Mailbox: RS – 2: Nov. 1998 – present

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Keith Saare

To: Keith Saare
KSaareATcs.com
El Paso, TX, USA
Wed, 17 Jul 2002

Dear Keith,
Welcome to 'My Brethren' and thanks for your generous comments. Your interest in our Lord's Sonship is refreshing.

The complete letter is in Guests: My Answer 4: Sonship of Christ

Keith, I trust the above may be of help in your studies into the important and holy subject of our Lord's Sonship. I'll be glad to hear how you get on with your studies.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Fouad Saliby

To: Fouad Saliby
fouadsalibyAThotmail.com
Buirut, Lebanon
Thu, 7 Mar 2002

Dear Fouad,
Welcome to 'My Brethren' and thanks for sharing some details as to yourself.

• It is also our commitment to "pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those that call upon the Lord out of a pure heart", 2 Timothy 2: 22.

I hope you will find edification in the ministry on MB.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Eric Savard

From: Eric Savard
sympathiqueATzdnetonebox.com
Charlesbourg, Quebec, Canada
Wed, 10 Nov 1999

Hi!, I found your site tonight while browsing the net. It looks great and I will come back soon to look for further information. Congratulations for this site!

By the way, I am a French speaking person and I would like to know if you intend to translate your site in French?

• I am not a professional translator but maybe I could help making it available in French. Let me know what you think about it and, please, give me an answer by email.

Thanks! God bless you!

To: Eric Savard
Thu, 11 Nov 1999

Hello Eric,
You are our first guest from "la belle province"! I'm very happy that you found "My Brethren" and appreciate your words of encouragement.

As to your question, I haven't considered translating MB into French, but your suggestion is certainly interesting. However, several points come to mind which need consideration, for example …

• Would the potential guests and usefulness justify the great effort and added cost? …

I would be very interested to learn something of your background, exercises and whether – or to what extent – we share the same principles.

Thanks again for your comments and suggestion. Please drop in again soon. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

From: Eric Savard
Fri, 12 Nov 1999

Hi Gordon!
I'm happy that you replied to me so fast! Here are some details about me:

• I am 28, married for 6 1/2 years and father of 3 young children
• I am born again since October 31, 1982 (17 years now)
• I am going to the same church since my salvation day (Baptist church: Église évangélique Baptiste de Québec)
• My parents are also saved and are attending an open Christian Brethren assembly in Ste-Foy (very near to Quebec City)
• I have dedicated an entire summer for evangelisation in 1992
• I have been involved in my church with the youth group for lots of years
• I have taught different Sunday school classes over the years
• For now, I am involved with my wife and my 3 young children.

I know many things about Christian Brethren and attended my parent's assembly many times. I also know a little about Pentecostals and Christian and Missionnary churches and several others which I have visited as a brother in Christ.

I looked at your site more attentively yesterday night and conclude that we both are saved by faith in Jesus Christ and have the same desire to walk in purity and holiness before our God.

• We could discuss a lot about lots of subjects for a very long time but I don't know if it would really be necessary.

Concerning my help on a French version of your site, I would suggest that you evaluate if this site is often visited by French speaking persons, enough to justify it.

• If not, let's stop this project here! We do have lots of things to do in this world and have no time to loose!

Even if our backgrounds are radically different, we share a common faith in our Lord and it will be a pleasure for me to write you again another time.

May the Lord bless you and your family! Eric Savard.

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Kelly Scaletta

To: Kelly Scaletta
backellATprodigy.net
Chicago, IL, USA
Mon, 21 Apr 2003

Dear Kelly,
Thanks for visiting 'My Brethren'. I'm not aware of any other biographical data on C. A. Coates.

• He was well known and respected among the brethren, but as he died October 7, 1945 – almost 58 years ago –
  • there is not much likelihood of there being anyone available who knew him well or had much personal contact with him. I certainly would like to know more myself.

• Much of the personal information as to him on MB comes from his letters and ministry, some of which is on MB.

• I'm attaching a list of his books for your information. They are available from Dover Bible Trust in USA or Kingston Bible Trust in UK – see Site News: Bibles and Books.

• There may be more personal data than what I have yet discovered and, of course, his ministry shows clearly his beliefs and stand on doctrinal and ecclesiastical matters. There are also a few of his letters in 'Letters of James Taylor'.

I am copying this to my friend Malcolm Withell, manager of KBT, who might be able to provide some leads to any who have personal knowledge of CAC. If so, I trust Malcolm will let us both know.

I would be interested to learn what has prompted your researching the life of CAC – and also some of your own background – if you are free to share.

