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Family
Lines Newsletter, June 22,
2003
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**That "Overwhelmed" Feeling**
By David Chadwell
You know the feeling. Surely you do! It
engulfs us when everything is so enormous it seems hopeless. We look
"inside self" only to see the many things "wrong with me." "All that is
wrong with me" so overwhelms us that "fixing me" is not an option! In "my"
overwhelmed feeling, the helplessness of "my" frustration kills "my"
dreams!
We look outside ourselves at our families and
community. We feel overwhelmed! Expectations are unreasonably
high! Disillusionment is enormous! Anticipated improvements are
ridiculous! One group's hope is another group's frustration!
We look at our world and feel overwhelmed.
Human needs defy comprehension! There is so much hate, so much anger, so
much despair, and so much pain! So many are victims of hopelessness!
So many view change as a threat! And yet, change happens so fast nothing
seems stable. Frustration labels any improvement as an enemy to be
feared.
American Christians are victims of three
deceits. The first: control is the key to avoiding the overwhelmed
feeling. In the church, we have been and often are control freaks.
Why? (a) When we focus on controlling, we do not have to look inside self.
(b) We have reasons for condemning what we do not like in our families and
community. (c) We can tell the world, "It is your fault--you have no one to
blame but yourselves!"
The second: we often are preoccupied with a "God
complex." We like to "play God." Often, we judge instead of
help. Often, we oppose evil instead of giving hope in Jesus. Often,
we instruct God instead of surrendering to His purposes. We look at our humility
and wonder why others see our arrogance. God's sovereignty makes us
nervous.
The third: we tend to reduce spiritual
considerations to a matter of logic. Our opposition to evil tends to be
"long on human intellect" and "short on human emotion." Often, we are
dumbfounded when others are unimpressed with our logical deductions. We
are slow to acknowledge that the war between evil and good exceeds the logic of
the human intellect. We say, "Humans are not God, and God is not a
human." Yet, "I do not know," is an unacceptable answer, not a truthful
response acknowledging the mystery of God and His sphere.
Remember: Ephesians 6:10-13 "Finally, be strong in
the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that
you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our
struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the
powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces
of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God,
so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything,
to stand firm." Alone, we are overwhelmed. With God, we endure. Do
not underestimate the war. In the battlefield of your life, know evil is
your enemy AND trust your Lord and Savior.
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Spotlight
On Ministry: The Quilters
Contacts: Inez Hatfield, Betty
Hatcher
The quilting ministry began in 1987 in the home of
Inez Hatfield. It quickly grew, and a permanent room was soon found for
them in the church building. Every Monday 8 to 20 workers assemble to work
and fellowship as they fill the void in a much-needed area of service.
Workers are always wanted to keep up with the supply and demand of these
precious commodities. Inez and Betty both stressed that one does not have to
know how to quilt in order to join this group. If anyone would like to
learn the art of quilting and serve Jesus at the same time, they are welcome to
come and observe. Besides workers, donations of new material are always
welcome.
Although a quiet group, the evidences of their
handiwork can be seen throughout the building and the community. They are
responsible for the cushions on the pews, tablecloths, curtains, many of the VBS
costumes, and wall hangings in our building. They've recovered all the nursery
chairs, covered stools for classrooms, made oversized pillows for GATEWAY, made
baptismal robes, and this year, Christmas stockings for all the children in the
Way. Many newlyweds have benefited from their beautiful quilts, as well as
orphanages. They also make quilts for each bed at the Children's Emergency
Shelter and garment bags for the children who stay there. They make 8 to 10
quilts for the City of Children yearly and sent 2 boxes of garments with the
missionary group this year. The Inner City ministry has benefited from the heavy
blankets they've provided in the past, and area rest homes have received many
lap robes as well.
