Gospel meetings require a lot of expense and effort. Critics say they are a waste of time and money, an outdated tradition that doesn’t produce much of a return. Granted, many churches remain unchanged after their meetings. Like buckets of water, they become different when something new is introduced into them, but return to their former shape after it is gone. The plan, though, is not the problem. The problem is that so often churches fail to put much thought into what they ought to do after the meeting in order to ensure its success. Here are some suggestions: Continue reading »
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18Janby Drew in Seeking Things Above.
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11Janby Drew in Seeking Things Above, Truth and Repose.
A new report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that teen pregnancies have risen for the first time in about 15 years. Overall our nation’s teen birth numbers rose three percent from 2005 to 2006. Significant increases in teen birth rates were noted in 26 states, with Mississippi topping the list at 68 births for every 1,000 women. The national birth rate was about 42 per 1,000. None of these numbers, of course, take into account the number of pregnancies that were ended by abortion.
One thing that everyone agrees on is that this is not good for our country. A baby is a big responsibility, one that is too big for today’s teenagers to handle, especially unmarried teenage girls who, if they keep their babies, will have to raise the child without the assistance of a father. Continue reading »
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05Janby Drew in Missions.
The following report was filed by Jim and Gloria Harrington, who lead our work in Romania. This coming Sunday, January 11, Chris Lee, one of our young men who accompanied the Harringtons on this trip, will make a presentation to the congregation about their work.
Workers preparing gift bags
We have returned from yet another wonderful and productive trip to Romania. Our newest team member this year is Chris Lee, who is a UAB student and member of the Ashville Road Church of Christ in Leeds, Alabama, where Jim and I are members. Others returning were Beverly, David, and Melissa Precise (from Scottsboro, Alabama), and Pam Fondren from Savannah, Tennessee.
We spent several days preparing 4,400 gift bags for the children, and we were able to visit some child care facilities and several hospitals. We were also able to visit with many Church members, and they all were so grateful for our continued help and interest in their children.
Each year, we have been able to deliver prescription medications that have been donated and/or bought with donated funds. These meds are used by hospitals, orphanages, and also for the Bucharest Church members who cannot afford to buy their presctiption drugs. Dr. Radu Boari is a member of the Church, and with our help, he is able to keep a “closet” stocked with a variety of drugs for hypertension, cholesterol, prostate problems, etc, plus antibiotics, cough meds, and assorted over-the-counter meds.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this work is to see the growth of the Bucharest Church. The attendance continues to increase, and many children we have known these past 9 years are now in high school and college, and some are married and having children of their own. They and the older adults are all encouraged by our continued support and visits, and they all send their greetings to you all. We appreciate your help and pray that we will be able to continue this work for many years to come. Thanks again for your support.
In Christ,
Jim and Gloria Harrington -
04Janby Barton in Missions, Seeking Things Above.
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Cor. 3:6). Paul shared this secret of church growth to the Corinthians. He and Apollos were mere ministers who worked in the service of the Lord. When a farmer goes to his field he brings along several tools. His shovel, rake, and fertilizer are just instruments that help accomplish his task. In a similar way, the Christian is an instrument of the Lord’s. We all operate on the same level under the Lord’s guidance. Remember, the Lord spoke of Paul and told Ananias, “he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). Our success in Peru rests upon this idea. In order to accomplish our mission, we must allow God to use us in his service, and this will be a joint effort between the team, the Peruvians, and the many supporting churches back home. Continue reading »