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Family Lines Newsletter, April 13, 2006
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**LIVING IN GOD’S IMAGE**
By David Chadwell
 
Romans 12:17-21,  Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
 
The problem of reacting to enemies in God’s way: it requires being considerate to people we do not like—to those who would not be considerate to us.  We could paraphrase Paul’s instructions to the Christians in Rome this way.  “Never allow evil people to force adoption of evil means.  Instead of using evil means, put the problem in God’s hands.  Let God control the situation by your being kind and considerate to an enemy.  Realize evil is not defeated by resorting to evil.  Only doing good defeats evil.”
 
These thoughts were written to Christians living in Rome’s evil environment which did not appreciate Christian values.  Evil people did not appreciate Christian morals because such morals were too different to an idolatrous society’s morals.  Roman society craved power and used people.  Christians did not seek power and were kind to people. 
 
The Christian treatment of enemies brings to the forefront an interesting, practical question.  Why?  Why do Christians give kind consideration to people who would give them no consideration?
 
Is it because Christian kindness brings a wonderful resolution to all physical confrontations?  No!  No one was kinder than was Jesus!  Yet, his kindness did not prevent his death.  In some instances, kindness merely infuriates those who oppress Christians.  Remember, this involves a war between good and evil!
 
Is it because doing good “is the thing to do” for a Christian?  Before a response can be given to that suggestion, an answer is needed.  What is meant by “the thing to do”?  If the response is that being kind to the unkind is a hoop a Christian must jump through in order to finish the divine obstacle course, the answer is, “NO!” 
 
Is doing good to the unkind an appropriate reflection of God our Father?  Yes!  That is the motive for being kind to the unkind!  God is good to us—good enough to show us compassion, mercy, grace, and forgiveness; good enough to let us be children instead of enemies; good enough to give us a indestructible hope.
 
Remember Romans 5:8?  “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
 
Remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:44, 45?  “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
  
Represent God well!  May your values be formed by God’s character, not society!
 
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**Please Pray For**
• Celia Looney is in St. Edward ICU with pneumonia. She is a member of the Paris, AR Church of Christ and a teacher at County Line High School.
• Chuck Cunningham (recovery from surgery)
• Praise! David Hardy is recovering from kidney surgery and shares good news in “Family Update.”
• Guy Foster (Lyndell’s brother)
• Hunter Hesslen's visit to ACH went well. His sleep deprived EEG was normal. The pediatric neurologist said that Hunter did have epilepsy -- the good news is that it can be managed with medication. The family asks for prayers that the medicine he is on will continue to keep him seizure free, and not have too many side-effects.
• Joel Prigge (brother-in-law of Louise Howard; cancer treatment)
• Malcomb Gordey is in Sparks Hospital, room 694.
• Mary Wells (Joyce Chadwell’s mother) is in the hospital in Crossville, TN with congestive heart problems.
• Praise! Myra Flippo’s lung surgery went very well. There is no cancer, and she is recovering quickly. Myra is in Sparks Hospital, room 484.
• Ralph James, Gary’s father   (recovery from minor stroke)
• Sandy Ahart, aunt of Brian Robbins (lung cancer).
 
**Bereaved**
Our love and sympathy is extended to Jim Roughly and family in the death of wife and mother, Vicki. Funeral services are Friday, April 14, 11:00 a.m. at Temple Baptist Church, 5100 South 31st.  Visitation is Thursday evening, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Putman Funeral Home.
 
Our love and sympathy is also extended to Melvin Burge in the death of his brother, Dick Burge last week in West Plains, Missouri.
 
**Prayer Pagers**
A 441-1648  Myra Flippo
B 441-1734 Jane McGowan
E 441-2591 John & Melody Priester
                                  
**Missionaries in Prayer**
Thomas Kweekul in Thailand; John Paul & Ruby Lee Hundley in France; our missionaries in Laos and Vietnam; the Wilson Family traveling and working in Ethiopia.
 
