I really don’t know where this came from, but it is quite thought-provoking. If you know the source, feel free to let me know and I will give credit. I reproduce it here for your edification.

“So you’re going to leave?”

“Yes, Dad.  I’ve got to preach to them.  They need the news so badly.  I’ve got to go.”

“It will be different for you, Son.  You may not like it.  They’re not like us there.”

“I know, Dad.”

“You’ll have to live with them.  You’ll have to eat their food.  You’ll have to speak their language.  You’ll have to share in their joys and sorrows, and their pains.”

“I know, Dad, and I’m ready for it.”

“You know their situation isn’t that good.  There’s a lot of political turmoil, the economy is bad, and the people are restless.  They won’t be receptive to spiritual things.  They won’t listen to you.”

“But some will, Dad.  If I don’t go, what will happen to them?”

“I know, Son.  I don’t want any of them to be lost either.  There’s nothing that I’d like more than for them to know the truth and be saved, but you are my son, and I want to be sure that you know what you’re getting yourself into; that you know the sacrifice you’ll have to make, the risks that you be taking, the danger involved.  If you leave me, you’ll be leaving home, comfort, and safety.  It all adds up to your life.  Are you willing to give all of that up?”

“I’m ready, Dad.”

“O.K. Son, go; my love goes with you.”

And Jesus went.

My blogs:
Whitticisms: dwhitsett.wordpress.com
In the Charamon Garden: charamongarden.wordpress.com
Whitsett Carving: whitcarv.wordpress.com
Mission South Pacific: missionsouthpacific.wordpress.com

http://www.themxrecord.com/2009/10/29/the-proof-is-in-the-pudding/

It all seems so simple.  If God is the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe then His will is our command.  And, if he loved the world so much that he allowed the death of the fleshly expression of Himself in His Son, then our response should be loving surrender to His will.  And if the Creator, sustainer and lover of mankind wants all humans to learn of the truth, then there can be no higher purpose or calling than to bring that truth to all humanity.  It is, therefore, safe to conclude that there can be no higher, nobler calling than to be a messenger of truth.  We call such people evangelists and/or missionaries.

If the above is true, then it should not be at all difficult to find fellowships of Christians (who are, after all, the results of someone’s evangelism) willing to support those who have given themselves to this task.  It should be no trouble to support them with all they need to do the work of bringing the truth, the gospel to the cities, towns and villages of this world.

But here’s the reality: there is no more daunting and demeaning task than finding sponsors and raising funds.  This prompts a logical question: Do we really believe in God? Do we really believe those outside of Christ are lost? Are those shocking questions? Okay we believe, but where is the evidence?  It cannot be found in the way we treat those who have sacrificed themselves to become messengers of the love of God.  The proof of belief is in actions that demonstrate it.  Isn’t that what James was talking about in the second chapter of his letter (vs. 14-26)?

The angel who miraculously released the apostles from prison as recorded in Acts 5:19-21 sent them back to the temple to speak to the people, “…the whole message of this life.” World evangelists should keep this in mind.  The message we teach and preach is about this life: here and now (1 Timothy 4:8).  We preach the life of Him who is the Light of Life (John 1:4).  He is the bread of God who gives life to the world (John 6:33).  The life He gives is abundant life…life to the full (John 10:10).  We, and those we immerse into Christ, walk in “newness of life” (Romans 6:4).  Everything having to do with life and godliness has been granted to us, and we pass it on to those we seek and save (2 Peter 1:3).

When the going gets tough (as it surely will) and discouragement threatens to overwhelm you it is good to remember the absolute importance of the message you are bringing to your corner of the world.  It is the message of LIFE!  As missionaries, you have already agreed with Christ that life does not consist of possessions (Luke 12:15).  You would not have chosen to take such a difficult path otherwise. Now, when days are dark and dreary, take heart for the message you proclaim is one of light and hope and life!

