by Glenda Williams, BNc correspondent
Jerry O. Davidson, missionary to the Amerindians in Guyana, returned home Monday evening from his latest mission trip. Davidson has been leading groups deep into the Guyana bush to establish the church for 13 years. A team of eight Americans, two Trinidadians and approximately 25 Guyanese, arrived on February 21, for a three week soul-winning effort. Continue reading “Amerindian Mission Trip is Fruitful”
by Jeanette Raine
PALMERSTON NORTH, NZ (BNc) — The church in Palmerston North, New Zealand has been hosting a Ladies’ Challenge for a number of years, with the goal of providing a special time for Christian sisters to join together and revive their spirits.
We have been blessed with amazing lessons from our sisters from overseas and locally. A few of our overseas talents have been Betty Choate, Cindy & Hannah Colley, Cynthia Guy, and Nicole Whitacre, Cathy Whitacre and Christina Barkley, a mother-daughter, daughter-in-law team who were passionate Bible class teachers. We have had New Zealand talent, some presenting their first ever lessons at the Ladies’ Challenge. Continue reading “New Zealand Ladies’ Challenge!”
by House to House Heart to Heart
ALBANY, Ga. (BNc) — Mary Alice Rigsby came by our church building and requested to study with one of our members. She has been receiving the House to House Heart to Heart (HTH) for some time and had studied her Bible, and realized that she must surely be obedient to the Lord. She came to be baptized and was following a study.
She and another lady, Syble Massey, who had received the magazine for some time, came to our building. Syble was a member of the church in Tennessee, but had not been faithful. She responded the first of October to be restored.
This makes a total of seven souls that have been reached initially by the HTH work since we have used this program beginning in 2002. We are grateful to the Lord for all the good that HTH is doing, and plan to continue to use this as one of the tools to reach the outside.
Submitted by Sam Hartline, the Eastside congregation in Albany, Ga.
by Glenda Williams, BNc correspondent
GENEVA, Ala. (BNc) — Carl S. Sims, preacher of the Main Street congregation, Manchester, Tenn., is a disciplined, self-motivated, worker for the Lord. Carl and Patsy, his wife of 43 years, have three children and both have earned doctorates in Pharmacy. After many successful years in business, the Sims retired from their pharmaceutical work and Carl began preaching the gospel full time.
Carl is a student of the Bible. For the past 21 years Carl has read through the New Testament from one to two times each month, as well as parts of the Old Testament. “I figure this is what we are living under and this is what I want to study most,” Carl said in a seminar conducted recently in Geneva, Ala.
Carl is a disciplined man. “Early to bed, early to rise,” could easily be his slogan. He is in bed every night by 10:00 p.m. and rises early every morning. Continue reading “Carl S. Sims is a fisher of men”
by Mark Teske
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (BNc) — The 2010 Polishing the Pulpit was an overwhelming success and the previous record attendance was shattered by a 42% increase in attendance this year. The 2,043 attendees listened to 102 different speakers discussing a wide variety of topics over the 7-day seminar in 11 different venues. For the third straight year, the Sevierville Events Center hosted the event in their beautiful facility that is just miles from the tourist attractions and splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The event was so big that three church buildings were overflowing on Sunday and one congregation moved their services to the Event Center to handle the crowds. William Woodson was this year’s recipient of the Lifetime Service Award, just days before his passing. Continue reading “Polishing the Pulpit fills brotherhood needs”
by Adam Faughn
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (BNc) — Just over 2000 people met in the Smokey Mountains for the 2010 Polishing the Pulpit series, a record attendance in the 15-year history of the event. At one time, all those who were present for the first time were asked to raise their hand. Hands went up all over the room.
Over 100 different speakers presented lessons and seminars on topics for all members of the Lord’s Church, including specific lessons for preachers, youth workers, elders, deacons, members, ladies, leaders’ wives, teens, children, and Hispanic workers. In all, over 300 lessons were delivered at the event, which began on Friday evening and concluded just before noon on Thursday.
