Amid the clamor of 3,000 responses to the first gospel sermon (Acts 2), some man, or woman, became the first person there to “go down into the water” (Acts 8:38). Being “first” is unimportant, but being that single human soul coming out of the water as a new creature in Christ was momentous. It still is.
     Terry Herrera grew up in Judsonia and Searcy. Her parents divorced when she was five. When her father remarried, she became one of 12 children, with parents who were not Christians. The children rode church buses a few times for special events—the extent of Terry’s religious experience.
     As an adult she raised six children from two marriages, working when she could. During those years, she would get this feeling, “like God talking to you.” She tried various churches, including ours, but couldn’t stick with any. That voice never stopped, though. In 2025 she began volunteering at His House.
     That’s where Alan & Deb Hardison met Terry, folding clothes. They noticed her doing little extra things for clients, like watching their kids while they shopped: “I know how they feel,” Terry says, “because I came from that. There were times in my life when we had nothing.”
     Terry also came to Caring and Sharing, where she heard Alan lead devotionals. On March 26th of this year, while at His House, she asked him for a Bible study, because “he was a friendly man.”
     Joined by Deb, they went to the church building that day. The Hardisons talked about what sin is and what it does to us. They talked about Jesus as the Son of God, and about obeying the gospel.
     Terry said, “I need to be baptized.”
     With office staff as witnesses, Alan took Terry’s confession and baptized her. “It felt strange,” she says of the immersion; “like I was cleansed.” Afterwards there were hugs. “You are a new person in Christ,” Deb said. Alan asked her how she felt; Terry answered, “Happy!”
     Five months later the Hardisons and Terry still meet for a weekly study when possible. Terry attends worship and the Faith’s Foundation Bible class with her former husband, Ricardo. “People are nice, not stuck up.” She still works at His House, and, with Ricardo, also helps at several other food banks. Knowing the road may be rough, she says, “I don’t take life for granted anymore.”
     Someday, when we meet our Discipling3000 goal, Terry may be counted among that massive number. We know, however, that a “rejoicing in heaven” (Luke 15:7) will have greeted each baptism of each repentant soul along the way. Such is God’s measure of the worth of an individual life.

     The photograph of a “traditional” mission team often includes preachers, teachers and healthcare professionals. In contrast, our team to El Salvador was composed of parents and their children in search of opportunities for service and outreach.
     So it seemed a good omen when, at the airport, we were greeted with a huge sign that read, “El Salvador: Family Friendly.” The slogan actually describes an initiative to improve the health and safety of young children, evidenced by well-staffed health clinics.
     However, it was an orphanage and an island that captured our hearts.
     For three days, our team rocked the babies of single, teenage mothers, engaged winsome toddlers, and played pick-up soccer games with older residents that rivaled the intensity of World Cup finals. Our families left the orphanage, having affirmed and befriended those who headed back to their dormitories. Both groups parted with the hope of reunion.
     The final two days required transportation by boat. From a distance, the dense mangrove trees offered an illusion of paradise, but upon arrival, the island revealed an impoverished landscape. The comforts and conveniences we consider necessities were luxuries for those who lived there. That awareness triggered a wave of compassion and concern as powerful as the Pacific waves pounding the coast, but equally powerful was our encounter with a fisherman and his wife who graciously prepared lunch for their visiting strangers.
     Their insistence on a walking tour of the island revealed deep pride in their homeland, and their unrestrained laughter and sincere humility were as generous as the food at their table. The only empty chair at that table was reserved for Jesus, who was waiting to be invited.
     The question to be answered remains: “Did we make a difference?”
     The week in El Salvador was a season for planting. Relationships took root. Families from College Church of Christ began to clarify a vision for outreach, and that vision now belongs not only to parents but also to their children.
     We left with an open invitation to return, and we look forward to a trip in the near future, equipped to support young families and prepared to invite them to join the family of God.
                                                                             The Team to El Salvador

Most of what I know about leading songs I learned from my father, Andy T. Ritchie III.
He taught me how to beat a pattern, how to pitch and lead a song, and how to put
thought into the words and music. He, of course, was influenced by his father, Andy T.
Ritchie, Jr. This larger-than-life figure became an example both of us followed.
My grandfather believed that to lead a song in worship, you must understand and
interpret its meaning. After all, the songs we sing speak to one another and to God, and
should reflect the thoughts we want to express. Sometimes those thoughts are gentle,
like those of “Father of Mercies,” other times boisterous, like “A Mighty Fortress.” Song
leading is not just song starting; it requires thought.
The music needs to complement the poetry. When music fits well with the words, the
two become a single entity. Still, the music should not detract from the words.
Sometimes we are drawn to a song because of the music and not the message. If only
the melody draws us in, we risk pleasing ourselves rather than God in our worship.
By my final year in high school, my mentors had given me a solid foundation for song
leading, but experience taught me another valuable lesson.
At an out-of-town devotional, I was asked to lead “Years I spent in Vanity and Pride.”
I did not care for the song and would not have chosen it. But someone explained to me
that many of those present had come out of years in the drug culture and all manner of
depravity.
This song meant a great deal to them because it described their former lives and the
mercy they had received through Christ. It dawned on me that my choice of songs
should reflect the needs of the particular group that would be singing, not necessarily
songs that appealed to me.
We sing to worship, to praise or declare the worth of our God. We sing to speak to
one another words that teach and those that encourage. My grandfather suggested that
we study the objective of worship and select songs that will best reach that objective.
As leaders, let us teach and lead songs that take us out of spiritual poverty and into
deeper worship.

