West-Ark Newsletter, 20 October 2002

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Family Lines Newsletter, October 20, 2002
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Abraham lived in the city of Ur. In his day for his region, he lived in the most advantaged, opportune place that existed in his "known world" (Genesis 11:27, 28). A God [Who was new to him and was unlike the other gods he had known (Joshua 24:14)] asked him to leave, and eventually asked him to go to an unexplained, undisclosed destination (Genesis 12:1-5). He did, but Ur and Canaan were in major contrast!

When the Israelite slaves left Egypt, God did not direct them to the "short route" by the sea. He directed them to the "long route" through a desert (Exodus 13:17, 18). God knew those people would encounter war on the "short route." He feared war might change those Israelites' minds, and they might return to Egypt and slavery. The harsh way was actually the better way.

In 597 B.C. the first of three Israelite groups became Jewish captives in Babylon. Two of the Old Testament prophets were in that group -- Daniel and Ezekiel. Existing in strange conditions far, far from home in a forced exile from which they would not return was not a "wonderful experience." Two men whom God would choose and trust to be His spokesmen were among the first to go into Babylonian exile.

God gave us a perfect Savior. In this Savior, God redeemed us. Through that redemption, God gave us hope. That hope was based on God's mercy and grace. From God's mercy and grace flows incredible forgiveness. God did all that -- through death.

We struggle, agonize, suffer pain, and face disappointments. We are easily deceived. In our gullibility, we are often eager to believe any lie evil tells us. "Life is about feeling good -- indulge your feelings!" "Life is about security -- pursue money with passion!" "Life is about pleasure -- allow nothing to get in the way of having fun!" "Life is about success -- make any necessary sacrifice required to achieve your goals!"

How betrayed we are when our "feelings" change, our "security" crumbles, our "pleasures" enslave us, our "success" is cold and empty. How meaningless our lives become when what we "knew" as the all important measurements of life are not even an asterisk (*) in the footnotes!

Hard lessons for us to learn: (1) Today's greatest city may not hold tomorrow's promise. (2) The harsh way may be the best way. (3) Physical tragedy may be eternal opportunity. (4) Our most significant doorway to life may be death.

What did Abraham, Daniel, and Ezekiel learn to do? Trust God. What did those Israelite slaves never learn to do? Trust God. Our major issue: regardless of what is happening or where we are, will we learn to trust God?

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**"Will You Please Influence Me For Christ?"**
By David Boozer

We often talk about ways to influence our community for Christ. Wouldn't it be nice if people from our community came to us and asked us to influence them? Wouldn't it be nice if they sat across tables from us once a week and listened to things that we told them?
That is just what happens every Thursday afternoon from 3:00 until 5:00. Last Thursday after school, twenty-three children from our community arrived at the Johnson Street building simply to spend time with us -- and be influenced by us.

We do not advertise for children to come and be tutored. We do not ask teachers to recommend students that need help. (We did that last year.) We do not even ask for referrals from anyone about kids who might need attention. Instead, these kids have come to us because of parents or friends who have heard of what we are doing. But no matter how they got here, they all have one thing in common: each is asking us, in their own way, to influence them.

About seventeen Christians have stepped forward and said, "Yes, I will be that influence for Christ that these kids are craving. Yes, I will spend a little bit of time with them every week. Yes, I'm tired of complaining and preaching about the terrible situation that our children and world are in today; I'm going to do something about it." These seventeen volunteers are dedicated, hardworking followers of Christ whose actions are speaking much louder than their words. No, they are not experts in child psychology.; but even so, God is doing some great things through them.

As of right now, six more children are waiting to be influenced by us because seventeen tutors are not enough. We need more help! If you have the time on Thursday afternoons, you are needed. Even if you can't commit to every Thursday, there is still a role for you to fulfill. If you are ready for God to work through you to influence these children, call David Boozer or Leslie Holland. We need your help!

**LTC Announcements**
Signing is each 2nd and 4th Sunday from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Chorus is each 1st and 3rd Sunday from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m.
LTC Bulletin Board will complete their boards and have a pizza party from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 19 in the FLC (note the time has changed). We will also provide donuts and rolls for snacks.

**Sign-up for the Ladies' Retreat **
It will be January 24-25 in Morrilton.
A sign-up sheet is posted on the
Library window. Space is limited.
3 meals & accommodations: $60.
Spiritual fulfillment and uplifting fellowship: PRICELESS!!

**Missions Weekend 2002**
Jesus gave It all ... What can you give?
Missions Banquet, Friday, Nov. 8
Prayer Breakfast, Saturday, Nov. 9
Missions Sunday, November 10
Our special contribution goal on November 10 is $181,000.
Plan to be a part of this exciting weekend.

