November 2016
By Seth Halpern, Editor By the time you read this article, you will either be getting ready to vote or anticipating the presidency of either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump. In last month’s article, I wrote about our selection for the Presidential Election I mention that only to point out that our politics is one huge dividing point in our nation. However, it is not the only one. In fact, there are more points of division in our nation now than I can recall in several decades. We are more racially divided than I have seen in years. Even with an AfricanAmerican president, racial tension is worse than it has been in recent decades.
Soak &
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Paula McBride “Soak & Savor”
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Police and citizens are now at odds with what appears to be a spike in officer involved shootings as well as violence against police. Immigration is another controversy with one side wanting to “build a wall” while others favor more “open borders” (please understand that these may be exaggerations of actual positions). Marijuana continues to become legal in more states, fueling the divide between growers/users and those who oppose it. LGBT rights also continues to be a source of conflict especially between the religious and non-religious communities. The fighting doesn’t end there but I don’t want to spend the entire article talking about the issues. We are well aware of them. So, where does the church come in?
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The Body of Christ should be influencing the culture and bringing our neighbors, friends and family to reconcile both with Christ AND with each other. I know that those in Christ have their citizenship in Heaven and are to be sojourners in the “World”. However, we are also called to be reconcilers and “salt and light”. It seems, though, that the church has taken on the face of the world in many of the same divisive issues. Within the church, there are those who are staunchly against “sinners” in their congregation, while others have more of a “seeker” mentality. This includes the issues of LGBT, as well as premarital sex, divorce and addiction. There are Christians and churches on both sides of the immigration issue and political adversaries. I recently posted
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on Facebook that I could not have a civil discussion with a person in church with whom I differed politically. In addition, Billy Graham once stated (and Martin Luther King famously repeated) “Eleven o’clock Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in America,”. I believe it’s still true. I agree that Black Lives Matter. The Bible;’s most famous verse (John 3:16) says that ALL lives matter. I would include pre-born lives. The Abortion issue is still dividing families, churches and denominations. Not all divisions are as serious or violent, but there are some divisions specific to Christ’s Body: Spiritual Gifts, Baptism,
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THE AMBASSADOR ?The Ambassador is a free, monthly publication promoting unity and revival among the local Yuba-Sutter area Bible-believing churches. ?The Ambassador has a circulation of 6,000 - 7,500 and is distributed in local churches and businesses in the community. ?The purpose of The Ambassador is to pursue the great commission of Christ by making disciples and to encourage, inform, challenge and connect the local body of Christ. ?We believe in the inspiration and authority of the Bible as the written word of God. We believe that God exists as One, in three distinct persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. ?We believe that the atoning work of Christ (His death) on the cross and His resurrection is the ONLY means of salvation and the only way to Eternal Life in Heaven. ?We welcome editorial content from anyone wishing to promote the mission of The Ambassador. All articles and advertisement content is subject to the approval of the editor. Views expressed in The Ambassador do not necessarily reflect those of our sponsors or advertisers
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• • • • • Soak and Savor • • • • • Trucking is Glamorous (and Glorious!)
By Tamera Sturges One morning, as I was starting my dedicated route, heading north on hwy 70, destination, Seattle, I reached out to God with all my heart and told Him that I wanted to see Him today. That I wanted to see Him in ALL things!! A few minutes later and a few miles north of Marysville, I saw a road sign, it was one of those “Adopt a Highway” signs. I was singing along to worship music on the radio and as I passed the road sign and read the words on it in my mind, the exact same words were coming out of my mouth in sync with the radio! “Wow! How cool is that?” I thought to myself. Several miles up the road, right before you crest the hill that drops in towards Oroville, I looked over and saw a real life cowboy on a horse that had just come around the hill. They were headed west at a pretty good clip across the vast green pasture. I looked in the direction that they were headed and saw one lonely cow, way off yonder, looking at the oncoming cowboy with head and ears perked straight up like “Wut-woh, busted!” As I came around the bend where the cowboy had come from, I saw a huge herd of cattle off in the distance and the scripture/promise “would he
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not leave the 99 to go seek the one that strayed?” instantly came to mind. Cool. Next, I was coming into the Shasta area and off to the left, on the mountain side were huge, white boulders, all perfectly placed and spaced. It was unusual and I had never seen them there before. Then to my mind came these words “if they are silent, the stones will cry out” Dude. At this point, I was overwhelmed with how my Creator was communicating with me. I drove on and kept thinking about all these things. I couldn’t take it any longer. I pulled over at the rest area in Weed and got out of my truck. The wind was blowing ferociously. I walked a bit, fell to my knees and with outstretched hands, was just crying and loving my Father God. The wind gusts were so strong, that it nearly moved me from my position, but yet I wasn’t being thrashed about. My hair was barely tousled. It was incredible! I looked around in wonder and all of the sudden, all my focus turned in on a road sign that was close by me, right to my left. It was triangular, red and had one word on it; YIELD. Whoa. I stayed there for a moment longer before I got up, walked back to my truck, put er’ in gear and rolled north, knowing that, indeed, God is with me and loves me. When I asked Him, from my heart to let me see Him in ALL things that day, He delivered with music, road signs, cows, cowboys, rocks and wind. Tamera is a former Roller Derby “Queen” who enjoys an unusual life in Christ while hauling freight with her husband, Todd. You can follow her journey at her Facebook page “Trucking is Glamorous”.
