We had the meanest mother in the whole world! While other kids ate candy for breakfast, we had to have cereal, eggs, and toast. When others had a Pepsi and a Twinkie for lunch, we had to eat sandwiches. And you can guess, our mother fixed us a dinner different from what the other kids had, too.

Mother insisted on knowing where we were at all times. You'd think we were convicts in a prison. She had to know who our friends were, and what we were doing with them. She insisted that we if we said we would be gone for an hour, we would be gone for an hour or less.

We were ashamed to admit it, but she had the nerve to break the Child Labor Laws by making us work. We had to wash the dishes, make the beds, learn to cook, vacuum the floor, do the laundry, and all sorts of cruel jobs. I think she would lie awake at night thinking of more things for us to do.

She always insisted on us telling the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. By the time we were teenagers, she could read our minds. The, life was really tought! Mother wouldn't let our friends just honk the horn when they drove up. They had to come up to the door so she could meet them. While everyone else could date when they were 12 or 13, we had to wait until we were 16.

Because of our mother, we missed out on lots of things other kids experienced. None of us have have been caught shoplifting, vandalizing other people's property, or ever arrested for any crime. It was all her fault! We never got drunk, took up smoking, stayed out all night, or a million other things other kids did.

Sundays were reserved for church, and we never missed once. We knew better that to ask to spend the night with a friend on Saturdays. Not that we have left home, we are all God fearing, educated, honest adults. We are doing our best to be mean parents like Mom was.

I think that's what's wrong with the world today. It just doesn't have enough mean moms anymore. Be a mean mom and be proud of it!

written by Ray Henderson

Of all the blessings of which I am most thankful, mothers would have to be a the top of the list. God has placed special women in my life over the years. I have learned and grown in part due to all of them

My birth mother, Sherry Coonrod, has become a special part of my family today. We had a tough road in the past, but in the end, she is my mom. From her, I gained an appreciation for her innocent soul. Mistakes were made in the past and "trials" were experienced, but though it all, perseverance and time have brought us closer together. My prayer for my mom is that she will gain a personal relationship with Jesus in the days ahead.

My "adoptive" mother, Rita Corbett, will always be remembered with the greatest of appreciation. She had an unparalleled love for God's creation and her family. I have never seen someone that took such joy in watching a flower grow or a bird land on a limb. She embraced her two sons and a daughter with unconditonal love. She loved me as her own. Mimi left this world better than she entered it. Not because of the flowers that she planted with love, but because of the faith that she planted, nurtured, and cultivated in each of us. My prayer for my mom is one of gratitude and love.

My mother-in-law, Janet Massey, has become my mother in the truest sense of the word. I am honored to call her mom. She has developed into someone that I will forever call a friend and mentor. I often joke that my wife is just like her. In actuality, that is the highest of compliments. I am honored to have her as my children's "Memother." She has touched my soul like no other. She accepted me into her family, despite my many flaws. Some families don't mention their mother-in-law because they bring negative feelings. I didn't mention my mother-in-law because I don't have one. I have a mom! My prayer for my mom is that she will find the peace that she needs now and that she will see the love and joy that she has given to our family.

Vendall Dollarhide

“Her children rise up and call her blessed ...”
Prov. 31:28

Volunteer Corner

Mission Printing saw two of its family members leave this world to receive their eternal reward this past month. It is always sad when people we love exit this life, but it is a glorious time when our loved ones were faithful. We can be assured that they will receive their crown of life that God promised.

Brother William E. “Bill” Hare
July 13, 1924 – March 19, 2005

Bro. Hare was a faithful and dedicated member of the Wills Point Church of Christ. We consider it a true honor that he was a member of the Mission Printing family. Bill was committed to evangelism around the world. He faithfully came to Mission Printing every 2nd Thursday of the month.

