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Search Past Issues Subscribe to F&V May 2001 In This Issue: Who Has Wronged You? Messages To The Messenger Looking Ahead Letters From The Readers Reports From the Mission Field Editorials & Prayer Requests Who Has Wronged You? James McMurrin When you read a letter, you get a mental picture of an existing situation. You find out what people are doing, what is proceeding well, surprises that have been occurring, who may not be prospering and other similar information. If you read two letters written by the same people at different times, you gain an appreciation of the changes that have occurred between the times the letters were written. You learn the result of what was discussed in the first letter. So it is with the letters which were written and became books in the Bible‹in particular, the books of the New Testament. I and II Corinthians illustrate this happening. In I Corinthians, the Apostle Paul upbraided the Corinthian church, not only having open sin among its congregation, but for their lack of concern about it. They had adopted an attitude of ³let¹s live with it,² ³it¹s not that big of a deal,² ³we can¹t just get rid of someone,² and no doubt many other excuses‹excuses you often hear today. In the second letter he wrote, we discover the result of his reproof which was sent in the first letter. He commends them for their positive reaction. Their consciences were stirred, and they sought to take steps to correct the wrong, to root out the sin and to uphold the truth. As Paul describes it at one point in II Corinthians: ³Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.² II Corinthians 7:9-11. As I read the list of reactions, that last term, ³revenge,² caught my eye. The first thing to note is that revenge is always a reaction‹never an action. In order for there to be revenge, there first must be a wrong perpetrated. If you take revenge on something, or someone, you are saying that a wrong has been done (usually to you), and that you are in effect ³taking back² what has been stolen or destroyed. You are ³getting your own² (and, in a carnal sense of the term, you often want to ³add interest² as well). But who had wronged them? What had been taken from them? Who were they to ³revenge² themselves upon? Paul entreated them not to lose their erring brother, but to comfort and encourage him, before he became ³swallowed up² in sorrow and gave up. That doesn¹t sound like revenge as we know it. Could it be revenge against Satan? He isn¹t even mentioned here. In fact, there is only one focus of the letter when Paul discusses this situation, and that is the congregation itself. The only people involved were themselves! When Paul used that word ³revenge,² then, he meant that they had been wronged not by someone else, not by an external enemy, but that they had damaged themselves through their own voluntary surrendering to the corruption they saw. The ones whom they needed to take ³revenge² upon, the ones who were the objects of their vehement desire to correct, were the very ones who had put them into their dangerous situation: themselves. It is so easy for us to blame others, and so hard for us to admit in the end that the one to look at is the one you see in the mirror. Even when we do realize it, we will often turn it into a time of self-loathing, a time of self-reproach, and a thing with which to destroy ourselves, but we seldom try to repair the damage! We cycle between denying that we have done anything wrong, and endless self-accusation in which we can do nothing right. Both of these reactions are traps. Neither will correct the situation. When we seek to take back that which we have stolen from ourselves through carelessness, neglect or for some other reason, we need to concentrate not on punishing the wrongdoer, but on correcting the wrong. Paul mentioned this in the passage above, saying that ³the sorrow of the world worketh death.² If we react only in the flesh in our time of ³revenge,² we will seek to destroy, but not create. We will seek to tear down, but neglect to build. Paul said they sorrowed after a godly sort, and that it led to repentance which led to salvation. The word ³repent² means to ³turn away,² to change direction or course. The cleansing they performed among themselves was not one solely of destruction, nor was it one of making excuses. Their conclusion indicated, ³There is a wrong here that should be corrected, and there is something here worth salvaging. Let us get rid of the wrong that we did to ourselves, and gain back the clean conscience before God that we lost.