By Paula McBride I was significantly past thirty years of age the first time I tried downhill skiing. Navigating the slippery slopes was no easy feat for this not-so-spring chicken. I took a three-day package of lessons, so I did give it my best effort, but I’ve not been skiing since. I’d rather enjoy the beauty of God’s creation from a less treacherous position. One position I enjoyed after a freezing half-day on the slopes was in the hot tub. After dashing from my room to the outdoor spa, I’d quickly hang my robe and slide into steaming, bubbling water. Oh, that felt so good on my aching muscles! In addition, the surrounding area was exquisitely beautiful. Snow drifts enclosed the hot tub area, and mountain peaks beyond shone with glittering blankets of crystalline white against an azure sky. I relaxed in the 108-degree spa and savored the grandeur of the winter wonderland. Of course, to get to the soak and savor part, I had to slide down a slippery slope. We can compare the world, national, and even personal events of the past years as a treacherous, downhill slide. We fall. We hurt. We ache. We wonder what’s at the end. Will we be strong enough to endure? The answer for all whose hope is
in Christ is a resounding YES! That is why Paul was able to write to his friend Timothy, “I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” (II Timothy1:12). The God we believe in never changes. It is impossible for God to change. All the influences that cause change in our lives have no effect on God. He will never be stronger or weaker. His knowledge and wisdom will not increase or diminish. Life and its uncertainties may shake us, but God, the Rock of Ages, does not move. When we cling to Him, we’ll navigate the slippery slope to soak in the trustworthiness of His promises. God promises us His unchanging purpose. Psalm 33:11 tells us, “The Lord’s plans stand firm forever; His intentions can never be shaken.” Let’s sink down and soak in that one. God’s intention is to bring to a final end the effects sin brought into the world. He intends to bring a new heaven and a new earth, to make all things new for His beloved children who remain faithful to the end. Ooh, sink down a little further! God promises us His unwavering guidance. Psalm 18:30 says, “As for
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INSPIRATION True Leaders Serve from the Bottom
By April James The harvest, does it not belong to the Lord? Then why do we tend to work as if it belonged to us? If it belongs to the Lord, then we should do it as unto Him, following His plans for his desired outcome, then, leave the results to him. His plans are not necessarily as we think it should be. His measurement for success is not the same as ours, thankfully he has better calculations. What we may perceive as below expectations, or even failure, are in His book - considered highly successful. Let us remember to look to Him for the validation of our work. We lean to measuring by what we see in the immediate, external, and temporal, while He sees the heart, the spirit, and the eternal outcome. It is normal, and befitting, to have expectations, desired goals, and plans in place. The Lord certainly uses those gifting in us; we also need to draw on His creativity and unlimited imagination for inspiration. As we move forward, it’s imperative to be flexible and let Him direct our steps, to do our best in what He has called us to do, and let Him reap the reward.
Take courage, when things seem to go awry in our plans; all might just be falling into the Lord’s perfect order. He has this way of working things out, taking our failures and turning them into His successes. Seeds we plant may not be harvested this season, but in a future by someone else. A single seed that appears to have died, for we see no life coming forth, will one day produce sevenfold, maybe even a hundred or more. We can be confident that as we do our best, our labor is not in vain, that the Lord in his timing will bring forth the fruit from our labors. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV) tells us “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” God is a good , good God, who knows what He is doing. Our job is to follow Him, co-laboring together, not trying to lead or have it our way. Then, trust Him to do what only He can do. May the Lord richly bless all the laborers of the harvest with earthly and heavenly blessings, and prosper the works of their hands.
By Josh Vanassche Many people in powerful positions have people that cater to them. For example, generals in the military have assistants who cook their food, organize their schedules, dry clean their uniforms, etc. Most people say that when you become the president of a business, for example, or the highest-ranking military leader, you have earned your right to have people serve you! “Why should the president take out the trash from the office?” “Why should the general clean his clothes? He has an assistant to do that!” While I do not think that it is a bad thing to have people serving a leader to help initiate a vision or goal, unfortunately, many leaders tend to become pompous and arrogant, or feel privileged by their position of authority. However, creation’s mighty Author and King tells us that we have to work our way to the bottom, not the top, if we are to please Him and truly fulfill our life’s purpose. In John 13:3-5 the following takes place: Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. Instead of using his power and authority arrogantly, he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he washed his
We build structures and relationships to last.
disciples’ feet, and dried them with the towel he had around him. Here we have the greatest leader in history washing the feet of his servants! He did this to show the way they are to serve their king, not themselves. We serve God by serving others. When we serve others, we glorify God. However, performing good deeds to others is not the end goal in itself; anyone can do that! God wants us serving people to give glory to Him, not us! This is something we cannot comprehend or do unless we accept Christ into our heart, who then gives us the Holy Spirit, enabling us to carry out God’s work. When this happens,
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Ongoing Events WEDNESDAY
SUNDAY CELEBRATE RECOVERY - Praise Chapel Church - Sunday 6:30 p.m. Join us for great worship and open share group. For more information call (530) 923-7204. AWANA CLUB Sundays 5:30-7:00 pm. Check in @ 5:15 pm. Grace Baptist Church - 1980 S. Walton Ave. (Bogue & Walton) Awana is an amazing children’s program for ages 3-grade 6. Join this new Club as it begins! Kids memorize Scripture, play games and learn lots! Call 530-673-6847 for information.
MONDAY KNIT & CROCHET WOMENS FELLOWSHIP Mondays 10:00 a.m. - Noon First Baptist Church - 1777 8th Ave. - Olivehurst Practice your yarn craft or learn a new one with us. Knifty Knitters are welcome. Bring your own project or work on a charity item that we donate to those in need in the community. Email yarncraftersforchrist@hotmail.com for info. FREE KARATE CLASSES Mondays 5:30 pm - FREE karate classes taught from a Christian perspective. First Baptist Church - 1777 8th Ave. - Olivehurst, 743-1831 for info, Pastor Miguel. FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY Mondays, 9/12 to 11/14 6:00 pm First United Methodist Church (FUMC) YC, 3101 Colusa Hwy, YC This class will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more! Materials are $100, please register by Aug 28th by registering through our website, www.fumcyubacity.com, or contacting April at 673-5858. CELEBRATE RECOVERY Mondays 6:30p.m.-8:30p.m. We are a Christ-Centered recovery group that provides a safe place to share your struggles,experiences, victories, and hopes with others who are also going through to Christ Centered recovery. For more info call 530.755.4149. Follow us on Facebook @ Celebrate Recovery Crossroads Community Church
TUESDAY ENCOUNTERING GOD 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Every Tuesday Morning Embassy of Heaven Campus 1179 Eager Rd., YC - (Hwy 99 @ Eager Rd.) 530-671-3160 - www.churchofgladtidings.com Our Tuesday morning meetings begin with a time of worship. Afterwards we rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us to minister to each other, encourage each other, and build our hunger and desire for the things of God. Childcare is provided.
