Each One Win One 2004 - 2007

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

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,

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.

 Sunday morning, our brother Larry Phillips asked me to speak at the Radford congregation.  I was permitted to see Terry’s slide presentation (Power Point) during the Bible School Hour and then I was privileged to speak during the regular morning worship period.  Larry, His wife Shirley, Jewell, Josie, Terry and I all had lunch in the insane asylum (how appropriate for me).  The whole time I was there, I was afraid someone might recognize me and want to keep me (smile).  Just kidding, of course.  The facility had been in previous years a large mental institution, but when it closed down, private investors bought the building and rented it out for office space.  They took the dining area and turned it into restaurant.  It was elegant, the food was buffet style and delicious, and they had live entertainment, that is, a band playing dinner music. 

 After lunch we went over to Jenni Sprouse’ mom and dad’s house and socialized for a little while.  About 5:30 PM we met Nick and Amanda and attended the evening worship services at Christiansburg, where Dennis Curd is the minister.  Nick and Amanda gave Terry the wedding gift that you all so graciously provided.  Terry sends his love to everyone.  He said that he was sorry that he could not come to Cold Harbor Road and see all of his friends and loved ones that he met while in the Ukraine. 

 The seven minds of evangelism:

 1.  Mind your example.  People are watching you constantly and everything you do.  Paul said, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you” (Philippians 4:9).  Paul readily recognized and instructed people to watch his actions and his way of Life.  This is why the Christian cannot live a life of “Do as I say and not as I do.”

2.  Mind your attitudes.  Often times it is difficult to be patient with those individuals that would believe and teach doctrinal error.  Sometimes it is hard to remember that these people have souls and need the gospel message also.  Solomon once said, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).  Have you ever known anyone who attempted to fulfill their duties in evangelism, but it was obvious that their heart was not in it.  

 4.  Mind your prayer life.  Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  Pray and ask God to lead you to some soul that is seeking God’s truth.  Pray for the Bible studies when you are conducting them.   Pray that God will help you to say just the right thing at the right time to and for those individuals who are seeking God’s salvation and His blessings. 

 5.  Mind your thankfulness (1 Thessalonians 5:18).  Be especially thankful for your health and wellbeing.  Be thankful that God has blessed you with the opportunity and knowledge to teach others.  Peter said that Christians have a responsibility to, “. . . be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15):  Always be thankful for every blessing God has bestowed upon you, but be especially thankful for the opportunites he has given you to teach others. 

 6.  Mind your families.  Duty begins at home.  Christians need to be constantly mindful of what their children are learning in the home and in their Bible classes.  One cannot delegate the responsibility for raising children, spiritually, to the minister or Bible school teacher.  Are your children watching episodes of Andy Griffith in Bible class?  Be aware.  It is you responsibility to lead your children and loved ones to Christ.

 7.  Mind your manners.  From an evangelistic perspective, you will neither lead nor win anyone to Christ if you are rude, obnoxious, or unusually gregarious.  Simple courtesy will do much for helping you to get others to study with you.  Always remember the golden rule when you are involved in evangelistic outreach or study.   “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12 NIV).  It is a wise man who remember this simple law of psychological reciprocity, that is, people respond in kind.. 

 Christians become soul winners when they are what they should be.  Christians are Christ-like people who have a great message of good tidings and great joy.  There is no greater joy than the joy of sharing Christ with others.

 Christians become soul winners when they believe the word of God.  As God told Ezekiel, Christians need to believe that they are the “Watchmen” of lost souls, set apart for and by God (Ezekiel 33-7-9).  God told Ezekiel that he (Ezekiel) would bear the burden and consequences if he (Ezekiel) did not carry the message to his colleagues.  God said if you fail to warn him then his blood will be upon your hands, head, and heart.

 Christians become souls inners when they believe the great commission applies to them.  We must devoid ourselves of the attitude that says. “The great commission is for others.”  This is simply not true.  Every Christian has the responsibility of teaching others of the need for repentance and the remission of sins.  The Christian must take the message of hope and salvation to all the world.  The world is lost and dying and if we do not take the truth to all the world, others will deliver a perverted gospel bringing eternal damnation(Gal 1:6 ff). 

 Christians become soul winners when they are in love wit the Lord Jesus, the Christ.  How much do you love Jesus?  Yes, I hear your answer, but are you “IN” love with Him?  There is a difference, you know.  It is one thing to say I love Jesus, but quite another to say I am “IN” love with Jesus.  I love many women in my life, daughters, grand daughters, etc., but there is only one woman in my life with which I am “IN” love, my beloved Jewell, my wife.  When each of us are “IN” love with Jesus, then and only then will we be from house to house, and in the temple daily, teaching others the gospel message. 

 Every Christian should be a soul-winner.  If you have not yet done so, please obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ through obedience to his commands to “Go into all the world,” because, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:15-16).  (Adapted from an article by Charles Box, Glad tidings of Good Things, via the Family matters bulletin of the Augusta Road Church of Christ.)

 Do not forget that this afternoon, March 13, from  1:30 to 4:30 PM we will be going out in the community using our new “Welcome Wagon” approach to see if we can set up some Bible studies.  If you will meet here at the building about 130 pm I will spend a few minutes training you in how to do this.  You will need your car. 

Until next time, pray for lost souls to come to Christ, and may God bless all our evangelistic efforts.

 Continue to pray for our Bible studies in progress: Larry Wood, Rebecca Webb (set during our campaign), Kathlene Gunn, Cynthia Gary, and Paul Gray.  Until next time, think souls.  This Billie O’Snell signing off

Why do you wait dear brother, O why do you tarry so long?
Your Savior is waiting to give them A place in His sanctified throng. 
What do you hope, dear brother, To gain by a further delay?
There’s no one to save them but Jesus, There’s no other way but His way.
Do you not feel, dear brother, His Spirit now striving within?
Why not help them accept His salvation, And throw off their burden of sin?
Why do you wait, dear brother? The harvest is passing away;
Your Savior is longing to save them, There’s danger and death in delay.

Sing this song and these words every day and motivate yourself to action.  Think Souls

 I clicked on the Web site address and found myself right there in the middle of a Web site for one of the major faith-only denominations.  It invited folks to go on some sort of trip with “Pastor” so-and-so and some of the ladies.  I thought, “Now this is very interesting.” As I scrolled down the page, there were several other announcements of a denominational nature, and then I saw it. 

 There, before my eyes in the middle of this denominational Web site, was a large advertisement for the Bert Thompson Seminar we are hosting.  The ad talked about what our children were learning in school about creation and evolution, and it encouraged all who read it to attend.  At the close, it read, “If you desire more information, contact the Cold Harbor Road Church of Christ (and it gave our phone number),  or visit their Web site at Cold-Harbor-Road.org.  My jaw dropped and I was amazed. 

 Something we were doing for this seminar was being done right.  I do not know if this was a denomination that one of its members had given the brochure or if there was some sort of personal contact made by one of our members.  Charles Bishop had an outstanding idea for this seminar.  He went to several of the local denominational congregations and gave them one of our brochures.  Where would you expect to find people who are more interested in the creation/evolution debate? This was a stroke of genius on Charles' part. 

 We got another idea from Jack Carter.  Jack mentioned that WBTK had a list of all the denominations with their fax numbers.  Carolyn and I decided that we would try to fax several of the denominations in the area with our brochure.  I called each one on the phone and said, “I’d like to fax you a brochure on the Bert Thompson seminar,” and I told them a little about it.  I then asked them if they would give me their fax number, and I would fax them a hard copy about the seminar.  We sent several faxes out. 

 In an attempt to determine how the people came to know about the seminar, we are going to attempt to register everyone that shows up in order to attain this information.  Members of Cold Harbor Road need not register.  We know how you found out about the seminar.  We will probably need some folks to work the registration area as our guests arrive.  If you can help in this area see me or Neal.   It will certainly let us know what is being accomplished through our door hanging efforts in our neighborhood. 

 Now, the next part is even more important than the seminar.  We have invited all to come and here Bert speak during our morning Bible class and worship periods.  We need to be on the lookout for visitors from the community this Sunday morning.  All personal workers who have been trained in developing interest in a Bible study need to be ready to do just that before the people leave our building.  If you have not been trained in this area you can be just as helpful by being, warm, courteous, and friendly to these folks (and I know you will).  As you meet a family or individual, make that individual your “New Best Friend.”  Introduce them to others in the congregation.  Perhaps you might be able to invite them to have lunch with you.  Let’s not miss such a great opportunity. 

 Let’s all try to be infused with participation and action involving this seminar.  There is work around the building that needs to be done for the expected crowd.  There may be a need for extra communion setups based upon the expected number of visitors.  Take the time to let brother Bert know how much we appreciate him and his work.  Thank him for working us into his schedule.  Encourage him in every way possible.  This can only be a good thing. 

 Our brother Jack Carter has been able to obtain for us some public service announcement time on his radio station WBTK, 1380 on your AM dial.  Listen to the station and see if you might hear one of these spots.  Thank Jack for his help on this.  Just a little sidebar, as Judge Itto might say, our  elders have decided to be involved in sponsoring the Lee-Davis football games this fall to help get the CHR name out in our community.  CHR will do this on this same radio station.  So, if you follow Lee-Davis football, you can hear it on 1380 and hear our sponsorship and promo’s.  This targets the exact area of folks around the church building.  

 What we choose to do--what we choose to be involved in, has many consequences in our lives and the lives of others.  People see our example and make decisions about Christ and His church  For the most part, there are consequences to every action that we take or fail to take.  These consequences may be immediate or perhaps delayed, but consequences nonetheless. 

 In Texas, football is a very big deal.  That’s why the consequences of this story are so profound.  On Friday, December 18, 1998, the football team from Katy High School, in a suburb of Houston, boarded a bus bound for Irving while the marching band belted out their school fight song.  The Katy Tigers were preparing to defend their Class 5A Division II state title.  They were defending state champs with a good shot at repeating that feat.  While sitting on the bus in anticipation of playing on the same field as the Dallas Cowboys, Coach Mike Johnson instructed the players to get off the bus and meet him in the field house.  With tearful eyes, Johnson told his team they would not be going to the championship game.  For the first time in Texas high school football history, they were disqualified from participating on the eve of their title game. 

 Two weeks previously, a senior, whose name was not released, played in the final three plays of Katy’s 40-0 victory over Clear Brook High School.  During the week after Thanksgiving, this senior had falsified grades and forged a signature on his progress report to hide the fact that he was failing two classes.  According to the University Interscholastic League (UIL), a player cannot participate in sports if he is not passing all of his classes.  When a teacher saw this young man preparing to travel with the team, while knowing he was failing her class, the violation was reported to the principal who in turn informed the UIL.  Just a brief time before the team was scheduled to leave for the championship game, the verdict of complete forfeiture was made, and the Katy Tigers were forced to stay home and watch the game on TV.  The team they had beaten the week before went and played in their place.  Although many people felt the penalty was too harsh, the verdict stood because the rules and penalties are clearly stated, and every school is required to comply with all the regulations. 

 Only one player broke the rules, and he alone knew what he had done.  He was a marginal player who was on the field for just three plays during the playoffs, but when his deeds were discovered, a host of innocent people were hurtfully impacted by what he had secretly done.  We seldom believe that the consequences of our private lives will hurt others, but this lesson from Katy, Texas reminds us otherwise.  

 I was happy to see all those from Cold Harbor Road who were able to be present.  My niece, Breanna thoroughly enjoyed the seminar and got a copy of all Dr. Thompson’s material.  Breanna wants to study archeology.  I told Breanna, for the most part, the only real problem archeology has is one of its time schedules.     I think those web sites that he gave us for the apologetics press will be a great help to anyone who wants more information on Dr. Thompson’s subject matter.

 I am still laughing about those reasons that some scientists offered for the demise of the dinosaurs. Another humorous situation I shall share with you.  Josie Snell came to me and said she went up to speak to Dr. Thompson and he didn’t remember her.  Josie is seventeen now.  I said, “Josie, it may be because you were only ten years old then, and may have changed substantially in appearance since you last spoke.  (I thought that was humorous anyway. 

 I think the congregation, on a whole, is to be commended for their efforts that they put in to getting Dr. Thompson’s message our to the brotherhood and the community.  The elders receive a gold star for their desire to make this event happen.  I hope we are already thinking of bringing Dr. Thompson back again as soon as possible. 

 Jim Dalton made some remarks that shed some additional light on Donna’s involvement with the church.  At some point, Jim revealed, Donna had a need for a box springs and mattress.  Apparently, the announcement was made and Sandra Fox stated that she knew someone who wanted to get rid of these two items.  We were able to help Donna fill one of her needs.  Mel Cates, a new Christian himself, had been picking up Donna and bringing her to church because they live near one another in the Ashland area.  Donna then agreed to be involved in a Bible study, and Kathy Pollard ,and Teresa Meyers had been studying with her. 

 We received a telephone call from our darling Josie which thrilled us all.  She stated that she is working hard, but she is having the time of her life.  Grandma asked her about the food and country, and she stated that the country was absolutely beautiful, and the food was delicious.  Jewell conferenced the Call with Jewell Anne and Josie was able to wish her mother well in her up coming surgery.  She did say that it had been so cloudy there that she had not been able to see Kilamanjaro, let alone get a picture of it. 

  I wanted to write a few lines about the New Christian’s class that Randy Keeling is teaching on Wednesday evenings.  I would highly recommend that all those who are new Christians get into and become involved in Randy’s class.  He is teaching some very basic lessons on the church and what it means to be a Christian.  Some may already be involved in the class, but if you are not I would think it would be a good thing to do.  Jonathan Stevens, Mel Cates, Kathleen Gunn, Donna Ellis, Susan Wightman, and Andy King might want to consider this for they might benefit greatly from this learning environment.  I know everyone enjoys Neal’s Wednesday evening class, but oft times it may be very in-depth.

