March 1, 2025 Issue, Page 4 of 10

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RELIGION 4• SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2025 The Elk City News “Safety First” Destroys Children’s Courage risks. Whether it’s climb- a bear that threatened his ing trees, engaging in com- sheep, using a sling shot. petitive sports, or simply Facing those challenges facing the natural strug- and others prepared him to gles of childhood, modern confront the giant Goliath safety first culture priori- with faith in God’s power (1 tizes comfort over courage. Samuel 17:45-47). Daniel, Yet, in Romans 5:3-4, Paul as a young man, stood firm teaches that suffering pro- in his faith despite facing duces perseverance, charac- the lion’s den (Daniel 6:16- ter, and hope. By removing 23). These figures would not all hardship, we deny chil- have developed such cour- dren the very experiences age if they had been raised that are necessary to move in an environment that pri- Area Church Directory Dixie Yoder their dependency for pro- oritized safety above all else. Sunday School 9:15, Worship 10:30 The modern obsession tection and provision onto Jesus Himself did not Assembly of God Wed Prairie View Troops 3:30 580-225-2266 with “safety first” has cre- God, Who promises to nev- promise His followers a Wed Prayer Meeting 6:30 er leave them. life free from hardship. Assembly of God Seventh-Day Adventist ated several generations of 115 W. 5th St., Erick Excessive caution fosters Instead, He said, “In this Retrop Baptist Church Seventh-Day Adventist “snowflake” children who Pastor: Gary Griffin 11375 N. 1990 Rd., Elk City fear, which is the opposite of world, you will have trou- Intersection Hwy 6 and 55 lack resilience, indepen- 580-303-0791 580-472-3472 dence, and the courage to faith. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul ble. But take heart! I have Assembly of God Service times: face discomfort and chal- reminds us, “For God has overcome the world.” (John 7th and Locust St., Sayre Catholic 2:00 pm Bible Study 580-928-4296 2:50 pm Church Service lenges. While protecting not given us a spirit of fear, 16:33). Strength and resil- Jimmy Blanken, Min. Queen of All Saints children from harm is a but of power and of love and ience come from persever- 914 N. 5th St., Sayre of a sound mind.” When ing through difficulties, not 580-928-2385 Methodist natural parental instinct, First Assembly of God Rev. Danny Grover excessive sheltering con- children are constantly avoiding them. 2701 S. Randall , Elk City United Methodist shielded from difficulty, To reclaim the courage of 580-225-1167 tradicts Biblical principles Kevin Akins, Min. St. Mathews Catholic 702 W. Country Club Blvd, Elk that emphasize courage, they learn to shrink back in our children, we must stop 3001 E. Hwy 66, Elk City City fear of the unknown instead idolizing safety and instead 580-225-0066 580-225-0262 faith, and perseverance in Grandview Assembly of God Scott Rodgers, Rev. of trusting God’s protective encourage faith-driven Rev. Danny Grover the face of adversity. The Pioneer and Country Club, Elk City Bible teaches that trials and love for them. bravery. This means al- 580-225-7742 Christian United Methodist The “helicopter” par- lowing children to fail, to Bryan Herrick hardships are essential for Antioch Christian 320 S. Magnoliea St., Erick character development, yet ents of today micromanage struggle, and to experience 3200 W. Country Club Blvd, Elk City 580-526-3949 Baptist modern society has tried their children’s lives, hov- adversity. We must remind 580-243-0066 Jeff McDowell United Methodist to eliminate struggle en- ering over them and seek- them that true security does Great Plains Baptist Assn. 802 N. 4th St., Sayre • 580-928-2146 tirely, leaving children ill- ing to eliminate every risk. not come from human pre- 1902 Watts St., Sayre Christian Church Sun School: 9:30 AM/Worship:10:45 They track their locations cautions, but from trusting 580-928-2585 equipped to navigate pres- 1 S. Walnut, Erick Nazarene sures that are normal to life through smartphones, in- in God. As Psalm 127:3- Bible Baptist Church 580-526-3284 tervene in conflicts, and 5 reminds us, children are First Church of The Nazarene on this sin-ravaged planet. 