November - December 2004
MORE ON THE ROAD AHEAD
My
March/April editorial ‘The Road Ahead’ aroused much interest and
constructive comments which we hope to expand upon in future issues of
Gospel News.
Whilst
membership numbers are not necessarily an indication of spiritual growth,
they are substantial enough to indicate trends. In the first five years of
the 20th century [1900-1904], there was a net increase of about
1,355 in the number of Christadelphians in the United Kingdom. That is,
when you compare the number of baptisms against the number of deaths and
withdrawals from fellowship, there was a growth of 1,355. A century later,
what do we find happening amongst Christadelphians in the U.K. in the last
five years? There is a stark contrast. There has been a substantial
decrease every year; in both 2000 and 2003 there was a decrease of 156
both years. Comparing numbers of new members against numbers of deaths and
withdrawals, our community reduced by about 780 members in the last
five-year period. Such a substantial reduction, in an ageing community,
with fewer young people being baptised and retained in fellowship, demands
serious consideration. It is failing in our duty to ignore these facts by
shutting our eyes to them.
The
commonly held view is that this is a ‘sign of the times’, with people just
not being interested. I submit that this is unfounded and contrary to the
facts. Overall there are more baptisms world-wide today than ever before;
internationally we are an expanding community.....more...
EDITORIAL: More on the Road Ahead Marcus Heaster
Click on a country to zoom into that country. Click on the ocean to zoom out. Click on Green country for news.
News from Africa
News from Europe / Eurasia
News from the Americas
The Kingdom of God Here on Earth Bro. Joshua Pakali (Zimbabwe)
The Real Value of the Gospel Bro. Samuel Wanga (Nakuvu, Kenya)
God Heals Those Who Are Broken-hearted Bro. Peter Wabwire (Busia, Uganda)
An introduction to God's Heavenly Law (Part 3) Bro Ronnie van Rooyen (South Africa)
Daniel's Training in Babylon Bro. Joshua Mushili (Kasama, Zambia)
Pogradec, Albania Sis Buturie Kadra (Pogradec, Albania)
Review: 'Where there is no Doctor' Bro (Dr) Alan W. Fowler (Bridgend, Wales)
Sponsors Wanted - 'Where there is no Doctor' Booklet
Counting the Cost Bro. Sylvester Tembo (Mzuzu, Malawi)
False Teachers Bro. Isaac Kapa (Tongaren, Kenya)
The Honour of the Call (Eph ch 1) Bro. Lazarus Kingoo, (Kenya)
Promise of Peace Bro. Joseph Zishechi (Mhangura, Zimbabwe)
The Tongue Bro. Henry Mwei (Mandi Hills, Kenya)
Nigerian Atrocities 2 Million died 100,000 Military Casualties Christadelphians lived in Caves
Kenya - The need for Registration
Answers from 'Trinitarian Texts Examined' Bro John Allfree.
A Man of His Own Choice - Genesis 13, 14, 17, 18 and 19. Bro. Joshua and Sis. Rosemary Kisuya (Chwele, Kenya)
Notes on the Daily Readings - December 11-15
A Way of Life Godwin Mugasi (Mbarara, Uganda)
Signs of the Times Extracts from Bro Arthur Wright's September "Signs of the Times"
Israel
The Just Shall Live by His Faith (Habakkuk 2:4) Bro. Friday Enyiogu (Ikwueke Oboro, Nigeria)
Fringilla (Zambia) Bush Camp 2004 Bro. Robert Miwele
Fringilla Camp Mutual Improvement Class Bro. Lapulani Malata (Kabwe, Zambia)
"I stand at the Door and Knock" Bro. Gennady (Poltava, Ukraine)
Question Box - What is the difference between soul and spirit? Bro. John Thatcher (Baringa, Australia)
A Story About Forgiveness Bro. Alej (Sarajevo, Bosnia)
The Truth Spreads In Bosnia
Preaching In American Prisons: Update Sis. Marilyn Seagoe (USA.)
Question Box - Why are we all sinners?