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Each One Win One 2004 - 2008

This page contains the weekly encouragements written by Bill Snell. Questions or suggestions may be emailed to him.

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EACH ONE WIN ONE. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (January 4, 2004)

I, BILL SNELL, OFFER PROFOUND APOLOGIES TO THOSE WHO IDENTIFIED WITH THE CONGREGATION IN 2003 AND WERE LEFT OUT OF THE EVANGELISM BULLETIN.

  • TOM, DONNA, AND DIANA GREEN,
  • BOB AND SANDY MOOREY,
  • ANNIE HOOPER AND,
  • PAMELA SMITH.

"TO ERR IS HUMAN, TO FORGIVE , DIVINE" (UNKNOWN). I APOLOGIZE PROFUSELY TO THOSE WHO WERE OMITTED. REST ASSURED THAT WE LOVE YOU AND ARE GLAD TO HAVE YOU AS PART OF THE WORK HERE AT COLD HARBOR ROAD. I SUPPOSE I AM JUST GETTING OLD AND MY MIND IS NOT AS SHARP AT REMEMBERING THINGS AS IT USED TO BE. IF YOU WILL FORGIVE ME I WILL TRY AND DO BETTER IN 2004. IF YOU IDENTIFIED WITH THE CONGREGATION THIS PAST YEAR AND HAVE STILL BEEN OMITTED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I WOULD NOT INTENTIONALLY DO THAT, BUT MISTAKES HAPPEN. /p

AS TO OUR GOAL OF "EACH ONE WIN ONE," WE SEEM TO BE STARTING OFF THE NEW YEAR IN A TREMENDOUS FASHION. NEAL AND MIKE INGE HAVE A STUDY STARTING THIS WEEK AND JEWELL AND I HAVE ONE WITH A MAN AND HIS WIFE. NEAL AND MIKE'S STUDY IS FROM A CONTACT AND FRIEND OF ART PROFFITT, A FORMER MEMBER HERE. THE STUDY THAT JEWELL AND I HAVE SET IS WITH SOME DEAR FRIENDS OF OURS.

CAN YOU DO THE SAME THING? LET'S NOT WAIT NOR PUT OFF WHAT WE WANT TO DO. SURELY THERE IS SOMEONE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE RECEIVE THE GOSPEL MESSAGE. BE REMINDED THAT OUR GOAL IS FOR EVERY MEMBER TO HELP SET A BIBLE STUDY AND THE SOONER THE BETTER.

"JESUS SAITH UNTO HIM, I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE: NO MAN COMETH UNTO THE FATHER, BUT BY ME" (JOHN 14:6). WILL YOU HELP SOMEONE TO KNOW JESUS? WILL YOU HELP SOMEONE TO RECEIVE THE FORGIVENESS OF THEIR SINS? WILL YOU TALK TO SOMEONE SO THAT YOUR FRIEND CAN REAP THE ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES OF SALVATION?

REMEMBER, "EACH ONE WIN ONE." THAT IS THE HUE AND CRY OF THE MEMBERSHIP THAT MEETS HERE FOR 2004. THINK OF THAT OLD SONG THAT WE SING:

TO THE WORK! TO THE WORK! WE ARE SERVANTS OF GOD,
LET US FOLLOW THE PATH THAT OUR MASTER HAS TROD;
WITH THE BALM OF HIS COUNSEL OUR STRENGTH TO RENEW,
LET US DO WITH OUR MIGHT WHAT OUR HANDS FIND TO DO.
TOILING ON, TOILING ON, TOILING ON, TOILING ON;
LET US HOPE AND TRUST, LET US WATCH AND PRAY,
AND LABOR TILL THE MASTER COMES.

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EACH ONE WIN ONE. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (January 11, 2004)

In a recent meeting in which I was invited to share our 2004 evangelism plan with our elders, one of the elders said that we needed some accountability for what the membership was doing to advance these goals. He suggested that I add the following line to our evangelism goal. "What have you done?" Thus, you see it in this little informal bulletin. I thought this was an outstanding idea.

The elders also said the membership needs to know what vehicles are available to help them accomplish these goals. I felt this was an outstanding thought also. The first vehicle presented for your use to help you meet our evangelism goal is the accompanying letter. This letter is written in such a fashion as to allow you to send it to all your friends and ask them for a Bible study. Remember if one of your friends agrees to study you will not necessarily have to teach the study. You may simply sit in on the study and some of our workers will conduct the study for you. How much more simple could it be. Send this letter to all of your friends. Do not pre-judge your friends. "I know this person would never study." Or, " I don't think that person would be interested." One never knows what is going on in other's lives. Perhaps now is the exact time to ask someone you thought would not be interested.

I am sure that the elders would approve of you making as many copies of this letter as you might need and encourage you to send it out as soon as possible I have prepared a similar letter for the evangelism students in our Practical School of Evangelism.

Another vehicle that will be available to you, in order to help you personally meet our evangelism goal, is our campaign days. There will be four this year. The first will be on February 21-22. This will be in conjunction with our spring gospel meeting. We will go out, as usual, all day on Saturday. On Sunday there will be a fellowship meal at the building and we will go out after that for several hours. The meeting will have already started that Sunday, but we can still get a good couple of days in. This will be a door hanging campaign. You may remember, these are efforts where we simply hang the little packets on the door and go on to the next home. May 22-23 and August 28-29 will be attempts to set up Bible studies. Then on October 30 and 31, once again we will go out on a door hanger campaign to make people aware of our Lectureship.

Remember to pray, pray, pray, pray about our evangelistic efforts. In just two weeks the evangelistic year will be 1/12 gone.

God Bless:
Bill

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EACH ONE WIN ONE. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (January 18, 2004)

What has been going on this past week. Well! For one thing, we have Bible studies in progress. Neal Pollard and Mike Inge report that the study with Bobby Townsend is going along very well. They have finished with the chart on the back of OBS lesson two that explains the restoration of the Church. Soon they will be starting lesson three. Brothers and sisters, know that this study has just been going on since the first of the year. This is a 2004 "Each One Win One: What have you Done," effort.

Mike Inge has advised us that he is also starting a study during his lunch hour with one of his co-workers. Hooray for Mike. You go big guy!. Jewell and I will start a study next week with Jay and Joyce Brown. There is an interesting story that goes with this study. Jay is a Jew. He was born and raised a Jew. Although at some point in his life he may have been active in his faith, for the past 40 years or so he has not. He has attended the mandatory functions and celebrated the usual Jewish holidays (Barmitzvahs, etc.).

We had lunch on Friday and he expressed, during the lunch period, his great friendship for Jewell and I. However, he made the following caveat. He said, "I am not converting to Christianity." He went on to say, "You and Jewell can come and study with Joyce and I, but I just wanted you to know that I am not converting to Christianity." "Does that mean that we can no longer be friends?" he said. I told him that it did not mean that we could no longer be friends.

What would you have done at this point in our conversation? Would you have said, "Well! We just can't be friends any more?" Or, would you have simply said, "That's OK dear friend, if you don't want to study, we'll just continue on, just like we have been?" Think about this. What would you have done?

I accepted his invitation to study, anyway. I told him I was not offended if he did not want to leave Judaism. I advised him that all I really wanted to do was give him the information so that he could make an informed decision about becoming a Christian. I said, "When you go to purchase a used vehicle, what do you do? You find out everything you can about the vehicle you want to purchase. You try and find out if it has ever been wrecked. You find out what the mileage is on the vehicle. You try and find out how often the oil has been changed. You try and find out who the previous owner was. You try and find out as much as you can about the vehicle so that you can make an informed decision, whether to buy or not to buy, right?" He said, "Yes!" I told him, "That's all I want to do. Whether you leave Judaism or not is entirely up to you. I simply want to give you the information you need to make an informed decision." "And besides", I said, "When we stand before God in the day of Judgment, I do not ever want you to look over at me and say, I didn't know, Bill, dear friend, why didn't you tell me?" We must trust in the power of the gospel to persuade. Remember, often times persuasion occurs in the absence of the persuader. I'll do my part and I know assuredly that God will do his part. More next week. Let's get going. Time is fleeting. Remember, there is no plan "B."

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EACH ONE WIN ONE. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (January 25, 2004)

Are you tired of hearing from me yet? I want to be just like the little child on a trip that says, "Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" Only, I will try not to be quite as annoying.

I just wanted you to know that we currently have three Bible studies in progress. One is with Bobby Townsend. Neal and Mike Inge are studying with Bobby. The prospects for this study look good. Hopefully it will bear fruit. Keep this one in your prayers.

Mike Inge is studying on his lunch break with one of his coworkers. This is good. Pray that this study will go along smoothly and that it too shall end in obedience to God's plan for redeeming our souls.

Olivia Jo (Josie) is studying with Jesse Alexander. Jesse is Tommy Bishop's friend and has been attending worship services with him for some time. Charles is helping Josie to teach the study as this is her first. Charles said she did well. I think Tommy has been listening in on the study and is happy that his friend Jesse is studying God's word.

Bill Burton talked with one of our visitors this past Wednesday evening about studying God's word. Hopefully our visitor will be back soon and they can set a study appointment. Joseph Temph just moved into the area from the Newport News area. He shared many thoughts during our Wednesday evening Bible study period. He lives right down the road on Cold Harbor Road.

