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Family Lines Newsletter, February 3, 2005
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**Our Greatest Influence**
By David Chadwell
 
Isaiah 5:20, Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
 
What is our greatest Christian influence in life?  Words of condemnation or encouragement?  Achievements?  What we do for others?  How we lead?  How we follow?  Our children?  The money or property we acquire?  Our lifestyle?  Our death?  How often we go to church?  What we do for the church?  Or something else?
 
On two occasions last week I heard the same statement in two situations.  First, the statement was made regarding a couple as tribute to the way their lives served others.   The second was from people attending a funeral regarding the lady who died.
 
The statement: “They are/were good people.”  This was made in regard to the couple and to the deceased lady and her husband (who preceded her in death).  In both instances, it was made by people whose lives were beneficially touched.
 
A striking reality I frequently encounter is this: people do not know how to live.  Much of my life is spent sharing realities about life’s focus.  As our culture "advances," people’s challenges and problems become more (not less!) complex.
 
Two things astound me.  First: numerous persons have little or no idea that choices and decisions produce consequences.  Careless, thoughtless choices and decisions commonly produce bad consequences.  It is astounding to witness how often people are shocked because choices or decisions made with little thought produce devastating consequences in their lives.
 
Second: people have a poor concept of God.  With no disrespect intended, often people’s concept of God is the concept of an idol.  He is what they make Him.  They are definite about what He is and what He is not.  They are certain about what He does and does not like.  They are convicted about what He will and will not do for them (though most emphasis is on the "will").
 
As a result, in each situation, God is commonly the "scapegoat" when something occurs they do not like.  With strong conviction, they "know" the bad happening is God’s fault!
 
My life is spent as a preacher and writer.  Obviously, I believe in the power of words.  I have not lost confidence in the power of words (or I would not be writing this!).
 
Yet, I am convinced something is more powerful than words.  A life well lived in faith is more powerful than words.  I am not speaking of success-centered, or pleasure-centered, or fun-filled, or wealth-filled life.   I speak of life well lived -— a life that treats even an enemy with respect and kindness, that treats all with compassion, that draws his/her values and standards from God and lives by them, that understands faith is a 24/7 commitment, that understands Christ is reflected by service rather than control. 
 
Only those who know how to live by faith know how to die by faith. These Christians teach people how to live!  What do people learn about living from your life?
 
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**Remember in Prayer**
• Fred Jackson is home until February 10 when he returns to UAMS in Little Rock for a third surgery. Fred and Janet welcome short visits in their home.
• O’dell Bryan, father of Karan Tygart, has moved to Peachtree Village, 1701 Fresno, Apt. 21, Fort Smith, AR. He is doing fairly well, and Karan appreciates the prayers and concern for her father.
• Praise! Angela Dunavan’s family member, Amanda Pierce of Paris, Texas, was found to be cancer free after recent biopsies.
• Marea Sutherland, mother of Sedalia Douglas, continues to recover from a broken hip.
• Paul Flippo is in St. Edward Hospital and hopes to be dismissed Thursday.
• John Hundley remains in St. Edward in isolation with an infection.
• Thelma Blackburn has been dismissed from the hospital.
• Ava Jones will be having surgery in Little Rock on February 8th.
• Shirley Austin (mother of Sharon Barker) is having a heart cath on February 4. Her prayer pager number is listed below.
• Anita Maxwell
• Adam Jenkins
• Don Green
• Larry Treat
• Chuck Cunningham
 
**Prayer Pagers**
• Shirley Austin (479) 441-1648
• Fred Jackson (479) 441-2593
• Paul Flippo (479) 784-7490
Please pray for them and pass on that you have remembered them by phoning the prayer pagers.
 
**Bereaved**
Our love and sympathy is extended to the following families.
 
• Dennis Anderson in the death of his grandmother, Helen Campbell. Funeral services were January 31st in Prarie Grove, Arkansas.
 
• To the Rogers family in the death of Charles Rogers, the son of Alice Jean Rogers, who died Sunday.  A memorial service will be conducted at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Charles Rogers Education Fund for his surviving children, c/o Citizens Bank & Trust Co., Acct. No. 700-140-638, Van Buren, AR 72956.
 
• To Kay Pressley in the death of her father, J.C. Phillips, of Sikeston, Missouri on January 27th. Mr. Phillips was a member of the Church of Christ in Sikeston.
 
**Prayers for Men in Service**
Praise! Johny Lindgren came home early from Iraq on January 27th. He is currently stationed in Germany with his family. Johny is the son of John and Donna Lindgren. They are joyfully planning a visit to Germany in March.
 
Continue to pray for Matthew Faries, Shane L. Newton, Brandon Daws, Daniel Kweekul, Aaron Bailey, Philip Lux, Adam Morrissun, and Ronnie Wheat.
 
**Baptisms**
Victor Najarro was baptized January 29th by Oscar Nolasco. He is one of Oscar’s neighbors.
 
Luis and Angie Martinez were baptized January 31st by Oscar. Their address is 4401 North 55th, Fort Smith, AR 72904.
 
**Widows/Widowers and 60+**
Car Clinic will be February 5th at the Annex from 8 to 11 a.m., weather permitting.
 
**Widows/Widowers**
We will have a Valentine luncheon at the Annex, Saturday, February 5 at noon.  Wear your red and come join us.  Call Janice (474-8851), Mary (646-6079), or Bobbie (918 674-5814) if you need transportation.
 