Dear Father in Heaven,

Help us to remember that we are messengers of the best news ever to enter the ears of those who hear us. Even though we sometimes find ourselves imprisoned within the cold bars of fatigue and disappointment, send your angels to set us free and to remind us that we are messengers of life and hope and light.

Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life,
Let me more of their beauty see, wonderful words of life.
Sweetly echo the Gospel call, wonderful words of life;
Offer pardon and peace to all, wonderful words of life.
(Words and music: Philip P. Bliss)

My blogs:
Whitticisms: dwhitsett.wordpress.com
In the Charamon Garden: charamongarden.wordpress.com
Whitsett Carving: whitcarv.wordpress.com
Mission South Pacific: missionsouthpacific.wordpress.com

The dirty little secret of missions is that we are sending missionaries all over the world who have not demonstrated the ability to make disciples who can make disciples. Most have not seen or participated in effective models of church-planting or discipleship at home, but we send them out in the hope that going cross-culturally will turn them into effective church planters and disciplers. This is wishful thinking at best, and it has to change. (Rick Wood, “The Key to Discipling all Peoples,” Mission Frontiers, January-February 2011, p. 4, USCWM, 1605 E. Elizabeth St., Pasadena, CA 91104, www.missionfrontiers.org.)

This “dirty little secret” not only indicts the potential missionary but it also incriminates the churches they come from.  The reason so many missionary trainees have not won souls is because their home congregations are evangelistically non-functional.  We need an urgent revolution in the way we operate as individuals and churches.  Here’s how:

1.       Understand that the church’s purpose is to follow Christ as the Body of Christ on earth.  Leaders must especially get this straight.

2.       Understand what Jesus’ mission was because that is our mission – plain and simple.  The leaders’ job is to equip and train the members of their flock for works of service.

3.       Get about the business of serving the community with a view toward gaining their ear as we proclaim the gospel.  Everyone (I mean everyone) can be given a job to do.

The children raised in this atmosphere will not only be aware of the thrill and benefits of evangelism but will most likely have participated in making disciples on some level.

This is not to say that evangelism cannot be learned in situ. But learning to function in another culture, particularly if it involves learning another language, is ordeal enough without the added challenge of learning to make disciples for the first time.  Furthermore, who will be there to equip and train them?  No, the solution to this problem is to be as concerned for lost souls at home as we are for the rest of the world.

My blogs:
Whitticisms: dwhitsett.wordpress.com
In the Charamon Garden: charamongarden.wordpress.com
Whitsett Carving: whitcarv.wordpress.com
Mission South Pacific: missionsouthpacific.wordpress.com

1.      They were Holy Spirit motivated and driven. Too many of us are ignorant of the Spirit’s provision, power and His primary legacy: inspired Scripture. It is within these God-breathed words we will find the answers we seek, not in some book on church growth.

2.      They were not building-oriented. We are. We spend millions on structures we mistakenly call “churches” with a “sanctuary” and classrooms. Try finding that in Scripture!  What a classic misappropriation of time, energy and money!

3.      They did not have a “professional class” or clergy. We do. We spend millions on their salaries and benefits. Then we work the hound out of them. This too is alien to Scripture. As Lisa Sells has written,

…the pastor (“preacher” for us restorationists-DW) is expected to both nurture the mature and win the lost through a one-way monologue (i.e., the weekly sermon-DW).  Then through the week the pastor is expected to satisfy member needs for personal love and concern.

“The result is often a membership that watches the pastor try to do all the ministry as well as a pastor that is overextended and skating on the edge of burnout. (Lisa Sells, “Avery Willis’ Last Dream,” Mission Frontiers, USCWM, 1605 E. Elizabeth St., Pasadena, CA 91104, 626-7971111, www.missionfrontiers.org. January-February 2011, p. 9)

4.      They were not assembly-oriented. We are. Assembly has been called, “The Sunday Morning Show.” It has replaced The Great Commission as the focus of our resources and energies.  Assembly an essential part of our Christian walk but it must not become our major focus.  As Steve Smith wrote,

The Great Commission says we are to go, not invite people to come to us.  We must go to where the lost are, and train the new believers to also go to the lost, into factories, homes, shops and neighborhoods (Steve Smith, “Training for Trainers Process,” Mission Frontiers, January-February 2011, p. 11)

5.      They understood what “making disciples” was and how to do it.  We don’t.  They proclaimed the word, lived the gospel, baptized those who came to belief and taught them to observe all that Jesus commanded.  Those disciples made more disciples who could make disciples and multi-level discipling was born.

