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Close To, Round About or Nearby |
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One Sunday, the "minister was giving a sermon on baptism and in the course of his sermon he was illustrating the fact that baptism should take place by sprinkling and not by immersion. He pointed out some instances in the Bible. He said that when John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the River Jordan, it didn't mean in—it meant close to, round about or nearby. And again when it says in the Bible that Philip baptized the eunuch in the river, it didn't mean in—it meant close to, round about or nearby. After the service, a man came up to the minister and told him it was a great sermon, one of the best he had ever heard. He said that it had cleared up a great many mysteries he had encountered in the bible. “For instance,” he said, &ladquo;the story about Jonah getting swallowed by the whale has always bothered me. Now I know that Jonah wasn't really in the whale, but close to, round about or nearby, swimming in the water. “Then there is the story about the three young Hebrew boys who were thrown into the fiery furnace but were not burned. Now I see that they were not really in the fire, just close to, round about or nearby, keeping warm “But the hardest of all the stories for me to believe has always been the story of Daniel getting thrown in the lion's den. But now I see that he wasn't really in the lion's den, but close to, round about or nearby, like at the zoo.
“The revealing of these mysteries has been a real comfort to me because I am a wicked man. Now I am gratified to know that I will not be in Hell, but close to, round about or nearby. And next Sunday, I will not have to |
be in church, just close to, round about or nearby. Thanks. You have really put my mind at ease.” “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves” (Matt. 23:15). I am amazed at what lengths denominations, and some of our own brethren, will go to win converts, only to lose them to false doctrine that they have taught. God expects obedience! Not close to, round about or nearby! The God of the Bible is not a God of compromise. The Savior of the New Testament is not a savior of “itching ears.” Jesus did not change His message jut to win the Romans or the Jewish leaders. His saving message remained constant, even when most followers abandoned Him. The Son of God did not give the people what they wanted, merely to increase the numbers of His followers. He told the Truth, even when it caused many to fall away and take the easy path.
There are times when the words of Jesus make me feel wonderful and warm inside, but there are times when His words hit me like a ton of bricks and I am reminded that it is vital that I get it right! I am not willing to compromise when it comes to my soul or the souls of my family. Are you? “...speaking the truth in love...” “...speaking boldly in the Lord...” Vendall W. Dollarhide |
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“A soft answer turns away wrath, Proverbs 15:1 |
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Engu State, Nigeria
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Monrovia, Liberia
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Edo State, Nigeria
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Odeal Pearcy |
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Odeal Pearcy was born and reared in Arlington, TX, where she received her elementary and high school education. She was brought up in a Christian family where she was taught the importance of Bible study. Her parents took their children to worship every Lord's day as well as on Sunday and Wednesday nights. Sister Pearcy was baptized when she was about 15 years of age. Odeal received her college education in Arlington, Denton, and Abilene, TX. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Abilene Christian College. She retired in 1977, after teaching in Texas public schools for 35 years. In the fall of 2000, a school was built in Arlington, TX and named in her honor, Odeal Pearcy Elementary School. During her early retirement, Sister Pearcy wrote the set of books, “Jesus Loves Us.” One summer she was given a book as a teaching guide for V. B. S. Sister Pearcy thought thie book was not very good for that purpose, so she wrote some books she thought were some better. However, she didn't do anything with them until she heard David Caskey, who was doing mission work in the Bahamas, remark that children boooks were needed. She then worked her books over and added some more. Finally, she worked up the courage to give them to Guy Caskey to see if they could be used. We thank God for motivating Sister Pearcy to write this incredible series. |
After reading in the “National Geographic*rdquo; about people throughout the world still worshipping idols, Odeal Pearcy was inspired to write “The One True Living God.” Once, she heard someone say that the people of Jesus' time did not have enough evidence to believe in Jesus. As she read again about Jesus' life and miracles, she listed the many times that great crowds saw Him perform miracles and heard Him teach. She then wrote “The Rejected, But Victorious Jesus” to show that there was plenty of evidence to believe in Jesus. Sister Pearcy says, “I am now nearing my 92nd birthday. Because of the kindness of a dear friend, who takes me in a wheelchair, I still go to worship on Sunday mornings when health and weather permit. May all Christians work and pray that the kingdom of Christ spread throughout the entire world.” We will forever be indebted to Sister Pearcy for her commitment to lost souls and Mission Printing. After visiting with Sister Pearcy, I appreciate Mission Printing even more and her strong feeling that we should never be willing to give lost souls anything but our best, if we are to ever bring them to Christ. Please send Odeal a card or go by and visit her. You will be inspired because of her and her love for the Lord. Odeal Pearcy |
Brother Asa Keele
December 15, 1934 – June 29, 2005
God has received a great warrior and given him his reward. Asa Keele was one of the most respected evangelists in the brotherhood. Thousands of souls have been touched by Bro. Keele through door knocking, gospel meetings, even visits to the grocery store. Asa served the Fort Worth area churches of Christ as a hospital minister for many years. He had a special gift of touching people's souls in the lowest points of their lives. Bro. Keele's primary concern was always the conditin of the soul of the person next to him. The Keele family has been blessed by God in special ways, most importantly their zeal for spreading the good news of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To Bro. Keele, sacrifice was not a part of the Christian life, it was the Christian life. Thank you Asa Keele, our souls are brighter today for having been touched by you.
