer. Joel has therefore moved his computer back to his room and will work there. This gives me sole possession of my study again.

He also worked on my computers to get everything in order. He found that the reason I was not getting wireless internet in America is that I had inadvertently turned off the switch, which I didn’t know the laptop had! He found that there were a lot of important files which had been deleted from my desktop. He restored them and synchronized the two computers.

So this old man is keeping up with the computer age—thanks to his grandson!

Giving Up

2008-09-09T06:30:00.001-04:00

The following is from Tol Burk's, Caribbean Way, blog.

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I was in Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico last week preaching. Agua Prieta is a town of 70,000 or so in the middle of the desert. As we approached the brother driving said, "I don't see the usual cloud of sand hovering over A.P--it's been raining lately." And everywhere you go there is sand on everything--in the few paved streets, on cars, even inside the houses. Women will clean in the morning and by afternoon it's sandy again. The preacher told me he had given up on keeping his car clean--it was impossible.

As he said that I realized that was really all you could do, but then I thought about the spiritual application. How many Christians "give up" or "give in" to the pressure of the world around them? When all your friends are drinking, how does a young person not give in? When everybody else at work is pilfering, or just doing the minimum who do you "work as unto the Lord", especially when they begin to put on the pressure? When you are one of only 10 or so Christians in a town, when even your own family is at best indifferent or at worst antagonistic to your efforts to serve God, how do you keep from "giving up"?

In order to overcome the constant pressure you must rely first on God, and then on your brethren, few though they may be. As Rom. 8 points out, "if God is for us, who can be against us?" But in order to keep that always in mind, we must be reading and studying His Word daily. If faith comes by hearing the Word of God (and it does) there is only one way our faith can grow.

Our closest companions will have a great impact on whether we overcome or give up, so they must be Christians too. I know a brother whose wife is not a Christian--she's not antagonistic toward the church, she just doesn't care. What a tragic situation and what a burden it is for him. Our brethren can be a great help to us, if we will make the effort.

There's not much you can do about the sand when you're in the desert, but with the Lord's help we don't have to give in to the world.

Tol Burk

Watertown Wanderings - Keith Sharp, Watertown, NY

2008-09-04T09:45:00.003-04:00

Dear Brethren,

Greetings from Northern New York State. Sandy and I are well, and we hope you are also. Today is our 43rd wedding anniversary and the 38th birthday of our twins, Michelle and Bryan.

This report is for both July and August. Sandy and I left the North Country July 9th to travel with our daughter Michelle and my aunt, Mrs. Ruby Franklin, to Samoa and American Samoa. Sandy and I returned to the North Country August 8th. To our knowledge, we are the only noninstitutional Christians working to teach the word of God in the enormous region of the Pacific Ocean south of Hawaii to and including New Zealand.

For July and August the average attendance at the Tri-County Church of Christ was 15 for Sunday morning class, 27 for Sunday morning assembly, and 12 for Wednesday night. Contribution totals were $1114.25 for July and $1253.46 for August.

We have a TV program on the Watertown public access channel and run a weekly classified ad in the "PennySaver" paper. Sandy and I set out 10 signs along roadways advertising the congregation.

The Sundays I was home I preached on "Lost Religious People," "Christ and the Judgment," "What the Bible Can Mean to You," "Christ in Prophecy," and "Calling on the Name of the Lord." We are almost through with our Sunday morning study of Revelation and just finished studying the Psalms Wednesday night.

In my absence, Scott Futrell drove over from Vermont to preach two Sundays, and John Bosworth, a retired Air Force officer who is a member here, preached twice. John taught both the Sunday morning and Wednesday night classes. I appreciate their good, sacrificial work.

We still have people over to our apartment on Sunday evenings for Bible study and social activities. We have a week night study with an Army couple who have three small children and are from Central Arkansas. Sandy teaches a Wednesday noon ladies class in our apartment.

The first of July I sent "Meditate on These Things" to 1115 e-mail addresses all over the world. I edit the bulletins for the Tri-County Church of Christ and the Eastside Church of Christ in Manchester, New York. Sandy sent out 37 copies of lesson one of the Bible correspondence and graded and returned 19. Four new articles have been posted to our web site, ChrististheWay.com.

We are so very blessed, and we appreciate immensely the brethren who assist in our support. We remember you in our prayers and ask you to pray for us and our work. We thank the Lord for you and your fellowship in our work.

With Brotherly Love,

Keith Sharp

Keith and Sandy Sharp
P.O. Box 236
Black River, NY 13612
ksharp@twcny.rr.com

Preaching the Good News in Norwalk, Ohio: August 2008

2008-09-02T08:57:00.002-04:00

Brethren,

Greetings.

Peace, mercy, and grace be with you all from God our Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ.

August has been a very active and engaged month, full of ups and downs.
September begins with new hope and expectation with our fall lectureship!

Working with the Brethren

With door knockings, the fair, and other times of association, August has
been a good month for brethren spending time with one another and growing in
the faith. There have been mid-sized and small-sized opportunities for
association, and some studies are being done among the brethren.

Lessons, Classes, and Studies

Morning lessons in August focused on the biblical method of finding
ourselves, debt, handling conflict, and, as explained in further detail
below, disassociation. We continue to examine various sins in the Bible in
the evening lessons; in August, we spoke regarding homosexuality, stealing,
and covetousness. As always, the lessons are available in outline and mp3
forms at norwalkchurch.org.

The adult class is being led in a study of personal evangelism, and I
continue to work with the 4th through 6th grade class on Bible basics.

Evangelism

August was a big month for evangelism. From August 11th through the 16th we
again hosted a booth at the Huron County Fair. The booth had two functions:
one side involved two Power Point presentations, one on the Norwalk church
of Christ and one on life's difficult questions. We also distributed
information on the church. The other side involved an activity for
children: they would hear a Bible story and get a coloring page regarding
the story and a free balloon.

The fair was a much greater success this year because of our redirected
efforts. We were perceived as friendlier, more open, and more inviting,
mostly because we had more women participating and we had something for
children. We received back 24 response cards, including 8 requests for
Bible correspondence courses and 6 Bible study requests. We are still
trying to get in touch and work with these contacts.

In preparation for our fall lectureship on the family from August 31 to
September 5, we established two door knocking Saturdays. Our original plan
was to distribute 500 handouts. On the first Saturday we had 9 people
participate and distribute 340 handouts. More were prepared, and on the
next Saturday 11 people helped distribute 300 more, for a total of 640
handouts. I received two phone calls from people who are interested in the
church on account of the door knocking, and we have had receptive
conversations with many others.

We are glad and encouraged to see a little fruit from our labors, but we
recognize that we just plant the seed and water it; God will provide the
increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). All glory goes to Him!

We pray that we will be able to point some of these souls to Christ as we
continue into the fall.

The fall lectureship will be described in more detail in the September
report.

Transitions and Disassociations

During August, the elders also did work to clarify for the congregation who
is a part of the church in Norwalk and who is not. Based on movement to
other churches and departures for college, there were six members who were
considered by many to be part of the church in Norwalk but who really had
moved on, and the elders made this clear to the congregation.

The elders also decided to take disciplinary action against four wayward
members. We lament the need for this action, but we hope that by our
following God's will, they will repent and return to the fold.

Baptism

We rejoice to inform you that during the month of August, Austin Sexton put
on Christ in baptism. He has been part of our 4th-6th grade classes on the
Gospel and Bible basics, and we look forward to encouraging him in his walk
with Christ.

Support

I would like to thank all of you for your participation in the work here in
Norwalk, either through your prayers or through encouraging me or through
financial support. I would like to solicit your continual prayers so that
the work here may prosper.

I would again like to thank you all for your participation in these efforts.
If you ever have any questions or comments about the work here in Norwalk,
please feel free to contact me at evangelist@norwalkchurch.org.

May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirits.

ELDV

Ethan R. Longhenry / deusvitae@hotmail.com
Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org]
Homepage: deusvitae.com
AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056
Y! IM: discipuliiesus

FOREIGNER

2008-08-23T23:38:00.001-04:00

Dear Brethren, this article was passed on to me by Brother Hernando Motta of Argentina. I pass it on to you for your consideration.

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"Mayma yvypóra ou ko yvy ari iñapytl´yre ha eteicha dignidad ha derecho jeguerekope; ha ikatu rupi oikuaa añeteva ha añete´yva, iporava ha ivaiva, tekoteve pehengueicha oiko oñondivekuera".*

Did you understand? That's the point!

It is undeniable the fact that the changes that globalization made us go through took most of us by surprise. However, besides all the pros and cons that the experts are analyzing, I think that one of the positive consequences of all this is the growing global cultural exchange.

It was really good to have the chance to meet Freddy Valdez García! He comes from the Huaraz region (in Peru). This dear friend of mine came to Argentina searching for better economic conditions, in order to help his family. As a lot of other Latin American brothers he found himself forced to leave his country for an indefinite period of time. But he didn't come alone: he brought all his memories, traditions and customs along with him.

I still have in my memory the moment he wanted to taste the Argentinean mate... And he didn't have a better idea than to take the straw as if it was a spoon and chew the mate! He learnt the lesson: mate is a beverage, it is not solid food!

I have a lot of stories and anecdotes. However, during all the years Freddy spent in my nation I began to understand in a better way the personal experience of a foreigner. How a person who is far from his or her home, in a different and sometimes adverse surrounding, feels, thinks, dreams, makes projects and hopes. When the time in which he had to return to Peru came, my family and I felt as if one of our own was going far away.

Some say that Argentineans come from ships, and most of the times they are right due to the immigrations that came from Europe during the first half of the last century. However, very often we forget about the fact that our ancestors were foreigners. We obviate that reality and, with excessive frequency, we adopt the popular opinion that despites the men and women that came (and keep coming) in the last few years to our republic. We refer to them with pejorative nicknames revealing, in that way, our inner poverty and our useless efforts to build a prosperous nation, solidly based in human equality.

The Bible says: “Do not oppress an alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens, because you were aliens in Egypt”. Exodus 23.9 (NIV).

My good friend, Enrique Montenegro, who lives from Spain, has the following text framed and hanged in the walls of his office: "If your God is Jewish, your car is Japanese, your vacations are Moroccan, your numbers are Arabic, and your letters are Latin... How dare you say that your neighbor is a foreigner?".

"El estado Grande"--Chihuahua

2008-08-23T07:44:00.001-04:00

The following is from Tol Burk's, Caribbean Way, blog.

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For the next few days I'm in Chihuahua, "the big state" of Mexico. It's still kind of amazing that I can leave Puerto Rico one afternoon and 24 hours later be in N. Mexico, having spent the night in Arizona. I'm preaching a Gospel meeting in Nuevo Casas Grandes.

The church here is different from many in Mexico--they have around 100 in attendance on Sunday and have 3-4 generations of the same family as members. Brother Angel Palomares preached here for 50 years or so, before health problems forced him to "retire". I was concerned what would happen once he could no longer preach, but the brethren have stepped up and although they're in something of a transition, so far it seems to be working. Several take turns preaching, a month at a time, which has pushed them to mature. Others have risen to teach classes, etc. So far this year they've had 7 baptisms.

Let us continue to pray for these brethren as they work together.

Longing for Heaven

2008-08-20T08:43:00.002-04:00

Nathan, Paul and Marissa Ing

Nearly 2 years ago Nathan Ing (then 4) was diagnosed with a brain tumor. There were some times of great hope, but sadly that has changed. Here is the latest report from Missy Ing, Nathan’s mother:

“Some of you already know, but the results of Nathan's MRI were devastating. We met with Nathan's oncologist, radiation doc, and neurosurgeon today. We saw the scans. There are 6 small tumors on Nathan's brain (1 in the original area and the others are spread out). There is also one on his spine. The doctors were shocked that this growth occurred so quickly after the radiation treatments.

So, basically Nathan is not going to recover from this. The docs said they could give very aggressive chemo, and still only a very slim chance of cure. Of course this would have extreme side effects and Nathan would suffer greatly. Even if the chemo wiped out the tumors, the damage to his body would most likely kill him. We ARE NOT going to go this route.

