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Family
Lines Newsletter, October 12,
2003
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**Let Him Guide You!**
By David Chadwell
Acts 10:38 You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God
anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing
good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with
Him.
Peter made this statement to Cornelius in awkward,
difficult, uncomfortable circumstances. He did something unique.
"And he said to them, 'You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a man who is a
Jew to associate with a foreigner or to visit him; and yet God has shown me that
I should not call any man unholy or unclean'" (Acts 10:28). God did a lot
to convince Peter this was the right thing to do. Peter's past said this
was not what God wanted because Cornelius was the wrong kind of
people.
The crucified Jesus changed everything!
Peter needed to understand the change! No longer was an "Israelite"
determined by birth, but by faith in God's work in Jesus' resurrection. As
Paul explained to non-Jewish Christians in Galatia, "For you are all sons of God
through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have
clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither
slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in
Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants,
heirs according to promise" (Galatians 3:26-29).
It took a lot for God to convince Peter to see His
concern for all people. Even after a vision [seen three times] (Acts
10:9-16), vocal instructions from the Spirit (Acts 10:17-20), and an encouraging
report about Cornelius (Acts 10:22), Peter did not know why he went to
Cornelius's home. He did not understand why Cornelius wanted him to come
(Acts 10:28, 29). He had no idea about what to say in that
situation!
Then he understood! "Opening his mouth, Peter said:
'I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in
every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him'"
(Acts 10:34,35).
Please note: (1) Peter told Cornelius about
Jesus. (2) He confirmed Jesus' identity. (3) He wanted Cornelius to
understand that "Jesus went about doing good," that he provided healing to those
oppressed by the devil, and that God was with him.
Do people ever need to hear this message: (1)
Jesus used His life and abilities to do good. (2) He has the power to heal
those oppressed by the devil. (3) God was (and is!) with Him in what he
did and does.
Who needs to hear this message? Those who
conclude there is only evil in the world. Those who think there is no
hope. Those oppressed by the devil. Why? They need to know
Jesus can be their source of goodness and hope. They need to understand
that God Himself is behind the good Jesus does and the hope Jesus
gives.
If you belong to Jesus, use your life to do
good. End your oppression to the devil. Depend on God who sent us
Jesus. Share the freedom and the hope.
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**Spotlight on 60+ Group**
Contacts: Sedalia and
Charley Douglas
Needs: Workers of ALL ages
Successes: Close relationships
with Christian Family
What used to be known as "The Keenagers" years ago
is simply known today as the 60+ group. This ministry began years ago, and
is still very lively. Helen and Richard Branum headed "The Keenagers" in
the past. Now, and for the past fifteen years, Charley and Sedalia Douglas are
the head contact people for 60+. Other active workers include Ron and
Betty Moreton and Genneil and Elmer Nye.
One may find this group on the third Saturday of
every month enjoying a potluck meal in the Annex. The main goal of this
ministry is to form close relationships between Christian brothers and sisters
that transcend generations. Food, fun, and fellowship is just a by-product
of this ministry.
In talking with Sedalia, she stressed that one does
NOT have to be 60+ in order participate in this ministry. Younger faces
are welcome. Workers are few, and many more are needed (Hint, Hint). This
is one ministry that does not require much funding; just a covered dish and a
servant heart are required.
Anyone who would like to participate, but unable to
attend because of a lack of transportation, is encouraged to call Sedalia and
Charley and they will secure transportation.
Thank you so much to Sedalia, Charley, Ron, Betty,
Genneil, and Elmer for being disciples for Jesus who are eager to serve
others! May God bless your efforts and the 60+ Ministry. ~~Christy
Hesslen
**LTC Announcements**
Sunday, October
12
Coaches: please come by room 126B to get a copy of the rules for your
respective event.
Participants: you also need to come by room 126B and check
the events you are scheduled for.
All Participants and Parents: If you will
be going to Tulsa, please come by room 126B and sign up so we can get an
accurate count of the people going.
Saturday, October 18
Service Challenge
participants need to meet "under the bridge" at 11:15 a.m.
**Warm Clothing Needed**
We are accepting
warm-up pants, shirts and socks for Inner City clothing, all sizes. Please, no
summer clothes. ~~Kathy Rosaelz
**Report on Hispanic Ministry**
Dear West-Ark
Family:
My family and I are very thankful for you, for giving us the
opportunity to work with the church in Fort Smith and to be used by God to
preach His Word. Since one year ago when we began working with you, we have had
many experiences. More people are coming to Jesus; the area of work is growing.
I have visited new contacts and members in Van Buren and Hwy. 71 South. I am
having home meetings and meals every month. There is much to do. We are planning
a special class for teenagers and training some men to participate in services.
I try to be in every place when somebody calls me -- anywhere, anytime. We
always have visitors in our services. Don't forget to pray for us!
God
Be Glorified,
Oscar Nolasco
**Happy Birthday**
October 12
Berniece
Rogers
October 13
Sheila Bailey
Taylor
Hankins
Hannah
Watlington
October 14
Nancy Smith
October 15
Bob
Willett
October 16
Richard Adams
Parker
Bailey
Jerry Glidewell
Ann Combs
October 17
Alvis Ingram
Nora Lou
Miller
October 18
Laurie Armstrong
Shelley
Robbins
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**The
Wonder Working Power of Prayer**
* Maile McDonald had another chemo treatment
on Tuesday and did well. The family is grateful for all the visits and calls to
show your love and support for them and for Maile. Due to the need to keep Maile
isolated and rested, the family has requested, please no visits or calls. They
will keep the church office updated on Maile's condition and on her needs.