In the Lord, Gordon.

From: Kelly Scaletta
Mon, 21 Apr 2003

Dear Gordon,
Thank you so much for your prompt reply to my questions regarding C. A. Coates.

• I also thank you for the list of his writings. As it happens I have access already to most, if not all, of his writings.

• I am currently reading through his letters to try to gain some insight into him.

• His letters seem to indicate he was a compassionate and sincere man, although he doesn't seem to reveal much personal information about himself, which as you note on your web site, appears to be in short supply.

As for myself I am a 35 year old brother who has been serving the Lord for the last seven years, the last five in Chicago, Il. I found Christ in 1990.

• A sister called my bluff when I told her the Bible contradicited itself and asked me to show her where.

• I went home and started to look to find the contradictions but only found one – it contradicted me.

• I realized I was a sinner in need of redemption so I knelt and repented to the Lord, and asked Him to come into my heart. Since that night my life has been different.

I am with what you refer to as the "the local churches" in your website.

• It appears you have some appreciation of W. Nee.

• Basically I believe that we all share the same Christ, and that His desire for us is that we would allow him be formed in us, and for us, His Body to apprehend and express who He is. This is, of course, the nutshell verison.

As far as my in interest in Mr. Coates: I am, along with some other brothers in the Great Lakes area of the US and Canada – including one brother from Toronto – working

• to compile a series of biographies of brothers from Luther to the present who have recovered the matters of truth which were lost during the dark ages of the church's history
  • in order to publish a three volume encyclopedia, a compilation which would be quite incomplete without C. A. Coates, J. N. Darby and many others from the Brethren.

Unfortunately, I am only beginnign to familiarize myself with the actual history of the Brethen divisions.

• It is difficult to figure out who did what and why they left, and who wanted to leave versus being asked to leave.

• It is pretty confusing to try and figure out. If you have the time may I ask you a few questions?

1. From your website it appears that one area of controversey in regards to Mr. Coates was his stand in the matter of the eternal sonship of Chirst. It appears that he agreed that the Son was the Son eternally.

   I am not sure what is meant by the term mediatorally, except to assume that it has something to do with the fact taht He is the mediator between man and God.

   It appears that Mr. Coates was taking a stand against this position, and was brought under attack by some for doing so. Do I understand this correctly?

2. Are there any groups which stem more directly from Mr Coates today?

3. Who are the Jims and is there any need for me to research them more?

4. Of a more personal nature, what is your view in regards to the multiple splinterings of the Brethren, and with whom do you meet today?

Thank you so much for whatever assistance you can provide.

Your brother, Kelly.

To: Kelly Scaletta
Sat, 26 Apr 2003

Dear Kelly, Thanks for your full reply and the personal details. I will refer you to various pages on ‘My Brethren’ to save some repetition and to provide further details which I hope will be of interest to you.

I’m glad to hear you have "access already to most, if not all, of" CAC’s "writings". Perhaps you have noticed that most are notes of ‘readings’, from earliest days the main teaching method among brethren.

• See Ministry: J. Taylor 1: The Temple of God and the Scriptures.

Yes, CAC was undoubtedly "a compassionate and sincere man" and also humble and meek but, as both his letters ministry bear witness, stood firm for Christ and the truth.

I appreciate learning of your experience in being brought to Christ. As a teenager – in 1946 – I thought I was an atheist and fought against God’s grace but the Lord acted powerfully and subdued me.

• See Personal: My Journey: My Conversion. My life has certainly been different too, thanks to Him!

Yes, I use the term "the local churches" on MB, as I understand that is how those you are with refer to themselves.

• I do have an "appreciation of W. Nee" as one who suffered for Christ even though I cannot agree with his ecclesiastical position or some of his teachings.

• You may be interested in checking the Mailbox for correspondence – and links elsewhere on MB – with Luke Chen, Roger Good and Peter Hsieh who are in your group, and Kyle Yoakum who once was.

Your aim – with others – "to publish a three volume encyclopedia" is quite ambitious, and your desire to include JND, CAC and others is commendable.

• As you pursue your exercise, I suggest you also investigate the ministry of JBS, FER and JT. I think you will find that there have been many truths recovered which you have not yet come across.

Your difficulty in understanding the history of the various sorrowful divisions is not surprising. I’ll do whatever I can to help you. As to your questions:

1. Somehow you have received an incorrect impression of Mr. Coates’ views and stand on our Lord’s Sonship.

   He maintained the Lord’s eternal personality but, with others, rejected the common idea that our Lord was in the relationship of Son before the incarnation as unscriptural and derogatory.