I had never met someone with such a sincere joy for life until I me Bro. Hare. I look forward to every day at Mission Printing, but the 2nd Thursday was especially awaited. Bill was coming and he was coming with a smile and a big hug. It was a true joy to experience Bro. Hare's enthusiasm for reaching the lost, no matter where they could be found. He was always concerned about the well-being of Mission Printing. He was extremely passionate when it came to Mission Printing and its mission of "world evangelism by the printed page."

Brother Jim Matlock
September 14, 1942 – April 18, 2005

Bro. Matlock was a faithful and dedicated member of the College Hill Church of Christ in North Richland Hills, TX. His life was centered around God and his family. His committment to God was evident in his deep knowledge of God's word. I was impressed with the wisdom that he had gained over the years of study and prayer. It was apparent that the more that Bro. Matlock discoverd in the scriptures, the more humble he became.

Bro. Matlock loved coming to Mission Printing. He knew he would be doing something that would touch people's souls all over the world and the he would be joined by other Christians in fellowship. The last time that I went to visit Bro. Matlock, I was humbled by his concern and questions on the well-being of others that were hurting.

Our prayers go out to Joy Hare and Lois Matlock, the loving wives of these two great men of the faith.

“Blessed is the man whose strength is in you, ... O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You! ”         Psalm 84:5, 12

The first time that I heard of Mission Printing was when I went to work in the church office where Guy Caskey was pulpit minister. He had a dream and a committment to send printed gospel material to other parts of the world.

I think this is one of the best works for the Lord in the brotherhood. I feel very privileged to work here and I pray that Mission Printing will continue to grow and be able to tell others about Jesus.

This is also a fun place to work. We all enjoy being together. If you have never visited Mission Printing, I encourage you to come see just what the Lord is doing here.

Jesus said in John 8:31–32, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

These comments were written by one of our special servants at Mission Printing. The comments that this sister makes are not uncommon among our volunteers. All of our family members feel extremely passionate about Mission Printing and its mission of world evangelism by the printed page. As this sister urges you in her letter, come and find out for yourselves what makes Mission Printing so special.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

Romans 8:28

Leslie Bitting
Plantation, Florida

Please let all the volunteers know that their work is appreciated by Christians across the Nation. Mission Printing is doing a great work. Thank you for making the good news known across the world. May God's kind blessings be with all of you.

Esperanza, Belize

Thank you for the Spanish song books. God has blessed us through Mission Printing and your material.

Malangas,
Zamboanga Sibugay

Mission Printing is performing a great work by producing religious materials that equip preachers and other church leaders. It is incredible that you provide the material at no charge to souls around the globe!

I am eager to have the spiritual material you produce. It will uplift the Malangas congregation. It will enable the members to spiritually grow and mature in the knowledge of God's word.

Your material helps brethren that are serving God in the harvest fields and it makes it easier for our ligh to shine before men.

Kumbia, Cameroon

It is my pleasure and honor to write Mission Printing and express my gratitude for the material which you sent me. Thank you very much.

I will share the material with other workers in the vineyard. The “Jesus Loves Us” series is especially benefical for our children. Our teachers find that Sister Odeal Pearcy's lessons are easy to follow and the illustrations are an asset to teaching.

We are praying that God's abundant blessings will continue to shine on Mission Printing.

Manipur, India

I recently received some of the material that Mission Printing produces. The spiritual material aides in teaching the lost and maturing the saved. Thank you for the material.

It is amazing that you send these wonderful books to us at no cost. We vow that we will share the material with others in the area that are involved in teaching the lost.

Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

May God richly bless Mission Printing as you continue to show concern and love towards the upliftment of Christ in this part of the world.

I wish to inform you that the packages of Bible literature and song books which you sent to us were received with great joy. Thank you for your love towards us. I pray that God bless Mission Printing as you direct your resources to serve and advance His cause.

Lapu-Lapu City, Philipians

We received the packages of &ldqup;Jesus Loves Us” series and other books. We wanted to thank you for the material. It will greatly help our education in the the church. We gave some of the material to other congregations, and they also extend their thanks.

Rumphi, Malawi

I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I have been receiving your literature since the mid 1990s. Thank you very much for the pregious packages which were of great help to us in Malawi.

