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Mailbox: PQ: Nov. 1998 – present

 
Jonathan L. Pallarés
Karl & Peggy Paluga
Kharka Pariyar
Lila Marilla Paul
Kevin Pearson
Mark Peever
Stephen A. Penn
Pallam J. Peter
Sam Peter
Graeme Pilcher
Kevin Pipes
Andrew Poots
David Porter
Steven Porter
Jean-Louis Prache
Heino Promm
Robert Promm
Colin Purdy
Geoffrey Purdy
John Puxty










 



PLEASE NOTE: For the security of our readers, all @ signs have been changed to 'AT' in order to prevent unsolicited email. If you wish to contact any of our guests please remember to replace the @ sign in the address line of your email.




Jonathan L. Pallarés

To: Jonathan L. Pallarés
JONATHAN.PALLARATterra.es
Barcelona, Spain
Sun, 18 Nov 2001

Dear Jonathan,
Thanks for visiting 'My Brethren'. Please come back again.

Your inquiry regarding the beginning of 'exclusives' in Barcelona is now posted in the Guest Book and, hopefully, it will draw some replies. If it does please let me know.

I don't have any information at the moment but will make some inquiries.

In the meantime perhaps you would share something of your background and reason for interest with our guests.

In our Lord, Gordon.


To: Jonathan L. Pallarés
Wed, 28 Nov 2001

Dear Jonathan,
I understand that Daniel Roberts has written to you as to his knowledge of the situation in Spain. I realize he cannot give early information but hope it will be of some interest.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Karl and Peggy Paluga are on a separate page,
on account of the volume of email. Access from menu.

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Kharka Pariyar

From: Kharka Pariyar
sanubhai1ATgmail.com
Bronx, New York, 10466, U.S.A.
Thu, Mar 3, 2011

Kharka Pariyar Dear brother Gordon,
Thank you very much for giving me adequate information to get either the printed volumes or CD ROM of the profound ministry of J. B. Stoney and others.

With regard to my background and position, I can definitely share a little both of my physical and Spiritual standing.

As the testimony of the believers gathering unto the name of the Lord alone in the Indian sub continent, a number of assemblies and individual believers were in a Christian denomination called "Bhakt Singh Fellowship".

And from the beginning of 1990, brother Neil Short and his wife Edith Short started visiting these brethren and ministering the word to them, as a result a large number of believers came into the fellowship and testimonies began in India, Bhutan and in Nepal.

Sometime ago, I contacted a brother in Sacramento, California, to find a possibility of connecting a Nepalese family who also came into the States in the same way I am and have been without the Christian meeting to go.

So as mentored by such a spiritual man like Neil Short, I have learnt to love the writings of some our godly and goodly brothers.

The Lord is good and His care for us is ever.

Lastly, thank you so much for your help and inquiry. I hope these brief notes will help you to know about my background.

Yours in His grace, Kharka Pariyar.


To: Kharka Pariyar
Sat, Mar 5, 2011

Dear Kharka,
Thanks for your very full reply -- we appreciate you sharing your background with us.

As to the books, you might try Dover Bible Fund, assuming they have them in stock, as they are in nearby Pennsylvania and you would avoid problems of foreign exchange on funds. Dover handles all KBT publications.

It is very interesting to hear of your contacts with Neil and Edith Short. Betty and I enjoyed many happy times with Neil and Edith in earlier years, in our home and in theirs, before they moved from Toronto.

Do let us know how you make out obtaining the ministry, and feel free to write again at any time.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


From: Kharka Pariyar
Sat, Mar 5, 2011

Dear brother Gordon,
Thank you once again for your kind response to my email. I will contact soon "Dover Bible Fund" if they have them in their stock before I go to Kingston Bible trust in UK. I will let you know,if I am able to get them.

Neil was a amazing brother to me. He really spoke like an oracle of God.

However, it pleased the Lord to take him home to deliver him from many sickness in the flesh. Yes, I was able to read the news you mention about the home call of our brother Neil in site news in mybrethren.org.

May the Lord bless you dear brother

Yours in His Love, Kharka Pariyar.


To: Kharka Pariyar
Sun, Sep 18, 2011

Dear Kharka,
Just wondering whether you have been able to obtain the ministry of JBS in which you were interested?

Regarding Neil Short whose service you so much appreciated – not finding brothers in the west, in your company, comparable –

  1. the vessel – mentally, emotionally and physically – as fashioned by God;

  2. the depth and quality of his personal devotion to Christ and the interests of God;

  3. the particular spiritual gift with which the ascended Lord has endowed him;

  4. the spiritual environment in which the servant has been nurtured and formed.

In my judgment, this last factor is that which would have specially distinguished Neil from those in your company whom you compared to him

Your comments will be welcome.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


From: Kharka Pariyar
Sun, Mar 4, 2012

Dear brother Gordon,
I am sorry, I haven't been able to write you earlier,as there were many shifting circumstances in our lives during the last 6 months. In August our family decided to move to North Carolina from New York,and it kept us busy in settling ourselves to a new place.

Dear brother, I fully agree upon the four factors you have listed about our dear brother Neil Short which distinguished him from many other. Truly Neil came to us with a distinct ministry and we are so grateful that we were privilege to have such a brother to minister us.

I am not sure,if,what I have heard from some of my friends is a truth. But I have heard that a number of brethren in Bhutan have been divided from their present position and form themselves a group, to stand exclusively in the teaching of our brother Neil Short, as they saw many who would not be willing to walk in the path once Neil showed to them.

Do you know any one who visited Jaigoan, west Bengal, North India, in a recent months from your company? I am not sure even who might be those, who have been separated from among the KLC brethren in Bhutan.

Hoping to hear from you soon, I would just like to close here. May the Lord bless you and your ministry.

Yours in Him,whose return is imminent, Kharka Pariyar, NC.


To: Kharka Pariyar
Tue, Mar 6, 2012

Dear Kharka,
Thanks for writing despite all your matters. Sad indeed to hear of your father -- but with the Lord is far better.

Your move to North Carolina was a big one. Perhaps you may contact a friend, Edward Hunte of Barbados, who spends some time in NC. His email is edwardhunte@sunbeach.net -- I don't have an address.

I am glad of your appreciation of Neil and what he ministered -- but I am quite surprised that he was able to be comfortable among the KLC.

No, I have not heard anything of the situation in Bhutan -- yours is the first report. It is not the least surprising that some would separate to follow the truth, and I look forward to hearing more as news becomes available to you.

Just to clarify -- we are not connected in special links of fellowship with any group -- for a number of reasons. We seek to keep all avenues of communication open -- and to be of service to all our brethren.

Write again when you are able. In our Lord Jesus, Gordon,

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Lila Marilla Paul

To: Lila Marilla Paul
Temporary:
ruth.vanitaATumontana.edu
New Delhi, India
Thu, 13 May 2004

Dear sister, Lila Marilla Paul,
Thanks for visiting 'My Brethren' and for your most interesting account of "the brethren in India, and Burma".

We have posted your account on MB in Memorabilia: The Ears of the Assembly: India and Burma – 2004.

Your email address indicates you may be in the USA at the moment. If so I would be interested in a telephone conversation with you and your husband and could call, at a mutually convenient time, if you could email a telephone number.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon Rainbow.


From: Lila Marilla Paul
Telephone Call
Sat, 15 May 2004

Lila called from Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she and her husband Daniel have been visiting, expecting to return to Inda on the morrow and reside in Bangalore.


From: Lila Marilla Paul
lilamarillapauAThotmail.com
Wed, 19 Nov 2008

My dearest Gordon and Betty,
I trust that through the Lord's mercy and grace you both are well.

I am writing this from Missoula, Montana. Ruth very lovingly invited me to spend the rest of my life with [her] so I came to America … arrived in Missoula on the 19th July.