   Paul says "God … the blessed and only Ruler … the King of those that reign, and Lord of those that exercise lordship; who only has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light; whom no man has seen, nor is able to see; to whom be honour and eternal might. Amen". 1 Timothy 6: 13-16.

   "No one has seen God at any time; the only-begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him", John 1: 18.

   The word ‘mediatorial’ as used by CAC, JT and others in ministry refers to the way God has made Himself known generally and approached man in creation and particularly through the Lord Jesus as the Word become flesh.

   I suggest that you review Doctrine: The Sonship of Christ including the ‘Related Pages’ noted in the Introduction, and especially the CAC’s article "Remarks on a Pamphlet ...". This should make CAC’s stand – and the Scriptural basis – clear.

   However, I’ll be glad to answer any further questions on that holy matter.

2. There are no "groups which stem more directly from Mr Coates today". The Lord took CAC in 1945 before the sorrowful happenings and division of 1959 and 1970.

   Until the end, he was in happy fellowship with brethren who valued and acted on his own ministry and that of JND, JBS, CHM, FER, JTSr.

3. The ‘Jims’ is a name given to the majority of those referred to in item 2 above who followed Jim Taylor Jr. (1800-1970) and his unscriptural and legal teachings from 1959 onwards.

   He should not be confused with his respected father James Taylor Senior (1870-1953) who served the saints faithfully and profitably for over 50 years.

   Research would prove unprofitable. They have given up or perverted recovered truths.

4. As I bear the shame and sorrow for the state of Christendom, so I bear the shame and sorrow for the divisions among those commonly know as ‘brethren’.

   While the gates of hades shall not prevail against that which Christ builds, Satan – as in the garden at the first – though the weakness of men and the flesh has been able to corrupt the outward public body, and also those recovered to the truth of Christ and the assembly.

   See Doctrine: The Public Ruin of the Church.

   See Studies: Our Responsibility in the Present State of the Church.

As for my wife and myself, for some years, a few of us here in Toronto have met together for the Lord’s Supper and the service of God, and for edification.

• We have no formal links with others in other cities but keep in contact by email and telephone with several. See some early letters which touch on this in Guests: Mailbox D: Esli Forrest.

• With the Lord’s help we seek to maintain what is due to God and the Scriptural principles which govern the assembly, but would not be free to refer to ourselves as ‘the church in Toronto’.

• In view of the public ruin of the church taking such a name would be pretentious and, by definition, would exclude all other members of the body of Christ in the locality.

• The so-called ‘Needed Truth’ group do this, asserting that only their gatherings are ‘churches of God’ and that other believers only belong to the body of Christ.

• Some other groups may not be so pointed but in word and practice are not far different. We stand apart from all such claims.

I trust you find help in your project, and will be glad to hear from you from time to time. If you would like to chat on the phone, let me know.

In the Lord, Gordon.

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Heather Scharbach

Dear Heather,
We had John and Beryl McKillop for a visit on Lord's Day afternoon, on their trip through eastern Canada, and I believe they said that you were a daughter.

• We had a very pleasant visit with them going over old times. We were often in Chicago visiting Phil and Mary Schaumburg. Mary is a sister of Betty, my wife.

If you are interested you can find some personal details on the "My Brethren" web site.

If you drop in please sign the guest book and confirm I have the facts straight.

Yours in the Lord Jesus, Gordon and Betty.

From: Heather Scharbach
Mon, 11 Oct 1999

Hi Gordon!
Yes, Gordon, I am their youngest (and best, grin) daughter. I remember Mary Schaumburg well. She was a nice lady, and always nice to me, in spite of the "prevailing winds" in Chicago, after my grandparents left at Aberdeen.

I will stop in at the site. Is it in the guestbook section?

Heather.

From: Heather Scharbach
Mon, 11 Oct 1999

Gordon,
I stopped in at the web site, and was unable to get to the mailbox to read what you had written.

I think maybe there are some broken links? I clicked on the site map, and the page showed up blank.

Sorry I couldn't get any further! :~) Heather.

To: Heather Scharbach
Mon, 11 Oct 1999

Dear Heather,
I found the problem and corrected it. The Site Map for "No Frames" contained no data. Don't know why. Please try again, but use "Frames" (left hand column on Home Page) if possible.

Gordon.

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Dennis C. Scheifele

To: Dennis C. Scheifele
denmarATnet-lynx.com
New Jersey, USA
Thu, 22 Apr 1999

Dear Dennis,
Welcome to "My Brethren". Perhaps you will find something of positive interest to discuss with your "exclusive" friends. Items are added from time to time, so come back and check "Site News".

