We are pleased to have several articles which have been contributed by our brother Ussher who has labored in Trinidad.
In the book of the Acts we have records of the Lord’s servants preaching the Gospel and teaching converts the right ways of the Lord. Acts 2:42 is often referred to by those who teach the young in the faith. After conversion and baptism in verse 41, “They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Over the years, the Lord has been pleased to bless the labors of His servants in many parts of the world in seeing converts gathered in assembly fellowship. On the mission field it is necessary to strike a balance between preaching the Gospel and teaching converts.
If possible, it is good for young converts to see a “breaking of bread” meeting. In 1969 we took some converts to see a breaking of bread meeting in San Fernando. They had many questions after the meeting, as they had never seen the like before. After much teaching and prayer, with encouragement from brethren like minded in the faith, an assembly came into being in Orange Field, central Trinidad. There was no hive off from an existing assembly. The first breaking of bread was on the second Lord’s Day in August, 1969. Much heathen darkness was around, but a little lampstand had been planted for the Lord.
First love to the Lord by believers saved from heathendom is a joy to behold. Much patience is needed in teaching people who have no assembly background. At times it comes down to speaking to some personally. They could sit through a ministry meeting and not take in very much of what is said.
As in every aspect of Christian service, it is so necessary to keep close to the Word of God in seeing an assembly planted. The first assembly was together, and a family love and concern are what should be seen in the assembly. Problems are to be expected; the evil one will see to that – personality clashes, home troubles spilling over into the assembly, believers from different backgrounds in life. Waiting upon God is a good “problem solver,” and the work is His. “If God be for us, who can be against us” (Romans 8:31)? As the Lord told Moses, it is good to build according to the pattern.
It is still a joy to read of assemblies being planted in different parts of the world. When believers labor in fellowship with the Lord and see His hand in planting an assembly, this is cause for much thanksgiving.
“Go ye therefore and make disciples … teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the age. Amen (Matt 28:19-20).
