News
Floyd D. Chappelear - 1101 Dyson - West Columbia, Texas 77486 Australia Report
When Harold Comer, Jim Everett, and I moved to Australia in May, 1967, much groundwork had been laid to warn the brethren against us. One preacher from Perth wrote and circulated a letter to all the churches in Australia admonishing Christians to beware of us, that our "anti" convictions would jeopardize the cause of Christ in Australia. The misrepresentations of our views had a telling effect, at least in regard to our initial reception. Even the brethren of conservative convictions were wary of us and uncertain about extending the right hand of fellowship.
However, these efforts served a good purpose by causing some to investigate for themselves. As our personal contact with brethren enlarged, we have been surprised and thrilled to find the strength of convictions maintained by many. Lessons that we have labored to teach in the U. S. A. were easily explained and a frequent comment has been "we have always believed that." This reaction has been true especially of brethren who made the initial break some 10 to 13 years ago from the Associated Churches of Christ (Christian Church).
The promotional spirit manifested in U. S. churches has reached Australia mostly in the form of "end result." In other words, these churches are not large enough to contribute financially to the programs, but they have been on the receiving end of Herald of Truth and the Ivan Stewart Campaigns. I have been aware of the pressure exerted on the programs, but now I am convinced of the pressure which is exerted on the "receiving side" too. Many brethren in Australia have expressed how they have been sickened at heart to now see similar innovations within independent churches which they had formally opposed in the associated churches.
In January I circulated an "open letter to Christians" in which the scriptures were set forth regarding the Lord's church and its work. This letter was mailed widely throughout Australia in order to clarify and expel misrepresentations which had been made. This week I received a tape recording from a man whom I have never met, but who was so thrilled to have received the letter and to know our convictions that he made this response. Let me share with you a portion of his statement:
"I know from north to south, east to west of this continent there are people of like mind. Over the years I have preached in Rundaberg, down to Sydney, Albury, Wangaratta, Melbourne, Adelaide, and in Perth: and I met many people in these places, some whom I have known for many years, that most certainly will agree and stand fast with this position. This is the reason why we are so thrilled, that at last things have come to a head. It is out in the open, where people can make a choice for themselves without needing to blindly swallow everything they are told. We know what it means now when James wrote that 'the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.' Over many years I believe many people in this country have been praying for such teaching, for such a stand for truth as it was in the first century.
In such a vexation and turmoil of spirit and soul over this last decade or so, coming to a point where we can't go any further, on a dead end road; we can't afford to take a turn that we know is wrong. We come to a point where we just wonder what to do for the best. We can't turn around and go back, we can't turn to the right, we can't turn to the left, and we seem to be up against a brick wall. Then we see answered prayers. What a thrill it is, what an encouragement, and I believe that as you listen to my words, you too may feel encouraged that not all of Australia seems to be giving you a poor reception."
And what an encouragement this tape was to us! However, as I considered it, I began to feel an impending need for able men and women to come to Australia to assist these brethren shine forth the light. The brethren here are few in number and scattered; one family here, perhaps two families there. The largest congregation in Australia has only 80 members, and the majority of cities have no known Christians at all. Brethren, Australia beckons — can you come?
Robert Harkrider P.O. Box 52, Caringbah, N. S. W. 2229, Australia
Opportunity Hopkinsville
Every person who becomes involved in helping to start a new congregation feels that the opportunity in that particular locality is greater than in any other — those in Hopkinsville, Kentucky who compose the Hopkinsville church of Christ are no exception.
While the details of the joys and trails of our effects in Hopkinsville are interesting to those directly involved, they would serve no purpose to the reader. On October 30, 1966, three persons from Hopkinsville with some from Nashville, Tenn. met for the first time in Bill Harrison's living room at 1704 Moseley Drive. Eleven persons from Hopkinsville now meet regularly in a rented dwelling at 308 East 14th Street. These brethren, including the writer, have provided for the necessary expenses and have accumulated a small balance preparatory to purchasing a suitable meeting place. The presence of visitors from Louisville, Murray, Elkton, and Dunmore in Kentucky, Perry Heights, Eastland and Franklin Road in Nashville, Tenn. has encouraged and strengthened the work. Interest and unusual liberality have characterized each member from the outset. The only financial help has been from Franklin road in Nashville by defraying the expenses of Charles M. Campbell in a meeting during July of 1967.
An interesting sidelight to the meeting was the leaders of the Seventh and Cleveland church in Hopkinsville requested that none of their members attend the meeting or have contact with the "anti" group. Some years ago Charlie preached and worked with that congregation when it was known as an "anti" church because they refused participate in the Missionary Society or use instruments of music in worship. A few came to meet with us while others came by to shake hands with Charlie and his good wife, Mary, but would not stay to hear him speak.
Concerning the future outlook and plans for the work in Hopkinsville, with the blessings and good providence of God, it is hoped that a convenient and well-located lot or building can be found as a permanent meeting place. While sarcasm or criticism from those who watch our progress with envy, (and who earnestly hope that we will soon cease to meet), means little to us, it is evident that a permanent meeting place will indicate stability and growth to all concerned. Any acquisition of physical facilities will necessitate financial problems, however the problem of reaching others that we may teach them the will of God for outweighs any financial considerations. In this regard, contact with those in Hopkinsville who recognize the liberal trends and apostasy among many churches has been difficult -- this writer lives in Nashville, a distance of seventy-five miles and other members are but scarcely known among the people of Hopkinsville.
