Mineral Springs church of Christ

Walnut Hill Church of Christ,
10440 Marsh Lane
Dallas, TX 75229
Telephone: (214) 351-3731

Hello,

            We bring you greetings from the land “down under,” where it is “good ole summertime.”  Due to the holiday period, we did not get a report out in December, and some have been wondering whether we might have fallen off the edge of the earth. 

No, we are alive, well, and still kicking!

CLOSING OUT THE YEAR (2007)

            After teaching in the fourth quarter at South Pacific Bible College (Tauranga, N.Z.), I went to Suva , Fiji , as I did at the close of the previous year.  I was asked to conduct classes during the first week on “Leadership in the Local Congregation.”  Then, during the second week, I taught a class on Philippians.  While there, I also had the opportunity to preach – at the Nadera congregation, then again at the McKoy congregation. 

THE HOLIDAY SEASON

            We are grateful that we (Rosann and I) could spend the holiday season with family and friends. 

It was a good time, and we will cherish it throughout this new year.  Our younger son, Tim (who preaches for the Smith Springs church in Nashville , TN ), and his family came to Irving and spent Christmas week with us.  Then, we were able to spend the next week with our son Tom and his family (who live in Memphis , TN ).  There is nothing like being with family during the holiday period!

            During the month of January, we had the opportunity to visit some of those who provide our support, as well as to arrange our plans for the year.  In addition, we were blessed with visits from several friends.  Two really special blessings of this nature were experienced.  Ronnie, Jessica, Wyatt, and Ethan Lightfoot spent a few days with us; Jessica is the daughter of our Australian co-workers, Marge and Frank Daniels, and was born while we were working together in Adelaide .

             Next, we were blessed when Lorrie and J. D. Cash came to spend a few days with us.  Our association with them goes back to our college days at Harding.  Although we have not had the opportunity to be as closely associated as we would like, we were able to “catch up” on the years that have gone by and to share in our mutual aspirations.  (J. D. is in his 14^th year as the preacher for the church in Centerville , Ohio .)  Their visit was such an enjoyable experience.

BACK TO AUSTRALIA

            It was good to be back in Australia (where we worked, 1971-80) as a way of beginning the work of teaching/preaching in 2008.  Two weeks were spent in Gosford , New South Wales , teaching in a new program that the congregation was able to launch this year.  S.T.A.M.P. (Short Term Australasian Missions Program) is designed for young people, who have finished high school, with a view to giving them a year of biblical teaching and practical involvement in working with a congregation. 

            The Gosford congregation, begun in the home of John and Joan Stone (with whom I stayed while in Gosford), now has over 100 members (attendance running 110-120 each Sunday).  It is a fully self-supporting congregation, with three Elders and two full-time preachers.  This congregation demonstrates what can be done – what we would like to see repeated throughout the South Pacific!!

AT SOUTH PACIFIC BIBLE COLLEGE

            During the present quarter, I am teaching three classes at South Pacific Bible College .  Two are for the incoming students: “English Grammar and Writing” (so basic, especially for those to whom English is a second language), and “Survey of the Biblical World I” (Old Testament section).  The third class is for 3^rd year students: “Theology of Ministry.” 

            In addition to the work here at the school, I am continuing to work with the small group meeting in Hamilton , 65 miles form Tauranga. 

OUR CONTINUED THANKS

            During the recent holiday period, we had the opportunity to visit some of those who provide our support and to communicate by telephone with others.  We cannot express adequately our gratitude for your continuing support!  This is now the third year that you have been with us and have been supportive and encouraging in the efforts being made. 

            Rosann and I thank you very sincerely for your support and fellowship!

                                                                                                Shalom!

                                                                                                Herman

                                                                                                Herman C. Alexander,

                                                                                                halex727@aol.com