Nathan will start on a chemo pill Friday. This should help slow the progression of the cancer without the harsh side effects. It will hopefully give us more time, and have him feeling better for as long as possible.

We have a trip to Disney World planned for October, and the docs advised we move it up as soon as possible. Not that they think he won't be here in 2 months, but may not feel up to the trip.

We ask now for your prayers that God will give us strength to endure the days ahead, that we will make the most of the time that we have left with him. Please pray for Marissa. We need God's help to say the right things to her and help her to handle this.

We WILL NOT let this destroy our faith! God is still good and has blessed us with 6 1/2 years of having the most precious little boy to love and laugh with.

For those close to Nathan, please do not tell your children all these details. We will tell Nathan that he has a new tumor and will begin some new medicine, but we don't want to tell him he is dying.

I'm amazed with the strength God has given me to type these words. Paul and I are getting through, we are both emotionally exhausted today. We know we will continue to make it with God, and the wonderful support of our loving family and friends.

We love you all, Missy“

What an incredible letter, and what faith our dear sister has in the face of such personal torment and impending loss. Her letter is a testimony to the truthfulness of Philippians 4:13. We truly can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! Let us all be praying for this family, and for 9 year old Marissa who has just in the past few days been told of her brothers condition.

Let us also not walk away from this letter without looking for lessons that can be gleaned from it. For one thing we find Missy thankful for the support of family and friends, and we are reminded that we need each other. We are reminded that in times of great distress we can find strength in our Lord. As well, we are reminded of how much better the home that awaits us will be than this temporary home.

You can be sure that Heaven is sweeter in this family’s mind now than it ever was before. They now know that very soon, one of the dearest on earth to them will be in paradise, awaiting the judgment. They also know that in his innocent state heaven will be his reward when he stands before the righteous judge. They will have a new incentive to live lives that will ensure that one day it will be their home too! They will long for it like they never have before.

We also need to long for Heaven, brothers and sisters. It needs to mean more to us than anything of this earth. But I am afraid. I fear that we are letting things of this earth cool that desire.

Hebrews 10:24-25 says,

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

What does it take for us to miss our meeting times together? What of this earth is more important than being with God’s people when they assemble to worship and praise Him? What can be of more value than studying His word? What family function, concert, business venture, etc., is worth more than being in the presence of God?

Jesus said, in Matthew 18:20: 
“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

If we don’t long to be with God now, what does that say about our longing for Him in the future?

Something for us all to think about brethren!

John Maddocks

Thoughts on Professionalism in Preachers - Darrell Hamilton, Madison, Alabama

2008-08-18T07:09:00.005-04:00

I read this in Paul Williams' monthly mail out, Preaching the Gospel (free to any who request it - just click on Paul's name to email him). Brother Hamilton has some good things to say and I commend his article to you for your consideration.

Your Brother,

John

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One of the big problems I see with "preaching" is that in many of the off-handed ways in which we talk about it we reveal that we see it as a job A man who gets all of his support from congregations is a "preacher". A man who gets some of his support from congregations and keeps a part time job to make ends meet is a "part-time preacher". And, a man who makes a living on the side and preaches is "filling in until the congregation can get a preacher." From our use of the language, a man is a preacher based on the status of his pay and not the amount of work that he does.

Depending on the era in which one lives, a 40 hour work week could easily be considered part time work. I know my grandfather worked 12x6 in the coal mines while my mother was growing up. That is 72 hours a week. A 40 hour week is certainly part time by comparison. Most of us have a significant amount of time to devote to farming, social clubs, golf, camping, and assorted hobbies (if we can afford them). For the past year I was the president of a school organization. No one referred to me as the "part-time President". I was just the president.

That is not how it is with preachers. It is as if there has to be a distinction made based on the amount of time a preacher has to devote to making a living. In the way we use the language, in Acts 18 Paul starts out as a "part time preacher" and then shifts to "full time" when Timothy and Silas show up! Yet, that hides what really happens. He was preaching both before and after Timothy and Silas arrived. There is no indication that Paul did all the preaching and Silas and Timothy just "sat around in their off time". Paul constantly referred to them in his letters as fellow servants and laborers (Romans 16:21, Philippians 1:1, 1 Thessalonians 1:1). Three men together could arrange it so that two could work secular jobs and one could devote himself to preaching. When it came time to leave, Timothy and Silas stayed behind to get things in order. They were key people in the church and there is no indication that they got "promotions" when Paul left. There was nothing to be promoted to. They were all preaching; one was doing it full time. The amount of time devoted overall to preaching is based almost solely on what was left after doing the minimum work necessary to live.

Part of our problem, also, is that we see preaching the gospel as a single man occupation and not a team effort. If there are two preachers in a congregation, then the second one has to get paid in order to be a "preacher", and even then there is no guarantee. The second one is an intern, trainee, "youth minister", former preacher or some other designation (most often just ignored). Evidently no one else in the congregation can be a preacher — just the one who makes most of his living from preaching. Again it doesn't seem to matter how the duties are split up. The second one could do just as much work as the first, but we talk in ways as if only one can be "the" preacher.

When Jesus sent out his disciples in Luke 10, he sent them out in pairs. When the early
Christians sent out men to new areas, they sent them in teams of two to five. Occasionally we find someone in a lone position, but it was usually for some limited time while the companions were catching up. An argument I have heard is that preachers are a limited resource and two men can cover more territory if they are split up – however, that is not the way the gospel was preached in the New Testament time. Two men may be able to cover more ground independently, but I would argue that two together can more effectively cover the area they work together.

What needs to happen is that we need to quit putting "getting paid for preaching" on a pedestal. We need to recognize that everyone who is contributing time and effort to spreading the gospel is a preacher. We also need to quit insisting that men go it alone. No one really goes it alone anyway. There is almost always someone who is at least the chief understudy no matter how remote the location. If that were not so, then congregations would often collapse whenever the preacher left without a replacement in hand. Yet, such is rarely the case.

Since I have almost always been one to earn my living from other sources, I have watched how people think of us "fill ins". Over the years I have been blessed to have been involved with many small congregations. In a couple of places I have done all the preaching, most of the Bible classes and I studied with people in the evenings. I will grant that I have always been a poor one to visit the sick and I know my prayer life could have been a lot better. Yet, I was not acknowledged as the preacher (which is fine by me because I dislike the title anyway).

Often when people hear that all three of my brothers are "supported" preachers, I get asked why I don't preach. I've even had people say that as they left the services where I had just preached the sermon and the Bible class! I have to wonder if they happened to notice who was doing the teaching that morning. The implied question really is, "why don't you give up your secular job and preach the gospel, being fully dependent on congregations to support you?" There are many reasons for wanting to remain a "fill-in".

1. People have a built-in excuse that dismisses the preacher's superior knowledge by believing that his knowledge is required for his "job". They believe that if they don't have the job, then they really don't have to study all that hard. I like showing people that even the "average member" can and should be a student of the Bible and the preacher is not the standard for "enough knowledge". I've noticed that it really throws people for a loop if the designated preacher has less experience and knowledge than me. It challenges him to keep studying and it shows everyone else that there is no limit to what everyone is expected to learn.

2. While it is true that the designated preacher of a congregation can go places and do things that unofficial preachers can't, it is also true that unrecognized preachers can say and do things that the designated preacher can only wish he could do. In Acts 17:14, Paul had to get out of town, but Timothy and Silas could stay behind. Sometimes being the recognized preacher is a handicap. The less known preachers are able to complete much-needed aid to a congregation.

3. Paul rarely went to new towns on his own. Men who were highly qualified teachers in their own right accompanied him. That made his position far more effective. That is still true in our day. No matter how much experience a preacher has, he still needs someone to discuss things with, who can rally to his side when things get tough and who can keep him in check when egos get inflated. A devoted wife can do a lot of that, but a companion preacher can do it far more effectively.

Well, I'm sure there are many more, but these will do.

To a Child - Love is spelled T-I-M-E: A Short Inspirational Film

2008-08-15T10:23:00.000-04:00

I know I'm getting old and sentimental, but this short video teared me up and made me think.

I hope you all have a very fruitful day, filled with love and time well spent!

The Williamses In South Africa

2008-08-14T06:50:00.002-04:00

Paul and Helen Spreading the Gospel in Zululand
P.O. Box 324, Eshowe, 3815 South Africa.
E-mail: bible@netactive.co.za; Ph. 011-27-35-474-2656

Send checks to:
David Williams
13494Hatchett Rd. W
Madison, AL 35757
Ph. (256) 325-3308.
Email: davidwms@knology.net

ALL OF MY EMAILS LOST: When I got back to South Africa I carefully downloaded the email messages I received during our three-month US trip. Then I lost them ALL—irretrievably! So, if you are waiting for a reply, you had better send me a copy of the letter you sent. SORRY!

WHERE I SPOKE IN JULY

Mt. Olive, Alabama (near Birmingham)—Cherrill Schmid, preacher
Huffman, Birmingham, Alabama—Steve Murrell, preacher
Vestavia, Birmingham, Alabama—Harold Comer and Bro. Cicero, preachers
Bangor, Maine—Bruce Hudson, preacher
West End, Richmond, Virginia—Stacy Crim, preacher
Courtland Road, Richmond, Virginia—Gene Tope, preacher
Southside, Athens, Alabama—Windell Wiser, preacher
Sandlin Road, Elkmont, Alabama—Gregg Legg, preacher
Piney Woods, Decatur, Alabama—Paddy Kendall-Ball, preacher

A VISIT WITH EZEKIEL AKINYEMI

72-yr.-old Ezekiel Akinyemi, faithful Nigerian gospel preacher, was brought to America by brethren in Murfreesboro, Tennessee so that he could be treated by a doctor there. It was found that he had stomach ulcers, and they were apparently cured by the anti-bacteria medicine that is used these days. In addition, he was diagnosed with a heart complaint and put on medication for that.

After his Murfreesboro visit, he came to Athens, Alabama to see Jim Sasser. Jim preached in Nigeria many years ago, and he and Ezekiel are great friends. Jim invited me to a lunch with the two of them and Bro. Joe Olson, and it was a pleasure to see Ezekiel looking so good. I am praying that he will have many more years of vigorous service for the Lord in Ibadan, Nigeria. His email address is eaakinyemi@skannet.com.

A VISIT WITH KEN CRAIG

Alan Dvorak and I met Ken Craig at the Cracker Barrel Restaurant in Cullman, Alabama There Ken demonstrated his Big Picture flip charts which he uses to teach people the theme of the Bible and to move them to obey the Lord. Alan and I were impressed. Ken has agreed to come to Eshowe to show us all how to use this system (the date agreed on is December 13), and Alan wants to invite Ken to the church which meets on Kelly Springs Road, Athens.

Since then Ken sent me this note he received from Allen Dvorak:

"Thanks for the flip-charts that you gave me recently. I used them for the first time
yesterday to teach a woman and she was baptized after the study. I can only imagine
the results if I knew what I was doing."

You can be sure that we are really looking forward to having Bro. Craig with us in Eshowe.

HOPING FOR MORE SUPPORT FOR THEMBINKOSI APLENI

During my presentations in the United States I made a plea for more support for Bro.
Thembinkosi Apleni. A number of you expressed interest in helping, and he received some promises. (I do not have the exact figures at this time.) However, he needs another $700 per month to bring his income to the level of what a school teacher is paid in South Africa.

Thembinkosi lives too far from Eshowe for us to be able to work with him as much as we
would like. He is preaching in the area around King William’s Town where Xhosa-speaking people live. He has a wife and a daughter. If you have been thinking about helping him, contact him at tuks@telkomsa.net.

