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Family Lines Newsletter, February 8, 2007
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“How Do You Get Ahead?”
By David Chadwell
 
But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.  (Paul in 1 Timothy 6:10)
 
Fortunately my week began typically. I got my half cup of coffee, sat at my computer, and read my e-mail messages.  As usual, Monday’s messages were over 75% spam.  Most of them wanted one thing—money.  The authors of the messages frequently promised me (whom they do not know) incredible sums of money if I give them information that allows them access to my money. Or, they promise me great monetary success if I will buy a product.  Or, they challenge me to generosity that benefits them.
 
In most of my spam messages, people are confident that if they can stimulate my greed nerve, they can soothe (for a moment) their greed nerve.
 
Though I have witnessed it many times, I never cease to be amazed at the people who are convinced that money is the answer--the answer to problems; the answer to indebtedness; the answer to a desire for pleasure; the answer to significance; the answer to security; etc.  Name the need, and someone thinks money is the answer [even in spiritual matters!].
 
Too little do we realize that money brings new problems--new forms of indebtedness that dig new, deeper holes [he or she who cannot manage little cannot manage much]; common substitutions of indulgence for pleasure that create enslaving addictions; a frequent introduction to despair.
 
This is not intended to be a slam on wealth!  Some early Christians had wealth!  Paul said to them (1 Timothy 6:17-19)--Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.
 
He or she who can escape greed while having money is wise.  He or she who defines self by relationship with God is wise.  He or she who understands how to use wealth for God’s purposes rather than allowing wealth to use him or her for its purposes is wise. He or she who lets God’s values determine how wealth is used rather than allowing wealth determine how he or she is used is wise.  He or she who refuses to measure self by “what I have” is wise.
 
May this be our ambition: “Who I am is determined by God.  What I have is determined by God.  How I use what I have is determined by God.  Only God’s will measures me.”
 
Careful: Money does not offer us everything.  To many, money gives only an internal emptiness and coldness.  To the unwise, money costs rather than gives.  “God, deliver us from the deceit of our own greed.  Help us listen to You instead of deceiving ourselves.”
 
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**Wonder Working Power of Prayer**
• Alice Rogers is doing well following knee surgery on 2/6/07. She is in Sparks Hospital, room 579, and will remain there 4-5 days.
• Betty Porter has moved to a different room in Methodist Nursing Home. She is now in room 208.
• Bonnie Marrs is in St. Edward, room 5215 recovering from a stroke.
• Coleen Shirley’s surgery is planned for February 23. Last week the good news came that her lymph nodes are clear! Continue to pray for her foot to heal. Coleen has prayer pager 441-2379.
• Darren Chilton (son-in-law of Linda Davis) is being treated with medication for an irregular heart beat. Darren and Mandy live in the Detroit, Michigan area.
• Esther Gunn requests prayers for Ethan Gordon who is in Sparks Hospital due to dehydration caused by a stomach bug. He is a member at Mulberry C of C.
• Harry Smith’s lung surgery is postponed due to a sinus infection.
• Lois Lancaster (former West-Ark member) is in Summit Medical Center, room 264 with pneumonia.
• Naomi Spears (daughter of Pearl Beam) is back in Sparks Hospital, room 450. 
• Patty Kaiser had her first chemo treatment on Tuesday. Patty has prayer pager 441-2387.
• Starr (daughter-in-law of Joe and Peggy Pistole) – chemo treatments.
 
**Bereaved in Prayer**
Several in our church family have recently lost loved ones. Please comfort and encourage them in the weeks ahead.
• Peggy Pistole in the death of her cousin, James Cooper, on 2/1/07.
• Lance Haines in the death of his father, LeRoy Haines on 2/1/07.
• Family and friends of Rodney Mason, son of deceased West-Ark members, Jim & Margie Mason and brother of Dr. Robert Mason of Fort Smith.
 
**Family Update**
Fred Jackson has begun preaching for the Muldrow Church of Christ.  Fred & Janet request your prayers as they make this transition to worship and work with the Muldrow church.
 
