The Visitor » 2009 » March

Here and There
by Wes Price
I’m back! And I am glad to be so even with a heart full of gratitude to all those who have so ably stood in my place over these 3 months. While I’m glad for their help, they were so good that I feel inadequate to follow them. I certainly have profited by the messages that I’ve been here to hear. I will try my best to keep the quality of excellence up for the honor of the gospel and the glory of the Lord.

This also means that I am now back fully to do my work on a daily basis. And I have been quite busy for these past four weeks, with some frequent rest times during the day. Thank you again, for your encouragement.
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It was great to have the Bosts with us for the weekend. My wife and I especially enjoyed having them in our home. They are special “family” folks to us because of the long friendship we had with Jacqueline’s parents, Jack and Dorothy Foster. It hardly seems possible that it was two years ago that Dorothy passed away.
Bryan mentioned that he is now eligible to receive Social Security retirement, but that does not mean that he and Jacqueline will be terminating their mission work in San Paulo. As you can understand, Social Security never seems large enough to survive, so we will continue our support for their work.
Although it was two years since they were last here, I hope it will not be that long before they can come to see us again. Let’s keep them in our prayers.
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We concluded our studies in the Life of Christ with Richard Rogers this past week; so we will be introducing a new study on this coming Wednesday night. I will be presenting a list of Bible questions to those who come and we will use these as a basis for our studies for the next few weeks. Some of the questions will be among those we have all asked in times past with little or no satisfying answer. We will also let the class members add to this list.
Come and join us, I think you will find it most interesting and
beneficial
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On Sunday, April 5, join the speakers on The Search for a lesson on “Holy God, A Holy People” You can see this program on Channel 27, KDFI-TV at 7:00 a.m.
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“YET TROUBLE CAME”
Job was a great man in his day. He was sought out for his wisdom. He was also a man of great financial means. He enjoyed the blessing of a large family, his many children were a sign of great favor. “Yet trouble came”, Job 4:26. My, how it came! He lost it all in one day, except his wife, & she nagged him & advised him to curse God & die! It seems she was the one thing he could have done without.
One of the greatest trials a Christian faces is the problem of suffering. We may not attribute our trouble to God, but, most are also prone to ask, “Why did God let it happen?”
Many of our families have recently suffered the loss of family members, some of them very suddenly and unexpected. When people have lived out a long and successful life, we feel fulfilled even though we also feel pain and loss at their passing. But, what about a young person full of hope and talent and desire to do the work of God?
Several years ago we had a preaching brother whose desire was to train young men for the ministry. He gave up a successful ministry in order to attend Vanderbilt Universty to work on a Ph.D. so he could teach in Harding University’s Masters Program. It required three years. He received his degree and before he could teach even one day, he was killed in an automobile accident. Why? Because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Did God cause it? No, by no means.
Hab. 3:17-18 “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be on the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”
May we have such a faith to sustain us when trouble comes. It will eventually come to most of us.
Lewis G. Hale

PRAYER LIST
Mildred Head – Methodist Rehab – Room 125 (972) 780-8665 Across from Charlton Meth on Wheatland Road
Kerryn Cox – VA Hospital.
Grady Theobalt – Methodist Central – Room 8015.
Dan Sherbit is home after a short stay in Charlton Methodist.
Magdalena Gonzalez’s daughter, Gloria Garcia, is in Baylor ICU.
Nancy Spurgeon – After a fall is having pain & problems with her back along with her other ailments. She is home. ————–
Wes & Alma Faye Price, Maurine Fleming, Jerri Locke, Mary Ruth Percival, Catherine Coronado, Pat Mercer, Jimmy Mooney, Bill Hinton, Lois Rodriquez, Augustina Vasquez, Estell & Holly Lee, Carmen McMillion, Urbanelle Cox, Tom Dipprey’s brother-in-law, Mary Dunn, Grady Theobalt, Mary Jean Calvert, Marie Works, Ed Horn, Larry Reynolds, Henrietta Pummill, Edna Faye Johnston, Mary Taylor, Dorothy Mooney, Ada Couch, Dorothy Jackson, Tommy and Treva Traylor, Jack & Oleta Armstrong, Mary Catherine Jayroe, Angie Sabedra, Vertie Lee Stanley, Bea Dipprey, Billie Morgan, Ruby Faas, Weldon Siler, Ida Smith, Joe Benedick, Marjorie Moore, Geraldine Hurley, Dr. J & Dorothy Coats, Nancy Ramsey (daughter of Jean LaPine)
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You are invited to see our weekly bulletin on the church’s web site at jeffersonblvd.org
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VITAL SIGNS: Mar 22, 2009
Bible Study 62 Offering $3,159.25.00
Morning Worship 90 Budget $3,410.46
Afternoon Worship 47 Wed. Mar. 18 41
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The House to House-Heart to Heart, the April Calendar and the new Power for Today are on the table in the foyer.
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Church of Christ Area-Wide Programs
“Let’s Do It Christ’s Way” Sunday 6:30 a.m. KFWD (TV) Channel 52
“In Search of the Lord’ Way Sunday 7:00 a.m. KDFI (TV) Channel 27
“The Truth in Love” Sunday 7:30 a.m. KFWD (TV) Channel 52

