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Mailbox: RS – 1: Nov. 1998 – present


Kaarina Rahn Alan Raine Ralph A. Ray Jonathan Reed & Richard Reed -- Dover Bible Fund Kelly D. Rehm William Reid Colin Renouf Terry Risenhoover	Steve Roberson Bob Robertson Daniel J. Roberts Naomi Robson Stephen Rodgers Tristan Rodgers Edwin Rogers David Rulapaugh	Part 2: Sa— Part 3: Sm—

PLEASE NOTE: For the security of our readers, all @ signs have been changed to 'AT' in order to prevent unsolicited email. If you wish to contact any of our guests please remember to replace the @ sign in the address line of your email.

Kaarina Rahn

To: Kaarina Rahn
k.rahnATsk.sympatico.ca
Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada
Wed, 12 Jan 2000

Dear Kaarina,
Thanks for visiting MB. I hope you will come again.

I am glad of your interest in J.N.D. and his writings. They continue to be a great help to me, as they were when I was a young believer.

On MB – this site – you should first check "Biography: J. N. Darby", "History: Early Years", "Ministry: Introduction" and "Doctrine: Religious Holidays".
Also on "Site News: Bibles and Books" there is a reference to the "Darby Disk" with all his writings on cd-rom.
On "Site News: Links" there is a link to a site with Mr. Darby's "Synopsis" for the New Testament.
Beyond this I don't know of much of his ministry on the net.

I hope this helps and that you will let me know how you make out.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

From: Kaarina Rahn
Wed, 12 Jan 2000

Brother Gordon,
Thank you very much for your reply. I truly appreciate your help. May the Lord bless you richly.

Kaarina Rahn.

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Alan Raine

To: Alan Raine
araineAThome.com
Sarasota, Florida, USA
Fri, 24 Aug 2001

Dear Alan,
Welcome to "My Brethren'. I hope you will come back again. Perhaps you would be free – as many of our guests – to share your background and exercises.

Regarding your message:
"Do you have an E-mail address or other information about Dick Gorgas, a ministering member of the E.B. in New Jersey in the '50's and who subsequently, I think, became affiliated with the Tunbridge Wells group in the U.S.?"

I have only been able to find a truncated email address: singingpilgrimAT... on a list.
Try pb-edify-ownerATyahoogroups.com.

If the above doesn't co-operate, try shawnATbrethrenonline.org – perhaps he will have the full address as at one time the name of Dick Gorgas appeared on Shawn Abigail's site.

I'll be interested to know how you make out.

Yours in Christ, Gordon.

Note: See response of Richard Gorgas.

From: Alan Raine
Mon, 7 Jan 2002

Dear Gordon,
You referred to being separate from either "open" or "exclusive" Brethren. I was wondering what specific fellowship you do have.

Thank you, Alan.

To: Alan Raine
Mon, 7 Jan 2002

Dear Alan,
Glad to hear from you again. To answer your question: The few here with whom I have the privilege to gather for the Lord's Supper do not have any links of practical fellowship with brethren elsewhere,

although we do enjoy brotherly contacts with many in various groups in other parts.
This situation is largely because of past historical events and is not of our own choice. We regret that there seems to be no alternative at the moment. My own background is so-called 'exclusive'.
You might be interested in some of the items on MB mentioned in my reply to Ralph Ray of Sat, 29 Dec 2001 in the Mailbox, in answer to a similar question.

I hope you find MB of interest, especially the ministry.

Perhaps you would be good enough to share your own background and connection.

In the Lord, Gordon.

From: Alan Raine
Tue, 8 Jan 2002

Dear Brother Gordon,
Thanks for your answer. Your site is superb and I thank you for all your work – all to the glory of the Son of His Love.

Concerning my own background: Episcopal, Baptist, Presbyterian and back to loose association with Episcopal.

However a life long respect for PB principles was interrupted by many years of a medical career which left minimal time for PB reading and held up my spiritual growth.
Being retired I have now immersed myself in many books from Believer's Bookshelf and I am receiving much "light" from the classical authors:
- (JND of course) but also Dennett, Grant (F.W. and L.M.); Hocking; CHM; Ryrie; Smith, D; Wigram and currently Wolston's "Another Comforter".
My closest association among PB is with the Tunbridge Wells Group by correspondence with a ministering brother,
and with Les Hodgett from England with his wonderful CD's in particular his "Truth for Bereans" which is a treasure trove for me.

I would appreciate your opinion on the T.W. group which has been referred to as "hyper ecclesiastical" but which I nonetheless seem to be drawn to.

However I cannot see how the "One Body" and ecclestical separation can justify the implication that the Spirit is either only present or predominantly present in a very select group.
That has been a stumbling block for me to prevent further association with PB assemblies.

Yours in Him who gave us the right to say "Abba Father". Alan.

From: Alan Raine
Tue, 8 Jan 2002

Dear Brother Gordon,
I forgot to ask you about something that has been on my mind: what is your understanding of the question of the "eternal sonship" and what is your position?

Thanks very much, Alan.

To: Alan Raine
Fri, 25 Jan 2002

Dear Alan,
Finally I have time to devote to your inquiries. This may seem to be an unduly long reply and I ask your patience as I review matters.

The complete reply is in
Guests: My Stand 3: Hyper Ecclesiasticism

Now Alan, as you know, whatever your decision and course as to the TW group is your own responsibilty.

I have attempted to openly, fairly and perhaps to fully, answer your inquiry and only ask that you review the references I have given before making any decision. If you need clarification on any point just ask.
Of course, whatever your decision, as one of my brethren I will be glad to hear from you from time to time and to learn of any decision you make.
I appreciate your confidence in asking my opinion, and trust that you will have no regrest for doing so.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Alan Raine
Fri, 25 Jan 2002

Dear Brother Gordon,
Thanks so much for your reply. I'll be going over it in detail and following your kind references to specific discussions of the topics.

In our Lord, Alan.

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Ralph A. Ray

From: Ralph A. Ray
rayniemzATaol.com
Lansing, NC, USA
Thu, 27 Dec 2001

To "My Brethren",
If I may ask, which "group" or "branch" of brethren are you with?

The "Jims" divided in 1970 producing two groups so-called "Jims" and "Strang/Renton"; the latter dividing again in 1972 producing the "Renton" and "Strang/Frost" groups.
Are you with either of these two, or the "Ilford/Cowell" groups which were produced in 1959?

