Stories, stories, stories. The Bible is full of them. And what wonderful stories they are. How can anyone do anything but stand in awe of a God who creates, directs, and sustains us? Of course, what marvelous blessings we have in the events recorded in the life of Christ. The way He touched and impacted the life of everyone He came in contact with. One of those stories is found in John 6:1-14. You remember it, don't you? It's the story of the five thousand who were fed with the lunch borrowed from a boy. He had only five barely loaves and two fish. Not near enough for everybody. Jesus knew that, and so did His disciples. Andrew did not hesitate to acknowledge that such a crowd could never be fed with so little. (Jn. 6:7-9)

But Jesus knew something else. His heavenly Father always supplied what was needed in any situation. Knowing this, He took the loaves and gave thanks and fed the people. He also took the fish and everyone ate "as much as they wanted." But there was plenty left when everyone was full.

What do we learn from this story? I believe one lesson we need to learn is where is our focus? Do we focus on the lack of what we have and find ourselves in distress because of it? Or, do we rely on the loving, living God to supply, out of our little, the abundance of what is needed?

What you may have to offer is nothing more than a small amount, but God can take that and multiply it a thousand times over to accomplish what is needed. The key to this is we must trust in Him to supply that need. This means we must rely on the power of God and not on our own power to minister. The apostle Paul said we need to have this kind of faith in God, "who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us." (Eph. 3:20 NIV; see also Phil. 2:12-13; 4:13)

Friends, as we find opportunities to minister in the days, weeks, and months ahead, let's take whatever we have to offer, ask God's blessings on us as we serve, and then rely on Him to supply the need we have to accomplish the task. "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have abundance for every good work." (2Cor. 9:8)

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Doris Whittern who passed away early Tuesday morning. Services were pending at the time of publication of the Gospel Guide.

We extend our very best wishes to Gerald (Snuffy) and Leona Smith on 50 years of marriage. They are to have a come and go reception at their home on Saturday afternoon from 2 to 5.

Sue Merritt now lives at 1927 Aspen Place, Shawnee, OK 74804. The phone number is changed to 275-2907.

To Our Wonderful Church Family, Carletta and I would like to thank each and every one for your prayers and concern while I was in the hospital. Special thanks to Bob and Ann Bivins for taking care of our mail for us.

Christian love to everyone, Harvey Moore

Thank you for all your love and prayers. I appreciate you so much. God bless you!

Love, Jenese Snow

Noma and I appreciate so much the love shown to us during this very difficult time.

In Christian love, Arthur & Noma Epperson & family

Dear Christian friends, Thank you so much for every remembrance of me and my family. Knowing that you care means more than words can express.

Dear Christian family, Thank you for all the prayers, calls, visits, and cards during my dear sister's illness and death. It helps to know you have good Christians to lean on. Love you all,

We would like to thank the youth group for the time and effort they took to polish the woodwork on the pews. They are always ready to do good. God bless them! Thank you Bob and Janet [Stephens].

Marlene Wadkins had a lengthy surgery on Monday afternoon at Baptist Medical Center for injuries she received in a very bad fall at her home. She has two places where her neck is broken and several broken vertebrae in her back. Surgery did go well and she will be in ICU three days and the hospital three days before going to therapy.
Phyllis Heald, daughter of Doris Whittern, was to be taken off the ventilator on Tuesday and to have a tracheotomy.
Sue Riedel's son-in-law, Gary Burlison was transferred from the hospital in Wichita to Unity Health Center South on Tuesday. He is recovering well from his recent surgery but will need extensive therapy.
Tracy Gettle's father, Jack Gettle remains in room 210 at Unity Health Center following major surgery.
Ruth Autrey is scheduled for knee replacement surgery on Tuesday, October 25^th at Unity Health Center.
Zane Qualls is scheduled to have his shoulder surgery on November 3 in California.
Harvey Moore and Mike Martin have been discharged.

Jearline Bates, Chad Beard, Betty Bernard, Melba Boston, Betti Boswell, Gary Burlison, (Sue Riedel's son-in-law), Harold Carothers, James Childers, Ray Davis (Paul Harris' dad) Harold & Clydean Decker, Mary Gaines, Geneva Green, Phyllis Heald (Doris Whittern's daughter),, Roe Honaker, Anna Jarvis, Earnest Johnson (Yuavonda Sperry's uncle), Mary Martin, Mike Martin (Jim & Cathy Pettyjohn's son-in-law) Don Allen McNutt, Harvey Moore, Polly Reece, Alice Rice, Millie Riley, Sarah Smith, Mary Sorensen, Chub & Dorothy Strickland, Floy Turner, Alvie Vanlandingham, Marlene Wadkins, Emma Wilson, Carl Worley, Viola Yates, and Verna Nell Young. All these members and friends have continuing health concerns or other special circumstances. They appreciate your interest and prayers

Congratulations to four of our teens! Courtney Baskin finished her cross country season Tuesday with an eleventh place finish in Guthrie at the Conference meet. She bettered her time from last year's conference meet by one minute. Great job Courtney! Sean Parman ran at the conference meet as well as helping the varsity team walk off with first place. Sean also made all conference. He will be running this week along with the rest of his team in regionals. Good luck Sean! Now to football. Jason Perry and Austin Beard helped secure a win for the Shawnee Wolves last Friday night against Noble. Austin even played some defense. I hear it even surprised him! Good job fellas!

Parents, if you have any news concerning your kids, let me know. Everyone likes to see their name in print every once in a while. And it's important to let the rest of the congregation know what our kids are up to.