-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Family
Lines Newsletter, November 23,
2003
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
**A Journey, Not A Destination**
By David
Chadwell
In a country in West Africa, Joyce and I were
second generation missionaries. [Please understand I fully realize that
mission efforts in different cultures and societies are unique -- we must be
cautious when we are tempted to form universal mission principles from single
culture experiences.] We really wanted to do mission work!
I was on campaign to that area about a year prior
to our move. Four missionary families had all details arranged for the
thirteen campaigners to visit for three weeks. Villages received us
enthusiastically! Excited crowds listened and discussed for hours!
Many were baptized! Evening meetings with missionary families were
enthusiastic events! Four families and thirteen visitors are a big crowd in any
home!
Before we moved, I envisioned lots of evangelistic
activity. About thirty congregations existed when we arrived.
Shortly there were fifty. In less than two years, there were eighty.
At "leave time," there were one hundred ten known congregations. They
sprang up spontaneously through neighbor, family, and friendship
evangelism.
Never were there more than six missionary families
(and that rarely!). Some did not have one convert who read or understood
worship. Few Bibles, no printed lessons, and no study aids existed.
Virtually every congregation was composed of spiritual infants. Immediately the
overwhelming need was stabilization of infant converts and congregations.
How do a maximum of six missionary men with no preacher training school
stabilize fifty-plus congregations? Baptisms were easy, but nurturing
spiritual infants was demanding! To allow Christians and congregations to
die is failure, not success. If the mortality rate almost equals the birth
rate, little is accomplished!
Spiritual maturity is a journey, not a
destination! From believing in Jesus to a determination to repent is a
journey. From both to the desire to enter a covenant relationship with God
through baptism is a journey. Faith, repentance, and baptism merely
produce a spiritual infant. At that point the journey truly
begins!
The path to spiritual maturity is marked by "Jesus-guided" changes in behavior. Victory is not achieved by sitting down on
baptism's banks, but by walking the path of godly living 24/7. A Christian
man or woman never stops walking that path!
Did you view your baptism as a destination, or
beginning a journey? Did you sit down on baptism's banks, or did you start
walking the path of godly living? Is your spiritual goal maturity in
Christ, or do you plan always to be a spiritual infant?
Baptizing is simple! Nurturing is demanding!
Sitting is easy! Following a rock-filled path is hard! Do not sit
down! Help others! Convert, but encourage believers to live godly
lives!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page
2
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
**Spotlight on VBS**
By Christy
Hesslen
Contacts: Carolyn Harrell & Dena
Jenkins
Vacation Bible School at West-Ark is a huge
ministry in its own right. It usually takes place for 4 to 5 days in July and
touches many, many lives. Dena Jenkins and Carolyn Harrell are masters at the
choreographing of this event. This year VBS had an entirely new format.
The FLC was set up as a giant Marketplace. It was an enormous undertaking,
but well worth everyone's efforts. Dena states, "This multi-modality learning
concept appeared to have been received very well both by the children and all of
the volunteers. Most importantly, the children seemed to have learned even more
about Jesus - without even knowing they were learning!"
The challenges to put on a VBS of such great
magnitude are many. We are blessed with MANY volunteers. There is a place for
everyone to participate in VBS ~ from food preparation, to costume sewing, to
backdrop painting, to researching topics, teachers, bus drivers, etc. Dena and
Carolyn stress that it is never too early to commit for VBS 2004, because often
they are scrambling near the deadline to fill positions. The marketplace truly
has a home for EVERYONE, so we also would love for more adults of ALL ages to
become involved in VBS. One will find more in blessings from working with these
precious little souls than one could ever imagine!
The obvious
goal every year is to teach as many children as possible about our Lord and His
love for them, while creating an experience for them that will last a lifetime.
Many children come to our VBS as visitors and leave with newfound friends and an
excitement for Jesus. We would like to explore even more ways in which to reach
out to even more children in the community. The children learn so much
about Jesus: Who He is and Why He came. They also experience His love firsthand
as they give to others and share by helping those in need by replenishing our
food pantry during our can drive every year. What a wonderful way in which to
form disciples for Jesus who are eager to serve others! We thank you Carolyn,
Dena, and all those who volunteer in VBS.
**Why Should I Be Thankful?**
By Derrick
Jones
Giving thanks is right. As Albert Schweitzer said,
''We ought to make an effort to act on our first thoughts, and let our unspoken
gratitude find expression. Then there will be more sunshine in the world, and
more power to work for what is good.'' Jesus was a thankful person,
especially in prayer. He said,'' Father, I thank Thee that Thou hast heard me''
(John 11:41). Why should we be thankful? We should always be thankful for the
unspeakable gift (II Corinthians 9:15); freedom from sin (Romans 6:17-18, 22),
and victory over death (I Corinthians 15:57).
