Mailbox: AB - 2: Nov. 1998 – present

Dear Gordon,
Two days ago I received an unsigned e-mail from a member of the Peebs Net team rebuking me for having given you a copy of my Open Letter for you to hide away and not make available to everyone.

• The e-mail did not have my name in the address but simply the word 'Hi' which I greatly object to. I replied that I do not respond to improperly addressed and unsigned e-mails.

It grieves me that Peebs Net has done such a disservice to those of us who, for conscience sake, have severed our ties with the Exclusive Brethren because we will be all lumped together with the very worldly and abusive element that is attracted to Peebs Net.

• That site is wholly negative and I have never seen any contribution to it that has sought to show from Scripture where the E.B. have gone astray. Therefore I do not think that my Open Letter would hold any attraction for them.

• I have been appalled at the contents of their forums where Fisherman and Woodsman vie with — — for the 'muck' they come up with, while the constant criticism of JND sickens me. I almost wish the E.B. had been successful in having the site removed from the Internet.

• This was followed by a most amazing statement that they felt assured that those who lost their lives would have had a moment in which to call on their Creator and so have an eternity with Christ in Paradise!

• This only confirms what I have felt for some time, i.e. they are preaching a faulty gospel that borders on Universalism.

1 Take heed not to do your alms before men to be seen of them, otherwise ye have no reward with your Father who is in the heavens. 2 When therefore thou doest alms, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may have glory from men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3 But thou, when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand does; 4 so that thine alms may be in secret, and thy Father who sees in secret will render [it] to thee.   Matthew 6: 1-4

• One of my sons is still in Christchurch and I sent him a copy and said I was thankful his name was not on the advertisement. The cost must have been enormous and would have been better spent towards the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

• If you would like copies of the advert and of my letter I can e-mail these to you.

With greetings and love in Christ, Paul (Allison).

To: Paul Allison
Fri, 11 Mar, 2011

Dear Paul,
That, unfortunately, is typical of Peebs. Net. If they had inquired they would have learned that it was I, not you, that decided re your 'Open Letter' ''to hide away and not make available to everyone".

• Our restriction was meant to keep it from the hands of such as Peebs. Net who might use it in a way of which you would not approve.

It is indeed sad that Peebs.Net -- with such possibilities to positively help those who have been cast aside or to support those who, like yourself, have left on principle -- have taken and appear to delight in such a negative course.

• And, definitely, "the constant criticism of JND" is sickening and offensive in the extreme.

On December 22, 2006, the Peebs.Net team pontificated: "The EB started their journey into disaster via JND who was clearly in error. His legacy was simply amplified by those who came after … we will be featuring the full panoply [sic] of historical error in a major doctrinal expose sometime in the future … JT opened a doorway into the Pit [???] and by tempting [sic] the EB to become physically seperate [sic], they started their journey away from Christ … It would seem that most ministry was tainted by the 1930's. Since then, the EB slide has simply gathered momentum. We shall enjoy [!] ripping the covers off …" 'My Brethren' has just learned that the Peebs.Net team intends shortly to publish direct links to what they consider the heresies on this site. If, as expected, they do this on the Peebs.net site, they can hurl their barbs while wrapped safely in their protective cloak of anonymity. We understand the resort to anonymity in view of possible lawsuits by those they criticize, but we have no such intention. But if they feel competent to charge the valued servants of the past whose ministry appears on 'My Brethren' with heresy, let them come out of their fortress and show themselves like men by writing under their personal names.

Their use of the Christchurch disaster by the EB's -- to which you refer -- to promote themselves is despicable. Yes, a copy of their advertisement and your letter would be of interest. Thanks for writing again. In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Paul Allison
Fri, 11 Mar, 2011

Dear Brother,
I am addressing this to you rather than to Gordon because you are the editor and responsible for what appears in My Brethren.

Thank you for advertising my Open Letter in the February Bulletin. I have one request and that is that you add, after the date Sept 2009, another short sentence stating, "Written in answer to an article by Bruce Hales entitled 'Living our Beliefs' that appeared in the Exclusive Brethren website."

• I feel this would give additional relevance to my Open Letter and possibly draw a wider readership among those who see My Brethren.

Your brother in Christ, Paul Allison.

To: Paul Allison
Fri, 11 Mar, 2011

Dear Paul,
Thank you for writing. There shouldn't be any issue with that addition to your letter. I will check with Gordon and make corrections as soon as possible. [Done.]

Nice to hear from you again.

Yours in Christ.

From: Paul Allison
Wed, 11 May, 2011

Dear brother,
Greetings in the Lord Jesus! I wonder if you could solve a little puzzle for me, please.

T. H. Reynolds was a brother of considerable substance in the early years of the last century as My Brethren has indicated in the short biographical account of him in your pages.

• His hymns were among the best in the 1932 hymnbook yet they were expurgated in a later edition of Little Flock, 1963 I think.

• On enquiry I seem to remember being told that THR had died out of fellowship but no reason was given.

• Now I am told that he did not agree with JT's ministry as to the Sonship of Christ so presumably either withdrew from fellowship or was cast out in what must have been his hundredth year.

• If the above facts are true you may have more details and I would be grateful to hear from you.

Your brother in Christ, Paul.

To: Paul Allison
Wed, 11 May, 2011

Dear Paul,
I cannot confirm that THR "died out of fellowship" -- and have no reason to believe that this was so -- nor that "he did not agree with JT's ministry as to the Sonship of Christ", although this last may be so.

• The references to THR in 'Letters of JT, Volume 1' indicate certain disagreements with JT's early ministry.

• JT's letters to him are noteworthy both as to the details of the disagreement and the gentle and respectful manner in which JT replied.

• I believe RS said that THR's hymns had been left out of the previous edition under pressure from ——, presumably because of THR's opposition to JT as mentioned in the 'Letters'.

On another note you will see that i have forwarded your information re St. Andrew's to Iain Jamieson.

Also the photo of CLN was added to "History: Decline and Departure - 1953-70: Recent Developments", some time ago. Perhaps I neglected to thank you at the time.

Afectionately in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Paul Allison
Thu, 12 May, 2011

Dear Gordon,
Thank you for answering my query re THR: I am almost certain I was told he died out of fellowship but this may not have been the case.

• Thank you too for forwarding the St.Andrews details to Iain, and for including the CLN photo in 'Recent Developments'.

Just as a matter of interest you may or may not know that the brother who was to the fore in withdrawing from GRC, Alan Parsons, is still alive, 90 years old and living on the east coast of Scotland where he and his wife attend a charismatic church! It's amazing where some people end up, isn't it?

• The Parsons parents were at Sutton Coldfield with us in the 1930's and I believe one of the grandsons is priest-in-charge there now.

I see you have a biographical note about E.J.Hemmings but there is no mention of his three brothers Joy, Fred and Douglas, all of whom were active in ministry. I think each of them took fellowship meetings at Sutton Coldfield in the time our family lived there.

• Mr.Fred Hemmings died in the pulpit during a gospel meeting at Dartford in about 1955. I drove Mr.Nunnerley there the Lord's Day following.

• Mr.Hemmings Senior lived to a good old age in Coniston in the Lake District and I remember meeting him there while on holiday with my father in about 1952. Douglas Hemmings was there at the same time.

Love and greetings in the Lord, Paul.

To: Paul Allison
Fri, 13 May, 2011

Dear Paul,
Good to hear from you, and thanks for the historical information which will be added to bios of GRC and EJH.

Ah! the memory problem! It affects us all. I see we are of the same vintage!

Affectionately in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Paul Allison
Mon, Jun 7, 2011

Dear Gordon,
I am afraid I am unable to help you with Joanna Newman's quest for information regarding the above. I know the name well and in fact two of my sons are married to fifth generation descendents. However it is unlikely they would know anything even if I could contact them as they are firmly locked in 'the system'.

The only person who might be able to help you if he could would be Phil Hickmott but he is in an advanced stage of Alzheimers and has virtually no memory. However his wife, who breaks bread with us in Christchurch is a possible contact as she is in regular contact with Helen Church. I have written to Joanna and told her I will ask Margaret Hickmott whether or not she can help.

I trust you and your wife are keeping well. In two weeks time I am booked to go into hospital for a hip replacement and will be out of circulation for a while.

With love and greetings in our Lord Jesus, Paul.

To: Paul Allison
Wed, Jun 8,2011

Dear Paul, Thanks for writing Joanna Newman.

We'll be thinking of you and your hip replacement. Please let us know how it goes.

Affectionately in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

Page Top

From: Paul Allison
May 25, 2013

Dear brother,
I’m wondering if you can help me please? Our preacher today spoke very well about the Man Christ Jesus and in doing so he quoted a poem by George Cutting entitled The Man in the Glory of which I have a copy. Afterwards I asked him if he knew the poem by Mr.Bellett in which he refers to The Man of the Ninth of John – he didn’t.

• I eventually tracked it down to My Brethren in the biography and ministry of JGB but I was somewhat perturbed to find the line had been changed to ‘the eighth of John’. My father, long since with the Lord, often quoted bits of this poem and always did so with the word ninth; in fact the poem was often referred to as “The Man of the Ninth of John.”

With love and greetings to you and the team, Your brother in Christ, Paul Allison.

To: Paul Allison
Monday, May 27, 2013

Hi Paul,
What an interesting story ... And I have no idea the reason. I'll copy this to Gordon to see what he has to say. Nice to hear from you again. :) Yours in Christ.

To: Paul Allison
June 5, 2013

Dear Paul,
Always good to hear from you. The "ninth of John" seems right and best to me, but there appears to be no way to settle the matter especially when the (only) printed version we have says "eighth of John". So it seem it will remain a mystery, but thanks for drawing nattention to it. Perhaps some other visitor to MB will come up with a definitive answer.

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

Page Top

Claire Anderson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Page Top

Dennis Andrews

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

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

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

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

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

Yours in our Lord, Gordon.

Page Top

Dave N. Astell

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

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

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

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

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Dave N. Astell
Thu, 9 Mar 2000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yours in our Lord Jesus Christ, Dave.

To: Dave N. Astell
Tue, 14 Mar 2000

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

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

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

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

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Dave N. Astell
Sat, 18 Mar 2000

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

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

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

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

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

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

• So I read through "Readings On Romans".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Regards in our Lord Jesus Christ, Dave.

To: Dave N. Astell
Sat, 18 Mar 2000

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Dave N. Astell
Mon, 20 Mar 2000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yours in our Lord Jesus Christ, Dave.

To: Dave N. Astell
Wed, 22 Mar 2000

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

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

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

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

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

• I have proved both sides of that as well.

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

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

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

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

Yours in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To: Dave N. Astell
Mon, 03 Apr 2000

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

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

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

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

From: Dave N. Astell
Tue, 4 Apr 2000

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

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

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

Yours, in our Lord Jesus. Dave.

From: Dave N. Astell
Wed, 25 Sep 2002

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

Yours, in our Lord Jesus, Dave.

To: Dave N. Astell
Wed, 25 Sep 2002

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

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

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

In our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

From: Dave N. Astell
Mon, 01 Nov 2004

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

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

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

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

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

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

To: Dave N. Astell
Thu, 04 Nov 2004

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

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

• Your prayers are appreciated. Incidentally, I'll be 75 on November 11 through God's mercy.

Affectionately in our Lord Jesus, Gordon.

Page Top

Mike Attwood

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

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

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

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

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

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

From: Michael Attwood
Fri, 17 Dec 1999

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yours affectionately in Him, Mike Attwood.

To: Mike Attwood
Sat, 18 Dec 1999

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

Your in the Lord, Gordon.

From: Michael Attwood
Mon, 10 Jan 2000

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yours affectionately in Him,

Mike Attwood

To: Mike Attwood
Sat, 15 Jan 2000

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

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

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

Yours in the Lord, Gordon.

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

Page Top