Mailbox: AB - 2: Nov. 1998 – present

• We still use JND's translation in our meetings, although we do not despise other helps.

I hope you will keep in touch from time to time. Although we may not share the same convictions on every matter we value all "His own".

Please greet your father for me and, of course, your wife and family.

Affectionately in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: David Addison
Present Day Gathering
Sun, 28 Jan 2001

Dear brother Gordon,
I have a question for which I would appreciate your opinion.

Occasionally, some of my denominational brothers and sisters in the Lord who are aware of my thinking, will say "let's start a home 'church' separate from the denominational church".

• Usually they say this when things aren't going too well in their denomination church, they don't like the pastor, or whatever.

• When these situations arise,I have been very close to initiating meetings in my house order to remember the Lord.

• Let's suppose this were to happen again, and suppose these folks were serious. What would your suggestion be regarding doctrinal basis on which we would meet?

I am not talking about the basics of the faith, or the principle of gathering to Him alone, or the gifts of the Spirit for ministry.

• I guess I'm wondering about all those questions that that tore apart the brethren during the past 150 years.

• I would hope those issues would not have to be revisited, however I'm sure they would come up eventually.

Should the original brethren movement be declared "in ruin" and any future meetings be apart from it.

• Or should each new group try to align with what went before.

• Maybe you have answered this on your website and I haven't found it.

• Don't want to take up your time, but I'm sure you must have thought about this as well.

Your brother in the Lord, David Addison.

To: David Addison
Sat, 03 Feb 2001

Dear David,
You have posed an extremely important question as to the "doctrinal basis" on which believers leaving denominations should meet.

Because of its general interest the full reply is posted on Guests: My Answer 2: Present Day Gathering.

I apologize for such a long reply, and hope the above will provide some help and support for your own exercises, with which I am very sympathetic. Your comments will be welcome.

Affectionately in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Yousif Ajaj

To: Yousif Ajaj
yousifajajATnazhosp.com
Nazareth, Israel
Sat, 26 Jun 1999

Dear Yousif,
Welcome to "My Brethren". You are our first guest from Israel.

I am sure that – as I would – our other guests would be interested to know more about you.

Gordon.

From: Yousif Ajaj
Mon, 28 Jun 1999

Dear Gordon,
Thanks for your message. As I wrote in the form, I'm from Nazareth, 32 years old, married to Nadeen.

• I was saved when I was 13 years old. I used to go to the Baptist school in Nazareth and there I heard the gospel.

In Israel there are Jewish, Muslims, Druse and Christian Arabs (most of them are Catholic or Greek Orthodox).

• I am an Arab (Christian Arab). My parents used to take me to the Maronite Church (almost like Catholic).

• After I got saved I started attending the Baptist church meetings.

Twelve years ago a friend of mine invited me to come with him to a Brethren Meeting.

• And since that time I am in fellowship with the brothers who are gathered to the name of the Lord.
• I can't tell what "part" of the brethren is the group that I am in fellowship with.

• I know that we are not OB, but I can't tell more for we don't know almost anything about the history of the brethren.

• This why I was very interested in your Web Site, it gave me a lot of information and a good background.

• I didn't read all the articles but I am in the process. I should say that you've done a good job there.

• Though I didn't find an answer to a few questions, I think it is because you didn't talk about the divisions and differences between the groups, among the brethren.

I work in a hospital in Nazareth as a medical technician, my job is mainly in fixing broken medical machines.

• The Hospital is called The Nazareth Hospital EMMS, and it is a Christian hospital, or at least it is supposed to be.

Thanks again and Best Regards, Yousif.

To: Yousif Ajaj
Mon, 28 Jun 1999

Dear Yousif,
Thank you for your full reply and the interesting details as to yourself, and the religious situation in Israel.

• Though separated by many miles and with different histories and cultural environments, we are one in Him.

I am thankful for any help you have received from "My Brethren" and trust as you go through the various articles that you will continue to find help.

• "Site News" lists new items as they are added, so check back occasionally.

I can understand your difficulty in knowing just where you are in the sorrowful divisions among brethren.

• As a young believer I went through much searching and exercise as to my own position, and with whom I should be connected.

• It is a sad and humbling history, however it is viewed.

The main cause of sorrow, of course, is the dishonour to the Lord Jesus.

