Mabelvale’s Hispanic Work
Wayne Brewer
Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15), and at Mabelvale we are literally carrying out that commission by supporting missionaries in Scotland and Russia, by sending out missionaries to the Czech Republic and the Navajo Indian Reservation, through the work of Mabelvale members in World Bible School, other printed literature, the support of the Children’s Home, by financially supporting campaign efforts around the world, at home from the pulpit and in the classrooms, and through the Hispanic work. Each work is unique and has its own challenges, but the need is the same in every place, as Paul wrote, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation…” (Romans 1:16). There is no substitute for the gospel to bring about the salvation of man.
On Saturday, March 22, we will have another Hispanic Gospel Meeting and door-to-door campaign. Brother Jose Perales, from Green Forrest, will preach on the topic, “What is the Authority? The Church of the Bible?” Brother Leo Marinez, from Rogers, will preach on the topic of how to become a Christian. While these men are not known among English speaking congregations, they are men who are sound in the faith, and who will bring excellent lessons. Brother Martinez will be bringing a group of about eight young people for the door-to-door work on Saturday morning. The worship service will be about 3:00 p.m., with prayers translated, songs sung that are known in English and Spanish, and English outlines of the sermons distributed. The gospel will be preached and God glorified. There will be details in next week’s bulletin regarding specific need and how we can all have a part.


ARE WE A CULTURE ABLE TO HANDLE
GOD’S AND GENERALS?
Dennis Gulledge

WARNING: This movie contains explicit Bible reading. Scenes contain graphic depictions of prayer. The language may not be suitable for viewers offended by nonprofane references to Jesus. Viewers are strongly cautioned due to intense moralizing, violently affectionate marriages, and gratuitous displays of selfless behavior. Violent content, with extensive gun use, crude surgical references, and death scenes in which the characters believe they are going to heaven. (World, February 22, 2003, p. 20)

One of the biggest movies out right now is the Civil War epic Gods and Generals. Despite my interest in Civil War history I have not as yet seen this movie. My reference to it in this article should not be taken as an endorsement of all that it may contain. I did find it interesting, however, to learn that troops recently headed to Iraq were given an advanced screening of this movie. Why? “Promoters apparently believed that a movie about the Battle of Fredericksburg would be relevant to soldiers – and a nation – headed for the Battle of Baghdad” (World, p. 20).
The point is well made that the current culture of our nation, as we face a possible war with Iraq, is far different than what existed in this country during the Civil War. It is even too far removed from that of the World War II generation. It is interesting, however, that Gods and Generals accurately depicts a nation far different from what we know today in terms of our ancestors not being “as cynical, jaded, and politically correct as we are.” If this movie is different from the usual Hollywood fare it may be because it endeavors to present people the way they really were rather than projecting our modern mindset into the past. This difference is made all the more striking when we remember that politically correct lawmakers are unabashedly attacking the constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance because of the words “under God.” It is thought that the word “God” is offensive to those who do not believe in God. We are certainly not the Godfearing nation that we once were. Therein lies our Achilles heel.
Some questions raised by Gene Edward Veith, writer for World magazine, are even more arresting: “Is our nation really united, or is it still torn with paralyzing divisions? Does our nation today have the culture necessary to fight a war? Does our nation today have the culture to handle this movie?” (p. 20).
There are indeed significant differences between the War Between the States and war with Iraq. “The former was…between fellow Americans who shared basically the same faith. The new war is between people of very different cultures, political ideals, and religions. The danger is that our enemies seem to have far more zeal for what they believe than Americans…do” (World, p. 22).


VOLUME 40 NUMBER 9 MARCH 3, 2003

OUR SICK

Dan Bates is in Room 412 of Saline Memorial Hospital. He is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday, February 4.
Blanche Wherry, mother of Charlene Mauldin, is in Room 425 of Baptist Hospital after leg surgery on Thursday.
Eleanor White is in Baptist Hospital after leg surgery on Friday.
Linda Lou Henderson, sister-in-law of Sue Horton, is in room 1109 of St. Vincent and needs our prayers.
*********************************
SYMPATHY

We extend our sympathy to Emma Brown on the loss of her sister, Dorothy Pullen. The funeral will be Wednesday, March 5th at North Little Rock Funeral Home.
*********************************
THANK YOU

We are truly blessed by all that you have done for us, the cards, the calls, the visits, the food and the ladies who served it, the singers, the flowers, and Dennis for the service. The Lord has blessed us through you. The family of Buck Brooks.
This extra-special thank you note sent to you today holds more appreciation than any words can say, for you’re among the nicest people I have ever known, and you’ll never be forgotten for your thoughtfulness in the death of my brother, Buck Brooks. Henry Brooks.
*********************************
There will be a Devotional and Pizza Party for the teens on Saturday, March 8th from 6 to 8 PM in multipurpose room and Bible Bowl practice at 3:30 PM on Sunday, March 9th.

SERMONS FOR MARCH 9

Morning
The Lord’s Prayer-John 17 (John 17:20-23)
Evening
How To Study The Bible (Scott Perry)
*********************************
RESPONSES

Asking for prayers on Sunday, March 2nd, Becky Carr. To be restored and placing membership on March 2nd, Kimberly Bowers, 2037 Sugarberry, Hensley, AR 72065, phone 501-261-1614.
*********************************
SEARCH
Week of March 9
THE FOOL AMONG WISE MEN
Regardless of political party, many people recognize the greatness of Ronald Reagan. He really believed he was here for a purpose. Because of this conviction, where it led him, and what it led him to do and say he was sometimes called “the dummy among wise men.” But that is what the apostle Paul said about himself and others who preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

EVENTS OF INTEREST
March 11…………All Comers Class
March 16…............Teen sing at Gulledge’s
March 18…………All Comers Class
March 18...........….Tuesday Evening Ladies Class at 6:30
March 23….……...Bridal Shower for Kim Walsh
March 30……........Fifth Sunday Potluck

OUR RECORD MARCH 2, 2003

A.M. WORSHIP 193
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 171
P.M. WORSHIP 133
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY

CONTRIBUTION 5522
BUDGET 6351
***********************************
MEN TO SERVE
March 9, 2003

Blake Poole Gary Poole
Gene Sullivan Stan Smith
Dave Tollett Doyce Tarkington
Shawn Wallace Ray Wehunt

Evening Jim Wallace
Michael Wilson
***********************************
WEDNESDAY SONG DIRECTOR

March 12 Darren Gowen
***********************************
USHERS FOR MARCH

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

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

March Johnny Boyd
***********************************