July - August 2003 - Tower - Page 9
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Spiritual Growth
Joanne Bates, Captain
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Several months ago I wrote about how much I enjoy reading Recent Fiction. I also said that I know I should spend more time studying the Word of God, and I'm happy to say that I have made a big effort to do this.
Now I am gravitating toward the truth found in literature, such as real-life adventures, books about the natural world, biographies, and documentaries detailing milestones in history. The everyday events which occur in God's world are usually even more stunning and incredible than those conjured up by human imagination.
One especially inspiring book is Zoya's Story. An Afghan Woman's Struggle for Freedom, published in 2002. After Zoya's parents were murdered by Muslim Fundamentalists, she and her grandmother fled Kabul to start a new life in Pakistan. She went to school for the first time, she joined the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan, and she made dangerous journeys back to her homeland to help women oppressed by the Taliban government. Afghan women were forced to wear the stifling burqa, and they endured public stoning, whippings, even executions for any infraction of the ridiculous restrictions imposed upon them.
In a refugee camp, Zoya was able to clandestinely teach literacy classes to girls. As a member of the RAWA she has tirelessly sought international support for the plight of Afghan women.
Zoya has risked her life many times for her sisters. She wants her book to stand for the suffering of all Afghan women.
Those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God. John 3:21
Several members of our congregation are shut-ins living out of town. Please remember them in your prayers.
Dorothy Harvey
Brighten Gardens
5620 Wesleyan Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Dot Richardson
Lakewood Manor
1900 Lauderdale Drive, Apt. 316C
Richmond, VA 23233
Anna Bell Watts
13700 N. Gayton Road, Apt. 129
Richmond, VA 23233-7009
Dear Church Family,
We would like to thank everyone for their many expressions of sympathy at the recent death of our wife and mother, Shirley. We are truly blessed to be part of such a loving caring congregation.
Tommy Link and Sherrie Lovell
Dear Church Family
I can't tell you how much your prayers have meant to me, and all the other expressions I have received of your love and caring during my recent illness. How thankful I am to be able to come to church again. What a blessing it is!
With my love and thanks,
Louise Fox
Memories are the souvenirs Dad took back with him to Wyoming. We treasure the times spent with our friends and the prayers you lifted up for us.
Someone once said, "...grieving may be the hardest work you have ever done, but hard work is less burdensome when others lend a hand."
We praise God for the special people who helped us prepare for our "journey" and pray God will bless them as they blessed us.
Like Dad said on his last Sunday here..."Thank you for taking us into this fold and may Jesus the good shepherd continue to lead us."
Cathy Williamson
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If you have any comments on any of these pages, please email me: Robert W.(Bob) Mckitrick, thanks.
Last update: July 21, 2003