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Dave is recuperating from sinus surgery. Keep him in your prayers.

I've been reading Chuck Swindoll's book, The Mystery of God's Will. I'd like to share some of his challenging thoughts with you.......Mike

QUESTIONS.......What is God's will and what is not God's will? Can I really know that I am doing God's will? If so, how? And if I'm not doing God's will, how do I know that? If I do His will, does He always reward me? These are common questions that every thoughtful believer grapples with.

Paul said in Romans 11:33-34 'Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and unfathomable his ways! "Who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has become his counselor?''

If we would begin to probe the will of God, we must begin to think theologically, and that's a tough thing to do. It works against our human and horizontal perspective on life. We much prefer to deal with realities we can touch, analyze, prove, and explain. But God offers a better way to live - one that requires faith , as it lifts us above the drag and grind of our immediate little world, opens new dimensions of thought, and introduces a perspective without human limitations. Our focus turns away from ourselves, removes us from a self-centered existence, and opens our minds to a God-centered frame of reference.

To think this way you must remember....You are not in charge. You're the clay; He's the Potter. You're the branches; He's the Vine. You're the servant; He's the Master. What a wonderful way to live!

This is not a kind of ethereal existence without direction. Although the future of God's will for my life will not always be evident, He has given a whole list of instructions for my daily life now:

Obey your parents (Eph. 6:1)
Marry a Christian (I Cor. 6:15)
Work at an occupation (I Thess. 4:11-12)
Support your family (I Tim. 5:8)
Give to the Lord's work, and to the poor
II Cor. 8-9; Gal. 2:10); ; Display love (I Cor. 13)
Rear children by God's standards (Eph. 6:4)
Meditate on the scriptures (Psalms 1:2)
Pray (I Thess. 5:17); Proclaim Christ (Acts 1:8)
Have a joyful attitude (I Thess. 5:16)
Assemble for worship (Heb. 10:25)
Accept people without prejudice (Jas. 2:1-10)
Have a spirit of gratitude (Phil. 4:6)
Set proper values (Col. 3:2); And the list goes on.....

This is the will of God for your life as a child of God, no matter who you are or where you live. Nothing mysterious here! The better you know the word of God, the less confusing is His will. Those who know his word best, struggle least with his will. His word is 'a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.'

It is the best life as we follow his instructions and the path lighted by his word, but even that does mot take away the intrigue or the frustration of The Mystery of God's Will. His ways are higher than our ways, and his thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Amen?

1 Peter 2:9

Desperate for God,

You will not want to miss this special series with internationally-known inspirational speaker Joe Beam. He is the founder of Family Dynamics, a nonprofit corporation using biblical truths to strengthen marriages and families. Joe has also served as pulpit minister for growing churches in Georgia, Indiana, and Alabama. He is the author of Becoming ONE, Forgiven Forever, and best seller Seeing The Unseen. His messages for us will be a part of his soon to be released new book, Desperate for God, Satisfying Your Soul's Deepest Hunger.

I'm sure none of us will want to miss a single one of these messages, and would want to share them with relatives, friends and neighbors. Let's pack the house.

The elders received a letter recently from Bob Gorsline, one of the elders at the Valley Church of Christ in Spokane. They have begun a prison ministry in Airway Heights. Bob was inviting the help of anyone from our group that might be interested in such a work. Prison ministry can be very effective. In many such programs there are dozens, even hundreds of baptisms in a year's time. Everyone needs the Lord, and people who are incarcerated are often very receptive to the gospel of Christ. They are ready for change in their lives and when they come to realize that Jesus is the answer they eagerly accept Him. Anyone who might be interested in assisting the Valley group in this new ministry should contact Bob Gorsline at (509) 893-9565. I'm sure he would be pleased to answer any questions you may have.

Scott Rouse

There will be a meeting this afternoon at 4:15pm for all those interested in planning and/or constructing a Prayer Garden.

Do you like to play board games, card games, dominos, etc? Be sure and set aside the second Friday of each month for this. We're planning a big turnout and lots of fun and, of course, how could we possibly get together without FOOD? Please bring snacks and drinks; we'll put them all out and nibble as the hunger pangs strike. Please bring any games you like to play. If you are a family with children, come and bring the little ones. Just be sure to bring an activity for them so they will have fun and supervision while you are having your fun. The first game night will be Friday, February 8, at 6:30p.m. in the kitchen area. For more information, call Betty Williams, 762-4485.

Dear Church,

We want to thank each of you; for your prayers, calls, and cards. Bumper is doing so well. I ask that you would continue to pray for him; for his health and that he would open his heart to the Lord.

In Christ, Debbie Yanzick & Family

February 2 - Bible Bowl Challenge in Richland

February 8 - Game Night in the Kitchen

February 10-12 - Guest Speaker, Joe Beam

February 15-17-Teens & Parents Mid-Winter Retreat

February 22 - Ladies Craft Night

February 23 - Sweetheart Banquet

Prayer Requests

Shari Swaim & Jennie Brown as they continue treatments for cancer.

Becky Erwin, John Erwin's daughter-in-law, is better, but is confined to bed until the birth of her twins.

Marjorie Dupey is having blood pressure problems. Also pray for Margie's sister, Lola Grant who had heart surgery.

Dee Buchanan, Betty Williams sister, has been in the hospital in critical condition from an auto accident. She has multiple problems. Keep her in your prayers.