CRAFTSMEN FOR CHRIST Meets every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The Bride Church - 655 Colusa Hwy, YC Men’s fellowship around the word and worship. All in the Body of Christ welcome! CHRISTIAN BUSINESS ALLIANCE First Tuesday of Every Month, Noon - 1:00 p.m. The Bride Church - 655 Colusa Hwy, YC Join us for a time of fellowship, prayer & encouragement. All are welcome! SAMARITAN VILLAGE MONTHLY MEETING The 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30p.m. This meeting is open to all who are interested in helping with an orphanage in Tanzania. For info call Victor Savage at 671-2219.
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FREE BIBLE COLLEGE CLASSES Wed Mornings 10:00 a.m. First Baptist Church - 1777 8th Ave., Olivehurst Starting in January 2015 you can earn an accredited bible college degree … all books are in public domain and you only need a tablet, computer or some type of electronic reader. We can print them out for a small charge. You will need a King James Bible to get started. fbco@comcast.net for more information. ENROLL TODAY! AWANA Wed 5:45-7:45 p.m. during school year Evangelical Free Church - 3785 Olive Hwy. Oroville Awana is a boys & girls club consisting of small group time, games, large group time. For information please call 533-6866. LIFE @ HOPE POINT Wednesday @ 6:30 pm for kids, 7:00 p.m. for adults Hope Point Nazarene - 600 N. George Washington Blvd, YC Join us for Life@Hope Point - groups for Nursery through High School ages and classes for adults - Parenting, How to Study your Bible, more so contact the church office at 671-1130 for more details.
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CELEBRATE RECOVERY Every Friday, 7:00 p.m.. Loma Rica Community Church- Moy Hall. Call church office for more information 743-5435
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BETHESDA HEALING WELL Saturday, Nov. 20th at 10:00 a.m. Embassy of Heaven Campus - Bldg 200 - 1179 Eager Road, YC Gathering for a time of soaking in God’s presence and then spending time to receive focused prayer for healing. For more info.,Ed Han 209-298-6102
multiple days of the week WOMENS CLOTHES CLOSET Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 8:00 a.m. - Noon Twin Cities Rescue Mission- 940 14th Street, Marysville We now have a womens clothes closet at the mission! It is free and available to everyone. We accept donations Monday - Sunday of women’s men’s, and children’s clothing! CROSSROADS CLOTHES CLOSET Open Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm -Shop at our - FREE Clothes given away! Crossroads Community Church, YC PRAYER Every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 7:00 p.m. Embassy of Heaven Campus Church of Glad Tidings 1179 Eager Road, Yuba City - 530-671-3160 “My house shall be called a house of prayer.” (Matt. 21:13). The church today in is an all out war against the evils of darkness. The body of Christ is called to step up and be aggressive in their prayer life. PRAYER VIGIL FOR LIFE! Yuba-Sutter Right to Life is hosting peaceful, prayerful vigils in front of the Yuba City Planned Parenthood. All you need to participate is one hour and the desire to pray for LIFE. Please contact Heather Pugh at 751-9349 for date and time if you are interested.
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Special Events HOLLOWS OF THE HEART Ministry Seminar Sierra Presbyterian Church, 175 Ridge Road, Nevada City, Saturday, Nov. 5th, 9 – 4 p.m. Hollows of the Heart is designed to teach believers how to determine if an emotional or spiritual root is present and how to help the person take the issues to the Lord Jesus Christ for healing. For more information or to register visit www. sierraministries.org. 5TH ANNUAL HOLYCROSS DONATION STATION Holycross Memorial- 486 Bridge St, YC Wed/Thur Nov 16/17th 9am – 7pm We’ll be receiving donations such as coats, blankets, cash, etc to be given to Pastor Ron Brasier to support A Hand Up Ministry and River Bottoms Church. There will be a Chili Contest & Dinner (also a fundraiser) on Thur. 6pm. WOMEN OF PURPOSE November 18th ,6:00 pm El Zarape Restaurant, YC Please join us for a time of fellowship and encouragement. For info contact Letty Wilson – leticiawilson@att.net THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION/ MEAL River Bottom Church/very end of Lynn Way Yuba City Saturday November 19th/11am-2pm Come join us for some fellowship and a Thanksgiving meal ANGEL BREAKFAST FUMC – YC, 3101 Colusa Hwy, YC Dec 3rd at 10am Join our Children’s Choir for breakfast and an old fashioned sing along. All this holiday fun is free.