While there were over 2000 in attendance, many suggested that Polishing the Pulpit was very relaxing, in part because many attendees stayed in the Wilderness at the Smokies hotel, which connects to the Sevierville Events Center, where Polishing the Pulpit is held. The beautiful hotel and the beauty of the mountains in the distance help provide a relaxing setting. Continue reading “Polishing the Pulpit a great success”
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (BNc) — The Evangelize Kentucky Project soon will be starting a congregation in Owen County Kentucky in the town of Owenton. They are in need of 10-15 matching pews, preferably no longer than 14 feet, a Lord’s supper table, pulpit stand, number boards, etc. 
The property has already been purchased and Bill Dayton who will preach there has recently moved to Bowling Green, Ky. to spend time getting to know the sponsoring congregation at Lehman Avenue. A house is currently being remodeled for them to live in.
The church building will be a converted metal warehouse building similar to the one in Grant County, the first congregation planted by the Lehman Avenue congregation. Continue reading “Evangelize Kentucky Project needs help”
by Jonathan Hinckley
LOS ANGELES, Calif., (BNc) — On July 10, 2010, the Sichel Street church celebrated 100 years of meeting in their building in East Los Angeles.
The building at Sichel Street is the oldest continual meeting place of the churches of Christ in Southern California. It was said at the celebration that at least 50 congregations in the area grew out of Sichel Street. The event was attended by former and present members of Sichel Street and members of various English- and Spanish-speaking churches throughout the area.
The congregation at Sichel grew out of a tent meeting held by G.W. Riggs in 1903. In 1900 the Broadway church in downtown Los Angeles split when a majority of the members there chose to introduce instrumental music into the worship. Michael Sanders did not agree with their decision and went Continue reading “Sichel Street church celebrates 100 years in Los Angeles”
Editor’s Note: This report was received from Vladimir and Muza Vakhrushev, missionaries to Russia.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (BNc) — In March of 2009, Russian authorities cracked down on a church in Smolinsk that was teaching the Bible to children. We prayed fervently for that situation, and God heard our prayers and reversed that decision on appeal.
Now a similar problem, but potentially much more menacing, is facing one of the largest churches of Christ, with approximately 500 members! This church is located in Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan (formerly a part of the Soviet Union). The church was established in 1999, and owns its own property. Continue reading “Uzbekistan Christians under attack”
by Travis Irwin, involvement minister
ATHENS, Tenn., (BNC) — The Athens congregation just finished their first “His Eternal Plan” workshop.
The workshop is designed to assist Christians in setting up and conducting studies with non-Christians while presenting the simple truths of the gospel. Jerry Tallman of Rochester, Mich., and his wife Connie travel all over the USA and the world offering this workshop for free.
Tallman is best known for his book by the same title and simply asking people, “do you believe the Bible is the Word of God?” (Most people say “Yes”) and “do you understand the Bible?” (Most people say “No”). He then shows them a time line that outlines God’s eternal plan. Continue reading “His Eternal Plan workshop a success in Athens”
by Ann Wallace, reprinted by permission of TheLeafChronicle.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — Many people consider Jesus the ultimate example of pay-it-forward — a gift that keeps giving.
And the pay-it-forward concept takes on real meaning for members of the new Barkers Mill Church of Christ.
“The Madison Street Church of Christ planted Hilldale Church of Christ 50 years ago, and now Hilldale is planting the new church at Barkers Mill,” said longtime member Nick Muiznieks.
Barkers Mill Church of Christ has opened on Tiny Town Road near the entrance of Barkers Mill Elementary School. It has been a journey about people of faith building a foundation for future generations.
“This has been a 10-year plan, desire and dream to plant a Church of Christ in North Clarksville,” said Steve Kirby, senior minister at Hilldale Church of Christ.