As a member of this congregation there are a lot of
things we should be thankful for. Lions for Christ started out great. God has
blessed us with a lot of opportunities to bring His message to the lost. UA Fort
Smith is a great ministry to encourage and pray for the students. The activities
of Lions for Christ are busy and coming along. The Parents' Night Out was a great
success; we had about 35 kids and a lot of pizza. Thanks to Larry Armstrong for
his help. We really appreciate all the donations people have contributed to LFC.
Our upcoming event in December is the Christmas
party for college students on December 5th at Larry and Laurie Armstrong's home.
As we think about Thanksgiving, let us focus on the amazing things God is going
to do for LFC and the blessings He has already given (Ephesians 3:
20-21).
**LTC Announcements**
There will be a mandatory
Parents' Meeting, Sunday (11/23/03) at 5:15 p.m. in Room 100. The deadline for
payment for the participants is November 30th.
Internet Group
We will meet Sunday (11/23/03)
from 2-3 p.m. upstairs in the computer room. See Blake Frost if you have
questions.
Required Meeting
There will be a very important
meeting for those involved in elementary chorus, elementary and secondary
puppets, and elementary and secondary drama on Sunday, December 14 at 5:00 in
room 100. Parents need to attend as well as the students. Practices
begin in January, and we must get some details out of the way before then.
Please mark your calendars and make plans to be in attendance.
Questions? Contact Rochelle Brown.
Children's Books
You need to start writing your
book. Please turn them in to Glenda Lewis by January 4th. If you need help,
contact Glenda at 783-2758.
Choral Group - 7-12 grade
November 23 & 30,
No practice
**David's Sermons**
Morning: "God, It
Hurts!"
Evening: It Is Worth It!
**Annual West-Ark Family Thanksgiving Day
Dinner**
Thursday, November 27, 12 Noon in the FLC.
Bring a dessert and
some sort of side dish such as:
* potatoes and gravy
* sweet potatoes
*
any veggies
* salads, etc.
* bring games, too!
We need some volunteers to bring turkey or
ham. Rolls will be provided.
Call Sandy Berger if you have any
questions at 785-1921.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page
3
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
**Remember in Prayer**
* Maile McDonald and her
family.
* Joan & Sam Jenkins (parents of Kerry) are going through a
difficult time. Joan has begun daily radiation treatments which will last six
weeks, and Sam is having knee surgery and a biopsy next week. The family
appreciates your prayers.
* Jabin Huff (newborn son Jon & Liz)
*
Mary Smith (mother of Trish Carson)
* Recovering from surgery: Robin Harper
and Anna Holley.
**Bereaved**
Our love and sympathy is extended
to Karen Farris. Karen's father, Edward Pittman King, was killed in a car
accident on 11/13/03. Her mother, Peggy, was also injured and is recovering in
the hospital. Please remember the Farris and King families in your
prayers.
Our love and sympathy is extended to Dennis
Anderson in the death of his brother, Richard, after a long battle with cancer.
Funeral services were Monday in Farmington.
We also express our love and sympathy to Philip
Abuzeide in the death of his mother, Vera, on Monday night. Funeral services
were in Richmond Heights, MO.
**Note of Thanks**
To all the kids at
West-Ark,
Thank you for your sweet letters; they really made my day. I read
them over and over. A special thanks for your pictures. I will cherish them
forever. Keep praying for me and I will pray for each of you.
I love
you,
Marie Lile
**Change of Address**
Steve, Cathy & Shelby
Breedlove
2003 E. Hickory Drive
Greenwood, AR 72936
**No Classes Thanksgiving Eve**
We will not have
Bible classes on Wednesday, November 26th. Everyone will assemble in the
Auditorium for a time of singing and devotion at 7:00 p.m.
**Meet the Benjamin Family**
We will welcome
Chris, Karen, Wyatt & Ethan Benjamin with a reception following our 5th
Sunday (Evening) Family Meeting on November 30th. Refreshments will be
provided.
**Newborn**
Congratulations to Greg and Robin
Simpson on the birth of a daughter, Audra Ann, on November 18. Audra weighs 7
lbs., 13 ozs. and is 20 ¾ inches long.
**60+ November Event**
Brad Pistole and the
teens will host a special dinner for our 60+ members on Saturday, November 22nd,
from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. We hope you'll make plans to attend this special
night.
**Car Clinic will be 8 to 11a.m. at the Annex,
Saturday, December 6.
**Chili Dinner**
Friends of Maile McDonald are
hosting a Chili Dinner for Maile
Saturday, December 6th, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in
the Family Life Center.
