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Family Lines Newsletter,  September 20, 2007
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**Thank You, Brad!**
By David Chadwell
 
Brad Pistole resigned as our Youth Minister Sunday.  Following are some reflections that are just mine--no one else’s.  They speak only for me.
 
Brad predated me.  For a long time, West-Ark had only two ministers, one personal evangelist, and two secretaries: Brad Pistole, David Chadwell, Roy Dunavin, Debbie Belote, and Myra Flippo.  We approached this work as a team.  While we had our areas, in emergencies everyone did anything necessary.  Areas did not matter.  Brad worked long hours, and went home to continue working. (He and Yvonne lived next door.)  So many stopped by his house, they regarded his home as their home.
 
I remember “a kid” (Brad) running across the parking lot on my first visit to West-Ark, urging me to come to West-Ark (just before he left with a group of young people).  I remember knowing soon after arrival that I worked with a person who would always help me, always be concerned about my best interest, and do my work if necessary.  I remember working with a person who was “everyone’s son.”   If anyone had a need, the first thing they said was, “Get Brad.”  I did not doubt that he—though young—was West-Ark’s most loved, appreciated person.
 
I remember a man so devoted to our teens and their families that he never stopped working—he just did not know how to say “no.”  When young adults came back to visit, they always came to see Brad.  Before we had a college program, he ministered to everyone.  Because one of “his kids” graduated did not mean he stopped caring about them.  There were the endless phone calls and the unpublished trips to encourage those struggling with a problem or their faith.
 
When Brad survived his unique kind of brain cancer, he helped others nationally who were terrified when they learned they had such cancer.
 
To him, the connection between healthy families and the spiritual health of children was so obvious he qualified (through a program at Oklahoma Christian) to work in family guidance.  Throughout those demands, he did his work.
 
I watched him as his load became too heavy to carry.  I watched him as he was forced to restrict his activities of helpfulness.  I listened as the elders urged him to learn to say “no.”
 
It became obvious to him he could only devote himself to the spiritual growth of the kids.  His decision left him open to misunderstanding.  For the kids’ sake, he willingly did what he could do to encourage and focus them.
 
I do not love Brad because he is perfect.  No human is.  However, the person I know is ethical, moral, devoted to godliness, and loves this congregation deeply.  His love for Christ should be evident in his resignation.  When he thought it was best for us (West-Ark), he left.  Brad, thank you!  Yvonne, only you know how much he gave!
 
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**In Our Thoughts and Prayers**
• Aline Story (mother of Farrell Graves) has had some breathing problems.
• Bob Williams (father of Debbie Belote) — for relief of back pain and healing from bladder cancer.
• Casey Oliver is doing well following surgery last Friday at ACH. Her surgeons were able to repair the nerve in her arm. She will need therapy, but in time her arm will be “as good as new!”
• Connie Hixson plans to see both the radiologist and the oncologist on September 26th. She asks for continued prayers for God's guidance and direction during this time of additional treatment.
• Donna Hannah (former West-Ark member) requests prayers for her sister, Dolores, who suffered a brain aneurysm on September 2nd.
• Eleanor Casey is still at Ashton Place, Room 207, 318 Strozier Lane, Barling, AR 72923. She is walking some, and her spirits are good! Your cards and visits mean so much.
• Jack Ferrell is very ill in Sparks hospital.  He cannot have visitors at this time.
• John T. Smith, Sr. (JT’s father) will meet today with a surgeon to schedule surgery to remove an upper lobe of one of his lungs.
• Ona Dickens is doing better! She has moved to The Maples, Har-Ber Meadows, 6456 Lynch's Prairie Cove, Springdale, AR 72762. Her phone is (479) 361-4669.
• Rusty Howard (son of Wilburn and Louise) has set a surgery date of October 3rd. There is lots to be thankful for!
• Sarah Hartley went to the ER Monday night. She was severely dehydrated and may have colitis from the antibiotics given her for pneumonia.
• Troy Risley (Clark’s father) is scheduled for surgery September 25 in Kansas City.
 
**Continued Prayers**
• Betty Monk (Gene’s mother)
• Chuck Combs (pager 441-1648)
• Palmer Richardson (daughter of Scott & LoriAnn, former West-Ark members)
 
**Sympathy**
Our love and sympathy goes out to Troy Sweeten and family in the death of Troy’s mother on Wednesday morning. Services  will be arranged through McConnell Funeral Home in Greenwood.
 
