Apostolic Missionary Church

May 3, 1999

Dear Beloved Family of God:

The Word of God touches the lives of every human being, and it is our charge to share the Good News of Jesus with everyone especially those who are outside of the church. After our evening service I went to preach at the Apostolic Missionary Church in Crystal City, Texas. This invitation resulted in a speach I gave at our local High School where a prayer service was held for the families and victims of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado. Their preacher did not ask for my topic nor did he express any concerns, but instead gave me an open opportunity to address his congregation of about 50.

The Lord allowed me to boldly preach about the one body, one Holy Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father as mentioned in Ephesians 4:4-6. This group of believers take Acts 2:38 to heart as do we. There are some differences in the manner in which we worship our heavenly Father, but the plan of salvation is the same. This particular group is total independent of any outside convention or leadership. They are an atonomous body as are we. There are two Apostolic churches in Crystal City, and the other one has allowed me to preach to them on two occasions and the door to that church remains open to me.

With God's help I charged this group of believers to move closer to the pattern of New Testament Christianity, and to discern between the traditions and doctrines of man regarding the Word of Almighty God. At the end of the sermon I made a public plea to anyone who needed prayer or would like to put on Jesus in baptism for the forgiveness of sins to come forward. The entire congregation came forward and filled the entire area between the first pew and the pulpit. Everyone got on their hands and knees and prayed that God would move them closer to the example of the first century church. I was moved and my spirit was over joyed. Need I say more?

Afterwards their Preacher and his wife invited me to have dinner with them. The preacher's children were excited about having me eat with them. The children said that no one had ever preached in their church the way God used me to speak. I was honored to hear one of his sons say that he wants to be a preacher like me. I was humbled to hear the words of this child in the presence of his parents. Children do listen and they are able to understand the truth at times when the adults are not. Children have an open and pure heart. No wonder Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. I was given an open door invitation to preach again at the Apostolic Missionary Church in Crystal City.

We are currently working on having another Gospel Meeting in early June 1999, and those details will be forthcoming within the next few days. Our previous Gospel Meeting held in February 1999 was a success, and our theme will again address the importance for all believers to return to the pattern of New Testament Christianity.

Brethren I am convinced that the best way to win people to the truth is by sharing the truth in love. It is not my intention to publicly debate and embarrass any denominational preacher with the Word of God, but rather win everyone with the Word of Jesus the Christ our Lord and Savior. While there are some among us who desire that the churches of Christ adapt the denominational pattern. I can assuredly say that many if not most of the denominational churches today are sick and tired of denominationalism and its flare. We must work together within the churches of Christ and unite. God has placed us in the position to lead this call to boldly charge the Christian world to return to the pattern of New Testament Christianity. The Second Coming of Jesus is upon us, and the world around us is beginning to turn to God for the answers to life's questions. We must wakeup from our sleep and answer God's call for us to take action. Please remember me in your prayers and ask Almighty God to give me the strength and courage to speak the truth and win the people to Jesus.

May the grace of God, the love of Jesus, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you and your family forever.

Your brother in Christ Jesus,

E-mail questions or comments to: garcia@church-of-christ.org

The church of Christ at Crystal City

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Last updated on 5/3/1999