 You might find it interesting to know the many and varied study approaches that are available to the soul winner here at CHR.  We have the Jule Miller videotape series.  This is a tried and true cottage meeting approach to winning souls.  We have also recently purchased this same Jule Miller video series on the DVD format.  I have been so impressed with the World Video Bible School DVD learning series that they use on DVD that I know this will be a great asset to our evangelism portfolio.  Likewise we have the “One Story” series by Oglesby.  It is specifically designed for the rushing, time bankrupt, mobile person of the 21^st century.  WVBS has their own series called “God’s Kingdom.”  We are currently viewing this series in our evangelism class.  It uses a natural outdoor environment such as a national park, is very well done, and includes an actual baptism.  We also have and use the Open Bible Study, which is my personal favorite because it gets your feet under someone’s dining room table with the open Bible in your hand, where you can share God’s word together.   If you desire to win souls, we can do everything for you except set the study appointment.  You need to do that yourself.

 The apostle Paul wrote in his Ephesian letter, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.  Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.  And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”  There are some lessons we may learn from what Paul has written.  First, lets look at this scripture with a few substitutions.  Here goes, “(Ephesians 6:1-4)  Children, obey your babysitter in the Lord: for this is right. {2} Honour thy babysitter and her husband ; which is the first commandment with promise; {3} That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. {4} And, ye babysitters, provoke not your wards to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord [as best you know how if these things mean anything to you at all].  You may insert any word you desire but the message will be altered in the same fashion (Day care attendant, Nursery attendant—Preschool Teacher).

 Christy Perham, mom of Alex, 11 and Ryan 3, Alexandria, VA wrote:

 Accept as much help as possible.  If a neighbor offers to make you a meal or a friend says she’s happy to babysit, jump on it.  I used to feel like I needed to do everything by myself and have it all together, but I quickly found out that’s much easier said than done.  Remember, being a mom is the toughest job in the world, and everyone can use an extra hand.”  

 Several thoughts leaped out at me when I read this one.  It sounds like such good advice.  Everyone needs good neighbors and would be wise to cultivate their friendships.  Everyone may need a little time alone or quality time spend with a spouse or loved one.  No problem!  My thought centered around the statement that, “I need to do everything by myself and have it all together.”  All I can think of is that if one is not a working mom and is a stay at home mom, this task should be much easier.  Many moms would respond by saying, “I have to work just to pay the bills.”  However, what most moms mean by this is, “I have to work to maintain the standard of living I and my spouse have chosen to pursue.”  There is a great difference between these two statements.  People need to learn to live within their means.  People do not necessarily need everything that they see advertised on television.  As a general rule, people need to learn the difference between needs and wants.   It may be much easier done than said if the mom is a fulltime stay at home parent.  Look around you. 

 One may observe that there are many stay at home moms who do not work.  Ask yourself, “How do they do it?”  Perhaps the husband makes such a great salary that mom does not have to work.   On the other hand, perhaps mom and dad have learned to live within what God has given them.  And there are exceptions.  I know of at least one couple where the husband is disabled and mom has to be gainfully employed.  This is not the best situation, but is totally understandable. 

 Who are these people to give the Christian wife and mother advise about how to raise their children.  One thing is certain, they are not necessarily people of the book.  I know we have a lot of working mothers.  But, I also know that we have a lot of mothers who do not have employment outside the home.  Some even home school their children because they want to insure that their children are raised with Christian values and brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 

 If you are a mom and you have to work outside the home, be the best Christian employee you can possibly be.  Let the world know that you serve a risen Master, who is lord of your life and that of your husband and family.  I would recommend that perhaps your goal might be to situate yourself financially so that you might be able to attain the Godly life style you desire and stay at home with your small children during their formative years. 

 If you are not home schooling, then perhaps when the children are occupied with school during the day, it might be the proper time to enter or reenter the job market.  It is true that men and women alike have a need to work.  Please do not misunderstand what I am writing.  I am not against women working.  Lydia worked for a living as a seller of purple (Acts 16:14).  Paul never told Lydia to quit her job.  All I am suggesting is that if mom has a better alternative or can work towards a better alternative and solution, then according to God’s plan for the home it would be well to do that and care for the home full time.  It is a rare mom who can do both. 

 Until next time, continue to think souls.    

 A fourth thing might be called conflicts in values.  Such things as when should credit cards be used or is our family more important than building our career.  Is there ever a time when it is acceptable to miss church on Sunday, or can I allow my children to be involved in sports if it interferes with being in church.  Different values can and will become, on occasion, the basis for intense family conflict between marriage partners. 

 Well, that’s the good news.  The bad news is that these are the only two studies that may have promise for good results.  So, the question becomes, “What are you doing?” to engage others in Bible study.  I would issue a challenge to each member of CHR.  Can we not find one person who might be interested in studying the Bible with us?  Remember, you do not have to do the Bible study yourself; we will do it for you.  You may sit in if you so desire. 

 Recently I heard of an article in Newsweek magazine.  They quoted the president of Hyatt Hotels as saying: “If there is anything I have learned in my 27 years in the service industry, it is this:  99 percent of all employees want to do a good job.  How they perform is simply a reflection of the one for whom they work.”  There is great merit in this simple statement.  Acts of evangelism and service to our King should do the same thing.

 I wonder if perhaps 99 percent of all Christians really want to be involved in works of obedience, service, and evangelism.  I really think they do.  It is possible that 99 percent of Christians desire to help feed the hungry and clothe the naked. Likewise, this same group of Christians would visit the sick and those in prison.   They would probably never say to someone who is naked and hungry, “Be ye warmed and filled” (James 2:16).  Could we possibly say the same thing about our evangelism efforts?  Do you think that 99 percent of our evangelism efforts reflect upon the One for whom we work? 

 A fellow came in the office one day who was quite Jewish and remarked, “I hope you don’t mind this little old Jew working on your computer.”  To which Neal responded, “That’s OK, we work for a Jewish carpenter.”    We do works of obedience, and one of the things He told us to do was go teach others and baptize them then teach them to do the same thing (Matt 28:18-20).  Is our inactivity a simple reflection of whom we work for?  Probably not.  But should it be?  Absolutely!  We need to get busy and do the works of obedience that Jesus our King has instructed us to do. 

 Here are some additional thoughts on soul winning.  Our success in bringing others to Christ will depend on how well we adhere to and accomplish the following: 

 1.  Value of people.  This is an issue of our attitude.  How much do we value that soul out there?  How much do we desire to keep this soul from eternal damnation?   How much worth do we place on this individual regardless of our personal feelings about the person?  Can we or do we see the same value in this person as God does?

 2.  Commitment to people.  This is an issue of our time.  Exactly how much time are we willing to dedicate to the soul winning process?  How much of our leisure time are we willing to give up in order to help bring that person to Christ?  How much time away from the television set or our favorite sports activity are we willing to give to save the lost?  Time is a simple matter of priority; therefore, the question becomes, “What part of our time and what priority does soul winning have upon the demands made upon our time?”

 3.  Integrity with people.  This is an issue of our personal character.  What kind of integrity do we present before the world and the church?  Do we talk a good game, but do not get actively involved?  Do others see, in our life, the things that we espouse, especially in the area of soul winning?  Do others see us talking about the need to bring others to Jesus, but doing little or nothing to accomplish that task?   Do we, all of us, need to do a little “Critical introspect,” that is, look inward at ourselves and see what others see in each of us in regard to our soul winning efforts?  Is it possible that others might be saying, “I would like to become active in soul winning, but I look at those around me, and I don’t see this one or that one doing anything to win souls, perhaps I had better wait”?

 4.  Standard for people.  This is an issue of our vision.  Each of us needs to ask ourselves where we would like to be in 6 months, one year, etc., as a soul winner.  Are we satisfied to maintain the “status quo”?  Are we content to say, “I am doing little or nothing, and I am quite satisfied with the feeble efforts I am or am not making in soul winning”?  And how about prospects?  Do we have in mind anyone whom we might like to study with or help become a Christian?  Do we have a vision and a prospect list of those around us that we might be able to influence to come to Jesus in the correct, biblical way?

 5.  Influence over people.  This is an issue of our ability to influence others in matters of studying the Bible and learning about Jesus.  Each individual has influence, be it good or bad.  People look at our lives, and they see our examples.  I do not know who said, “Actions [examples] speak louder than words,” but that individual was 100 percent correct.  The would-be soul winners must desire and learn to use their example and be an example that would involve people in Bible studies and help bring them to Christ.  Remember, except perhaps during the time when you are sleeping, someone, somewhere is watching you continually almost every second of the day.   All of us must learn to use our influence for good in soul winning efforts.

 A major part of our soul winning efforts is what I call, “Keeping the saved, saved.”  One of the things we may do to help insure that no one is “left behind,” is to look around us each time we come together and see who is missing from our family gatherings at services.  Then we need to give that individual a call and tell them that they are loved and missed. 

 We need to resist the urge to be inquisitive.  We do not need to necessarily question the person about where they were or why they missed the service; simply convey to them that they are loved, and when they have to miss services, they are missed at the service.  Generally speaking, if something is wrong and the person desires to speak of it, they will share with you.  Do not be concerned if the person says, “Yes, we hated to miss, but it could not be helped.”   Of course this is different when someone is continually absent.  This becomes a matter for the elders, but does not keep other Christians from showing their love and concern. 

 When you sit down Sunday morning or evening or Wednesday night, one never knows what is going on behind the smile of the person next to you.  We never know the burdens that person is bringing to the assembly with them.  The person sitting next to you may be one step away from apostasy.  He or she may be in the throws of despair or agony.  This is why we need to be sensitive to the needs of others.  I’m not talking about being sensitive in the manner of the politically correct.  What I am saying is we do not necessarily need to know every detail of every event in everyone’s personal affairs.  This sort of attitude is akin to meddling and lends itself to gossiping, which according to my Bible, is still quite sinful. We, as Christians, are to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2); however, if an individual wants to share his burden, or explain his absence, then that should become their decision.

 I have learned over the past sixty-four years that there are times when one must ask questions, but there are also times when it is best not to, and it is highly inappropriate.  There are times perhaps when elders need to do the questioning and times when it really is none of my business.  If we are asking questions simply to satisfy our own curiosity, then perhaps this would be the appropriate time to do that critical introspect I spoke of earlier and ask ourselves, “Why do I need this information?” 

 Let’s continue to do everything possible to bring others to Christ, and let's do everything we can to keep the saved, saved and encourage and support one another.  Until next time, think souls.

EACH ONE WIN ONE, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (August 31, 2005)

The following was taken from Cy and Stephanie Stafford’s short mission report.  Since many of you have been to TZ on our mission work, I thought this might be worthy of reprinting.  It is reprinted in its entirety and is worthy of great thought and consideration from an evangelistic standpoint.  I have not altered it in any way.  I hope it might touch your heart as it did mine.  We are so blessed and I am afraid that we take so much for granted.  When you read this, please think of the “Give me five” program.  How much could just a few dollars do to help people like this woman that Cy writes about?  Here it is as follows:

Greetings Fellow Workers,

We hope and pray you have had a wonderful week in the service of our Lord and others. God continues to bless us in all the right ways. Please remember Boaz in your prayers as he is to have surgery on his left wrist to correct a mistake on the setting of the same arm last year when he had his accident.

Today we had a blessed day of worship with two guest preachers. Both Kirk Castleman and Neil Richey proclaimed God’s Word in an affective and powerful way. We are so blessed by so many who come our way and by those who make it possible for these men and women to come and help us in the work of God. One young man came forward after the morning worship hour surrendering his life to God. He told us he had been given some Bible study material during the summer campaign and a flyer with the directions on how to get to the meeting house. He studied the material and God’s Word and came today to put Christ on in baptism and to be added to the Body of Christ. What a powerful example of this work, the power of the Gospel, and the Word of God. When God’s message is put in the hands of a people, a people who desire to know God and know His will.

I want to share with you a story that Stephanie relayed to me this week. She came home after a Bible study she had conducted in the home a new sister in Christ by the name of Elhuru. She is a widowed mom of five, one married. They live about one mile up Mt. Meru in a one room, mud hut with dirt floors. They have one small bed that they all share and the children run around barefooted, clothes tattered. She asked Stephanie a question; “I quit what I was doing before I became a Christian because I do not believe it is right. Would it be wrong to sell fire wood, and water to people who use this to make home made beer?” They studied God’s Word some on the subject and then Stephanie asked why she now asked this question. Her reply was along these lines; “We are starving because I now sell some vegetables, but I cannot feed my children. I used to carry fire wood and water all day and this would feed my children.” Stephanie asked her what she would get paid for hauling fire wood and water all day, every day. She said; “I would be paid 500 Tanzania Shillings (the equivalent of .48 cents) a day.” Stephanie said she wanted to cry, her heart was broken and she did not know what to do. Stephanie did help and told her, that her family should never go hungry, that is what Christians are here for, to help one another as well as others.  

 Can any of us begin to imagine for even one minute, what it must be like to try and feed a family of four with less than $15 per month. If this does not move you and if this does not help each of us to realize how blessed we are, and if this does not move us to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves, we have a serious problem. Being blessed to work here in TZ and to have so many friends, supporters and co-workers, I know this is not the case with many. Many come and many give that we might be able to help those in need. But, I would like to take this one step further. Every day, thousands die of starvation all over the world, yes, in America too. Yes, people are dying of spiritual starvation and we so often sit ideally by as though it is someone else’s responsibility. Oh, if only the Church would wake up and see what is before them? Oh, if only the Church would realize how blessed we were and to be willing to share God’s blessing with others. I believe with my heart of hearts, the Church of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is poised right now to evangelize the WORLD. One thing is lacking, the Faith to step out and truly Trust God. I really believe we BELIEVE, but I am afraid we do not really TRUST God to do it through us.

