In this issue

Personal

Since it is true that every Christian has the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit teaches each one of us, is there any need for leadership within the church? asks Mr. Tkach in this month's Personal.

Wouldn't it be more Christian to view ourselves as a group of equals, as every person capable of every role? Pages 6 to 8.

Financial Report

Mail income for December came in near our projections at about $2.3 million, writes controller Ronald Kelly.

Estate donations, bequests and foundation giving provided a much-needed boost. Festival or seasonal offerings were up more than projections. Page 9.

The suffering God

Why does God stand by and let such horrible things happen as go on in this world when he could stop them if he wanted to? Doesn't God care? Mike Feazell addresses these questions in The Suffering God. Pages 10 to 13.

Window on the World

Randal Dick concludes his account of a November trip to visit members in Bangladesh. Mr. Dick reports on the fruits of member efforts, directed by John Biswas, to aid the preaching of the gospel there. Pages 14 & 15.

Women's ministry

In our women's ministry section we report on a conference in Cambridge, Ohio, in which Tammy Tkach and Sheila Graham spoke, and outreach efforts by the women in San Leandro, California, and Sherwood, Arkansas. Page 16.

Teen ministry

In our teen ministry section we report on teen weekends sponsored by the Summer Educational Program (SEP) that are taking place throughout the United States.

Teens gather to worship and dedicate their lives to Jesus Christ. The weekends are coordinated by Jeb Egbert, SEP director, and his wife, Barb. Pages 17 to 19.

Church in Japan

Eugene Guzon reports that an independent Christian minister, his family and the few members who used to attend with him have joined our fellowship.

This will help the church reach the Japanese people themselves and brings a new sense of excitement among the brethren in Japan. Page 20.

Bible Study

What? Doesn't the apostle Paul have the right to do what he wants? asks Mike Morrison in his Bible Study. Why should his freedom be limited by other people's immaturity? Pages 25 & 26.

Church building

It's a catchy phrase to talk about building our church, but what does it mean? How do we do it? asks Geoff Pittman, who serves as a pastoral intern in the Lexington, Kentucky, church. Pages 28 & 29.

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