Highland Lakes church of Christ

Thank You Notes

• Teri and I would like to thank the congregation for the very thoughtful card and “tree” we were given at the Holiday Fellowship. It continues to be a special joy to serve with the family of God at Highland Lakes. — Joe & Teri
• Thank you so very much for the envelope and the card inside with contents! Your thoughtfulness is so very much appreciated. — Helga
• Thank you for the money. I appreciate the church family very much. — Love, Vicky

Holiday Schedule

Since Christmas day is on a Sunday, we will have morning worship services only. There will be no morning classes or evening worship.  Many of our members will be traveling or have company in for the holiday, and the elders made this decision so we will have time with our families.

Helping Hands Pantry News

PANTRY ITEMS NEEDED:   Deodorant

*We have enough plastic bags for now, but please keep saving them. They will be needed again soon.”

BEAUTIFUL FOOTNOTES

More great news from Cambodia! This is part two of Dennis and Sharon’s latest report. Keep the Welches in your prayers and thank God for His blessing the work there. For the elders, Ken D

After nearly six weeks away Sharon was received at the airport by Dennis, daughters and dear friends with much joy.

Early November, right on the heels of Sharon’s return to Cambodia we completed our 4 weekend conference called Refocusing Leaders Network which culminated with writing an Intentional Development Plan for 2017. Ours focused heavily on disciple-making and using coaching skills for discipleship. This conference was offered at just the right time for us as we’ve been transitioning from “program” based works to “relationship” based ministry.

Adding to the excitement of Sharon’s return, she had a terrific birthday celebration of fishing and a picnic with our daughters. We capped it off with dinner and a movie.

Next up was a personal retreat so that Sharon could really be refreshed and restored from her experiences in the States. Can you imagine what it must be like for these siblings? Finding someone precious, but lost to you for 50 years—oh what joy! And even more so when you hug for the first time! Then, a few days later you are ripped apart from them as you return to whatever, wherever! Can you image the emotional toll as you listen to stories from the past, not all of them with rosy endings. So, we had a peaceful, simple little getaway that helped Sharon mind the doctor’s orders and rest.

Our retreat took place during the annual Water Festival holiday. Google it to find out more.  Please know that although it appears like a fun river boat racing holiday, there are darker spiritual meanings attached to it too. We long for all of Cambodia to be set free of the oppression, fear and darkness prevalent around us. Our mission so far from home is helped by having wonderful relationships with the other missionaries here. Thanks to a large donation by a couple who are stateside, every year we all get together to share fellowship and a holiday meal. Thankful for all who made it happen.

Stay tuned next time for news about moving into our new community and beginning relationships with the neighborhood.

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to one and all.

Love & blessings, Dennis & Sharon

Holiday Schedule

Since Christmas day is on a Sunday, we will have morning worship services only. There will be no morning classes or evening worship. Many of our members will be traveling or have company in for the holiday, and the elders made this decision so we will have time with our families.

Holiday Request

Bob and Donna Feuerbacher’s son-in-law, Bill Starling, is in Afghanistan. His wife requested that we write cards and bring them to Donna so she can mail them to him. Cards need to be here by December 15th.

What a wonderful way to encourage a man who is serving our country to keep us all safe.

Helping Hands Pantry News

PANTRY ITEMS NEEDED:   SHAMPOO

*We have enough plastic bags for now, but please keep saving them. They will be needed again soon.”

THANK YOU NOTE

To all in this loving church family:

These last, almost six months, have been a very unexpected prolonged, promised “six weeks” that would include a complicated knee surgery and anticipated “rapid” recovery!!! Unfortunately a number of unforeseen complications and side effects came up and extended what had been hoped for. It was not easy to deal with everything in a patient way, but God’s grace led me through.

Both Bill and I want to thank everybody for their prayers, cards, phone calls, visits and many other kind and gracious things that were done for us and got us through this difficult time.

