Personal – but not private

November 11, 1998   G. A. R.

'My Brethren' deals mainly – but not exclusively – with the history and ministry of JND, JBS, FER, CAC, JT, GRC

• and others who were in practical fellowship with them – for the years c. 1827 to 1959.

• Inquiries regarding developments after 1959 have led to the inclusion of subsequent history.

• Some post-1959 ministry had already been included, and this practice will be continued.

• Some negative features can't be avoided, but my intent is to present a positive and comprehensive outline of the history and ministry of the recovery of the truth.

Despite ongoing external and internal attacks, from 1827 onwards, a continuing spiritual ministry opened up many precious truths –

• influencing the lives of the brethren and leading to a deeper apprehension of the Lord's Supper and the enrichment of the service of God.
• Decline – as with every previous testimony – allowed the emergence in 1959 of a legal party which caused havoc and much suffering among the brethren.

• 'My Brethren' calls for a return to our spiritual heritage, to the Scriptural principles, practices and teachings of former years and to
  • the acceptance of personal responsibility for the maintenance of the truth in our days.

• The main objective of this site therefore is to

• reach out to my brethren who have been damaged, disillusioned or discarded by the legal system which first emerged in 1959, and continues to dominate many to this day,
  • to recall them to their spiritual birthright – the rich heritage of former years; to encourage them to take possession of it –

• and to my brethren in the various connections resulting from the 1959 and 1970 crises, who seek to walk in the light and in truth,
  • that we might humble ourselves before the Lord for our part – active or passive – in the shameful happenings and sorrow-ful scatterings which have taken place in our times.

• A further important goal of this site is to

• contact my brethren of other backgrounds who have a legitimate and sincere interest in the history and the ministry of those who – c. 1827 onwards – acted on 2 Timothy 2: 19-22, and
  • to share relevant information – some little known;

  • to clarify, as far as possible, doctrinal/historical misunderstandings and misinterpretations;

  • to look afresh at the bearing of the Scriptures on the present situation.

'My Brethren' is carried on as a service to the Lord Jesus and to my brethren – hopefully until He comes.

• I am committed to the maintenance and the expansion of 'My Brethren' for as long as
  • it appears to be of value to the brethren, and

  • the Lord provides the necessary physical strength and clarity of mind.

• This service – and this is not a complaint – demands more of my time and of my declining energy, on this my 70th birthday, than could have been foreseen.

• If 'My Brethren' is to continue, and I trust it will,
  • the time is coming for others – who share the same principles and objectives – to come forward and take up part, and in time all, of this service.

• Your interest and prayers will be appreciated.

November 11, 1999   Gordon A. Rainbow.

In March 2001, I wrote privately to a number of guests inviting them to join with me in prayer as to the future of 'My Brethren'.

• Advancing age and declining energy had made it clear that – if MB was to continue – I would soon need the help of some one who shared my exercise and who, ultimately, could assume full responsibilty for MB.

• I am thankful indeed for several encouraging replies, for good counsel and for continuing prayer.

The Lord's answer to our prayers came unexpectedly.

'My Brethren' was opened in November 1998 – almost 4½ years ago – to serve the Lord Jesus and His brethren,

• by meeting the perceived need for a positive and comprehensive presentation of the history and ministry of those brethren commonly called 'exclusive' –

• in contrast to the then existing so-called 'brethren' sites which were either
  • overtly sectarian with a distorted view of the Spirit's work in recovery,

  • or marked by a negativism centred on certain deplorable and serious aberrations since 1959.

Some guests will recall that as early as November 1999 – because of advancing age – I could foresee the need

• "for others – who share the same principles and objectives – to come forward and take up part, and in time all, of this service".
  • Several valued guests offered good counsel and support at that time.

• I am, very thankful to the Lord for His provision, in mid 2001, of Jeff Kuns, first as a valued friend, and
  • – from April 2002 – an energetic fellow-worker and a conscientious Co-Editor.

The time has come – in my 74th year – for Jeff to assume the responsibility of Editor of 'My Brethren'.

• We went over the details during his visit to Toronto this month – April 2003.

• I have full confidence that Jeff – as spiritually qualified, genuinely committed and technically competent – is well able to maintain the principles and standards on which 'My Brethren' is based.

In the transition period and following, Jeff and I will continue to work closely together.

• As Editor Emeritus I will assist Jeff in every way possible – as long as the Lord enables me –

• including any matters of which I have special knowledge and correspondence with old friends.

The objectives and policies of 'My Brethren' are unchanged.

• Jeff and I share a deep appreciation of
  • the Spirit's work in the recovery of the truth,

  • the ministry's present and continuing value,

  • the need for a positive outlook towards all our brethren of whatever connection.

'My Brethren' has grown considerably – far beyond what I could have expected – since November 1998,

• – in content, contributions and an exceptionally high quality of correspondence –

• and by January 2004 the need for more space may see a change from a 'residential' site to a 'business' or 'professional' type site.

• At that time a new domain name – mybrethren.org has already been reserved – and a new email address will come into use.
  [This actually took place in November 2003, the 5th anniversary of 'My Brethren".]

To fulfill our aim that 'My Brethren' might be the premier resource site

• for all, of whatever background, who are interested in the history and ministry of those brethren called 'exclusive'

• – with a comprehensive range of both reliable historical data and the choicest ministry –
  • a good deal of material still remains to be added – if the Lord will – including:

• the balance of Mr. G. R. Cowell's distinctive ministry,

• significant articles from the 'classics' – J.N.D. and others – and rare ministry by many lesser known servants,

• clarifying articles on 'doctrine' not yet covered,

• the text of the 1973/1993 hymns with suitable tunes,
  • and from my personal files which Jeff now has,

• an author index for the hymns with biographical details, a subject index and a comparative index of revisions,

• several meeting lists and an atlas of meetings,

• notes of several Stow Hill consultation meetings,

• historical articles and letters, memorabilia and poetry;
  • besides the ongoing guest correspondence, and occasional additions to 'My Answer', 'My Stand' and 'Studies'.

In serving the Lord and the brethren, Jeff and I desire that – until He comes – 'My Brethren' should be

• a testimony to the great truth of Christ and the assembly,

• a distinct call for return to "first love" for Christ,

• a resource for a reliable account – and a current application – of the history of those brethren commonly called 'exclusive',

• a treasury of challenging and edifying ministry,

• a source of comfort and counsel for all in need.

I am honoured to have served the Lord and the brethren thus far, appreciate your past interest and value your prayers for the future.

• Please pray for Jeff, that he might experience the Lord's help in a distinct way in his new reponsibility –

• and for the useful continuance of 'My Brethren' under his editorship.

April 2003, Gordon Rainbow.

To the best of my knowledge and belief all ministry, hymns, poetry, letters of interest, historical accounts, articles and other items on this site were written