Wayne Murphey
"John is not thinking deeply. He is rearranging his prejudices," replied the second man, who knew John better than the first.
I often think of this anecdote because of the tendency of human beings to consider their viewpoints as correct. Even when in the most introspective mood, we are often prone to regard our opinions as undoubtedly sound.
Everyone has a mind-set. It affects our attitudes as we arise each morning. It influences what we wear. It determines when and what we prefer to eat. It affects how we treat family members and co-workers, and what we think about God. Generally, each person considers his or her personal perceptions and lifestyle as the "norm."
Families also have a mind-set. The unique atmosphere existing in each home influences family members in their treatment of each other. Conditions under which a child is raised are often caste in his mind as "normal" household behavior. Sometimes it is shocking to a young person when he becomes aware that the manner in which members of his family conduct themselves is less than exemplary.
Every church denomination also has a mind-set. Rules are set and adhered to, which among its members, are considered acts of righteousness. The precepts by which a church operates can be deeply ingrained within a group to the point that resistance is met if any attempt is made to alter those rules. To do so is to tamper with an identity, and identity is crucial to a group seeking converts.
The apostle Paul wrote, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." Phil. 2:5. Here is a safe standard for a mind-set. By patterning ourselves after the very mind of Christ, rather than our own prejudices, we discover how to form our convictions correctly. Practicing His way of thinking also means we follow the instruction in I Cor. 10:31. "...whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
We recently learned of the passing of Bro. Titus Enu's daughter, Kate Chibuzor, age 33. We extend heartfelt condolences to Bro. Titus, his wife and family. May God uphold them with His special comfort in this time of grief.
My wife and I recently had a precious and profitable visit with the saints in the Philippines. The work schedule here allowed us only a short time in that country, but thanks to the careful planning of Bro. Matias Tagunan and his family, Mary and I were able to fulfill a vigorous schedule while there. We felt much was accomplished in our brief stay. We traveled much of the time we were there, visiting a total of ten missions. The result was that we learned of the spiritual and temporal advancements in those places, as well as of the needs.
One of the outstanding congregations we visited was at Llanera, where a sizable number of saints, mostly young people, meet outdoors beneath the tropical trees, due to the absence of a chapel. They anticipate the time when they can obtain the approximate $2500.00 necessary to buy land and construct a building in which to worship.
At Ganduz, a house is undergoing renovation for use as a chapel, and at Guimba, real effort is being made to establish a work which also will require a building in which to worship.
The tabernacle which was built last year still needs some finishing, such as a concrete floor and a rostrum. Further needed additions to the campgrounds include a baptistry and dormitories.
The possibilities of starting a congregation in Manila also exist, thanks to the interest of Bro. Arthur and Sis. Nellie Tibayan. They have been holding Bible studies in their home for several months and are planning for the possibility of conducting public worship services in that area in the future.
Please do include the saints in the Philippines in your prayers, and ask the Lord to supply the needs for the advancement of His kingdom in that country. Pray that the work of God in this spiritually fertile region will prosper to the salvation of many souls.
Interest has been expressed in having Bro. John Varghese, his wife, Sara, and their son, Biju, to come to the Monark Camp Meeting this summer, as well as to attend other of the saints' summer meetings. Therefore a written invitation has been mailed to them for the purpose of obtaining visas, and a fund started to finance the trip. If you would like to contribute towards this cause you may send your donations to this office.
A special "thank you" to all who have written and supported the work here. We try to acknowledge each contribution, yet cannot articulate how much you really mean to us. The saints are a special people and we treasure the vision of God's Kingdom we share. Let us continue to work together as we anticipate the return of our Lord.
ãBro. Wayne Murphey
MOã"I have a serious prayer request for my niece, Staci Egbert, in Kansas City, MO. She is around 28 years of age and has been a sweet, young lady. Close to her 25th birthday, while she was going to college, she was discovered to have a rare form of bone cancer. For awhile she seemed to be getting along all right, but last night I received an e-mail from my brother. Her tests have come back very bad. The bone specialist doesn't know if there is anything they can do. It doesn't look good. Pray for us all."
ãJim Broker
KYã"I'm having frequent, debilitating and long-lasting migraine headaches; also severe back pains." ãSis. Alice Hall
Hondurasã"Dear saints: We greet you in the lovely name of Jesus. We desire your prayers for our young people. We would like to see them saved before it is too late. We also desire your prayers for our congregation here in Honduras, that we may grow more in the spiritual things of God. I desire prayer for my eyes.
Sincerely," ãBro. Elon and Sis. Elida Connor
[Bro. Elon is a young minister who loves the Lord. The Lord recently lifted him up from a very serious affliction where he had been ill and in bed for six weeks. ãBro. Keith A. Fuller]
FLã"Please pray for my husband, Bro. Kevin Smith. He has a physical need and needs God's healing touch. I would appreciate it very much." ãCheryl Smith
KYã"My Grandmother Clark is very ill...she's in her 80's and has trusted the Lord for over 30 years. Please pray that God's will be done."
ãSis. Saprena Cooley
Standing Prayer Requests
Sis. Lydia Bennett
Sis. Alscene Breckenridge
Bro. Jon Busbee
Sis. Mamie Butcher
Bro. Nathan Carver
Sis. Estelene Cramer
Bro. Daniel Davis, Jr.
Bro. Dale Doolittle
Sis. Elaine Dunn
Bro. Ben Harrison
Sis. Mary Hughes
Sis. Janice Johnston
Bro. Louis Kimble
Sis. Helen Lambright
Sis. Betty LasschÈ
The Lounds sisters
Sis. Loraine Lucas
Sis. Mattie McIntyre
Sis. Bertha Miles
Sis. Virginia Myers
Sis. Dollie O'Neal
Bro. O. C. Porter
Sis. Melba Powell
Sis. Rose Samons
Sis. Myrtle Savoie
Bro. Rudolf Schmidt
Sis. Kay Stover
The Mitch Taylor family
Bro. Curtis Williams, Sr.
Bro. Max Williamson
Sis. Esther Wilson
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