I tried calling you twice, but did not succeed. This computer was linked to the Internet a few days ago so we can now correspond by email as well as by phone. Please give me your phone number again. Our number here is —

The dear brethren with whom I am in fellowship in Delhi felt the parting very much and so did I. I keep in touch with them by phone and now emails can be easily exchanged. I hope to go to Delhi on visits, Lord willing.

The work you are doing for the Lord and His interests is very commendable and pleasing to the Lord. May he continue to bless it.

I look forward to hearing from you.the Lord bless and keep you both dear brother and sister. Closing with much warm love in the Lord to you both, and other dear saints with you. .


To: Lila Marilla Paul
Sun 30 Nov 2008

Dearest Lila, How good to hear from you and to know you are on this side! Thanks too for all the news [not included above]. We don't have much to report, days often seem boring, but we wait for Him!

It's so good to know that Ruth will be caring for you. "Honour thy father and thy mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest be long-lived on the earth", Ephesians 6: 2.

Sorry you couldn't reach us by phone. Sometimes I shut off my hearing aids and so may have missed your call. And we may be out at our dining room. I'm not sure how much difference in time there is. Our number is —. I will try to call you soon and then we can talk freely. Look forward to hearing your voice.

Affectionately in the Lord Jesus, Gordon and Betty.


From: Lila Marilla Paul
Tue, 23 Feb 2010

My dear brother and sister in the Lord,
It's a long time since we got in touch. I trust that, through the Lord's mercy and grace you both are well. I called you twice last year, dear brother Gordon, but you did'nt seem to know who I was so I desisted.

I have just sent an e-mail telling about our meetings in Rangoon and New Delhi and about the meetings I now go to. I have asked if you have a copy of the Stowhill Hymn book cum Tune book 1932 edition. I play the piano and have my copy, but it's very old and is disintegrating. If there is a new or a secondhand copy in good condition I would like to buy it. We have a piano here in my daughter Ruth's house and I love to play hymns every day. I also play Classical Music by Chopin, Mozart, Beethoven and others. I also have a piano in my apartment in New Delhi.

Closing with much warm love in the Lord to you both and all the dear brethren with you.

Yours lovingly in Him, Lila.


To: Lila Marilla Paul
Fri, 26 Feb 2010

Dear Lila,
Thanks very much for writing. I have often thought of you.

I'm very sorry I didn't recognize your phone calls. This happens quite often if Betty is not available to answer. I have a hearing problem and despite using an amplifier cannot always understand, especially if there is a poor connection or the caller has an accent. I would have liked to speak with you but sadly this may just not be practical. The news is interesting and I'm glad you are being well cared for.

We live in Bethany Manor, Markham, Ontario – since April 2005 – a retirement home operated by some "open" people, although we do not fellowship with them. We are both reasonably well, Betty – who had her 81st birthday Feb. 23 – more so than myself. I now use a power chair as walking is difficult even with a walker.

With love in our Lord Jesus, Gordon and Betty.

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Kevin Pearson

From: Kevin Pearson
ktrekATworldnet.att.net
Denton, TX USA
Tue, 30 Mar 1999

Dear brother,
I was browsing through your site and was looking at GRC's bio.

Like your site. Would like to see more of the ministry posted on here especially things such as GRC that are hard to find.

For your general information I fellowship in Denton, TX with those who you would probably call the Renton's. Have been with them for several years.

If I can help you in any way feel free to email me.

Yours in the Lord Jesus, Kevin.


To: Kevin Pearson
Tue, 30 Mar 1999

Dear Kevin,
Thank you for visiting "My Brethren" and for your encouraging comments and welcome offer of help.

I thought I had all GRC's ministry but I did not know about booklets 4 & 5!

As to "Headship of Christ and God" I said "available" – that is to me. I should have said "to have survived".

The other Stow Hill publications you mention were reprinted by P.H. in the "Memorials" series.

I have some of GRC's ministry which may be posted in the next few months.

You kindly say, "If I can help you in any way feel free to email me". The area in which I need the most assistance is in transcribing appropriate ministry.

I note your connection with certain brethren and, as you will notice on the site, I am quite familiar with their position, though not sympathetic on some points.

I hope you will visit again, and I would be glad to hear from you at any time.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


From: Kevin Pearson
Thu, 01 Apr 1999

Dear Gordon,
I found your email very interesting. I was unaware that "Purification and Life" was reprinted in the Memorials. I have all of them but volume 9.

The contents of "Ministry of GRC" booklets are as follows:

Booklet 4,

Booklet 5,

I have an extra copy of booklet 4 that I am sticking in the mail to you.

I noted your statements about critisism but I guess I'm unclear as to your position being much different than ours.

Just a note. I was not born and raised amongst brethren. I was raised RC and came to a saving faith at 16. I did not serve the Lord fully until 20.

As to my offer to help I will see what I can do. I recently bought a new computer and my father'n'law gave me a scanner. I tried scanning some of JT's ministry at his house and it worked great.

I must run. It was good hearing from you. Maybe we could meet on a chat line sometime soon and talk.

Your brother in the Lord Jesus, Kevin M. Pearson.


To: Kevin Pearson
Tue, 06 Apr 1999

Dear Kevin,
Booklet 4 arrived today and is quite interesting. Thank you very much. If, as you suggest, you find an extra copy of Booklet 5 it would be appreciated.

As to scanning. When you have time perhaps you could try FER 3: 268-275 – "The Person of the Christ" and the following letter.

Thanks again, Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


To: Kevin Pearson
Sun, 11 Apr 1999

Dear Kevin,
Your personal information and experiences are welcome and appreciated.

Thanks too for the data on GRC's Booklets 4 and 5 which I hope – when time permits – to include in my catalogue of his ministry. You may be interested in a copy at that time.

As to your inquiry as to my position regarding brethren with whom you are in fellowship, you will find details in the "Mailbox: My Stand".

Please understand, I don't care to be known personally, or for "My Brethren" to be known, as being "anti" this or that and I want guests to express their exercise and concerns.

I have no objection to meeting on a chat line – but have no experience in doing so and would need guidance.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


From: Kevin M. Pearson
Mon, 19 Jul 1999

Dear Gordon,
It has been awhile since I have written you. I just wanted you to know that I could not get my scanner to work on my new PC so it has been set up on my old PC.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Yours in the Lord Jesus, Kevin M. Pearson.


From: Kevin Pearson
Mon, 19 Jul 1999

Dear Gordon,
Was looking at your bio on AEM and thought you'd like to know that I have a copy of a book of AEM's ministry titled "Response to God as Revealed".

Your brother in Christ, Kevin M. Pearson.


To: Kevin Pearson
Wed, 21 Jul 1999

Dear Kevin,
Good to hear from you again! I've been wondering how you were getting on with your scanner and your proposed web site for J.T.'s ministry.

Thanks for the info on "Response to God as Revealed" by AEM. I have added it to his bio as suggested.

I went ahead with the FER article – it is in the "Doctrine" group – but would appreciate it if you could scan

I am still trying to obtain GRC's Booklet No. 5. Have you possibly found an extra copy? Did you know there is also a Booklet No. 6?

The jpg files of JT, CAC, FER, AMH, PL, AEM and any others you may have would be very welcome, for adding to various Biography, History and Ministry pages. I only have a few on the site at the moment.

Thanks for your help, Kevin.

With love in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


From: Kevin Pearson
Thu, 22 Jul 1999

Dear Gordon,
I looked through my library for the [GRC] title you requested and I do not have that volume. If there is something else you would like just let me know.

Kevin.


To: Kevin Pearson
Fri, 23 Jul 1999

Hi Kevin,
I have received all 5 groups. I checked with my nephew Martin, and he was able to whiten a few and reduce size of one from about 185kb to 10kb. He may be able to do them all for me. I'll let you know. They load very fast now.

Thanks to you, I believe they will improve the site greatly.

