June 27, 1999
I'm Disappointed and Discouraged
We just finished a fine series of meetings last week. These
were planned long in advance with adequate and repeated notice given to the congregation.
This was a special week designed for the good of the congregation. This was not for the
brotherhood - this was our meeting. We had hoped and prayed the members of this
team would consider this a team effort and dedicate themselves to full
participation. Many did (see next column), but some didnıt. Here are the attendance
figures (number of visitors in parentheses included in total number): Monday: 83 (5);
Tuesday 78 (3); Wednesday 105 (3); Thursday 67 (1); Friday 68 (3).
Some chose not to come at all. Obviously, some came only on Wednesday. Some came for some
of the assemblies and chose to be somewhere else or do something else the other nights.
Some who did not come could not due to sickness or unalterable work schedules. It is not
these that negatively impact their brethren. It is those who could have been here
and would have been here had they possessed the sense of commitment to this team
and this special effort that they possess relative to other things.
To assemble or not during a meeting is certainly a decision of personal judgment. But you
need to be aware that your judgment affects others as it reflects something about you and
your devotion. You may think your absence should not so affect your brethren. Fact
is, it does. Some of you are old enough in the faith to be leaders, and your
conduct, your choices, and your sense of priorities even more impacts others.
"But Moses said to the sons of Gad and to the sons of Reuben, 'Shall your
brothers go to war while you yourselves sit here? Now why are you discouraging the sons of
Israel . . .? . . . This is what your fathers did . . . they discouraged the sons
of Israel . . . So the Lordıs anger burned in that day.'" Numbers
32:6,7, NASB. (srf)
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I'm Delighted and Encouraged
We just finished a fine series of meetings last week. Ross
Triplett planned well and did his work well, bringing faith building lessons each
assembly. The Osteens saw that the building was clean and presentable each day. The song
leaders led us well in upbuilding songs of praise. Selected men led us in thoughtful
prayers. The meal list was filled and brethren seemed to enjoy the privilege to know the
Ross and Bobbi better and to share in providing for them while they were here.
As these were planned long in advance and adequate notice given, brethren planned
to be able to support this special effort. They made effort to adjust their work
schedules, trips, and other matters so that they did not interfere with being able to
attend. Though some things were beyond their control, they tried.
Some came after a long and tiring day. But they came. Some came though they were
not feeling up to par. But they came. Some came though they had to come alone. But
they came. Some came though there other things needing to be done. They put those
things off and they came. Some came in spite of bad weather. Rain, thunder, and the
possibility of getting wet did not deter them any more than it would have if going to
work. They came anyway.
Thank you. Your sense of priorities and team spirit is refreshing. You may not know your
very presence encouraged others, but it did. And, I trust, you were benefited for being
there. Above all, God knows you were there and why you were there. He knows the choices
you made in order to be there. He also knows if you intended, planned, and wanted
to be there, but could not because of circumstances beyond your control. He knows your
heart.
"I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, because . . . of your
love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints . .
. the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother."
Philemon 1:4-7, NASB. (srf)
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News of Interest
Paula Aryıs father, Wallace Robin, had surgery for an aneurysm in
his leg last Wednesday and has returned home. Paula is now suffering with flu-like
symptoms . . . Elaine Cannon continues to suffer from the recurrence of the chronic
muscle disease she has suffered for many years. More tests are scheduled July 15 and she
should get the results of those on July 20 . . . Roena Leggıs brother, Ronnie
Triplett, is scheduled for liver surgery Thursday in Oklahoma City. Ronnie has cancer
and will have part of his liver removed. Roena will travel to Oklahoma for the surgery . .
. Linda Hurstıs father, Ralph Puckett, suffered a fall off a ladder and had
to be taken to the hospital. He is now home and recuperating . . . In our meeting
last week, Ross Triplett preached presented encouraging lessons on "The Faith
of Our Fathers." If you would like to have copies of one or more of the lessons, see John
Whitehead. Our next gospel meeting is scheduled for January or February
of 2000 with Joe Fitch. . . Communion preparation for July will taken care of by
the Rices . . . Next Sunday is a national holiday. If you plan to be out of town
and are scheduled to serve, please contact Gregg Hutson or Jim Crain and let
them know.
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Area Gospel Meetings
June 27July 2
- Anahuac - Speakers: Leon Cathey; Rolland Fritz
For further info, see announcements in the foyer.
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Transportation for Zelma Bobbitt
‹ June ‹
Sun., 27, am - E&E Osteen pm
- Rice
Wed., 30, pm - Craig Ottersbach
‹ July ‹
Ralph and Toy Robinson have graciously
signed up to provide transportation to Zelma for the entire month of July.
Due to Zelma Bobbittıs health she will not
always be able to attend for the two hour session on Sunday mornings. If you have signed
up to provide her a ride on a Sunday morning, be sure and check with her before you go to
pick her up.
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SCHEDULED TO SERVE
Wednesday, June 30
Song Leader: Dwight Osteen
Sunday AM, July 4
Announcements: Robert Rice
Song Leader: Dwight Osteen
First Prayer: Eddie Crain
Lordıs Table:
Bread: Mark Hargrove
Fruit of the Vine:
Contribution: Craig Ottersbach
Assistant: Mark Schindler
Closing Prayer: David Dickey
Sunday PM, July 4
Song Leader: Gary Tuttle
First Prayer: Robert Rice
Lordıs Table:
Bread: John Lowrance
Fruit of the Vine: Charles Tu
Contribution: Billy Lovell
Closing Prayer: Verlan Wilson