     In jail ministry, there is a hard-and-fast rule: focus only on spiritual needs of the people inside these walls. That rule has been broken twice in the past month.
     A couple of weeks ago, I got a call from Assistant Jail Chaplain Sampson Goodwin from Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church: “Jeff, we have a single mother with two kids whose house just burned down. They lost everything. Our church is working on housing, but is there any way that they could come to His House for help?” I said yes.
     Charles Underwood met the Mom and kids the next morning at His House. When I got there, they already had a bag full of sheets and towels, and the His-House Ladies were helping the children fill up bags with clothes and shoes while the Mom worked on her own bag. Food and household items would follow. When I said goodbye to the mother, she had tears in her eyes, and I could see a glimmer of hope.
     Sampson told me that the Mom was surprised and humbled that help had come so quickly and easily. He told her, “That’s what God’s people do,” then added; “surround your family with those kind of folks, who love you because Jesus loved them.”
     I am thankful that Sampson asked for help, and thankful for the beautiful way everyone at His House responded to the family’s needs.
     A week later, I got a call from a Sheriff’s Patrol Supervisor. She said, “Chaplain, I need some help and don’t have anyone else to call. A woman living out Pangburn way has called our dispatch 12 times in the last 24 hours, saying she doesn’t have any food, is wheelchair bound and nobody will help her. I have been to her place several times on domestic calls; she is in a tough spot. Could you possibly help?'
     Again, the good people at His House said “Yes!” The woman so appreciated the food, and my Deputy friend was thankful that we could help her with a difficult non-law enforcement problem.
     I’m humbled to see how God has worked through Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, the Jail Ministry, His House, and the White County Sheriff’s Department to help community members in need.
     My friend Sampson always says, “Glory be to God!” and I believe that about sums it up.

     This June the College Church of Christ Youth Group and a medical mission team from Searcy had the opportunity to serve alongside Misión Para Cristo (MPC) in Jinotega, Nicaragua. It was more than a simple mission trip; it was an experience of connection, labor, and spiritual growth that changed our understanding of service.
     The week provided multiple opportunities for serving. We supported the medical team in delivering healthcare and engaged in establishing a garden for a rural school. Much of our time was spent in physical labor, from moving rocks at construction sites to manufacturing concrete bricks.
     Beyond the manual work, we focused on relational ministries. We read with children through a mobile library, participated in "Pan y Palabra" (Bread and Word/Bible) by sharing meals and Scripture, and provided support at Casa Materna, a housing mission for young mothers. We also experienced the beauty of the region, including a hike up Peña de La Cruz, and were encouraged by the passionate, vibrant worship service with the MPC congregation.
     The best part of the service was interacting with the people of Jinotega. We reflected nightly on the overwhelming joy and laughter of their daily lives. Despite having few material possessions, they embodied contentment and friendliness that challenged our perspectives. This was highlighted by the excitement of the children at receiving our attention, energy and conversation.  No technology interfering, just happiness.
     We formed connections with those we were serving with. Though we were there to "give," we realized that we were actually "receiving” too. The passion and faith of the local believers gave us a sense of community and grace (especially with our Spanish).
     Perhaps the value of such missions lies not just in bricks laid or meals prepared, but also in the relationships and community built between cultures and believers. This journey was transformative for our family and I suspect the rest of the group.
     Our daughter Lilly reflected that “our week in Nicaragua was one of the best of my life. It was fulfilling and eye-opening to serve the people who live there every day.  Getting to know some of the local people and growing closer with our group was so fun and special. Every day I did something I’ve never done before—it was all just an amazing experience!”
     We return home thankful for the opportunity to serve and with a deepened appreciation for the universal nature of Christ’s love. Thank you for your prayers and financial support, which made this life-changing experience possible.

     Every Sunday morning, College Church member Heather Rollins, her youthful puppeteers, and puppets Jimmy, Susie, and Frizzy, team up to present entertaining but valuable spiritual lessons during Children’s Worship. How do they do it?
     Before going behind the scenes to find out, here’s some College Church puppet history. Former member Craig Russell created the names and personalities of the puppets in his scripts for Children’s Bible Hour on Sunday nights. In 2012, after the demise of Bible Hour, the scripts found a home in Children’s Worship, where the antics and lessons of Jimmy, Susie, and Frizzy live on (in sometimes updated form).
     Heather Rollins became involved in 2015 as coach of the puppeteers. She eventually became coordinator of the Lads-to-Leaders Year-Round Puppets program (YRPP). Children’s Worship presented the perfect opportunity for puppeteers to perform regularly and receive recognition from L2L. Last April, Elizabeth Crouch, Lincoln Green, Reed Green, Abby Guy, Easton Mitchell, Kage Mitchell, Katelyn Brooks, Jordan Laing, Maddie Rollins, LJ Valentine, and Claire Wang were all recognized for their work at the Lads-to-Leaders convention.
     Their success owes a lot to Heather’s behind-the-scenes preparation. She helps students who sign up for the YRPP, which rewards participants based on the number of puppet shows they are in during the year. Ten shows earns a bronze prize, 20, a silver, and 30 gets the gold.
     Each week, she records who performs in the show. The second-to-last week of each month, she sends an email asking YRPP parents to provide the dates of their child’s availability the following month. On Thursday of each week, she assesses all the data—available children, those who need to do a show, and how many parts are in the script—and assigns the puppeteers accordingly. Then she sends an email to the parents with the scripts and assigned roles. For good measure, she names an alternate and sends a reminder text on Sunday morning.
     Heather’s pre-Sunday organization blesses the puppeteers as much as the audience. Kage Mitchell likes puppets because it's a different way to tell people about Jesus. Like L.J. Valentine, Kage believes young kids sometimes connect better to a silly puppet than a speech. Humor is a big factor. Claire Wang loves hearing the audience laugh, and Lily Crouch thinks that young kids respond better to fun things. Easton Mitchell feels his puppets are an extension of his personality (the energetic Frizzy). Others, like Elizabeth Crouch, assume different personalities through puppets and thereby lose their nervousness.
     The puppet program has grown in numbers, and having puppeteers of up to seven years experience has improved the quality of shows. With experience comes opportunity for leadership. Heather has added the position of backstage manager, so that selected students have the responsibility of setting up shows. She hopes that one day she will be able to pass the puppet baton to some of them!
     It’s a blessing to have Heather and her charges do this behind-the-scenes work each week. If the smiles of the kids in Children’s Worship are any indication, the effort is well worth it.

