As we approach the end of this year, we felt that you would appreciate an update about the ministry of Teaching
Resources. 1996 has been a year of growth for the ministry. While attending a number of conferences, we have made
sample copies available to those attending. In each instance, all the copies were taken in a very short while and a
number have responded asking to receive our regular mailing. We are now printing 500 copies of Teaching
Resources, most of which are distributed through bulk mail. Additionally, we continue to send Teaching Resources
to nearly thirty missionaries overseas. All of this is completely free of any charge.
During the past year, Jim has continued to serve as interim pastor at Cornerstone Bible Fellowship while he
completes his Ph.D. at Mid America Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition to taking classes, Jim has been
involved at the seminary, teaching Baptist History and Theological German and French. By the time you receive this
letter, Jim should have completed his dissertation and is projected to graduate in May of 1997. At this point, we are
unsure where the Lord will direct us next –whether to pastoring, starting churches, teaching seminary or college, or
some combination of the above. Please keep us in your prayers as the time for such decisions draws nearer.
One thing we are convinced of is the importance of Teaching Resources. The letters, which we have received
regarding the help that this ministry has provided, have confirmed the need to continue this publication regardless of
whatever else we might be doing. For many, Teaching Resources has provided a “bite-sized” introduction to the
teachings of the Puritans and the Reformers. Our hope is that the writings of these men might be used to encourage
and instruct believers more thoroughly in the Word of God. Additionally, we hope that each issue might provide
some theological resources on various topics that might not be available to missionaries overseas and to pastors of
small churches.
Our goal from the beginning of this ministry has been to provide Teaching Resources free of charge. Since we began
publishing nearly ten years ago, we have always been able to do this. We have done this almost entirely out of our
own salaries as a ministry that the Lord allowed us to have. As we noted in our update last year, Jim’s return to
school reduced our salary to half of what he had previously made. Still, we felt the need, not only to continue the
publication, but to improve it. This we have done by having Teaching Resources professionally printed to provide a
higher quality copy. Normally Teaching Resources costs us almost $1500 per year. This year, we needed to upgrade
our software and purchase a laser printer to continue to improve the quality of publication. We anticipate that our
costs will exceed $2500 this year. Since we have upgraded our equipment, it is likely that we will be able to bring our
annual costs down to $1500 again in the coming year.
Some have asked about how they can help. Let me suggest three things. First, pray that God will open doors for Jim
so that we can find where God wants us in the coming year, so that we will have sufficient income again to cover
expenses through his salary. Second, if you move, please send us a change of address. It costs about $ .21 to send
out Teaching Resources; it costs between $ .50 and $ .75 whenever one is returned. Help us keep costs down by
updating your address. Finally, if you would like to help financially, you can do so through a check to Cornerstone
Bible Fellowship, designated for “Teaching Resources.” (All receipts postmarked by December 31, 1966 can receive a
tax-deduction for 1996. Any received after that date will be receipted for 1997).
Finally, keep us in your prayers. Debbie’s health seems extremely good for which we continue to give God praise.
Jim’s greatest need is for time. Pray that the Lord will grant wisdom as he selects and edits for this ministry. Thank
you again for your faithfulness in these matters.
Teaching Resources Update Fall 1996
January 18, 2010 by ADMIN