West-Ark Newsletter, 31 May 2007

By David Chadwell

Or do you think lightly of the riches of His (Gods) kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? (Romans 2:4)

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. (Colossians 3:12, 13)

The Lords bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. (2 Timothy 2:24-26)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:22-24)

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:5-8)

The New Testament includes so much emphasis on the spiritual importance of kindness, it is overwhelming. Kindness (1) is a characteristic of God (Romans 2:4); (2) a characteristic of Christian love (1 Corinthians 13:4); (3) a characteristic of a servant (2 Timothy 2:24); in the Spirits fruit (Galatians 5:22); a part of the Christian graces (2 Peter 1:7); and a part of Christian behavior (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12, 13). Many in the first century were not kind prior to conversion. Jesus Christ taught them to be kind after conversion. Their kindness toward people and each other made them distinctive.

The American Restoration movement began as a unity movement crying, Not the only Christians, but Christians only. In time, it confronted those not in the movement. In more time, it confronted those in the movement. In still more time, it decided faith should be affirmed by attacking baptized believers. It declared that unity should be preserved by division.

In this migration, kindness was abandoned, rarely taught, and regarded by some to be a spiritual weakness rather than a godly strength. Why do Christians abandon gossip, hypocrisy, mean spirits, judgmental attitudes, hurtful motives, etc.? If we say because of commands, something is lacking. What is lacking? The Holy Manner of kindness. Kindness is not what others show us, but what we show others.

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**In Our Thoughts & Prayers**
Praise! Bosco Eudaly (Mary Burketts father) has improved and may be released from the hospital soon.
David Gates surgery has been postponed.
Glenanna OMara (daughter of Larry & Janice Prater and sister of Shanna Davis) was dismissed from the hospital on Monday. She is a little better.
Hunter Hesslens physicians at Arkansas Childrens Hospital have agreed that his new test results are normal and his parents can begin to wean him off anti-seizure medication (which will take about 5 weeks). Kevin & Christy request prayers that God will grant him freedom from the seizure disorder, and that he will be safe in the process.
Lyndell Foster received good news! The cancer has not spread to his lungs. He will still need surgery, but it will be scheduled at a later date.
Mary "T" Kolb is in St. Edward Hospital, room 5419.
Nicole Wilson had a biking accident while camping last weekend. She has some stitches in her forehead, bruised elbows and ribs, but is recovering well.
Gretta Paynes mother, Reta Rodin, remains in Sparks SICU (2nd floor).

Rusty Howard (son of Louise and Wilburn) has been diagnosed with colon cancer. He will see his doctor Monday to schedule surgery.
Kimberly Shawver requests your continued prayers for her sister-in-law's father, Severino Belotendos, a Christian who lives in the Philippines. He is having lots of tests.
Tom Randolph (brother of Carolyn Griffin) is scheduled for heart surgery on June 5th.
Travis Wade, Fran Wade's 15-year-old grandson, is scheduled for a corrective heart procedure on May 31st at UCLA.

**Bereaved in Prayer**
Our love and sympathy is extended to Joe & Terri Parker in the death of Joes brother, John, as the result of a car accident on May 16th in Florida. Please remember both families in your prayers.

**Guyana Medical Mission Team**
The following West-Ark members are on the 2007 Guyana Medical Mission Team: Michael & Missy Blasdel, Ashley & Azia Blasdel, Richard & Shirley Bullard, Michael & Jeannie Cole, Roy & Joyce Dunavin, Beth & Leslie Frederick, Colleen Frost, Connie Hixson, Nancy James, Jack & Glenda Lewis, Niketa Stinchcomb, and Bailey Williams.

This will be the 17th annual trip to conduct Bible studies and provide medical care for the poor in Guyana, South America. The team is scheduled to depart from the Fort Smith airport at 6:05 a.m. on Saturday, June 2. Lord willing, they will return at 9:20 p.m. on Sunday, June 10.

The trip is only possible because of the many generous people who have contributed funds to send Christians once again to make disciples for Jesus who are eager to serve others. We appreciate all who donated money and ask for the continued prayers of everyone for health, safety, and success. To God be all the glory.