² If we have no hope of redemption, God will not deal with our hearts. If He is dealing with yours, it is for your good. It results in pain only if you ignore it. He does not want you to ignore a wrong that you commit against yourself, nor does He want you to use it in a course of self-destruction. Both ways destroy your hope, and the chance of salvation He offers. When God stirs your heart, He is seeking to redeem you, to put His image within you. He wants you to prove yourself clear, not by denying the wrong, nor by condemning the wrong, but by removing the wrong. When you are willing to do that, He will not leave you empty, Messages To The Messenger Mary Murphey What we preachers would like to see is more of you get happy about what we have to say!² This whimsical, yet earnest comment, was made by a minister at the conclusion of a worship service. He was referring to the lack of audience response to preaching in general. The remark was worth consideration. Why indeed is there sometimes a reluctance on the part of an audience to respond to a preacher¹s message? Why do people sometimes seem disinterested in what has been said? There are different answers to that question, and not space enough here to explore them all at once, but perhaps the issue can be partially addressed. First of all, as difficult as it is to acknowledge, some sermons are simply less than interesting. I know that¹s putting it plainly, but a message full of worn clichés will produce a worn response. Ministers who invest time in study and prayerful preparation in order to truly feed their hearers are far more likely to receive an attentive reception. They are also more likely to accomplish their purpose. It is really a discourtesy to command the valuable commodity of someone¹s time if you are not prepared to make it worth their while. You owe your listeners the best, for their welfare, and the sake of the gospel. Perhaps this is why Paul told Timothy to study to show himself approved unto God, and also to give attendance to reading. He was to devote himself to developing a quality ministry. By devotion to study, a minister can gain new perspective and insight on old truths. Restating the truth in a fresh way motivates people in a manner that a typical time worn approach does not. Another way to maintain interest is by doing what Christ did. He used illustrations and parables in His ministry. This helped the hearers recall the principles Jesus taught them to live by. ³I can¹t remember everything the preacher said, but I can remember his stories,² one lady remarked. Chances are, if listeners recall your stories, they will be more likely to remember the point behind them. Consider one of Christ¹s illustrations. It was a comparison which some might even consider comical. ³It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.² Mark 10:25. The novelty of the statement made it retainable, repeatable and effective. It could have been stated otherwise. Jesus could have said, ³It¹s very hard for a rich man to be saved.² Not quite the same, is it? Stories have their place in ministering the Word. If relevant, they help to achieve the purpose of fixing truth in the mind of the listener. They also add the kind of interest which keeps an audience alert and attentive. Once I overheard a man in conversation with a preacher. ³Just about the time I start getting sleepy,² he said, ³you tell a story and it wakes me up.² Why not ask the Lord to bless you in using the positive tools of study and stories to intrigue, enlighten and evoke interest in the greatest message ever told? If you do, your audience just might get happy about what you have to say! Invitation to Readers: For a future column, we would like for you to describe traits you appreciated in ministers you have known. You may also offer general suggestions on how you believe a minister can become more effective. Submissions may be edited for clarity, content and space. Please send your comments to ³Messages for Messengers,² in care of Faith Publishing House, P. O. Box 518, Guthrie, OK 73044. To Be Continued Next Month! Looking Ahead Sis. Gladys Cashio Our Lord has given us so many things to enjoy and appreciate. Our blessings are numerous. We praise Him for loving us so much that He laid down His precious life for our eternal salvation. What a Friend! He came to save us from sin, but we must be willing to let Him come into our hearts and take first place. His will is always for our eternal good. To follow Him is wisdom. Learning how to live involves a lifetime, and then we go home. But while we are here the Lord has many blessings for us to enjoy. ³O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.² Psa. 34:8. ³Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord.² Psa. 34:11. My heart reaches out to our youth. We are duty bound to do our best to lead them aright. To an extent we are at a disadvantage because of the teachings of the mass media. People¹s information today is often far greater than what we had years ago, but wisdom gained from experience is a better teacher than what the media exhibits. When those who have actually been over the road advise us, we would do well to consider what they have to say. There is something beyond the present material gain and fame which is often presented to our young people. Young people‹when you have pretty well made up your mind as to what you want to do, and it seems good in your young eyes, remember, there is more, so much more! Go slowly and prayerfully. You want to take the steps which will be the best to live with! Guard your youth. Your virginity is a priceless treasure. The Word of God teaches us purity. The definition for purity is ³freedom from dirt or mixture, clearness, cleanness, freedom from evil, innocence, freedom from foreign or inappropriate elements or characteristics, correctness, pure.² This is fitting for all walks of life. When you meet someone you think you would like to spend the rest of your life with, pray much until you can allow God into the picture. Oh, the blessedness of being in God¹s will. If you learn to care for someone but you don¹t like some of their ways, be assured you are not likely to be able to change them. The two of you need to spend much time telling each other your intentions, expectations and desires. Remember, marriage is for as long as you live. This does sound serious, doesn¹t it? To be safe, seek the Lord for guidance and tread softly. Keep in mind that maintaining a relationship with your spouse can be done with joy. Marriage needs to be young and tender, even in old age. Grow old learning to appreciate each other more. Refer to the book of Proverbs. It will teach you the way of life. Letters Readers MO‹Dear Bro. Wayne and Print Shop workers: We really enjoyed visiting the ³Faith Publishing House² web site. Being somewhat isolated, it was so good to hear the Sunday morning service in Guthrie on-line. We are also looking forward to the Bible Study and more services on-line. We appreciate the efforts to make the gospel so accessible to ones who are seeking for the Truth. May God bless each and everyone there at the Print Shop. Christian love, ‹Paul & Jody Inman KY‹Dear family in Christ: My name is Keresa Chatman. I attend services at the Church of God in Garrison, KY. I would like to give the Lord praise for healing a knot I had on the back of my neck, and also for being so merciful to my unsaved son when he has been sick or has hurt himself. One time when he was about 10 years old, he thought he could ride his bicycle off a hill. He ended up scratching himself real bad, put a bad bruise on his side and did some damage to his ribs. My mother anointed and prayed for him. As of this day he has never had any serious problems stemming from that accident. I would like for all the saints to remember me. I fell a few years back and hurt my right leg. I still have trouble with it...I am still praying and keeping faith that the Lord will heal it completely some day. Also, remember all my unsaved loved ones. I praise the Lord for all the mercies He bestows upon all of us every day. ‹Sis. Keresa Chatman Philippines‹Dear Bro. Wayne: Greetings in Jesus¹ dear name. We thank the Lord that you all had a safe trip back home. All of us, especially here in the congregation of Manila, were very happy that you and Sis. Mary, Sis. René and Bro. Michael, Sis. Grace, Bro. Galen, Benjamin, Allison and Sis. Stephanie were able to attend the camp. We are truly blessed by the prayers, messages and Bible Studies that you all shared with us. It was a great encouragement for us here in the Philippines to do our best in serving Him. Please give my regards to the saints there. In Christian love, ‹Sis. Arlene Tibayan CA‹Dear saints: Greetings in the Lord. I have so much for which to thank Him. I can say with the poet, ³When I look over the past, I can see how His wide arms of mercy held me.² Especially is this true during the illness and passing of my husband. Truly the Lord had to prepare me, and this He did with patience. When I realized the seriousness of his illness, my very heart ached; how I began to cry for mercy. While at the Monark Springs Camp Meeting, we were looking forward to healing service. Edward was anointed and prayed for. After prayer, we looked up at the motto under the pavilion, which said, ³Have Faith in God.² We fastened onto that promise along with others the Lord had given us. Isaiah 41:13, was an anchor promise which we often referred to. ³For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.