My special thanks to Paula, who was so willing to immediately help out with the secretarial work, and when her physical problems became too difficult, Teri “jumped into the breach”! I will always be grateful for her extensive computer knowledge and her help to “install” me again and introduce me to the changes that were made during my “off time”. A great big “thank you” to both of you, Paula and Teri!!!

Prayers all still welcome, because healing and recovery is still going on! But every day is better and closer to the goal!  We love you with the love of the Lord,  Helga & Bill Blackstone

BEAUTIFUL FOOTNOTES

Much great news from Cambodia! This is part one of Dennis and Sharon’s latest report. Keep the Welches in your prayers and thank God for His blessing the work there. For the elders, Ken D.

Greetings in the glorious name, power and love of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are grateful for each of you and thank you for your partnership in the gospel. May God be glorified and the Kingdom proclaimed everywhere through our ministries.

As we reported last time, after about 50 years Sharon has found all of her birth siblings. She made a trip to the States and met each of them—one in California, two in Texas and one in Tennessee. She was also blessed with the opportunity to see family and friends. Sharon has quite a story to tell about God moving and working through every step. Many have insisted she needs to write a book about this amazing story of discovery, redemption, restoration, healing and shepherding.

While Sharon was in States Dennis continued the ministry. He continued the regular meetings with the other couples who are working towards disciple-making. He also continued his weekly meeting with a few Khmer men who are interested in Kingdom growth and are investing their free time to join God’s mission to save all. Dennis’ relationship with our daughters grew even stronger as he parented them while Ma was ministering to her family.

Dennis is delighted to have completed all facets of both coaching training programs and is now accumulating coaching hours toward international certification. He has coached a few of you already and rejoices at how God is working in us for forward movement.

After concluding the nutrition program there were a few left-overs. The overseers of the program suggested we donate some of those things to other efforts that serve young people and children. Peace International School, another work supported by Central was delighted to receive these blessings.

When we first arrived in Cambodia we got lonely. We missed you. We missed English worship. So, we started a devo/singing night at our house which lasted a couple of years until we got more settled in. Now, others have come behind us with the same kind of feeling. Therefore, they started up a monthly gathering for English singing and fellowship.

There are brethren from abroad who come for a visit to Cambodia. Sometimes they come to encourage and bless. Over time we have increasingly been called upon as consultants to give advice from our training and experiences like when Dennis recently met with guys from Singapore who want to start a school. We are so blessed to receive visitors. When are you coming?

Love & blessings, Dennis & Sharon

Seton Care-A-Van

Stuffed toys for the Seton Care-A-Van program are due on December 11th at our holiday fellowship meal.  Please make sure the eyes are not button-type eyes, but are embroidered directly onto the toy.

Helping Hands Pantry News

PANTRY ITEMS NEEDED:

DEODORANT

*We have enough plastic bags for now, but please keep saving them. They will be needed again soon.

Holiday Schedule

Since Christmas day is on a Sunday, we will have morning worship services only. There will be no morning classes or evening worship.  Many of our members will be traveling or have company in for the holiday, and the elders made this decision so we will have time with our families.

Holiday Request

Bob and Donna Feuerbacher’s son-in-law, Bill Starling, is in Afghanistan. His wife requested that we write cards and bring them to Donna so she can mail them to him. What a wonderful way to encourage a man who is serving our country to keep us all safe.

Thank you

Thank you all for your cards, calls and prayers while my brother, Patrick Harvill, had heart surgery and our daughter-in-law, Sharon, went through gallbladder surgery. Both are doing much better and asked that we convey their thanks as well.  Each one of you is precious to us, and we love you very much. We are so blessed to be a part of such a kind, loving Christian family.  Joe and Teri Winnett and family

BEAUTIFUL FOOTNOTES

29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. 30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones. Proverbs 15:29-30 (ESV)

It is always refreshing to hear good news from those who serve the Lord God. Today we share good news from Sunset International Bible Institute. We have supported many of their past efforts and Lord willing in the future may help again in taking Jesus to the world. Continue to keep these efforts in your prayers. For the elders, Ken D

I have good news to share with you.

