Self Study

Hey Team:

I believe it is important to regularly evaluate everything we do: home, work, church, etc. Is their a purpose or goal that we are trying to accomplish? Is there a process in place to try to accomplish that goal? Is there a better way to accomplish what we are trying to accomplish?

As you may know, I think about that last question often when it comes to our Sunday School class. For example, this past Sunday we started a new unit on prayer. It obviously struck a nerve because we had a number of wonderful comments from a great many people. Discussion, of course, is a very good thing and a very central part of our class. However, I sensed that there were some who perhaps did not have the opportunity to express themselves and others who perhaps would have shared more if time permitted. Also, as is sometimes the case, we didn't really even get into the lesson which, again, is not necessarily a bad thing.

But, it does beg the question, "Is there a better way to accomplish what we are trying to accomplish?"

With that in mind, I would like to have your feedback and thoughtful consideration to the following:

1. Would we be better served in trying to accomplish our purpose by dividing into two or more classes?
2. If not, should we at least consider breaking up into smaller groups on occasion to allow for more discussion opportunities for more people?
3. Should we consider a different format? A different curriculum?
4. Should we rotate teachers/class facilitators?
5. Is there a better way to do S.S.?

Please let me/us hear from you.

Thanks.
Press on.

Andrew

Update for Perry Meeks

Roscella wanted me to send a quick update. Perry is in Germany and both Roscella and the kids have talked to him. Roscella has talked to one of the soldier's wife who did not survive. It was really hard on her. So she is not up to sending an update right now. She will send an update when she is more up to it. You are welcome to call me if you have any questions.

God Bless,
Tiffany Spicer
931-572-9892 (home)
615-804-1972 (cell)

A picture of Perry Meeks during a prayer at a ceremony

SFC Perry Meeks stands in front of 5th Platoon
Posted on our division website.

Most recent update on Perry Meeks

From: The Meeks Family <prmeeks@bellsouth.net>
Date: Apr 24, 2008 12:35 PM
Subject: Most recent update on Perry


Hey everyone! This came from our friend John who has been by his side since he arrived at the hospital.

They have all the tubes out of Perry, except the IV of course. His shoulder pain has went way down. Doc asked him his pain on a scale of one to ten and he said and 2 when not moving and only a 3 when moving. That is great. They moved Perry out of the ICU and into their Ward. He is being treated great by the doctors and staff there. He has a tentative flight time of 0800 tomorrow morning.

Perry dictated a note to John and this was part of my note from Perry: Just to let you know, John is taking good care of me. The docs and nurses are really good to me. I Love You.

Thank you all for all the prayers. What a testimony that we have to tell!

I am making a phone call this evening to a wife of one of the soldiers that was killed. She has asked for me to call her. This is not a call that I am wanting to make, but I know that God will give me the words!

Love,

Roscella

Self Study

Hey Team:

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with and for the Meeks family. For those who have not heard the latest update, the vehicle in which Perry was riding was hit by a roadside bomb. Perry sustained a broken left leg, a broken clavicle and an injury to his left eye. Two of the men with him were killed. Perry had emergency surgery while still in Iraq and although the injuries are still quite serious, his condition is apparently stable He has spoken with Roscella and he has good support there.

The plan is to fly him to Germany, and then eventually home. He had been scheduled to go to Germany early this morning, but that didn't happen when scheduled. Apparently the delay is due to factors unrelated to the seriousness of Perry's injuries. It is possible that Roscella will go to Germany to be with him, but that has not yet been determined. As you know, Perry is the consummate soldier -- very tough-minded and strong-willed. By all accounts, he is receiving the best possible medical care and will continue to do so.

The response to Roscella and the children has been what we would hope for in a time such as this. Roscella and others have shared about the outpouring of love and support that has come from members of our church family -- from children at school, to visitors at the home, to food, etc.

Although Perry's injuries no longer appear to be life-threatening, he and his family still have a long way to go and will need our love and support in the days to come.

Thanks, keep up the good "work" . . . Press on!

Andrew

RE: Prayer Request -- Perry Meeks

Just an update as of this morning.

