West-Ark Newsletter, 27 April 2003

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Family Lines Newsletter, April 27, 2003
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Hammering often involves two problems. First, "things to be driven" usually must be held. The thumb helps hold. Second, hammers do not have "automatic guidance systems." Hammers hit indiscriminately. When they hit a thumb, only the thumb experiences pain!

Christians should be society's "sore thumbs." Because they suffer? No. Because they constantly reflect pain? No. Because they are forever "in the way"? No. Because they are powerful symbols of social negatives? No. Then why should Christians be society's "sore thumbs"? Because they are incredibly obvious.

My point: people belonging to Jesus the Christ should be obvious in positive, hopeful ways in society. Their lives are obviously ruled by God through Christ. People must see God makes them who and what they are. People must see the benefits of godliness.

Telling society "the disaster" of failed homes is not working--and has not for a long time! Christians must demonstrate the blessings of a godly family. We need to show society the benefits of becoming godly wives, or godly husbands, or godly parents. Society must see the advantages Christ brings to homes. Those from ungodly homes need hope and encouragement, not rejection.

Telling society the problems of addiction and indulgence is not working--and has not for a long time! Our lives must reveal the benefits of godly freedom. Society needs to see something real but superior to indulgence's pleasures.

Telling society, "Money is not god; greed is destructive; and hatred is disaster," is not working--and has not for a long time! Society must see us living for something superior to money, serving something superior to greed, and confronting our hatreds.

We must show people. People must first see to develop a desire to listen. "Telling" is ineffective until first we demonstrate what we "tell" in our lives and relationships.

The finest "telling" cannot negate Christian daily lifestyles that produce horrible family members, or pleasure-seeking that opposes God, or unapologetic materialism. Correct doctrines endorsed by ungodly lives cause God to be rejected and Christ to be a farce. In Christianity, church membership must never be a substitute for daily discipleship.

**THANK YOU**
We are deeply grateful for all those who involve themselves in this community of Christians. We thank every person who uses his or her life, abilities, and interest to serve God's purposes as they minister to needs. May all of us grow in awareness of the many wonderful involvements that are a part of this congregation. Thank you!

* All the kids who went to LTC.
* All the parents and adults who made LTC possible.
* All the ladies who provided food for the Beshears family.
* Paula May and Dale Mason for organizing the food.
* All those who make it "happen" on Sundays: projectionists, van drivers, teachers, helpers ...
* The many who quietly visit and encourage.
* All the volunteers who have helped with CURE projects.
* All the folks who have volunteered to be a part of mission trips.
* Those who minister to our widows.
* Those who coordinate our Care Groups.
* Those who are involved in small groups.
* Everyone who sees a need and responds to it.

**Fellowship Rescheduled**
Our 4th Sunday Night Singing and Fellowship Meal have been rescheduled for Sunday night, the 4th of May. All who can, please bring desserts a week from Sunday night.

**Jail Ministry Update**
Thurman Knauls was baptized Saturday, April 19th. He was taught by Steve Breedlove. Mike Williams had two responses to the gospel call of Christ, and they will be immersed this Saturday, April 25th.
In Christ's service,
Dan Cathey

**Ladies' Day**
Rena Road Church of Christ is planning a special day for women on Saturday, May 17th, from 9 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The theme is "My Cup Runneth Over." The guest speaker is former West-Ark member, Brenda Wilson who now lives in Mayfield, Kentucky. Lunch will be served.

**Golf Tournament**
Valley View Church of Christ is hosting a golf tournament at Ben Geren Golf Course on June 14, 2003. The format is a 4-man scramble. Check in by 1:15 p.m. To sign up, call Niketa Stinchcomb at 996-3001 or Valley View C of C at 996-6040. If no answer, please leave your name and phone number.

**LTC Awards and Pizza Party**
We will meet Sunday evening after worship in the FLC.
Coaches, please attend in order to hand out awards.
A special invitation is extended to all 2nd and 3rd graders with their families.