Time has come to ask for you scriptural material again. I know that the things for which I am asking are costly; therefore, I pray that God blesses Mission Printing in funding the work. Many of us are helped through your ministry.

Paul McClung began preaching while still in high school in 1934, in and around Springtown, Texas, where he grew up. He was encouraged to enter the ministry by his parents, his brother, Fred, hi suncle, Claude McClung and J. Willard Morrow who was preaching for the Springtown Church of Christ

In 1935, after entering Abilene Christian College, Bro. McClung preached at various places including monthly for the Oaklawn congregation in Fort Worth, continuing there for 3 years. After receiving his Bible degree from A.C.C., Paul preached in the following areas:

• Justin, TX 1938-1940
• Gilmer, TX 1940-1941
• Ardmore, OK 1941-1943
• Plainview, TX 1942-1947
• Lamesa, TX 1943-1947
• 10th & Broad in Wichita Falls, TX 1953-1959
• Central in Amarillo, TX 1959-1963
• Faith Village in Wichita Falls, TX 1963-1972
• Meadowbrook in Fort Worth, TX 1972-1974
• Atoka, OK 1974-1976
• Jacksboro, TX 1976-1983
• 4th & Steward in Brownwood, TX 1983-2000

Bro. McClung retired the 2nd time in 2000 after 66 years of preaching. He became an elder with the 4th & Stewart Church of Christ in Brownwood, TX. Paul continues to teach Bible classes and fill the pulpit at various times.

The first filming of the Herald of Truth TV program in Texas was Sept. 29. 1957 at 10th & Broad with

Paul McClung preaching the gospel. Two new congregations were established in Wichita Falls, TX during the McClung's 6 year stay at 10th & Broad: Faith Village in 1954 and Edgemere in 1959.

Paul has preached on the radio in Plainview, Lamesa, & Amarillo. He has preached in meetings, lectureships, and funerals at some time or another in almost every town of any size in West Texas. For a number of years, he preached in 6 or 7 meetings each year. One of his first meetings was one conducted under a brush arbor south of Mineral Wells. That meeting lasted 2 weeks and 22 were taught and baptized.

In the summer of 1955, Bro. McClung spent 6 seeks touring and studying in the Bible lands. In 1972, Paul conducted evangelistic campaigns in four of the major cities of New Zealand. He has taught and baptized upwards of a thousand people. Several of these are now preaching the gospel. Bro. McClung was known as a Bible quoting preacher. Paul has always been an avid reader of the Bible. He would often say, “The more I learn, the more I realize there is so much I do not know.”

Paul McClung has written 3 tracts: “The Whole Truth,” “Church Cooperation,” and “Restoring the New Testament Church.” The latter was preached in the late 40's. In the late 50's, 66,000 copies of this tract were distributed in Waco before a special campaign. The tract is still being printed in the thousands by Mission Printing and sent all over the world.

There are some twenty-four passages of scripture in the New Testament that urge us to grow up.

“Like new born babes, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation: for you have tasted the kindness of the Lord” (I Peter 2:2–3)

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18)

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way unto him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15).

The scholars define this term grow up: “Increase in power and strength; bring up to manhood; increase in size; to grow up in union with Christ. This is usually considered a direct reference to success in attracting followers.”

There is nothing more important in our lives, and the lives of our children, than growth. As a child, reared on a farm, growth was not just needful, but indispensable to the support of the family. I delighted, therefore, to see things grow – the garden, chickens, calves, pigs, fruit trees, and even the flowers! I never cared too much about the grass and weeds growing!

The Bible issues an imperative –

not an option – that we grow up in relation to Christ and in union with Christ, directed by Christ until our lives center in Him.

It is sad, even tragic, that many of us who have been children of God for many years have never grown up. We still live and act like children! We may be six feet tall, but we act like we are about twenty-one inches!

God's word charges us to grow up “in all things” which include knowledge, righteousness, holiness, and speaking the truth in love.

