Now in our 9th Year!
Body & Soul Fest sponsored by The Ozarks Christian Foundation and Christian Action Ministries (CAM) is slated for Saturday August 3, 2013 in beautiful Rockaway Beach and is currently seeking businesses and ministries that have the theme of “Everything for the physical and spiritual body”. Also they are seeking vendors that have arts and crafts to display or sell. The event includes paddle boarding demonstrations on Hillbilly Beach by
There will be health screenings and micro-seminars by Dr. Bo Bandy, Bodies by Vi, Bill Glass Prison Ministries, Olea Estates and other various topics. Food concessions and a bouncy castle for kids will be available. Do you have a cool car? Bring it down to show off and they will have you park it behind the barricades right on main street inside the EXPO! Let them know what you might be bringing so they can reserve a spot for you.
Just a few of the exhibitors include, Christian Action Jodelle Fitzwater Ministries, The Ozarks Christian Foundation, Bill Glass Prison Ministries, Cox Hospital, The Spa Place, Victory Chiropractic, Ozarks Christian Academy, Kona Ice, Pregnancy Life Line, Smart Choice Foods, J.P. & O Prosthetics, Creation Ministries of the Ozarks, Options Pregnancy Center, KLFC 88.1 FM, Faith Community Health, Caring People, Love, INC, The YMCA, Fuel For the Body, Springfield Victory Mission, Jodelle Fitzwater with Get Fit with Still Waters International Minstries, Jodelle, a parent and child triathlon that The Coast Guard, American Cancer consists of fishing, mini-golf and Big Society, The WIND 88.3 FM, Grief Wheel competitions. Share, Jesus Was Homeless, Eat My Drift, Teen Harvest, Olea Estates, Non stop live music will be offered the Ann Goering and Bodies By Vi. entire day by Alan Asbury, Voices of Glory (AYO), Jason Yeager, C.J. Admission to the public is free. Newsom (Patsy Cline Remembered), For more information see website at: Teen Harvest and some more of the best www.BodyandSoulFest.com entertainers in the area. Gary Dooms (Sax player extraordinaire) will emcee.
Gospel Sing-Off Call for Entries - Branson, MO Christian Action
Ministries (CAM) of
Branson, Missouri is seeking g o s p e l singers and singing groups of all genres that are interested in competing for 10 finalist Jimmy Fortune positions in CAM’s 5th Annual Gospel Sing-Off to be held on Sunday, September 1, 2013 at the phenomenal Sight & Sound Theatres in Branson. Guest star Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers will open the show in which the 10 finalists will compete before a panel of celebrity judges and a live audience. Bob Hubbard of the Foggy River Boys and The Jordanaires will emcee the event. Entries must be received by July 19th in order to be considered for one of the ten finalist positions. Contestants must be able to perform in the contest in Branson on Sunday September 1st and, in case of winning, be able to perform the following day at Silver Dollar City. Complete details and entry forms are available under Gospel Sing Off in the Events category at www.christianactionministries.org and there is no entry fee for the contestants. Contestants will compete for $3,000 in cash prizes and trophies. First place win-
ner receives $1,500, second place $1,000, and third place $500. Plus the winner will also receive performance slots at Silver Dollar City on the following day. Past winners have included The Fair Family, Southern Raised, The Petersen Family, and Sons of the Silver Dollar. Last year’s winners, The Fair Family, now have their own show in Branson at the Hamner Barber Theater. Tickets for the event will be available in mid-July. For more information, contact the CAM offices at 417-334-1157 or contact Jack Burke at jack@soundmarketing.com. CAM operates food pantries in Branson and Forsyth, as well as a monthly mobile outreach to eastern Taney County. The Sing-Off is CAM’s only operational fundraiser to support its efforts in fighting hunger in Taney County.
www.christianactionministries.org
It is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict, God’s job to judge, and it’s my job to love. -Billy Graham
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O z a r k s E x p e r t s ADOPTION MBCH Children & Family Min. Adoption & Foster Care Services 1837 E. Cherry Springfield, MO 65802 (417) 831-2342 ATTORNEYS Dee Wampler & Joseph Passanise Criminal Trial Attorneys 2974 East Battlefield in Springfield (417) 882-9300 Gregg E. Stade - Real estate, Business Law and Estate Planning at 600 W. Republic Rd. Ste. A 100 in Springfield (417) 889-5572 AUTO SERVICE Branson Pennzoil 10 Minute Lube 249 Shepherd of the Hills Expry. 417-335-5182 • Chuck Ness Owner
www.computerren.com DENTISTRY Kay E. Knipschild, D.D.S. Quality, Caring, General Dentistry 3841 S. Jefferson Springfield • (417) 887-2929
Redeemed Music & Books 4140 S. National Springfield • 417- 877-9294 Mardel Christian & Educational Supply 1533 E. Battlefield, Springfield. (417) 881-6338 CHIROPRACTIC CARE Victory Chiropractic Dr. Bo Bandy 800 St Hwy 248, Ste.2-B Branson, MO 65616 417-337-7077 CLOTHING John’s Suit Shop We Make The Look Affordable 1315 S. Glenstone in Springfield (417) 863-6919 Heavenly Wear & Gifts 112 W. Main St., Branson, MO Downtown Branson • (417) 544-9071 www.HeavenlyWear.net COFFEE SHOPS Heroes Coffee • Branson Wake Up. Do Good. Repeat. 1835 W. Hwy 76, Branson, MO Inside Music City Centre (417) 239-1313
HVAC Goff Heating & Air Serving Taney, Stone, Christian & Boone Counties • 24 Hour Emergency Service • No Overtime Fees 417-334-3681
Choose an Ozarks Expert! PROSTHETICS J.P. & O Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory 526 Branson Landing Blvd. Ste. 1 417-213-3128 www.jpo-online.com
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YOUR INFO HERE $15.00 per month! _________________________
INSURANCE American Family Insurance Teresa Zucchini- Mcclish 3050 E. Battlefield Springfield • (417) 883-3039 INVESTMENTS Edward Jones - Xavier Sinniah Making Sense of Investments 1972 State Hwy 165, Ste. F Branson • (417) 334-4290
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Rosebud Inn 1415 Roark Valley Road Branson, MO 65616 www.rosebudinn.com (417)336-4000
HEALTH & BEAUTY RENU- Feel, Look & Live Great Branson Town Center 566 B Gretna Rd • Branson (417-335-3660 See ad on page 7
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RV PARKS Taneycomo Resort & RV Park 365 Valencia Road in Branson 417-334-7375 • 800-949-9975 www.TaneycomoResort.com
MARKETING Sound Marketing, Inc. 205 Spring Lane Branson, MO 65616 1-800-451-8273 www.SoundMarketing.com
SCHOOLS Ozarks Christian Academy Call: (417) 353-7598 • K - 12 Rockaway Beach
Health Care www.FaithCommunity Health.org
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MINIATURE GOLF Greatest Adventures 4800 Gretna Rd. in Branson 417- 332-0888 minigolfinbranson.com
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PHARMACY FAMILY PHARMACY www.thefamilyrx.com Ozarks Christian News Available at all locations! PLUMBING Affordable & R & H Plumbing SMALL BUSINESS BIG SERVICE • Call: 334-4224, and 336-6781 • Serving the Tri-Lakes since 1994.
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COMPUTERS Computer Renaissance 308 E. Republic, Springfield (417) 882-7788 - Steve Yates
June 2013
SCREEN PRINTING Ozarks Screen Printing 426 U.S. Highway 60W Republic, MO (417) 732-4449 ozarksscreenprinting.com
Ultimately, by incorporating your brand into people’s everyday lives, you are given an amazing opportunity to drive home the message taht your company is not just routine, but exceptional.
June 2013
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Christ evidenced by the good works they are doing and have The Ozarks Christian News is done. published under the direction of We encourage our readers to the Ozarks Christian Foundation, be open minded to difa 501(c)3 non fering opinions on nonprofit agency. essential matters. Its primary We report the good purpose is to as well as the bad within edify the body our church family as a of Christ testament for the through inspinecessity of a Savior. rational artiOur observations are cles of Christian faith and made from a fairly moderate to courage, educate the body of conservative viewpoint. Christ through informative articles promoting the cultivation of a We strive not to be Christian world view, and encourthe fire alarm, age the body of Christ to support but the fire extinguisher one another. Our focus is on, and to, the Did you know there are invisible church which Jesus Christ said, “The gates of hell 4 Bonus pages on the would not prevail against.” We announce the current FREE online subscription? events of the visible church, and we believe the Body of Christ is www.OzarksChrisianNews.com made up of people who have Press blue subscribe button found salvation by faith in Jesus
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The Ozarks Christian News 2574 US Hwy 176 • Rockaway Beach, MO 65740 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 336 Rockaway Beach, MO 65740 Office: 417-336-3636 • John’s cell: 417-353-7598
editor@ozarkschristiannews.com www.OzarksChristianNews.com Free online subscriptions For Reading and Supporting the Ozarks Christian News OCN Contributors Veeda Smith - Branson Frontline Dwight Widaman - Columnist Jeremy Storch - Ask the Rabbi... Dave Ramsey - Act Your Wage Dee Wampler - A Minute with a Man
George Kurland - Staff Photographer Max Lucado - Crosswalk Column John Sacoulas - Steward & Managing Editor Lorraine Sacoulas - Steward & Publisher Virgil Peck - Circulation Assistance Marvin & Regina Reynolds- Archivists
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The Horror Movie That Will Never Be in Theaters J. Lee Grady Warning, this article is extremely graphic in detail and may produce disturbing emotional results. -ed
I
t could be called The Abominable Dr. Gosnell. Or perhaps Nightmare on Lancaster Avenue. Or maybe something as provocative as Scissors. The plot might resemble a movie in the bloody Saw franchise. In the opening scene, a frightened teenage girl wanders into a dank, smelly clinic. Muted cries of women can be heard in a nearby room. Creepy violin music plays in the background. A cat walks down a dark corridor, startling the girl. She sits down nervously on a sofa in the waiting room and sees a blood-stained blanket. The girl decides she doesn’t want an abortion—but when the doctor comes to take her to the procedure room, he gets angry when she protests. (Shouting is heard off-camera, followed by more of the Psycho-esque score.) The girl wakes up several hours later with severe cramps and realizes she has had an abortion. This is not a clip from an Alfred Hitchcock film. The scene I described resembles what happened to a 15-yearold patient of Dr. Kermit Gosnell, the infamous Philadelphia abortionist. Yes, there was a cat wandering in his clinic. (Observers testified that it had fleas.) Yes, there were bloodstained blankets in the waiting room. And witnesses testified that the girl was forced to have an abortion even though she decided not to go through with the procedure after arriving at Gosnell’s filthy office. If that’s not enough R-rated horror for you, consider these facts: ◦The mother of “Baby Boy D” said her child was born alive in a clinic toilet before anyone could attend to her. The baby made swimming motions in the
water, but a doctor’s assistant arrived and cut the infant’s neck. Witnesses in the Gosnell trial said many infants were born in toilets while waiting for the doctor to return to his office to complete procedures. ◦Gosnell allegedly examined “Baby Boy A” after an abortion procedure and remarked that the fetus was “big enough to walk me home.” One clinic worker,
Steven Massof, testified that Gosnell “snipped” the spines of more than 100 babies after they had been born alive. He called this “standard procedure.” ◦Gosnell was on trial for first-degree murder in the case of seven infants allegedly born alive, as well as thirddegree murder in the case of a woman who died after the abortionist gave her a toxic mixture of anesthesia and painkillers. ◦The clinic itself was compared to a horror movie set by people who worked there and by crime scene investigators. They described finding jars and jugs containing month-old fetal remains. They also told of locked exit doors, broken medical equipment, reused disposable supplies and untrained personnel. All this would seem the perfect material for a remake of the old Boris Karloff movie Corridors of Blood. But my suspicion is that Hollywood will stay as far away as possible from Gosnell’s story. It’s just too politically incorrect for anybody to suggest that unborn babies— even third-trimester ones—have a Godgiven right to life. When I learned about the “snipping” of
tiny spines at the Women’s Medical Society clinic in Philadelphia, I realized how heartless our nation has become. Lawyers who defended Dr. Gosnell in court told the judge that when fetuses moved after being aborted, they were simply exhibiting “involuntary spasms.” We’ve become so drunk on sexual freedom that we can’t recognize when a baby is reaching out to us for justice. When the apostle Paul described the condition of people’s hearts before the return of Jesus, he said, “In the last days difficult times will come. For men will be … brutal, haters of good … lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Tim. 3:1-4, NASB, emphasis added). That brutality is never more blatant than in an a b o r t i o n i s t ’s office. Yet we cover the bloodshed with s m o o t h American doublespeak. How can we, as a nation, pride ourselves on providing rights for women, minorities or gay people when we ignore the crime of abortion? We protest puppy mills because of inhumane treatment, but we look the other way when the unborn are at risk. We selfrighteously fight for the
June 2013 rights of seals and sea turtles, yet we allow 7-month-old fetuses to be decapitated. We call ourselves champions of women’s rights, yet many international abortions are performed to selectively kill infant girls. We are sick with sin. Our hearts are hard. Our national conscience has been seared so that we can’t even feel the pain we’ve legalized. May God forgive us for creating this horror movie. J. Lee Grady is the former editor of Charisma and the director of The Mordecai Project themordecaiproject.org You can follow him on Twitter at @leegrady. He is the author of Fearless Daughters of the Bible and other books.
June 2013
www.OzarksChristianNews.com Kay E. Knipschild, D.D.S.
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North Dakota Governor Signs 'Heartbeat' Abortion Ban Dave Thompson/Reuters In case you missed it, North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple last March signed a measure giving the state the most restrictive abortion law in the United States, a bill banning the procedure in most cases once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, as early as six weeks. Dalrymple also said the constitutionality of the measure was an open question and said state lawmakers should appropriate money to a litigation fund for the state attorney general to defend against any possible challenges to the law. "Although the likelihood of this measure surviving a court challenge remains in question, this bill is nevertheless a legitimate attempt by a state legislature to discover the boundaries of Roe v. Wade," Dalrymple said in a statement. Dalrymple also signed a bill that bans abortions based solely on genetic abnor-
malities, the first state ban of its kind, and a third bill that requires physicians who perform abortions in the state to have privileges at a nearby hospital that also permits abortions in its facility.
