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DECEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER

Charles

THE
BUILDER
December 2024

NEXT MEETING January 27, 2025
7 p.m. (EST)
Glendale Christian Church

THANKS
Thanks to Jamestown Christian for hosting our November meeting. There were 83 men present from 21 congregations.

HOSTS NEEDED
If your church would like to host a meeting in 2025, please contact Secretary, Mike Vaught at mcv1788@gmail.com..

CURRENT 2025 SCHEDULE
January 27—Glendale Christian
February 24—Columbia Christian
March 24—Egypt Christian
April 28—OPEN
May 19—Moreland Christian (3rd Monday)
June 23—OPEN
July 28—OPEN
August 25—OPEN
September 22—OPEN
October 27—OPEN
November 24—OPEN

QUOTABLE QUOTES
“This is Christmas: not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols, but the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift, the Christ.”– Frank McKibben

“If this is to be a Happy New Year, a year of usefulness, a year in which we shall live to make this earth better, it is because God will direct our pathway. How important then, to feel our dependence upon Him!”
— Matthew Simpson

2025 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Trinity Searcy, Chairman
270-268-1505
tsearcy@karbec.com

Darrell Horn, Vice Chairman
270-991-9441
darrellhorn@twc.com

Mike Vaught, Secretary
270-308-5052
Mcv1788@gmail.com

R. B. Herron II, Treasurer

Allan Courtwright, Asst. Treasurer
270-699-0733
allancourtwright@gmail.com

J. R. Donahue, Director
270-735-2408
J.donahue0911@yahoo.com

Ralph Gibson, Director
606-872-3355
ralph.gibson2095@outlook.com

Wally Devore, Director
270-670-6459
wndevore@scrtc.com

Jimmie Evans, Director
270-337-2087
14jevans@gmail.com

Bill Miller, Director
859-333-4478

Randy Herron, Director
270-465-7642
randyherron@windstream.net

Adam Hale, Past Chairman
270 646-8648
ahale@glendalecc.org

THE BUILDER NOVEMBER 2024

Charles

THE BUILDER
November 2024

NEXT MEETING November 25
Fellowship Meal 7 p.m. (EST)
8 p.m. (EST) Worship Service
Jamestown Christian Church
65 South Main Street

Our Speaker: Ethan Smith,
Moreland Christian Church

THANKS
Thanks to Glenview Christian for hosting our October meeting. There were 86 men present from 17 congregations.

SCHEDULED 2025 MEETINGS
January 27—Glendale Christian Church
February 24—Columbia Christian Church
March 24—Egypt Christian Church
If your congregation has a favorite month to host MFC meetings, let our Secretary, Mike Vaught know. You may contact him at mcv1788@gmail.com.

WORKING TOGETHER?
The story is told of two men riding a tandem bicycle up a steep hill. After much effort, they finally made it to the top of the hill. The front rider said, “That was a tough ride.” To which the second rider replied, “Sure was, and if I hadn’t kept the brake on we might have slipped backwards.”

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES
“Relying on God has to start all over every day, as if nothing has yet been done.”
—C. S. Lewis
“The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time.”
–Abraham Lincoln
“The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard but must be felt with the heart.” —Helen Keller
“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” —Chuck Swindoll
“Always, everywhere God is present, and always He seeks to discover Himself to each one.” –A. W. Tozer

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE NOMINEES
Chairman, Trinity Searcy (White Mills)
Vice Chairman, Darrell Horn (Bristow)
Secretary, Mike Vaught (Hiseville)
Treasurer, R. B. Herron II (Campbellsville)
Asst. Treasurer, Allan Courtwright (Campbellsville)
Director, Randy Herron (Campbellsville)
Director, Ralph Gibson (Science Hill)
Director, J. R. Donahue (Rolling Fork)
Director, Bill Miller (Pleasant Valley)
Director. Jimmie Evans (Indian Hills)