A HAND UP MINISTRY/RIVER BOTTOM CHURCH CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION River Bottom Church/End of Lynn Way, YC Saturday December 17th from 11-2_ Come join us for fellowship and a Christmas meal along with gift giving and fun! CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE FUMC – YC, 3101 Colusa Hwy, YC Dec 24th at 7pm Celebrate the birth of Jesus with drama and music. Be filled with holiday warmth as you help us fill our sanctuary with candle light at the conclusion of this worship service. AUTHORITY TO HEAL Christian Healing Seminar First Baptist Church 1866 Ridge Road, Grass Valley January 20 - 21, 2016. Friday 7:00 – 9:30 pm, Saturday 9 am – 4 pm The Bible speaks about the power of God in Jesus Christ to heal. In this insightful seminar presented by Sierra Ministries, you will become equipped in the biblical principles of Healing Ministry. Cost is only $40 which includes manual and lunch. To register or for more information visit www. sierraministries.org
Want to have your activities and events highlighted in the Ambassador? Become a church partner and help support this ministry. Contact Seth at 530-933-1385 or editor@ ambassadornewspaper.com
Prayer Calendar for November 2016 6-Nov Marriages-Restoration and Strength 7-Nov Caregivers of elderly and disabled 8-Nov ELECTION DAY - Pray for God’s will in this nation! 9-Nov Missionaries -Fruit, Provision 10-Nov Local Schools- Students, teachers, and parents 11-Nov Military, All armed forces & their families. 12-Nov The Ambassador Newspaper-Increased readership and Impact 13-Nov Teen Depression, Suicide 14-Nov Global Persecution-Safety/Courage of Believers 15-Nov Local officials and community leaders 16-Nov Middle East - For the peace of Jerusalem 17-Nov ISIS/Terrorism- pray for wisdom & strong leadership to eradicade it 18-Nov Homeless/Poor - Twin Cities Rescue Mission, A Hand Up, Salvation Army 19-Nov A Woman’s Friend - Unborn children/Pregnant Women 20-Nov Unity in and among local churches 21-Nov Christian Businesses-Ambassador Sponsors & others. 22-Nov Children and Children’s Ministries 23-Nov Singles, Single Parents, Divorce healing 24-Nov THANKSGIVING- Give Thanks for His Goodness 25-Nov First Responders-Police, Firefighters, EMT, TIP 26-Nov Local Pastors and their families 27-Nov Hollywood- May God to touch influential people 28-Nov Sex Trafficking - pray for victims 29-Nov Adoptive families & birth moms 30-Nov Addicted, Rehab ministries- Feather River Mens Center, Joshua House, Celebrate Recovery
HAPPY T HAN K S G I V I N G OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOX COLLECTION WEEK
NOVEMBER 14-21 Come and be a part of bringing love and the gospel to children around the world—all in a small shoebox! These are the two local drop-off locations to bring your packed shoebox gifts during collection week. For more information, go to samaritanspurse.org/occ Cooper Avenue Baptist Church, Yuba City (804 Cooper Ave, enter on Clark), is open to receive your shoebox gifts Mon.Fri.(Nov. 14-18) 5pm-8pm, Sat, (Nov. 19) 10am-2pm, Sun. (Nov. 20) 2pm-7pm, and Mon. (Nov.21) 10am-Noon
Hope Point Nazarene Church, Yuba City (600 N. George Washington Blvd.) is open to receive your shoebox gifts Mon.- Sat, (Nov. 14-19) 2pm-5pm, Sun (Nov. 20) 1pm-4pm, and Mon (Nov.21)
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Gratitude! Let’s get right to the point. Yes, Thanksgiving is right around the corner and we are supposed to be thankful for the numerous blessings that God has bestowed on us. But how are we doing when it comes to being thankful? (unless of course things are going well) Please read and meditate on the following verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT) Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Is it really possible to be thankful in all circumstances? I will let an excerpt from an article written on October 14th answer that question. Despite widespread devastation in Haiti, hundreds of believers headed straight to church Sunday (October 16th) to give thanks. Even after losing loved ones and homes, Haitian survivors picked their way through the rubble of their broken country to sing praise and pray in damaged churches. Some gathered under open skies after Matthew ripped away the roofs and even walls of their sanctuaries. At least one church
was so badly damaged that worshipers set up an altar and prayed outside. Elise Pierre, who said she was about 80, said she believed it was a divine miracle that she and her loved ones survived. “If God wasn’t protecting us we’d all be gone today, blown into the ocean or up into the mountains,” said Pierre, whose straw hat almost concealed a gash on her forehead, inflicted as her sheet metal roof collapsed during Matthew’s fury. Wow! If you are like me, we tend to question God when our car breaks down or we lose a job or are hit by a financial crisis. But our Haitian brothers and sisters have demonstrated their genuine heart of gratitude in spite of literally losing everything. So, let their story inspire you to give real thanks, not just during the Thanksgiving holiday but throughout the entire year because we know this truth; “God is good all the time and all the time God is good!” Happy Thanksgiving!
Business Name: Century 21 Select Group/Realtor Slogan (if any): Service with Integrity Years in Yuba-Sutter Area: 15 years Hobbies: Prison Ministries, Missionary Favorite Quote/Verse: Philippians 4:6 “Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known so that the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Inspiring Person: Alvaro Benito Aleman (my father)
Rachel Aleman “Hot Button”/ Passion: Missions Home Church: The Bride Why do you support The Ambassador? It is an unsuspecting light in a dark world Message to the Community Let the light within you shine, The world needs hope and a vision
Excerpt from Religion Today Blog“Haiti: Christians Give Thanks to God Despite Hurricane Destruction” by Veronica Neffinger, 10-12-16
David Kugelman is the president of the Christian Business Alliance which meets each Tuesday at noon at various locations. Dave welcomes your questions or comments on this article at drkug@comcast.net
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“Life Matters” presented by Y-S Right to Life Ninth Court Orders California Pregnancy Centers To Promote Abortion By Steven Ertelt, Jay Hobbs of LifeNews.com The federal appeals court that is considered the most liberal in the country has upheld an onerous California law that forces pregnancy centers to promote abortions. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is one of the most overturned appeals courts in the country because of the left-wing positions that it often takes on issues such as abortion. Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit upheld AB 775, a California law that forces pro-life resource centers to promote abortion. Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Matt Bowman told LifeNews. com he is very concerned about Friday’s decision in National Institute of Family and Life Advocates v. Harris by the federal court. “It’s bad enough if the government tells you what you can’t say, but a law that tells you what you must say—under threat of severe punishment—is even more unjust and dangerous. In this case, political allies of abortionists are seeking to punish pro-life pregnancy centers, which offer real hope and help to women,” Bowman said. “Forcing these centers to promote abortion and recite the government’s preferred views is a clear violation of their constitutionally protected First Amendment freedoms. That’s why other courts around the country have halted these kinds of measures and why we will be discussing the possibility of appeal with our clients.” National Institute for Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA) president Thomas Glessner bemoaned the ruling. He told LifeNews: “It is unfortunate, but not surprising, that the liberal Ninth
Circuit Court three-judge panel upheld California’s violation of federal law, the U.S. Constitution, and human rights,” said Glessner. “The ‘Reproductive FACT Act’ forces pregnancy resource centers and medical clinics to violate consciences, free speech, and religious beliefs. This violation of the foundational roots of the American Republic will not stand.” Opponents say the California law infringes upon the freedom of speech guaranteed by the First Amendment by forcing pro-life pregnancy help organizations to disseminate a statesponsored message effectively referring for abortions. Named “The Reproductive FACT Act” by its authors and passed through both houses of the State Legislature on a party-line vote, the bill is the subject of multiple lawsuits. The law will force 150 local pregnancy help non-profits, including the 74 statelicensed free ultrasound facilities, to give each of its clients the following disclaimer, which includes the phone number of a county social services office where a client could obtain an abortion covered by Medi-Cal. “California has public programs that provide immediate free or low-cost access to comprehensive family planning services (including all FDA-approved methods of contraception), prenatal care, and abortion for eligible women. To determine whether you qualify, contact the county social services office at [insert the telephone number].” Similar government-sponsored speech for pregnancy centers has been struck down as unconstitutional in Austin (TX), Baltimore and Montgomery County (MD) and New York City. “We must really be hurting the abortion business if they have to come after us
and have us advertise for them,” Marie Leatherby, Director of Sacramento Life Center, a state-licensed medical facility, said. “For 44 years, we have offered compassionate care to thousands of women with unplanned or unsupported pregnancies. Our patients and our
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community love us, and we keep our doors open because they believe in us and our mission. “Now we are forced to fight this in the courts, as it goes against our first Amendment Right to freedom of speech and to live according to our conscience.”
