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Family Lines
Newsletter, May 26,
2002
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**IN FRUSTRATION IS OPPORTUNITY**
By David
Chadwell
The essence of a Christian leader's task is to confront evil's
devastation with God's hope. Through Jesus Christ, God can redeem and
deliver anyone from the evil's devastation. Jesus Christ provides God's
hope to any person-including those who exist in the blackness of despair's
deepest pit. The deepest darkness makes Jesus' light shine brightly.
Through an amazing contrast, evil's darkness highlights God's love!
My problem: I forget that truth. I confess without
hesitation that evil consumes me. Surely I could give a long list of
ungodly things I have never done. I also could give a long list of
ungodly things I do not do. I could give a lengthy list of "good" things I
do. I could give a significant list of spiritual understandings that bless
me with an increased spiritual maturity.
Yet, when my mind and emotions are
contrasted with Jesus' life and heart, those lists become meaningless.
Jesus reminds me that evil invades every area of my existence.
Spiritual growth produces at least two amazing
experiences. First, the more Christians grow toward God, the more aware
they become of their evil. Second, the more mature Christians become in
Christ, the more they realize their complete dependence on God's grace.
They continually are amazed at God's vast forgiveness because they continually
are amazed at the vastness of their own evil.
Incredibly, we expect others in Christ to have no evil.
Evil in the godless amazes us. Evil in the uncommitted shocks us.
But evil in Christians disillusions us. We readily admit that evil exists
in us. We readily admit dependence on God's forgiveness. Yet, we are
convinced evil should not [must not!] exist in other Christians.
I forget that God's greatest opportunities are produced by
evil's darkest moments: Israel's slavery in Egypt; Elijah's contest with the
prophets of Baal; Daniel's encounter with the lions; Jesus' crucifixion; Paul's
sufferings; John's exile.
God calls us to be His church because evil is FORGIVEN.
When evil preys on your weaknesses, you do not need my contempt. You need
my encouragement in Christ. When evil preys on my weaknesses, I do not
need your contempt. I need your encouragement in Christ. We share
forgiveness and hope because we experience forgiveness and hope.
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**Excursions in Education**
By Ted Edwards
We have many excellent Bible Classes available for all ages at
West-Ark. My encouragement for you is to get involved in a weekly Bible
Study.
The Word of God is not just a source of helpful suggestions,
preventive warnings, or inspirational thoughts. Jesus said that It is life
itself!
There are many of us at West-Ark going through some incredibly
difficult circumstances, and we are still running the race. There is a great
source of encouragement that we can offer to one another.
Remember that:
God is always providing for us -- whether we
"feel" it or not.
When we hit rock bottom -- He is the rock at the
bottom.
Even when we think He is silent, His will is still being
done.
His rod and His staff can sometimes lead us into the
wilderness. He is there.
God is not finished with us as long as we are still living and
breathing.
Our feelings and circumstances do not confirm nor do they make
his promises null and void.
God can't use a quitter.
Sometimes we get so busy doing "spiritual stuff" that we can't
hear what He is saying to us. Is it possible that God is trying to speak to us
and yet we are so caught up in our days that we even tell him "Well, I've got to
go home and pray about it?"
Real, true peace is the deliberate adjustment of our life to
the will of God. Could it be that we simply need to practice being conscious of
his presence in our life? See you in Bible Class!
**LTC Information**
There is an important Coaches Meeting
Wednesday night May 29th, 6:30, in Room 100 for all adults and parents
interested in Leadership Training for Christ.
This is the last week for early sign-ups for the kids to get
involved in LTC 2003. See the LTC tables in the foyer. See Hank & Pam
Watlington, Gary Brown or Ted Edwards for more information.
**WBS Student Baptized**
Dear John Richards,
One of your
students, Martin Kihahu was baptized this afternoon. He studied a while with a
young man on our campus (Eastleigh church -- where we have a computer school of
2,300+ students and an outreach to the students via WBS). He is a very nice
young man, and promised to see me in worship on Sunday morning. His contact with
you was my first to know about WBS being taught via internet....Well, I just
wanted to inform you of Martin's baptism and rejoice with you over the work you
have done!
Sincerely,
Martha Ogle
(Edited for length)
~ ~ ~ ~
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Using their home computers or regular mail, fifteen West-Ark members teach
the Bible using lessons written by World Bible School. If you would like to
become a teacher, contact Michael Cole or John Richards.
**Manuelito Navajo Children's Home Needs**
*zip-on plastic twin mattress covers
*flat twin mattress
pads
*donations for new playground equipment (what they have is very old and
considered dangerous to children's safety)
*Donations can be given to any
Elder or Charley Douglas.
**Birthdays**
June 1
Eleanor Casey
John Hundley
Gordon
Wilson
June 2
Adam Davis
Bob Faries
Larry
Pillstrom
June 3
David Chadwell
Earlene Domerese
June 4
Benton Anderson
Alize Boatright
Glenn
Gilley
June 5
Jo Davidson
June 6
Rochelle Brown
Cathy Buchanan
Janet
Jackson
Brian Perkins
Barbara Binns Smith
June 7
Mary Burkett
Doris Pressley
**23rd Annual Fish Fry**
Mulberry Church of
Christ
Saturday, May 25
6:30 p.m. Rain or shine!!
