On November 15, 1976 the American Cancer Society began “The Great American Smokeout”.  People of America were asked to give up cigarettes for just one day and donate the money they saved to a high school scholarship fund.

            Since 1976 there has been some dramatic changes in the way society views tobacco promotion and tobacco use.  Smoking is now prohibited on airplanes, most public buildings, and restaurants.  However, unfortunately still an estimated 47 million adults in the U.S.A. are still smoking and approximately half of them will die prematurely.  For more info on the “Great American Smokeout”, call 800/227-2345 or visit Web Page: www.cancer.org

            In 1953 when I was 14 years old I exercised free will that everyone of us have and allowed some older boys to trick me into begin smoking cigarettes and was addicted to them for the next 10 years.  I quit smoking periodically, some times for a few days and some times for a few months, but always returned to that which had made me a slave (smoking).  On August 25, 1963 my wife (Shara) and I were baptized together at the Hooverson Heights Church Of Christ in Follansbee, WV.  Repentance is called for as well as faith in Jesus, confession of Him as Savior and Lord.  (See Acts 16:31; 17:30; 8:37; 2:38; & 14:22).

            No one jumped me for smoking but I soon learned that the Bible taught that I, now as a Christian, had the Holy Spirit within me and that I was not to contaminate my body with smoke, drink, or anything else that was against God and His ways. (See I Corinthians 6:19,20).

            I really thank God that following my baptism, I - along with God’s help, was able to kick the smoke habit.  May each Christian understand that there is help from God for those who desire the help.

            Everyday we walk upon God’s earth, eat God’s food, drink God’s water, and breathe God’s air.  He gives each of us 168 hours every week and expects us to express a spirit of thanks unto Him.  However, we often are selfish and do not do as His Word (Bible) instructs us to do, such as:   1) Worship Him in a Church Service (Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:25)   2) Share at least a tithe (10%) of what He grants unto us (I Corinthians 9:1-27  3) Witness for Him (Matthew 28:18-20)
           

KYOWVA  Evangelistic Association

1541 S. 7th St. * Ironton, OH  45638

Web Page: kyowva.com