Ken Arnold is having a lot of pain in his back. He would appreciate your prayers and visits.

Roy Schumacher, father of Kristina Veentjer (Box), has been diagnosed with cancer. Kristina requests your prayers on his behalf.

Dan Scott, brother of Jean Grow, had successful surgery on his throat. Continue prayers for healing.

Ruth Goins, a long time family friend of the Rouse's who recently lost her husband is having a hard time adjusting to life alone. Also pray for Helen who is visiting with Ruth down in California.

Tim & Sarah Lanning, Becky Reeves' sister, from the Richland congregation, newborn baby passed away last week. Your prayers are appreciated.

Erma Farmer, a customer of Pat Irmer's, has been diagnosed with cancer again. She had cancer twelve years ago and is frightened now that it has returned.

Opal Wilson asks prayers of comfort for her daughter and son-in-law whose father passed away last week.

Marian Demas is a dear friend of Carol Fredrickson's. The doctor has given her only one month to live. Please pray that her heart will be opened to God's teaching through Bill Lawrence, a brother in Christ.

Special Prayer Request for missionaries Gracia and Martin Burnham, who were kidnapped by a terrorist group in the Philippines more than 8 months ago. They have four young children who need them. Please pray for their safe and immediate rescue.

Continue Praying For....

Clarence May*Mark Mood*Fred Bonnie*Bill Elliott*Ron Bristow*Jimmy Baldwin*Mary Harris Grow*Susan French*The Togo Team* Leonard Almond*Kyrie Stephens*Anita Haman*Shirley Finney*Curtis (Bumper) Yanzick*Graham Family*Amber Anderson*Jim Litalien

2nd NORTHWEST

Genesis 13 - 25

This is such an excellent way for our young people to learn scripture, and to enjoy the camaraderie of their Christian peers. We expect teams to be there from Grandview, Wenatchee, Kennewick. Richland, Dalton Gardens, and maybe other places as well. We hope all the parents of kids in 3rd-12th grades will seriously encourage participation. Parents, plan to go with the group! We will be leaving Dalton Gardens about 7am and returning about 7pm on Saturday, February 2nd. Money for a couple of McDonalds stops on the trip is all we will need to take. How serious are you about learning God's word???

We'd like to encourage all our 7th - 12th grade teens and as many parents as possible to attend. Scott Rouse is in charge of the plans for this retreat which will include tons of fun sledding, tubing, snow boarding, games, snacks, and a spiritual agenda as follows:

THEME: I Hope You'll Dance

Intro. - Dancing With God?

Session 1 Giving Up Yesterday's Baggage

Step One - Letting Go

Session 2 Finding the Faith to Hold On

Step Two - Taking His Hand

Session 3 Submitting to His Will

Step Three - Following His Lead

Session 4 Committing Your Soul to Celebration

Step Four - Choosing to Rejoice

FEE: $15 to cover Camp Rental and food cost.

The first mail-outs have been sent to area congregations and shared with teens at Winterfest.

Please start praying for and getting psyched up for this youth event which inspires us and challenges us to share our lives and our faith with others.

Let's AIM with Anna, Ivan & Mike

Great strides are being made in the Lord's work in Barnaul. We are fortunate to be a part of this excellent mission, and to share that work with Jerry, Pam, and Levi Sisemore. They have requested the help of Anna Crump and Mike Reeves in developing ministries with the women and the young people of the congregation.

Anna, Mike along with our missions coordinator, Ivan Archer, will be our team to Siberia in April of this year. Please begin daily prayers for their work and for their safety. Pray for our AIM team.

Thank You! Thank You! for all of you that attended the program: 'In The Beginning' on Thursday evening. We, especially want to thank Georgette Rude for all the time and effort she put into planning and preparing the students for this production! This type of program is a 'first' for CCS!

Semester information:

The first semester at CCS is over!

Remember that our school is here for you! It is a mission to help bring families closer together, to teach the Law of Christ, and to help build a foundation for the students that will prepare them for tomorrow.

1. We are taking applications for new students for the second semester and for the Fall of 2002.

3. Donations are being accepted for Tuition assistance for the new semester. Remember, this is tax deductible if it is simply donated to our general fund!

4. We want to thank all our volunteers and helpers that have put in a lot of time and energy helping out at the school.

January 29: PTO Meeting - Everyone is invited

February: Basketball begins! Come to games if you can!

February 8: All School Skating 11:30-1:30

February 15:Valentine card nursing home service project

February: Valentine's candy and flower sale

February 25: End of Semester

February 25-March 4: Book Fair

We've been so blessed with the many guests who come to eat with us on Wednesday evenings - we're going to have to increase our recipe amounts! Be sure and join us this week at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday night we used 13 loaves of bread for our Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. Poor Jo Allen, Delvona Rude, Ralph and Anna Crump worked like whirling dervishes keeping enough made for everyone.

Santa Claus came again!! Eldon Rude carried in a BIG sack of homegrown potatoes the other day, so we made Potato Soup; it was sooo good! Thank you Eldon and Ruby, for your generosity; we all appreciated it and made good use of the potatoes.

Cream of Chicken Soup, or Cream of Mushroom Soup. Thanks for your help.

Viva La Chicken, Salad, Rolls, Apple Cake

We ran out of this casserole when we served it on the 16th, so we're doing an encore. Come early!

Assembly Times:
Sunday:

Other Bible Study Groups are offered at various times. Please call the office for times and places.

Bible Study Groups:

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