1018 W. B Avenue, Elk City 816 W. 6th St., Elk City structure every moment of like arrows in the hands of First Christian Church Scripture repeatedly calls 580-225-5344 (Diciples of Christ) 580-225-2026 believers to be strong and their free time. While these a warrior—meant to be sent 1500 N. Randall, Elk City Rev. Andrew Dages actions come from love, into the world with strength Central Missionary Baptist courageous. In Joshua 1:9, 1205 W. B Avenue, Elk City 580-225-7801 God commands, “Have I they unintentionally teach and bravery, not kept in the 580-225-0212 Pentecostal not commanded you? Be children that the dangers of stagnation of a sheltered First Christian 1601 N. 4th St., Sayre Grace Temple strong and courageous. Do the world are beyond even quiver. Eastside Baptist 601 W. 20th St, Elk City 580-928-3639 not be afraid; do not be dis- God’s ability to care for Infinite Grace Ministries 421 N. Booth Avenue, Elk City Lindell & Nequita Brown, Pastors couraged, for the Lord your them. However, the Bible teaches that we can trust 580-225-0742 Church of Christ Chase Brower, Min. Iglesia Evangelica Cristo Es La God will be with you wher- tells us to trust in God’s pro- the infinite love and mer- Church of Christ vision and guidance, rather cy of God. Because God is 216 N. Adams Ave., Elk City Pena ever you go.” This passage Fairview Baptist 600 W. Main, Elk City than allowing fear to dictate faithful and good, we can 580-225-0718 underscores the necessity 312 S. Lusk Avenue, Elk City Gantt Carter, Min. Pastor, Jose Reyes of bravery, reminding us our choices (Proverbs 3:5- release our children to Him, 580-225-0203 580-799-2964 that challenges are not to be 6). to be bold, courageous, 301 S. Magnolia Ave, Erick feared but embraced with The Bible is filled with and to explore, advancing First Baptist Douglas Holland, Minister Presbyterian 1600 W. Country Club Blvd, Elk City faith. true accounts of young through necessary risk. Call 580-225-7951 816-726-6988 Bible Study 10am Sunday First Presbyterian Currently however, chil- people who demonstrated 580-774-2884 for more in- 217 N. Washington Ave., Elk City Worship 11am Sunday dren are discouraged from great courage in the face formation, and to find how First Baptist Ladies Bible Study 10am Wednes- 580-225-3130 of danger. David, a young you can be part of this im- 400 S. Sheb Wooley, Erick taking even productive 580-526-3375 day shepherd, killed a lion and portant ministry. Jason Klechner, Min. Evening Open Bible Study 7pm Non-Denominational Wednesday The Way Church First Baptist 201 S. Jefferson Ave., Elk City 504 N. 4th St., Sayre Church of Christ Elk City 580-928-5518 Meets at Pioneer & Bell 580-225-5295 Elk City Community 120 S. Randall Ave., Elk City First Hispanic Baptist 580-225-1184 919 W. 8th St., Elk City Northeast Church of Christ 580-225-7901 616 N. Locust Avenue 580-225-4395 Gateway 4227 W. 3rd St., Elk City Main Street Baptist 580-225-1184 1101 N. Main St., Elk City Westside Church of Christ 580-225-3052 Curtis Newton, Min. 580-225-2938 Church of God The Link Mt. Carmal Baptist 200 S. Main, Elk City 1801 W. A Avenue, Elk City 501 W. 1st, Elk City 580-225-2061 580-225-0227 Joe Thompson, Min. Trinity Fellowship Sayre One Church Jehovah’s Witnesses 580-928-2345 200 East Broadway, Elk City 580-210-8881 Jehovah’s Witnesses 402 E. Washington Ave., Sayre Christ Ministiries Kevin Brosius (pastor) 804 W. 6th St., Elk City 580-928-9330 580-243-9708 Prairie View Baptist Lutheran I-40 & S Hwy 34, Elk City Pastor Tod Thornton Christ Lutheran 1023 W. 2nd St., Elk City Call today to support the church page! 580-225-3000