Yours in the Lord Jesus, Gordon.


To: Kevin Pearson
Tue, 27 Jul 1999

Dear Kevin,
You might want to check CAC's pic on his bio. It looks very good.

Thanks again. I will have use for most shortly. They will make good additions and will be noted in August "Site News".

With love in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


From: Kevin Pearson
Mon, 16 Oct 2000

Gordon,
Nice to hear from you again! I'm glad the pics worked out for you.

I haven't been by your site lately but I seem to remember seeing something about KBT putting the ministry on CD-ROM.

To answer you about a JT site I have not had any time. I started a new job about a year ago and between it and going to our "oft meetings" I can't seem to get around to it.

It's good to hear from you again. Keep in touch! In Him, Kevin.


To: Kevin Pearson
Thu, 19 Oct 2000

Dear Kevin,
Thanks for your reply. Yes, KBT is, I understand, nearly finished work on a JBS CD-ROM. Other ministries may be done later but will take much time before any appear.

As to copyright on scanned ministry, I'm not sure. In the past brethren have never claimed copyright and it would seem inappropriate and inconsistent for anyone to claim it on such ministry. See Personal: Copyright Information.

Sorry you don't have a scanner any longer as you would have been able to contribute to the CD-ROM work.

I know how change of employment – and "oft meetings" – can hinder other matters, including personal spiritual development and family needs. It requires devotion to maintain our responsibility in every sphere.

I hope we will be able to keep in touch more often. Your contributions are valued.

Affectionately in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


From: Kevin Pearson
Sat, 11 Nov 2000

Hi Gordon,
I was looking at your bio of AJG. In addition to the titles you list of his ministry published I have two other things of interest to you.

  1. Christianity A System of Glory
    Notes of Meetings in Birmingham, October 1948
    Stow Hill 140 page paperback book.

  2. "Peace" and "The Reality of Christianity"
    Gospel addresses in New Zealand
    Stow Hill (no dates given) 32 page booklet.

I just thought I'd let you know of these other two publications that Stow Hill printed of AJG's ministry.

Hope all is well with you! In Him, Kevin M. Pearson.


To: Kevin Pearson
Sat, 11 Nov 2000

Dear Kevin,
Thanks for the names of additional books of AJG's ministry, which I will add to Biography: A. J. Gardiner. This info is very much appreciated.

Glad to hear from you again. In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


From: Kevin Pearson
Wed, 14 Mar 2001

Greetings!
My wife bought me a new all-in-one Printer-scanner-copier for my upcoming birthday so I thought I'd try the scanners optical reader.

I trust all is well with you! BTW I have not heard from the Munsells. Maybe they are on vacation. I found a listing for a Rodney Munsell in Grapevine which is near where they said they were from but the number no longer was working.

Love in the Lord Jesus, Kevin.


To: Kevin Pearson
Thu, 15 Mar 2001

Dear Kevin,
Thanks very much for "The Worship Of God Himself" by J.T., and your wife for providing the means.

Thanks for sending that brotherly message to the Munsells. I surely hope they respond.

Affectionately in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


To: Kevin Pearson
Tue, 27 Mar 2001

Dear Kevin,
In regard to your time scanning "The Worship of God Himself" (which is 16 pages in JT 68, but 21 pages in the booklet and I'm not sure which you used), as mentioned earlier, I asked Susan Soukoreff for her experience.

Susan says, "I tried typing a page of J.T. (Vol. 60 page 350) which is almost all one long remark by J.T. and it took me nine minutes typing as fast as my fingers would move and then going back and making any corrections the 'spell check' underlined. Therefore, I would estimate 21 pages would take about 189 minutes at least and that is not using the format needed for your setup. So we are looking at 3 hours and 9 minutes for 21 pages. So it appears Kevin's scanner is a much better way to go if it only takes an 1 1/2 to 2 hours to do".

Some time ago Peter Metcalfe, who had been scanning JBS for the KBT cd-rom project, wrote, "… am in the process of proof reading volume 4 – and enjoying it. This is necessary because the punctuation and several words are mis-translated by the Textbridge Pro software, especially the numbers. Scanning each volume takes about 5 hours labour with about 22 hours estimated to proof each and correct". Based on an average of 436 pages each for JBS 1 - 6, I calculate about 4 minutes a page, or 1 hour 4 minutes for the 16 pages of "Worship ...", or 1 hour 24 minutes for the 21 page booklet, which seems reasonably close to your time.

I hope this will be some use to you in evaluating the use of the scanner, and I would be interested in your thoughts.

Affectionately in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


From Kevin Pearson
Wed, 3 Dec 2003

Dear brother Gordon,
It has been a while since I last had any contact with you.

I was doing a search on the internet for the 'Little Flock' hymns and found a link to the page where you talk about your hymn project –

Your brother in Christ, Kevin Pearson.


To: Kevin Pearson
Thu, 4 Dec 2003

Dear Kevin,
How good to hear from you again. I often think of you and especially your help providing many of the photos on MB.

If you will access the new MB site – www.mybrethren.org – and check Personal: My Projects: Hymn Tunes you will see that we have just recently posted some tunes on History: Hymn Book 4.

Affectionately in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


From: Kevin Pearson
Tue, 9 Dec 2003

Dear brother Gordon,
I was reading your letters in the Wrong In Principle section.

I also wonder why you would publish your letters without publishing the other side's view and let the readers judge?

Your brother in Christ, Kevin Pearson.


To: Kevin Pearson
Fri, 12 Dec 2003

Dear Kevin,
No, my letters in History: Wrong In Principle? were not written to Mr. Jim Renton of Edinburgh.

In the Lord Jesus, Gordon.


From: Kevin Pearson
Thu, 11 Dec 2003

Dear brother,
I was looking through your chronology and found an item of interest to me.

Your brother in Christ, Kevin Pearson.


To: Kevin Pearson
Fri, 12 Dec 2003

Dear Kevin,
Sorry, I don't know whether RFK's book is still in print. I think it was published by Morrish or perhaps C. A. Hammond.

My memory is failing and I can't be sure but I thought I had a copy but cannot put my hand on it. I gave many of my books away and I'm sure he will check for it.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Mark Peever

To: Mark Peever
mpeeverATyahoo.com
Charlotte, NC, USA
Wed, 17 Jul 2002

Dear Mark,
Thank you for your kind remarks and, especially, for making yourself known!

May the Lord's blessing be with you.

In the Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Stephen A. Penn

To: Stephen A. Penn
greymysticATatt.net
Charlotte, NC, USA
Thu, 04 Jul 2002

Dear Stephen,
Welcome to 'My Brethren'. I trust you found some items of interest. Please feel free to share your background and exercise with us.

In the Lord, Gordon.

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Pallam J. Peter

To: Pallam J. Peter
pallamroyATyahoo.com
Kerala, India
Sat, 18 Jan, 2003

Dear Pallam,
Welcome to 'My Brethren'. I hope you will return.

We do not distribute printed literature but you are welcome to download any of the ministry on MB. If you wish to do so use the 'No Frames' pages.

In our Lord, Gordon

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Sam Peter

To: Sam Peter
spcochinATyahoo.com
speterATgscksa.com
Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Tue, 26 Sep 2000

Dear Sam,
Welcome to 'My Brethren'. You are the first brother from India to visit MB, and certainly the first – I hope not the last – from Saudi Arabia.

Thanks for your kind remarks and for sharing your back-ground, which will be of intense interest to other MB guests.

MB does not send out items regularly but there are two options:

  1. You can download any pages from MB to go over later if it is convenient. At present, new items are added each month, and I'm sure you would find the "Mailbox" interesting as well. I'm not sure whether you have your own computer or use one at your work.

  2. Check Guests: Site News: Links: Zip Files. I will email some to you if you let me know which interest you. Also I have recently received a PDF file of Ministry by J. B. Stoney, volume 1, which I can send if you wish. You will need Acrobat 4.0 Reader to view it, and this can be downloaded from the Acrobat site.