• But besides this there is the bitter and unbrotherly spirit of many towards those who do not agree with them on administrative or doctrinal matters.

• While I have strong personal convictions as to many of these matters, I am concerned to hold my brethren in love and respect.

As you discern, it is not my object to dwell on divisions, although this cannot be altogether avoided.

• I desire that "My Brethren" may be of service to all my brethren, of whatever persuasion,
  • and try to provide historical accounts and ministry that, in my judgement at least, have a sound factual and Scriptural basis.

• You may, however, find some useful information in "Studies: Fellowship".
  • "Differences as to Features of the Truth" in Part One and "Different Groups of Brethren" in Part Two are an attempt to answer questions of a young brother in a distant part of the world.

If you still have questions, I will be glad to try to provide further information.

• But, be assured, it is not my intention to influence you.

• After weighing information on any matter from various sources, your understanding and convictions must be based firmly on Scripture and the guidance of the Spirit, the Spirit of truth who guides into all the truth.

I look forward to hearing how you make out with the rest of the site. Keep in touch.

With love in our Lord Jesus to Nadeen and yourself,

Gordon.

From: Yousif Ajaj
Wed, 30 Jun 1999

Dear brother Gordon,
Thanks for your reply, I looked in the places where you told me, and I got some good information. Though it didn't answer all my questions.

• Like the brother you were writing to, I want to know what are the different groups of the brethren.
  • Not that I am in doubt concerning the assembly that I am going to.

• I would like also to know more about you and the assembly that you are in fellowship with.

I also like to share with you some information about the assemblies in Israel.

• As everywhere, I guess, we have open brethren assemblies and close assemblies. I am in fellowship with the close brethren.

• We have in Israel 4 meetings
  • one in Haifa (25 people),
  • one in Raini (near Nazareth) (25 people),
  • one in Kfar Yassif (near Akku) (50 people) and
  • one in Kfar Samia' up in the North (35 people).

• And in some other places we have meetings that are held in houses.

• The biggest meeting is in Kfar Yassif, but, to our shame, there was a division. 20 people had left the meeting in Kfar Yassif, 2 years ago, and they are meeting in someone's house. This was a great grief to all of us.

We don't have a lot of teachers in the assembly, maybe two or three.

• And the assembly in Israel is still young (if I may say so). Like the meeting in Raini where I attend – it is 10 years old.

• But I trust that the Lord will raise among us gifted people that will take care of His folk.

• The main thing that we lack for is people that can do the work of pastor and that can take care for the individuals.

• We have one brother that the Lord gave him grace to teach the word of God, but he is so busy with the work of God that he doesn't have time for everything,
  • but as I said I trust the Lord that He will raise others to help with His work.

Okay dear brother. Pray for us, and keep in touch.

Your brother, Yousif.

To: Yousif Ajaj
Mon, 05 Jul 1999

Dear Yousif,
I appreciate the "information about the assemblies in Israel" which you shared. It certainly helps to understand your situation.

You said, "I would like also to know more about you and the assembly that you are in fellowship with".

• All our older brethren are now with Christ, and we are just a few, and meet in our apartment. There are three brothers, two sisters, and two young children.

• We feel our weakness numerically, physically for those of us who are now older, and spiritually. But we cling to Him and go on committed to the Lord's Supper and the service (worship) of God.

There is information about us and our history scattered throughout the site. I regret I don't have time to summarize it for you so I refer you to:

• Studies: Fellowship: Part 2, Assembly vs "Church' and Giving vs Tithing
• Studies: Notes: Gathered to His Name
• Studies: The Lord's Supper and the Service of God
• Studies: My Brethren
• Studies: Our Responsibility in the Present State of the Church
• Personal: My Journey
• Guests: My Stand
• Guests: Mailbox: my email to Anonymous 14 and Esli Forrest.

Of course, I would be glad to answer any specific questions you have.

You also said, "Like the brother you were writing to, I want to know what are the different groups of the brethren". This is understandable as my reply to him was not detailed.

• I'm afraid that there is no simple, concise, answer, because of the many sad and humbling divisions, sub-divisions and some so-called reunions.

• Perhaps we could leave it till the next time.

• But be assured, I am not trying to withhold information, but I doubt that anything beyond what is already on the site will be of spiritual help.
  • And that is my prime concern for you.

Let me know how you get on with the above.

