West-Ark Newsletter, 5 June 2008

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Family Lines Newsletter, June 5, 2008
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In May I had the joy of visiting again a remote region of northern New Mexico. This area is a National Park built around an ancient volcano called Capulin. A roadway and parking area has been built near the summit of the old volcano (it is 8,182 feet in elevation at its highest point). Then a paved, wide path circles the top of the volcano (about a mile in length), and another paved path goes down to the ancient core.

In the past, I loved to walk the rim! It is lined with fragrant Juniper and Western Cedar trees, the air is crisp, and you can see forever around the 360 degree path. As you look, you hardly see any evidence of human activity, only the footprints of God. The views are incredible! Though I enjoy this place a lot, I did not think I would ever see it again.

To our blessing, Ron and Debbie Belote made this trip with us. The night before we went to the park, they decided I needed to walk the rim path with them. I had been walking a mile and a half in Fort Smith, so I figured I had the strength to do it. They made a human sandwich with Ron in front (so I would have someone to fall on if I fell), Debbie behind me (so she could try to catch me if I fell), me with my trusty cane in the middle, and Joyce with the camera to verify I did it. (By the way, I did not even stumble.)

When I got back, I had done the impossible (and much enjoyed it), but only because three people encouraged and helped me do the impossible. Three Christians knew what the opportunity meant to me, and they made the impossible quite possible.

The thought occurred to me immediately, That is the core of Christian existence! There are many of lifes experiences that are impossible if faced alone, but which become infinitely possible when you are encouraged and aided by those who share and understand your faith and commitment.

The issue is never, Am I weak and flawed? We all are weak and flawed--never more so than when we pretend to be strong and without defects. The issue is, Will I as a Christian help someone else with their weakness, and let them help me with my weakness?

Two observations I regard to be important. (1) I must never expect the truly impossible of others. (2) It is as important for me to accept help as it is to give help. (In fact, our help becomes more powerful when we also accept our weakness.)

If you are Christian, you are not committed to do the impossible, but you are committed to do what you are able to do. One of the most powerful things we all have to give is encouragement. With encouragement, Gods help, and the help of those who place their confidence in Christ, it is amazing what a person can do. The combination of faith and encouragement is powerful in a human being! Each of us always can supply the encouragement!

Douglas Martinez, a member of Iglesia de Cristo, was hospitalized following a car accident in Harrison, Missouri, on Monday.
Henry Strawhacker (husband of Frances) is scheduled for a heart cath at 6:30 a.m. on 6/10/08 at Sparks Hospital.
Jim Selig had carotid artery surgery today at St. Edward Hospital. He will stay overnight in ICU and probably be in a regular room for one additional night.
Ed Grist requests prayers for his friend, John Amerise, who is having problems associated with bladder cancer.
Ercie Gann is temporarily at Peachtree Village as a result of a mild stroke a few weeks ago.

**Continued Prayers**
Barbara Miller
Bill Beall
Gerald Jones (Karen Carters friend)
Harry Smith
Inez Hatfield
Joe Ragsdale
Joel Prigge (Louise Howards brother-in-law)
Lance Haines
Lloyd Priester (Jims father)
Margaret Stone
Patty Kaiser
Richard Miller (Barbaras son)
Sue Marsh (friend of Jerry & Donna Looney)
Tom Drane
Wilma Son

**Missionaries**
Our missionary families in Vietnam and Laos.
John Paul & Ruby Lee Hundley in France and Belgium.
Jack & Glenda Lewis are going from Ethiopia to Croatia to work in the Lets Start Talking program. (The Wilsons return home soon from Ethiopia.)
Evangelists and their families with whom we work in Ethiopia and Nigeria.