I notice you have 2 email addresses. Which one should be used to send items to you?

Thanks again for visiting. I look forward to hearing from you again.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


From: Sam Peter
Wed, 27 Sep 2000

Dear Brother Gordon
Thanks to your immediate response, happy to hear that I am the first person to visit MB and am pleased for the introduction to other MB guests.

As requested I am giving a brief about myself and the fellowship we have in Saudi Arabia.

In 1986 my living Lord gave me a loving and God fearing wife, Beena Sam, and blessed us with 2 daughters and a son (Jennifer Rachel studying in 8th, Jeslyn Mary in 7th and Jaison Peter in 4th standard).

My family is still in Cochin with my widowed aged mother (80 years).

Since, 1994 I am staying alone in Dammam [Saudi Arabia], here we have a small gathering of brethren believers all from our State of Kerala. Nearly 30 members are at the Lord's table each week.

In our local gathering, we have prayer meeting on Wednesday, Bible study on Thursday, Children study on Friday and worship meeting on Sunday, these gatherings take place in different houses each day between 8.00 p.m to 10.00 p.m.

Regarding the e-mail address, you can use any one of them and I can access them from my work place. I do not own computer in my room, I use my company computer.

Finally, I thank you for spending your precious time for reading this lengthy message. Do pray for the assembly gathering, my family, especially for my aged mother and for my children.

Convey my sincere regards to your family and MB staff.

In Christ, Sam Peter.


From: Sam Peter
Fri, 1 Dec 2000

Dear Brother Gordon,
Greetings to you in the precious name of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.

Trust you and your family are in good health and safety in the loving care or our living Lord, the same with me here by the Grace of God.

Since months passed we communicated, I was little busy with official matters, now a days some spare time is there, as the Muslims holy month of Ramadan is going on, as such the working time is less now.

I have visited your site and gone through the Mailbox, great job you had done, may His name be glorified.

Convey my regards to all at home. My sincere wishes and prayers for all your efforts in the field of our Lord. May our living Lord bless you more and more in the coming days for His glory.

With prayers, Sam Peter.


To: Sam Peter
Mon, 04 Dec 2000

Dear Sam,
How good to hear from you! We have been wondering how you were getting on and, of course, you are in our prayers.

I'm glad you have gone through the Mailbox and thank you for your compliments.

I trust you will be able to be reunited with your wife and your family in the Lord's will.

I'll be glad to hear from you at any time and am especially interested in how you are getting on with the ministry files sent recently.

Our greetings in the Lord to you and the brethren with you.

Affectionately in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


From: Sam Peter
Mon, 1 Jan 2001

Dear Bro. Gordon,
Greetings to you in the very soon coming precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Wishing you and your family all health and prosperity in the year 2001.

With prayers, Sam Peter.

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Graeme Pilcher

To: Graeme Pilcher
pilcher-ga-paATimpulse.net.au
Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
Mon, 7 Aug 2000

Dear Graeme,
Thanks for visiting MB. We don't have many guests from Australia. I hope you found something of interest and will come back again.

If you would like to share your experiences or exercises, please don't hesitate.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.


From: Graeme Pilcher
Thu, 26 Jun 2003

I enjoyed browsing your site. We truly are privileged to know our Lord and Saviour. What ever we have been through in the past should in a sense make us closer to Him.

Most of our family came out of the EB meeting in 1979.

Graeme Pilcher.


To: Graeme Pilcher
Thu, 26 Jun 2003

Dear Graeme,
Welcome back to 'My Brethren'! I'm glad you enjoyed browsing MB and hope you will return. There's much to explore and new items are added often.

Yes, without the Lord Jesus we would be in a terrible plight but with Him, like yourself, we have been able to face the loss of family and friends. I'm certainly glad you have access to most of your family.

If you want to share any more information, please do.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Kevin Pipes

To: Kevin Pipes
ExchangedLifeATaol.com
Boston, MA, USA
Tue, 28 Mar 2000

Dear Kevin,
Thanks for visiting MB. I'm glad you like it and trust you will return.

There is no desire to alienate or antagonize you, Kevin, in what I must say in order to respond to your hope that "some day you will include Miles Stanford".

The balance of this letter is in My Stand 2: Miles Stanford.

Yours faithfully in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


From: Kevin Pipes
Sat, 1 Apr 2000

Hello. Can you suggest a good book that describes the Christian life and how it should be lived? Thanks.

In Christ, Kevin Pipes.


To: Kevin Pipes
Mon, 03 Apr 2000

Dear Kevin,

Because others may be interested in Kevin's inquiry, my response is posted in My Answer 1: Christian Life, along with some subsequent correspondence of May 30 and June 2.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Andrew Poots

To: Andrew Poots
andrewpootsATntlworld.com
Belfast, North Ireland
Tue, 06 Jan 2004

Dear Andrew,
Welcome to 'My Brethren', and thanks for your contribution on the matter of 'Mr. J. N. Darby's first impresson of Mr. G. V. Wigram' in the biography of G. V. Wigram.

Whether JND's remark "through one I had met at Oxford" explodes the possibilty of an earlier meeting in Ireland, it seems – to me at least – to be undecided but weighted somewhat in favour of such a meeting.

If you are free to share your background it would be of great interest.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


From: Andrew Poots
Tue, 6 Jan 2004

Dear Gordon,
G. V. Wigram was an interesting brother. You are probably aware of Mr. Stoney's remark, "I always think Mr. Wigram had many things spiritually which he had not doctrinally".

As to my personal circumstances, I reside in Belfast, Northern Ireland. I am married with a wife and four children.

I enjoy good ministry.

Greetings in Christ, Andrew.


To: Andrew Poots
Thu, 8 Jan 2004

Dear Andrew,
Thanks for your reply. I seem to recall hearing the remark as to GVW which you attribute to JBS. Do you have a source/reference for it?

As you "enjoy good ministry" I suggest you review that of Mr. G. R. Cowell on MB.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


From: Andrew Poots
Thu, 8 Jan 2004

Dear Gordon,
The remark about GVW is found on page 254 of Letters from J. B. Stoney Vol. 3, Stow Hill Edition.

Your biography gives the general outline. I am sure many details could be researched and filled in.

My web site is in a very inchoate state. I hope eventually to have some ministry there.

I am familiar with the ministry of Mr. Cowell. David Porter [see following] loaned me some volumes. What a tragedy that he was ousted by J.T.Jr. in the succession to become universal leader.

In the Lord Jesus, Andrew.


To: Andrew Poots
Fri, 9 Jan 2004

Dear Andrew,
Thanks for the JBS/GVW reference which I have added to the biography.

A 'Bulletin' has been posted re your interest in the 'Present Testimony' and any additional ministry of GVW. Please let us know if you have any response.

Your contact with David Porter is interesting. We have had some good correspondence and we enjoyed a visit with him when he was in Canada a few years ago.

I hope we can keep in touch from time to time.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


From: Andrew Poots
Wed, 10 Oct, 2008

I believe I have seen information on your site in the past about Walter Thomas Turpin which I presently cannot seem to locate. Can you point me in the right direction, or furnish additional information?

Greetings in Christ, Andrew Poots.


Dear Andrew,
Thanks for your mail. I located two places where he is mentioned. The first link is here: Biography: C.A. Coates – only his name, and that he prayed at Mr. Coates' burial. [Editors note: This is an error – this would have been W.T. Turpin's son – see Andrew's response below.]

And then here: History: The Champney Letter – where is mentioned in HDAC's letter – follow the 'Continued' link at the end of the first page of the letter and then check under the heading 'The Goodness of the Lord to Mr. Stanley and Mr. Pinkerton'.

Please let us know if you need further assistance.

Yours in the Lord Jesus.


