Local Church History

[TLFisher]

I have appreciation for the writing Don Rutledge has done thus far. His writing is from a high level personal experience. It is interesting to read about local church history regardless if its positive or negative. Over the decades there are events and personalities that become forgotten. Often in the local churches when brothers and sisters stop meeting, they are forgotten. Even while I was meeting I'd ask questions seeking answers why was brother _____ rebellious? Why did brother ______ leave? Usually the answers were bland one word answers without touching the cause or explaining what had happened. Do brothers and sisters ever wonder what became of Albert Zehr, John Smith, Ned Nossaman, Al Knoch, etc. In part talking about brothers who gave up careers to serve full-time. It never made sense. In our present time and in years to come, we may never fully understand. In our hearts there is a knowing without having the knowledge. There just might be some issues left to be dealt with at the Judgment Seat. Until that time arrives, we are still in the age of grace.

On another note when there were discussions about local church history, it was usually about the Elden Hall years. Perhaps because that time was the highest joy for many meeting in the local churches at that time. I think the cause for those years being such a high point is centering on Christ with the saints through the Bible was simplified. Brothers and sisters were unencumbered by distractions that came in following years and decades to come.
Whatever brother Don chooses to write, keep writing brother. I have waited years for a brother like you to present a history that illustrates "both sides of the coin".

Terry Fisher