We hear and read a lot about churches and people who are leaving churches of Christ to join the ecumenical movement of modern American denominationalism. So, as a matter of encouragement and good news, let me tell you about some who are renouncing those things and seeking New Testament (genuine) Christianity.

June 18th-19th, I was blessed with an invitation to come to Adairsville, Georgia, where I would meet with some members and former members of the conservative Christian church, some of whom already have come to the church of Christ some others who came while I was there and others who are still coming - currently 16 (14 adults, 2 teenagers) in all. All were viewers of the Search program.

They were not and are not being coerced in any way. It is all voluntary on each one's part. One had been an elder there, another was a pianist, others were members of the choir - all excellent Bible students. A former preacher is still attending but has not responded publicly at this time. All were concerned that their worship had become a mere show with the "praise teams", "vocal band", special music (both vocal and instrumental), etc.. They were seeking worship "in spirit and in truth" as Jesus taught in John 4:24. So, they came and stayed. Some are still coming. One said,"We've just got to accept the fact that we’ve been in error" The Adairsville church has a loving and sound preacher in the person of Steve McCaslin to help them through the difficult, but great days.

A week or two earlier, we had a telephone call from a Baptist Preacher in Pennsylvania who has been "studying" with us via the Search program for a year, who along with his wife, have decided they must be baptized for the remission of sins according to Acts 2:38. They had already found a church of Christ where they would be baptized and worship.

The same week a minister in a Christian Church of some 750 members, having seen in some print media the movement of some of "us" toward evangelicalism, called to ask why churches of Christ are taking the road Christian Churches took a hundred years ago that has given them the unenviable distinction of being (according to the latest US. Census) "the fastest dying church in America?" When given assurance that we at Search are not going in that direction and are resisting it with all our strength and means, he assured us that he and his wife, having no children, will be leaving their entire estate to Search.

So, my friend, the news is not all bad. Some who have been down the road that some are now taking, have seen where it leads and are coming back. May God bless them.

P.O. Box 371, Edmond, OK 73083

Sheets & Towels
Anyone who is interested can donate single bed flat sheets and bath towels to the Village of Hope Orphanage in Ghana. We will be shipping them August 22, 2005. Please, no pillow cases, wash cloths or hand towels are needed.

Change For Ghana
Have you designated your “Change For Ghana” jar? If not, Tammi Paye still has labels for your change jar. The money will be collected prior to next years Ghana campaigns and will be used to help finance the Lord’s work in that West African country. See Tammi for a label.

Visitation Group
The Visitation Group is scheduled to meet today after the morning worship in assembly room “B”. All are encouraged to attend.

Change Your Directory
Please make the following changes to your directories:

Louis and Margaret Duh
[Click for info]

The following is a mailing address (you may already have this info):

Charles & Frances Copeland
[Click for info]

FSOP Extension Class
Please note that the FSOP Extension Class taught by Bob Bauer in the annex will begin on August 18, 2005 and not on the 4th as we originally published. The Fall term class will be on the book of Revelation. Sorry for the misinformation.

It is reported that a rattlesnake, if cornered and mistreated, will become so angry that it will bite itself. That is exactly what the harboring of hate and resentment against others is - a biting of one's self. We think we are harming others in holding on to those spites and hates, but the far deeper harm is to ourselves.