Kirby said about 50 families from Hilldale Church of Christ moved to officially become the charter congregation for the North Clarksville church.
Mark Muiznieks and wife Claire with their three children are members of the new flagship fellowship.
A special Gospel Meeting is scheduled this weekend. James Sampson from Marshfield, Wis., is the featured speaker. He will discuss “How to Understand God’s Providence” at 7 p.m. today and present a three-part series “How to be Happier” Sunday at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
“His talks are based on 15 biblical principles,” Caleb Sampson said. “Good stuff for anybody.”
“For us, there was a need to have a congregation in this part of town. We’re grateful we were given the opportunity to be involved. It has helped develop us as people and to be part of God’s church,” Muiznieks said.
Getting started
Caleb Sampson was tapped to helm the new church. He and wife Kristin with five children moved from Iowa to Clarksville in September. The new congregation started meeting at Barkers Mill Elementary School in October while construction started.
“Mark and Claire opened their home for Wednesday night services during those months,” Sampson said.
Hilldale Church of Christ gave the new congregation 9 1/2 acres of land and covered site development costs. The new congregation has shouldered a mortgage for structure construction. The 5,000 square-foot facility includes a sanctuary with seating capacity of 140 with a nursery, an office, a kitchen and six classrooms.
Sampson said donations from Thomas Lumber Co., Jimmy Miller and Jeff Burkhart resulted in considerable savings. Also, Hilldale Church of Christ committed to covering the minister’s salary for three to five years.
“These are just measures to help them as they get on their feet,” Kirby said. “After all, they’re an extension of our family.”
‘Grow as a family’
Sampson stressed his vision for Barkers Mill Church of Christ is “grow as a family.”
“We have a great group of folks to work with. A big part of our thrust will be an outreach to the military. We want to help families here while loved ones are deployed and when they’re home,” Sampson said.
He also said congregation members would be active in the local area “with a lot of door-knocking.”
Reaching out with the good news is important to Mark Muiznieks.
“As a congregation, we try to speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent. We want to be as close to the first century church as possible and are open to study with anybody,” Sampson said.
Editor’s Note: You can read the original article at TheLeafChronicle.
CAMPINA GRANDE, BRAZIL (BNc) — The church arrived before the mission team in this city in northeastern Brazil!
Campina Grande is the second largest city in the state of Paraiba, with a population of 400,000. Saints are preparing to take Christ there. The church is praying. Brazilian congregations are raising money to send two national families there, in addition to a missionary family planning to move there this year.
But even before they arrive, God is working, as Joe McKinney tells below: Continue reading “Brazil: The church is now here!”
Contributed by Glenda Williams, BNc correspondent
KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (BNc) — Captain Anthony Holloway, Family Life Chaplain, reported in a letter back home of the goings on with the church in Kandahar Air Field (KAF), Afghanistan.
A major from the unit they replaced began the service at the Chapel Ministry Center (CMC), which is something of a general purpose building used for Bible studies, classes and meetings. At that time it was basically an informal Bible study around a table with about six people attending.
When the 135th arrived, the numbers grew to about 10-12. They were able to find a time slot on Sundays in Fraise Chapel. Continue reading “Chaplain reports on military church in Afghanistan”
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn., (BNc) — Polishing the Pulpit began with three friends getting together to brainstorm sermon ideas. We soon invited a few other friends and someone said, “This is great! We should tell others.”
We did and invited a speaker to discuss sermon preparation and give sample sermons. Interest increased; more speakers were invited. We moved to a hotel conference area. We dreamed big. “Let’s invite the best speakers in the brotherhood and see who we can get.” They came. Wives wanted in, so we added women’s classes. While these great speakers were assembled in one place, we decided to offer classes for elders. They loved it. People began coming from all over the country.