REFLECTIONS
by Jack Armstrong
We always read wonderful stories about Moms and sometimes Dads, but we rarely hear about daughters and sons and their dedica- tion to the old folks. We have some prime examples right here at the JBCoC, and if you will bear with me I would like to mention a few.
We have never seen two more dedicated, devoted daughters than our own Muriel and Sylvia McMillion, who have more or less devoted their lives to sweet Carmen.
Another devoted daughter that comes to my mind is Marnita, the Bells wonderful daughter, who looked after her brother for so long & continues to look after her mom dad. She is one in a million!
Then we have Debbie Morris who is always there at Jo’s beck and call and has been for many years.
My own sweet daughters have always been there when I needed them, Angie, Gloria, and Cindy are the loves of our lives. Our sons have also done much for us, Jack, Larry and Tony, and some of the finest sons-in-law a man could have include Mike, Scott and Bill.
I guess we are all blessed in our fine families, and our biggest regret is that they are not all still involved in the church.
Addie Bennett has some of the most dedicated children I know and if you want to know who they are she’ll be glad to show you pictures of the whole gang.
Then there is Ma Perkins and her daughter, Martha, and her two devoted sons, Spider (Richard) and Ben.
Alma Faye and Wes have two loving, devoted daughters in Kathy Berry, and Rebecca Dunn,and two great sons-in-law, Ken Berry, and Kevin Dunn.
Jacob and Joyce’s daughter, Jerri even moved in next door to look after her parents or was it the other way around? She is always there to help anyway she can.
Charlie and Nadine Brown have two wonderful daughters, Ann and Rebecca who look in regularly.
Lewis Hinton has our own Rhonda and Rick to check on him.
Edna Faye Johnston has David to rely on at all times and he really does a wonderful job.
Billie Morgan has Beth & Josh to be there when she needs them and they are great to her.
We will mention more at another time.
Semper Fiedlis (Always Faithful)

Here and There
by Wes Price

It was great to have Joe and Sharon Hancock with us last week and to hear him preach again. They are doing a good work in Hallsville in East Texas and we are glad to have had a part in training him for the ministry. It’s great to have a preacher who can supply such good messages from God’s Word as well as entertain us at our special fellowships. He is truly a talented man.
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Today it will be our privilege to have Bryan and Jacqueline Bost with us from Sao Paulo, Brazil. They are now in the states visitinig with their daughter and her family in Edmond, Oklahoma. They are due in on Saturday afternoon and if possible, he will be speaking to us at both services today. All adults will be meeting in the auditorium for a special report on their work in Brazil. It’s been a long time since we have had the privilege of their being with us and I know we will be blessed by their presence.
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I had a long visit with Pat Schrum this past week and was saddened to learn that Roger is not doing well. He is strong physically, but practically no memory of family, friends or past history. He is in a very comfortable place with all the assistance he needs, so we will pray that the Lord deals gently with him.
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On Sunday, Mary 29, The Search will present a lesson on “The Gift of Repentance.” When you say the word “repent” some people feel offended or threatened. But the word is actually a word of blessing. The early disciples rejoiced when God granted repentance to the Gentiles. Repentance is a cause to rejoice.
The program airs on Channel 27, KDFI-TV, at 7:00 a.m. each Sunday.
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There were 28 more requests for Perry Cotham’s book last week. He called on Thursday to tell me that it will be a week or so before the publisher will have more copies available. I put in an order for 30 with him, so we will have some extras for those who were not present when he told about the book. For others who will learn of it from our bulletin, the name of the book is “Beyond the Sunset,” and it deals with all the questions that one might ask about eternity, the judgment, the places where the dead are before Christ comes and many others. If you would like for your name to be on the list, please let me know.
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THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the
power of God to salvation. Romans 1:16