Recently SIBI hosted dinners in Dallas and Fort Worth, and the response was outstanding. In Dallas we welcomed 600, and in Fort Worth 300 guest and supporters who came to hear about the ministries, missions and the ongoing efforts to grow the Kingdom that SIBI is dedicated to.

SIBI has been training men and women for over 50 years, and we have seen over 10,000 graduates. We are blessed to be in 113 countries and all 50 states in the USA. AIM (Adventures in Missions) is active in 45 countries and 13 USA states.

SIBI has 84 satellite schools in the USA, and 72 international schools in 42 countries around the world, and on any given day you will find over 30,000 people using the SIBI material to increase their knowledge of the Word, and learning how to be a more effective witness and teacher to those who need to hear the Word.

A team from SIBI recently spent time in Greece where they were able to speak and study the Muslim immigration situation, and how Sunset can help reach the thousands of Muslims that have been displaced or are fleeing from their homes to save their families from destruction.

We are seeing Muslims being reached throughout the world with Solar Players, but also in the most populated Muslim area of the USA (Dearborn, Michigan) through the works of a SIBI graduate, “Wissam Youssif Al-Aethawi,” a young man who grew up in Baghdad in a Muslim family, but through a series of events that only God could be responsible for, became a Christian, moved to Lubbock, TX, and graduated from SIBI before beginning his ministry to the Muslim community in Dearborn.

Our Solar Player missions are continuing to grow, and we have distributed over 6,000 Solar Players throughout Africa, South Africa, Ethiopia, and several other areas of the world. Now in Phase lll, we have begun the distribution throughout Latin countries starting in Cuba, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico and other Latin countries in 2017.

We have witnessed new churches starting everywhere Solar Players are, and have seen hundreds of baptisms everywhere the Good News is being brought and shared through the Solar Player missions.

I look forward to speaking with you soon.

God Bless, John Clinton, Sunset International Bible Institute

DEEPEST SYMPATHY

Our sincerest sympathy is extended to Christina Pipes and her family on the death of her son-in-law, John Aucock. He passed away on Friday, November 18th. Memorial services will be held in Houston in December.

Seton Care-A-Van

Stuffed toys for the Seton Care-A-Van program are due on December 11th at our holiday fellowship meal.  Please make sure the eyes are not button-type eyes, but are embroidered directly onto the toy.

Helping Hands Pantry News

PANTRY ITEMS NEEDED:

1. Plastic bags – (clean with no holes, and please remove receipts)
2. Toothpaste

Thank you!

Cookies for the Children

We are once again collecting cookies for the children at Cherokee Home for Children. Please have them here by THIS Tuesday, November 29th, so the ladies can pack them on the 30th. Thank you!!

BEAUTIFUL FOOTNOTES

“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,” Colossians 1:3 (ESV)

We have so much to remember and be thankful for this week. When you are thinking of all the ways you have been blessed and for all the important people in your lives, don’t forget to be thankful for and pray for those who are at work around the world living and sharing the gospel. What follows are some recent information from the Emperados in the Philippines and the Welches in Cambodia. We are expecting more later. Thank God for all of our fellow workers in the Gospel. For the elders, Ken D

Becky Emerado posted on Facebook from the Philippines on November 21st: Howdy! Left Calagcalag at 7am, arrived safely at the girls house at 2pm. The drive is about 130 km or 80 miles. Fun curvy mountain roads & LOTS of traffic once you get off the boat in Cebu. Ferry crossing takes about 30 minutes in smooth seas, we just stay in the car with the air conditioner running. Girls will be happy tonight when the y see us. They were already at the BSC when we arrived. I brought chicken spaghetti, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, mangos, & chocolate banana muffins with me. Richard is traveling to Leyte from Samar today. He should be in Cebu Tuesday. Now need to figure out what we are going to do for Thanksgiving. Might do like last year, and go to a restaurant serving Thanksgiving dinner. It is so hard to cook a big meal in girls little oven.

