West-Ark Newsletter, 21 September 2003

Have you ever wondered why Paul would leave home, encounter torture, and endure captive time in Rome? There are probably more reasons than listed below, but these provide insight into his calling, and more importantly his willingness to answer when God asked Paul to leave all he knew behind for Him.

First, Paul answered the call in order to preach the good news of Jesus to people who were lost (Acts 13). Second, Paul made subsequent trips to strengthen and encourage those he had worked with on earlier trips (Acts 14:26-27; Acts 16:36). Third, and most important, Paul answered because God called (Acts 20:24).

Though greatly removed from Paul's travels by foot and ship, we still are called to board planes, cars, and other advanced forms of travel to carry the good news of Jesus to a lost world. Even today, just as in Paul's day, every person deserves the opportunity to hear the gospel and respond to the love of God. God calls the people of today to this work, and to send others out into the field if they are not actually going themselves (Romans 10:14-15). It is also reasonable that we should return to these same places on a regular basis to encourage and support those that take up the cross of Christ in places very different from here.

Paul's love of God and commitment left him no choice but to answer the call of God to take the news of Jesus to a lost world. The question we face today is not, "Do we hear the call?" but rather, "Are we willing to answer that call?"

Our time to respond as a congregation will be on Missions Weekend 2003, the weekend of November 14-16. We will honor those that work in the field that weekend, celebrate the opportunities God has provided us, and take a special contribution to support our collective efforts. Please prayerfully consider what you will do to answer the call.

The church van picks them up around 5:30 on Tuesdays: Eight girls in their early teens from the north side of town. They meet at Johnson Street or in someone's home. Eight is not a big crowd, but it is just the right size for what Michelle Boozer and Donna Lindgren have planned.

Statistics would say that most of these girls don't stand a chance against teenage pregnancies, school dropouts, meth, alcohol, or any other dart that Satan will throw at them; he throws to destroy. Their homes and schools are tough. College plans aren't even on their radar. And God? For a long time, He has been someone that they have only heard people from their backgrounds talk about. Well, these girls-and most other people-aren't interested in talking about God or how He worked a long time ago. People tend to fall asleep when they hear some of our blah, blah, blah.

When these girls get together for two hours on Tuesdays, they EXPERIENCE a loving God. What Michelle and Donna do with them is to see, do, reflect, listen, show, and perhaps most importantly, BECOME. The only thing that will save them (or us) from being a statistic is God's REAL power, not mere talk about it. And at these "Bible classes," God and His power are made real-today! Because for young ladies like these who have a very real enemy (Satan) with very real darts, this powerful God is not just an answer, He is the answer.

**Children's Home Update**
Once again the schools are full of children throughout the state of Arkansas. Many of you give money each week which we send to the Children's Homes in Morrilton and Paragould. Over and above this, we have been asked by Southern Christian Home in Morrilton if anyone would like to become a clothing sponsor for the children on campus. As you know, SCH is a residential home for abused, neglected, and abandoned children, and some have nothing when they arrive on campus. The estimated cost of clothing for one child is $35 per month or $400 per year. If anyone would like to sponsor one child for one year, please contact Jim Hardin for more information.

**Gateway News**
We are need of a 10-speed bicycle rim. If you have one, please contact Mark Hite or Carolyn Harrell.
2nd Grade - Heavenly Visions
3rd Grade - Faith Matters
4th Grade - The Word
5th Grade - www.gateway
6th Grade - Thine Art

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**Remember in Prayer**
* Oneta Love is still in Sparks Hospital, room 575, recovering from a broken hip.
* Elaine Jordan, sister of Larry Roper, is in ICU at a hospital in Jackson, MS. She has cancer and is currently on a respirator.
* Paul Newhouse, father of Cathy Breedlove, is scheduled for gall bladder surgery September 19 at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock. His liver and pancreas biopsies were negative for cancer cells, but his blood work is positive, so doctors may also do some exploratory surgery.
* Glenanna O'Mara (daughter of Larry and Janice Prater and sister of Shanna Davis) is still very ill. She goes to the Mayo Clinic on Saturday and will be there for some time. If you would like to send her a card, the address is: Glenanna O'Mara, c/o House of Compassion, 830 West Center Street, Rochester, MN 55902.
* Charley Douglas was treated for ulcers and released from the hospital on Monday.
* Continue to pray for Vicki Varvel, John Hawkins, Helen Epton, Janet Jackson, Theo Prater, and Mary Smith.

