Dear Friends and Faithful
Supporters;
I hope this letter finds
you well! It’s been quite a while since
I posted anything on this blog and many of you may be wondering what is going
on with me and Wales. As you may remember, I traveled to Newport in April and
May of 2014 to get to know the Church there better and prepare for ministry (I
used my own funds for this exploratory trip).
However, approval of the congregation’s work visa application has not
come (it was not denied, but after many months it has not been approved
either). In January I began seeking
youth ministry positions in the States again, while still hopefully waiting for
work visa approval.
What’s Next?
In May, by God’s
incredible grace, I was offered and accepted an associate minister position
with the Warrenton Church of Christ in Warrenton, VA. I am very excited for this opportunity and
thankful for God’s faithful provision, though I am sad that for now I will not
be able to return to minister with my brothers and sisters in Newport. My official start date with the Warrenton
congregation was July 1st and I certainly covet your prayers for
this Church, these teens, and this ministry (check out more at www.mywcoc.org)
What About the Money?
Just as important as what
I’m doing next, I wanted to write to all of you about the money you so
generously gave to support my work with the Newport Church of Christ in
Wales. This new position with the
Warrenton congregation has left me in a unique position in regards to the money
given me to do mission work in Wales. In
addressing this, I wanted to make sure I honored each of you, your intentions
in giving, and the opportunity for ministry these funds provide. To resolve this slightly awkward situation
(and with the insight of the elders at Brooks Avenue Church of Christ) we have
developed three options for what to do with the money:
1) Return your money to
you to use in whatever way you believe best*;
2) Forward the money you gave
to the Newport congregation to further the work and witness of the Church
there;
3) Have the money you gave
follow me to Warrenton, VA where I plan to eventually use it for short-term
mission work in Newport with the teens and congregation there.
*Any tax issues that arise
because of the return of money you took a deduction for would be your sole
responsibility.
So part of my purpose in writing this is to ascertain
which of these three options you prefer for the money you gave. I have no
preference in the matter either way, but I do want to assure you that I will do
my utmost to make sure the money is used to the glory of God wherever it goes.
You can contact me to let
me know your preference via e-mail, via Facebook message (Christopher
Abernethy), or by phone (please contact Brooks Ave. CofC at 919-821-2400 to get
my e-mail address or cell number). If
you could please let me know of your decision by September 31, 2015 that would be most appreciated. I will do everything I can to make you aware
of these options beforehand, but if I have not heard from you by that date I
will go ahead and forward the money as I think best. If you have any questions or would like for
me to clarify anything, please just let me know. Again, I am so thankful for the faith you
have shown in me through each gift and in our great God and Father! I look forward to what God will do in me
next.
Sincerely in Christ,
Chris Abernethy
WHO IS THE HOLY FATHER? WHO IS THE CHIEF SHEPHERD? BY STEVE FINNELL
ReplyDeleteWho is the Holy Father? Who is the Chief Shepherd? Who is the head of the church of Christ on earth? Catholics believe it is the Pope, do the Scriptures confirm that assumption?
THE CATHOLIC VIEW [Ref. www.ourcatholicprayers./com/prayers-for-the-pope.html]
O God, the Shepherd and Ruler of all Your faithful people, mercifully look upon Your servant [name of Pope], whom You have chosen as the chief Shepherd to preside over Your Church. We beg You to help him edify, both by word and example, those over whom he has charge, that he may reach everlasting life together with the flock entrusted to him. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord Jesus, shelter our Holy Father the Pope under the protection of Your Sacred Heart. Be his light, his strength and his consolation.
Holy Father
John 17:11 "Now I am no longer in the world,
but these are in the world, and I come to You,
Holy Father, keep through Your name those
whom You have given Me, that they may be
one as We are. (NKJV)
Jesus called God the Father, Holy Father. Jesus
did not call the apostle Peter Holy Father. Only
God the Father deserves to be called Holy
Father. To call the Pope or any man Holy Father
is blasphemous.
1 Peter 5:4 and when the Chief Shepherd
appears, you will receive the crown of glory that
does not fade away.(NKJV)
Jesus is the only Chief Shepherd. To call the
Pope or other man the Chief Shepherd is
blasphemous.
Colossians 1:13-18.....18 And He is the head of
the body, the church, who is the beginning, the
firstborn from the dead, that in all things He
may have the preeminence.(NKJV)
Paul wrote this is AD 60. Paul said Jesus
Christ was the head of the church of Christ. To
say that Peter was, or that the Pope or any
other man is the head of the church of Christ is
blasphemous.
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