Campaigns for Christ through World Missions

August Report

2011-08-09T15:05:00.003-05:00

OUR FAMILY

Peyton, our oldest, completed his Masters degree in May, and now works withe the Mid-Continent Library system full time. Tyler, our youngest son, is looking to do some preaching and some mission work, while working part time. Our daughter and her husband, Andrew and Rebecca, along with their children, Jay and Caroline, are excitedly anticipating the arrival of a third little bundle in October. We are very excited too! Luvenia is doing great. She is so very talented and a tireless worker. I am involved with the first prolonged sickness I have ever had, having been diagnosed with Meniere's disease. I have finally improved enough to function, but am not 100% yet. Go to dizziness-and-balance.com/disorders/menieres/meniers.htm/ if you want to learn more about it.

JAMAICA CAMPAIGNS

The campaigns in Goshen and Bull Savanna went well. Both are mountain communities. We had a small team but much was accomplished. We ate breakfast and supper at a local restaurant, travelling each day to Goshen after breakfast to work in the community, and then again each evening after supper for the nightly Gospel meeting. Every door was knocked and eighty-eight Bible studies were conducted, which resulted in six baptisms and one restoration. We also were able to conduct Bible lessons in three different schools.

The Bull Savanna team was much larger, but the people were not as receptive as in Goshen. Still, we were able to conduct sixty-two Bible studies with thirty-nine people, which resulted in two baptisms. Since our return I have received word that attendance is still up 40% and there has been one more baptism.

We are not only able to teach non-Christians on campaigns such as these, but we also teach, encourage, and challenge many Christians - including each other. For example, we were asked to teach the teachers how to teach. There is no doubt truth is taught and we are strengthened by the opportunity of doing the work.

RETURNING HOME

Upon returning I was too sick to do much for two weeks. I visited three different Doctor's about my sickness and their diagnosis is that I have Meniers disease (as noted earlier). I have not had a severe attack since July 1, and can now function.

After getting better Luvenia and I had to travel South due to the tragedy of the passing of two of my nieces. My oldest sister lost her middle child, and one of my brothers lost his only natural born daughter. It was a difficult trip.

I have preached in Blackwater, Missouri several times. Last Saturday I preached in the annual all day meeting held in Eagleville, Missouri. Luvenia and I both taught classes at Mid-Mo Bible Camp. On the 27th, Luvenia will teach the young children and I will teach the teenagers who attend the annual all day meeting in Davis City, Iowa. Then, on the 28th, I will deliver both lessons for the Davis City congregation.

We look forward to a visit from one of my brothers on the evening of the 28th, and all day on the 29th.

APPOINTMENTS

I AM PRESENTLY SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS TO GIVE REPORTS OF OUR WORK. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHEN WE CAN VISIT YOU.

Preparing for Jamaica

2011-05-10T18:45:00.002-05:00

Time is drawing near for our trip to Jamaica. We will have two campaigns over a five week period. The first will be held in Goshen, Clarendon. Super Daly is the preacher. He and his wife, Maurine, were the first Jamaican brethren I got to know back in 1984. They have four fine boys (young men now) and the oldest, Carson, is helping his dad with the campaign. It is always a joy when ones children assist in such good works. Terrance Brownlow-Dindy, from Kinder, LA, has been an assistant team director since 2009, and he will be one of the eight working in this campaign.

The second campaign will be held in Bull Savanna, St. Elizabeth. Plans were made for twenty of us to work in that community, but unfortunately Luvenia's dad and mother (Bill and Mary Noblin) will not be able to take part this year. Bill learned a few days ago that he has some blocked arteries. He meets with the surgeon tomorrow to determine when to undergo surgery. Mary has learned that she has gall stones and will find out Friday when she will have surgery.

Bill has been my right hand man on the campaigns since I have been organizing and directing teams. He has not only been a team member but my assistant team leader and treasurer. This would have made the 19th year of being on our team for Mary. I surely will miss both of them, as will the rest of the team and the Jamaican brethren. We just pray that all will go well with the surgeries and both will be able to return with us next year.

There was a possibility of our returning to Grand Cayman in August, but we are not needed at present. With that being the case, if you would be willing to let us give a report of our work please let us know so we can schedule a meeting with you.

Home in Missouri

2011-04-02T22:23:00.003-05:00

Luvenia and I made it home to Missouri today. We flew in from Grand Cayman last Thursday evening (to Little Rock, Arkansas). After helping on Luvenia's parents house, we went to the Memphis School of Preaching Lectureship. We returned to Hazen, Arkansas yesterday and had some brake work done on our car. We left Kinder after breakfast this morning. Time for bed, worship to morrow, and then a lot of work to do. Please continue to pray for the brethren in Grand Cayman!

CAMPAIGN TEAM

2011-03-18T15:06:00.002-05:00

Larry and Carol Waymire, along with fifteen students from Freed-Hardeman University spent a week here in Grand Cayman. They worked with the West Bay congregation during the mornings, and with us here in East End in the evenings.

A couple of the young men did the preaching during our three nights of street meetings.

As always, we were supported by brethren from West Bay and George Town. Citizens from the community also attended.

It was good to have the Waymire's and the students in our home. We appreciate their help in this good work.

TIME IS GROWING SHORT

2011-03-08T10:56:00.002-06:00

It is hard to believe that our time is so short here in Grand Cayman; for this trip anyway. We continue our Bible classes and worship services, having some repeat visitors now. We also continue having Bible studies with individuals, such as this one with Marvin Johnson. Mr. Johnson grew up in East End, traveled the world in the shipping industry, and returned home to farm. We have had two studies with him, and hope to have more.

Luvenia's and my 28th wedding anniversary was on February 25th. The card was hand made, given to us by the first and second grade students that Luvenia teaches in the local primary school.

One of our brethren having learned of our anniversary told us he was going to sponsor our meal. Due to his generosity we were able to go to the WHARF, and enjoy a fine meal while watching the sunset. It was very nice, as these pictures show.

We have had one Bible study this morning, and will have another one this afternoon. Before the next Bible study we will spend some time in East End visiting some of her citizens. After the study we will then have our mid-week Bible class, which starts at 7:30.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) is a national holiday. We will visit the yearly Agricultural Show and then will go to the home of Martin and Carol Royer for lunch. Martin preaches for the George Town brethren.

Saturday a group of students from Freed Hardeman University, led by Larry Waymire, will fly to the island. On Sunday afternoon, and Monday, they will come to East End and we will go throughout the community advertising a three day Gospel meeting. If it remains dry we will have street meetings on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings. If it rains the meetings will be held in the Community Center. We look forward to having them with us.

By the time the team leaves we will be preparing to leave ourselves. It is always a joy to see family and friends when we return from one of our trips, but it is also hard to leave brethren behind. It has been a great trip and we look forward to our return at a later time.

We return to Little Rock on May 24th, spend a couple of days at Luvenia's parents, and then head to Memphis for the Memphis School of Preaching Lectureship. We will get to see many friends, but we particularly look forward to seeing Peyton, Rebecca, Jay, and Caroline!