From: Andrew Poots
Wed, 10 Oct, 2008

Dear Brother,
Thanks, I found the places. WTT went to be with the Lord in 1914. It was more than likely a son who prayed at CAC's burial.

The note I was looking for was in the Champney section:

Is it possible to obtain this paper by WTT on eternal life? It would be of some importance to have access to this.

Also, is there any way now of clarifying WTT's reason for returning to the Establishment? This would be of great interest to me, and to others, in view of the fact that there is some present interest in WTT's ministry. It would be good if further details of the letter of Arthur G. Brown could be made available.

Thanks for your help thus far.

Greetings in Christ, Andrew.


From: Gordon Simmonds
Thu, 9 Oct, 2008
Sun, 12 Oct, 2008

Dear Brother,
I doubt I can give you much help as to W. T. Turpin. Plugging in his name gives a number of hits on the Internet. Present Truth Publishers sells his collected writings for £40. The Manchester library lists his books, but I cannot see from the titles that they have anything to do with Mr. Raven's ministry. I expect you and your correspondent are aware of these sources. Neatby on page 282 says: "In some cases it was the gradual pressure of Ravenism that forced the malcontents out. Of these lingerers the best known was Mr, W. T. Turpin".

...I do not recollect Arthur Brown saying anything particular to me about him. The fact that he became a minister in an evangelical church after he left Brethren suggests that he had given up the recovered truth as to the assembly rather than just some teaching of Mr. Raven as to eternal life...

This does not help much. If I can find anything further I will let you know.

Greetings in Christ, Gordon Simmonds.

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David Porter

To: David Porter
davidATporter95.orangehome.co.uk
Newtownards, Northern Ireland, BT23 8HH
Sat, 03 Jul 1999

Hi David,
Thanks for dropping in. If I recall correctly you are only the 2nd guest from Northern Ireland! More would be very welcome.

If you have any thoughts or concerns you would like to share, please feel free to send a message. I would be very glad to hear from you.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.


From: David Porter
Sun, 4 Jul 1999

Dear Brother Gordon,
Thank you for the E-mail. Thank you also for a very interesting site.

I will write soon to give further information about myself.

Yours in His Name, David.


From: David Porter
Sat, 10 Jul 1999

Dear Gordon
I write to tell you about myself. As you know my name is David Porter and I am 50 years old.

I am married to Norma and we have four children, David, married to Wendy, who have just had baby Matthew, Stephen, Andrew, who is in Canada until September, and Sharon.

I have never been in fellowship with any company of the Brethren but am one of those who fits the second goal of your site to reach out to believers who have been exercised by the writings of JND, JBS, FER, CAC, etc.

I have attended a number of meetings in Bangor of the company connected with Kingston but have not, as yet, joined them.

I better tell you why I am so hesitant.

I desire to walk in the pathway the Lord has for me and thank Him for the light given so far

Finally, on a different subject, you may already know about this, but I have a Booklet No. 6 of the "Ministry of G. R. Cowell" which includes three addresses from 1962.

Once again thank you for the work you have put into your site. If I can help in any way please let me know.

With much affection in the Lord.

Yours in the Lord Jesus, David.


To: David Porter
Thu, 15 Jul 1999

Dear David
Your message with personal and family details, and your frankness as to your personal situation and exercises, is appreciated.

It a great encouragement that the Lord is still exercising some of His own

You are doubtless under great inward pressure as you consider the impact any move you make may have on your wife and family, and your congregation – all persons used to trusting you and following your lead.

I am sure you will have considered the examples in Scripture, but these come to mind:

I bear witness by experience that answering to the light is costly, and that disobeying it is more costly, by far.

Just where obedience may lead you is not mine to say.

Fellowship has both a universal and a local bearing, but normally one would expect to find it with some in his own locality or nearby, at least.

You are in our prayers daily that you may be both sensitive and submissive to the Spirit's direction in all your considerations.

It is of interest to hear you have Booklet No. 6 of GRC's ministry. I have #1 to #4, and am checking with Malcolm Withell for #5 and #6.

I have just added a landmark address by GRC entitled "Separated ..." which you may not have seen.

I am thankful you appreciate 'My Brethren', and also thank you for your brotherly offer of help, which may be of use in the future.

News of your progress in your exercise will be most welcome.

With love in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


To: David Porter
Mon, 30 Oct 2000

Dear David,
It is well over a year since we last corresponded and I am wondering how you are getting on with your exercises and contacts with Bangor.

You also said, "I have a Booklet No. 6 of the "Ministry of G. R. Cowell" which includes three addresses from 1962".

We had a short visit with Colin Purdy of Warrenpoint recently when he was here to visit his uncle.

If you have not visited MB lately you will find a number of additions.

With love in the Lord Jesus to you and your family, Gordon.


From: David Porter
Wed, 3 Oct 2001

Dear brother Gordon,
I write to express my sincere thanks for the increase in the amount of ministry by G. R. Cowell on the site. I have told you before how much I appreciate this ministry.

I usually print out the ministry as I find it easier to read and also it allows me to annotate the pages.

I would like to produce a detailed catalogue of the ministry of GRC at some time.

It seems a long time since my visit to you in May but I still hold very happy memories of that day.

With much love in the Lord Jesus, Yours in Him, David.


To: David Porter
Thu, 04 Oct 2001

Dear David,
How good to hear from you, especially as I was going to write to draw your attention to the Bulletin on GRC's ministry. It's encouraging to know you still check out MB.

I am not sure that I have been consistent throughout MB in identifying the source of notes shown in the yellow boxes, and I will try to improve on this.

As to "a detailed catalogue of the ministry of GRC", I have already produced one – except to add the booklet you kindly gave me – but I am having difficulty printing it in booklet form.

Betty and I remember your visit fondly and are thankful for our links in Christ.

Affectionately in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


From: David Porter
Mon, 18 Feb 2002

Dear Gordon
Greetings to you and Betty in the Name of the Lord Jesus.

Regarding the recent offer of a book by J. B. Catterall at an exorbitant price, I spoke to a brother about this on Saturday at a fellowship meeting and he has the following items by Catterall in his library. It might be possible to get some of this material copied.

  1. Memorials of J. B. Catterall's Ministry; H/back; 242pp.
    The following do not appear in the Contents of 1, above:-
  2. Divine Formation; Booklet; 29pp.
  3. The Power and Efficacy of the Ministry of Christ; Booklet; 16pp.
  4. "Lord, Teach us to pray"; Boolket; 30pp.
  5. Serving God; Booklet; 29pp.
  6. The Hebrew Servant; Booklet containing
    1. The Service of the Lord for His People; 18pp;
    2. Devotion of the Hebrew Servant; 20pp;
    3. The Spirit of the Hebrew Servant; 18pp.

Finally, we are coming to Canada, God willing, on Wednesday 27th February. My son, Andrew, is to be married in March in Canada. We will be over for about two weeks.

With much affection in the Lord Jesus,

Yours in Him, David.


To: David Porter
Wed, 20 Feb 2002

Dear David,
Glad to know you are keeping an eye on MB. Thanks very much for the details on J. B. Catterall's Ministry, which I will add to his biography.

Betty and I hope you can spare time on your proposed trip for a visit with us. We still have very happy memories of your earlier visit.

I suppose you have noticed the start here on scanning GRC, and I look forward to going over this with you.

Affectionately in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


To: David Porter
Fri, 12 Dec 2003

Dear Gordon,
Greetings from Dromara. I am very pleased to see the posting of the G. R. Cowell material is now nearly complete.

With much affection in Christ, David Porter.


To: David Porter
Sun, 14 Dec 2003

Dear David,
How good to hear from you again! Betty and I remember well the pleasant visit with you here.

Affectionately in the Lord Jesus, Gordon.


