Echoes from Emmanuel, V.2, No.2

While cleaning out some of the storage areas in the church building a while back, we came across a box of old newsletters produced from 1977 to 1986. It is interesting to look back at some of the activities, concerns, and teaching at the church in those days. The following is a message from the pastor, some details about the missions conference (some of the missionaries are now with the Lord and one is still serving as a partner with us!), and a personal salvation testimony from the February 1978 edition of Echoes from Emmanuel. I will reproduce the material as accurately as possible.

Parson to Person by Pastor Eckman:

Are the heathen really lost? Must they be told Christ died? Is there a place for missions and evangelism in the world today? The Bible’s answer to all three questions is yes! God says in His Word: Romans 1:20 “…so that they are without excuse.” Ezekiel 33:8 “…if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked man from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” Mark 16:15 “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

In this issue you will read of our missionary conference, Feb. 1-5. The theme is “’Til the whole world knows.” We are commissioned by God to go to a lost and dying world with the glorious news that Christ saves and forgives. We must not shun this responsibility. The purpose of our conference is to be challenged anew of this commission and of the world’s need. C. Peter Wagner has said: “Missions are not warts on the church, they are legs. The body can survive without legs, but it can’t get around very well.” It’s estimated that less than 1/3 of the world’s population has even heard of Christ. It appears as though we’ve not been getting around so well. If you and I had to exchange places with the heathen, we would then certainly believe in missions. The only one thing we cannot do for missions is get rid of our responsibility. Some christians and churches may have declared a moratorium on missions but I assure you that God has not!

Emmanuel Church News by Pastor Eckman:

• Missionary Conference ? February 1-5 Theme: “‘Til The Whole World Knows”
  • Wednesday 6:30pm Pastor Jim Elkins (Wis), Jerry Williams (New Guinea), James West
  • Thursday 9:30am David Christensen (Mexico)
  • 6:30pm Jim Wittenberger (Liberia), Dave Christensen, James West
  • Friday 11:30am Ladies’ Luncheon: Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Wittenberger, Mrs. Christensen
  • 6:30pm Rhon Roberts (Wis), Jim Wittenberger, James West
  • Saturday 9:00am Men’s Breakfast: Jim Wittenberger, Dave Christensen
  • 1:00pm Children’s Meetings (K-6th): Missionaries Wittenberger & Christensen
  • 6:30pm Youth Rally (7th-College): Film “Yes & Good-Bye”
  • Sunday 9:30am Missionaries Wittenberger & Williams
  • 10:40am James West & Jerry Williams
  • 6:00pm Missionary Williams speaks to youth; Adults film “Yes & Good-Bye”
  • 7:00pm James West & Jerry Williams
  • *Displays for each area represented will be set up in the church basement. Please take time to view these. Missionaries will be available for counseling in between meetings.
• Israel Trip ? Pastor and LaVonne will fly for Israel from Chicago on Monday, Feb. 13^th and will return Feb. 22^nd. We are greatly anticipating this blessing. We will travel with Evangelis Neil Cadwell who has been here on two occasions. We again thank the church for the gift of this trip in honor of our 10 years here. Pray for us.

Testimony by Charlene Appel:

Though my parents were not “Church goers” themselves, they started me in Sunday school while I was still a toddler. I grew up hearing the Bible preached each Sunday. When I was 9 years old, the Holy Spirit had prepared my heart so that following a Sunday evening service I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. Today, Christ is preparing a mansion for me (John 14), not because of the so-called good things I do or the things I don’t do, but because I personally received Christ into my life. John 1:12 says, “But as many as received Him to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” One of the greatest blessings, and there are many, I have in Christ is inner peace. One of the verses that I use in my life is John 14:26, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid.” When personal crises come into my life, I just turn them over to the Lord. Unbelievers cannot understand or experience this peace. I cannot imagine what my life would be like without God’s peace.