(1) Grow up in unity. “Till we all come in the unity of the faith” (Ephesians 4:13). “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). He wants us to be united in our speech, in our help to one another, in sharing with one another, in our mutual consideration of one another, in kndly feelings and in protection of the purity of the church and its doctrine.

(2) Grow up in knowledge. “We have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have already become dull of hearing” (Hebrews 5:11). “Study to show thyself approved unto God” (II Timothy 2:15). “Search the scriptures” (John 5:39). “Ye shall know the truth” (John 8:32).

In order to grow up in knowledge, it is necessary for us to study the scriptures daily. Doing that, we are compelled to share it with others. And that brings us to this important truth.

(3) Grow up in sharing the gospel with others. There is an old song that asks the question: “Must I go and empty handed?”

The primary purpose of the church is to take the gospel to others. The social aspects of it are important, but they must never be predominant. I have checked the usage of the terms and there are 32 different words for preach, 97 times the word teach is used, 58 times the word teacher is used, and the words learn and learner are found 268 times

So, we should be impressed with the fact that our very existence as Christians in this world is to teach and share the gospel with the lost. When we lose sight of that fact, we are in serious trouble. May the Lord help us get away from professionalism and that as individual Christians we must train, school, expound, reveal, make known, manifest, hold aloft, cause men to see, and bring the lost to Jesus. These are New Testament expressions, and we will never grow until we put them into practice.

