Meeting With the Muslims

A public discussion of some note to believers is quickly approaching. I thought that I might use this coffee table this week to offer one of the speakers a shameless plug. Andrew Roberts is a friend of mine as well as a brother and I recommend his efforts to be worthwhile, biblical, and worthy of your support and encouragement. Below are the details from Andrew.

*******************************************************************************

This is Andrew Roberts. I preach with the Jackson Heights church of Christ in Columbia, TN. I have some news that I think would interest your readers and so I wanted to share it with you, in the hopes it might make the pages of your publications. If not, would you please consider forwarding the news on to your contact lists or facebook or websites, blogs, etc. I’m trying to get the word out about it and I’m confident that brethren would be interested in praying about this and perhaps attend.

I don’t know your formats, so I’ll give you the facts.

Who: Andrew Roberts, Christian, minister of Jackson Heights church of Christ and Sohail Chaudhry, Muslim, Imam of Islamic Center of Morgantown

What: Public Discussion of Islam and Christianity

When: April 15 – 16, 6 PM

Where: West Virginia University Campus, Morgantown, WV

Topics:

April 15, 2013, 6 PM: Two World Religions, Two Books (The Bible & the Qur'an) Are they the same? What is the difference?

    April 16, 2013, 6 PM: The Christian view of Jesus & the Islamic view of Jesus. Are they the same?

                                                               What is the difference?

Each participant will have equal time for their presentation. After presentations, there will be a Q & A with the audience.

Cost: FREE to attend

For more information, contact:

Alan Williamson of the Glen Oaks church of Christ in Morgantown, WV (304) 376-7255, alaninrom@yahoo.com

Andrew Roberts of the Jackson Heights church of Christ in Columbia, TN (931) 388-6811, aroberts@thebibleway.org

Spiritbuilding News

OK, OK, I'm still trying to get back to this place on a regular basis so I thought sharing some news might be a good way t start. I"m going to save the big news for my next shot at this blog...how's that for motivation... but in the meantime here's my share.

Spiritbuilding was once more invited by great gals, Lynda Davenport and Ann Moses to set up shop at the Brentwood Ladies Weekend at Mongomery Belle State Park in Burns, TN. This is an annual event set up by the previously aforementioned ladies with lodging, meals, and speakers Friday night and Saturday. They do an outstanding job. What a pleasure it is to spend the weekend at a beautiful lodge, with great amenities, and with wonderful people. All the ladies that visited the store are always so kind (especially as we were breaking in our new PayPal smartphone swiper) and we even got to visit with some of our Spiritbuilding authors as well as visit the good church in Dickson on the Lord's Day.

All in all it was a pleasurable once again for my helper Lorna, who got to attend some good lectures, and for Spiritbuilding. Thanks ladies.

Below are some views of the Montgomery Belle State Park set up.

Don't forget to check back in soon for some really big news from Spiritbuilding Publishing. I'll try and start making this a habit if you will, deal? :-)  Let's get together for another cup soon.      

Democrats, Where has Your Party Gone?

I must say as I start this cup of joe, that this is NOT a plug for Republicans. That’s not my point, not my goal, and not what this is about. I have my own problems with the GOP. BUT, (there’s always one of those “buts” isn’t there.) Democrats are digging toward a new low.

What’s my point? Consider, if you will, the many references to faith from the Republican convention. References to God, faith, and moral strength abounded throughout the stories, testimonies, and remembrances. And I might add that such references were made unabashedly and unashamedly. Now contrast that with the Democrats who felt it necessary to take the name of God OUT OF THEIR PLATFORM. No dependency, no humility, no appeal to anyone higher than themselves as they attempt to organize and direct the greatest nation on earth. Kinda reminded me of King Nebuchadnezzar walking on his high and mighty Babylonian wall, overlooking the city and the kingdom, and congratulating himself on what he had done. God taught old Neb. a lesson in humility and perhaps the greatest danger that the Democrats pose for our nation is not the debt crisis or ignoring terrorism or abortion on demand. The greatest danger we might be facing is that the rest of us are standing too close when God chooses to teach them that, “the Lord rules in the kingdoms of men.”

