A Report On The Waco Work
On July 19, 1962, my family and I moved to Waco, Texas, to work with the Merriwood church of Christ in establishing a sound, stable congregation. At that time the membership numbered six (6) Christians. In addition to this number, there were five (5 )children. In about two months the membership has grown to twenty (20) members, and there are now thirteen (13) children Four (4) Bible classes are available on Sunday morning. Nine families are represented in the total membership. Two of these families cast their lot with us to support the truth as a result of a series of gospel meetings conducted August 1 through the 8th, with brother Harkrider doing the preaching.
The special effort was a success in many ways. Brother Harkrider did an excellent job in the proclamation of the gospel. Much of the preaching dealt with the innovations that are so prevalent among the majority of the churches of Christ. Needless to say, the preaching was very clear, pointed, and forceful. Indeed, brother Harkrider is a very efficient preacher. It was a pleasure to have had him in our home, and to have worked with him in making personal contacts. One of the highlights of the meeting was the opportunity to discuss the issues with two elders and the preacher of one of the churches in the city. The discussion was honorable, orderly, and profitable. One family was fully convinced of the truth by hearing the tape of the discussion. Twenty-three (23) members of the church from several congregations in the city attended one or more of the series of gospel meetings. The average attendance was twenty-one (21) people. Since the meeting, two more families have taken their stand for truth. Neither of these two families attended the meeting.
All the members of the Merriwood church rejoice in the progress that has been made in Waco, and with all humility, give praise and honor to Him who alone can give the increase. We fully recognize that there is much more to do, but with God's continued help coupled with the enthusiasm that now prevails among the members, surely the Cause for Truth will continue to prosper. Remember us in your prayers, and specifically ask God to continue to open the doors of opportunity for us, and that we will have spiritual wisdom and vision to recognize them.
At present we are doing some advertizing each week in the Tribune-Herald newspaper. This medium has been quite effective. Also the church publishes a monthly bulletin which goes into about 500 homes. In addition to these methods of teaching, the members are teaching and talking-up the work. The local preacher is having many opportunities to talk with people in a personal way. It is encouraging to know there are still in this world brethren who are willing to study and give consideration to Bible evidence.
All in all, brethren, everything points up to continued success in this city of 102,000 inhabitants. We know there will be disappointments, persecutions, and discouraging moments, but such will not thwart the power of the gospel of Christ in its influence on the lives of honest people.
We are presently meeting in our home which will seat comfortably about 50 people. Serious thought is being given to renting a more public place for meeting, and too, one that will accommodate the seating of more people.
The local preacher is still in need of some support for himself and his family. If any individual or church would like to have fellowship in the preaching of the gospel in Waco, please contact James F. Pleasants at 3117 Mitchell Ave., Waco, Texas; or if you desire, call PL 3-2826. — James F. Pleasants, evangelist