After the lectures we head home, and finally get to see Tyler and LeighAnne. Then, on 18 May Luvenia and I fly to Montego Bay Jamaica. We will have two campaigns; one in Goshen (Clarendon) with six other team members, and another in Bull Savanna (St. Elizabeth) with 18 other team members. We will then leave Montego Bay on 30 June, arriving home on 1 July.

Thank you for your prayers and support. Please remember us as we continue our work and travels, as well as our family and friends back home.

GREAT SUNDAY

2011-02-21T11:38:00.004-06:00

We had excellent attendance yesterday. Nine of those pictured here, including all of the small children, are non-member visitors from East End. Shannon Harrison led singing for us. He, along with his wife, Adonzo (front row), and their teenage son, Sean (behind Luvenia), were visiting from the West Bay congregation. We also had Berry Lee Wallace (back, left) who lives in East End but is a member of the George Town congregation. We were very thankful for every ones presence, and everyone said they would visit again. One of our regular visitors, Bernadine Mills, with whom we have had several studies, was sick and could not be with us. When Luvenia called to check on her she said, "When I am well you will see me." This is very positive.

On Sunday evening we had two visitors. Caren Wight and Doreen Augustine, members of the George Town congregation, drove out to worship with us. We are so very thankful for the continual support from brethren from both congregations!

Friday (25 Feb) is Luvenia's and my 28th wedding anniversary. I told her shortly after we arrived on the island that I wanted her to pick out something made here on the island to commemorate such a momentous occasion. Saturday she picked out the daisy necklace she is wearing in this picture. It is made out of a Queen Conch shell. I could never have chosen a better helper, and I thank God for her often. I think we make a pretty good team!

As you can see here, the other evening we had a beautiful full moon. It wasn't dark when the picture was taken. We surely are enjoying our work here. It is a beautiful place and most of the people are very friendly. We discuss the Bible with a good number of them. Most say they will visit our services. As noted above, we were blessed to have several visitors yesterday.

One of our neighbors with whom we have been studying, Janice, returned home to Jamaica yesterday. We encouraged her to keep studying and to look for us in June. She lives in May Pen (Clarendon), and the first campaign will be in that area (in Goshen, a mountain community north of May Pen).

We have three ongoing Bible studies at present, with the promise of three more soon. One of the promises comes from Janice's husband, Lance, who remains here on the island because of work. We keep telling those who say they will study with us that our time is running short. We are thankful that Donovan Williams, from Jamaica, will be here to continue the work. If all goes as planned he will arrive on 10 March in order for us to introduce him to the people of East End.

I deleted the last two posts. The reason for the deletions is that I had posted pictures of some of the children at the Primary School without getting permission from their parents. It was an oversight on my part that I thought needed to be rectified by their deletion.

Street Meetings in East End

2011-02-10T08:23:00.002-06:00

I just picked Luvenia up from the East End Primary School. She teaches Bible lessons in the first grade class on Tuesday mornings, and to the second grade class on Thursday mornings. I have offered to teach the whole student body on Monday's, since that is their practice, but the principle has not allowed it, saying other "pastors" are already doing it.

We had three nights of street meetings that ended Tuesday. Members from the West Bay and George Town congregations supported each night very well. Many of the older members were there each night. We had visitors from the community each night as well, and others not present heard the singing, prayers, and lessons because of large speakers that had been set up; directed toward the surrounding homes.

Martin Royer (from Dominica), preacher for George Town preached Sunday evening. Dave Osbourne (from Jamaica), preacher for West Bay, preached Monday evening. I preached Tuesday evening. Damian Martin (from Jamaica), member at West Bay, led singing Sunday and Monday evenings, and Dave Osbourne led singing Tuesday.

We have visited the businesses, and the library, in East End, leaving introduction information about the church, about us, and about Donovan Williams, the preacher that will take over when we have to leave. We have also knocked most of the doors in the community, as well as those in the vicinity of our house/building. Most people are very nice, and most say they will visit our services. We have set up a number of Bible studies. Several have fallen through, but we have two ongoing studies that look very promising. We also have a new one at 6:00 this evening.

We are surely thankful that we are a part of this work. It will be hard to leave on 24 March, but we do look forward to seeing family and friends. Of course, our minds must then turn back to Jamaica and the work that is awaiting us there. If we are needed, we do hope to return to East End before the year is up.

This being true, if you know of any who might be interested in supporting us, please get them in touch with us, or us in touch with them. Your recommendation of our work will go a long way in our obtaining it. Thanks for your consideration and help!

A Hodge Podge of Matters

2011-02-03T14:26:00.005-06:00

These ladies, and I, were the ones present at our first Sunday morning services. Bev Williams (yellow and white dress) is the one that asked Luvenia and me to come to Grand Cayman in the beginning. She was so very excited to finally have a congregation in East End. The ladies on each side of her are friends for hers that she had invited to services. We have a study with Miss Mills (blue dress) tonight. She is the second grade school teacher in the East End Primary School. Luvenia teaches a Bible lesson in her class every Thursday morning (and in Bev's every Tuesday morning).

The ladies are standing in front of the house/church building. As I probably noted earlier, we have a master bed room/bath combination and a small living room area. We also use the kitchen. The regular living room area has been set up as the auditorium, and two bed rooms have been set up for class rooms. There is, of course, a public bathroom too.

I am sorry that the weather is so bad at home. We hope and pray all will be safe.

We were so sad to hear of our dear friend Freda Bentley passing away, and then after so many improvements Tom Bright passing away too. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of both.

We continue to pray for Shauna Heck and Michelle Hopper in their fights against cancer. We wish we didn't have to, but we have now put Debbie Heck on that same prayer list. It looks like they caught hers early. Hope so!

I think of many who are at home. My thoughts naturally go to our children and grand-children, and our niece that is living with the boys. I think of Jim and Judy O'Connor a lot. I know it is so hard for him to not be in India, and we would surely like it if they could be here with us.

We have had several studies set up that fell through. But, last night we had two very good studies from 4 till 6. Both are scheduled again for next Wednesday. We have another set up for six tonight.

We will have our regular services Sunday morning. Sunday night however, we will begin a series of street meetings (that will go through Tuesday night), which will be held in the East End Heritage Field, which is in the middle of the community.

The brethren from the West Bay and George Town congregations are unified in their support of this work. They have done so much, and plan to do so much more. We are blessed to work with them.

I am disappointed that Randy Watson will not be able to come and hold a Gospel Meeting while we are here. He is very interested in this work hopes to be able to come later in the summer.

If you live where the weather is bad, please be careful. We love you all!

CHURCH OF CHRIST (EAST END)

2011-01-26T11:31:00.003-06:00

Greetings. Luvenia and I are doing well and we hope you are.

We had our first Sunday class and worship services on the 23rd, and were excited to have two visitors. One has agreed to a Bible study and we are only awaiting the time.

Yesterday, Tuesday the 25th, was our first mid week Bible class. We had no visitors from the community but brother and sister Yearwood from Tennessee, along with a bus load of members from West Bay, joined us. We had great participation as we studied the need for us to be on watch concerning our own actions.