Perry has not been transported to Germany yet. They are still waiting for him to be stable enough to transport him. Roscella is at home today and her friend, Tiffany Spicer, is planning to be there to spend the day with her.

Logan, Megean, and Lindsey went on to school this morning. Please continue to pray for all of them during this difficult time. As the kids got out of the van this morning at school God immediately surrounded them with their FBC family. Derrick Watson stopped to let us get to the sidewalk. Then Sarah Watson immediately jumped out of the car and was there to walk into morning assembly with Megean while Koby walked with Logan. Of course Lindsey took her normal ride to school with the Gray family, another set of wonderful FBC friends. All of the kids teachers have been very supportive too. It is just a blessing for the kids to be surrounded by wonderful Christian people at their schools to help them deal with this situation. Please continue to pray for Perry, Roscella, the kids, and the families of the two soldiers that were with Perry when this occurred. I will keep you posted when I hear more.

Kim Batts

Re: Prayer Request -- Perry Meeks

Thank you all for your prayers. Tonight has been really rough. When I know more I will let everyone know. Right now the kids are covered getting to school and such. Tiffany Spicer has been with me and is coming to stay with me tomorrow. I have called CMAOC (Army Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operation Center) and they didn't have an update on Perry's itinerary. Just so everyone knows the military calls all injuries casualties. Once I have an update I will let everyone know.

I have attached the DeCoursey Meal schedule.

Love,
Roscella

Prayer Request -- Perry Meeks

Please be in prayer for Perry Meeks and his family. Perry and some of his men were hit by a roadside bomb in Iraq. Perry had to have emergency surgery to remove his spleen. He also suffered a broken leg and a broken shoulder, and some kind of serious injury to one of his eyes. Some of his men were killed.

Perry was able to call home afterward which is obviously a good sign. He is stable and is apparently doing remarkably well under the circumstances. The plan, as I understand it at this time, is to take him to Germany for futher medical attention. Depending on his condition, Roscella will either go there to be with him, or they will bring him home. Either way, please continue to pray for the Meeks family, as well as those families who lost loved ones.

Press on.

Katie DeCoursey -- Update

Hey Team:

Katie is going to be fine, although the situation was very, very serious and potentially life threatening. Katie did have an ovarian cyst which ruptured causing substantial blood loss. She had emergency surgery last night/this morning and is now stable and may even be able to go home on Friday.

I just left the hospital (Andy and Jeff were already there and Jeff was still there when I left) and had a good visit with Ray and Nancy. There are many details about this situation that I want Nancy to share with you (all under the category of "Praise") when she feels comfortable doing so. Please continue to remember Nancy, Ray, Rachel and, of course, Katie, in your prayers. While everything looks great now, this past 15 hours has been very traumatic. I know they will continue to appreciate our love, support and prayers.

Press on...
Andrew

Fw: Katie DeCoursey -- Prayer Request

Did you know that Katie DeCoursey had emergency surgery last night? Jeff just called and he was on his way to the hospital. She apparently had an ovarian cyst that ruptured last night. In recovery now. Jeff said they almost lost her last night and the next 24 hours was critical. Andy just left to go to the hospital.

Bettye

Self Study

Hey Team:

Thanks for the candid discussion we had last week regarding forgiveness. Too often, my forgiveness of others is the "incomplete" kind. Martin Luther said, "Forgiveness is not an occasional art, it is a permanent attitude." As we discussed, "complete" forgiveness is not possible apart from the grace of God. There's the answer!

Remember "Family Fun Night" at the CLC this Friday, April 18 beginning at 6:30 p.m. I'm not sure all that is planned, but it sounds like it will be . . . fun.

Let's remember that there are many people around us every day who are hurting, who need a word of encouragement, who need to know that they have value, who need to know that someone cares about them, and who need to know that there is a Way that they can find peace and hope in their lives. Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no man comes to the Father but by Me." Let's show them the Way!

