My column will be a little longer this week. We have a number of things to cover. First, we had another good Lord's Day with you this past Sunday. Maggie and I were thankful to once again have some of our family visiting with us. Dwyane presented two outstanding sermons. I was thinking, as I sat in the pew listening, this congregation is so very blessed! I also thought how especially blessed I am. What other preacher is so fortunate to have someone like Dwyane standing behind him, helping him, supporting him, and doing such a masterful job of preaching when he is out of the pulpit.

Second, its almost time for us to vote. We must choose good, reliable people for our elective offices. Also, we will be voting on issues of public morality involving states questions and laws pertaining to marriage, expanding gambling and creating a state lottery, and other important issues. We have the wonderful privilege and opportunity to live in a country where the people can influence their government and laws. As good stewards of God, we should make use of this blessing for the glory of God. We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16). That means we are to become increasingly difficult to be light and salt.

Friends, this could very well prove to be a critical marker in our history as we as a nation wrestle with so many moral dilemmas. The Bible says, "righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people." (Proverbs 14:34) There should be no question where we must stand as Christian people on these moral issues. Of course, as Christians, we are always less interested in changing the world through the political process and more concerned in changing individual lives through the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, I personally believe that when we vote for men (and moral issues) that stand for righteousness, we are contributing to the greater good or at least in selecting the "lesser" evil to our nation. So let's encourage our elected officials to hold fast to what is righteous. And, let us refuse to elect officials who believe and promote those things, which are contrary to the Bible. The great English statesman, Edmond Burke never spoke truer words when he said, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

- - Robert - -

Next Tuesday, November 2, on Election Day, all Christians are encouraged to defeat (Vote No) on the gambling and lottery propositions (705, 706, and 712) and support in favor (Vote Yes) of the Marriage Amendment defining marriage as a union of one man and one woman. (Proposition 711)

"Greetings from Chemnitz and from the Sullivan family! This report was to have been finished and sent off nearly four weeks ago but obviously, we did not get around to getting it sent off. September has proven to be a full month, and none of us can even believe that is is already October. The leaves are turning, the nights are cooler, and the typical fall changes are taking place.

"Our Summer Trip to the States:" Larry reveals that they visited congregations in Shawnee, Oklahoma City, Alamogordo and Hobbs, NM: Abilene and Fort Worth, TX. Without exception those churches are all continuing their support for which the Sullivans are thankful.

"The Year in Saxony Training Program" The first week in August was the last week in our year long training for Alex and Steffen…..It was definitely a year of growth for all of us who were involved. Both of these young men are gifted in different areas that will be very beneficial to the growth of the church in this area…..Both young men are capable preachers and Bible teachers, and both have hearts for the lost…..

"Church News" Larry relates that so many of their younger members find it necessary to go to other areas or jobs which works a hardship on the church's growth in Chemnitz. Some of the ladies have started a "Krappelgruppe" every other Tuesday. They invite "mothers of small children that they know to come to the building for a couple of hours of fellowship, play and Bible stories. They have several mothers who have been taking part. Please keep their efforts in your prayers. Also keep in mind our English Bible Studies, which take place every two weeks. These, too, have been well attended lately and many of those attending are guests. Last weekend we had a special group of guests. Oklahoma Christian University has a Vienna Studies program which enables students to study for one semester in Vienna. Most of those involved in the program…..were up for the weekend…..We are in need of a second vehicle to take to Bulgaria this year because of the sheer amount of clothing we have received…..The clothes will be distributed on November 20…..

"The Sullivan Family" …..Kris is very busy with regular school schedules…..Kendra is doing well at OC this semester…..Pam was very involved the month of September with the final preparations for the ladies retreat for Germany, Switzerland and Austria…..Larry's mother (Liz) is here to visit for the month of October. We are looking forward to spending some quality time with her while she is here.

"As always, we are thankful for your continued prayers and financial support. Let us know how you are." The Sullivans

Our first coat distribution will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those who have volunteered to assist should be at the building by 9 a.m. Some assistance will be needed after services on Wednesday to get the coats out of the room and set up. There will also be a work day on Thursday at 11:00AM to sort and arrange the coats.

Funeral services for former member Linda Underwood Sedlacek were conducted in our building on Tuesday afternoon. We express our sympathy to this family in its loss.

Geneva Green has moved to room 511 at Shawnee Care Center.
Charles Bishop has moved to Oklahoma City.

We continue to be fortunate in having no Central members in the hopital as the Gospel Guide is prepared.
Former member Eddie Morris, is having major health problems at this time. He is Louise Dixsons's brother and Jim Pettyjohn's cousin. They request your prayers.
Lois Lanier was scheduled to have laser eye surgery on Wednesday of this week.

Gertrude Andes, Jack Aylor, Gwen Barrett, Jearline Bates, Chad Beard, Betty Bernard, Betti Boswell, Lucille Bowers, Harold Carothers, James Childers, Harold & Clydean Decker, C.F. Drain, Ola Fitzwater, Mary Gaines, Geneva Green, Dwight Harber, Phyllis Heald (Doris Whittern's daughter), Anna Jarvis, Earnest Johnson, Phil Lairson (Rosie Brightwell & Ellen Childers's nephew), Lloyd Lofties, Betty Martin, Mary Martin, Ida McIntyre, Don Allen McNutt, Aubrey Mercer, Harvey Moore, Ruth Nevills, Winnie Page, Monroe Pettyjohn, Ruth Pratt, Polly Reese, Alice Rice, Horace & Leoh Roberts, Naomi (Richards) Rutledge, Lillie Smith, Sarah Smith, Chub & Dorothy Strickland, Charles Thomas, Floy Turner, Alvie Vanlandingham, Dean Wall, Doris Whittern, Argil Wiggins, Emma Wilson, Carl Worley, Viola Yates, Verna Nell Young, and Tollie Zitterkopf. All these members and friends have continuing health concerns or other special circumstances. They appreciate your remembrance of them in prayer.