From: David Porter
Sat, 31 Jan 2009

Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus,
It is sometime since I last contacted the My Brethren site. My email address is changed.

I write to ask about the spreadsheet produced by David Mutton listing the ministry of GRC. If it is possible to obtain this I would be very grateful.

Thank you for your help.

Yours in Christ Jesus, David.


To: David Porter
Sun, 11 Jan 2009

Dear David,
Good to hear from you. We will get the email changed asap.

Here is what we have from David Mutton. We include two 'extras' you might find interesting. [Attached files]

Gordon also asked me to pass along his greetings to you and that he remembers your earlier contacts and an enjoyable visit a while back.

Yours in our Lord Jesus.


From: David Porter
Tue, 17 Nov 2009

Dear brother Gordon,
Greetings in the Lord.

Your labour has not been in vain and I certainly have greatly appreciated the ministry you post on this site.

I am retiring, in the Lord's will, from my present position on 31st January, 2010. Norma and I are intending to visit Canada in May and if it is possible I would like to visit you.

Can I say that the latest ministry you have put on from JND on Obscurity and Devotedness in very relevant to the present time. It was also very precious to me in my situation.

With love in the Lord Jesus, David.


To: David Porter
Wed, 18 Nov 2009

Dear David,
How good to hear from you and that you still follow up MB. Glad "Obscurity and Devotedness" was of interest. It certainly is challenging in our reduced circumstances.

Retiring! -- but not from the Lord's service I trust.

We would be very happy to have a visit in May. As you may have noted we moved in 2005 to Bethany Manor in Markham – adjacent to Toronto. When you arrive – or sooner – let us know where you will be coming from for a visit and I'll provide directions.

Betty and I are looking forward to seeing you again – and Norma too perhaps.

Affectionately in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Steven Porter

To: Steven L. Porter
sporter718ATaol.com
Lynchburg, VA, USA
Tue, 22 Jun 1999

Dear Steve,
Thanks for dropping in. I'm looking forward to hearing from you on your return after you have had opportunity to read some of the ministry.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

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Jean-Louis Prache

From: Jean-Louis Prache
pracheATushs2.u-strasbg.fr
Strasbourg, France
Thu, 12 Sep, 2002

Dear Friends,
I am happy I discovered your site on the Internet. But I am extremely frustrated, because I could not find a global plan of the inner organization of this site.

Another frustration: Many of these texts are surrounded by frames, so that it is extremely disagreeable when one wants to print them. I loose so much place and paper! Please send me only the web addresses of all the divisions and subchapters that are without Frames. Thank you very much.

And another question, please send me please your most complete Catalog of books, tracts, and so on – maybe I'll be able to save much money by buying from you the paper edition of many biographical and historical sketches that you display on your web site – and I'll spare unuseful printing?

Sincerely yours in Jesus.


To: Jean-Louis Prache
Fri, 13 Sep, 2002

Dear Jean-Louis,
Welcome to 'My Brethren' (MB). Your interest is appreciated. Perhaps when you visit again you will be free – as so many earlier guests have been – to share some details as to yourself and your background.

Your frustration is regrettable. Perhaps a few explanations will remove it. I'm not addressing your problems individully as they overlap and are all covered in the following.

On the 'Menu-Site Map'– by scrolling or using the 'drop down' menu 'Check Menu-SiteMap' – you can find and access, any of the groups or sub-groups – e.g. 'History', 'Ministry' – or any of the pages within those groups.

You can return to the 'Menu-SiteMap' by clicking it at the top of any 'Frames' menu or at the top of any 'No Frames' page. You can change from 'Frames' to 'No Frames' via the menu bar at the top of either 'Menu-SiteMap'.

We had not thought of 'My Brethren' as "gigantic" but realize there is much to explore, and have tried to make navigation of MB simple and straightforward, as well as offer various options.

I trust the above will help you to get the most benefit from MB, and look forward to hearing from you again.

Regarding your final question: 'My Brethren' is strictly a web site and does not publish any books. The biographies have been specially compiled for MB and are not available in this form elsewhere.

In the Lord, Gordon.

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Heino Promm

To: Heino Promm
hprommATtelus.net
South Surrey, B.C., Canada
Thu, 03 Feb 2000

Dear Heino,
Thanks for visiting MB. Please come again.

If you would like to share some of your history or exercises, we would be very interested.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.


From: Heino Promm
Thu, 03 Feb 2000

Dear brother Gordon,
Thank you for your acknowledgment. I am thankful for having 'arrived' at your web site.

We are presently involved with translating good Gospel material into the Estonian language, so I am always on the look out for such material. There is a great need for it in Estonia.

Will be visiting your web site again.

Yours in His eternal love and bond, Heino Promm.


To: Heino Promm
Tue, 31 Jul 2001

Dear Heino,
Thanks for your message re John Hunziker. I had already heard from another. He will be missed by his family and local brethren – and by 'My Brethren' for his good letters and contributions of material.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


From: Heino Promm
Tue, 31 Jul 2001

Beloved of God, dear brother Gordon,
Many thanks for your reply. Yes, John will be missed by the saints at Palmetto. We were together about a week before his home call. Over the years that we visited the beloved saints at Palmetto, it was joy to have fellowship with John. We miss him too.

In His eternal bond, Heino.


From: Heino Promm
Wed, 23 Oct 2002

I have returned to 'My Brethren' web page to make a change to my E-Mail address. [Changed above.]

Looking again at the mail that has arrived since I visited the page I note some familiar names there.

Thank you dear brother for the service.

In His eternal bond, Heino Promm.


To: Heino Promm
Fri, 25 Oct 2002

Dear Heino,
Thanks for your new email adress and for visiting MB again. Have you checked out the ministry additions, especially that of G. R. Cowell?

In the Lord, Gordon.


From: Heino Promm
Fri, 25 Oct 2002

Dear brother Gordon,
Many thanks for your reply. Yes I have looked at the areas that you had suggested. Will be back again.

Yours in His eternal love, Heino.


From: Heino Promm
Tue, 30 May 2006

Beloved brother Gordon Rainbow,
The last time I visited the Guest Book was the year 2000. I noted that in your reply you mentioned about our exercise. From 1992 we have sought to print Gospel literature in the Estonian language.

Yours in His eternal love, Heino.


To: Heino Promm
Thu, 8 Jun 2006

Dear Heino,
Thanks for updating us on the spread of the gospel in Estonian. May the good reception of the booklets be used to the acknowledging of the Lord Jesus as both Lord and Saviour by many.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


From: Heino Promm
Fri, 26 Jan 2006

Beloved of God, dear brother Gordon,
Thank you for sending the update on Daniel. He is in our prayers. I have informed our sons in California and in Toronto.

In His eternal care, Heino Promm.


From: Heino Promm
Sun, Apr 17, 2011

Beloved of God, dear friends in Christ!
I have from time to time visited "My Brethren", and find it very good.I made a visit again and ran into a problem of getting the proper web page.

In His eternal love and care, Heino.


To: Heino Promm
Mon, Apr 18, 2011

Dear Heino,
Good to hear from you again -- but sorry you had difficulty finding G.C.'s "Are you a Member ...".

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


From: Heino Promm
Mon, Apr 18, 2011

Beloved of God, dear brother Gordon,
Thank you for fixing the problem, I was not affected by this small problem, I could go to the internet and get it, but some may have found it a problem.

I visit the webpage of "My Brethren", and enjoy what you have. It is a good "information centre."

Lovingly, in His eternal love, Heino.


From: Heino Promm

November 29, 2011

Dear brother Gordon,
I note that I visited the quest book in the year 2000, it is thus 11 years ago. I note also that my son has visited.

I have just returned from Sweden, and have found out that there are no assemblies, at least where I would be welcomed.

I noted a name Bernt Lindberg, I believe ge lives near Uppsala. I also found out that he is a Doctor. I am planning to be in Stockholm next year and I am wondering if you think I could make a contact with him. If so, could I have his e-Mail address. The one that you have does not work any longer. I would very much appreciate your advice.

