The Reporter

A Harvest Among The Lost

The church of Christ in the first century was an evangelist church. Rob Andrews is a medical doctor and an evangelist for God. He has made a commitment to work in the interior of Guyana, South America as a Doctor and as an evangelist. On the next page of this paper he explained, in some farewell comments, his actions and he likewise explains what our commitment to evangelism should be. Evangelism has always been and will always be the life blood of the local church. Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:15-16)

Motivated to win souls: Men and women who have committed their lives to the Lord must be motivated by love to become soul winners for Jesus. God is please with Christians and with the church when we evangelize. (John 15:1-8) The word of God must be taught in a patient and persistent way. It is our duty to teach all the lost all the truth. We need those who will be "soul winners for Jesus." "But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, the harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." (Matthew 9:36-38.) Our prayer should be that the Lord will send laborers into His harvest and that we can be one of them.

Men and women are involved in bringing sons to glory. What part do Christians play in conversion of other people? It is our duty to teach them the truth. We must also struggle with them as they go through the process of spiritual growth. The power to bring about this needed change is not in the man but in the message of Christ and Him crucified. "But we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness." (1 Corinthians 1:23) Any time we are face to face with people we should hear the words of those Greeks who came to hear Jesus. To the apostles they said, "Sir, we would see Jesus." (John 12:21) It is the obligation of those who are Christians to explain in simple terms the gospel plan of salvation. We must also live the truth so that others can see a demonstration of what Christianity involves. We must love people and help them in their journey to heaven.

A soul winner for Jesus will tell others about God's plan of salvation. Eternity will be spent with God only if one believes in Jesus (John 8:24); is willing to repent (Acts 2:38); confess Jesus before men (Matthew 10:32) and be baptized into Christ (Acts 22:16) just as the New Testament teaches. At the end of a faithful Christian life is an eternal reward in heaven. (1 Corinthians 4:17-5:1) Read Rob’s words and take them to heart! - - - - Charles Box

- Farewell -

Farewell to friends, family, the comforts of home, and in many cases, hello to bad water, bouts of diarrhea, exposure to blood sucking insects, spiders, snakes, bats, and the elements of nature. Such is typical of life in a "third world" country. For the most part, permanent residents endure harsh conditions day in, day out. Visitors from industrialized nations, such as our own, often think about home. So, why do we go- especially when there is so much work to be done at home?

We go because our Lord commands it: "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you: and, 10, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:18-20

We go because it says to Jesus - 'I love you': "If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15

We go to be true to our claim of love for our Lord: "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" Luke 6:46

We go in order to be more like our Savior ("who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. ") - in compassion for others, in love for lost souls, in obedience, in self-denial. "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:" I Peter 2:21

We go because we are custodians of that which is able to make men free from the bondage of sin - i.e. the truth.

We go because false teachers, armed with every good thing except the truth are already there, preying on the weak, the afflicted, and those without benefit of Bible education.

We go in order to grow - in appreciation of our total dependency on God, His grace, His mercy and His blessings; - in our ability to "earnestly contend for the faith" - in order to help us focus on what truly matters in life.

We go because the Lord has enabled us to go.

The command to "Go", to "teach" and to "baptize" was given first to our Lord's chosen eleven disciples. This direct command is extended to all Christians by the phrase "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." The Lord does not command us to do that which we are not able to do.

If you are a faithful Christian and unable to go, why not do the work that you are able to do in the Kingdom of the Lord at home - and by all means, support those who are able to go - keep them in your thoughts and prayers, encourage them, and help them - The Lord will bless you."

Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you." II Corinthians 13:10

1. Prayer List: In Need of Prayer: Willie Ainsworth, Russ Anderson, LeRoy Boutwell, Mary Ann Bozeman, Willie Frank Burnett, Brenda Burkett, Cameron Coleman, Bonnie Croley, Debbie Cunningham, Marietta Faulkenberry, Devin Hawkins (nephew of Agnes Hammonds and Dennis Lowery), Doris Hayes, Patrick Hicks, Felice Kendrick, Patricia Kennemore, Peggy Lassiter, Alice Little, Arthur Little, Larry Lucas, Annie McKee, Jewel McNaughton, Charlotte Miller, Jeff Miller, Jane Owen, Candice Parker, Elizabeth Perdue, Emma Peterson, Payton Pierce, William Pierce, Tina Pouncey, Shane Prater, Jack Queener, Amber Raines, Dan Raybon, Lydia Ann Raybon, Peggy Rice, Brenda Richburg, Timothy Rowell, Rosie Rudolph, Chuck Shepherd, Nathan Simmons, Margaret Skipper, Preston Steven, Debbie Stone, Bobby & Sylvia Taylor, Mary Lou Terrell, Arlene Thomas, Frank Thomas, Corrine Till, Tiffany Till, Jenny Trawick, Dannie Waller, Gladys Warren, Jim Watts, Jim Wood, and Cody Yelverton. Crowne Health Care: Helen Autrey, Dorothy Buck, Jewel Cauthen, Gladys Childs, Arlene Coletrane, Betty Findley, Kathy Johnson, Sarah Knight, Nelda Sanders, Annie Ruth Tetter, and Alice Thompson.