Thank you ladies for being disciples for Jesus who
are eager to serve others! ~~Christy Hesslen
**"You Should Have Been There!"**
By David
Boozer
There is an ancient Persian saying that goes like
this: Be there or be square. Ok, so maybe that's not an ancient
saying; maybe it's not even Persian, but there is still a lot of truth in
it. Last Saturday I drove back to Ft. Smith after spending a week with 140
kids at Camp Wyldewood in Searcy; ten of those kids were from the Way,
West-Ark's inner city church plant. I understand that you could not have
actually been there because you were probably working or on vacation or doing
something else, so let me tell you what you missed.
You missed Jonelle's question, "Why did we sing
'Happy Birthday' to that girl after she was baptized?" You missed Kia's a
cappella solo performance in front of all campers and staff at Thursday night's
talent show. She sang a song that her sister had written. You missed
eleven-year-old Steven and nine-year-old Hebron rap in front of the same crowd;
their performance literally brought the house down. (By the way, of all
the performers at the talent show, Kia, Steven, and Hebron were the only ones
that performed original songs.) You missed Jocelyn's inner (and sometimes
outer) struggle of how to relate to another camper that called her a terrible
racial name. You missed the sight of Josie singing--really
singing--praises to a God she was learning more and more about every hour.
You missed a lot more that I can't possibly squeeze
into this short article. In short, you missed watching children from
terrible urban situations grow closer to more privileged children and to a God
who transcends all of that. That was something worth seeing. You should
have been there!
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**Remember
In Prayer**
* Margaret Stone fell on Monday and is in Sparks, room 693.
*
Jerry Canfield is scheduled for quadruple heart by-pass surgery Friday morning
at St. Edward Hospital.
* Jean McConnell (Sandy Berger's mother) was recently
diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
* Pat Beard's mother, Lounette Hunt,
was in the ER last week. She is staying with Pat while she sees her doctor in
Fort Smith.
* Gordon Wilson has gone through 7 weeks of radiation for lung
cancer. He is confined to home and is very weak. Cards may be sent to his home
address, or c/o Barbara B. Smith, 1819 North 34th Court, Fort Smith, AR
72904.
* Remember Janet Jackson in prayer as doctors decide treatment for a
brain tumor.
* Shawn McCartney (nephew of Peggy Pistole) is in St. Edward
Hospital, room 5118
* Mickey Mendez' mother, Lucila Lara, is in Sparks, room
643.
* Sheila Bailey's mother, Doris Hammack, is much improved. She is still
in Sparks Hospital.
* Loren Parker is in Sparks Hospital, room 614.
* Ron
& Debbie Belote request your prayers for Floyd Huffmaster, a close family
friend who has cancer.
* Continue to pray for Vicki Varvel, Sandy Thurman,
Elaine Jordan, Joel Prigge, Floy Hamilton, Jess and Mary
Huff.
**Bereaved**
Our love and sympathy is extended
to Mat Griffin in the death of his mother, Waymon Wilma Griffin, on Wednesday
evening. Funeral services will be sometime next week in Maysville,
Oklahoma.
**Baptisms**
Kaylee Lindgren (daughter of John
and Donna) was baptized Sunday morning by Gary Green. Kaylee's address is 13808
Grober Hill Way, Fort Smith, AR 72916.
Marta Rosa Corea was baptized last week by Oscar
Nolasco. She attends worship with the Hispanic church.
**Prayer Responses**
Naomi McLinden asked for
prayers Sunday morning. She is going through personal and spiritual struggles.
Naomi's address is 1822 Cedar, Van Buren, AR 72956.
James Young, a member of Pleasant Valley
congregation asked for prayers. He has been sick for eight months.
**Housewarming Shower**
A Housewarming Shower
for Sandy Land is planned for Sunday, June 22, from 3:00 to 4:00 at the Way
building, 3424 Johnson Street. A list of needed items is posted outside room 100
in the foyer. Sandy welcomes new or used items - she just needs everything to
set up housekeeping.
**Gateway News**
Memory verse: The Lord does
not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance but the
Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7b).
