The brethren at 505 Elms Blvd. in Excelsior Springs, MO, were blessed with the addition of two new members when Nellie Mae Crank and Louise Hughes identified themselves with the church there on July 23rd. *** Two precious souls added to the church at Itasca, IL, when Norman & Janis Bartelt placed membership there on July 30th. *** The brethren at 270 W. Spring St. in Bloomfield, IN, were blessed with two new members when Leon & Essie Glaze identified themselves with them in August. *** The brethren at Ozark, MO, rejoiced when Randy, Anita, & Ariel Bown placed their membership with the church on August 13th. *** The brethren at 1302 E. Filmore in Kirksville, MO, were blessed with the addition of another member when Eng Huu identified himself with the church on August 13th. Eng is a medical student who is studying to be an osteopath. Barry Poyner of the congregation also conveys the good news of two baptisms: Shanna & Erica Kunce of Shelbina, MO. *** Joe & Barb Hammar of Corvallis, OR, convey the happy news of their daughter Elisabeth's baptism into Christ on August 13th. *** We rejoiced to see Mildred Collins immersed into Christ on August 14th at the Prince Road meeting house in Alton, IL. She is the sister of Noel Mansfield of the Carlinville, IL, congregation, and she is now a member of that congregation. *** Jennifer Jones and Joe Hunt were baptized for the remission of sins at Nixa, MO, on August 13th, while Roger Wayne Rinkenbaugh placed his membership with the congregation earlier this summer. *** Another soul added to the church at 807A Main St. in Blue Springs, MO, when Jack Gray identified himself with the congregation on August 20th. *** One more added to the church at 1018 N. Main St. in Brookfield, MO, when Miles Jordan Wood was baptized by his father, Steve, on August 21st. May the Lord grant all of these brethren grace and wisdom to be faithful and diligent in the Kingdom of Light.

Burma Sallee, 88, of Meadville, MO, fell asleep in Jesus on August 10th. Your editor enjoyed her hospitality on several occasions back when her husband, Elmer Sallee, was still alive. Our sympathies go out to her family and the brethren at Meadville who will miss her.

Roger Wanasen flew out of Los Angeles, CA, at Monday night, August 21st, after spending about five weeks among brethren here in the U.S. His visit was certainly worthwhile, and many brethren share in his expressed hope that he can return again at some time.

Brother Wanasen was well received by the brethren, both in his public messages and in visiting together. Children, teens, and adults all enjoyed his lessons and his company. In his lessons Roger reminded us of foundational truths about Jesus, the church, salvation, judgment, faith, and works. He strongly encouraged the brethren to be workers and teachers of the gospel. His regular use of blackboard/whiteboard illustrations made his lessons even more dynamic and understandable.

Among the things that Roger noticed about the U.S. and commented on were public undress—particularly men on the street in running shorts and shirtless—public disrespect of children toward their parents, houses for our cars that are better than the homes of many brethren in the Philippines (in other words, the general affluence we tend to take for granted), and his surprise at the existence of "pet hospitals" and "dogfood." One theme he came to emphasize was that while we all enjoy owning our own Bible in the English version of our choice, brethren in the Philippines generally cannot afford even a family Bible in their own dialect, but must instead rely on a preacher to tell them what his Bible says. I am gratified to know that Roger received gifts from various brethren specifically to purchase Bibles for the brethren in the Philippines and will be able to purchase more than 100 new Bibles in local dialects for distribution to brethren there. His initial intention is to supply one Bible per family for as many congregations as he can. (As a sidelight to this, Roger mentions that sending English language Bibles and songbooks to the Philippines is not a good use of resources, as few of the brethren in the provinces are educated in the English language, and the books tend to accumulate in piles. The intention is appreciated, but either money to buy native language Bibles and song books—just the postage would buy several books—or else used clothing, would be more useful.)

Much more could be said of Roger's visit here, but in summary, both Roger and the brethren in several congregations that I've talked to believe his visit was informative, encouraging, and inspiring. Many here would be delighted to host him again and hear him teach again. I commend the brethren who had the foresight, determination, and generosity to arrange for Roger's visit. Much good was accomplished, and a solid groundwork has been established for much more good to be done both in the Philippines and in the U.S.

David & Barbara Landes of the Gregory Boulevard congregation in Raytown, MO, convey the following note of thanks: "We would like to thank everyone for the cards, letters and especially the prayers on our behalf since my heart attack. Unless you have been through something similar, you can in no way realize just how much those are appreciated, and how beneficial they are. Several times a day Barbara would come and tell me who had called and said they and their congregation were praying for me. We received news from the camp study at Eminence that there were prayers daily on our behalf. The strength and comfort that that news brings is inexplicable until you have been the recipient. We believe that my recovery is due, in large part, to the many prayers to the Father and His blessings upon us. Again our thanks, our love, and our prayers for each of you." David's parents, Wilford & Mary Landes of Topeka, KS, would also like to express their appreciation to all the brethren who have been sending cards, making phone calls, and especially offering prayers on their behalf during these days of rehabilitation for Wilford. Please continue to remember this godly couple in your prayers. The past month has been particularly hard on them with his rehabilitation setback by several trips to the hospital. *** Steve & Kimber Wright have moved to Petaluma, CA, in order to assist the church at 833 Sweetser St. in Novato, CA. We pray that the work will be fruitful and a glory to God. Their new address is: 1618 St. Anne Way, Petaluma, CA 94954 Phone: (707) 778-7363.

We were happy to hear of a new addition for Keith & Tamara Owens: Emily Anne Owens, born on July 20th, weighing 7' 11 ", and both mother and daughter are doing well. *** Clarence & Eula Murfin of the 833 Sweetser St. congregation in Novato, CA, will be married for 50 years this fall and a celebration will be held in their honor on October 21st at Deer Park Villa in Fairfax, CA. For more information about the event, contact Margaret Wilson at work (415) 453-9236, or at home (707) 762-5394. Congratulations to this faithful couple who have been pillars in the church for many years. *** Lloyd & Opal Schoonover report a lovely 60th wedding anniversary celebration last month in Pollock, MO. They want to thank all the brethren who sent them best wishes. *** Two brethren in the congregation at 1018 N. Main St. in Brookfield, MO, recently marked their 80th birthdays in the month of August, and they were honored by their families with a reception on August 20th in Brookfield. Loyd Potter and Don Fritz received over a hundred visitors that day and even more cards and letters from brethren and friends they have known over the years. They, along with their families would like to thank all the brethren who remembered them on this special occasion.