**Bereaved**
Our love and sympathy is extended to three families who have lost loved ones this week:
* To Lorene Yates, Maxine Yates, and Glenda Lewis in the death of Thelma Manzano, daughter and sister. Funeral services for Thelma were Wednesday in Puerto Rico.
* To the family and friends of Gordon Wilson. Gordon had been battling cancer for some time. Funeral services were Monday.
* To Sheila Vaught in the death of her cousin, Tim Chambless (age 43), of Texarkana. Tim died in an automobile accident Tuesday. He is survived by a wife and 2 children, ages 14 and 9.

**Note of Thanks**
I would like to let everyone at West-Ark know how much I appreciate all the prayers, cards, notes, e-mails, and kind words for me and my family after the recent death of my grandfather. It is encouraging to have so many others bearing and sharing your burdens. What a wonderful thing to belong to Christ and enjoy the blessing we have in this life. Then to certainly enjoy those blessings He has gone to prepare -- as my Grandfather is surely now aware of!! Thanks so much to all of you.
Because He Lives!!
Kenny Hollomon

**Girl's Night Out**
Girls, mark your calendar for a night out on October 3rd, 7:00 pm - 10:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center. This is a great opportunity for girls, ages 7th grade through adult, to get to know each other a little better. We've broken the snack situation down as follows (because what's a party with no food!?): If your last name begins with A-J please bring drinks, if your last name begins with K-R please bring something sweet to snack on, and if your last name begins with S-Z please bring something non-sweet to snack on. There is a sign up sheet in foyer so we can have an idea of how many to prepare for. Also, if you have a set of double nine dominoes that you can bring please let Beth Frederick know, 452-0558. We hope to see you there!

**Fall Festival Is Coming!**
It's time to start preparing for our Fall Festival on October 25th of this year. Last year's Festival was a wonderful success thanks to all those who either volunteered or donated items. Many children and parents from our church family and our community came and had a safe and fun evening.

To make this year a success, we again need your support and donations. We will be posting sign-up sheets for those willing to man one of the booths that evening or donate items such as desserts for the cake walk. There will be a box next to the gift table in the foyer for donations of candy or 2 liters. Please sign up and join in the fun. Parents, please keep in mind that this is a church function when picking out costumes for the little ones. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, call Tiffany (783-4510) or Kristy (649-0210). Thank you.

**Wedding Invitation**
Mr. and Mrs. James Ervin Anderson
Request the honour of your presence
At the marriage of their daughter
Adriane Lorene to
Mr. Todd Avery Martin
Saturday, September 27th
At six o'clock in the evening
West-Ark Church of Christ
Reception immediately following

Fall Classes
What? Sunday Morning Class this fall for 7th-12th graders
When? October 5 - December 28
Where? Both Youth Rooms in the Family Life Center
Topic - "What Should I Believe and Why?"
13 Lessons in Christian Doctrine
7th-9th Grade Teachers: Gary Brown and Chuck Combs
10th - 12th Grade Teachers: Greg Null and Larry Armstrong

Lesson Titles
1) God
2) Jesus
3) The Bible
4) The Church
5) Faith
6) Repentance
7) Baptism
8) The Lord's Supper
9) Prayer
10) Giving
11) Giving in the New Testament
12) The Mission of the Church
13) The Second Coming of the Lord
Resources: The book "13 Lessons in Christian Doctrine"
(NIV Youth Edition) by Denver Sizemore and John Hunter