This morning Luvenia taught bible lessons to the first grade class in the local Primary school. She will teach the second grade students tomorrow. Miss Mills, the second grade teacher (standing by Luvenia in the above picture), was very apologetic about forgetting about the class last night. She had planned on being there.

Luvenia and I go out each day meeting citizens of the community. We give information about the congregation and ourselves. We hope to get many Bible studies.

Scheduled for Sunday-Tuesday evenings, February 6-8, are nightly street meetings. I have made arrangements with the manager of the local Texaco station for us to use their electricity for speakers. Martin Royer, from George Town, will speak on Sunday. Dave Osbouren, from West Bay, will speak on Monday. I will speak on Tuesday. Many brethren from the West Bay and George Town congregations plan on joining us on Saturday, February 5th, for door knocking in preperation for the street meetings.

We hope to get our internet and phone connections this week. Presently we are in Dunkin' Donuts.

Give our love to all.

Greetings from Grand Cayman

2011-01-15T18:11:00.002-06:00

The weather is beautiful and Luvenia and I are doing well. Brethren from the West Bay and Georgetown congregations have worked very hard to get the house/church building ready for us, and have done a masterful job.

Last night around 30 members brought food and we had a fellowship. We sang for a while and then ate and visited. Everyone has high spirits and hopes about the new work.

Yesterday was Bev. Williams birthday, and she said no one could have given her a better birthday gift. She is the one who invited us to come in the first place. She has been working for years to get something going in East End.

Efforts are being made to get the internet and a phone up and going for us. We are again at Bev's home, using hers. We should get a van for our use tomorrow. The brethren are great in their efforts to make thing good for us.

I will meet with men from the two congregations tomorrow to "come together" on a plan of work for the area. We are anxious to get started.

Love you all!

GRAND CAYMAN ISLANDS AT LAST

2011-01-12T20:06:00.002-06:00

Hi friends,

We left Luvenia's parents home at 4:00 this morning for Little Rock. The flight to Atlanta, as well as the flight to Grand Cayman were without incident. We are so very thankful for your prayers on our behalf and God's answers of safety.

Brethren here have done a wonderful job on the house/church building. I will be getting together with men from both congregations in the next couple of days so we can all be on the same page of action. Luvenia and I are very excited about being here and look forward to getting started.

We do not have the internet yet, so are using Bev Williams'. She is the one who asked us to come in 2009. She is so very excited that we have come and is anxious to get started. Bev is the daughter of good Jamaican friends, Easton and Dorothy Duncan.

Being in the field as we are it is hard to raise needed funds. So, if you can help, please let us know.

Please continue your prayers.

FLIGHT CANCELED

2011-01-09T15:41:00.002-06:00

We arrived in Hazen, Arkansas OK, after a side trip to Heber Springs to see Luvenia's Grandma. I found out this morning that Delta had canceled our flight due to impending weather problems. It is sleeting and snowing here in the warm South, and it is supposed to continue eastward to Atlanta.

Our new schedule is on Wednesday; flying out of Little Rock to Atlanta, and then to Grand Cayman, arriving at 1:16 p.m. It is basically the same flight schedule that had been scheduled for tomorrow. I tried calling several brethren in Grand Cayman to no avail, but finally did get in touch with Dave Osbourne, the preacher for the West Bay congregation. He will let the others know of our delay.

Luvenia and I had the privilege of visiting brethren in Austin, Arkansas this morning, where I preached. I had said in my last post that I would be preaching in Cabot, but I should have said Austin. Two of Luvenia's Uncle's and Aunt's attend in Austin, but live in Cabot, so I think of them and say Cabot instead of Austin. After services we went out for lunch with her family members. It was very enjoyable!

As always, please keep us and our efforts in your prayers, as well as the three left at home!

TIME TO DEPART FOR GRAND CAYMAN

2011-01-08T09:00:00.002-06:00

Greetings friends! I apologize for being so lax in posting new information. I will make a strong effort to update at least once a week from now on.

I hope you and your family are enjoying the New Year, and that all will remain safe.

In a few minutes Luvenia and leave home, heading for Hazen, Arkansas, where Luvenia's parents live. I will preach in Cabot, Arkansas Sunday morning, and we will worship with Bill and Mary in Hazen Sunday night. Then, on Monday morning we will fly out of Little Rock to Atlanta, and then on to Grand Cayman. We will assist brethren to plant a new congregation on the East end of the island. We are very excited about the work and seek your prayers! We return to Little Rock on March 24th, just in time to attend the Memphis School of Preaching Lectureship. After the lectures we will return home and make final arrangements for back to back campaigns in Jamaica in May and June.

Please remember Peyton and Tyler, and LeighAnne while we are gone!

DECEMBER REPORT

2010-12-04T09:48:00.006-06:00

2010 A. D.

This has been a very good year for us. We have had the privilege of working for Christ on the island of Jamaica in January and again in May and June, with a group of nineteen other brethren.

This year marked my 27th year, and Luvenia's 11th, of working on the island. It is always a joy working with the American team members, as well as our Jamaican brethren. We set up and conduct Bible studies, have classes for the congregation as well as a Gospel meeting. This year we had the privilege of holding two twenty minute devotionals each day at the York Town Primary School, which has seven hundred students.

We also had the privilege of working for Christ on the island of Trinidad in April. Luvenia did a Ladies' Day and taught many children's classes. I presented a church growth seminar, preached in a Gospel Meeting, and spoke for several congregations.

Luvenia also was privileged to participate in a Ladies' Day in Belle, Missouri, and I was able to preach and give the report of our work. We travelled throughout many states giving our report, thanking those of you who support our work, and seeking financial support from others. We even had the privilege of visiting California for the first time. We enjoyed the love and hospitality of the Robert Austin family (formally from Missouri), the Vacaville congregation, and many others. It was a joy being with them!

2011 A. D.

Luvenia and I were in Jamaica November 8-17, preparing for next summer. There will be back to back campaigns, with the first held in Goshen, (Clarendon) May 23-June 6, with Super Daily and his family. Super and Maurine were the first Jamaicans I got to know. Their oldest son, Carson, is helping plan the campaign. He was just a baby then. The second campaign will be in Bull Savanna (St. Elizabeth) June 13-27, where Kerry Walcott preaches. For those who participate in both campaigns there will be a week for transition and rest.

On January 10, 2011 we are scheduled to fly out of Little Rock, Arkansas, for the Cayman Islands. We will assist brethren in establishing and grounding a new congregation in East End, on the east end of Grand Cayman. We are scheduled to return home on March 24th.

There is a constant need for financial support. If you already support us, please continue. If you are not a supporter, we ask for your prayerful consideration. Any amount will help!

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY

2010-11-01T16:52:00.003-05:00

I apologize for taking so long to give an update. We are truly very busy but that is no excuse. There is always time for one more thing, and I am honestly trying to get better at taking the time to update more frequently!

We had such a great time in California! Brethren there have made us re-think our ideas on the state, which in most cases were negative.

