----- Original Message ----- From: Patricia Connell To: [email protected] Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 9:37 AM Subject: Re:(BRE)How do Brethren Churches grow? Dear Everyone especially Judy I have been asking the same questions for several years that you are asking,Judy.For thirty five my family were wonderful friends of the minister who babtized my mother in the 50's as well as other members of my family.He was a tremendrous Elder as well as Bible Teacher and minister who held two weeks of revival meetings every year that he lived.Whenever I did anything wrong he was the first one who told me about it.The invitation to accept Jesus as one's personal Saviour was given practically at the close of every service.He always told everyone they should try daily to be as Jesus would have them be and be led by The Holy Spirit.Several weeks ago I recieved an E Mail from a wonderful friend who attends the Brethren Church several miles from where I live.She was telling me how she enjoys attending the Church.She at one time attended a Pentecostal Church. For several months I have been receiving some information about what The Fellowship of The Grace Brethren Church are doing in today's world.It seems their congregations seems to be growing.It seems they stay focus on God's work and The Holy Spirit.One of the Congregations I was a part of for about 9 years was really growing.They were talking about building a new church or adding onto the main one but several years later the Lord called the minister to go to another church.That same congregation now is doing pretty good if there is twenty-five for the Sunday Morning Service.They don't have Sunday evening services or Wednesday evening services any longer.So I really don't know what the problem is unless we arem't as grounded in God's Word and prayer the way we use to be. Patty Brate Connell