RAR

To: Ralph Ray
Sat, 29 Dec 2001

Dear Ralph,
The short answer to your question is: None of the above.

The few brethren here in Toronto with whom I have the privilege of practical fellowship in the breaking of bread are not connected with any group.
However, through my experiences prior to 1972 I'm quite familiar with the various groups you mention.

To avoid repetition, I refer you to the following pages on 'My Brethren'. They explain my earlier connections and present position as to various groups.

I assume you ask out of genuine brotherly interest – not mere curiosity – and trust you will reciprocate by sharing your background and exercises.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Jonathan Reed

To: Jonathan Reed
educatorreedATaol.com
York, Pennsylvania, USA
Tue, 20 Aug 2002

Dear Jonathan,
I was very pleased to learn last night from Richard of your commitment to the important work of Dover Bible Fund in making the valuable recovery ministry available.

It is a great personal encouragement to me as I near the end of my time near, and regretting much wasted time, to hear of young brethren "joined in the work and labouring", 1 Corinthians 16: 16.
"The harvest is great and the workmen are few; supplicate therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth workmen unto his harvest", Matt. 9: 37-38.

You and your labour for the Lord will be in our prayers.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Richard Reed – With Christ, November 29, 2004
See Guests: My Stand 5 – for Richard's 1991 article, 'An Appeal re Fellowship and Reception', a thoughtful analysis of the misuse of quotations from the letters of J. N. Darby.

To: Richard Reed
educatorreedATyahoo.com
York, Pennsylvania, USA
Sat, 07 Aug 1999

Hi Richard,
Thank you for your encouraging comments and hope you do find "many happy hours" exploring MB. Let me know how you get on.

We feel with, and for, you and all whose families have suffered through legality.

The line between faithfulness to Christ and legality should be absolutely clear cut but, alas, it has often become blurred and much harm has resulted.

I would be interested to know something about you and your family – not for publication if you so request.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Richard Reed
Sun, 08 Aug 1999

Please allow me to acknowledge receipt of your rapid reply to my email.

I will, with the Lord's help, put together a short family history and send it to you in a day or two.

For now, I will just say that Joseph Fry of Philadelphia (not Indianapolis) was my grandfather. He stayed with the "Jimites" when the 1970 crisis was upon the brethren.

You really "hit the nail on the head" with your comment about legality and faithfulness to Christ.

It is so hard for brethren to discern the one from the other.

Your brother in Christ, Richard (Rich) Reed.

From: Richard Reed
Sat, 21 Aug 1999

Dear brother:
I have finally been able to write the history of which I spoke. I apologize for it being so long, but I wanted to be complete. It is being sent as a attachment in Word 97 format. If you are uncomfortable receiving attachments, I probably could try to fax it to you or paste it into an email.

I am sure we know many brethren in common.

Yours in the love of Christ,

Richard Reed

Family History relative to the Brethren

My parents are Lester and Margaret Reed, both born in the early 1920's.

My father is with the Lord now and my elderly mother lives near us.
My father's parents came into the so-called Raven-Taylor meeting when he was a teenager.
My mother's parents were Joseph and Margaret Fry of Philadelphia and my mother was raised in the meeting.

Due to the difficulty of the second world war and drinking among the brethren as early as the 1940's, my father got away from the Lord.

My father later repented of this and sought to walk with the Lord the last thirty-five years of his life.
I mention it only because he maintained to the end that he learned to drink as a young man among the brethren – even to the point of giving detailed accounts of persons with whom he drank.

Brethren leaving the so-called Jim system often justify themselves by saying that things were fine until the date they decided to leave.

Some give dates of the mid 1950's or 1960's or even the date of the Aberdeen difficulty.
However, listening to my father recount events, things were wrong long before. Others intimate with the details have shared enough information with me that my father's account is corroborated in my own mind.

My father was withdrawn from in 1950 or 1951, but not for drunkenness. Apparently that could be overlooked. His offense was to bring a television into his home.

My mother was subsequently asked to judge him and when she did not she was withdrawn for because she was "willful".
This was a very hard time for them, as they had been taught that the Raven-Taylor brethren – known to them as simply the brethren – was the only thing God had on the earth and now they were outside of it. It pushed my father further out into the world.
My grandparents continued to nurture a relationship with me and they provided the stability I often needed growing up before my father came back to the Lord. Whatever their shortcomings, I always sensed the Lord's presence in their home.

A defining moment in my own life was when my grandmother was called home to be with the Lord in 1957. At a family gathering back at the home of my grandparents, they [presumably Richard's parents] were required to sit out on the porch to eat because they were "unclean."

It made quite an impression on me at the ripe age of 12 or 13, and it pushed me away from any serious consideration of the truth my grandfather sought to share with me.
At the time we had begun going to an open brethren Sunday School, and it was through the gospel proclaimed in their gospel chapel that I came to confess the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal savior.
The open brethren nudged us gently toward fellowship, and I was all for it. Because we had gone through household baptism, the open assembly required that me and my siblings go through "believer's baptism" before we could break bread. We were baptized and began breaking bread.

From that point on the relationship with my grandfather became quite strained, but they were civil. He and his new wife, a sister from Knoxville, allowed us to visit with them, even though I was highly critical of the meetings with which they were associated.

I considered their meetings to be full of false teaching and hypocrisy, and I was not afraid to express myself to them. They were tolerant until the Aberdeen incident.
After that incident I said something about false teachers among them and they asked me to leave their home. My grandfather was still willing to see me on the porch, but his wife never saw me again.
My grandfather went to be with the Lord about three years ago at the age of 97. He stayed with the Jim's to the end, and I still can not quite understand how he did that.
Despite my inability to walk with the truths and principles he upheld, I always thought he was a spiritual man and I looked up to him.

I married at the ripe age of 21.

My wife came from a very good home. Her parents had connections through family to the open brethren, but they went to a Bible-preaching conservative church.
We were both happy among the open brethren. We felt the Lord was leading us to settle in central Pennsylvania in close proximity to a large open brethren conference grounds.

To: Richard Reed
Mon, 23 Aug 1999

Dear Richard,
Thank you very much for your 'Family History ...' which I managed to extract from the Word 97 format. Attachments are welcome but plain Ascii text makes my work simpler.

Yes we probably do know many of the same brethren. We know Sam Fry and at one time I was in touch with John Fry.

