Our Church had out grown the building and there was not enough money to build an addition to our present building, but God had a plan.  On April 6, 1932, the church voted to build a tabernacle which would be of much less expense.

     My first teaching experience came in that tabernacle.  I remember well how the tar dropped from the roof on our chairs from the summer's heat, and how so very cold it would be in the winter, for you see the "old pot-bellied" stove didn't heat so very well except the side next to it.  In spite of the discomfort the children loved it.

     It was in the tabernacle on Sunday morning while singing "How strong and sweet my Fathers care" that the presence of God became so real to me.  The first Thanksgiving Prayer Service in the early morning hours will long be remembered by all who gathered around the "old pot-bellied" stove.  I have spent almost 42 years in this church, but none are more precious than those very first spent in the "old tabernacle."

     Udie Keathley and Jim Burnett have been given medical discharges.

     Had a letter this week from Preston Gibson.  He has been on maneuvers but is now at Camp Wheeler, Ga.  Cpl. Robert Gibson-34369186, 365th Ord. Maint. Co. AA.  There was a letter too from Don George.  He is another very busy soldier.  Also one from Tracey Pierce. Don Pennington is over seas but Don didn't tell us so.  How about a letter Don?  0 Yes, there was a real nice letter from Mrs. Thomas Wyatt, Jr.  She is one of as too you know.  She is working in the Major's Office in Hondo where Tom is.  We will be looking for some more letters Maxine and we expect Tom to write now and then too.

     Had my first letter from Jimmie Abeshaheen this week.  Didn't get his address until about three weeks ago.  He sends regards to all and will answer all letters received.  J. F. Abeshaheen SC 21C Receiving Station, Naval Yard , Philadelphia, Pa. (18)  Reminds me, you should put 15 after Knoxville.  That's my zone number.

     Now I saved the best until the last.  I told you Dimsie Day was home in last week's letter.  Well he joined the church Sunday night and was baptized Wednesday night.  Went back to Camp Thursday.  All of us who know Dimsie loved him and we are so happy that he has gone all the way now and that makes him a commissioned officer in God's Army.  You know he is Cpl. in Uncle Sam's Army.  We are proud of you Dimsie.

     This week's lesson is "God's purpose for our Nation."  Numbers 10:11, 8, 12, 29-36     Golden Text: "Come thou with us, and we will do thee good."  Numbers 10:29

     This is a very timely lesson with all the talk and planning for the post war world.  I think it behooves every people to discover the possibilities of their nation and to do their part in helping their nation make its distinctive contribution in the world.

     As Christians can we truly say that our desire is righteousness with malice toward none and charity for all?  It's going to be hard to ever get hatred out of our hearts for some of the nations both as individuals and as a nation.  But we must remember that God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.  And that son commended us to go unto all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.  We must realize that our nation has a large responsibility for blessing the world because we have been so largely blessed.  But if we fail God there are other nations to whom he will turn.

     Over one hundred thousand foreigners left our shores during the past decade.  Suppose our Christianity had been so potent that we had won them for Christ.  We need to realize there are open doors and hungry hearts in our communities, and in out training camps.  And we would now add our prison camps.  Suppose we won to Christ the thousands of prisoners in our land.  Think what that would mean when they return to their countries.  We have a greater privilege and responsibility today than ever before to do these nations good.  Let us invite them one by one to come with us and we will do thee good -- Not that we offer much as individuals, but our God offers peace and salvation through the message we bring.

     Just as the Israelites followed the Cloud, we today must follow the Light.  In the wilderness of confused values and uncertain standards the children of God will be hopelessly lost if they do not fix their faith in Jesus, the Light of the World, and follow the teaching given to them in the word of God.

     For the Israelites the way to Canaan was one of hardship.  Christian discipleship means traveling the "red road" of sacrifice.  What Christian in this day of world travail and need would shrink?  Let us endure hardship as good soldiers of Christ Jesus.

     Israel needed and sought God in effort and repose.  In the beginning and ending of each day they paused for God's spirit to abide with them.  Let our Nation leaders and people do likewise so that we may say confidently to all men "Come thou with us and we will do thee good."  God purposes [sic] for us to be channels of blessing.

     May you be a blessing to all who know you and may you do your friends good by letting the beauties of Jesus be seen in your life.

Station CBC (Character Builders Class)

Agatha Smith, teacher

"I was real low in spirit when a letter came.  As I read it I felt as if a load had been removed from my shoulders."

"My letters mean so much to me.  I want to be sure they all get them.  I am sending $5.00 to help with postage."

"One of my buddies had to make a talk Sunday.  He asked if he could use one of your letters.  He made a real good talk from it.  Wanted me to tell you he appreciated your sending them.  He asks to read them each week."

"I was glad to get the swell letter and the good lesson.  I read it often because it helps me.  Thanks for putting me on your list.  If I ever get home I will be in your class forever because you talked to me all along when I was back home, but I worked on Sundays and could not attend."

"A lot of the boys cannot attend church like they did back home.  Some of them have no other contact with the church or spiritual things other than your letter.  Your letter takes the place of many things.  It brings back pleasant memories and for me a renewed conviction and appreciation of all things worth fighting for."

All HTML code on this page was created by and copyrighted ©2000-2002 to Billie R. McNamara.  All rights reserved.  The text and graphics are from the 60th Anniversary Celebration booklet prepared by McCalla Avenue Baptist Church in 1973.  Please direct all questions and comments to Ms. McNamara.  Background graphic image was borrowed from A-1 Icon Archive. Used by permission.