6.      They knew that their mission was to follow Christ.  We know it too, but we get distracted by stuff that has nothing to do with our primary mission. They didn’t get involved in peripheral diversions.  Since Jesus came to seek, serve and save the lost, they knew that was their job too.  It’s all right there in the Gospels and the Letters.

It is time to dump the ineffective inventions, innovations, diversions and distractions that have gummed up the simple process of seeking, saving and discipling the lost. It is time to stop wringing our hands in despair and to fill those hands with a copy of Scripture.  It is time to quit looking around wondering what to do and to fill our eyes, mind and heart with the teachings and examples of Jesus and the apostles. There we will find what to do. There we will find the answers to everything.

I arrived home 10 July after three weeks in Australia and New Zealand.  Let me begin by thanking you who helped to make this trip possible.  Nothing happens without your partnership.

Being home in my “other country” was great.  After living in Australia for nearly ten years and making innumerable trips back, I feel very comfortable in this culture.  The trip out and back is difficult (travelling as I do in the “cattle class”) but worth it.  Seeing beloved friends from year past and making new ones was wonderful.  Being able to help churches and Christians there in whatever way I can is deeply gratifying.  In spite of careful planning, I never quite know what will occur when I make trips to the South Pacific.  I try to surrender and respond to whatever the Lord brings my way.

Ron Downey and I had originally planned to make this trip together but due to a visa mix-up he was not able to make it…a great disappointment to us both and many of his friends from his missionary days in Melbourne and Sydney.  However, a follow-up trip is planned for early next year and we should be able to work together then.

A New and Better Plan

The major purpose for this year’s trip was to present a new idea for ministry training in Australia.  This new plan would involve interactive video conferencing, something Sunset International Bible Institute has been doing since 2002.  Interactive Video Conferencing is a means of teaching, mentoring, and training face-to-face even though separated by thousands of miles.  This technology provides the opportunity to do almost anything one would do in person except for actual physical contact.

This state-of-the-art technology allows students in a “remote classroom” to take part in actual classes being taught in a given location.  Students and instructors can interact visibly and audibly through a live broadband internet connection.  Students can see and hear the instructors as they teach, and instructors can in turn see and hear the students thousands of miles away and interact with them as if they were in one location together.

We believe this will work because:

1. Major population centers are widely separated.  A school in one location has proven prohibitive for many potential students to attend.
2. Through classrooms strategically placed in major population centers, students can be taught by highly qualified instructors without the expense and upheaval of having to relocate to another city.
3. Consequently, men and women interested in ministry can study in their own city at their own pace.  Some will be able to study full-time and complete the course of study within two years and others can study while attending to job and family duties.

This plan will hopefully enable us to teach far more men and women than a school located in one location.

Unfortunately, this new initiative involves dissolution of our partnership with Macquarie School of Biblical Studies something that has been quite painful for both partners.  While in Sydney, I had a very difficult meeting w/Macquarie church regarding this dissolution.  The process had not gone well from my side due to a multitude of family concerns.  It would have been far better had I been able to travel to Sydney to handle matters face-to-face.

I met with leaderships and individuals from several congregations to discuss the new possibilities:

• Gosford, north of Sydney)
• Two open meetings in Sydney
• Belmore Road in Melbourne
• Southeast in Melbourne
• Peninsula Church in Frankston (Melbourne area)
• The Point in Brisbane
• Jim Newman in Toowoomba
• Steve Raine in Auckland

Preaching at the Point Church in Brisbane

I also preached for the Peninsula and Point churches.