2nd Grade - Faith
Matters
3rd Grade - The Word
4th Grade - www.gateway
5th Grade - Thine Art
6th Grade
- Heavenly Visions
**VBS Schedule (July 21-24)**
Mark your calendar
for the following schedule. Vacation Bible School is 4 fabulous days this year,
Monday - Thursday, July 21-24! We need:
* Teachers and helpers
*
Rugs (oriental, jute, anything that might look appropriate for New Testament
times)
* Silk trees, greenery
Sunday's Thoughts
Sunday Morning: Campus
Ministry
Sunday Evening: Mexico Mission
**Jail Ministry Update**
Charles Bosley, Jason
Whiteagle, Arthur Dickerson, and Homer Turk were all baptized into Christ last
Saturday, June 14. Thanks to Steve Breedlove and David Burns who studied with
these men and brought them to Christ.
In Christ's service,
Dan
Cathey
**60+ Potluck**
Saturday, June 21st, 6:00 p.m.
in the FLC.
**Poem of a Thankful Heart**
To the outside
world
It's just a lawn, freshly-mown
To God's world
It's a seed
lovingly sown.
From my shoulders
A Burden is gently
lifted.
Through hearts and motives
God has sifted.
And He has found
That which He seeks
A
soothing touch applied
To a heart that weeps.
A wearisome burden
Lifted with care
Shows a
hurting child
The Father is there.
Though to the world
It's just a lawn,
freshly-mown
Through you, to me,
God's love has been shown.
Many thanks to Sara and Daniel Word and the elders
and members, Keep up the good work.
It DOES matter, and I am very grateful.
God
bless you,
Naomi and Family
**Birthdays**
June 23
Nash Burkett
Doris
Karr
Rebecca Myers
June 24
Tricia Carson
June 25
Roxanne Benincosa
Debbie
Hendrix
John Kamp
Betty Porter
June 26
David Gates
June 27
Patrick Murphy
Cami
Stancil
June 28
Jean Dicks
Floyd Douthit
Paige
Kimbrow
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**Family Life Ministry**
By Brad
Pistole
What a great night of fellowship we had this past
Sunday night. It was a special Father's Day indeed as many of our moms and dads
joined us for a Family Night at Ben Geren Park. We had almost 100 teens and
parents from West-Ark and The Way participating as we celebrated the importance
of the relationships we share through Jesus Christ.
It was good to see moms, dads, and their children
play with and against each other in a good 'ole game of softball. It was
especially exciting to watch the 14-14 tie that took place in the College Age vs
Adults game that will have to be decided the next time around.
I look forward to more times like this past
Sunday. We all need to routinely break away from the regular routine long enough
to make lasting memories with our biological and spiritual families.
We need to focus more on Paul's words when he
encouraged the older to teach the younger in all aspects of life (Titus 2). I am
thankful for the relationships that were represented this past Sunday night and
for the examples of the older to the younger. Keep up the great work and the
call to follow God at all costs.
Please keep our commitment to the work in Ensenada,
Mexico, in mind throughout this week. We are preparing a special report regarding
our work there this past May 31-June 6 and we will present it to the
congregation this coming Sunday night from 6-7 p.m.
**Good
News**
Kaylee Lindgren was baptized into Christ this past Sunday morning.
John and Donna Lindgren are the proud parents. May we all pray for Kaylee and
encourage her as she begins her new walk with Christ.
**Nursery**
Infants
Berniece Rogers
Sharon
Faries
Joann Davenport
Toddlers
Sue George
Tracy Risley
P.M. Nursery
Marjorie Blake
Bennie
Hedrick
**Schedule of Services**
Sunday Worship
(10:30)................586
Sunday Classes (9:30) .................
392
Sunday Evening (6:00)...................210
Small
Group......................................37
The Way (4:00)
................................70
Wednesday Worship (7:00)...........
N.C.
Sunday Contribution ................$19,826
Laotian
Attendance............................29
Hispanic
Attendance..........................63
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