February 9, 2010

Number 6

VIEWPOINT

These are some of the frivolous lawsuits filed by convicted prisoners across the United States (which are subsidized by taxpayers).

~ An inmate, calling himself a sports fanatic, complained that, as a result of cruel and unusual punishment, he was forced to miss the NFL playoffs—especially the “classic “ between Miami and San Diego, San Diego and Pittsburgh, and Dallas and San Francisco. (Arkansas)

~ An inmate complained because his meal allegedly was in poor condition. He claims his sandwich was soggy and his cookie was broken. (Brittaker v. Rowland)

~ An inmate who murdered five people sued after lightning knocked out the prison’s TV satellite dish and he had to watch network programs, which he said contained violence, profanity, and other objectionable material. (Jackson v. Barton)

~ An inmate sued to be given Reeboks, Adidas, Pony, or Avia hightops rather than the inferior brand sneakers issued by the prison. (Brown v. Singletary)

~ An inmate sued for not receiving his scheduled parole hearing, though he was out on escape when the hearing was to be held. (Young v. Murphy)

~ An inmate sued because he was required to eat off of a paper plate. (Procup v. Strickland, et al)

~ An inmate sued because he didn’t like his mail being stamped in a way that indicated it was being sent from a state prison (California)

~ An inmate who was a murderer sued for $25,000, claiming a “defective” haircut resulted in lost sleep, headaches, and chest pains. (New York)

We get quite a different picture of a prisoner in the New Testament by the name of Paul. While he wasn’t afraid to demand his rights (Acts 22:25; 25:11), neither was Paul one to whine and complain and mope while in prison (and he hadn’t even committed a crime!). Listen to this positive statement which came from Paul’s pen as he sat in chains:

"Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. . . . . And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice" (Philippians 1:12-14, 18b).

This passage is an encouragement to me in those times when it seems that life is treating me unfairly. If Paul could maintain such a positive spirit and joy in the midst of such difficulty, surely I can do the same. There is much to be thankful for!

“Father, help me to truly understand that what matters most in life is not being comfortable, being stress-free, or even being treated fairly. What matters most is that I am living in a way that brings you the glory and draws others around me closer to you. Please help me to do that. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Mission Updates

Pacific Islands

THE CALENDAR FOR WORK IN 2010.  The normal daily activities consist of:  Setting up PIBC courses with local brethren in each country and location, making hotel and rental vehicle reservations for PIBC ' instructors in each country and location, corresponding to encourage churches and brethren who are facing problems or challenges, studying and writing, and many more works keep me busy daily. We will be working in:

Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands teaching Pacific Islands Bible College (PIBC) courses nightly, a weekend workshop for edifying the church, daily teaching and encouraging members, teaching and preaching on Sundays.

Majuro, Marshall Islands teaching a PIBC course nightly, a weekend workshop for edifying the church, daily teaching and encouraging members, teaching and preaching on Sundays.

Leone, American Samoa visiting weak and struggling Christians, Bible studies with non-Christians, and conducting a Gospel Meeting.

Labasa, Savausavu, and Nabouwalu, Fiji Islands visiting these congregations to edify and strengthen the body of Christ in these places.

Funafuti, Tuvalu doing much evangelistic work such as giving out tract packets and enrolling people in Bible correspondence courses, studying with Christians to encourage and strengthen them, and conducting a group Bible study nightly. 

Easter Island where I will be taking Josh Blackmer and Troy Spradlin on our first trip to evangelize this island country with the goal of planting the Lord's church there. – Robert and Mary Martin

Georgia Outreach

The church in Wayne County has undergone very trying times in the past and is presently faced with the task of reviving the congregation whose doors have been closed for around two years.

When Highway 84 was to be widened the church received some revenue from the state.  It was decided in a meeting and recorded in their notes that these funds were to be used to upgrade, renovate and refurbish their building. 

We found the building in great need of repair.  But with the help of many of the church members from Villa Rica, the project was by year’s end nearing completion.  It has been my privilege to speak for the small group that has been recruited while the renovation of the property was underway. 

In early October we set aside a week from the work in Jesup to conduct a campaign for the church in East Point.  While in the campaign at East Point Ephraim Robinson, son of Jimmy Robinson who is an elder at East Point, and who worked diligently in the door to door evangelistic efforts, expressed an interest in moving to Jesup to work with them.

We have known Ephraim since he was a young lad, have been acquainted with his wife Regina who was a faithful worker in the Lord’s vineyard in South Georgia before we introduced her to Ephraim Robinson of East Point.  – Robert W. Gray

Massena, New York

Last fall we emphasized prayer for our military troops and focused on the needs of veterans and their families.  Some of us spent time interviewing veterans in residence at our local nursing homes.  It was a tremendous honor to visit with some of these veterans and to hear of their struggles, tragedies and soul wounds.  I know they were touched by our interest and expressions of gratitude.  We conducted a special “Prayer for Our Troops” assembly held on Thursday evening of Veteran’s Day at the Massena Veterans Memorial Park.  We worked to make this a community event.  In doing so, we had a retired army chaplain speak to us about the spiritual struggles faced in times of military conflict, by both the military personnel and their families.  Our visiting mission team was able to furnish us with a stack of some 60 prayer cards they had gathered from the community during the week, and three members of our congregation were then able to lead the assembly in lifting up specific names and needs.  The American Legion Color Guard was present to open and close the ceremony.  All indicated that they were deeply honored and eager to participate in such an event again next year should we do this again.

I cannot say that we were successful in baptizing anyone or even initiating a Bible study out of this effort, but the community definitely knows we are here and that we care.   —John and Denise Kashorek