It is sad that your father was affected by drinking. Whoever he did it with, I cannot think it would be with responsible older brethren who, though not prohibitionists, would certainly not condone drunkenness or lead younger ones astray.

In the meetings in the Great Lakes area, with which I am quite familiar, there was no such practice.
The later widespread abuse which came about in the 1960's is another matter and is to be condemned.

It would be unfair, however, to charge your father's problem as a young man, or that of his companions in it, against all the brethren world wide at that time or give it as an evidence that "things were wrong long before" "the mid 1950's".

That there was a general decline and departure is undeniable and this is recognized on 'My Brethren' – see History: Decline and Departure.
But this, however deplorable, cannot set aside the devotion and faithfulness of earlier brethren or the great spiritual truths recovered to which MB bears witness.

Television – now even considered morally damaging by some in the world – is another matter.

Though its complete prohibition may be considered extreme – and various dissimilar groups still do prohibit it – yet it was well known at the time that it would not be condoned.
Anyone deciding to have one surely would be aware of this and, despite their personal convictions, could hardly complain of the consequences.

I am glad that you have good memories of your grandparents and a special respect for your grandfather, which I am sure is well deserved.

I may not, and do not, agree with his remaining "to the end", but I well understand the feelings he would have as an older man, his feelings for you as his grandson and also coping with your outspokenness.

My first years as a Christian was in an "open" meeting and so I quite understand you being "required" by such to submit to their believer's baptism.

This practice is sadly characteristic and is in effect sectarian.
Even more sorrowful, it is a flagrant affront to God and to the Holy Name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit to which you had been committed.
I am not charging you with this – the responsibility belongs to those who impose their views upon children and uninstructed persons.
There is a full examination of this controversial subject in Doctrine: Baptism.

Thank you again, Richard. Look for some new items in September.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Richard Reed
Mon, 23 Aug 1999

Dear Brother:
Thank you for your thoughtful reply. I don't disagree with anything you have said.

It is ironic that you, too, were once among the open brethren. My brother-in-law is a pastor of an open meeting in Wheaton, Illinois.

I felt it necessary to go into considerable detail because it was not a matter of accepting the truth overnight. The Lord has brought us through deep exercises.

Ten or fifteen years ago I was at fellowship meetings in New York, and Bufton Parker came up to me after a meeting and hugged me

and said simply, "The brethren have been too harsh." I think those few words speak volumes.

I look forward to hearing from you in September, and in the meantime, I will peruse your web site and consider what you say.

Love in Christ Jesus, Richard Reed

To: Richard Reed
Thu, 2 Jun 2002

Dear Richard,
I believe you are the Richard Reed with whom I have corresponded on 'My Brethren'. Saw your message on Steve's site re your 'Dover Bible Fund' web site.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Richard Reed
Thu, 27 Jun 2002

Dear Brother,
I am very pleased to hear from you. May we add a link to your web site on our links page?

Your site provides valuable information, and I think you have covered the issues so well that it is not necessary to go into them again.

We will not go into the history of brethren ourselves, but it might be good for those who are sincerely interested – and not just curious – as to what has happened.

Perhaps it will be possible for us to visit with you someday, if the Lord allows, and if that is acceptable to you.

We are not on a mission to reunify brethren, but we do have mutual interest in the same things.
I believe those of us who are sympathetic to the truth can bring mutual encouragement to one another without trying to put back together what the Lord allowed to collapse in judgment.

One additional question: would you know where we could get some of Mr. Cowell's ministry? We had have some inquiries about it and would carry it, even used, if there is a source.

Love in Christ to all there with you. Richard Reed

To: Richard Reed
Thu, 29 Jun, 2002

Dear Richard,
It's good indeed to renew our contacts again. Yes, I would be pleased if you added a link to 'My Brethren' on your new web site.

Of course, I'll be glad to reciprocate by listing 'Dover Bible Fund'. I can use the information from your home page or whatever you may suggest.
Can you tell me something of DBF, it origin etc., and your connection with it.

We certainly would be happy to have a visit from you when you are able.

For many years, we have sorely missed extended contacts with those who share our interest in, and commitment to, the recovery of the truth as to Christ and the assembly, the Lord's supper and the service of God.
Since MB opened in November 1998 we have been favoured with a few visits which have been for mutual encouragement. You will certainly be welcome.As to Mr. Cowell's ministry, at one time Kingston Bible Trust had some copies of a few volumes. See MB's KBT Report.
I did hear that someone in the UK had a stock of his books but I have not been able to verify.
You may have noticed that we are in the process of scanning and formatting all GRC's ministry for posting on MB. You can see what has been done and what yet remains on MB's Menu-SiteMap.
We are sending our work to a brother in North Ireland who will be putting it on a cd-rom. He and a number of helpers did the work for KBT's cd-rom of JBS/FER. Work on JND, CAC and JT is in progress.
Whether KBT will issue a GRC cd-rom, or whether it will be issued privately, is unknown at the moment. I've heard that they intend to publish a paperback of some GRC suitable for younger believers.

Our greetings to your family and the brethren with you,
in the Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Richard Reed
Sat, 20 Jul 2002

Dear brother,
Here is a little historical sketch of the Dover Bible Fund.

The balance of this letter is in
Guests: Site News: Bibles and Books: Dover Bible Fund.

Love in Christ Jesus, Richard Reed.

To: Richard Reed
Sat, 20 Jul 2002

Dear Richard,
Thanks very much for the interesting account of the Dover Bible Fund, which will be posted on MB with the link to the DBF web site.

We rejoice that the exercise to provide JND Bibles and reliable ministry at cost – which led to the establishment of the Stow Hill Depot – is being carried on by DBF.
We share your concern to draw the attention on other believers to the ministry of the recovery.
May the Lord continue to bless you – and those working with you – in this needed service.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Richard Reed
Mon, 12 Aug 2002

Dear Brother,
We do realize that making Mr. Raven's and Mr. Taylor, Sr.'s ministry available, links to our site will not be acceptable to some.

We do not intend to be controntational with those who oppose the ministry of these dear brethren,
- nor do we intend to be apologetic nor try to hide our belief that these men were true servants of God and their ministries are of immense help to the true heart.
Our thought in establishing a site on the Internet is to allow the Lord to send those to us whom He chooses.
We believe there are still seekers after the Truth out there who are not aware of the difficulties brethren have brought in among themselves.
These servants were flawed, as we all are, and there is only one perfectly upright Servant, and that is our Lord Jesus Christ, but we look at the value of the ministry, not the flaws of the servants.

