Dr. Robert Sumner passed away in December 2016. The Biblical Evangelist newspaper is no longer being published and the ministry of Biblical Evangelism has ceased operation.

The remaining inventory of his books and gospel tracts was transferred to The Baptist Tabernacle of Los Angeles and may be ordered here.

Letters We Love
Dr. Robert L. Sumner, Editor

First, let me break all the rules for this column (hey, I’m the editor; give me a break). I refer to the fact that we normally do not give the names of the writers. We are about to give you a bunch!

When your editor became the pastor of the Morningside Baptist Church in Graham (TX) in the late 1940s, two of the prominent families were Ray/Ruth Brown and Travis/Ruby Brooks. Ray was a deacon and the wives, Ruth and Ruby, were the twin daughters of a prominent local figure (he owned the local hotel, the Driver Hotel, where my family stayed the weekend I candidated). Our kids loved it because it had an outside balcony and that Saturday was the annual parade and rodeo with all the cowboys and horses. But that’s another tale.

A couple of issues back we noted that my health was not the best (still isn’t, but it has improved, I think) and “the families” of these two couples (all four went to be with Jesus long ago) sent me a beautiful Dayspring card from Hallmark, reminding me of God’s love – and theirs – in time of trouble.

The best thing about it was that the Brown/Brooks descendents had written notes of encouragement on the card. Offering reminders of prayer in my behalf were Doug & Donna Robertson, Tommy & Sherian Brooks, Wayne & Barbara (Brown) Trice, Annette Brown Brooks, Jos Brigdon, Helen & Brent Robinson (Brown), Lynn & Jane Brooks, Greg & Julie Brooks Turner, Jack & Gail Brooks Blair, Dennis & Sue Brown, Wendell & Susan Brown, and Betty Roberts (Brown).

Those dear folks enclosed checks totaling $675.00 to help with the expenses of the time. Since I’ve been gone from Graham nearly six decades, that was (to me) an impressive tribute! I am frank to say that some of the happiest days of my ministry were in that Young County seat where no road led through it to any place (to go there, you had to take a route that led nowhere else, although it was not far as the crow flies to Fort Worth or Dallas). A small town nearby, Jacksboro, had main highways going through it – and so did Breckenridge, Mineral Wells, and especially Wichita Falls, but not Graham.

Thank you, dear friends in Graham; I’ll never forget you.

Next, let me quote longtime friends in Indiana:

“Thank you for your faithfulness in publishing The Biblical Evangelist. We at Faith Baptist Church appreciate your efforts and your choices. Thank you for the messages by Dr. Pickering and Dr. John C. Whitcomb. Your message ‘Keys to Victory in the New Year’ is very practical.

“One of the first sections of the paper we read each time we receive it is ‘Off the Cuff.’ I believe this is the area where you are your best …

“May the Lord continue to give you strength and wisdom as we start this new year. I pray He will supply all of your needs. Enclosed is our gift for this month. As always, I wish it were ten times more. Thanks for being a gracious friend.”

Wasn’t that a nice letter?

From missionaries in South America came this gracious word: “We sent a check for $50.00 to BE over your internet website via Pay Pal today. We missionaries really enjoy being kept encouraged, spiritually fed, blessed, uplifted, and informed with such a godly Christian periodical. God bless you and yours, Doc Sumner, as you continue to do His bidding for His glory and the benefit of your readers. Only eternity will tell the impact, effectiveness, and value that the BE has had in the lives of countless numbers of both believers and non-believers alike.”

A very kind note came from a dear Free Will Baptist friend: “Today is an unusually busy day for me but I just have to write and tell you what a blessing Precious Promises Powerhouse has been recently. It is no secret to you and many others that your ministry has greatly enriched my life and ministry. I go today to conduct the funeral of one (a younger minister from my … pastorate) whom I stand somewhat in a similar place to him, as you do to me. Thanks and God Bless you dear brother.”

That is one of the gracious but undeserved tributes I take to the bank anyway.

From Italy came a nice note with a request: “Thanks for sending your bimonthly. I appreciate it and use it for my preaching. Please take notice that I have changed my address …”

Later he said, “I am one of those converted by reading The Sword of the Lord. I am referring to around 20 years ago. John R. Rice was alive. You have known him well. So please let me know one thing: what do you think about all this stuff concerning the KJV only position. Is the KJV the only reliable Bible? What do you think about the NASB? And finally what did John Rice think about this?”

We replied:

“Both Dr. Rice and I rejected strongly KJVOnly while loving and using the KJV. He not only strongly opposed the "only" position but wrote about it often, including his masterpiece, Our God-Breathed Bible. In one of his books he called those who held the only position "nuts." (Sermon, "Be a Fundamentalist, But Not a Nut.") My position is outlined in my $2 booklet, Bible Translations.

“As for the NASB, Dr. Rice thought it one of the best translations available and said so repeatedly. I agree.

“I trust that answers your questions.”

A brother in Louisiana needing prayer for both health and employment wrote: “I want to add how much I enjoy reading and studying your newspaper. It has certainly been an inspiration to me as good material is hard to find. I have been using the articles for my personal Bible studies and then I pass on the paper to others who equally find them useful and insightful and they in turn have passed them on to others and so on.

“I pray that God will continue to richly bless you and your ministry, just as you have been used to bless this humble servant.”

Pray for this good friend in his time of need; God knows who he is.

 Via the internet came this kind note: “Dear Dr. Sumner, thanks for sending me The Biblical Evangelist the whole year of 2010. Since I learned how to use the computer I decided to write to you through e-mail which is not only faster but would also help you as to postage cost. I would like you to know that I always pray that God would enable you to continue publishing TBE until the coming of the Lord. Your brother in Christ.”

That, obviously, warmed my heart.

Again from the internet: “A few months ago I wrote you concerning Louisiana Baptist University. Though I have not yet decided where to study, your words were a great encouragement.

“Tonight I am reading the latest copy of your fine newspaper. Thank you for your faithful, balanced stand on the Fundamentals of God’s Word.

“Your paper reminds me of the importance of not getting caught up in trends but instead to be faithful to the old paths.

“Only wanted you to know that you are having an influence on my generation.”

And for this issue, that’s all folks! Remember, it is always right to write!