NEW MEMBER INFORMATION!
Linda Lively was baptized into Christ Tuesday, August 16, 2016. She has already been at work as a volunteer helping in our Annual Breakfast. Linda will prove to be an asset to our congregation. Directory information is available from the church office.
FELLOWSHIP MEAL
August 28th Hosts & Hostesses: Barbara Belcher, Tonya Arnold, Brianna Arnold, and Maria Ramirez
DOUG & DIANE WHEELER
The Wheelers will be with us on September 28 to give us an update on the work in Nigeria. We will have combined Bible classes in the auditorium.
BEAUTIFUL FOOTNOTES
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)
We are always built up and encouraged when we hear from the Welches in Cambodia. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers. For the elders, Ken D
Welches July 2016 Newsletter Part 2 of 2
Greetings dearest loved ones,
We were blessed earlier in the month to meet with Dr. Evertt Huffard and his wife Ileene. Dr. Huffard is the Professor of Leadership and Missions at Harding School of Theology. Ileene, currently directs the Graduate Program in Education for Harding University. Together, with Andrew and Natalie Hayes, we spent a full day sitting at their feet and learning a great deal in regards to using our spiritual gifts, how to accomplish more by working together and studying through Romans 12:6-21. Please join us in a prayer of thanksgiving for this Godly couple.
Late July we attended the Asia Pacific Elders, Deacons and Spouses’ Conference (APEDS Conference) in Melaka, Malaysia. The attendees came to the table to feast, listen, and fellowship with one another, sensing what God is doing in the various countries and communities of Asia. All joining were richly blessed as we reflected on how God is shepherding brethren in missions and ministry.
Directly following the APEDS Conference was the 55th Asia Mission Forum (AMF). This year’s AMF study highlights “Living by the Spirit, Guided by the Spirit” taken from Galatians 5:1 and 13-26. Once again we were blessed to hear from Dr. Evertt Huffard the events keynote speaker. We were richly encouraged and spiritually charged by the great lessons, the rich testimonies of our fellow brethren and the joyous opportunity to commune with one another in worship, prayer and fellowship and make new friends. To God be the glory!
Thank you for praying with us: We all ask you to pray that our family will be a strong and holy witness in the community. By God’s strength we will continue to become better listeners in the Cambodian language, better story-tellers of His good news and faithful children and servants of His calling. Daughter, Theary asks you to pray for God’s guidance as she graduates (from university) and starts a new season in her life. She wants to be obedient to His will. Sharon asks that you pray for Cambodia and the political unrest, for strong Christian families and for locals to rise up for Christ and His church.
Scripture verses we are memorizing and meditating on: Romans 5:1-5 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (We are memorizing these verses in the Cambodian language.)
What we are reading: “The Solutions Focus, Making Coaching & Change SIMPLE,” by Mark McKergow & Paul Z. Jackson – (The solution focused approach highlights on the individuals skills, strengths and positive qualities and helps one adopt an alternative perspective on the future. We are thrilled we can use this approach to engage with Cambodians in a more realistic and optimistic perspective. It can help them be aware of their abilities, gifts, resources and successes, both past and present to serve and OBEY JESUS.)
We’re grateful to God that He uses you to bless us and our work through your faith, love, encouragement and prayers. May God pour out His blessings on you for your faithfulness.
Eternal love and blessings, Dennis & Sharon
Highland Lakes church of Christ 