**Nursery Help Needed**
We need more nursery workers for Sunday and Wednesday night. Do you love caring for babies and little ones? See or call Jo Davidson or Nancy James.
 
**Notes of Thanks**
The nieces and nephews of Cecil Knight appreciate your many acts of kindness and expressions of sympathy. A special thanks to Dale Brown, Roy Dunavin, John Priester, the ladies that prepared and served food, and for the flower arrangement the church sent. We are so blessed to be a part of the Lord’s family at West-Ark.
 In Christian love,
 Claretta Bartlett
 Doris Robertson
 Pam Watlington
 
We are so thankful to our church family for the prayers, love, and concern during the surgery and recovery of our son-in-law, Timothy Williams. He is doing well.
 In Christian love,
 Bob & Jane Fisher
 
The peace lily plant you sent for Daddy’s funeral was beautiful. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and kindness during this difficult time.
 The family of Elmo West
 
Thank you again for prayers for my mother. She received another stint and has gone home from the hospital. Our Family deeply appreciates your concern and your prayers on her behalf!
 In Him,
 Mary Burkett

**Sunday Evening**
Worship at 6:00 p.m.
Personal Preference Vs. God’s Instruction (“The Slippery Slope”)
David Chadwell, Speaker
 
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**Overcomer’s Outreach**
A Christ-Centered 12-Step Support Group
6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Mondays
West-Ark Church of Christ, Room 126B
(enter through FLC double-glass doors)
If you have questions, call Caruth Alexander at
561-2333 or e-mail him at cmalex2333 @ aol.com
For Transportation, call 459-0168 or 452-1240.
 
**LTC Announcements**
• No Junior or Senior High Choir practice this Sunday.
• 4:00 Junior High Bible Bowl
• 5:00 Elementary Puppets
• 6:00 Elementary Drama
• 6:00 Junior & Senior High Puppets
• LTC Bulletin Boards and Banners will meet February 12 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Annex.
 
**Attention All 2 – 6 Graders!**
Our Gateway Points Party is this Sunday, February 6th from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. in the FLC. 
Pizza and drinks provided! Kids, bring a change of clothes for the big slide!! Hope to see you there!
 
**Special Contribution for Guyana Flood Relief**
On Sunday, February 13, we will have a special contribution for flood relief for our Guyanese brethren.
 
**Mark your calendars for Vacation Bible School**
July 18-21, 2005
 
**Happy Birthday**
 
January 30
Harold Davis
Abbey Jenkins
 
January 31
Phillip Burns
 
February 1
Brandon Combs
Carolyn Harrell
Ashley Haworth
 
February 3
Jared Hollomon
Jane Newman
George Thompson
 
February 5
Crystabella Jones
 
February 7
John Glidewell
 
February 8
Megan Perkins
 
February 9
Austin Curtis
John Holley
Mike Williams
 
February 10
Howard Hughes
Marceil Stevens
 
February 11
Jessica Bryant
Lance Haines
Jeremy Harper
Elaine Kamp
 
February 12
Joyce Dunavin
 
February 13
Ava Jones
 
February 14
Barbara Abernathy
 
February 15
Mary Hudson
Ron Smith
 
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**Family LIfe Ministry**
By Brad Pistole
 
The first weekend in February is always one of my favorite weekends of the year. For the past 14 years, this weekend has been the chosen date for a very special event for teens in NW Arkansas: Winter Retreat.
 
Winter Retreat started at Lake Fort Smith 14 years ago and was attended by West-Ark, Southside in Rogers, and Westside in Russellville. We quickly outgrew that location and for the past 10 years we have held the retreat in Siloam Springs with as many as 200 area teens and adults.
 
Over the years the retreat has grown to include groups from Joplin, MO; Claremore, OK; Van Buren, Fayetteville, Farmington, Johnson, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville. This is simply one of the most spiritually beneficial events of the year for our teens and adults.
 
This year will be no different. Marshall Brown, David Scott and myself have worked hard to put together a weekend that will challenge our teens and lead them into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
 
This is the first time the "Super Bowl" has ever fallen on the same weekend as Winter Retreat and as a result several churches that have attended in the past won't be attending this year. While we will miss several friends from the area, we look forward to the worship-filled atmosphere and the special bonds that will be formed with a smaller group present.
 
We will leave this Friday at 4:30 p.m. with about 40 teens and adults from West-Ark and we will return Sunday at 1:00 p.m. I thank God for all of the special memories and spiritual decisions that have been made over the past 14 years at Winter Retreat, and I pray for hearts to be moved this weekend according to His plan.
 
**Morning Nursery**
Melissa Walker, Dena Jenkins
Irene Willis, Annette Sharp
 
**Evening Nursery**
Dixie Burkhart, Gina Williams
 
**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Sunday AM Worship 727
Bible Classes  446
Sunday Evening 282
Wednesday PM  325
Contribution   $23,639
Children’s Home   $184
Hispanic Contribution $138
AM Hispanic Attendance  35
PM Hispanic Attendance  21
Laotian Contribution $257
Laotian Attendance 44
The Way Contribution $62
The Way Attendance 45
 
Office Phone (479) 452-1240
Fax  (479) 452-5767
office@westarkchurchofchrist.org
www.westark.org
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"Making disciples for Jesus who are eager to serve others."
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