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From the Heart of a WBS Teacher
As you know, we at Crestview Church of Christ (Waco, TX) use your booklets to support our courses of study in World Bible School. We have consistently used these booklets with much success to answer many questions that students in Africa have asked during the past 17 years. In November 2004, we began again to WBS material in an expanded way in our prison ministry, principally at Gatesville, TX. Those early enrollees, as well as our volunteers, have done a marvelous job in these studies. They have sent many names and addresses for people, both in and out of prison, to enroll in studies with us. From prison member referrals, we now have more than 600 students enrolled. One of our enrollees wrote a special note seeking help with a problem involving her cellmate. Unfortunately, her cellmate had pushed herself on our student in an undesirable way. She wrote to us seeking help to cope with the problem, so we sent her a copy of your booklet, “Licentiousness (Homosexuality/Lesbianism): A Variety of Sins.” |
We believe the cnclosed copy of her letter expressing gratitude speaks for itself. We thought Mission Printing would be pleased to receive it. In the Service for Jesus, I wanted to thank you for sending the booklet on several sins. I read it and the booklet is now being read by others. I truly believe God used me to get that booklet here, not only me but also through you. I have a new roommate now. She is very kind. God does answer prayers to those who are faithful and trust Him completely. My life, even though I am in prison, is turning around. God has done so much in my life. I know that when I get released, I will be able to help others. I want to share my testimony with everyone. All things are possible through God. |
![]() Abia State, Nigeria
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Trinidad, West Indies
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“... Mission Printing's use of scripture is inspiring!” Akwa Ibom State, NigeriaIt is my desire to write Mission Printing in order to establish a relationship with you. I got to know Mission Printing through a woman that works in the Nigerian post office here in Uyo. I deeply appreciate the incredible work with which you are involved. Mission Printing is truly a great service to the kingdom. Narvacan, Philippines
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![]() MemorialsJohnnye Allen Lorene McLeroy David & Karen Hobby Nelda Sheldon John & Oleta Jennings Dortha Dawdy Robert & Dorothy Fry Jesse Lee Caskey Tim & Sarah O'Neal Robbie & Susan Lauderdale Doyle & Roxie Hammons Norma Coker Paul & Mary Lou Winkler Smith & Teresa Brownie Stewart & Dorothy Whittington Calvin & Betty Hammons Bobbie Post Tom & Judy Lee Dorothy Jones Jack & Evelyn Brady Jess & Ann Lewellyn Milton & Sharon Fenner Morris & Melba Guthrie Dial Amos Tom & Judy Lee Dorothy Jones Claburn Armstrong Johnnie Dry John & Francis Snyder Loy & Kaye Pressley Nell Cook Evelyn Mac Arnold Rozalea Wade Austin Barker Marcus Roberson Ernestine Bedford Milton & Sharron Fenner Edgar Bullard Pauline Jones Lela Callaway Hubert & Walterrene Hartin Juanita Cantu Johnnie Dry John & Francis Snyder Loy & Kaye Pressley Nell Cook Guy Caskey W.H. & Vera Willingham |
Tempa Clark Eileen Graves John Crosslin Dortha Dawdy Mrs. Gilbert (Theresa) Falke Hubert & Walterrene Hartin Friends @ Handley C of C Milford Foster Bernita Singleton Frankie Gilbreath John & Francis Snyder Johnnie Dry Loy & Kaye Pressley Nell Cook Mike Graybill Bud & Billie Hayes Naomi Grubbs Pauline Martin James “Buster” Harvey Gene & Geneva Berg George Hobby Robert & Shirlee Cruse Eula Mae Herriage Hooten Robert & Shirlee Cruse Lillian Hosek Paul & Mary Lou Winkler Frank & Wanda Waggoner Roy, Evelyn & Robert Ballew Gene & Geneva Berg Melvin Jones David & Karen Hobby Patrick & Susan Spoor Dortha Dawdy Jessie Lee Caskey Stewart & Dorothy Whittington Cheryl Grigsby Cutah Richardson Lorene McLeroy Jess & Ann Lewellyn Asa Keele Rusty & Sue Russwurm Perry Kemplin Sam & Betty Harding Charles & Sue Chandler Helen Thut Milton Pogue John & Billie Kemplin Carl Kemplin family Laverne Manly Charles & Sue Chandler Lilly Iva Marshall Hans & Mary Wasner Michael Massey Joe & Martha Ballew Hans & Mary Wasner Jim Matlock Lorene McLeroy Doyle & Roxie Hammons Frank & Sylvia Harston Gordon & Irene Wallace |