**Military**
James & Megan Johnson
Jered Goddard
Jeremy Grist (son of Ed) has been in the service for 12 years. He is scheduled to go overseas in September.
John Clark
John Lemley
Lance Hurst is leaving Saturday for Hawaii and will be stationed there for 3 years.
Michael Priester
Mitchell Bryant
Ron Wheat
Ryan Almond
Will Domer

**Notes of Thanks**
Thank you for the support you have given to my family since the unexpected death of my nephew, Eric. He had an exuberant personality; people were drawn to him, children loved him! He was so much fun! I had no idea the scope of his influence for the Lord until I had the opportunity to visit with so many people who had been touched by his life. Through his love for people, Eric showed them they were special and loved by God.

Special thanks go to the dear ladies of my Wednesday Bible class, who supported me so lovingly and prayerfully, and to the sweethearts of my Jr. High girls class who so willingly made cards for my sisters family and continue to remember us all in prayer. My prayer is that we will all demonstrate Gods love to those around us, as Eric did. If they know we care, they will hear The Message!

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15
In Him,
Mary Burkett

**VBS Fun!**
Sunday - Wednesday
June 15 18, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Register today at www.westark.org/vbs.htm!
It only takes a minute and really helps us prepare for this fun and special week! Who needs to register? Participants, volunteers, your family and your friends! The website is also a great resource to learn more about out VBS and to share with friends and family.

**Attention VBS Volunteers!**
Thanks to all of you who have volunteered so far! You are truly appreciated! All assignments will be posted THIS SUNDAY on the VBS bulletin board in the foyer. PLEASE check this list for accuracy -- or if you have not yet received your assignment. Dena and Staci will be available after service at the VBS table to answer any questions you may have. Please also feel free to call or email with any questions.
To God be the glory!

**Green Valley Bible Camp**
Our week at GVBC is fast approaching! Please sign the list on the small bulletin board in the foyer if you are planning on being a camper, day camper, or van driver for day camp the week of June 29 July 5. (Day camp is June 30 July 3.) We are making plans for transportation for both day/night campers, so please sign up even if you dont need a ride so we can have an idea of our needs. Its going to be a great week! If you have any questions, contact Rochelle Brown.

**Widows/Widowers**
Vans will leave the Annex at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 7th to go to the home of Marvin & Bobbie Hughes for lunch. Call Bobbie, Mary, or Janice if you need transportation to the Annex.

**Looking Ahead ...**
Our family from Iglesia de Cristo (Hispanic church) will join us on June 29th for our 5th Sunday family meeting and fellowship meal. They will prepare fajitas for us! Plan on bringing desserts!

**Jail Ministry Update**
Three men, Michael Flowers, Cody Woodrum, and Michael George were all baptized into Christ on Saturday, May 24th. Pray that these men will now walk in the light of Christ daily. Thank you to Mike Williams for studying with these three new believers.

**Baby Bottles & A Bassinet**
For a little fun, be sure and check out the What child is this? display in the foyer that our junior high girls have put together. Next to the display is a bassinet. It is THE PLACE to drop off your filled baby bottles.

**Guyana Team Returns**
Our Guyana Medical Mission Team returns home on Sunday, June 8, at 2:50 in the afternoon. The team is always encouraged by a good turnout at the airport to welcome them home!

Important Update about Splashdown!
After careful consideration the decision has been made to not go to Splashdown this year. Instead we will have some kind of fun water party instead. This way everyone can participate and it wont cost anything!
Itll still be a fun way to celebrate the close of VBS! Be looking on the bulletin board and checking your email for more details on this!

VBS Setup // Wednesday, June 11 Friday June 13
We will need your help setting up for Vacation Bible School! We cant do it without you! Please sign up on the bulletin board to let us know which days you will be able to help!

VBS // Sunday, June 15 Wednesday, June 18 // 6 8 PM
Please register online to help with Vacation Bible School by visiting www.westark.org/vbs.htm, click on Volunteer Registration and enter your information.

**Have you signed up for Green Valley Bible Camp? There is a bulletin board in the foyer (on the right after you walk through the entrance) where you can sign up if you need a ride. Contact Rochelle Brown if you have any questions about camp.**

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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