The Bear and the Red Hot Stove

Once in a dense forest, a bear broke into a cabin of some hunters. They were out at the time, but had left a fire in the potbellied stove. The bear saw the red hot stove and thinking it was an enemy, ran over and put a bear hug on it. Naturally, he was burned, but Mr. Bear thought the enemy was trying to fight back so he squeezed harder and was burned more. The more he squeezed, the more he was burned. What a vicious circle for a vicious bear to be in.

There are many that would say., "What a dumb animal to hug something to his own hurt." But they could be doing the same thing.

How many people do you suppose hug sin to their own hurt and refuse to let go? Let someone warn them of the dangers of sin and they will hug it all the more. Many cannot bear to part with worldliness, yet they cannot be saved while holding onto it. Are you acting like a bear?

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)

REPORT FROM OUR LADIES

The ladies of Orange Street have raised over $2,000 in less than a year to help with the work in Ghana. Last week our check for $2,000 was sent to Ted Wheeler at the Venice congregation to be combined with the $2,100+ they have raised for the Ghana work. Ted has informed us that $3,000 of this is to be sent this week for a well to be dug that will provide a whole village with pure, clean water. The rest of the money is being wired over there shortly to be used to operate the medical clinic and provide supplemental food for malnourished children. According to Ted it costs around $17.00 to provide the initial treatment of a mother and child at the medical center (food, medicine, clothing, etc.). The money we have sent will go as far as it can in the treatment of these mothers and children. There are around 27 babies being treated now at the Center and the need is much greater. Ted will be going over to Ghana in July and promises to share pictures and information with us when he returns. He sends his thanks to all of the ladies at Orange Street for their support.

Our own Bob Bauer will be going over to Ghana in August . By that time we hope to add to the $175.00 we have left in our Ghana Fund to send along with him for the purchase of Bibles ($3.00 each when purchased over there )printed in the language of the people. You can see the great need for the monies that we can contribute to this great work. Our ladies are to be commended for their sacrifice which is given in addition to their regular planned contribution each week. Let us pray for this work in Ghana and for those handling the funds that our efforts may result in the spreading of the gospel and the relief of suffering in that area.

(Please take time to read the article about this work of the medical clinic that is posted on the bulletin board in the foyer or visit the Ghana Missions website at www.GhanaMissions.com on the world-wide-web)

Shirley Faneuf

Personal Work Group
The Personal Work Group is scheduled for their regular monthly meeting tonight after the evening services in Meeting Room "B". All current and potential group members are asked to attend.

Youth Devotional
The youth devotional scheduled for this evening in the annex, has been cancelled for tonight ONLY. The devo will continue as scheduled in two weeks.

Children's Class
The youngsters of the congregation meet each Sunday afternoon at 5:40 in the front of the auditorium for a few minutes of stories and songs before the PM worship. The teacher this evening is Gaylon West.

We may impress ourselves and others with material success, but they become mere flimsy veneer before the powerful penetrating eye of almighty God, from whom nothing is hidden.

"For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

Upcoming Events

May 20-25 - Vacation Bible School (evenings) - North Jackson Ave - Bartow

Gospel Meetings

May 6-9 - Church of Christ of Eloise (In Progress) with Marc W. Gibson
May 27-31 - Preston St., Auburndale - Different speaker each night