Since returning from Vacaville, Luvenia and I travelled to Trenton, Missouri, where I had the privilege of preaching in a Gospel Meeting. The theme of the meeting was, "The True Church v-s Counterfeit Churches." We enjoyed our stay with Dustin Wilson, and his wife, Kara. They are newly weds, and we were privileged to be their first stay over guests.

The elders of the Trenton congregation oversee our work. We are so very thankful for them and the other brethren. Some of our dearest friends, the Baxter's, are members there.

I have been given the go ahead by the brethren in Grand Cayman to proceed with plans to be on their island most of January, February, and March. Luvenia and I will be working with them in efforts to start a new congregation in East End, which is on the east end of the island. Both of the established congregations are on the west end of the island. We are very excited about this work.

Normally we go to Jamaica in January in order to arrange for the annual June campaign to that island. Due to our plans to be in Grand Cayman in January, this trip had to be been moved up. I have been working to get the team together, and Luvenia and I will be leaving for Jamaica on November 8th, returning on the 18th.

Back to back campaigns are being planned for May and June. If plans are fulfilled we will have a two week campaign in Goshen, a small mountain community north of May Pen, Clarendon. We will then have a two week campaign in Bull Savannah, St. Elizabeth, which is West and South of May Pen (over the mountain from Mandeville for those of you who have been with us to the island). There will be a week between the two campaigns, in order for those who work in both to transition from one place to another and have a couple of days of rest.

We thank you for your interest in our work. If you would like for us to give a report where you are, talk to your elders, or to the men of the congregation if you do not have elders. We would very much like to make an appointment.

Please remember us and our efforts, as well as our family, in your prayers.

IN CALIFORNIA

2010-09-27T11:49:00.003-05:00

Greetings from Travis Air Force Base, California.

Luvenia and I had great flights out, and are enjoying immensely our stay with the Austin family!

The hospitality of them, and the Vacaville brethren is wonderful.

Luvenia and I attended both services with the brethren in Vacaville yesterday (www.vacavillecofc.com). David Garner is the preacher. We enjoyed attending his Bible class and then I preached. That evening I gave the report of our work.

Robert and others have been working hard to make other appointments for us. I will have a few minutes to speak after an area wide singing in Davis on Friday. Then, on Sunday, we have three appointments to give our report; the morning in Vallejo, 2:00 in Woodland, and 6:00 in El Sobrante. We look forward to meeting brethren in each place.

We have realized that we are near Leota Graham, a good friend that moved out here from Oak Grove, Missouri a couple of years ago. We hope to see her. We are also hoping to visit with brother Wayne Jackson.

Please continue to pray for us in our efforts.

Love, Eugene and Luvenia

ON THE ROAD

2010-09-04T10:43:00.003-05:00

As noted in the last blog, Luvenia and I are on the road giving reports to supporters and introducing our work to potential supporters.

Our first stop was at Luvenia's parents home. It is always a joy being with them. The evening we got there we meet with family members and friends to eat supper. Several of them attend the Austin, Arkansas congregation which supports us monthly.

After leaving Hazen, Arkansas we travelled to Nashville, Arkansas, where we stayed with Cleon Green, one of my roommates in college, and his wonderful mother. Cleon had arranged for me to meet with two congregations. I was able to present our work to brethren in Ben Lomond and Nashville.

After leaving Nashville we made our way to Bastrop, LA, and spent the night with good friends, Tommy and Janet Stacks. We have been friends for many years, even before T. and I became classmates, and housemates, in Memphis School of Preaching in 1978.

We then made our way to one of the most important places on the planet - Wetumpka, Alabama. Why is Wetumpka so important? It is so important because that is where our daughter, Rebecca, her husband, Andrew, and our two grand-children, Jay and Caroline Anne, live. It had been five months since we had seen them! We are greatly enjoying our stay with them. While here we are contacting numerous brethren in the area about our work.

Last night we went to a Gospel singing, hosted by the Georgia Road congregation, outside of Eclectic, Alabama. Various congregations in the Montgomery area host a singing every month, and we have been privileged to attend several the last five years. The one at Georgia Road was one of the most enjoyable I have ever been a part of!

Sunday morning we plan to be in Oxford, Alabama. The congregation there supports us monthly, and it will be good to see them again. That evening we will be giving a report in Munford, Alabama. The brethren there are also faithful supporters.

The following Sunday evening we will give a report to the congregation in Dublin, Georgia. Our two oldest children were born when we lived in Dublin.

After the appointment in Dublin we will begin making our way home. It is possible that we may have a appointment or two on the way home. Then, we will fly out from Kansas City on September 23rd, heading to California. We will get to see good friends, Robert and Kari Austin, who have arranged for me to give our report to the brethren in Vacaville. Efforts are also being made to get appointments with other brethren in the area while we are in the state. We look forward to the visit with the Austin's, and meeting the good brethren in Vacaville, as well as other congregations. We will be attending a singing in Davis on October 1st.

We will return home from California on Tuesday, October 5th, and I will then hold a meeting for our overseeing congregation in Trenton, Missouri. The theme for the meeting will be, "THE TRUE CHURCH v-s COUNTERFEIT CHURCHES. If you are in the area it will be great to have you join us.

Please keep us in your prayers as we travel! Also, please let me know if you would be interested in hearing more about our work, or if you know of others that are.

APPOINTMENTS

2010-08-09T13:19:00.003-05:00

There is always a need to make appointments to discuss our efforts in order to gender interest in our work, which will hopefully result in prayers on our behalf and financial support. Thanks to the efforts of good friends Cleon Green and Robert and Kari Austin we now have appointments in Arkansas and California. We are so very thankful to them for their interest and help!

We are blessed to have David, Amber, and Cameron Reeves with us for a few days. David is doing some needed repairs, and putting up some shelves, in the room LeighAnne is going to use when she moves in with us. She will be a student at Blue River Community College. When David and Cameron leave, Amber will stay with us so she and Luvenia can do some sewing. She will remain until LeighAnne moves in.

I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day!

A GREAT DAY!

2010-08-07T19:15:00.005-05:00

Brethren in Eagleville, Missouri meet at the corner of Ginko and 14th Street. They had their Second Annual All Day Gospel Meeting today on the theme, BUILDING STRONGER FAMILIES. Luvenia and I, along with Leland Reed (Oak Grove, Missouri), attended the meeting and had a great time of fellowship and learning. We were blessed in many ways, including seeing many brethren we seldom see.

Lessons began at 9:30 a.m. with Dave West (Davis City, Iowa) speaking on God's Plan for the Home. It was a perfect lesson to get the meeting started! I spoke at 10:30 a.m. on Authority In The Home, after which we had a sumptuous lunch. Then, at 1:00 p.m. Don Boyd (Blue Springs, Missouri) spoke on Healing The Broken Home, followed at 2:00 p.m. by Fred Rhodes (Marshalltown, Iowa), speaking on Preparing The Family To Face The Future. (For those of you who know Fred, and that he broke his arm, it is healing nicely. He said he is gaining strength every day.)

