Vol.XV No.XI Pg.2
January 1979

1979 Introductions

Robert F. Turner

Brother Jack Johnson was baptized in Amarillo, TX. After a short stay in Ft. Worth, he and Melba moved to San Antonio. They helped to begin a new congregation (Southeast — not now active); Jack was a deacon for a time at S. Flores; and worked four years at Highland Blvd. church; before moving to Burnet in 1974. They have two married sons, and one who is yet single and living with them.

Brother Rueben Stone was baptized by Hoyt Houchen at Highland Blvd., San Antonio. After three years he and Martha moved to west S. A., and worshiped with Woodlawn Hills brethren for fifteen years. They then moved to Burnet (1974) and Rueben has been active in our teaching program, and in mail work with Plain Talk. The Stones have a son and a daughter, both of whom are married.

These are our newly appointed elders, now serving with bros. Collins, Stephenson, and Parks. The wisdom and steadfastness of our early leadership is largely responsible for such stature as we may possess, and will be hard to match; but all five men know that the real test is how well all measure up to the divine standard. These men have our esteem and prayers as the future course is charted for the Oaks-West church of Christ. Your editor's ulcer slowed, but did not stop his eight-meeting tour in the far west; and now he must endure a relatively quiet year. My '79 meetings have been cancelled except for three or four, retained for special reasons. It is hoped that this "sabbatical" will give me rest and a new perspective for a more useful and fruitful period of my life.

But brother Dan Shipley isn't resting. He preaches regularly here, has a weekly radio program, teaches classes at the church building and in many homes, and is also active as an individual citizen in many worthwhile community projects. Add to that his meeting work: Mar. 11-19, Glendale, Az.; Apr. 1-6, Timberland Dr., Lufkin, Tx.; Apr. 23-29, Floral Hgts., Wichita Falls, Tx.; May 14-18, Rockdale, Tx.; June 17-22, Prescott, Az.; July 29; Aug.3, Groves, Tx.; Aug. 19-24, West Columbia, Tx.; and Oct. 14-19, Greggton, Longview, Tx. (There may be some slight variations in dates.)

Finally, let me introduce to you Max and Cathy Burgin; two Australian saints who will be traveling in the U.S. for several months. Max was my companion and servant of the Lord in months of work in his country. Salute them as worthy fellow-laborers, and show them hospitality (Rom. 12:13).