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Springfield Church of God (7th Day) A Happy Church! Pastor: Andy Hassen
University Apologizes for Forcing Students to Stomp on Jesus' Name Gina Meeks - Charisma.com
F
lorida Atlantic University has issued a formal apology for a lesson in which a professor had his students write Jesus' name on paper and stomp on it. “This exercise will not be used again. The university holds dear its core values. We sincerely apologize for any offense this caused,” the multi-campus institution said in a prepared statement posted on its website. It continued: “Florida Atlantic University respects all religions and welcomes people of all faiths, backgrounds and beliefs.” The institution also said that “no students were forced to take part in the exercise” and “that no student has been expelled, suspended or disciplined by the University as a result of any activity that took place during this class.” Charisma News and various outlets reported that Ryan Rotela had been suspended for refusing to participate in the assignment during an Intercultural Communications class. “I'm not going to be sitting in a class having my religious rights desecrated,” Rotela told WPEC. “I truly see this as I'm being punished.”
1521 E. 24th Street N. Springfield, MO 65803
Sabbath School: 9:45 am Worship: 11:00 am Wednesday night: 6:30 pm
(417) 831-6721 Though the instructor was supposedly trying to teach the students “a lesson in debate,” the FAU junior found the assignment to be offensive and insulting. “I said to the professor, 'With all due respect to your authority as a professor, I do not believe what you told us to do was appropriate,'” Rotela, a Mormon, explained. “'I believe it was unprofessional and I was deeply offended by what you told me to do.'” Deandre Poole, the professor who oversaw the class, is unaffiliated with FAU. He is also chairman of the Palm Beach County Democratic Party. According to the group’s website, he is a member of Lighthouse Worship Center Church of God in Christ, Fort Lauderdale, where he belongs to the congregation's usher board.
June2013
A week without a Sabbath is perpetual bondage.
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Included in the textbook, Intercultural Communication: A Contextual Approach, 5th Edition, trampling on Jesus' name is actually an entire lesson. “Have the students write the name JESUS in big letters on a piece of paper,” a synopsis for the lesson reads. “Ask the students to stand up and put the paper on the floor in front of them with the name facing up. Ask the students to think about it for a moment. After a brief period of silence instruct them to step on the paper. Most will hesitate. Ask why they can't step on the paper. Discuss the importance of symbols in culture.”
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June 2013
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An early Christmas present for Texas schools _____________________ by Bob Kellogg (OneNewsNow.com) ______________________________ Christmas will be a little merrier this year in Texas public schools, thanks to the state legislature's approval of the "Merry Christmas Bill." In the past, teachers, administrators and parents have been wary of greeting each other by saying "Merry Christmas," "Happy Holidays" or "Happy Hanukah." But Jonathan Saenz of Texas Values says the new legislation puts an end to those concerns, as it permits public school officials to say "Merry Christmas" and put up religious symbols, so long as they do not constitute a state preference for one particular religion.
God Adopts Us by Max Lucado
Saenz, Jonathan (Liberty Institute)"This legislation will make it clear what the Supreme Court has said about these issues -- that there is nothing wrong and it's permissible to have these types of Merry Christmas greetings, and also to have displays reflecting Christmas and other holidays in public schools," he asserts. And he is pleased that House Bill 308 enjoyed an amazing amount of bipartisan support. "We're very excited that you had Republicans and Democrats come together on this issue -- almost unanimous support, very little, if no oppo-
child came with no decision. I’ve heard of unplanned pregnancies, but I’ve never heard of an unplanned adoption.
hen we come to Christ, God not only forgives us, he also adopts us! It would be enough if God just cleansed your name, but he does more. He gives you his name. It would be enough if God just set you free, but he does more. He takes you home.
If anybody understands God’s ardor for his children, it’s someone who has rescued an orphan from despair, for that is what God has done for us. God sought you, found you, signed the papers and took you home!
Adoptive parents understand this more than anyone. We biological parents know well the earnest longing to have a child. But in many cases our cribs were filled easily. We decided to have a child and a child came. In fact sometimes the
(Matthew 6:9). - from The Great House of God - Listen to UpWords with Max Lucado at:
W
From The Great House of God
OnePlace.com
Pierce Ar row’s Jimmy Fulb right Jimmy was born in Columbus, GA, but "grew up everywhere" because his father was in the Air Force. He's been intersted in music since early childhood and credits his grandfather as his musical mentor. He is proficient on piano and loves to sing. He also plays guitar and drums. With a diverse professional music background, he has played keyboard and/or bass for Gospel acts, such as the Dixie Echoes, as well as Country acts, Donna Fargo, Earl Thomas Conley, Lee Greenwood and T. Graham Brown. Jimmy also has 12 years of experience at production theaters in Branson,MO, and Pigeon Forge, TN. He originally joined The Oaks Band in the summer of 2001 which led Jimmy to being the newest addition to Pierce Arrow in 2013.
Often the people most concerned about others going to hell when they die seem less concerned with the hells on earth right now, while the people most concerned with the hells on earth right now seem the least concerned about hell after death. ~Rob Bell
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sition -- and so, that is great," says Saenz. "And we hope this will send a message to school districts that the Merry Christmas Bill will decrease the number of school districts that are being naughty and increase the ones that are being nice." School districts in Plano and Katy were involved in long, costly court cases involving Christmas expressions, and a Fort Worth school was embroiled in a controversy over Santa Claus.
When a man marries a woman, they become one; the trouble starts when they try to decide which one. IMPORTANT MESSAGE Be advised that the contents of this publication often do not represent the positions held by many of the sponsors of the Ozarks Christian News (or for that matter, the publishers) Please remember to favor the advertisers here in the OCN. It would not exist without them!
Going on a Mission at Home MBCH Children and Family Ministries (an affiliate of Missouri Baptist Children’s Home) is seeking Christians willing to serve God by supplying foster care for teens. The Therapeutic Foster Care ministry provides a daily rate of pay that allows one foster parent to remain at home and care for the child. Training and licensing is provided for the foster parents at no cost. You can make a difference in the life of a hurting child by “Going on Mission at Home”.For more information about becoming a licensed foster parent, call
(417) 831-2342 or visit:
www.mbch.org
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Ask the Rabbi
Memorial Museum.
Three new Festivals for the Jewish People During the last several months we have tried to give you some background on the major Jewish holidays. This month is about the three newest holidays in the Jewish calendar. Yom HaShoah - Holocaust Memorial Day - is a day set aside to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust. It is the first of 3 recently added holidays. The Israeli government set its date as Nisan 27, although there has been some disagreement about why this date was chosen. It is a day that stands for the memory of all of the grievous events that have befallen Israel, surely the holocaust will live in the memory of the world. Today the state of Israel urges travelers to visit Yad Va Shem, the Holocaust
On May 14 (Iyar 5), 1948, Israel became a state. This event marks the second newly added holiday in the Hebrew calendar and it follows Holocaust Remembrance Day. Yom HaAtzmaut (Statehood Day) is a time of unbridled celebration by Jews the world over. Psalm 126 is sung to the tune of Ha Tikvah, Israel's national anthem. Its theme of sowing in tears and reaping in joy speaks of the redemption of Israel. The third and final modern holiday to be added to the Jewish calendar also falls during the spring. Yom Yerushalayim, or Jerusalem Day falls on Iyar 28, the date in 1967 when Israel liberated Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. As the most recent of Israel's celebration, it is still so new that no specific rituals are attached to its observance.
Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) said that "when you see the fig tree blossom you will know that the Kingdom of God is at hand". With the beginning of the state of Israel we believe that the fig tree has blossomed. To contact Jeremy for ministry in your congregation, for a radio or television interview or other special event, or for information on his albums or teachings, please call or email: Tabernacle of Praise, Branson, MO ~ Phone: 417334-7373 Email: info@JeremyStorch.org Website: www.JeremyStorch.org Rabbi Jeremy Storch is the Rabbi, Cantor and Worship leader of The Tabernacle, Branson, Missouri’s Messianic Jewish congregation. For more information on the Biblical Hebrew roots of Christianity, visit: TheTabernacleInBranson.com
June 2013
Technology expert voices concerns about 'Google Glass' by Russ Jones (OneNewsNow.com)
He believes that can happen because the American culture is turning its back on Christianity, making Christians the "enemy" of the current culture. "It's going got be used against people of faith to document 'hate crimes,' or whatever the current culture describes as a 'hate crime,'" Ensley tells OneNewsNow.
Search engine giant Google recently released its highly anticipated and controversial "Google Glass," but an Internet filtering expert is warning people of faith about the new technology. Steven Ensley, CEO of Internet filtering service American Family Online, fears such technology could be used in the future to target Christians. He worries the technology could one day be used to record and document so-called "hate crimes" committed by Christians.
On a more practical level, Ensley notes that Google Glass can be used to record "people walking down the street," without any knowledge of the invasion of privacy. A Seattle-based porn company, MiKandi announced last week it plans to release the world's first X-rated app for Google Glass soon. The app will allow people to create videos for others to watch and view pornography on Google Glass. At the root of Ensley's concern is the disparity between Google's company motto "Don't be evil" and its actual business practices.
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CherryBerry Branson Spirit-filled Davidic style Praise and Worship Annoited Bible-based teaching Fellowship after each service Nursery & Children’s Shabbat School
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Join us for weekly services: Erev Shabbat (Friday) 7:30 pm Shabbat (Saturday) 11 am • 417-334-7373
June 2013
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Put On a Happy Face
13 * When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
A Great Lesson on Stress by a former stresser
16 * Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.
A young lady confidently walked around the room while leading and explaining stress management to an audience with a raised glass of water. Everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question, 'half empty or half full?'... She fooled them all .... "How heavy is this glass of water?" she inquired with a smile.
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14 * Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
17 * We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box. 18 * A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour. 19 * Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY
Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. To 20 oz. She replied , "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes." She continued, "and that's the way it is with stress. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on." "As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden - holding stress longer and better each time practiced. So, as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don't carry them through the evening and into the night... Pick them up tomorrow. 1 * Accept the fact that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue! 2 * Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them. 3 * Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it. 4 * Drive carefully... It's not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker. 5 * If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague. 6 * If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it. 7 * It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others. 8 * Never buy a car you can't push. 9 * Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on. 10 * Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance. 11 * Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late. 12 * The second mouse gets the cheese.
20 *Save the earth..... It's the only planet with chocolate!* I THINK !!!!
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says~~ "Oh Shoot, She's up!"
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If I were president series.......
What if Ben Carson Was President by John G. Sacoulas, OCN editor After contemplating my column it occurred to me that I could cease this missive if only Ben Carson would run for president. here is an article by Jennifer Wishon from CBN. Johns Hopkins' Dr. Ben Carson is known around the world for his groundbreaking work as a pediatric neurosurgeon. But he's become a sought-after speaker for conservatives after his headline-grabbing speech at the National Prayer Breakfast. After proclaiming Jesus Christ as his role model, Carson applied biblical principles to America's policies
on taxes, education, and health care reform—all while sitting just inches from the commander in chief. "Here's my solution," he told the prayer breakfast audience. "When a person is born, give them a birth certificate, an electronic medical record and a health savings account to which money can be contributed pre-tax from the time you're born until the time you die." "When you die, you can pass it on to your family members so that when you're 80 years old and you've got 10 diseases, you're not trying to spend up everything," he continued. "You're happy to pass it on and there's nobody talking about death panels." Carson said he continually thinks about the problems facing the United States and believes political correctness is muzzling the American guarantee of free expression and speech. "It puts a muzzle on them and at the same time keeps people from discussing important issues while the fabric of this society is being changed," he said. Carson said it's a shame more doctors aren't involved in government, leaving some wondering if this successful neurosurgeon has future plans for political office. Send me your ideas and I will consider you for my cabinet.
June 2013 Did you know the Ozarks Christian News has subscribers in 12 differnt states? That is just the printed edition. The online edition covers the entire country. (according to the unique IDs as seen on Constant Contact) Pierc e Ar ro w’s J a r re t t Do ug he r t y Jarrett’s always loved to laugh and to make people laugh. Of course, he was the class clown in school. At the age of 23, he was the drummer for one of the best southern gospel groups in the country, Jeff and Sheri Easter, and then later he joined the McGruders. In 1995 Jarrett moved to Branson, which is only an hour from his hometown, Ava, Missouri. For six years, he played the drums and did comedy for Barbara Fairchild. Just before joining the Pierce Arrow Theater, he was with Sons of the Pioneers. “Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, Dan Britton, Pierce Arrow’s owner and producer, asked if I would like to join the family as the new comedian. It was an amazing opportunity to be welcomed into Branson’s hottest show. To me, there is no greater city than Branson to live in and raise children in. I love life and enjoy livin’ every day here with my boy Dillon. Branson stands for patriotism and wholesomeness, the American way. What a great country we live in. I thank my lucky stars everyday that I get to come to work and entertain such wonderful fans. I believe laughter is the best medicine a person can have. So even if you are sick, come to Branson and see the Pierce Arrow Show, and me. I promise, you’ll either get well or ‘Die Laughin’!”
