UPDATE FOR OCTOBER 2008
Men's Retreat at Florence. Christian men from congregations in various parts of Italy assembled in Florence. On the first day, leaders debated whether to cooperate with "non a-cappella" churches of Christ. The majority considered dialog far more important than isolating these churches. For this we rejoice.
Harold distributed books. "Although I am not often asked to speak," he said, "my books get to be the teachers of teachers, and so I rejoice." The convention moderator, in fact, called attention to the books and encouraged everyone to invest in them for personal growth and to strengthen the churches these men lead.
We met Jim Woodroof. For a number of years, we have published a 72-page book of encouraging sermons by Jim Woodroof. Kay Kendall shared tape recordings of these messages with us; we loved them and immediately set about translating them for the Italian readers. What a joy it was to finally meet the author at this convention! (Jim is the father of Tim, author of our latest book A Church That Flies.)
Jim Woodroof's theme comes out of a glorious discovery by a new Christian: "I have found in the Gospels the power to live the life I see described in the epistles!" In Italy, we have seen old-time Christians meditating on these messages, as if they were hearing the Gospel for the first time. The message is powerful, because it brings brethren who have "heard it all before" back to the Lord of the Church and the centrality of Christ.
Ciampino (Rome) Seminar. In the 60's and 70's we worked around Rome with the Ciampino congregation. The children we taught back then are now leaders in this church. It was like a homecoming for us to bring a seminar on A Church That Flies. While they had already implemented some of the book's concepts, the leaders requested more materials to develop the concepts further. What a joy it was to preach the Word of God so simply and clearly to a group that is eager to grow in the Lord and "reason outside the box" that tends to limit church growth.
Thanksgiving is coming up and we want to say a big "THANK YOU!" for your loving prayers and encouragement. Even if, over the years, you have forgotten what, when and how you cheered us on and gave us confidence, you will be hearing more about it from the Lord.
Harold distributed books. "Although I am not often asked to speak," he said, "my books get to be the teachers of teachers, and so I rejoice." The convention moderator, in fact, called attention to the books and encouraged everyone to invest in them for personal growth and to strengthen the churches these men lead.
We met Jim Woodroof. For a number of years, we have published a 72-page book of encouraging sermons by Jim Woodroof. Kay Kendall shared tape recordings of these messages with us; we loved them and immediately set about translating them for the Italian readers. What a joy it was to finally meet the author at this convention! (Jim is the father of Tim, author of our latest book A Church That Flies.)
Jim Woodroof's theme comes out of a glorious discovery by a new Christian: "I have found in the Gospels the power to live the life I see described in the epistles!" In Italy, we have seen old-time Christians meditating on these messages, as if they were hearing the Gospel for the first time. The message is powerful, because it brings brethren who have "heard it all before" back to the Lord of the Church and the centrality of Christ.
Ciampino (Rome) Seminar. In the 60's and 70's we worked around Rome with the Ciampino congregation. The children we taught back then are now leaders in this church. It was like a homecoming for us to bring a seminar on A Church That Flies. While they had already implemented some of the book's concepts, the leaders requested more materials to develop the concepts further. What a joy it was to preach the Word of God so simply and clearly to a group that is eager to grow in the Lord and "reason outside the box" that tends to limit church growth.
Thanksgiving is coming up and we want to say a big "THANK YOU!" for your loving prayers and encouragement. Even if, over the years, you have forgotten what, when and how you cheered us on and gave us confidence, you will be hearing more about it from the Lord.
posted by Harold & Enid Fowler | 6:10 PM
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