Students at FHU write amazing new song about Barabbas!

Noah McDonald (left), and Brooks Jackson (right),  have written a very touching song about Barabbas who was released instead of Jesus. Barabbas should have been on the cross, but Jesus took his place. Their friend Tate Gooch also collaborated on this work.

The song reminds us of how we share in the guilt of Barabbas as Jesus took our place on the cross as well.

Noah McDonald is 19 soon to be 20 in a few days with Brooks Jackson at 19 years old. They are Sophomores at Freed- Hardeman University in Henderson TN.

Both young men graduated from Rogers High School in Florence AL together, attend the Stantonville church of Christ, and this past Summer they did mission work in Thailand.

Rogers High School is the place they started writing songs. Other spiritual songs are in the works according to Brooks!

The group singing was composed of Noah, some of Brook Jackson’s family, and a friend Blake Kelly.  Someone they knew who had editing equipment helped with the final touches before loading on to the YouTube link below.  Sheet music and power point are also available on the link.

Here is Brooks message upon the YouTube release of the song-

“Hey everybody! This is a devotional song that my friend Noah McDonald and I wrote called ‘Song of Barabbas’. We wrote this song based off of a video on YouTube called “Jesus Loves Barabbas” by Judah Smith. I encourage you to go watch that video before you listen to the song. Anyways, Noah and I are excited that we finally released the song on YouTube, so go ahead and give it a listen! Hope you enjoy! –  Brooks Jackson

What a great encouragement it is to see our young people active and using their talents to serve the Lord.

Jamie Suiter, – UC 

 

Singing in the old Antioch Meeting House

“There is a small church house from the 1890’s on the Warren County fair grounds in Tennessee that was the meetinghouse of the Antioch Church of Christ.During fair week various congregations gather nightly to sing. Here is a sample from last night.”– Bill Boyd

This is only 15 minutes away from the historic Old Philadelphia church of Christ which was meeting and referring to themselves as Christians and calling the church a church of Christ as early as 1810.

My 1848 the Restoration Movement had grown in Warren County with 6 congregations of churches of Christ.

This small plaque hanging on the meeting house wall tells a brief history of the congregation below.

What a great little gem of Restoration History preserved! –  Jamie Suiter

 

Info on Warren County from TheRestorationMovement.com

Remembering Cane Ridge KY

Cane Ridge in Bourbon County KY, the place Barton Stone and others gave up their old European denominational group to raise up to the level of the New Testament and be “Christians only!” – Acts 11:26
My own family only being 95 miles away in Magoffin County KY and their coming out of another denominational group in the 1930’s in another meeting to go by the bible only and simply be the New Testament church makes this part of our very rich family and Eastern Kentucky restoration heritage.
Laying down creeds, manuals and going back to the Bible spread like wildfire all over the USA, with men and women embracing Pre-denominational Christianity!
I took the time to do a short video today at the Pioneer Villege at the Gibson County, TN High School. God bless,   Jamie

 

If this peeks your interest please read this FREE online tract! – 

Restoring The New Testament Church
http://www.missionprinting.us/…/RestoringNewTestamentChurch…
Barton Stone –http://www.therestorationmovement.com/_s…/kentucky/stone.htm

 

 

My Roots in Restoration

 

My spiritual roots can be traced back to the little country church that met here on both sides of my family! The original chapel burned and land was donated by members of the church in October of 1959 to build a new one several yards in front of the old meeting house.

A gospel preacher came through and a gospel preacher offered the little Baptist Church free preaching. They were happy as they had no full time preacher like many rural churches of the day. He gladly did so!

Meetings around the 1930’s were longer than they are now! After a few nights of preaching a member of the church stood up and said “we see we are wrong! What are we going to do about it?” Echoes of “Men and brethren, what shall we do” Acts 2:37 They were baptized for the remission of their sins Acts 2:38 and called themselves Christians Acts 11:26 and rose up to the level of the New Testament. 

Three congregations of the Lord’s church sprang as a result of the work in Marshallville KY.

The congregation left the Baptists to be “Christians” only and set the Baptist manual aside to follow the New Testament and put aside the traditions of men Matt.15:9 and to become part of the undenominational body of Christ, a church of Christ. They had many things to learn as they looked at the bible without the aid of the Baptist manual.

This was about 100 years after the historic fellowship meeting in 1832 with Barton Stone who had left along with others the Presbyterian Church to form independent churches of Christ, and those who Alexander Campbell and others had encouraged to leave mostly Baptist Churches to go by the bible alone and simply be disciples of Christ.

Sadly the name of the preacher was not well preserved in oral or written history, but with some digging I came across an old college paper about the history of churches of Christ in Morgan County KY and Magoffin County came up.

A preacher by the name of J.W. Downing who worked in West Liberty did a great deal of rural preaching and teaching in the hills of KY. This is probably the man who stopped by or one of his close associates. He was a student of J.W. McGarvey at the College of the Bible in Lexington which would later become part of the University of Kentucky.