1. The Education of Ted Lloyd
     A self-described “Kansas farm boy,” Ted Lloyd grew up in two “pretty traditional” country churches and was baptized at 16. However, he characterizes his spiritual condition during his teens as abysmal. He cared much more about sports than religion, so he went to Kansas State in hopes of playing major college basketball.
     Looking back on his situation then, Ted says, “There was very little in church pointed to young people. We were just kind of there and grew on our own. When I was at K-State, the local church had no outreach to college students. I might have done better if they had.”
     He left Manhattan after his sports dream died, his future uncertain. Finally, just to get the local preacher off his back, he agreed to visit Harding.
     He rode to Searcy with four HU students, and after an hour in the car with them, something drastic happened: “I don’t know what Harding’s going to look like,” he recalls thinking, “but I’m going there—because these kids have what I’ve been looking for.”
     Anyone who knows the history of this community knows the rest of the story. Once enrolled at Harding, Ted essentially never left Searcy, meeting his first wife Marcie in college and building a life and career at the academy, then the university. He became a Harding legend as a coach and beloved as a teacher. The star athlete whose faith was stunted as a teenager grew into a spiritual giant, a gentle paternal presence on campus for decades, touching the lives of athletes, other students and colleagues alike.
Continued online

     Four-and-a-half years ago, Rick Harper asked if I would serve as interim college minister for the 2022 spring semester. Little did I know that saying yes would impact my life forever.
     After building great relationships with students, Kayla and I didn’t want it to be over after just one spring. Once I finished football, I began full-time as college minister and have enjoyed every second. I have loved the hours spent at the Rock House talking and laughing with students and Trish Price, who has been a constant blessing to me and the heart of this ministry for many years now.
     My time here has taught me so much. I have grown as a culture-setter, vision-caster, and disciple-maker-maker. While I have invested in students, they have pushed me to grow probably more than I helped them. I look up to many of them as examples of how to love God and others well. Likewise, I am so grateful for the many elders, families, and members here who show Kayla and me how to be faithful in every stage of life.
     This role also challenged us to live on mission for God. That has been a focus here in Searcy, and it has also opened our eyes to opportunities worldwide. We have loved partnering with the Liras and Borbas at the Brazilian church in Southeast Florida for the past four years. God also used the College Ministry to open doors for our family’s next step in Honolulu, Hawaii, where we will work with the church of Christ at Pearl Harbor.
     We have continually cast a vision for our college ministry to be a training ground from which disciple-makers and church planters are sent throughout the world. Now it is our turn to embody that vision.
     At the same time, we remind students that the church is a global family, and we want to stay connected and help each other walk as lifelong disciples and disciple-makers. So, we don’t view this as goodbye; it’s more like a family extending around the globe.
     Looking back on our time here, we are filled with incredible gratitude for this church family. Looking forward, we are excited to see how God uses Johnny & Hannah Noble to help this college ministry flourish even more, as well as how He continues to write our family’s story and uses us for His glory around the world.

     After my shepherd resignation letter was read to this congregation, I had an opportunity to teach Sunday morning Auditorium class here at College Church. I chose to talk about the Seasons of Life (Ecclesiastes 3), a topic on my mind due to my retirement from teaching at Harding University and our plans to build a house and move to Mobile, Alabama.
     The College Church has been our home congregation for nearly ten years, and it has been a joy to reconnect with people we have known from other places, some from fifty years ago. Back then, I played club sports with Charles Ganus, learned math from Dr. Dean Priest, and sang with Dr. Bill Hollaway. As the seasons of life pass by, we accumulate friends and memories along the way, reminders of God’s blessings and harbingers of heaven’s sweet reunion.
     College students and young families face changing seasons of life, and here at the College Church we have had many opportunities to teach, mentor, and host some of them in class and in our home. I am grateful that as new members in a talented congregation we were quickly accepted into these ministries. Some of the most gratifying feedback we have received was from college students who regularly came to our home for Wednesday devotionals and from young couples who gathered at our home on Sunday evenings.
     The elders and ministers that I worked with at College Church have impressed me with their devotion and dedication. We gathered around families in trouble, discussed policies and spiritual issues, and engaged in strategic planning. When occasional differences of opinion arose, I saw respect and consideration for one another. We spent much time in prayer and dealt with some challenging issues, but it was always clear that God knew what He was doing when He designed the church and provided his authoritative word as our guide.
     There is always some loss as we move from one season of life to another. However, there are also opportunities to learn, to address new challenges, and to be grateful for God’s providence as we look back at our lives. In our senior years, we no longer have the health and strength of our youth, but we do have valuable experience to offer the generations that follow us. We will always be grateful for our opportunities and experiences here in Searcy, and we look forward to the next season of life.

“No amount of reading, writing, or memorization can give me what I truly want. What I desire is to please You—to speak in such a way that hearts are moved, souls are stirred, and minds are awakened; that someone might experience a connection between Heaven and Earth, reaching out to feel Your presence and come to know the One True God and Your Son, Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit—because of something You have spoken through me.”

Call that thought my prayer for inspiration.
As it settles into my mind, a silence unlike any other overtakes me. I hear a windstorm—but God is not in the wind. I hear an earthquake—but God is not there. Then comes a still, small voice, and I know it is the Lord, giving me a message to write. Once I receive it, the work of creativity begins—but it is not my own. It is divine, as I open myself to be a channel for what He desires His children to hear.
To me, poetry is more than expression; it is communion with the Most High God—a sacred opportunity to write what my soul feels, stirred from the very throne of Heaven.
Having been diagnosed with a speech dysfluency at the age of four, I spent years in therapy learning to enunciate clearly—simply to express my thoughts without inviting ridicule. That experience cultivated deep introspection, as I often wrestled with thoughts that refused to form into words.
To know the richness of language, yet feel restrained in using it, can be disheartening. Yet on the other side of that struggle lies hope and resilience. Perhaps that is why I now carry such a deep appreciation for communication—because there was once a time when I could not fully express it.
If we believe that God is the author of Scripture—and that Scripture contains poetry—then it is not a stretch to conclude that poetry originates with Him. God uses it, weaving it into His Word as a means of expressing His love. In that sense, poetry becomes a way of connecting with God—a reminder that I am made in His image.
Poetry has a rightful place in worship, and it has deepened my relationship with Him. It calls me to think beyond the surface and seek deeper meaning. My poems are more than words that rhyme; they are the weaving together of Scripture—harmonizing sounds but also seeking harmony with the truth of the Gospel.