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

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Thomas Schiess

To: Thomas Schiess
ctschiessAThotmail.com
Pincourt, Quebec, Canada
Thu, 24 Jan 2002

Dear Thomas,
Thanks for visiting 'My Brethren'. I hope you will come again and enjoy the wide selection of ministry.

I'm unsure whether your fear of being 'asked to sit back' was because you hadn't committed yourself or – more likely ? – because contact with other believers was not approved.

• Whatever the case, it is vital to be sure of your relationship with the Lord Jesus and be faithful to Him.

• Paul speaks of being called to "the fellowship of Jesus Christ our Lord" and therefore it is important to avoid what some might call 'fellowship' with anything that would dishonour the Lord.

• Sadly, many think of 'fellowship' as merely for their benefit when in fact it is a partnership entered into and governed by the principles of Scripture.

• You may be interested in Doctrine: Fellowship on this site for some scriptural guidance.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Thomas Schiess
Sun, 17 Mar 2002

… P.S. Thank you for your earlier reply to my first e-mail, I was pleased to hear from you. There are so many false Christian websites I am glad you are helping to fill in the gap. You have a wonderful ministry and the Lord has given you a great opportunity to use the internet for His purpose.

Thanks again, best regards. Thomas Schiess.

To: Thomas Schiess
Wed, 27 Mar 2002

Dear Thomas,
Sorry for the delay in replying to yours Sun, 17 Mar 2002. Thanks for your kind remarks as to MB.

You may well not have intended doing so, but your main remarks as to exclusive vs open, read as if possibly "promoting personal prejudices or partisan views" – see MB's Site Standards – and cannot therefore be posted or directly answered.

It appears that you have had the truth misrepresented to you to a certain degree as "having been brought up in an exclusive assembly" of a quite different background than those whose ministry MB features.

I suggest you check the following on MB which may help re your questions and thoughts.

• History: The First 50 Years: Exclusivism
  by C. H. Mackintosh

• Ministry: J. B. Stoney:
  Exclusivism: Its Ground and History

• Studies: Fellowship Part One:
  Differences as to Features of the Truth.

If you still have questions I would be glad to hear from you again.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

To: Thomas Schiess
Wed, 27 Mar 2002

Good evening:
I'd like to apologize if I offended you or contravened the rules of your site.

• I did not intend my comments to come off as being heavy handed, I simply wanted to convey my thoughts and feelings on what I experienced growing up in an assembly of exclusives.

• I will go back to your site and look under the suggested headings.

The assembly has a name attached to it, called a "Plymouth brethren" assembly (any further than that I dont think there is one, I'd have to check with my parents) but it is an unofficial name, adopted I think as a matter of course.

• They don't like having any name attached, preferring to be known as a gathering together of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Greetings in His name, Thomas.

To: Thomas Schiess
Sat, 31 Mar 2002

Dear Thomas,
No, you didn't offend me, but your comments as to the 'open' meetings were a concern. Years ago I was connected with them and have friends there still.

• However, believing many of their practices are unscriptural it would be out of keeping to post any defence of their positiion. You can see my thoughts in

  Guests: My Stand 2: Open 1 and Open 2 and

  Studies: Fellowship 1: Differences as to Features of the Truth and Conclusion.

Although you were "brought up in an exclusive assembly" – and there are several types –

• their principles and practices were not apparently made clear to you; perhaps they were not clear themselves.

I trust that your interest in these matters will lead to a clearer understanding and a firmer basis for your own pathway.

• If I can be of any help please write again. I hope you will find spiritual food in searching the Ministry group which has a wide selection of edifying ministry.

In the Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Peter Schofield

To: Peter Schofield
petr05AT1iberty.fsnet.co.uk
Heywood, Lancs., England
Wed, 15 May 2002

Dear Peter,
Welcome to 'My Brethren'. I'm glad you enjoyed your visit and hope you will return from time to time.

• I'll be interested in any details of your background you may be free to share, and look forward to hearing from you.

In the Lord, Gordon.

From: Peter Schofield
Sat, 8 Jun 2002

Hello Gordon,
Let me start by apologising for the length of time that it has taken me to answer your welcoming e-mail. I did start to answer you almost by return of Post, but then I got side-tracked.

I intend to revisit your web site in the near future D.V., and perhaps at that time I may be able to formulate some coherent reply to your query regarding my background.

• That I am not of Brethren persuasion in terms of my upbringing may be fairly obvious to most,

• but I can subscribe wholeheartedly to the idea "My brethren are those who hear the word of God and do it", Luke 8: 21.

P.S.

