West-Ark Newsletter, 28 September 2003

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Family Lines Newsletter, September 28, 2003
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The first thing you must know is this: Chris and Karen were content where they were. The elders recruited Chris. Chris and Karen responded to their approach. The Benjamins hope to move to Fort Smith as a part of this congregation and its staff in late October. They are working diligently toward that objective as they prepare their house in Lake Jackson, TX, to be placed on the market this week. When they arrive in Fort Smith, they plan to rent for a while.

Chris and Karen met in Razorbacks for Christ at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, as sophomores. Chris attended UA all four years. Karen spent a freshman year at Harding University and three years at UA. As a freshman, Chris participated in a mission trip to Scotland as an outreach in Razorbacks for Christ.

Though Chris graduated as an outstanding student with a degree in art, he and Karen [then married] moved to Abilene after graduation. Chris spent the next four years in the ACU graduate program acquiring a Master of Divinity degree. With that degree, he, Karen, and Wyatt moved to Russellville, AR. There he worked for three years with the West Side congregation as a campus minister at Arkansas Tech University. In late 1997 they moved to Lake Jackson, TX, where Chris has worked the past 6 years as their pulpit minister. He is close to finishing his Doctor of Ministry degree at ACU. [Classwork is finished.] In addition to his class and congregational work, Chris has served in a leadership capacity on several boards and has spoken at several lectureships.

Chris and Karen's roots are in Arkansas. Chris was introduced to the church through Center Street's bus ministry in Fayetteville. Home is Winslow, AR, where his parents live and his father is an elder. Karen's parents live in Hot Springs, AR, where she spent some of her pre-teen years and all of her teen years.

Karen is quite involved also. Besides encouraging Chris in his work and studies, she is active as a leader in women's and children's ministries [including church pre-school and women's prayer ministries]. She is primarily a homemaker for Chris, Wyatt, and Ethan.

A significant comment was made by one of his elders to one of our elders. He declared that the congregation at Lake Jackson regarded themselves to be part of the universal church. If God's purposes are better served by using Chris and Karen's talents here, God's will be done. While that congregation deeply regrets their leaving, they obviously continue to love and appreciate Chris and Karen.

The transition for the Benjamins will not be small! Keep them in your prayers and give them your encouragement. It is our blessing to have them. May we all live and work together to bless God. Help them move from love to love!

KFC was started to provide a worship experience for children ages three (potty trained) through the 6th grade. It meets on Sunday nights during worship time in two groups. KFC I is for those of preschool age, while KFC II is for those children in grades 1st - 6th. The children sing, pray, and break into smaller groups to hear an age appropriate, Bible-centered lesson. The time in worship is interactive and high energy. Responsibility, trust, and respect are highly stressed during their time together.

The current workers in KFC I are Dena Jenkins, Dwonne Cogswell, and Laurie Armstrong. In KFC II the workers are Mike Burkett, Mark Carpenter, Mark Hite, Larry Armstrong, Larry Todd. Gail Mason and Chuck Combs are also involved and have been from conception. Gary Brown works with KFC as well.

The successes of this ministry are many, but Gary believes that one of the greatest benefits of KFC has been the relationships formed between the children and the adults. KFC has also brought many families back to worship for a second time on Sunday who were staying home. Spiritual growth of our youth is also evident. The development of good habits at a young age is an important part of the curriculum. The children are encouraged to read the Bible and pray independently, as well as talk to their friends about Jesus.

There are a few special events that take place throughout the year, but the highlights include Bible Baseball trivia night, popcorn parties, and the year ending "World's Largest Banana Split (as far as we know) Festival."

The greatest need is for more parents to allow their children to participate in KFC. A few more workers with the preschool ages would also be welcomed. There is a need for a volunteer(s) to take on this ministry for the two-year-olds.

**Urgent Need for Van Driver!**
Transportation is provided for our widows and widowers to every church service. We desperately need to add another driver to our rotation list. A new driver would serve once every four weeks. Call Rod Jones if you can help (484-1162).