Hans & Mary Wasner Guy & Wyvonne Robison Marcia McKenna Harold & Theda Walling Norma Montgomery Vinus & Jean Nelson Hubert & Walterrene Hartin Myrtle Moore Pauline Martin Norma Coker Walter Odom, Jr. Friends @ Handley C of C Cecil Olmstead Hans & Mary Wasner Bud & Billie Hayes Flora Orr Jessie Hiltibidal Hazel Patterson Hazel Fallis Wade Pendergras Mary Smith Pat Pennington Hans & Mary Wasner Guy & Wyvonne Robison Bill Pickens perry Cotham Willie Ross Friends @ Handley C of C Bill Sarratt W.H. & Vera Willingham Marie Simmons Perry Cotham Morris & Melba Guthrie Paul Sneed Thelda Sneed Dortha Dawdy Rick & Sherri Morrison Pat Stockstill Charles & Dorothy Jones Bobbie Post Anna May Talkington W.L. (Dub) & Laverne Young Hazel Fallis Betty Tidwell Hans & Mary Wasner R.W. Vick Perry Cotham Sharon Washburn Charles & Dorothy Jones Nelda Sheldon David & Karen Hobby Norma Coker Jessie Lee Caskey Cutah Richardson Lorene McLeroy Jess & Ann Lewellyn Terrance White Bruce & Mary Carroll Doris McKee Alma Arterburn |
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Roy & M.L. “Cherry” Cherry Karon Coffey Dick & Alice Reeves Guinn & Elza Arrington Blanche Wilmeth Lorene McLeroy Alma Arterburn Mary Carroll Estelle Clark Esmer & Larry Hutsell Friends @ Handley C of C Paul & Lucille McClung Catherine Johnson Nelda Sheldon Jessie Hiltibidal Dorothy Jones SAP team at Bell Helicopter Jean Farquhar Jessie Lee Caskey Roy & Lue Hughes Terry & Melinda Bradshaw Norma Coker |
Gwen Fullagar Dorothy Dawdy Michael Wilson Charles & Sue Chandler Wayne Wood Grady & Ruth Paul HonorsDon & Wanda Mason Mac & Virginia Mc Coy Harold & Theda Walling Thanks for all you do. Doyle & Roxie Hammons Charlie Kiser Thanks for all your visits. Doyle & Roxie Hammons All the workers at Mission Printing Rusty & Sue Russwurm Alice Walker Travis & Alfred Houston |
Birthday HonorsBernice Dunn Pauline Jones Odeal Pearcy (92nd) Nelda Sheldon Graduation HonorsMichael Carroll Bruce & Mary Carroll Marla Wharton Wally & Eloise Wharton |
![]() Mission Printing has been blessed once again this summer with visits from young people. I am honored to know each young person that chooses to come to Mission Printing to be a part of something amazing. God is at work in the next generation. Never let the world or Satan convince you that the next generations are hopeless and that we should give up on them. The young people that come to Mission Printing are willing to work, learn from those around them, and fellowship with Christians a “few” years older than themselves. This summer we had two groups of young people, as well as individual teens, work at Mission Printing. Indiviaul Teens (various times during summer) |
Highland Church of Christ (Fort Worth, TX) Longmire Road Chruch of Christ (Conroe, TX) |
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Please remember to spread the news of Mission Printing to individual Christians and congregations of the Lord's body. Our director, Vendall Dollarhide, is always ready for an opportunity to share the blessings of this wonderful work. If he has not made a presentation to your congregation, we pray that you will encourage the church leaders to invite him. He is always willing to fill the pulpit in the absence of the preacher and make presentations during class time. REMEMBER: The success of Mission Printing DEPENDS on you! |
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IN MEMORY OF (Please print all information) Mr./Mrs./Miss _________________________ Please send notice of this gift to: Mr./Mrs./Miss _________________________ ____________________________________ Mailing Address ____________________________________ City State Zip Donor(s): Mr./Mrs./Miss _________________________ ____________________________________ Mailing Address ____________________________________ City State Zip $_________ Gift Amount |
IN HONOR OF (Please print all information) Mr./Mrs./Miss _________________________ ___ Anniversary ____ Birthday ___ Other ___________________________ Please send notice of this gift to: Mr./Mrs./Miss _________________________ ____________________________________ Mailing Address ____________________________________ City State Zip Donor(s): Mr./Mrs./Miss _________________________ ____________________________________ Mailing Address ____________________________________ City State Zip $_________ Gift Amount |