This was sent

to me by my good friend Jeff Green serving the cause of freedom in Korea.

I print it here in its entirety.

"One of

my favorite stories is Jack London's 'To Build A Fire,' a short tale of

a man who ventures into the frozen Yukon wilderness in a hazardous, but

failed journey. Accompanied by his faithful dog in the more than -50 degree

weather, he dismisses warnings about traveling alone, and ultimately,

pays the price for his decision, freezing to death on the long trail between

two villages.

"The attempts

of the lone traveler to relieve himself from the numbing cold by starting

a fire are foiled as he struggles with the matches in his frost-bitten

hands. Only his dog makes it to the next village!

"As one

reads this story, some analogies become apparent regarding our journey

of faith. Our spiritual journey demands attention to the trail we traverse,

the hostilities and rewards of the environment , and the preparations

we make for that journey. We need the map of Scripture to navigate and

guide us. And we travel better when we travel with others.

"Fellowship

provides a certain warmth that guards against spiritual frostbite. Evangelist

Billy Graham noted that Church-goers are like 'coals in a fire. When they

cling together, they keep the flame aglow, when they separate, they die

out!'

"One of

the overriding principles of New Testament discipleship is fellowship.

The disciples were sent out by twos, and we read of the companions who

accompanied Peter and Paul on their various journeys. Finding the right

companions for your spiritual journey is important.

"Someone

once noted that we all need a Paul, a Barnabas and a Timothy in our lives.

An older person like Paul to mentor and teach us, a person of equal ability

and standing, like Barnabas to encourage us and befriend us, and a younger

person and protege, like Timothy, who we in turn train and guide.

"Avoiding

the chill of spiritual alienation begins by understanding where we're

going, and friends of like faith who can walk with us. And if we do these

things, more than just the dog will get to the other village!"

In adding to

what Jeff has shared with us, we especially need all Christian Churches

to "fellowship one with another" not "compete one with

another." We are in the "sheepfold, the flock of believers"

with the same "shepherd." We could do so much if we would work

together.

Blessings for

the summer as you cooperate within the flock and with other flocks.

The Rev.

Dr. Knox Herndon is pastor of His House Community Church (SBC).

The Rev. Greg Mausz is senior associate pastor. The Rev. Dr. Lydia Herndon

is the Sunday School superintendent, Bible study coordinator and teacher.

The church is just below Fayetteville, on Ga. Highway 85, a mile south

of Ga. Highway 16, just below the fire station. Visitors welcome. Church

office and prayer line 770-719-2365; e-mail [email protected]. The church's

new Web site is www.hishousecommunitychurch.com.

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