Thank you for the new Bible study course on Old Testament Laws. It is the best study on this subject I have ever read.
I am a student at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, one of the most renowned evangelical seminaries in the United States. I read material on the Old Testament from other Christian authors long before our split.
For me understanding the changes was a matter of understanding certain key scriptures. After God opened my mind to see the meaning of those scriptures, it felt as if scales fell from my eyes. I am just delighted with the excellent scholarship and Christian devotion that was put into the preparation of this course.
It makes me wonder, Why didn't we see this before? Well, I can only say that God's grace has made it possible, and we rejoice in that alone. We should also be praying that our brothers and sisters from whom we are separated might be given the same insight and grace that we have been given so freely, but undeservingly. How refreshing to learn these things anew.
Curtis Evans
South Hamilton, Massachusetts
From birth I was raised attending the WCG with my parents and siblings. At 16 I started getting in trouble with the law, which led me to prison at 18.
I have been in prison for 11 years. Though no one can understand prison without experiencing it, one can understand love when they come in contact with Jesus. I have been baptized for nine years.
When I entered prison, WCG ministers visited me, as they and members of the church welcomed me. My family supported me, expressing their unconditional love, which Jesus Christ gave them.
At times I neglected fellowshipping, as I thought, what did I have to offer? After all I was a criminal.
Years later I realized that God forgave me my sins, and I must be a witness in prison, as well as fellowship with the congregation, with whatever means were available. I realized that despite my mistakes, God loves me and desires for me to repent and grow in his likeness.
Among the chaos in prison I am always able to find a tranquil spot to pray and worship our Lord. Despite what setting we live in, God is always lending a hand, loving us and listening to our prayers. He loves us unconditionally.
I have a friend I have known since I was 6. We grew up together, as we participated in Youth Opportunities United (YOU) activities. When he graduated from high school, he attended Ambassador. When he found out I was in prison, he was at the doorstep giving me his love and friendship.
During the course of my incarceration, he has never left my side. Even when he was in Thailand, he and his wife always sent me letters asking me how I was doing and saying that they were praying for me.
I found out that friends of the Lord are friends forever. He didn't judge me, and continued to love me as his brother and friend.
I am excited about the changes in the church. My life has continued to grow as I pursue the likeness of God. The Marion-Mansfield and Toledo, Ohio, churches have been supportive, always willing to offer a helping hand.
In a world where there is so much evil we must share our lives with those who are pursuing the same objective as us.
Eleven years ago a minister said, "Karl, God wants us to fellowship with other Christians."
Now I know that he was and is correct. God loves us unconditionally, and we must love our brothers and sisters the same.
Let's all show some initiative, and offer a helping hand to others, as my family and friends have for me.
My heart goes out to my pastor, parents and friends that have touched my life with the love of Jesus Christ.
Karl M. Klett
Marion, Ohio
May 20, 1997, WN, page 2
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