“So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.” 1 Corinthians 3:7 NKJV
Easter Sunday afternoon 1933, Lance and Virginia Latham, along with nearly 400 others from the Chicago Gospel Tabernacle, met to begin the North Side Gospel Center. Soon Lance Latham approached Art Rorheim, challenging him to direct the youth ministry.
The Biblical thrust for the youth ministry at the North Side Gospel Center followed what had been happening at the Chicago Gospel Tabernacle.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV
The youth ministry at North Side Gospel Center continued to expand and reach out with Rorheim leading the way, with Lance Latham‘s encouragement and involvement.
“Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.” 1 Corinthians 3:8-10 NKJV
Art Rorheim wrote: “Lance Latham in 1950 encouraged me to accept the challenge of becoming executive director of the newly incorporated AWANA youth association. I could not have handled all those responsibilities without the example and guidance of this disciplined man who always put God first in everything.”
Today there are 107,709 AWANA clubs in 140 countries worldwide, reaching 11,536,311 students for Christ.
Almost simultaneously in 1933, Ford Porter, longtime pastor of First Baptist Church in Princeton, Indiana was moving to Indianapolis to take on a new pastorate there that ultimately developed into Lifegate Ministries.
Before leaving, Ford Porter had a desire to get the Gospel to every home in Princeton. He wrote, following God’s direction, “God’s Simple Plan of Salvation.” He had 2,000 copies printed. After sending a copy to every home in Princeton (1,800), he enclosed a copy with his correspondence. Soon other pastors and leaders ordered multiple copies. More and more copies were printed and distributed. By 2024, Lifegate reported 670 million copies of “God’s Simple Plan of Salvation” have been printed in 129 languages.
A precursor to Fair Share took place at the Wabash County Fair in August 1948. My first target teen, new believer in Christ Ivan “Pete” Peterson, and I were “gung-ho” for God, and stood at the exit from the grandstand, giving a copy of “God’s Simple Plan of Salvation” to every possible person.
Fair Share 2026 is to continue in Wabash County, Illinois at Mount Carmel August 12-14.
Since Fair Share began on July 6, the “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ” message has been proclaimed on banners, free bottles of water, God’s ABCs of salvation, and one-on-one surveys and sharing of the Gospel in Gibson, Knox, and Warrick counties in Indiana; McLean County, Kentucky; and Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, and White counties in Illinois.
Saturday, August 15, a Fair Share report rally begins at TTT at 7:27 PM, climaxing with complementary Papa Johns pizza and soft drinks. American and Christian flag desk sets will be presented to all who attend in person.
TTT continues every Saturday at 7:27 PM, with “Burger Bash” September 5 and “Fall Festival Preview” with free corn dogs October 3, followed by participation with the Evansville West Side Nut Club Fall Festival Monday, October 5 through Friday, October 9.
Telling The TRUTH radio continues daily on the VCY America network, reaching listeners in 25 states, including WPTH in Olney, Illinois; and on WSJD in Mt Carmel, Illinois; also available via podcast.
Jesus’ birthday cake will visually present the Gospel at TTT Saturday, December 5, using the wordless book concept, and following the Christmas song: “Go Tell It on the Mountain, over the hills and everywhere: Jesus Christ is born” … and Jesus Christ is alive today in the hearts and lives of every person who decides to “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.” Let’s go “Together Toward Tomorrow.”