With love in the Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Mark Alamangos

From: Mark Alamangos
markalamangosATbigpond.com
Sydney, Australia
Thu, 07 Jul 2005

Dear Gordon,
Greetings in our Blessed Lord Jesus.
I came across my old diary the other day with a few more names and localities that may trig somebodys memories.

• Seven Oaks - R.Ponds, Miss Perot, Mr. Gidlow, Mark & Monica Lemon
• New Milton - Walter Broadfoot, Hermon Collins, Miss Crane, Mr & Mrs J.I. Menzies
• Colwyn Bay - Mr & Mrs Artis, Mrs. Holding
• Newcastle - Phillip & Nancy Scott, Mr. & Mrs A. Jones, Mr & Mrs Ray Bohenna, Billy Galloway, George Knox & Family, Mr. Tom Dunns, 2x Miss Richardsons
• Middlesborough - Andrew Lumsden & wife, Robert Howitt & wife, Herbert Liddle
• Peterhead - James Robert Buchan, Jim Hepburn & wife, Robert Foreman & wife.
• Gardenstown - George "fushi" West & wife & daughter, George Mclean, wife & daughter, John Hepburn, wife and daughters, Joseph Jack & wife, Mr John Wiseman & wife, Jim West & wife
• St. Andrews - Heather & Mrs Ross
• Lundin Links - Walter Johnstone
• Ardrossan Scotland - Dr. R.R.H. Brown & wife
• Germany - Siegen township - Mr & Mrs Herbert Graf
• Wuppertal - Fritz Moller & wife
• Oslo - Astrid Johansen plus 9 other brethren.

These were wonderful saints of God who I either stayed with or met. I would appreciate your endeavours to locate these dear brethren.

Regards, Mark & Cynthia Alamangos.

To: Mark Alamangos
Sat, 09 Jul 2005

Dear Mark,
Good to hear from you again. Some of the surnames are familiar. I'll post your letter and perhaps some one will respond. If so, please let me know.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Sabir Ali

From: Sabir Ali
sabirali77ATATyahoo.co.in
Kerala, India
Mon, 2 Apr 2007

My Dear Brother Jeff
Greetings and love to you in the most blessed name of our Lord.

I was really blessed [sic] some of the materials but not possible to go through all since I do all my work at internet cafe. I tried to download but could not. But I will do it later, maybe the system I am using does not support downloading. Anyway if you provide CD of it would be so great. If you don't have, don't worry, I will mangage it somehow.

By the way, would you consider to direct any of your Brethern Mission board, or any active Brethren Assembles send missionary. I am really praying some Brethren Mission board and Assemlies to challenge them to send missionary to Kazakhstan. I had served there for three year and have have a small registerd Brethren Assembly. Our elder passed away two years back now the assembly is left with only 12 people. I am really need of a sound biblical and mission minded Brethern to come and take the eldership and leadership in the ministry of Central Asia. Since our church is registered, don't have problem to provide visa for our missionaries, etc.

Please note this message and see if there is any possiblities. Looking forward to hear from you soon.

I am here with Brethern Assembly and recently started some of the project and want to be here for another a year untill task is over. In this time I want to build up the network with sending asseblies in US or UK to consider misison to Muslim land specially Central Asia and Turkey.

May God bless you Jeff, In His glory, Sabir Ali.

Dear Sabir
I will post your correspondence on our website and perhaps an individual or two may contact you. We publish our website on a private basis and, while we value our links with all our brethren everywhere, we are not affiliated officially with any so-called 'Brethren Assembly'. However, I'm confident that, with or without outside help, you will be made able to help those whom the Lord has put in your life – whatever the circumstances around you.

I would be happy to make a CD copy of the website for you.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Jeff.

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Claire Anderson

Dear Claire,
Thank you for visiting 'My Brethren' and for your question about 'Plymouth Brethren beliefs'.

Let me explain that the term 'Plymouth Brethren' is a nickname given by others because in the 1830's there was a large gathering of brethren in Plymouth who took no name. The 'brethren' do not accept any name not given to all believers.

• On many points, their beliefs are similar to those of other Christians but there are also points on which their understanding of the Scriptures leads them to differ.

I have appended two items written many years ago by J. N. Darby, an early teacher, which are still applicable.