We are inclined now to add a clear gospel message to the front page of the web site. If you would, please pray that God will enable us to be clear, concise and brief.

Everything we seek or plan for is to be taken in the will of the Lord.

In our blessed Lord Jesus Christ, Richard Reed.

From: Richard Reed
Tue, 20 Aug 2002

Dear Gordon,
Our phone conversation was a delight and an encouragement. If you look at the web site now, you will see that we have already begun to implement some of the changes you suggested.

The next step will be to reorganize the catalog. I will also re-write it in HTML language and probably follow many of the other suggestions you made.
After that, we will see about scanning in 'Sound Words' and use OCR technology. If I can do that, I know I can convert the text to HTML format, allowing the use of hyperlinks for each article. We will be able to include the author's name and a brief caption of the subject.
We can't do it all in a day, but with the Lord's support and help it will get done.

Thanks for all your suggestions.

In the love of our Lord Jesus Christ, Richard Reed.

To: Richard Reed
Tue, 20 Aug 2002

Dear Richard,
I too enjoyed the brotherly conversation very much and look forward to another whenever the Lord opens the way. It is a pleasure, in these days of breakdown, to be able to speak with one of like mind.

Yes, I've just checked the DBF web site and compliment you on the additions and refinements.

I agree that changes do take time, but time often results in opening up more and useful changes.
I'm glad I could be of some help and, if needed, am always available to talk over web site matters, but especially our common faith and commitment to our Lord Jesus.

Thanks for Jonathan's email address. It is a great cheer to those of us nearing the end of our service and time here, to learn of younger brethren putting themselves at the Lord's disposal.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Richard Reed
Sat, 31 Aug 2002

Dear Brother Gordon:,
I had a chance to review My Brethren this week, and noticed mention of brethren scanning in the works of several of the Lord's servants.

Would you feel free to let anyone who is doing this know that we might be interested in serving as a distribution channel for these efforts?
We are particularly interested in G. R. Cowell and C. H. Macintosh. We would be willing to consider others, too.

Monday past was an inservice day for teachers and we heard a talk on where things are going with computers. The speaker is employed by a text-book publishing company.

He said they expect textbooks to be a minor part of their business in as early as five years, and that within ten years his company thinks electronic media will have largely replaced the printed textbooks.
Of course, we anticipate the Lord's coming before even five years pass, but if not, we need to be in a position to make sound literature available to seekers in formats other than the printed page.
We are in a place in history like when the printed page replaced the hand-written page, only it is now the printed page that will be replaced.

The Lord bless you as you seek to serve Him.

In Christian love, Richard Reed.

To: Richard Reed
Mon, 02 Sep 2002

Dear Richard,
The scanning of ministry by several persons individually and a group of person in North Ireland, whose efforts were previously unknown to each other, has been coordinated for some time by a brother in Belfast.

This is the source of the KBT cd's for JBS and FER which you list in the Dover Bible Fund catalogue.
Work is proceeding on CAC and JT and it is likely that KBT will issue further cd's when that work is completed.

We and I are committed to do all of GRC's now out-of-print ministry and to present it on MB as the Lord enables us. We have had some help with it but there is still much to be done.

As we complete groups of meetings, we not only post to MB but send files to the coordinator in Belfast for possible use on a cd or for reprinting.
It may be a year or more before we have finished GRC but on completion a Bulletin will be posted on MB, and I will try to remember to advise you.
At this time there is no information as to whether a GRC cd might be issued by KBT, or whether one might be issued privately from Belfast. Either would be very welcome.
I'm certainly glad that you are interested in distributing GRC's valuable but largely unknown ministry.

CHM's ministry is already on a cd 'Truth for Today's Bereans' issued by STEM Publishing, who earlier issued 'The Darby Disk' listed in the Dover catalogue.

It is far more difficult to read and search than the KBT cd's. In addition it has, to me at least, a great disadvantage for distribution.
In addition to CHM it includes ministry by a number of persons who actively opposed FER and JT, as well as several articles espousing "eternal' sonship.
Perhaps the Belfast group will eventually do CHM.

Perhaps I'm short sighted, but it is hard to conceive the printed page ever being completely, or even largely, replaced by some form of electronic media in the foreseeable future.

Of course, we should always be alert to new trends. Who would have foreseen the almost universal use of the web a few year ago. But it certainly has happened and cannot be ignored.
You might be interested in CHM's forward looking remarks on the use of the printed page in the "His Ministry' section of his biography on MB.

May the Lord help you at Dover Bible Fund, and in the expansion of your web site. I'll be glad to hear from you as time permits.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Richard Reed
Thu, 11 March 2004

Hi All:
Just wanted you to know I got home yesterday after four days in the hospital. At first they thought it was a blood clot, but sonogram showed no evidence.

Final verdict was cellulitiis (severe staph infection) and the treatment was four days of IV antibiotics. On oral antibiotics until Monday when I see my own doctor. Bone-deep pain is present but treatable.
Care was excellent in hospital and Joy and David take excellent care of me at home.
Now, I have to be in bed or sitting in a chair with my leg elevated.
Now we have to decide if I can go on working. It was employment related.

The Lord was very close and very real. It was almost as if I could feel Him holding one hand, whispering in my ear that he would take care of me, while Joy held the other hand.

Must go now. Love, Rich.

To: Richard Reed
Thu, 11 March 2004

Dear Richard,
Thanks for your health details. You will be specially in our prayers, and we look to hear of your progress.

Affectionately in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Richard Reed
Mon, 6 Sep 2004

Dear Brother,
We had a nice visit yesterday from —. He did not seem offended we did not break bread with him this time.

We also had another family visiting with us from a Baptist church who are exercised along the lines of the assembly.
We explained to — and Mr. and Mrs. — that we need to know each other before breaking bread with each other, and that mutual confidence needs to be established. They seemed agreeable.

The reading was on Exodus 15; we considered the truth of redemption. Divine Persons have worked to purchase what was theirs through sovereign choice and according to purpose, and redemption is by blood.

Redemption is not exactly the same as Salvation and we do harm to the truth when we assume that all of these terms mean the same thing. The truth is like a jewel. There are many facets, and each one is distinctive.

I trust you and Mrs. Rainbow are well, and sincerely look for the Lord to open the opportunity to visit with you. My own health continues to improve, and is excellent for an old man of 60!