**Military in Prayer**
Mitchell Bryant, Shane L. Newton, Adam Morrissun, and Charlie Remaley.
 
**Elder Appreciation Dinner**
Tuesday, April 25, 6:30 p.m.
in the Family Life Center
There are two ways to RSVP by April 18th!
• Sign the list in the Information Center or
• Call the church office at 452-1240.
 
**Our Church Welcomes**
Chris & Elaine Hill
Tristen and Jaden
1503 Saratoga
Van Buren AR 72956
Phone: (479) 471-5669
 
**Notes of Thanks**
Dear West-Ark Family,
Thank you for all the cards, calls, visits and prayer pages for my mom during these last few months.  She loved this church family.  We felt privileged to have Gary Brown perform her memorial service. You remain in our hearts and minds.  We love and miss you.
 Larry and Laurie Armstrong
 
Dear Church Family & Staff,
We have stressed verbally many times a heart-felt thank you for your help last winter and this spring. We are very grateful for the van ministry and for being in a caring church family.
 Yours in Christ,
 Theresa & Corey Wheeler
 
Just a note to let you know that for the first time since last August when he left for Iraq, I got to give my brother, Alan Todd, a big hug. To the angels in heaven who watched out for him and kept him safe and to the angels at West-Ark who kept him lifted up in their thoughts and prayers, we are so very grateful. God bless each one of you as He has blessed us. ~~Linda Davis
 
**Family Update**
From David Hardy:
The spot on the kidney was malignant cancer (an unaggresive tumor) and it is strongly believed that the spots in the lungs are not cancer.  The best news - the spot was completely removed and the margin came back negative showing no additional signs of cancer in my system. Let me translate.  Our almighty God has healed my body of any signs of dangerous cancer.  He has answered all of the prayers that we have presented before Him. The doctor said today that were it not for the spots in my lungs (which are not of large concern as they likely are not cancer), he would have diagnosed "cured".  I thank each and every one of you for your prayers, thoughts, cards, and acts of service in this time.  My recovery is going fast and well, just as we have prayed for it to be. Praise be to our God and Father.  He has blessed us with his glory.  I pray that He will bless you as well.  Thank you for being part of our lives.  Our most sincere love and thanks, David.
 
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**Wedding Shower**
There will be a shower honoring Sara Word on Sunday, April 23, from 2-4 p.m. at the home of Jo Davidson, 1811 South 73rd Circle. Sara is registered at Penney’s, Pier One, Wal-Mart (Texas), and Linen’s ‘N Things.
 
**Senior Game Day!**
Thursday, April 20
12 noon – 3:00 p.m. in the FLC.
 
**Under the Bridge Changed**
Due to many folks traveling to LTC in Tulsa this weekend,  we will serve “under the bridge” on April 29 instead of this weekend.
 
**Wednesday Night WINGS**
Ladies, come and join us on Wednesday nights, April 26 - June 7 at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211. We’re completing our study of David by viewing the video series “A Heart Like His” by Beth Moore.
 
**Joy Bunch!**
Our next potluck is Saturday, April 15, 6:00 p.m. in the FLC.
 
**Happy Birthday**
 
April 16
Chandler Harper
 
April 17
Dave Cogswell
Barry Neal
 
April 18
Ronnie Abernathy
Darra Dismuke
 
April 19
Kevin Hesslen
 
April 20
Jenny Atchison
Wyatt Benjamin
Robin Webber
Lauren Willis
 
April 21
Inez Hatfield
Jewell House
 
April 22
Valerie Beshears
Lindsay Hines
 
**We'll Miss You!**
We’ll be bidding farewell to three families in the near future. Please seek them out and let them know how much they’ll be missed!
• David and Jennifer Jennen are moving to Georgia very soon.
• Jane Choate is moving to Oklahoma City soon.
• Jim and Vicki Hardin will be moving to Oklahoma in May.
 