Courage, Vision, Sacrifice, yes, FAITH! Let each of us make a commitment to God to do His will, fully believing, trusting and DOING! Souls count on it, yes, even our own.

Have a blessed week in God’s service. Make a difference and let God add one more to the Family!

“Our fears are always more numerous than our dangers.” (Seneca - c. 4 B.C. – c. 65 A.D. – Philosopher and statesman)

I could not help but think of the song that we sing so often without giving very much thought to the words.  The song was written by Johnson Oatman, Jr., and Edwin O. Excell in 1887 and is entitled, “Count Your Blessings

We should be glad that we have more to live off of than $.48 a day.  We should be glad that we do not have to feed our children and grandchildren off of $.48 a day.

Until Next time, think souls. 

 Let us never forget the urgency associated with soul winning.  Sometimes, it seems as though we take for granted that our God will continue to give the sinner and/or the soul winner more time so we are not in any great hurry to start or finish our Bible studies. However, we should remember the parable in the Bible of the rich farmer.  The parable states, “And He told them a parable, saying, The land of a certain rich man was very productive. And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?' And he said, 'This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.'  But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’” (Luke 12:16-20). 

 The second chapter, I might entitle, “The Urgency of Evangelism.”  In this chapter, I might talk about the brevity of life and how God makes many promises to the Christian, promises that can be relied upon with great assurance, but how God never promises another second of time with which to do anything to anyone.  I might even talk about some of the world's great natural disasters that have quickly snuffed out the lives of thousands of people.  I would think of Pompey and its destruction.  I would write about the most recent great tsunami and hurricane Katrina.  I would probably write about the city of New Orleans.  I might use the following scripture to make my points.  “And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.  They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.  Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;  But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.  Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed” (Luke 17:26-30).

 I think I might entitle the third chapter, “The Burdens of Personal Evangelism.”  In this chapter, I would discuss personal accountability of every Christian to bring others to Christ.  I would write about the importance of prayer and praying for lost souls.  I would talk about the appropriateness of asking God to lead one to lost souls, and then help him to say and do the proper things that those individuals might see Jesus in our lives and want to have Jesus in their lives also.  I think I also would write of the great commission and how Jesus has tasked all Christians to go out and bring the lost to Him.  In this chapter, I would make the point that seeking and saving lost souls is a command of Jesus, and if we fail or refuse to do this command, we are sinning against God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. 

 Chapter four I might entitle, “The Power of the Gospel in Evangelism.”  In this chapter, I would probably use Romans 1:16 as a text, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”  I believe I might discuss dynamite, TNT, and the great power of God.  I would write about how sometimes persuasion, because the gospel is so powerful, often occurs in the absence of the persuader.  I might talk about how feeble our individual efforts might be, but how the word of God works upon the heart.  I might write about how the Christian need not fear resistance and rejection, and how to rely upon God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God’s words for direction. 

 Chapter five I would entitle, “Evangelism and the Power of God’s Word to Change Lives.”  I would probably begin this chapter telling of the apostle Paul.  I would write about who Paul was, what he had been doing, how he was present at the stoning of Stephen, the man of God, and how he persecuted “that Way,” that is, the church. Then I would write about how the words of Jesus changed his life forever.   I would probably include in this chapter some personal observations about how the lives of some individuals that I know personally have changed in service to our King.  I would try to impress upon the reader that when one is obedient to Christ’s terms of pardon they change their lives.  I would discuss repentance and what it means to “turn from sin and walk towards God” and never turn back to sin. 

 Chapter six I would entitle, “The Fire of Evangelism."  I would probably use the scripture in Jeremiah which says, “Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay" (20:9).  Even though it is hard to describe, I would attempt to write about how soul winning can set one’s soul on fire.  I would write about how it can rekindle a fire in one’s bones that has been extinguished.  I would try and tell the reader of the joy of soul winning and seeing others being led to Jesus by those whom you helped obey the gospel.  I would try and explain, as best as possible, how and what a difference it makes in the heart of the soul winner.

 The final chapter, chapter seven, I would entitle, “Evangelism and How it Glorifies the Father in Heaven."  I would write of how it must make our God in heaven feel to see His people doing, that is, carrying out what He has told commanded, His children to do.  I would try to explain that when others see us doing the things God has commanded us to do, it brings glory and honor to His name.  I would explain that the world could never see God’s children at their best, more so than when they are bring others to Christ.  I would write about how everything that Christians do must be to the glory of God.  I might even ask and try to answer the question, “If it doesn’t glorify God, why should we do it?  I think I would deal with the thought in this chapter that God must receive the glory in everything we do, especially in our obedience to Him and our soul winning efforts.

 That is, if I were writing a book.  Until next time think souls!

10/26/05

What have you Done?

Forward March

Hup, two, threep, four, hup, two, threep four, yo’ left, right, left, right.  Everyone who has ever been in the military, active, reserve, ROTC, etc., has heard these words or similar words in some fashion.  Each Christian should consider these words their marching orders for the 29^th and 30^th of October in our door hanging campaign. We have assembled 2,000 door hanging packets for placement on the doors of our community.  We need everyone who can come to help us in this effort. 

We will begin Saturday morning the 29^th at approximately 8:30 AM.  There will be coffee, juice, fruit, and donuts to help us start the morning.  We will be in the field from then until noon.  Everyone will be on their own for lunch.  The afternoon session will start up again around 1:30 PM, and we will stay out until about 4:30 or 5:00 or so.  If there are any packets that remain after our efforts on Saturday, we will go out again on Sunday after the morning worship period and lunch.  The Sunday effort will begin around 1:30 PM also and will continue until 5:00 “ish.”  If all the packets are not put out on Saturday, I will inform the congregation on Sunday morning of the need for afternoon workers. 

Once again, we will saturate the area around the building.  However, we are going to move into some new areas.  I would like to see us work in the Pebble Creek area and perhaps the area of Battlefield Green.  Some have indicated that they would like to take some and distribute them in their neighborhood.  This is fine; however, recently one family moved to another state and asked me what they should do with all these brochures they had left over.  They had taken them to distribute in their neighborhood, but had not accomplished their goal.  Of course these packets, generally speaking, are time sensitive, including information about our gospel meeting or the lectureship, and were of little value when returned.

We had so many, at various times, to stay and help us with the stuffing of the packets that I did not get everyone’s name.  I would not dare to try and name everyone, for I know that as sure as I did, I would miss someone, and I would not want to do that.  Therefore, I would simply say thank you to all those who helped.  If you were a part of that great effort, simply know that your efforts were appreciated and that because of your efforts there may be many people from the community who will attend our lectureship, or perhaps even attend some of our worship services or Bible classes.

Our door hanging efforts, I believe, are an integral part of our lectureship program and should be thought of as simply another assignment such as preparing the food, keeping speakers, cleaning the building, and all the other things that must be accomplished.  The lectureship is primarily an internal effort for members of the Lord’s body, and many of the guests that attend are from the various communities near and far.  However, our goal is to involve the community as much as possible.  Neal and I had the privilege of having lunch the other day with one of the local businessmen in our community.  He has allowed us to set out some of the brochures about the lectureship in his place of business.

Because of this we need to be on the lookout for visitors from the community who are not members of the Lord’s body.  Most of us know the members who attend from other congregations; however, if you see someone you do not know talk with them and see if per chance they are from the local area.  We can use these opportunities to ask them about Bible study.  If you do not desire to ask them about Bible study, find me or one of the other trained personal workers, and we will be glad to ask them. 

You might even think of it as leaving a Bible study on their door.  Monte Ginnings, one of our lectureship speakers, has developed a small study entitled “the Safety Chain,” which is included in our door hanging packet.  Monte informed me that it is fashioned after the Ivan Stewart Open Bible Study, but has been greatly condensed.  Monte has headed up campaigns where they have used this study in lieu of the Open Bible Study with some very good results. This year’s theme for our lectureship is evangelism.  Of course, this is a subject that is near and dear to my heart.  I know that everyone will enjoy listening to the many great soul-winners that will be speaking.

Consider these words and come and tell me once again why you won’t be able to come and help us hang door packets:

“And the Lord said unto Noah, “Where is the ark I have commanded thee to build?” 

And Noah said unto the Lord, “Verily Lord, I have had three carpenters off ill.  The gopher-wood supplier hath let me down, yea, even though the gopher-wood hath been ordered for nigh upon twelve months.  What can I do Lord?” 

And God said unto Noah, “I want that ark finished even after seven days and seven nights.” And Noah said: “It will be so.” And it was not so.  And the Lord said unto Noah, “What seemeth to be the trouble this time?” 

And Noah said unto the Lord, “My subcontractor has gone bankrupt.  The pitch which Thou commandest me to put on the outside and on the inside of the ark hath not arrived.  The plumber hath gone on strike.  Shem, my son who helpeth me on the ark side of the business, hath formed a pop group with his brothers Ham and Japheth.  Lord, I am undone.” 

And the Lord grew angry and said, “What about the animals, the male and female of every sort that I ordered to come unto thee to keep their seed alive upon the face of the earth?” 

And Noah said: “They have been delivered unto the wrong address but should arriveth on Friday.” 

And the Lord said: “How about the unicorns and the fowls of the air by sevens?”

And Noah wrung his hands and wept saying: “Lord unicorns are a discontinued line; thou canst not get them for love nor money.  And fowls of the air are sold only in half-dozens, Lord, Lord, Thou knowest how it is.” 

And the Lord in His wisdom said, “Noah, my son, I knowest.  Why else dost thou think I have caused a flood to descend upon the earth?”  (Journal of Eastern Region of the Royal Institute of British Architects).

11/08/05

What have you Done?

WOW!

Not the “Holy Wow” or the wow of the Holy Spirit, as some talk about it or anything else that might border on the unscriptural.  Just wow, as in amazement.  That’s about all I can say about our lectureship.  It was awesome.  It was outstanding.  It was, if not the best ever, one of the best we have ever had. My soul is on fire for seeking and saving lost souls, and I hope yours is also. 

The speakers were wonderful.  I got a new appreciation for those who spent much time on foreign soil over extended periods of time working with the church and seeking lost souls.  I got a new appreciation for the importance of the short-term mission work that we have been doing.  I got a new appreciation for the efforts of organizations like BVBID in teaching and training native personnel to preach and teach in their own native language to their own people. It was great to talk with old friends like Denny Petrillo and Dennis Curd.  Jenny Sprouse and the baby looked wonderful.  I am saddened that Shawn could not come with them.  I could listen to Dennis Curd speak all the time.  I think he should be invited to speak at all our lectureships. 

I enjoyed, greatly, meeting all the new speakers, but especially Jack Farber and Loy Mitchell.  Their message was outstanding.  It was great to talk with all the speakers about what they were doing now and where and how they had worked in the past. It would be fair to say that they all brought a special inspiration to me to motivate me on to better and greater evangelism heights. 

I was humbled by the fact that the book was dedicated to me.  I could never feel deserving of such a high honor, but I am appreciative in a way I could never articulate.  Simply know that I love all of you and appreciate your faithfulness to the Lord as fellow servants of our King.  I appreciate and thank you for all you do to make our evangelism program a great one.  Additionally, I was totally surprised at the honor.  I think I work with some great Christians that are just a little bit sneaky and perhaps a tad bit devious. But, nonetheless, they got me.  I suppose I really wasn’t even suspicious.

I really liked what Monte Ginnings said about “aggressive asking.”  I think this is an area where we have the opportunity to make some great strides.  All we need do is overcome our fears that someone will think we are some kind of a “nut.”  On the other hand, guess what?  I don’t really care if someone who doesn’t know me thinks that I am some kind of a “nut.”  They don’t know anything about me, and it is their loss, not mine if they refuse and say no.  I do know this, when I stand before the bar of judgment with that person and they look at me in disbelief, I can say, “I tried to tell you.”   How about this?  Why doesn’t everyone who reads this bulletin, within the next seven days, ask someone to study the Bible with us.  It might be friend, neighbor, coworker, fraternal brother, the waiter or waitress at the restaurant where you have lunch.  It really doesn’t matter; let’s just ask someone.  

I also really liked what Monte said about where we do the study.  When we ask those people let’s give them a choice.  If they would indicate some kind of interest, tell them that we can study in their home, our home, or at the building.  Perhaps they might like somewhere neutral, that is, perhaps the library.   I think the church building is a great place to study the Bible.  After all, people associate the Bible with the church building and would expect to be taught Bible things and Bible ways at the church building.  It is also an opportunity to acquaint them with the building, the auditorium, the baptistry, the classrooms, etc.  I used to and still say, “We need to give them the fifty cent tour” of the building. 

I was surprised the other day to get an e-mail from Heather Rife.  If you remember, Heather had expressed a desire to talk with someone from the church about what we believe and perhaps become involved in one of our Bible studies.  Please continue to pray for Heather.  She has many medical problems, and I know at the same time that I was in physical therapy; she was in there also.  We never did meet, however, but I know she was in a great deal of pain.  I hope she is feeling better now, and perhaps we can get together soon and talk.  If you remember, she is a friend of Kathleen Gunn’s and may have even worked with Shannon and Kathleen.  I am not sure about that, but I do know she has visited the worship services, and she was at Kathleen’s baptism.  I overheard Kathleen talking with Neal the other Sunday, and she indicated that her schedule had changed at work and that perhaps she would be able to attend more of the worship services and Bible classes.  That’s great, you go dear sister.  

I am still trying to get back together with Tracy Stephens and see if we can complete her Bible study.  Pray for that effort also.  I have called and left a message on her phone and asked her to get back with me as soon as possible. 