We were greatly blessed for being at Eagleville, and pray they will always continue their faithful efforts for the Lord!

ANNOUNCEMENT: On Saturday, August 21st, the congregation in Davis City, I0wa will conduct its 95th Annual All Day Meeting. There are lessons all day at the community center, and in the morning Luvenia and I teach the youth at the church building, with her teaching the young children down stairs and me teaching the teens upstairs. Then, on Sunday, August 22nd, I have the privilege of preaching for the Davis City congregation. We have had the privilege of participating in this effort for many years now, and it is always a joy. I encourage you to attend if possible. You will be greatly benefited if you do!

JAMAICA 2010 REPORT

2010-07-14T16:48:00.008-05:00

GREETINGS FROM BUCKNER, MISSOURI

Luvenia and I, as well as the other eighteen U. S. team members, have returned home from the June 2010 Jamaica campaign. All arrived on the island safely in spite of the violence in Kingston and Spanish Town. As always time passed quickly and it seemed as if it was time for the team to return home almost as soon as they had arrived. We were so very thankful that we were able to go, and that God blessed us and our work so greatly. Please accept our sincere thanks for your interest in our work, your prayers, and financial assistance you were able to give in our going!

The two of us flew US Airways to Montego Bay on Wednesday, May 26th. News of the vilence in Kingston reached us before our departure date, and I immediately began working to have the teams tickets changed from Kingston to Montego Bay. Officials at Delta were hesitant to change the tickets without additional doxt in spite of the state of emergency that had been declared by Jamaica' Prime Minister Golding. However, due to the diligent work of our travel agent, Greg Whatley, here in the United States, and our friend in Jamaica, Mr. George Johnson, the tickets were finally changed without cost to us. The team then flew into Montego Bay on Monday, May 31st. After the long trip across the island we arrived at the church building in Bullards in time for the first class.

Our efforts were concentrated in Bullards and Howells Content in York Town. However, having arrived on the island before the team, and then remaining until June 23rd, Luvenia and I were able to not only do preliminary work in those communities, but were also able to visit congregations in May Pen, Sandy Bay, Old Harbour, and Goshen. She taught children or ladies' classes and I taught men's classes and/or preached. On June 6th we were privileged to join some of the Old harbour brethren in traveling to nearby Old harbour Bay in order to witness a new birth. Then, on Sunday, June 13th, after Luvenia's dad, Bill Noblin, preached in Old Harbour, he was privileged to be present for two more baptisms. I go a call this morning from our good friend Easton Duncan, reporting that in May Pen they had six baptisms on July 4th, and another on July 11th. We rejoie, and ask that you pray for our new brethren!

Our team, made up of novices and veterans, ages sixteen to seventy-nine, worked well together. It is a great joy being with likeminded brethren in such a noble effort. It can abe a life changing opportunity for the first timers. Our team members hailed from Arkansas (Bill and Mary Noblin, Anna and Emily Purdom), Illinois (Amber and LeighAnne Reeves), Iowa/Texas (Vella Puckett), Louisiana (Brad and Robynne Ashby, Terrance and Shenia Brownlow-Dindy, Jacob Eaves, and Breelynn Tyson), Michigan (Leanna Coats), and Missouri (Sarah Evatt, Candice and Josha Heck, Tyler Jenkins [our youngest son], Luvenia and I). We worked with numerous Jamaican brethren, but Brian Kindley, from Old Harbour, became a part of the team. He lived with us, ate with us, and worked with us every day, following team rules.

Every morning we conducted two twenty minute devotinals at the York Town Primary School. Then, after a team devotional, we sent from house to house in an effort to set up Bible Studies. During the two weeks the team was on the island we conducted 153 studies. Luvenia and I did follow up work after their departure, and among other things conducted fourteen more. There were no baptisms in Bullards. Although this saddens us, we recognize that it is our job to teah and their job to acept the evidence of the Gospel and obey it. The power to change their minds and lives is in the Gospel, not in us. With this understanding we are assured that God is pleased when we faithfully do whaat we can, whether they respond positively or not.

Every week night we gatheered at the church building with the Bullard's brethren. The first week classes were conducted for the adult Christians by Terrance Brownlow-Dindy and Bill Noblin on the theme of church organization and leadership. Luvenia, with the assistance of other ladies on the team, taught the children each night so both men and women could give undivided attention to their classes. The second week we had a gospel meeting to which the community was invited. I presented a series of lessons that asked the question, "Does God Care." Both Sundays teammembers fulfilled assignments of teahing and preaching.

Many of you will likely agree that our country, and the world, is in a mess! Why? Because Satan has been sucessful in urning the minds of so many away from God and His will. I don't have all the answers to the problems that plague us and our fellow man. However, I do know that the greatest problem is sin, and the only remedy for sin is the Gospe of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16-17)! It is through the Gospel that they can learn of the real Jesus Christ, instead of the ficticious one made up by man's imagination! It is through the pure Gospel that they can know how to contact His cleansing blood initially, and how to live and worship so that once they have been cleansed they can remain pure through Him! So, it is my task, as it is yours, to get the life changing, saving, Gospel of Christ to everyone we can!

It is because of this understanding that Luvenia and I do the work in Jamaica - as well as in Grand Cayman, Trinidad-Tobago, and anywhere in the United States of America. We cannot do it alone! Knowing this, we not only thank you for helping us on this trip, but also ask that you consider seriously and prayerfully supporting us in our other efforts. Any amount is needed!

Working under the moniker, Dampaigns for Christ through World Missions, we are considering several opportunities. Presently we are looking at the possibility of living in Grand Cayman for several months at a time to assist in establishing a congregation of the Lord's body on the east end of the island. I am also already working on plans for the campaign to Jamaica in 2011, with the possibility of having back to back campaigns. Plans are also on the drawing board to organize a small team to work with Junior Clark in Trinidad, to help with a tent meeting in a newly populated area outside of Princes Town, sometime in 2012. We are always looking at ways we can help spread the Gospel here in America.

Please remember us, our family, and these works and plans in your prayers - with the understanding that our efforts cannot go forward without assistance!

If you can assist us, write your check to either CAMPAIGNS FOR CHRIST or TRENTON CHURCH OF CHRIST, and send it to: Elders, Trenton church of Christ, P. O. Box 164, Trenton, Missouri 64683. Be sure to earmark it for us, and the congregation's treasurer will inform us of your support.

Thanks again for your help and your consideration for present and future assistance. If you have questions please let me know.

Sincerely, Eugene

We are home!

2010-06-25T18:46:00.005-05:00

Luvenia and I arrived safely home on Wednesday in time to drive from the airport to Oak Grove for Bible class. We had an excellent campaign! I will fill in details about it in a few days, after I am able to get caught up on other more urgent matters. For now, I hope you enjoy the following pictures.

Happy Father's Day (a day late)

2010-06-21T12:08:00.001-05:00

I know this is late, but Happy Father's Day to that extra-special globetrotter pop of mine!

And to all the other great dads, too.

This world is a better place because of you!