1. What do I Learn from Scripture?
2. A letter to a newspaper editor.

• I realise that these articles have considerably more information than you need or want, but trust you will appreciate that it is the simplest way for me to answer your inquiry. Perhaps you can extract the details you need.

• I hope you do well in your assignment for your Religious Education class, and would be glad to hear from you later as to how you make out. You are certainly to be commended for searching the web for needed information.

I am adding here a few remarks to explain some matters only touched on in the articles I am sending:

• By conviction the brethren have no clergy but expect the Holy Spirit to use spiritually gifted men to preach the gospel and minister the word.

• They meet on the Lord's Day for the Lord's Supper and other purposes as well as throughout the week for prayer and Bible readings.

• As commanded by the apostle Paul their women cover their heads and are silent when the men pray or speak from the Scriptures.
  • This does not mean they are repressed or not valued. Their women are highly respected and many have been noted for their spirituality, some having written the finest of hymns.

• Such brethren do not take any part in politics, do not vote but pray for their rulers, as for all men, waiting for the return of their rejected Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, as King of kings and Lord of lords.

Thanks again, Claire, for your inquiry. May the Lord Jesus bless and keep you.

Your friend, in the service of the Lord, Gordon Rainbow.

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Dennis Andrews

To: Dennis Andrews
ishepherduATchristianemail.com
Boise, ID, USA
Thu, 19 Apr 2001

Dear Dennis,
Thanks for visiting 'My Brethren' although, from your message, I'm not sure of your real purpose for visiting.

• While I may be sympathetic with part of your message, it will not be posted as it has no relation to MB's objectives.

• I can only suggest that you find some suitable forum for the dissemination of your views.

I hope that you will visit MB again and find profit in the ministry presented, and will be glad to learn of something of your spiritual history.

Yours in our Lord, Gordon.

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Dave N. Astell

To: Dave N. Astell
daveATarbersearch.fsnet.co.uk
Chelsfield, Orpington, Kent, England
Wed, 08 Mar 2000

Dear Dave,
Thanks for visiting MB and for your encouraging words.

• It's good to learn that we share an appreciation of JT and his ministry. I have read most, if not all, over many years but still go back to it and find fresh help.

• If you are free to share any of your history and exercises, I am sure it will be of interest to other guests, as well as to myself.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Dave N. Astell
Thu, 9 Mar 2000

Dear Gordon,
Thank you for your e-mail. Having just read your item on FER, I found it both interesting and encouraging in the faith.

You mentioned my history and exercises? At this time I will mention a little.

• In 1950 I was born in Somers Town, North London, the son of Harold William Arber and Rose Alice Blizzard.

• In 1952 I was adopted by Vi and Ted Astell. They and I had no interest in spiritual matters.

• As I got into my early twenties I was Sgt. at arms of a back patch motorcycle club. But by the Lord's mercy I worked with a christian man for several months in 1975/6.

• He tried to tell me of the Lord Jesus, which would fetch a violent reaction, but the Lord kept him safe. On my leaving there he gave me a gospel of John.

A couple of months later, after an altercation with a rival club, I was in a police cell in Dorking, Surrey. there the Lord convicted me of my sin and the need I had of the Saviour.

• I turned to Him in repentance and – very feeble! – faith. But thank God it is He who saves us, not our spiritual power or lack of it.

• I got home, read the gospel of John and was convicted by the words in John 1: 12 and 3: 18.

• Time passed and I became a London City Missionary. (I was with the open meetings at the time, knowing nothing really of assembly matters.)

• A copy of JND CW Vol. 1 was loaned me to read and helped me see the truth of the one body.

• This resulted, after much prayer and study, in my leaving LCM.

• Since then I have sought to learn by reading JT, FER, JBS etc.

• How the Lord has blessed His bride with such excellent and helpful ministry.

Well as this e-mail is getting long I will close now. Should you wish to post this in your guest book, please feel free to abbreviate it.

Yours in our Lord Jesus Christ, Dave.

To: Dave N. Astell
Tue, 14 Mar 2000

Dear Dave,
Glad you like FER's biography; it helps greatly to know something of the lives of those who have served the Lord and us so well.

Thanks for sharing your experience of God's mercy and grace in your life.

• How good that someone introduced you to JND. But JT, FER and JBS means a further step.

• Would you like to share how you became aware of and interested in their ministry? And who the Lord used to get you started?

