Message from John

 Dubai Web Page
This is the church web site for the church that is coordinating John’s mission trip to Dubai if anyone would like to check it out.

www.dubaichurchofchrist.com   note: This link was down as of Fri 2-25-2010

Mission to Dubai (April 20 – May 3, 2010)- John Cooper
About a year ago a man named Philip Ganta from Dubai contacted me because of our church website. He told me a little about his efforts to preach the gospel in the Middle East. I have had a great desire to help stem the spread of Islam and this man was and is doing just that. He came to raise support for his work last summer. Holly and I met him and Michael O’Leary (Stateside sponsor of this work- phone # 785-532-8309) in Denver in August of 2009. I showed him my powerpoint presentations on “Archaeology and the Bible”, “The Historicity and Divinity of Jesus” and “The Existence of God”. He was very impressed and asked me to consider coming and presenting these lessons to his preachers training schools in Dubai and India. When he told me it would cost around $5,000 to do this I did not think I could come up with that kind of money. Thus I forgot about Dubai as a mission work possibility.
However, God works in mysterious ways. After my recent mission trip to Pohnpei and Guam (January 10-24) I sent a report out to several friends. One called back and stated that he wanted to support my mission efforts to a maximum of $5,000.
per year. He also indicated that he would like to challenge others to match that amount.
The very next morning, Wednesday, February 17, I got a call from Philip Ganta from Dubai. They are going to have their fifth year anniversary of the Dubai church of Christ and he wanted me to be their main speaker. Furthermore, he wanted me to speak to the preacher training school in Dubai and another one he directs in India.
Of course I asked for details and an estimate of the costs. Let me share this information with you. My airfare from Grand Junction, CO to Dubai is $1,559.00, 6 nights hotel in Dubai- $410, Dubai classes- $4,150. - They must rent rooms in “safe” sections in the city and pay the church of England for this right. It would otherwise be illegal to preach Christianity in this Islamic state. This amount also covers food for those who attend the evening lectures as well as their transportation to the meetings. Those who attend are all foreigners. They are workers from India, Bangladesh, Iran, Pakistan and many more Middle Eastern countries. They are here to build all the huge buildings in Dubai. Most are away from their families, live in minimal housing and make only about $ 250. per month. This is one reason I cannot stay with any of them, they do not have their own homes there.
In India I will stay with Philip Ganta in his home. While there he is organizing an area wide evangelistic campaign in which they expect to have 2,000 people in attendance. They also feed those who attend. This cost is expected to be around $1,500. The airfare from Dubai to India is $490 per person and I need to pay for Philip’s airfare as well, thus another $980. With my Indian visa fees and other expenses it looks like the total cost could approach $9,000. I know this is a lot but when we consider the number of people reached and the locality of this effort, in the heart of the Islamic world, it seems a Godsend.
Please pray about this opportunity. I am willing to go, but I need to be sent (Romans 10:14,15) I can give you many more details so call if you have questions.
Thank you and may God lead you to give generously if you are able.

p.s.- Since I made this announcement last Sunday $3,000. was given. With the matching funds that amounts to $6,000. Wow! Praise God! Thank you! We are getting there!!
John Cooper

Memory Verse

Memory Verse February— 1 Peter 3:15
Always be prepared to give an answer for your hope.
 

Order of Worship

Come, Now Is the Time To Worship
719—We Shall Assemble
726—Lord, Listen To Your Children Praying
Prayer—Chuck Tourney
364—Come, Share the Lord
Communion—Mike Hughes
448—The Great Commands
Sermon—” True & Lasting Love” - John Cooper
453—Love Lifted Me
Final Song—In Christ Alone

Honored to Serve

Tim Riddle
Craig Roberts
Randy Romkee
Robert Rosenberg
Bryce Sanburg
David Scheuerman
Richard Sisco
Doug Sortor

News and Such

Baby Shower
A baby shower for Rebecca Parks and baby Alison will be March 6 at 2 PM here in the fellowship hall. Rebecca is using a diaper service so diapers are not on the gift list. Kathy Deister and others are hosting the shower.

Ashley Maynard Benefit
There will be a benefit memorial concert for Ashley Lauren Maynard on March 6th (Saturday) at the Vernal Middle School in Vernal, Utah. Time of concert is not available at this time. Everyone is invited.

Guest Speaker
Ben Mereness with the Eastern European Missions will be our guest speaker today. Regular adult classes will be cancelled as Ben will be teaching the class and also bringing the lesson.

Change in Classes
Starting March 3, there will be new adult classes on Wednesday evenings. John Cooper will start an 5 week course on dealing with grief in Room 207 and Bobby Heath will teach a class on II Peter in the auditorium.
Tom Deister will be teaching a class on Sunday mornings in the auditorium starting March 14. Vince Urbina will finish up his class in 103 on II Samuel today. John Cooper will continue his course on Evangelism in Room 105. Ron Wilson will begin a class on “How to Study the Bible” . Start up date and Room number will be announced at a later date.

We have been so fortunate to have the dedicated teachers that are outgoing for this quarter in the adult classes—Tom Deister, (outgoing & incoming) Curtis Fleming, John Cooper, (outgoing & incoming) and Vince Urbina. Thank you all for your efforts. We learned many valuable lessons from your teaching.

Teacher Needed for Children’s Classes
We are in need of a co-teacher for Pre School (2’s & 3’s) class on Sunday morning. If you can help, see Sharon Riddle. PS—A very special thank you to Tuttie DeLancey, Sheila & Trish Yeager, Becca Ferguson, Danielle Daniel, Scott Ferguson and Tony Clayton for teaching this coming quarter.
 

Prayer Needs

Military