June 2013
The Spiritual Formation of Things Not Going Our Way by Bob Hyatt
Maybe it’s ok to not be a cultural “winner.” For the past few weeks, I’ve watched the news and surfed social media with a growing sense of anxiety. Whether you’re on the right or the left, conservative or progressive, our daily feeds stoke our sense that we’re not going in the right direction, that “the other guys” are winning, or that there’s no way to do what needs to be done to meet our challenges. The news itself isn’t why I’ve been feeling that anxiety, though. It’s our reaction to the news that has me worried. For example, how we are reacting to the culture war surrounding same-sex marriage. Or the gun issue. Or recent presidential scandals. Or a whole host of other issues. My Facebook feed is less populated by baby pictures and shots of other people’s food (yay!) and more a place to argue over the issues (sigh). I’m guilty of posting the occasional breathless “Oh no! Look what they are doing now!” piece. But if we buy into the prevailing political script underlying that behavior—that there are cultural winners and losers, and Christians need to be winners—we've already lost. Convincing others to vote our way (left, right, or in between) is a false victory, and it will disappoint us every time. Let’s face it: people in general aren’t as smart (or as biblically-grounded, as compassionate, or fair-minded, or commonsensical) as you and I. They just don’t see the world (or Scripture, or culture, or the cliff we are rushing towards) as clearly as we do. Se we’re faced with a choice: we can post yet another opinion piece on why we can’t let “them” do “that,” or we could exchange the script of politics for the script of spiritual formation. We could stop trying to win for a moment and consider what God is doing in us beyond the turmoil and cultural struggle. The fight over same sex marriage is a good example. I think both sides are losing. Progressives lose connection with much of the church that still rejects it.
www.OzarksChristianNews.com Conservatives have to deal with being a part of a culture that has moved beyond their point of view. With the tightly held winners and losers script, the answer is to try to legislate and argue the cultural/church majority into our corner. But when we do this, an already fractured church fragments even more. That should give followers of the Christ who prayed for church unity serious pause. The question is not how we should solve political hot potatoes, but how we should orient our hearts. How can we posture ourselves to cooperate with God’s work of faithful healing and unity? How can we look full-on at a culture or a church that isn’t going my way and become less angry, less embittered, less outraged, and more like Christ? I understand the disappointment of when an issue I’m passionate about is decided against my position. But I also understand that it’s in my disappointment that God often does his best work in my heart. In moments of disappointment, my heart is turned towards my true hope. Anger, bitterness, and an “us versus them” mentality are signs that we are not allowing the Spirit to have his way in our hearts. They are signs that the gospel is not penetrating us. The Good News breaks down dividing walls. The Question is... Is it possible to respond with love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness even when we’re “losing?” I think so. I think St. Paul would say it is imperative. Here's what I think would revolutionize our current struggle: 1. A renewed desire in each of us to understand where the other is coming from. In all of our current hot button issues there’s something we can affirm on both sides. It’s our task to look for it, and to affirm it. To praise it and to see it grow. If you can’t look at the other side and describe what they are trying to do, not in caricatures and pejoratives, but in an honest and generous way, a way in which they would actually agree with your description, you are missing an opportunity for growth, an opportunity to show people that the gospel makes us into kind, loving, and generous people, not into near-sighted jerks. 2. Truly passing the peace. I love the liturgical practice of “passing the peace.” It recognizes that the peace of Christ is something we offer to others regardless. Irrespective of whatever else
Page 11 separates us, Christ is our peace, and that peace is something we have a stewardship over. It is our duty to offer this peace to all we meet, not least of all, to those within the church, even to those with whom we have profound disagreements. 3. Practicing gracious “victories” and “losses.” My kids are entering the team sports stage. I have plenty of opportunities for teachable moments on how to win and lose well. That experience prompts me to consider my own reaction to the things that go for or against my preferences. I have to be honest—there are times when my kids do it better than I do. Sometimes, I think they have a better understanding that the game isn’t so much about winning and losing but about the formation of their character and building friendships. I know that the games we play as adults have much higher stakes—that these are real issues with real consequences. But how we react in our winning and our losing says much more about us than it does about the issue itself. In every issue we face, we have an opportunity to show the world who Jesus is by showing them what the gospel does in us—even when we disagree. If we find ourselves arguing with friends, or leaving a church because they are too liberal or too conservative, or find ourselves becoming angry, bitter, or sullen because things aren’t going our way, we're doing it wrong. But if we find our hope in God instead of cultural victory, if love can flourish even between winners and losers, then the gospel can take root in our hearts. But the question will never go away: Will we let it?
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Performing June 6 through July 6, 2013 Take a close look at the Stone family from both sides of their individual fences. See why they were put up and how they’ll come down. Like real family life, this drama is sometimes funny and sometimes tragic. But after the laughter and the tears you will walk away with a new commitment to tearing down a few fences of your own—or to letting God tear them down and fill the emptiness left by their absence. Join the Stone family in The Heart of Stone.
www.sgtheatre.com Catholic bishops in U.S. urged to deny communion to pro-aborts
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In late March, Pope Francis sent a letter to his former bishops in Argentina instructing them to follow church teachings and deny communion to those who support abortion, euthanasia, and crimes against the family. "This responsibility weighs particularly over legislators, heads of governments, and health professionals," said the letter. Judie Brown of American Life League (ALL) suggests sending a similar directive to American bishops, "encouraging them to reflect on the words of the pope and to, in fact, enforce Canon Law 915 in this country so that pro-abortionists in public life who claim to be Catholic can no longer receive Holy Communion because they will be denied the sacrament." In a letter to all U.S. Catholic bishops, Brown urges that they deny the sacrament to every pro-abortion Catholic in public life "who has not repented of his support for the heinous crime of abortion." Michael Hichborn, director of Defend the Faith for ALL, co-signed the letter to the American bishops.
Crossword Answers Pg. 26
A pro-life organization is hopeful the Vatican will address communion issues within the Catholic Church in America.
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Tony Orlando’s Final Christmas Season In Branson: Limited 20 Show Engagement at The Welk Resort - (Branson, Missouri) – Tony Orlando, in his 20 th and final season in Branson, brings his incomparable energy and talent to the Welk Resort Theatre with his acclaimed Christmas show, Tony Orlando’s Great American Christmas! From November 5 through November 30, in a 20 show limited engagement, Tony will sing all of your holiday favorites and will also include his greatest hits from over 50 years in show business; “Candida”, “Knock three Times”, “Tie a Yellow Ribbon”, “Sweet Gypsy Rose” and more. Then, Santa pays a visit and Tony and Santa honor the true meaning of Christmas. It’s a Branson must see and a perennial family favorite!
Tony has announced that this will be his final Christmas season in B r a n s o n . “Branson is my home and I love being part of the community. After 20 years, I just feel it is time to take The Great American Christmas Show out to America”, says Orlando. Tony will continue his touring schedule with appearances at Performing Arts Centers and Casinos throughout the USA and Canada. “We are so excited and proud to have had such a legendary entertainer in our theatre for Christmas,” says Dathan Atchison, General Manager of Welk Resort Branson. “There is no one like Tony!” In 1973, he recorded “Tie A Yellow Ribbon ‘Round The Ole Oak Tree.” The
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song was number one for the year, became Orlando’s theme song and grew into an American anthem of hope and homecoming, reunion and renewal. November 11th at 2pm, Tony will also host his 20th Yellow Ribbon Salute To Veterans, a star studded salute, free to all military past and present. Tony Orlando remains one of America’s best-loved personalities. No entertainer can move and excite an audience like Tony Orlando. Tony brings to the stage a warmth and an exhilarating energy which is electric. From million selling records (five number one hits), a popular television series, (Tony Orlando and Dawn Variety Show), movies and Broadway (Barnum and Smokey Joe’s Café), Tony Orlando has conquered every facet of show business. He has been a recipient of three American Music Awards, and a People’s
Choice Award and has performed for five U. S. Presidents. For his outstanding achievements to the entertainment industry, Tony was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1990. He is a popular headliner in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Reno, Biloxi and Laughlin. He maintains a touring schedule with appearances at Performing Arts Centers around the country. Tony has also been named Branson’s Entertainer and Vocalist of the Year. The Tony Orlando’s Great American Christmas schedule covers 4 weeks and a limited engagement of 20 shows; November 5th through November 30th, with shows at 8pm. Prices range from $45.08 (including tax) to $39.50 including tax) and $19.75 (including tax) for children and are available by phone at 800-505-9355 or on-line at:
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June 2013
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Author Stephen King’s Pro-God Response to Atheists and NonBelievers by Billy Hallowell/The Blaze
A
uthor Stephen King believes in God — and he also thinks that the universe is built in a such an organized manner that the notion of “intelligent design” is wholly supportable. King, known for penning thrillers and horror books that both entertain and create intrigue in the minds of readers, made these comments during a recent interview with NPR. Considering the writer’s prominence, his views on God and intelligent design are noteworthy. During the exchange, King had some interesting words for atheists and those who are unsure about the existence of a higher power. In particular, he charged that these individuals miss all of the signs that overwhelmingly point to structure. “I choose to believe it. … I mean, there’s no downside to that. If you say, ‘Well, OK, I don’t believe in God, there’s no evidence of God,’ then you’re missing the stars in the sky and you’re missing the sunrises and sunsets and you’re missing the fact that bees pollinate all these crops and keep us alive and the way that everything seems to work together,” he said. All of these structures, he noted, suggest that the world was built by a higher power — a figure who organized everything and structured it accordingly. “Everything is sort of built in a way that to me suggests intelligent design,” King added. Despite his claim that non-believers may be missing these signs, the famed author also noted that there are some moments in life that cause one to doubt God’s plan — happenings and occurrences that leave some wondering about
www.OzarksChristianNews.com the nature of “the big guy’s personality.” Despite his belief, King noted that he, too, has his doubts and that his views on faith are fluid.
Nine out of 10 churches in America are declining or growing at a pace slower than the rate of their communities. Churches limp along as members drift out the proverbial back door. So what can church leaders do to stop the exodus? Thom S. Rainer, president of LifeWay Christian Resources and bestselling author, sees this as a symptom of an underlying problem in most churches. Rainer suggests American congregations are weak and in decline because church members have lost the biblical understanding of what it means to be part of the body of Christ. People join churches expecting to be served, fed and cared for, he says. "Many times, probably more than we would like to believe, a church member leaves a local body because he or she has a sense of entitlement rather than a servant mentality," Rainer says. Rainer's latest book, I Am a Church Member, released by B&H Publishing Group, is intended to remedy the outbreak of inactive or barely committed church members, addressing without apology what is expected of those who join a body of believers. The book is an expansion of a 500word declaration about church membership he posted to his daily blog in 2012. The post drew an exceptional response and started a conversation about the attitudes and responsibilities of church members. It also exposed a gap in current church membership studies and resources. ainer says he wrote the initial blog post after noting in some of his research an increase in church conflict. Over half of
The ABC’s of Salvation ADMIT - you are a sinner - Roman 3:10, 23, 5:3 & 6:23 BELIEVE - in Jesus - John 3:16 CONFESS - Jesus is your Lord - Romans 10:9 & 10
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the conflict issues dealt with church members arguing over their personal preferences, he says. "God did not give us local churches to become country clubs where membership means we have privileges and perks," Rainer writes. "He placed us in churches to serve, to care for others, to pray for leaders, to learn, to teach, to give and, in some cases, to die for the sake of the gospel. The time to get this right is now."
June Summer Luncheon The Branson Area Christian Women’s Connection invites all ladies in the area to their June Luncheon on Wednesday June 12, 2013 at 11:30 AM at the Grand Plaza Hotel, 9th floor. The address of the Grand Plaza is 245 N. Wildwood Drive just off the Hwy 76 strip. Door prizes are given each month. Special Feature & Guest Speaker: Paula Abbott from Terrell, Tx. Will be our June Guest Speaker. “The Extreme Makeover” A Texas Cowgirl talks about her Extreme Makeover by the Master Makeover Artist. She will share the Dos and Don’ts of Makeup and Skin Care, Tips on Hair, and Clothes. Paula Abbott serves as a Co-Pastor of a Cowboy Church in Dallas, Texas and is an Inspirational Speaker to people all over the United States. Her story has been featured on the 700 Club and viewed by people around the world. Don't miss this once in a lifetime meeting. Bring your girl friends for a great day. The buffet luncheon will cost $12.00 and reservations are required by Monday, June 10th. Call Phyllis 417335-5873 or Jan 417-334-7663.
Pie rc e Ar row’s Sc ott Fr ake r Scott, a southwest Missouri and in college, performed with the Missouri State University Touring Choir and later toured with the accapella group The Wing Tips, which made numerous national television appearances including: The Today Show, Good Morning America, and the CBS Morning program. Scott also performed with Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis and Frankie Avalon, and even got to sing for former President George Bush. Scott is a licensed minister out of Park Crest Baptist Church in Springfield, MO and continues to preach and speak across the US. Scott is a father of four and is married to his high school sweetheart Marcy. Scott officially joined Pierce Arrow in 2010.
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There is no membership or dues but cancellations are essential. Ladies are also welcome to the Branson Area Christian Women’s Prayer Connection to be held at the Keeter Center on Wednesday June 5th. Branson Area Christian Women's Connection is affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries, Kansas City, MO.
Start telling others about your decision to be born again and follow God. To hear my experience, and get other helpful information FREE, email:
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Want Love? Be Lovely! by Lorraine Sacoulas, Publisher OCN
S
o often, the men take the heat for not “doing” the relationship piece of the pie. And we women, we want our slice! Yet, part of “doing” relationship is making sure every party gets his/her needs met. Men want respect, they want patience, they want no talking of any kind, and (yet, believe it or not), they want a feminine woman (or at least my husband wants all of those things). When my day gets piled on, it’s so easy to let my relationship needs elevate above his. I forget to be lovely, patient, soft. We can always talk about things later, but me not meeting his need of a lovely, respectful wife will only ensure that I don’t get my slice. So, the key is: know healthy ways to get what you
want. When feelings are worked up inside, try a thinking process that says, “I have to approach this softly. Do not attack him. Do not emotionally pour on him.” Know what need it is that you most want met, and focus. After all, he really wants to meet your needs, and be the best husband for you he possibly can. Sacoulas’ bio includes a new husband herself. She has a bachelor's degree in Philosophy/Religion, and sat in numerous marital classes/seminars. She observes that the moralistically broken society is from a lack of stability within the framework of the home. It's tragic that this framework is difficult to maintain. Please write in with personal stories, comments, or disagreements so that this is a community column with real topics to pursue.Occasionally guest writers will write the column.
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June 2013 P i e rc e A r ro w ’s
Dan Britton Born on January 12, 1958 in Bloomfield, Indiana, he was raised on a farm, the same one his parents still call home, along with two sisters and three brothers. It was a musical family, frequently singing at local events and at church. After high school, Dan and his brothers began touring up north where they became the top draw in many casinos and show rooms.
June 2013
www.OzarksChristianNews.com OZARKS HEBREW HERITAGE ASSOCIATION (OHHA) . . . exploring the Hebrew Roots of our Christian Faith brings monthly teachers to the Ozarks.
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June 7-8 Lee Miller (www.hodf.org) July 4-7 Branson Prophecy Conference www.bransonprophecyconference.com August 9-10 Avi Ben Mordechai (www.cominghome.co.il) For more info: 888-265-1837 or ohhatorah@yahoo.com
Those in the International Community who refuse to put red lines before Iran don’t have a moral right to place a red line before Israel. If the Arabs layed down their arms today, there would be peace in the Middle East. If Israel layed down their arms today, there would be no more Israel. -Benjamin Netanyahu
Imported food we eat and the junk we buy (newsdesk)
of us.
reen Giant frozen vegetables are from China, and so are most of Europe's Best. Arctic Gardens are Okay. So is Birdseye.
G
FOR EXAMPLE THE "OUR FAMILY" BRAND OF MANDARIN ORANGES SAYS RIGHT ON THE CAN 'FROM CHINA'. SO, FOR A FEW MORE CENTS, BUY THE LIBERTY BRAND.
Never buy the grocery store garlic unless it is clearly marked from USA or Canada, the other stuff is grown in people poop (even worse than chicken poop). China is the largest producer of garlic in the world. U.S. is next.
GOLD BRAND OR THE DOLE IS FROM CALIFORNIA. Beware, Costco sells canned peaches and pears in a plastic jar that come from China.
Buy only local honey, much honey is shipped in in huge containers from China and re-packed here.
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How is it possible to ship food from China cheaper than having it produced in the U.S. or Canada?