A RATHER DISTRESSING STORY

While we were in America, Bonginkosi Langa took our 2004 Ford Ranger pickup to have a
broken bracket welded in front of the radiator. The welder accidentally burnt a hole in the radiator. He said, “Put Stop Leak in the radiator and it will be all right.” Well, it wasn’t all right, and the engine overheated—pretty badly. Afterward the head gasket was replaced, but there has been major damage inside the engine. I took the pickup to the Ford dealer in Empangeni. He confirmed that the estimate of the Eshowe dealer that it will cost R32,000+ (about $4,500) to repair the engine properly is correct.

So I am wrestling with the decision of what to do. It has been driven only about 72,000 miles. At present it runs pretty well—but it smokes, uses a LOT of oil, and does not have the power it had. Many years ago the engine of our diesel pickup overheated, and it later threw a piston through the top of the engine. We would not like that to happen again.

I have been planning to replace the Ranger, but not quite so soon. Do you have any advice?

Paul Williams
bible@netactive.co.za

Watertown Wanderings - Keith Sharp Report - Samoa and American Samoa

2008-08-13T09:03:00.001-04:00

Watertown Wanderings

August 12, 2008

Preaching and Teaching Trip to Samoa and American Samoa

Keith, Sandy, and Michelle Sharp

July 10 - August 7, 2008

Samoa, an independent Polynesian nation of 170,000 people, and American Samoa, an American territory of 60,000, are groups of Polynesian islands in the South Pacific about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand. Sandy and I, along with our daughter Michelle, who teaches fifth grade in Brooklyn, taught in American Samoa last year. Alex Jennings, who lived with us his junior and senior years of high school, and is now a Samoan matai (chief) and American Samoan territorial legislator, originally arranged for us to be able to work with American Samoan congregations, though they were begun by American institutional "missionaries." This year, Luao Soli, the preacher and an elder of the Nu’uuli Church of Christ in American Samoa, took us to Samoa to work with congregations on the most heavily populated island, Upolu (where Robert Louis Stevenson lived the last few years of his life). In the 24 days we were in the islands, we worked with all three churches of Christ on Upolu and two of the three congregations on Tutuila, the main island of American Samoa.

Sandy and I drove from Evans Mills to Brooklyn (345 miles) Tuesday, July 8th, to begin our second trip to the South Pacific. We met Michelle and Doug and Joan Focht for lunch in Newton, New Jersey, and Michelle left her vehicle with them. We drove on to Brooklyn, and Michelle took our vehicle to Manhattan to leave with Juliet, a member of the congregation in Manhattan. Cars cannot be left long term on New York City streets.

We flew from New York LaGuardia to Chicago O’Hare to Honolulu, where we met my Aunt, Ruby Franklin of Phoenix, Arizona, who paid her own way to accompany us on the trip. The four of us flew on to Pago Pago, American Samoa, where we spent a short night before flying, along with Luao, who is crippled with arthritis and gout, and his brother Neru, on a 19 seat propeller plane from Pago Pago to Apia, Samoa. Neru was formerly Seventh Day Adventist and worked separately from us in Samoa, teaching among the many Seventh Day Adventists.

At Lu’s request I preached to the churches in Samoa on the family, covering marriage-divorce-remarriage, responsibilities of husbands and fathers, and responsibilities of wives and mothers. Sandy and Michelle taught from a children’s workbook Michelle has written on "The Fruit of the Spirit." Since many Samoans do not speak English, throughout our trip Sandy, Michelle, and I worked with translators. Lu did most of my translating.

In Apia we rented a van, and Kitiona (Gideon) Soli, another brother of Lu’s, drove us through mountains to the eastern tip of the island of Upolu. There we worked with the Samusu Church of Christ, a new congregation which meets in a community fale (traditional Samoan house), Friday through Sunday.

Tuesday we drove back to Apia and then up into the mountains to work with the Goodwill Church of Christ in the village of Alesa. We were with them Monday and Tuesday evenings.

Wednesday and Thursday we worked with the Vaimoso Church of Christ right next to Apia, teaching the same material.

Friday we flew back to American Samoa, where we did the remainder of our work.

Sunday through Friday, July 20 - 25, we worked with the congregation in the village of Nu’uuli, American Samoa. I preached on "God Means What He Says," "For What Are You Selling Your Soul," "Can a Person Be Saved Out of the Church?," "That They All May Be One," "Do You Believe the Bible?," "Lost Religious People," "Man’s Need of Salvation," and "When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder," topics which the Nu’uuli elders had requested. Sandy and Michelle taught the fruit of the Spirit to separate children’s classes for an hour and a half a day Monday through Friday.

Sunday through Wednesday, July 27-30, we worked with the congregation in the village of Leone, American Samoa. Alex and Rowenna Jennings, their daughter Katie, and Alex’s sister-in-law, Solani Jennings, are members at Leone. I preached on "Do All in the Name of the Lord," "Responsibilities to the Local Church," "The Cost of Discipleship," "What Is a Christian?," and two lessons on "Discerning Good and Evil." Michelle was sick this week, and Sandy was sick one evening, so Sandy taught the children’s classes except for one night when local ladies used the workbooks to teach. Michelle left the extra workbooks she had with Solani to finish teaching the material to the Leone children.

Thursday and Friday, July 30th and August 1st, Sandy and Michelle taught ladies classes at Nu’uuli for two hours each morning, covering "Do All God Says," "Lessons From Children," "Modest Apparel," and "Women in the Local Church." Thirty-five to forty women attended, and at least six of the women attending had worked all night at the tuna cannery, rode the bus home, and spent two hours in class. On those two days I recorded twelve fifteen minute radio programs on the church which will be broadcast repeatedly on American Samoa public radio.

Friday evening, August 1st, Sandy, Michelle, and Aunt Ruby prepared dinner where we were staying for Luao Soli and his wife, Lolo, Rocco and Debbie Pierce, American "missionaries" who have been extremely helpful to us, Alex and Rowenna Jennings, and Solani Jennings. After dinner we studied the subject of church "fellowship" dinners. Rocco and I had a spirited but friendly and reasonable exchange. Afterwards Lu stated that the Nu’uuli congregation has quit having pot lucks (his terminology). Rocco and I are in disagreement but will continue having friendly studies.

The two weeks we were in American Samoa the tenth Pacific Arts Festival was in progress in Pago Pago with groups from throughout the Polynesian and Melanesian Pacific. The congregation in Nu’uuli placed a tent on the highway between the airport and Pago Pago to distribute reading material to visitors. I took with me over 1000 tracts I have written on first principles subjects, and visitors from throughout the Pacific picked up most of them. Lu plans to translate these tracts into Samoan.

Sunday, August 3rd, I spoke at all three services of the Nu’uuli congregation. My topics were "Seek First the Kingdom of God," "Excuses," and "The Individual Christian and the Local Church." The Nu’uuli elders have already asked us to return.

Monday, August 4th, we had a wonderful visit with one of the elders of the congregation in Tafuna, the only American Samoan congregation with which we have not worked, and had studies with Luao Soli, his daughter Ruth, and Alex Jennings.

We flew out of Pago Pago Tuesday night, August 5th and got home to Evans Mills Friday night, August 8th.

We not only have been invited to return to American Samoa, but Lu wants me to go with him to an island where there are no Christians in Tonga, another Polynesian nation, to preach. The family of his wife Lolo are there and are willing to listen.

All of the congregations in American Samoa and Samoa (there are seven churches on three islands) were begun by institutional brethren and have much to learn. To my knowledge, all but one (Nu’uuli) have "fellowship" dinners. Our goal is to slowly teach them all the truth on the work and organization of the church without being divisive. As much as possible, I will confine controversial teaching to studies with the preachers. Because of our relationship with Alex Jennings and Luao Soli, it is virtually certain we will continue to have an audience in both American Samoa and Samoa. Next year I plan to do more teaching on the authority of the Scriptures and the divine pattern for the church.

These trips would be impossible without your fellowship. Thank you so very much. Please pray that this door will continue to be open and that we will be faithful and wise in our work.

With Brotherly Love,

Keith Sharp
ksharp@twcny.rr.com

David Raif's Guatemala Progress Report - 11 August 2008

2008-08-12T06:41:00.006-04:00

Hi. Here is my latest progress report. You can read it here with pictures. Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers.

The Work

Greetings from the Raif family from Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. I've been encouraged by continuing opportunities here. On occasion, Amy, the girls, and I leave the Honda at the house and walk/take the microbus. It helps us save a little bit of gas (now about $5 a gallon) and gives us time together (the girls love it - especially if it's raining!). While walking back to the bus stop after a recent assembly, Martin and his family happened to be driving in the same direction and stopped to give us a ride in the back of their milk delivery van. After some conversation and a phone call later, we've setup a study with him and his wife. I'll let you know how it goes.

I mentioned in my last progress report that Jerónimo and I studied a couple times with Juan and he seemed to be eager to learn more. However, a few weeks passed after our last study without any word. Of course, I assumed the worst: not interested, confused, fallen into the sins of the world. However, I learned a lesson about discouragement. Turns out, Juan has been worshiping occasionally with the Christians in zona 8 in Xela. He is still not a Christian, but he has been talking his mother and others about the gospel. Now his mother wants to study. In my excitement for others to learn, grow, and obey God, I sometimes forget to have patience for the planted word to mature and for God to give the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).

I have to remember to have such patience as well with my neighbor Cesar. We scheduled a study, but he was not available at the time we arranged and now, I have not seen him for a couple weeks. I've learned that his wife is very sick and they have been taking almost weekly trips to the capital. I pray I can catch them when they are in town and sit down to talk about the Bible.

I've not been able to schedule a study with Carlos or the other Juan who I mentioned in my last report letter.

For many Guatemalans, it is a huge temptation to go to the United States illegally. Desperate to fight their poverty, they join the thousands of Latinos that cross the southern border every day looking for fortune. The results are depressing. Yes, those who can find work are successful and often can and do send money back to their families in Guatemala, but frequently they learn the hard way that money isn't everything and that families don't maintain themselves. In many homes, one or both of the parents are working in the States and children are left for single moms or grandparents to raise. Fathers return to find other men in their place or their children do not recognize them, or more often, men abroad are not faithful to their wives back home. It is a sad reality that is difficult to see when the dollar seems to promise so much.

Even Christians have been pulled into the fantasy. In this last month, the congregation here was deeply hurt when one of the members left for the United States. Our brother understood the sin in not respecting the laws of the government and understood the sin in leaving his family behind for an indefinite time, but he left regardless. No one agreed with his decision, especially not his family, but he said "reality" forced him to go. But, reality now is that there is a wife here without her husband and three young girls without a father, needs money cannot buy. If you are reading this Marcelino, please come home. Come home to your family, to your brethren, and to your God.

A Little Encouragement

Not that I have great personal experience, but getting old has to be one of life's greatest challenges. Ecclesiastes makes this clear with its poetic (yet somewhat depressing) description of the aging process. I can remember discussing this passage in detail with a class in Fort Worth: the failing sight and hearing, the graying hair, the aches and pains, etc. At some point, someone stopped me and said, "Hey, now you're getting personal!" Many aspects of aging are not fun. We don't much like to think about them.

The purpose of the preacher of Ecclesiastes is to demonstrate the difficulty, but not the impossibility, of serving God during those "evil days". In fact, the Bible is filled with mandates for older men and women of God. The advice is to "remember also your Creator in the days of your youth" (Ecclesiastes 12:1) in order to fight the good fight alongside of Paul the aged (2 Timothy 4:7; Philemon 1:9).

Wesley and Vonnie Rutherford are two older brethren who have been a constant encouragement to me. I grew up in the West Texas town of San Angelo where my father helped with what started as a small congregation. I always remember the Rutherfords as one of the older couples. I was the youth with energy, but I don't think I ever could have been as active as they. Mrs. Rutherford always remembered anniversaries and special dates. We could expect a card or a cake for every birthday. Mr. Rutherford had a firm handshake and twinkle in his eye, constantly ready to encourage. The two of them together were amazing. They didn't like to broadcast their aches and pains, but they put a lot of miles on their car visiting others in their infirmities. Together they worked tirelessly to encourage others to know Christ and to help Christian brethren stay faithful.