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The Christian Business Alliance would like to invite you to our midweek meeting. Rich Fellowship, Powerful Prayer, Refreshing Presence of God! We meet at the Bride Church the first Tuesday of the month from noon – 1pm. Current members: A-1 Carpet Cleaning - (530) 673-3634 - www.a-1clean.com Rachel Aleman - Century 21- 530-813-2253 George Barlow - The Crave - (530) 790-0792 Ron Brasier - A Hand Up Ministry - (530) 671-1360 Marty Brown - KCYC-LP FM - (530) 674-5296 Kathleen Caldwell - Caldwells Custom Countertops - (530) 695-2112 Fred Cox - Richard's Tree Service - (530) 673-7993 LaDonna Curteman - Band Together for Christ - ladonna.curteman@gmail.com Chuck David Carol Dodds - A Woman’s Friend - (530) 741-9136 Stephen Elliot- Ad Lucem Tax Services - (530) 329-8685 Trey Fulton- Church Alive- churchaliveyc.org Dennis & Connie Gable - Operation Christmas Child - (530) 695-1495 Rita Galusha Steve & Cash Gilliss - Crosspointe Christian Books - (530) 673-6188 Pamela Givans John Guth - Guth & Changaris, A Prof Law Corp - (530) 674-9841 Seth Halpern - Ambassador Newspaper - editor@ambassadornewspaper.com Kurt Hilbers - Hilbers Inc - www.hilbersinc.com Arlene Hite - Bridges to Housing - (530) 755-3414 David Hobbs Painting - Cont. Lic#880562 (530)742-2428 David Holycross - Holycross Memorial - (530) 751-7000 Bill Jens - Yuba Sutter Healthy Marriage Project - (530) 671-6069 Al Jolley - Teen Challenge - (530) 300-0712 Cornell U. Kay - Integrity Chamber of Commerce - (916) 969-0205 Dave Kugelman - Proforma by Kug - (530) 742-2423 Bill & Sonja Lindholm- RVOC - (530) 329-8361 Clay Maynard - Consultant - (530) 790-6611 Jim McCarty - Trinity Living Systems - trinityls@yahoo.com Jerry Munz - JM Construction Co. - (530) 682-5316 Maria Paras Ernie Phelan - Intero Real Estate Svcs - (530)-790-7000 Ronda Putman Roger Shadd - Shadd Janitorial Supply - (530) 673-0083 George Shaw- Serving Our Saviour - (530) 671-3303 Robert Stark - Retired Auditor/Controller - stark@otnusa.com Dwayne Tanabe - Taylor Accountancy Corp - dktanabe@yahoo.com Jenine Tanabe - Jenine L. Tanabe, MD Dematology - (530) 743-0301
For weekly reminders, updates, or to join email editor@ambassadornewspaper.com
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Grateful and Thankful For The Gifts Of Love And Learning By Dr. Ronald Harden, President EPIC Bible College and Graduate School What an exceptional time of year as we think of this month and all of its gifts— the changing of seasons, the preparation for Christmas, and the expectation of an exciting new year beginning in just a short time. One word comes to mind when I think of November: Thanksgiving (and for our busy EPIC family, a brand-new quarter starting right after Thanksgiving!). The scripture I never tire of is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “ Be cheerful no matter what, pray all the time, and thank God no matter what happens. (MSG).’’ I’m so thankful for: loving and being loved; for learning and leading others
to learn, and for experiencing life and enjoying others—both young and old. Even in the Greek Culture of Jesus Day, we have several words for love. The primary one is a pure, self-sacrificing love that manifests itself in concrete deeds, As God loves use, we must learn to love others in that way. Another word for love is the gift of family. We are so thankful for family and all that God does to bring us together. Many of us will be gathered around the table at Thanksgiving with food and fellowship and time together hearing the stories from Uncles and others that may be there. I know that it can also be a time of divisiveness and hurt in family life. Perhaps this year, we can look at our
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families and ask for God’s help to begin healing those wounds, to tear down those walls of separation that can so easily get in the way. Regardless of the relationship you may have with your family, always be grateful for this time of year about the ability to give and accept love. We must also pay attention to God’s desire for us to continue life long learning and leading others to learn. It’s an amazing experience to read, listen and engage with others to assimilate knowledge to improve our own life as well as those around us. As we mature, we become more grateful and thankful for the lives of those around us as God brings them to us—mentoring children, grandchildren and individuals from all walks of life. We enjoy experiences again through the eyes of those around us, amazed when they are inspired by something we may take for granted, or learning something new that we may have forgotten over the years. This is the true purpose of education. The moment a bright light shines through an individual and they are able to put together concepts and ideas that they had not thought possible. Similarly, it is a joy it is to see a child in the early stages of learning—knowing that they are maturing to potentially impact others as they grow. The life of both the learner and teacher is full of anticipation and excitement. As an agent of God, I am grateful for the opportunity to share knowledge that enlightens, educates and helps individuals to grow as powerful change agents. I can think of no greater gift at this time of year. In another of the nearly 200 English translations of the Bible available to us, a www.EPIC.edu 916-348-4689 4330 Auburn Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95841
Dr. Ronald Harden
President & CEO, EPIC Bible College
meaningful passage that adds emphasis to gratefulness and thankfulness is this: “Always be joyful, never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (NIV)” May we be people with a thankful heart, a mouth that speaks thankfulness, and mindful of all people and circumstances around us Please be assured, I am thankful for you! God bless you. Dr. Ronald Harden is President and CEO of Epic Bible College and Graduate School, located at 4330 Auburn Blvd. in Sacramento, www.EPIC.edu., one of the region’s Top 25 colleges and universities and among the Top 10 U.S. faith-based colleges in the U.S., now offering both undergraduate and graduate degree programs with online and standard classroom options.