Please give our love to Jeff. We have not heard from him yet, but are sure we share much in common.

Yours in Christian love, Richard Reed.

To: Richard Reed
Wed, 6 Sep 2004

Dear Richard,
Thanks for the encouraging report as to — and —! I forwarded your email to Jeff and believe he will contact you soon.

We would certainly be glad if you could visit us!

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Kelly D. Rehm

From: Kelly D. Rehm
kelly_rehmATjuno.com
Missouri, USA
March 5, 1999

Gordon,
I thoroughly enjoyed looking through your web site. The early brethren writers have had a profound impact on my life. I admire and envy the work you have been doing in your retirement.

I envision myself (now 26 years old) promoting the writings of Stoney, Coates, Darby, & Kelly throughout my life. Why?

I believe these are the finest Christian English writers. The truths they present on the christian life are unsurpassed and hard to find.
I was first introduced to these Brethren writers by Miles J. Stanford.
I have continued to pursue this path because the time is short and the Church desperately needs to know the fundamental truths of the "exchanged life".

I look forward to visiting with you in the times to come.

I feel a kindred spirit with you since I believe you have a passion for many of the same things I do.
I however do not have a brethren heritage to look back upon. I was saved at age 18 and entered into New Tribes Mission at age 21. I have little "church" background.
I know the "Brethren" only through their writings which has given me a special relationship which perhaps only the Lord and I understand.

In Christ, Kelly D. Rehm.

To: Kelly D. Rehm
Wed, 10 Mar 1999

Hi Kelly,
Thank you for your interesting and cheering message. It is good to hear from those – especially younger brethren like yourself – who appreciate the ministry of earlier brethren, and whose lives have been affected by it.

We do indeed have much in common and I trust that our relationship in Christ will grow and be fruitful.

As you know, "My Brethren" is devoted to the history and ministry of the brethren.

That being so – and since you mention him – I trust you will not be offended if I comment on Miles J. Stanford's evaluation of the history of the brethren and his selective use of their ministry.

Mr. Stanford praises one facet of the ministry of the brethren, but does not view it, as it surely is, as an integral part of a greater whole.

Nor does he recognize it, as it surely is, as an outcome of, and a support to, the main thrust of their ministry.
He approvingly quotes extracts relating to one particular subject but downgrades other great Scriptural truths brought forward by brethren,
- and unfairly blames the pursuit of these truths for the sad failures and divisions among brethren.
No one familiar with the broad range of their ministry – and their commitment to it in their letters – could ever believe that the brethren quoted would have sanctioned such a use of their ministry.

On Mr. Stanford's line of reasoning, only certain parts of Paul's ministry need be emphasized,

and his ministry relating to the assembly, its relationship to Christ and its functioning, whether on the Corinthian or Ephesian levels, could safely be ignored.
This, sad to say, is the way Paul's ministry is generally treated in the public church.
Then it follows that Paul's emphasis on the collective application of the truth – assembly principles and practices – could also be blamed for the public failure of the church which commenced in the early centuries.

Please understand that the above is not, in any sense, a personal attack on Mr. Stanford, whom I do not know.

It is put forward in a brotherly spirit for your consideration, and to uphold the integrity of the ministry and the ministers, remembering that Paul could say
"I have not shrunk from announcing to you" not a part but "all the counsel of God", Acts 20: 27.

I hope you will visit from time to time and, as the site expands its coverage, become acquainted with the broad range of truth in the ministry of the brethren. And, of course, I will welcome your comments.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

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William A. Reid

To: William A. Reid
reidwilliamAThotmail.com
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
Sat, 26 Feb 2000

Dear Bill,
Welcome to "My Brethren", and thank you for sharing some of your background. It must be a long cold way from Dunfermline to Yellowknife! By the way, my wife Betty is also a "Reid".

Come again and keep in touch.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon and Betty.

Sun, 28 Feb, 2000: Bill phoned and we had a very brotherly and interesting conversation. Thanks Bill!

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Colin Renouf

To: Colin Renouf
colin.renoufATblueyonder.co.uk
Croydon, Surrey, England
Tue, 21 Oct 2003

Dear Colin,
Thanks for the news as to Robert Fear being taken by the Lord.

Such brotherly communications are appreciated. I had only just heard the news by phone earlier today, and have now posted a Bulletin on Site News.

I'm glad that you found MB's information on the hymn authors of interest, and trust you will return and explore.

Any details you may feel free to share as to yourself will be very welcome.

In the Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Terry Risenhoover

From: Terry Risenhoover
risenhoover1313AT@att.net
Norman, Oklahoma, USA
Fri, 21 Aug, 2009

Dear Gordon,
It has been several years since I first visited your site. [Guest Book 14, September 2005]

What a Blessing it is to see all the additions that have been made. My wife and I have been enjoying the unsearchable riches of Christ through the ministry of CHM and JBS and many others.
We appreciate greatly the ministry that you perform by making these riches available.

For years we have quietly and patiently gathered around the Lord and oh what Joy He brings to us and since we are complete in Him and are accepted in the Beloved we are so thankful that we can offer back to the Father the only thing that can bring Joy to Him. His Son! Hallelujah for Christ.

May the Lord continue to quicken you and strengthen you according to His Word.

In Christ, Terry and Nancy.

To: Terry Risenhoover
Mon, 24 August, 2009

Dear Terry,
How good to hear from you again and learn that MB is of value -- and that you and Nancy are clearly growing in grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ!

We would certainly be interested to learn any details you might feel free to share as to "For years we have quietly and patiently gathered around the Lord".

Thanks for the encouragement. In our Lord Jesus Christ, Gordon.

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Wanda and Steve Roberson

Dear Wanda and Steve,
Welcome to 'My Brethren' and thanks for sharing about yourselves. We appear to be from a somewhat different background but I am sure we have much in common.

Do I have your surname correct? "Roberson" is unusual, perhaps "Robertson"? Just for information.

I trust you will visit again. Please feel free to share any information. Our guests are always interested in each other.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Wanda and Steve Roberson
Mon, 4 Dec 2000

Dear Brother Gordon,
I was excited to find your web site. Have been looking for Brethren related sites for a while. I'm sure I will visit often as time allows to read the articles etc.

Yes our surname is correct. There is no 't' in our Roberson. My father-in-law's family comes from Raleigh, N.C., where you'll find a lot of Roberson's.

There's not much to tell about us. Like I said before I was pretty much raised up among the brethren.

