Acknowledgements & Gratitude

We realize unquestionably, that only God’s Grace and His Plan carve out our destiny. Our Heavenly Father brought us to this point and He continues to guide us as we travel His Path. Without Christ’s Work, we would be doomed. Without His Word, we would be lost. Without Christ in our lives, we are nothing! We pray that this website would reflect God’s Grace and His Glory.

God has brought certain people into our lives for the purpose of enrichment and encouragement.  Though not named here, we will always be grateful to all of them.  However, there are those who have affected our lives immeasurably. To those, we wish to personally name and acknowledge, and once again say, “Thank You!”

Robert B. Thieme, Jr, was Pastor of Berachah Church from 1950-2003, in Houston, Texas.  He was our Pastor from the early ‘70s, and is now face to face with the Lord Jesus Christ. But for all those years, the Holy Spirit empowered him to feed us spiritually, consistently teaching us Biblical Truths: Salvation is faith alone in Christ alone; Eternal Security is absolute; Grace as the system by which we live; Virtue Love being the ultimate Christian virtue; Dispensations as the correct interpretation of History; The Hypostatic Union as it reveals the Deity and Humanity of Christ; The Empowering Ministry of God the Holy Spirit; Positional and Experiential Truths; Spiritual Gifts given to glorify God, not man; Knowledge being worthless without faith, understanding and application; and grasping the significance of the Angelic Conflict, our very raison d’être – reason for being here on earth.  These are just a few of the numerous doctrines and principles he taught us from God’s Word that are now “alive and powerful” in our souls. Christianity is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that grows through the daily study of His Word. 

Robert B. Thieme III, current Pastor of Berachah Church, continues with the same dedication and faithfulness as his father. Through his in-depth isagogic, categorical, and exegetical teaching (ICE), he continues to advance us in our spiritual lives. And because of his ministry, we have come to understand more fully the very Mind and Person of Jesus Christ, that we may impart to others the complete Truth of God’s Word in every respect. So many of the biblical references and illustrations he has taught have become relevant and applicable in our daily lives.  Through his consistent teaching of God’s Word, we have been enriched and will be able to stand before the Throne of God, unashamed, having rightly divided the Word of Truth. For this, we will be forever grateful to him. We consider ourselves extremely honoured and privileged in having both Pastors, shepherd us in Biblical Truths – God’s Word.

Rick Hughes, of Rick Hughes Evangelistic Ministries is a close friend to both of us. Through the years, his friendship has been a source of welcome encouragement, and we have been able to “bounce” things off of him, in spiritual rapport and likeness of mind. It was through Rick’s keen foresight, which recognized Tom’s enthusiasm to communicate doctrinal principles, which led to our current position as Missionaries (someday Tom may ‘forgive’ Rick for this.) It might be of interest to note, that Cheryl landed on the shores of the USA, in 1972. In her hunger and search for real biblical truths, she asked God for guidance. Yes, she was led to “Big Rick” as he is more affectionately known, and the rest, is history! Rick is an Evangelist, speaking to High Schools throughout the country, he has written books and now has a Radio Ministry; all of which can be viewed on his website: www.rickhughesministries.org

Ron Adema, Pastor of Doctrinal Studies Bible Church, founded in 1974 in Birmingham Alabama, is also a good and faithful friend of ours over these many years. It was Ron’s sound influence and gentle guidance that initially taught Cheryl the principles of Bible doctrine, whereby her complex and problematic past could be replaced by God’s Grace and Love. It was through Ron and Rick, who led Cheryl to Houston Texas, and the accurate Bible teaching of Robert B Thieme, Jr.  Ron continues to faithfully teach his congregation in Biblical Truths; with several members of his congregation having been with him since the church’s conception, and who remain friends with us today.  O the ties that bind!

Both Ron and Rick will always hold a very special place in Cheryl’s soul, to whom she was led at a most critical and highly challenging period of her life.

For these men named, our overriding gratitude and deepest appreciation could never be fully expressed. The words of Christ, spoken at the Bema Seat, state it all the more profoundly:

Well done thou good and faithful servant! (Matthew 25:21)

In honour of Robert B. Thieme, Jr., we wish to quote the verses he quoted for 53 years at the beginning of each and every Bible class:

The Word of God is alive and powerful, sharper that any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and the spirit, and of the joints and the marrow, and is a critic of thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

All Scripture is God-breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God might be mature, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2Timothy 3:16-17)

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. (2Timothy 2:15)

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