**Happy Birthday**
October 27
Amy Burger
Lee J. Farris
Kendy Jones
October 28
Sue Hastings
October 29
Bo Mason
Jay Wood
October 30
Kate Burkett
Terry Overbey
October 31
Frances Quenin
Katie Russell
Katy Selby
November 1
Dylan Roper
Hank Watlington
November 2
Brett Goode
Ralph Harmon
Lois Lancaster
Kaylee Lindgren
Trey Richardson

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**Remember in Prayer**
Bonnie Marrs had surgery Monday at St. Edward Hospital. She plans to be with her daughter during recovery.
Robbie Kilmer is in Sparks, MICU, room 220. She had surgery to control internal bleeding on Tuesday.
Marceil Stevens was recently diagnosed with cancer. Treatment has not yet been determined.
Nancy Dockery's father, Doy Wilkins, is scheduled for heart surgery at St. Edward Hospital on October 18.
Blossom Mahan is back at St. Edward Hospital in room 4317.
Bruce Hunnicutt (a friend of the Harper Family) is in St. Edward, room 5513.
Continue to pray for Anita Maxwell, Erma Beshears, Sandy Berger, and Kathy Bauer in their treatments for cancer.

**Bereaved**
Word has been received of the recent death of Melinda Hefflin Grooms, age 49, of Brentwood, TN. Melinda's father, W.W. Heflin, ministered for 12 years with the Midland Blvd. and Windsor Drive congregations. If you would like to be included in a memorial gift for Melinda, please contact Mary Broyles. If you would like to send a card to them, the address is:
W. W. and Marilyn Hefflin
501 Old Hiway 441-C-101
Mount Dora, FL 32757

**Notes of Thanks**
Dear Quilting Ladies,
Thank you so much for the contribution made to the church in remembrance of our sister, Myra. She would have loved you all so much and admired you for your many quilting talents. She did a lot of crafts while she was in the hospital to pass the time. Your thoughtfulness is so much appreciated, and helps us so much. We miss her terribly.
In Christian love,
Anetia Livesay & Marceil Stevens

Dear Friends at West-Ark Church,
Thank you for being with us at Herbert's funeral, which made it a lot easier to bear. Thanks for the beautiful flowers, cards, your love, and prayers.
In Christian love,
Marie Brasher and Family

**West-Ark Quilters**
Thank you so much for the wonderful quilt you gave us for our wedding. It is absolutely beautiful! And, I'm sure it will be great during these cold Northern nights.
Thanks again,
Mandy & Darren

**Caring for our Shut-in and Homebound Members**
Being homebound or in a nursing home can become quite lonely. This week make a visit, a phone call, or send a card to someone on the list.
Darlene Hostetler, 2707 E. King Avenue, Sallisaw, OK 74955, Phone (918) 774-0740.
Opal Hewett Dexter, Mercy Crest, 1300 Strozier Lane, Barling, AR 72923, Phone: 478-3077.
Lois Jester, 2218 Churchill Road, Fort Smith, AR 72904, Phone: 782-2357.
Eileen Jones, Medi Homes Nursing Home, 4613 Rogers, Room C-5, Fort Smith, AR 72903, Phone: 452-8359.
Marie Lile, 3614 Roosevelt, Fort Smith, AR 72904 Phone: 782-0447.

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**Family Life Ministry**
Brad Pistole
Ah yes! I love this time of year so much that I named my daughter after it. Autumn is definitely my favorite time of year. The leaves are changing, the air is cooler, and it's a time of recovery for me and my family.

I must admit, there are many times during the stretch from January to September each year when my family feels left behind. The demands of ministry can sometimes be overwhelming, especially when you love it as much as I do. I fail to realize just how often I'm not there as a husband and father. The needs of my church family sometimes overshadow the needs of my own family. I have to be very careful about that.

I've thoroughly enjoyed the times I've shared with our teens and their families this year. Our young people are growing like never before. I see teens stepping up each day, and I know they will be leaders in the Lord's church long into the future.

At the same time, I'm ready for a break. I look forward to the next few weeks as I take some much needed vacation and get refreshed for the coming year. I will be gone the weeks of October 20-26 and November 1-7.

Remember, you will always be busy. You will always have a deadline to meet. You will always have another meeting to attend. But you will not always have your children. Take the time ... while you still have it.

**Schedule of Services**
Sunday Worship (10:30)............... 657
Sunday Classes (9:30) ............... 447
Sunday Evening (6:00).................329
Laotian Attendance.....................42
The Way (4:00) ....................... 48
Spanish.............................. .17
Wednesday Worship (7:00)............. 360
Sunday Contribution ..............$17,061

Office Phone (479) 452-1240
Fax (479) 452-5767
office@westarkchurchofchrist.org
www.westarkchurchofchrist.org