ALL "HIGH LINER" AND MOST OTHER FROZEN FISH PRODUCTS COME FROM CHINA OR INDONESIA. THE PACKAGE MAY SAY
THERE ARE NO REGULATIONS ON WHAT IS FED TO THESE FISH. Recently The Montreal Gazette had an article by the Canadian Government on how Chinese feed the fish: They suspend chicken wire crates over the fish ponds, and the fish feed on chicken waste. If you search the internet about what the Chinese feed their fish, you'll be alarmed; e.g., growth hormones, expired anti-biotic from humans. Never buy any type of fish or shellfish that comes from these countries: Vietnam, China, Philippines. Check this out personally. I did. Stienfeld's Pickles are made in India just as bad!
Cold-FX is grown and packed in China and is full of fecal bacteria. Doesn't work anyway, big scam. If the country of origin is not clearly marked beware. If produce, ask an employee. Watch out for packages which state "prepared for", "packed by" or "imported by". I don't understand the lack of mandatory labeling, especially the produce. The country of origin should be clearly shown on the item in the store. I go to the local farmers' markets in season and keep a wary eye open the rest of the year. Please read this very carefully, and read to the very bottom. It's important for all
ago. They are now packaged in China! While the Chinese export inferior and even toxic products, dangerous toys, and goods to be sold in North American markets, the media wrings its hands! Yet, 70% of North Americans believe that the trading privileges afforded to the Chinese should be suspended! Well, duh! Why do you need the government to suspend trading privileges? SIMPLY DO IT YOURSELF, CANADA AND THE U.S.! Simply look on the bottom of every product you buy, and if it says 'Made in China ' or 'PRC' (and that now includes Hong Kong ), simply choose another product, or none at all. You will be amazed at how dependent you are on Chinese products, and you will be equally amazed at what you can do without. THINK ABOUT THIS: If 200 million North Americans refuse to buy just $20 each of Chinese goods, that's a billion dollar trade imbalance resolved in our favor...fast!! The downside? Some Canadian/American businesses will feel a temporary pinch from having foreign stockpiles of inventory.
"PACIFIC SALMON" ON THE FRONT, BUT LOOK FOR THE SMALL PRINT. MOST OF THESE PRODUCTS COME FROM FISH FARMS IN THE ORIENT WHERE
Another example is in canned mushrooms. No-Name brand came from Indonesia. Also check those little fruit cups. They used to be made in Canada in the Niagara region until about 2 years
Just one month of trading losses will hit the Chinese for 8% of their North American exports. Then they will at least have to ask themselves if the benefits of their arrogance and lawlessness are worth it.
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Falling Pastors Dr. James Emery White 1.Emotional Depletion Many pastors are running on empty emotional tanks. You might have thought I would say “spiritual” tanks, but it’s the emotional fuel gauge that gets us.
One city. Three senior pastors of megachurches. And in just a six month period, three moral failures. Believe it or not, it just happened in Orlando, Florida. Isaac Hunter, lead pastor of Summit church, resigned in December after admitting to an affair with a staff member. Sam Hinn, pastor of The Gathering Place Worship Center, stepped down in January after admitting to a relationship with a member of the congregation. Then, just a few weeks ago, David Loveless resigned from Discovery Church after admitting to having an affair. Three megachurch pastors in a single city all resign within a sixmonth period for extramarital affairs.
Sorry, but “wow.” The inevitable question? “Why do so many senior leaders give in to sexual temptation?” Because it’s not just these three but many more like them in cities around the country and around the world. Here are three reasons that come to this fellow pastor’s mind:
A few years ago, my wife Susan and I were part of a mentoring retreat with about a dozen couples, all well-known leaders of large and thriving churches. We started off with an openended question: “What are your key issues right now?” As we went around the room, the recurring answer in each of their lives was “emotional survival.” We shared our stories about the hits and hurts that come our way in ministry as occupational hazards, and how they tear away at our souls, sapping our enthusiasm, our creativity and our missional stamina. We were open about how they leave us creating dreams of finding ourselves on a beach with a parasol in our drink - permanently. The emotional hits and hurts that come from ministry are legion: failed expectations, hard work, continual output in terms of teaching and leadership, always “on display” as a public figure, the stress of finances – both personally and in the church – the unexpected departure of staff, the pain of letters/emails that criticize your ministry, the pressure of people who want to redefine the vision, mission, or orientation of the church, the relentless torrent of expectations, and the agony of making mistakes.
June 2013 • www.OzarksChri
But the heart of the drain is also our passion: people. We are shepherds, and to push the metaphor, sheep are messy. Unruly. Cantankerous. Smelly. They can be a chore to care for. And they can hurt you more than you could imagine. In particular, through the relational defections of those you trusted, and the crushing crises from those who throw you into crisis mode. Why does this matter?
the opposite sex; ...watch out for that long lunch alone together, or staying late and working together on the project. This is just common sense, but very few build common-sense fences. And here’s the last 5 percent: even those with fences are tempted to rationalize taking them down when they find themselves attracted to someone. Or their spouse does something (or doesn’t) that they can
When you hurt, if you don't find something God-honoring to fill your tanks I remember so clearly the awareness that I with, you'll find something that isn't could fall; that no one would ever own my God-honoring. Or at spiritual life but me; and that I needed to the very least, you’ll realize that the public side of my life was be vulnerable to something that isn’t. meaningless - only the private side I am convinced it’s why pastors struggle mattered. This was not flowing from a with not only pornography, but position of strength; it was flowing from a enter into affairs.
deep awareness of weakness.
They are emotionally depleted, and therefore, vulnerable.
2. The Lack of Sexual Fences A second reason why so many give in to temptation is because few leaders build the sexual fences around their life that are necessary for protection. For example, fences around their thought life in relation to such things as pornography through accountability software or computer placement. Then there are the fences needed in terms of raw interaction with people, such as the need to: Watch out how and when you are alone with someone of the opposite sex;
point to that they feel justifies them looking around at those that might act differently. Suddenly we start looking at fences as for the weak, the immature, the unjustified; we tell ourselves we can handle it, or even deserve it. It’s often the last moment before the fall.
3. Spiritual Deception The third reason so many pastors, particularly of large churches, fall prey to affairs is a deep infection of spiritual deception. Why is our immune system so weak?
...watch how you touch people – being careful with your hugs and lingering touches;
Let me tell you something that you may have never heard before: Ministry is spiritually hazardous to your soul. If you haven’t found that out by now, you will.
...watch out how you interact with people – not visiting someone alone, at home, of
First, it is because you are constantly doing
ristianNews.com • June 2013 “spiritual” things, and it is easy to confuse those things with actually being spiritual. For example, you are constantly in the Bible, studying it, in order to prepare a talk. It’s easy to confuse this with reading and studying the Bible devotionally for your own soul. You’re not. You are praying – in services, during meetings, at pot lucks – and it is easy to think you are leading a life of personal, private prayer. You’re not. You are planning worship, leading worship, attending worship, and it is easy to believe you, yourself, are actually worshipping. Chances are, you’re not. When you are in ministry, it is easy to confuse doing things for God with spending time with God; to confuse activity with intimacy; to mistake the trappings of spirituality for being spiritual. Another reason why ministry is hazardous to your soul is because you are constantly being put on a spiritual pedestal and treated as if you are the fourth member of the Trinity. In truth, they have no idea whether you have spent any time alone with God in reflection and prayer over the last six weeks; they do not know what you are viewing online; they do not know whether you treat your wife with tenderness and digni-
www.Twitter.com/OCNEditor ty. They just afford you a high level of spirituality. Here’s where it gets really toxic: you can begin to bask in this spiritual adulation and start to believe your own press reports. Soon the estimation of others about your spiritual life becomes your own. This is why most train-wrecks in ministry are not as sudden and “out of the blue” as they seem. Most leaders who end up in a moral ditch were veering off of the road for some time. Their empty spiritual life simply became manifest, or caught up with them, or took its toll.
You can only run on empty for so long. I had a defining moment on this in my life when I was around thirty-years old. A well-known leader fell; one who had been a role model for my life. I was devastated. But more than that, I was scared. If it could happen to him, then I was a pushover. It didn’t help my anxieties that I was in a spiritual state exactly as I have described: confusing doing things for God and time with God; accepting other’s estimation of my spiritual life in a way that made it easy to bypass
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a true assessment of where I stood; I was like a cut-flower that looked good on the outside, but would, in time, wilt dreadfully. I remember so clearly the awareness that I could fall; that no one would ever own my spiritual life but me; and that I needed to realize that the public side of my life was meaningless - only the private side mattered. This was not flowing from a position of strength; it was flowing from a deep awareness of weakness. So the gun went off. I began to rise early in the morning for prayer and to read the Bible. I began to take monthly retreats to a bed-and-breakfast in the mountains for a more lengthy immersion in order to read devotional works, pray, experience silence and solitude, and to journal. I entered into a twoyear, intense mentoring relationship with a man who had many more years on me in terms of age, marriage and ministry. There was more, but you get the idea: I was going to be a public and private worshiper; I was going to be a student of the Bible for my talks and for my soul; I was going to pray for others to hear, and for an audience of one.
Maybe you do, too. Or maybe…you need to start. James Emery White Editor’s Note: James Emery White is the founding and senior pastor of Mecklenburg Community Church in Charlotte, NC, and the ranked adjunctive professor of theology and culture at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, which he also served as their fourth president. His newly released book is The Church in an Age of Crisis: 25 New Realities Facing Christianity (Baker Press). To enjoy a free subscription to the Church and Culture blog, log-on to www.churchandculture.org, where you can post your comments on this blog, view past blogs in our archive and read the latest church and culture news from around the world. Follow Dr. White on twitter @JamesEmeryWhite.
I hope you hear my heart on this. It’s not to boast, it’s to confess. I have to do these to survive.
Effective ones have a target on their backs for Satan
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June 2013
Abortion Doctor pleads with congress to Ban Abortions after 20 weeks.
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www.FallCreekTireandAuto.com Every day I am getting to know people, at any rate their circumstances, and sometimes one is able to see through their stories into themselves - and at the same time one thing continues to impress me: here I meet people as they are, far from the masquerade of “the Christian world”; people with passions, criminal types, small people with small aims, small wages and small sins - all in
&
all they are people who feel homeless in both senses, and who begin to thaw when one speaks to them with kindness - real people; I can only say that I have gained the impression that it is just these people who are much more under grace than under wrath and that it is the Christian world which is more under wrath than grace. ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s reaction to working with the so called “dregs” of society
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After 9 Years of serving as the Ozarks Christian News we are changinging the name! Don’t miss the July issue for the dubut! Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it. - Ronald Reagan (1986)
Liberals view of people could be summed up the same way: If they are working, tax them. If they work really hard, regulate them. And if they stop working, entitle them.
Dr. Anthony Levantino, a New Mexico doctor who previously performed 1,200 abortions, testified before Congress last month and asked lawmakers to pass a bill that would ban abortions nationwide after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Some of the abortions Levantino performed were after 20 weeks, he revealed. It was after his daughter died in a tragic car accident that the physical reexamined his beliefs on abortion. “During my residency training and during my first five years of private practice, I performed both first and second trimester abortions,” Levantino testified. He went on to describe the abortion process in excruciating detail. “If you refuse to believe that this procedure inflicts severe pain on that unborn child, please think again,” he said.
--John G. Sacoulas (2013)
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Luke Menard was born and raised in Crawfordsville, IN. He started playing the violin at age 5 and that is when Luke’s love of music began. He graduated from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois where he was heavily involved in music. Upon graduation, he formed and toured with the nationally acclaimed acapella group Chapter 6 for 10 years. In 2008, Luke was seen on the Fox hit televison show American Idol as one of the top 8 guys. Upon elimination, he was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. After several rounds of chemo and radiation Luke is now cancer free. His story was featured on E! Entertainment and Extra. In July of 2011 Luke became a singer in Branson’s long successful running show Pierce Arrow where he currently sings tenor in the quartet. Luke and his wife, Lara, have a daughter named Hope and reside in Branson, MO.
June 2013
How to Recover From Life’s Worst Disasters Written by Rick Warren It would be impossible, in just one message, to go into all the reasons for suffering and for why God allows tragedy. Instead I want to focus on five ways that we should respond to tragedy. I Need to Release My Grief When you go through a tragedy, which is inevitably going to happen, the first thing you need to do is release your grief. Why? Because tragedy always creates strong emotions. Did you feel any emotions this week? We don’t always know what to do with our feelings. If you don’t deal with them, but instead stuff them deep, your recovery from a crisis always takes far longer than it should. See some people are stuffers. When they have emotions, they don’t know how to handle so they deny them, they ignore them, and they push them down. In fact many people use God as an excuse for this, believing that God wants everybody to have a happy face all the time. But real life isn’t always happy. God doesn’t expect you to be smiling all the time. Jesus said in Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” In other words, it’s okay to grieve. Face your feelings. Don’t repress them by pushing them down or rehearse them by repeating them over and over. You release your emotions to God. If you don’t talk it out, you’ll take it out on yourself or somebody else. I Need to Receive From Others The Bible says, “Carry each other’s burdens… By helping each other with your troubles, you obey the
www.OzarksChristianNews.com Law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2 NCV). It is a big mistake to isolate yourself from others when you’re going through a crisis. Our tendency is to want to be by ourselves, but you need other people in a tragedy. You need their perspective, you need their support, you need their encouragement, and you just need their presence. To make it through a crisis, we need not only the promises of God; we need the people of God. I Need to Refuse to be Bitter One of the things I’ve learned from being in the ministry for many years is that there’s absolutely no correlation in life between your experiences and your happiness. I’ve seen people who had absolutely the worst experiences in life— things that would shock everyone of us, and yet they maintain this happy, cheerful, positive attitude, because happiness is a choice. You’re about as happy as you choose to be. In the ministry I’ve seen people who had every right in the world to whine and who chose not to do so. Happiness is a choice. You refuse to be bitter, because bitterness always hurts you. It never changes anything. Blaming others never changes anything. It only makes you feel worse. How do you keep from being bitter when the inevitable tragedies of life are going to come? You accept what cannot be changed. You focus on what’s left, not what’s lost. I Remember What is Important Disasters have a way of clarifying our values and pointing out what matters and what really doesn’t matter. Jesus said, “Life is not measured by how much one owns.”( Luke 12:15, NCV). Don’t confuse your net worth with
your self worth. Don’t confuse your possessions with your purpose in life. Don’t confuse what you’re living on with what you’re living for. A man’s life does not consist of what he possesses. What matters are relationships. You’re never going to see a hearse with a U-Haul behind it, so build your life on something that can never be taken from you. Can you lose a home? Yes. Can you lose a career? Yes. Can you lose a marriage? Yes. Can you lose your health? Yes. Can you lose your youthful beauty? Yes. Can you lose your relationship with God? No. I Rely on Christ Christians get to approach tragedy differently than the rest of the world. We get to rely completely on Christ. We get to have hope. But how? By intentionally leaning on Christ for stability, listening to Christ for direction, and looking to Christ for salvation. He is our Rock, our Shelter, our Great Shepherd, our Hiding Place. Suffering and tragedy are inevitable in a sinful world, but Jesus Christ makes all the difference. Decide that you will rely on Him even in the darkest of hours of your life.
