Work of Churches of Christ MISSION PRINTING NEEDS YOUVolunteersIn John 4:35 Jesus states, "Do you not say, there are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are white for harvest!'' Jesus also states in Matthew 9:37-38, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." One of the greatest and ongoing needs that the Mission Printing family has is the need for more laborers. This world is hungry for God's Word and we need laborers to spread the truth. We are open from Monday through Thursday. Whenever you can come, we Will take you. Whether you come with a congregation or individually, Mission Printing would love for you to be a part of this great family and a fellow laborer in the harvest fiends. Mission Printing has lost several of its family members because of illness, death, or other unavoidable circumstances. We lost a great Christian man and fellow worker at the end of this past year. Brother Bill Sarratt was dedicated to working in the vineyard. He was one of our men that operated the large printing press. Dr. John Kemplin, after serving on the Mission Printing board of directors for many years and as the president of the board, had to step down due to health concerns at the end of the year. Brother Kemplin was also one of our printers. These two men will be missed. Brother Sam Harding and Brother George Baker are operating the large press and Brother Roy Thomas operates the smaller press; however, we are in desperate need of additional men that are willing to learn how to print. Don't be intimidated by the need. These brothers learned how to print from watching others at Mission Printing. We are in need of workers in all areas of the Mission Printing family. Upon reaching our senior years: Satan attempts to convince Christians of several lies. He tells us that we are too old to be out in the world teaching the lost. Satan tries to convince us to slow down. He wants us to believe that we have done enough and to let someone else work in the fields. One of Satan's most dangerous lies is that we don't need to teach the younger generations. Satan attempts to convince us that the younger generations know God's Word and that someone else will teach them what they don't know. We cannot afford to believe any of these lies. There is no such thing as a retired Christian. If we become idle in our walk, we are destined to lose our focus on God and the eternal goal. lf you are searching for a way to be a laborer in the fields, then Mission Printing is the place for you. Financial AssistanceAs with most organizations, especially non-profit, Mission Printing is in need of financial assistance. Our postage cost alone was nearly $80,000 last year! Our machines constantly need repairing and updating. The cost of printing supplies and shipping supplies is ever increasing. Mission Printing has been dedicated to world evangelism by the printed page since 1979 and this commitment will not be hindered with your support. We are dependent on the loving and generous financial support of congregations in the brotherhood and by individual Christians. Remember: It is not the size of the gift that matters, but the love with which it is given. With your expression of love, we will be able to develop, print, and ship spiritual material to locations throughout the world. The Mission Printing family is not merely planning for tomorrow, We are working towards eternity! We are striving to brighten eternity for each soul throughout the world. Through your love and generosity, we will continue to be able to meet the ongoing and ever increasing requests for gospel material and Bibles. Your influence and that of Mission Printing will be forever felt around the world! The lost are hearing the Truth because of your support. Bibles and Other Study AidsAnother ongoing need with which we are faced is the need for Bibles and other study aids. There is no greater need among our preachers and missionaries in other countries today than to have access to the written word of God. This is particularly true in Emerging Nations (sometimes referred to as Third World Countries). In these countries, the people are hampered in their spiritual development because they have no tools with which to study and grow. They cannot just go to a neighborhood Bible bookstore and buy a Bible, a commentary, or any other spiritual literature that would aid them in learning how to become a Christian or how to live a Christian life. Do you have a Bible? Even two or three? We are a blessed people in the United States. We even have a choice of color, big print, little print, with aids or without aids. We can go to any store and buy whenever and what- ever we need. What about safety in our worship? Are we ever afraid that harm will come while we worship? Are we afraid of our Bibles being destroyed? Many of the people that write us do have these problems and many more that we cannot imagine. We hear from people telling us that their Bibles have been stolen. They have fought for them. Their meeting places have even been burned during worship. You might be asking yourself, what can we do to help these people? This was the question that Brother Guy Caskey asked himself. Brother Caskey answered the question with action. He began giving away Bibles, spiritual material, and other study aids to anyone that needed them. Mission Printing is asking for your help in allocating Bibles and other study aids. Please look in your closets, book shelves, desks, church buildings, etc. and see how many Bibles you have that could be sent to people who need them throughout the world. Please send these needed materials to Mission Printing or bring them yourself. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 11 Timothy 3:16-17 Opportunities to Share the Mission Printing Story Sharing the story of Mission Printing is a large portion of what I do as the director of Mission Printing. I have been traveling around the United States informing congregations of the opportunity that is found in this incredible work. I am also speaking at youth activities devotionals, rallies, etc., and area meetings of congregations wherever asked. I am speaking at gospel meetings, teaching Bible classes, preaching during worship, as well as filling in for evangelists when congregations need someone. I always travel with some of the material from Mission Printing, so I can be able to better share the story of this inspiring work. lf you or your congregation ever need someone to fill the pulpit or Bible class, then please let me know. I am willing to serve in whatever ways that the Lord's body needs. I am always prepared, so if you need someone at the last minute, then I would appreciate you keeping Mission Printing and myself in mind. lf we can help in any other way, please do not hesitate to let us know. God bless you as you strive to spread the eternal message of truth found in no one else but Jesus Christ. Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15— 2 —
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