West-Ark Newsletter, 11 May 2003

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Family Lines Newsletter, May 11, 2003
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Suppose you are featured in an interview. Your responses will be featured in a national news release. The basic question: "How does God make your life different?" How would you explain that your life is different because of your relationship with God?

Would you discuss worship? Would you talk about how often you attend church? Would you list involvements in church work? Would your explanation basically center on the TIME you devote to the church?

Would you share how much you give? Would you share the percent of your income you give to the general contribution? Would you discuss projects that hold special interest to you? Would you share the monetary sacrifices you make? Would your explanation basically center on the MONEY you devote to your religious interests?

Would you discuss your devotional life? Would you share how often you read and pray? Would you share the importance of devotionals to daily focus? Would your explanation basically center on the FOCUS you devote to the faith in God?

Would you share how faith in God determines who and what you are? Would you stress how faith in God changes you as a person? Would you stress that change is a maturing, growing, unending process? Would you stress the impossibility of understanding who you are without understanding your faith in God? Would your explanation basically center on BEING because faith in God is critical to who and what you are as a person?

Suppose the group authorizing the interview is not Christian. Suppose they carefully analyze your remarks. If your emphasis is on the time, would they conclude you would have more time if you did not believe in God? If your emphasis is on money, would they conclude you would have more discretionary funds if you were not Christian? If your emphasis is on focus, would they conclude you would be an excellent devotee to any cause? If your emphasis is on who you are because of faith in God, would they conclude you cannot be understood or explained unless the explainer considers your faith in God?

What would you want understood? Your accomplishments or identify? Would you want them to understand what you do in terms of who you are? Do you want the focus on your hope or your achievements? If faith in God were removed from your life, would the effects be measured in time and money, or in who you are as a person?

1 Peter 3:15 ... sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.

**CURE Needs Workers**
On Saturday, May 10, we need workers to unload a truck with heavy equipment on it. We'll meet at 9:00 a.m. at Building 320 in Fort Chaffee. There are bicycles stored in the building that also need to be repaired.

**It's Play Time In Mexico!!**
To break the ice with the children in Mexico and get them to play with us, we like to take small toys and gifts. We are currently collecting small toys to take. If you would like to contribute, there is a box in the foyer next to the Teen table. Below are some suggestions:
1. Matchbox or Hot Wheel type cars
2. Small stuffed animals (about Beanie Baby size)
3. Small bottles of bubbles
4. Kites
5. Small footballs and soccer balls (no full size, please)
6. Plastic bats and waffle balls
7. Jump ropes
8. Frisbees
9. McDonald's happy meal type toys
10. Jacks
11. Marbles

**Workers are needed for Community Outreach Day**
Please call the office if you can help with this special event
On Saturday, May 31, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
In the Family Life Center.
A meal is provided.
All clothing and non-clothing items are free!

**Gateway News**
IT"S HERE!!! Great job kids.
We will have our awards celebration party
May 18 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Lots of fun and food.
Be sure to bring play clothes and be prepared to get wet.

**In Our Thoughts and Prayers**
* Lois Lancaster was in and out of the emergency room at St. Edward Monday night. She was admitted to Health South Rehab on Tuesday and is in room 216. Please encourage her in any way you can.
* Wilma Mizell remains in St. Edward Hospital, room 3416.
* Bill Phalin, Jo Davidson's father, has improved a little. He is in a hospital in San Jose, California.
* David Myers' cousin, Crystal Magness, is in ICU at St. Edward Hospital.
* LaReeca Herndon requests your prayers for students at Sallisaw High School in the death of classmate, Tyler Armstrong.
* 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 the David Myers Family in the death of Alyssa Michelle Adams (age 22 months). Alyssa died as a result of injuries from a car wreck last Thursday. Her mother, Crystal Magness, remains in the hospital (see above).

**Placing Membership**
O'Dell Bryan
1701 Fresno, Apt. 21
Fort Smith, AR 72901
Phone: 783-8869
Mr. Bryan is Karan Tygart's father. He has moved here from Tahlequah.

**Teachers Needed**
Additional teachers are needed for the summer only. Please let Robin Pratt Webber know if you can help.
* Sunday morning - 2 teachers for the 4 year old class.
* Wednesday night - 1 teacher for the Kindergarten class.
* Wednesday night - 2 teachers for the 3 year old class.

1 Corinthians 1:18-20, For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, "I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE." Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

1 Timothy 3:16, By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

There are many foundation stones that support faith. One of the foundation stones is allowing God to be God. God is not required to "fit our mold." We are required to trust God's nature, being, and actions-even when they exceed our ability to understand. God does not serve us; we serve Him. God is not made in our image; we are made in His.

**The Way Needs Additional "Harvesters"**
There were 58 at the Way's assembly last Sunday afternoon. 31 were kids under 14 years of age! Imagine the fun!
We need more people to work with all these kids. Can you help? We don't want to turn new children away.
"Don't you say, 'There are yet four months until the harvest?' Behold, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and look at the fields, that they are white already to harvest," John 4:35.
See David Boozer for more information.

Seniors, the time is near. I hope you have your reference letters handy, your ACT and SAT scores up to par, and your caps and gowns in hand.

In the coming weeks, you will celebrate the completion of one major stage in life and before you can totally make sense of it all, you will be thrust into another one full speed ahead. Life has a way of doing that to you.

We want to take part in recognizing you for your many accomplishments and we want to encourage you as you begin this new phase of life. We invite you and your family to participate in our Senior Graduation Service that will take place on Sunday, May 18th during our 10:30 a.m. service.

You should have received two letters from me at this point explaining all that will take place on the 18th. Remember, there will be two special sections down front reserved for you and your families on the 18th. We want your family to stand and be recognized along with you.

If you have any questions concerning our graduation service, please call the office at 452-1240. We're proud of you and we look forward to a great worship service in which we honor God for all He has done in and through your lives.

**Special News**
It's been a great Spring and salvation is near! Praise God for rebirth and for the new lives He's given to Jessica Bryant, Molly Walker, Jordan Hayworth, Cyress Hayworth, and John Carson. In acts of faith and obedience to God, they were all recently baptized for the forgiveness of their sins! AMEN!

**Schedule of Services**
Sunday Worship (10:30)................638
Sunday Classes (9:30) ................. 474
Sunday Evening (6:00)...................N/C
The Way (4:00) ...............................58
Wednesday Worship (7:00)........... 302
Sunday Contribution ...............$17,476
Laotian Attendance..........................23
Hispanic Attendance.........................30