People want to change. All advertising is based on the presupposition that people want things different from the way they are. They want to look better from the way they are. They want to look better, feel better, think better, and live better. They want to change their lives but, except from an external standpoint, they are unable to do so.
Only the gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to change people and deliver them from sin, from Satan, from judgment, from death, and from hell. Acts. 4:12 says. “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” And that name is Jesus Christ.
So God’s Word, which is all about Jesus Christ, can do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. We are sinful and unable to remedy our condition, but from God comes the incredible, limitless power that can transform our lives.
JOHN MACARTHUR

PRAYER LIST
David Burks,brother of Jimmy Mooney– Charlton Meth– RM 336 W
Mildred Head – Charlton Methodist – Room 325E.
Kerryn Cox – VA Hospital.
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Wes & Alma Faye Price, Rick Ramsey, Jerri Locke, Mary Ruth Percival, Pat Mercer, Jimmy Mooney, Bill Hinton, Lois Rodriquez, Augustina Vasquez, Estell and Holly Lee, Nancy Spurgeon, Carmen McMillion, Urbanelle Cox, Tom Dipprey’s brother-in-law, Mary Dunn, Grady Theobalt, Mary Jean Calvert, Marie Works, Ed Horn, Larry Reynolds, Henrietta Pummill, Edna Faye Johnston, Mary Taylor, Dorothy Mooney, Ada Couch, Dorothy Jackson, Tommy and Treva Traylor, Jack & Oleta Armstrong, Mary Catherine Jayroe, Angie Sabedra, Vertie Lee Stanley, Bea Dipprey, Billie Morgan, Ruby Faas, Weldon Siler, Ida Smith, Joe Benedick, Marjorie Moore, Geraldine Hurley, Dr. J & Dorothy Coats.
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You are invited to see our weekly bulletin on the church’s web site at jeffersonblvd.org
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VITAL SIGNS: March 15, 2009

Bible Study – 62 AM Worship 81 PM Worship NC Wed – 3/11 NC

Offering 3/15/09 – $3,223.00 Budget $3,410l46

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The new House to House-Heart to Heart & the March Calendar are on the table in the foyer.
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Church of Christ Area-Wide Programs
“Let’s Do It Christ’s Way” Sunday 6:30 a.m. KFWD (TV) Channel 52
“In Search of the Lord’ Way Sunday 7:00 a.m. KDFI (TV) Channel 27
“The Truth in Love” Sunday 7:30 a.m. KFWD (TV) Channel 52

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REFLECTIONS
by Jack Armstrong
Well, folks since I can’t do much else I made a few phone calls to some of our sick. Vernon said Mary Ruth is still in bed and taking it easy and hurting pretty bad. Rick Ramsey is going home today, 3/11/09 and Rhonda said he is doing much better. Yours truly had x-rays and there were no broken bones, just a real sore back, wrist and left hand. I took the week off because that ‘ol bus is pretty rough. Back to the sick folks. I just spoke to Sylvia McMillion and she said to tell all of you how much they love you and appreciate all of your prayers and encouraging comments. They are hoping Carmen will come home Saturday, 3/14/09. She and Muriel are just exhausted from all the running back and forth from Grace Presbyterian to home and to work. They are amazing, caring Christian daughters who do a fantastic job taking care of their dear mom. We love you three and really do miss you, but understand when you are not able to be at all the services.
We are sorry we missed hearing Joe Hancock and seeing his wife, Sharon on 3/15/09. They are always a welcome sight when they can be with us. You know we trained him since he was a pup.
While writing this column it’s raining outside and it’s a beautiful sight, thank the sweet Lord, we really need the rain.
Maurine told me our count was down to 73 last Lord’s day, which shows how many of our folks are out sick. We pray Kerry Cox is doing better, and all the rest of you who are out sick.
Next week is spring break and all those “little darlin’s” of mine on the bus are “biting at the bit” as the ‘ol saying goes, to get out of school for a week.
Charles Ward called on 3/11/09 and asked if I could use a 14” color TV. I told him I didn’t need it, but that I would pass the word around. So if you need one let us know.
Charlie and Nadine Brown are having their birthdays on 3/12/09 and 3/13/09 and we want to wish them happy birthday along with Stacy Iverson on 3/12/09 and a week later on 3/19/09 to Billie Morgan and Vi McElhaney. Then on 3/23/09 we have Geraldine Hurley, Patrick Malloy and Dan Sherbit. Bryan Bost on 3/25/09 and Betty Choate on 3/26/09, Tommy Duvall on 3/27/09 and Grace Locke on 3/28/09. Ruby Faas and Mary Perkins on 3/31/09. Back on 3/1/09 we had Terry Crossland, Paul Tomaszewski on 3/5/09, Naomi Sanchez on 3/7/09 and last but not least Ada Couch on 3/8/09. Hope all of you had great birthdays.

Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful)

Here and There
by Wes Price
Roger Owen preached us a fine lesson at the morning hour and a most moving lesson on “The Passion of Christ,” at the afternoon hour. We are indebted to hiim for these message. Royal did a wonderful job of leading the singing at both services and since he and Roger are both from Muskogee, Oklahoma, we had TWO Okies from Muskogee leading our worship service. Viva our Oklahoma brethren.
This Sunday morning, we will have a very dear friend of mine, brother Perry Cotham who just recently celebrated his 97th birthday, to preach. He has written a new book that I have just finished reading that I think all of you ought to read and have a copy of. It is entitled, “Beyond the Sunset.” All the questions you have had over the years about the life after death, the resurrection, Hades and Hell, the kind of change we will experience at the coming of the Lord and many more. It is well written and very understand- able. I am asking him to bring several copies with him and you might ask him for an autographed copy. The price is very reasonable.
I’m glad that he is here with us this morning and I know you will be blessed with having been here.
At the afternoon service, one of the students from Brown Trail School of Preaching will be with us again. He is Paul Delgado. I know you will be inspired by his message and you will help encourage him as he seeks to grow in his ability to preach the word of God.
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After the afternoon service be sure to plan to stay for a pinto bean, corn bread and salad or chunky beef soup & cracker supper in the fellowship hall. All are welcome.
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The lesson on The Search Sunday morning, March 15, is “By Grace Have You Been Saved.” Join either Mack or Phil for a wonderful lesson on Channel 27, KDFI-TV at 7:00 a.m.
Too much truth cannot be said about the demonstration of God’s grace in our salvation. The sinner is dead in trespasses and sins. But God offers him salvation through the death of His Son. Why? Was God not the offended one in man’s choice to sin? The answer is “grace.”
You will be blessed by this message.
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INDIFFERENCE
An article in a past issue of US News and World Report on religion reveals some interesting statistics. According to the article “In God We Trust,” church membership is higher by percentage today than it was during the colonial period. This certainly does not reflect the image we have of that time in our history. When asked about this statistic in a television review, one of the magazine’s editors responded there is a difference in the level of dedication and commitment spiritually today; more was expected of one’s religious convictions then than now. Perhaps the comparison is equivalent to “quantity” vs. “quality”.

Whether or not these statistics are accurate, it is true that many who profess some religious affiliation (names on a church roll), may also have little depth of commitment. A word that aptly describes such a condition is indifference. They have warm feelings for religion, and want to consider themselves religious, but may not be actively involved in work and worship. It’s not that they are antagonistic or opposed to it. They are just indifferent, apathetic and unconcerned how it applies in daily life. The results, however, can be just as bad.

The late Guy N. Woods once wrote about indifference in the Lord’s church, “Indifference is slowly choking the life out of many congregations over the land. It is a sad and tragic fact that, in the average congregation today, not over 50% of the members attend any service except Lord’s Day morning services; and in many instances the percentage is even lower. This evidences total disinterest in the progress and work of the church on the part of these people.”

He continued, “Indifference characterizes many people today; many members have not the least hesitancy in abandoning the services, if they feel so disposed, in order to engage in materialistic activities & practices. One can easily see how far removed they are from total commitment to Jesus Christ and the cause for which He died. I attend the services of the church not because I have to or ought to (although I ought), but because I want to and because I find pleasure and satisfaction in fellowship with my Lord and with my brethren.”