2. Bill Bagents In South Africa: Please pray for Bill Bagents and the group that is with him working for our Lord in Cape Town, South Africa.

3. Gospel Meeting: Walnut Street Church of Christ gospel meeting started today October 21^stand will run through October 24^th. The speaker is Eric Lyons. Eric is the youth minister at the Wetumpka Church of Christ and he is employed with Apologetics Press. Invite others to attend this gospel meeting. Enjoy the meal together after morning service. *Salad Committee has clean-up.

4. Fall Festival: Jason and Ashley Holladay will host a fall festival on October 27^th. The sign-up sheet for things to prepare is on the bulletin board. Activities begin at 2:00 pm and meal will be at 5:00 pm. Make plans to attend.

5. Anniversary: Celebrating an anniversary this week are: October 24^th Stuart and Vivian Taylor.

6. Birthdays: Celebrating a birthday this week: October 21^st Shirley Boutwell, October 24^th Sheraton Scarver, October 26^h Stuart Taylor, and October 27^th Kyle Arnold.

7. Jerry Barr Mission Fund: Please contribute to the “Jerry Barr Mission Fund.” This fund was set up by Joan and other members of Jerry’s family. This money will be used to help with mission trips, build building and support other mission needs. Make checks to Walnut Street Church of Christ – “Jerry Barr Mission Fund.” Jerry’s love for mission work lives on.

8. Carl Sessions Camp Fund: Please contribute to the “Carl Sessions Camp Fund.” This makes it possible for all Walnut Street Children to attend Bible camp. Make checks to Walnut Street Church of Christ and mark them “Carl Sessions Camp Fund.” A very special “thank you” is given to everyone who has given to this great work. Lives are being changed!

9. Be a Daily Bible Reader: It take about seventy-two hours to read the Bible completely through at an average reading speed. Fill your heart with the word of God daily.

10. Bring a Visitor: Set your goal to make an honest effort to bring a visitor to the services of the church. There is someone that we can all influence to go to heaven. Let us all join together and win souls for Jesus. “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” (Proverbs 11:30)

11. Pray For Our Nation and Her Leaders: God said, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34) PRAY “For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” (1Timothy 2:20)

12. Pray For Our Elders: Elders in the church have great responsibility. Pray for Mike Bagents and Bobby Terrell daily.

The comfortable approach to Bible study is to come upon the recorded dark deeds of others and express or feel contempt and anger towards those who did evil. I have, at times, admittedly felt better about myself after reading of David’s sin with the beautiful Bathsheba. I have thought, “Well, I’ve never done anything as bad as Saul did before his conversion.” And, I suppose we would all like to think we would have somehow treated Jesus better than those who denied, mocked, or killed Him. Would you have mocked Christ along with the scoffers? I want you to pause a moment before you answer.

At the last supper, Jesus revealed a painful truth to His disciples, saying “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” (Mt 26:31) Peter was especially disturbed by the thought of this betrayal and said, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” (Mt 26:33) Then, Peter received a personal prediction that cut him deeply: “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” (Mt 26:34) Peter was so sure of his dedication, assuring Jesus he would die before he would deny Him. But in the end, Peter’s fear conquered his faith and he was reduced to bitter tears after he had vehemently denied that he even knew the Lord.

Perhaps we would have stood firm and had the courage that Peter lacked. But there are other ways to deny. Keeping silent when we need to stand up can be as bad as cursing Christ. When I think about my mistakes, which I commit out of weakness, not fear of persecution or death, I’m afraid I would have let the Lord down. I fear I would have denied the Lord because of fear. I’m scared that I would have mocked to blend in and go unnoticed. I do know that when I give in to my weaknesses, I am wounding Christ all over again and even showing contempt for Him. (Heb 6:4-6)

Encourage and even rebuke the scoffers, mockers, and deniers. But realize that some of their weaknesses live in you, and be even more diligently to be faithful.

Here To Serve:

Elders: Deacons:

Mike Bagents Tony Bozeman

Bobby Terrell Bruce Cauthen

Minister: Jason Holladay

Charles Box Dennis Lowery

Youth Minister: Stuart Taylor

Darrell Powell Jim Till