As he takes the next step in pursuit of a dream more than forty years in the making, David Anguish, an active member and Bible class teacher at College Church, is seeking support to sustain and expand his writing ministry. The elders are endorsing and “supporting this effort by assisting with fundraising and managing contributions.”
Blessed with the talent and early encouragement to do so, David has always seen writing as an important part of his ministry. Inspired by a chapter in Michael Green’s Evangelism in the Early Church, in which the author showed that the church engaged in “literary evangelism” along with public preaching, household evangelism, and personal outreach, David has, since first reading Green’s book in the early 1980s, looked forward to one day focusing on writing as his primary work of service.
A sixth generation preacher whose roots go back to the Restoration, David has been blessed with a proclivity for analysis. Throughout his ministry, he has focused on “apologetics,” not merely as a synonym for Christian Evidences, but as a response to any question requiring an “explanation” or “reasoned defense.” Encouraged by feedback that confirms that the written word’s influence can extend beyond a specific time and place, he works to prepare substantive materials useful for informing the world and equipping believers for service (cf. Eph. 4:11–12).
After serving 41 years in the Atlanta and Memphis areas as a minister and Bible teacher in a Christian high school, circumstances presented an opportunity for David to pursue his dream. Fully supported in this goal by his wife, Carlynn, they moved to Searcy in 2015. When, after just under 40 years of marriage, Carlynn succumbed to cancer and passed away in 2017, David continued to pursue the dream they had shared.
His writing ministry includes his website, a resource where visitors can explore hundreds of archived lessons and articles, order one of his books, enroll for a free subscription to one of his newsletters, or schedule a seminar on practical apologetics. His ministry is a solitary work of study and writing, requiring self-discipline to meet self-imposed deadlines.
Since much of his content is offered free of charge, he must seek financial support for his work. Fundraising does not come naturally to him, but is necessary in order to sustain his ministry of teaching (cf. 1 Cor. 9:3–12; 1 Tim. 5:18).
To learn more about David’s work, you can visit his website, davidanguish.com, to explore his archived materials and read a concise explanation of his goals and financial needs. He will appreciate any gift, as well your prayers.

     Does your daily Bible reading transition to scanning when you get to the nine chapters of genealogies in I Chronicles? Did you wince when Jordan preached from Leviticus, with its litany of regulations?
     If this was all we knew of the Old Testament (OT), we might conclude that it is irrelevant to Christians today. However, the OT lays the very foundation for understanding the New Testament (NT), including the person and mission of Jesus Christ.  
     The OT introduces us to the absolute holiness of God and the importance of honoring Him. Without this sense of God’s awe-inspiring nature, the message of the NT would lose much of its meaning.
     In fact, NT writers considered the OT as vitally instructive by quoting or referring to 341 OT passages. The OT emphasizes the importance of godly living, including how we ought to treat other people, (Ps. 15, 37:1-9). We see love and devotion in the book of Ruth. The Psalms give us words with which to praise God (Ps. 8-9:2, 19). David gives voice to repentance when we are weighed down by guilt (Ps. 51). In short, the moral framework of the NT derives in large part from the OT.  
     Jesus himself connects his own teaching with OT Scriptures, which, he says, “testified about him” (Jn 5:39). In fact, he came to “fulfill the Law and prophets” (Matt 5:17). Paul describes the Old Law as a “guardian,” or “custodian” until Christ came that we might be justified by faith (Gal 3:23-24). It foreshadowed but fell short of the New Covenant under Christ (Heb 10:1). In fact, most of Hebrews describes the superiority of Jesus and the New Covenant over the OT Law.  
     For example, only the high priest was allowed to enter the Most Holy Place in the temple. Sinful humans could not approach God without repeated animal sacrifices. When Christ was crucified, the veil separating the Most Holy Place from the Holy Place was torn in two, symbolizing our access to God through Jesus, who became the ultimate sacrifice.
     We would not know the full significance of what Jesus did on the cross without the OT, which, beginning with Genesis, unfolds God’s plan for humanity that culminates with His son’s resurrection.
     Jordan’s current sermon series encourages us to study the OT, as does Paul: “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Rom 15:4).

     Spiritual motherhood is the act of nurturing, guiding, protecting and enhancing another’s faith journey—reflecting the care of a mother’s love even if you are not their mother.
     As we celebrate Mother’s Day, Heartfelt Ministries honors the beautiful rhythm God designed: older women walking alongside younger women—not only through instruction but through presence, examples and love.
     This rhythm is the essence of spiritual motherhood. It reminds us that mentorship in faith is not built on doctrine alone, but on shared lives. The call in Titus 2:3-5 is more than a suggestion—it is a command for the health of the church. When women live reverently and authentically, they provide a living roadmap for others navigating faith, family and character.
     Faith rooted in relationships endures. Families and churches are strengthened when generations walk together.
     We see this lived out so beautifully at College Church, where women like Robbie Dunning, Lora Fleener, Terrie Smith, Amanda Diles, Susan Harper, Kem Thomas, Debbie Ritchie, Terry Johnson, Ellen Brumley Watson and others open their homes for meals, respite and a place to belong. In other words, these spaces become sanctuaries of connection.
     Spiritual motherhood responds to needs. When a young mother asked Heartfelt member Terry Johnson if she would start another group for young women with children, Terry joined with fellow widow Ellen Brumley Watson to form a new Heartfelt group. The group has grown into a source of wisdom, encouragement and deep friendship for their younger kindred spirits. The recent aloha send-off for Kayla Fitzhugh, who is moving to Hawaii with her family, was a testament to the meaningful bonds formed through this ministry (see group photo below).
     Other examples abound. Alice Jewel exemplifies spiritual motherhood through her compassionate outreach to the homeless. Through Caring and Sharing, women minister with meals, Bible studies and consistent love—offering hope and dignity to those in need of both. Many spiritual mothers, often unnoticed, provide support during joyful or challenging times, as well as through friendship.
     While no one can replace a birth mother, we can stand in the gap—extending the love of God into the lives we touch. Spiritual motherhood is a high calling. We invite you to get involved.
     Happy Mother's Day from both the old and new Searcy chapters of Heartfelt Ministries!