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IN THE NEWS
Georgia: Pastor Forced to Hand over Sermons to the State By Amanda Casanova Religion Today Contributing Writer A Seventh-day Adventist lay minister who says he was fired by Georgia’s Department of Public Health because of his sermons says he will not turn over his sermons for review by state attorneys. Dr. Eric Walsh had been appointed to President Obama’s Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/Aids and was hired by the Georgia state agency in May 2014. He was supposed to start working in June 2016. But the DPH found out that LGBT activists had protested Walsh when he was selected as the commencement speaker at Pasadena City College. The
agency launched an investigation into his preaching and he was asked to hand over copies of his sermons.
DPH employees watched the sermons, and later the agency rescinded the offer of employment after Walsh had been
employed for only a week. Walsh then filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission in September 2014, arguing that he was fired for his sermon content. The state of Georgia then filed for a Request for Production of Documents, asking that Walsh turn over his copies of sermon notes and transcripts. “No government has the right to require a pastor to turn over his sermons,” Walsh said in a statement. “I cannot and will not give up my sermons unless I am forced to do so.” Walsh’s attorney, Jeremy Dys, of First Liberty Institute, called the filing for the sermon notes a “government overreach.”
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would like to thank the following people for their Individual Sponsorship
Kathy Baum Jim McCarty Bob Gilbert Marty Brown John Nicholls Rich & Joan Hackney Carrie Pederson Warren & Lucy Campbell Tom Harris Wendell Prine LaDonna Curteman Allen Halpern Mimi Robarge Chuck David April James Jeff Royce Christine Emerson Sandi Juri George & Cherie Shaw Rita Galusha Sue Kochi Josh Vanassche Clay Maynard
God Bless Each Of You For Your Support Of This Ministry And Our Community •••
If you would be interested in supporting The Ambassador as an Individual Sponsor ($20/month) please contact Seth Halpern at: editor@ambassadornewspaper.com or call 530-933-1385 or visit us online at www.ambassadornewspaper.com
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IN THE NEWS
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
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Young Iraqi Christian Girl Has Forgiven ISIS, is ‘Joyful’ to Return Home Veronica Neffinger, Editor, ChristianHeadlines.com
here, he provides for us,” she said. Now, as Iraqi forces are succeeding in
preparing to return home. “Surely I am happy and joyful to return
A young Christian Iraqi girl has expressed her joy at being able to return home soon to Qaraqosh as ISIS forces are being driven out. The girl, whose name is Myriam, was originally interviewed in October 2014. Her family was forced to flee from their home to Ankawa, a suburb of Erbil, Iraq. The video of Myriam’s interview went viral at the time because she said she forgave the ISIS militants who drove her family from their home and threatened their lives. “God loves everybody,” Myriam said. “I’m not angry with God because we left Qaraqosh, I thank him because he provided [for] us. Even if we’re suffering
retaking cities that were overrun by ISIS militants, Myriam and her family are
home and see my friends who didn’t leave,” she said. “I’ll get to see them
again. I’ll see my home and my country again, the place that I love.” Myriam’s father, Waleed, added, “There are no words to express how we feel. But we say in Iraqi, Wenseh, which is the feeling we have when we are home. It doesn’t matter if [we are living] under destruction.” ChristianToday.com reports that Qaraqosh used to be home to Iraq’s largest Christian community, but when ISIS overran the city, around 50,000 people were forced to flee. Father Thabet, a priest from Mosul, ISIS’ last stronghold where a battle has been ongoing, stated, “It is great that the liberation comes at this time especially after two years have passed but our joy will be complete when everyone is back home safe and secure.”
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44 NIV
AMBASSADOR
1. According to their ad, when and where can you start taking College Level Bible classes? 2. What is Ambassador Sponsor Rachel Aleman’s favorite verse? 3. On what date should be praying for Unity in and among local churches? (hint- p. 7) 4. According to Jon Skillman, who is not as well known as Kim Kardashian? 5. Which Ambassador sponsor can clean your chimney? (hint- Marketplace) 6. What is the website address to book a Millennium birthday party? 7. For $20/month or more you can become an “Individual ________” 8. What organization sponsors the “Life Matters” section? 9. Name 2 of the Ambassador church partners listing on the Ministries page? 10. What do you like reading most in The Ambassador (besides the “Challenge”!)
To enter our contest for a chance to win a $50 Gift Card to Millennium Family Entertainment Center, email or (snail) mail your answers to us. We must receive your entry by Nov 20th. A winner will be selected from entries with ALL correct answers. See the front page for email and mailing address.