All proceeds (donations accepted) will go to Travis
& Jeanie McDonald to help with their expenses.
The McDonalds take Maile
once a week to the Children's Hospital in Little Rock for chemotherapy
treatments.
For more information please call: Adriane Martin (479 739-0223)
or Lisa Gregory (479 650-8939).
**Widows/Widowers**
The van will leave the Annex
Saturday, December 6 at 11:30 a.m.
for the home of Jack & Janice
and a Christmas Tea & Gift Exchange.
Bring a wrapped $5 gift
(serious or fun--old or new).
Don't miss this time of fun and
fellowship.
Call Bobbie Hughes, Mary Burkett or Janice Lowry if you
need transportation to the Annex.
**Teachers Needed**
Robin Pratt Webber needs two
teachers for 1st Grade - one for Sunday a.m. and one for Wednesday night.
Call Robin at 783-8728 if you can help.
**Handicap Parking**
Please reserve the first
two handicap parking places by the FLC entrance for those who have wheel
chairs. It gives them much easier access to the building.
~~Thanks
**Happy Birthday**
November 23
Nathan Allen
Layne
Downs
Olivia Kleman
Brittany Layman
November 24
Emma Adams
Ben Dye
Nick
Jackson
Christi Lyn Peters
November 25
Jennifer Davidson
Bobbye
Ferrell
November 26
Janie Carpenter
November 27
Jane Dunavin
Sue
George
Deborah Grier
Becca Risley
Steve Williams
November 29
Nicky Benincosa
Kay
Cole
Marvin Hughes
November 30
Lyndon Blackman
Charlie
Dye
December 1
Lynn Dickey
Carolyn
Griffin
Savanah Logan
Robert Loudermilk
Jeff Tucker
December 2
Kathy Glidewell
Patrick
Haworth
Adam Jenkins
Ralph Smith
Doyle Wright
December 3
Kyle Haworth
Tracy
Risley
December 4
Azia Blasdel
Ashley
Blasdel
Esther Gunn
December 6
Thomas Kweekul
Kevin
Strong
Charles Wilson
**We will not publish a newsletter next week due to
the Thanksgiving holiday.**
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page
4
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
**Family Life Ministry**
By Brad
Pistole
What Are You Thankful For? (Part 1)
In light of
God's wonderful plan He has laid out for us, which contains laws and commands
that are given to us for our own benefit, how does one fully understand or even
try to describe grace? It seems impossible. It seems the only thing that can
make sense to us is to simply figure out God's "perfect system" and follow it
without exception. Being obedient to God's laws and God's plan will certainly
free us from our sins and gain us eternal life. There should be no exceptions to
this!
However, God does not always make sense, especially to our
human minds. Grace certainly contributes to this confusion. Grace has been
defined as "unmerited favor." Others describe it as "getting something you don't
deserve." Certainly the thief on the cross received something he didn't deserve,
and we have struggled with it and tried to "explain it away" ever since. Grace
continues to confuse us as Christ accepted the woman at the well. He also
accepted the woman caught in adultery, and he sent her accusers away one by one.
There's no doubt about what Peter deserved. He openly and willfully denied
Christ three times in public after promising not to do so. God then used him to
deliver one of the most famous and powerful sermons of all time.
I
don't understand Grace. It messes up "my system" of how I would like to use
scripture. I would like to have a pinpoint answer to every single question and
dilemma we face in life. I would like to silence every single critic and every
single person that believes differently than me by pointing to one or two
verses. After all, I like my beliefs and my arguments. I've spent many years
perfecting them.
God's choice to shower down grace on a person,
who in my opinion "does not deserve it," messes up my system. His decisions need
to fit into my system or else my system won't work. And after all, my system is
based on what He has told me in His word, so this should work.
So
why does God choose to use this grace and why does He do it so often? Why can't
He just leave things the way they are, and let us be judged according to our own
merits? Why can't we simply take His word that He has given us as our guide and
allow its truth to judge us solely and completely based on how successfully we
obey its every command? (To be continued...)
**Nursery Workers**
A.M. Infants: Berniece
Rogers, Sharon Faries, Tracy Risley
A.M. Toddlers: Gary & Judi
Green
Evening: Marjorie Blake, Christy Hesslen
**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Missions
Sunday (11/16/03)
Combined Assembly 714
Bible Classes
533
Sunday afternoon assembly 206
Small Groups (did not
meet)
Wednesday P.M. 356
Contribution $14,629
Children's
Home $304
Office Phone (479) 452-1240
Fax
(479) 452-5767
office@westarkchurchofchrist.org
www.westarkchurchofchrist.org
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------