The Bible lessons you are sending with your monthly letter are great. They are short and to the point and are great to pass on to those who are just beginning to learn about Christ and what he has done for us.

Also, we would like to thank you for The Worldwide News. We really appreciate being informed on what is happening in the church and what is being done in other countries. Our congregation in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is growing in grace and knowledge if not in numbers. Thank you for our pastors, Roger Abels and Wilhelm Mandel. We love them very much.

Dale and Judy Fisher
Marshall, Michigan

Pastor General Joseph Tkach’s article "Working Together for the Gospel" (February WN) reminds us of the astounding significance of what Christ desires to perfect in our hearts. The desire for our hearts is to flow with his "living waters of love," enabling us to make a difference in the lives of others.

Perhaps the apostle Paul acknowledged the principle necessary for making a Christlike difference in our world as he said, "I no longer live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). The application of this scripture allows God’s children to transcend the self into a state of "we-ness."

The state of we-ness illustrates that Christ is the center of our unique personalities. With Christ as our center we can attain courage to shine our divine meaning, as he directs and fulfills the purposes bestowed in our lives. Hence, Christ orders our lives to encompassing ends that act so as to fulfill those ends as he uses our various gifts in a state of we-ness.

Living behind prison walls for nearly 17 years has taught me the importance of we-ness. Early in my incarceration a state of hopelessness and helplessness enveloped my existence. In turn, many people were eager to share the gospel, providing me with a glimmer of hope, the hope in Christ that has never failed me as I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior 15 years ago. Their incessant outpouring of agape love has made a profound difference that has laid a we-ness foundation, a foundation that is built on our rest in Christ, as we are a universal family.

In this environment the two most-asked questions of me are: "How could you have possibly coped all these years without losing sanity?" and "Why are you affiliating yourself with him?" I simply respond: "Christ lives in me, and he knows no prejudices. He is the giver of life, the result of internal freedom." We must remember that our responses to such questions convey a genuine love from God, aiming for spiritual discovery and growth.

Regardless of the society we live in, many suffering souls haven’t experienced Christ, as well, believers in need of encouragement. As Dr. Tkach said, "Each of us needs other people." If Christ is to live fruitfully in our lives, the we-ness attitude must flood our perceptions. Let us all embrace the courage of Christ in the collective goal of furthering God’s kingdom in the effort of fulfilling the great commission. After all, the Christ family makes a difference in our lives, so also we must in the lives of others.

Thank you, as I am indebted to the Christ family for making a difference in my life.

Karl Klett
Marion, Ohio

What a timely booklet The Gospel Really Is Good News!

This subject about the unevangelized dead just came up in a small group meeting. It seems every time someone goes to a funeral, a friend or relative broaches that subject.

From now on, when I do a funeral, I’m going to ask the director if he would find this booklet helpful for his patrons. With only 12 pages, some could even read it right there during a wake or while waiting.

Thanks for your thoughts and insights on this subject.

Jon Kurnik
Pastor
Pittsburgh and Indiana, Pennsylvania

My parents came into the church when I was in third grade, and I went on to graduate from Ambassador College in 1978, getting married after my sophomore year and finishing up as married students. Shortly after we were married, my husband grew discontented with the church (having found errors in the teachings, which now are changes that have been made) and stopped coming—a crushing blow to someone as ingrained in the church as I was.

I, however, continued to attend for about five years after he quit. This, of course, put great strain on our relationship. Finally, I got tired of fighting him and found myself agreeing with the reasons he quit—misteachings of the church.

My parents, William and Rita Pearson, are Worldwide Church of members in the Marion, North Carolina, church, where my father is an elder. My family continued on with the WCG, bearing up against all the tides of change and making changes themselves (much to their credit).

They came out to visit us last year, and because there is a local WCG congregation in Lancaster, California, where I live, I attended with them a couple of times. I was instantly impressed and amazed at the change in the atmosphere of the church. My parents were generous enough to have helped send my two boys to camp in previous years, so they had already grown to love Jesus based on their experiences there.

When Cody, my oldest son, acquired his own vehicle, he began attending services on a regular basis and became a leading teen at the church, being asked to lead worship services and prayers. He and my other son, Brett, asked me to come with them a few times after my parents’ visit, so I did. Then, I was hooked! The love that exists in that small group of people is so powerful. I felt like I was home.

Jennifer Urban
Lancaster, California

I have just finished reading [Michael Morrison’s] article "Why Were You Born?" I cannot begin to express my gratitude for giving me the light and a clear understanding of the purpose of why I was born.

For a long time I was a lost sheep walking in the mud. I always wanted to get out of it but because of a lack of light, I could not find my way out. I did not understand the significance of what Jesus’ invitation was all about. I became muddy and thought so unworthy to accept his invitation to join him in his Father’s house.

After learning of the Gospel through Evangelism Explosion and after reading your article, I know now why I was born and why I must fulfill my destiny for God. It’s all about him. I hope he gives me the health, the wisdom and the power to serve him the rest of my life.

George Orogo
Lakewood, California

Can’t help but write to tell you (Mike Feazell) that "you’ve done it again" with the new booklet titled The Gospel Really Is Good News!

I love nothing better than a clear presentation and description of the power of the glorious gospel in full strength! The Holy Spirit has magnified Jesus through you and the inspiration of your words in this booklet. This book is truly a tract not just for non-Christians but Christians!

Thanks for taking the time to write it and share a copy with all members. I now know how I want to approach my Easter message as a result of this booklet, and have refined my presentation of the gospel to others I will reach out to! Hallelujah!

When I get this inspired I can’t contain my need to express my thanks, so thanks, and Keep Kickin’ It 4 and with Christ as God continues to make something good and God happen through us!

Your fellow servant in Christ and his ministry.

Timothy Jerome Brassell
Pastor
New Creation Community Church
Portsmouth, Virginia

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2003