To: Peter Schofield
Sat, 8 Jun 2002

Dear Peter,
Thanks very much for your reply, and I'll be looking forward to hearing from you.

In the the Lord, Gordon.

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Nigel Scotland – author

From: Nigel Scotland
nscotlandATglos.ac.uk
Cheltenham, England
Thu, 29 Jan 2004

My book 'Sectarian Religion in Contemporary Britain'
(Paternoster Press, 2000) contains a lengthy chapter on the Exclusive Brethren which has aroused considerable controversy with the current major leaders in England.

• One issue which they have taken up with me is what are, or were, technically known as 'asses funerals'(derived from a passage in the book Jeremiah).
  • [Note: "He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, dragged along and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem", Jeremiah 22: 19.]

• These are/were burials of Exclusive Brethren who were out of Fellowship and the coffin or casket is either carried to the place of burial very low or dragged over the turf.

• I only have knowledge of three such funerals but I would be glad to know of any others before I next meet with the Exclusive Leaders in a week or two's time.

To: Nigel Scotland
Thu, 29 Jan 2004

Dear Mr. Scotland,
We do not normally respond to inquiries from secular authors as to the practices of so-called 'exclusive brethren'.

• However we consider an exception should be made because of their reaction to the unfavorable publicity your book has given to them.

It should be clear that 'My Brethren' is not in any way connected with those currently identified in the media as 'exclusive brethren'.

• That group is the product of the unscriptural teaching and practice of the legal sect which emerged in 1959, and misrepresents the teaching and practice of earlier brethren.

• Its claim of descent from earlier brethren – 1827-1959 – whose history and ministry is featured on 'My Brethren' has no moral or spiritual basis.

As to 'asses funerals', we have only had one unconfirmed report.

• Such a practice for whatever alleged reason, if actually followed, is despicable, vindictive, and completely out of accord with the spirit of grace which marks this dispensation.

• Whatever the 'sin', earlier brethren always held that death ends the matter.

• Therefore the burial of all of Christ's own should be in accord, not with their history but, in accord with the dignity of Him who has given Himself for them.

• We would be interested to learn the names of the three, of whom you have knowledge, whose bodies received such shameful treatment.

It is perhaps not surprising that a group whose practices are so unscriptural shoud be so sensitive to public reports.

• Even if the report was untruthful the scriptural reaction would be to follow the example of Christ "who when reviled, reviled not again", 1 Peter 2: 22.

• Pauk understood this: "For I think that God has set us the apostles for the last, as appointed to death. For we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and men. We are fools for Christ's sake ... Railed at, we bless; persecuted, we suffer it; insulted, we entreat: we are become as the offscouring of the world, the refuse of all, until now", 1 Corinthians 4: 9-13.

• And again: "But as fellow-workmen, we also beseech that ye receive not the grace of God in vain ... giving no manner of offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed; but in everything commending ourselves as God's ministers ... through evil report and good report", 2 Corinthians 6: 1-8.

• Compare Guests: My Stand 3: 'Railed at we bless' and 'Bitterness of soul'.

Sincerely, Gordon Rainbow.

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Alan W. Scott

To: Alan W. Scott
beamnldATigrin.co.nz
Kerikeri Northland, New Zealand
Mon, 13 Aug 2001

Dear Alan,
Welcome to 'My Brethren'. I hope you found something of interest and will come again.

• As you also live in Kerikeri am I right in assuming you know Phil Gasston?

Please feel free to share your background and exercises.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

From: Alan W. Scott
Tue, 14 Aug 2001

Dear Gordon,
Yes you picked it correctly, I am in fellowship with Phil, and also a very close friend of his father in law Esli Forrest,

• and well acquainted with Esli's dear brethren David and Helen Church.

The Lord has been blessing us greatly in Kerikeri, with a wonderful Bible study group which Esli manages to visit from time to time,

• and a strong if small Lord's Day fellowship, meeting now for a little over six months.

My brethren have been encouraging me for some time to visit your site and I'm pleased I finally found the time to do so.

• I'm very impressed with the effort you have put into the Lord's work for which you will be richly blessed.

• I haven't spent much time on the site yet but certainly will in the future.

Many thanks for your response and may the Lord bless you and yours.

Yours in Christ, Alan W. Scott.

To: Alan Scott
Tue, 14 Aug 2001

Dear Alan,
Thanks for your reply and your generous and encouraging remarks on 'My Brethren'.

• I'm glad you intend to visit again and will be interested to hear from you from time to time, and any background and exercise you may wish to share.

I'm thankful for your good report as to the work in Kerikeri which confirms the earlier accounts of Phil, whom I greatly value.

