Gone again! Cindi and I will be in a small town in west Texas this week. I will be preaching in a gospel meeting with the church of Christ in Ackerly, Texas beginning Sunday morning, September 12th continuing through Wednesday, September 15th. Ackerly is south of Lubbock and west of Abilene on the map in the middle of oil country. My friend, Craig Shackleford is their preacher. I am excited about visiting with them and sharing life lessons from God’s word to encourage them to greater faith in God. We plan on being back in Columbia late Thursday night, Lord willing. Please pray for the safety of our journey and that the church there will be edified in faith, hope, and love. Brother Caleb Colley will be preaching while I am away.

Remember our monthly Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting on Tuesday, September 21st at 10:00 a.m. Brother Bill Young will present a program entitled “Faithful Elders in Every Congregation – The Qualifications of Faithful Elders.” God has directed every congregation to be led by faithful, qualified elders. It is true that some congregations simply do not have men who meet the qualifications given in God’s word. These congregations must pray for, work toward, and prepare men who will be qualified for the eldership. St. Andrews Road is overseen by three faithful, qualified elders who leqd us in the way of righteousness and prosperity in Christ. We also have other men in the congregation who are living according to the Biblical pattern. They are preparing themselves for the eldership in the near and distant future. We must endeavor in every way to follow the pattern of leadership found in the Bible. This meeting is held every third Tuesday in the month at St. Andrews Road and is open to every Christian brother who desires to attend. After the meeting we have lunch together at Cracker Barrel on Bush River Road, Dutch-treat of course.

September 26th will be one of those very special days at St. Andrews Road!
On Sunday morning, September 26th Brother Joey Treat, missionary in Chuuk, Pacific Islands will be with us to share all the good news from the other side of the world. We are planning a “pot-luck” lunch following the morning assembly. Then on Sunday evening Brother Patrick Swayne, missionary in Melbourne, Australia will be with us to share all the good news from our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ down under. You won’t want to miss out on this very special day of worship, study, and fellowship as we focus on God’s blessings to us and through us.

Can you believe that there is only 16 weeks left in the year? Whew! Don’t believe me? I counted twice. God tells us over and over in His word, the Bible concerning the brevity of life and how we must take advantage of every opportunity and possibility one day at a time. Just as we heard this past Sunday, we must WAKE UP to all the possibilities every day for ourselves, for our families, and for the church. We must GET UP to take full advantage of God’s blessings in our lives. We must OPEN UP in obedient faith to do what God asks us to do. Really the only reason anyone can’t is that they won’t. It was our Christian brother and inspired writer to the Philippians, Paul who said; “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He was writing the truth. God was the One speaking the words Paul wrote. He could. We can too.

Take a look at the “Family News” section on your newsletter today. There is so much we all can do to encourage our fellow Christian brothers and sisters. Pray for those who are sick and shut-in. Make a visit. Make a call. Send a card. Email. Text. You can make such a positive difference when you decide to!