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Print Letters One of the many blessings we have received through ninetyandnine.com this week is the opportunity to meet some of our readers. This weekend we were able to meet Chantell, Tanya, and Alicia, all from Alabama. What a blessing it was to us! It was odd at first that our common memories were around articles written years ago, but that quickly segued into common experiences today. Thanks to all of you who read the zine each week, as it wouldn’t be what it is without your interaction! (And yes, we’d love to meet you someday, also.)
Re: “Apostolic
Professionals” I really hate when these questions get asked and then people start writing in and getting all defensive when they have in fact missed the original point of the question. Where are the notable Apostolics that are doing whatever they do outside of the church exceptionally well and with excellence? That was the question. Amanda Fearon, England
Re: “Notable
Apostolics” The success of the individual, which includes everything from winning the Sunday school attendance contest and teaching the most Bible studies to receiving a promotion at work or a scholarship at college, is the success of the church and the body of Christ as we represent both. It is not about glorifying the individual out of pride or causing division within the church, but providing examples and leaders outside of the traditional ministers. My pastor does an outstanding job of recognizing hard-work, efforts, and results of those within our assembly whether they be spiritual or secular in nature. In doing so, he allows the church to know that God’s working in people’s lives and that the blessings of God (and of hard work) are evident and abundant in the church. It works toward the edification of the individual and also towards that of the body. The Bible speaks about the church as a body with no one part being more important than the other, but rather each working together for the benefit of all. I may not have the same talents and gifts as my brothers and sisters, but I will not envy them if they succeed and I believe that they will do the same during my successes. All notable achievements that we obtain, if in God’s will, are not just a reflection of our own intellect, strength, or willpower, but rather Christ that works through us for the edification of the body and as such, these same achievements (whether termed spiritual or secular) are spiritual by default because God has provided us with the opportunities. Recognizing these accomplishments brings honor to those who deserve it, but also glorifies God and provides examples for others to emulate. We should all follow the ultimate example set by Christ, but it’s also nice to have a godly man or woman to look up to, that are farther along in their walk with Him to give us a little inspiration and wisdom that we may not otherwise obtain. God Bless! Chris Thompson, Ohio
Re: “Sustained!” I’ve personally sent all my children to public school, however, Leann and her husband should also consider a third option—that of sending their children to both types of schools, at different times. One friend of mine home schooled her daughter until high school and then she sent her to the big, opportunity-filled high school. Another friend’s children have spent most of their lives in public school but during a couple of transition years, they went to a Christian school. Whatever decision that’s made when the child is in kindergarten doesn’t have to be continued throughout their education. We have options now and what might be right for a child when they’re six might be wrong for them when they’re 16. Just like other areas of parenting, we have to constantly evaluate what we’re doing, making changes when we see the need. Our children’s education should be handled the same. Karen Hemmes, Colorado
Re: “Brooklyn
Tabernacle” James Ellis, Ohio
Re: “Jim
Hidlebaugh’s letter” Jennifer Johnson, Missouri
Re: “Train
Up a Child, But Where? (A Look at Public v. Private Schools)” It’s been my experience that Christian school helped to instill in me a biblical foundation. It is that foundation that has carried me through life as I continue my education at Great Lakes University through online classes and continue to succeed in my career. I did not feel that I lived in a bubble by going to Christian school. The principles I learned there built a strong foundation. Once I began school and work, I did not feel intimidated, but rather, empowered to make the right decisions. This biblical foundation has enabled me to be a better witness at the college/career level. I don’t know if I would be as strong in my Christian beliefs and as outward in my witnessing if I had gone to public school. There are those that say that Christian school does not properly prepare you for “real-life,” but I am here to refute that statement. I was able to hold my own in college coursework and I have received many accolades in my career. My wife, who was home-schooled, and I are always referred to by various Apostolic leaders as consistent, godly examples of how to succeed in life without sacrificing Apostolic truth. I am an advocate of Christian education and would encourage parents to consider this approach for the training of their children. However, I feel that I must clarify that I am not against parents who choose to send their children to public school. The idea of wanting their children to be a “light” at public schools is admirable. It has just been my experience that some children cannot stand this pressure and, without having a Christian foundation planted either at home or in school, tends to leave the Apostolic faith. It is best for children to have this Christian teaching as long as possible before being placed in a “public, non-Christian” setting. Teach them to stand and then they will learn to teach others to fly. Matthew Legere, Connecticut
Re: “My
Supernatural Experience-Believing For a Baby” Clyde Smith, Maryland
Re: “Where
Have All the Notable Young Apostolics Gone?” Of my wife Bridget and me, I would more closely match the definition of the young, successful Apostolic. Bridget, who teaches part-time for the Red Cross, probably wouldn’t make it into the ninetyandnine.com career-oriented “Notables” club, yet she is the one seeking out and seizing every opportunity to witness to her family and to those in her classes, as well as being a very effective youth leader, Sunday school teacher, worship leader, musician, ladies ministry coordinator, and general go-to girl for anything that needs to be done well in our church. She’s the one who has a passion for winning souls, while I’ve only witnessed to a couple of my co-workers in the last three years—yet I’m the one who fits the definition of a “young, successful Apostolic”? If that is truly the case, our priorities and definition of success are quite skewed from our Apostolic roots. By our definition, very few of the apostles would be considered successful, while the rich, young (upstanding Jewish) ruler would fit the description perfectly. It seems that we have adopted our world’s definition of success, and by seeking to gain “notability” for that success, we have also ascribed to our world’s concept of celebrity. We have placed so much emphasis on becoming more educated and affluent, ostensibly to be able to reach those with like values, yet are we really using the opportunities we have to further the kingdom of God? I dare say the answer is rarely yes. If Jesus was looking for a notable team of disciples today, would He choose those with letters behind their names and accounts to fret over, or would He choose those who are using every day as an opportunity win souls? While I completely disagree with the need to establish the identity of the up-and-coming notable young Apostolics (preachers or office-dwellers), the article did cause me to re-examine my own definition of success, and to look for ways to make it match His definition. For this, I thank you. Kerry Phillips, Iowa
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