Chandler F.U.M.C.
by Linda G. Keeling

"I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."

--John 11:25

Excerpts taken from Christianity in Crisis by Hank Hanegraaff, President of the Christian Research Institute in 1993 concerning the truths of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Fact: The gospel writings of the crucifixion and resurrection were based on eyewitness testimony written by people who were present at the time of the event. (Mark 16:30, Luke 24:40, Matthew 28:3)

Empty tomb: Even the enemies admitted that the tomb was empty and tried to bribe the guards to say the body had been stolen. If there were a family burial place, it would have been known by the community, particularly as the Jews were desperate to refute the resurrection. (Matthew 28:11, Mark 16:12, and John 20:3-21).

Appearance: Christ appeared to over 500 eyewitnesses at a single time (1 Corinthians 15:6). He also appeared to many other people as well, providing convincing proof of his resurrection (Acts 1:3, Matthew 28:9, John 20:17, Luke 24:39 and John 20:27).

Transformation: The radical transformation which took place in the lives of Christ's disciples, before the resurrection, they might best have been characterized as cowards, after they were transformed into "Lions of the Faith." Despite intense persecution and even cruel deaths, they testified to the truth of the resurrection.

The Thirty-Hour Famine ended at 12 p.m. last Sunday. Thirty-four participated in the fast; they were: Megan F, Mikey G., Blake R., Taylor C., Marla P., Macy P., Wade, Margan B., Taylor B., Sarah D., Shuntae R., Michael P., James P., John G., Kate G., Ryan R., Preston R., Allison R., Dean Y., Paul D., Jacalyn T., John T., Teri Y., Marla F., Linda F., Tina B., Danae L., Morgan M., Kaitlyn C., Jacob P., Cheree C., Caleb C., Jill M., and Rhnea B. How blessed we are to have such wonderful individuals in our church that would go through 30 hours of fasting, not only to raise money to help the hungry in Africa but to experience what those without adequate food may feel.

The first meeting of the Mom's group had five in attendance with many who were interested but unable to attend the organizational meeting. For mothers of preschool children, please put the first and third Monday at 9:30 a.m. on your calendar. You will have a rewarding experience sharing with other Mothers.

Next Sunday, March 11th, the beginning of Daylight Saving Time, is the Sunday in which we will have only one service, at 9:45 a.m. with Sunday school following at 11 a.m.

Remember: The Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren will be the basis for discussion during the Sunday evening services during the four weeks of March. These meetings under the leadership of Reverend Luckert will help us establish the future missions of our church.

The Men's Breakfast meeting Tuesday, March 6 at 7 a.m. has been moved to the Mexican Restaurant in Brownsboro.

Happy Anniversary to: Joe and Linda McKeever, William and Jean Thatcher and John and Kasey Oliver. The Olivers celebrated their anniversary with the birth of their second son, Luke Steven. "Love is love's reward."

Happy Birthday to: Jerry Kidd, Eileen Reid, Sherri Wilson, Jordan Magee, Jim Tays, Mary John Oliver, Rob Bradbeer, Ashley Gregory, Marita Boyd, Ruthie Callaway, Stacy Crist, Austin Gregory, Terri York, Garrett Essary, Kenneth Parks, Lauren Magee, Jerry Starkey, Sara Hall, Darin Smith, Kate Griffin, Travis Danell, and Shelia Grace.

"The excesses of our youth are drafts upon our old age, payable with interest, about thirty years after date."

Thought for the week: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me." John 14:6