Mr. Rutherford passed away a little more than a month ago. He fought his good fight and left Sister Rutherford to fight hers. She continues to encourage others, although I know she feels the pain of his absence. Thank God that we do not have to "grieve as do the rest who have no hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13). I hope you will take courage from these Christians who were and are striving to be faithful till death. I pray I can grow old with their vitality and spirit of service, for such is "pure and undefiled religion" (James 1:27).

Vonnie Rutherford is a Christian. She is your sister in San Angelo, Texas. Wesley Rutherford is a Christian. He is your brother, now in the bosom of Abraham.

A Personal Note

Working to finish the church building project has really taken a lot of my time. I think we are all eager to get the construction behind us so we can focus on other more spiritual things. All the brethren have done their part in helping to amplify the auditorium. It has been a joy to see everyone work together so well and a joy to finally use the almost completed meeting place.

We have many blessings for which to be thankful. I am pleased to say that Jerónimo's son, Henrry, married a girl named Glendy in July. She is not a Christian. I've had a couple opportunities to study with her and Henrry and she fairly consistently comes with him to the assemblies of the Christians in Urbina. I pray we'll have more occasions to study and that she will continues with her growing interest in spiritual things.

Also, Marco Cox, Jerónimo's oldest son, and his wife Guadalupe (who married just after we moved here) gave birth to a son, Christopher. We are very happy for them.

Amy is starting to teach a children's class regularly on Thursdays with Paola. She is very excited to offer the children a bit more consistency of teachers and lessons.

The last couple of weeks have been rough on my family health wise. I started us out one Sunday with fever, vomiting, and diarrhea and everyone in the family followed suit. Thankfully, we're almost all back to life as normal in Guatemala. May the Lord bless our work and your work for him in the next coming days.

Vaya con Dios,
(Go with God)
David Raif

More pictures at www.serdeCristo.com

Leo Nikolodze's Response to the Situation in Georgia

2008-08-11T08:45:00.003-04:00

Dear All:

Brother Leo left this response in regards to my request for prayers for the conflict going on in his native Georgia. I am so impressed with his attitude and love for the Lord and I didn't want anyone to miss what he had to say. So, here it is...

Thank you brother John for the prayer request. Your prayers are greatly appreciated. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal; We must endeavor to get involved in this war, not by swords, but by earnest prayer to God for peace to these two warring nations and to those who's lives are in potential danger. God's will be done, let us never underestimate the incredible power of prayer and its significance. It is the greatest force in this universe and most humble, let us use it effectively.

Yes, I am distressed about the situation, but I will never let myself be defeated by dejection and constant gloom. Many today have accused me of being insensitive and unconcerned about this matter, but this is not the case at all, the fact of the matter is that I will refuse to raise my hands in the air in defeat and walk about with a downcast countenance all the time. I have now come to believe in the power of prayer, and my only and the greatest way I can help fight the war is through prayer and not by fighting and constant pessimism. Let us likewise do in these identical situations. But for some reason, I still feel that things are going to be all right! Blessings on all, especially to Br. John Maddocks and his family,

Br. Leo Nikoladze

Grumbling and Complaining

2008-08-10T09:18:00.002-04:00

My Dear Brethren:

Here is the article form this weeks West End Exhorter. I hope and pray you all have a fruitful Lord's Day!

Your Brother,

John

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Grumbling and Complaining

“So Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea; then they went out into the Wilderness of Shur. And they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah. And the people complained against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” (Exodus 15:22-24).

“And they journeyed from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came to the Wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they departed from the land of Egypt. Then the whole congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. And the children of Israel said to them, ‘Oh, that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.’” (Exodus 16:1-3).

“Then all the congregation of the children of Israel set out on their journey from the Wilderness of Sin, according to the commandment of the Lord, and camped in Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink. Therefore the people contended with Moses, and said, ‘Give us water, that we may drink.’ So Moses said to them, ‘Why do you contend with me? Why do you tempt the Lord?’ And the people thirsted there for water, and the people complained against Moses, and said, ‘Why is it you have brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?’” (Exodus 17:1-3).

We have just read three accounts of the Israelites grumbling and complaining about the conditions they were experiencing. Were they right to complain? Was there a just cause that evoked this bitter reaction? Of course not! Read the context of these verses and you will see that the people were, had been and would be well cared for by their God. But they lacked the gratitude that should have swelled their hearts with thankfulness. So soon they seemingly forgot all that God had done for them in bringing them out of bondage in Egypt. They forgot the miracle of the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. They forgot everything but their parched tongues and hungry stomachs.

When you read these passages what thoughts go through your mind? Do you shake your head, wondering how they could be so forgetful? Maybe you think you would never behave in that way. My reaction to verses like these is quite different to either of these responses.

My reaction, as I read these passages, is shame. Shame, because I know how often I grumble and complain. Shame, because there are times when I wonder why I have to go through this or that hardship. Shame, because I so soon forget the multitude of blessings that God has given me choosing instead to feel sorry for myself. I guess one of the things that really shames me the most is I have seen true need. I have witnessed with my own eyes the deepest of poverty and personal deprivation, and yet I still find myself grumbling and complaining, often over very trivial things.

“Rejoice always.” These are the words Paul shared with the brethren in 1 Thessalonians 5:16. Now consider this passage from 2 Corinthians 6:3-10:

“We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.”

This letter was addressed to the Corinthians from Paul and Timothy and you cannot help but be moved as you consider the above passage, knowing the hardships they were enduring and yet they were, “always rejoicing”!

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.” (1 peter 2:21-23). How did our Lord react to the horrific hardships He suffered on our behalf? Did He grumble and complain? Remember, our calling is to follow His example.

As a spiritual exercise, try and find in the scriptures a time when people grumbled and complained and it was considered a good thing. Try and find examples where folks were praised for such behaviour.

Perhaps your time will be better and more profitably spent, looking at examples of godly people experiencing hardships and how they reacted to these adversities. Look at Job, Ruth, Daniel and his three friends, Paul, our Lord, etc.

I think it high time that we all take to heart the admonition Paul gave the Ephesian Brethren in Ephesians 5:14:

“Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

I, for one, have spent far to much time grumbling and complaining. I had no right to do so. I say this in light of numerous Biblical examples that clearly teach that this is not the way to react to adverse situations. I am determined to live my life by tis rule:

“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.”

Brethren, let’s work on this together!

John Maddocks
jfmadocks1@mac.com

Prayer Request

2008-08-09T11:33:00.002-04:00

My Dear Brethren:

If you have been keeping up with the news then you will be aware that Georgia has declared a state of war with Russia. There has been great tension between these two nations for years and it has come to a head over South Ossetia, a breakaway Georgian region that borders Russia.

Leo Nikoladze is a young man who is a part of the West End family here in Toronto, and he is from Georgia (he immigrated to Canada with his family from there about 12 years ago).

To say the least, this is a matter of great concern to Leo and his family as many of their friends and family members still live there.

Please pray for a quick and peaceful resolution of this aggression and for all the citizens directly involved.

Many thanks!

Your Friend and Brother,

John

The Call To Preach

2008-08-08T09:51:00.004-04:00

On occasion, we read in Scripture of men who were called by various means to go and preach the gospel to people in other areas. Philip was told by an angel of the Lord to meet a man of Ethiopia along the road from Jerusalem to Gaza (Acts 8:26). The Lord called Ananias to speak to Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:10-16). Peter was summoned to Cornelius' house to preach the gospel (Acts 10:22). The apostle Paul received a vision in the night, a man of Macedonia pleading that he 'Come over to Macedonia and help us.' (Acts 16:9-10).

What a wonderful privilege and responsibility it is to preach the gospel of Christ. Though the means by which the call is made might be different in this present day, our response needs to be as dutiful and zealous as those of former years. As the faithful of old grasp the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ, so we must do in our age. Time and again, the Scriptures motivate us to diligent action. Consider:

* "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going." (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
* "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:10)
* "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time." (Colossians 4:5)
* "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:15-17)

The opportunity to share God's word might be in our home town, as the case was for Ananias. We might have an occasion to teach about the Christ while traveling, as Philip did. Peter needed to make a short trip, that he might preach to those who were in Caesarea. Paul needed to travel a great distance, both on sea and land to reach the call of Macedonia. Whether our opportunity be at home, in the midst of traveling, or through planned trips, either near or far, let us be ready to preach the word (2 Timothy 4:2).

Note the different peoples who were taught. Paul first taught some Jewish women holding a prayer meeting at a riverside (16:13), followed by a hopeless jailer in Philippi (16:27-34), and many more as we continue to follow Paul's journey through Macedonia. Peter taught a house full of Gentiles, thirsting for the word of God. Ananias shared the truth of Christ with a fellow countryman who had formerly persecuted those who followed Christ. Philip spoke with a man of Ethiopia, who seems to have been a devout proselyte. Perhaps our opportunity will come among our countrymen, or perhaps among foreigners. It may be that we'll have the occasion to speak with those who are religious, or maybe some who had never given a thought to eternal things.

Finally, notice with me the different results which ensued. Philip taught the Ethiopian Eunuch, who gladly received and obeyed the Lord's word. We are told he went on his way rejoicing. No indication is given as to what may have resulted in Ethiopia through this one man's faith. Ananias heeded the Lord's command to speak to Saul of Tarsus, despite his fears, and perhaps the single most influential teacher of the first century, save Jesus Christ, resulted. At the preaching of Peter, Cornelius and his household obeyed the gospel, and we read in Scripture of a faithful congregation of God's people meeting in that place (Acts 18:22). Paul's Macedonian mission met varied results; some who obeyed, some who didn't; some who received him, others who persecuted him. But consider that by the apostle's response to the Macedonian call, faithful churches were eventually established in Thyatira, Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea and Corinth.

Philip received what might be called "the desert call". Paul's coming to Damascus resulted in Ananias putting his effort to "the chosen vessel call". Peter went to Caesarea on "the Gentile call". Responding to a vision, Paul embarked upon what is commonly called "the Macedonian call". Let us always be alert to the call to preach the good news of the kingdom of God. Some months ago, we received what I have called "the Newfoundland call" (it was literally a telephone call from Newfoundland, seeking help with the truth). Gladly, we grasp the opportunity to teach God's word. May be ever be alert to every "call" to further the cause of Christ.

As a song writer once penned,
"There's a call comes ringing o'er the restless wave,
Send the light, send the light;
There are souls to rescue, there are souls to save,
Send the light, send the light."

William Stewart
Evangelist labouring with the Limestone church of Christ, Kingston, ON
www.lookinguntojesus.net

Our Worship

2008-08-06T21:52:00.000-04:00

During Jesus’ time here on earth He had many followers. John 6:1 tells us that great multitudes followed Him. In the verses that follow the crowds continued with Him but Jesus knew it was because He had fed them (John 6:26) that they continued to follow Him.

I want to encourage you to take your Bible and read verses 27-60. What does Jesus encourage His followers to do in these verses?

* Labour for food that endures for eternal life.
* Believe on Him whom God has sent.
* Understand that I am the bread of life.
* Understand that if you eat of this bread you will live forever.
* You must eat of my flesh and drink of my blood or there is no life in you.

When many of the Lord’s disciples heard these things they said it was a hard saying and they wondered who could understand it.

Now let’s read verses 61-66:

“When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you? What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.” (emphasis mine). Doesn’t that last line just break your heart?

Now, fast forward nearly two thousand years in time to this present day and you continue to find great multitudes following Jesus. Billions of people living today claim some form of allegiance to the Lord. But, are they really following Him?

There are distinguishing characteristics that will help us identify the true church of the Lord. Namely, doctrine, name, organization, worship and work. If a church is true to it’s calling it will be striving to be true to each of these qualities.

The same is true of the individual Christian. In order for me to follow Jesus I must be true to the pattern that He has left for me. I must take to heart the words of 1 Peter 2:21 and 1 John 2:6 and walk just as He walked. I cannot rely on my own wisdom to direct my steps. As Solomon wrote in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Jesus will direct our steps if we will only let Him. But we have to listen to HIM!

