The Son, January 2002
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Inside This Issue
The Ripple Effect
by David Jeremiah
Every Christian needs to ask, "What kinds of ripples and waves am I setting in motion by my words and works for Christ?" While those who toss stones into a pond don't always see who or what is touched by the waves, the waves go forth nontheless. Our job is not to question whether our words and works are having a certain impact. Our job is to continually cast ourselves upon the water and put in motion those waves which God can direct in His perfect way, with His perfect results.
Take a fresh look at these ever-widening "pools" of influence across which the ripple effect of your life can spread as you take advantage of God-given opportunities to speak and act in the name of Christ.
Family: Those within your immediate family are the most fertile ground for planting the seed of the Gospel.
Extended Family: You can have an impact on relatives who can consistently observe your life.
Close Friends: These can develop from many sources, but it is the trust and intimacy you share which makes your influence significant.
Work Associates: Besides family, we spend the greatest amount of time with others in vocational and educational contexts.
Neighbors: The greatest untapped harvest fields in modern America are our neighborhoods. Will we take the time to establish lines of communication along which the Gospel can spread?
Civic and Community Contacts: Manifesting Biblical values of integrity, compassion, and generosity at the community level will open unexpected doors of opportunity.
Strangers: "Divine Appointments" which appear insignificant to us can have a life-changing impact on one who meets Christ in us.
The question for every Christian is not whether our lives have a ripple effect on history -- but what kind of effect we are having. I challenge each of us, at the beginning of 2002, to ask God for a year of powerful ripple effects for the Gospel. You may not see the shore on which the wave lands, but the shore where you stand at this moment is where the wave must begin.
Dr. David Jeremiah -- Turning Point
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Featured Family
The featured famly for this month is the Paul Brown family. Paul is a senior mechanical designer at Wyle Laboratories in Huntsville. He enjoys working with computers. Laura is a fifth grade English and Spelling teacher at Brindlee Mountain Middle School. She enjoys reading. Robert is a third grader at Arab Elementary and he enjoys playing soccer, basketball, and baseball. Anna is in kindergarten at Arab Primary. She enjoys playing with her babies and Barbies.
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The Impact of One Life
When a stone is dropped into a
lake
it quickly disappears from sight, but
its impact leaves behind a series of
ripples that broaden and reach
across the water.
In the same way, the impact of one
life lived for Christ will leave
behind
an influence for good that will
reach
the lives of many others.
Poem by Roy Lessin
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Suggested Reading
The Power of a Praying Parent
The Power of a Praying Wife
The Power of a Praying Husband
by Stormie Omartian
When God Builds a Church
by Bob Russell
The Purpose Driven Church
by Rick Warren
Holy Bible
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Mission Statement
A church where love is preached and taught accdording to the Holy Scriptures and manifested in the lives of all the disciples by offering support, fellowship, friendship, and the Love of Christ to those around us.
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Church Information
Old Brashier's Chapel
United Methodist Church
51 Kenmore Road
Arab, AL 35016
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 996
Arab, AL 35016
Phone:(256) 586-4648
Please see Jamie Compton with any information for next month's newsletter, or email her.
Deadline: January 30, 2002
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