**Missionaries in Prayer**
West-Arks Guyana Medical Mission Team 2007, June 2-10.
Our missionary families in Vietnam and Laos.
John Paul & Ruby Lee Hundley in France.
Steve & Colleen DeLoach, Operation Guyana
Evangelists and their families with whom we work in Ethiopia and Nigeria.

**Wedding Prayers**
You work, you play and then,
one day love just happens!
Tiffany Shenille Morphew
and
Joshua Roane Blake
together with their parents
will be exchanging wedding vows in a private ceremony
June 2, 2007.
The couple request prayers as
they begin their life together!

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**Wedding News!**
Amanda Burkhart (daughter of Stan & Dixie) and James Robert Hedrick were married on May 19 in Springdale. If you would like to send them your congratulations, the address is Mr. and Mrs. James R. Hedrick, 444 E. Malinda Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72703.

**Note of Thanks**
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ
Just an update as to how things are. Harry is doing much better. Thank you so much for your prayers, calls, and cards. They make all the difference.
Love you all,
Barbara Smith

Thank you so much for the cards and phone calls Ive received after breaking my ankle. It was great to have a little of home sent my way! I also want to thank everyone whos praying for my quick and complete recovery. I really appreciate all the love sent my way.
Thanks again,
Lisa Neisler
Daughter of Don & Billie)

**VBS News!**
We truly feel that VBS 2007 will be a huge blessing to the children as well as to our volunteers. We still need workers/helpers in many areas. See the bulletin board in the foyer to sign up or for more information. To God be all the glory!!
Dena Jenkins and Staci James

**The Hope Chest**
New hours for June,
July & August will be
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
We have an urgent need for the items below. Just place your donations in the large container in the foyer.
mens casual pants & jeans
disposable diapers (sizes 1 & 2)
baby wash
baby shampoo
deodorant (small sizes)
Thank you for continuing to keep the container filled. Your donations make it possible to serve the needs of many in this community and area!

**Baby Bottle Campaign**
Dont forget to bring your baby bottle with you this Sunday, June 3rd. Your donation will help the Heart to Heart Pregnancy Support Center continue the wide variety of services offered to women, babies, and families in our area.

**Wednesday Video Class**
Open to all Ladies beginning Wednesday night, June 6, at 7:00, well begin a video series in room 222 (Gateways Movie Theatre). Each video is a synopsis of an Old Testament book. There will be approximately 8 videos shown (more if requested).

What do the following people have in common?
Neil Armstrong Astronaut, 1st human to set foot on the moon
Gerald R. Ford, Jr. 38th President of the United States
E. Fay Jones World-renowned architect and designer
H. Ross Perot, Sr. Businessman and billionaire
Steven Spielberg Academy Award winning director
Sam Walton Founder of Wal-Mart & Sams Club
Answer: They were all Eagle Scouts!

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** Family Life Ministry**
by Brad Pistole

Have you had a chance to think about it? Its obvious that our worlds thoughts about Jesus have changed. The religious people of His day hated Him, now religious people love Him. The sinful people of His day loved Him, now sinful people hate Him??? What changed?

The sick, sinful people of the world wanted what He had to offer. They saw the way He responded to the lepers, the tax collectors, the woman caught in adultery, the woman at the well, the woman with the bleeding disease, the woman who wiped his feet with her tears, etc.

Do religious people today present this same Jesus to the lost? Does our Jesus still meet people right where they are? Is He still willing to go to them, or do they have to come find Him at the church building and meet a long list of requirements before He can help them? (Titus 3:4-7)

**Those to Serve Communion for June**
Richard Bullard
Stan Burkhart
John Carson
Dan Cathy
Adam Davis
Charley Douglas
Blake Frost
Benny Gooden
Farrell Graves
Kevin Hesslen
Kenny Holloman
Stephen Jenneman
Bill Kamp
Brad Moore
Don Neisler
Troy Sweeten
Jordan Walker
Michael Wear

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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