Memorials

Bob Allen

Dean & Margaret Shumate

Marvin Allen

Shirley Inglis

Dial Amos

Norma Coker

Nelda Sheldon

Ken & Fran Weatherford

Julia Redden

Robbie & Susan Lauderdale

Jess & Ann Lewelyn

Steward & Dorothy Whittington

Jessie Hiltibidal

Morris & Melba Guthrie

Lorene McLeroy

Robert & Dorothy Fry

Dortha Dawdy

Cutah Richardson

Jessie Lee Caskey

Marsella Anderson

Morris & Melba Guthrie

Eddie Atherton

Hubert & Walterrene Hartin

Celia Bailey

Perry Cotham

Mildred Bell

Hubert & Walterrene Hartin

Chauncey Bradford

Norma Coker

Thelma Brewer

Virgil & Virginia Brown

Ray Bullard

Grace Odom

Guy & Wyvonne Robinson

Hans & Mary Wasner

C.B. Burkham

Curtis & Wilma Bradshaw

Guy Caskey

Cricket Echols

Curtis & Wilma Bradshaw

Vera Calvin

Bruce & Mary Carroll

Gene & Geneva Berg

Alma Arteburn

Charles & Dorothy Dickey

Ernest Coker

Norma Coker

Ray & Barbara Lewis

Julia Redden

Louis Conley

Perry Cotham

Mike Corbell

Dean & Margaret Shumate

Jackson Dunn

Curtis & Wilma Bradshaw

Doyle Fincher

Hans & Mary Wasner

Isaac Fletcher

Friends @ Handley C of C

Gene Fowler

Larry & Sue Arledge

Ruth Gravesl

Larry & Olene Rabeck

Bettye Lucas

Don Gunter

Bob & Billie Holloway

Helen Herring

Doris Gibson

Bob & Mosa Morrison

George Haggard

Norma Coker

Nelda Sheldon

Shirley Inglis

Earl & Virginia Rose

Irless & Margie Jordan

Cutah Richardson

Lorene McLeroy

Bill Hare

Charles & Kay Gaskill

Emery & Ann Zene Cathey

John & Francis Snyder

Johnnie Dry

Loy & Kaye Pressley

Maurine Henderson

Norma Coker

Ila Holton

Ed & Norma Reynolds

John Owens

Opal Jones

Kathleen Johnson

Hans & Mary Wasner

Dorothy Jones

Ray & Barbara Lewis

Harry King

Thelda Sneed

Betty Kitson

Mary Martin

W.L. & Laverne Young

Hazel Fallis

Wilburn Lemonds

Friends @ Handley C of C

Esmer & Larry Hutsell

Michael Massey

Bruce & Mary Carroll

Grace Odom

Eugene & Loretta Carroll

Duane & Edyne Blair

Harold & Theda Walling

Alma Arterburn

Rusty & Sue Russwurm

Francis Gann

Lee & Penny Jarrell

Wayland & Mary Nell Lipscomb

Lorene McLeroy

Jimmy & Linda Rowlett

Ray & Billie Rowlett

Bill & Donna Entrekin

Bud & Billie Hales

Jim Matlock

Harold & Theda Walling

Daisy Woodward

Shirley Holt

Bruce & Mary Carroll

J.T. & Thelma Mock

Johnnie Morrison

Murry Wayne & Judy

BoBo & Linda

Neva & Mike

Alma Arterburn

Rusty & Sue Russwurm

Ellen Martin

Leon Mayo

Larry & Sue Arledge

Don McLeod

Joy Cove

Wilmer McKinney

Charles & Kaye Gaskill

Emery & Ann Zene Cathey

John & Francis Snyder

Johnny Dry

Loy & Kaye Pressley

James Merritt

Grady & Ruth Paul

Christiane Millican

Charles & Kaye Gaskill

Emery & Ann Zene Cathey

John & Francis Snyder

Johnnie Dry

Loy & Kaye Pressley

Leon Mitchell

Friends # Handley C of C

Leland Mitten

Harold & Theda Walling

J.P. Morgan

Hubert & Walterrene Hartin

Joyce Harris

Stewart Niles

Wayne & Molly Lou Terry

Jessie Lee Caskey

Lorene McLeroy

Curtis & Wilma Bradshaw

Philip Norman

Hans & Mary Wasner

Mary Oler

Emery & Ann Zene Cathey

Katherine Oswald

Jessie Lee Caskey

Roy V. Palmer

Perry Cotham

Treva Pendergrass

Perry Cotham

Pat Pennington

Harold & Theda Walling

Ellen Martin

Albert Phillips

Bill & Onnie Newton

Vinus & Jean Nelson

Hubert & Walterrene Hartin

Ola Ray Pierce

Cutah Richardson

Edith Pogue

Blanche Wilmeth

Perry & Thelma Kemplin

Jack Price

Hazel Fallis

Bill Ridley

Perry Cotham

Joyce Rosta

Gene & Geneva Berg

Alma Arterburn

Paul & Mary Lou Winkler

Inez Schrum

Grady & Ruth Paul

Becky Brimmer Smith

Morris & Melba Guthrie

Perry Cotham

Gerald Smith

Crickett Echols

Mattie Lee Smith

Morris & Melba Guthrie

Sid Tanner

Bill & Onnie Newton

Charles & Norma Thornton

Vinus & Jean Nelson

Joyce Harris

Roy & Jettie Vincentr

Jay Thompson

Bill & Onnie Newton

Vinus & Jean Nelson

Joyce Harris

Charles & Norma Thornton

Tom & Ouida Garner

Roy & Jettie Vincent & Family

Calvin & June Drake

Alma Sanderson

Gene & Joyce Beavers

Lois Shipley

Fellowship Group @ Cedar Hill

Byron Truitt

Jess & Ann Lewellyn

Rita Turner

Hubert & Walterrene Hartin

Viron Warren

Hans & Mary Wasner

Kaydee Welch

Grady & Ruth Paul

Bernice White

Larry & Sue Arledge

Wayne Wood

Marguerite Malone

Adrian Woods

Grace Odom

Guy & Wyvonne Robinson

Hans & Mary Wasner

Juvene Young

Hans & Mary Wasner

Robert Young

Grady & Ruth Paul

Honors

The Caskey Family

David & Linda Scott

Mac & Cindy McCoy

Don & Wanda Mason

D.M. & Helen Webb

Wilma Jewett

Bernice Dunn

Robert Berry

Pauline Jones

Robert Berry

Birthday Honors

Jessie Lee Caskey (85th)

R.E. & M.L. Cherry