² On our return home, he declined rapidly. We did attend some of the California State Camp Meeting. Attending service was his joy. All through this illness the Lord was there for us. One morning he was taking a shower, and as he remained in there so long I decided to check on him. When I opened the door he was against the wash basin unconscious. From all appearances he seemed to have expired. The Lord gave me presence of mind to call our son-in-law, Robert, who came right over, also my husband¹s brother, Leonard. Edward was still unconscious when they put him in bed. Bro. Robert prayed and my husband began to revive. During the ordeal he burned his leg on an electric heater without realizing it. At one time he wanted to walk alone in the house. He was too weak and fell. After being helped to the sofa, he lay there and began to pray. He prayed two separate prayers, and each prayer was for the Lord to sustain me as though he was going to leave me. These are just some of the special times that the Lord was with me. The Lord in his faithfulness, through a dream, told me to ³Let him go.² We are so thankful that He brought us to the place that we could. On the last Saturday prior to his homegoing, we noticed a change. Again we heard him pray. On the Sunday of his homegoing all the children came. The grandchildren wanted to sing for him. The first to arrive sang, ³What Will It Be to Be There?² He responded with his hand. The second group of grandchildren arrived singing the same song. This time he lifted his arm in response. Praise the Lord! Our niece and nephew from Alaska felt led to come, not knowing the Lord was going to take him home. Thank the Lord for their obedience. Also a niece from San Bernardino was with us. Later in the evening, the Lord called Edward home peacefully. Our hearts are still filled with praise and thanksgiving as we think of the love of God and the support of the saints, relatives and friends. Through his illness the Lord kept Edward from suffering, which was a miracle. Continue to pray for us. ‹Sis. Olive A. Davenport AL‹Dear Bro. Wayne and saints: Greetings of love in Jesus¹ dear name. My soul magnifies the Lord who has proven again and again His faithfulness and merciful kindness. I trust this finds you encouraged and well. I have been in severe testing since moving to Tuscaloosa, AL, but I praise God for all He has brought me through, and for all He is accomplishing in me, and for all He is teaching me about Himself. I am still pressing toward the mark‹conformity to Christ Jesus. In February the Lord was especially gracious to me and my daughter, Nellie, and the two grandbabies when we were traveling from Tuscaloosa, AL, to Tulsa, OK, on Highway 40, about 30 minutes from Hagen, AR. We had just gone down a hill on a large bridge and were going up the next incline when my water pump went out, breaking the timing belt and some other belts, causing the van to shut down before reaching the top of the hill. There we were, stalled in the dark, in the right lane, with no shoulder to pull over on. I repeatedly tried to turn over the engine to no avail. I put on my flashers and began praying. We began to realize how dangerous our situation was when we looked behind us to see the traffic approaching. We could see the top lights on the cabs of the tractor trailers as they came up the incline, only to find us stalled in their pathway. Time and again the cars and trucks coming at full speed would come up the incline, see us, then fight to get over to keep from hitting us! Nellie and I were praying and crying while trying to start the engine. At one point, two tractor trailers were neck and neck as they came up the hill trying to pass the other. The one directly in our lane slacked just enough to let the other one pass before moving behind him, just in time to keep from hitting us! One mini van could not get over and stopped just within inches of us, then went around. We felt so helpless. My daughter was hysterical, the children were crying, and I said, ³Lord, is this how you¹re going to take me home?² Though I was excited there was a calm peace within. I knew we were in God¹s will and in our prayer for traveling mercies I was led to pray for protection for the rear, which I had never done before. Then we thought of pushing the car. Somehow, by God¹s help, Nellie got out and pushed the car up the hill to the top and it coasted down off the bridge to where I could pull over. I walked back to meet Nellie, and we just cried, praised God and clung to each other, thanking Him for sparing our lives. A trauma like that, where you have been to the edge of eternity and back, sure changes your perspective of what¹s really important. An off-duty officer had seen us, pulled over and waited for us at the end of the bridge. She called a highway patrolman, who called a tow truck. This was God¹s mercy since I could not have told anyone where I was even if I had had a phone. I have AAA, so we were towed to Hagen where we spent the night. The highway patrolman said that that bridge was one of the worst places in Arkansas on I-40, and that many tragedies had happened on it. Others we talked to since told us of things that had happened on that bridge. I know it was God who protected us, sending this big strong angel to stand at the rear of our van to deflect those tractor trailers and cars around us! Praises be to His name! The next morning we were informed that the local garage couldn¹t repair our van but they would tow it to Little Rock, AR, to a dealership. Needless to say, I was totally unprepared for such a major breakdown. I called some of the Prattsville, AR, saints, who so hospitably put us up for the night, treated us to some good home cooking, took us to Wednesday night prayer service, blessed us financially, and then paid for the car repairs, sending us on our way rejoicing! We were able to meet some of God¹s precious people and visit Sis. Rose Samons. Surely the ³Lord is so near and His saints are so dear.