     My family and I have been members of College Church of Christ for three generations. Growing up, I had looked forward to joining the youth group and finally being part of the “big kid” classes.
     When I first joined, we were still in the process of finding youth ministers; therefore, we would have teachers substitute. Even so, we were blessed with incredible teachers and speakers, like Dr. Mike Justus, who made a lasting impact on us. Now, we are fortunate to have three amazing youth ministers: Todd, Garison, and Analeigh.  
       I have been a part of the College Church Youth Group (CCYG) for five years, and during that time I have grown not only in knowledge, but also in my understanding of the Bible and my relationship with God. The youth group offers so many opportunities for teens to grow deeper in their faith and become actively involved in the church.
     Some of these include VBS, the Sweetheart Banquet, game nights with the college group, dinners with the elders, service days, Uplift, Teen Leadership Conference, the back-to-school retreat, Huddle, and many more.
     This past summer, I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Kayenta, Arizona. It was my first such trip, and I didn’t really know what to expect. However, that experience opened my eyes and showed me that there is so much more that we, even as teenagers, can do to serve others.
     In 1 Timothy 4:12, we are reminded that no matter our age, we can set an example for others. Throughout my time in the youth group, I have seen teens, both older and younger than me, be examples of Christ. I can only hope that I have done and will continue to do the same for them.
      Being part of the CCYG has shaped who I am today and strengthened my faith in ways I didn’t expect. It has taught me the importance of community, service, and leading by example. As I continue to grow, I hope to carry these lessons with me, using what I have learned to encourage others, and to live out my faith every day.
     Thank you to my family, the teachers, elders, church members, youth ministers, pulpit ministers and many more who have been a part of my faith journey.

In 1996 I bought my first computer—and felt a little guilty spending all that money. I didn’t even really know what I could do with it. Then a man asked me, “Do you want to use your computer to teach others about Christ?”
     That’s when I learned about the World English Institute (WEI), and by 1997 I was teaching online lessons. After 29 years and 2200 students, I am still at it, part of an international online evangelistic effort that includes World Bible School (WBS), many other Christian non-profits and congregations—and thousands of individual Christians.
     WEI founder Dick Ady believes the Lord led him to the insight that all the world wants English (for education and jobs). So why not offer free English lessons using the Bible? He wrote a series of lessons combining grammar and Bible stories. He created a website, built a small administrative team, advertised on Google, and sought volunteer teachers.
     I am one of over 700 current teachers who serve thousands of students in 201 countries. The computer program “teaches” and grades the grammar. What I do is say a little more to students about their answers to the “thought” questions, trying to expand their Bible knowledge. And I encourage them!
     Encouragement and kindness are so important because these students come from totally different cultures and often face terrible circumstances. I taught a young woman from Rwanda whose family barely survived the 1994 genocide. Now she is a Christian and works in a bank. I’ve gotten close to students like her and some still write me.
     A few years ago WEI asked me to be an “administrator,” which means in part promoting the organization, but mainly helping new teachers adjust to the job, and aiding all teachers I supervise in solving problems. I’m honored to be trusted with these responsibilities, and they have led to some adventures.
     Once a teacher, Kim, called me to say she had a student in Rwanda who wanted to be baptized. I said, “No problem, we’ll get someone right away.” It took 54 days!          
     The student, Daniel, lived in the district of Kilgali, but we couldn’t be sure exactly where at first. So I started contacting potential helpers, including John Reese, Barbara Kee, and a Rwandan living in Nashville, TN—nine people in all. After several dead-ends, we found a man who knew a man who lived an hour from Daniel. This man finally baptized him.
     It was a wonderful lesson about God’s providence.
We have an excellent network of brothers and sisters all over the world ready to help. More recently, my student Peter, in South Sudan, became part of a great evangelistic victory. When he told me he wanted to be baptized, I once more became connected to so many concerned Christians who persevered through all the trials of traveling to and in a dangerous country to reach Peter and two others who had professed faith. But—praise God!—when the helpers arrived, all set to baptize a few, they found 13 men ready to be immersed! WEI’s records show that in the three years since this small beginning, 8,000 have been baptized and nearly 200 churches planted in South Sudan.
This news was a good way to end my 29th year with WEI.
It hasn’t always been easy. I’ve battled health issues. And in 2022, I lost my husband, David, who for the last years of his life blessed me as a co-volunteer for WEI. Working alone at the computer can be isolating, and many students do drop out. I’ve seen teachers quit because of that. I try to encourage them to hang on: Jesus had people walk away from him. We are seed planters, and sometimes the soil is rocky. But the waiting list to become students usually remains around 300 people. That means 300 chances to discover hearts with good soil.
 What a journey it’s been!
I grew up in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, blessed with Christian parents who weathered many storms to raise us and send us to Harding—and that made all the difference. In Searcy I made lifelong friends, had a teaching career, met David, and with him found College Church, where we raised our children, and where I’ve been a member for 60 years.
In 1997 I just wanted to teach others about Jesus Christ—to be a small part of spreading the Gospel. WEI allowed me that opportunity. My greatest joy is to teach about Jesus to someone who doesn't know him. It’s become a passion. I thank God for extending my life so that I can teach more people. I want to continue teaching about Jesus Christ until I’m no longer here.