**Prayers for Our Military**
Brian Perkins
Brian Harris
Jeff Amos
Jonathan Smith
Kyle Evans
Mike Gooden
Ron Wheat
Stephen McElroy
Stephen Christian
Thomas Lara
Wes Roper
 
Please add Shawn Walker-Bandy to this list. Shawn is in Iraq for 6 months. He is the son of Richard & Sandy Bandy.
 
**Prayers for Nigerian Trip**
On October 2, the following families will be traveling to Nigeria:
Roy and Joyce Dunavin
Mitch, Robin, Elizabeth and Chandler Harper
Bud and Jo Harper
Meg and Jerry Canfield.
Please pray for a safe trip for them. The purpose of the trip is to dedicate the completion of the medical clinic in MBaise, Nigeria. The clinic will be dedicated in memory of Jeremy Harper. Many church members donated to the clinic building and supplies, a house and furnishings, and  a vehicle for the clinic use. The families will return on different days in 2 to 3 weeks.
 
**Missionaries in Prayer**
Jim & Deborah Wilson leave Friday for several weeks in Laos.
Our missionary families in Vietnam and Laos.
John Paul & Ruby Lee Hundley in Belgium & France.
Steve & Colleen DeLoach, Operation Guyana.
Evangelists and their families with whom we work in Ethiopia and Nigeria.
 
**Missionary Need**
Jerry & Meg Canfield are collecting ties to give to Nigerian preachers. Meg has placed a box in the foyer for your donations.
 
**Welcome, New Member!**
 Angie Woodall
 Phase 2, Room 9
 201 South 3rd
 Barling, AR 72923
 Phone: 484-7804
 
**Baptism**
 Elwood Hanson
 3815 Wheeler #15
 Fort Smith, AR 72903
 Baptized 9/16/07 (Read related article on page 3.)
 
**Hope Chest Work Session**
Monday, Sept. 24, 6 - 8 PM
CURE WAREHOUSE
 24TH & VICKSBURG. 
We have been blessed with several cartons of clothing which needs to be sorted. Please help us accomplish this -- no hanging, just sorting into boxes which will be taken to the Hope Chest. 
 
**Elders, Deacons, and Ministry Leaders’ Meeting**
Sunday, Sept. 23, 4:00 PM upstairs in the FLC.
 
**Hope Park 5th Saturday, September 29**
 Volunteers, if you CAN'T help, call Jack Lewis.
 
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**“God Gives the Increase”**
By Jack Lewis
 
The date was February 2, 2002. (02/02/02) Few will remember the events of that day. I certainly don't, I was still living in Searcy, and did not move here until November of that year, but one or two of our number will. It was the very first meeting of "The Way" group, started by David Boozer.
 
Elwood Hanson still has the little piece of paper which David had handed to him when he invited Elwood to that first meeting. There were only three in attendance that day, but something about the small group caused Elwood to come back — and the group grew. Maybe it was just the love and acceptance that David showed; but Elwood has fond memories of that day.
 
Over the months that followed, Elwood's attendance was spasmodic. The number in attendance grew to 75 at one point before we moved our meetings from the Johnson St. building to the West-Ark building.
 
That move didn't set well with some of "The Way" group, and they discontinued coming. Elwood will be quick to tell you that David Boozer would say quite often, "Don't quit coming because you are mad at someone," and Elwood would say that they were only there to see what they could get. But there were others who continued and even brought their friends. There were individuals like Ben and Sandy Pearson, Jordan and Judy Walker, and Wilburn Howard who showed love and concern and had a strong influence on Elwood — people who didn't give up on Elwood even when things were not going well.
 
This last Sunday night as I was driving those of "The Way" home, I received a phone call from Elwood. He had a question, and stated that he had been thinking about being baptized. I quickly called Ben Pearson, and after driving everyone home, I went by and picked up Elwood and drove him to the building where we baptized Elwood.
 