I believe it was 1968 that I visited a small gathering (open brethren) in Smålandstena, Sweden. I have heard that it does not exist any longer. There were about 12 or so people there at the time. There was a brother by the name of Nyquist. I was at his home fir a meal. Look forward to hearing from you.

Lovingly, in His eternal love, Heino.

For Christians, the Bible is an atlas for their spiritual journey, but it is much more. It is described as:

    sweeter than honey (Psalm 19:10; 119:103) a lamp (Psalm 119:105)
    rain and snow (Isaiah 55:10,11)
    a fire (Jeremiah 23:29
    a hammer (Jeremiah 23:29)
    water (Ephesians 5:26)
    a sword (Ephesians 6:17)
    solid food (Hebrews 5:12)
    a mirror (James 1:23)
    milk (1 Peter 2:2)


To: Heino Promm

Dear Heino,
How good to hear from you again! I'm afraid I don't have any current address for Bernt Lindberg or any information as to Sweden. Trust your visit to Stockholm next year goes well and will be interested to have a report.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Robert Promm

To: Robert Promm
raprommATix.netcom.com
Saratoga, CA, USA
Sat, 15 Apr 2000

Dear Robert,
Thanks for visiting MB, I'm glad you find it interesting. Please come again.

  • You might want to check the Guest Book and Mailbox entries for Heino Promm. Am I right in assuming that he is your father?

While I did not have any close connections with SF, I do remember Arthur Widtfeldt, and the other family names you mention, Hunziker and Robertson,

  • and others who may, or may not, be connected with you at the Palmetto room.

  • Over the years there have only been occasional snippets of information as to brethren with whom you meet, and I would be glad of any recent news.

You will be able to check our experiences and history on MB.

  • If you are free to share, your exercise in leaving the "open" meetings and moving with the brethren there in SF, and what their current stand is, would be of great interest.

With love in our Lord Jesus to you, your wife and family, and all the brethren with you, Gordon.


From: Robert A. Promm
Sat, 15 Apr 2000

Dear brother,
Yes, Heino Promm is my father. I hadn't checked to see that he had already made an entry into your guest book.

  • I also see that brother Harry Lewis has visited your site as well. Harry was with us last year for a visit. He and his dear wife have much sorrow over their exit from the J.T.Jr. party.

  • Our brethren here in SFO have similar histories.

We came to the SFO brethren after arriving in California from Ontario.

  • The first few years we were here, we were with a large open fellowship much nearer to our home.

  • While we appreciate the work of God in those folks, we were concerned that they had a different understanding of the truth of the assembly than we were taught and were convinced was the truth.

  • A brother in that open meeting who had formerly been with the Kelly brethren told us of the brethren in SFO.

  • I began going to their reading meetings for about a year before we asked to be identified with them. We have been with them ever since.

They are no longer with Renton as you probably know. They seek to meet simply for the Lord with no association.

  • Some brethren who had left in 1960 have come together with us. Families named Hawkins, Petry and Knight. Brother Roland Hawkins went to be with the Lord last year.

The Lord's richest blessing on you and yours.

Maranatha! Robert

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Colin Purdy

To: Colin Purdy
colin.purdyATbtinternet.com
Warrenpoint, Northern Ireland
Mon, 09 Oct 2000

Dear Colin,
Yes, we are well, thank you. Your recent visit was very refreshing. Hope you find MB of interest and will come again. May the Lord bless you.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon and Betty.


To: Colin Purdy
Mon, 13 Nov 2000

Dear Colin,
You may have already heard, but we wanted to let you know that we had the great joy of welcoming Walter to join us in the breaking of bread yesterday, Lords' Day.

We remember your all too brief but pleasant visit.

With love in our Lord Jesus, Gordon and Betty.


From: Colin Purdy
Tue, 14 Nov 2000

Dear Gordon,
Thank you for your email. We were so glad to hear from Uncle Walter last week that he was going to remember the Lord again.

Hope you are both well, I really enjoyed being with you both too. It is such a joy being able to spend time with the Lords people.

Keep in touch, Colin.

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Geoffrey Purdy

To: Geoffrey Purdy
gpurdy35ATyahoo.co.uk
Fareham, Hants, England
Wed, 20 Feb 2002

Dear Geoffrey,
Thanks for visiting 'My Brethren'. I'm glad you are finding it interesting. It would be appreciated if you would share your background for the 'Mailbox'.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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John Puxty

To: John Puxty
John.PuxtyATcibasc.com
Leeds, England
Thu, 04 Nov 1999

Dear John,
Thanks for dropping in. I hope you will come again and find some encouragement from the good ministry of the past and guidance for the future.

  • If you care to share any more of your history, it will be welcome.

Love in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


From: John Puxty
Thu, 4 Nov 1999

Dear Gordon,
I use the Internet at work. When I found your pages I was at the end of my lunch break. I wanted to register my interest but time was very limited. I shall write more in due course.

My parents are Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Puxty of Retford. They are still with one of the Brethren assemblies – not sure which though.

Yours, John.


From: John Puxty
Sat, 27 Nov 1999

Dear Gordon
I now have opportunity to give you a longer reply. I grew up in Retford, Nottinghamshire, England. Both my parents have been Exclusive Brethren all their lives.

  • In 1959/60 a number of the older Retford Brethren left and formed an independent meeting. My parents' sympathies were with them but didn't follow them as we had family still in the Exclusives.

  • To put things in context I was born in 1948, the eldest of four children. In my early teens I was quite devout but then doubts set in and I had no one I dared to discuss this with.

  • By my late teens I had lost my faith and no longer believed in God but, because of the effect it would have had on the family, I kept quiet and stayed with the Brethren.

When I was 22 I met someone 'in the world' and left the Brethren and the family home.

  • The rest of the family were supposed to break all contact with me but my Mother did keep in touch. She did everything she could to try and prevent the subsequent marriage.

  • The ironic thing is that if she had not done what she did I might never have married my wife. (26 years later I left my wife and am now divorced.)

  • We were determined to prove my Mother wrong and I felt I was continually having to make the choice between the two.

After we had been married a few years my parents came out of the Exclusives and joined the 'London Brethren'.

  • I have had contact with them since that time but I have two brothers and a sister whom I have not seen for over 25 years.

Early on in our courtship Diana (my ex. wife) took me to a Church of England evening service. I felt that here was something I could cope with and started a new stage of my spiritual journey.

  • I have remained in the Church of England. I take a very inclusive view of my fellow Christians.

  • I believe it is impossible to get a simple, unambiguous interpretation of the life of faith from the Bible. I start from the words of Jesus to love God and to love my neighbour.

I have currently been reading 'The Recovery of the Truth' by Mr. Gardiner. It was given to me by an Aunt.

  • I find it very interesting; I must say that the early disputes involving JND show me how deep-rooted the Brethren way of thinking is.

I may not be the usual sort of person that writes to you, I am very much in the liberal mode.

  • Jesus said that we shall know the truth and the truth will set us free.

  • I feel a great sense of freedom in acknowledging a faith which is my own. I believe that God has been with me in my walk of faith.

If you would like to know any more about my history I would be only too pleased to tell what I can but on the basis of sharing information.

  • I have no intention of joining any Brethren meeting, whatever formulas are accepted.

  • Sorry if that sounds a bit hard but I need to make my position clear.

My parents are now in their eighties and not in the best of health.

  • The two Brethren they have been breaking bread with are about to leave Retford thus leaving them on their own, on their own in a town which has hundreds, if not thousands, of good Christian folk living in it.

"My brethren are those who hear the word of God and do it", Luke 8:21. What is the word of God?

Thanks for your interest, Gordon.

Yours, John.