THANK GOD—EVERY DAY FOR EVERYTHING
A person never runs out of reasons to say “thanks!” Just the word lifts the spirit! To say, “thanks” is to celebrate a gift. Something. Anything. In Scripture, the idea of giving thanks is not a suggestion or a recommendation; it’s a command. It carries the same weight as “love your neighbor” and “give to the poor.” More than a hundred times, either by imperative or example, the Bible commands us to be thankful. If quantity implies gravity, God takes thanksgiving seriously. Ingratitude is the original sin. Adam and Eve had a million reasons to give thanks. They lived in a perfect world. Then Satan slithered into the garden and just like that, Eden wasn’t enough. Oh, the hissing we hear. “Don’t you want more?” So thank God. Moment by moment. Day by day. Thank him…for everything!—Max Lucado’s Before Amen: The Power of a Simple Prayer.

GIVING THANKS
“I should like to feel that in every American family some place is made for expression of our gratitude to Almighty God and for a frank acknowledgment of our faith that He can supply that additional strength which, for these trying times, is so sorely needed.” –President Dwight D. Eisenhower

THE LITTLE PREACHER
The story is told of the boy who took his cap pistol to church and fired it in the middle of a boring sermon. His father grabbed him by the arm and started to lead him out of the church. An elderly woman whispered to the father, “I hope you are not going to whip that boy. He’s scared the devil out of more people than the preacher has in years.”

SOME OF MY PET PEEVES
*A Bible School Teacher who never stays for the morning worship services.

*The Bible School Teacher who begins the lesson, “Well this is a hard lesson we have today and I didn’t have much time to study my lesson. Have mercy on me.”

*The person who sits next to the aisle and will not move over but makes everyone crowd over him to get into the pew.

THE MINISTER’S PROBLEMS
*If he is young, he lacks experience. If he has five children, he has too many, and if he has none, he is setting a bad example.
*If he uses too many illustrations in his sermons, he neglects the Bible; if not enough, he isn’t very clear.
*If he spends too much time in his study, he neglects visiting his people.
*If he preaches all the time, the people get tired of hearing one man; if he invites guest speakers, he is shirking his responsibility.

A PRAYER FOR MY MINISTER
Let me support him without striving to possess him.
Let me lift his hands without placing shackles around them.
Let me give him help so that he may devote more time to working for the salvation of others and less time in gratifying my vanity.
Let me work for him as the minister of all the members and not compel him to spend precious time bragging about me.
Let me be unselfish in what I do for him and not selfish in demanding that he do more for me.
Let me strive to serve him and the church much and be happy as he serves me less and the church and others more. (Robert S. Kerr)

The Builder is published by Men for Christ at Indian Hills Christian Church in Danville, KY.
Publisher: Judy Clay (judyclay01@gmail.com)
Editor: Charles Young, (cwyoung@bbtel.com)

SEPTEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER

Charles

THE
BUILDER
October 2024

NEXT MEETING October 28, 2024
Fellowship Meal 7 p.m. (EDT)
8 p.m. (EDT) Worship Service
Glenview Christian Church
1403 Glenview Drive
Glasgow, KY

Our Speaker: Adam Hale, Senior Minister
Glendale Christian Church

THANKS
Thanks to First Christian Burkesville for hosting our September meeting. There were 77 men present from 19 congregations.

REMAINING 2024 SCHEDULE
November 25—Jamestown Christian

LOOKING TO 2025 MEETINGS
January 27—Glendale Christian Church
February 24—Columbia Christian Church
If your congregation has a favorite month to host MFC meetings, this is an excellent time to let our Secretary, Mike Vaught know. He can be reached at mcv1788@gmail.com.

APPRECIATION
Men for Christ schedules 11 meetings per year. None of these would be possible without the generous cooperation of our host congregations and especially the ladies and gentlemen who prepare our meals. Be sure to express your appreciation.

