West-Ark Newsletter, 5 January 2003

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Family Lines Newsletter, January 5, 2003
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**A TIMELY PRAYER**
By David Chadwell

The following prayer considerations are timely every month and day of the year, not just in early January. Hopefully these thoughts express the yearning of every heart sincerely committed to God through Jesus Christ.

"God, work within me so that I erect nothing as a barrier to a growing understanding of Your purposes."

"God, help my knowledge be a stepping stone to wisdom, not the inner arrogance of prideful attitudes."

"God, help my faith and my love grow through understanding. May I never view ignorance as a virtue. May I never fear understanding."

"God, help me extend hope to those Jesus died to save. May Jesus teach me to reflect You. Help me avoid the temptation of judging those who seek Your rescue."

"God, teach me how to be compassionate. Help me realize You cannot touch hearts and lives through me unless I am compassionate."

"God, teach me to be merciful. Help me understand that I cannot decide and do not determine who should and should not receive Your mercy. May Your mercy teach me how to extend my mercy."

"God, teach me how to forgive. My greatest joys in life flow from Your forgiveness. May the joys of Your forgiveness guide my forgiveness."

"God, Your rule blesses our world. Your rule in people's hearts through the Lordship of Jesus Christ would be this world's greatest blessing. Whatever the cost, help me surrender to Your rule."

"God, help me understand that my knowledge, understanding, or imagination cannot limit You. May the temptation to confine You to human thought never victimize me."

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**A Couple of Notes**
By David Boozer

Thanks to your generosity, 35 children from our community had a happier Christmas! That's 35 kids who, just one year ago, did not know us, or possibly even Christ, at all. Of the 35, 14 of these children are from our tutoring program; 8 of them attend the Way's assembly on Sunday nights; 7 of them are a part of both the tutoring program and the Way; 6 of them have had no previous contact with us before this holiday season. Thanks for making a difference in His name!

Since September, I have been organizing Peak of the Week which meets on Wednesday nights. Beginning in January, I will no longer be able to do that. So, for now, Peak will not meet on Wednesday nights.

**Adult Bible Classes**
Some of the adult classes will be discussing "Resolutions" for the first quarter of the new year.

**Mission Trips**
In your personal prayers, remember all of our members who are traveling and working in foreign countries this month.

*John Paul and Ruby Lee Hundley will be leaving to continue their work in France on Thursday, January 9th.
*Jerry Canfield is leaving for Nigeria January 29th.
*Deborah Wilson will be going to Thailand to visit in January.
*Thomas Kweekul is also planning a trip to Thailand this month.
*Jim Wilson will visit Ethiopia in January.

**Homebound Ministry**
Remember to encourage one of our shut-in members by a visit, a phone call, or a card.
*Pearl Beam, 1114 North 5th, Fort Smith, AR 72901 (782-8734). Pearl is able to attend some services.
*Bobbye Ferrell, 3204 South 32nd, Fort Smith, AR 72903 Phone: 646-9649.

No Debt, No Sweat! discusses the importance of bringing Biblical principles to our money matters. Steve's style is humorous and up beat.

"No Debt, No Sweat" is perfect for:
* people who are financially sound and looking for investment strategies, but
* the seminar is also aimed at those who are in financial turmoil needing a successful plan for getting out of debt.

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Paul Tucker is in Sparks Hospital. We are happy to announce that he has been moved from ICU to a private room, #433.

Continue to pray for Helen Branum, Anita Maxwell, Erma Beshears, Sandy Berger, Virgil Kirchner, Kathy Bauer, Vicki Varvel, and Sandy Thurman.

**Prayer Response**
Sunday morning, Dorothy Harwell asked for prayers that she may lay the past to rest and make a new beginning in her life.

**Bereaved**
Our love and sympathy is extended to the following families:
* To Joyce Chadwell in the death of her uncle, Lyn Carson, who died December 26 in Crossville, Tennessee.
* To Betty Ransom in the death of Roger. Funeral services were December 28th at Woodlawn Cemetery Chapel.

**Recently Baptized**
Coby Logan was baptized December 20th by his father-in-law, Jerry Canfield. If you would like to send a card, the address for Coby, Megan and Savannah is P.O. Box 10475, Fort Smith, AR 72917.

**Ladies Retreat Sign-Up**
Please mark your calendar for the Ladies' Retreat in Morrilton on January 24 & 25. The sign-up sheet is in the Library window.

**New Van Fund Drive**
Many ministries have the need of reliable transportation. We would like to purchase another van to be utilized by our various ministries. Our goal is $35,000. As of December 31st, $14,435 has been donated. Donations may be given to any staff member, elder, or BMT member.

**January 5, 2003**
Sunday Morning: "How Jesus' Disciples See This World" By David Chadwell
For the month of January, David will give the lesson and one of the elders will extend the invitation.
This week the invitation will be given by Bob Null.

Sunday Evening: Family Meeting
We will be discussing our support of children's homes and starting the search for an Associate Minister.
Your participation and input is appreciated.
We will not have a Fellowship Meal.

**"His Needs, Her Needs"**
A new class is now forming!
Call Mat Griffin (452-1472) or Paul Shirley (632-4458) to register.
His Needs/Her Needs is an eight-week interractive marriage enrichment course based on the book by the same title.

For all our differences, men and women want the same thing: satisfying, loving relationships. How can you experience a lifetime of fulfillment and intimacy in your marriage? By learning habits that meet the most important emotional needs of yourself and your spouse.

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**Family Life Ministry**
By Brad Pistole

Resolution...I wonder what words or phrases you think of when you hear that word? If you are a teen, when you hear the word resolution you probably think of TV's, cameras, or computer screens, but to an adult in the month of January, the term "resolution" means something totally different.

I know, I know, you're going to take it seriously this year. This time, you are really going to mean it when you make your New Year's Resolution. I will too....I think!

Isn't it interesting how we justify today's choices based on the resolutions we plan to have "next week?" "It's ok if I eat this now, because my diet starts next week...and I'm really going to stick to it this time." Or how about this one, "I can go ahead and charge this now, because I am really going to be disciplined with my money and bills in the coming year."

I wonder how often we do the same thing in our spiritual lives. Does this sound familiar: "It's OK if I do this now. After all, I will only be young once and I'll get serious about my spiritual life when I grow up." Or, "I know we are struggling right now, but when we have children, we are going to take our spiritual life seriously. We want to be good examples for them."

I am sure God has "heard them all." I wonder how he feels as we play the "resolution" game with Him? I know how it makes me feel when teens use this line of reasoning with me to justify their current struggles with sin. I also know they have learned this behavior from adults. How? Because I'm guilty of it too.

May we all live our lives based on today and not tomorrow. May we also realize that our choices today affect our tomorrows. Praise God for His grace, mercy, and understanding. I need it TODAY!

Sunday Worship (10:30)................626
Sunday Classes (9:30) ................. 391
Sunday Evening (6:00)...................255
The Way (4:00) ................................40
Spanish.............................................23
Wednesday Worship (7:00).............NC
Sunday Contribution ................$15,341

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