Conflict and Character

Dalton Key

Alfred Montepert once wrote, "Adversity does not break men; it makes them." He went on to observe, "Strength comes from struggle, weakness from ease."

It is true. Conflict does create character. No man has become great while shielded from the storms of life. Great men most often emerge, not from beds of ease, but from troubled seas. David Livingston's body was infected with tropical fever twenty-seven times. Louis Pasteur was crippled by a paralytic stroke. John Milton was blind. Beethoven was deaf. Helen Keller was both blind and deaf.

And what of our Lord? The Hebrew writer says, "Though he were a son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, be became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him." (Hebrews 5:8,9)

God allowed his only begotten son to suffer, and from suffering to grow stronger in determination and knowledge of man's perspective. Should we be surprised, then, to find our loving Creator allowing us to face adversity?

The apostle Paul wrote, "We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulations worketh patience; and patience, experience, and experience, hope." (Roman 5:3,4) •

November Calendars
The year 2001 is quickly slipping away. The November edition of the Activities Calendar and Men To Serve List is available today in the foyer. Be sure to get your copy and be informed of the activities and duty assignments scheduled for the coming month.

PM Fellowship Tonight
All members and visitors alike are invited to meet with us this evening in the annex, after the evening worship, for our monthly fellowship in honor of this month's birthdays and anniversaries. Members should bring snacks and finger foods.

Response
We and the angels in Heaven rejoice at the response of Juanita Murphy this past Sunday evening. Sister Murphy came forward confessing that she had been unfaithful in her service to the Lord and expressed a desire to be restored and for the prayers of the church. Keep Juanita in your daily prayers.

Our hearts go out in deepest sympathy to sister Sandy Callender and her family, in the passing of her mother, Blanche Staton, on October 14^th, in Belleville, IL. The Callenders are now back from Illinois and we thank God for their safe return.

Children's Class.....
Please Note: Our youngsters meet for a short class each Sunday evening at 5:40 in the auditorium just before the evening worship. You are welcome to quietly come in and be seated during this class —but please— if you want to talk, be respectful and remain in the foyer until the class is over. The scheduled teacher for this evening’s class is Bob Bauer.

Add to Your Directory
Please add the following information to you directories:
       MURPHY, Ronald & Juanita.. . . .***-****
        *** **** ****** - Auburndale, FL *****

Prayer Meeting
This coming Wednesday is the fifth Wednesday in this month and we will have a prayer meeting and devotional service instead of our regular classes.

If we are not prepared for anything but success – if we have no philosophy for failures – we are not ready to face the most normal issues of life..... with Christianity a man can hold the world in the palm of his hand.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

        • November 9, 10
        Weeki Wachee Camp - Men’s Retreat
        • Nov. 17
        Pig Roast @ Maury and Frances Deaton’s

CREATION SEMINAR:

        • Nov. 2, 3, 4 - N. Jackson Ave. - Bartow
        • Nov. 30 - Dec. 2 - Here in Auburndale
                 Geoffery Rowe, speaker