• You and the brethren in Kerikeri – though only the names of Phil and Ruth were previously known – have been in our household prayers daily.

I have very much enjoyed the contacts with Esli and his contributions, and those of David and Helen Church, especially in regard of Mr. J. Collie-Smith.

Please greet Phil and Ruth, and all the brethren with you.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Nagib Seif

To: Nagib Seif
abc-adv-engATmsn.com.au
Sydney, Australia
Thu, 7 Mar 2002

Dear Nagib,
Welcome to 'My Brethren'. I would be glad to hear what is of particular interest to you and to learn something of your background.

In the Lord, Gordon.

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Reg Shaughnessy

To: Reg Shaughnessy
qnormATnetcom.ca
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Mon, 19 Aug 2002

Dear Reg,
Welcome to 'My Brethren' and thanks for sharing your background. Betty and I were visiting Roy Devenish on Saturday and mentioned your message. Roy recalls contact with you some years ago.

• And Andrew and Lois Robertson, formerly of New York, remember contact with your family years ago.

You mention Mr. G. R. Cowell and the 1959 London meetings. Perhaps you have noticed that we have added a good deal of GRC's ministry to MB, and hope eventually to make all of his valuable ministry available.

I trust you will be able to visit MB again, and we will be glad to hear from you.

In our Lord, Gordon.

From: Reg Shaughnessy
Mon, 19 Aug, 2002

Dear Gordon,
It was really nice to hear from you, very kind.

You mentioned Roy Devenish – 2 Questions –

1. Are you resident in Toronto?

2. and I didn't realise Roy was still alive. Can you let me know his address so that I can visit him?

Will share more later. Reg.

[My reply unnecessary to include. GAR]

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John Shields

To: John Shields
jshieldsATcqnet.com.au
??, Queensland, Australia
Thu, 9 Jan, 2004

Dear John,
Welcome to 'My Brethren' and thanks for your comments on the ever present danger of false doctrines.

• I hope you will return and explore the much sound ministry on MB. Of particular note is the ministry of Mr. G. R. Cowell.

In our Lord, Gordon.

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Eun Hai Shinn aka John Shinn

To: John Shinn
eushinnATatt.world.net
Providence, RI, USA
Sat, 19 Jul 2003

Dear John,
Thanks for your reply [in Guest Book 10]. I look forward to hearing from you again and will be glad to answer any questions you may have as to articles on 'My Brethren'.

In the Lord, Gordon.

From: John Shinn
Wed, 23 Jul 2003

I found the word "dispensational" when used with pretribulation rapture. I know it is used as a adjective as seen "dispensational pre-trbulation rapture".

• The meaning of it is not clear to me. Could you please explain to me what the meaning is?

• I myself think it is used something like "God graciously offers great mercy to the christians who will be caught up in the air". Is it, Gordon?

• Once while I look in the internet for pretribulation writings by some bible scholars like Tim Lahaye and others, but always not easy to understand because it is not the word the dictionaries offer clearly.

Sicerely, John Shinn.

To: John Shinn
Thu, 24 Jul 2003

Dear John,
The word 'dispensation' is used to refer to particular periods of time in which God, in His sovereign ways, has put men on trial in view of reaching His final great purpose in Christ.

The balance of this letter is in Guests: My Answer 3: Dispensational

I trust this helps, John, and look forward to your comments.

In the Lord, Gordon.

From: John Shinn
Fri, 25 Jul 2003

It's wonderful to get answers so quick and to know the meaning now. Again thank you very much.

• To dispense with something like using in drugstore for filling up the prescriptions, or somebody trying to do for distributing something as one's will, caught me for a long time pondering for it's meaning.

• God at His will, certainly has plans with managing in dealing with human beings. Hallelujah!

• The meaning of the word 'dispensation' is being used hard way for me.

Lord bless you and goodbye.

From: John Shinn
Mon, 08 Sep 2003

Hello, Mr. Gordon Rainbow.
Recently I visisted your web page and found your request listing about Mr. Herbert George Brand who went to Japan as an assembly missionary long time ago from England and believed to be forgotten by many assembly believers.

• I was surprised to find your request. At first, I read but I did not know who that was and later after a while I look again to find that it was request about Mr. Brand whom I heard long time ago.

• As an assembly believer from Korea long time ago, I heard from several senior brethren about Mr. Brand who had been known to have visited Korea several times following the Mr. Norimatz's missionary endeavour to Korea.

• Mr. Norimatz was one of the members among the Mr. Brand's leading followers who ventured to come to Korea for missionary work.