And then, as if it couldn’t get any worse, it did! What they had done was so embarrassing that they had to walk back their removal of God’s name from the platform. In a sham of a vote on this “walk back” they had to ask the delegates to vote THREE TIMES. And I am here to tell you that  according to the audio of the vote that I heard, THREE TIMES they voted “NO”, don’t put the name of God back in. The “NO’s” had the vote, and the chairperson overruled them with a bogus ruling and just declared that by a two thirds majority, they had voted “yes.” It just wasn’t true. The worst part though was what happened then. The clear majority, the “no” voters, actually “boo’ed” the ruling. They boo’ed God’s name even being included in the Democratic platform. Was this a muslim contingent in the party who serve Allah, not Jehovah? Was this the homosexual lobby or the feminist organizers who a long time ago parted ways with God? No, my friend, these were the delegates, the representatives, the common people who were chosen to go to the convention by their local organizations. Exalt Mr. Obama and boo God’s name. hmmmm. Sounds like another group in the New Testament who exalted Mr. Herod as a God and he too was willing to accept the adulation.

It is one thing to have a difference of opinion on the methods of government. Liberalism and the progressives who advocate it DO have logical arguments to debate their cause. It is a shame that those arguments will never be heard however over the foul curses from union leaders swearing profanely in front of cameras at CHILDREN speaking on stages. They won’t be heard from the urine smelling, public defecating, criminal acting occupy crowd that received blessings from Mr Obama and top party leaders. And they won’t be heard over the boo’s and catcalls of the ungodly who cannot even stand the name of God to be mentioned in their party platform. Really? Boo’ing God’s name?

Again, without advocating the GOP at all because they have their own problems, Democrats, is this the party you want to put your name, money, and vote to?

All Finished Up Here

Dobraya Ootra,

That's the phonetic spelling, not the actual, for Good Evening. Although it's about 2:30 at home, it's about 9:30 here and things are winding down we finish packing for the evening and get ready to get up at 3 so we can taxi to the airport and catch the seven o'clock flight out. Everyone seems to be tired, excited to be heading home, and sad to leave, all at the same time.. We look forward to seeing all of you soon.

Thursday was the last study that I spoke at here in Moscow where I answered some questions that have arisen over the difference between the local and the universal church, and the responsibilities that follow that distinction.

 Dasha was wearing her new top and shoes for school that the young people at Anderson helped to purchase for her to help her get read way for school. By the way, she passed her first test today to place her in another school. It seems that she is tops in her school and needs more of a challenge so she is testing into a new school over the next couple weeks.

 Shannon spoke Friday evening on the blessings that Christians have that should enable them to rejoice in any circumstances. Vernon preached on Sunday and answered more questions, but I'll leave that analysis to his facebooking since I wasn't present. The Shaffers and the McMurrays went back to Tula by train Sunday morning so that we could be there to worship at the evening service. We're getting to be old hands at this train business. Here's a peek at how some of us pass the three hour train ride to and from Tula.

The worship went well with the four steady saints, Eugene and Nina Resnikoff, Vallia, and Vera. I  decided to change lessons and went again over the local versus universal church material and it was well received here also. Here's a shot of your's truly in preaching mode.

 

The open hearts of these saints was seen in that they picked up material from reading the scriptures that I hadn't even talked about and expressed great appreciation for the teaching. It was a good day, although a long one, and a sad one as tears were again exchanged at parting. The seemed to and expressed appreciation that we had come and encouraged them so much toward "ressurecting" (Eugene's words) the church in Tula. We were up early to catch the early train back to Moscow on Monday morning. Sharing the car with us was a family traveling together, perhaps coming back from a vacation at the Black Sea. The two Russian cuties entertained us and most of the folks on the train for awhile it seemed.

That's about it until we reach home and I can make a full report of our efforts and plans for the future, with your prayers and God's help. I'll leave you with two more examples of russian parking just to prove to you that this is acceptable over over here. That last pic was not just a fluke. Dasvedanye comrades, and slava Boga.

Back in Moscow Again

Good Morning All,

Although it just after noon here in Moscow, I know it's about 4am back at home. Obviously we made it back to Moscow safely. We did try to get on the wrong train in Tula but the car manager was having none of it and told us in no uncertain terms (although we couldn't understand a word of it) that we were NOT getting on her train car. With a little more questioning from other passengers though we managed to figure out which train we had tickets for and get all settled in safely in plenty of time for leaving. Last time we just made it with Shannon running along and throwing his suitcase up the train steps as it was rolling along. This time was much calmer and the ride was pleasant and uneventful -  just the way we like it.    Below is a view of Red Square with the Kremlin on the right.... just because I'm talking about Moscow again.

