Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 14
July 19, 1962
NUMBER 11, PAGE 4,10a

"Come Over Into Macedonia"

Editorial

Urged on by this poignant cry for help, Paul and his company straightway went forth into Macedonia. All southeastern Europe was opened up to the gospel of Christ as a result of this initial move.

But where is Macedonia? Paul knew where it was for him and for his co-workers. They had no difficulty in locating it precisely' But where is "Macedonia" for you?

From all over the nation (and the world) we receive a steady stream of letters, telling of opportunities.... new little congregations are being started; sacrificing brethren are in desperate need of help and encouragement; gospel preachers living almost at starvation level that they may devote all their time to "the ministry of the word" pleading for assistance It is with mixed emotions that we read these appeals. There is a fierce surge of pride and gratitude to God that so many brethren are willing to "pay the price" (and a high price it often is!) that they may maintain the purity of New Testament worship and practice. There is a deep sympathy and compassion for those who are struggling so valiantly in the fight. There is a sense of frustration and helplessness when one compares one's own meager ability and resources with the towering height of the need...and then comes a feeling of shame and humiliation when this desperate need is laid alongside the complacency, smug satisfaction and "ease in Zion" with which so many congregations and individuals are afflicted!

But where is Macedonia — for you? It may be one of the following, taken almost at random from a very high stack of such worthy calls:

Could It Be Richmond, Virginia?

The West End Church in Richmond, Virginia, began meeting in October, 1956, with about 25 members. Brother John L. Nosker, a faithful member with this group from the very start writes:

"There are four small white churches in Richmond: Forest Hill which is sound in the faith and opposed to institutionalism and other innovations; Highland Park, the original congregation which is now quite liberal, and whose preacher travels for and promotes Gospel Press and who has written open criticism of the position taken by Forest Hills and West End; Central which was started by a division of Highland Park during the past year but according to those comprising the new group the differences were not doctrinal in nature, and Central evidently is liberal; and West End.

"Our membership at West End is now 50, with attendance running 60 or above on an average Sunday. There are some "outsiders" present at practically all Sunday services; and the preacher (Frank Jamer son) is very active in personal work, having at least one Bible class going in the home of some non-member at practically all times."

Brother Nosker goes on to state their great difficulty in finding a meeting-place; but at long last, and by very great personal sacrifices on the part of many, they have secured a building site in a highly strategic location, and at this very writing are building a structure on It. Their monthly payments on the building will come to about $316; and they are paying Brother Jamerson $340.00 per month (a faithful congregation in Nashville is sending him $25.00 per month, and the church in Paden City, West Virginia is sending $35.00 per month.

The West End brethren In Richmond are in great need for some good congregation to take over the full support of Brother Jamerson for one year (or two, at the most); and are confident that this will be sufficient for them to be fully self-supporting, and go on to become a tower of strength in the Richmond area and in eastern Virginia. This is truly a fertile and promising field. One dollar given now, when so urgently needed, will be worth four or five dollars given five years from now! If anybody, or any congregation can help, contact Brother John L. Nosker, 5900 Fitzhugh, Richmond, Virginia, or Brother Frank Jamerson, 2326 Lacy Lane, Richmond, Virginia.

Could It Be Shreveport, Louisiana?

Brother Huey Hartsell went to Shreveport Just one year ago to help a faithful little band of Christians there. They have made remarkable progress; and now have their own meeting-house (Linwood Avenue at '75th Street) and are making steady progress. But the church in Houston, Texas, which has been supporting Brother Hartsell is being compelled to terminate their support. This is not because of any dissatisfaction with the progress being made in Shreveport (quite the contrary!), but because their own internal affairs have taken an unfortunate turn, and they simply do not have the funds that are needed.

Could Shreveport be "Macedonia" for some of you who read these lines? If so, write to Brother Hartsell, c/o Church of Christ, Linwood Avenue at 75th Street, Shreveport, Louisiana.

Could It Be Dallas, Oregon?

Because we consider it an excellent model of the information that ought to be given when a preacher or a congregation is asking for help, we print elsewhere in this issue the "Information Sheet" Brother James Rury attached to his letter soliciting assistance. Read it carefully! This is the kind of place where help is both needed — and would bring results.

Could It Be Charles House?

We have carried several reports from Brother House who is doing such an outstanding work among the Latin-Americans along both sides of the border dividing Mexico and the United States. His support has been precarious, and at times almost non-existent! But in spite of this, he has not slackened his efforts. He is a truly dedicated man, an indefatigable worker in the vineyard of Christ. And he needs further help. His address: Charles F. House, P. O. Box 641, San Luis, Arizona.

These are only a "sampling"; there are others too numerous even to list! Any one of these could be "Macedonia" to you! What is the congregation where YOU worship doing about such worthy appeals? And, more to the point for you, what are YOU doing?

— F. Y. T.