The response to our new initiative was 100% positive.  What form ministry training will eventually take is up to the folks in Australia and New Zealand.  Sunset will help with curriculum, expertise, advice and counsel, visiting teachers and, of course, encouragement.

While in Brisbane, I was able to have a very pleasant reunion at morning tea with Tom and Rens Bunt (photo next page).  They live close to their daughter and son-in-law, Peter and Hilde Searson.  We had not seen each other for several decades.  They became part of the Lord’s church in 1963 while living in Perth, Western Australia.  In 1977 they became missionaries to Papua New Guinea.  Tom, now in his 80’s, still leads evangelistic teams into the New Guinea bush every other year!  The next trip will be his fourteenth.

It was a pleasure to spend a few days visiting with the SIBI-trained team in Auckland’s suburb of Massey.  We had some great discussions, took in a couple of films and I was able to rest prior to the ordeal of flying back to Abilene.

I cannot express enough appreciation for the hospitality of

• John and Joan Stone in Gosford
• Peter and Marina Gray in Sydney
• Phil and Jo Drew in Melbourne
• Peter and Hilde Searson in Brisbane
• Elijah and Kristen Peters in Auckland.

Small Group Bible Study-Belmore Road, Melbourne

Meeting with The Point Elders: Peter Searson, Michael Evans and Warren Holyoak

Rens and Tom Bunt, veteran missionaries to Papua New Guinea

Graham Wall, Phil Drew, Roger Donnelley and me at a morning discussion group

Brenda and I are very grateful for your continued encouragement, prayers and financial support.  Working together with you, we are bringing the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ to the precious souls of the South Pacific.

Dwight & Brenda Whitsett

The first quarter of 2010 has been eventful, to say the least.  As most of you know, we moved my mother and father from Brownwood to Abilene in August of last year when my father fell and broke his other hip.  His health continued to deteriorate primarily due to congestive heart failure and, of course, old age.  He passed away peacefully in his sleep early on March 8^th.  Aside from some medium dementia, Mom is in relatively good health and lives in assisted living at Wisteria Place here in Abilene.  We are so grateful to have her close.

If you have lost a parent, you know about the hard, sometimes complicated, work of settling the estate, selling the house, notifying the appropriate people, etc.  Additionally, we are taking care of paying all the bills, medical and funeral expenses.  Thankfully, the estate will take care of most expenses.  I am fortunate to have a brother who is more than willing to share these responsibilities.

Brenda’s health continues to be a concern.  A doctor we work with in Euless (Texas) has been able to relieve her Fibromyalgia but so many of her difficulties remain a mystery to her physicians.  She was recently hospitalized as a result of extreme, unrelenting fatigue.  They found a buildup of lactic acid but still do not know why.  She also had a seriously low potassium level requiring IV supplements.  She quickly recovered her strength and was able to return home in three days.

The Work Goes On

I have learned to work long-distance!  I am thankful for the technology enabling me to continue my efforts in the South Pacific and teach some of my classes via the internet.  In the meantime, Ron Downey and I have been meeting and corresponding regarding our work in Asia and the South Pacific.  We have a trip to Australia and New Zealand pending sometime in June to sort out some of the challenges that arise in the process of recruiting and training men and women for the work of proclaiming the gospel, teaching the scriptures and equipping for service.  Some fairly drastic changes are contemplated and we ask your prayers as we search for the best course.  We need strength and resolve to do what is needed and especially wisdom from above.

On the local scene, I have also been teaching an adult class at University Church of Christ in Abilene (our home congregation) for the last three quarters and will be preaching for the Sunday evening assembly May 30^th.

Reunion

Seeing former students is always a joy.  Three of the teams that you and I helped train attended the Missions Resource Network benefit dinner April 16th.  I am so proud of them and their commitment.  Several team members have secured support and sponsoring congregations and are ready to move to their fields.  During the dinner they were called to the stage, recognized individually and given a charge.  One of our students, Robin Vick (Scotland Team) gave a response and the entire group was prayed for.  I wish each of you who have supported us with your dollars and prayers could have been there to see the fruit of our partnership.