Editor’s Note: At Pastors.com and Saddleback Church, we’ve all been in a place of mourning for our Pastor, Rick Warren, his wife Kay and their entire family after the loss of their youngest son, Matthew, who ended his own life recently after a very long battle with mental illness. You can read Pastor Rick’s words to the Saddleback family for yourself. We who are near Pastor
Rick have drawn strength from his 30-plus years of teaching biblical truth, and out of that teaching, we’ve adapted the preceding transcript from a message delivered over a decade ago at Saddleback. Hear Pastor Rick’s words and let them speak to you in your own places of tragedy and loss…
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A Minute with a Man “We have rebelled against God. We have lost the true spirit of Christianity, though we retain the outward profession and form of it. We have neglected and set light by the glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and His holy command and institutions. The worship of many is but mere compliment to the deity, while their hearts are far from him. By many the gospel is corrupted into a superficial system of moral philosophy, little better than ancient Platonism… my brethren, let us repent and implore the divine mercy. Let us amend our ways and doings, reform everything that has been provoking the Most High, and thus endeavor to obtain the gracious inter positions of providence for our deliverance. If God be for us, who can be against us?” -Reverend Samuel Langdon, the President of Harvard College He was invited to address the legislature of Massachusetts. Just two days later, our Revolutionary soldiers got ready to fight the Battle of Bunker Hill, known as Breed’s Hill, located across the Charles River from Boston. Now you know what our founding fathers really said. Springfield, MO Attorney Dee Wampler has 50 years trial experience as a Greene County prosecutor and defense attorney.
He is the author of “The Myth of Separation of Church and State.” and “The Trial of Christ: A 21st Century Lawyer Defends Jesus.”
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www.OzarksChristianNews.com
DAVE $AY$ Financial Straight-Talk
Dear Dave, I’d like to start investing in mutual funds, but I have no idea how they work. Could you explain about them please? Jennifer Dear Jennifer, First of all, don’t rely solely on my answer here. You should never invest in anything you don’t fully understand. Before you do anything else, sit down with a good mutual fund broker, someone who has the heart of a teacher, who will help you find what’s best for you and your specific situation and goals. Simply put, a mutual fund—if it’s a stock mutual fund—is a group of 90–200 stocks. If it’s a growth stock mutual fund, then it’s a group of 90–200 growth stocks. Analysts buy the stocks they think will increase in price and sell the stocks they feel will go down in price. When the analysts buy growth stocks, it turns it into a growth stock mutual fund. If they buy bonds instead, it becomes a bond mutual fund. Several people put money into these groups, and that’s where you get the name “mutual fund.” They’re mutually funded. These types of investments are much safer than single stock investing because your money is spread across several different stocks. Plus, you’ve got people who know what they’re doing picking the stocks. My advice would be to take a hard look at mutual funds that have been out there for 10 to 20 years and have a good track record for a long period of time. I have one that has been open since 1934, and that kind of longevity and stability gives me confidence that over time they’ll be just fine! —Dave
Dear Dave, I live outside Houston with my wife and our 9month-old daughter. I’ve received a job offer from a company on the other side of the city that would pay, with bonuses, $25,000 a year more than I’m currently making. This would require moving to a new house and away from our extended family. My wife wants to move because my mom can be a little overbearing. I understand how she feels, but I’m not certain I want to move or take a new job. What’s your advice? David Dear David, I’m not so sure this is a job change question as much as it is about the state of your relationships. I know it’s hard to keep the grandparents away when there’s a baby in the house; that kind of goes with the territory. But I can also understand how lots of unexpected visits and unsolicited advice can wear on a person. If it were me, I wouldn’t change jobs just to run from something. My advice is to try setting boundaries in your relationships with your parents instead of installing geographical boundaries. You might want to pick up a copy of Dr. Henry Cloud’s great book Boundaries. Remember, your mom may not realize she’s intruding on your lives. This book is full of insight, and it will give you both some good advice on how to manage relationships in a healthy, loving way. Like I said, I really don’t feel this is a job-move issue. I think you guys just need to establish some fair and reasonable emotional distance between yourselves and your family. —Dave
www.DaveRamsey.com
“The unlikely people God chose” by Zorrine Bailey Do you ever worry that you are too old, too young, too anything, for your life to count for Christ? I do. I feel that way often. However, God chose some unlikely people through history. He was eighty years old when God called him to speak to Pharaoh Exodus 7:7. He told God he had difficulty speaking and felt inadequate. God gave him a helper-his brother Aaron. Aaron was eighty three. By now I’m sure you know I am speaking of Moses. While many folks think of retiring at an even younger age than that, Moses was just getting started with this new adventure God gave him. He was young when he was anointed as king. 1 Samuel 16:11-13 is where you can find the story. Samuel had already seen seven of David’s brothers. He said, ”The Lord has not chosen these” 1 Samuel 16:10. He became king years later. Some well meaning folk tried to put armor on him for his battle with Goliath, but he only needed a few stones and the Lord to help him defeat the enemy. Some felt he was too young. But God saw it differently. I am speaking of David. For man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart-1 Samuel 16:7But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart”. This verse was speaking of how God rejected Saul as king and chose David as king. Saul disobeyed God. While most people sleep, they are in a boat with bait and probably a bucket or basket full of smelly fish. They are ordinary men, they were not the elite. Even so, Jesus chose them. Peter and his brother Andrew [ fishermen] became disciples of Jesus Matthew 5:1819.Jesus also called James and John, who were also fisher men Matthew 5:21-22 Peter wrote first and second Peter in the New Testament. He was also a preacher. He was probably not a very popular man, because he was a tax collector. However, Jesus chose him Matthew 9:9. He became a disciple of Jesus. He wrote the gospel of Matthew. That was his name, in fact,
June 2013 Matthew. She was a Judge in the Old Testament. In those times women were not placed in positions like this. Nevertheless, God chose her. She was a judge-Judges 4:4. Her name was Deborah. He was a short man. Occasionally, people are rejected because of their size. He climbed a tree to see Jesus. That’s how short he was. Even so, Jesus ate at his house. Jesus desired to spend time with him Luke 19:5 Jesus said: “Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house”. You can read the story in Luke 19:1-10. Often time people are chosen based on age, the position they hold at work, their size, and many external things. However, God looks at the heart. Have you ever felt, rejected or hurt? So did Jesus. Scripture says Jesus was despised and rejected of men. He was not good looking, Isaiah 53 2-4 tells about his looks, and what he suffered. He was plotted against, crowned with a crown of thorns. He was beaten and mocked. He was God in the flesh, yet he faced all these things. Matthew chapter 27 lists many of the things Jesus experienced for us. Jesus did all that for you and me.
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June 2013
Ten Reasons Kids Leave the Church by Jim Daly Of all the hats I wear in life, the one I enjoy most may be that of “dad.” As much fun as Trent, Troy, and I have together, whether it’s camping or just throwing the ball around, not a day goes by that I don’t give serious thought to how my wife, Jean, and I are leading them spiritually. In the grand scheme of things, we only a have a short window to help them build a solid biblical foundation before they launch out on their own.
www.OzarksChristianNews.com nity for another. 9. They got into church, but the church never got into them. Many young adults may have been taken to church by their parents, but the church wasn’t integrated into the fabric of their lives. Church was a Sunday event, not something that impacted the everyday realities of their lives.
8. They were treated as smart by others. Many students interviewed felt they were spoon-fed a Christian worldview, while professors and others who held atheist viewpoints challenged their intel-
If you’re a parent, I’m guessing you’re well aware of how challenging that can be. Even the statistics bear out the struggle we face. The exact percentages are up for debate, but we know that a significant number of kids walk out the church doors after high school graduation and never return. Why? Well, the specific reasons depend on which study you read, but most of them point out how adults fail to connect teenagers to God’s redemptive work in meaningful ways. A recent example of this comes from a website designed for workers in church leadership. The article’s author , Marc5Solas, lives in a college town. He interviewed a large number of twenty-somethings to get their take on why Christianity is no longer important to them and boiled down what he learned into ten reasons you might find interesting. Take a look and see what you think.
10. The church is “relevant.” Normally, “relevant” is a positive term. In this case, it labels the problem. We’ve couched our faith in modern trappings to the point that 2,000 years of history and rich tradition have been diminished. As the article suggests: “What we’re packaging is a cheap knockoff of the world we’re called to evangelize to. In our effort to be ‘like them,’ we’ve become less of who we actually are.”
Our modern faith sometimes places a greater emphasis on community than on God. As a result, many of today’s youth see other people as the answer to their problems instead of God. When they leave home, they often seek out a community of people of any belief system rather than one committed to the God of the Bible.
4. They seek opportunities to “feel” better. Much of modern Christianity is based on “feeling,” rather than on objective, eternal truth. It reduces the Christian faith to a search for good feelings rather than exhortation to conform our human nature to God’s standard of righteousness.
3. They got tired of pretending.
lect and inspired them to ask questions and to use their mind.
7. They were sent out unarmed. Many youth have mastered Christian lingo – the pithy catchphrases spoken regularly in churches and marketed through popular evangelical campaigns – but they’re ignorant of deeper theological truths. They know what “WWJD?” means, and they’re familiar with how to “invite Jesus into your heart,” but they can’t explain what atonement or justification means or its relevance to life’s realities.
6. They’ve been given a “handme-down” religion. Many kids leave the church feeling like they’ve been asked to accept their parents’ faith, instead of encouraged to ask tough questions, so they can incorporate Christianity into their lives and make it their own.
5. They exchange one commu-
Some segments of Christianity suggest that being a Christian removes all struggle from life. But that message rings hollow for many kids who try to serve God and continue to face difficult challenges … or who see their parents teach a similar message while succumbing to anger or depression themselves. Many youth feel Christianity leaves no room for authenticity.
2. Christianity is reduced to “do/don’t do” instead of “be.” Many church kids were taught it’s all about what they do, not who they are. The Christian faith was reduced to a long list of do’s and don’ts. They felt trapped beneath the weight of their own abilities, instead of freed by the work only God can do in their hearts and lives.
1. They don’t need it. When church is perceived as nothing more than a place to learn good principles for living, or to have a happy marriage, or well-behaved kids… Well, you can find that in most any self-help book.
Page 23 You don’t need a crucified Jesus for that. What kids need is the gospel; what they’re sometimes given is “a cheap knockoff of the entertainment venue they went to the night before.” These findings challenged me. For one thing, I think it’s important to listen carefully to those we’re trying to reach, even when what they say isn’t so easy to hear. Only when we dig beneath a person’s words can we hear the true cries of their hearts. I should add that I have the utmost admiration for pastors and youth workers, who are often lone voices, speaking truth into the lives of young people against a cacophony of noise from the culture. Add in limited budgets and time constraints and reaching young people for Christ is often an uphill battle indeed. I feel confident that most churches are doing everything they can to minister to young and old alike in their community. And what about us parents? Well, articles like this that suggest how much may be amiss in the spiritual lives of today’s youth can certainly be daunting. As such, it’s always wise to be aware of our kids’ struggles and to make adjustments as necessary. But it’s just as important to remember that our kids are ultimately in the Lord’s hands. Strip away all the research and facts and figures, and underneath is this bedrock of Truth: God has called us to rely on His grace to do the very best we can and to trust Him with the rest. I’d like to hear what you think. Follow me on Twitter @Dalyfocus Follow me on Facebook
If you can't be thankful for what you receive, be thankful for what you escape.
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.YAK BAK Feed Back from our readers We recently visited Branson and only had time to see two shows, The Baldknobbers and the Bretts. We had such a great time and would highly recommend these shows to anyone! We can’t wait to get back to see more great entertainment like this. Also we would like to subscribe to the Ozarks Christian News because we picked up one at Country Mart and were fighting over who got to have it next. Dan & Paula Cook, Moberly, MO _______________________ I need to renew my subscription, and here is a little extra for the ministry. Thank you so much for providing such a classy Christian newspaper! You all do well as God’s stewards, time proven to be well balanced and for the community like your slogan states! Anna S., Purdy, MO _______________________
Sole Evangelical Church Continues Shining Light in Gaza Strip Mission Network News
Gaza Baptist Church boldly shines the light of Christ. "Many Muslims have seen Muslim fighting Muslim, and they have a lot of questions. It's a great opportunity," says a spokesman for Christian Aid Mission, your link to indigenous ministries. "This is a great time for reaching people in the Middle East with the gospel."
www.OzarksChristianNews.com From May issue regarding “Proverbs 31, Victoria’s Secret, and viral marketing” page 34 The article about Live31 ministry was amazing! Here is a man that gets how much pressure women have in modern culture (especially with companies that advertise like Victoria’s Secret). I love Eklund’s facebook post and I wish more women would look for a kind of man that states this, “I’d rather have a Proverbs 31 woman than a Victoria’s Secret model.” And to think that a man started a ministry to encourage girls and woman about beauty in a healthy Christ-like manner! Wow! This gives me inspiration for my daughters and their future husbands. Kaylie A., Fairfield, IA _______________________ Send your letters to the editor to:
editor@ozarkschristiannews.com or mailing address: P.O. Box 336 Rockaway Beach, MO 65740 Letters may be edited for space consideration. Please indicate if your whole name may be used.
Gaza Baptist Church is the only evangelical church in the Gaza Strip. "It's really good to have a Christian presence there where people can go to ... when they want to find out what the Gospel is," the spokesman says. Along with weekly services, the church has children's Sunday school classes and a new youth group. There are also programs to feed the hungry, support the poor and heal the sick. A retired physician currently heads up the church's volunteer-run medical clinic.
June 2013
Celebrity Doctor Uncovers The “Holy Grail of Weight Loss” adapted by OCN edtor
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HOW GARCINIA CAMBOGIA HELPS YOU BURN FAT: HCA extract increases serotonin levels which help with emotional eating. HCA extract acts as an appetite suppressant so you're not hungry as often. HCA extract prevents new fat cells from forming. HCA extract also manages cortisol, the stress hormone.