**Gateway Memory Verse**
Mark 1:2-3
2 It is written in Isaiah the prophet:
"I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way"-
3 "a voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'"

**VBS Donations???**
Several people loaned baskets for VBS in July. They have been available for pick-up in the foyer for the past 2 months. The table will remain in the foyer this coming week. After that time, we will assume you are donating your basket to the VBS ministry. Thanks for your support. VBS was a huge success. ~~ Brad Pistole

**Remember in Prayer**
* Oneta Love is in Sparks Hospital, room 577. The family requests "no visits, please" for a few weeks.
* Richard Bandy will enter the Mayo Clinic on October 7th where doctors will perform cryogenic surgery for cancer (freezing & surgery).
* Wednesday morning, Kimberly Davis (daughter of Harold) was taken to the hospital in Searcy for an emergency appendectomy. Kim is a student at Harding University.
* Judy Walker requests prayers for her mother who is recovering from a stroke. She lives in North Carolina.
* Kerry Jenkins' mother, Joan, was diagnosed with uterine cancer. She will have surgery next week.
* Bill Walker was in and out of E.R. over the weekend and was treated for ulcers. He is feeling a little better.
* Chris Campbell's grandfather, Earl McLemore, had surgery for a blockage on Saturday. He is now home.
* Continue to pray for Vicki Varvel, John Hawkins, Janet Jackson, Paul Newhouse, Kenneth Galloway and Glenanna O'Mara.

**Bereaved**
Our love and sympathy is extended to the families who have lost loved ones this week:
* To Larry Roper in the death of his sister, Elaine Jordan. Funeral services were Tuesday in Natchez, MS.
* To Ann, Leslie, and Eric Holland in the death of mother and grandmother, Opal Brady, on Tuesday. Funeral services were Sept. 25th in Conway, AR.

**Baby Shower**
A Shower honoring Robin Simpson is planned for Sunday, October 5th, from 2-4 p.m. at the home of Jo Griffin, 3320 South 66th, in Fort Smith. Robin is registered at Toys 'R Us. It's a girl!

**Car Clinic**
Our next Clinic will be Saturday, October 4 from 8 to 11 a.m. at the annex.

**Widows/Widowers**
Due to circumstances beyond our control we will ~not~ be going to Fin and Feather. Instead, we will have lunch at noon, October 4, in the Annex and then tour the Peggy Brazelton Nature Center at the Girl Scout camp.

**Girl's Night Out**
Don't forget our Girl's Night Out planned for Friday, October 3rd, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm, in the Family Life Center. This will be a time of food, fun, and fellowship for girls from the 7th grade through adult. There is a sign-up sheet in the foyer so we can know how many to plan for. Also, if you have a set of double nine dominoes that you can bring, please call Beth Frederick, 452-0558.

**Fall Festival**
It's time to prepare for our Fall Festival on Saturday, October 25. There is 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. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, call Tiffany (783-4510) or Kristy (649-0210). Thank you.

**Notes of Thanks**
West-Ark Quilters,
Thank you so much for the beautiful quilt. We love it! We will cherish this special gift through the years of our marriage.
In Christian love,
Adrienne Wilson and
Marshall Kaminshine

Dear West-Ark Friends,
This has been a year that has brought many happy times for me. Richard and I celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary on April 12, and several of you helped make it a great evening. We received many beautiful cards.

Then on May 18th, Mayor Ray Baker presented a big surprise and chose me Fort Smith's Mother of the Year. Forgive me for being speechless. Thank you for your standing applause and many more beautiful cards.

**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

It has been quite a stretch of incredible events since early 2003. I'm sure our teens have "tucked away" wonderful memories of events like Winter Retreat, the Tulsa Workshop, LTC, our Mexico Mission Trip, Inner City Work camp, Green Valley Bible Camp, VBS, our youth and family trip to Dallas, the Widow's Luncheon, Senior Retreat at Green Valley Bible Camp and now Crosswalk Youth Rally.

Events like these, along with weekly Bible classes, worship assemblies and devotionals have helped plant the spiritual seeds necessary for future growth and development in our young people and their families.

We are thankful, and we praise God for the things He did to us, for us, and through us through these events. We have learned a lot, and we are grateful for the experiences we've shared together.

At the same time, we recognize the wisdom in listening to the words that are recorded in Isaiah 40:30-31 when it says, "Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength."

We have maintained a constant level of activity since January, and it's time to slow down and process all that God has shared with us. The schedule for the next couple of months will reflect the opportunity to rest. Hopefully, we all understand that slowing down at the right time is necessary for our growth.

As the holiday season soon approaches, take the opportunity to look at the youth website at www.westarkchurchofchrist.org/youth and see the many different pictures from the various events throughout 2003. Take the time to rest and reflect on all God has done for you. Praise be to Him for the growth he has caused!

**Attendance and Contribution**
Sunday Morning ... 535
Bible Classes ... 408
Sunday Night Service ... 287
Small Groups ... 51
Wednesday Night Service ... 312
Contribution ... $14,249
Children's Homes ... $263
Community Outreach (the Way) 54
Hispanic ... 47 Contribution ... $197
Laotian ... 31 Contribution ... $173