I have only had one response from the brother’s keeper program that I wrote about, and that was from Debbie Chandler. Debbie is going to adopt Susan Wightman and try to involve her in every aspect of the fellowship and work here at CHR.  If you did not get that “Each One Win One” I can make a copy of it for you.  If you gave me a response or put it in my box as I requested, I did not get it.   Please let me know if you are willing to serve as a brother’s keeper for one of our new Christians.  This is a very important work.  Monte talked about bringing them in the front door and losing them out the back door.  Let’s not let that happen.  We have no less than nine additional new Christians that need this adoption.  Please help.  Some do not even realize that they have a mailbox where information is placed that is important to them.  Little things like that could be a big help. 

Donna Leslie’s nephew, Jason has been given “The One Story” video series by Robert Oglesby to view.  Bobby Lawrence said that Donna was having some trouble with her video tape player and was going to see if he could lend her one so Jason could watch the programs.  I talked with Jason on Monday on the telephone, and he was excited about getting started.  Jason has been looking for work, and let’s pray that he might find a good job that will help him and perhaps even Donna financially.  I just talked with Jason on the phone this hour, and he advised that Bobby had been there and gotten them all set up, and he has already watched the first lesson.  Hallelujah!  He had a job interview at 3:00 PM today, Wed., Nov 8, 2005 for a position as a sales associate with Peebles. 

OK!  Let’s take all those wonderful lessons on evangelism and put them into use in our lives.  Let’s go into the fields which are white unto harvest (John 4:35).  Let’s be doers of the word and not hearers only deceiving ourselves that we are doing the will and work of our King (James 1:22).

Until next time let’s eat, sleep, walk, talk, and think souls.  This is our task because of His Cross.   

11/15/05

What have you Done?

Good things are happening

Many blessings have come about since our lectureship.  One involves Heather Rife and her husband Mel.  Neal and Kathy Pollard went on Monday to their home and met with Heather and Mel.  They received a warm welcome and had a chance to talk with both Heather and Mel for an extended period of time.  They got to know a little about their children.  It seems that Heather and Mel might be interested in studying the Bible with us.  That is wonderful news.  Please remember to pray for these folks, as I understand that they both have had a great many medical problems.  Hopefully, tonight, Wednesday, November 16, 2005, they might be in our Bible study class, even as some of you are reading this.  Make it a point to say hello and to make them feel welcome.  They have three children.  I believe it is a boy and two girls. 

They are looking for a loving group of people to worship with.  It seems that Heather will definitely study, at some point, with Kathy Pollard and Lois Tiller.  However, if Mel studies with us then Neal or I will probably conduct the study.   Continue to pray for their family and their resolve to learn more about God’s word. 

Another blessing we have received is the opportunity to meet and talk with John Soffee.  John’s mother lives with him, and they have visited our worship services.  John, if I have my facts straight, has been at our worship services at least three times, and the last time he brought his mother.   Pray that John and his family, especially his mother, might find the church to be a fulfillment of their spiritual need.  Somehow, I think I have missed meeting John and his mother.  I am looking forward to doing this. 

Well, did you ask anyone for a study this past week?  Did you find that friend, neighbor, coworker or family member that you might talk with and ask to study the Bible with you or one of our workers?  No!  Why not?  Perhaps you simply forgot.  OK, fine.  Let's try again this week.  Make a concentrated effort to find someone to ask about a Bible study.  You can do this.  Our God is with you and will bless you.  We must ask if we could have Bible studies with our friends and neighbors.  Do you remember an old saying that says, “The squeaking wheel gets the grease?”  That squeaking wheel is described in the Bible.  Did you know that?  Oh yes.

The story goes like this.  “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;  Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.  And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?  I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:1-8).

The thought here is that God will avenge His children.  “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord (Romans 12:19).  However, there is a very important soul winning principle set forth in these words.  The principle is one of persistence. 

You see; this judge cared not for God or man.  He did not fear anyone.  I have personally known some judges like that; however, that is entirely another story.  So, why did the judge grant the lady's petition?  It was because her persistence began to become worrisome.  Therefore, the point of the parable is that even though God knows our trials and sorrows, we need to continue to ask Him for the things we desire. This woman became the squeaking wheel.

So what is the soul-winning point of the lesson?  You got it.  We need to ask, and ask again, and then ask some more.  Because a person says no the first time does not always necessarily mean that your job of asking is complete.  The person may want you to overcome the barriers he has set before you.  He may be willing to study if one is persistent.  That is the thought of this whole parable, persistence.

Think back with me for a moment, oh, for some of you perhaps 100 years or so, to when you were a child J.  If you asked your mom or dad for something, you knew that because they said no the first time that was not necessarily the conclusion of the matter.  So later on you would ask again.  How many times did you get what you desired on a second or third time that you had asked?  Was it not the same for your children?  Children are simply little, they are not stupid, and they know when no really means no.   As a child do you remember, depending upon how important it was to you, what determined how many times you asked, and with what level of persistence you pursued your request? 

OK! Then how important is a soul to you?  You see the level of persistence and asking is dependant solely ("soul-ly") upon how much you love that lost soul.  This translates into a simple formula, that is, failing to ask equates to little or no love for lost souls.  Is this really how any and all of us want to stand before God?   God said it this way, and it applies to the Christian and the non-Christian alike. “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).  Are we willing to let a failure to ask others for a Bible study to stand in exchange for our soul?  OK, how about that other person’s soul?  Are we willing to let our fear to ask for a Bible study stand in exchange for another’s soul?  I am afraid that this unwillingness would stand in exchange for two souls, theirs and ours. 

OK.  Please ask someone this week.  Do not let the time go by without approaching someone and talking with them about heaven, the church, and one of our Bible study programs that will help them to obtain an eternity in heaven. 

Remember there are only 16 more shopping days until our planning and goal setting workshop.  It is scheduled for December 3, here at the building.  The purpose will be to bring your hopes and dreams that have not been shared before and those which we might evaluate and help the elders to decide if anything needs to be added to our short-range, mid-range, intermediate-range or long-range plan.  It might be helpful to bring a copy of the plan that was set forth by the elders after last year’s planning and goal setting workshop.  At a minimum, the long-range (five years and beyond) plan becomes non-existent when it moves into the intermediate range (three to four year) plan.  Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver has a long-range plan of fifty years.  How about them apples?  Each year they meet to tweak and adjust their plan and set new or additional goals and objectives.

Until next time, think souls.

11/23/05

What have you Done?

Happy Thanksgiving.

Christians should be a people of Thanksgiving every single day of the year.  It is almost sinful to say we set aside one day as a national holiday to stop and give thanks.  Does that mean that the majority of Americans or for that matter, Christians, are not thankful the other 364 days of the year?  Or does it mean that they are just less thankful?  Our country is indeed blessed beyond measure by our God.  However, this in no way guarantees that God will continue to bless our nation. 

David Sain, who was at that time with the Wood Avenue congregation in Florence Alabama, came and spoke on our “One Nation Under God” effort.  As I recall, the time frame was near the fourth of July (ish), and the event was held at Richmond’s own Arthur Ashe Center near Parker Field (currently called the Diamond).  David’s theme was, “Will God Continue to Bless these United States?”  His point was this: of course we all certainly hope that God will continue to bless our nation, but if God is going to do that, our nation is more than likely going to need to make some drastic changes in the way we think and do things, bringing our thoughts and actions in line with God’s word.  

Tonight, that is Wednesday, November 23, 2005, we are going to be engaged, hopefully, in a great and meaningful devotional asking God to continue to bless our nation, our families, and each individual.  We shall be giving thanks to our God for all the blessings He richly bestows upon us.  We will be asking forgiveness when we fail to say “thank you” for all the many positive answers we receive to our prayers.  Oftentimes we will pray for an individual and when God blesses them with His healing we say, “I am glad to see you are better and doing well.”  We truly are, but we neglect to thank God for His mercy, kindness, and goodness.  We pray, “God have mercy (pity) on those who are sick,” but seldom say thank you to our most wonderful God.

Unthankfulness is a sin, not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day.  Paul wrote these words, “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away (2 Timothy 3:2-5).  It does not take a rocket scientist to understand that our God is not pleased with this list of awful sins.  I have said before and I say again, right in the middle of these things such as traitors, unholy individuals, blasphemers, and lovers of pleasure is the sin of unthankfulness. 

Let me share with you how thankful we should be when our God blesses us with His love and mercy.  I just got off the phone with one of the ladies who is a member of the congregation here at Cold Harbor Road.  When the phone rang and I picked up, the first thing I heard was this dear sister shouting, “It’s not cancer, It’s not cancer.”  Was she thankful?  You bet she was.  Her brother had been diagnosed with cancer because they had found a mass in his body, and they were doing exploratory surgery to see how bad it really was.  The prognosis was not good, and the family was greatly concerned about the results of this surgery.  Our beloved sister went on, “It was just a cyst.  Can you believe that?  It was not cancer, it was just a cyst.”  We shed tears together over the phone, and I could hardly speak because I love this lady, her husband, and their entire family.  She is a dear and long time friend of mine and Jewell’s.  There was much rejoicing and thankfulness this day.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow.  Our God hears our prayers, and He answers them for us because He loves us - so much so that He sent His only begotten Son to die for us.  Shall we be unthankful for His goodness?  I think not!

I am reminded of the scripture that talks of the two debtors.  “There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.  And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?” (Luke 7:41-42).  We sing a song wherein the words say, “I owed a debt I could not pay, He paid a debt He did not owe.”  The two debtors could not pay their debt.  Neither of them had the ability or resources to redeem themselves from their obligations to the one that they owed so much.  Were they ever thankful?

This has been so for mankind since the Garden of Eden.  Man sinned, but God loved him anyway.  He bought mankind back; He redeemed him, but the purchase price was the blood of His own Son.  Are we so flippant in our thanksgiving that we make light of what God and His blessed Son did for us?  Do we half-heartedly say, “God has blessed you, I am glad you are getting better.”  Never forget, our God only does good, and wants His children to go and do likewise with thanksgiving in their heart. 

One of the greatest things that might be done to show our appreciation and thanksgiving to God and His beloved Son is to share the gospel message of His saving grace with others.  We must become “aggressive askers.”  It is important to remember we are not asking people to become members of the church of Christ.  We are asking them to allow us to share the message of Jesus, His cross, and His plan of redemption.  If we are truly thankful we will do this aggressively.  Did you ask someone this past week to study the Bible with you or one of us?  We have two possible studies that hopefully will begin soon.  One is with Kathleen Gunn’s dear friend Heather Rife.  Kathleen has spoken with me and expressed her desire for her dear friend Heather to know the blessings of our God and His blood-bought church.  Why would Kathleen do that?  Because she loves her dear friend and wants only what is best for her.  What an opportunity for Kathleen to set a Christian example of what it is like to be a Christian lady involved in her Lord’s work and church.  I just suppose that Kathleen is thankful for what her Savior did for her, don’t you think?  The other is John Soffee, a visitor to our worship services.

In Her classic autobiography The Hiding Place, Corrie ten Boom tells of the time she and her sister were forced to take off all their clothes during Nazi inspections at a death camp.  Miss ten Boom stood in line feeling forsaken and defiled.  Suddenly she remembered that Jesus hung naked on the cross.  Struck with wonder and worship during that seemingly forsaken moment, ten Boom leaned forward and whispered to her sister, “Betsie, they took [H]is clothes, too.”  Betsie gasped and said, “Oh, Corrie, and I never thanked him.”  Thanksgiving does not require bounty—just recognition of what our Savior has already done (McHenry’s Quips, Quotes and Other Notes, 259). 

OK!  Enjoy your holiday.  Eat lots of turkey and dressing.  Enjoy the candied yams and the pumpkin pie.  Watch football until it runs out your ears.  Enjoy, especially the time you spend with your family.  Memories are made of such activities.  Call your Aunt Betty or Uncle John and wish them seasons best and Happy Thanksgiving.  I once heard of (saw on TV or in a movie or something or some program) a family when they sat down to their Thanksgiving dinner, before they would eat, each person at the table or in the home would have to talk of or tell about one thing for which they were especially thankful.  Let’s us not forget why we as Christians are thankful.  Think souls, and happy Thanksgiving.

11/30/05

What have you Done?

Wonderful News

God has blessed us once again.  Badger Garner was immersed in the watery grave of baptism on Friday, November 25^th, 2005.  We rejoice with the angels in heaven over his commitment to his Lord and master, his willingness to be obedient, and his action of faith.  I shall write much more about this when I do the evangelism bulletin for December.  I shall include his picture in the bulletin also.  Let me just say here that we are all happy for you Badger and hope that our God will grant you a long life of service to our King.

Bill Burton studied with Badger before the baptism and had helped Badger to insure that he understood what commitment he (Badger) was making to Christ.  I am always thrilled when anyone in our congregation is instrumental in studying with another and helping that one accept God’s terms of pardon.  However, I am especially glad when it involves our elders as they lead and set the example for the remainder of us.  Our elders' battle cry is, “Follow me as I follow Jesus.”  Praise God and amen.

A special thanks to Nick Genter who helped out with our first Bible Study with John Soffee.  Several things are of interest in this Bible study.  We studied in the area downstairs where I have my evangelism class.  In that class we have a prayer list, which is broken up into several sections.  Whenever someone agrees to study the Bible with us we add their name to our prayer list.  We also pray each time the class meets about prospective studies, where we think we might find an interest in others, or perhaps studies that have started and stalled. 

I did not think anything about it until John asked, “Why is my name on your board?”   I responded, “Well John, we have been praying for you and our Bible study with you since you first expressed an interest in studying with us.”  Nick was an outstanding helping partner.  We found out some interesting things about John.  He was scheduled to go on a mission trip to the Ukraine with another religious group, but was unable to make the trip.  This tells me that he has an interest in lost souls in other countries.  Nick and I also found out that John is well acquainted with his Bible and understands biblical concepts well.  He made one particular statement that struck me as very wise.  He said, “I don’t think that anyone should add anything to or take anything away from God’s word.”  This is very profound. 

