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Family Lines Newsletter, June 23, 2005
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**Made to Live**
By David Chadwell
 
John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."
 
Jesus declared this statement.  In context, he made it to contrast his concern for people with concerns of those who exploited people.  The basic contrasts declared two realities.  (1)  Jesus unselfishly focused on the benefits of people while others focused selfishly on personal benefits.  (2) He gave life while others deserted in the moments of crisis and brought death.
 
His purposes never exploited people.  His purposes brought and gave life freely.  Ultimately, his death would bring life to people.
 
Today’s Christians often miss the central point.  Most of us are unfamiliar with the relationship between first century sheep and their shepherd.  It was founded on total dependence and absolute trustworthiness.  Only when sheep had a trustworthy shepherd would the relationship work.
 
Sheep were totally dependent.  Without a shepherd, they could not find food.  In fact, they would over-graze an area and literally destroy their food source.  A good shepherd had to be wise enough not to allow over-grazing.
 
Without a shepherd, sheep seldom found water in arid places.  A good shepherd led them to water.  Thirsty sheep in arid places seldom could find water on their own.
 
Good shepherds defended sheep.  A flock was defenseless without their shepherd.  The only thing they knew to do in crisis was panic!  In their panic, sheep endangered themselves—rather than hurting their enemy, they in their panic hurt themselves.
 
A shepherd made it possible for sheep to have life!  An excellent, accomplished shepherd provided a good life for his sheep.
 
We were made to live.  We exist because the Source of Life, God, gave us existence.  By design we were made to live.  Life, not death, fulfills our purpose.  It is impossible to diminish life and not diminish us!
 
Though we do not like to admit it, we are dependent creatures.  While we value life, we do not know the focus of life.  We do not understand what we are about.  Left to ourselves, we are prone to selfishness.  We do a poor job of considering future consequences to life.  We are so “pleasure” prone and so “lifestyle” conscious we are vulnerable to “now thinking” as if everything in the future will continue as it exists in this moment.  We do a horrible job of leading ourselves, focus ourselves, or directing ourselves.  We are far, far more likely to make “self-destruct” choices than wise and insightful choices.
 
We need someone to guide us who unselfishly has our best-interest as His priority.  We need someone to teach us what life is about.  We need someone to show us how to live.  We need a good shepherd, Jesus Christ.  He provides life when death surrounds us.
 

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**The Wonder Working Power of Prayer**
• Missy Blasdel's uncle, Larry Vickers (age 55), has been moved to St. Edward Hospital, ICU.  He is in a coma and on life support.
• Adam Jenkins continues to improve!  Kerry and Dena are very grateful for the prayers and messages. Their prayer pager is 441-2591. For additional information on Adam’s progress, go to www.JenkinsSite.com .
• Ann Selig has been diagnosed with cancer of the thyroid. She will see a surgeon soon.
• Betty Summers requests prayers for her sister, Elnora Nichols, who has cancer.
• Debbie Belote requests prayers for her sister, Linda Huffmaster, who is having out-patient surgery on Monday.
• Theresa Stafford (mother of Cody, Ashley, Lance and Joshua) had out-patient back surgery Monday. If you would like to send a card, their address is Ragon Homes, Apt. 115, Fort Smith, AR 72904.
• Continue to pray for Bill Houlker, Roy & Joyce Dunavin’s son-in-law in New Zealand.
• Wendell Fenton (Natalie Nelson’s father) has prayer pager 784-7490. 
 
**Continued Prayers**
• Anita Maxwell
• Bob Callicott, Ann Combs’ father
• Chuck Cunningham
• Gene Smith
• John Fowler
• Larry Treat
• Maile McDonald
• Mary Vampola
• Paul Flippo
• Vicki Varvel (daughter of John and Nadine Hawkins)
 
**Bereaved**
Our love and sympathy is extended to Carol Green in the death of Don on Thursday (6/16). Funeral services were Monday afternoon at the church building.
 
Word has been received of the death of Brenda Lenderman’s father, Blaine Inman. If you would like to send a card to Brenda, her address is P.O. Box 771, Harrison, AR 72602. Memorial contributions may be made to Ridgeway Church of Christ, Hiway 65, Alpena, AR 72611; or Children's Homes, Inc., 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, AR 72450.
 
Cyndi Yielding requests prayers for her cousin’s family. Julie Chubb (Cyndi's cousin) died of pancreatic cancer on Sunday. She is survived by her husband and five children (ages 6-14). 
 
**Prayers for Men in Service**
Matthew Faries, Shane L. Newton, Aaron Bailey, Adam Morrissun, Ronnie Wheat, David Jennen,  Jacob Roper, and Jackie Luong.
 