Please continue with prayers for Maile. If you wish to make a contact, a card or
note would be good. The family really appreciates your prayers and
thoughtfulness. Right now, Maile's resistance is very low and they do not want
to complicate her condition.
* Joan Jenkins, the mother of Kerry, had cancer
surgery on October 7th. They are waiting for biopsy results due on Monday.
*
Roy Dunavin's mother, Frankie Dunavin (age 97) of Amarillo, TX has glaucoma. Roy
requests your prayers for her.
* Eleanor Casey had surgery Tuesday and is
recuperating at home.
* John Paul Hundley (one of our missionaries in France)
had surgery October 6th in Marseille.
* Oneta Love is in Sparks Hospital,
room 646.
**Continued Prayers**
* Iris Rios, sister of
Mickey Mendez.
* Catherine Smith, sister of Lynn Peters.
* Liz and John
Huff's baby (due in November).
* Curtis Hendrix, father of Milton.
*
Trish Carson's mother, Mary Smith.
* Pearl Beam's daughter, Naomi
Spears.
* Jerry and Marilyn Selby's friend, Tom Boling.
* Vicki Varvel
(daughter of John and Nadine Hawkins)
* John Hawkins
* Janet
Jackson
**Sympathy**
Our love and sympathy is extended
to Jennifer Dotson in the death of her mother, Mary Durman, in Colorado Springs
on Saturday. Funeral services are October 10th in Colorado.
**Notes of Thanks**
Church Family:
Gene is
doing better, but still not well enough to be up and about long enough to go to
church. We'll be back as soon as he is able. Please keep him in your
prayers.
In Christian love,
Sarah Smith
To the wonderful Quilters:
Thank you so much for
the wonderful quilt that you ladies made. It is by far great to know that you
are loved by such wonderful people. May God truly bless the hands that put
together this marvelous quilt. We will treasure it forever. Love in Christ
always.
Mr. and Mrs. Dustin Byrd
Dear Church Family:
Thank you so much for the
kindness and love shown to us in our bereavement.
We love
you!
Lorene and Maxine Yates
Glenda and Jack
Lewis
**Change of Address**
Chris and Amy
Burkhart
3824 West Graphic Road
Alma, AR 72921
Phone: (479)
369-2727
**Wedding Shower**
A shower honoring Linda
Russell and Harold Davis is planned for Sunday, October 19, from 4-6 p.m. in the
Annex. Co-hostesses are Carlene Payne and Debra Willis.
**60+ Potluck**
We'll meet Saturday, October
18th at 6 p.m. for a potluck supper.
**Fall Festival, October 25th**
We're making
plans for a wonderful evening for families. Sign-up sheets are posted for those
willing to help with:
* one of the booths or
* donate items (such as
desserts) for the cake walk.
You may also help by donating
* candy or
* 2-liter bottles of soda (put items in the labeled container in the foyer).
Please sign the list and join in the fun. If you
have questions or would like to volunteer call Tiffany (783-4510) or Kristy
(649-0210).
**Christian Evidences Seminar**
John Clayton
will be at the Poteau Church of Christ, October 12-14 to present his "Does God
Exist" Seminar.
Sunday, October 12
* 1:00 p.m. Jurassic Park &
Genesis
Monday, October 13
* 7:00 p.m. "Cosmology"
* 8:00 p.m.
"The Source - Design or Chance?"
Tuesday, October 14
* 7:00 p.m. "God,
Man & Caveman"
* 8:25 p.m. "Why Did God Create Man"
**Sunday**
Morning: Kevin Roberts,
Speaker
Evening: Dale Brown, Speaker
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**Family Life Ministry**
By Brad
Pistole
It's an exciting time to be involved with our young
people at West-Ark. I've never seen so many willing leaders in a youth group
before. We are blessed to have an exceptional class of seniors who are full of
leadership skills. And they are not afraid to use these skills to honor and
glorify God.
This coming Sunday, we will have a special
opportunity to use the talent God has given us by serving those in need in our
community. We have been invited to lead the evening services at the Methodist
Village Nursing Home here in Fort Smith.
We invite everyone in the youth group (and their
parents) to join us for the afternoon. We will meet at the annex at 3:30 p.m.
and leave for the Nursing Home.
The service will last from 4:00-4:30 and
then we will go grab some ice cream before returning to the building for our 6
p.m. services.
We are currently short on available van
transportation, so any help we could get from parents who are willing to drive
would be great. Come join us as we help serve by giving back to those who have
given so much to us. One of the greatest gifts you will ever give to a senior
member of your community is your time. If you are able to join us this Sunday,
please let Brad know ahead of time by signing the list on the youth board so
appropriate plans for transportation can be made.
**Special News**
Congratulations to Ryan
Dockery. He was recently voted "Little Mr. Gans Headstart" by his classmates and
teachers. We are proud of all of our young people for their accomplishments and
for the example they set in their communities and schools. Continue to honor God
in your walk each and every day.
**Nursery**
Infants: Trish Carson, Jane &
Morgan Dunavin, Dwonne Cogswell
Toddlers: Vicki Anderson
P.M. Nursery:
Marquetta Walker and Sheila Vaught
**Attendance and Contribution**
Sunday Morning:
602
Bible Classes: 452
Sunday Night: 265
Small Groups: 13
Wednesday
Night: 314
Contribution: $19,032
Children's Homes: $224
Community
Outreach: N/C
Hispanic Ministry: 50 in attendance; $180
contribution
Laotian: 30 in attendance; $175 contribution
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