My study with the Browns is stalled. The last time we talked again he reiterated that he was not interested in converting to Christianity. I just do not know if this is going to go or not. Pray for that effort.

Well! Have you sent out any of the letters I gave you or have you talked with anyone about a Bible study? Please do not put this off. Be an active force for Christ and not a passive one.

We will be going out door knocking in February, just before our gospel meeting with brother James Watkins, hanging door packets in the neighborhood. Those dates are February 21-22, Saturday and Sunday. The meeting will run from Sunday the 22nd through Wed the 25th.

I know that you know I love you each and all and I am counting on you to help make this the best year ever, evangelistically for Cold Harbor Road. Keep on keeping on for Christ.

Marching together in Him,
Bill

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EACH ONE WIN ONE. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (February 8, 2004)

Congratulations to Jonathan Compton. Jonathan was baptized into Christ on Friday evening February 6th, 2004 at about 9:30 PM. After his baptism, I am told that they had a welcome circle and welcomed him into the family of God that meets here. I am sorry that Josie and I were otherwise engaged and were not able to be present for this great event. Our families were in Montpelier on our way back when the baptism occurred. Apparently Rick got back from Ohio about 9:00 PM and Neal made it back from North Carolina in time to do the baptism.

I am not sure how many were present for this great event in Jonathan's life. I do know that his mom and dad, his brother Patrick, and his grandma Kay and the rest of the family whether present or not are elated about his decision to put on his Lord in baptism. Ruth told me that Jonathan took to heart the message that Neal preached this past Sunday morning and wanted to redeem his ticket to heaven which Neal gave him before the lesson. I know we all look forward to watching both of these fine brothers (Jonathan and his big brother Patrick) grow in Christ and become men of God.

We need to be thankful for Godly parents. One of the best ways parents can be involved in "Each One Win One", is through the teaching and training of their children. We thank God for Rick and Ruth and the example that they have set for Jonathan and Patrick. "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:16). Congrat- ulations to these two fine, godly parents. However, there is still much to do. The training and growth requirements are just beginning and continuous. I know these two fine parents are up to the challenge.

Well! How are the evangelism efforts going for the rest of us. Jesse is still in the Bible study with Josie, Tommy and Charles Bishop. Charles had to work last week so Josie and I did the study at my house. The study went well. Jesse is a good Bible student, anxious and willing to learn.

Mike Inge was supposed to start the study with his coworker this week. I have not heard from Mike if the study is progressing. Let's pray that it is. I am trying to make contact with Joyce Brown, the wife of Jay and see if we can set a specific time to start our study. I wrote some letters this past week. I have heard some positive feedback from some of these letters. Others I have heard nothing from.

Let's all remember to keep soul winning in the forefront of our lives and thinking. Remember, soul winning is not the only thing that a Christian can, may, or must do, BUT IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT. Remember, that the mission of the church is three fold. This mission is to help the needy, edify the members and seek and save that which is lost. Without Jesus and those who are being saved there would be no brotherhood to edify.

Let's go church. We are already well into February. Who have you asked about a Bible Study?

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EACH ONE WIN ONE. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (February 15, 2004)

Who have you won or are trying to win? Good question. Each One Win One, What Have you done, Who Have You Won? I am so happy and pleased with our evangelism efforts. Many of you are going strong on our evangelism goals. Others are getting warmed up, but I still see a few that are really slow in becoming involved in our efforts to seek and save the lost.

Let me share a story with you about some of our members here at CHR. One of our families who worships here, is highly involved in some after school activities involving several families. This family enjoys sports of all kinds and so do their children. One of the families they were involved with at these school activities were their close friends. Upon talking with this family they found that their friends were looking for a church and wanted to get "back to going to church." They invited their friends to come and visit with us and worship God here at CHR. The family, a man and his lovely wife and two children all came and worshipped with us. It seems that they were really impressed with your friendliness and warmth. They have stated that they liked it so much that they would be returning. What an example of friendship evangelism. It is that simple. As they continue to attend, we shall seek to set a Bible study with them and help them to understand more perfectly (KJV) the gospel message (Acts 18:26).

You see, I know you can do this. Yes, you really can! I have faith in you and your abilities to reach out to your friends and families. One person shared with me that they had been talking with their mother about a Bible study. We certainly do not desire to leave anyone behind, especially loved ones from our family.

Don't forget our gospel meeting. Invite everyone you can think of to come. Take some of the brochures and send them to your friends and neighbors. Deliver them personally in your neighborhood or mail them to everyone you can think of. I have heard brother Watkins speak on several occasions. What a wonderful, powerful speaker he is. He will captivate and motivate your friends and neighbors. You will be glad that you invited them and you will be happy that they had the opportunity to hear the gospel message delivered by such a wonderful speaker. Your friends and loved ones will be glad you invited them and will thank you for doing so.

Now, you simply invite these people. When they come, just identify them to me and I will have someone, myself or another, to talk with them about a Bible study. All you have to do is get them here and let me know that they are not members of the Lord's body. It does not matter what part of town they are from. We have some faithful soul winners in most of the congregations around the Richmond area that would be glad to help us out if we need it.

Jump on the band wagon. So far this year, we have had two baptisms and currently have at least one study in progress. That one is Jesse Alexander. Jesse has been bringing his younger brother and sister. What a wonderful example set by Tommy Bishop, Josie and Jesse Remember, together with God's help and blessing we can do this. Honest we can. Please, will you help--become involved NOW! God bless all.

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EACH ONE WIN ONE. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (March 21, 2004)

Many great things are going on in evangelism here at Cold Harbor Road. There are at least three Bible studies in progress. Jesse Alexander continues to study with Josie, Charles, and me on Monday evenings. This past week Josie was sick and Tommy Bishop sat in on the study with Jesse and me. Tommy did a great job. I was pleased to have him in the study. He provided a great deal of insight as to the subject matter. We shall continue this study on Monday evening. Josie and Charles will conduct the study with Jesse. They will begin in lesson three on question eight that deals with instrumental music.

Shannon Inge and Debbie Chandler continue to study with Denise Sumski. Shannon and Debbie advise that the study is progressing nicely. They talk of what a wonderful student and person Denise is and how much all of them are enjoying and benefiting from their time together. One thing of special note that I did not know about was that Denise's daughter Lauren has been in the study also. I did not know this. This is exciting. What a joy it must be to have your daughter sit in on a Bible study with you. That is all of the studies that I know of currently in progress. Hopefully, Denise and Lauren will be at worship services this morning. Make it a point to seek out Lauren, Denise, and Jesse and tell them how excited you are about their involvement in one of our study programs.

I have talked with our brother Tom Ellis about some very difficult times, health wise and family wise, concerning Mrs. Evelyn Neely. Please remember to pray for Mrs. Neely. Tom seems to think that her health is going downhill very fast. So much that her family might need some help in caring for Mrs. Neely. If you have the chance talk with Tom and I am sure that he would be glad to let you know how he thinks you may be of assistance. Evelyn is a dear sweet lady who was present at Jewell's and my wedding over forty years ago. You know she has a very special place in our hearts. Tom and his family have been picking up Mrs. Neely for church for the past several years. Many of our members have grown quite close to Evelyn.

It may be that we have a stick in the fire that might burn brightly for J.R. and Pat Carlton. We do not know for sure, so if you know someone who has an apartment to rent where they can stay at a very, very reasonable price let me know. You know the devil has ways to thwart the best made plans of men, but he can't do that to God. Continue to pray for Pat and J.R.

Hank Williams wrote a song once, long ago entitled, "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You." When I heard this song recently on my bluegrass radio station it reminded me that I have not told the congregation lately what a wonderful job you are doing in evangelism. You are the best group of Christians that I have ever had the honor and privilege to work with. Oh! Sure there is room for improvement, but overall it is quite obvious that you love the Lord and want to do whatever it is that He has commanded us to do. I know I am continually trying to encourage you to do more, and this is good; however, sometimes I fail to tell you how much I love and appreciate you in the work that you do here at Cold Harbor road. This congregation is one of the very best in the Lord's kingdom and you all are the ones responsible for supporting your elders and making it that way. Keep up the good work and let's do even more working together.

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EACH ONE WIN ONE. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (April 11, 2004)

So many, many things to tell you this report. Since our last evangelism bulletin and Each One Win One publication we have had two precious souls added to the body of Christ. Oh how this makes my heart leap with joy. I cannot help but think of the scripture that says, "Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins" (James 5:20).

First is our newest sister in Christ. Denise Sumski was immersed for the forgiveness of her sins on Thursday evening, April 1, 2004 at about 9:30 PM. I get a small chuckle when I think that she was added to Christ on "April Fool's Day." In this case, the old devil himself got fooled. Shannon Inge and Debbie Chandler had been studying with Denise and her daughter Lauren. Shannon and Debbie are both students in the evangelism class that meets downstairs each Sunday morning in the old multipurpose room. They have been learning the techniques of soul winning and both have taken to heart the commands of our Lord to go and teach others. Denise is Mike and Shannon's baby-sitter for little Daniel while Shannon is at work. Mike felt very close to the study with Shannon and Debbie and asked if he could immerse Denise. Of course he did a wonderful job. Hallelujah!.