Teams trained by SIBI, MRN and others take the stage as the Dallas Missions Resource Network dinner

It was also good to be reunited with other members of the first staff of Missions Resource Network.  Pictured left to right (in both pictures), Bob and Gina Waldron, Yours Truly, Jamie Ballard Brunner and Alan Phillips.  Bob will be retiring as Executive Director on June 30^th, Jamie is married and has two children and Alan continues with MRN as Associate Director.

Brenda and I are so very grateful for your continued support, prayers and encouragement. Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers (3 John 2).

Most of the readers of this newsletter are aware our reports have been delayed by Brenda’s recent medical problems. Those on our email list you have been able to follow this unfolding story.  The first part of this newsletter is for those who receive these reports by regular mail.

On March 26^th I wrote:

Dear Friends,

It is with deep regret that I am canceling this year’s trip to Australia which was to begin April 14^th. To paraphrase the apostle, we wanted to come to you—I and Brenda, more than once–and yet Satan hindered us. I will miss seeing my friends and working with the churches.  There are several things that make the trip inadvisable.  I will try to list them in some order of importance.

1. Brenda’s health.  This reason alone would be enough.  As most of you know she has been struggling the last several years forcing me to make my yearly trip without her.  Her problems have become acute lately and we are making an intense effort to find help.  This is, of course, expensive and time-consuming.  I will be devoting all possible resources to this challenge.  Our goal is to get her well enough to make future trips with me.  She has much to offer through her teaching and wisdom.
2. Funding.  When I bought tickets for the trip this year, I once again had to tap our savings.  This, obviously, has a limit and that has been reached.  Funds must be raised for this trip and I have simply not had the time to devote to this effort.  I am already deeply in debt for previous trips and cannot add to this problem.
3. Response from Australian churches.  As you know one of my Mission South Pacific strategies is to work with established churches.  This year, two churches invited us to hold workshops.  A couple of others asked us to preach on Sundays.  In addition there was a short teaching opportunity with MSOBS. This really isn’t enough to justify the expense. There was just too much “down time.”  No doubt, other opportunities would arise after my arrival (they always do as you can gather from past reports), but logistics would be difficult and expensive.  On the other hand, response has been quite good for Jerry Tallman’s workshops and he is willing to make the trip without me.  We are deeply grateful for that.
4. Personal business matters.  Family difficulties have trumped personal business matters and they need to be dealt with.  I will be devoting a great deal of time to catching up with these.

April 23^rd I have been so involved in serving (Brenda’s) needs and a search for medical help that I have not been able to send our regular reports.  Thank you for your patience in this regard and your continued concern for my beloved wife.

At this writing Brenda is in the hospital for pain-control, observation and tests.  Today, the second endoscope revealed a duodenal ulcer which was cauterized.  This had penetrated a nerve deep in the tissue and was bleeding accounting for at least some of the abdominal pain.

I want to thank all who wrote encouraging notes when I announced I was canceling my trip this year.  We remain deeply grateful for your prayers and expressions of love and concern during these trials.

May 5^th First of all let me express our gratitude for all the prayers, encouragement and support that serve to remind us that God works through His people to comfort, strengthen and encourage.  This is one of the most valuable things about being in fellowship with God’s people. 

We feel optimistic about the future and envision a time when Brenda will be back to optimal health.  We are deeply grateful for the interest and prayers of all our friends, family and colleagues.

May 12^th I wish you who know her could see Brenda now…the change is amazing!  More color, more energy, etc.  (We are addressing her primary immune deficiency with gamma globulin injections every 21 days.

She also has a large hiatus hernia which has caused stricture of the esophagus…all of which, including taking too many ibuprofen and aspirins for her fibromyalgia (yes, that too!) probably caused the ulcer…we now have hope that she will become well enough to function fairly normally…and…can eventually resume attending assembly and activities she excels in such as teaching, sewing and having folks in for meals, etc.  I am excited that she will eventually be able to travel with me to the South Pacific.