• He is known to be a first missionary ever in the history of Japanese people and he is being regarded as one of the figures of the Japanese christian well respected.

• I also remember that Mr. Brand visited the Korean king and offered a Bible to him.

• Mr. Brand's mother-in-law's grave is in Korea and her monumentary reading is "Sleeps untill Lord comes". We were long time ago thrilled by the grave yard reading!

• I also heard that Mr. Norimatz started his missionary work in Seoul and when Mr. Brand came to Korea, Mr. Norimatz left Seoul to Mr. Brand and went Suwan which is south of Seoul to expand his mission work.

• Another thing I rememer is that Mr. Brand's [visit] to Korea was remembered as first bread breaking fellowship for the assembly christians. I believe this event was long rememered experience for them.

• Also Mr. Brand's preaching had expanded to other areas and impacted many christians along with Norimatz.

• I heard membership of christians under these two men leadership were over one thousand. So much for now.

Lord bless your work. A brother in Christ, John Shinn.

To: John Shinn
Tue, 09 Sep 2003

Dear John, I'm glad to know you visted MB again. Thanks very much for the welcome information as to Mr. Brand.

• I'm forwarding it to Edwin Cross, the guest who asked about Mr. Brand, and hope to hear whether it is a help to him.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Gordon Simmonds is on a separate page. Access from menu.

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Robyn Simpkin

To: Robyn and Dawn Simpkin
robynpuruATxtra.co.nz
Auckland, New Zealand
Thu, 12 Jul 2001

Dear Robyn and Dawn,
Saw your name on Dick's site. Just wondering if you are related to Ray and Ruby Simpkin who visited us several time in the 1960-70's?

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon and Betty.

From: Robyn Simpkin
Thu, 12 Jul 2001

Dear Gordon and Betty,
Yes we are fairly closely related to Ray who lives here in Papatoetoe.

• Ruby passed away many years ago now but Ray still does quite a bit of travelling although that is not so often now since he was attacked in South Africa and lost an eye.

Ray's father and our grandfather were first cousins. Our father was one of 14 children – Harold was his name and our mother was Dorothy Vaughan both passed away now.

• There are 6 of us children, the oldest Owen passed away 6yrs ago, Myra – married Eric Cottle – and is still in the EB's and passes me on the street without even acknowledging me, Colleen who married Graham Smith, myself who was excommunicated in 1964 and married Gene Puru – now deceased – Dawn who married Morris Judd of Gisborne – now separated – and Derek who is also still with the EB's and he married Mary Irvine. Their oldest boy Peter has been out of the EB's now for 4yrs and enjoying life very much.

Who are you related to?

Regards, Robyn.

To: Robyn Simpkin
Fri, 13 Jul 2001

Dear Robyn,
Thanks very much for replying and sharing your family background. Such details are always of interest.

• We knew about Ruby but not of Ray's loss of an eye in such a way. If you are in touch, please greet him for us.

I came in from "the outside" as we used to say and have no Christian relatives, except my wife.

• Except for one sister, still in the EB's, Betty has no Christian relatives left as they are all now happily with Christ. Their names wouldn't be familiar to you.

In desiring to be faithful to the Lord we have lost all 'our family' for the brethren were all that to us.

• But the recompense from the Lord is worth all, and he has given us a few to walk with.

I keep in touch with Phil Gasston in Kerikeri and his father-in-law Esli Forrest of Auckland. I have also heard from Phil Hickmott in Christchurch.

I hope you will find some items of interest on 'My Brethren', perhaps the 'Mailbox'.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon and Betty.

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Jenifer Simpson

To: Jenifer Simpson
jeniferjsATaol.com
Washington DC, USA
Tue, Sep 26, 2000

Dear Jenifer,
Thanks for visiting MB. In view of your comments on "the Great Commission" you may be interested in:

• Ministry: G. R. Cowell: Early 1: The Gospel of God: What it is, Where it is and Where it Leads

• Ministry: G. R.Cowell: Later 1: The Gospel and the Church.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

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Steve Sims

To: Steve Sims
ssimsATglobalnet.co.uk
Gravesend, Kent, England
Sun, 27 Jun 1999

Dear Steve,
Glad you discovered "My Brethren" and hope you will drop in again.

Like you, we are always happy to hear from old friends – and new.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

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Thomas Skayhan

To: Thomas Skayhan
twskayhanATyahoo.com
Defuniak Springs,Florida,32433-4064, USA
Fri, 25 Apr 2001

Dear Thomas,
Welcome to 'My brethren'. As to wanting "to learn more about Plymouth Brethren" I believe you can do that quite well by exploring MB.