Kids, your hard work is paying off. We have another big Awards Celebration coming soon. Keep up the good work and keep watching HERE for the date. If you build those points soon, we can have the celebration before the 6th graders promote in June.

* Wilma Mizell is in St. Edward Hospital, room 3416.
* Kathy Monk is having health problems and is having several tests.
* Lucia Lara (mother of Mickey Mendez) is in Sparks Hospital, room 570.
* The family, friends, and classmates of Dustin Chitwood, a senior at Alma, who was killed in a motorcycle accident Sunday.
* Continue to pray for Sandy Berger, Kathy Bauer, Vicki Varvel, Sandy Thurman, Bobby McLaughlin, and Elaine Jordan.

**Bereaved**
Our love and sympathy is extended to Patti Anderson in the death of her mother, Erma Beshears, on Sunday. Funeral services were Tuesday at Lewis Funeral Chapel.

Our love and sympathy is also extended to Doris Robertson and Claretta Barlett in the death of their sister, Ramona Nash, of Vinita, Oklahoma. Funeral services were Thursday at Craig County Baptist Church.

**Wedding Shower**
A Shower honoring Steven Cole and Louise Coffman is planned for Sunday, April 27th, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the home of Robin Harper, 3627 Free Ferry Road in Fort Smith. Steven and Louise are registered at Linens and Things, Dillards, and JC Penney. Their colors are green and blue.

**Bridal Shower**
A Bridal Shower honoring Kendy Jones is planned for Sunday, May 4, from 2:00 to 3:30 in the home of Connye Neal, 6520 Ellsworth Road in Fort Smith. Kendy is registered at Dillards, Linens 'N Things, Pier 1, and Wal-Mart.

**Baby Shower**
A shower honoring Sara Dockery is planned for Sunday, May 4, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the home of Dena Jenkins, 8113 Valley Forge Road. Sara is registered at Toys 'R Us and Walt-Mart

**Baby Announcement**
Congratulations to Jim and Donna Hannah, former members at West-Ark, on the birth of another grandchild. Taran James Brandon Brown was born April 20th to Ken and Sarah (Hannah) Brown.

**Deacon Resignation**
Dear Elders,
I have been thinking for some time that I should resign as a Deacon. I have been having trouble with my memory, and it seems it is getting worse as each day goes by. I want to thank you Elders for having faith in me in this ministry, but I really think that the time has come to turn this over to some good man. A big thanks again for having that faith in me.
Yours in Christ,
John Richards
Bible Correspondence Ministry
[Thank you, John, for your many years of faithful service!]

**College Graduation**
Amy Elizabeth Mason will graduate with a
B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville)
On Saturday, May 10th. Congratulations Amy!
Amy is the daughter of Vicki Mason and the granddaughter of
Jim & Margi Mason, Dorotha Kirchner, and the late Virgil Kirchner.

Here's a reminder to everyone that I will be gone the week of April 28 - May 3rd in order to attend the "Family Builders Series" at Pepperdine. I have attended the National Conference on Youth Ministry 10 of the past 12 years, and it has been a real blessing to my work. However, a good friend of mine attended the Pepperdine Lectureships this past year, and he has talked me into trying something new.

I plan to attend the 3 part class "Building Smart Stepfamilies" that will be taught by Ron Deal of Jonesboro. There are other classes like "The Shallow End of the Pool - forming a theology of baptism for Children and Teens;" "A Lasting Promise--Strengthening Marriages and Preventing Divorce;" "Who's Afraid of This Scary World? We Are?" (Raising Fearless Children in a Frightening World).

I hope to have a blessed week of study and growth. I hope to return willing to do whatever it takes to help provide the resources, classes, and events that will strengthen our family relationships at West-Ark. I hope to return eager to be used by God in ways that He wants to use me. Have a great week!

**Schedule of Services**
Sunday Worship (10:30).................813
Sunday Classes (9:30) .................. 427
Sunday Evening (6:00)....................278
The Way (4:00) .................................64
Wednesday Worship (7:00)............ 301
Sunday Contribution ................$16,872
Laotian Attendance............................29
Hispanic attendance..........................34