Once again, we are so grateful for the help received.  Your prayers have been highly valued and deeply appreciated.  University church (our congregation) has been, and continues to be very encouraging and supportive.  How wonderful to be part of the family of God!

Recruiting and Training Mission Teams

Ipswitch Team

Sunday night worship with Matt, Tish and Jennica (Greg is out-of-town)

Brenda and I continue to work with this team of ACU graduates moving to Australia in January 2010.  What a great group of young men and women!  They are very serious about their preparation…but they are also serious about having fun.  They meet together every Sunday evening (when not out searching for support) with us and the Greens for a time of fellowship, mentoring, planning and worship.

SIBI School of Missions

Beginning in August, the Sunset School of Missions will host the largest advanced missions class in our history. As Dean of Missions, Kevin Haynes writes, “We are excited as twenty plus people, forming four or more teams, have placed themselves into our hands for teaching, training, and preparation for the mission field.” Your support enables us to continue this essential work.

Training Men and Women in their Own Country

From Academic Dean, Ted Paull: Again this year we have been blessed by teaching help from Sunset International Bible Institute (operated by the Sunset church of Christ in Lubbock, Texas, USA). Last year we had Ed Wharton and John Massie visiting and this year Jerry & Connie Tallman visited. Jerry spends about 3 months each year teaching at Sunset and the rest of the year visiting churches for evangelistic training. The Tallmans sold their home and bought a mobile home to be able to do this work with minimum cost to these churches.  The classes taught on evangelism here at the school were certainly worthwhile.

Full-time students get in-class opportunities to teach and preach and are also involved in evangelism as part of one class, often teaching 2-3 times per month for churches and camps throughout NSW, Victoria and Queensland. Occasionally they go together to assist a congregation in preaching teaching and leading worship on Sunday. They did this for the Eastside church in Sydney on May 17. These activities contribute greatly to their training.

The students always look forward to not having the regular teachers, because that means meeting irregular (new) brethren.  The classes were greatly enhanced this past year by having Ed Wharton, John Massey and Marvin Ancell present special sessions. In addition to Jerry Tallman teaching in Evangelism, David Carr, Peter Tickner, Bob Marks and Roy Courtney continue doing a superb job supporting and encouraging this work in many ways, including their teaching.

From Administrative Director, Craig Peters:

This was the first year to be with the school from start to finish.. It was a bit different starting the school year in February … but whereas that’s winter where I come from … it is Summer BBQ and Beach time down here.  Since then, we have had Graham Wall graduate and Dan Bray return to the school. Our two third year students are mapping out their next couple of years of Ministry and at least one couple (The Andrew Giles family) are planning to enroll part-time later this year.

We finished our Monday night series “Renewal with Romans” a few weeks ago and have plans to start a new series in August. We enjoyed an average of 20 in each of these lessons. It makes us feel good to offer something that seems helpful.

In addition to their studies each week, each student is deeply involved in their home congregation. They often teach, preach and help with evangelistic efforts.  They are often quite busy when school is not in session as well.  Each of our third year students is working on a ministry plan that includes both local work and missions.  A great portion of their studies is intended to prepare them for the obstacles they may face.  They also create lesson plans for each scenario. This generates a great deal of work for them, but each is bright and very resourceful.

Our annual Lectureship will be July 22-26. We are always excited about hosting that. It is so good to see brethren from all over the country. We also enjoy being a resource of encouragement to so many who work so hard for the Lord.

We also plan to do a Mission Week when our students serve a congregation in Australia. We haven’t formally declared where that will be this year. Last year they spent 2 weeks in Coffs Harbour.

This past Sunday all of our students served the Eastside congregation.  Sam  preached, Dan served at the Lord’s Supper and Satish led singing.

Because of the generosity of a woman in Texas, we have started a new Student support account.  Her gift is helping our newest student: Dan Bray. The hope is to build on this so that we have support on hand for current student emergencies and help for incoming students.  Presently, the fund has just over $15,000. Although it draws some interest, we are using the principal directly in the support of as many students as possible. One incoming student has already received a pledge from this.