Press on...
Andrew

Prayer Requests for April 13, 2008

Requests:

• Angie Vonvang-recovering from heart transplant
• Jack Ferrell-tests on Tuesday
• Linda Durham, friend of the Woolfolks, having surgery for colon cancer
• Dillon Fleming, Kahle's nephew, going into the Marine Corps
• Ray Decoursey-traveling home from Virginia
• Students & teachers going back to school & preparing for testing
• Shawna Barnett's aunt, Frances Miller, diagnosed with a brain tumor
• Debbie Pryor's son-battling problems after brain surgery
• Marlene's daughter-continuing invitro process

Praises:

• Tim Workman's dad's surgery on his shoulder went well
• Kenneth Gamble accepted Christ at around age 66
• Jack Ferrell's neighbor was saved last Sunday
• Dillon Fleming, Kahle's nephew, making profession of faith
• Donna McIntyre, Andrew's secretary, visiting our Sunday School Class

Forgiveness is more for the person doing the forgiving than the one being forgiven.

Hope to see everybody at Church on Sunday.

Mike

Self Study Weekly

Hey Team:

Recent events at our church have left many of us with yet another opportunity to "pray and process." Here are some of my thoughts at this time:

1. It is important to always try to do what you believe is right, even if it subjects you to criticism;

2. The more important question is not "who is right?" but rather "what is right?";

3. Are we trying to please men, or are we trying to please God? (Gal. 1:10);

4. When we forgive others who have hurt us, it usually helps us at least as much if not more than the person who needs to be forgiven;

5. Reputation is what others think about you; character is what God knows about you. We should focus on our character.

6. The Golden Rule applies whether dealing with friend or foe;

7. God is still sovereign -- He was yesterday; He is today; and He will be tomorrow.

We have two more lessons on the life of David. Let's finish strong.

Congratulations to Tim and Kelly Workman! Their oldest son, Spencer, was named Region 2 "Sportsman of the Year" by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association. A great honor for a very fine young man.

Hope to see you Sunday, if not before.

Press on.

Andrew

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Prayer Requests for 4-6-08

• Tim Workman's uncle
• Kelly Workman's coworker battling cancer
• Kelly Workman's coworker's mom battling cancer
• Kelly Jackson & Family in the death of his grandmother
• Natalie Westerfield-recovering from having tonsils removed
• Drew Taylor-recovering from having tonsils removed 4-7-08
• Jack Ferrell-having tests run in Nashville 4-15-08
• Betty Ferrell's sister Phyliss Stevenson
• Families traveling during Spring Break

Praises

• Andrew & Eva celebrating their 17th wedding anniversary
• Matt & Noel Robinson becoming members of the church
  (we already considered them members of our Sunday School class)

People are like tea bags, you have to put them in hot water before you know how strong they are!

Hope to see everyone at Sunday School!

Mike

SelfStudy Weekly

Hey Team:

We will continue our study of David this week. We're going to consider some issues regarding parenting, which I know is an issue near and dear to all of us.

Please pray for Mike McKinney who will be speaking in our morning worship service this Sunday. Also, my sweet wife will be singing a Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir song with the choir. I know I am partial, but I can't remember ever hearing Eva sing when I did not receive a blessing.
Also, this Sunday evening during the evening worship service my father will begin teaching his book, What Should We Believe About Jesus? Again, I know I am partial, but I believe it will be a great six week study.

Don't forget we could use a few more folks to help us move the Blakemans this Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. Mark Gary, Mike Stewart and I will be there and we would love to have you join us.

Press on.....
Andrew

Prayer Request - Siglers

Many of you know that Randy and Penny Sigler have been dealing with some issues in their family that have resulted in them having temporary custody of their grandson, Cole. Although they were hopeful that things were improving, they are not and the situation is becoming more serious. Please remember this family in your prayers.

Press on.

On Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 8:44 AM, Randy Sigler &lt;randy.sigler@gmail.com> wrote:

Please remember our family and the situation with our grandson Cole.

Blakemans are moving -- Help Needed

Hey Team:

Tim and Marlene Blakeman are moving across town and they could use our help. They have rented a truck which will be available this Friday evening, April 4. I know Mike Stewart and I are going to help, and we could use a few more. If you can help, please let me know. We will plan to meet at their house, 308 Ridgehill Dr (Givens Addition), at 6:30 p.m. this Friday. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. Thanks!

Press on...
Andrew