Still In Jamaica

2010-06-17T18:33:00.002-05:00

The two week campaign surely ended quickly! The trip taking the team across the mountains to Montego Bay was uneventful, but long and rough. All made it though, and as far as I know all made it home safely.

All of the team members did a great job and it was a joy working with them. While they were here we had 153 bible studies with 85 students. There were no baptisms here, but there were three in Old Harbour, where I preached one Sunday and Bill Noblin spoke the other. Old Harbour, by the way, is where Dalmain Bembridge is from. His dad, Winston, is the preacher there. Brian Kendly, who worked with our team, is also a member there.

Luvenia and I are staying busy. Since the team left we have had ten studies with ten different people, with six of them today. We have more tomorrow.

Some very exciting news comes from Grand Cayman. I got a call the other day from brother Martin Royer, the preacher for the Georgetown congregation. Brother Mac has once again agreed for a house he owns in East End to be used by the church. This will enhance the opportunity and possibility of us being able to help start a congregation in that community.

Please remember us, the work here in Jamaica, and the situation in Grand Cayman, in your prayers!

Jamaica

2010-06-08T07:51:00.002-05:00

This is the first opportunity I have had to get on the internet since ariving on the island. I hope all of you are doing well. Luvenia and I, along with the rest of the campaign team are doing well. We have had a couple with a stomach bug, and a couple more with headaches, but they are doing better.

The work is going well, with many studies taking place. Luvenia, Emily, Sarah, and I had seven studies yesterday. Most of the team are having studies as well. There are, of course, those who are not home when we go for an appointment, and many who are not interested in studying.

Tyler and Bill did an excelent job leading singing last week, and Bill and Terrance also did a great job with their lessons for the congregation. Luvenia, with the help of the other ladies on the team, taught the children each night during the classes so the adults could concentrate on their classes.

The gospel meeting started Sunday night. We are having great crouds.

Luvenia and I visited Old Harbour Sunday morning. She taught the ladies' class and I taught the men's class and preached. We were blessed with a baptim, and thus now refer to Mr. Brown as Brother Brown. We all rejoice in his decision.

Please continue to keep all of us in your prayers. It will not be long before we will be homeward bound. The time passes so quickly.

They made it!

2010-05-31T20:52:00.000-05:00

Well, the work team made it to Jamaica safely!

Mom and Dad got there Wednesday of last week, and the 18 other team members joined them this afternoon.

Please keep them in your prayers as they work under that hot Caribbean sun!

Almost Ready

2010-05-25T17:25:00.004-05:00

Luvenia and I are almost ready to leave for Jamaica. We will arrive in Montego Bay between noon and 1:00 tomorrow.

The fighting going on in Kingston is sad. There have been running battles with the police for years in certain areas. The escalation is bad, and I believe it is a battle for the mind of the country. Please pray for those trying to restore order.

The 18 team members who leave Monday are supposed to fly into Kingston. It is my hope and prayer that peace will have been restored by then, but nonetheless we are making efforts to get their flight re-routed to Montego Bay. Please pray that this will succeed, and that all of us will arrive on the island safely, and will remain safe as we go about the Lord's business. Satan does not need to have his way!

Jamaica Bound

2010-05-19T10:28:00.004-05:00

Jamaica is a land that I love . . . and her people I love even more! God has blessed me for twenty-seven years, and Luvenia for eleven, to visit the island for the purpose of teaching and preaching His Son's saving message. Luvenia was a part of the work every year, but thankfully has been able to join me on the island for the last eleven.

It is with great joy that we will once again visit that enchanted land in a few days. We will do preliminary work until we are joined by eighteen other dedicated American Christians. The twenty of us will have the joy and privilege of working with many dedicated Jamaican brethren.

The day the team arrives a week of classes for the congregation will start. Terrance Brownlow-Dindy, from Kinder, Louisiana, will teach Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and Bill Noblin, from Hazen, Arkansas, will teach Tuesday and Thursday. Jamaica brethren will lead choruses each night, followed by Bill leading songs from the book the nights he is not teaching, and Tyler Jenkins, from Buckner, Missouri, doing so the other two nights. Luvenia, with the help of some of the other ladies on the team, will teach children who are present so both mothers and fathers can give full attention to the classes.

A gospel meeting will be conducted the evenings of the second week, to which the neighborhood will be invited. I will speak each night and Kerry Walcott (from Bull Savannah, Jamaica) will lead the singing. We know Kerry well, and have been talking with him about the possibility of doing a campaign in Bull Savannah in 2011. Luvenia and I visited him there last year with this in mind. It is a beautiful area, known as the "bread basket" of Jamaica, with many fields of vegetables. It is near the southern shore.

Every morning at 8:00 a.m. we will conduct two twenty minute devotionals at the local primary school, after which those who participate will meet the rest of the team for breakfast. We then meet our Jamaica brethren at the church building for a devotional, after which we all go into the community to invite citizens to the meeting, as well as set up and conduct Bible studies. What a joy!

We usually don't have access to the internet while on the island, but if and when we do Luvenia or I will make a short update, so watch for them if you want.

We thank you for your interest, encouragement, and support. If you would like to schedule a time for us to visit in order to give more information about our work and needs, or to give a power point report, let us know of that desire on my e-mail, or leave a response here.

PRICELESS!

2010-05-04T14:00:00.003-05:00

IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!

Home from Trinidad - Heading to Jamaica

2010-05-03T19:09:00.012-05:00

Luvenia and I just returned from Trinidad, and along with Tyler, are now preparing for Jamaica. We wish other family members could go with us, but Peyton must remain home due to work and school, while Andrew and Rebecca must remain home because of work and raising the two finest grand-children in the world. Luvenia and I leave on May 26 & return on June 23. Tyler, along with 17 others, leave on May 31 & return on June 14. As always, we look forward to being with our Jamaican brethren!

Luvenia had a successful Ladies’ Day in Belle, Missouri on March 27th, and then in Princes Town, Trinidad on April 17th. Both dealt with the theme, "The Bride Groom Cometh." All of the ladies sang her praises, in Belle and in Trinidad. Luvenia also taught children’s classes each Sunday morning, as well as each night during the church growth seminar.

The church growth seminar (five nights) and the Gospel meeting (six nights with five speakers) were also great successes, even when I had to preach by candle light one night. We had excellent attendance, and there were many comments of appreciation. We did field work, knocking on doors to advertise the meeting and to set up Bible studies several days, and conducted several Bible studies. We usually left home around 7:00 a.m., and returned around 10 p.m. I also had the privilege of preaching for the brethren in San Fernando and Fifth Company. As you can see, we remained very busy!

We were treated royally by the Trinni brethren, being welcomed into the homes of numerous brethren to eat and relax. We were driven where we needed to go each day primarily by Junior and Jemma Clarke, with the assistance of Roger Neptune, Rodney and Janet Tedford, Ray Neptune, and Andy Diaz. Traveling the roads of Trinidad is very interesting, with the interest level increasing or decreasing based upon the driver.

