Gospel Guardian Tell-Al-Gram
NOTE FROM FLORIDA COLLEGE NEWS BULLETIN: "Mr. W. L. Wharton of San Antonio, Texas was the guest speaker in a series of lectures presented at the invitation of the Florida College Bible Department, October 7-11, 1968. In order to create an interest in preaching and thought stimulation, Mr. Wharton directed his theme primarily toward difficulties in the study of the Bible."
IMPAC: A younger preacher recently reported that since he has been listening to the IMPAC records he has been motivated to work harder toward the salvation of souls...in fact, he reported ten baptisms since receiving the IMPAC kit. Several additional baptisms have been listed in his bulletin since his report. Before his experience with IMPAC, baptisms were few and far between. When asked to give a written "testimony" for IMPAC he indicated he did not want this kind of personal "advertisement". Perhaps others should consider or reconsider IMPAC.
SPEAKS ON "NEW ETHICS": The Christian Theological Seminary Bulletin, Indianapolis, Indiana, November, 1968 reports on the speech of Dr. Joseph Fletcher of "situation ethics" fame. Dr. Fletcher said, "I identify myself with revolution — peaceful if possible, but violent if necessary,"..."We are on the threshold of a new reformation comprising a new theology, a new evangelism and a new morality." Defending his position, Dr. Fletcher contended that "For the Christian, in any situation where the law of love can be applied it takes precedence over rules. Morals were made for man and not man for morals: We need not say anything in this news column to refute this philosophy, our readers are aware of the evil of the "new morality" and "situation ethics." But note that "law of love" bit. Didn't someone write a tract defending the church support of institutions on the "law of love" approach? I'm certain that some of our "liberal" brethren have pursued the "law of love" bit in justifying the church support of institutions. My, my. Hmmm.
THE RESTORER, bulletin of the Silver Street church in New Albany, Indiana reports "The best Sunday ever experienced by Silver St. was enjoyed last week when three new records were established." - 238 in Bible Classes, 279 in morning worship, 218 evening worship. Claude Wilsford, preacher.
FROM Connard Estes: "I want you to know that I have gained much from the series of articles, by brother Broadwell and Brother Williams. I believe that anyone can read these articles and from anyone of them have his monies worth from them. I might add that others have made favorable comments about these particular articles. This is just a note to say thank you for sending them our way. Keep up the good work...This not an indication that I have not enjoyed the other articles in your paper, but to say I believe these are outstanding, in the good they will do." Box 883 Bridge City, Texas NEW CONGREGATION IN BEND, OREGON: "On Nov. 10, 1968, a new congregation was formed in Bend, Oregon, composed by a small group of brethren living in Bend, and necessitated by the increasing liberal views and teaching in existing groups. Contact brother James Bussard, 525 Broadway (Ph. 382-3714), if in that vicinity on the Lord's Day." E. L. Flannary in "Eugene Exhorter".
SAD NEWS FROM PAUL K. WILLIAMS: In "The Williams's In South Africa", November 1968, brother Williams reported on the work and enthusiasm of brother Stephen Mokoka, faithful preacher in South Africa. We have received an article from brother Williams entitled "Stephen Mokoda Dies". It reports on the untimely and unfortunate death of brother Mokoda on Monday November 18. Brother Williams observes, "His unexpected passing has been a blow to me personally because he was my close friend, and to the work of the Lord for we have no other man like him."
ALL DAY PREACHING: The church in Montebello, California, Elvis Bozarth, local preacher, conducted an "all day preaching" December 7. Services began at 9:50 A. M. and continued to 3:45 P.M. Studies in New Testament books, Matthew through Philippians were involved. Speakers included Jess Moran, Homer Walker, George Harris, Joe Neil Clayton, Gerald Evans, Glen Lovelady, Elvis Bozarth, Otis Castleberry, Ted Beaver, Jady Copeland, David Amick, and Floyd Thompson.
FROM "NEWS RELEASE" ABILENE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE 12-2-68: (Excerpts) "A church of Christ minister and two Christian college officials met recently in New York City with Dr. Robert G. Bratcher to discuss his translation of the New Testament, Today's English Version (TEV), 'Good News For Modern Man.'" Those meeting with Bratcher were Wyatt Sawyer, Frank Pack and J. D. Thomas. "We had asked for this conference with a view of discussing some of the points wherein we as a people feel that the TEV could be improved," Dr. Thomas explained. Dr. Thomas said that "if we can get the crucial passages changed so that the TEV will be accurate and true to the original, it will be the greatest vehicle possible for communicating God's will to a lost world...If it proves to be an accurate translation, then churches of Christ should be able to get behind it in great strength and encourage its circulation to the greatest degree," he said.