Assisting Established Regional Churches

Jerry and Connie Tallman return this month (June), having enjoyed an extremely successful mission judging from the following comments (see Ted Paull’s comments above):

David Adkins, Melbourne:I know you were disappointed not to come with Jerry.  It was truly a great occasion for the church here to have (him).  He taught much, instilled confidence…and gave a much needed boost of encouragement to others.  He showed…we should not be afraid to talk to people and…know enough to get started.  He also gave good pointers on how to turn people’s questions into studies…always be referring people to the Bible.  I know people are working some of the techniques that he showed us.

We ordered 40 copies of his book (to) keep refreshed on this important topic.  …some of the
brethren here (intend) to make sure what Jerry did was just the beginning and that we need to move on to even greater things.  It was also good to have someone of Jerry’s experience to be able to fire questions at and get answers…  We pray that he will be able to come back and do more.  I know he has received at least one invite to come back to Melbourne.  People were impressed.  Thanks for recommending that he come our way.

Ern Smith in Adelaide: Dear Dwight,Thank you for Jerry and Connie they were great.  The talks were encouraging and informative…

Peter Searson in Brisbane: Greetings Dwight…thank you very much for encouraging Jerry & Connie to come our way, they did a great work and we have invited them back to do our Point Family Retreat in Easter 2011.  Everyone here fell in love with them, we really enjoyed our time together…it was just too brief.

Remarks from Readers

From a Beloved mentor:

Dwight:  Your MSP Newsletter for January was rich with human interest, faith building, global horizons and a challenge of partnership…  It is particularly inspiring to me how you have continued your longing and passion for Oceania over so many decades.  Your faithfulness to teaching, inspiring and supporting the work down under will be the means God will use to reach, touch and save countless thousands of souls.  Heaven will be even the more meaningful as you meet them on that distant shore.

From a Colleague:

So much good news, Dwight! Thanks for sharing this. And thanks for being available to God for this good work. To God be the glory!!

These past few months have served to remind us: earthly security is fleeting!  Jobs that seemed secure have been lost.  Talented leaders in every field have found themselves without gainful employment. If you are struggling to make ends meet, you are in excellent company.

Mission South Pacific, along with other small non-profit ministries doesn’t have much financial “wiggle-room.”  And yet, somehow, our work must go on.

Brenda and I are so appreciative of those who have been able to continue their financial support in these difficult economic times.  We praise our Lord for each of you. Thank you!

Dwight Whitsett, Director, Mission South Pacific

We are grateful to our Father that we have good news to convey.  The immediate problem that was causing such excruciating pain was found to be a duodenal ulcer that was bleeding.  This was causing the nausea, cramping and anemia.  The gastroenterologist found the ulcer with a second endoscope and cauterized it.  It had eaten into a nerve and, even though Brenda was under an anesthetic, she jumped each time he hit the footswitch to cauterize it.  No wonder she was in such pain!

As most of you know, her general health has been a major concern.  She has a compromised immune system that makes her susceptible to anything contagious that comes along.  She also has attacks of Fibromyalgia and problems with herniated discs in her neck.  We are working with a physician in the DFW area on these problems.  We make our second visit to him this week but he has already begun to help her.

We feel optimistic about the future and envision a time when Brenda will be back to optimal health.  We are deeply grateful for the interest and prayers of all our friends, family and colleagues.

Love to all from both of us,

Dwight and Brenda

A Great Soldier of the Cross Goes Home

Jack Merrick 1908 — 2008

Lester Bagley, former New Zealand missionary and preacher and elder for the church in Llano (mentioned above) writes, “In case you have not heard, Brother Jack Merrick (of the Greerton congregation in Tauranga) died a few days ago at the age of 100. Jack, with his family and friends, wrote a new chapter to the “Restoration Movement” when they studied their way out of denominationalism and began teaching and worshiping in the New Testament pattern over a half century ago. Much of Lord’s work in the North Island of New Zealand is derived from their faith and efforts. Countless Christians know the Lord because of their work. And Jack was both the patriarch of the clan and served as one of the first elders of the church in New Zealand of the 20th century. A great soldier of the cross has gone home and I was privileged to know and work alongside him for many years.”