There are so many today who call themselves Christians who are caught up in what might best be described as pseudo-Christian pop culture. They long to worship Christ, but in their own self-defined way. Modern worship services have become entertainment extravaganzas designed to appeal to man’s senses and it has been concluded, by human reasoning (cf. Proverbs 3:5-6), that this is the type of worship that Jesus desires, after all, it feels right.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not against excitement. I believe we should be excited and enthusiastic in our service and devotion to the Lord. But, having said that. I also believe that many have, sadly, misunderstood what the Lord wants of us in our service and worship to Him.

John 4:24 says, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” Notice our worship must be in spirit and in truth. I like the way the commentator, Albert Barnes, put it, "A pure, a holy, a spiritual worship, therefore, is such as he seeks the offering of the soul rather than the formal offering of the body - the homage of the heart rather than that of the lips." Yes, the Lord desires spiritual worship, but remember He also wants our worship to be done in truth.

Not all worship is equal or acceptable. For example, consider the Lord’s words from Matthew 15:8-9, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”

Where in the pages of our New testaments are we ever given any indication that worship to God was in any way a form of entertainment? I can’t find it.

So much of what is called worship today is carnal (earthly) in nature, and quite often in an effort to justify their actions the Old Testament will be appealed to as authority for these religious practices. But, the Old Law was nailed to the cross (cf. Colossians 2:13-14). It is no longer binding and as such cannot rightly be used as justification for things like instrumental music, incense, hand clapping, etc…

Now, having said all this, what about us? What about our worship practices? Are we worshiping in spirit and in truth? Are we following Jesus the way we should? It is easy to point the finger at what we perceive to be religious errors that we see around us, but let’s be sure that we are careful to make sure our walk with the Lord is what it should be as well.

John

Overcoming Anxiety

2008-08-05T11:15:00.002-04:00

For a change of pace I am sharing with you an article I wrote for our bulletin this past week. I hope you find it edifying.

All the very best of the day,

John Maddocks

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In Philippians 4:4-7 we read:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Paul’s Spirit inspired words to the Philippians are not difficult to understand. “Rejoice always” and “be anxious for nothing” are simple concepts that we all can understand. But how many of us live by these God given rules?

To be sure, we all face trials, challenges and temptations in our day to day lives. These can, and often do, lead to built up stress, and for many, this stress can become quite overwhelming. This is what can happen, but given the title of our article, the question must be asked, is this something that should happen to a Christian?

Continuing our reading in Philippians 4:11-13 Paul continues,

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Paul learned contentment. Have you? Have I?

As I mentioned earlier, life can become very stressful and if we allow it, that stress can overwhelm us. But, if we become consumed with our problems and stressed out about life and it’s struggles what are we saying about the Lord’s command to rejoice always? We are conveying the idea that life’s circumstances are more important that God’s command to rejoice. In other words we are, whether we are aware of it or not, saying that we have a right to disobey God because our problems are just too great.

Do we believe that God is not big enough and powerful enough to take care of what is happening in our lives? This is what worry implies.

Stress implies that the things that we are involved in are so important that they merit our impatience, our lack of kindness and gentleness to others, and our tight grip on control.

Basically these two behaviours are telling the world (and fortifying in our own minds) that it’s okay to sin and to not trust God because somehow our circumstances are exceptional. Pretty arrogant thinking, isn’t it?

Let me refer you back to our first reading. Paul said, “in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God”. These words immediately followed the command to “be anxious for nothing”. Here then is how we are to react to the stress causing problems of life. Don’t worry about them, pray about them. We are then promised that God will guard our hearts and minds with His peace. Now, understand brethren, this is not a suggestion from the Apostle Paul to these Christians in Philippi. This is a command that they were to follow without failing.

For too long we have listened to the great deceiver who has told all the generations past and up until this present time the same lie, “They’re your problems and you need to deal with them.” If a person gets “stressed out” they are told to relax, or perhaps they are encouraged to seek out professional (psychiatric) help, or they are advised to take a vacation. But how often is the advice, “take it to God” given? How are we ever going to learn contentment if the last one we listen to is God?

God promises us that if we will, in faith, take our cares and concerns to Him and leave them with Him, that we will have the peace of God that surpasses ALL understanding. Are you enjoying this peace? If not, why not?

I want you to think about the impact you have on those around you. When they see you stressing out and losing your cool what message are you giving them? Imagine the impact you will have if you can keep your cool and not lose your composure. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, Paul writes,

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Are we glorifying God when we are overcome by anxiety and worry? Do we glorify God’s name when we stress out and vent our frustration in front of others (or even if we are all alone)?

Let me close this article with three passages that I hope will give you more to contemplate on this topic.

“Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.” (Matthew 13:22)

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:1-4)

"Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” (Daniel 3:16-18)

John

Luis A. Barros July Report on the Work in Venezuela

2008-08-04T06:31:00.000-04:00

“And he said unto them, Go ye into the entire world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15)

Greetings, my beloved brethren. I pray that our Lord is blessing your life.

The Lord’s work in Maracay (Evangelism):

About this work in Maracay, we have received several requests for our Bible Course and Brother Jose, Leonardo and I are working together with the new contacts. Some of them are studying with Jose and Leonardo. We pray and hope they keep this good attitude for the Lord’s Word.

The Lord’s work in Maracay (Edification):

I was preaching the Word of God in Maracay with the church this past month. I was teaching “But seek yet first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness” also, I was teaching the theme “Primitive church”, where we need to understand that we are the “Family of God”. I will continue preaching here this next month.

Lord’s work in San Juan (Evangelism):

The work in this city is going well. Even though the people are so idolatrous and liberal, we are preaching the Gospel in several places. We are studying with two contacts, their names are, Marcos and Evelys. They were coming from a Liberal Evangelical church. Now we have a Bible class in their home every Thursday. Also, they have been visiting us in our assemblies. I still continue my work with the radio. I have been working for 3 months with the radio program preaching the Gospel of Jesus. I hope and pray this work gives its fruits. Also, I have been giving out flyers and tracts about the Gospel and the church around the city.

The Lord’s work in San Juan (Edification):

About this work, I have been teaching “But seek yet first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness”; “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ”; “Be not faithless”; and I have been teaching every Friday about “The primitive church”. Also, I want to let you know that, my wife and I will be teaching the sound doctrine with the members of the church in their homes. Please, keep us in your prayers.

Work in others cities around Venezuela:

I went to preach the Word of God with East church of Christ in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. I preached there the theme “Sound Doctrine for the church”. We had a very good time with the brethren in Caracas. This local church is growing in faith and number in this big city.

Good News:

Do you remember our friend Ana? She is the wife of our brother Alonzo. They live in Maracay, and they were studying the Bible with me for 1 year and half. Well, let me tell you that Ana decided to be baptized into Christ for the remission of her sins, and she asked to me if I would baptizer her, and I told her, Yes. So, I went to Maracay and I baptized her into Christ.

Brethren, I will make a trip to Cuba to visit several brethren in that country. My work in that country will be to teach the Sound Doctrine, preach the Word of God, and encourage the brethren to be faithful to the Lord and His Holy Word. Please, I ask your prayers about this trip. I will let you know more when I return from Cuba. I will be traveling in 8 of August, and return in 22. Lord Willing.

Thank you so much for your love and sincere concern. Without your help I could not make possible this work.

Please check my web site to be informed.

thegospelinvenezuela.blogspot.com

We love you in Christ,

Luis, Susy and Ana Barros
barrosidc@yahoo.com

Preaching the Good News in Norwalk, Ohio: July 2008

2008-08-01T15:31:00.002-04:00

Brethren,

Greetings.

Peace, mercy, and grace be with you all from God our Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ.

July went rather quickly. The time of many endeavors is upon us, and we
pray that all will go well here, as we pray that all is well with you.

------------------------------------------------

Working with the Brethren

Association remains strong among the strong members of the congregation.
There is much conversation before and after the assemblies, and the brethren
find many opportunities to spend time together.

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Lessons, Classes, and Studies

When in Norwalk this month, lessons focused on sacrifice and being good
stewards. We continue to examine various sins in the Bible in the evening
lessons, this time on carousing. As always, the lessons are available in
outline and mp3 forms at norwalkchurch.org.

The adult class is being led in a study of personal evangelism, and I
continue to work with the 4th through 6th grade class on Bible basics.

------------------------------------------------

Evangelism

The majority of our evangelism focus is toward the booth at the fair and the
fall lectureship that follows soon afterward. We intend to hand out many of
the same brochures as before, but are also adding Bible stories for children
and a Powerpoint presentation on the church in Norwalk and a Gospel message
regarding life's big questions.

------------------------------------------------

Vacation and Surgery

Much of my time in July was spent on vacation, during which I preached for
the church in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Rochelle, IL, and Elgin, IL. We enjoyed
our time with brethren from different congregations, and it represented a
much needed time to relax.

I also underwent voluntary outpatient surgery toward the end of July, and
have recovered. We're ready to get to work in August and September.

------------------------------------------------

Support

I would like to thank all of you for your participation in the work here in
Norwalk, either through your prayers or through encouraging me or through
financial support. I would like to solicit your continual prayers so that
the work here may prosper.

If you ever have any questions or comments about the work here in Norwalk,
please feel free to contact me at evangelist@norwalkchurch.org or at (419)
541-6254.

May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirits.

Ethan R. Longhenry

Ethan R. Longhenry / deusvitae@hotmail.com
Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org]
Homepage: http://www.deusvitae.com

The Lord’s Work in the Czech Republic - Steven Baxley's Final Report

2008-07-23T07:19:00.000-04:00

Steven and Ivana Baxley
1212 Brandon Ct.
Irving, Texas 75060

cell phone (U.S.): (214) 212-0888
e-mail: sdbaxley@yahoo.com
SKYPE: steven_baxley
blog: pleonast.com/sdbaxley

Final Report
22 July 2008

Dear Brethren,

We hope that this finds all of you doing well. Our time here in the Czech Republic is rapidly drawing to a close. We leave for Prague on July 30, and then for the U.S. on July 31. Please note the updated contact information in the header of this report.

This is the last report of my full-time work here in the Czech Republic. Sixteen years ago when I came here, I had no idea that I would stay this long. I have spent longer in this country than in any given place in my life before coming here.

Of course, this country has been Ivana’s home for all of her life, and it is the only home that our children have ever known as “home”, even though they have visited the U.S. many times. For them, moving to the U.S. will be a completely different experience than it will be for me.

The Christians in Litomyšl, with whom we have worked since the beginning of that congregation in 1994, are now prepared as much as is possible for the challenges that lay before them in the Kingdom. They are very near and dear to our hearts. We have watched their children grow, and they have watched ours do the same. More importantly, we have watched them grow in the Lord, and I hope that our small part in that will continue to bring fruit for the Lord’s Church here for many years to come.

But, the time has come for us to move on.

We have been invited to work with the North Beach Street congregation in Fort Worth, Texas. I had the pleasure of meeting with the church there on June 22 while in the U.S. We have accepted the elders’ invitation, and we should begin our work with them on August 3. The elders there not only have agreed to let me make annual trips back to preach in the Czech Republic, but in fact are encouraging me to do so.

We hope to buy a house in Fort Worth as soon as possible, but until that time, my parents’ address will still be good for reaching us (that address is also in the header above). My cell phone in the U.S. is (214) 212-0888. This number will work from August 1.

THANK YOU

We could not finish this report without thanking all of you for the support that you have given us over the years in this work. Some of that support has been financial, but we also know that many prayers have been offered up to the Father not only for us, but also for the Christians here. We have received many letters, cards, and e-mails offering encouragment as we have sought to teach others about the Gospel. I don’t think you can ever know how much all of that has meant to us.

For all of these things, we say THANK YOU!

AUGUST SUPPORT

Since we will be starting immediately in the work in Fort Worth, we will not be needing any outside support in August. Some of you may have already sent support checks for August, and if so, we will be returning those to you by mail. Also, thank you for the support that we have received for moving expenses. We received $10,200 of the $12,000 we were seeking, and at this point in time, we have decided not to try to raise the $1,800 difference.