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June 2013
www.OzarksChristianNews.com • Give parents a break (Sometimes the kids need a break from routine as well) • Students interact with others • Special help with math, science or other weak spot • Safe environment • Offers same perspective as yours from different angle
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Across 1. Bring ashore 5. Region 9. Track 13. Woodwind instrument 14. Tether 16. Pronunciation mark 17. Transmitted 18. Out of fashion 19. Loose flowing garment 20. Set at a high angle 22. Spool 23. Elderly 24. Weep 26. Accepted something given 28. A state of adversity 33. Grooved tire surface
36. Colony insect 37. Impart knowledge 39. Sloping edge on a cutting tool 41. Smack 43. A lower limit 45. Brass instrument 46. Hirsute 48. Mistake 50. Relieve from 51. Inflict 53. Totality 55. Soot 57. The night before 58. Aromatic leaves used as seasoning 61. Skilful in physical movements 64. Planet 68. Golf club 69. Edible bulb 71. Painful
72. Metallic element 73. Meaning of a word or expression 74. Finished 75. Brink 76. Trial 77. Requirement Down 1. The result of costs exceeding revenue 2. Assist 3. Not any 4. Hate 5. Any high mountain 6. Raise 7. Facilitate 8. A useful or valuable quality 9. Small long-tailed bird 10. Highly excited 11. Hollow cylindrical
shape 12. Pay close attention to 15. Serf (Middle Ages) 21. Dessert wine 25. Cattle reared for their meat 27. Globe 28. Punctuation mark 29. A relative by marriage 30. One of a flight of steps 31. Involves a vendor and buyer 32. Gain points in a game 34. A light shade of blue 35. An accounting entry 38. Tusk
Answers to Sudoku Puzzle on Page 30
40. Polite name for a woman 42. Mien 44. Memorization by repetition 47. Edible tuber 49. Tear violently 52. Acclaim or praise 54. Rationality 56. Religious doctrine 58. Magnitude 59. Desiccated 60. Percussion instrument 62. Amercement 63. Flip of a coin 65. Wander 66. Diagram often used in genealogy 67. Group of animals of the same kind 70. Fish trap
Born August 28, 1972 in Tulsa, Oklahoma and raised in Waterloo, Indiana, Tim developed an ear for vocal music at a young age. His musical influences include many a cappella music groups. Four days after graduating high school, he moved to Oklahoma to begin a career in Christian music. Over the next several years, Tim would sing with the groups Timothy, Freedom, Vocal Union, AVB, Acappella, 50’s at the Hop and Rescue. During his career in Christian music, Tim has been blessed to be able to sing in Brazil, France, Switzerland, Jamaica, Fiji, Russia and England, as well as all over the United States. Tim set a Guinness World Record for the lowest note produced by a human by vibrating his vocal chords down to .189 Hz, which is just over seven octaves below the piano. He also set a Guinness World Record for the widest vocal range for a male. The new record was announced via CNN and Reuters at Ripley's Believe It Or Not, London, England. Tim joined Pierce Arrow at the beginning of the 2006 season and currently lives in the Branson area with his wife, Angie, daughter Emma, and son Evan.
Socialism: A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul. -- George Bernard Shaw
June 2013
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Page 27 Can you guess what they are loading into the aircraft?"
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Dear Father, Forgive me when I lose sight of what is really important in life. Help me to keep my eyes focused on your truth. Enable me to show others that you are the real treasure in life.
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The best things in life can only be pursued indirectly. I believe this is true for happiness: if you truly want to experience joy or meaning, you need to shift your attention away from joy or meaning, and toward projects and relationships that bring joy and meaning as byproducts. As the great philosopher John Stuart Mill once wrote, “Those only are happy who have their minds fixed on some object other than their own happiness.” -John Kay, author of Obliquity
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“I might paint it as being the worst malformation of all the monstrous things in creation; it hath nothing lovely in it, nothing in proportion, but everything in disorder. It is altogether the very reverse of the creatures which God hath made, which are pure and holy. Pride, the first-born son of hell, is indeed like its parent, all unclean and vile, and in it there is neither form, fashion, nor comeliness.”
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was recuperating from a total hip replacement that got infected, had to be removed and replaced again. I spent 11 weeks on antibiotics, 5 months in a wheelchair. But I was doing just fine – going to the gym 3 times a week – half hour on the stationary bicycle, half hour on the walking track, and an hour of water aerobics. After a few weeks of working with Dr. Bo I noticed the following improvements: A reduction in the tenitis that’s been bothering me for several years, improvements in my left heel/ankle – a result of sitting in a wheelchair for months – improvement in handwriting, improvements in car sickness that happened anytime I tried to read in the car or talk to
someone in the back seat, improvement in hearing, improvements in memory, lessening of sensitivities to smells – odors and fragrances used to give me immediate headached, caused my eye to water, closed my throat, and made me cough. These problems were not life threatening but they are improvements that make life memorable, enjoyable, and endearing. Judith, written on Dec. 5, 2010 A note from Dr. Bo: Jude and her husband, Ron, have been a part of our chiropractic family since 2010, when we first opened here in Branson. We are truly blessed to serve such kind and loving people. It has been an honor to watch Ms. Jude grow in health and wellness; it just keeps getting better and better. We would like to publically thank her husband, Ron, for his selfless service to our country...we enjoy our freedom because of men like you.
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June 2013
America’s First Atheist Monument to Be Displayed Outside Florida Courthouse By: Heather Clark Bradford County CourthouseSTARKE, Fla. – The first monument in the country dedicated to atheism is set to be displayed in front a county courthouse in Florida later this month. The monument is part of a settlement between officials in Bradford County, Florida and the organization American Atheists of Cranford, New Jersey. Last year, American Atheists sued the county for permitting the display of the Ten Commandments on the premises, which was placed by a group known as Community Men’s Fellowship. The county had asked the Fellowship to remove the Decalogue, but the men refused to do so. Therefore, instead of forcing the matter, it was agreed to allow American Atheists to erect their own display outside of the courthouse in the free speech area. “We have maintained from the beginning that the Ten Commandments doesn’t belong on government property,” stated American Atheists President David Silverman in a press release. “There is no secular purpose for the monument whatsoever and it makes atheists feel like second-class citizens. But if keeping it there means we have the right to install our own monument, then installing our own is exactly what we’ll do.” The group plans to place a 1,500 pound granite bench near the Ten
Patsy Cline Remembered Patsy Cline Remembered is a show that not only features the greatest hits of one of the most influential female vocalists, but invites you to explore the reality of who Patsy was beyond her music. Come celebrate
Commandments monument, which will feature quotes from American Atheists founder Madeline Murray O’Hair, founding fathers Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, as well as an excerpt from the Treaty of Tripoli. An area of the monument will also feature the ten Biblical punishments for violating the Ten Commandments, such as the death penalty for murder and adultery. Will Sexton, who represented
the county in the lawsuit, stated that the Ten
Commandments monument does not amount to a government establishment of religion, and neither does the atheist bench. “In October 2011, the county adopted a set of monument placement guidelines that created what we saw as a free speech forum in the courtyard,” he explained. “What the atheists agreed to is something they could have originally been approved for without a year of money and litigation.”
her achievements and grieve her troubles as you discover how she paved the way for women to become an integral part of Country Music. Patsy Cline Remembered stars C.J. Newsom, who performed in the award winning John Denver Tribute show for over six years, and now is eager to share how Patsy influenced her life and the career of many female country singers. The show takes you on a journey of not only Patsy’s experiences, but of those that influenced her
Community Men’s Fellowship stated that it is satisfied with the results of the settlement as well. “We want you all to remember that this issue was won on the basis of this being a free speech issue, so don’t be alarmed when the American Atheists want to erect their own sign or monument. It’s their right,” the group wrote on its Facebook page. “As for us, we will
continue to honor the Lord, and that’s what matters.” Earlier this year, a similar battle against a Ten Commandments display outside the Dixie County Courthouse in Cross City, Florida ended when a district court judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by the ACLU on behalf of an offended atheist. A man only identified as “John Doe” from North Carolina claimed that the monument kept him from purchasing property in the county.
However, the ACLU later filed a motion to dismiss the matter, admitting that the case had no legal standing as the complainant no longer desired to move to the area.
Sudoku Answers to Pg. 26
“Were it not for the presence of the monument on the Dixie County Courthouse steps, we would have continued to look for … property in Dixie County,” he wrote. “And we would do so again immediately if the monument were removed.” like Judy Garland, her friends such as Loretta Lynn, and those most influenced by her like Reba McEntire. Patsy Cline Remembered is an engaging and entertaining show. As the last notes fade away, you will feel like you have become a close friend of a musical giant, Patsy Cline.
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June 2013
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(but, more likely, other people) to accomplish His purposes if I won’t do what He wants me to. But He hands me a precious gift by inviting me to participate in His plans. I don’t want to miss what Written by Gregg Hunter He has for me to accomplish, in His time. 2. Not everything that comes to mind for David, finally settled in as king of Israel me to do is the right project at the right after years of being hunted by his prede- time. God had already planned for the cessor, sits in his new cedar palace at building of the temple; He just didn’t peace with his neighbors and says, “Hey, want David to do it. He had other things how can I enjoy this cool new house for David to concentrate on, to dedicate when the ark of God is his energy to. And at still sheltered in a the time of this intertent? That doesn’t action in 2 Samuel 7, I am going to build this seem right. I’ll build David is enjoying ministry because God God a house to dwell some rest—a time of would surely need my in, too, now that I’ve peace and comfort, it help. After all, why got some time on my would appear. wouldn’t He be behind it? hands.” (My paraphrase.) I may have many ideas about how the But God spoke to Christian Camp and David through C o n f e r e n c e Nathan the Association, of prophet: “Nope. which I am president and CEO, can serve Don’t do it. I members and the Christian camping have other plans movement, but I need to be careful about for you, David. the ones to which I dedicate my time and I don’t need a energy. house to dwell in … at least, not now, God promised David that his name and not built by you. would be among the names of the Remember, I took greatest men on earth. And it hapyou from the pasture, pened. And after hearing from where you shepherded God, here’s how David responded: stinky sheep, and made you ruler over My chosen people. I will “Who am I … that You have brought me make your name great, like the names of this far? How great You are, Sovereign the greatest men on earth. And I will pro- Lord! There is no one like You, and there vide a place for Israel.” is no God but You … Sovereign Lord, You are God! Your covenant is trustworThrough this dialogue, God sets the thy, and You have promised these good record straight. He makes it clear to things to Your servant.” David that He is the one who will do the building (of Israel), at least for the pres- I don’t want to miss good things by ent time. And then He lets David catch a focusing on good tasks at the wrong glimpse of the future. He tells David that time. it’s his son (later revealed as Solomon) who will build a temple for God. Gregg Hunter is the president and CEO of Christian Camp and Conference I came away from reading this passage Association. For more information on recognizing two things: CCCA, go to www.ccca.org. Follow Gregg on Twitter at @GreggAHunter. 1. God doesn’t “need” me to do anything, like building a house for Him to dwell in, because He can raise up rocks
Noble Tasks Don’t Always Coincide With God’s Timing
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What’s the Difference Between Holiness and Legalism? by Michael Brown
H
oliness is beautiful, legalism is binding; holiness brings life, legalism brings death. They are as different as night and day, and yet at first glance they can seem similar, because they both stand against sinful behavior and call for holy living. How can we distinguish between the two?
www.OzarksChristianNews.com Of course, it is absolutely true that God has very high standards, and for anyone honestly reading the Word, there can be no doubt that He calls us to live by very high standards—in our thoughts, words and deeds; in our attitudes; in our sexuality; in our families; in our relationships; and much, much more. (See Eph. 5:1-6.)
Tragically, legalists—despite their best intentions—get things terribly wrong. First, they try to change a person Legalism is rules without relationship, from the emphasizing standards more than the outside in, Savior, and laws more than love. It is a w h e r e a s system based on fear and characterized God deals us by joyless judgmentalism, producing with from the inside out. Second, they fail to futility instead of freedom. present a balanced picture of the Lord, To an unsaved person, the legalist putting too little stress on His mercy and preaches justification by works, saying, too much emphasis on His wrath. Third, “You’re a wicked sinner and you need to they do not point the struggling sinner get rid of all your filthy habits if you (or believer) to the Lord’s supernatural want the Lord to accept you.” There is no empowerment, making holiness a matter of human grace in this message; no effort alone. exalting of the life-changFinally, they ing, sin-cleansing power of “You’re a wicked sinner add laws, stanthe blood of Jesus; no clear and you need to get rid dards, comproclamation of mercy. of all your filthy habits mandments, if you want the Lord to customs and The declaration of God’s accept you.” traditions that love expressed through the are not found cross is muffled, if it is even in the Word, heard at all. Consequently, making those the proof of the new birth is things even seen almost entirely in more imporwhat someone no longer tant than the biblical comdoes, and this continues mandments themselves. to be the pattern for believers within the In contrast, true, scriptural church: They are judged holiness begins with the almost entirely by a few heart and flows from an external standards encounter with God and (which, in many cases, His Word. It calls for are not even expressly repentance in response to mentioned in the Word) the Lord’s gracious offer and they are monitored of salvation and it offers a way to be by conformity to the particular group’s holy—the blood of Jesus and the Spirit code of conduct. The result is external of God. Biblical holiness is free, conformity rather than inward transforalthough it requires discipline and persemation—and that means either selfverance. For the legalist, nothing is free. righteousness of self-condemnation (or Everything must be earned! That’s why both!). legalism leads to bondage and holiness
June 2013
leads to liberty.
catering to their carnality rather than crucifying it. What a terrible error!
As Ralph Cudworth explained many years ago, “I do not mean by holiness the mere performance of outward duties of religion, coldly acted over, as a task; not our habitual prayings, hearings, fastings, multiplied one upon another (though these be all good, as subservient to a higher end); but I mean an inward soul and principle of divine life (Rom. 8:1-5),
“
For the legalist, nothing is free. Everything must be earned! That’s why legalism leads to bondage and holiness leads to liberty. that spiriteth all these.”
