In the late 4th century a woman named Monica became a Christian.  On Nov. 13, 1354, she gave birth to a son who grew up to be both bright and intelligent.  Monica tried hard to raise him as a Christian, but it was difficult.  For one thing, her husband was not a Christian.  His father had no respect for Christian faith and was unfaithful to Monica.  Also, the boy was surrounded by pagan influences.

Despite Monica's best efforts, her young son did not become a Christian while he lived at home.  As an adult, he moved to another country.  There, he sampled many pagan philosophies and was seemingly lost to the Christian faith.  Yet, later in life, Monica’s influence finally won out.  The man began studying the Scriptures and then committed his life to Jesus Christ.  That young man was Augustine – one of greatest and most influential Christians of his century!

Many parents have felt their situation as hopeless as Monica's.  Unfortunately, not every child of Christian parents turns out like Augustine. Research (from brother Flavil Yeakley’s book Why Churches Grow) indicates that only 50% of children in the American churches of Christ remain faithful.  We've got a problem!  But it's not a new problem.  Coming to faith in a religious home is not a guarantee!  In the Old Testament, we have examples of such folks as Eli’s sons and Samuel’s sons.  They had parents of great faith.  But they turned their backs on God.

Unfortunately, few generations in the history of the world have surpassed their forefathers’ faith.  What, then, can we do?  Please consider the following 4 truths.

1. Parents need to set their children an example of extreme faith.  It doesn’t do any good to encourage a child to go to church if he or she sees you skip evening worship, for instance.  (See 1 Timothy 4:12).
2. Pray for your children.  I believe in answered prayer.  We need to enlist the Lord’s power in our lives – especially as we seek to encourage our children to grow in their faith.  (See 1 Peter 3:12.)
3. Involve them in the work of the church.  Fun and games are OK.  Nothing wrong with them.  But that does not build a sense of ownership.  Our children need to feel that they are important to the work of the church.  They are as much a part of the body as anyone else.  (Read carefully 1 Corinthians 12).
4. Teach your children biblical principles.  Faith comes from hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17).  Parents are entrusted with the responsibility of teaching their kids the faith.  (Read Proverbs 22:6.)

- Larry Fitzgerald

Sonny Guild will return from Thailand to preach June 24 and July 1.  David Taylor will preach on July 8th and Larry Fitzgerald on July 15th.  We are thankful for Sonny’s gifts being used around the world.

Wednesday Evening Classes
Glenn Bailey is teaching a compelling series about issues in the Church of Christ every Wednesday for the Summer.  Please attend these scriptural and informative classes.

The Ronquillo twins are safely home and growing a little bit each day.  A shower will be hosted soon.

Books for Give-Away
There are several American Standard New Testaments on the table by the bathrooms.  Feel free to take one home or give away.

Haskell Singing School
You are invited to the 42nd annual singing school conducted by the Haskell Church of Christ, July 8-13.  More information about this is on the bulletin board across from the church office.  The registration deadline is July 2.

Dishrags
There are dishrags on the tables in the foyer that may be taken for a $1 donation that will go to the youth to help with summer camp expenses.  Thanks to Florence Henderson for making these dishrags that so many of us enjoy!

STATISTICS FOR WEEK OF June 10, 2007