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SPECIAL REPORT - Opportunity In North Dakota by Ray Ferris There has been no church of the Lord meeting in Jamestown, North Dakota, a small city of about sixteen thousand souls. The closest churches were in Bismarck to the west and Fargo to the east, and either is about 100 miles. Some have tried to make such a journey in order to worship with brethren until recently. Several months ago I was contacted about assisting in an effort to get a sound conservative work started in Jamestown. After correspondence with a lovely generous couple there who love the Lord and His cause with zeal and determination, after discussion with other brethren in Northern Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, and after a trip over to Jamestown by brethren Albert Wanous and Paul Earnhart to survey the situation, it was decided that a group of us would go over and make a concentrated effort to assist in this call for help.
Accordingly, Gordon Pennock (who worked in Bismarck seven years at one time), Albert Wanous and his wife, Paul Earnhart, and I spent several days in the city during November. We are all very much enthused about the possibilities there. We conducted a series of gospel meetings in an old rented church building. The building is now being used by a group who exalt the Sabbath (they meet late on Friday evening for their service) and who have strong "Holiness" backgrounds (they believe strongly in miraculous healing, tongues, Holy Spirit baptism, etc.) The main leader in this group is soon to leave for Israel (this is doubtless in connection with premillennial beliefs on his part) and there is a great question about the future of the group when he does leave. Several in it are now not pleased about some of the teaching and practice. This kind of background for the building was a handicap for us to overcome in meeting efforts without doubt. However, these people did provide an audience, along with others we drew from the community, for the proclamation of the Word. Some of them attended every one of our meetings. We had opportunity to study with them after services were dismissed, and were invited into their homes for further study. They demonstrate a wonderful attitude toward the study of the scriptures, and even regarding points where we are in complete disagreement. After these several days with them in this kind of concentrated effort, some of them wept at the necessity of our departure. We have great hopes for some of them.
We were able to locate one more family, beside the couple with whom I had begun the correspondence, who are members of the body of Christ. They say they will plan to attend in Jamestown if a church can be planted there. Another family who speak of themselves as members of the church of Christ (they are associated with the group using the mechanical instrument) were also present for one of the services. They indicated a willingness to attend and investigate matters further, but thus far have given little evidence that they are very greatly concerned.
In our work there we distributed many tracts, knocked on many doors, advertised in the paper, etc. Our reception was unusually favorable and warm when all is considered. Jamestown is a growing city in a beautiful location in the plains of North Dakota. Two small colleges are in the city, and it seems to be a prosperous place.
We have conducted simple New Testament worship in Jamestown for the last two Sundays and two more men will be going to Jamestown to carry on this effort for the first two Sundays of December. Others are hoping to go at a later time to keep the meetings going. Presently these meetings are conducted in the Otter Tail Power Company Community Room at 217 First Avenue North. Thought has been given, and is still being given, to the making of other arrangements for a place '(this room has to be temporary) and will depend upon what other results are obtained in the near future.
There are several urgent needs regarding this effort. First, I plead with brethren that they remember the efforts that are being made in their prayers to God. Jamestown can be the beginning of a work in North Dakota that sorely needs to be done. Every church in the state is weak numerically, and all have been under the influences of the institutional movement and the social gospel concept to some degree. We are persuaded the Lord may "have much people in this city" and even in the state if proper efforts can be put forth to reach them. Pray we may do so. Second, we desperately need a man to move to Jamestown. He needs to be a man who is mature and experienced, if possible, and one who is not afraid of a bit of snow and other things that go with a northern winter. Who will come over into North Dakota and help with this task? Third, we need information regarding relatives and friends who may be contacted in the area. Send the names and addresses in care of Charles Dick Box 95, Courtenay, North Dakota, to me, or to one of these others who have been involved in the work. Fourth, until we can find a man who will move there, we need preachers and/or mature Christians to go there and spend some time helping in the work. Finally, it may be that we will need someone to lend financial assistance at a later date. Due to the marvelous generosity of Charles and Sarah Dick this last is not a matter of urgency at the moment. They truly love the Lord.
Brethren, we believe that in the language of Paul we may say that "a great door and effectual us opened unto" us in Jamestown. We do not say this door was opened unto us in the same manner as those opened unto Paul in Ephesus and Troas (I Cor. 16:9 and 2 Cor. 2:12), but who can say this is not of the Lord? Brethren, we must seize this opportunity!
FROM FERRELL JENKINS: "After nearly two years of pleasant work with Connie W. Adams and the Brown Street church in Akron, Ohio, I have accepted the challenge to assist some brethren in producing a series of Bible Class literature that will be both scripturally and educationally sound. During the past two years I have held about 30 meetings. My family and I will reside at 513 Carolyne St., Temple Terrace, Fla. 33617. In 1969 I will be preaching for the church meeting at 2510 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, Florida, and hold a limited number of meetings. Where ever I go brethren are speaking enthusiastically about the future of the Guardian. Say, that Bible Lands Tour you are advertising looks real good!" - Ferrell Jenkins