² What a mighty God we serve. We thank Him and His people for their blessings, support and prayers. Continuously pray for me as I go to Honduras, Lord willing, to work for Him in the Christian school there. My husband, Jackie Riley, is much encouraged. He has been moved to Yazoo City, MS, which is just four hours away. Pray for him, his prison ministering and our children, who we are holding on for God¹s reclaiming. Remember especially the work of God here in Tuscaloosa, AL. Love to all the saints, ‹Sis. Bonnie Riley CA‹Dear willing workers, Greetings in Jesus¹ dear name, whose promises never fail: In a world where change is constant, we can be thankful for the most important thing in our life to be ever the same. His promise of joy is true in my life. There is a song which says, ³The longer I serve Him the sweeter He grows.² It is true that in old age there are many afflictions but the Scriptures call it, ³Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.² II Cor. 4:17. My soul is satisfied. I enjoy salvation and continuously thank God for the Light of Life, the Bright and Morning Star.... In Christian love, ‹Bro. Bob Mickelson LA‹Greetings Bro. Wayne and all the workers at Faith Publishing House: We are still praising our Lord, Jesus Christ, thanking Him for salvation and all the good blessings He bestows upon us each day. My dear husband, Max, is still in the battle of affliction, but the Lord blesses. Some days he is kind of ³out of the picture,² but then other days he is pretty alert. We just look to God one day at a time for grace and help. He always makes a way. Praise His dear name.... May the Lord bless you all from day to day and give you courage and grace for your every need. ‹Sis. Lula Williamson Mission Reports From Nigeria... March 31, 2001‹Dear Bro Wayne: Love and greetings in Jesus¹ dear name from me to you. I believe you and all the saints over there, especially in the Lord¹s Print Shop are doing well in all things. We are in good hands with Jesus, and He is taking wonderful care of us. I was away for over a week to attend the pre-camp meeting and the proper camp meeting program in Ukpom last week as I earlier informed you. Ukpom is about two miles away from Asana. It was a wonderful meeting. Thirteen congregations were in attendance. The Lord moved in a very wonderful way to save souls, heal the sick and pour out His spirit and anointing on souls. We had many new souls added into the fold. I thank God that people were made to know why Christ died and rose again. We have to rise up with Him in the newness of life. Every moment of our lives must reflect, show and tell people that we are risen with Christ in newness of life. It was a touching moment as the Lord ministered to us individually in those meetings. People were filled with the spirit of God in the meetings. I thank God for the end time move of the Holy Spirit in this part of the world. It was a very successful meeting so I give God the glory for all that He did and for journey mercies. I had a brief meeting with Bro. Ufot M. Akpan (the brother that is overseeing the work over there) concerning the take off of the Pruitt Foundation For the Poor and Needy. I have decided that we will make use of the uncompleted missionary house to start something. Arrangements have been concluded for the take off of adult education programs with effect from May 1, 2001. Letters have been circulated to churches around the area for registration. The aim is to expose the villagers to a little bit of education to enable them to read the Bible, at least in the local language for a start. It will be totally free of charge. A lot of interest has been shown, and I know it is going to be another powerful tool of evangelism as the end of a day¹s lecture is marked with a message from the Word of God. I have already employed a teacher for that purpose effective from May 1st. Do pray for the venture and pray also that this initiative be blessed by the Lord being a first move to the actualization of the Pruitt Foundation For the Poor and Needy in its permanent site which has already been acquired by me. This is an arm of that foundation. Pray also for God¹s provision of the needed materials and funds for this work. Pray also for my intended traveling to Asana with my wife next week. Share my love with all who