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IN THE NEWS
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Jesters Or Journalists? - Comedy Isn’t News By: John Stonestreet Breakpoint.org Entertainment is great. But being entertained is not the same as being informed. And being informed is not the same as being engaged. It’s no laughing matter. Move over, professors and newscasters. A new class of public intellectual now leads America: comedians. At least that’s what Megan Garber, writing in The Atlantic, recently declared. “Comedians,” she explains, “are exploring and wrestling with important ideas. They’re sharing their conclusions with the rest of us...acting not just as joke-tellers but as truth-tellers—as guides through our cultural debates.” Steven Colbert, Jon Stewart, Jimmy Kimmel, Amy Schumer, and John Oliver are just some of the names young Americans revere and trust for current events and cultural commentary. But they’re more interested in the laughs than in the truth. These TV comedians are quite good at taking the grinding gears of Washington and the mud-slinging of campaign season and turning them into riotously funny routines. But, remarks Elizabeth Stoker Bruenig at The New Republic, “no longer must we sift through the challenging work
of being serious thinkers.” Instead, we tune in to our favorite comic commentator and cynically yuk it up over the latest headlines. It’s a ritual Bruenig says only serves our intellectual laziness and our longing to be in-the-know—to see through what everyone else takes seriously. But as C. S. Lewis observed in “The Abolition of Man,” to see through everything is the same as being blind. And therein lies the problem. Depending on comedians for our news may make us feel informed, but it’s little more than an illusion. In one famous study, Pew Research revealed how woefully uninformed most Americans—especially the young—really are. Just 27 percent of those under 30, for example, knew which party was in control of Congress. And just 15 percent could name the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. And that’s not the extent of the problem. As Neil Postman pointed out 30 years ago in his remarkable book “Amusing Ourselves to Death,” “being informed” can create the illusion that we are actually “doing something,” when in fact we aren’t. Comedy, writes Bruenig, is first and foremost entertainment. And entertainers “rely on mass adulation to remain gainfully employed.” To do that,
they’ve got to play to the prejudices of their audience, making comedy a great vehicle for cynicism, but a bad vehicle for provoking critical thought or action. Secular bulldog Christopher Hitchens slammed comedian and fellow atheist Bill Maher for exactly this a few years back. When Maher cracked a joke about then-President George W. Bush’s I.Q., his liberal audience roared. Hitchens surprised everyone when he replied, “This is now the joke stupid people laugh at,” he said. “No one here is smarter than the president.” When confronted with an actual tough crowd, other TV comedians melt too. For example, Jerry Seinfeld explained last
week that he doesn’t perform on college campuses anymore because young people label just about every joke sexist, racist, or homophobic. Ultimately, that’s why comedy is a bad substitute for journalism. It rarely challenges audiences, and comedians are rarely willing to sacrifice their punchline to point a finger at their fans. But good journalism—real journalism—doesn’t stroke our prejudices or coddle us. It challenges us, teaches us, and asks something of us. In other words, it tells the truth. And the funny thing about the truth, as Christians have long known, is that it’s not always funny. But it is always freeing.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Phillipians 4:4 Faith Christian School, Yuba City First United Methodist Church, Awesome After School Drama and The FCS Players Charles Dickens’
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The Voice of the Christian Community, Serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1: “DIVIDED WE FALL - DOES AMERICA NEED A CRISIS” Communion, Attire, Women Pastors and Worship Music, to name a few! What shall we do? What can we do? It reminds me of Rodney King’s words from a 25 yrs ago during the L.A. riots: “Can’t we all get along?” Indeed, can’t we? What will it take? In a recent conversation with my good friend, Dave Kugelman, Kug stated that he thought what we need is a “sustained crisis”. Not an encouraging thought. But after thinking about it, I sadly agree. When secularism became prominent after the removal of the Bible and Prayer in schools, this nation began a downhill slide. Without God or at least the influential voice of the church, we continue a slippery slide down into immorality. Evolution says that we will get better with time. I believe the opposite. Sure, we might develop more technology but morally and relationally, left to our own devices without the authority of God, sin will destroy us as individuals, then as families, and finally as a nation. We need an intervention. We need revival. Revival grows out of desperate prayers from desperate people. We may go to church, but we are not desperate. We are too busy fighting about the style of music on Sunday morning!! Revival is happening in other nations where they are in desperation. Some are desperate
because their faith is illegal and their families are being killed. Some are desperate because they don’t know where their next meal is coming from. I hear and read stories like this daily and wonder why we’re so lethargic and apathetic. Yes, we need revival. But it only comes from desperation. Jesus said that we will be hated by the world just like He was hated (John 15:18) Are you hated because you stand of for Jesus? Many people “hate” Tim Tebow. Why? Did Tebow do anything to them? Is it because he has a foundation that helps children? Or is it because he recently came to the aid of someone having an epileptic seizure and prayed and comforted them while waiting for the paramedics. No, it’s
because he stands against the culture and allows his faith to be displayed, only to be continually ridiculed without arguing, insulting or lashing out. I’m not sure I would be as gracious as Tebow. I’m not sure many of us believers would be either. We need God to intervene. If God will only bring revival when we are desperate enough, then what will bring us to that point? Haiti was recently ravaged by the eye of Hurricane Matthew and in the destruction, there are reports of people praising and thanking God for sparing their lives. After Sept. 11, 2001, people flocked to churches across the nation because they were hurting and scared. They were desperate. God’s Word talks of the people praying and repenting of their sins time and time again only after their situation got desperate. The entire book of Judges is a repeated cycle of pride,
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sin, trouble, desperation, repentance and God’s mercy. I wish this wasn’t necessary to get us back on track. But the writing is on the wall. This election has people using the word “catastrophic” if their candidate loses. God is the one who place kings, rulers (and presidents) in power (Rom 13:1) . The books of 1 & 2 Kings and Chronicles record the nations of Israel and Judah when they had very wicked kings. It wasn’t pretty. But when they got desperate, God heard their prayers. God will hear ours IF we are desperate enough. What will it take to get you and I desperate enough?
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CONTINUED FOR PAGE 4: SOAK AND SAVOR God, His way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true.” As we follow God’s unchanging principles as given in Scripture, He directs us in and through everything we face. God’s commitment to us never wavers, either, and guarantees everlasting security. We who have trusted in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior are assured of eternal life. God is eternally committed to our redemption, our spiritual growth,
and our eternal destiny. That commitment is as strong as He is eternally constant. The future may look stormy, slippery, and unknown, but God remains the same. He is consistent and reliable. He is our anchor, and we can count on Him because He never changes. Now, let’s soak in the grand character of God and savor His promises. Our spirits will be so warmed we can go out and warm others, too!