PRAISE REPORTS
Bro. Jeremy Willis and Journey Christian in Shepherdsville are celebrating their 14th year.
Bro. John Parkey and Church of the Crossroads in Mount Washington are celebrating their 7th year.
Bro. Rob Harlamert and Andrew Dawson at Elevate Christian Church in Lexington are celebrating their 3rd year.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE
As editor of The Builder for the past 18 years, it is now time for someone else to assume the duties of writing/compiling the content of the monthly newsletter and consulting with the publisher for distribution. If interested in serving in this capacity, please email me at cwyoung@bbtel.com or text at 270-766-9655. –Charles Young, Editor

JOHN DAVIS’ NEW BOOK
Columbia Christian’s Senior Minister, John Davis’s new book, “Mercy Not Sacrifice: Discovering God’s Priorities and Ordering Our Own,” is now available on Amazon.

OUR CHRISTIAN RESPONSIBILITIES
To GROW in knowledge and the love of our Lord and His Church; to make His mission ours.
To WORK sharing time and efforts with Him through the Church; to be faithful witnesses always to His love.
To GIVE freely of time, talents, money; to lift up the mission of the Church.

OUR THREE STAGES OF LIFE
1—Wanting Stuff!
2—Accumulating Stuff!
3—Getting Rid of Stuff!

QUOTABLE QUOTES
“Even liars tell the truth when it serves them best.”
“Champions don’t become champions in the ring; they are merely recognized there.”
“When church becomes optional for parents, it will become unnecessary for children. Some parents and grandparents need to get as excited about church as they do sports!”
“Too many of our folks are still in the book of Numbers instead of the book of Acts. Some spend more time counting the sheep than they do feeding the sheep.”
“Many seats at church which were vacated during COVID are still empty.”
“The only sin Jesus ever had was ours, and the only righteousness we can ever have is His.” (A.W. Tozer)

MEN FOR CHRIST MISSION
To Promote Christian Fellowship and the Strengthening and Establishment of Churches After the New Testament Pattern

MY VIEW ON PRIORITIES
Everyone has priorities in life. Some are the result of thoughtful choices but many priorities seem to be the result of routines we develop. Organizations, including churches and related groups, also have priorities influenced by established rules and/or their governing bodies. Men for Christ’s major purposes (priorities) as stated in the bylaws are “to establish new congregations” and “to provide temporary assistance to older established churches having financial difficulties.”

Circumstances in the past 40+ years have dictated the priorities of Men for Christ’s purpose of establishing new congregations.
It is obvious with the current level of general funds being generated and the increased building costs required that MFC will not be planting a new work unless it is a joint effort. Our past joint efforts with Journey (2010), Crossroads (2017), and recently with Elevate (2021) seem to be the proper path for establishing new works. History reflects much greater success with our goal of providing assistance to established churches.

ADDITIONAL PRIORITIES
One may frequently hear comments about ministers and their lack of participation in Men for Christ meetings. These men also have priorities. After their families, their primary obligations are to lead and minister to their own congregations and communities.

In MFC we are often reminded that we need to involve “younger men.” Although a worthy goal, it must be noted that many of these “younger” men have family priorities, especially with young children.

After discussion of Ministers and Younger Men it leaves Middle Aged and Older men. If you fit in one of these later categories, you also have priorities. You make a choice to attend MFC meetings. A few of you choose to do more by serving as an officer and these duties then become a priority—at least until a Minister, Younger Man, Middle Aged Man or Older Man is willing to assume the duties!
—Charles Young

NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Ralph Gibson, Adam Hale, and J. R. Donahue are serving as the Nominating Committee to select officer candidates for next year. If asked to serve, please give it prayerful consideration.

UNCHURCHED AMERICANS
Despite openness to religious conversations and relationships with Christians, few unchurched Americans have ever had someone explain exactly how to become a Christian or why they should think about doing so. Only 3 in 10 unchurched Americans say a Christian has ever shared with them one-on-one how a person becomes a Christian, according to Lifeway Research. Only slightly more say a Christian has told them about the benefits of participating in a local church or the benefits of becoming a Christian.

