A New Form of Marriage Counseling
Did you see the report about the Saudi "Dr. Phil," a Muslim cleric named Mohammad Al-Arifi, who appeared on a television show to explain to Muslims how to beat their wives? The good "Doctor" recommends light beating, making sure not to hit her on the hands or face, but do it somewhere that won't cause any permanent damage. After all, he says "it is forbidden to hit even animals on the face."
Well, there you go. Al-Arifi demonstrates light hitting by using a toothpick, which he just happened to have in his pocket. I know what you are thinking: "How can you beat up anything with a toothpick, never mind your nagging, misbehaving wife?!" Well, this was more like a twig than one of those little pointy splinters we use to pull steak and lettuce from our teeth. I don't know what kind of food they're eating in Saudi Arabia that requires such a huge toothpick, but they sure do come in handy for beating your wife; lightly, of course. But don't be too alarmed about this endorsement of spousal abuse. Al-Arifi did caution men not to beat women while they were angry, emphasizing, "Brother, it is a human being you are beating. It is forbidden." But he then goes on to explain that one shouldn't beat a woman like "an animal or a child."
Political correctness tells us that all religions are the same and ultimately follow the same "god." Yet the trash of a religion that flies airplanes into buildings and beats wives is found nowhere in the Scriptures of the one true God. Unlike Islam, Christianity is the religion that teaches love for your enemy, service in the kingdom and sacrifice for peace. In Ephesians 5:22-33, we read that husbands and wives are to work together in their relationships to reflect the love and submission of Christ and his church. In fact, 1 Peter 3:1-7 tells us that by going the extra mile in our marriages, we help our spouse grow closer to God and we improve our own prayer life.
Jesus taught that he is "the way, the truth and the life." No man can come to the Father but by Christ. Don't fall for the lies of this deceiving world.
Mark Ray
Current Concerns
Leon Sledge is in Midland for rehab.
Sharon Fisher remains in room 852 at Medical Center Hospital.
Mable Riggs is in CCU at Medical Center Hospital. No visitors at the time.
Prayer List
Bill Arbuckle; LeeRoy Bell; Mildred Bell; Heather Combs; Hattie Mae Gilmore; Larry Granat; Mildred Heslip; Danny McCright; Davian Ramos; Nick Smith; Buddy Sutherland; DeLora Wood
Shut-ins
Mary Dunn; Fay Gann; Cecil and Mildred Hext; Virgie Price; Charles Tucker.
Events
Watch In Search of the Lord's Way with Mack Lyon every Sunday morning at 7:30 am on CBS, channel 7. This week's topic will be entitled, "Sincerity is a Virtue."
Kathy Nunley is hosting crib showers for Heather Mapes, daughter of Mike and Nancy Roemisch and one for Anita Thompson, granddaughter of Rudy and Emma Ochoa. There are cribs placed in the east foyer for your baby gifts. Both babies are due sometime in April.
The Andrews Church of Christ will be hosting a Marriage and Family Seminar on May 11th –14th with Dr. Alan Martin. There is a flyer
posted on the bulletin board on the east foyer. If you have any further questions you may contact them at andrewschurchofchrist@valornet.com.
FYI
The Wednesday morning Bible Class subject will be the book of Revelation. Don't forget that every last Wednesday of the month, we will have a potluck after the class.
The New Mexico Christian Children's Home will be here on Monday, June 2nd. They have suggested the following items: BBQ Sauce, sweetened cereals, and lotion. If you prefer to a monetary donation, you may leave it with the office clearly marked.
Odessa Christian School is in need of a coach for the month of June from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to teach various games such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, and dodge ball.
Youth
We are needing hosts for the monthly youth devotionals. Please sign up to host one or more on the sign up sheet on the bulletin board in the east foyer.
There will be a graduation shower on Sunday, May 4th for Alyssa Lane in the annex from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Devida Montgomery and Linda Tate will be hosting this event.
Anniversary Announcements
You have been invited to help James and Lavern Couch celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday, May 3rd from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The celebration will be held at 3555 W. 16th Street. Please R.S.V.P.—Kayla at 208-9813. No gifts please.
You are cordially invited by the family of Sharon and Lee Roy Bell to attend a 50th Anniversary party. Come join us on Saturday, May 31st, 2008 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the annex of Eisenhower Church of Christ, located at 807 E. 21st Street, Odessa, TX. Please let us know if you will be able to attend. We will be serving cake and punch, so throw on your bobby sox and poodle skirt and help us celebrate Nana and Honey's milestone. And they lived Happily Ever After, The End.
Birth Announcement
Congratulations to Anita Thompson, granddaughter of Emma and Rudy Ochoa, on the birth of her son Dominik Avan Ortiz. Dominik was born on April 19th.
Thank You
To the Eisenhower Congregation
Thank you so much for the many cards, kind words, expressions of concern, in the loss of my sister.
Sincerely,
Max and Fran McFatridge &
The Family of Jackie Squires
Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of April are Debbie Marrs and Sharon Bell.
We are trying to fill our pantry. Every two weeks we will have new suggested items. This week's suggestions are Peanut Butter, Pancake Mix, and Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat. Thank you!
| April 27, 2008 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
Announcements | Jeff Wesson | Jeff Wesson |
Song Leader | John Carroll | Cameron May |
Sermon | Steve Horton | Steve Horton |
Opening Prayer | Jeff Wesson | Jeff Wesson |
Scripture | Bill Tolbert | Frank Vargas |
Second Prayer | Charles Wood | John Wood |
Closing Prayer | Bill Butler | Jack Wright |
|
||
West |
Jimmy Nunley |
Cody Wesson |
East |
Rudy Ochoa |
Craig Wesson |
Other Responsibilities: : Jeff Wesson ~ Deacon: Rudy Ochoa ~ Pulpit: Scot Straw ~ Table: Tom Sorenson ~Song Leaders: Ronnie Lane
Sunday AM
"What the Centurion Saw"
(Mark 15:37-39)
Sunday PM
"The Conversion of Sergius Paulus"
(Acts 13:5-8)
Our Records
Bible Class... 108
Morning Worship... 151
Evening Worship... 130
Wednesday... 119
Contribution $5,098.15