Gospel News â Jun-Aug 2012
22
was almost all we had to prove it. We shunned `courses' and multiple choice quizzes and any kind of indoctrination. And it worked. Just one booklet was a big help in our witness, Preaching the Truth by William Brown. It was marvellous because it presented opposing views without ridicule and let you decide. It did not bully you into believing like so many `know-all' sects did.
Then, the Kingston and Old Hope ecclesias did not leave those forty-three of us spiritually naked from our baptismal bath. Within six months, all forty-three of us, even the illiterate ones, could handle our Bibles like apostles. And we did! As an educated lady myself, I was amazed that some of my unschooled Christadelphian patients could demolish errors of college trained clergymen.
Then, crucially, there was unity. In those days, most Christadelphians who visited us in the Caribbean, including the emissaries of the Bible Mission, did not waste their time, energy and money on eliminating perceived rivals or stirring the witches' cauldron of one hundred year old controversies and divisions (1 Corinthians 3-7). Everyone seemed to know what was important. After all, who will deliberately drink a poisoned chalice?
Best of all, there was abundant love. That is really what kept all forty-three of us on course, enduring to the end. I know that those who have survived like me will testify that our Jamaican brotherhood's greatest advertisement was our agape, our fervent love for God, for the brethren, and for our neighbour (as Jesus defined it!)
In 2010 Kingston and Broughton were listed as Bible Mission supported ecclesias of the Christadelphian brotherhood. But there were no baptisms at all. None. The same hunger for truth is out there, and all around. That is not the problem at all. Instead we must ask with the Apostle Paul: "Even in the case of lifeless things that make
sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you" (1 Corinthians 14:7-8).
Finally, when I was "born again," I joined others of like faith in (at most) seventeen other countries and colonies worldwide. Now I thank God in amazement to see lightstands listed for one hundred and thirty-six countries across the globe in The Gospel News, The Bible Missionary magazine and the 2011 Directory. My earnest message to you all must be: We are only ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20); give all the glory to God alone!
Kinshasa Ecclesia, Congo - Send greetings to all in Christ, our
ecclesial photos show us being exhorted and breaking bread
followed by an Ecclesial meal prepared by our Sisters. We long
to be together with you all in the Kingdom. Bro Kim's