The Builder is published by Men for Christ at Indian Hills Christian Church in Danville, KY.
Publisher: Judy Clay (judyclay01@gmail.com)
Editor: Charles Young, (cwyoung@bbtel.com

THE BUILDER AUGUST 2024

Charles

THE
BUILDER
August 2024

NEXT MEETING August 26, 2024
Fellowship Meal 7 p.m. (EDT)
8 p.m. (EDT) Worship Service
Rolling Fork Christian Church
2630 Lyons Station Rd.; New Haven, KY
Speaker: Craig Yates, Discipleship Minister
Broadway Christian, Lexington

THANKS
Thanks to Russell Springs Christian for hosting our July meeting. There were 100 men present from 21 congregations.

REMAINING 2024 SCHEDULE
September 23—Burkesville First Christian
October 28—Glenview Christian
November 25—Jamestown Christian

QUOTABLE QUOTES
“One of the most important reasons for studying history is that virtually every stupid idea that is in vogue today has been tried before and proved disastrous before, time and again.” (Thomas Sowell)

“If we are pronounced dead when our heart stops beating, why are we not pronounced alive when our heart starts beating?” (Missouri Right to Life)

“A bird released from the cage can be caught again. Words from my mouth—never again.” (Old Jewish Proverb)

WHO IS YOUR STEWARD?
Our Bylaws state “each congregation is expected to select a Men for Christ Steward (organizer) to help promote the work of MFC in his congregation and to help collect funds.” Does your congregation have such a person who encourages the men to attend and support MFC? If not, perhaps YOU would accept that responsibility. We need men to take the lead in promoting attendance and participation in our meetings. In your new role as Steward, talk it up in your classes and groups at church. Invite someone to come with you to this month’s meeting.

SYMPATHY EXTENDED
Our brother in Christ, Bro. Bill K. Welker, 85, passed away Monday, July 22. A Celebration of Life Service was held July 27 at Jamestown Christian Church.

WHITE MILLS CHRISTIAN CAMP
FALL RETREATS
Sept. 10—Seniors’ Luncheon (11-2)
Sept. 14—Men’s Day (10:30-4:30)
Sept. 20-21—Ladies’ Retreat
See www.whitemills.camp for details or call 270-862-3933.

QUOTES ABOUT THE BIBLE
“It is impossible to mentally or socially enslave a Bible-reading people.” (Horace Greeley)

“Those who find the most difficulties in the Bible are those who seldom read it.”

“There are mysteries of grace and love in every page of the Bible; it is a thriving soul that finds the Book of God growing more and more precious.”

“The great question is not what you make of the Bible, but what the Bible makes of you.”

“Dust on your Bible is not evidence it is a dry Book.”

“The Bible is the book above all others to be read at all ages and in all conditions of human life. Not to be read once or twice or thrice through and then laid aside but to be read every day.” (John Quincy Adams)

“Even after two thousand years of criticism, the critics have not produced anything better than the Bible.”

“Men do not reject the Bible because it contradicts itself, but because it contradicts them.”

“There never was found, in any age of the world, either religion or law that did so highly exalt the public good as the Bible.” (Bacon)

“The Bible is so simple a child can understand its truths, but so deep no man has ever mastered it.”

“No book that prepares you for tomorrow can ever be out of date or old-fashioned.”

“Most people are bothered by those passages in Scripture which they cannot understand; but as for me, I always noticed that the passages in Scripture which trouble me most are those which I do understand” (Mark Twain)

The Bible is God’s divine dictionary where He defines Himself to all those who sincerely seek to know Him.”