The second completed study was with Jesse Alexander. Jesse had been studying with Josie Snell, Tommy Bishop, Charles Bishop, and myself. Jesse is seventeen years old; however, he realized what he needed to do and was not hesitant to take the action that would add him to the Lord's church and wash away his sins. What a fine young man he is and what a sincere heart he possesses. When we got to the building for Jesse's baptism, Mike and Shannon came to witness the event. Neal and I asked Mike if he would like to baptize Jesse into Christ. Mike said he would consider it an honor. I asked Jesse how his mother responded to his action and I believe his exact words were, "She was pleased." There shall be more about these two new Christians in our evangelism bulletin for May (the upcoming month).

Shannon and Debbie continue to study with Denise and Lauren to complete lesson three of the "Open Bible Study." When Denise recognized that there was something lacking in her spiritual obedience she did not want to wait to make the necessary correction. I had the pleasure of accompanying Debbie Chandler on the study with Denise this week. Debbie was simply outstanding as a helping partner. She knew just exactly when to have input into the study and her input was excellent and much appreciated. "Cudos" and "Gold Stars" to Shannon, Mike and Debbie for their work in saving lost souls. Hallelujah's and Praise to God for the two souls that were added to the eternal church, Denise and Jesse.

While talking with Shannon and Mike in our Sunday morning evangelism class Shannon told me that she had taken the letter that I had passed out, modified it slightly and sent it to Denise asking for a Bible study. I think Shannon was quite surprised when Denise responded in a positive way to her (Shannon's) request. We need more Bible studies and others to be actively involved in our Bible study efforts. Please, pray, pray, pray for positive studies and results.

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EACH ONE WIN ONE. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (April 25, 2004)

Sorry! I did not get out a bulletin last week and I apologize for that. I have been putting central air conditioning in my home and I ran out of time last week. I know you will forgive me please for my shortfall.

Many exciting things are going on in our evangelism program. We had a visitor to our worship services this past Sunday. Her name was Della Carter. Della lives at 7162 Bonniefield Drive, Mechanicsville, VA 23111 (perhaps some of you might want to send her a card--I know some already have). As they used to say on an old television show called "The Naked City"; "There are a million stories in the Naked City. This is just one of them." Several years ago on one of our door knocking efforts, Neal and whoever was with him knocked on this lady's door. They talked with her about church matters, but it went no further at that time. Over the years, on occasion Neal would see her around, perhaps at the 7-11 or other places.

Recently, Neal and Gary went to the CVS pharmacy near Lee Davis High School to get their passport pictures made. Della works in the CVS and took their pictures. As Neal usually does, he invited Della to come to worship God with us. She responded very favorably to Neal's invitation. She told Neal that she had been visiting many of the area churches and was looking for something that she had not as of yet found.

After she visited our worship services she told Neal that she had found what she was looking for. She was back for the Sunday evening worship period. She was approached by Kathy and she (Della) thought she would like to be involved in one of our Bible Study efforts. Kathy is currently trying to work out the details for the study. Pray that there might be an immediate response in her obedience to God's plan of salvation.

One important thing about Della is that she is battling cancer. We need to pray fervently for her health. Please pray that God will help her with her illness and that the doctors and nurses will be able to prescribe the right treatments and administer them in such a way that she might eventually be returned to a good measure of health free from this burden. She has taken her last radiation treatment. Speak to her and encourage her when you see her here at our worship and Bible study periods (please, no visits at this time).

Next, I am thrilled to find out that one of our deacons, Chris Carter and our dear brother Charles Bishop are in the process of setting up another Bible study. This is exciting news. I shall be praying for this effort and would ask you to do likewise. You shall certainly hear more about this later as the effort progresses ("You go 'fellars'").

Shawn Sprouse and I have a Bible study set up to begin next Thursday evening. One of Shawn's co-workers, Tina Glass is interested in exploring the Open Bible Study with Shawn and me. This is exciting. Please pray for this effort, also. I look forward to meeting Tina. We shall be studying here at the building on Thursday evenings.

I know that Debbie Chandler is still in the process of trying to set up a Bible study with her mother, Ms. Gloria Ellis. Ms. Ellis has agreed to study with Debbie and Shannon Inge and they are currently trying to set up a specific date. All of us know how that is. Sometimes it is difficult to accommodate everyone's schedule. If we can get all these studies going we will have four studies in progress.

Additionally, there is a great need for people to be involved in the follow-up lessons. If you can work as a follow-up teacher let Mike Inge know. I have asked Mike to be in charge of our follow up program. He needs workers very badly in this program. What we like to do in the follow-up lessons is have the new Christian in a different person's home each week. This allows them to meet more of the people in the congregation on a more personal level.

Ivan Stewart, in his book Go Ye Means Go Me says that it is very important to keep these follow-up lessons and a brother's keeper program going for a full year after a person becomes a Christian. The brother's keeper program is nothing more than what we do after the follow-up lessons are completed. It is so important to create a level of involvement that will allow these new Christians to make new friends and relationships. It is called, "Keeping the saved, saved."

Just a personal note to the congregation. I am so happy and pleased about what you are doing in the work of evangelism. I know that I am not always aware of what is being done; however, it is obvious that most of you are trying to do something to help bring lost souls to Christ. You are to be commended. Let's keep up the good work. Let's let the enthusiasm build and grow. Did you know that the original meaning of the word enthusiasm meant , "God in us," or "To be inspired of God"? Enthusiasm is faith in action. That's right, our faith in action is enthusiasm. The apostle Paul said, "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). This is real enthusiasm.

Most Christians use the word to mean excited, aroused , or zealous. Our enthusiasm always begins as an inner attitude, but as it grows and becomes more genuine, it always causes us to take action. Real enthusiasm is a genuine, healthy, positive feeling. It produces confidence, excitement, and zeal in the Christian. I am impressed with the enthusiasm of the congregation in regards to saving lost souls.

Come and join my evangelism class. I will teach you the techniques that you need to set up and conduct Bible studies. You may then become selective in that you may choose the approach that works best for you. My single goal for this congregation is to try and instill in you the love that I have for lost souls and share with you those tried and proven techniques that bring lost souls to Christ. I would try and share with you the sheer, unmitigated joy of bringing others to Christ. There is nothing that compares with bring another person to Christ. Absolutely nothing! To see that individual immersed into Christ, one that you have helped discover the mystery of God's word; the plan, from the beginning of time is a spiritual thrill that goes into eternity.

Keep up the good work. Join in the effort if you have not already done so or are already doing so. You are wonderful. Join our evangelism team building efforts. Put on your gospel armor and let's do battle with the Devil.

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EACH ONE WIN ONE. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (May 9, 2004)

Well! The "Mother's Day" festivities are over. I hope everyone had a nice holiday and treated their mother in a very special way. It is important to note that mothers have a very special place in the family relationship. The Bible has much to say about honoring one's father and mother. Certainly there is nothing wrong with setting a day aside to do just that. However, from a biblical prospective the proper respect and admiration for both parents should be a continuous activity, not just once a year on a special day.

One needs to remember also that "Mother's Day" is not a religious holiday in any sense of scripture. When one comes to the assembly it is for the purpose of worshipping our God. We love and respect our parents, but we do not worship them in a spiritual manner. The object of one's worship must be our God. This is why one does not always find a special Mother's Day sermon preached in the local congregation of the body of Christ. If you desire to wear special flowers signifying the relationship to your mother and take her out to dinner and so forth, all this is fine. Just remember we assemble to worship and honor God, not mothers. I think it might be fair to say that the great God that we worship is not pleased when we do not show the proper respect for mothers and fathers.

The Parable of the SOIL

Neal preached a great lesson this past Sunday on the sower who was sowing the seed of the kingdom. In his lesson he handled correctly all the aspects of the four types of soil found in man's heart. I just wanted to add a couple of thoughts to his great lesson.

First, Jesus Himself did not convert everyone that He shared the word with. Two examples come to mind immediately. The first was the rich young ruler (Matthew 19). The Bible tells us that Jesus on this occasion was unable to reach this man's heart. It says that he (the rich young ruler) went away sorrowful because he had a lot of money.

The second was the ten lepers that Jesus healed (Luke 17). Only one returned to thank Jesus for what He had done for him. As far as anyone can tell the other nine went on their way rejoicing and never looked back to Jesus. Not everyone that Jesus taught responded to his message. So much so that those very ones that He tried to teach ultimately were responsible for His crucifixion.

When one has shared the gospel message, one has done all that can be done. One has fulfilled his requirement to God and the lost individual. One then does everything one can to see that the new Christian remains faithful, but one is not always successful. When this occurs we find these words from our master about just such an occasion. Jesus said, as he sent out his apostles, "You go and heal the sick. cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils, and preach the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 10:5-8). Now, it is certain that we do not raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils, or heal the sick. But, this is the same gospel message that we preach in our Bible studies when we attempt to convert lost souls. We tell the world that "The Kingdom of heaven is at hand," therefore, "Repent and be baptized . . . for the forgiveness of your sins. . . . (Acts 2:38). This is at the very heart of the gospel message. Notice, however, that Jesus gave some additional instruction. He said, "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet" (Matthew 10:14).

What then is the message for the soul winner in this statement? It means that once we have done all we can do we must move on. If the person rejects or will not hear the words of Jesus we cannot make that individual do so. Once we have done our best, we need not feel remorse because of the hardness of another's heart. Yes it makes us sad when someone rejects the gospel message. Or even worse, when someone hears the message and is obedient and falls away immediately. The Bible simply says shake the dust of your feet and move on. You do what you can do to help this individual, but recognize and understand the parable of the sower, the seed, and the four types of soil.