Finally, brethren, may God continue to keep you safe and bless you in your labors on His behalf. If you are ever in Fort Worth, please drop in and visit with the saints at North Beach (northbeachchurchofchrist.com).

Yours in Christ,
Steven & Ivana

Gert-Jan van Zanten - Report on the work in the Netherlands

2008-07-21T15:57:00.000-04:00

April, May and June 2008

Greetings here from the Netherlands.

As I am preparing this report we are mid-summer. It is a beautiful time. We had quite a bit of rain this spring and summer, as is usual in the Netherlands for this time of the year.
Everything is in full bloom. Everything just looks so beautiful and fully colored. In my backyard I have two grapevines, they are truly beautiful the small grapes are getting bigger and bigger. My report is a little later then usual. The last couple of weeks have been really busy.

Thanks to them who faithfully support me and my work here in the Netherlands. It is much appreciated and an encouragement to have faithful supporters. Much thanks to you.

1. The church in Turnhout.

The church in Turnhout is doing well. In my last report I wrote that Kathleen was dealing with some personal problems. We have tried to help her as much as we could but the pull of the world has been to much for her. We are saddened to see all of these things happening. We are living in difficult times, especially for young Christians.

As a group we always try to organize get-togethers so that we truly stay together, however what Christ was talking about in Matthew 13 are things that are still happening today. Especially in places where churches are few and small. Christians are sometimes pulled away from Christ by the lust of the flesh, materialism and the cares of the world.

In December we had to withdraw from Samson and Amma. They have been going through turbulent times with their live and their marriage. We are glad that there marriage did not end in a divorce, we have prayed heavily for them and prayers were answered. As of two weeks ago there we have had some talks with Amma who truly wants to return to her commitment to God.

New song book
Silvy is preparing us a new song-book. Over the years we have used several song-books, Silvy had now selected the ones that we use most often, made it into a nice new song-book. We are blessed with Silvy and the talents that she has in service to the church.

In our mid week studies we are finishing the book that I have translated into Dutch “The path of peace””. Next week we will be in our last chapter.

2. The church in Rotterdam.

This new group is doing really well. Both Wes and Titia are courages and beautiful Christians. They are committed and they love the Lord and His cause.

Postcards and other material has been printed for evangelism in this city of 600.000 On Thursday-afternoons, before the Bible study we are found on the streets of Rotterdam, we knock on doors and try to find those that are interested in the good news of salvation.

In our mid week study we study the book of Matthew.

3. Studies in Genk.

The studies in Genk are going well. Peter is teaching this class. Much growth come from these studies, usually they have Peter mom and Raf's mom visiting these classes. Arrangements are made in Genk to evangelize at the local market and on the streets.

Peter and his family, Raf and Dirk will also be going to the Prague lectures. Sewell Hall and Paul Earnhart will be teaching there this year.

I will not be able to go, this because of my secular job. My direct manager lost a little girl a few months ago, he has been working half days for the last couple of weeks again and he has three weeks off planned in August.

4. Preaching for several congregations.

I continue to preach for one other congregation on a monthly basis. In the Eindhoven Church of Christ I do a study in the book of Galatians and I speak for them in the worship service. Eindhoven is a group of about 50 Christians.

Then I speak for two other groups on a bi-monthly basis. These groups are in Soesterberg, the Netherlands and Brugge, Belgium. Both these groups number about 15- 20.

5. Studies with Ruth and Serena.

These studies were put on a hold. Ruth went back to China and Serena needed some time to understand what is required of her.

6. Our websites.

Both Peter and I own a website.
-Peters website is: www.gemeentevanchristus.be
-My website is: www.webbijbel.nl

Recently my web-site got a new look and lay-out. Have a look at it. We continue to send out about 2-3 free Bibles each week and about 1 correspondence course every month. Several personal studies have come from sending out these free Bibles.

7. A visit from Francis from Uganda.

If all goes according to plan, and the Lord wills, Francis Okech will be visiting me in August. I had the chance to be with him, to witness the work that he is doing there in March and to work with the churches there. I hope to return next year again.
Francis will come for about two weeks, he will be speaking for us.

8. Some personal studies.

Over the last half year I have had extensive e-mail contact and one personal study with a young father. He is very interested in the true Gospel. In our studies we have covered several aspects of the Bible in relation to salvation. He understands all these things and is in agreement. However, his wife is not in favor of what he is doing so he is going through counting the cost. We continue to encourage him to serve Him who is greater then men.
As I have seen many times in recent years, many of the contacts that we have are slow. At this point I am still in contact with two people that are interested that I have been in contact with for more then two years. We keep on planting and to water what has been sown and let God give the increase.

Greetings,

Gert-Jan van Zanten
curee@zeelandnet.nl
The Netherlands
In Him and for Him alone

Steve Buys May/June South Africa Report

2008-07-20T07:24:00.000-04:00

Dear Brethren,

There is an old saying, that a thousand mile journey starts with the first step. The first steps have been taken – but the road ahead is long and daunting.

As you know we have started a congregation that meets in our home.

Things are going slowly – not that I am not busy preparing lessons, but trying to grow the congregation from the three families is so difficult. I have been continuing with advertizing in a local flyer and have had a few responses with queries. I have sent out hardcopies of a correspondence course, as well as using the e-mail system.

It seems as though people do not want to accept baptism into Christ as the only method by which they can rekindle their relationship with God. The one response that showed the most promise ceased all communication after I explained to her that a deathbed conversion without baptism for the remission of sins will not ensure salvation, and that person will be lost.

I can sympathize with people who have lost loved ones before hearing the gospel, and the only comfort I can give them is recorded in the book of Revelation

Revelation 21:3-4 (NKJV)

3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

This highlights the importance of spreading the gospel to our friends and families while we have the time. Both Wendy and myself were not brought up Christian households and so we have many family members who are not Christians. Unfortunately, they are not interested in hearing the gospel.

One of our sisters had an operation and was off their feet for six weeks, but she is back at worship.

I am placing an advert in the community newspaper, as well as continuing with the Flyers.

The new wording for the advert is:

Jesus died for you

Learn To Live For Him

The Church of Christ in Horison Park invites you to come and study God’s Word and worship God in spirit and truth.

We are nondenominational, using only the Bible as our creed.

www.churchChrist.co.za

evangelist@churchChrist.co.za

Steve 082 413 1173

I would appreciate any suggestions on how to effectively spread the gospel within the community.

You will notice that the congregation now has a website, I am trying to learn HTML to make website to look more professional. You can expect many changes in the next few weeks.

I wish I had more positive news to report, but Lord willing we can reach more people.

In other news, for the first three weeks of June I preached at the Church in Nylstroom while Les and Linda Maydell were in Namibia. Even though I no longer make preaching trips like Les and Linda, I am happy to assist in the small matter.

On a personal note, we have been having some serious behavioral problems with John – again. Wendy and I are at wits end and do not know what to do any longer. We are having sessions with Child Welfare and the psychologist John saw before.

Both the psychologist, and the child welfare social worker have determined that there is no familial relationship developed in the last two years that John has been staying in our care.

The law regarding foster care here in South Africa, is that the foster care placements must be reviewed every two years.

We will let you know what happens from here. Please pray for us at this time, John is also a young Christian and we are very worried about his continued spiritual health.

I’ll ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers.

In Christ’s service

Steve and Wendy Buys
sbuys@telkomsa.net

Guatemala Report - David Raif

2008-06-26T08:32:00.001-04:00

The Work
Greetings from the Raif family from Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. God blessed us with an opportunity to be with the brethren in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, México and to visit with the Reaves, an American family who has been living, working, and learning in Mexico for about a year and a half. The brethren were wonderful, hospitable, and uplifting, and we especially enjoyed sharing with our paisanos who have been working in similar circumstances. It was also good to spend time with Brother Urbano from Guatemoc who accompanied us on the trip - a very good man and a hard worker.

In my last letter, I asked for your prayers that I might be able to work past the obstacles of my Spanish and take the opportunities I see. It is amazing what God will accomplish through fervent prayers and a willing spirit. In the last two weeks, I pushed past my reservations and have been amazed what opportunities present themselves.

I had an encouraging study with César and his family who live next door. César believes in God, but has steered away from "organized religion." We took a trip through the story of the Bible and they seemed very interested. They traveled to the capital last week, but I'm hoping to study again upon their return.

Jerónimo and I visited with Juan José, a son of a Christian here. He was recently released from prison and is struggling to readjust to a life of freedom. We went to talk to him about spiritual things and ended up studying the Bible for a couple hours. He has invited us back to study a couple times since then.

Related to the building project, Benito offered to make a door for our meeting place. We used my car to haul wood from a town called Paqué, some 30 minutes away. Benito has developed a relationship with a fellow carpenter there named Juan Luis and knew he would have dry wood (It is difficult to find dry wood during the Guatemalan rainy season). While choosing lumber, we had time to talk about the Bible. He seemed very surprised and impressed by the idea of simple Christianity and hopes to have more time to study in the future.

Carlos is another contact I made through Benito's help. Frequently, I stop by Benito's house to talk with the family. Carlos is typically there working with one of the large looms, making material for Guatemala's traditional dress. Carlos overheard Benito and me talking about the Bible one time and has asked to study this week.

Do continue to keep the work here in mind. I am grateful of course for the financial support that many of you send, but I crave even more your prayers and your encouragement.

A Little Encouragement
Everybody's attention was glued to Jorge. Fernando, Jeb, and I sat with open Bibles as we shared the gospel with a family in Las Rosas, Chiapas, México. However, Jorge was not seated. He paced back and forth, speaking rapidly, his eyes lit with excitement and love. Members of the family nodded their heads in agreement as he explained some of the differences between Catholic doctrine and Bible teaching. The family was left encouraged by the study; I left greatly encouraged by Jorge.

Jorge himself grew up in a Catholic family of fifteen in Las Rosas. He was very active religiously and was even named a neighborhood catholic leader of some sort. But when he came in to contact with Christians in San Cristobal, his path changed, and ever since, he has been on fire for the way of Christ. He recently returned to start a new work in Las Rosas. In the last several months, about 20 people have chosen to follow Jesus Christ through his influence.

He is not a "preacher". Jorge works a full time job as a custodian for a school and gives his free time to his family and the work of the Lord. He recently began accepting some financial help to pay for his frequent trips to teach and encourage, but money is not the reason he works so hard. While driving back from our studies, he told me he lives each day thinking of Paul's statement in Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." He understands that as a Christian, he belongs to Christ.

Jeb said the brethren there call him "Hermano Corazón" (Brother Heart) for the excitement and love he shares with others. He frequently tells his brethren, "Con Dios, puedes hacerlo" (With God, you can do it).

Jorge is a Christian. He is your brother in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, México.

A Personal Note
Amy and I enjoyed our sixth wedding anniversary - amazing that we are celebrating it here in Guatemala. I think Amy puts it best in one of her notes: "About this time 6 years ago, I married a man who figured he'd probably never need a passport. These plans for the next few days are not at all how I (or he) imagined we'd be spending our anniversary 6 years down the road. I'm loving it."

We gave a bitter-sweet goodbye to Fariñas. We became good friends on our trip to Nicaragua and our families visited fairly often. However, he and his family received a visa from Mexico to work with brethren in the capital. We are glad they have this opportunity, but are sorely missing them here.

Marcos Roblero, the 20 year old son of Urbano Roblero, took a bus from from Guatemoc, Chiapas, Mexico to visit us this last weekend. I was privileged to hear him speak to the brethren here about putting our attention on the things of God. He does a very good job.

We are starting to make plans to come back to the United States in December/January to visit family and brethren. It will be a packed quick trip so we can't see everybody we would like to, but we hope to see many of you then. Until that moment, may God bless you in your work for him in your part of the world.