     “Making disciples who make disciples”: This is the mission statement of our College Ministry, and over the past two years, it has become the defining conviction of my life.
     Towards the end of my freshman year, Grant Fitzhugh asked me to be an intern for the College Ministry. Little did I know how greatly my life would be affected by saying “yes” to his call. During my first year, three fellow interns and I met weekly with Grant. We shared our life stories, struggles, joys—and studied scripture. We also ate together, served, prayed, and went out into the Searcy community.
     Our job as first-year interns focused mostly on planning and preparing events, and by the end of the year, we had each started our own disciple-making groups. Now, in our second year, our role is different. We focus on growing our culture of disciple-making. We facilitate evangelism training, coach disciple-making groups, and lead disciple-making seminars. Amid this whirlwind of activity, my favorite part of being an intern is spending time in the Rock House with Grant, Trish, Theo, and my peers.
     The Rock House is a place where students begin their mornings in quiet prayer, where afternoons are spent studying with friends, and where evenings are loud with laughter, games, and deep conversations. On its walls, inside and out, hang our mission statement and values. If only those walls could speak of the countless students embraced, formed, and sent from within them to an even larger calling.
     As I prepare to graduate in December, I find myself stepping out of this role that has shaped my entire college experience. The College Ministry itself is also facing transitions: While we seek a new college minister, the current Rock House is soon to be torn down.
     Yet even as these changes come, our conviction will stay the same, because making disciples does not depend on leaders, programs, or houses, as important as those are. It depends on the nurse, schoolteacher, and engineer whose hearts are set on the gospel of Christ, a great calling that requires a great commitment to the greatest commands and the Great Commission.
     My prayer is that the College Ministry would continue to be a place where students are loved, trained, and sent out into the world to spread the gospel of King Jesus. May our lives be spent for nothing else but “making disciples who make disciples.”

Strong families don’t happen by accident—they are built with intention, faith, and practical tools. That’s why the College Church of Christ is excited to host the Stronger Family Workshop with Trey and Lea Morgan on April 17–18. The Friday evening program will begin at 7:00 p.m.
The Morgans, from Lubbock, Texas,  bring years of experience in ministry, marriage enrichment, and family life. With warmth, honesty, and biblical insight, they help couples and families grow stronger in communication, deepen their relationships, and navigate life’s challenges together. Whether you are newly married, raising children, or enjoying the empty-nest years, this workshop will offer encouragement and practical guidance for every stage of family life.
Over the course of this two-day event, participants will gain tools to strengthen their marriages, build healthier communication patterns, and create a Christ-centered home. Trey and Lea are known for their engaging, relatable teaching style, which makes important topics both accessible and meaningful.
Childcare will be provided to encourage couples with children to attend, focus fully on the sessions, and invest in their relationships. If you are interested in helping, please contact Noel.
This event is FREE, but registration is required by April 12 so we can adequately prepare for childcare and the noon meal on Saturday.
Make plans to join us on April 17–18 at College Church of Christ. A stronger family begins with intentional steps, and this workshop is a great place to start.
Don’t wait to sign up!

 The Searchers

            Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days (Job 12:12).
Last spring, a new patient showed up in my podiatry office, a man I had not spoken with in 25 years: Don England.
During that visit, Dr. England, my former chemistry teacher, began telling me about a class full of Christians who desire to search the scriptures with humility, knowing that there is always more to learn. Hence the class name “Searchers.”
He had recently stepped down as teacher for the class he began teaching over 40 years ago, when he was about my age (he made sure to add). I mentioned how much I enjoyed teaching during my time in West Memphis, and if you know Don, then you've seen the all-knowing grin and twinkle in his eye as he invited Shanna and me to visit.
We accepted, and after our first Sunday, were somehow already on the class roster and email list. Since we have been married only 17 years, we became the "newlyweds" of the group.
Though enjoying wonderful guest teachers, the class was looking for a permanent facilitator, so Don asked me if I would be interested. I had wanted to teach again and to renew a greater commitment in my life to study, but in a congregation like College Church, filled with so many gifted scholars, I never thought I'd be needed.
It was intimidating because I already knew I would learn more from the members of our class than they would ever learn from me, but it’s hard to kick against the goad, especially when it's Don England. So I did agree.
Now teaching this class has become something I look forward to all week. We've become a part of the Searchers family. Conveniently, I already had the grey hair, but never had to wear the glasses until recently. “Length of days” can bring unwanted physical changes, but also the “wisdom and understanding” I see all around me each Sunday.
I am thankful the Lord placed Don back in my life. He taught me a lot as my professor but has taught me more now as my mentor and friend through his example and encouragement. I invite you to visit Room 102, certainly not for the current teacher, but to be blessed as I have by a class filled with saints who love the Lord and the study of his Word.
Just don't be surprised if you start receiving class emails the very next week.

Andrew Clothier

In the first official year of our Young Adults Ministry, God has blessed us beyond what we could have imagined. Our group continues to grow not only in number but also in fellowship with one another. This past weekend, several ministry members participated in what we called the “Stay-At-Home Mission Trip.”
Many in our group are graduate students or entry-level employees with limited vacation time, so, rather than have us travel elsewhere, ministry leader Theo Westbrook planned a mission trip right here in Searcy.
To prepare, we spent weeks learning to use The Four Fields, a mission strategy modeled on the example of Jesus. He entered empty fields, sowed Gospel seeds, discipled those who responded, and gathered them into His body, the Church.
Our goal was also to mirror Jesus sending out the 70 in Luke 10—gathering together, receiving instruction, going into the field, rejoicing in what God had done, and ending in thanksgiving to the Father.
With this in mind, we gathered at Rick & Susan Harper’s home on Friday evening to strategize for the next day. We prayed that God would work through our weaknesses and anxieties. We ended the night in worship, asking the Father to go before us as we entered the community.
On Saturday, our “mission trip” began. Some walked through neighborhoods or visited local businesses, looking for “people of peace” to pray for. Others went to the library, downtown, and local parks to connect with people in our community.
Not everyone we encountered was open to prayer, but many were. Several people shared openly about their struggles and prayer requests. Our goal was simple: to be a bright spot in someone’s day—to reach neighbors in our own backyard who might be open to talking about Jesus. We concluded our “trip” by sharing experiences and thanking God for all He had done.
The “Stay-At-Home Mission Trip” was a meaningful learning experience for everyone involved. It reminded us that our community has real needs that only God can meet. It showed us how many opportunities we have to share Jesus—opportunities we often overlook. And it taught us that while reaching our neighbors can be challenging, it can also be really, really fun.
Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Luke 10:2). May God give us laborers, opportunities, boldness, and eyes to see the harvest.
D. Ray Brown