”
It is that inward spiritual principle that must be cultivated—the principle of intimacy with Jesus, the principle of being renewed in our minds by His Word and Spirit, the principle of being conformed to His image and character, hating what He hates and loving what He loves. As Dr. Kent Hughes expressed in his book Disciplines of a Godly Man, “There is a universe of difference between the motivations behind legalism and discipline. Legalism says, ‘I will do this thing to gain merit with God,’ while discipline says, ‘I will do this because I love God and want to please him.’ Legalism is man-centered; discipline is God-centered.” Unfortunately, the moment you preach biblical holiness, many Christians put their hands over their ears and say, “That’s legalism! That’s condemnation! That’s man-made religion! That’s the dead letter of the law! You won’t put me in bondage! I won’t listen to stuff like that!” As Robert Brimstead observed, “The idea of living strictly by what the Bible says has been branded as legalism.” And so, these Christians run from the dangerous clutches of legalism and fall into the deadly grasp of license—that self-deceived state of fleshly liberty,
Whatever comes naturally to these “liberated” believers is accepted as normal (and “understood,” of course, by the Lord), while biblical commandments are brought down to the level of their own experience, and anything that brings any kind of spiritual pressure to bear on them is rejected as not being the easy yoke and light burden of Jesus. And when the Holy Spirit brings conviction on people like this, they rebuke the devil for trying to condemn them. To quote Oswald Chambers, “Liberty means ability not to violate the law; license means personal insistence on doing what I like. … To be free from the law means that I am the living law of God, there is no independence of God in my makeup. License is rebellion against all law. If my heart Michael Brown does not become the center of divine love, it may become the center of diabolical license.” What then is the antidote? Flee from legalism, stay far away from license, and run to holiness. Reject humanly birthed, external religion. Give no place to false teaching that excuses carnality, and instead, embrace new covenant, heart transformation—and in the power of the Spirit, supernaturally enabled by God’s grace, deal ruthlessly with sin in your life. That is the path to freedom! (Adapted from Go and Sin No More: A Call to Holiness.) Michael Brown is the author of The Real Kosher Jesus and the host of the nationally syndicated talk radio show The Line of Fire on the Salem Radio Network. He is also president of FIRE School of Ministry and director of the Coalition of Conscience. Follow him at AskDrBrown on Facebook or @drmichaellbrown on Twitter.
June 2013
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Michelle was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. She fell in love with performing after watching her brother sing in his high school musical production of '42nd Street' when she was eight years old. With some encouragement from her Mom, she went on to perform in show choirs and numerous school and community musicals while growing up. Michelle moved to Branson in 2004 and has been employed by several theater's in Branson. She has also been a featured vocalists for Celebrity Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line. Michelle is a certified personal trainer, but most of all, Michelle loves being a mother and spending time with her two little boys, Bo and Abe. Michelle is thrilled to be a member of the Pierce Arrow family!
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Are You Expecting Jesus to Come or Someone Else? Contributing Editor: Tiffany L. Mathews
O
n May 16, 2013 I was invited to a breakfast with the Russian Consulate (Embassy) in Houston, TX. The breakfast was enlightening as the Russian Consulate shared about their cooperative partnerships with hundreds of business' in Houston, TX and around the U.S.A.
www.OzarksChristianNews.com "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (Luke 21:28) It is important to note that worrying, fearing, and obsessing that someone is going to invade America without God allowing it took take place, puts little faith in God Himself. You may feel that this is too strong of a statement, but this is the exactly the statement that God uses about Himself in Isaiah 45.
The evening before the event, Pam and I joked around about the reality that during our childhood our teachers, parents, and media convinced us of the conspiracy that the 'Russians' were "I form the coming. As young Americans light and crewe were convinced that we ate darkness, I would always fear the day that bring prosperthe Russians would invade ity and create Evil Russian? America. Now at the age of 50 disaster; I, the we can honestly say the LORD, do all Russians never came - and I'm eating these things. This is what the LORD breakfast with them in downtown says-- the Holy One of Israel, and its Houston, TX. Maker: Concerning things to come, do you question me about my children, or As we look back we realize that the fear give me orders about the work of my that the Russians were coming has been hands? It is I who made the earth and replaced with other fears and conspiracy created mankind on it. My own hands theories that reflect China, the Middle stretched out the heavens; I marshaled East, Mexico, etc. We are amazed at the their starry hosts. (Isaiah 45:7, 11,12). amount of email with fearful messages that paint a 'conspiracy theory' that we Yes, it is true that nations have been subare all in danger of the invasion or take- dued by other nations through the cenover by a 'named' group of people. turies. However, it is also true that God's plan is working itself out, and our fear Even though this type of invasion or and obsession should not be the focal take-over could actually happen, it is not point of our energy and ambitions. a scriptural concept to focus on this as a main event in our present day. Our focus With Houston, TX recently surpassing is intended to be on one thing that should NYC and Los Angeles as the most give us far greater faith; rather than fear! diverse city in the U.S.A with over 92 embassies, and 90 languages spoken --The main event - Jesus is coming - we we are reminded that God is not biased are commanded to look up as our towards people groups. In fact, God's redemption is drawing nearer. We are Word is clear that He is coming for every also commanded to look toward heaven. tribe, every nation, every tongue; not just "Since, then, you have been raised with Americans or good churched people. Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand "And they sang a new song, saying: "You of God. Set your minds on things above, are worthy to take the scroll and to open not on earthly things." (Colossians 3:1,2) its seals, because you were slain, and
with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation." Revelation 5:9 Pam and I never witnessed the invasion by Russia because it was not in God's plan, and all things are orchestrated and allowed by God for the proper reasons, seasons, and purposes. Pam and I wonder if our life would have been slightly different if we didn't spend years believing in a conspiracy or invasion theory. We can only guess we would have been less fearful or prejudice about people during our immature years. Once Pam and I started walking and living by faith we have ceased from thinking we can protect our earthly possessions, properties, belongings, surroundings, and heritage by living in fear of a conspiracy or invasion theory; which is ultimately controlled by God. On May 16, 2013 I may have had breakfast with the Russians, but one day if we stay focused and live by faith we will be eating at a banquet table with people from every nation, every tongue, every people group who also walked by faith in
June 2013 Jesus Christ. This includes the millions of Middle Eastern people who have accepted Christ through dreams and visions during the last few years; read report. A recording of this message can also be heard at Blog Talk Radio. Let's walk by faith and look up as our redemption is drawing to its fullest conclusion!! Blessings, Mike and Pam Michael.Mathews@focusonheaven.com Pamela.Mathews@focusonheaven.com
June 2013
from the editor...
Hey, buddy, can you spare five bucks?
Y
ou may have noticed that The Ozarks Christian News is available for free in various locations such as theatres, restaurants, waiting rooms, trash cans, etc. If you have not noticed these free copies... fantastic! Hopefully it was purchased from one of our vending machines or you are a faithful subscriber and get it in your mailbox each month. For the more than 13,000 people that have chosen to get it free each month online, do not feel guilty. We know how you are. (Just kidding, we love you.) We make it available for free so new readers can find the OCN and discover they cannot live without it. Hopefully, they will want to purchase it in the future. Some of the vending machines are honor racks, and we encourage you to be generous with loose change from your pockets, purses and car ashtrays.
www.OzarksChristianNews.com We are now in our 9th year of printing the only Christian newspaper in the Ozarks that is fun, inspirational and without being inclusive to other world religions.We have served the Christian community to the best of our ability trying to be fair and balanced to more than one position on the non-essential matters. Of course, it is the human religious nature to make twigs into trunks. You can imagine the difficult task we have to try to educate and spiritually mature the believer without creating a great offense in the process. If this paper took a left-wing, flaming liberal position or a stinking right-wing, conservative position (extreme opinions either way), folks on both sides of that spectrum would get pretty generous to support their own ignorant bias. Having a Christian publication be moderate to conservative usually generates moderate to conservative financial support because it doesn’t get us all fired up. However, we believe a moderate approach to the majority of hot topics is the most prudent and, dare I say, Christian
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serves God’s purpose to be that way. The OCN is a Kingdom paper. We know $30.00 yearly subscription in this economy is a huge amount. If that is not possible, could you please try to get the newspaper through vending machines for 50 cents (10 issues per year) located at grocery stores and post offices, as well as many high traffic areas. That’s only $5.00 a year. ...or you
but we hope the contents are a blessing to you and to others and is worthy of your financial assistance. Of course, if you feel led by God to just make a donation of any size we would be most grateful. (Please send check to address below or hit the donate button on our website)
www.OzarksChristianNews.com John, Lorri and the gang
could just send us $5.00 and pick it up at all our free locations for an It’s only $30.00 a year... entire year as a NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! Or Gift it to a Loved One! way to help us...
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Ozarks Christian News P.O. Box 336 Rockaway Beach, MO 65740
June 2013
Diabolical Crimes Mark a Troubling Sign of the Times by Steve Gallagher Recently a 15-year-old boy shot both of his parents when they insisted he do his chores. The reason for his anger? He was anxious to look up a Bible verse for a friend who wanted to know how to get saved. Two injured people hardly compare to some of the horrific mass murders we have witnessed in the past few years, but this incident does reveal an increasing number of people who have lost the ability to control themselves. Of course, murder has been in our midst from the founding of this nation, but senseless killing has never been seen on the scale we are experiencing in our day. There have been some 25 incidents in the United States since 9/11 where at least five people have been murdered in wanton killing sprees. What is going on with people? I believe Scripture holds the key to understanding the “helter skelter” happening in our culture. The spiritual deterioration of individuals (1 Cor. 1:18) and even an entire nation (Amos 8:1-2) are both documented in the Bible. However, I think what we are seeing today reflects something of much grander proportions than either of these historical phenomena. It seems we are witnessing one of the final stages of the spiritual downfall of mankind. In Matthew 13, Jesus described false believers as “tares” the angels would reap “at the end of the age” (vv. 39-40, NASB). The book of Revelation describes the unbelievers alive in the last days as rotten grapes ready for “the great wine press of the wrath of God” (Rev. 14:19). The apostle Paul skipped the metaphor of maturing plants and simply said that in the end times, “evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse” (2 Tim. 3:13). Just as it takes time for plants to ripen to the point of harvest, so too the sinful condition of mankind has taken several
www.OzarksChristianNews.com thousand years to arrive at its final state of evil. While this reasoning may sound good in a seminary course, does it really hold water in the real world? For instance, how do a couple hundred killings in America compare to the numerous occasions down through history when entire people groups have been exterminated?
could have imagined being able to view sexual deviancy of all kinds on a screen sitting in their homes? What early pioneer could have comprehended a day when 50 million unborn babies would be slaughtered in our country? How could those simple folks have envisioned an entire city of people being vaporized with the push of a button?
It is true that there have been certain periods when Satan was able to possess a man and direct his followers to the point of massacring large numbers of people (e.g., Adolph Hitler, Idi Amin, etc.), but the number of victimizers in these cases were typically limited. What we are seeing in the U.S. and throughout the world now is an escalation of wickedness amongst the masses—not the few.
Perhaps even more close to home for most of us is what today’s technology has meant to our personal lives. We now live in such a fast-paced society that we can have nearly anything we desire on the spot. Not only does such a lifestyle of instant gratification keep a person’s carnal nature inflamed, but it also quickly hollows out people of the normal contentment that comes with a decent life. The prosperity and technology of our day has enabled people to quickly immerse themselves and burn themselves out in their sin of choice. These zombie-like burnouts who commit bizarre crimes are only going to increase.
I can see two predominant contributing factors for this phenomenon. First, the technological advances of our time have made it possible for people to indulge sin at a level and intensity never before imaginable. The book of Daniel predicted the last days would be a time of a great increase in knowledge (Dan. 12:4). What other generation has experienced the increase of knowledge that we have seen? Perhaps you are aware of the fact that it took nearly 18 centuries from the time of Christ for man’s knowledge level to double. From 1750-1900, it doubled again, and once again from 1900-1950. By 1997, it was doubling every two years, and today it probably doubles within months. No generation in the history of mankind has experienced anything remotely comparable to what is occurring in our time. “Yes, but many of those scientific advances have been for the betterment of mankind,” some would contend. It is true that they have made temporal earthlife more comfortable and safe, but how much of it has contributed to man’s eternal well-being? Consider some of the ways these technological advances have contributed to the wickedness of our day. For instance, what American living in the 1900s
The other major contributing factor in the escalation of evil we are witnessing is the increasing latitude God is allowing the enemy as the end approaches: “Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time” (Rev. 12:12). This ripening of evil is preparing the masses of humanity to come to the point that they will accept the mark of the beast. You know that nice neighbor lady who always gives you a bright smile and a friendly greeting? One day she will be openly worshiping Satan (Rev. 13:8). Those close family members you pray for? They will be the very ones who turn you into the authorities (Luke 21:16). Those conservative pundits you admire? One day they will be calling for your execution (Rev. 6:9-11). That is where humanity is heading. Considering the rapidity of the changes we are witnessing and the shocking way people are reacting to them, one must conclude that the final, terrible period of mankind’s history is nearly upon us.
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The closer we come to that frightful time, the more we are sure to see people like Ted Bundy, James Holmes, Jared Lee Loughner and the Tsarnaev brothers emerge from the shadows to commit their diabolical crimes. What is even more disconcerting, however, is the change that is coming over “decent” citizens. It all points to the eventual demonic takeover of unredeemed mankind. How do believers handle such foreboding predictions? First, we must live in God’s reality. We cannot afford to seek escape in the world’s entertainment system. Not only does it deaden the spiritual discernment so crucial for such a time, but it also puts us in the same spirit that is at the bottom of these atrocities. Second, we must move forward in faith. Each of us has a rich history of God’s love and faithfulness. When indiscriminate killings and human tragedies are occurring all around us, we must remember that the same God who has proven His trustworthiness to us in the past is on His heavenly throne, ruling sovereignly over all earth’s activities. He will take us through victoriously whatever mayhem the dark lord of this world instigates. Third, we must remind ourselves that we are citizens of heaven not earth. Whatever we face on earth is meant to better prepare us for our eternal home. Perhaps the best advice we can receive is from the One whose coming we all anticipate: “When these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). Steve Gallagher holds an Associates of Arts degree from Sacramento City College and a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry from Master’s International School of Divinity. He is also a certified Biblical Counselor through the International Association of Biblical Counselors (IABC) in Denver, CO.
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Part-Time Custody, FullTime Parent by Daniel Jones as told to Elsa Kok Colopy I had hoped for much more than the small window of time I had with my children each week — two short days to pour peace, faith and truth into their lives. Only the weekend to hold them, play with them and teach them about our Savior. After 10 years of marriage, I had been served with divorce papers and asked to leave my home. My three children were still relatively young, and while I was awarded joint custody, I was only given visitation on the weekends. The new man in my ex-wife's life would be the father figure in my children's lives during the week. In addition to other emotions, I felt an excruciating pain in losing the daily interaction with my kids.
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became even smaller.
Single Parent Tool Kit
Seven years after the divorce, my exwife wanted to move out of town with the kids. I fought for them. When they told the judge that they wanted to live with me, my heart melted. The years of praying, guarding my tongue, holding on and letting go — all those mixed
Keep it simple: Avoid filling your time with too many activities and distractions. Your children need simple and reliable interaction with you.
