Christ’s church Hamilton, AL

The Passing Of Fiona’s Mother

One of the difficult challenges that we must face in life is the loss of our parents. Over the last month, my wife Fiona has been grieving the loss of her mother, Patti Murphy. Patti had been battling with a disease called lewy body dementia (LBD) for about 15 years. LBD is closely related to Parkinson’s disease.

Patti was an encouragement to everyone who met her and she will be remembered by many for her generous hospitality. She faithfully supported her husband, Kieran Murphy, as he preached in Maine, Ireland, Russia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Vermont, Pennsylvania, and many other places.

We are thankful that her battle is over and she is at peace with the Lord. Please keep Kieran in your prayers as he adjusts to the new challenges of being a widower.

“For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.”
(1 Thess. 4:14)

The Good News Of A Son

We have recently received news that Fiona is pregnant with our first son. I can still hardly

June 2024

believe the news! We are overjoyed! For years, everyone we meet sees all of our daughters and asks if we have any boys. Then they ask if we’re going to keep having kids until we have a boy....as if that’s the only reason we have so many girls. The truth is that when Fiona and I married we made a commitment to receive as many children as the Lord blessed us with. We did this in faith believing that children truly are a blessing from the Lord.

“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.” (Psalm 127:3-5)

And we always committed to be content and thankful if we had all girls. As we’ve gotten older, I will admit that I had just about given up on the possibility of having a son. And I was at peace with that. I had even stopped praying for a son. I always told Fiona that the Lord knew our desires, but He also knows what is best for us in a way that is beyond our comprehension. But now, in a surprising twist, we are waiting in hope for the arrival of our son. We ask that you pray for the health of Fiona and the baby.

~ Joe Hamm ~

Encouraging Questions 1 “What’s the difference between an elder and a pastor?”
This was Patrick’s question and I’m thankful that we’ve created an environment in which visitors feel comfortable asking such questions. Our study was in Titus and Patrick has always worshipped in the Baptist church.

“And what does the Bible say about deacons?”

Patrick explained that a local church only appoints deacons for three years, but his church appoints them for life. This question also led us to a good discussion about what the Scriptures teach.

“What does ‘the husband of one wife’ mean and should an elder resign if she dies?”
This was another very good and insightful question asked by an older lady who is a member of our congregation. This gave us an opportunity to discuss the various ways congregations have interpreted and applied this elder qualification.

Our Brethren Are Family

We never cease to be thankful for our family in Christ. They have been like our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and grandparents. One such

example is Ronald and Marqueta Prince. They 2 are like parents to us and grandparents to our children. They remember our birthdays and share produce from their gardens. And we share our produce with them. This past week, the girls had the opportunity to pick plums (see below). So we’ve been eating lots of fresh plums. We also made plum sauce and plum juice. It took us a

few days to figure out why everyone was going to the bathroom so much. And then we realized...“Ah, it must be the plums!”

Prayer Requests

Please continue to pray for us as we care for my grandfather. My mother is also recovering from a recent fall and concussion. Pray that Fiona and I will remain strong in our faith and be a godly influence to our children, the church, and the community in which we serve. In all things, may God be glorified.

Joe Hamm

151 Chestnut Circle Hamilton, AL 35570 256-398-0225

~ Joe Hamm ~

Report from “Ricky” William Shanks in Gainesville GA
Email: [email protected]; 4565 Persian Trail; Gainesville, GA 30507; Phones: 843-725-9283 cell

Website: AnswersFromTheBible.ORG - Dial A Bible Study: 770-835-4000 (Ext. 3 for Spanish.) Gainesville church (GCOC.org) meeting address is 2815 Wallace Rd. Gainesville GA 30507.

May 2024

Well, what can I say? Praise the Lord! He has opened the door and we rejoice. The efforts from UNG and also from parents have brought souls into God’s harvest. Top left (Merlin in red who obeyed last month) invited Raul to set up a study with me. Raul was careful, prepared and studious with every study we had at Chick Fil A. He visited services and the last study he asked to be immersed into Christ. Another UNG student top right, Sebastian also meeting with me at another CFA wanted to commit his life to the Lord at first of May. His 2 jobs are distracting him some already but still eager to learn.

From the local saints families. Above on left is Ben Arteaga the oldest of 2 boys while visiting a close by Spanish worship service, Bill Perkins had the honor to help Ben begin his journey to an eternity in our Savior’s service. His parents are wonderful servants. They began their journey 7 years ago. Middle bottom Jason Kean had thrill to birth his youngest 2 into Christ kingdom this month. And Danielle asked her dad (John Johnson) to immerse her into Christ.

Each of these were separate events and disconnected from the others and each choosing to commit their own lives in service to God. We are so thankful and yet understanding we must nurture all these new in Christ to maturity and help them to grow to where they can feed themselves and be ambassadors for Christ. The flock is excited and we rejoice with the heavenly host. I’ve shared in past reports about what we try to do with those new in Christ. There may be more added soon. If so it is to God’s glory as HE GIVES THE INCREASE. In Him, Ricky

APRIL/MAY 2024 REPORT ON
THE WORK IN CORRIGAN, TEXAS [email protected]

Dear Brethren,

281-756-7957

ROBERT RAIF
171 CALDWELL ST

LIVINGSTON, TX 77351

We pray for you every night. We pray for your health and well-being, but more so for your strength in the Lord. Satan is always prowling around, and it seems we hear each month of one of our brethren being devoured by him.