Wednesday, as we got back to Moscow, I called Alex and Natasha and invited them to the hotel to have dinner with us. We were tired from the trip and didn't really feel like leaving the hotel to eat and the Sereogins don't have much chance to get out for a very nice sit-down meal in a nice restaraunt so I think it worked out well for everybody.  Below is Dasha and Elijah as they were waiting with their parents in the lobby for all of us to come down and go to dinner.

Alex has been having trouble getting his new MacBook to conncect up with his internet Wi-Fi but he finally got it working while we were in Tula with a little help from his friendly Mac tech. Same with his IPad. Since they were now working, however, he brought his IPad along to dinner and afterwards we all went up to the rooms where it was a little quieter so that Shannon could share some downloadable Bible research sites as well as some read-only sites that Alex can now use to help him in his studies. Can you spell "Tech toys for boys"?

While the guys surfed the internet for awhile the ladies chatted each other up.

Even Susan got in on it, although she pretended to be a little camera shy here.

Yesterday, Thursday, everyone wanted to take a few hours and play the shopping tourist for a bit before our evening study meeting at the Sereogins. While the Shaffers went to Arbot Street, the Whites/McMurrays went to the GUM (prononuced goom) across the square from the Kremlin. Originally built as a stockade in the 1500's to protect traders, the building that now stands was built in the 1800's and except for a few years when Lenin turned it into an office building it has remained a center for retail sales up to thre present. It is three floors high and three aisles wide and packed with designer names and you can imagine how we stocked our baggage full of $800 skirts, $1000 shoes, $500 jeans and $300 baby outfits for our granddaughter.... NOT!  :-)  Here's a limited view of the place anyway.

Last evening Shannon led the study at Alex's while Lorna and I visited with my brother whom I haven't seen in a couple years, since he was incountry visiting my parents one New Years. We had a nice dinner at a Ukranian Restaraunt near his flat and I did my regular duty of reminding him that he is out of service to the Lord and could be of great benefit to the church in Moscow if only he would see his way clear to straighten out his attitude. He reminded me that this was the same sermon he heard from me 16 years ago (and every visit since), but I continue to hold out hope for him. I suppose it's just becasue he's my brother and I love him. He and his Russian wife, Lyuba, are always very kind to us, however, and will do anything to help us if needed, while we are on the ground here. 

I suppose that I should get to my studies now since I am leading the study this evening. Our plan is for the Shaffers and McMurrays to take the train to Tula Sunday morning to be there to rent the conference hall in the hotel for the evening service once more. Vernon and Susan will hold the fort down here in Moscow and Vernon will speak here while I speak in Tula. Monday the train should bring us all back together again, and Tuesday early, we are supposed to fly out. This trip is quickly coming to an end and details about continued work at home partnering with the Christians here is being gathered. I appreciate so much the contact that many have made with the group telling us of your prayers and thoughts on our behalf.

Note to Steve Dunn...thanks for picking up my bike and you better NOT have tried to peg the needle on that speedometer. lol

Note to Sarah, my favorite daughter... silly girl, FaceTime is the apple equivalent of Skype only it takes less bandwidth so the contact is better. I can't seem to use so much of my communication here, but I can use my IPod Touch for facetime. Download it girl, onto your Mac. My facetime contact is the same as my email. Enter it in and give me a call.

Good Tuesday am all,

 This will have to be a quick one. We're still in Tula for a few more minutes and I've borrowed Shannon's computer again. We'll be heading to the train station in just a few. Last nites study was as good as the others we have had here in Tula. Saints here seemed to really enjoy meeting, studying, asking questions and expressed sadness each time that our time was up and our study was over. We're heading to Moscow today to spend a little more time with Alex and Natasha. Four us will come back on Sunday to meet with the saints in Tula one last time.

Above is our little study group the evening Shannon taught. This group actually was missing two or three who said they would try to be present. but was increased over Sunday with the addition of Vera, another member of the church here who has been missing.