Vaya con Dios,
(Go with God)
David Raif

You can view this report with pictures here: Report with pictures

Preaching the Good News in Norwalk, Ohio: April 2008

2008-05-05T07:47:00.000-04:00

Brethren,

Greetings.

Peace, mercy, and grace be with you all from God our Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ.

Spring is in full swing, and we've enjoyed a great month of association. The work here is quite vibrant. We hope that all is well with all of you.

Working with the Brethren

April was a fantastic month for association with brethren; events surrounding the spring lectureship and during the lectureship provided plenty of opportunity for brethren to work together and spend time together. The month proved to be very beneficial.

Mark (the preacher for the lectureship, as explained below) and I were able to visit many brethren during the lectureship and tried to strengthen them.

Some of the brethren are suffering challenges in their marital relationships. One couple came forward to recommit themselves to the Lord, to the brethren, and especially to each other; we will begin going through a series on love and respect in a marriage relationship to help them work through some of their difficulties. Unfortunately, another couple as of now has separated, and there is apparent immorality involved. We seek your prayers for that situation, especially since young children are in the middle of it.

One of our younger ladies also came forward for encouragement and guidance to help her boyfriend understand the need to be right with the Lord, and we intend to do all that we can to assist in that situation.

Despite some setbacks and challenges, the brethren remain strong and committed to the Lord, to each other, and to the promotion of the Kingdom.

Lessons and Classes

Beyond our lectureship (which will be discussed below), morning lessons focused on the difficulty of a lack of knowledge of God and the need we have as individuals to assist the poor. We have begun an examination into sin in the evening lessons, discussing what sin is, its consequences, and sexual immorality. The lessons, as always, are available in outline and mp3 form at norwalkchurch.org.

The adult class is being led in a study of personal evangelism, and the class on the Gospel with the 4th through 6th graders is progressing well.

There was no monthly study in April on account of the preparations for the lectureship. We may not have another one until the fall.

The ladies' Bible classes have continued, and the women are working together to find ways of improving their service to the brethren. It is quite encouraging!

Evangelism

Our evangelistic efforts in April focused mostly on the spring lectureship. We spent two Saturdays in advance of the lectureship knocking on doors, and between the two days we knocked on over 450 doors.

The lectureship went well and exceeded our expectations. Mark Hatfield, who was born in Norwalk but now works with the church in Chillicothe, Ohio, came and presented lessons on his work in Chillicothe, on teaching in the home and in the church, a presentation of the big picture of the Bible, and the five lessons of the lectureship: what God has to say about security, finances, the environment, immigration, and family values. Member attendance was quite strong, and we were very pleased to have eleven community visitors with us during the lectureship. One of these visitors came on account of our door-knocking activities, and Mark and I were able to have a study with her during the lectureship week. Souls were greatly strengthened, and we were
quite happy with the format of and response to the lectureship.

The Bible Correspondence Course work continues. We were blessed to receive our first request from the posters we have placed in various public areas, and we hope to continue to expand the program.

We will continue to knock on doors monthly through the summer, to expand the Bible Correspondence Course, and to prepare for both the county fair in August and the fall lectureship in September.

Support

I would like to thank all of you for your participation in the work here in Norwalk, either through your prayers or through encouraging me or through financial support. I would like to solicit your continual prayers so that the work here may prosper.

May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirits.

ELDV

Ethan R. Longhenry / deusvitae@hotmail.com
Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org]
Homepage: deusvitae.com
AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056
Y! IM: discipuliiesus

The Williamses In South Africa - April 2008

2008-05-04T05:07:00.002-04:00

Paul and Helen Spreading the Gospel in Zululand
P.O. Box 324, Eshowe, 3815 South Africa.
E-mail: bible@netactive.co.za
1 May 2008

News for the month of April

Deaths have been frequent

Sis. Ursula Cass, the older sister of Basil Cass, died April 6 in Pinetown near Durban. She was living with Sis. Gloria Cass, Basil’s widow. She was 78.

The 9-yr-old brother of the recently-baptized 13-yr-old, Philani Mbuyazi, died, possibly of Aids. His funeral was held at the home on April 5.

The mother of Bro. Thembinkosi Apleni, who is the faithful gospel preacher in King William’s Town, Eastern Cape, died April 15.

And a particularly tragic case occurred in Eshowe. Our dentist, Dr. Andrews, was murdered by one of three men during a robbery at his home on Friday night, April 25. (The three have been arrested, plus 8 others in the same gang. The alleged murderer is the one who killed our foster son’s older brother about two years ago. He spent only two years in jail for that murder!)

Home classes

I was able to have a number of classes with 13 ½ yr. old Philani Mbuyazi. He is a very willing learner, though not quick. He needs all the strengthening possible because of his home situation.
Helen and I had two classes in the home of Bro. Eric Radebe and his wife, Zini. She is attending most of the services of the church and we have high hopes for her conversion.

Miss Phindile Thembu, about 23, is coming to our house each Friday night where I am teaching her the gospel. She is rather shy to ask questions, but she is understanding well, I think. She will be taught by Sis. Agnes Gumede after we leave for America.
I continue to teach a two-hour class every other Monday to preachers who travel from Richards Bay (50 miles east) and Nkandla (50 miles west).

Eshowe church

Sunday morning attendance varies from the high 40’s to the high 60’s, with about 35 coming on Sunday nights and Wednesday nights. We continue to have repeat visitors who may be close to
obedience.

The church finances are in the red. The high inflation rate plus increasing interest rates have put a lot of pressure on people, and the result is that our contributions are not as high as they were. Brethren are trying to put their financial houses in order so as to increase their contributions, and I am hoping that American churches will take on the support of the two preachers the Eshowe church is now supporting.

I taught three song-leading classes to the men on Wednesday nights. The instruction was received with eagerness, and already we can see improvement in our song leaders.

Mzwandile Gazu and Joel Williams have been doing the preaching on Sunday evenings. I have certainly enjoyed their profitable sermons.

Nkanyiso Nkwanyana, 21, went to Cape Town hoping to find a job as a driver. We will miss his faithful presence and willing help. He recently matriculated (graduated) with a university pass, but
since his father died last month and he has no money, he cannot go to university at this time.

America, Here we Come!

Lord willing, Helen and I will arrive in Atlanta, Georgia on Tuesday, May 6th after a 20+ hr. flight from Johannesburg. Our son David, and his son Nathan, are to meet us and drive us to Huntsville, Alabama. On Friday we hope to be present at the wedding of our granddaughter, Anna, in Huntsville.

This will be the great beginning of what we hope will be a great three-month trip. We are looking forward to seeing many of you.

Pray for us.

Stephen Buys - South Africa Report - April 2008

2008-05-02T07:01:00.000-04:00

Dear Brethren,

They say the only constant in life is change. Looking at these words I can’t but help think about the world that we live in and the constant changes that happen every day. However no matter have this crazy mixed up world changes around us, we at least have the knowledge that God’s love and His word never changes. Yes, some times we need to reevaluate our understanding and application of His word – we must be constantly striving to change ourselves to conform to His perfect pattern - but God never changes.

Since my last update our lives have been in a state of change and re-evaluation. In my February report I stated I had cancelled the opportunity to speak at a gospel meeting – well God had plans, and I was given the opportunity to speak at a meeting in Kroonstad instead. Unfortunately it was too late to book accommodation, so we only went for the day. Traveling to Kroonstad (about 125 miles away) the weather was miserable, but the warmth and love we were received with, more than made up. There were about 200 people there on the Saturday, eager to learn more about God’s word. The first lesson that we heard, felt as though it was written just for me – it was on God’s authority and the Church. It was so encouraging to hear words that just strengthened our resolve to hold to the truth. I delivered two lessons, one on angels for the entire assembly and then a session for the young men, on how to find a good wife. Wendy had the opportunity to speak to the young ladies on how to remain pure. It was very encouraging and uplifting to be with Christians who are striving to do the will of God – and even more important to learn and study the scriptures.

We have been worshiping with the Church of Christ in Nylstroom for this period of transition. I preached there for 4 weeks while Les Maydell was away on other preaching trips. We always enjoy meeting with them and sharing our love for the Lord. However this was not a long term solution, (Nylstroom is 125 miles away).

After much thought and prayers we have decided to start a new congregation that meets in our home – the Church of Christ in Horison Park. So we held our first worship service on Sunday 26 April. Currently the congregation consists of three families, myself, Wendy, John and Corno and, out of the blue, one of the members of Little Falls phoned this week about placing membership with us – Wendy took the call. I have known her for many years and know she is going through a particularly rough time at the moment that has affected her spiritually. Linda and her daughter will be attending with us from Sunday.

We are holding mid-week bible studies and are currently busy with the book of Colossians. I know Wendy misses not giving a class, but Lord willing this will be for a short time.

Another positive, my next door neighbour and his family have finally agreed to hold a bible study with us on a Thursday evening. They attend a denominational church. We have had two sessions so far and they have indicated they wish to continue the study, as soon as he gets back from leave.

I have sent out 10,000 fliers advertising bible correspondence courses in the community surrounding our home, unfortunately I have had very poor response so far. I will continue to do this for the next few months. It is my prayer that the Lord will allow these seeds to take root.

Regarding my health, everything seems to be back to normal. I have even had one or two spells of low blood pressure – which is good.

Please continue to keep us and the church in your prayers.

In Christian Love,

Steve and Wendy Buys

Count Your Many Blessings

2008-04-30T15:36:00.001-04:00

Those of us who live in the "West" so often have a limited understanding of what it is like in the rest of the world. Pray for enlightenment brethren!

Girl thrown on fire for being 'low class'

(CNN) -- A man, incensed that a six-year-old girl chose to walk through a path reserved for upper caste villagers, pushed her into burning embers, police in north India said Wednesday. She was seriously burned.

The girl is a Dalit, or an "untouchable," according to India's traditional caste system.

India's constitution outlaws caste-based discrimination, and barriers have broken down in large cities. Prejudice, however, persists in some rural areas of the country.

The girl was walking with her mother down a path in the city of Mathura when she was accosted by a man in his late teens, said police superintendent R.K. Chaturvedi.

"He scolded them both and pushed her," Chaturvedi said. The girl fell about three to four feet into pile of burning embers by the side of the road.

The girl remained in critical condition Wednesday.

The man confessed to the crime and was charged with attempted murder, Chaturvedi said.

The assault took place in India's Uttar Pradesh state, about 150 km (93 miles) south of Delhi. The state is governed by Mayawati, a woman who goes by one name and is India's most powerful Dalit politician.

Her Bahujan Samaj Party seeks to get more political representation for Dalits, who are considered so low in the social order that they don't even rank among the four classes that make up the caste system.

Hindus believe there are five main groups of people, four of which sprang from the body of the first man.

The Brahmin class comes from the mouth. They are the priests and holy men, the most elevated of the castes.

Next is the Ksatriyas, the kings, warriors and soldiers created from the arms.

The Vaisyas come from the thighs. They are the merchants and traders of society.

And the Sudras, or laborers, come from the feet.

The last group is the Dalits, or the 'untouchables.' They're considered too impure to have come from the primordial being. Untouchables are often forced to work in menial jobs. They drink from separate wells. They use different entry ways, coming and going from buildings.

They number about 250 million in India, about 25 percent of the population, according to the Colorado, U.S.-based Dalit Freedom Network.

"Dalits are seen to pollute higher caste people if they come in touch with them, hence the 'untouchables,'" the group says on its Web site. "If a higher caste Hindu is touched by, or even had a Dalit's shadow fall across them, they consider themselves to be polluted and have to go through a rigorous series of rituals to be cleansed."

Recent weeks has seen a rise in violence against Dalits in Uttar Pradesh, CNN's sister network, CNN-IBN, reported Wednesday.

David Raif in Guatemala

2008-04-23T12:07:00.000-04:00

If you have not so, please check our brother David Raif's website, www.serdecristo.com.

There is inspiring reading at David's site on the work in Guatemala!

Isn't it great to be better informed about the work going on around the world!