Concerning the local work, I continue to study with Curtis each Monday at 9. Then I go visiting in the area. One Pentecostal fellow says I am the first preacher to visit his home - - including his own pastor. And he says I know more Bible than his preacher does. But he likes the way they worship. I’m hoping he will see the light one day.

Johnny McFarland knocked doors with me last year. We were getting ready to start two months ago, and then the rains hit about every time we were going out. Then a month ago we started, but he had a wreck and has been slow mending. I will send another flyer out in July and go, whether he is able to go or not.

We are finishing up the book of Numbers in our classes at the meeting house. It is amazing what lessons we learn again there about faithfulness to the Lord. We also learn about many being called, but few entering the promised land. I’ve been preaching on Evidences concerning the existence of God, the inspiration of the Bible, and Jesus as the Son of God, resurrected from the dead.

Concerning the prison work, we finally have a date set for our class! Lord willing, we will begin on July 11, depending on if there is a lockdown. One occurs this time every year. We’re looking forward to getting back in and seeing if there will be more open doors like we had before the Covid hit. The class will meet 7:30 - 9:30 every Thursday. I’ll leave the house at 6 and get back around 11, and Nancy won’t even know I’ve been gone.

Speaking of Nancy, she declines a little more each year (as we all do). She usually can’t get up until noon. She can do very little, but simply take care of herself. I don’t ever cook except at suppertime, and then it is very simple and quick. She doesn’t get out except to go to worship when she can and to the doctors. But

she always encourages me to go and teach a class or get a class started, to go to the prison, to knock doors, to go visit so-and-so, or to write a letter. She always says she will be alright - - now go! She has always been a strong encouragement in my going to preach and going to reach the lost.

Concerning our brethren in the Philippines and Zimbabwe, the time of the year has started for typhoons in the Philippines and drought in Zimbabwe. These brethren are hurting even more now. We are rich in the USA! Let us also be rich in good works (I Tim 6:18) and let us remember the poor (Gal. 2:10).

Brethren, I am ever so grateful for your support that allows me to go each day and teach others. As I said above, I thank God each night for you all. We are co-workers in spreading the truth. The San Angelo church has had to quit supporting me the $700 per month, but the good brethren in Dalhart have increased their support by $250. We are thankful to them. Any other help would be appreciated.

In Him who saves, Robert Raif

(Read on for more information on the benevolent work to those overseas.)

Below is the TOTAL aid sent out for the two months of April and May. Over $12,000 was sent. Some aid is for the support of preachers - - to provide food and the cost of travelling to evangelize. The number in the left column is amount of benevolence to faithful Christians, and the second number is for the preachers’ support. They also need Bibles and songbooks. If you want to give just for a specific thing, like Bibles, I will make sure it will go for that.

Benevolence Support Again, the following sums are not just for one month, but two months of money sent!

Zimbabwe
600 300 600 300 500

Uganda
900 300

Kenya
400 400

Philippines
200 400

Kudakwashe Bangure. (Four congregations.) He is an untiring worker. Brighton Makurudza.
Bibles and songbooks.

Kule Bisathu.

John Ositu.

Glenn Fiesta.

400         400
200         200
200         200
800         0
1200

Nicaragua
800 600 200

Rosendo Gumpad. Andy Dappas.
Felipe Jr Tan Tula. Zurdan & Fe Baliog. Meds for various saints

Jose Ruiz Efrain Valdez

400 Manny Pader.

500 500
800 1000 Jimmy Domingo.

Simeon Vargas.

It would be wonderful if you would become a co-worker with one of these preachers and send $50 or $100 each month on your own and get to know these good men. If you are on Facebook Messenger, you can talk with them for free! See them and their families face-to-face, and their house and the congregations they work with. I can put you in touch with men who have been validated by one or two well-known preachers. You could go to Walmart, Brookshire Brothers, CVS, or elsewhere and send through them, using Western Union or Moneygram. All you have to do is give them the man’s name and what country he lives in. He will send you a report, but also he will send you pictures all the time of where he is visiting and the baptisms that come as a result. If you want to help with a building, food, songbooks, Bibles, or preacher support, and don’t want to handle it on your own, then you can send the money to me and I will send the whole amount to them. I would simply be your messenger as in 2 Cor. 8:23. Brethren many times want to give to charitable institutions and they wonder who to trust. There is no better way to give than to give and have a share in spreading the gospel to the lost!

God-speed!

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 REPORT ON THE WORK IN CORRIGAN, TEXAS [email protected]

Dear Brethren,

281-756-7957

ROBERT RAIF
171 CALDWELL ST

LIVINGSTON, TX 77351

I hope you all are well. I normally would have sent this report in April, but I kept holding off waiting to have something definitive to report regarding the prison work. The Chaplain has agreed to let me start the class again. But he has put me on hold, trying to fit me into his schedule. They are still understaffed, but let’s pray he will agree to a time slot for us. I used to have Sam in there to twist his arm a bit, but Sam is doing great work in Lubbock now!