What then can one do? One can keep the lines of communication open. One can continue to pray for that individual that they might come to a fuller understanding of the gospel truths presented and a willingness to worship according to God's divine pattern. One can attempt to continue to study with that individual, but if that is not possible then follow the same instruction that Jesus gave his apostles. "Shake the dust off your feet," and move on to the next one that is willing to hear God's divine word.

Leave your disappointment and guilt at the cross with Jesus. Leave your sense of failure and rejection with the One who can handle it best. Know that you did your best. Someone once said, "Every person has the right to hear the gospel message once before anyone has the right to hear it twice." So! Where should we spend our time? Should we spend our time trying to teach the same people over and over again, the same message that they refused to obey or use in their life or should we move on looking for "good soil" to plant the seed in? I think we all must agree that we need to move on.

Remember this! Soil can change. In the future this individual may or may not come to a realization of the truth and make those changes necessary in their lives. The thought is that we never give up on these people. We never abandon them in the cause of Christ, but we must move on to others.

Ivan Stewart in his book Go Ye Means Go Me has much to say about determining and finding good soil for the Bible study. Most of the time the ones we might think are not very good soil are the ones who actually are. Oftentimes, the ones we think are going to be good soil are in fact, not such good soil and fall, eventually into one of the three types of poor soil.

OK! Don't quit. If you can say, "I can't quit, I never got out there and got started," then let's get to work, together. You, each and everyone of you, can do this. It is not hard. Won't you become a soul winner for Christ? Neal said it so eloquently in his lesson this past Sunday morning. Soul winning is not just "Bill Snell's thing." It is the responsibility of every member of this congregation. We need to do this because of His cross. We need to do this because He loved us. We need to do this because He loves that same lost individual in the same way He loved each of us. How about it? Let's get going! Each One Win One, 2004.

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EACH ONE WIN ONE. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (May 16, 2004)

DELLA CARTER was baptized into Christ this past Wednesday evening, May 12, 2004. What a thrill it was to share in her joy. Scott Mechling did an outstanding job on his class lesson where he discussed many things, including the requirements for God's plan for redeeming mankind. After this Mike Inge delivered a sound, gospel invitation.

All of those present observed Della respond to God's invitation. Della had been baptized a long time ago in the Baptist Church at about the age of eight. It was obvious this night that Della had some very important things on her heart. Della has been suffering with cancer and is currently either undergoing or has just finished her treatments. One of Cold Harbor Road's finest met down front with Della (one of our elders--Randy Keeling) and talked with her for quite some time. This is a wonderful practice that the elders have started when one responds to God's Invitation. Della was ready to study about what she needed to do in order to have her sins forgiven and become a member of the Lord's body that meets at this location.

Della had become aquatinted with Kathy Pollard and her family at an earlier time and Kathy came forward to be with Della in her state of repentance and grief. Randy and Kathy invited me to sit in with them as they talked with Della about what she needed to do to receive the forgiveness of her sins. She confided that she remembered little about her baptism as to why she had done it or for what purpose.

Della responded to the teachings of baptism as found in God's holy word and became a redeemed child of God that very evening. Praise God for her receiving heart. The Bible plainly teaches that one must receive Jesus (John 1:12) and this is what Della did. Kathy Pollard is going to continue to study with Della in follow up lessons to helper her understand more of the basic principles of serving our God and living the Christian life.

OUR CAMPAIGN! Remember our upcoming campaign. We will be stuffing door hanging packets tonight after the fellowship here at the building. What we do not get stuffed tonight we will finish on Wednesday evening after Bible study. Can you come and help us this weekend. God needs you to help in this effort. The elders need you to help in this effort and I need you to help in this effort if it is to be successful. This is a campaign specifically to set up Bible study appointments. Our goal is not to invite people to church, although we shall do that if they are not interested in a Bible study. Our goal is not to acquaint people with the church, although we shall do that if they are not amenable to studying the Bible. Our goal is to look for that one soul, that one individual, that one family that is seeking the truth and God's blessed family. Please, come and help. Can He depend on you?

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EACH ONE WIN ONE. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (May 23, 2004)

All of our door hangers have been stuffed. I have discovered, quite by accident, that the best way to get these door hangers stuffed is to get the fellowship people to have a fellowship on Sunday evening and then stuff door hangers immediately afterwards. The following people stayed to stuff door hangers:

Laura Elliott Heather Sparks Robert Elliott Michael Inge
Mike Inge Josie Snell Teresa Myers Ray Williamson
Charlene Herman Linsi Hayes Scott Mechling Steve Hadra
Mary Hadra Ron Herman Joyce Lacy Patrick Compton
Jewell Anne Snell Joe Ketchem Nick Mechling Mary Ann Dalton
Jim Dalton Lisa Bishop Neal Pollard Kathy Pollard
Gary Pollard Dale Pollard Carl Pollard Jewell Snell
Bill Snell

**If I missed anyone please forgive me. Simply know that you were appreciated and loved for your effort.

This was a total of twenty-nine people to stuff door hangers. That is absolutely great. One more and we could have broken thirty. There is a lesson to be learned in this simple effort. The lesson is this. When lots of people put their talents together it makes the most difficult of tasks seem fun and simple. It is the same way with door knocking to set up Bible studies. If we can have many people come out and work together there are several benefits. The first is that we can increase the number of contacts we have in the community. That is what our door knocking campaign is all about. Looking for that one individual or family that is interested in learning more about God's word and is willing to study the Bible with us. The second benefit is that as we team up in partners we get to learn more about each other. We get to become better friends and brothers and sisters. The third is that we are not alone in our efforts and we get to share the joys of success and laugh and talk about the good things (and perhaps the not so good things) that occur as we knock doors.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we had everyone who could possibly be out there knocking doors, present for this effort? Can you come and be with us this weekend? Our brother in Christ, Jerry A. Jenkins wrote a great article about soul winning which I am happy to share with you. It went like this:

In a "Christianity Today" survey its readers stated that 87% of church members agree that every Christian is responsible for evangelism, yet it has been estimated that probably 95% of all church members have never led anyone to Christ. Probably among churches of Christ more than 87% believe that every Christian is responsible for evangelism, and probably more than 5% have led others to Christ. However, most would agree that even among us there is a conspicuous difference in the first and second numbers.

Charles P. Conn told of a time when he lived in Atlanta. He noticed in the Yellow Pages under the listing of restaurants, and entry for a place called the Church of God Grill. The unusual name aroused his curiosity, and he dialed the number. A pleasant sounding man answered his call, "Hello! Church of God Grill!" He asked how the restaurant had been given its name, and the man stated, "Well, we had a little mission down here, and we started selling chicken dinners after services on Sunday to help pay the bills. People liked the chicken so much we had a tremendous business, which caused us eventually to cut back on the church service. Eventually, we just closed the church altogether and kept on serving the chicken dinners. We kept the name we started with, and that's Church of God Grill."

What happened, a church forgot her mission. This has happened, perhaps not in such an unusual manner, but often that a church forgets her mission. It is the primary purpose of the church to reach out for those lost in sin. It often becomes the "easy" thing to do the "easy" thing. I mean by this that it may be easy to do many good works, such as visiting nursing homes, hospitals, sending cards, etc., but all that we do must be for the primary purpose of leading others to Christ.

Harold St. John once said, "The chief business of every Christian in the world is to evangelize. No consideration of age or sex, poverty or rank, allows you to escape. The one controlling thing that lies before you is that your business in the world is to take the gospel to every creature, if you bear the name of Christian at all . . ."

Jesus stated: "Given to me was all authority in heaven and on earth; having gone, then, disciple all the nations, (baptizing them--to the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all, whatever I did command you,) and lo, I am with you all the days--till the full end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20 YLT).

May I encourage you this week to speak to a friend, relative, co-worker, or even a stranger about the importance of living for God!

What could I add to this wonderful story? Perhaps (only) a few words of encouragement for all of us. Could I possibly encourage all of the members of this congregation to come out this weekend to speak to those in our community about the importance of studying the Bible and becoming a serving member of the Lord's church? Yes! It is probably going to be hot. Perhaps it will even rain. That is what the weather forecasters are telling us. However, can anything be more important according to God's plan for redeeming mankind? Is it possible that you might be able to defer what you have to do until another time in order to carry out the great commission?

Go ye into all the Mechanicsville area that surrounds the Cold Harbor Road church of Christ and teach all the men, women and children who are old enough to understand and be accountable to, the gospel message, baptizing all these individuals into the possession of the Father, and His Son the Messiah, and the Holy Spirit. Teach every person, that is everyone, to say and to do everything that I have commanded you and I will be with them and you unto the end of time (Matthew 28:19-20; paraphrased and amplified by BJS). See you Saturday morning.

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EACH ONE WIN ONE. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (June 13, 2004)

I am greatly concerned that we seem to be having a dry spell, evangelistically. I do not know of any Bible studies that are in progress at this time. If we do not have Bible studies in progress that generally means we will not be having any conversions in the immediate future. Let's all be praying for Neal and his great lessons from the pulpit to persuade those who are not yet Christians to obey the gospel message. However, let us not forget the influence we have over friends and neighbors to involve them in Bible study. Friendship evangelism is the best possible way, at least in my humble opinion, to bring others to Christ.

