Our Life Together Vol.4 Nr.28 July 20, 1976

Another beautiful cover illustrating the accompanying poem by Dawn Schmid. Dawn contributed quite a bit to OLT. She reported, wrote little articles and poems such as we have here on the cover. She was very active in the Hospital Ministry.

The main article is written by Ken Pagard on Humility. It is really quite good and sets out the case for humbling ourselves before God. He states that this sets the stage for our being lifted up and becoming what God created us to be. By humbling ourselves, He is free to take responsibility for us. Ken also applies this to the example of husbands and elders. He is right, but he doesn't deal with human fallibility; not all husbands are good husbands; all husbands don't take their responsibilities seriously; elders mistake their own opinions for the "word of the Lord." Ken does provide a picture of the relationship between having authority and being under authority.

On the following page, Ken concludes his article. This is followed by a report on a World Vision Conference submitted by Stan and Ruth Jamison. They are the parents of Jerry Jamison who is still alive and well in Chula Vista. At this time, he was one of the leaders of our Abbagraphics and Abbacraft. Ruth and Stan have both passed away, but they were wonderful members of the church and supporters of the ministry of the church. Their article is interesting in that it discusses the decline of the USA. This discussion still persists with two radically different interpretations of what is causing this decline. Some things really don't change very much.

 This is the "right-side-up" of Tim Pagaard's "McFoone.

This is another example of the neat artwork coming from members of the church and community. I think this is from Gary Bell -- Right? I am not sure about that. It is meant to illustrate Tim's poem on the following page.

This is a beautiful poem by Tim Pagaard. I don't know whether it was a song or not (or perhaps I just don't remember.) I also don't know whether Tim did the calligraphy or whether another of the people in Abba Craft did it.

Larry Clark presents a rationale for "singing in the Spirit." It was very helpful at the time, for many in the church did have questions about this practice. I think that most enjoyed it and found it beautiful, but there were theological questions. Larry was good at dealing with issues like this. I am currently reading "Paul, the Spirit and the People of God" by Gordon Fee. This book also discusses singing in the Spirit. Larry was very much in agreement with Dr. Fee.

The Good News from Sonshine emanated from Clay and Cheryl Ford who were the heads of that household. Clay is currently Pastor of the Baptist Church in La Jolla as well as Chair of Holy Spirit Renewal Ministries. The woman described in this article, Janis, was a very troubled young woman, as was her husband Frank. They were both associated with the church off and on for years. Frank at one time was our live in custodian. He died homeless. I performed a memorial service for him.

As usual, the "In the Family" column contains interesting little tid-bits about the people living in community. We also note that Gary and Georgia (missionaries in Belize) are newly weds.

The issue closes with "The Hymn of Grace," Ephesians 1:3-10. A beautiful picture with the scripture in nice calligraphy. Who of the Abba Craft workers did this?