Jesus built the community called Christians. His sacrificial death destroyed Satan's power. His blood freed us from evil's control. His resurrection gives us solid assurance. He who gave Jesus life in resurrection gives us life in Jesus.

Christians who serve God serve people. We treat people as we wish to be treated (Matthew 7:12). Learning from God's love, we learn to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44-48). The way we treat others is the way we treat Jesus (Matthew 25:40).

We must work wisely within the opportunities the times provide us. By far, the most effective way to touch people today is through the association of friendship. In America, friendship association is the key that opens opportunity's incredible doors.

West-Ark has enormous potential. We need better tools to take advantage of our opportunities. Our renovations and Family Life Center are such tools.

Some members expressed interest in creating these needed tools without expanding our indebtedness. That would be wonderful!

Two weeks ago I challenged you to consider doing two things. First, I challenged you to help us do as much of the renovation work as possible "in house." That significantly will reduce the cost of renovation. Second, I challenged you to give generously to a building fund. Contributed funds will reduce the amount of money we need to borrow.

Contributed funds of a million dollars might eliminate the need to borrow any money. This would hasten the day when our indebtedness ended. It would hasten the day when we have "in place" the tools we need to better utilize our enormous potential.