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The Champions Spirit

Volume 68, Issue 27
July 12, 2009

In This Issue

“The Power of One”

What picture comes to mind when you think of Abraham Lincoln? Tall...stove-pipe hat...and, no doubt...a beard. Ever hear the story of Lincoln’s beard? Prior to the 1860 presidential election, he received a letter from an 11-year old girl named Grace Bedell. She was a young supporter of Lincoln’s candidacy, but when she saw a picture of the then clean-shaven Lincoln, in a letter to him, she wrote: “All the ladies like whiskers and they would tease their husband’s to vote for you and then you would be President.” Needless to say she was a bit surprised to receive a letter in return from Mr. Lincoln. He asked, “As to the whiskers, having never worn any, do you not think people might call it a piece of silly affectation should I begin wearing them now?” While Lincoln went ahead to win the election, without a beard or the teasing ladies, on his way from the inauguration, he stopped in Grace’s hometown of Westfield, New York. He gave a speech and met the author of his letter. He stooped down, kissed Grace, and, touching his beard, and told her, “You see, I let those whiskers grow for you, Grace.” And now you know...as Paul Harvey used to say, “The Rest of the Story.”

Here again we see the power of one...the power of one little girl.

Again, think of the power of one. Not of Grace—think of yourself! There is a great power that you have! You have the power to help to change lives! You have the power to share the story of God’s redeeming love with the lost (Matt. 28:18-20), and change their eternal destiny. You have the power to do good things, reflecting the glory of God (Matt. 5:16), so that they will praise God. You have the power to be the “aroma of Christ” (2 Cor. 2:14), so that they might be able to be blessed by the fragrance of a godly life. You have the power within you to do “abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20), and thus truly impact the lives of others! There is power in one. There was power in Grace. There is, by the providence of God, power in you! There is much to be said for The Power of One!

—Larry Keele

FAMILY MATTERS...

Larry KeeleAgain, we welcome our guests today! We pray that you will find things done in a way pleasing to God and in accord with the Scriptures! Please come back often!

We were thrilled last week to introduce our three brothers who became fellow Christians at UpLift. Welcome, Kevin Dean, Joe Valdez, and Matt McKain. I also want to mention the recent addition of Dwan Reed and her children, Serrae and Noah. They have come to Champions so the children could develop relationships with others of their own age. Dwan, an author and speaker for women’s groups, is the wife of Thomas who preaches for the church at Darin Loop. We welcome all of these to the family at Champions!

Our prayers mingled with Leslie Waddy’s last Sunday night as she came asking for prayers for God’s blessings with her family concerns.

The Empty Nester’s and the Young at Heart had a nice dinner in Huntsville together yesterday. We ate in a restaurant that was a restored log cabin, originally built by an ancestor of Billy Tippit. Thanks to Annette Willis for driving the bus.

One group of our young people is headed to Sooner Camp today and another group is off to Lithuania tomorrow. Again, these are opportunities for our young people to grow in their faith. Ben Treme will start out the week with the campers at Sooner and then catch up with the group going to Lithuania. Remember all of these in your prayers, for their growth and for their safe return!

Tuesday Night Together was a great success as we enjoyed Marie Fowler’s cooking and then played various games together.

Remember September 13!!! It is “Stay at Champions” Sunday! Don’t miss it!

Parting Thought: Hug therapy often works!

LarryHAVE A BLESSED WEEK!

 

Legacy Coming to Champions

This is your first chance to hear about an exciting evening on July 29, 2009. On Wednesday the 29th, Champions will have the pleasure of having the a capella group Legacy performing immediately after evening services.

Legacy is a nationally known Christian vocal group that is based out of Lubbock, Texas, who is quickly becoming known as a ministry that proclaims the Word of God in an exciting and fresh way. Using tight harmonies and powerful testimonies, Legacy aims to encourage and uplift people of all ages. Their sound has been compared to many world renowned groups such as Take 6, Acappella, Gaither Vocal Band and Rockapella. As God continues to open doors for the ministry of Legacy, the group looks forward to sharing the gospel through song anywhere God takes them. Legacy is Michael Thompson, Clint Dickerson, Jake Lierman, Marty Baker, and Josh Wheeler.

The members of Legacy have had the privilege to share the stage with Chris Rice, Mark Schultz, Nicole C. Mullens, Josh Wilson, Acappella, Vocal Union and Rescue.

Legacy has also received the following awards:

Please join us for this amazing evening and help promote the ministry of music. Following the concert, Legacy will be available for fellowship and to promote their music and ministry.

John's Jogs

John QuallsINFLUENCING YOUTH

Last Sunday evening when the young men of the youth group essentially took over the leading for the “singing night,” it displayed a deeper and fantastic something that is taking place within our teenagers. You can see their concern for each other and their willingness help each other. We’ve seen it evidenced in the number of baptisms from the group and usually it is members of the group teaching and encouraging one another. The congregation and especially the parents of these teens should be eternally grateful for Jeremy and Aubri for the work they are doing. They are giving the inspiration to these young people to reach out to others.

I told Tommy his work is done at Champions. He can move on realizing that his interest in and willingness to help children learn to lead singing has inspired others to step up and try it themselves. I suggested to Tommy that he can and will have a tremendous influence for good on many young men studying for the ministry at Lubbock Christian as well as for the music majors. Remembering my own days as an “older” person student on campus where young men were often seeking my council. Tommy has been a tremendous influence for good at Champions but he has much greater things in store for him in the future. May God richly bless both Tommy and Donna.

The genus idea for this article started about a month ago when I received a phone call one evening from Rochester, Mich. He said, “John I was in a Bible class and we were asked to name a person who had a great influence on your life. Your name jumped right up and I had to call and tell you.” He’s now about 60 years old.

Back before paid Youth Ministers, I worked with the teens through the Bible School class. My first class is now about age 70. Ron was in the second tier. He was the oldest of four children in a troubled family who had recently become members. He was bright, out-going and trouble. My boys were about 4-6 years and also trouble. After letting him know that I was going to control my class not him, he soon became the leader of the youth group and he helped me corral my boys. Throughout his teen years and into college (David Lipscomb) I mentored him. For example: He was dating a pretty girl in the congregation and getting serious. Both families were promoting it. He came to me for discussion and advice. He had his doubts. Knowing both parents' position and going against it (advantage of not being a paid youth minister) – my council – she’s an introvert – you’re an extrovert very extrovert – you’ll have a lot of trouble down the road. They broke up. Much later I married him to another girl and they’ve been happily married for about 40 years. Actually this was the first marriage I ever performed.

Who had a major influence on your life? Why not let them know it?

—John Qualls