**New Phone Number**
Al Wood, (479) 632-0420
 
**Prayers for Mission Efforts**
• Thomas and Kindy Kweekul in Thailand
• Continue to pray for our missionary families in Vietnam and Laos.
• John Paul & Ruby Lee Hundley are here from France for a visit!
• Steve & Coleen DeLoach, Operation Guyana
 
**Military in Our Prayers**
Adam Morrissun
Brian Harris
Charles Hardy
Jeff Amos
Jonathan Smith
Michael Anderson
Kyle Evans
Mitchell Bryant
Stephen McElroy
Wes Roper
 
**Military Update**
Michael Gooden is home safely and back to work at his regular assignment at the hospital. Thanks for your prayers for all our military persons serving our country. Regardless of ones' feelings about the war, our military need our prayers.
 Martha Gooden
 
**Note of Thanks**
Dear West-Ark Friends:
I am slowing improving from the fall and was happy to be able to attend church Sunday. I very much appreciate your prayers, cards and phone calls. Thank you for remembering me.
 Mary Vampola
 
**Our FLOCK Needs Your Help**
We have several opportunities for service and donations for the FLOCK. Please contact Staci James, Dena Jenkins or Melody Priester if you can help.
We need the following:
• Sunday & Wednesday Night Teachers. All materials and supplies will be provided.
• Large, utility shelving (for our backstage area)
• Christian Children's CD’s (a capella or split track, please)
• Split track CD player
• Small speakers
 
**Ladies' Retreat Announcement**
All Ladies’ Retreat participants, please come to the front of the auditorium after Sunday morning worship for a brief meeting.
 
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Page 3   *******COMING EVENTS********
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**Sunday, February 11**
Gateway Bible Classes
(2nd – 6th Grades)
Celebration Sunday!
9:30 a.m. in the
Family Life Center
 
**LTC Rehearsals, February 11**
3:00 Secondary Chorus
4:00 Elementary Signing
       High School Quiz Bowl
5:00 Elementary Puppets
       Secondary Chorus
6:00 Elementary Chorus
 
**CURE Work Night**
Monday, February 12
7:00 to 9:00 PM
Vicksburg warehouse
We can use everybody … men, women & children.
Please help if you can.
 
February 12, 13, & 14
**Gospel Meeting**
Poteau Church of Christ
“Journey Through the Book of ACTS”
 (Monday – Wednesday)
Brant Stubblefield, Evangelist
 
**Senior GAME Day!**
Thursday, February 15
12 noon in the home of Meg Canfield
Bring finger foods and
come join the fun!
 
**JOY Bunch!**
Saturday, February 17
6:00 potluck in the FLC.
Theme and program:  “A visit from upon the creek.”
 
**Ladies’ Retreat**
February 16 & 17
"Gifted By God"
Husbands, boyfriends and anyone unable to attend the retreat, please consider committing to a time of prayer on behalf of the planning team, our speaker, and all who attend our Retreat. A sign-up list is provided in the foyer. May God’s will be done and His name be glorified!
 
**Mack Lyon**
February 16-17, 7:00 PM
February 18: 3:00 PM
Mack Lyon (from “In Search of the Lord’s Way” TV program) will be speaking at the Pine Mountain Jamboree Theater in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Ken Helterbrand will lead singing. For more information call (918) 963-2484 or 1-800-321-8633.
 
**March 22-24**
Tulsa International Soul Winning Workshop
www.tulsaworkshop.org
 
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**Family Life Ministry**
By Brad Pistole
 
There will be a special meeting this Sunday night at 6 p.m. in the Youth Room for all 7th-12th grade students. We will be discussing different possibilities for the rescheduling of Winter Retreat.
 
The retreat has been tentatively rescheduled for March 16th-18th, but we need to make sure this will be the best possible date for all involved. This also happens to be the beginning of Spring Break week and several families have informed me that they will be out of town that weekend.
 
Please check your calendars/plans for March 16th-18th and be present for the meeting this coming Sunday night. The meeting will be brief and then there will be a devotional service for the Jr. High students in the youth room.
 
All Senior High students are invited to leave immediately following the meeting for a devotional and meal at the home of Gary, Rochelle, and Meredith Brown. We will take the church van to and from the Brown’s. Everyone needs to bring a 2-liter drink with them. We will return to the building by 8:30 p.m.
 
Continue to check the Parent’s Information Table, Youth Board, and youth website for updated information and coming events. Have a great week!
 
**Happy Birthday**
 
February 11
Jessica Bryant
Brandon Daws
Lance Haines
Elaine Kamp
 
February 12
Joyce Dunavin
 
February 13
Ava Jones
 
February 14
Barbara Abernathy
 
February 15
Mary Hudson
Ron Smith
 
February 16
Arianna Heras
 
February 17
Christy Anders
Aaron Logan
Bob Null
Allison Todd
 
**Nursery Workers**
 
Morning
Vicki Anderson
Trish Carson
Dwonne Cogswell
 
Evening
Terri Jones
Marquetta Walker
 
**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Sunday AM Worship 693
Sunday PM Worship 244
Bible Classes  444
Contribution   $27675
Children’s Home $247
 
Lao Worship
Attendance 31
Contribution $168
 
Iglesia de Cristo
Attendance 53
Contribution $300
 
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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