The Shurs are on the road again. From the end of March through the first part of May. Heading to southern Tennessee, down to Georgia, Florida, back up again to South and North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, down through Ohio, Kentucky, then home to Nashville, Tennessee by May 5.

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life,to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." I Thessalonians 4:11 NKJV

Notice that the last part of this scripture states, "that you will not be dependent on anybody", but in fact THESE same HANDS relied on by others. World Bible School relies on hands like these to give a helping hand. The hands in this blog are from WBS study helpers at the Hartsville Pike Church of Christ located in Gallatin, Tennessee. In 2008 more than a million Bible correspondence courses were sent out to students. thousands of hands like these made it possible. The following song sung by Amy Grant has words that express it so well.

HELPING HANDS

Everybody needs a helping hand
Take a look at your fellow man
And tell me what can I do today'
Cause everybody needs a helping out
If that ain't what it's all about
Tell me what
What can I do
What can I do today

We've all seen trouble from time to time
There is a mountain ahead
I've got no strength to climb, hey
If you're feeling that you're strong
Reach out to me
I hope this journey won't take long
But won't you pleaseHave mercy

What can I do today
I'm talking 'bout the soul all alone
Needing the daily bread
Someplace to lay his head, yeah, hey
And I'm talking about the neighbor on your street
Won't you look him in the eye
Take time to speak
That's mercy, yeah, 'cause...

Love one another
Sister and brother
Love is the only way, hey

Find out what you can do to give a helping hand.

Visit http://www.wbschool.net/ today!

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Rick and Gary in Chennai, India

Rick and Mary moved to Nashville, Tennessee the day after the Nashville Dinner which was the early part of December of 2008. One month later Rick and Gary Finley, went to Chennai, India for some research purposes. Widows and orphans, young men and old; were either being served or are serving through the Lord's church. Two preaching school graduation ceremonies were being presented at the time of their visit.

The WBS Coordinator for Bellevue Church of Christ is Charles Forehand. Pictured below are just a couple of the dedicated workers sowing the seed of God's word. Hundreds of pieces of mail weekly--thousands throughout the year.

Whew! It's been four months since I have posted anything here. I'll begin where I left off in the beginning of October. We finished our work in Alabama and inched our way toward Tennessee. Rick did a special presentation to the Bellevue Church of Christ were John Reese spoke at the morning worship.

The World Bible School teachers at Bellevue are one of the largest work groups in the brotherhood. They have implemented several successful techniques like working in shifts, working at different levels and at least three major portions of the church building. There whole process is quite amazing and worth visiting. While Rick and I visit several congregations, each one has their own unique way of teaching all nations the word of God.

Oldest sustaining Church of Christ in Alabama

The Rocky Springs Church of Christ was established in 1807 and has recently celebrated its 200th year(2007) as the oldest sustaining Church of Christ in Alabama. It was officially commemorated in 1976, (our bicentennial year of celebration of our nation's independence) placed by the Alabama Society - Daughters of the American Revolution.

Across the street from the church building is the Rocky Springs Church of Christ Cemetery. In viewing some of the tombstones it was disheartening to see many infants laid to rest in the early 19th century graves. Rick is leaving an information packet at the building, but later we met one of its members from the next town who owned a catering and dining business called Fridays, which meant they were open only on Fridays. She said that she is one of the twenty members that still meets at Rocky Springs Church of Christ. Wow, the Lord certainly delivered us to this member!

Talladega Alabama

Rick overlooking an awesome view. Remnants of the Appalachian Mountains.

The latter part of September and early October are spent in the Talladega area. This railroad bridge depicts the all-familiar wildly growing foliage at the front end of the bridge. This growth is widespread in many parts of Alabama and even though it is overcommanding on all other plant life (trees-bushes), telephone poles, wires, mailboxes-it has no barrier. Yet, it graces an overall beauty. To my surprise, Alabama has many beautiful forests and several bodies of water. Everyday brings another surprise in natural beauty and the people we meet.

Hamilton AL WBS Workroom

Teachers are busy addressing World Bible School introduction booklets for new students that have signed up in Zimbabwe, South Africa.

Numerous tracts are available for teachers to send to questioning students. One hundred-sixty (160+) plus countries receive WBS lessons sent from the Hamilton Church of Christ.