 We are scheduled to study again this Wednesday evening at 6:00 PM if John does not have a home to show.  He is in the real estate business and some evenings has to show prospective buyers pieces of property and homes.  Barring any complications we shall continue to study at that time.  John had spoken with Joe and Alica Ketchem initially about a Bible study so after this Wednesday evening session, Joe said that he and Alica would pick up the study.  Just a word of praise here for one moment, if I may, Joe and Alica are one terrific soul winning team and have done several Bible studies of one sort or another with several different people.  I believe Joe’s first Bible study was when he was the helping partner for Jim Marcell and they studied with Shane Carroll. 

We have had some visitors that have been coming with Shawn and Jennifer Mechling.  Philip and Jessica Search, who live in the Ellerson area have visited our worship services on several occasions. I have met them and talked with them, and they seem to be wonderful folks with a sincere interest in doing God’s will.  I talked with Shawn and Jennifer, and they have stated that they are making good progress with this young couple trying to encourage them and answer their questions.  They have visited our worship quite regularly in recent weeks and seem to have a great interest in the Lord’s church.  Make it a point to meet this fine young couple and get to know them.  I know you will make them feel welcome. 

I talked with Shawn and he told me that Jessica and Jennifer work together at the Mechanicsville Medical Center down where we used to meet several years ago.  They work in the same doctors' office.  I thought Philip made a powerful statement this past Sunday when he came to the worship service without Jessica.  It seems that Jessica could not be present, but Philip came anyway.  This is indeed commendable.

Let’s reach out to others.  Let’s be aggressive askers.  We bond with people often who are nothing more than friends and neighbors, but over time we come to love these people.  We need to ask these people if we can share with them our love for our God and His blessed Son.  Sometimes the word "witness" has negative connotations associated with it.  However, witnessing to others is not a bad thing.  We need to witness to others often about what our Savior has done for us.   We need to share with them how our God has blessed our lives and our families.  Jesus said that we should go and tell others the good news.  Find that dear friend or neighbor and tell them, “You know, over time (the years) I feel I have become very close to you and there are some things I would like to share with you about my God and His Son.  Will you let me to that?” 

You see, the church we attend is made up of people just like you and me.  We make this congregation what it is.  If it is great, it is because we make it great.  If it is not so great, likewise it is because we make it not so great.  The church as a body will reach out to lost souls if we reach out to lost souls.  If we do not reach out to the lost, then our congregation will not be known as a congregation that is involved in reaching out to the lost.  If it is warm and friendly congregation it will be because we are warm and friendly.  If it makes our visitors feel welcome it will be because we make our visitors feel welcome. 

The pews of our congregation will be filled if we help fill them.  Our church will do great works if we individually will do great work.  Our church will make generous contributions to mission work and evangelism if we are generous givers.  It will bring many into the worship and fellowship if we bring others to the worship and fellowship.  Our congregation will be filled with a noble spirit if we are filled with that same spirit.  Therefore, and most importantly, the church will be nothing more than all those things I or we want it to be and are willing to see that it becomes.

Don’t forget our Planning and Goal Setting Workshop this weekend.  These sessions will be no more than we are willing to make them.  Will you be there?  Are you willing to be involved in helping to shape our destiny?  Please come; I know you will receive a blessing

In the meantime, walk, talk, and think souls.

12/18/05

What have you Done?

One more?

As I write this I ponder a question.  The question is, “Before the end of the year, can we win one more soul for Christ?   Can we teach and baptize one more soul before the New Year?”  Impossible you say, right?  No, not really.  We never know whose heart may be near to obeying God’s terms of pardon.  We cannot know the heart of others, but there may be someone who has been visiting our worship services or someone, perhaps a friend, who is just waiting for one of us to ask them about becoming a Christian. 

Is it fair to say we need to capitalize on the holiday season?  From a secular point of view, and from a denominational point of view, the world’s mind is centered on the birth of Jesus.  Listen to the music of the time.  Besides the secular traditional music, such as Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman, most of the seasonal music is religious in nature.  We all know the list of “Christmas Carols” that everyone is playing and singing this time of year.  Your question is probably, “What’s your point Bill?” 

The point is a simple one.  People, especially those who profess to be Christian, are already thinking about the birth of Jesus.  Even though this is not a Biblical holiday and comes from Roman Catholicism as a celebration and an observance of the Christ Mass, which is of and about the birth of the Savior of the world, people’s minds are centered on this great event.  Why not capitalize on these feelings and use the opportunity to discuss not only Jesus' birth, but also His death, burial, and resurrection.  After all, without the birth of Jesus, there could have been no cross of Jesus, no death, and no resurrection. 

 Ask your friends, “How do you feel about Jesus’ birth?  How do you feel about the reason He came to the earth?  How do you feel about His cross and His plan for redeeming mankind?”    Share with them that His birth, as important as it is, was only a part of the total package.  Then ask them if they would be willing to study with someone to get the total picture of the man, His mission, and His method for saving the world.  And remember this:  The feelings of the holiday season soon pass.  The minds and hearts of this people wax gross after a short period of time.  Jesus Himself said these words:  “For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them” (Matthew 13:15).

Rest assured, the commercial world cares little about why Jesus came to earth, why He had to die, and what He did for mankind.  To the commercial world the meaning of this holiday season is registered in the almighty dollar; little more than that is needed or expected. 

Therefore, during the holiday season, ask your friends about a Bible study.  If the study does not begin until after the first of the year, that is OK.  If you do not feel prepared to teach the study, we will find someone to do the study for you, and you and your friend can study together with us. 

You might say something to your friend similar to this:  “You know, I think people have lost the true meaning and significance of the birth of our Lord and Savior.  After the holidays, and after things have settled down, I would like to talk with you about one of our Bible study programs.  Could we do that?”

Remember, it is important to not leave the impression that Christmas is a true religious holiday, supported by and found in the Bible, because as important as the subject matter is, the holiday celebration is neither found nor required according to Holy Scripture. 

All I am suggesting to you is that we use the feelings of the season to teach people the entire message of Christ and the good news about Him.  I have a good friend that used to tell me all the time, “If you don’t use your head you may as well have another leg.”   Also, I am not in any way suggesting that the results justify any and all means.  Paul said, “To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22).

Notice, Paul did not say, “I became a drunkard so that I could save the alcoholic.”  Neither did he say, “I became sexually impure in order that I might save the adulterer or adulteresses.”   Paul would never do anything that took him beyond the boundaries of his heavenly authority.  Paul himself wrote, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? {2} God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2).  Therefore we can know assuredly that Paul never exceeded his authority and willfully sinned to save others. 

What did Paul do?  He seized every opportunity to teach Jesus and Him crucified.  He went to the temple and taught the Jews.  He went to the river bank and taught the ladies.  When he was in jail he taught the jailor.  In whatever circumstance he found himself he seized the opportunity to teach others about the One he had met on the road to Damascus.   When he was on trial for his life he taught Agrippa and he heard these words, “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28).

So, what do you think Paul would do if he were alive today, given the opportunity and circumstance of the holiday season?  Would he seize the opportunity to proclaim the entirety of the Gospel message?  I think he would.  Would he take the opportunity to discuss the religious division and error associated with the holiday?  I think he would.  One thing I am certain of is that he would not let the opportunity escape to do what his Lord and Master had commanded him to do.

Well, back to my original question.  Do we think we might find one more soul to help be obedient to the gospel message before the end of the year?  The answer lies within the heart of each and every one of us.  Am I willing to ask someone about a Bible study?  Do I know someone that might agree to a study? 

One of the primary tenets of evangelism that I teach repeatedly in my evangelism class is a simple one.                                                    “Timing is everything.”  If our timing is off, we will not be successful.  If we miss a window of opportunity because our timing was bad, we will not be able to succeed.  God expects us to strike while the “iron is hot.”  He expects us to take advantage of the opportunities he gives us.

Let’s remember it is very nice to give and receive gifts.  It is wonderful to see the sparkle in another’s eyes when they receive a nice gift over the holidays.  But there is little rejoicing in heaven because I gave someone a nice, warm holiday gift.  There is, however, great rejoicing in heaven over one soul that comes to Christ.  Therefore, enjoy the holiday; be with family and friends, but most of all think souls. 

12/28/05

What have you Done?

Focus!

“ to obtain a clear image, a center of interest or activity, an adjustment for distinctness or clarity, Sharply or clearly defined.”

The New Year is upon us, and it is a time usually given to making resolutions about the things one would like to accomplish during the upcoming year.  Many of these resolutions are quite shallow and almost insincere in the individual’s commitment.  However, there are several things that are important about our resolve and the coming year.

The first is that none of us have any guarantee that God will allow us to see the completion of this year.  I would suggest that most of the people who made new year’s resolutions for 2005 felt secure and quite comfortable with the thought that they would make it through the year and see all of their new year’s resolutions come to fruition.  Many, many were called to judgment, however, before the year was over.   What happened to all those resolutions that were made on January 1, 2005?  For these individuals they were mostly unobtainable and went unfulfilled.

The writer of the book of James tells us that we can be quite silly sometimes when we think of the future and all of its opportunities and challenges.  “Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." {14} Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. {15} Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." {16} As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. {17} Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins” (James 4:13-17 NIV).  I generally do not use the NIV translation, but I think the reading in this passage is a good one and makes the point quite clear.  We are only upon this old earth for a short while, and then we are gone. 

This brings us to our second point, that is, because of the brevity of life we need to focus.  We need to ask for God’s blessings and His help and then critically focus on the tasks at hand.  The psalmist wrote, “. . . Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain” (Psalms 127:1).

We need to focus on the cross of our Lord and Savior.  It was there that Jesus shed His blood for the sins of the world.  Without the shedding of that blood there would be no sacrifice for sins and cleansing of our souls for salvation. Without that cross we would be a people of no hope, with only the expectation that one would come in the form of a Messiah at some point in the future, according to the plan of God.  We would be no better off than the Jews who await this one who would save His people.      

One needs to focus on Jesus and should never take his eyes off of the Master.  Remember the encounter of the apostle Peter when Jesus came walking towards his boat in the water.  “And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. {26} And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. {27} But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. {28} And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. {29} And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. {30} But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. {31} And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” (Matthew 14:25-31).

If we focus on Jesus we can accomplish anything He wants us to do.  Additionally, if we focus on Jesus He will help us to accomplish anything that we desire to do as long as it is according to His will (Romans 8:27). 

For the year 2006, let’s make it our “Soul” purpose to focus on lost souls.  Let’s never stop asking Jesus to lead us to some soul that is willing to learn of Him.  To take a lesson from the sports world, the idea of focusing on something is a key element towards success.  I have played baseball, and I know when the batter is in the batter’s box, his focus is on the ball that the pitcher has thrown.  His coach will tell him, “Never take your eye off the ball.”  It is my understanding that when the golfer swings at his golf ball, through and including his follow through, the standing instruction is to focus, that is, keep your head down and never take your eye off the ball.  I was recently watching a movie where one was receiving instruction on playing the game of ping-pong.  The teacher said, “Playing ping-pong is easy.  The secret is to never take your eye off the ball.” 

Let’s remember that our goal for the year 2006 is still, “Each One Win One, What Have You Done?” and then let’s focus on what our chosen objective is designed to accomplish.  Let’s concentrate on getting the job done. 

Let’s eliminate the “focus killers” we find in our lives.  Things like, “I’m too busy,” or "I can’t help others to come to Christ.”  Let us never be timid or afraid to talk with others about Jesus and His sacrifice to redeem mankind.  Paul wrote, and it has always been my guide for living life as long as I can remember, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).

Instead of making a lot of new year's resolutions this year, why not begin the new year with this prayer or one very similar?  

Dear God,  please forgive me of my past sins, and strengthen me and help me to lead others to your dear Son in order that they may receive the blessing of Your forgiveness.  Father, please give me the courage of the prophets of old to share the message of salvation, and Father I pray that you might grant me a measure of Your wisdom like Solomon had to help Your people in days gone by.  Heavenly Father, please give your humble servant strength, health, and number of days in service to You to be one of Your messengers with the good news about Jesus.  Heavenly Father, help me to be a watchman for the lost, just like Ezekiel, and please help me to be an effective, fervent soul winner this year and forever after, as long as my days shall last.  Father, strengthen me in my weaknesses for I have many, and Father, create in me a pure heart and a love therein for all your children who are in danger of being lost eternally as well as all of my brothers and sisters who have been redeemed.  Please create in me a sweet spirit and bless my mouth with kindness and the words of salvation to share with others.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 

May the grace and peace of our Lord and Savior bless us all in the year to come, 2006, and beyond. Think souls. 

Each One Win One

What have you Done? (2006) 01/18

Thanks for all YOU HAVE been and done during 2005.

I would like to begin the New Year, 2006, by saying thank you to all my wonderful brothers and sisters.  Thank you for all the prayers you have offered to our loving God about lost souls and all our Bible studies.  I know that there have been a myriad of prayers said both publicly and privately on behalf of those with whom we have attempted to study. 

I would like to thank all of those individuals who went out on our campaign days.  The weather was not always just right for doing door-to-door work, but you went anyway.  I am thankful for you and all of your efforts.  I pray that God will bless you in all that you do in 2006.  I thank you for going out when I could not go with you. 

I would like to say a special thank you to my great evangelism assistant, Charles Bishop.  Charles has a heart that is on fire for lost souls.  He has filled-in in my class on many occasions this past year when I was unable to teach.  Charles is a fearless, dedicated, and hardworking soldier of the cross.  He is currently working on getting us set up to go into the community and do our second welcome wagon approach to interest people in Bible study and the Lord’s church.