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Dave N. Astell
Sat, 18 Mar 2000

Dear Gordon,
The FER bio told me something of the man as well as his ministry. I think this enhances the reading of his ministry.

I first came across JT in a shop that sold second hand furniture and books to get money for Christian missionary societies.

• That was at Wallington, Surrey.The book was 'Soloman's Workmen'.

• Also there were a few magazines entitled 'The Divine System', and a book, 'The House Of God'. Both of these mentioned FER and JBS.

• The spiritual content and wealth of understanding of the scriptures impressed me.

Later, in LCM, I found a cupboard hid away at the back of their library with a full set of JND's Collected Writings and J.T. (Old Series).

• So I read through "Readings On Romans".

Around this time I left the open meeting I was working with for LCM.

• The brethren I then met with were part of the Kelly/Glanton meetings.
  • I knew nothing at that time of why they were seperated from other E.B.

• There I met godly men far more advanced in the faith than I.

• One of these brothers, seeing my interest in JBS, FER, JT, CAC and knowing of someone who wished to pass on a set of FER and JBS asked if I was interested? I was!

• But some at these meetings had no time for this ministry.

I had to move my family to new accomodation when I left LCM. This also involved a change of meetings.

• The new meeting was much mixed up with denominationalism. I do not say it is now. I do not know.

• This caused me great unsettlement. I then looked around at other assemblies and 'churches' in our area.

• But could see nowhere that did not involve a denial of the one body through denominational links.

• I spent a time in spiritual wilderness wandering away from the Lord. But He is faithful.

• I now enjoy such ministry as I can read that will help me grow in knowledge and love of our Saviour.

• I still have a great respect for the Kelly/Glanton brethren that I met, but think that the ministry of FER, JBS, JT, CAC progresses on from there.

I continue to enjoy your web site. It is mostly at weekends that I am on line and God willing, will look at it again this wekend.

Regards in our Lord Jesus Christ, Dave.

To: Dave N. Astell
Sat, 18 Mar 2000

Dear Dave,
Thanks again for sharing some of your history. I can appreciate much of what you have been through, having had some similar experiences, many years ago.

The challenge is to work out what you have learned from the Scriptures with the help of spiritual ministry.

• This may mean walking alone at some times, as you seem to be doing if I understand correctly.

• Although this is not desirable in many ways, a clear conscience before the Lord is far better than the ultimate misery of compromise.

I trust your visits to MB will encourage you and provide some guidance for your path.

• If I can be of any help as to this don't hesitate to let me know. Keep in touch.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Dave N. Astell
Mon, 20 Mar 2000

Dear Gordon,
Thank you for your latest e-mail. You are right that at the moment I walk alone.

• Yet better that with the Lord than join the systems of men.

Whilst looking at MB I saw your request for out of print poetry.

• Many years ago I brought a second hand copy of Pilgrim Songs, by John Bodman.

• The publishers are listed as Newport (Mon.): Stow Hill Bible Depot. London: 15, Paternoater square.

• These poems seem to be written 1836-1894. Whilst they may not have the same depth as JND's Spiritual Songs, they are still cheering words. For example one verse goes:—
  Awake my soul! How canst thou slumber?
  Songs of praise are due from thee,
  All thy bands are snapped asunder,
  Christ has died to make thee free.

• If this book is of any interest to you (assuming you do not already have it in your library?) I will gladly photocopy it and send it by air mail.

Yours in our Lord Jesus Christ, Dave.

To: Dave N. Astell
Wed, 22 Mar 2000

Dear Dave,
Yes, thank you, Bodman's Pilgrims Songs would be of interest, but I don't want you to go to too much trouble.

• I am not familiar with his name and would like, if at all possible, to know something about him.

• If published by Stow Hill, I assume he was supporting the truth, as we know it.

• I have quite a bit of work ahead and am not sure when any of it might be published, so surface mail is in order.

You are quite right as to it being better to walk alone with the Lord than join the systems of men.

• I have proved both sides of that as well.

I hope you will keep in touch and share anything further you might like to.

• I am interested to know of your family situation. Of course, this could be kept private if you wish.

• My "Personal" page, which you may have seen, tells a little about us.

• If you want to know anything in particular don't hesitate to ask.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Dave N. Astell
Air Mail
29 Mar, 2000

Dear Gordon
Please find enclose a photocopy of John Bodman's poems "Pilgrim Songs".

