From The
Mission Field

In last quarter’s issue of the Fruit Of The Spirit, this section featured Ernest Maiwald, a student at the Southwest School of Biblical Studies in Austin, Texas, being partially supported by the Vacaville church of Christ. As promised, this issue will feature another student at Southwest that this congregation is helping support as well.

In September 1999, the brethren at the Vacaville church of Christ determined to send support for Bryan Braswell and his his wife, Gina, to help him while he attends preaching school at Southwest. Bryan, a first year student at Southwest, is 26 years old and is originally from North Little Rock, Arkansas. After graduating from High School, Bryan attended Arkansas State University and has been employed as a Sales Associate before arriving at Southwest.

Though he is only in his first year at the school of Biblical studies, Bryan is no stranger to Gospel Preaching. Prior to becoming a preaching student, Bryan preached on a regular basis for two different congregations in Arkansas during a two year period of time.

Gina is also devoted to the Lord and is a source of constant support for her husband as they labor together in His kingdom. In addition to attending the Wives Classes at Southwest, Gina also attends the Bible classes with Bryan (except preaching) on an audit basis.

After completing the program of study at Southwest, Bryan and Gina will seek to be engaged in full time preaching work. Understanding the scope of the Great Commission, Bryan has determined that he will go anywhere the Lord’s Word needs to be preached, and not limit himself to any geographical area. Additionally, Bryan hopes to be able to continue his education beyond preaching school.    FS

Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:15

Often, there is the desire among men in local churches to preach the Gospel. Though they may not wish to become full-time pulpit ministers, they fervently desire to use their abilities and talents to glorify the Father and better serve in His vineyard. Most congregations utilize their men for teaching classes and preaching when the pulpit preacher is ill or out of town.

However, few men have the opportunity or means to be able to attend a full-time school of preaching in order to prepare themselves for the task. Understanding such a problem, and recognizing the responsibility of the church to train men to preach (2Tim 2:2), the Davis church of Christ has developed a preacher training program.

Each session is fifteen weeks long with classes being conducted every Tuesday evening from 7pm to 9pm.

The session currently in progress began in February and is being taught by brothers Bernard Howell and Richard Green. I have enrolled as a student to better equip myself and gain additional insight in my studies of the Scriptures. The response has been outstanding, as ten men from six different communities in Northern California have committed themselves as students in this program. Additionally, these men are being utilized both in their home congregations and other churches throughout the area.

For more information on the preacher training program offered by Davis church of Christ, see the announcement on page 12.        FS