Missionaries Needed
Ted Wheeler

It has just come to my attention that missionaries are needed for a field that is ready for the harvest. For those interested in this new mission field, I would like to tell of some of the harsh conditions that can be expected and what you can plan to face:

• Four kinds of deadly poisonous snakes
• Scorpions
• Crocodiles
• Many serious diseases: hepatitis A, water-borne parasites, etc.
• Alligators
• High crime rate
• High rate of cancer (skin cancer)
• Three species of poisonous spiders
• A high number of bicycle deaths
• Shark-infested waters
• Lightning deaths #1 (every square mile averages 50 hits per year)
• Hurricanes

In spite of this, this "mission field" is growing in population, faster than any other. Maybe you've figured out where this mission field is-- It's right here in the U.S.-- Florida. 1,000 people per day are moving to Florida. This mission field is right next door. When was the last time you invited a neighbor to services or discussed the gospel with them?

Jesus was once asked, "Who is my neighbor?" In response he told a certain parable about a man who was robbed and beaten on a road that led down to Jericho. If you recall, several people came upon the man, two were the very religious Priest and Levite who, after taking in the situation, went on about their business and did nothing. When it comes to helping those in need-- do you feel more like those two that passed by, than like the Samaritan who stopped to help? Let us consider our own life. Are we really that concerned about those who are different from us? Is Jesus pleased with our concern?

We must grow and mature in our understanding to the point that God's concern for the eternal destiny of every person is our concern. Let us all be missionaries. Let our mission work begin at home and then reach out to the community... unto the uttermost parts of the earth. Only then will we begin fulfill the "mission" the Lord has entrusted into our hands. (Mark 16:15-16).

Concerning our world situation the late Doug Hammarskjold reflected, "I see no hope for permanent world peace. We have tried so hard and failed so miserably. Unless the world has a spiritual rebirth within the next few years civilization is doomed." Jesus still pleads "Come unto me." (Matthew 11:28)

Our hearts go out in deepest sympathy to the family and friends of sister Latanae Sims who passed away this past Wednesday evening after a lengthy illness. Latanae was a faithful member here at Orange street for many years and will be sincerely missed. Our prayers are especially with Pasley in this time of loss and sorrow. Funeral services were held yesterday (Saturday) at Glenn-Abbey.

Tonight

We meet at 5:30 each Sunday evening for a time of prayer in room #3. The youngsters meet at 5:40 in the auditorium for a period of story and song.

We invite both members and visitors for our regular monthly fellowship gathering after the evening services in the annex. We will honor our birthdays and anniversaries for October.