“The Bible is the word of life. I beg that you will read it and find this out for yourselves.” (Woodrow Wilson)

“It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.” (George Washington)

“I am profitably engaged in reading the Bible. Take all of this book upon reason that you can and the balance by faith, and you will live and die a better man.” (Abraham Lincoln)

“Generation follows generation, but the Bible lives on. Nations rise and fall; yet the Bible lives. Kings and Presidents come and go; yet the Bible lives.”

“Those who find the most difficulties with the Bible are those who seldom read it.”

IF GOD SHOULD GO ON STRIKE
How good it is that God above has never gone on strike because He was not treated fair in things He didn’t like. If only once He’d given up and said, “That’s it, I’m through,” “I’ve had enough of thee on earth, so this is what I’ll do.” “I’ll give my orders to the sun, cut off the heat supply, and to the moon give no more light and run the oceans dry. Then just to make things really tough and put the pressure on, turn off the vital oxygen till every breath is gone.” You know He would be justified if fairness were the game. For no one has been more abused or met with more disdain than God, and yet He carries on supplying you and me with all the favors of His grace, and everything for free. Men say they want a better deal, and so on strike they go. But what a deal we’ve given God to whom all things we owe. We don’t care who we hurt to gain the things we like. But what a mess we’d all be in if God should go on strike. (Author Unknown)

HOW TO BE A FRIENDLY CHURCH
Speak to people, even if you don’t know their names. There is nothing as nice or cheerful as a friendly word of greeting.
Smile at people. It takes 72 muscles to frown and only 14 to smile. Your smile is one of your finest assets. Use it regularly.
Call people by name. The sweetest music to any person’s ears is the sound of his/her own name.

THE CASE FOR CHRISTIANITY
“Why, then, did God give them free will? Because for wisdom, though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having. A world of automation of creatures that worked like machines—would hardly be worth creating.” (C. S. Lewis)

FAITH
Faith doesn’t always take you out of the problem, Faith takes you through the problem. Faith doesn’t always take away the pain, Faith gives you the ability to handle the pain. Faith doesn’t always take you out of the storm, Faith calms you in the midst of the storm. (Mark Anthony Mitchell Sr.)

The Builder is published by Men for Christ at Indian Hills Christian Church in Danville, KY.
Publisher: Judy Clay (judyclay01@gmail.com)
Editor: Charles Young, (cwyoung@bbtel.com)

JULY 2024 NEWSLETTER

Charles

THE
BUILDER
July 2024

NEXT MEETING July 22, 2024
Fellowship Meal 7 p.m. (EDT)
8 p.m. (EDT) Worship Service
Russell Springs Christian Church
Speaker: Frank Preston, Minister
Parksville Christian Church

STATE OF THE ORGANIZATION
I’ve often been told that in the church world the measure of health (and sometimes success) is attendance and giving. I do think those two metrics are important for the church and for parachurch organizations such as Men for Christ. But there is one more critical element: engagement or participation.

As a parachurch organization, Men for Christ will only be as healthy as the churches who support it. If you were to look at our financial statements, we are very healthy. Our general fund is doing well thanks to the contributions of churches and the Votaw Trust Fund is robust with money waiting to be loaned thanks to wise investments from the Votaw Trust Fund Committee.

Attendance at Men for Christ seems to be like many churches on Sunday mornings. When “everyone” shows up, it’s a good crowd, but depending on schedule and location, not everyone shows up. Still, I am encouraged by our attendance. Our lowest attendance of the last 7 meetings was 80, our highest attendance was 127. The average attendance over our last 7 meetings is 102. My guess is that in most of our churches those numbers would be on scale with our attendance.

So, if two metrics indicate that we are fairly healthy, can we do better? The simple answer is yes we can. Participation and engagement might be the best indicator of the health of an organization. So, how can we increase our participation and engagement? There are all sorts of methods and tools to use such as social media or websites and even newsletters like the one you’re now reading. But the best way to get more people involved and engaged with Men for Christ, is the same best practice for your local church. Talk to somebody. According to Lifeway Research, 63% of Americans said that a personal invite from a friend/neighbor would be somewhat effective in getting them to come to church. Another study found that 8 out of 10 people will accept a personal invitation to attend church. I believe the same holds true for Men for Christ. If we want more men to participate in our fellowship, then we simply need to ask them. We need to engage them.

