Western Michigan
Dear Bro. Don,
The 1995 Truth Corps team came to our home in Vicksburg, MI (just south of Kalamazoo) the week of July 2-8, 1995. At our pre-team meeting, it was decided to use the “Bible Seminar” as a means to approach individuals in our area. Initially, it was determined we would attempt to get some time on one of the local cable channels to present the British video, “God’s New World,” about two weeks before the team arrived. Since we were unable to get a decent time slot on a channel with much viewer interest we did not implement this idea but it is something others may want to consider. We also thought about using the “Cause For Concern” survey sometimes used by the Truth Corps but decided to concentrate on the Seminar along with a Bible questionnaire.
Truth Corps team
The Truth Corps group consisted of Bre. Tim Billington (Prince George, BC), Luke Groothuis (Toronto, ONT), Jon Tarry (UK), Roger Wells (Worcester, MA) and Sisters Renee Hand (St. John’s, NFLD), Anna Kendall (Calgary, ALBT), Julia Luff (Brantford, ONT) and Emily Tunnell (San Diego, CA). Bro. Dick & Sis. Cleo Patterson (Verdugo Hills, CA) were the team leaders.
Our goal was to determine the interest in Bible study in this part of the state. The “Bible Seminar” is an excellent approach to bring out a number of people who might show further interest in Bible classes.
Outstanding response
We were overwhelmed by the response. As of July 12, 10 people have requested personal follow-up, including three who have requested personal Bible classes. Forty-eight have requested a Bible magazine (we plan to send these individuals The Bible Magazine on a monthly basis for a year using back issues as needed). Twelve signed up for the Seminar and six more expressed interest; five requested a correspondence course with five others expressing some interest in the course.
An ideal method for small ecclesias
We would highly recommend that small ecclesias look into having the Truth Corps come their way next year. In fact, we recommend that small ecclesial families consider having the Corps. While we were dependent on the financial help of the Northwest Detroit Ecclesia, as well as a number of families who sent frozen meals for each evening, it is an excellent way to stir up interest in an area. And you might be able to get some help from the CBMA. Lord willing, we would love to have them back next year, hopefully to assist in developing what we pray will be the beginning of an ecclesia in the Kalamazoo area.
We’ll keep you posted on progress
We plan to keep you posted through the “Tidings” as to how we progress from month to month. We have already made contact with two who wanted personal visits and established a Bible class with one of these friends. Just this evening we had an hour-long conversation with an interested caller.
We pray our Heavenly Father may bless our efforts in bringing His Word to the people of this area. May He bless those who are doing the same throughout the world.
Love in our Master’s name,
Bro. Troy & Sis. Annette Haltom and Sis. Leslie Haltom
Southern Ontario CNE Booth
Truth Booth volunteers needed to staff the 1995 Canadian National Exhibition booth in Toronto. Please contact Bro. David or Sis. Sharon Hayles (416)291-6501.
Nebuchadnezzar is Missing
The mobile preaching exhibit consisting of several panels and a wooden Nebuchadnezzar’s image has disappeared. It is no doubt in the basement or a closet of some ecclesial hall or someone’s home. If you have it or know its location, please contact Great Lakes ASK through your local representative or Bro. Hayles (number above).
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One