There is a saying the MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) people use all the time. At least, I think it is this group that says "Friends don't let Friends Drive Drunk!" If you had a friend that was "Dead Drunk" would you let that friend get behind the wheel of an automobile? I think you probably would not. I think perhaps you would do everything you could possibly do to keep this individual from killing himself or someone else. Well. OK! How far would you go? Would you take his car keys away from him? Or, would you simply drive this individual home yourself? Perhaps you would call your friend a cab. What would you do if he insisted on driving while intoxicated? How far would you go to stop him? Would you say, "Well, maybe he will be OK. You know I can't really stop him." Would you let this dear friend go a head and drive with a prayer that said, "I hate to see him drive, but I sure hope he doesn't hurt anyone or kill himself." Just how far would you go to save this friend's life. Would you go so far as to call the police and have him arrested in order to insure his life and the lives others?

How would you feel if you let this person get behind the wheel of an automobile, your dear friend who had over indulged in alcohol, and while driving to his destination, wrecked his car and sustained fatal injuries? Would you feel good about it, knowing you could have prevented it and you didn't. Would you feel exonerated because you had done "everything possible" when in fact you had not? "Friend's don't let friends drive drunk."

The same is true spiritually. "Friends don let friends go to HELL!" Friends do everything possible to insure that their friends make it to heaven. Have you friends that are not born again believers or are all your friends found within the church? How about those you work with? Any dear friends in the work place? How about those you bowl with or play music with? How about those neighbors that live on either side of you? Would you do everything possible to keep them from dying physically, in a state of drunkenness that would cost them their very life? Why then, would you not do the same for them spiritually?

How sad it will be on the day of judgment when all will stand before God in the moment of final reckoning wherein the eternal consequences of our life and life style are presented for consideration? Will you be able to deal with the cries of your friends and neighbors? Will you? If you have done everything you possibly could, then perhaps you might be able to answer that question with a resounding, yes. But, if you have not you will have to listen to them cry, "Why didn't you tell me. Why didn't you teach me. Why did you let me suffer these awful things?"

Let's go back to our example of drunk driving. In doing so let's remember that all things will be made known at the day of judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10). What would you do if I let my friend drive drunk and he was responsible for the death of your loved one. If you found out that I could have stopped him from driving and didn't, would you come to me with the question, "Why didn't you stop him from driving?" I might respond, "Well I tried, but I just couldn't." You would probably respond by saying, "What do you mean you just couldn't? Your lack of action caused my loved one to perish." Yes, you would hold me accountable for my inaction.

There are many avenues available to the Christian to help him carry out the great commission. Christians need to use all of them. In our discussion of the drunk driver, one of the avenue's to stop this person from driving drunk was to take the keys away from. A second was to drive the person home yourself. A third was to call the person a cab and the fourth was to call the police and have him arrested. You might say, "Oh Bill! I couldn't do that." Of course you could, if that person was really your dearest friend.

Yet, this is what I have heard some Christians say about saving other people from an eternal destiny filled with agony and gnashing of teeth, where the worm never dies, and people live in torment (Mark 9:44; 25:30; Luke 16:28). Friendship evangelism is only one way to do evangelism. Albeit the best, there are still others that may be used. Television evangelism is another good way to reach the lost. Remember, our goal is to study the Bible with these people. When they call in response to our television program we need to ask them to study the Bible with us. If they are not interested in the OBS or the Jule Miller video series, as a last resort we offer a Bible correspondence course. This (the Bible correspondence Course), in my estimation, is the least effective way to convert lost souls. However, it is a tool that can and should be used. Only once have I heard of positive results from this program.

Recently Neal and I were setting in the surgical waiting room of a nearby hospital talking with some of the family members and friends of loved ones who needed medical care. As we sat and talked, a woman approached Neal. The conversation went something like this:

Woman: "You're the television minister, aren't you?
Neal: "Yes Ma'am."
Woman: "I watch you all the time on television. I have to have surgery this morning, would you come and have prayer with me and my family?"

Of course, Neal went and prayed with the woman and her family. Hopefully after she recovers she and her family might attend at some point. If God is willing we might be able to study the Bible with this family. Our television program is a great evangelistic tool.

Door knocking has it's place, also. It is a tool to reach the lost just like the others we have talked about. It is scripturally acceptable to God and a resource that need not be overlooked. Someone once said of door knocking, "It beats doing nothing at all." To which another replied, "Yes, but it doesn't beat it by much." This may be true, at least to some extent; however, it is imperative that we use all our resources to reach the lost. It is a resource and a tool that still yields results. People who have moved into the community are looking for a church home. We have recently began to attempt to make contact with these individuals. Let's not any of us stand before God in the face of fiery indignation and have him say, "WHY DIDN'T YOU USE ALL THE RESOURCES YOU HAD AVAILABLE TO YOU?"

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EACH ONE WIN ONE.  WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?  (June 20, 2004)

Neal and Gary have arrived in Tanzania by now.  We need to continue to pray for them and all their efforts.  I hope everyone understands that this is the opportunity of a lifetime for Gary, that is, at least in his number of years so far.  Consider for a moment, the evangelistic effect this will have upon his life.  Anyone who has ever been to the mission field knows that when one returns they are changed forever.  They have a new concept and zeal for the lost and those brothers and sisters that they have visited.  Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  I can't wait to hear Gary tell of his adventure when he gets home. 

 I am convinced that one of the biggest mistakes the church can make, bar none, is to fail to create a love for the mission field and evangelism.  The Jesuit sect of the Roman Catholic church claims, "If you will give me the child until he is six years old, he will never depart the faith."  If they understand nothing else about the Bible, they understand the concept of influencing the youth of their denomination.  We need to begin teaching the children at a very early age that they can become a missionary and do evangelism.  We need to teach and train the young men for service on foreign soils.  We need to teach the young ladies to keep themselves pure and holy, as God is pure and holy, and prepare them to become the wives of preachers who will take them to work in the Ukraine, Tanzania, or some other mission field. 

 Why are we not doing this?  It may be that we are expecting our Christian colleges to do this for us, but this is to wait too long and expect too much.   The parent's influence over their children is greatest in the first six years of the child's life.  Yes, they will always have influence over the child, perhaps even control, but there will come a time when the child must test his wings and make solo flights. During these first six years it would be wise to let our children meet missionaries and their families and get to know them.  It would be wise to allow them to hear the missionaries' stories and all the news of their work. Parents, help your children to be enthusiastic about mission work and evangelism.  Encourage them to be involved as they grow older.  When they advance in years and must leave the mission field they will not abandon mission work.  They will be active in their congregations mission and evangelism programs.

Once when on active duty at Fort Bragg, NC, I noticed a sign posted as I was leaving the base.  In fact it is posted now at almost all US military posts.   The sign, located in a very prominent place said, "You are now entering the most dangerous place in the world."  As a soldier on active duty, the sign really caught my attention.  All sorts of things might go through one's mind when seeing a sign like this.  Written at the end of the sentence it said, "A PUBLIC HIGHWAY." 

While reading in the January-March 2004 issue of the Gospel Gleaner I came across a similar idea for a sign at each worship building. The Gospel Gleaner contained this message, "The following sign should be above every exit of the [every] church building - "You are now entering the mission field."  What was their point?  Every place in the entire world is a mission field.  There are always those individuals who need the gospel.  They may be across the street from your home.  They may be at work with you.  They may even be within your own family, but they are there. 

Some time we fail just short of our evangelistic goals.  We quit!  We give up when soul winning success is within our grasp. 

            One of the fascinating stories of Bible Archeology concerns the discovery of ancient Nineveh.  For a long time no one was sure where to look for the ruins of Nineveh and possible sites were a matter of considerable debate among scholars.  In the early 1840's an amateur French archaeologist, named Paul Botta, hired a crew of native diggers and began excavating a likely looking mound on the banks of the Tigris River.  After several weeks of fruitless digging, however, Botta concluded he was searching in the wrong place.  He moved to another location.  Soon afterwards, Henry Layard, an English archaeologist, began digging on the site that Botta had abandoned.  With almost the first shovel of dirt, Layard struck the walls of one of the great palaces of Nineveh!  If only Botta had dug a few inches deeper he would have made one of the greatest archaeological finds of all time and would have been hailed as the "Discoverer of Nineveh" instead of Layard! (Gospel Gleaner 19).  

Have you been talking to someone about a Bible study who has over and over again refused to consent to study with you?  Ask them again.  Circumstances change.  People's mindset changes.  Oft times people who had no interest, for seemingly no apparent reasons, will change their mind and desire to know more about the Bible and God's holy word.  Hang in there.  Don't give up.  God will bless your efforts.  If you are not attempting to set up Bible studies with your friends and neighbors, start to do that now.  Invite them to church with you.  Stop by the office and pick up some of the door hanging packets we have prepared and distribute them in your neighborhood.  Add your own name and phone number if you like and request that they call you.  After all, who is the ambassador of the church in your neighborhood if not you?

