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 Midnight Cry MessengerVolume L: Number 2 -- April-May-June, 2005Left: Great fellowship mailing the MCM!
Editor's LetterDear Saints, We greet you in the wonderful name of our Lord Jesus! This issue continues with the next part of Examine Yourselves, part 7 being a continuation of "The Test of Fellowship." It focuses on the difference between the Spirit of Christ that lives in God’s true children and the spirit of antichrist that exists in so many religious people who are self-willed and despise government. God’s government rests upon the shoulders of His Son, Jesus Christ. His Spirit delivers us from a spirit of self-willed independence and brings us under that loving government and into a real practical fellowship with others of like Spirit. The other article, "Conformation and Transformation," is one Bro. Thomas wrote many years ago but which, so far as I can remember has not been reprinted since. It shines a clear light upon Paul’s teaching in Romans 12. God has purposed that His children not be conformed to the world and its ways but rather be transformed—changed—into the image of His Son. In late June we enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship at the convention in Jacksonville, Florida. It is always a joy for the "family" to be together for such occasions. The true source of joy, however, is not simply being with friends and loved ones; it is the Lord’s presence among us. That makes all the difference! He blessed the music, anointed the ministry of the Word, and touched us all in areas of need in our lives. In July we had a "Kids’ Camp" in Southern Pines, North Carolina. It had been started last summer as just a local event but this time we had kids come from Florida and South Carolina. What a wonderful week! The theme had to do with the account of God’s Creation in the first chapters of Genesis. Far too many Christians, I fear—and I was once one of them—have compromised with the changing theories of unbelieving scientists who weren’t there instead of just believing the historical record inspired by God, Who was there. What a great spirit of joy and fellowship was evident as everyone talked and ate together after the closing night’s program! I couldn’t help but think about what a joy it would be to Bro. Thomas to see a little of the fruit of his years of labor. Perhaps the Lord allowed him to see it. Who knows? Labor Day weekend will once again see our Youth Camp in Columbia, South Carolina. Everyone is looking forward to more fun and fellowship focused particularly on our older young people. What a great opportunity this is for young people to enjoy many activities and also for the Lord to work in their lives at the same time. We are in great anticipation of the Lord’s presence and blessing. Another exciting piece of news concerns something that, Lord willing, will happen right after the Youth Camp. For years now we have been in touch with many brethren, ministers of the gospel, in other countries and some of them have from time to time expressed a desire for us to come—to hold meetings, to teach ministers, for us to see the work firsthand, and other reasons. Often I have written basically telling different ones that Bro. Thomas was up in years and unable to travel and that the rest of the ministers among us were basically local elders and that we were just looking to the Lord for His wisdom in the future regarding such trips. I think we have felt that the time for such trips would come—someday. Well, it appears that the time is about to come. By faith we are venturing out. Bro. Jim Easterly and I are scheduled to fly to India in early September to spend a few weeks visiting brethren there. I would like to apologize in advance to the many who have written that we will probably not be able to see on this trip. We are just trusting the Lord and "getting our feet wet" on this trip and covet your prayers. Our goal and desire is simply to strengthen brethren who are laboring for the Lord. I have no doubt that we ourselves will be blessed and strengthened by the Lord through these brethren but I also trust that He will graciously anoint us to impart something to them as well. Without Him we can do nothing. The hour is growing late and there are still significant areas in the earth where the wonderful message of the gospel has not been heard. I believe that God’s primary method for reaching these is to call and anoint chosen vessels from the very countries involved and send them forth with a burning message of hope. We can all hold up such brethren in prayer. I thank God for the wonderful opportunity He has given us through broadcasting. It reaches around the world and touches many lives, but the greatest need is for men of God, on the ground, carrying the message and gathering and caring for the sheep. It is an exciting hour and our job is to wait on the Lord and seek always to do His will. And now, until the next issue may God richly bless you... Your brother in Christ, Return to Back Issues Return to Publications Page 
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