To: John Puxty
Tue, 30 Nov 1999

Dear John,
Thanks for sharing some of your experiences. You are quite right in saying, "I may not be the usual sort of person that writes to you". That does not make you any the less welcome.

  • You have made your "position clear". I quite understand both the fact that, and the reasons why, you "have no intention of joining any Brethren meeting, whatever formulas are accepted".

Let me too make my position clear. I have no intention of trying to persuade you, John, or any of MB's guests to join any particular group.

  • The main objective of this site is to reach out to those of my brethren who were damaged, disillusioned or discarded by the legal system which emerged in 1959, to recall them to their birthright – the rich spiritual heritage of former years; encourage them to take possession of it.

  • That may seem somewhat vague, but I am confident that any – in their mature years and who are personally committed to Christ – who are able in their spirits to rise above the sad experiences of their youth will find that there is indeed a rich and glorious spiritual heritage of which they have been robbed or defrauded.

In a general way, your experience and reaction is similar to that of many of your generation, growing up with very little knowledge or experience of life among the brethren prior to the emergence of the legal system in 1959.

  • Many had not definitely and personally accepted the Lordship of Christ in their lives, and were still going through the struggles of growing up.

  • They were understandably turned off by what had become a cruel caricature of Christianity.

  • They had been taught that the brethren were right, in the meeting and perhaps by parents, but could see many wrong practices and injustices.

  • They rebelled against it all and fled, sometimes into the world, sometimes from what had become corrupted into being one of the worst sects into various other more respectable sects.

But with many there is still a fascination with their origin.

  • With some it may be purely sentimental, an understandable longing for family and friends and to re-live their youthful memories.

  • Some have a sincere desire to help others who have escaped but are at loose ends.

  • Others seem to be obsessed with the spiritual atrocities and keep going over them.

Many, as yourself, use the internet, perhaps to connect with the past, to find family or friends, to look for answers or information or for reasons they cannot yet define.

  • It seems similar to the need many adopted persons have to find their birth parents.

  • You left that wicked sect many years ago but despite your many experiences and present outlook you have been reading AJG's "Recovery …" which deals mostly with better times, despite the many sad and perhaps needless divisions.

It is sad indeed that you had no one you dared to discuss your doubts with.

  • I had no doubts as to my relations and belief in God, having been snatched out of atheism as a teenager.

  • But when doubts arose as to happenings among the brethren I was in the same position, not daring to discuss my concerns with anyone except my wife.

  • I want to be available to any who need someone to confide in and thank God that, unexpectedly, I have had some recent experience and His blessing with a family in spiritual need.

You ask re Luke 8: 21, "What is the word of God"? You will hopefully find that out – generally and specifically – in the Lord's dealing with you.

  • You say, "Jesus said that we shall know the truth and the truth will set us free". I might ask you, what is the truth?

I'm so glad you have access to your aged parents and trust you may be able to comfort them in their last years.

Though I may not agree with your present situation, I have not written to criticize or condemn you, John. My desire is for your spiritual blessing.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.


From: John Puxty
Sun, 5 Dec 1999

Dear Gordon,
Thank you for your reply; I appreciate all you say.

  • I think I questioned matters of faith before I questioned the system I was in.

  • I started to break bread when I was 12 and did give myself to the Lord in a real way during those early teenage years. Once I lost my faith then the whole structure collapsed.

I am fascinated with the past. When I met and married my wife I felt I had to reject the past completely. I have come to realise that there were some good things about it.

  • In my reading of AJG's book I thought I could detect the seeds of what later 'blossomed' in 1959.

I believe the word of God comes to people in many different ways. I guess I am very inclusive in my approach to matters of faith.

  • I am sure that there are people in all the Christian denominations who have responded to God's call and who are serving Him and are truly Christ's brethren.

  • Somebody once said that as he got older he believed more and more in less and less. I think he was saying that we learn to discern what is truly important.

  • For me, I know I am loved by God and I start from the commandments of Jesus to love God and to love my neighbour.

  • Working that out in one's day to day life is not easy but God is with us in the struggle. It is the truth of God's love and presence which sets me free.

I have also heard it said that people are more often right than wrong in the things they affirm and, more often wrong than right in the things they deny.

  • We can all look at the various churches and see things which are wrong or unscriptural according one or another reference but what do we see if we look with God's eyes?

  • People faithfully trying to fulfil the word of God according to the light and faith they have been given.

Something which I am aware of is that having come out of the Brethren I am left with some deep seated guilt.

  • That doesn't mean that I think I should return, it is just an acknowledgement of the effect my upbringing has had on me.

  • I am thinking that by writing to you I am using this as a means to let go of these residual feelings.

  • This means of communication does allow one to be freer than otherwise might be the case.

  • It is liberating to write to a 'Brother' and say that this is where I am now.

I think it is a really excellent thing which you are doing – I am sure there are many Brethren who have been deeply scarred by their experiences.

  • I acknowledge that some of these would not want to go anywhere else except a 'Meeting'. I know this is the case with my parents.

  • My Mother says the same as you in that she looks back to a 'golden age' when things were so much different.

There is a dilemma concerning authority. The 'major' denominations have hierarchies and official ministers.

  • Christians such as Brethren and House Churches do not have official structures but in practice the authority exercised through the unofficial structures can be more rigid than in the more formal ones.

  • It is possible for the JT juniors of this world to seize control because there are not the checks and balances in place.

  • You may quote the role of the Holy Spirit in controlling things but then how do you account for so many Brethren being led astray?

  • I saw the effect of a very authoritarian, egotistical leader on the Sheffield meeting in the late sixties and it wasn't very nice.

  • More than one person had nervous breakdowns. There was a lot of stress in our family.

  • Indeed, in the end our family has been cruelly divided and yet we would all call ourselves Christians.

  • I believe the answer is to be seen in the life and death of Christ – if we have the eyes to really see.

  • I wonder how long Jesus would have survived in a meeting before being withdrawn from?

Well I must be getting on. I do thank you for your corres-pondence, Gordon, and what you say. I do appreciate it.

Yours, John.

This message appeared on another site: June 5, 2001

I am sure some of you will remember my father – William (Will) Puxty. Sadly he passed away on Sunday, 20 May aged 88 years old. He, together with my mother, left the 'Jim Taylor' Brethren in 1974. They had been with the Sheffield (England) assembly which actually met in Doncaster. My mother and father had been continuing a Brethren meeting on their own in Retford right up until my father's death. In fact he had a massive heart attack as he was getting dressed ready for the Morning Meeting. Some of the Brethren my parents have been walking with went to Retford for his burial - a very moving and loving occasion. My sister and two brothers who are still with the 'Jim Taylor' Brethren were present in the cemetery but stood at least 50 yards away, and with a chaperone!     John Puxty

To: John Puxty
Wed, 06 Jun 2001

Dear John,
I was interested to see your message (above) on Dick Wyman's site. Our last exchange of correspondence was in December 1999, but you are not forgotten.

My sympathies are with you in the loss of your father after a long life of faithfulness. I assume your mother is still in the body.

  • Having lost both my parents I know the sorrow – though not as the world. In their last years I came to a great appreciation of them both as loving and sacrificing parents and as subjects – late in life – of God's work.

  • I'm glad the burial was "a very moving and loving occasion" as such times should be, despite the divided family conditions. May the Lord comfort you.

The reference to Doncaster and Retford caught my eye as well, as I am very desirous of contacting any brethren in or near that area because of an inquiry I have had. If you are able to give me any names, email and/or postal addresses, I would appreciate it.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.


From: John Puxty
Mon, 11 Jun 2001

Dear Gordon ,

Thank you for your kind message. I have told my mother of your reply – she would be delighted to receive a letter from you and I am sure she could give you some information about Brethren who have lived in the area.

  • She would also be able to let you have other useful names and addresses.

The address is: Mrs Emmie Puxty …

Yours, John.


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