• The term "Plymouth Brethren" covers some very divergent groups, but MB covers the important work of God that characterized the movement.

• If you have any particular questions, I will try to answer them for you. Just let me know.

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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Jon Slater

From: Jon Slater
j.slaterATjuno.com
Elizabeth, N.J. 07208, U.S.A.
Wed, 5 Apr 2000

Dear Brother Gordon.
I am new to your web site and am deeply touched by its contents.

• I feel in my heart the shame we most certainly have brought to the Lord's most precious name by our stewardship of the wonderful truths of the "One Body" and the effects it should have had on our hearts, and out of our lives.

• But those truths are still the same and powerful.The Lord is still the sanctuary even if the place He gave us in grace to experience on the earth has been brought by us into ruin.

In Daniel 2, when threatened with death by being falsely lumped with Nebuchadnezzar's wise men, they found safety, comfort, endurance, and "the lampstand" of the true sanctuary.

• This I believe we can see in the One who is the light in His gracious answer to Daniel and his "brethren", in both the knowledge of and the true meaning of the king's dream.

• Then we see the four friends of the Lord hold a worship meeting, vss 20-24, where they can sing "the Lord's song," even though they were in a "strange land", Psalm 137: 4.

  The balance of this letter does not meet our Site Standards – but see the following reply.

Thank you for your exercise dear brother. J.S.

To: Jon Slater
Mon, 10 Apr 2000

Dear Jon,
Thank you for visiting "My Brethren" and for your kind remarks.

• I do appreciate your feelings as to the ruin and readiness to bear shame for it. O for an increase of this spirit in all of us!

Concerning your comments on on our Lord's Sonship and "My Answer" to another guest's suggestion as to the bearing of Isaiah 9: 6,

• I recognize your sincerity but it would be out of accord with MB's standards to post them.

• Please understand, there is nothing personal in this but only concern to state what is believed to be fully Scriptural and to which MB is committed.

• You or I may believe certain things in our heart, as you say you do, but our beliefs cannot determine the truth as to any matter.

• The truth must be clearly established from the Scriptures.

• If you have not already, I suggest you carefully weigh the references in "My Answer" to other pages on MB which deal extensively with this holy matter.

I will be glad to hear from you again.

Yours in our Lord, Gordon.

From: Jon Slater
Tue, 11 Apr 2000

Dear Gordon,
I very much desire to respond to your "fatherly" and "gentle, instructive and correcting" message. Please be patient with me as I do not wish to answer without weighing carefully what I say.

Whatever I say though, will be said both from the "heart", and drawn from the "well" of what "I believe" the Lord has revealed to me personally from His word.

• As Paul wrote, "I believed, and therefore have I spoken" 2 Cor. 4: 3.

Having said this, I desire before the Lord, to submit to "His" loving and sure correction for I desire as well, never to be so bold as to claim my belief as foundational

• whether undergirded by my own perception however limited of what He has declared in His word

• or, by my perception of what earlier brethren have taught no matter how great my esteem for them is.

I believe the early brethren setting aside personally held positions in exchange for "thus saith the Lord" would suit us very well today!

• And where we disagree, I "believe" we would be better served by waiting for the "cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night".

• They certainly were "gifts" and what they delivered are certainly the old road signs to guide, but their words are not inspired life giving words as are the Lord's.

• His are sufficient for even to simplest, for example even me, to trust, even if somewhat faulty, for He has promised to correct me.

Sincerely yours in Christ, Jon S.

To: Jon Slater
Sun, 23 Apr 2000

Dear Jon,
I am not ignoring your email of April 10, but have been preoccupied with other matters. I hope to reply when time permits.

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

To: Jon Slater
Sun, 30 Apr 2000

Dear Gordon,
I am not waiting for your reply, it is I who owe one to you. As I explained, I wanted to be very slow in my reply. So dear brother please do not feel in any way, that you owe a response to me. It is my turn.

Your servant in Christ, Jon S.

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Eckhard Sluiter

To: Eckhard Sluiter
achtundzwanzig0achtATyahoo.com
Marburg, Hessen, Germany
Mon, 6 May 2002

Dear Eckhard,
Welcome to 'My Brethren' and thanks for sharing details as to yourself and your exercises.

he need of adhering to the Scriptures, to which you refer, cannot be overemphasized.

• At the same time the the help in ministry by the Spirit should not be overlooked. You will find edifying and challenging ministry on MB, and I hope you will take time to look into it.

Its refreshing to hear of your experiences with our Lord. No doubt He will be our great occupation in heaven, but perhaps we will have more email contact while here.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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