Opportunities for employment in Hopkinsville are excellent. It is town of approximately 20,000 population; the county seat of Christian County, a rich and productive agricultural section; located approximately ten miles from Fort Campbell, a permanent government installation; located only a few miles from both Kentucky and Barkley Dams with the huge "Land Between the Lakes" recreational area being developed by the T. V. A. has a branch of the University of Kentucky for those interested in college work; is the site of Western Kentucky State Hospital for mental patients; now has a number of new industries with employment possibilities for all trades; and will soon be "connected" with Louisville, Paducah, Lexington and other localities by super highway. Adequate housing is available in every price range in subdivisions now developed or in process as well as excellent shopping facilities in new shopping centers with several under construction and others planned.
Admittedly, those of us who are involved in the work of the Hopkinsville church are prejudiced regarding the opportunities for young families who seek a location for a permanent home with financial and educational possibilities, but we also feel that the opportunity for teaching God's word in this community is unlimited. Should there be anyone who wishes to know more about Hopkinsville and the work there, please contact Jack S. Dugger, Sr., 1725 North Observatory Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37215, Telephone 269-5429, area code 615.
Upcoming Gospel Meetings
Paul Johnson at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, April 8-14....Bob Bunting at Beaufort, South Carolina, April 14-21....Guy Roberson at Woodland in Sumter, South Carolina, April 21-28....Roy Cogdill at Brown Street, Akron, Ohio, April 1-7....Connie Adams, 819 E. Broadway, Toledo, Ohio, April 1-7....Granville Tyler at Gardiner Lane, Louisville, May 6-12....Jesse M. Kelley at Caprock church in Lubbock, April 1-7....A. C. Crider at Borger, Texas, May 6-12....Floyd Chappelear at Amberg, Wisconsin, April 21-28....William E. Fain at South em Oaks church in Lake Jackson, Texas...Richard Brewer, preaching at the Washington Street Congregation, Fairview, West Virginia, March 25-April 3, 1968....Truman Smith at Waynesburg, Penn., April 8-17....W. R. Jones, at Corpus Christi, the Westgate Heights church, April 8-14....Paul Kelsey at the Parkway church in Corpus Christi, April 15-21, with day services at 10:30 Tuesday through Friday....Ferrell Jenkins at the Southeast Avenue church in Tallmadge, Ohio, April 15-21.
The church that meets at 1505 E. Broadway in Bradley, Illinois just closed a very fine gospel meeting with Richard Holloway, evangelist for the church at McAlester, Oklahoma doing the preaching. Three were baptized into Christ and one restored to full fellowship with the church.
Savanna, Okla., gospel meeting, April 1-7. Services 7:30 each evening. The speakers and subject as follows:
Monday, "Endeavoring to keep the Unity" -Richard Holloway, McAlester; Tuesday, "One God" - John M. Wilson, Frederich; Wednesday, "One Lord" - George Bennet, Atoka; Thursday, "One Spirit" - Arnold Johnson, Haileyville; Friday, "One Faith" - Clinton Berry, McCurtain; Saturday, "One Baptism" - L. M. Sims, Hanna; Sunday, A.M. "One Body" - Jim Davis, Bowers; Sunday P. M. "One Hope" - John M. Trokey.
Lectureship
This lectureship to be conducted in April will be held at the Lord's church which meets at 7161 North 55th Drive in Glendale, Arizona.
April 22, Kenneth Maars, The Importance of the Home IN Modern Society.
April 23, Robert LaCoste, The Responsibility of the Wife and Mother April 24, Joe Legett, The Responsibility of the Husband and Father to the Home
April 25, Harry Hawkins, The Responsibility of Children in the Home April 26, Bob Nichols, The Home Life in Relation to the Chruch
April 27, Bob Love, The Importance of Christ in the Home April 28, Garreth L. Clair, The Problems Both Moral and Mental in the Christian Home
Evening: The Meeting in Perspective
Preacher Wanted
The church in Greensburg, Kentucky desires to contact someone who would be interested in moving there to work with them. Anyone interested may contact D. B. Coakley, 123 Public Square, Greensburg, Kentucky, 42743.
New Church
About 18 brethren have recently formed a new congregation in Garland, Texas. They are meeting in a rented building in the First Street Shopping Center. Bro. Carl Collins is doing most of the preaching. For further information contact Bro. Sherrel Jackson, 1918 Rolando Drive in Garland.
Personal Report.
Max Ray, Box 37, Hodgenville, Ky. "After two years with the Greensburg, Ky. church, I have moved to Hodgenville, Ky. to work with the church here. The Hodgenville church was started some four or five years ago through the efforts of the Valley Station, Ky. church. At present the attendance on Lord's day averages somewhere near 40. The membership is zealous, energetic and well taught. I am the first to labor full time with these brethren. The church meets in a modest basement building on S. Lincoln Blvd. (U. S. 31-E) about two miles north of Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Park. Anyone visiting this area is invited to worship with us.