In many of our supporting churches Men for Christ isn’t known past the men who attend from that congregation or the church treasurer who writes the missions check for support. That won’t change unless we actively talk to our men and engage them with the mission of Men for Christ.
What is the mission? To promote Christian Fellowship and the strengthening and establishment of churches after the New Testament pattern.
Here’s the reality for Men for Christ: Our monthly meetings are great fellowship and an encouraging time in worship and in the Word. Why wouldn’t we want more of our men to experience that? We have, over the years, supported and even currently support churches who are struggling financially. We have helped churches with unexpected emergencies. We are strengthening churches, but there are others who might need assistance available through a Votaw Loan. And we are continuing to establish new congregations. That process looks a little different than it used to, but it still continues to be a top priority.

So what can you do? That’s easy. Commit to attending a monthly meeting. Even better, commit to bringing someone with you for the first time. Commit to sharing information and news about Men for Christ with your local congregation. And finally, be ready to participate when needs arise, whether in sister congregations or in Men for Christ itself. Thank you for your support.
In Christ—Adam Hale, MFC Chairman

THANKS
Thanks to Moreland Christian for hosting our June meeting. There were 110 men present from 25 congregations.

CURRENT 2024 SCHEDULE
August 26—Rolling Fork Christian
September 23—Burkesville First Christian
October 28—Glenview Christian
November 25—Jamestown Christian

MACKVILLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
56 Harrodsburg Road, Mackville, KY
Homecoming 198
August 18, 2024, 10:30 a.m.
Speaker: Bob Russell
Celebrating 198 Years of Ministry
Fellowship Meal After Service

BUSY ENOUGH FOR GOD TO USE?
God never goes to the lazy or the idle when He needs people for His service. When He has work to be done, He goes to those who are already at work. When God wants a great servant, He calls a busy person. Think about the great men of the Bible who were busy when God called:
Moses was busy with his flock at Horeb.
Gideon was busy threshing wheat with the wine press.
Saul was busy searching for his father’s lost sheep.
David was busy caring for his father’s sheep.
Elisha was busy plowing with twelve yoke of oxen.
Nehemiah was busy as the king’s cupbearer.
Amos was busy following the flock.
James and John were busy mending their fishing nets.
Matthew was busy collecting customs.
Saul was busy persecuting the friends of Jesus.
Are you busy enough for God to use?

LOST IN THE “WOULDS”
I would go to church today, but I enjoy too much my extra sleep on Sunday morning.
I would take my children to Sunday school and church, but Sunday is my only day to play golf.
I would witness to others about Christ, but I never seem to say the right words.
I would give more to the church, but there’s just not much left after paying the bills.
The only way to find your way out of the “woulds” is to set your eyes upon Christ. He will show the way.

QUOTABLE QUOTES
The church that is not a missionary church will soon be a missing church.
Too many people who depend on the church cannot be depended on by the church.
It is never “my church” as long as it is “those people” who are keeping it going.
Maybe folks shouldn’t seek a church to match their views, but one that will change them.
The true function of a preacher is to disturb the comfortable and to comfort the disturbed.

PROVIDED
It does not make any difference what church one belongs to. PROVIDED That church belongs to Christ. PROVIDED That church is not ashamed of Him, His commands, His name. PROVIDED That church honors Him in all things. PROVIDED That church teaches and practices all things whatsoever He has commanded. PROVIDED One BELONGS to it and not merely attends its services.

The Builder is published by Men for Christ at Indian Hills Christian Church in Danville, KY.
Publisher: Judy Clay (judyclay01@gmail.com)
Editor: Charles Young, (cw.young@windstream.net)