Friends,

Kay and I just returned from our 15th annual trip to work with congregations in the Northeast.  I was able to speak to three congregations and members from several other congregations who attended the various events. 

On Wednesday evening, Oct.7, we were at the East End Church of Christ on Long Island.  This congregation was planted years ago by one of our graduates, Jim Condon.  Jim has recently retired from preaching and moved to North Carolina to be near his children.  East End is now looking for a full time preacher and they have asked for our help to find the right person.

CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

In the United States of America, we go straight from one public holiday to the next in a heartbeat! No sooner are the after-Christmas sales finished, when you can buy your cards and decorations at half-price for next year, than we are seeing hearts and pretty pink and red items for Valentine’s Day! After that special sweetheart’s day, on the same shelf, you will find specials on heart-shaped cards and boxes of candy beside yellow and white marshmallow Easter eggs, chicks and bunnies. Then we have, in May, all the floral wreaths and red-white-and-blue American flags displayed in the stores in preparation for Memorial Day. And, rightly so, Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day cards and special gifts are on display about the same time. The flags continue until after July the Fourth for America’s most celebrated holiday of independence. Often, I think if it were not for visiting the card sections, we would not become aware of most holidays. Likely I would forget the dates if I didn’t see reminders so often.

Jerry Hogg's newsletter concerning his work in Africa.

Dear Folks:

Getting home the 27th was good . I was so tired. During my six weeks away, I visited 5 countries which included Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It was the right timing and season for good weather on both sides - not too hot, not too cold in either place. Signs of early Fall and cooler temps were starting in the Southern Hemisphere where the days were getting shorter, the sun going down earlier. Our God has made a wonderful planet for His children as our temporary dwelling-place! 

For years I have accumulated Voyager Miles with both South African Airways and United Airlines for local connections. Until now, I was unable to take advantage of them - not enough miles or something. On this trip I paid for tickets to Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia & Botswana using Voyager Miles, and only had to pay the tax in cash. This was such a savings for me. At last, I was able to enjoy the extra miles for a good cause!

February, being the shortest month of the year, always slips away faster than we anticipate. There is never sufficient time to cram in all we plan to do. We trust this report finds you well and prosperous. In these days, with the downturn in the economy and the stock market going in the wrong direction, we thank God for every blessing more than ever. We have been working hard to firm up the support from churches and individuals for this year. Surprisingly, brethren everywhere I go say they are anxious about the future, but commitments for our work have been great. God is good and the church is still spreading the flame.

Latest newsletter ready for you.  I have recovered sufficiently to get back at the computer.  Had my third physical therapy session today and making good progress.  I've also preached once since surgery.  Your prayers for my complete recovery are greatly appreciated.

Have a good week!

Jerry Hogg

Family, brethren, and friends,

Attached is my newsletter for January. Hope you enjoyed the holiday season!

God's blessings,

George

Loving Greetings to all our dear friends,

Moya and I take this opportunity to wish each of you who are receiving this message a very Happy and spiritually prosperous New Year!

2008 has been a huge year for Moya & myself!  During January/February we were thrilled to have been invited to visit with the Southwest Church family in Amarillo, Texas.  What a joy that was, to once again be united with loved ones we had not seen for many years and to experience such great hospitality from brethren who have been such important partners in our work for our Lord here in Western Australia during the past 42-years.  We praise our God for their loving concern which has been evidenced in many practical ways and we are grateful for the fruit that has been born for our labours in the kingdom of God.

While in Nigeria I was reminded so many times of the terrible situation that our brothers in NT times had to deal with, from persecution to wickedness to cities & towns dedicated to a total disregard for doing what is right.  Even in Corinth, with its terrible history of wickedness, there was the "church in Corinth."

While I saw and heard of things in Nigeria that no country should ever be proud of, I also witnessed first-hand a church that had a strong sense of hope for the future, a loving spirit of fellowship, a determination to evangelize and to make a difference among their own people.  It was an absolute joy being part of the sweet fellowship that I experienced with the churches and at the school compound in a country that has been so torn asunder by so many things, even by the very thing that should bring hope...religion.  I saw  the "business" of religion everywhere, with every kind of church name that one could ever imagine.  There were even trucking companies, taxis and delivery vans or cars with the name of God or some type of religious motif being part of their name.

Dear brethren, family, and friends,

Attached is my newsletter for Nov-Dec, 2008. Enjoy

God's blessings,

George