**Happy Anniversary**
G. C. & Margaret Stone celebrated their 66th Wedding Anniversary on April 12!
 
**Guyana Need$**
Sunglasses and reading glasses are needed for Guyana.  We can purchase these in bulk at a cheaper rate so we are asking for donations of money.   If you can donate to this need, please give your contribution to Kathy Monk or Glenda Lewis.
 
**Faith Comes By Hearing**
Final Week; Days 85-90
April 16: Rev. 4-6
April 17: Rev. 7-11
April 18: Rev. 12-14
April 19: Rev. 15-17
April 20: Rev. 18-19
April 21: Rev. 20-22
 
**Deacons & Ministry Leaders**
In preparation for our upcoming fifth Sunday Family Meeting on April 30, the elders request the attendance of all deacons and ministry leaders for a time of prayer and discussion on SUNDAY, April 23.  We will meet at 4:00 p.m. in the large upstairs classroom in the Family Life Center.
 
**Needs in the FLOCK**
We currently have the following opportunities for you to be involved and blessed in The FLOCK:
1. Wednesday Night Teachers (5 week commitment)
2. Those blessed with the organization gift to work on our Resource Room. 
The teachers are provided complete lesson plans as well as all supplies and teach the same lesson to different groups of children for four weeks (five on Wednesdays).   We truly try to make these “FLOCK jobs” as easy as possible – just talk to those who are already serving in this capacity!  Please contact Dena Jenkins.   Thank you for your help!
 
**Coming Events**
 
Saturday, May 13
Randy Harris speaks on “The Spiritual Life You’ve Always Wanted”
9:30 – 11:45 a.m. at Bentonville Church of Christ.
 
May 23-25
Missions Focus at ACU
with Missionary Care Specialist
Dr. Laura Mae Gardner
For more information go to:
 www.acu.edu/missions/focus
 
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**FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY**
By Brad Pistole
 
*Our Amazing Teenagers*
 
I have always known that God has blessed West-Ark with a very talented group of young people. But this past week has reminded me just how blessed I am to work with the teenagers in our youth group.
 
Throughout this 2005-2006 school year, I have been to more school events than ever before. Our teens learn from us and they are just as “busy” as we are.
 
As I thought about all the things I’ve witnessed this year, I realized just how talented our teens are. I’ve watched John Carson play football for Alma High. I have watched John Kamp and John Bradley Smith go head to head in the Chaffin vs. Ramsey border war.
 
I’ve watched Dawson Urrutia play basketball for Union Christian Academy. I have watched Dawson and Zach Barker play baseball for U.C.A. I have watched Meredith Brown, Allison Todd, and Andrew Todd play basketball for U.C.A. I have watched Molly Hudson play softball for U.C.A.
 
I have watched Ian Gilley play baseball for Northside High. I have watched Macenzie Been play baseball for Greenwood High.  I’ve watched Hannah Watlington cheer, Sarabeth Sadler, Leslie Frederick, Molly Hudson, and Andrew Todd play in the band, etc. There have also been numerous choir performances, volleyball games, band competitions, track meets, and other things that I simply don’t have room to mention.
 
Most recently, I was blessed to go watch one of our seniors, Ben Neal, perform in the play Aladdin which took place at the Ft. Smith Civic Center. Ben played the part of the “Genie” and quite simply, “Ben stole the show.” Ben has been very active in the drama department at Southside High and in the Ft. Smith Little Theater throughout High School. Ben, you amazed me! I was so proud of you! I am so proud of all of our teens. I am blessed to get to take part in your lives and I thank God for each of you. I pray that you will all continue to SHINE in all that you do and let others know that you belong to God. (III John vs. 4)
 
**April 16 Nursery**
Morning: Jennifer Jennen, Flora Johnson, Kristy Abernathy
Evening: Sheila Vaught
 
**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Morning Worship 684
Morning Bible class 422
Evening Worship 332
Contribution $16,486
Wednesday Night 344
Children's Home $193
Iglesia de Cristo
  Attendance 87
  Contribution $316
Lao Church
  Attendance 31
  Contribution $172
 
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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