I came to know the Lord as my Savior when I was 14 during meetings held by our English brother Percy Pickering. I came into fellowship when I was about 16. I'm now 46.
My husband came to know the Lord after watching the movie 'The Exorcists' when he was in his early twenties. He's now 49. We met at work and our first date was the Gospel Meeting.
He decided we were what he was looking for and he's been among brethren ever since. We've been married twenty five years this May.

God bless you for your testimony on the web.

Love in Christ, Wanda Roberson.

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Daniel J. Roberts

To: Daniel Roberts
danielATroberts.at
Gillingham, England
Wed, 6 Jan 1999

Dear Daniel,
Thanks for dropping in and for your comments.

I share the blame for letting the Lord down – not only for the breakdown of Christendom, but of those who had been granted the greatest light, and for own my personal decline, as well!

I have read your reply to the Anonymous historical article on Dick Wyman's site, and can agree with much of what you say, and am thankful for your evident commitment to the truth as it has been opened up.

While I have no sympathy for the legal system – either before or after Aberdeen – what concerns me is that

most of those writing about the development of iniquity seem to have little knowledge of – and no interest in, except to blame – beloved brethren who have gone before and the great opening up of the truth as to Christ and the assembly, the Lord's Supper and the service of God.

I feel deeply for the many younger persons out there – by God's grace I am now in my 70th year – who have only known the legal system and

have never experienced normal Christianity marked by love among the brethren, liberty of the Spirit, ministry that glorifies the Lord Jesus, and worship in spirit and truth.
I am hopeful that "My Brethren" will reach some younger brethren, arouse them to look into their heritage and stimulate them to commit themselves to the Lord in regard to His chief interest on earth.

I expect, if the Lord will, to add new items from time to time – and hope that you will drop in again. Of course, I will be glad to hear from you at any time.

Yours in our Lord, Gordon.

Note: Daniel telephoned me Mon, 11 Jan 1999, and we had a rather long and brotherly conversation.

To: Daniel J. Roberts
Tue, 12 Jan 1999

Dear Daniel,
Your phone call Monday evening, Jan. 11, 1999, was quite unexpected but extremely welcome. It was very brotherly of you and for me it was a real pleasure to hear your voice and speak with you.

Our varied histories have led us in different paths, alas! Nevertheless we have a great deal in common and I trust we can build on that in our future contacts – mostly by e-mail.

You did mention that you still occasionally get to this side. Of course, you have close links here but it would be a joy to meet you face to face if you come to Toronto.

I hope to hear from you again as you have opportunity.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Daniel Roberts
danielATroberts.at
71 Brompton Farm Road. Strood. Rochester, Kent ME2 3QX, Tel 01634 718120
December 15, 2013

Dear Brothers
It is a long time since I was in touch with you, Gordon - we had a 90 minute phone conversation, and I don�t think I have ever been in touch with Jeff. Though I�ve used MB quite a bit, and look at the fairly static guest book from time to time. In changing computers I seem to have lost your contact details. I prefer the direct relationship brother to brother - face to face if possible.

How are you and your wife, dear brother? I hope we meet this side of glory! Ruth and I were in Toronto a couple of years ago, but just for one night with Harold and Audrey Glass (Audrey�s first husband was my wife Ruth�s cousin). They have moved to Malvern as you will know.

We were over last year to the wedding of a local sister Julia Wraighte to Ross Pye, which had to take place in New York for legal reasons and also this year to the three day meetings in Calgary with John Brown. We also visited Vancouver and Edmonton, and saw many others. We often meet your local brother Bruce Hill, with whom I have a very affectionate relationship. His daughter Debbie (Barlow) in Sidcup nearby is in poor health, so he often visits.

Jeff - I used to be in California about 4 times a year as I worked for Memorex in Santa Clara. I had a good relationship with all in LA and SF - what as mess!

Burr. As it is his project I cannot interfere with publication - a former civil servant everything has to be peer reviewed. I would like to see it on the web - corrections can always be made later. But I cannot get between a servant and his Master.

So I now have my own project See http://www.adayofsmallthings.com , mostly seeking to make JND more accessible for young believers and those seeking the truth. I�ll put you on the newsletter list. If you could put a link on my brethren it would be appreciated. I�ll write a little note under my pseudonym Sosthenes. (sosthenes@adayofsmallthings.com)

Satan is so active- but the Lord, I feel is doing great things - getting us free from those isms (including Rentonism) and close to Himself. Incidentally you are probably aware that the Jims now style themselves Plymouth Brethren Church. Thank God we are now free of that reproach.

I look forward to hearing from you both Love in our Lord, Daniel Roberts

Hi Daniel,
Nice to "meet" you and hear of your activities. I'll forward this to Gordon so he can reply directly. California is lovely, but we prefer its rural settings to its cities! ;)

Yours in Christ.

Dec. 23, 2013
Dear Daniel,
Good to hear from you again � although at 84 my memory is slipping and I had to check the Mailbox/Guest Book to remember your visit and the phone call in 1999, 15 years ago!

�Face to face� would be good but unlikely unless you visit this the Toronto area again.

I recall some of the names you mention, especially Bruce and Debbie.

Yes, we will be glad to put a link to your website, which I have accessed but have not had time to explore. "Darby Simplified� looks interesting but, perhaps I am too old, it seems simple enough as it is.

One thing � a suggestion, not a criticism � your site is very difficult for me to read. Type is rather small and light. And how about a little colour to brighten up and define sections. After all my name is �Rainbow�.

Getting free from Rentonism is good news! As you may know we are not connected with any of the post-1959 divisions. Some might call us independent but we really are dependent on Him and pray daily for all who have had part in the recovery that we might in brotherly love reach past the petty barriers we have set up.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Bob and Bea Robertson

To: Bob and Bea Robertson
BroBobRATaol.com
San Francisco, California, USA
Sat, 29 Jul 2000

Dear Bob and Bea,
Welcome to "My Brethren". If I'm not mistaken John Hunziker mentioned you, among others in SF, in a recent phone call, and that Bob's father was Dave Robertson of Vancouver, whom I remember. Am I correct?

I would be glad of any comments or sharing of exercises.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Bob Robertson
Fri, 11 Aug 2000

Hi Gordon,
Thanks for your e-mail of July 29. Yes – my father was Dave Robertson – both he and my mother went to be with the Lord some years ago.

Love in Christ, Bob.