Rodney and Janet Tedford are Americans (transplanted Texans as they often reminded us). We had the honor of staying in their home. We could not have felt more at home anywhere! Rodney is the director of the Trinidad School of Preaching and Teaching, where I had the privilege of preaching during chapel services two times. We enjoyed very much the students of the school, and expect many great things from them for the Lord!

The last Saturday we were there was my birthday, and the only day we actually took off. We went with the students and staff to Maracas Bay, on the north shore of the island, and enjoyed the sea. It was a great treat from the heat. Rodney announced it was my birthday and everyone sang to me; followed by a solo from Junior, "How old are you (very old), how old are you (too old)." Although we were all spent by the time we got home, we enjoyed ourselves very much!

One of the great lessons I have taken from the various places we have worked with the church - whether in Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Trinidad, or home - is that there are always brethren just like me! I am not talking about color, size, or nationality, but about the desire for the truth and nothing but the truth to be taught and practiced! This is wonderful, and I pray that Luvenia and I will be able to work shoulder to shoulder with each one again in the future!

Sadly, this was not to be, as planned, in Grand Cayman. But, we are remaining in touch with brethren there and are praying that we will be with them again in the near future!

Why do we go? Because there are many who need to hear the saving Gospel of Christ, and there are many brethren who need to be strengthened; such as the Barclay family, and Luvenia and me!

We thank each one of you who assistis us in going. I am convinced that God will bless you because of your encouragement, prayers, and assistance!

Homeward Bound

2010-04-25T18:11:00.003-05:00

We miss family and friends at home, and so look forward to being back with them, but it is also hard to leave Trinidad. Brethren here are so great! We have made so many friends, and it will be hard to leave. We hope and pray that we will be able to work in the Lord's vinyard with them again!

I did have a great birthday. Luvenia and I spent the day with students and staff of the Trinidad School of Preaching and Teaching, as well as other friends, on the north coast of the island. It was beautiful. Rodney Tedford, the school's director, announced that it was my birthday, and Junior Clark led everyone in a loooonnnnngggg birthday song. Junior even continued after everyone else quit singing. He continued with a chorus of, "How old are you (very old)" over and over. Luvenia got some of his singing on vidio, so those of you at home will be able to enjoy it later.

We leave Trinidad on Tuesday morning, around 8:00. After going through Houston we will arrive in Kansas City between four and five p.m.

Please remember us, and those we are leaving behind, in your prayers!

Happy Birthday!

2010-04-25T08:15:00.000-05:00

If you didn't know it, Dad had a birthday yesterday. We missed celebrating with him here at home, but we're hoping he had a good one anyway!

T & T Gospel Meeting

2010-04-17T21:41:00.002-05:00

Our time in Trinidad is already half over. As always, time flies when you are having fun!

The church growth seminar is now over. We had good attendance each night, and the brethren were overwhelming in their kindness to me and my lessons.

I teach class and preach in Fifth Company in the morning. We return to Princes Town tomorrow night for the beginning of a week long gospel meeting. Rodney Tedford, director of Trinidad School of Preaching and Teaching, begins the meeting. We will work in the community during the days, inviting people to attend the meeting. I speak Monday and Tuesday nights, and local preachers speak the last two nights.

It is such a joy being here, and I can not say enough good things about Rodney and Janet Tedford, Junior & Jema Clarke, the whole Neptune family, and many others. They make me even happier to be a Christian than I normally am!

Sweet T & T #2

2010-04-10T16:24:00.002-05:00

Michael Purdom told me last year, before I met him, that Junior Clarke was my twin. In so many ways it actually seems so!

Luvenia and I, with many of the brethren, knocked doors in Princis Town today. We handed out information about the TV and radio programs sponsored by the congregations of the church of Christ ont he island. We also gave a tract specifically giving information about the Princis Town congregation, offered two different Bible Correspondence cources, and strove to set up Bible studies. We were successful in setting up several Bible Correspondence Courses and Bible studies. My study partner and I had a short, but good, study with one gentleman. It was warmmer than usual, mainly due to an exceptionally long dry spell according to local brethren.

Junior will come to get us at eight tomorrow morning. I will teach class and preach, and Luvenia will teach the teens, in Princes Town. I will then preach in San Fernando that evening. Monday morning we will attend the chapel services of the Trinidad Scholl of Preaching and Teaching, where I will speak. Later in the week we will follow up on contacts made today, and meet up with Gilbert Neptune in Fifth Company. Of course, Monday through Friday night I will be conducting my Church Growth Siminar classes in Princis Town, and Luvenia will be teaching the young people. Members throughout the islands have been invited.

T & T is a wonderful place! Unfortunatley, even in wonderful places there are acts of violance that take place. Yesterday there was an incident in which one driver beat another with a chain and then cut one of his hands off with a cutless. How badly the Gospel is needed! I am very thankful that Luvenia and I are here, doing our part in helping to strengthen the brethren, and teach the hope of the world - the Gospel of Christ - to the lost masses!

Sweet T & T

2010-04-09T17:55:00.004-05:00

Junior & Jemma Clarke greeted us at the airport last night, and it was a joy seeing them - Jemma anyway! (Everyone who has been over here knows why I say that.) They work with the Princes Town church of Christ. We had a great day with them, planning a work day for tomorrow.

We are staying in the home of Rodney and Janet Tedford. Rodney is the director of the Trinidad School of Preaching and Teaching. They are a great host and hostess! I will have the honor of preaching during chapel services at the school two times while here.

We haven't seen any of the Neptune's yet, but look forward to seeing them again.

Our days will be full and happy. Although we miss our friends and family at home, we sure enjoy what we are doing. It is our desire to bring glory to God in all we do. We are so very thankful for all who support us in any way!

We love you all!

2010-04-08T21:49:00.000-05:00

I just got off the phone with Mom, and they made it to Trinidad safely. They'll be there about three weeks, working with people they met and worked with last spring! Please keep them in your prayers!

Look out Memphis.

2010-03-26T07:34:00.001-05:00

So by this time, preachers from all across the country are converging on Memphis, Tennessee.

Mom and Dad will be among them; this afternoon, they are leaving to attend the Memphis School of Preaching Lecturships. That's actually where they met all those years ago, when Dad and Granddad (Mom's dad) were both students. So the Lectureship is a nice way to see tons of old friends and relive old memories.

On Monday, Tyler will be leaving to join them; he's riding with one of our local friends who also graduated from MSOP. They'll be pulling out bright and early Monday morning and will arrive sometime Monday night.

I get to stay home and man the fort... my work schedule won't allow me to go, even though I'll be on spring break that week. But I'm already planning on saving up vacation time for 2011's Lectureship, so Memphis: you've got a year to get ready for me.

Please pray for my family and everyone else who will be traveling to Memphis this week.

Anniversaries

2010-03-13T21:35:00.008-06:00

We look forward to them, and we avoid thinking about them. Some bring happiness, others saddness, and others a mixture of great memories and saddness.

My mind is on the subject because today, March 13th, marks the 59th anniversary of my dad's death. I never saw him since the 59th anniversary of my birth will not be until April, but it seems that I knew him. Mother spoke of him often, letting me and my siblings know how much he loved us.

