Wayne Brewer

This past Saturday, March 22, we had another successful door-to-door campaign and Gospel Meeting, with more than 75 in attendance for the afternoon worship services. The attendance was represented by Spanish speaking non-Christians, Spanish speaking brethren from throughout the state, and by Mabelvale members. The presence of Mabelvale members throughout the day was a great encouragement.
The work began Saturday morning with Susan Brewer and Donna Bryan preparing breakfast for the campaigners, and continued throughout the day, as other sisters, Cleta Morgan, Karla Bates, Eva Joe Williams, and Joanna Moore, prepared meals and served in other ways. Tamara Long was a tremendous help by teaching and providing activities for the Hispanic children who were present. Thanks to all who provided food and assistance this past Saturday.
The door-to-door work began Saturday morning as several groups of Hispanic brethren, and Bill Boyd, worked in apartment and trailer court areas, and by Scott and Laura taking several Mabelvale teens to specific addresses where Hispanics live. The efforts of all were fruitful as there were visitors from specific house addresses, apartments, and trailer court areas. The door-to-door work continued after lunch into the early afternoon and then was followed by a worship service. Two Hispanic brethren, Jose Perales and Leo Martinez presented two excellent Bible lessons. There were several very good contacts made among Hispanics living in the Mabelvale area and in time God will give the increase.

DEACONS: “Men of Activity”

Scott Perry

“And if thou knowest any able men among them, then make them rulers over my cattle.”

These words were spoken to Joseph by Pharaoh recorded in Genesis 47:6. Israel and his family were allowed to dwell in the best of the land of Egypt at the beginning of their 215 year sojourn there. Pharaoh desired “able men” (ASV 1901), “men of activity” (KJV) who would be made “rulers” of some of his possessions. Upon reading this passage I became immediately mindful of able men among us at Mabelvale. God’s special servants: deacons.
As I am allowed to grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18), I can’t help but become more aware of the designated roles God has patterned in His church. The denominational “pastoral” system and the “by-proxy-ism” that pays the preacher to do a church’s work is not necessarily a sad situation because too much responsibility is laid on one person as much as it is because the beauty of God’s organized religion is snuffed out. I am a preacher. I am not an elder or a deacon. As I become more aware of my role as a preacher, and the divine purpose inherent in my position, I am also becoming more aware of the roles of others and the necessity of their work for the church to operate successfully. This new found respect in my youth as a Christian is heart-warming and inspiring.
The subsequent word study of “able men” and “rulers” (Gen. 47:6) through Strong’s Concordance and Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon revealed some characteristics of deacons and those possessed by ours here in Mabelvale. Strong defined “able men” as “a force, whether of men, means, or other resources: an army.” Synonyms for able include “virtue, valor, strength, and worthiness.” The Lexicon (coded with Strong’s numbering system) concurred listing the following four definitions of “strength usually physical,” (1 Chr. 7:5); “efficiency or ability often involving moral worth,” (Gen. 47:6); “wealth” (Deut. 8:17-18); and “army” (2 Kings 6:1-7, specifically v.4). The Hebrew word for “ruler” (a head person) comes from a root word meaning “to exercise or get dominion” and synonyms include “captain, general, governor, keeper (Gen. 39:21), and steward.” These words contain the idea vested in the role of angels, nobles, officials (under kings of Israel), authorities, magistrates (under Moses), leaders of groups of men (2 Kings 1:9-14), and religious offices etc. Men of activity who have subordinated authority. The deacons of the Mabelvale Church of Christ are known to be “able,” “rulers” and I am thankful for their work here.

“For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 3:13).

VOLUME 40 NUMBER 12 MARCH 24, 2003

OUR SICK

Eloise Jarrell had outpatient knee surgery on Monday.
Blanche Wherry, mother of Charlene Mauldin, is in Room 302 of Baptist Rehab.
Eleanor White is in Room 329 of Baptist Rehab.
Charlie Dee Morris went home on Wednesday.
Ruth West, sister of Eunice Watson, had heart surgery 3 weeks ago and is still in intensive care in Arizona.
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BRIDAL SHOWER

All ladies are invited to a Bridal Shower for Carol Ann Shoptaw at 3:30 PM on Sunday, April 6th in the multipurpose room.
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THANK YOU

Thank you so much for the visits, calls, cards, food and especially your prayers during the birth of Andrew and during our hospital stay. Michael, Colette, Allen and Andrew Wilson.
We are truly blessed by all you have done for us: the cards, calls, visits, flowers, plants, balloons, prayers and food. A special thanks to Dennis. He comforted my sister and me while our father was in surgery. He made a difficult time bearable. Dan & Karla Bates
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The Ladies Food Team for April is Sue Horton, Jimmie Sue Howell, Nell Warren, Deloris Pigue and Lana Tarkington

SERMONS FOR MARCH 30

Morning
When Nations Go To War (Matthew 24:3-7)
Evening
Fundamentals Of Christian Growth (Cliff Boyd, Nathan Moore, Scott Perry)
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FIFTH SUNDAY POTLUCK

There will be a potluck following the morning service on Sunday, March 30.
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SEARCH

Week of March 30

SOME MAXIMS FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING

We keep saying it (because we believe it) The Lord’s Way is the best way to live this life that mankind has ever known. Humanism, atheism by any name has never improved on the Lord’s way. There are several lists of maxims in the New Testament which are inspirational. We have chosen Romans 12:9-21 for study today.

EVENTS OF INTEREST

March 29…........…Forest Hill Youth Day
March 30…......…..Fifth Sunday Potluck
March 30 ...............April 3...MSOP Lectures
April 1……………All Comers Class
April 6…………...Bridal Shower for Carol Ann Shoptaw
April 8……………All Comers Class
April 15…………..Tuesday Evening Ladies Class

OUR RECORD MARCH 23, 2003

A.M. WORSHIP 215
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 172
P.M. WORSHIP 155
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 130

CONTRIBUTION 5097
BUDGET 6351
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MEN TO SERVE
March 30, 2003

Devin Long Bob Jarrell
Jason Griffin John Griffin
Tim King Greg King
Dennis Gulledge David Gulledge

Evening Devin Long
Nicolas Lowe
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WEDNESDAY SONG DIRECTOR

April 2 Brad Horton
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USHERS FOR MARCH

Morning Bill & Cliff Boyd
Evening Gary & Blake Poole
Wednesday Brad Horton & Darrell Orick
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GREETERS FOR MARCH

Roger & Sue Horton
Eva Joe Williams and Devin Long
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ELDER CHAIRMAN

March Johnny Boyd
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