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Naomi Robson

To: Naomi Robson
nrobsonATcbeng.com
Calgary, AB, Canada
Fri, 25 Jun 1999

Hi Naomi,
Glad to have your name in the "My Brethren" Guest Book, and hope you make some contacts.

In the early 1970's I had some good contact with an old brother in Edmonton, Mr. Alec Robson – perhaps related to you?

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

From: Naomi Robson
Mon, 28 Jun 1999

Hi,
Thank you. It's always nice to hear from people one knew years ago but also to make new friends.

Alec Robson was my grandfather. He lived with his daughter Janette and son-in-law Douglas Green. My mother Violet and the Greens are all still living.

Where are you from? I don't think we ever met.

Your efforts on the website are appreciated.

Regards, Naomi Robson.

To: Naomi Robson
Mon, 28 Jun 1999

Hi again Naomi,
Thanks for the information as to your grandfather. In the few contacts by phone and letter it was clear he was a "grand" brother as well.

I noticed the names of your mother and the Doug Green's on the old "Aberdeen" list, and have seen Doug's account of a visit to Australia. Please greet them for us.

My wife, Betty, and I are both from Toronto, but never managed to get beyond Winnipeg.

We left in Feb. 1971 and were with "Aberdeen" for a year or so, but did not go with either side in 1972. See "My Journey".

Are you still connected with brethren in Calgary? We knew Noel and Margaret Brien well when they lived in Galt.

Glad you like the web site. Drop in again.

With love in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Naomi Robson
Tue, 29 Jun 1999

Hello again,
No, I'm not connected with any of the ex-brethern splinter groups. We go to a Community type church with an OB background.

There are several ex-PB's that attend:
Brian Davidson's, Keith Davidson's, Gordon Hunte's to name a few.

I believe Noel and Margaret go to the Renton group. I didn't really know them as I had left before they moved to Calgary.

My mother still keeps in contact with Mrs. Lillian Hibbert who is about 90 years old now.

My niece and her husband live in Guelph. They are working with Athletes in Action in Mississauga. Some day we hope to visit them.

I'll check back into the site again.

Best regards, Naomi.

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Stephen Rodgers

From: Stephen Rodgers
stelesrod51AThotmail.com
Melbourne, Australia
Sat, 28 Apr 2001

On another web site, Stephen said he was withdrawn from when – as a young man and in good conscience – he raised the issue of the character of the July 1970 events at Aberdeen, Scotland.

To: Stephen Rodgers
Mon, 30 Apr 2001

Dear Stephen,
Thanks for visiting 'My Brethren'. I noticed your message on Steve Hesterman's site and sympathize with you.

The withdrawal from you was only to be expected as by 1970 the mass – myself included, and especially the local 'leaders' – were thoroughly deluded.
In retrospect, I have no doubt that from around 1959 there had been a general and irrecoverable departure that was ground for individual withdrawal.
- See MB's History: Decline and Departure and History: Wrong in Principle?.

I appreciate the time you took with your message to MB, and feel I owe you an explanation for not posting your exposition. There are 2 reasons.

First, and this would be so in any case, it does not relate directly to the objectives of MB.
Secondly, there are several statements which, in my reading of it, are at variance with the Scriptures and seem to confuse certain truths.
In particular, there seems to be lack of distinction as to the Person of the Lord Jesus and the Person of the Holy Spirit;
confusion of thought as to cleansing, baptism with fire and the Holy Spirit, the kingdom, the lawless one, and resurrection.

The demands of maintaining MB don't allow me to go into the needed details. But I trust that a review and comparison with the Scriptures will clarify these matters for you.

Your own statement as to the possibility of "relying not on the Spirit of Truth, but one's only infallible self and convictions, and EVEN attributing one's own beliefs to the Holy Spirit" is a wholesome caution for us all.

I trust you will visit MB again and find encouragement in the ministry of the many sound servants of the past and in the exchange of thoughts in the Mailbox.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Tristan Rodgers

To: Tristan Rodgers
tristan.rodgersATprparchitects.co.uk
Birmingham, England
Fri, 21 Mar 2003

Dear Tristan,
I don't know if I will be able to help you make sense of anything, but if you're willing to share more I'm happy to do anything I can – even if it's only just that you'd like someone to listen.

Sincerely in the Lord Jesus.

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Edwin Rogers

From: Edwin Rogers
edwin_rogersATlineone.net
Gidea Park, Romford, Essex, England
Thu, 12 Feb 2004

Dear Gordon,
I have had recent discussion with Laurie Twinam regarding your interest in posting some of my late father's bible notes material on the 'My Brethren' website.

I gave Laurie the OK to let you know that I had no objection to the paper on 'How the Bible Reached Us' being used.

Your interest comes as an answer to prayer because I had been wondering what could be done with his considerable range of material, which had involved such hard work and prayer to produce.

I would be happy to scan the material and edit it for transmission to you but this will of course have to be fitted into a generally busy schedule and would take an extended time to complete in total.
However the best approach would be for you to indicate what you felt you could make of use of and to prioritise what I should concentrate on.
I have attached a summary of topics that he covered in his notes.
Would you please indicate how it would be best to proceed further, should that indeed be your wish.

With love in our Lord Jesus, Edwin Rogers.

To: Edwin Rogers
Mon, 16 Feb 2004

Dear Edwin,
Thank you for your email and your kind agreement that some of your father's Bible notes be posted on 'My Brethren', and for the summary of topics.

I expect that 'The way that the Holy Scriptures have reached us' will appear shortly as the introductory article on our newest page History: The Bible which will feature JND's translation.

Most of the other material – valuable as it indeed is – does not appear to support the objectives of MB in presenting the "history and ministry" of the brethren.

However, we believe that the general nature of your father's work would be of great help and appeal to many, and deserves its own dedicated web site.

With your approval and as the Lord enables us, we are ready to provide and maintain such a dedicated web site, based on your father's work and operated on the same policies which govern MB.

We say "based on" for several reasons:

It appears that – though the notes cover a great many subjects – your father was unable to complete it, and therefore some suitable supplementary material may be needed to round out the site.
The few author and source names on the summary, suggest that some of the articles would be 'copyright' and we only publish material in the public domain, as are almost all of brethren's writings.
Also, we only publish articles by brethren known to have supported the recovery of the truth.

Therefore we would not be comfortable posting some articles.
However we can see that the wide range of subjects is important, and we would therefore make every attempt to find similar articles to replace any that we might not include.