Youth workers and deacons became interested. We added tracks for them. PTP moved to a large event center in the Smoky Mountains. Attendance approached 1000. Christians from other nations began coming. Continue reading “The power of an idea”
by George Merritt
FORT RUCKER, Ala. (BNc) — In the 68-year history of Fort Rucker, this is the first time churches of Christ have conducted worship on post. In fact, Christian families in the military say it is rare for our brotherhood to be so represented on military installations.
George Merritt, a long-time minister in Southeast Alabama, and CW4 James Baker have both been certified by the U. S. Army to lead the 1:30 p.m. worship each Sunday afternoon at Rucker’s historic Wings Chapel.
“We are targeting some 4,000 student soldiers here, especially those affiliated with the church of Christ,” says Merritt. Continue reading “Church meets at Fort Rucker”
by Allen Webster
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (BNc) — The Great Smoky Mountain Marriage Retreat was held Valentine’s weekend in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with 700 attending from 16 states. This retreat began in 1999 as an effort of the Jacksonville, Ala., church to strengthen its marriages and homes. The next year it was made available to any who wanted to come, and it has steadily grown over the years. Continue reading “Valentine’s retreat gathers 700”
Ministers in Southeast Georgia find strength and fellowship in monthly meetings.
by Richard Mansel
HAZLEHURST, Ga. (BNc) — Ian Burgin said, “So many churches are small in Southeast Georgia, and we remain true to the pattern and serving God.”
Burgin, minister with the Nashville, Ga., church extolled the virtues of serving in a small congregation as he gave a report on the work in his community, at the church workers’ meeting.
Workers from a variety of congregations in Southeast Georgia drive on the first Monday of each month to Sisters Country Kitchen to fellowship and edify one another. Continue reading “Ga. preachers meet for fellowship”
by Jerrie Barber
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BNc) — A preacher’s departure from a church, especially after an extended tenure there, creates stress. While most congregations face this event with Christian maturity and love, even the most stable find this time difficult, and some find it a time of crisis.
Since we completed our stay in Hendersonville December 30, 2009, I am available to work with another congregation as an interim preacher.
An intentional interim preacher can be helpful if a congregation finds itself in one or more of the following situations: Continue reading “Interim preacher closes gaps in church needs”
By Gina Kinslow, Glasgow Daily Times
TOMPKINSVILLE, Ky. (BNc) — A celebration to commemorate the bicentennial anniversary of Old Mulkey was held Saturday, Nov. 21, at Old Mulkey Meeting House State Historic Site.
“During the bicentennial observation we will be examining what happened at the historic service of Nov. 18, 1809, and the effects of that service,” said Sheila Rush, park manager. “We’ll take a look at excerpts from the minutes of the church dated 1798 to 1809 and sing period-accurate songs.”
Lynwood Montell, a noted historian and folklorist, led an interactive history activity, asking questions about the origin of Old Mulkey and it’s beginning as Mill Creek Church.
Loy Milam, author of Old Mulkey, A Plea for the Ancient Order discussed “the split.” Continue reading “Old Mulkey celebrated its bicentennial”
by Laura S. Tinnel
PURCELLVILLE, Va. (BNc) – The first and only permanent facility for the saints’ worship and Bible study in Loudoun County, VA was completed after ten years of determined labor and prayer.
The 6,100 square-foot facility, located in the town of Purcellville, includes a 150 seat auditorium, a baptistery, five walled classrooms, a multi-purpose room (also used as a classroom), and a small office.
Prior to completing the new facility, the Purcellville congregation met in a small, rented office space, which it was outgrowing. It also met in the community center, the local skating rink and member homes.
While worshiping in the community center, the church began in earnest seeking a permanent place of worship but found no suitable existing facility in Purcellville. In 2004, the congregation purchased a parcel of land in the newly planned Village Case subdivision, which included plots for three church buildings in the back of the subdivision. The church paid cash for the property from savings and began efforts towards obtaining blue prints, county permits, and securing financing. Continue reading “Loudoun County, Va gets first permanent facility for the church worship”
