The Inverness Meetings — Scriptural Co-Operation

Rom. 10:14,15 "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him whom they have not hears? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be sent even as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of good things!" Five men were sent to Inverness, Florida to preach the gospel to many who have not had the opportunity to hear it. We worked there together trying to establish a New Testament church. (Mt. 16:18; Acts 20:28)

From Jan. 24th thru Feb. 2nd I was privileged to participate in this effort. The four other men in this series of meetings were: Ken Thomas, Ray Smallridge, Jim Daniel, and Jeff Kingry. Too often we spend our time condemning our "liberal" brothers, and do nothing ourselves. Many call themselves "conservative" when in reality they are lazy and unconcerned about the lost souls around them!

The congregations involved in this effort were: Trillby, Fla., Cove Bend, Fla., Brooksville, Fla., Kirkland, Ill. and Rochelle, Ill. Each congregation supported one man directly to preach the gospel. The expense of the radio program was paid for by one congregation, and the renting of the meeting place by another. The money was not pooled in one treasury and overseen by one congregation. This work was not under the oversight of one man, or one church, or elders of one congregation. The five men engaged in this work agreed upon the work to be done and then did it together. Each congregation was co-operating together within the limits of God's word. No human organization was set up to do this work.

After the two weeks of concentrated effort this work is not going to be abandoned. Bro. Thomas, Daniel, and Smallridge will continue to work in Inverness. They plan to meet every Lord's Day and Wednesday evenings. The co-operation between these three congregations will continue. And most important, it will be done in accord with God's word.

Through this scriptural co-operation the seed was sown. I am confident that there will be a great harvest. The Lord's word will not return unto Him void, but will accomplish that which pleases Him.(Isa. 55:11) We have planted and watered, and are confident that our God will give the increase. This effort could be considered a success if just one soul obeyed the gospel.

This can be done in every community where there are no congregations of the Lord's people. It can be done in harmony with the will of God and accomplish much and lasting good. Let us arise to the great challenge, and show that the word "conservative" does not mean lazy and unconcerned, but rather adhering to God's order of congregational co-operation. Dennis L. Shaver, Box 217, Rochelle, Ill. 61068 MANSFIELD, OHIO — "We have a Gospel Meeting coming up March 6th thru 12th with Bro. Cecil Willis. The work here is moving along in a very fine way. We are in our new building - make note of our new address, 1125 Mans-Lucas Road. When traveling in the area stop and worship with us at any of our services." Delbert Mills, 1135 Seminole Ave. Mansfield, Ohio 44906