love the Lord. My wife and all the saints over here send their greetings to you and all the brethren over there. Thank you and may God bless you. Yours in the Lord¹s service, ‹Anietie B. Essien March 29, 2001‹Dear Bro. Murphey: Greetings to you and the dear ones there in Jesus¹ precious name. He is still good to us and we have no regrets serving Him. We are gradually making preparations to take up the task of roofing the chapel. Next Sunday will witness us make our offering for the chapel project. We intend to buy some wood from the proceeds. This will be followed with the purchase of the corrugated roofing sheets. Our target is June, and by faith we believe the Lord will help us achieve this. Kindly join us in prayer in this behalf. Yours in His mercy, ‹Bro. F. Naths-Igbanibo From India... April 20, 2001‹Dear Bro. Wayne Murphey and dear saints abroad: Greetings to you dear ones in the glorious name of Jesus.... Our Kothamangalam convention ended with victories. A few souls got saved. Our V. B. S. was also a blessed one. Spiritual activities are going on without much hindrances in each congregation. Schools and colleges reopen in June. Parents need support in June to buy books and dresses and admission fees for children. Please pray and support for this need in June. I pray for the Lord¹s work in all countries. Let us exchange our prayers every day. Yours in His service, ‹Bro. John Varghese Editorials Wayne Murphey Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD,Š² ‹Jeremiah 31:12 This verse appropriately describes what took place April 12-15 on Mount Zion Campgrounds near San Jose City, Philippines. Congregations from the surrounding area came together to sing, testify, pray and listen together to the Word of God. On April 8, nine of us from the States left the Oklahoma City airport to attend this gathering of God¹s people in the Philippines. Included were Bro. Michael and Sis. René Smith, Sis. Grace McMillan, Sis. Stephanie Huskey, Bro. Galen Kelly and his two children, Benjamin and Allison, my wife, Mary, and myself. We thank everyone for their prayers on our behalf. We are glad to report that God ministered to the needs of all of us from America, as well as others who attended the camp meeting. We are thankful for how God prepared the way for our protection and for the camp meeting to take place. The Philippines are in a state of political unrest, with the Muslims on the southern island of Mindanao and the Communists on the northern island of Luzon. About three months ago, the New People¹s Army (Communist) tried to levy a revolutionary tax on a bus company. The bus company refused to pay the tax, so the NPA burned two of their buses at a location close to the camp grounds. The Philippine army responded by sending troops into the area and setting up a camp on a mountain overlooking the camp grounds. The army did find two people whom they suspected of being sympathizers with the NPA, and they put them to death. Up until two weeks before the camp meeting, the Philippine army was making patrols through the camp grounds to make sure there were no communists there. Because of this unrest, the evening meetings were not held past about 9:30, and those of us from the States spent the nights in San Jose City rather than on the camp grounds. Upon arriving in the Philippines, we found the camp ground, located approximately 10 miles outside of San Jose City, to be in readiness. Bro. Matias Tangunan and others of the saints have done an outstanding job in overseeing the completion of the tabernacle, a baptistry, two dormitories, rest room facilities, and sidewalks and stairs leading to the tabernacle and baptistry. Besides regular services, we were blessed in having a prayer and fast day for the sick. Many people were anointed and prayed for, and there were testimonies of God hearing prayer. During one afternoon service, a young boy fell down the steps leading to the tabernacle, resulting in a severe injury to his head. He was brought into the tabernacle for prayer. Later his grandfather took him to a hospital where they x-rayed the boy¹s head. The doctor told them that the child had a brain hemorrhage and would need surgery. While they were still in the x-ray room, the boy made a miraculous change and the surgery was cancelled. The next day the boy was home and doing well. All of the Lord¹s ordinances were observed during the meeting. Thirty-three people were baptized, and the Lord¹s supper and feet washing was a time of special fellowship. On the last day of the camp meeting a ministers¹ meeting was held in which the native ministers shared how God had worked through their ministry to spread the Gospel. It was also a time of encouraging each other and sharing a vision of the current pressing needs. Again, we thank all who held us up in your prayers. There were times we had a keen awareness of how much we needed God¹s help. Several