June 2008

Dear Friends in Christ,

     One of my favorite things in Bible study has been and still is—word studies.  Recently I discovered the history of the word chums.  Etymologists tell us that the word comes from 19^th-century England.  It seems that folks who couldn’t pay their bills were escorted to the chummage, a prison dormitory.  They were not violent criminals, and as such, a spirit of trust and comradeship would develop.  In time these folks began to refer to each other as chums.  In time, the word caught on outside the prison and took on the meaning of a kindhearted friend.
   I am thankful for the deep friendships that link us together as we try to fulfill the command given us in Acts 1:8.  Our common goal, world evangelism, has created a deep sense of connectedness in reaching our nation with new churches.  To use the words of Paul, we are “fellow servants” (Col. 1:7).  We serve together having the same Lord and the same objective.  Our lives have become intertwined in service together for the glory of God.

Working together with others,
Serving the Lord day and night,
Telling the story of Jesus
Promises endless delight.—(Hess)  

   We stand strong when we stand together in our going, giving and praying.  Daisey and I do not take lightly the relationship that binds us together in the work that God has given us to do.  Because of your prayers and support the following works are now in existence: