GENTRY’S RETURN TO MOLDOVA

After having to return to the states due to visa and other glitches, John, Stacy, and their children are now safely back in Moldova to continue their work in the Lord’s kingdom. They returned on July 17.

DISCUSSION

Stan Adams had a discussion with Robert Ross at the Church of God 7th Day in Newton, NC on Saturday, July 21. The subject was: Is the Sabbath binding today?

UPDATE ON R. J. STEVENS

After over five months, R. J. has been released to return home. He still has some weakness physically that will take time to work through, but his prognosis is good at this time. He returned home on July 17th. The family is appreciative of every prayer, card, and concern focused on him and them during this difficult time.

DEATHS

Mike Dubose passed from this life, after a long struggle, on July 9, 2012. He was 64. He preached the gospel for 44 years. He labored full time in congregations in Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida. He had preached for the Cy-Fair congregation in the Houston area for the last 27 years and served as an elder there for many of those years. He leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Ginny; two daughters (Tracy and Erin), and 4 grandchildren (Taylor, Kylee, Cole, and Cody). He also leaves behind his brother, sister, and mother. Keep Ginny and the family in your prayers.

Thomas Gaither O’Neal (Tom) passed from this life on June 16, 2012. He was buried in his family plot in Lawrenceburg, TN on June 22, 2012. He leaves behind his wife, Carolyn, his daughters (Kim O’Neal and Meg Pritchard and her husband Keith) of Trussville, AL; two grandchildren (Coen and Kirsten Pritchard) and close family members: John and Dean Osborne; Harry and Leslie Osborne of Oklahoma City, OK; and Ken and Cindy Osborne of Spring, TX and sons, Bill and Tim Lacoste and their children of Austin, TX. He also leaves behind numerous brethren who appreciated his work in the Lord and his strong stand for truth through the years. He was a personal friend of mine and my family considers him as family. He was a faithful gospel preacher for 56 years and will be missed greatly. His pen and his preaching were plain and to the point. He had fought bravely for several months to overcome complications from eye surgery which resulted in brain trauma. He rode a roller coaster of recovery and reversal due to a series of strokes. He preached for the Central congregation in Tampa at the time of his death. His funeral was conducted by Harry Osborne, Ron Halbrook, Connie Adams, Donnie Rader, and Stan Adams. His voice lives on through the pages of his writing (Walking In Truth, Truth Magazine, Searching the Scriptures) and his influence on so many brethren. There was also a memorial for him in the Tampa area. Tom was a friend of preachers and faithful brethren. He was tireless in his efforts to help secure support for many preachers through the years and also helped raised funds for many church buildings through the years. He also was instrumental in getting a large portion of written material translated and printed. He also supplemented his income as a preacher from time to time with insurance sales. May all of us realize that many champions of the faith are passing from the scene and a new generation must “stand in the hedge and fill the gap.” May God raise up godly men who will defend and preach the truth without compromise and without fear or favor of any man.