Dear NEO family,

Aren't you thankful for good books! Last week I read a little book of practical wisdom by S. Truett Cathy, It's Better to Build Boys Than Mend Men. Cathy not only has a passion for the boneless breast of chicken sandwich (he is the founder of Chick-fil-A), but he seems to have a greater passion for mentoring and teaching Sunday School to 13 year old boys. (Oh, how I pray that every church in NEO will have someone with this passion!) Cathy's life was gripped by this verse while he was in grade school: "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver or gold." Proverbs 22:1

This week I have been reading in Joseph M. Stowell's book, Coming Home, The Soul's Search for Intimacy with God. Be encouraged today by this quote: "While we have life and breath God will not cease to pursue a rewarding, deepening intimacy with us. He is not content to leave us alone. His unceasing, unconditional love for each of us compels Him. He wants to meet us at intersection of every dream, every desire, every choice, every thought and He urges us to turn toward Him and actualize the finished work of His Son, the gift of the Spirit and the resource of His Word. He welcomes us to begin a pilgrimage that puts our backs toward the aloneness in our souls and turns our faces toward the spectacular glow of intimacy with Him - towward life the way it was meant to be."

What a wonderful day I had last Sunday on the NEO District. I started by worshipping with and preaching to the wonderful congregation at Coweta. They had a surpise birthday party for Pastor Gerald Burch at the end of the service.

Coweta Church, October 12, 2008
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That afternoon I joined our Hispanic Coordinator, Otoniel Danneman, in organizing Regency Park Iglesia del Nazareno, led by Pastor Mito Marroquin. There were 80 people in attendance and I understand about 46 of them are the charter members of this new church. Thanks to Pastor Geoff Gunter and Regency Park for hosting this congregation.

Organization service for Regency Park Iglesia del Nazareno, October 12, 2008
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On Sunday evening I went to Tulsa Central to join in the laughter and fun of a dinner theater, Uncle Phil's Diner #2. Ed Burguiere and the cast and crew did an outstanding job.

Uncle Phil’s Diner, #2 at Tulsa Central, October 12, 2008
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NYI FALL RETREAT 08, NOV 14-16, 2008
CAVE SPRINGS, 7750 S. 655 ROAD, QUAPAW, OK 74363
SPEAKER :Tim Evans from Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene Little Rock, Arkansas.
BANDChristine DeMeo Band: She was the guitarist from the band that played at summer camp.
ANY QUESTIONS CALL RYAN AMEY 918-520-0286

Have a blessed weekend!
Dave