Several from this church plant started preaching like my great uncles Alaska and Curtis Marshall, and John Lee Gillispie, Thomas Francis with Curtis Marshall staying and preaching at Marshallville the longest

John Lee Gillispie and his wife Viola moved to Stockbridge Michigan and started a congregation in their home which later moved to s spot of land near their home. The church at Stockbridge met in an old “Revival Tent” he bought from someone until a meeting house could be built. The chapel is very similar to the one in Marshallville on Gun Creek Road.  The photo below is of my grandmother Marie Marshall Suiter with Viola Gillispie.  The bell tower would later be added and I loved to ring it!

Several members along with Kelly Risner and Lawrence Grey Hall started a congregation in nearby Salyersville that continues to meet.

 

 Although one meets at the chapel any longer, but the work still touches the lives of the generations of people and churches in other places even outside the United States.

• Jamie Suiter 

Medical Mission results in 27 obeying the gospel in the Philippines

“Praise be to God for giving us a month full of blessings.

We have been off to a great start this June for having the medical mission last June 11-14, 2019 at Dasol, Pangasinan. On the first day, we were able to serve 227 patients; 103 of them had Bible study. There were also 2 baptisms on that day. On June 12, 190 people were served, and there were 89 Bible studies. 25 people were baptized that day. In total, 417 patients were served, 192 people were able to hear the Gospel, and 27 people welcomed Christ in their lives. ACU , Asian Christian University, Alumni have been a great help in the medical mission for preaching to the lost souls.

The 2 days of follow up Bible studies were devoted to evangelism and home Bible studies. Glory be to God for giving us the strength to preach the Gospel to the lost souls. May the hearts of our new brethren be good soils which seek to understand the Gospel fully.

We had our first worship at Dasol church of Christ last June 16, 2019 where 38 people attended the worship service. Mabini church of Christ has volunteered to help the new church to stand on its own by accompanying them in their first month. The benevolence amounted to Php 1,651.00, ($32 USD).

We have assisted and oriented the members of Dasol on how to handle their finances, especially because it is one of the usual causes of church fall outs. For the meantime, bro. Sherwin Lagera who is the assigned minister, holds the collection.

We also had a simple lunch fellowship after the worship service to welcome the new brethren.

Bro. Sherwin Lagera, a student of Asian Christian University is the assigned minister.” – Junas Sagurit, President of Asian Christian University (Philippines)

Pangasinan is on the western area of the island of Luzon 

Those who come to get assistance sign a card that has a check off for a Bible Study. Many do want to learn more about the scriptures and several from this obey the gospel.

Last year  24 obeyed the gospel in the town of Basista, Pangasinan as a result of the Medical Mission.

The Medical Mission is made possible by the grace of God and through the unity and cooperation of ACU, our brethren from the U.S., ACU alumni, Pangasinan churches of Christ and their ministers.

Jamie Suiter. UC News

Lads To Leaders Begins In India

Lads to Leaders started this month’s first convention in India planned by brother Ricky Gootam who works with the churches of Christ in Kakinada India. Below are his comments about the convention from Ricky’s Facebook page.- JS

“First ever convention for “L2L-India”. This was first day on Jan 7th, 2019. Not everyone is present here in this picture but we had 530 come from 20 congregations.We except more for next year.  I had a blast and everyone had great time. I have been telling everyone that is is not about competition but it is about our kids becoming future leaders for the next generation of the church of Christ. It would be good for India and the next generation.”

“The one wearing blue shirt is B. Anil Kumar. Today in our “Lads to Leader” competition he quoted 452 bible verses. I was impressed. I thought no one would cross 300 verses. There was another girl who almost came to 300 but this fellow is impressive. He is from Coringa village. The first prize was a dell laptop which would cost Rs. 40,000 but this is used and still in good condition which would be useful to him”

This young lady above recited 262 Bible verses, she is 13 years old.

“Lads to Leaders convention with 530 participating with 20 churches in Kakinada, India was a success. We plan to continue and start slow and grow. Thank you for the Board of Directors for putting your trust in me to carry and develop in India.” – Ricky Gootam, India.

Lads To Leaders started in 1968 with the goal of training young people for leadership roles in the church.

L2L is the oldest and largest leadership training program used by the churches of Christ today. It is a tool churches of Christ can use to help prepare their youth and adults for service in the Kingdom of God and help develop their overall leadership potential. L2L is more than just attending a youth rally or participating in a Bible Bowl. We offer a variety of Bible-based class materials and events for preschoolers through adults.  (Taken from the LTL website)

For those interested this is the link to Lads To Leaders. – http://www.lads2leaders.com/

UC – News,  Jamie Suiter

Eastern Kentucky chapel used by the Zoe church of Christ burns early this Sunday morning!

(UC- News) – Jamie Suiter

Fire Fighters had to battle the blaze in the ice and snow early this morning in Zoe Kentucky.  

This is the official comment from the Zoe church of Christ’s Facebook Page below. –

“In the early morning hours, the building where the church at Zoe meets burned. It’s a total loss. We are very thankful for the volunteers with the Tri-Community Fire Department and Lee/Beattyville Fire Department. They quickly responded and worked for hours. We don’t have many details right now. We will update soon. This morning there will be no worship due to road conditions. When and where we will meet to worship our Awesome God will be posted. ………We just found out that Bear Track and Primrose Fire Departments provided aid, as well. These volunteers worked through freezing temps and snow for several hours. You are appreciated.”