Remember the Ukraine mission effort.  We have ten workers that are making their final preparations for departure on July 21.  Pray individually for these workers:  Randy Keeling, Pamela Flynn, Nick Genter, Amanda Genter, Mike Inge, Shannon Inge, Josie Snell, Robert Elliott, Kathy Pollard, and Jill Moorey.  What a wonderful example these individuals, as well as Neal and Gary have set for our congregation to follow.  Do we really know how blessed we are by having all of these individuals in our congregation of the Lord's people?  I assure you they know how blessed they are to be a part of this work and have each of you as brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Our Campaign efforts continue.  The upcoming dates are August 28-29.  Once again this will be an effort to set up Bible studies.  See me and I will share with you how to knock doors and what to say when people answer our knock.  It is really quite simple.  Keep "the faith."  Keep up the good work.  Keep on keeping on.  Continue to march in the cause of Christ.  Never quit and never give up.  Recruit others to help you in your evangelistic efforts.  That special person or couple is out there waiting for you to come.  They may have an interest that they do not even realize they have.  You may be able to spark that interest that will lead them to Christ.  You are wonderful and we can do this with God's help.

God bless you all and this congregation, its elders, deacons, ministers,
and every family and member that worships here. 

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EACH ONE WIN ONE. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (June 27, 2004)

Someone once asked me if I knew the difference between a fairy tale and a war story.  Now, being a reasonably intelligent individual, I thought this should be a relatively easy determination, but I said to the individual, "Why don't you tell me the difference between a fairy tale and a war story?"  The individual said OK.  A fairy tale always begins, "Once upon a time."  A war story always begins, "You aint gonna believe this, but......."  I want to share a story with you that is neither a fairy tale nor a war story.  It is a true story that happened to one of the members of this congregation. 

It seems that the story involved three people.  A lady, her son, and a salesman for a local major department store.  The lady's son had won some rather prestigious, academic awards in his school work and mom wanted to get him a new suit for the presentation ceremony.  As any mom would be, she was very proud of her son and wanted him to look nice and put his best foot forward as he received his academic accolades.

Off they went to purchase a new suit.  I believe they had stopped at several locations shopping for the desired clothing, but had not found exactly what it was they were looking for.  Finally they went to a rather large shopping mall in the West end and visited the JCPenney department store's men's department.  The salesman approached and asked if he could help this lady and her son.  They told him they were looking for a suit.  The salesman seemed very knowledgeable and proficient at his trade.  They looked at several garments and discussed many things pertaining to the cut of the suit, quality, and fit. 

At some point during the sale the conversation turned to the salesman's previous employment.  He told the lady that he had previously worked for one of the local government agencies for a number of years before leaving and taking on a career in sales.  The lady purchased the suit for her son and after all the final computations for price and incentives were calculated, the lady said to this salesman, " Do you know....?"; he used to work for the same organization.

As the lady related this story she said that when she asked the question her salesman had a blank look to come over his face and she could see tears begin to well up in the salesman's eyes. There was a long silent period before he responded to her question.  Finally, the salesman said, "Yes I know him, he baptized me several years ago."  The lady found out that her salesman was a delinquent member of the Lord's body.  He wrote a note on the back of one of his business cards and said, "Give this to that person we were talking about," which she did.  The card had all his business information on the front of it and on the back he had written these words.  " I miss you and I love you."  The lady and her son gave him one of the CHR businesss cards also.

Someone once asked me if I knew the difference between a fairy tale and a war story.  Now, being a reasonably intelligent individual, I thought this should be a relatively easy determination, but I said to the individual, "Why don't you tell me the difference between a fairy tale and a war story?"  The individual said OK.  A fairy tale always begins, "Once upon a time."  A war story always begins, "You aint gonna believe this, but......."  I want to share a story with you that is neither a fairy tale nor a war story.  It is a true story that happened to one of the members of this congregation. 

It seems that the story involved three people.  A lady, her son, and a salesman for a local major department store.  The lady's son had won some rather prestigious, academic awards in his school work and mom wanted to get him a new suit for the presentation ceremony.  As any mom would be, she was very proud of her son and wanted him to look nice and put his best foot forward as he received his academic accolades.

Off they went to purchase a new suit.  I believe they had stopped at several locations shopping for the desired clothing, but had not found exactly what it was they were looking for.  Finally they went to a rather large shopping mall in the West end and visited the JCPenney department store's men's department.  The salesman approached and asked if he could help this lady and her son.  They told him they were looking for a suit.  The salesman seemed very knowledgeable and proficient at his trade.  They looked at several garments and discussed many things pertaining to the cut of the suit, quality, and fit. 

At some point during the sale the conversation turned to the salesman's previous employment.  He told the lady that he had previously worked for one of the local government agencies for a number of years before leaving and taking on a career in sales.  The lady purchased the suit for her son and after all the final computations for price and incentives were calculated, the lady said to this salesman, " Do you know....?"; he used to work for the same organization.  

As the lady related this story she said that when she asked the question her salesman had a blank look to come over his face and she could see tears begin to well up in the salesman's eyes. There was a long silent period before he responded to her question.  Finally, the salesman said, "Yes I know him, he baptized me several years ago."  The lady found out that her salesman was a delinquent member of the Lord's body.  He wrote a note on the back of one of his business cards and said, "Give this to that person we were talking about," which she did.  The card had all his business information on the front of it and on the back he had written these words.  " I miss you and I love you."  The lady and her son gave him one of the CHR businesss cards also.

His old friend contacted him and the salesman returned to Christ and his first love.  What a wonderful story.  He was restored.  The point of this story is that sometimes a few words can have eternal consequences, save a soul from death, and might even help bring others to Christ.  There was much rejoicing in heaven as this brother returned to the fold. 

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EACH ONE WIN ONE. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (July 4, 2004)

                Today, July 4, 2004 is a historic occasion.  It is the birthday of our nation.  On this day 228 years ago many great men, our forefathers, signed the country's Declaration of Independence.  What ensued was a long, hard fought war of attrition that resulted in the nation's freedom and our constitution.  Each year Americans celebrate the anniversary of this great event.  It is our independence day. 

                There is a little psychological game that folks play by remembering where they were and exactly what they were doing when certain historical events occurred.  For example, I remember so very well what I was doing and where I was when the first man walked on the moon.  It was approximately 10:00 PM, Richmond time when Neal Armstrong departed from his spacecraft and set foot on the surface of the moon.  Jewell Anne was five years old, would have been six  in September.  Actually, according to the Internet, it was 10:56 PM, July 20, 1969 EDT when Neil Armstong made his now famous, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," statement.  I had awakened Jewell Anne and Jenny from a dead sleep to make them get up and view this televised history in the making.  Both could hardly keep their eyes open, but Jewell Anne still says she remembers this event.  Jenny does not.

                I have heard people talk about where they were and what they were doing when they received the news that Pearl Harbor had been bombed by the Japanese on December 7th, 1941.  There are still many living who remember Black Tuesday, October 29, 1929, the day of the great American stock market crash.  The list could go on and on. 

                Perhaps we need to have a similar attitude about things in the church.  Let's see, "Where was I and what was I doing the day that John Chandler was baptized?" Or, how about his wife Debbie Ellis (at that time)?  How about, let me see, "Where was I and what was I doing when Cold Harbor Road started working on its building across the street from the Tuck-a-way Child Care Center?"  How about this one, "Where was I and what was I doing when they (Cold Harbor Road) had their first Vacation Bible School?"

                Yesterday we had the faithful to go out and distribute information on our upcoming Vacation Bible School.  There was Erika Wenger, Emily Martin, Gary, Dale, and Carl Pollard along with Mom and Dad (Neal and Kathy), Jim and Mary Ann Dalton, Bill and Geraldine Burton, David Young, Robert and Carolyn Elliott, Lisa Bishop, and yours truly.  Now perhaps those who could not be there might want to ask themselves, "Now let's see, exactly where was I and what was I doing that prohibited me from helping with this great work?"  Well, only you can answer this question.  If you were out of town enjoying the holiday weekend or perhaps simply otherwise engaged then have I got great news for you.  We are going to do it again this coming Saturday.  For all those who could not make it this weekend you will have another opportunity to support our VBS efforts and go into the community this coming Saturday. 

                Stop by the office this week and Carolyn will give you a map of the area you need to cover and some brochures for you to give to the people.  If you cannot go out on Saturday, I'm sure no one would mind if you went out one evening.  It might even be a little cooler.  If you cannot go out in the neighborhood around the building, perhaps you could go out in your own neighborhood.  We ought to do this anyway.  Let's all talk to our friends and neighbors about VBS.

                A special thanks to Robert Elliott for coordinating the efforts yesterday.  I am sure that much good was accomplished and many individuals were contacted.  We are blessed with some very wonderful, scripturally sound young people in this congregation.  We shall surely miss Robert when he heads off to Harding University this fall.

                Perhaps in might be prudent to remember why it is that we have VBS each year.  It is not simply to have a good time, although we certainly hope that everyone who attends will enjoy the lessons and have fun.  It is not to show everyone how proficient we have become in the use of our puppets whose names change from year to year, but they never seem to get any older or look very different from the year before.  It is not because we enjoy so very much the picnic and fellowship at the end of classes each year, although we have had some great ones including wonderful food, games, and even pony rides.

                No, the answer is two fold.  First, we want to share the great messages of the Bible.  No matter what the theme, there are always many great Bible lessons that may be taught to our visitors.  The second is evangelism.  Hopefully some of the attendee's might be old enough to understand and be obedient to the gospel message.  For this reason our outreach is into the local community.  The children we invite have parents that need the gospel message also.  Mom and Dad need to hear the word of truth delivered in a fashion that might help them to understand their spiritual needs more fully. 