After months of listening, planning, and praying, the elders recently announced the final version of the building plan. As the Supporting Kingdom Growth brochure describes, it includes a new Rock House, increased auditorium capacity, improved safety, and enhanced convenience.
More importantly, it builds upon the momentum of our strategic plan for Discipling 3,000, supporting our goal of kingdom growth while staying affordable.
The fundraising campaign to support this $3.3 million project has now begun. The elders initiated it by pledging $1.4 million. A few other contributors have brought the pledges to $1.8 million.
The following timetable shows there is more to do to meet the goal: --By March 25: Elders meet with all deacons;
--By April 15: Elders, deacons, and members of the campaign committee meet with as many families as possible.
--In April, a special Sunday wraps up the campaign, assuring all members of the congregation have been invited to participate.
When contacted, you will be asked to consider either a 5-year pledge or a one-time gift. We also want to answer any of your questions about the campaign. Please note that at any point in the timetable, if you are ready to commit, you can take the initiative and reach out to an elder.
So, our campaign has begun and now it is your turn to join.
Your participation begins with prayerful consideration, listening to God’s Word, and following the Spirit. While Paul warns us about money in I Timothy 6, later in the same chapter he provides three safeguards against the “trap” of “riches”: “Put your hope in God” (not money); “be rich in good deeds; and be generous” (17-18)—in that order.
This effort is so much more than a facilities project. The physical improvements listed above are building a calling. We are attempting to position the College Church to disciple more people—more effectively—for generations. Imagine a dynamic College Ministry gathered in one place. Imagine worship services and classrooms filled with members, visitors, and seekers.
We hope this vision challenges you to give on faith, with what God has given you. We challenge you to give for the future of God’s kingdom. To return to I Timothy, imagine a body of 3,000 disciples spreading out from this place, sharing the blessings of “the life that is truly life” (6:19).
From the Elders

Molly and Annabelle Dawidow have worked for decades with the Sopot, Poland, congregation and Bible Institute. The College Church has a long affiliation with them, serving as hub for donations to their ministry, including vital funding to help Ukranian refugees.
Four years ago we woke to news of the invasion of Ukraine, and our world turned upside down. As missionaries, we have felt the weight of these years not only in physical and logistical challenges but also in the reshaping of our hearts, faith, and calling.
In the early days of the war, uncertainty surrounded us, but we were reminded of a truth we had known yet now experienced viscerally: The Lord provides. He knows our needs before we ask. Time and again, brothers and sisters generously donated funds and supplies as needs arose. Never once did a lack of resources limit our help. The more we reached out, the more God provided, teaching us to rely on His provision without worrying about the means.
We also realized that loving your neighbor is not abstract. It means showing mercy to those the Lord places before you. Jesus’ words—"Love your neighbor as yourself”—are practical and immediate. We cannot control global events. We can bring hope and comfort by turning our small sphere into a place where God’s kingdom shines through merciful action here and now.
As we distributed aid, opened our church as a shelter, served meals to the displaced, and simply listened to those whose worlds had collapsed, we felt the responsibility of faithful stewardship, not always measured by visible success but by obedience in small, hard things. Even when exhaustion set in and effects seemed meager, the call remained: be faithful with what is in your hand, trusting God to give the increase. And indeed, He has multiplied opportunities, means, and blessings.
Perhaps the most poignant lesson involves comforting those who grieve, for grief lingers long after immediate physical needs are met. Early months focused on survival, but with time, deeper wounds emerged: women mourning lost or endangered sons and husbands, children traumatized by explosions, families separated indefinitely. Logistics can be addressed with resources, but wounded hearts require gentle, persistent ministry and the hope of the Gospel.
These four years have brought moments of doubt, weariness, frustration, and sorrow, yet they have also provided immense encouragement and action. Bolstered by your prayers and support, the church here has shone as a beacon of light in darkness, showing what it means to be Christ’s hands and feet amid suffering.
Thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement, and partnership. May the God-of-all-comfort strengthen us until the day He wipes away every tear.

With March here and Valentine’s Day a pleasant memory, you may have missed another important February event: the update of our congregation’s website.
     Why the update? Every congregation with an online presence hosts a carousel of visitors. To phrase it in Valentine’s Day terms, our website is participating in a speed-dating event in which our would-be partners skim the homepage, check a few details, and leave in less than a minute. This glance can be our first and only chance to impress visitors looking for a church home.
     For this reason, the Communication ministry asked me to revamp our website through what became known as the “2.1 Update,” which seeks to improve three areas: aesthetics, organization, and warmth.
     Aesthetics are important because visitors often make an immediate judgement based on the work that has been put into the site. If it looks good and up-to-date, then our church appears to be proactive and energetic. An ugly or dated website tells someone that our church is, at best, bland and, at worst, apathetic. Is this fair? Probably not, but online visitors judge a book by its cover.
     Organizationally, we have retained much but replaced or added certain key elements. We retained the major categories (“Home,” “I’m New,” “About,” etc.) to keep things simple for returning users, but pages within these categories are now streamlined for usability. The home page, for example, now includes a “Quick Info” section that hosts commonly sought-after information. New page templates were also created for predictable design and navigation. Other organizational projects, such as an all-in-one Beliefs and Mission page, are coming soon.
     Finally, we really wanted the website to feel warm and inviting. So we added personal touches like a welcome letter and an increased number of photographs. We adopted first-person plural possessive language such as “Our Mission” and “Contact Us.” Ministries are now (mostly) introduced by a quote rather than generic description, and our ministers and staff have bios that give visitors a sense of them as people. These touches bring our church to life as a welcoming family.
     While the initial release of the 2.1 Update took almost six months to complete, our work is never quite done. Ideas, suggestions, and content are always welcome,
     Collegechurchofchrist.org is the front door to our congregation, and it takes all of us to keep it up-to-date and inviting.