Report From David Tant

2008-04-19T10:14:00.001-04:00

John,

Greetings from Barangay 32-B, La Paz, 2900 Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. We are still alive and well, but a bit hot and tired after a full day.

Following is some of the report I have sent home to the church at Roswell.

Since the Pascual's elderly van was in the shop, we travelled by Jeepney to our distant location this morning, leaving at 7:15 (returned at 6:30)There were 18 of us in the vehicle. Thankfully there was some air coming through the openings all along the sides. It's really not too bad. (This is the family we are currently staying with--our fourth family)

The day saw us in two locations for four lessons--three by me and one by Flora. Five were baptized, bringing the total to 72 at this date. So far we have spoken to audiences totaling over 4,000.

Yesterday was unusual, as Mario Campanano had arranged for me to speak in the Municipal Auditorium of the Provincial Capitol building. He had assembled a group of young people that belong to a service organization. In all, we had about 80 there. I had two lessons, a lunch break, another lesson, and then a lengthy question and answer session. What a great opportunity to spread the Word.

Flora made one detour to go to an opthamologist for an eye infection. She caught it before it got too bad. It probably comes from all the dust we encounter on many roads that clogged up the pores in the eyelids.

We finally had rain Thursday. The first rain they have had since November. We were in a thatched roof shelter for the preaching and it started leaking pretty badly. The closing prayer was very unusual--VERY SHORT. We got pretty well drenched trying to get to the van. Then we had supper with that local preacher and his family--mom and dad and 13 children plus a son-in-law and a grandchild. The preacher is also a policeman, but struggles to support his family.

To date they have had me delivering 67 lessons in 36 locations. 72 have been baptized, and the total attendance has been over 4,000. It is a humbling experience, and TIRING, and HOT.

We first spent a week in Malaysia, and by the time we leave here, will have spent four weeks in the Philippines.

David and Flora

jdtant3@simplychristians.org

Report on the work in the Netherlands - Gert-Jan van Zanten

2008-04-18T07:26:00.001-04:00

Report on the work in the Netherlands
January, February and March 2008

Greetings from the Netherlands.

As I am preparing this report we are entering Spring time. What a beautiful time this is. The flowers are blooming, the trees are starting to show their new leaves and the plants are budding. Such a token of God’s goodness and His care for us. He is good, many times we do need to understand this and it is good to be remembered of this. Many times in life, we look at what we do not have. Having been in Uganda I need to say that we are so rich. Is it good that we are rich? Well, unfortunately many use their riches in wrong ways and it becomes a curse, if we use them right and well it will be a blessing.

1. Conversions

In the month of March we had two conversions. Wes and Titia are both in their mid sixties. Titia was married before, her husband died and she got married to Wes. Wes had never been married before. Titia has six children, five of them with families of their own.

Wes and Titia have both been in the Pentecostal movement for the last 20 years. For the last year they became more and more dissatisfied with the teachings and everything that was happening. They contacted us through our website and asked us to call them. We called them, we had about five study-sessions with them. In the last two sessions the re-birth came up and we were able to ask some to the point questions. After considerable study on their own they made it known that they desired to be baptized. They had been baptized in the Pentecostal movement but came to understand that it was not according to the New Testament pattern. This was on March the 12th.

Peter, Dirk, Titia and Wes

Since then they have been worshiping in their own home. As of this week we also are starting a weekly study with them. Our study will be in Matthew. They live in Rotterdam.

Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands. (600.000) Rotterdam has the largest harbour in Europe and third largest in the world.

Our intention is to start evangelism soon in this large city where now a new group is meeting.

2. The church in Turnhout

Things are well and peacefull in Turnhout. Nothing has really changed for us, besides that we have Praveen worshipping with us. Praveen is a young man from India who is on a co-op program with his company in Belgium. He lives near Brussels. Praveen is a talented young man and we are happy to have him with us.

Kathleen, who was baptized last year has been having some real problems. She is going through some deep personal problems. The world is pulling at her. We have been helping her as much as we can.

In the midweek-studies we are almost done through our work-book that I have translated by the title: “The path of peace”. We are currently in chapter 11. We have two more chapters to go.

3. Studies in Genk

In late November Peter started with by-weekly studies in Genk. Since Peter and his family and both Dirk and Raf are all from Genk we decided that it was a good time to start a study-group in this city as well. We meet there every other Tuesday and so far it has gone really well. Both Dirk and Raf have a lot of family and friends that they invite and a number of them have come already. Raf's mother has been coming out frequently and is showing much interest in the pure gospel. She shared with the group that Raf has been changed so much and that these things are a real trigger for her to seek out what he was seeking and has found.. Raf is a really good man, putting forth much effort to seek the good things of God. We love him. Also Peter and Silvy have been in contact with some of their friends and some of them have come out as well. We pray that through these contacts that group there will grow and that in time a new church can be formed in that city. Peter is leading this study and they are looking at the book of Mark.

4. Preaching for Several Congregations

I continue to preach for one other congregation on a monthly basis. In this group (Eindhoven, the Netherlands) I do a study in the book of Galatians and I speak for them in the worship-service. Eindhoven is a group of about 50 Christians

Then I speak for two other groups on a bi-monthly basis. These groups are Soesterberg, the Netherlands and Brugge, in Belgium. Both these groups number about 15-20.

5. Studies with Ruth and Serena

Studies with Ruth and Serena are put on hold since Serena and her husband are on holidays. When they are back, the 20th of this month, we will resume our studies with them.

We started a series on the character of God. “The love of God” was our first then we did a study on “the sovereignty of God”. We have one more session to deal with this, then we move on to the “Holiness of God”. I am preparing these lessons in English.

6. Our websites

Both Peter and I own a website.
-Peters website is: gemeentevanchristus.be.
-My website is: webbijbel.nl

We get a lot of interest from these websites. Weekly we receive request for free Bibles and we get questions almost also on a weekly basis. Much good is coming from these websites.

7. A study with folks from an SDA group

In my last report I wrote about a study in Belgium that I have with folks from an SDA group. They are not officially SDA, since years ago they could no longer be in that denomination due to differences on divorce questions. However, they still hold to the Sabbath teaching and other specific SDA teaching. I have had beneficial studies with them. However, on critical questions they have not answered us, or at least not adequately. They tried to come up with passages that seemed at first sight to teach what they wanted it to say, however thorny questions were never answered. So, nothing really came out of this. I am still in contact with one of them. She is the one that I started my initial contact with. She was the one that got me in contact with others from her group. She is a young woman who has a true passion for God. I am still in an e-mail conversation about these matters. In all things she has shown a different spirit. A spirit of passion for God and for the truth. She has seen that at least some verses and issues were never dealt with or not adequately dealt with.

8.8. Trip to Uganda.

First off all I would like to give my thanks to the Compton Road Church of Christ in Murfreesboro, Tennessee who covered my travel expenses. They are a worthy group who has faithfully supported me over the years. Without them I could not have made this trip.

It was a real good time. Francis Okech and I only had e-mail contact through the years and we had never met in person. We bonded right from the beginning and it ended up to be a real good trip. Many friendships were build and I intent to go back there next year. Francis is planning to come here this coming August.

The theme for my teaching in Uganda was the love of God and how that relates to ourselves and how it relates to others. It was well received. I was happy that many questions were asked on several topics.

Uganda is a very poor country. My eyes have seen many things that my eyes had never seen before. It was a blessing to be there.

A full report of this trip could be read at: www.webbijbel.nl. There is a link on the main page.

Greetings, Gert-Jan van Zanten,
The Netherlands
In Him and for Him alone

March 2008 report from Puerto Rico - Tol Burk

2008-04-15T07:05:00.002-04:00

April 14, 2008

Dear brethren,

We trust that you are all well, as we are. March was busy, with Dana and I each being gone 10 days and we had David Hurst and Jim Canada visit a couple of days on each end of my trip to Grenada. Ed was gone 2 weeks in there as well, so it was hectic for all of us. It's raining again—it rained a couple of hours this morning, so the temperature is only 77 right now. We don't have many days like this in the dry season and it's about a month early for the rainy season to start, so I'm not sure what this portends. Fortunately they just called to say the window screens for downstairs are now ready—windows are sold without the screens here, so we've been saving to get them made.

The work at Caparra Terrace continues pretty much the same — attendance in English has stabilized at 12 now and the Spanish congregation varies between 23 and 35. We study with Bobby Rodriguez, who was baptized in Feb., and his mother Annie every Wed. They are both learning and enjoying the studies — we are praying that Annie will make the decision to be baptized shortly. We have set up 2 different classes with 2-4 of the visitors, but they have not taken place yet. There is one bright spot though, Nelly, one of the visitors who has been living with a man for some time got married last Sunday, which I believe is a direct response to the Gospel — she "knows" she cannot live in fornication and become a Christian. Her mother has been a Christian a little over a year and is one of 2 Christians who came in this group. Plans are also being made to start a ladies class in the home of one of the English speaking sisters, probably the first of May.

We began studying the 7 lesson series we use for personal work on Wed. night (in English) — "Does it matter how we serve God?" The first 2 lessons were very well received, but I'm afraid that the next two dealing with the organization of the church and the collection weren't received as well. 1 or 2 seem to want to give lip service to "book, chapter, and verse" but don't necessarily want to apply that to everything. We should finish this study by the first Sunday in May. Beginning in June Ed will teach a series with the theme, "God wants you to be successful", which will last 4-6 weeks. We began preaching from the book of Ephesians in March and should conclude that sometime in May.

David Hurst and I were in Grenada from the 11th-20th and that trip went better than I had expected. David preached from Sun-Wed for the church in St. George's while I spent the same time preaching in Mt. Granby, both of which are on the western side of the island. St. George's is near the bottom, above the anchor and Mt. Granby is a mile or so east of Gouyave toward the north side. Although St. George's, the capital, is much bigger than Mt. Granby attendance was about the same—we had 33 Sun. morning in Mt. Granby, with 20-26 the rest of the week. Few people have a car, so they rely on public transportation, usually taxi-vans. St. George's church hires a taxi to pick up the members for both Sunday services, but the driver overslept that night, so they didn't make it and I think he works during the week, so they didn't come then either. There were several visitors from the church in Grand Anse and La Sagesse, both liberal every night.

We found all the churches discouraged in Grenada. Ernest Roberts moved back to Grenada in Aug, which has helped at St. George's but I think he's the only full time preacher on the island now. None of the liberal preachers are receiving support anymore so they are teaching school or driving taxi or getting into politics. Richard LeBlanc, whom I had met in Dominica, preaches for La Sagesse and told David the second night that he really needed these lessons — he was a little discouraged. The Grand Anse church doesn't have a preacher, so a number of them visited each night. I think we have some good opportunities on the island, if we can follow up on them. People are generally receptive and, at least in the country, will stop for a Bible study. David and I spent most of 3 days in Mt. Granby and had all the studies we had time for. They must be followed up, of course, and we are trusting that Ernest and Steve Perrotte, a young man of 31 who is basically the only man in Mt. Granby, will do just that. It's interesting that while people stopped for a Bible study it wasn't because they have nothing to do—Donna, for example, was busy the whole time we talked, one day preparing nutmegs for sale then tamarind the next time. Grenada is called the "Isle of Spice" since it is the 2nd largest producer of nutmeg in the world and also produces cinnamon, mace, cloves, allspice, and ginger. It's been 6 years since I was in Grenada, so the damage done by Hurricane Georges in 2006 (I think) was obvious to me. There used to be nutmeg trees everywhere around Mt. Granby, but the majority of them were destroyed, so while it's green, it's not the lush green it was before.

Next week I am to be with the church in Castries, St. Lucia. They're checking me out and I'm checking them out as well. They are associated with the liberals, but I hear the preacher is very conservative. He's very concerned about the "denominational doctrine" the young preachers are now preaching, so I'm thinking he may be open to discussion. Please pray for this effort.

Your brother,

Tol Burk

AW 15 Calle Rio Turabo

Valle Verde 1
Bayamon, PR 00961
(787) 998-2098
caribbeanpost.blogspot.com