After five and a half years we had harvest. It reminded me of what Paul said, "In due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Gal 6: 9). The NIV says, "Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we shall reap a harvest if we do not give up." It also reminded me of another passage, which I will paraphrase this way. David Boozer planted, Ben and I watered, but God gave the increase. That scripture goes on to say that neither those who plant nor those who water are anything, but God is everything. None of us can do it all. The one who plants or the one who waters each has one job, and God will give the increase. We are just his fellow laborers.
 
Elwood supplements his retirement income with odd jobs and yard work. He can be reached at (479) 459-7047.
 
**Notes of Thanks**
Dear West-Ark Family,
I appreciate the cards and phone calls before and after my surgery. It is comforting to know how many friends and Christian brothers and sisters remember you during a time like this, especially with all the other things you need to do for your work and your family. Thank you again. Don and I appreciate you all very much.
 Lots of love,
 Lela Neal
 
Thank you all, my brothers and sisters at West-Ark Church of Christ. Your prayers and concern for my welfare was all I needed, with the assistance of the doctors and nurses and last but not least, my God and Savior, Jesus Christ. With all that help and care, how could I ask for anything more? I came home Sunday the 2nd, and I’ve been doing just fine. I’m looking forward to getting stronger and healthier so that I can return to gather with my family and sing for joy and learn many, many more good lessons.
 Your sister in Christ,
 Geri Standridge
 
Dear Church Family,
Thank you for your loving care during my time of securing a “new knee!”  Your prayers, visits, cards, and other remembrances have been such a blessing. The wonderful food from our Care Group has been delicious! The prayer pager was a great tool as well as a constant comfort.  I am grateful to God and to each of you for being a part of this great family.
 Sincerely,
 Martha Walker
 
**Blessed Arrival!**
Connie Hixson has a new granddaughter, Addison Elizabeth Hixson, born on September 12th! Mark, Sandi, Addie, and "Grammie" Connie Hixson are all doing great at this blessed time.
 
**Tuesday Tutoring**
Volunteers are still needed! Please add your name to the sign-up sheet in the foyer, or contact Sheila Vaught.
 
**Fall Festival is Saturday, October 20, 6:00 - 7:30 PM**
We’re collecting small toys (think fast-food) to be used as gifts in our Fall Festival. Dena Jenkins has placed a “toy box” in the foyer for your donations.
 
**LTC Sign-Up**
LTC sign-up has begun.  There are paper forms in the foyer by the LTC bulletin board. You may also sign up online through the church website, www.westark.org.  Registration fees are $30 per child. 
 
**Gateway (Grades 2-6)**
A teacher and helper is needed for Wednesday night Game Workshop.  Contact Carolyn Harrell or Cami Stancil.
 
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**Family Life Ministry**
 
September 13, 2007
 
To the elders of the West-Ark Church of Christ:
 
Please accept my resignation as the Youth Minister of the West-Ark Church of Christ.  I have loved working with this congregation over the past 16 years, and I am thankful to God for all He has done through our youth program both locally and abroad.
 
At this time, it is best for me and my family to move in a different direction.  We love the West-Ark family and pray that God will bless you in every way possible from this day forward.
 
Thank you for allowing us to serve you in this way for the past 16 years.   May God surround you, hold you close, and continue to lead you nearer to Him as you seek His guidance.
 
Sincerely,
 
Brad Pistole
 
Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness. May God's grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.  Eph. 6:23-24
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**Happy Birthday**
 
September 23
Sean Doyle
Catherine Owen
Molly Walker
Shirley Webb
 
September 24
Chris Barker
Laura Beckham
Annona Burns
 
September 25
Melinda Griffin
 
September 26
Patricia Campbell
Julie Kleman
Curtis McDonald
Sue Medlock
Noah Risley
Wanda Wooster
 
September 27
Gail Bishop
Patty Kaiser
William Tygart
 
September 28
John Wade
 
September 29
Nathan Griffin
 
**Morning Nursery**
Sharon Faries
Berniece Rogers
Kristin Smith
 
**Evening Nursery**
Angela Dunavant
Denise Lusby
 
**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Sunday AM Worship 710
Bible Classes 489
Sunday PM Worship 257
Life Groups 12
Contribution   $20,223
Children’s Home $242
 
**Lao Worship**
Attendance 48
Contribution $239
 
**Iglesia de Cristo **
Attendance 56
Contribution $218
 
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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