It is hard to believe but Valentines day commemorated the 10th anniversary of my mother's passing. It seems only yesterday that we had to say goodby! My mind is full of so many good memories. I wrote an article many years ago entitled, "My Mother, My Hero," and had it placed in my home town newspaper to surprise and honor her. She was so very strong, and her love was unfailing. I miss her, but because of the good memories it is with a smile instead of tears. Time does heal the broken heart!

October of last year was the anniversary of my oldest brother's passing. Thirty years. Where did they all go? It has always been sad to me that Luvenia nor my children ever got to know Bubba; the famlies name of endearment. Everyone else knew him as David Harris.

One of my mother's sisters, Aunt Myrtle, just celebrated her 93rd anniversary (birthday) in this old world; showing off by touching her toes from a standing position. She is so spry and fun to be with. (She says she is 92, but one of her older sisters always said she was a year older, and I choose to side with mother.)

Luvenia and I celebrated our 27th wedding anniversay last month. We spent part of the day with Betty Bauer. We had celebrated the last 14 or 15 years with Larry and Betty, who were married on the same day as us but many years earlier. This was Betty's first anniversary without him, after 65 years.

Peyton turned 25 earlier this year, and will celebrage the 21st anniversary of his open heart surgery next week. It was a trying time all those years ago, but it was all worth it! Rebecca will be 23, and Tyler will be 21, soon. I miss my babies, but surely enjoy my grown children. They will always be my babies, but I recognize they are grown. I do try to treat them as grown although it may not always seem that way. Luvenia and I have been, and continue to be, blessed beyond measure!

What a joy it was to welcome Caroline Anne into our family. Jay needed a sister to share his second anniversary (birthday) with, and she has already had her sixth month anniversary. They are both such a joy! Andrew (another one of our blessings) and Rebecca will soon celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary. Again I must ask, where does the time go?

I remember a time when I thought I would never graduate from the Memphis School of Preaching. The time drug by! This year marks thirty years since graduation finally took place. Wow, I'm getting old. That shouldn't be news though, since my kids have long said I was ancient. The preaching life has not always been easy. Indeed, it has been difficult at times, but I would not have wanted to do anything else; and still don't!

March of 2008 was when I resigned my located work in Oak Grove, so that Luvenia and I could give ourselves fully to CAMPAIGNS FOR CHRIST THROUGH WORLD MISSIONS. God has truly blessed us, and the journey has been great with much accomplished. We have traveled many miles, met many wondeful brethren, and had the privilege of studying the Bible with a number of willing participants (in the USA, Jamaica, Trinidad-Tobago, and Grand Cayman). It has at times been difficult, always needing to seek funds, often getting by with less than what was needed. We surely appreciate every individual, family, and congregation who has read our material and listenedd to us speak about our work. To our suporters we offer a sincere thanks, although enough thanks can never be given! We know we could not have accomplished what we have without your interest and support. We also need your support as we go forward!

Anniversaries and memories, good or bad are a part of life. May each of us make the choices in our lives that will help our loved ones, friends, co-workers, and acquaintences have fond memories, when in the future they consider the anniversary of our passing. Please read and put into practice Matthew 6:33 and 2 Timothy 2:15!

Plans Finalized

2010-03-10T17:03:00.002-06:00

Airline tickets have been purchased for our upcoming mission work to Trinidad-Tobago. Luvenia and I will depart from Kansas City at 10:18a.m. on Thursday, April 8. We arrive in Port of Spain, TT at 7:39p.m. We look forward to the time with the brethren there!

We return home on Tuesday, April 27; departing at 8:15 a.m., and getting to Kansas City at 4:46p.m.

Please keep us, and our work in your prayers!

Greetings

2010-03-05T17:10:00.002-06:00

Buckner, Missouri is experiencing beautiful weather. There had not been three days above 50 degrees since November, and now we expect to have four or five days in a row above 50. We have had a lot of snow, but most of it has now melted.

Luvenia is busy preparing for the ladies' day in Bell, Missouri, which will be held on March 27th. She is excited, but nervous. I know she will do a great job, because she always does very well at everything she does! I will teach the adult class, and give the report of our work, the next day.

We are both preparing for our mission trip to Trinidad-Tobago in early April. Luvenia will do a ladies' day there too. I will present a church growth seminar for the congregation in Princes Town, and then participate in a Gospel meeting. We will also knock doors during the days, with the hopes of being able to conduct a number of Bible studies.

The annual Jamaica campaign team has taken shape. We have twenty-one confirmed team members, with the possibility of one more joining us. The team will be on the island the first two weeks of June. Luvenia and I will remain until the last of the month doing follow up work. We anticipate a great campaign!

Please remember us and our work in your prayers.

Welcome!

2010-03-02T13:04:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the official blog of Campaigns for Christ through World Missions! Thanks for showing interest in our work.

This blog has been a long time coming. The idea came soon after my parents (that would be Eugene and Luvenia Jenkins) started their full-time mission work in 2008. A friend of the family told them they should do a travel blog to keep people up-to-date with their work and adventures, and the idea's been in the back of our minds ever since. So finally, here we are!

In the coming weeks, expect to read updates from and about my parents, with little fill-ins from me whenever they can't get to a computer. Dad and Mom are both excited about the possibilities of this blog. As soon as I finish this post, I'm going to help Dad set up an account, and, hopefully, we can talk Mom into joining in before too long!

To begin with, though, how about a little background information?

Dad has been doing mission work in Jamaica since 1984 (that's a year after they got married and a year before I was born), and eventually he became the team leader. Mom first got to join him in Jamaica in 2000, and then my siblings and I joined in the work one by one as we got old enough. In 2006 and 2007, Dad's lifelong (well, since 1985, anyway) dream was fulfilled: all five of the Jenkins clan got to work together in Jamaica. In 2006, we were joined by Andrew, my sister's husband-to-be, and in 2007 we were joined by little Jay... although we didn't know he was with us until the end of the trip when Rebecca told us she was pregnant. :)

Anyway, we would spend two weeks at a time in Jamaica, teaching others and holding gospel meetings, working with a great group of Christians from the States and Jamaica itself. My parents and brother still do that work, but adulthood has caught up to me and my sister (to me in the form of graduate school and job hunting, to her in the form of mommyhood).

In 2008, Dad resigned from his full-time preaching job in Oak Grove, Missouri to do full-time mission work. In the last two years, Mom and Dad have expanded their work in Jamaica by going there more often and staying longer periods of time, and beyond Jamaica to include trips to Trinidad-Tobago, Grand Cayman Island, and several communities in the U.S. (including Hazen, Arkansas; Kinder, Louisiana; and various communities in Missouri).

In 2010, they are planning to return to Trinidad and Grand Cayman and are both preparing for various lectureships, ladies' days, and gospel meetings.

If you are interested in helping the work, please contact my Dad or our overseeing eldership; their addresses are at the top of this page's right-hand bar. And please keep checking back for more news and updates. We look forward to getting to know you.