May we not be indifferent to that for which our Lord died, but grow in our love and knowledge of Him, and our commitment to Him. In work and worship, let us be devoted to what life in Christ is all about. May we take our charge as Christians joyfully and seriously to be “”zealous for good works”
(Titus 2:14).
Robert Johnson

PRAYER LIST
Catherine Coronado – UT Southwestern Hospital – Room 1628 – Phone No. to Catherine’s room – 214-645-1628.
Kerryn Cox – VA Hospital.
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Wes & Alma Faye Price, Jerri Locke, Mary Ruth Percival, Pat Mercer, Jimmy Mooney, BillHinton, Lois Rodriquez, Augustina Vasquez, Mildred Head, Estell Lee, Nancy Spurgeon, Mary Carmen McMillion, Urbanelle Cox, Tom Dipprey’s brother-in-law; Mary Dunn, Grady Theobalt, Mary Jean Calvert, Marie Works, Ed Horn, Larry Reynolds, Henrietta Pummill, Edna Faye Johnston, Mary Taylor, Dorothy Mooney, Ada Couch, Dorothy Jackson, Tommy & Treva Traylor, Jack & Oleta Armstrong, Mary Catherine Jayroe, Angie Sabedra, Vertie Lee Stanley, Bea Dipprey, Billie Morgan, Ruby Faas, Weldon Siler, Holly Lee, Ida Smith, Joe Benedick, Marjorie Moore, Geraldine Hurley, Dr.J & Dorothy Coats.
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Schedule for Sunday, March 15, 2009
Joe Hancock will teach Wes’ Bible Class and the Morning Worship Service.
Albert Serna, will preach the afternoon Worship Service.
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The Tuesday Morning Bible Classes will meet Tuesday, 03/10/09 at 10:30 a.m.
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You are invited to see our weekly bulletin on the church’s web site at
jeffersonblvd.org
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VITAL SIGNS: Mar 1
Bible Study 60 Offering $3,645.00
Morning Worship 80 Budget $3,410.46 Afternoon Worship 49 Wed. Feb 25 41
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After the afternoon worship service there will be a pinto bean and cornbread or chunky beef soup and cracker supper in the fellowship hall. Make a pan of your favorite cornbread or a dessert and come and enjoy the fellowship.
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The new House to House-Heart to Heart and the March Calendar are on the table in the foyer.
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Church of Christ Area-Wide Programs
“Let’s Do It Christ’s Way” Sunday 6:30 a.m. KFWD (TV) Channel 52
“In Search of the Lord’s Way Sunday 7:00 a.m. KDFI (TV) Channel 27
“The Truth in Love” Sunday 7:30 a.m. KFWD (TV) Channel 52

Reflections
by Jack Armstrong
We would like to tell you about the man we all admire very much and like to consider him a good friend. I’m talking about Robert Johnson who was our minister at Mountain View for sereral years and we all learned to love him and his wonderful family. We often use his columns in our Visitor and they are all very good articles. If you slipped over them you should go back and read them. Like our own preacher, Robert preaches fine sermons and the best part is he lives what he preaches as does Bro. Wes.
Over at Mountain View his son was in my class and I wasn’t really sure all the time if I was teaching him or if he was teaching me. It was a case of one on one, and I had to dig deep to stay ahead of him. I’m sure he is now out of college.
Maurine wanted me to mention a thing or two about our Campbell Soup labels we are all supposed to be saving for Cherokee Children’s Home.
They exchange them for educational material. Our main purpose is to send the bar codes on the labels and also the Campbell Kid. There is a box on the flip top desk in the foyer to put the labels in, or just hand them to me. We just sent them an envelope full of bar codes, and if you will please start saving them too, on a regular basis, we can send many more. I know all the kids from Cherokee Home will thank you from the bottom of their hearts.
We are all looking forward and prayerfully our own preacher will once again proclaim the Gospel to us in his own down to earth unequivocal style. He should have lots of good stuff to bring us after being off loading his guns for action. Seriously though we will welcome him back to the pulpit with open arms. I sure will miss all the hugs I received in his place while he was gone. We have had some fine preachers come over to fill in and still have more to come.
We are so fortunate to have men like Bro. Paul Lawrence and Tom Duvall fill in for Wes & Alma Faye in their classes.
We have been having some great turn outs in our Sunday P.M. And Wednesday P.M. Services.
We also want to thank our fine Elders, Jacob Locke and James Schoolfield for doing extra duty while Wes was out.
Oleta and I want to thank all of you for your callls and prayers and words of encouragement while we’ve had to miss services. We love you all.
Since we are on the Internet with our Visitor I’ve cut back on the mail outs to out of towners, but if you would still like for me to send it to you, let me know.
“We’ll see you next time the “Good Lord” willing, and may he keep you in his loving arms. Remember the Campbell labels. We pray all of our sick and shut-ins are doing much better!!
“When Duty Becomes Desire”