**A Word of Thanks!**
Thanks to everyone who helped Don Green’s funeral be a comforting, meaningful time for the family! So many were involved – those who prepared the building, cared for the sound system, sang, prepared food, served food, coordinated efforts, etc. Those who belong to Jesus Christ are family! Thanks for giving those words meaningful substance!
 David Chadwell
 
I want to thank you for all your prayers and thoughtfulness. Every time my prayer pager went off, you made my heart smile. May God’s blessings be yours each and every day.
 Love in Jesus,
 Vicki Hardin
 
Dear Church Family,
Thank you so much for your prayers and concern regarding my grandfather while he was in the hospital. You have no idea how much we all appreciated your thoughtfulness!
 God bless you all,
 Treva Hill & the Hill Family
 
Dear Brother Chadwell and
West-Ark Church of Christ Family,
I wanted to end my seven year “stay at your house” with a heart felt thank you. Thank you for the sacrifices your staff and church family made by allowing us to live in your home these past several years. I have been overwhelmed by the gracious spirit your family has shown to our teachers and students. Upon transferring our furniture, boxes, etc. from your facility to our new home, I have heard more than one student say, “I’m going to miss our old school – we really had it good there.” We were all spoiled – from the air-conditioned, carpeted rooms, to the closeness to each classroom. So, thank you … from the fullness of my heart. Your family made our family feel like your house was ours. And this is what Jesus intended His church to be – an extension of Himself. “Well done.”
 Stacy Sagely 6/14/05
 (River Valley Christian School)
 
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**Creation of Christ's Church**
West-Ark’s VBS
Monday – Thursday, July 18-21
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
(Ages 4 years – 6th Grade)
 
• Have fun with your Bible-time family
• Visit the Temple
• Listen to Storytellers
• Play Bible-time games
• Carpentry Shop
• Sandal Shop
• Rope-Making Shop
• Pottery Shop
• Metal-working shop
 
Parents, register your children online at
http://www.westark.org/vbsregis.htm
 
**Volunteers Needed**
We need volunteers to cut out 10 pairs of sandals each. The sandals are cut from carpet. If lots of people help, it will make a huge difference! The material and instructions will be given to you. Please contact Karen Benjamin (414-8166) if you can help.
 
**Sunday Morning**
Mark 3:20-30
Chris Benjamin, Speaker
 
**Sunday Evening**
Fences: Faith or Control
David Chadwell, Speaker
After the evening assembly, we’ll have a fellowship meal in the FLC.
Please bring desserts!
 
 
**Commentary Offered**
Chris Benjamin will be teaching from the gospel of Mark this summer. John Lankford is taking orders for a commentary recommended by Chris, called “The Gospel According to Mark” by Morna D. Hooker. If you would like to order this commentary, see John Lankford soon! The price is $16.00 (about ½ off).
 
**Happy Birthday**
 
July 3
Dwonne Cogswell
Jane Fisher
Lindsey Yowell
 
July 4
Reva Hoff
Suzanne Karr
Jim Newton
 
July 5
Margaret Gillian
Melody Priester
 
July 7
Kristy Abernathy
Amanda Robison
 
July 9
Brett Cooper
 
**CD/DVD Collection Ending**
June 29th is the final day to add to the LFC’s collection of used CD’s and DVD’s to send to Operation Razorback. A box for donations is in the Student Center against the chalkboard wall (located in the Annex).
 
**Lost & Found Items**
Lost and found items will be displayed in the foyer for one more week. Afterwards, these items will be donated to Community Outreach.
 
**Coming Events**
Marriage Matters Seminar
With Dr. Jerry & Lynn Jones
Sunday – Wednesday, August 28-31, 2005
For more information call 479 636-1156 or go to
www.southside-church-of-christ.org
 
Gospel Singing
with the Heavenly Echoes
Bonanza Church of Christ
June 24, 7:00 p.m.
 
**Attention Church Newsletter Subscribers**
If you are not a member of West-Ark Church of Christ, but wish to continue receiving this newsletter, Family Lines, by regular mail, please let us know. You can call, write, or e-mail, but we DO want to hear from you. Contact information (phone number, address, and e-mail address) are on page 4 of this newsletter. Note: this request does not apply to e-mail subscribers.
 
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**Family Life Ministry**
By Brad Pistole 
 
As you read this, 14 of our teens and 4 of our adults from West-Ark will be getting ready to leave for a whole new ministry experience. This Friday – Monday, we will be participating in the Heifer International Program in Perryville, AR for the first time.
 
This is a program that has received national notoriety for its commitment to service and helping those in need. Harding University has sent students to participate in this program for years.
 
We are excited to learn more about global hunger awareness, what it takes to survive in a third world country, and what we can do to help put an end to world hunger.
 
Please pray for Michael Blasdel, Azia Blasdel, Jeff Tomlin, Marcia Tomlin, Stephen Tomlin, Alex Tomlin, Zach Barker, Erika Beshears, Dawson Urrutia, John Carson, Leslie Frederick, Courtney Griffin, Brian Hite, Lindsey Smith, John Bradley Smith, Dalton Stancil, Cody Stafford, and myself as we travel and serve together.
                                   
**Coming Events**
We’re just 3 weeks away from Vacation Bible School. Teens will begin working on various phases of VBS from July 7th – 15th. Watch the youth board for more information in the next few days. 
 
Our youth and family trip to Dallas, Texas is scheduled for August 11th-14th.  We will have 55 spots available for this trip. The sign-up list will be put up on the youth board on Sunday morning, July 3rd.  Payment  will  be due by Sunday, July 31st.
 
**A.M. Nursery**
Berniece Rogers
Sharon Faries
Tracy Risley
Donna Roper
 
**P.M. Nursery **
Angela Dunavant
Denise Lusby
 
**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Sunday AM Worship 644
Bible Classes  416
Sunday Evening 246
Wednesday PM  322
Contribution   $17,194
Children’s Home   $295
Hispanic Contribution $116
AM Hispanic Attendance 32
Laotian Contribution $251
Laotian Attendance 32
The Way Contribution $59
The Way Attendance 42
 
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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