I would like to say thank you to one of the most unheralded workers in our evangelism program.  The church secretary literally reproduced thousands upon thousands of documents for inclusion in our door hanging packets.  Carolyn worked many hours in getting the things of the door hanging packets ready for distribution.  Thanks to Neal who never gave up on his co-worker and supports so fully our evangelism efforts.

I would like to say a special thank you to every individual who worked so diligently stuffing the packets for distribution.  It warmed my heart to see all of your children and grandchildren helping out in this effort.  There were so many people involved that it became impossible to, as the song says, “Count your many blessings, name them one by one.”  I was always afraid that when I tried to list everybody I would miss someone, and they would be offended. 

Thank you to all the parents and grandparents who stayed on Wednesday evenings after midweek Bible study and stuffed, and stuffed, and stuffed.  Thank you to each and every one who stayed after our fellowship meals and helped stuff.  It was obvious that when many people stay and put their shoulder to the wheel (task), it can be fun and accomplished quickly and efficiently.  I thank you especially for preparing 2,000 packets to be distributed on our last door hanging effort.  This was a record high for distribution. 

Thank you to all the ones who went out into the community and our neighborhood around the meeting place for the Cold Harbor Road church of Christ.  Without all of these folks, my job as your minister of evangelism would be an utter impossibility.  A very special thank you to all those who went out for the first time, who overcame their fears and hesitance, and had the courage to do something that they had never done before.  It was quite an accomplishment on a personal level for those individuals. 

Thanks to all those people who went on foreign mission trips to save lost souls.  Sometimes we have a tendency to forget that mission work is simply the second leg of our evangelism efforts.  Our mission efforts are simply evangelism efforts to seek and save lost souls on foreign soil.  Local evangelism, which we have termed personal evangelism, is simply our efforts to reach lost souls in our own country, region, state, locality, and neighborhood.  I thank God for the blessing these people have become to the work here at Cold Harbor Road.  Thank you for the zeal you bring to soul winning.  Thank you for caring enough to take the young people with you to teach them about lost souls and helping to create in them a desire to be active in winning others to Christ. 

It is my desire and need to say thank you to the young people who went on the campaign to Tanzania.  Thank you Robert and Laura Elliott, Jonathan Stevens, Nick Mechling, and Josie Snell.  What an inspiration you are to all of us who could not go.  Oh, how I wanted to go with you.  Thank you for going in my stead and doing the work that I could not do.  Thank you for the love that you have shown for lost souls.  I am truly humbled by your example.  When I was fourteen, fifteen, eighteen, etc., it would never have crossed my mind that I might be able to go to a foreign country and do mission work.

I need to thank my elders.  What an example and inspiration you are to me and I hope all of the members of Cold Harbor Road.  What wonderful leaders and what evangelistic hearts.  All of the elders have been involved in our evangelism and mission efforts in some way.  I know that 2006 can only bring better and greater heights of accomplishments. 

One of the things I need to say thank you for most was during the time that I fell and broke both my knees.  Your love for Jewell and me was awesome. I suppose I am a lot of things to a lot of different people, but I am not an ingrate.  I am grateful for the kindness you showed my family and me.  Thank you for all the cards, visits, calls, and expressions of love.  As one might surmise, it is extremely difficult to be flat of one’s back for six weeks.  I tried to get back in the saddle (old cowboy terminology) as soon as possible.  I never wanted to be taken away from our evangelism efforts, but once again, Charles did an outstanding job of filling in.  I remember when I came home from the hospital it took six people to get me out of the vehicle and into the house.  I need to thank Mike Inge and Jewell Anne for building a platform for my recliner so I could get out of bed and into the chair.  What a joy and relief that was.  When the apostle John spoke of love, and as I understand the scriptures, I could see Christ and His love in all of you.  I would be quite remiss if I did not say thank you to Greg Elliott who visited me, as best as I can recall, everyday while I was in the hospital.  You cannot imagine how comforting it is to know that there is someone, medically speaking, that will shoot straight from the shoulder and give you the facts, especially when they were saying things like, “You may never walk again.”  I could always count on Greg for the truth and a word of encouragement when I needed it most.  

So I conclude this writing by simply saying, thank you all for a great 2005.  May our God bless you and keep you and give you peace.  I love you all. 

Each One Win One

What have you Done? (2006) 1/25/06

Campaign Days Soon

We need to start making preparations now for our spring campaign.  I have selected Saturday, March 25, and Sunday, March 26^th for this activity.   This is the first week of Spring, and I hope that God will bless us with acceptable weather.  I have chosen to use the Cold Harbor Road “Welcome Wagon” approach for this activity. 

In using the CHR “Welcome Wagon” approach we will still be seeking Bible studies; however, the approach is a different, more simple one to use.  Last time it was very well received.   Rather than making what the sales world calls cold calls, our calls are much more personal.  We subscribe to a new resident listing called the Home Owners Data Services which provide us with a list of the new residents, that is, people who have moved into the area or have closed on a new home within the last three, six, nine, or twelve months.

With this approach we target these new residents much like the official Welcome Wagon organization might do.  Statistical data has provided information that most people who move into a new area are looking for a place to worship for themselves and their families.  Many times this is the case when people experience what is called a “significant emotional event” (SEE).  Moving to a new home, community, or job is just such an event.  This makes it the right time to speak with these people, Invite them to worship services, and encourage them to study the Bible with us. 

We will need to stuff a sufficient number of packets, just like we would normally do for our door hanging campaigns, to give to these individuals who are at home when we call.  If no one is at home the packets are simply left on the door.  However, our goal is to talk with each family personally and individually.  You might ask, “What do you say when you talk with these people?”  Good question, it is simple, easy and lots of fun. 

You start off by calling them by their name as this information has been provided to you.  “Mr. Smith, welcome to the community.”  Then you say something like or close to the following:

Our records indicate you have recently moved into our area.  We are sort of the unofficial welcome wagon from the Cold Harbor Road church of Christ, and we simply wanted to give you some information about the church and invite you to our worship services.  We have found that when people move into a new home or community they may be looking for a church home and a new place to worship.  We have several in-home Bible studies that we share with folks in the community that tell all about our worship, who we are, and what we believe.  We could come next Tuesday at 7:00 o’clock or Thursday at 7:30.  Which would you prefer?

If they are not interested, I am sure they will tell you.  However, if they are interested they will select one of the times you have suggested or offer a third choice. 

Last time we used this approach the comments we received were along the lines of, “Oh, how nice,” or “Thank you so much.”  If they are not interested in studying be pleasant, courteous, and invite them to come and worship with us.  Bid them “good day” in some appropriate way and depart for your next home.   

Sometime during the conversation, and the earlier the better, give them the packet that has been prepared.  The packet contains a welcome brochure, the Safety Chain Bible study, and several other pieces of information about our schedule of worship services.

So, mark your calendar now and plan to go out with us on those two days.  Charles Bishop is preparing the maps to each location and is grouping them by areas.  When you take a map there may be ten or twenty homes within your area, but they would all be relatively close together. 

Additionally, it is best to go in teams of two involving a man and a woman; however, two men or two women can go if there is not enough to make all teams male and female pairs.  One of the workers would need a car to drive to the location because the homes will be outside the area around the building and would include most of the Mechanicsville area. 

OK, you will be receiving more information about this.  I shall print a schedule of the times to arrive here at the building and so forth as I usually do.  We will have coffee, juice, and donuts, etc. on Saturday morning.   If we finish on Saturday we will not go out on Sunday.  If we do not finish we will have an afternoon session on Sunday. 

Two additional items for your information.

In our Evangelism Training class we will begin teaching those in the class how to use the Ivan Stewart Open Bible Study.  If you would like to learn how to use the OBS or just increase your proficiency in its use, now is the time to join the class.  If you want to be a successful soul-winner and bone up on this technique we will see you in the class on Sunday morning at 9:30.

Our new pictorial directory for the CHR membership is out.  Thanks to Carolyn Elliott for doing such an outstanding job on getting this together and published.  It is somewhat sad to say, and although not a major shortcoming, that some did not get their pictures included in the publication. 

It is important to have your picture included in the directory for several reasons.  Probably the most important is that it provides our new members, and we had twelve of them last year, something which will allow them to identify member’s faces and names.  The new member asks, “Who was that person who spoke to me this morning?”  They can take their pictorial directory, find the person’s picture, and associate a name with it.  This is one of the major ways that our new members may learn who others of the congregation are.

Another is that it provides us older members with information about the new members so that we can learn their names and some important things about the new members or those who have recently moved into the area. 

Each One Win One

What have you Done? (2006) 2/15/06

Terry Harmon will be here Wednesday evening the 22^nd.

You are in for a great treat next Wednesday during our Bible study period.   Our brother Terry Harmon from Kramatorsk, Ukraine will be giving us a report on the work that is being done in the church there as well as what has been going on in the Bear Valley Bible Institute Bible department there in the Kramatorsk Economic and Humanitarian Institute (University) there. 

Many of our members have been there to work with Terry in this great mission field.  We have come to love and appreciate Terry for who he is in Christ, and the work that he is able to accomplish there.  Terry was a missionary in Russia for some time before going to the Ukraine for Bear Valley.  As I understand his story, Terry grew up and attended the Bear Valley congregation as a young man.  He has recently married a young lady named Marina, and they have one son named Timothy.  I know they have made a wonderful team for the work there.  Marina is a native of the Ukraine.

I am not exactly sure what his position in the school is now.  I believe he was at one time the Dean of the Bible Department there, but I believe they have ceded that position to one of the local men there, Albert Bagdesarian. This was the plan from the beginning, that is, to train the local men to take over the work there in the church and in the University.  Albert and his lovely wife Irene work with the congregation in Slaviance.  Irene also worked in the university as a translator.  She translated for me in my class on the book of Joshua and Judges, The Conquest of Canaan.

Terry was not in the Ukraine on the first trip I made to the Ukraine with Bill Stewart.  Comer (Buck) Hall was working with the university then.  When Buck went back to Hattiesburg, Mississippi Terry took the job he vacated.  It was at that time and on that first trip that I met so many of the people I love so dearly there.  Of course, Terry has come to know all of those same people.  I look forward to hearing all those wonderful stories about what is going on there and the work that is being done. 

I had hoped that Terry might have been able to arrive in Richmond on a Monday, but alas, he cannot get here until Tuesday.   Terry and all the brothers and sisters there treated me so very well, and I loved them greatly for their kind, brotherly hospitality; therefore, Jewell and I just wanted to reciprocate in kind, if you know what I mean. Jewell and I wanted to show him around Richmond, perhaps take him up to Washington DC to the Smithsonian Museum and so forth.  I do not believe we will be able to do that now because of his schedule.  Perhaps, but we will just have to wait and see what he wants to do.  Come and enjoy what Terry has to share with us.  You will be blessed, I assure you!

Terry, Jewell and I will be traveling on Thursday the 23^rd to the mission forum in Pikeville, KY where Keith Kasarjian is the minister.  The Main Street congregation there is heavily committed to missions and especially the work in the Ukraine and Tanzania, as well as other places.  Terry has to attend a mission meeting on Thursday evening and is speaking on one of the days of the mission forum, but I am not exactly sure which one.  Jewell and I will have to leave early Sunday morning in order to get back for the evening services here at Cold Harbor Road.  I am scheduled to speak on that Sunday night.  So, don’t stay home, just because I am speaking, please.  I always appreciate your presence and encouragement no matter how poorly I do (smile).  I think we will leave early enough to try and make it back to either Christiansburg where Dennis Curd preaches or at least Radford, where Larry Phillip is the minister for Sunday morning services.  Then I know that it is only about 3 ½ or 4 hours back to Richmond. 

Monday noon, the next day, Neal, Kathy and I fly out of Richmond for Amsterdam and then on to Tanzania.  I am beginning to get really excited about this wonderful work.  Neal will be teaching in the Andrew Connelly School of Preaching there, and I will be conducting a gospel meeting for the church in the city of Monduli.   Kathy will be conducting ladies retreats in Munduli and training with the women in Arusha.  She and I will be doing personal work during the day.

Leighton Ford shared this little story and I thought it had some import to our soul winning efforts: 

I was speaking at an open-air crusade in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Billy Graham was to speak the next night and had arrived a day early. He came incognito and sat on the grass at the rear of the crowd. Because he was wearing a hat and dark glasses, no one recognized him.

Directly in front of him sat an elderly gentleman who seemed to be listening intently to my presentation. When I invited people to come forward as an open sign of commitment, Billy decided to do a little personal evangelism. He tapped the man on the shoulder and asked, "Would you like to accept Christ? I'll be glad to walk down with you if you want to." The old man looked him up and down, thought it over for a moment, and then said, "Naw, I think I'll just wait till the big gun comes tomorrow night." Billy and I have had several good chuckles over that incident. Unfortunately, it underlines how, in the minds of many people, evangelism is the task of the "Big Guns," not the "little shots"  (Lieghton Ford, Good News is for Sharing, 1977, David C. Cook Publishing Co., p. 67).

Of course their concept of salvation is not scriptural.  I hope we all understand that.  However, the idea that most people think evangelism is the job of “The Big Guns”, is not all that unusual.  Are you just sitting around waiting for the Big Guns” to do something?  Are you waiting for Neal, or me, or the elders and deacons to do “their thing?”  Are we what you think of as “The Big Guns?”  I am here to tell you that the “little shots” are immensely important and meaningful in the work of evangelism.  Remember this and store it away in your evangelistic memory.  Big Guns would be utterly useless if there were no little shots to be used in the battle.  Little shots are the ammo and firepower that wins in the war against Satan.  So you’re a little shot.  I thank our God in heaven for you.  So, little shot, why don’t we get out there and wound the devil in our battle against sin?  Ready, aim, fire!  Little shots arise!  Conquer the kingdom of Satan for our Master and King.  Until next time, think souls. 

Each One Win One

What have you Done? (2006) 3/1/06

No Evangelism Bulletin this month!

