THE BULLETIN OF IBTM
with Douglas Jacoby
.
9 February 2026
Good evening from Los Angeles! It’s our layover on the way from Honolulu back to Atlanta.
We’ve been working in O’ahu: a church teaching morning (Douglas), Vicki teaching the mature sisters on Grace in the Seasons of Life (picture at R); AIM-Pacific graduation (with local teacher and valued colleague Jackson Cheng); a moving contribution talk (Vicki), my sermon (“The Road is Long, But God is Good”), and fellowship with friends in Hawaii (and watching the Super Bowl).
In the first photo you can see our most recent AIM-Pacific graduates: James McMillan-Chau, Jackson Jen Chieh Cheng (AIM-P instructor, graduating with highest honors), Micah Joichi Pomaikai Kaaihue, and Wouter Roux. Graduated but not picture: David Johnson (Sydney, Australia). Also Paul Slater (London, UK). Paul took the entire course online, through the AIM-US Mainland program headed up by Joey Harris (Augusta, Georgia). Congratulations to all! In the next picture I'm standing next to Anthony Galang, who has been leading the O'ahu church for many years, and has been tremendously supportive of the AIM program. (Thank you, Anthony!)
Since the last update we’ve been getting to know our new neighbors (many of whom are retirees, with flexible schedules and big hearts!). They have initiated and served us, making us feel most welcome. The same can be said of the local church fellowship (the Northview Church of Christ): We feel very welcome and respected. My four men’s Bible studies with the Atlanta Braves (front office) were very well received, and I hope to continue this series from the Sermon on the Mount sometime in March. Last, our 10-month resiliency training program (A Call to Rise) has successfully concluded. (Please let me know if you ‘re interested in joining a new cohort, as we should resume in a few months.)
Today: Several Questions & Answers—plus a thought-provoking and challenging quotation.
QUESTION & ANSWER
To Avoid Criticism
To avoid criticism, do nothing. It has long been recognized that if we will be as weak as water, as mediocre as lukewarmness, and busily doing nothing, we will be appreciated and accepted by almost anyone.
People often resent those who are achievers and always busy—because if they are busy in the Lord’s work, we may feel inferior. We resent others who always have much to do. So if you would avoid criticism, never do anything. Muddle around, appear busy at nothing, and a great segment of the world’s population will take you into their hearts and love you dearly, because misery loves company.
To avoid criticism, say nothing. Just keep all your conversations and convictions and beliefs to yourself—never stand up and be counted—never disagree—just be a rubber stamp and always, wisely, reflect the opinions of your companions. For if you speak up or stand against anything, someone is going to criticize you.
All great issues of life can be ignored if your main issue in life is to please men and minimize criticism. If your fear of criticism is great enough, you can even ignore Jesus Christ and be ashamed of his words. And if you do, you will be loved by the world—for they love their own.
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KINDLE VERSION NOW READY
Last month I included a link to my latest book. At that time only the paperback was ready. Now the e-book (Kindle) is also available. If you enjoy travel—or would like to get out more—this may be the book for you.
I do hope you’ll appreciate the practicals, and enjoy the stories—you have been part of many of them!—from Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Pacific.
FINALLY...
Thank you for your support for our ministry! I also solicit your prayers for my shoulder replacement surgery (Wednesday morning). This is my third major surgery in the space of about a year. Please pray for a quick recovery.
Will people be tortured forever in hell? Will we wear clothes in paradise? Is intellectual property theft justified if it advances the gospel? Find out in the next bulletin.
We’ll also focus on William Tyndale. This year we observe the 500th anniversary of his pioneering English translation of the New Testament.
Translated directly from the Greek and Hebrew, Tyndale's work was banned, and led to his martyrdom in 1536. His work became the foundation for the King James Bible.
For all bulletins 2004-2026 (100s of pages of biblical material), click here. Access the website here. New material every week—typically, every day! Become a website member ($0.10/day, paid annually) here. Your membership is a tremendous boost to this ministry. To donate, click here.