Fish, fries and hushpuppies are provided. Please bring drinks,
salads and desserts, if you wish, to the John Callahan Home, 6620 Slate Hill
Road, Mulberry, AR (501) 997-1198.
The church bus will be taking a group to Mulberry. Meet at
the building about 5:45 p.m. if you would like to ride with
us.
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**In Our Thoughts and Prayers**
Elizabeth Evans is scheduled for additional
tests.
We rejoice with the Harper and Dunavin families. Robin
Harper's tests were all clear!
Norma Treadway (mother of Kathy Glidewell) is in St. Edward,
room 4411.
Erma Beshears (mother of Patti Anderson).
Clayton Tompkins (father of Drew) had cancer surgery Tuesday
on his lung. Everything went well. He is in St. Edward, room 3209.
Paul Quenin had outpatient surgery this week, and is now home
and doing okay.
Wilma Mizell is home from the hospital.
Roger Ransom (husband of Betty) is in Sparks Hospital, room
634.
Julie Vanderpool is home from the hospital.
Madine Rose is in Health South Rehab, room 210A.
Jewell Madzey has been dismissed from the
hospital.
Inez Hatfield's surgery on her leg went well. She is home from
the hospital.
Eileen Jones is experiencing respiratory problems and has a
cold. She is at Medi-Home Nursing Center.
David Harwell is in Sparks, room 432.
**Farewell**
Sunday will be the last time Judy Halford will
be worshipping with us. She is moving to Rogers, Arkansas, to be with her son
and his family.
**Car Clinic**
The next Car Clinic is Saturday, June 1st,
from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Annex.
**Widows/Widowers**
You will be hosted by the teens at noon
on Saturday, June 1st in the FLC. Call Mary Burkett or Bobbie Hughes if you need
a ride.
**New Men's Class**
A new Wednesday night men's class on
Old Testament survey began May 22nd in room 200. All men are welcomed to join
the study.
**Notes of Thanks**
The family of Clay Evans thank you so
much for the plant. Your thoughtfulness is deeply appreciated.
Mrs. Clay
Evans
Words cannot express our thanks for the beautiful flowers,
cards and especially the prayers for our family at this time. We appreciate
every kindness you have shown us and are grateful for all you have
done.
Glenda & Wayne Roberts
We shall always remember with deep gratitude your comforting
expressions of sympathy
Randy Roberts Family
Thank you for your expressions of love, prayers, and flowers
for our family during the loss of our beloved brother and uncle. He was so
wonderful. We will miss him very much.
In Christian love,
The Breedlove
Family
A special thank you to all those who donated (and continue to
donate) clothing for the Inner City Ministry. Your donations help make our
contacts more meaningful.
Kathy Rosalez
**Graduating Senior Addresses**
Lindsay Trotter
409 River Oaks Blvd.
Searcy, AR
72143
Luke Mason
1246 Verna Lane
Nixa, MO 65714
(Since Lindsay and Luke both live out of town, we thought it
would be helpful to include their addresses. Our other seniors are listed in the
church directory. Additional printouts are in the foyer.)
**Sunday in Worship**
Morning: "Has God Abandoned Me?" By
David Chadwell
Evening: Speaker from Thailand
**Wedding Invitations**
Desiring God's will for their lives
and believing that includes each
other
Coleen Cowan and Paul Shirley
together with their children
invite
you to share their joy as
they are united in marriage on
June 1, 2002,
two o'clock in the afternoon
Center Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville,
Arkansas
Reception to follow at
Ozark Mountain Smokehouse
215 W.
Dickson Street, Fayetteville
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Barton
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter,
Lindsay Renee Barton to
Dale
Dewayne Lusby II
son of Mr. & Mrs. Dale Lusby
on Saturday, the eight
of June
at half past six o'clock in the evening
Roseland
Plantation
2601 State Highway 64
Ben Wheeler, Texas
Reception
immediately following
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**Congratulations Graduating Seniors!**
By Brad Pistole
Most of the High School graduations in this area will take place this
coming week. I want to send special wishes, blessings, and encouragement to this
yearÂ’s senior class. May God bless each one of you in the days and months
ahead.
**Senior Class of 2002**
Susan Berryhill
Kristin Lee
Cowan
Jennifer Davidson
Michael Jones
Ellen Kamp
Kara
Lankford
Eric Lively
Luke Mason
Chase Pressley
Vila Teng
Lindsay
Trotter
Gina Vonghamchanh
Jordan Wade
"In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will direct your paths."
**Special News**
Our mission team that will be traveling to the City of
Children Orphanage in Ensenada, Mexico will be leaving in just two weeks. Please
remember them in your prayers. There is still a need and an opportunity to help
financially with this mission. If you would like to help, see Ron Lenderman or
Brad.
**Nursery Schedule**
Infants
Berniece Rogers
Joann Davenport
Sharon Faries
Toddlers
Sue George
Kristin Smith
Rayna Edwards
P.M. Nursery
Sandi Pippin
Arista Lindgren
**Schedule of Services**
Sunday Worship (10:30).............672
Sunday Classes (9:30)
...............452
Evening Worship (6:00)..............421
Wednesday Worship (7:00)........ 335
Sunday Contribution
............$16,566
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