I am so sorry and apologize for not putting out a February edition of our evangelism bulletin.  I shall endeavor to put out a February/March edition upon my return from Tanzania.  The time simply got away from me.  One of my favorite sayings is that, “A good excuse is not the same as acceptable performance.”  However, please understand that I was involved in several things, including the mission workshop in Pikeville, KY, the visit from Terry Harmon from Kramatorsk, Ukraine, and getting ready for the trip to Tanzania.  So, in its simplest terms, I failed in my duties to you.  Please allow me to make restitution upon my return from TZ. 

The visit from Terry Harmon was wonderful.  I am so happy that our congregation got to hear first hand from Terry about the wonderful work that they are dong in Ukraine; not only just the Kramatorsk area, but all over the entire region.   Parts of my life, heart, and soul are invested in this work.  There is a wonderful lady there who did a great deal of translating for me while I was in the Ukraine.   Her first name is Angela.  Please forgive me for I am terrible with the Russian/Ukrainian last names so I will not try to tell you her last name.  Besides, I am not sure I even know it.  She has a wonderful young son who is probably eight or nine now, but she has been without husband or father to her son for some time.  

She became a Christian early on when the church first went into the area.  While at the mission workshop, someone, whom I shall not name, told me that he was there when Angela was converted and immersed for the forgiveness of her sins.  If I got the story correct, her husband was baptized at the same time.  The gospel seed planted in her heart grew, and grew, and grew.  However, according to my source, as Angela grew stronger and stronger in the faith, her husband grew weaker and weaker.  Finally he would have no more of this “Religion” and left Angela for another woman. 

Angela is a beautiful young lady, probably 28 or so, whom I love dearly as a sister in Christ.  You are probably asking by now, “Bill, what’s your point?”  Well, as Paul Harvey might say, “And now, the rest of the story.”  The last time I went to the Ukraine to teach in the Bible department of KEGI another fellow went with me.  His name is Rob Redden.  Rob is the brother-in-law of Wayne Jackson.  While we were there, Rob met Angela and realized what a beautiful sister in Christ she was, both spiritually and physically.  Rob is an old married man like most of us and He and I played the “Ain’t it Awful Game” about Angela and her circumstance.  You know how it is played.  “Ain’t it awful that little Kiril (her son) doesn’t have a Christian father figure in his life?”  "Yes, and Ain't it awful that there is no Christian man in the church anywhere around here that she might find acceptable as a husband?”  On and on we went, but in actuality there was little or nothing we could do to help her.  After all, she had to run her life herself.

Apparently, Rob gave this much more thought than I did.  When he returned home to California, He told his nephew, Michael Garth Hilton about this beautiful person.  Garth is single, of course, and decided that he would e-mail Angela in the Ukraine.  For eighteen months they e-mailed back and forth.  Apparently, you must be able, at least in some fashion, to see, through e-mail, into the eyes of the windows of the soul and get to know an individual pretty well.  They decided they wanted to meet with the express intent of discussing marriage.  The only thing I can call it is, “Love at first sight.”  They met, got to know one another a little better, and the marriage proposal was made and accepted.  

I had never met Garth Hilton, who is on the Bible staff at BVBID, until the mission forum at Pikeville this past weekend.  He is one very nice fellow.  I am so happy for him and Angela and pray that God will bless their union.  Their plan is for Garth to move to Ukraine and work with Terry there in the church and school.  All of the schoolwork would be under the Bear Valley people and its elders.  I asked Garth if this was public knowledge or did I have to keep it a secret.  He said that he was shouting it from the rooftops.  Good for Him.

So again, your question is a valid one.  “Why am I telling you all of this?”   The answer is a simple one.  Garth needs to raise about $3,000 to get himself and his belongings over to Ukraine.  He told me, “Bill, I am a bachelor so I do not have any furniture to send over to the Ukraine.  All I need to get there are a few clothes, my books, my computer and personal travel expenses.”  Therefore, if anyone who would like to help Garth in a financial way to move, marry, and work in the Ukraine, why don’t you let me know, and I will see that he will receive any funds you might like to donate. 

OK!  Shifting gears.  As you read this, Neal, Kathy and I will be, Lord willing, in Tanzania doing the work we had planned for this trip.  Please continue to pray for all of us.  Pray for our safe return and our safety as we travel.  Pray for our health.  Pray for the airplane, its crew, pilots, co-pilots, stewardesses and every other person that has anything to do with this flight.  It is greatly helpful to me personally to know that all of you are praying for these things on our behalf.  

The mission forum at Pikeville, KY was an outstanding one.  John Kachelman, who has spoken on our lectureship a couple of times, did an excellent presentation on benevolence and mission work.   John has found a way using the US Government to have things from the church delivered, free of charge to the Ukraine.  It is somewhat confusing but “doable,” which is great. Last year John was able to send fifteen tractor trailer loads of medical supplies, clothes, and other items overseas in the name of the church of Christ.

I was privileged to sit in on several of the planning sessions about the work in Ukraine at Kramatorsk.  I was pleased to find out that over 70% of the instructors in the undergraduate program at the University Bible Department are being taught by Ukrainian instructors who have completed their Master of Biblical Studies awarded by the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver.  The personnel from Bear Valley said repeatedly that their goal, whether it was in Ukraine, or Tanzania, or wherever, was to work themselves out of a job.  That Is, to have native people conduct and run their own schools with only minimal help form the folks back here in the United States.   More on this next week, so until then think souls.

Each One Win One

What have you Done? (2006) 3/8

While I was at the mission forum in Pikeville I had a chance to meet one of the elders from Bear Valley that I had never had the privilege of meeting before.  His name was Sam Kennedy.   Sam was telling me that the Bear Valley people have finished their research facility and are getting ready to build another new facility.  If he told me what it was to be I have already forgotten, but it seems they (the school) are growing and expanding in leaps and bounds.  They also have several new staff members.  Neal said that he had a chance to talk with Bill Stewart at the FHU lectureship.  Bill is on staff at BVBID and was the one I made my first trip to the Ukraine with back in 2000. 

While I was at he mission forum I got to meet Jim Sherman and his wife.  I had talked to Jim several times on the phone but had never had the privilege of meeting him face to face.  Jim and I were scheduled to go to the Ukraine on September 23, 2001; however the trip had to be cancelled because of 9/11.  It just did not make good sense for a variety of reasons to embark on international travel at that time. 

I was somewhat troubled by a remark that John Kachelman made in his presentation about benevolence and missions in regard to the efforts to send help to the Katrina victims.  John said that they had sent three tractor-trailer loads of clothing to the victims of Katrina and they refused to accept them.  John explained that the clothing was culled three times before it was loaded up and sent.  Their objective was to insure that the clothing was in a good state of repair, clean, and serviceable.  Therefore a great many garments never met the criterion for shipment. 

When the clothes arrived, the people, whoever they were, would not accept them because they were not new.  The recipients stated, “We do not want someone else’s rags!”  John made the statement, “Nobody wants someone else’s junk.  That is why we are so careful about what we send.”  I (Bill Snell) am afraid that our welfare economy has instilled and infused in many of our American citizens this very attitude.  “If I can’t have a new one, then I don’t want any at all.”  John said that these clothes were good, serviceable, and in like new condition.

Another person I met at the workshop was Zechariah Mbewe (pronounced Embeewee).  His story was an outstanding story of evangelism.  He was a Roman Catholic priest who was converted by the truth.  I shall not spend time writing about his story now, but perhaps when I have more space in my evangelism bulletin I can relate it to you.  I was awe struck when I heard his story from his own lips.  

I ran into an old army buddy at the workshop also.  He is a member at the church in Moundsville or either Parkersburg, West Virginia.  When we served together in the Army Reserve I did not know he was a member of the church.  I could readily observe those Christian qualities I would expect from a member of the church, but did not know he was a member.  He was my Sergeant Major at the time, and we were both working at the Non Commissioned Officers Academy at Fort Indiantown Gap, PA.  At the time I was a master sergeant and an instructor in the Advanced NCO Course and He was the in charge of all the enlisted men and responsible for running the training school.   Since that time, Jim Kearns and I have made one trip to the Ukraine together back in May of 2003.  It was great to finally meet his wife Dianna. 

This makes me think of our own mission efforts and compare them to the mission efforts of the congregation at Pikeville.  I am not sure that that is a fair comparison though.  I do not know all the circumstances and ins and outs of the work in Pikeville, but I am familiar with the work that is done here at Cold Harbor Road.  Our elders are to be commended for their mission efforts.  Each year our outreach into the mission field is becoming stronger and greater.  In our planning sessions and goal setting workshops our elders have said they would like to see us increase our mission efforts 100 percent.  Brothers and sisters, we are headed that way.  Our elders have committed many dollars to mission work. 

But here’s the thing.  As great as our efforts into foreign mission fields are, we have a mission field right here in our own front, back and side yards.  When you walk out the front door of the Pikeville church, you see a big sign, which says, “You are now entering the mission field!”  Brothers and sisters, it is just wrong to be willing to travel thousands upon thousands of miles to win lost souls and be involved in seeking lost souls, but not be willing to go out on our campaign days in our own back yard. 

Winning souls is the main thing.  If we are not to bring others to Christ, then exactly what is our job?  What is our obligation to Christ?  What are we supposed to be doing?  Some seemingly, think of the church as they would a recovery room in a hospital.  They think it is a place for the Christian to go and sit and be waited on, fed, and occasionally motivated to improved health.

It appears we have failed to keep the main things, the main things.  Have we lost our sense of priority?  Have we forgotten what are the important things?  Have we forgotten the words of our Savior during His last few days on earth?   Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world.”  Did he mean by that, “Start in your own back yard and go every where from there?"  I think He did.

By the time you read this, Neal, Kathy and I will be about ready to return home.  Obviously I have written this in advance.  Please be motivated to ask someone to study the Bible with you or at least one of us who are willing to do this. 

It seems that scientists have studied a native tribe in South America whose people have been dying prematurely for generations.  After thorough investigation, the cause of premature death was determined.  The disease was transmitted by an insect that lived in the walls of their adobe homes.  This new information presented several options.  They could move to another area where such insects don’t exist, tear down their homes and rebuild them, use insecticide to rid their homes of the bugs, or continue as they have and die early.  Surprisingly, these people have opted to remain as they are and do nothing about their problem. Many people behave similarly.  To save themselves, they know what they must do; instead, they opt to remain unchanged  (McHenry 23).

Is this where we are in our evangelism efforts, or do we need to change some things?

Each One Win One

What have you Done? (2006) 3/29

Campaign Days 25-26 March 2006

Thank you to all those people who went out and helped knock doors during our campaign days.  The following individuals were present for all three sessions, Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon, and Sunday afternoon:  Derell Ellerbe, Neal, Kathy, Carl, Dale, and Gary Pollard, and Bill Snell.  Linda Alexander was there all day Saturday for both sessions. Lisa Bishop, Josie, and Breanna Snell were there for both the Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon sessions.  Felicia Garner, Julia Tucker, and Tyler Simms (who is 16 years old and not even a Christian yet) went out with us on Sunday afternoon. 

Thank you so very much to all these individuals who did the actual knocking and leg work.  May the grace and peace of our Lord and Savior bless you and all in your household in all that you do.  But, the list is not complete just yet.  There were many, many who worked in preparation for our campaign days.  Carolyn Elliott is always the main one of our office staff that works in the background of our campaign days.  She is the one who makes thousands and thousands of copies of material to put in the door hanging (or handout) packets.   Sally Matchett did an outstanding job of coordinating the C-4 ladies in getting all the packets stuffed.  I understand that Amy Hadra and the other teenagers helped a great deal in the folding and stuffing.  I do not know who else was involved in stuffing but I must say thank you so very much for your efforts. 

Also, a very special thank you to Sue Heinle and Robyn and Larry Wood for the work they did in Map Questing and direction finding the locations that we needed to visit.  They must have printed and located about 1,000 places for us to go.  Larry and Robyn apparently sorted the addresses into general areas for the workers to specifically sort and locate before they went out.

The people who went out during the three time periods went or attempted to go to 116 locations.  That amounts to 116 new families who have moved into the area.  This was not without some difficulty.  Some of the mapped locations could not be found.  Several of us went to the location the map indicated we should be at, but the streets were not there.  We were faced with a choice of spending lots of time locating the new homes or simply going on to the next new resident on our list.  I think we only found one that was a business and not a residence.  No problem.  This did not slow us down at all.  We actually had conversations at 48 homes and 68 were not home.

I am indeed thankful for each and every individual that participated in any way in our campaign efforts.  I want to spend just a few words on our elder Derell Ellerbe’s involvement in our campaign.  What an example of leadership Derell set forth before the congregation.  He was present at every session.  It would seem that we would do well to emulate Derell’s example.  Paul said, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).  Should we not imitate our elder’s example?  We are so blessed to have godly, God fearing elders in this congregation.   I appreciated so very much the opportunity to work with Derell this past weekend.   Next time you see Derell, thank him for the leadership he provides to and for the church and the work here at CHR.

I know that there is one study that is scheduled to begin very soon.  That is the one with Josie’s friend Tyler.  Mike is scheduled to start that study within the next day or so.  I do not know who will be helping Mike with this study.  John Chandler also told me that Debbie is talking with one of her co-workers about a Bible study.  This is absolutely wonderful.     

Don’t forget our “Bring a friend day.”  You cannot say that you did not know about it.  We have been telling you of this meeting and our efforts to bring our friends since before the first of the year.  You have had between five and six months notice of this upcoming event.  The ladies will be preparing a huge meal to feed 350 people.  I just imagine that they would skin us alive if we did not have somewhere near that amount of people for our lunch meal.  Maxie Boren is expecting us to have a great crowd for his lessons.   Will we disappoint Maxie and not do our best to have the 350 people at the service?  Remember, the number is not just 350 for the worship period.  It is to have 300 for Bible study and then 350 for the worship period.  Can we do it?  Sure we can.  Remember Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”  We can do this.  This is, as our elder Jim Dalton would say, “Do-able.”

