I am blessed by the people who responded to our October letter. I know that God gives every message, but I never cease to be amazed how different people receive just what they need from them.

A letter came from Alberto Herrera, a minister whom we have been helping through prayer and financial support. Alberto is a native Nicaraguan, but a missionary in Honduras. He writes of God's love and grace. He also said, "I understand always your wonderful message, and every message who you sent me, I always the preach to many people here in Danli, and all places where I am going speak of the word of God."

Alberto is an inspiration. Through outside reports we know that many people are being saved and filled with God's Spirit when he preaches. Recently, against government advice, he went into an area where several pastors have been murdered. God protected him while a number of people accepted Jesus and were baptized. Now there is a new church in a place where the devil had been in control. As you read about Alberto, please pray for him, his wife and soon to be new baby.

I have told you about a man who is anointed for the work he is doing. Too often we do not consider that the Holy Spirit anoints different people for different works at different times. Billy Graham is anointed to be an evangelist. He has been faithful in that position. One night this past weekend 68,000 people, a record crowd for the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, heard him speak the Word of God. We must notice that God's work through Dr. Graham grew in his faithfulness and spiritual growth. In like fashion, some people are anointed to pray, sing and/or play musical instruments of praise. Others are anointed to make money and support ministries.

The apostle Paul told of offices into which people are anointed into. An "evangelist" is one of five. The others are "apostles", "prophets", "pastors" and "teachers." They are for the perfecting of the saints , for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Till we all come into the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, ... (Eph. 4:11-13). Notice the last verse and the words, Till we all come into the unity ... . The Church has not yet reached this position; therefore, all five of these offices are still in effect.

After referring to offices established in the body of Christ, Paul told of nine gifts given to individual Christians. These are the nine gifts mentioned in his letter to the Corinthians. Working together as members of one body, these edify the body. I cannot improve on what Paul wrote in I Corinthians, Chapter 12. I can, however, impress upon everyone that God rewards those who diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6). Therefore, we must seek Him.

I called attention to the fact that the offices of the Church will continue "Till we all come into unity." (Eph.4:13). The nine gifts will be in effect until the Son of God, the perfect man of Eph. 4:13 returns; afterwards, they will not be needed. (See 1 Cor. 13:8-10). In both Ephesians and I-Corinthians, we see a conclusion to the ministry as we know it. Until then, all gifts given by God will not be kept from us except by pride, deception and/or rebellion.

We are advised to "Follow after love, and desire spiritual gifts ..." (1 Cor. 14:1). Without the gifts of God, men do works by the mind of man instead of the Power of God. We must notice that all gifts are for ministry; however, there is one gift which has an additional purpose. It will edify (enlighten, guide, instruct) the individual. It is sad that men have made this a controversial gift, the gift of tongues. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men but unto God ... He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself ... . This communication by the Holy Spirit, through an individual, is important or God would not have given it. Today, it is evident that the Church is coming up short in its attempt to minister to the needs of the masses. Therefore, pride, deception or misinterpretation of scripture must not any longer divide the body of Christ. We must say, "Doctoring, teachings of men or my own vain immigration will steal from me." We must seek, seek and seek God until His works become great upon the earth. By His Spirit, with His gifts He desires to minister through us.

In God's Love,