I continue to study with Curtis each Monday at 9. We’re studying through Galatians at the present. Then I go to study with Roy and Deborah at 10:30 when I can. They have been coming and going lately out of state, and have had sickness. Then I go visiting in the area.

Johnny McFarland knocked doors with me last year, but we quit during the cold months and then his leg was really bothering him. But he is ok now, and I think he can keep up with me! @ So we are starting this again this month. We send out flyers and then follow up with door knocking.

We are studying the book of Numbers in our Sunday and Wednesday classes. I’ve been doing expository sermons Sunday nights. I’m preaching on various topics Sunday morning. I did three lessons on the authority, since we have new members, and, of course, it is always good for the older members.

Concerning our brethren in the Philippines, Zimbabwe, Uganda, etc, there are always those who need food and medicine. God blesses us not just for our own benefit, but also so we can be a blessing to others in need. The tendency to hoard and try to build up more and more is a dangerous one, and the best antidote to greed is to be a generous giver. “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor... so that he may have something to share with anyone in need” (Eph. 4:28). “Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase” (Prov. 3:9).

Paul was always encouraging the Gentile churches to remember to poor saints in Jerusalem. Some of the brethren probably argued, “They’re foreigners! We don’t know those people from Adam!” “Those guys are ALWAYS in need!” “Why don’t they get a job!” “How do I know MY money will go to deserving people?” Yes, we can offer lots of reasons why we don’t want to help, but these are still our brethren - - just as if they lived in Florida or Arkansas. “Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share” (I Tim 6:18). Remember, the Lord gave us the money we have. We are simply stewards. How will we use it?

Zimbabwe is having a terrible drought - - worse than last year. They live on “corn meal” but can’t afford it. Some will die without our aid. $15 will feed one person for a month there. And the Filipinos are suffering also. The Gentile brethren gave beyond their ability to get food to the Jerusalem saints (2 Cor 8:3). Can we sacrifice some of our luxuries for our brethren?

Brethren, I am ever so grateful for your support that allows me to go each day and teach others. Or, at least, teach over the internet. Working together, we are spreading the word. Praise God for this!

In Him who saves,
Robert Raif (Read on for more information on the benevolent work to those overseas.)

The following is the TOTAL aid sent out for the two months of February and March. Over $12,000 was sent. Some aid is for the support of preachers who sacrifice so much. The fields are SO white with harvest. The number in the left column is amount of benevolence to faithful Christians, and the second number is for the preachers’ support. They also need Bibles and songbooks. If you want to give just for a specific thing, like Bibles, I will make sure it will go for that.

Benevolence Support Again, the following sums are not just for one month, but two months of money sent!

Zimbabwe
1600 600

400 800

Uganda
900 300

Kenya
400 400

Philippines
200 400

            600
700         700
600         800
500         500
200         200
200         200

400 0 1000

Nicaragua
800 600 200

Kudakwashe Bangure. (Four congregations.) He is an untiring worker. $300 went toward buying Bibles.

Brighton Makurudza.

Kule Bisathu.

John Ositu.

Glenn Fiesta.

Manny Pader.
Simeon Vargas.
Jimmy Domingo. Rosendo Gumpad. Andy Dappas.
Felipe Jr Tan Tula. Zurdan & Fe Baliog. Meds for various saints

Jose Ruiz Efrain Valdez

It would be great if someone would “adopt” one of these preachers and send $50 or $100 on his own and get to know these good men. I can put you in touch with men who have been validated by one or two well- known preachers. You could go to Walmart or elsewhere and send through them. If you want to help with a building, food, songbooks, Bibles, or preacher support, and don’t want to handle it on your own, then you can send the money to me and I will send the whole amount to them with Moneygram, Western Union, or Paypal. I have to use different sources for different localities. I would simply be your messenger as in 2 Cor. 8:23.

Dear brothers, a big greeting from me and my family.
My wish and pray to our God is that they are well, together with all their loved ones.
For our part, my family and I find ourselves very well, always enjoying the Christian life,
As for the weather, thank God, we entered the winter season, and due to this, the rains moved away in the north of Peru.
Now the government has begun to rebuild the country.
Regarding the local churches and the work in them, we continue to support evangelization and edification.
Paita, Sullana, zamba and catacaos, continue to grow in the grace of the Lord.

On my visit to Zamba this month, four souls were persuaded for salvation and obeyed the pure gospel. Today the churches in the north rejoice knowing that the churches are growing.
I need you to know about our new brothers in zamba
1 Pierina Jimenez painted. 13 years.
2 Corina painted Jimenez
3 Edgar painted Jimenez
4 Ricardo pool mass.
I also send your photos for your knowledge
 
I want to reaffirm my gratitude to each one of you, for the great support you give me, so that my family and I do not lack anything, may our good God continue to bless you and prosper your work.
If the Lord allows us to continue working on his work, I will do so with great gratitude.
May God bless all of you.
Yours in Christ:

David Guerrero