But here is the thing.  You may not like this, but it is absolutely true.  You are directly responsible for the success or failure of our, "Bring a friend day.”  If you don’t ask anyone to come; if you do not bring someone with you to visit, then we will not make our goal.  That’s right!  It is that simple.  The success or failure of our friend day depends on you.  Don’t worry about who the other person has invited.  Don’t worry about how many from our “House to House and Heart to Heart” publication will come.  Worry about what you have done.  Neal has printed invitations that you may give to your friends.  They are on the back table in the auditorium for you to pick up.   We sing that old hymn that everyone loves, but it seems so few adhere to, which says:

Work for the night is coming, work through the morning hours

Work while the dew is sparkling, work ‘mid springing flow’rs

Work when the day grows brighter; work in the glowing sun;

Work, for the night is coming, when man’s work is done.

Work for the night is coming, work thro’ the sunny noon;

Fill brightest hours with labor, rest comes sure and soon;

Give every flying minute something to keep in store;

Work for the night is coming, when man works no more.

Work for the night is coming, under the sunset skies;

While their bright tints are glowing, work, for day-light flies;

Work till the last beam fadeth, fadeth to shine no more;

Work while the night is dark’ning, when man’s work is o’er.

You see the results are directly proportionate to the amount of work we will put into any effort. 

If we desire failure we need not do anything.  All we have to do is sit back and do nothing.  Which will it be?  Until next time, work, work, work and ask, ask, ask.  Until next time, think souls. 

Each One Win One

What have you Done? (2006) 4/19

Hallelujah! Tyler Simpson was baptized this past Sunday after our morning worship service.  Much more will be written about this wonderful event in our evangelism bulletin for the first of May.  My goal shall be to have that work written, edited, and published for “Bring a Friend Day.”

In the meantime, if you see Tyler, hug his neck and welcome him to the family of God that meets here at Cold Harbor Road.   

Fast approaches our “Friend Day” and our gospel meeting.  May the 7^th is only a little over two weeks away.   There is much preparation work to do.  Remember, the elders are relying heavily on the men of the congregation to carry out the distribution of the materials on Saturday, April 29 and Sunday April 30^th.  Fellows we need you immensely, and isn’t it nice to be needed?    

What a wonderful job our elder Ron Herman did on the Sunday night sermon.  Preach on brother Ron.  Ron’s lesson dealt with singing a lie.  He told us that we would be better off not to sing than to sing a lie.  He taught us to sing, “To the work, to the work,” and then not work is singing a lie.  He taught us to sing unscriptural words and thoughts in a song is to sing a lie.  It was a powerful sermon delivered from an elder and song leader’s point of view. 

Well! In addition to getting ready for our gospel meeting, what are we doing to win souls?  It is sad to report that someone was saying in a recent conversation that they had heard another say, “Soul winning is not my thing.”  I cringe when I hear of people making statements like this.  I suppose my question to these individuals might be, “If soul winning is not your thing, then pray tell, what is your thing?”  If we, each individual, are not in the soul winning business, then what reason do we have to exist?  Really, we might as well close the doors and go home.

Pray tell, what does one mean by this statement?  Could it be, “I refuse to teach others about the gospel of Christ and His terms of pardon for the forgiveness of sin?”  This, of course, is sinful and would rob an individual of his or her eternal reward in heaven.  Or could it be, “I’m not into that door knocking thing where one is required to ask others for Bible studies?”  Or perhaps could the statement mean, “I have neither the time, energy, or desire to get out there and ‘hustle’ the gospel message.”  In any case, there is great danger in adopting any of these sinful attitudes.

If you have caught yourself saying or thinking things like this, go immediately to your heavenly Father in prayer and ask Him for forgiveness.  Ask Him to give you strength and courage, wisdom and desire, love and dedication to overcome these devil driven thoughts.  To even think such things is a slander against the sacrifice that Jesus had to make to save all men.  It is to say, “As far as I am concerned Jesus could have stayed in heaven.  He didn’t need to come to earth, suffer and die.”

Truthfully, I personally have never heard anyone make such a statement about soul winning.  However, I have had people to tell me to my face, “I’m not into that door knocking stuff.”  “Someone else will have to do that.”  “My evangelism is by my example.”  Ask yourself this question.  “How many individuals in your lifetime as a Christian have come up and said to you, ‘I see your example, and I desire to become a Christian because I see Christ living in you?’”

You see obedience to God and His Son requires work.  Our faith requires work.  Not works of the law wherein no man can be saved or earn his salvation, but works of obedience.  James said it this way, “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. {18} But someone may well say, "You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works" (James 2:17-18). 

When we join hands and work together, there are great things that may be accomplished for the cause of Christ.  Think of the many things that have been accomplished throughout the Bible because some were willing to work.  Noah and his sons were willing to work and through them the lineage of mankind was preserved.  Nehemiah and the children of Israel were willing to work and the walls of the city of Jerusalem were rebuilt. “So we built the wall and the whole wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work” (Nehemiah 4:6). 

Work is a mind set that the Christian must have, and if they do not have it, they must find it, cultivate it, and nourish it.  One can not be acceptable and pleasing to God if one is not willing to work.  Even Adam and Eve in the ultimate garden paradise were required to work (Genesis 2 ff).  It is important to recognize that without work on our part it is impossible to please God.  Do we remember what the inspired writer Paul said about the person who would not work.  “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).  If this is true of the things in this physical life, how much more will they be applied to our spiritual life?

Let us be about our heavenly Father’s business.  We know what the will of God is in relation to seeking and saving lost souls.  There is no question, really, about what we must do.  Why then do we not give it the priority that it truly deserves?  Why do we let other things keep us from doing the requirements of God’s will?  Someone once said, “No one goes to heaven alone.”  This is true.  We must take someone with us.  But, once we have taught our children and grandchildren are we done?  Can we sit back and rest on our past accomplishments?  No!  There is no retirement plan for seeking and saving lost souls.

There is much chaos in life that hinders one from being actively involved in the soul winning process.   We cry aloud, “I’m too busy, “or “I don’t have the time.”  George Peabody said, “Our task is not to bring order out of chaos, but to get work done in the midst of chaos.”  It is so easy to become frustrated and alarmed by the normal chaos that comes with life.  Your desk, your home, your job, your car becomes more cluttered than you prefer.  You see the things that you have not been able to accomplish or complete. Your stress level increases to the point of exploding and you hear someone say, “Let’s go door knocking.”  This is when we need to remember that chaos is an inevitable part of life and will never go away.

So!  Rather than spend our time in frustration and fear, trying to eradicate chaos, let’s learn to work within the chaos that besets us.  It is altogether possible that the stress and chaos in our lives is God-given to mold, strengthen, and test us.  Remember, strength, comfort and assurance come through prayer.   Wisdom, patience, and maturity come through experience, and knowledge and understanding come through study.  Let’s not let chaos, either self-imposed or at the behest of others, keep us from laboring in the Lord’s vineyard.  Let’s pray that our labors will yield much fruit, and we will be productive in the kingdom of our Lord.   Lord, lead us to just one soul today, that’s all we pray.  Tomorrow is another day and we can ask again, then. 

Until next time, think souls, souls, souls, and work, work, work.   

Each One Win One

What have you Done? (2006) 5/3

What it was was EVANGELISM!

Well, this past Saturday and Sunday were our campaign days.  This effort was to get the word out about our gospel meeting with Maxie Boren and our “Bring a friend day” wherein our goal is to have 300 people for Bible class and 350 for the worship assembly. 

When I went out for lunch on that particular Saturday, I had a very special diet and great self-effacing experience while attempting to eat my morsels.  For the main course I had to eat “Big mouth” crow, for dessert I had to eat lots of self-imposed humble pie, and for the rest of the day (and entire week) I had to suck on a very tart lemon to take the smile off my face.  What a day of rejoicing it turned out to be.  The following individuals turned out or were involved in distributing our door hanging packets.

Ron Herman                     Maurice E. Smith                      Derell Ellerbe

Rick Compton                  Patrick Compton                        Jonathan Compton

Mel Cates                       Morgan Cates                           Mike Noggle

Joe Ketchem                            Brian Ketchem*                        Jim Dalton  

Steve Knox                     Deedee Knox                             Cody Knox

Austin Knox                     David Young                              Bill Burton

Neal Pollard                     Gary Pollard                              Dale Pollard 

Carl Pollard                      Mike Inge                                 Daniel Inge

Michael Inge                             Rick Alexander                         Linda Alexander

Bill Snell                          Josie Snell                                Breanna Snell

Erika Wenger                 Emily Martin                                       Rebecca Wenger

*Brian Ketchem went out with an orthopedic shoe on his foot for what he believes is a hairline fracture. 

Note the following:  All of your elders were present.  Five deacons participated and three were out of town.  There were eleven of the member’s children that went out and worked.  Get this though; all of your elders, both of your ministers, and all five deacons that were in town of our eight participated in this effort.  How about that?  I wonder what other congregation can say that of their elders and their servants.  I know it is improper to boast save in Jesus Christ (the apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians 11:10), so I will not boast about this; however, I will say I have been properly (not over) whelmed by this occurrence. 

Of great significance is the fact that these people distributed approximately 2000 door hanging packets in a little over two hours.  This, of course, may not be a record, but is not a bad average at all.  I know they worked hard, and I hope they had fun.  The weather was absolutely gorgeous.  I cannot wait to see how God blesses us for this effort and what kind of results we have. 

One of the fellows made the remark that the men were able to do so much, so fast, because the women weren’t there to slow them down (Hmmmmm brother, I don’t believe I’d have said that).

On a personal note, my heart was absolutely thrilled, and I could not have been happier with the work and the involvement.  Who knows, we might even find another Zachariah Embewe out there somewhere.

We have done our job in getting the word out, and we have done it well.  Now we need to all jump in and start doing whatever we can to see that the fellowship meal comes off without a hitch.   I commented to two of our elders, if we had only ten percent come of the number of invitations we put out, that would be 200 people for lunch beyond our regular crowd.   

Before I forget, there were approximately twenty individuals that stayed Sunday night after services to stuff door hanging packets.  Some, of course, were men folks that went out on our campaign (maybe two or three), but the rest were the ladies who could not go out on Saturday or Sunday.  Think not that the ladies were not involved in this work because they truly were.

Also, at the same time, twenty of our ladies attended the ladies’ retreat this same weekend.  I understand that all of the speakers did an outstanding job with their assigned topic.  It is wonderful to see the ladies participating, growing, and sharing together in these special events. 

I also was told by a secret informer that there were twenty-five ladies that attended the shower for Ashley Stafford, honoring the birth of their (Jeremiah and Ashley’s) son Andrew.  I received an e-mail from Cy and Stephanie that they will be stateside for the wedding of their son Paul.  I do not know if they will make it to Cold Harbor Road to worship while they are here as they have to make it a quick trip and return to Arusha and Kisongo.  I know they will not miss a handy opportunity to see their newest grandson; it just may not be here. 

I love it when the ladies get together and encourage, uplift, and help one another.  The ladies do what they do so very well, and we menfolk should be thankful that they do.  What would we do if we did not have the ladies to teach us how to be sensitive and caring for one another?  I suppose we would just have to learn somehow, but I think this is foreign to most of the fellows. Thank you ladies for what you do for each other and especially for all the wonderful things you do for this congregation.

I look forward to our devotional this midweek.  I know that Neal has prepared an outstanding program for our encouragement and meditation.  Let us all, in our personal prayers, meditations, and devotionals ask God to bless our gospel meeting and bring to us those souls that are searching and seeking His truth. 

All of our trained personal workers need to be on the lookout for our visitors.  Each of us needs to have an OBS in our possession so that at some point during their visit we may talk with these folks about a Bible study.  It is called developing interest. 

I just had a thought, which is unusual for me.  Perhaps it might be wise for everyone to wear a name tag.  You know just those little stick-on types where everyone writes their own name on theirs themselves.  This would allow the visitors to know with whom they were talking or having lunch, and it would certainly allow the membership to know the names of the visitors.  Perhaps we might even consider some sort of registration beyond our normal visitor’s cards.  We might put one in each song book and ask the person to give us some additional information such as where they are currently worshipping, or if perhaps they are new to the community or looking for a church home.

Well, the time is at hand.  What a wonderful thing our gospel meeting with Maxie is going to be.  Let’s not have done all this work and then stumble at the goal line.  Think souls.  That is what we are all about!

Each One Win One

What have you Done? (2006) 6/28

To The Work, To The Work, Part II

I want to begin this week’s Each One Win One by commending our young people.  It is obvious to this writer that our young people are greatly concerned about their friends at school and neighbors, that is those that engage in sports activities  with them  and fun things like King’s Dominion, Busch Gardens, and such like.  It seems like they are actively involved, perhaps more so than the adults in bringing others to Christ. 

Think for a moment what it means when one of their friends is brought to obedience through understanding, influence, and teaching.  First, it means that another precious soul has been added to the Lord’s church.  Second, for those who will choose to marry, it means that this individual, depending upon their gender, is going to make a Christian husband or wife for someone later in life.  Third, it means that their children will have a Christian father or mother who will raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).   Fifth, it indicates a lifetime of service to our God, however long that lifetime might be, much more so than what we call an eleventh hour Christian.  Sixth, it will also mean a lifetime of influence for what eventually will not only be their children, but their grandchildren and perhaps even their great grandchildren.   Seventh, it may even represent a pyramid evangelistic outreach wherein hundreds of souls may be brought to Christ. 

Can they do a better job in reaching out to others?  Perhaps so, but then cannot all of us do a better job?  I would simply say to our young p