Zoe is an unincorporated community in Lee County, KY. It lies north of the city of Beattyville.

Below is a photo of the chapel before the fire

Emulating Job in 2019

Once God asked Satan what he thought of His beloved servant Job.

As we have a new year already upon us have you ever thought if God and Satan ever have had a conversation about you and me? I have. …..What would He say?

Perhaps many trials have come your way and God has allowed them to happen to make you better, stronger and for Him to be glorified and others encouraged? – who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.                 2 Corinthians 1:4 ESV

Did you stand the test, and hold to your Christianity? You may hear many voices telling you many things like Job’s friends who accused him of wrongdoing (Job 4:7-8,Job 8:20, Job 11:14-15, 17), or like his wife who told him to just curse God and die, (Job 2:9).

Not knowing how blessed he would be in the future as the story of his life unfolded, Job patiently held on and trusted God. What a great godly man to emulate! “Have you considered my servant ________________?” Put your name in the blank, think on this passing year, meditate on it and pray.

Everything may not always be that good, but our God can easily trade “beauty instead of ashes” Isaiah 61:3 Happy New Year! JS

And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Job 1:8 ESV

On the day of Judgement –

How will you plead when satan cries guilty
Can you declare I’m saved and set free
Will you have Jesus to prove you’ve been pardoned
When we stand before Him how will you plead – 11th Hour

 

Christian husband and father of 4 killed in motorcycle accident

(UC- News, Jamie Suiter)  Doug Burlington was killed this past Saturday in a tragic motorcycle accident leaving a wife and 4 small children behind.

Doug a native of Atwood TN and a graduate of Carroll Junior/Senior High and a Maintenance Tech. for Nissan.

Joey Ferrell, member at Central church of Christ and Media Minister for “The Gospel of Christ” television ministry, reflects on his time shared with Doug and remembers him talking about the possibility of going to preaching school one day.

(Photo below this past November of the kids with their dad)

Doug and his wife Emily Burlington recently placed membership at the Central church of Christ in McMinnville, TN.

Funeral service will be at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 08, 2019, at the Central Church of Christ building.

Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers. – JS

Dr. Ryan Fraser announces new book about overcoming depression

(UC- News,  Jamie Suiter)

Dr Ryan Fraser, Christian Counselor, Freed-Hardeman University Professor, Gospel Preacher and Elder just recently announced his new book which will come out in September of this next year.

Below is his comments on his new book deal with Skyhorse Publishing.

“I’m excited to announce that I was blessed to receive a book contract (publishing

agreement) for a new book I’m writing called, “Overcoming the Blues: Finding Christ-centered Hope and Joy through Serving Others.” The book is written at a popular level and will be released nationwide in September 2019. The publisher is Skyhorse Publishing in New York (the fastest growing smaller publishing house inthe United States), and the book will be distributed by Simon & Schuster, Inc.

God has been so faithful to me all along the countless rejections and twists and turns of this journey, and I feel very thankful and humbled. My heart is full! I’m extremely grateful to my wonderful literary agent, Diana Flegal, of Hartline Literary for sticking with me through thick and thin over the past four years. Also, my faithful wife Missy has been amazingly supportive along with so many other friends and family members.

“Overcoming the Blues” addresses how believers who struggle with depression can make meaning of their challenging experience and use it as a catalyst to touch the lives of others around them in a powerful and beautiful way. It’s a practical, hands-on, how-to type of book filled with many true stories and helpful ideas to offer hope and peace, as well as a greater sense of purpose and joy, to those who suffer with the discouraging disease of depression. May God’s unconditional love and saving grace shine through this work to bring healing and recovery to many around the world!”

Dr. Ryan Fraser has been married to his college sweetheart, Missy, for 29 years. They are blessed with a college-age daughter, Olivia, and a teenage son, Austin. Ryan was raised on the mission field in South Africa. He has been preaching the gospel for 29 years.

In 2006, Freed-Hardeman University hired Ryan to teach primarily in their graduate Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. He was invited to become the pulpit minister in Bethel Springs in 2011. Ryan is also a weekly Saturday religion columnist in the Jackson Sun newspaper with his column, entitled “Faithful Living.”

His credentials include a B.A. in Bible, Master’s in Ministry, M.Div., and a Ph.D. in Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Counseling (from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University). Ryan is also a licensed clinical pastoral therapist (LCPT) in the State of Tennessee and has a private practice.

Ryan is passionate about helping people live more fully and freely in Jesus Christ. He also has a heart for pastoral counseling and missionary care in Latin America and collaborates with Great Cities Missions.For recreation, Ryan enjoys hiking in the mountains and grilling-out in the backyard. He feels privileged to serve as the preacher and an elder at Bethel Springs.

Several of Dr. Fraser’s articles in the Jackson Sun have been picked up by USA Today!

Information taken from Dr. Fraser’s Facebook Page and the website for the Bethel Springs church of Christ.

 

http://www.bethelspringscoc.org/wordpress/ministries/ministers/

https://www.facebook.com/ryannoelfraser