CONTINUED FOR PAGE 5: TRUE LEADERS... God reveals to us his character and who He is. We then have the ability to change the way we think (Romans 12:2), and to see things from God’s eyes, not our own. When we receive the heart of the Lord, we no longer see the person that has a speech impediment as someone to laugh at, or a person who is suicidal as someone to throw to the side or call a coward. We see people who need to be ministered to and shown that they are here on earth for a
purpose: to exalt their Creator! How great it is that the mightiest King would love us and use the lowest of us to glorify Him! True leadership ends at the bottom, not the top! We need to use our position of authority as an opportunity to serve God by serving others, not to fulfill our desires. Serve and lead your family, your community, or your office with the end goal of glorifying God. Only then will you demonstrate biblical leadership.
David Holycross Helping families honor the lives of those they love since 1998
Yuba City
www.holycrossmemorial.com | (530) 751 - 7000 | License #FD1653
Finding Freedom in God’s Perfect Peace If you would like to experience the peace and transformed life that God can provide through Jesus Christ and you are willing to commit your life to the only one who can truly set you free from your sin, you can pray to the Lord right now and ask Him to forgive you of your sins. Because of what His Son, Jesus, did by dying on the cross, your sins will not be held against you by God anymore. You can experience freedom for the rest of your life on earth and then have a life in Heaven with God for eternity. God’s part of the deal is already done. Your part is to confess your sins, repent (or change your ways) and believe that He is Lord. If your life is out of control, let Him take over control. For help, questions, or more information, contact us at The Ambassador or any of the churches listed on page 3.
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EDITORIAL WHO SENT IN THE CLOWNS? By Jon Skillman By the time you read this the circus, which is the campaign, may be over. And oh what a show it was. Elephants, donkeys and more clowns than you can stuff into a V.W. Super Beetle. The problem with this circus is; it never completely folds its tent and goes away. No, it just reappears with a fresh gaggle of clowns. What is the proper term for a group of clowns anyway? A mirth? A joke? What? It has been estimated that this “Greatest Show on Earth” cost in excess of two billion dollars… that’s billion with a B folks, and that only covered the two main candidates. What a colossal waste of resources…two billion dollars’ worth of mud-slinging and name-calling by two people claiming to be Christians. Where’s the encouraging words that build each other up…not tear them down, and surely we could put this money to better use We are in need of comprehensive circus (campaign) reform. First, there should be only one ring in which to throw your hat…there should be no elephants and no donkeys. There should be no corporate seating and no super-pac advertising, and the show could only run for a maximum of six months. All candidates seeking a place in the show must first attend and graduate from an accredited clown detox and recovery program. Each candidate would then be limited to one cream pie and/or one seltzer bottle, to be used at his
or her discretion. Red noses must be natural or the result of colds, allergies or over imbibing. Shoe size is limited to a men’s 15 EEE and lapel flowers must be of the non-squirting variety. This is all done to add a sense of decorum and dignity to the proceedings. But seriously folks, what has happened to our political process? You would think, out of 325 million people, we could have come up with at least one we could actually vote for rather than against. We have an electorate that is more concerned with gender, race, or celebrity than ability and qualifications. I think if I asked fifty people who Sonia Sotomayor is, only one or two might know the answer…but if I were to ask who Kim Kardashian is, forty nine would not only know who she is, they’d know her marital status, dress size and favorite color. The real question here is, which one holds the greater influence over our lives? Christianity is under attack…the first amendment is under attack… the church is under attack…morality has become irrelevant…marriage is morally wounded. The clowns can’t protect us! The government won’t protect us! Only one nation under God can save us! By the way, Sonia Sotomayor is a U.S. Supreme Court Justice…I have no idea what Kim Kardashian is!
The Ambassador accepts opinions and editorials (oped’s) as long as they are well-written and less than 450 words. Op-ed’s will be published purely at the discretion of the editor. If you would like to submit your op-ed, please email it (written in MS Word) to editor@ambassadornewspaper.com. The deadline for submission is the 15th of the month for the next issue.
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Feedback from Last Issue Last month’s cover story regarding this election seemed to stir many readers. I am encouraged by the positive responses to the article. Some readers shared that it was a balanced, realistic and biblical position on the election. I appreciate the affirmation. I was surprised that these responses were from people of both sides of the debate. On the other hand, there were a few, emotionally-charged responses to the contrary. In fact, one phone caller left a lengthy diatribe about my inaccurate and even “dangerous” view. She also let me know that her church and “many others” wouldn’t be promoting it either. This caller didn’t leave her name, number or church info, but she was full of anger that I had to re-read what I wrote. What bothered me most was not that she disagreed with my words, but that she didn’t read them correctly. She told me that We need to forgive Trump because he was a new believer and thought that I said we should not vote. So, I would like to clarify exactly what I said AND what I meant. My point was to state that we, Americans, are left with a choice of two people who many of us don’t want as president. Yet, this is our choice so we need to decide which one will be better for our nation. Not voting, or voting for an independent only throws away our vote. Whether Trump is
Seth Halpern - Editor now saved is between him and God, but his words, attitude, and behavior doesn’t affirm it. So, when we cast our ballot maybe we should look at the platform of each party rather than the personality of each candidate. I used a full page (next to the article) to state the party platforms for both parties as it specifically relates to the biblical issues of life, family/gender, and religious liberty. I did not get into the economy, immigration or other political issues. I finished the article by saying that, we, as Christians, should vote our conscience based on the stand they take on these issues. Here’s the moral of the this editorial. If you are going to disagree, with something, please read it completely and understand the point. This election has been the most contentious not only for the candidates but for the citizens and not only for American’s but for the church. That is the most heart-wrenching aspect of all of this!
editor@ambassadornewspaper.com
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