Just to prove the point that some things never change, I'll share with you a couple pics before I go. The first one is our group of six using the elevator in the hotel that seems sized for two. Snuggely? Ohh yeah.

The other is the statue of Lenin (big Bob) here in Tula. He missed being torn down in the nineties in this retirement town for Communist Officers and still commands attention on the square here in front of the Tula "White House." Yep, that's Lorna in front of it just to give you a little perspective on his stature.

Got to run now, got a train to catch. Tune back in for another cup of Red Russian Coffee and leave replies if you would like to.. Dasvedanya comrades.

Notes From Tula, Russia

It's Monday evening here in Tula. Shannon is resting while Dana does laundry. Vernon is on Expedia getting us set up with rooms in the hotel in Moscow for Wednesday night and following. Lorna is napping and I'm on Shannon's computer trying to get this blog to work. I've already gone through email withdrawal as I have found it impossible to access my account for mail, through the internet connections. Sigh. Writing this blog is my e-methadone fix I suppose.

Saturday Alex Sereogin assisted us in getting train tickets to Tula and by mid morning we were on the road, or perhaps I should say, on the tracks. The car was empty, the ride was smooth and quiet, and what is usually a stop and start ride for over three hours turned into a pleasant 2.5 hour express trip. Below you can observe how we relaxed in transit.

 

 

 As I stated above the ride was pleasant and we arrived in Tula and took taxi'x to the hotel and got settled in short order. Misha (Michael) had said to call him when we arrived and he would be glad to help us so call we did. He came over with Sasha (Alexander Masleninakoff (sp?)) and helped us contact Eugene for a meeting. By the time we lunched at McDonalds, met with Misha and Sasha, made phone calls for meeting with Eugene and called all the contacts we had in Tula to invite them to Sunday worship, and arranged to rent the conference room to meet in it was just about time for a snack and back to our rooms to collapse.

 

The meeting with Eugene and his wife Nina came off famously. We met downtown at the Paradise Mall in the food court which on Sunday morning was deserted so we had the place to ourselves. Eugene outline a brief history of the church in Tula and it's problems. It appears that in the beginning of 2011 there was an economic "crisis" that hit this area when prices for everything skyrocketed and many lost their jobs at the same time. This caused a number of the saints to have to leave the area looking for work while at the same time the rent kept getting raised on the meeting place where the saints worshipped until those that were left simply couldn't afford it. Between the discouragement of the economics of the city, the Christians leaving till only the poor pensioners were left (with just a couple of men with jobs), and losing their meeting place this groups of saints gave in and gave up. Several are still in contact with one another and others we contacted were happy to hear we were in town and wanted to come to the meetings, but as a rule the church has not been meeting together in Tula for about eighteen months. 

Eugene is an ex-military man and well traveled with his job. He has observed growing church works in other countries and would love to see that happen in Tula. I'll share more of that plan for church growth when I return home but we were struck by his desire to pull the church back together and grow as God's kingdom, exercising a good influence and sharing the gospel in this "small town" of about a million souls. Below is the conclusion to our meeting in the food court with Eugene and Nina.Yes, that's Eugene in the middle in the red sailor shirt with his wife Nina on one side and Sasha our friend,  brother and translator on the other.

Worship went well Sunday evening as Eugene showed up with songbooks, communion ware, juice and bread. Sasha translated the service and as well, we were joined by Vallia, one of the Christians in Tula. There were three or four others who were out of town or scheduled elsewhere who expressed their desire to be present but we were happy for the church in  Tula, if only four of them, to meet and praise God and begin to think and plan about how they can re-coup, re-group, and renew their service to the Lord. Below is our Sunday evening worship group.

At this time were are also scheduled to have open Bible studies this evening, Monday, and tomorrow evening here in the hotel where we have rented a conference room. Our plans tentetively are to head back to Moscow on Wednesday to spend a little more time with Alex and Natasha and then for some of us to be in Tula for our last Lord's day here and some of us to be in Moscow. Monday we regroup and Tuesday we fly out.

I'll share some of the serious and not-so-serious things we are seeing and doing, next time. But, I will leave you with this view of Russian inventiveness. If the parking space is too small or you just never learned to parallel park perhaps you can take lessons from the parking job of this guy below. Dadvedanya comrades. Leave replies if you would wish.