photos from the trip can be found on pages 6 and 7. I offer an apology to those who have written the Print Shop but have yet to receive an acknowledgment of their letters and offerings. My work load of late has been such that I have been unable to keep up with correspondence. In the near future, I hope to have more time to devote to letter writing. Until then, I ask for your understanding. We do appreciate so much those who have an ongoing interest in the progress of the work here. Maintaining the multiple ministries of Faith Publishing House means there are always needs, and we are so grateful for how God burdens the hearts of His people to assist in the cause. Reprinted copies of the Evening Light Songs hymnal were taken to the book binder in Illinois in March. We are expecting the hymnals to be completed just any day, at which time we will restock and mail out all back orders. On page 14 of this issue you will find an article with a ministerial focus. Sometimes preachers are the segment of the church with the greatest need of encouragement and instruction, but at times, their needs are overlooked. As someone said, ³Who ministers to the minister?² In doing research on problems experienced by church leaders, I came across some thought-provoking revelations. One minister connected with a mainline church stated, ³We have less chance to make heaven than the laymen.² A well-traveled evangelist in America made a similar declaration: ³There are a lot of good laymen who are going to make heaven, but not too many preachers.² Once the popular news commentator, Paul Harvey, in speaking on the subject of preachers, stated, ³The office tends to make a man a demagogue.² A demagogue is ³a popular leader who stirs up the people to get something for himself.² It is easy to lay the label of demagogue on ministers of a different persuasion than ourselves, but the devil will use the same temptations on all. Preachers and church leaders are given a large responsibility by God, and we want to respect that, as well as encourage them to efficiently administer their duties. The apostle Paul wrote to the churches to help establish the saints, but neither did he forget the ministers. Titus and Philemon received letters of instruction, and Timothy received several also. With this in mind, we would like to provide an avenue to challenge and strengthen the leaders of The Church of God. If you have insight or experiences you would like to share in the ³Messages to Messengers² column, we would be happy to hear from you. ‹Bro. Wayne Murphey Prayer Request LA‹³Sis. Myrtle Savoie is in need of prayer. She suffers a lot. ³I would like for my sister, Gladys Beech, to be remembered in prayer. She is ninety years old and in a nursing home.² ‹Sis. Velma Mancil LA‹Sis. Sybil Goldsberry fell on April 14, breaking her hip. She needs much prayer. FL‹³I would like to request urgent prayer for Sis. Brenda Connor and family, also my sister-in-law, Ronnie Connor and family.² ‹Sis. Carla Connor MO‹³Bro. Austin and Sis. Ida Belle McMillian are in a battle of illness. I know many are praying and we do appreciate it.² ‹Sis. Marilyn Cole OH‹³Please pray for me. I have had a heart attack. I also have an ulcer and have been close to having pneumonia.² ‹Sis. Ruth Garrett Nigeria‹³This is intended to update you on the state of health of our sisters about whose cases I have written to you earlier. ³One of them, Sis. Waite Karibo, has particularly instructed me to write you about her present state which has witnessed little improvement. Her desire is for the saints abroad to join in prayer continuously for total deliverance. ³The other sister, Josephine, is still battling in the faith to be healed of the cancer. The church is still praying for God¹s will to be done.² ‹F. Naths-Igbanibo Sis. Lydia Bennett Sis. Alscene Breckenridge Bro. Jon Busbee Sis. Mamie Butcher Bro. Nathan Carver Sis. Estelene Cramer Bro. Dale Doolittle Sis. Elaine Dunn Sis. Eleanor Fingerle Sis. Pearlene Gerald Sis. Esther Gordon Bro. Huey Gordon, Jr. Bro. Ben Harrison Sis. Mary Hughes Sis. Daisy Johnson Sis. Janice Johnston Sis. Earnestine Jordan Sis. Betty Lassché The Lounds sisters Sis. Mattie McIntyre Sis. Bertha Miles Bro. Allan Miller Sis. Virginia Myers Sis. Dollie O¹Neall Bro. O. C. Porter Sis. Melba Powell Bro. John Robinson Sis. Myrtle Savoie Bro. M. Agenemoh Sidi Sis. Violet Sinkhorn Sis. Kay Stover The Mitch Taylor family Sis. Anna Mae Thompson Bro. Curtis Williams, Sr. Bro. Max Williamson Sis. Esther Wilson Bro. Jack Witte Back to Front Page E-Mail Directory Put your name in the directory to receive Faith Publishing Updates. Order God's Gracious Dealings Life Read about the history of Faith Publishing and Fred Pruitt. This is a fascintating study of our heritage. Order now for $24.99. Call1-800-767-1479 or Email jwmfaith@theshop.net. Copyright © 2001 Faith Publishing Inc All rights reserved.