                Let's all be aware of those visitors that are not members of the church.  Let's ask them if they would like to become involved in a home Bible study wherein they might learn more about God's redemptive plan.  If they are here, even if it is only for the after activity picnic, we should not be afraid to talk with them about religious matters that pertain to their soul.  Why else would they be here if they did not have at least some interest in these things. 

                Everything we do should have an evangelistic overtone to it.  I was overjoyed to find out that one of our elders and his wife are currently starting a Bible study with two young ladies.  What a thrilling event this is.  I have been in Bible studies with his wife before.  I know they will do a wonderful job.  Remember, "This is the day which the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24).

                Can we be glad and rejoice in our evangelism efforts?  Can we rejoice and be glad because we are in the process of leading someone to Christ?  Do we find happiness in reaching out to others who are in a lost condition?  Be all you can be in Christ Jesus.  Do all you can do for the Lord.   Work as much as you can possibly work. Reach all you can possibly reach and serve all you can serve.  Great shall be your reward in heaven.  

                "Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest" (John 4:35).  

*=*=*=*=*=*

EACH ONE WIN ONE. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (July 25, 2004)

                The campaigners are gone now and have arrived safely in Kramatorsk.  At this writing, I have not received any specific word, but I am sure if all were not well we would have heard by now.  Please pray daily for these individuals.  Nick and Amanda Genter, Mike and Shannon Inge, Kathy Pollard, Josie Snell, Jill Moorey, Pamela Flynn, Robert Elliott, and Randy Keeling.  What a wonderful example of evangelism and mission work these people are to all of us.  We can serve vicariously through their efforts, but we still have our personal responsibilities to seek and save those at which are lost.  I truly wish I had been able to go with them, but alas, I could not go.  I hope they will all tell everyone that bolshoi Bill (Big Bill) says hello.  Let's pray for the work they will be doing while there.  Let's pray for the mission spirit that permeates this congregation.  My heart was totally thrilled when one of our elders said that the eldership would consider keeping mission work and evangelism funds of this nature as a budget item so that the work may continue.

            Begin now to pray for the mission work and trip in 2005 to Tanzania for the work that Cy Stafford and all the folks are doing there.  Perhaps for the Tanzania trip there might be some who could go that have never been on a mission trip before.  Our God is wonderful and our elders follow Him and serve this congregation in an outstanding fashion.  I cannot help but be excited about the work and potential of my brothers and sisters that labor together here at CHR. 

            It is important to note that the elders have scheduled a planning and goal setting workshop for this fall.  It might be wise to mark your calendars now for these dates.  Tentatively they have been set for Friday evening and all day Saturday, October 1-2, until about four or five PM.  What a great opportunity this will be for input into the thought process of your elders.  I know that we shall be discussing the future work for this congregation, which will include its mission and evangelism efforts.  You will be receiving more information about the schedule and administrative details.  I hope that we can have the session somewhere away from the reach of beepers, cell phones, and pagers.  Let's all maintain an attitude of enthusiasm about God's church and the work and future of the Cold Harbor Road congregation. 

            Well!  We had many visitors to our recent Vacation Bible School.  Debbie Chandler brought one of her coworkers from Cracker Barrel.  Her name is Kate and she is working at Cracker Barrel while attending VCU at MCV as a physical therapy student.  She has recently moved to Richmond from Kentucky where she lived for four years.  Kate is single and came just to attend with Debbie.  She was only able to attend on Monday and Friday evening, but she asked me for a copy of my notes for all five days.  She told Debbie that she was looking for a church.  After the VBS she told Debbie that she really enjoyed the VBS and she learned some things new and reaffirmed some thing she already knew.    It is Debbie's hope to see if she can get Kate to become involved in a Bible Study.  To coin a phrase, "You go girlfriend."

            Rick and Ruth Compton brought several of their neighbors to VBS also.  One of the children's father came for the Friday night graduation session.  I am encouraged by the efforts of some in seeking and saving lost souls.  But, in reality, there are some who could be doing more.  Let me encourage you to do just that.  Remember; capitalize on each and every opportunity to ask someone for a Bible study.  Turn your conversations into Bible study appointments by gently directing the conversation to biblical things.  You might ask, "Well, how do I do that Bill?"  Good question I am glad you asked. 

            Here are some helpful suggestions.  Monday morning when you get on the job, you might ask your coworker, "How was your weekend?"  It really doesn't matter exactly how the person responds or so much what he says.  Eventually, after he tells you about his weekend, he will ultimately ask you, "And how was your weekend."  Now you can respond to this question in one of several ways.  You might respond with the mundane.  "Oh! It was OK.  We didn't do much.  I cut the grass, blah, blah, blah."  Or, you might respond enthusiastically about how you went fishing with your family or to the ball game. Or, you might direct the conversation towards the church.   How about this?  "We had a great weekend.  It was wonderful.  Sunday morning after our worship services we had farewell devotion for our ten missionaries that were leaving for the Ukraine.  We had prayers and sang some songs and just let them know in a small way, how much we loved them.  Does your congregation have any missionaries?" What have I done here?  I have turned the conversation towards the church, missionaries, God, and other important biblical things.  Then I might follow it up with something like, "Perhaps one day you and your family might come and worship with us at Cold Harbor Road.  I know you would enjoy it and the people there are really wonderful.  There is so much joy in worshipping our God together.

            Here is another.  The scenario.  You are standing in your front yard and your neighbor approaches to talk with you.  "Hello neighbor" is your greeting.  "How is it going," your neighbor asks?  “Say, can I borrow your hedge clippers, mine have quit working."  “Of course you can," you reply.  "They are old, but they are good ones.  Not very sharp, though.  You know I wish I could keep my yard looking as good as those folks do for the churchyard over at Cold Harbor Road.  There are some really hard working, fine Christian folks that take care of all that for us.  You folks ought to come and go with us sometime.  I know you would enjoy it."

            You say Bill, "Don't be silly, it never works that way."  Well, perhaps not exactly that way, but don't miss the point.  The point is to turn your conversations, through listening to what others say, into discussions, invitations and requests for Bible studies.  It's really that simple.  Knowing how to do this is a skill that can be learned. 

            Let's not be guilty of keeping the most honored command Jesus ever gave.  When Jesus had healed the leper in Matthew chapter eight, he told the man, ". . .See thou tell no man; but go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.  Often we are great in honoring this statement, that is the part about telling no one.  Remember though, there came a time when Jesus said that now was the time and that we should tell everyone.  He said it this way, "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. {19} Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: {20} Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:18-20).

            Can Jesus depend on me?  Can He depend on you?  What did the song say?  "To the work to the work we are servants of God. . ."  More next time. 

EACH ONE WIN ONE. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (September 27, 2004)

It’s Here!

Friday October 1, 2004
and
Saturday October 2, 2004

Place:  Cold Harbor Road Church of Christ Multipurpose room down stairs.

It begins Friday evening 7-9 PM
Hear the dreams, hopes, and vision of your elders.

Saturday, all day long, Hear what your deacons have done in the past several years.
Hear what their hopes and dreams are for their areas of responsibility.

Minister’s time.  Hear what your ministers would dream for the congregation and the years to come.

Please!  Clear your schedule and come and be with us as we plan and dream for the future.
Here what your fellow Christians' visions and  Dreams are for the future of your congregation.

Cold Harbor Road Church of Christ
Planning and Goal Setting Workshop 

Agenda
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2004
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Elders' Time:
 Jim Dalton-Bill Burton-Derell Ellerbe-Ron Herman-Randy Keeling-David Young
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2004
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Arrival and fellowship (coffee and doughnuts if desired)
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Ministers' Time
Benevolence
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Building and Grounds
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM Break and refreshments
10:45 AM - Noon Education
Finance
Fellowship
Noon to 1:30 PM Lunch
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Worship
Evangelistic Outreach
TV Program
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Missions
Advertising
Visitation
3:30 PM - 3:45 PM Break and refreshments
3:45 PM - 5:00 PM Youth Activities
Visitation
Transportation
Any Others
SUNDAY,
OCTOBER 3, 2004		 Elders and Preachers Develop Plan
1:00 PM - until Develop Short Range Plan for calendar year 2004-2005
Develop Intermediate (2-5 year) Plan for years 2006-2009
Develop Long Range Plan - beyond 2009

EACH ONE WIN ONE, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (November 14, 2004)

If you stop and think about it, the year 2004 is almost gone.  We have only about 7 weeks left to meet our goal of “Each One Win One.”  So, how are we doing?  Have we been a miserable failure in our efforts to achieve this admirable goal?  Have you worked hard to set up a Bible study with one of your friends or neighbors?  Some have, some have not.  The question remains the same, “What have you done?”  More specifically, “What have you done that produced positive results in some poor lost soul’s eternal destiny?”   

There might be several answers to these questions.  One answer might be, “Nothing.”  Then the question must be, “Why not?”  One might say I am really not involved in this sort of thing.  I have no plans to speak to anyone about studying God’s word, and you can have all the goals and campaigns you want, but I’m not going to be involved.”  If you are this individual, I do not judge you in this response.  I would, however, refer you to the word of God wherein Jesus says, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).  I suppose it is natural to wonder why an individual might feel like this; however, I would never attempt to judge another person’s heart or will.  This is for Jesus to do.  Remember, Paul wrote these words to the church at Rome, “Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand” (Romans 14:4).  So, if this is your attitude, I shall pray without ceasing for God to motivate your heart in these type soul winning efforts.