• Like yourself, I assumed that he would hold to the truth because it is published by Stow Hill, also the preface is initialled T.H.R., familiar from many publications holding to the true line of things.

These songs certainly come from a soul that loves the Lord.

• They do perhaps linger a little on our side of things rather than the Lord's.

• But that is no real criticism, just an observation. Being neither a song writer nor poet I could not do as well.

For myself, I continue to read JND, FER, JBS, JT, CAC.

• I have the Morrish edition of the Collected Writings and, from different publishers, Notes and Jottings, Notes and Comments, Spiritual Songs and all the JND pamphlets from KBT.

• FER ministry I mentioned previously. Of the others I have what KBT publish.

• I have read all that I have of JND, probably about half FER, JBS, two thirds of JT and all of CAC.

• Having read it, I can only wish I could retain more in memory!

Whilst recognising my own weakness and need of guidance from the word,

• I cannot see any meeting close by that follows the principles that were brought out so ably by the aforementioned teachers.

• So I enjoy reading and study of the word and times of prayer with the Lord.

Well I think that is enough about me for now. It is not a very interesting subject. The Lord has been merciful to us both.

In your personal history I can see some parallels with my own journey.

• Disillusionment. Seeking companionship in meetings of various Christian groups.

• Finding that our dependence can only be on the Lord.

• Recognition of personal failure and a recovery that is of the Lord's mercy.

Your web site is an encouragment in the faith, and the bigraphies fill in many gaps.

• While I have read what I have been able to find of the history of the assemblies during and since the time of JND, there does not seem to be a great deal available.

• I found the open meetings reluctant to give any information of the split in the 1840s.

• Then the Kelly/Glanton meetings were happy to discuss that problem, but not what caused the division that they were involved in.

• My curiosity was not idle. I wanted to know what I was being associated with.

JND wrote that the more we seek to walk with the Lord, the more we walk alone, and the less people will understand it. That's from memory, not word for word.

• Has this been your experience. How did your family respond to your turning to the true pathway?

My experiences cause me to be cautious now about associating with any Christian circle.

• Though JND's advice to keep the heart wide, but the feet in the narrow path helped.

Yours in our Lord Jesus Christ, Dave N. Astell.

To: Dave N. Astell
Mon, 03 Apr 2000

Dear Dave,
The copy of John Bodman's poems arrived today. They look very interesting and the fact that Mr. T. H. Reynolds wrote the Preface is confirming as to their reliability.

• His reference to the Quemerford meetings and Mr. Bodman's "instrumentality" is a valuable historical note.

• I have a good deal of work before me but expect to use some, if not all, of the poems when time – that scarcest of commodities – permits. Thank you very much for contributing the poems.

Thanks again, with love in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Dave N. Astell
Tue, 4 Apr 2000

Dear Gordon,
Glad to hear that Pilgrim Songs is of interest.

Certainly, use what you wish from my letter. I just did not think it of much interest to others.

God willing I will write again latter, but need to close for now. I continue to enjoy and be edified at your web site.

Yours, in our Lord Jesus. Dave.

From: Dave N. Astell
Wed, 25 Sep 2002

Hi Gordon,
Your site is still of great help and encouragement. This is just a brief note to say my e-mail address is now as above.

Yours, in our Lord Jesus, Dave.

To: Dave N. Astell
Wed, 25 Sep 2002

Dear Dave,
Thanks for your new email. You have often been in my thoughts and I have wondered how you were getting on.

• It's good to know that MB continues to be a help and encouragement to you.

• I'll be glad to hear from you again at any time.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Dave N. Astell
Mon, 01 Nov 2004

Dear Gordon,
I was unsure if I should write to yourself or Jeff? My reasons for writting are to say that my e-mail address has changed (yet again) and is now: dnaATdna2.wanadoo.co.uk.

Also I wished to thank you both for continuing with the ministry of the 'My Brethren' web site. I often visit and enjoy this opportunity of reading such helpful ministry.

• Through your web site I have contacted Stone Publishing Trust who very kindly passed on to me a large number of books of excellent ministry.

• The more I read of the writtings of men such as JND, CAC, JBS, CHM and FER, the more I realise how little I really know and what great depths there are in the scriptures still to seek and learn from. The Lord has greatly blessed us in making such spiritual food available to us.