Hold your tongue: Refrain from speaking poorly about your ex — especially if you feel she is not parenting well. Your ex will always be your child's other parent.
At first, our weekends together were chaotic and stress-filled. The kids were confused, angry and scared. It was difficult to give them the freedom to be angry without adding fuel to their fire, but I did my best to keep quiet and not add to what they were already trying to process.
emotions and painful choices — had led me to this point. My kids had chosen structure and consistency, faith and peace. They had chosen my home, and I had the opportunity as a full-custody parent to be considerate of my ex-wife's new role in the settlement. Regardless of where she chooses to live, it's important that her relationship with our children be as healthy as possible.
As the years passed, weekends fell into a rhythm. First hour: detox from the other home. Second hour: reconnect. Third hour: play. I kept things simple and consistent. We cooked, read stories, played games around the house and said bedtime prayers together. Every Sunday we went to church.
I've now been granted the privilege of parenting on a daily basis, and although our time together includes day-to-day problems, it also includes lasting joys. Because of all I've been through, I realize the precious gift I've been given in sharing both the good and the bad with my kids while they're still at home.
As the kids got older, it was tougher to stay consistent. By the time they were teens, they had lives of their own on the weekends. I remember wrestling with what I should do. I could demand that they spend the whole weekend with me, or I could free them to enjoy overnights with their friends and to participate in sporting events. I knew it was best for them to spread their wings, but that meant my limited time of influence
Be consistent: Discipline the children in the same way you would if you had full custody. Resist the temptation to let them get away with inappropriate behavior.
“Remember when we said that grief was the strongest thing a person could feel? Well, it isn’t. It’s forgiveness, because a single act of forgiveness can change everything.”
-The Tale of Despereaux
Consider what's best for your kids: That may mean letting them connect with appropriate friends or participate in sporting events on the weekends. This is not the time to be selfish about your time with them. Offer a safe haven: Give your kids the freedom to express their concerns, fears or frustrations. They need to know you will listen and love them without lecturing or becoming angry. Pray: Be that spiritual example your kids need — praying both for them and with them. They will learn to call upon the Lord in their times of need (Hebrews 4:16) if you model your own commitment to prayer. Enjoy: As with all children, the time you have to parent them will pass quickly. Don't let the angst you feel over not having more time with them keep you from cherishing every moment you do have. This article first appeared in the November/December, 2010 issue of Thriving Family magazine. Copyright © 2010 by Elsa Kok Colopy. Used by permission. ThrivingFamily.com.
June2013
Tax Credit Available for Financial Donations to Food Pantry SPRINGFIELD, MO––Springfield Victory Mission wants to make the community aware of an important tax credit available for financial donations to support its food pantry. The Food Pantry Tax Credit (FPTC), which expired in 2011, was reinstated in Missouri recently by Gov. Jay Nixon. That means anyone who pays state income tax can receive a 50 percent tax credit for donations up to $5,000 to an eligible food pantry such as the one at Victory Mission. Anything more will qualify as a charitable deduction. "The FPTC is very important because it motivates people to give financially to our food pantry and rewards them for doing so," said Executive Director Jim Harriger. "Homeless individuals and families struggling to get by depend on our pantry for their nutritional needs. Last year, we served more than 40,000 clients. In light of this incentive, we encourage the community to make a special gift to support our pantry so we can continue easing the burdens of hungry neighbors." Donors who wish to claim the FPTC can send their gift to Springfield Victory Mission (P.O. Box 2884, Springfield, MO 65801), noting "Food Pantry" on the checks memo line, or contribute online at www.victorymission.com. The Mission will issue a form (MO-FPT) documenting the contribution. Donors then submit this form along with a completed Miscellaneous Income Tax Credits form (MO-TC) when filing their Missouri tax return.
For more information about the tax credit or the Mission's programs and services, please call 417-831-6387.
June 2013
Dean of Character Education Sue Head Receives “Kingdom Builder Award” at 12th Annual Ozark Mountain Prayer Breakfast College of the Ozarks Dean of Character Education Dr. Sue Head received the “Don Gabriel Kingdom Builder Award” at the 12th Annual Ozark Mountain Prayer Breakfast held this morning at the Branson Hilton Convention Center. The award is given annually to a person who contributes to the quality of the community by demonstrating in word and action a dedicated and dynamic Christian life; who constantly puts others ahead of self, who lives by Christian principles in all situations without compromise, and who lives by vision and mission working for God’s perfect will in Ozark Mountain Country. College of the Ozarks President Jerry C. Davis presented the award to Dr. H e a d . During the presentation, he quoted what one community associate said about her, “She has an amazing ability to bring people together for the right reason.” Dr. Head is heavily involved in Loaves and Fishes, a program that provides hot meals to the area’s underprivileged during the winter months, Faith Community Health Center, committed to providing Stone and Taney Counties' working uninsured with quality, affordable healthcare, and Ozark Mountain Legacy Builders, which promotes biblical principles and five core values: family, faith, flag, friend, and future in the Ozarks area. She also has served as a moving force behind the S. Truett Cathy Poverty
www.OzarksChristianNews.com Summit, First! PLACE Character Initiative, and the creation of the School of the Ozarks, the new lab high school operated by College of the Ozarks. “Although she has been named one of the most influential persons in southwest Missouri and holds degrees from Vanderbilt and the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League school, she is just as comfortable speaking with the underprivileged as she is with speaking with the rich and famous,” Dr. Davis said. He also added that when something needs to be done, Dr. Head is one of the “go-to” members of the College of the Ozarks team. “I am so grateful to live in Ozark Mountain Country,” Dr. Head said. “We have a great opportunity here to stand up for this country and for things that really matter.” She continued by saying that she was especially grateful for the young people in attendance at the breakfast who represent our future leaders and are dedicated to learning about our culture and Christian heritage and willing to stand up for those values. Past award recipients include Cliff Wagner (2004), Don Gabriel and Larry VanGilder (2005), John Baltes (2006), Edd Akers (2007), Barbara Brezavar and Brad Swofford (2008), Smith Brookhart III (2009), Bob Burton (2010), and Jerry Lilley (2011).
Jason Castro: Faith to Move Mountains by Cicely Gosier/BGEA Jason Castro Winter Jam singer Jason Castro got his start on 'American Idol,' but it was a leap of faith that led him to that point and catapulted his career into what it is today. (Facebook) When Jason Castro auditioned for Season 7 of American Idol, he’d been singing for only a year and a half. So when he took the stage as a finalist to sing Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” he had no idea that soon enough, he’d be publicly talking about his journey from drummer to vocalist—and his journey of faith.
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fall.” At the time of his 2008 Idol run, Castro was a college student and had just gone through what he called “the worst year of my life.” “I felt music was becoming my god,” he said, describing his sophomore year before the audition. “I felt like I had to give music my all, that it was now or never, and I was squandering opportunities and not being a good steward of what God was giving me.” T h a t included his grades. “And my dad said to me, ‘Do you really think God is going to bless you like this?’ And I felt convicted,” Castro recalled. So he quit the band he played with in school, started teaching himself how to sing, and got honest about who he was both musically and spiritually. “I really began seeking God and wanting to be more about the man I was becoming,” Castro said. Today, he’s an accomplished singer and songwriter who just wrapped up a Winter Jam tour with contemporary Christian artists like TobyMac and NewSong. It wasn’t until 2009 that Castro talked more openly about his faith. And now his latest album “Only a Mountain” takes fans on a ride, from that low point in college to where he is today. “It didn’t happen overnight, but I decided to turn my efforts over to God,” he said. “And it’s been a joy to see how God has been faithful and that there was definitely a plan.” Castro’s newest single with the same title of the album parallels the message of Matthew 17:20. Jason sings: “This is only a mountain. / You don’t have to find your way around it. / Tell it to move, it’ll move. / Tell it to fall, it’ll
“I always, through my music, want to inspire people to have hope, but I think this album is also leaning more to the redemption side of things,” he explained. “There’s been a massive change in my heart with the selfishness and things that kept me from enjoying complete freedom in Christ.” Castro, whose family is Colombian, grew up in a Christian home and played drums at church during worship with his father. When he was 16, he really got serious about his faith. “I had to ask myself, ‘Am I doing this because of what my parents say or because of what I believe?’” he said. Now 25, a lot has changed for the blueeyed, mellow Castro. Most notably, he’s now a family man. He and his wife, Mandy, have been married three years and have a daughter. “I’ve gained such an appreciation for how God uses these new scenarios and circumstances in our lives to shape us and teach us more about ourselves,” he said. This is Castro’s first time performing for the entire Winter Jam tour. Last year, he came in on the tail end of the concerts. “I am just inspired by what takes place every night,” he said of the Christian music series. “Above how cool it is to tour, the coolest thing is knowing that I’m right where God needs me to be.” With Winter Jam over, Castro will be performing with the Sidewalk Prophets in April and May. “I want people to realize faith is big and real and has power,” he said. “When I would deal with my doubt, every time there was just no refuting God is God,” Castro continued. “Every time I came back to just God.”
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Calvary Chapel Rebukes Palestinian Event _____________________________ by Jim Fletcher - olivetreeviews.org _____________________________
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n a dramatic showdown last week within the Calvary Chapel (CC) movement, the leadership of the California-based association of churches rebuked an event held at North Coast Calvary Chapel that featured a presentation by Palestinian activists. Called "Hope for the Holy Land," the seminar program aims to present the Palestinian narrative to church audiences. Observers are saying that what made the North Coast event such a flashpoint was the fact that since its inception, Calvary Chapel has been staunchly pro Israel. Lynne Hybels speaking about the Arab-Israeli conflict and Israel's "occupation" . CC remains so, as evidenced by Chuck Smith's public rebuke, which aired last week, just ahead of the Friday event, which spotlighted discussions by Sami Awad, Lynne Hybels, and Mae Cannon. Sponsored by World Vision, the relief organization, "Hope for the Holy Land" purports to offer a balanced, nuanced view of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Some who attended the North Coast event say the presentations were heavily tilted toward the Palestinian view, which claims the "occupation" is responsible for Palestinian suffering. On May 9, one day before the North Coast event, Chuck Smith (who founded the Calvary Chapel movement 40 years ago) denounced the decision of North Coast to hold the event. On his "World News Briefing" via His Channel, Smith made it clear that North Coast's approach to this issue was an anomaly for Calvary Chapel: "I'm really shocked...I understand that one of the Calvary Chapels down in the San Diego area is having these fellows who are really friendly to the Palestinian
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cause, and anti-Israel, and they're having them to speak there at a church that is affiliated with the Calvary Chapels. I just have such a difficult time with that, to try to understand why a pastor would have an anti-Israel speaker, in these days." Israeli officials and American Jewish leadership have long known that Calvary Chapel is a staunch supporter of the Jewish state, especially since mainline American churches have traditionally supported the Palestinians. A growing number of evangelical churches and ministries seem to be willing to listen to the Palestinian Christian perspective (as espoused by Awad and his family), which differs little from grievances long aired by the Palestine Liberation Organization and its modern manifestation, the Palestinian Authority. Despite requests to cancel the event, North Coast Calvary Chapel went ahead and on Friday, May 10th , Awad, Hybels, and Cannon presented their views. Parting thoughts from Jan Markell Followers of Olive Tree attended the event in San Diego and wrote me, stating, "My wife and I happened to be in southern California the evening Sami Awad, Lynn Hybels, and a rep from World Vison spoke. Yes, it was an event worthy of being labeled as a 'breach' of CC. Or more precisely, another incursion of apostasy introduced to the sheep. There were about 50 people in attendance. "I was saddened that a number of the folks were sympathetic towards the mournful stories told of Israel's crimes against humanity. A few of us posited questions that the speakers stumbled in finding an answer for, such as: 'Why haven't you protested in front of Hamas headquarters, or have you done a sit-in at the offices of Hezbollah, or threatened a starvation diet in the buildings of the PLO.' " This couple then wrote to the North Coast Calvary Chapel Church, "My wife and I were out-of-town visitors to NCCC last Friday evening. After your guest speakers completed their presentation,
we were both convinced apostasy has rooted itself well within the leadership and philosophy of NCCC. I listened to: Modified scripture, revisionist history, lies by omission and likely lies by commission as the speakers are not ignorant of their material. "Please stop. You don't know the degree of spiritual damage you are doing to uninformed listeners. It seems the leadership has been spiritually compromised. You should stop attempting to be culturally relevant and return to the fundamentals of reaching the lost, discipling new believers, and sending them to do the same." Alveda King: Abortionist Attorney Playing Race Card Is Shameful by Melanie Korb Dr. Kermit Gosnell Dr. Kermit Gosnell The defense attorney for Dr. Kermit Gosnell, the Philadelphia abortionist whose killing center earned the title "Gosnell's House of Horrors," has tried to reduce Gosnell's charges to "prosecutorial lynching." This strategy is an insult to the babies he slaughtered, the women he maimed and killed, the African-American community at large and the human race, say African-American leaders. In his opening arguments, Jack McMahon called the case "elitist" and "racist," and charged the trial is coming from prosecutors trying to "put Mayo Clinic standards into a West Philadelphia clinic." Members of the Black Prolife Coalition believe it is Gosnell who is elitist and definitely racist. "Don't black women and babies deserve Mayo Clinic standards?" said Alveda King, director of African American Outreach for Priests for Life. "You sir, are being elitist and racist to suggest that we do not. We reject the notion that
June 2013
the black and brown women Gosnell preyed upon deserved less. Your tactics are shameful, outrageous and an affront in the face of God," she said. "Throughout the Holocaust, Josef Mengele, aka 'the angel of death,' delighted in killing young children in the most atrocious and gruesome experiments—all in the name of science," said Day Gardner, president of the National Black Pro-Life Union. "Kermit Gosnell is the black community's Mengele because he especially preyed on children of his own race who were fully born—totally free to experience the life and liberty that we are all promised in America. Yet, at that moment of new life, the child—in warm hands, breathing air, seeing first light—may have also seen the face of his or her executioner. The only factor of 'race' is that Gosnell killed these children because he could. He thought no one would really care— after all, it's just one more black child dead in Philadelphia," Gardner said. "Selling out the black community in the name of abortion rights is unconscionable," said Catherine Davis, founder and president of the Restoration Project. "But Gosnell's attorney has taken this betrayal to a new low by claiming Gosnell should not be prosecuted because he is black. While 'women kept being referred to and coming to his clinic because they could get what they needed at the right price,' the right price made Gosnell a millionaire while he was butchering women and babies in the name of abortion. I say he should [be] prosecuted and held accountable for the injuries and deaths of those he is now claiming to have served, and his race makes this betrayal all the more difficult to stomach."