A second type of individual might be one who says, “I tried to talk with some of my friends, but they were not interested. I don’t know what else to do.”  To this individual I might say, “Don’t give up.”  Thank you for your efforts, but don’t quit.  Circumstances change.  People change, and opportunities present themselves.  Ask them again.  You might say, “You know we talked about this before, but have you or would you reconsider about studying the Bible with me or some of my friends?”  Remember this.  When you ask people to study the Bible with you and they say no, they are not rejecting you, they are rejecting Jesus.  This is so sad because Jesus is the one who has the words of life.  The Bible tells us that many of Jesus’ disciples went away and left him.  Jesus responded to the twelve, “. . . , Will ye also go away?  Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:67-68).  Hang in there.  Remember your efforts might lead to the saving of someone’s soul and, of course, that has eternal consequences. 

We currently have two studies in progress.  One with Kate Zietler and another with Scott Land.  Let’s pray that these two studies will conclude in a positive manner in the very near future.  Let us continue to pray for the ones who will be studying with these two individuals.  Both of these individuals are friends of someone in the congregation.  Kate is a friend of Debbie Chandler’s, and Scott is a friend of Art Proffitt and Jack Carter.  That is why it is called friendship evangelism.  When we have the good news, that is, something that is very important to us that has eternal consequences, it is only natural that we would desire to share that with those who are closest to us.  Most naturally that is our dear friends and relatives.

So what has been accomplished this year?  We started off well.  During the first part of the year, we baptized two ladies, Della Carter and Betty Denmark, who have gone on to their final reward.  We shall never see either of these two ladies again in this life.  How important were their Bible studies?  I think one need only understand an eternity in Hell to relate to what was accomplished in the eternal destiny of these two individuals.  The Bible speaks of the eleventh hour workers.  “And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? {7} They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. {8} So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. {9} And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny” (Matthew 20:6-9).   If there was ever an eleventh hour conversion, these two were.  Praise God for these two sisters in Christ. 

Also, there was Bobby Townsend, Jonathan Compton, Jesse Alexander, Denise Sumski, and Taylor and Sierra Grate.  Unfortunately, Denise has gone the way of “Demas.”   “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world. . .” (2 Timothy 4:10).  Denise could not overcome the sinfulness of instrumental music in the worship services.  Of major significance was the restoration of Jack Carter. Jack had been away for a long time, and we are exceptionally happy to have him back with us. 

David said, “I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvellous works. {2} I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High” (Psalms 9:1-2).  You see, whatever we do for God we have to do it with our whole heart.  This is essential.  God will not accept a divided service.  A half a heart never finds Him.  It never finds the time to do those things that are required by God.  Jeremiah said, “And ye shall seek me and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart:” (Jeremiah 29:13). 

A double eye, (one for Him and one for the world) never sees Him.  “If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness" (Mathew 22:37).  Based on these thoughts, it is imperative, for evangelism to be effective, that it be approached with the whole heart, a single eye, and singleness of purpose.

We should be motivated by love for our fellow man and love for God.  The Pharisees (a lawyer) questioned Jesus, and we find these words, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? {37} Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. {38} This is the first and great commandment. {39} And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself (Mathew 22: 36-39). We need to have an abounding love for our neighbor that goes hand in hand with our dedication and singleness of purpose when it comes to bringing the lost to Christ. 

OK!  We have seven weeks left before 2005 arrives.  Let’s see what we can do to move forward with our goal for this year.  We still have some time left.  Consider that neighbor or friend and approach them about one of our Bible study programs.  Tell them you consider them your friend and would like to share with them some basic truths from the Bible.  Tell your loved ones that you love them and would like to share the joys of heaven with them throughout eternity.  Tell them whatever it takes, without misrepresenting anything to them, to get them into a Bible study.  Individuals you speak with will respond to different approaches.  Never be afraid to let these individuals know how you feel about their friendship or love.  You remember the old saying, “No one cares about how much you know until they know how much you care.”  These sage words of wisdom will help you set many, many Bible studies.  Let’s go.  Time for 2004 is getting short.  When it comes to your loved ones, beg, plead, cajole, implore, beseech or even insist.  However, remember, time for the individual you would like to study the Bible with may be even shorter.

EACH ONE WIN ONE, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (January 2, 2005)

Dear Cold Harbor Road Family member,

            Today’s Each One Win One is in the form of a personal letter.  I wanted to invite each of you to participate in Cold Harbor Road’s Practical School of Evangelism, soul winning program for the next two years.  Many of the current evangelism students will be graduating in the very near future.  Those that have completed the school are, Steve and Deedee Knox, Mike and Shannon Inge, Josie Snell, and Annie Hutchins.   So, the question is, “Do you want to become a better worker in personal evangelism?”

            The next part of my letter to you is to the parents of teenage children.  If you have teenage children, I would like for you to consider allowing them to participate in this class, either with you or by themselves.  Teenagers are not too young to learn evangelism and evangelism techniques.  Please talk to your teenager and see if they would like to participate in the church’s PSE program.  Certainly, I respect your wishes if you decide that this is not for your child; however, for those who do choose to participate, there will be ample opportunity for them to fellowship with their friends here at Cold Harbor Road.  They could be actively involved in all of the teen activities via the midweek Bible class as they had been in the past.            

I will begin the new sessions very soon.  If you have questions about the curriculum or content of the classes, I will be glad to answer them.   This class for evangelism will be completely different from the Timothy Class that Neal is conducting and should not interfere with that class at all.  Neither should it interfere with Nick’s class to teach the youth about how to approach their friends with a request for Bible study.

If you are the parent of a teenager, you might want to ask Josie how she enjoyed the class and what she learned about evangelism.  Please give my request prayerful consideration.  Ask yourself, “How much do I want my child to become a soul winner?”   Then ask yourself, “Is it appropriate to begin them now?”  If your teen is old enough to learn the mechanics of playing a musical instrument, i.e., the guitar or the tuba in the band at school, more than likely they are old enough to know and understand the mechanics of evangelism. 

It is my desire to begin the new class not later than January 23, 2005.  The class will meet in the multipurpose room downstairs during the morning Bible study period.   Josie plans to remain in the class to support those of the teen group who desire to be a part of the school. 

So parents, the decision is yours.  I would ask you to talk with your teen and see what they would like to do.  If they feel they are not ready, then they may enroll at a later time.   I really would hope that parent and teen would enroll together.  Why not learn the techniques of evangelism as a family? 

EACH ONE WIN ONE, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (January 18, 2005)

Well!  2005 seems to be progressing nicely.  So far, I have not made nearly as many mistakes as I did in 2004.  I wonder why that is?  Don’t forget our graduation banquet for all those who have completed the study materials for the Evangelism Class (See reminder on the back of this letter for details).  This is really quite an accomplishment for these individuals.  They have worked very hard in gaining the skills required to become active soul winners.  They have spent two years in the class and have been very dedicated to winning souls.  My prayer is that they will continue to be active in seeking out those who would study with them and conducting these Bible studies. Let’s make this time for them very special.  I hope everyone can stay and see these brothers and sisters receive their diplomas.

             Currently, we last I heard they were well into lesson two of the OBS.  We have another study that will be started soon.  This individual agreed to study with me, and I am anxiously awaiting this opportunity.  I have only to set a date and get started.  I am, indeed, excited about this study.

             How about you?  Did you get the invitation to attend the Evangelism Class that I sent you?  Did you receive the invitation through our last Each One Win One?  Everyone is invited to participate in this class.  One person told me that they would like to be in the class, but they did not want to go out door knocking.  My response to that statement was, “There are several levels of involvement one may choose and still be actively involved in the Evangelism Class.”  One does not have to go out door knocking if they choose not to.  If you desire to learn how to do that sort of thing, I will teach you; however, it is not required if you simply desire to sit through the class and learn all the other information.”  Print that in your mind, indelibly.  I would encourage you to learn how to do this, but it is not mandatory for participation in the class. 

             So, what are you doing to help us set up Bible studies?  Have you spoken with your neighbors, how about your friends at work or family members?  Alica Ketchem invited her friend at work to come and worship with her.  He came and brought his family.  Neal and I have made contact with this family and will visit them this week.  They are looking for something and our prayer is that we might help them find it.  Steve and Deedee Knox have been talking with one of their friends and hopefully, they might become involved in a Bible study. 

 Let’s keep up the good work.  Let’s talk with those who will be receptive to our invitation and see if we might share the truth.  Invite your friends and neighbors to church and I, or someone else, will talk with them about a Bible study.  I hope that Neal and I will be able to interest Alica’s friends in a Bible study.

 Remember, listen yourself into Bible study appointments.  Listen to what your friends and acquaintances are saying to you.  Learn to pick up on tones in the voice and inflections that reveal their current state of mind to you. Learn how to change casual conversations into discussions about Bible study.  Listen for key words that reveal their frame of mind.   Listen for phrases that indicate they are searching for something in their life.  That very thing might be Jesus.  When you speak, speak with the love and authority that comes from God.  When asked, Jesus said the second greatest commandment was, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (Matthew 22:39).

EACH ONE WIN ONE, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (January 19, 2005)

Don’t Forget the fellowship for the students graduating from the Practical Sch