Please be assured of my prayers for your work for Him who is our Lord and Saviour.

Affectionately yours in our Blessed Saviour's Name, Dave N. Astell.

PS: I should have mentioned that I no longer have most of the books I had enjoyed ministry from. But the Lord has provided, through Stone Trust, for me to again be able to read and learn from such.

To: Dave N. Astell
Thu, 04 Nov 2004

Dear Dave,
How good to hear from you! I hadn't realized that it was over two years since our last correspondence.

• It's quite all right to write me or Jeff, as we always exchange messages and I'm always glad to hear from old friends and guests.

• It is a real encouragement to know that MB is still of value and interest to you, and I'm certainly glad to learn that Stone Publishing has been able to supply you with some of the ministry we both value.

• Your prayers are appreciated, especially for Jeff's work in continuing MB. Incidentally, I'll be 75 on November 11 through God's mercy.

Affectionately in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Mike Attwood

To: Mike Attwood
saved2serveATg-net.net
Washington, Georgia, USA
Fri, 10 Dec 1999

Dear Mike,
Thanks for visiting MB. A word of encouragement like yours is always welcome, and often needed. Do come by again.

We share an appreciation of CAC I have always been helped by his ministry.

• As a young believer his books were among the few that stabilized me and gave me direction both individually and as to the assembly. I hope to add more in the future.

• I would be interested in how you were encouraged by CAC – also to know something of your background and exercises, if you care to share.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

From: Michael Attwood
Fri, 17 Dec 1999

Dear Brother Gordon,
I am originally from Leeds in England. I was saved at age 21 [from a Roman Catholic background] and with my wife [from Galway, Ireland] went to Bible School in New Tribes Mission Bible School which was then in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire.

• We had to read CHM's notes on the Pentateuch as required reading, and immediately we saw a difference in spiritual understanding compared to other writers,
  • this led to further investigation into the writings of Kelly, Darby, Stoney, F. B. Hole and C. A. Coates.

• C.A.C. was particularly helpful to us in a time of deep trial while living in Michigan in the USA. We found tremendous comfort in his letters.

Currently I am an itinerant Bible teacher amongst the open assemblies here in the USA.

• Prior to that we served for 8 years establishing a testimony in Kilkenny, Ireland.

• We have been blessed with 5 wonderful children ages 14 down to 5.

The more I go on the more I appreciate the rich ministry of the men mentioned above.

• J.N.D. is a particular favorite and I really like his hymn, "And is it so, I shall be like thy Son."

Well, that's enough for now, thanks for your interest. No doubt I will visit your Web-site again in the days ahead!

Yours affectionately in Him, Mike Attwood.

To: Mike Attwood
Sat, 18 Dec 1999

Dear Mike,
Thanks for sharing your experiences, which I found very interesting. I look forward to hearing from you as time allows.

Your in the Lord, Gordon.

From: Michael Attwood
Mon, 10 Jan 2000

Dear Brother Gordon,
This July I plan to lead "an assembly heritage tour" along with another brother Mark Kolchin from New Jersey.

• We plan to just visit Ireland both North and South and use it as an opportunity to teach on the restoration of New Testament Principles which took place at that time, giving particualr emphasis to the recovery of truth which came through the ministry of John Nelson Darby.

I am responsible for the history part and would be grateful if in your archives you might have any interesting anecdotes pertaining to Ireland.

• I do not wish to be a burden, but if you had something that you thought would be helpful I would appreciate it.

• I am doing a bit of research myself and have visited your web-site several times.

I have good friend Andrew Poots who runs a book store in Belfast, who meets with I believe a group of Kelly Exclusives [so called]. He has been a great source of literature in the past.

Yours affectionately in Him,

Mike Attwood

To: Mike Attwood
Sat, 15 Jan 2000

Dear Mike,
All the information I have on the early years In Ireland is already on MB.

• You might find something you are looking for in "Early Years" or "The First 50 Years" in the History group, or in the biographies of J.G.B., J.N.D., J.B.S., C.H.M. or J.T., all of whom were born in or had strong connections with Ireland.

I hope you and others find the "tour" profitable and will be interested to hear from you when you return.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

Your guest entries and messages will show that the continuation of My Brethren is important to you.

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