Alison Brown of the Rotorua Daily News wrote a story about Jack’s 100^th birthday that was picked up by the New Zealand Herald:

Jack had turned 100 on Saturday, October 25. It was a chance for his two children, Rex Merrick and Bev Mossop, to reflect on their father’s achievements and for Jack, to finally get his hands on a letter from the Queen. “For the last 20-odd years he’s been talking about getting a message from the Queen and his birthday he was holding that letter pretty tight,” his son said.

The former dairy farmer was born and educated in Tauranga, travelling on horseback as a schoolboy from his parents’ farm at Pyes Pa to his school in the suburb of Greerton. He left school at 12 to help his father develop their farm and it was that year that he lost an eye in a farm accident. Never considering himself disabled, Rex said his father grew up with a strong work ethic. He married one of his neighbour’s daughters, Mavis Taylor, fighting off a few admirers to win her heart.

Rex said, “…the thing I remember most about him was his integrity. I never knew him to lie about anything.” Daughter Bev said their father also had a softer side and loved the land. “Even after he retired, he would spend hours outside in his vege garden — that was his pride and joy — and he would graze on the veges while he worked. He would give bags of fruits and veges away to anyone less fortunate than himself.” Jack has 21 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren and “a handful” of great great-grandchildren.

Colleague Ron Downey (recently appointed Regional Dean/Asia) made me aware that Qantas (airline of Australia) was running a sale. I quickly took advantage of it. And, if all goes well, I leave the 14^th of April and return the 3^rd of June. My goal was to leave right after my teaching duties are over around the middle of March (Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere (I like the weather better). We’ll try again next year. As usual, I have offered to help in any way that I can, including the following:

1. Back on Track seminar – recapturing the mission and purpose of the church.
2. Classes, sermons or consulting on special topics.
3. Gospel mission
4. Evangelism Training with Jerry Tallman an in-depth and practical method for personal evangelism (see his website at http://www.hiseternalplan.com/).  Jerry travels the USA presenting his workshop at congregations.  He is blocking out time to present his workshops in Australia and New Zealand in April and May.
5. MSOBS Sunday – a PowerPoint presentation about your school in Sydney combined with a sermon or class.

THE TOP TEN MINISTRY MILESTONES OF 2008 FOR SIBI

AHEAD:

15 February — Bronte Church of Christ — Bronte, Texas

27-28 February – Teachers of Mission Workshop – Hurst, Texas

14 April – 3 June – Annual Australian

REMARKS FROM READERS

From a Beloved mentor:

Dwight:

One does not have to search long before he discovers why you are so greatly appreciated by such a wide circle of mission loving people.  Passion, faithfulness, fruitfulness, clarity of thought, compelling purpose, winsome dedication, vision and marriage to a like-minded, like-spirited lady begins to tell the story of why you have endeared yourself to so many.  Your best days are still ahead of you!

From a Colleague:

So much good news, Dwight! Thanks for sharing this. And thanks for being available to God for this good work. To God be the glory!!

Brenda and I have been working on tax reports to donors which some of you who made contributions in 2008 will find in this envelope. As we began this process, we were filled with fresh gratitude for all our partners. We are well aware that each dollar you give to Mission South Pacific could have been spent elsewhere. That you have chosen to work with us to bring the precious message to the South Pacific and train others to do the same fills our hearts with thankful joy.

The past year—our first full year as a ministry—has been challenging but gratifying; frightening but encouraging. We advance into 2009 with the solid confidence, firm resolve and constant perseverance that result from having you as our allies in the struggle for the Kingdom in the South Pacific. Thank you!

Dwight Whitsett,

Director, Mission South Pacific