Becky Emerado posted on Facebook from the Philippines on November 17th: Howdy! At the hardware store in Ayungon trying to check email & change money for Richard. Church planting going well in Catarman, Samar this week with the MOSES team, Tse Ming, and Christians from nearby towns. Talked to Richard last night & he had good news to share. Going to Cebu next week for Thanksgiving & girls birthdays. Richard will meet up with us. Report to follow after Thanksgiving. Please be praying for church planting in Samar! Love you all!

Sharon Welch posted on Facebook from Cambodia on November 19th: Returning home to Cambodia after almost 6 weeks of being apart, Dennis treated me to some R & R in the sleepy little town of Kep, Cambodia. Such a sweet blessing! A dear friend and counselor, Dottie Schultz, recommended taking time for sleep and to process so man y wonderful blessings I experienced in meeting my birth siblings. I am so thankful to God for all my family, especially my husband.

Thanksgiving Schedule

Classes will be dismissed THIS Wednesday for Thanksgiving. We hope this will give you time to prepare for the holiday and visit with family.  1 Thessalonians 5:18 – In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Thank you!

We want to thank each of you for your prayers, cards and calls concerning my sister, Mary Tillman. We know your prayers are what have gotten us through such a difficult time.  We are truly blessed to be part of such a loving Christian family!  Valerie Cook and the Hazelwood family

Church Budget

This is the last week our elders will be finalizing the new budget for 2017. If you have any additions, changes or concerns regarding the budget, please talk to one of the elders.

Cookies for the Children

We will be collecting cookies for the children at Cherokee Home for Children. They prefer store-bought cookies, but home-made is fine. Please have them here by Tuesday, November 29th, so the ladies can pack them on the 30th. Thank you!!

Seton Care-A-Van

Stuffed toys for the Seton Care-A-Van program are due on December 11th at our holiday fellowship meal.  Please make sure the eyes are not button-type eyes, but are embroidered directly onto the toy.

Helping Hands Pantry News

PANTRY ITEMS NEEDED:

1. Plastic bags – (clean with no holes, and please remove receipts)
2. Toothpaste

Thank you!

Beautiful Footnotes . . .

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshipped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV)

Our Lord’s final dialogue with his disciples directed them to be disciples who would make disciples, who in turn would make more disciples. What a privilege as His disciples today to continue that mission of going to make disciples of all nations. With millions of those people using the Spanish language every day, it has been a blessing for our congregation to support the Worldwide Spanish Literature Ministry, which helps so much in taking the gospel to this portion of the world. What follows is from their 2016 end of year letter. Continue to keep this ministry in your thoughts and prayers.  For the elders, Ken D

Dear Brethren and Co-Workers: On behalf of hundreds of our brethren who use our literature, I write to you today. On behalf of millions of those who are lost and seeking the Lord, I write to you today. To those who have been helping us with your kind donations for so long, thank you. We NEVER get tired of expressing our gratitude for your generosity. For without you, the brethren in Latin America might not ever have had the tracts, Bible studies and other literature needed to go out and tell one more about the Good News and salvation through our Lord, Jesus Christ.

As you know, these are trying and confusing times. But, there is one thing clear; we must not cut back on sharing the Gospel with the lost. Remember that for those of you who help us, that no amount is too small and we always appreciate each and every gift of your love and generosity. This is what you enabled us to do in our fiscal year 2016: Given the fact that we shipped material to every country in South America, in Central America, throughout Mexico, Spain, and Italy. Here are the numbers in regards to shipping and production: Shipping: 666,175 items. Production: 646,020 catalog items. Total amount of items which were shipped gratis: over $114,000. We have some great evangelistic tools to help seek and save the lost. We need your help to be able to continue the needed material. The Spanish-speaking world is hungry and eager for the message. Help us keep keeping on. We promise WE WILL NOT STOP. Your support helps us continue to provide literature to our Hispanic Brethren, who are so grateful to have it and share it.

In His service, Jack Satcher, Director of the Worldwide Spanish Literature Ministry, Wichita Falls, TX