     Sometimes we limit ministry to a few who have professional roles in church life.  They serve in the ministry. In the New Testament, however, ministry is not reserved for the few, but required of all, a fact reinforced by our Ministry Fair, where 22 ministries beckoned to potential helpers.
     All Christians must be equipped, not for the ministry, but for ministry (Eph. 4:12). If we regard serving only as a duty, we may feel whipped by a demanding master. However, if we understand ministry’s positive personal benefits, it is a liberating blessing!
     Ministry and Encouragement: Ministry is a means of encouragement, especially when we serve with others. Saints equipped for the work of ministry “build up the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12). Those who participate with others in any ministry at the College Church will tell you they are made stronger by the shared activity.
     Extending Congregational Influence: The church in Thessalonica had an influence beyond that of any individual member. Its faith, collectively, had gone forth everywhere (1 Th. 1:7-8). While every faithful servant casts a long shadow, Christians serving together cast a longer one. Take for example our financial contributions. Individuals who made monetary contributions in their churches participated with Paul in a ministry that extended from Europe to Jerusalem (Rom. 15:25-27; 1 Cor. 16:1-3; 2 Cor. 8:1-24).              
     There’s more to our financial contributions than a budget line in the church bulletin. Our gifts are also our willing participation in a shared ministry that is more expansive than any one of us could ever accomplish on her or his own.
     Ministry and Discipleship: You have heard a lot at the College Church about being a disciple, one who learns from a teacher and embraces his lifestyle. Jesus said, “Come, learn from me” (Matt. 11:29); and he left us an example that we should follow in his steps (1 Pet. 2:21). Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve (Mk. 10:45).  By  looking beyond ourselves to the interests of others, we have the mind of Christ, who “took the form of a servant” (Phil. 2:4-7). When we serve/minister, we are truly disciples of Jesus.
     May our Fair mean not only an increase in workers but a clearer view of ministry itself. If the duty to minister becomes the desire to serve, we can sing with more conviction, “O to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer; this is [our] constant longing and prayer.”

On January 9, with 48 other members of a Health Talents International (HTI) medical missions team, we escaped the U.S. winter for mild, green Guatemala, a country known as “the land of eternal spring.”
     In the small town of Montellano sits the HTI Ezell Clinica Hospital. For almost 50 years this non-profit has sent multiple teams annually to provide care for the underprivileged, and to do it in the name of Jesus.
     Our group consisted of surgeons, physicians, anesthesiologists, nurses (including Deb), caregivers, and translators. Alan served as chaplain. During the week 50 surgeries were performed (OBGYN and general). All but four patients were able to go home before we left the clinic.
     We were blessed to see so much good.
     First, the Guatemalan people encouraged us by how they faced challenges of poor health and poverty without complaining. Some patients travel more than four hours to receive care. Some live without running water or refrigeration. Yet they seem happy, content. They hug you tightly in appreciation.
     The North Americans and Guatemalan staff worked together seamlessly, especially in the crucial art of translation. One interaction required a series of translations from English to Spanish to the Mayan dialect K’iche’. It was amazing.
     We were humbled by the team’s display of faith. An atmosphere of love pervaded all aspects of treatment. Doctors prayed for and with patients prior to surgery. Nurses and caregivers prayed for the patients after surgery. We saw one caregiver pray for a nurse during a dangerously difficult process of inserting an IV. When success came, the caretaker cried out, “Praise God!”
    Given this atmosphere, we weren’t surprised when an elderly female patient said, post-op, “I like it here. They love me and I don’t want to go home.”
     We must mention Rick Harper, College Church elder and retired HTI administrator, who still comes to the clinic. He knew and greeted everyone, showed appreciation in hugs, told faith stories, and facilitated flights home. A shepherd caring for his flock.
     Before heading home, we visited a mission site in the town of Santa Maria de Jesus, where ex-Searcians Cary and Rita Sills volunteer at a Feeding Center. Twice weekly, deprived kids come for meals and religious instruction. At the end of our brief stay, the children gathered around and prayed over us.
     At that moment we felt we were truly in the land of eternal spring.

On February 15, the College Church hosts its annual Spring Festival to celebrate the Lunar New Year, and our ministry to Asians steps into a future that holds both uncertainty and promise.
The ministry, dating most recently from the late 1990s with the work of Milo Hadwin and others, began a new chapter in 2019 when two events converged: an influx of Asian students to Harding University and the arrival in Searcy of Henry Li, a convert who wanted to bless his homeland’s people with the Good News. Mentored by Ed Higginbotham, Howard Norton, Gordon Hogan, and Gary Jackson (missionary and HU professor), Henry grew into that role. Since 2021, he has been affiliated with College Church, though his salary comes from outside donations.
During this time, Henry has done the daily work of preparing sermons for the group’s Sunday morning Zoom services, leading multiple weekday and weekend Bible studies, and, with wife Julie’s help, ministering to the hundreds of Asian residents in the Searcy area.
Most of his work occurs online, reaching Asians in the U.S., Belarus, Canada, and Japan. Sunday services feature a traditional worship period followed by discussion among the online participants.
Entering 2026, the ministry faces challenges. To begin with, its original major target group is now a fraction of the 2021 number. At the same time, Henry must navigate dense bureaucracy to obtain a green card in order to remain in the U.S.—in a difficult time for immigrants. On top of that, the task of raising an adequate salary has become harder.
However, those involved in the work seem willing to do what it takes.  
Ministry leader John Reese, a veteran missionary, is developing a new strategy. He  wants to use the internet to reach Asians scattered across the globe.  The plan centers on a web site to be known as Educational and Intercultural Services (EIS), a “popular information center” that with “aggressive advertising” can attract Asians outside their homelands, offer practical help, and link them to sites like World Bible School.
The ultimate aim is an internet-based network of Asian converts supporting one another and influencing family and friends back home—a global digital space where disciples can make disciples.
It’s an ambitious plan, one that needs our prayers and support. But visitors to the group’s Sunday morning online worship can see a small, dedicated core of spiritually equipped Christians already going into “all nations.”