Please understand that we do not want to offend you and are not in any way criticising your father – whom we respect both as a brother and a labourer – we are just being true to our own consciences.

If the above approach is satisfactory to you, we are ready to begin work.
Your readiness to scan and edit as you are able is appreciated as – like yourself – we are both fairly heavily occupied, Jeff in his employment, and both of us in seeking to extend MB.
It seems best if we receive articles in order of the groups, A-R, and to see all articles.
It is possible that scanning help may also be available for some of MB's guests.

We would also like to post a brief biographical sketch of your father with dates, family, localities, employment etc.

If not already in his first issue, it would be good to have some remarks on his exercise and how the work proceeded.
Also for convenience and simplicity we would like if possible to reduce the number of groups A-R once we have seen the actual group titles.
The format we use for MB is simple and can be easily adapted to present the notes. As an example I attach a suggested 'home page' based on MB's.

We don't want to appear difficult or rigid, but think it's best to clarify what we can do so that there are no later misunderstanding on either side.

We are looking forward to your reply and working with you, and welcome your comments pro or con. Perhaps you could send any future email to both Jeff and me.

Affectionately in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Edwin Rogers
Sat, 21 Feb 2004

Dear Gordon,
Thank you for your reply which I have read with interest. Your offer to provide and maintain a web-site dedicated to my father's work is appreciated.

In that connection I sincerely respect your views about site content etc. but I have to say they give me some concerns.
I am not at all sure what you mean by the statement about only publishing articles by brethren known to have supported the recovery of the truth. I know what the stock brethren answer is but not specifically what you mean by it.

I want to be true to my father's beliefs that were essentially non-sectarian in character. This was born out of his distress of heart over the excesses of what came out of excusive brethrenism.

His research and personal papers were the result of his own prayerful studies as before the Lord and the single minded desire to base what he said on scripture in a fair and non-brethren biased way.
I know therefore that he would not wish them to be linked with any control or editing from which others might infer that he would have supported the exclusion of companion articles from any other true believer in the Lord Jesus just because they were not from the 'approved brethren' background.
I appreciate of course that some 'doorkeeping' exercise is necessary when publishing articles and the publisher must be true to their conscience as before the Lord to avoid that which would dishonour His name or could be misconstrued. My son Julian and his widow agree with my feelings in this regard.
I am in no way going back on the permission I gave to publish the article on the history of the scriptures – I see that as a special case.
What I am saying is that I need more time to pray about creating a separate web-site along the lines of your suggestion. So please bear with me whilst I do that.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Edwin Rogers.

To: Edwin Rogers
Mon, 10 May 2004

Dear Edwin,
I apologize for not having acknowledged your last email long before this, but I won't trouble you with the hindrances to answering.

Having reviewed your email again it seems that it would be best to leave the matter.

We apparently – and perhaps understandably – approach things from a slightly different outlook and I doubt that either of us want to enter into a debate.
I think I understand your position on use of your father's notes.
Our stand on what we post is set out on 'My Brethren' in several places.

We do appreciate your brotherliness in considering our proposition and trust our offer has not caused you or your family any distress.

If you ever do decide to open your own web site for your father's notes, please let us know and we will be glad to give any help we can.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Edwin Rogers
Sat, 15 May 2004

Dear Gordon,
Many thanks for your brotherly email and, as you say, I agree that it is best to leave matters as they are.

No distress of any kind has arisen … it was simply that as I considered the implications further I did not feel comfortable about going further.
However, if at any time you feel that you would like to include any other specific material of my fathers on your web-site then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Edwin.

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David Rulapaugh

To: David Rulapaugh
rulerpawATnetzero.net
Simpsonville, SC, USA
Wed, 6 Nov 2002

Dear David,
Welcome to 'My Brethren'. Below is the hymn you asked about. It is taken from the 1973 edition of 'Hymns and Spiritual Songs for the Little Flock', No. 122. [Text not shown here.]

I hope you will return and sample some of the fine ministry on MB and, if you are free, share your background with us.

In the Lord, Gordon.

From: David Rulapaugh
Thu, 7 Nov 2002

Dear Brother Gordon,
Thank you for your speedy and gracious reply. I did browse your website for a few minutes, and will return. I praise the Lord for those who stand for truth and righteousness in this day of decline. May we be found on the "firing line" when our Lord returns.

In Christ, David Rulapaugh.

From: David Rulapaugh
Tue, 17 Dec 2002

Dear Friends,
When I opened my email this morning, I was shocked to find that someone has taken my email address to promote porn. I hate porn! And I despise the person who has had the audacity to misuse my name.

If anyone gets an offer for porn with my name attached, please be assured that it did not originate with me. If you know how to put a tracer on it to find the culprit, I would be deeply grateful.

Sincerely, Dave Rulapaugh.

To: David Rulapaugh
Wed, 18 Dec 2002

Dear Dave,
Thanks for your notice. No such mail has been received here. I had the same problem with my address some time ago but my ISP said there was no way to stop it.

Let us take courage from Paul's "much endurance … through evil report and good report", 2 Cor. 6: 4, 8.

In our Lord, Gordon.

From: David Rulapaugh
Thu, 18 Dec 2002

Dear Brother Gordon,
Thanks for the reassuring reply regarding the misuse of my email.

December 25th is my spiritual birthday. I had the privilege of being born into a godly family.

Our home was one where the Word of God was commonly discussed at the table. I learned many verses by memory at the instruction of both my mother and my father.
Not only was the Word of God read and discussed, but it was practiced. Separation from the world and unto the Lord was lived on a daily basis.
Both my father and mother were very careful to make me understand that I must come to trust Christ as my Saviour. I was not saved because of merely being born into a Christian home.
I came under deep conviction early in life. Fifty-three years ago, this coming Christmas Day, I received the "unspeakeable gift".
I thank the Lord for His grace. He saved me from sin, and by His grace, I know little of this world's sin by personal experience.
And, I am thankful He sees fit to use me for His glory as a witness of His salvation.

I trust all of the "brethren" are rejoicing in our Saviour and soon coming King.

In Christ, Dave Rulapaugh.

To: David Rulapaugh
Fri, 19 Dec 2002

Dear Dave,
Thanks for sharing your family background and spiritual experience. I'm sure this will be of interest to other guests.

We will always be glad to hear from you.

In our Lord Gordon.

Your guest entries and messages will show that
the continuation of My Brethren is important to you.

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