November 2017
by Seth Halpern, Editor Early Monday morning on October 9th, John Gaiser woke up to the sound of his dog barking and the smell of smoke in the air. When he got out of bed, he saw flames on three sides of his home. That was the beginning of his family’s experience in the Cascade Fire that scorched through 10,000 acres of Yuba County as part of one of the most devastating local fires in history. While Northern California has been no stranger to wildfires, the recent fires have (collectively) been the deadliest in the California history. All told, there were thousands of homes destroyed and more than 40 deaths in the recent rash of fires in Northern California.
The Gift of Down Syndrome Page 9
The Cascade Fire, while not as large in numbers as the fires in Santa Rosa or Napa, is closest to the hearts of our readers since many of our neighbors, friends, family and co-workers were affected by it. In the ashes of its destructive path, the Cascade Fire destroyed more than 140 homes, killed four people, and displaced thousands of Yuba County residents One of those homes destroyed belonged to John and Anna Gaiser. Those who know John, and most do, know that the owner of Gaiser Pets is one of the most generous and caring people in our community. He is continually sought out for donations and support for all sorts of
Continue on page 16 Legislative Update from James Gallagher
Page 13
THE CASCADE FIRE AND ME
by Elaine Briefman I was restless and frustrated so I turned on my clock radio near my bed hoping some worship music would help me go to sleep. After the first song finished and the second began I leaned over to turn it off when I heard the strange squawking of the Emergency Broadcast System Alert. I didn’t pay close attention and heard the word ‘lake’ and wondered if it was Lake County. Then I realized I was a bit far from Lake County to be hearing their alert so I got up and checked my phone. There was a text from a friend asking if I was ok. I’m thinking, “It’s 4:00 in the morning, why wouldn’t I be?” Then, between the
Transform Your Prayer Life Page 14
TV, social media and a call to my boss I realized I best be taking this all serious. My community is on fire and I needed to evacuate! At first, I was stunned and walked in circles only knowing I needed to take the box I kept with all my birth certificates, DMV records, passports and such. I knew I should take clothes but I hadn’t done laundry and wondered how long would I really be gone. I went downstairs and grabbed a few pictures, my Bible and 2 old books, one written by Charles Spurgeon well over 100 years old. Living alone it was challenging to
Continue on page 17 1040 Lincoln Rd., Suite A, #124 Yuba City, CA 95991 530-933-1385 editor@ambassadornewspaper.com
The Ambassador
1
The Voice of the Christian Community, Serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
SPONSORS
TREE
SERVICE
, INC.
Serving our neighbors since 1957
673-7993 Certified Arborist
Lic. Contractor #608859
SHOP CHRISTIAN LOCAL Become a Business Sponsor Call Seth @ 530-933-1385
A-1 Carpet Cleaning Water Damage Restoration Carpets/Windows/Upholstery
(530) 673-3634 www.a-1clean.com
Freedom Mortgage Jeremy Kurtz Loan Officer (530) 415-1149
jeremy.kurtz@freedommortgage.com
James Gallagher CA Assembly Member3rd District
Buttes Pipe & Supplies Co. "Your Complete Plumbing Supply Store"
530-673-8501
www.buttespipe.com
Dave Greenetz Construction, Inc. (530) 682-9602
www.greenetzconstruction.com Remodeling Lic.#452975
Jenine Tanabe M.D. Dermatology 414 G St.,#204.,Marysville
(530) 743-0301
(916) 319-2003
Proforma by Kug Dave Kugelman Promotional Products
(530) 632-9292
Rachel Aleman
Century 21 Select Group
Rachel.Aleman@C21SelectGroup.com Web: Rachel.Aleman.C21SelectGroup.com
530-813-2253
Sperbeck's
SHUTTER-UP
Landscape & Design
Mike Sperbeck - Owner 1316 Woodward St.,Yuba City
(530) 673-8334
2
Window Coverings (530) 755-3474
Blinds* Shutters* Shades
The Ambassador
Lic.#890713
Caldwell's Custom Countertops,Inc.
Country Vet Clinic, Inc.
(530) 821-5845
(530) 674-1660 www.Countryvet.net
Formica & Solid Surface Lic.# 749735
The Ambassador Newspaper Ministry The Ambassador allows you to let Christian community (and others as wellknow about you, We distribute in more than 300 churches and businesses in Yuba/Sutter/Butte Counties (residential delivery beginning soon!)
Jerry Long, DVM & Associates 4839 E. Butte Rd.,Live Oak
Dr. David A. Bradley
Optometrist 1160 Live Oak Blvd.,Yuba City
530-933-1385
editor@ambassadornewspaper.com www.ambassadornewspaper.com
Crosspointe Christian Books & Gifts 646 Plumas St., Yuba City
(530) 673-6188
• 1 Corinthians 1:18 •
Gaiser Pets
714 Plumas St.,Yuba City
(530) 751-8155
(530) 673-8440
"Not Your Ordinary Pet Store"
Monroe Transmission
Pleasant Grove Farms
Don Monroe - Owner 1397 Colusa Hwy.,Yuba City
(530) 751-2238
Russell & Boals Painting, Inc. Voted Best Yuba/Sutter Painting Services 2014
(530) 870-2620 Lic.# 496656
Seth Halpern, Editor
Please Support Our Sponsors
Tracey's Diner Open Daily 6am-8pm
724 J St., Marysville (530) 923-2567 GATHER TOGETHER GIVE THANKS & EAT PIE!!
Ed & Wynette Sills Familly
Giving thanks to God always, for all things. Ephesians 5:20
www.PleasantGroveFarms.com
Shadd Janitorial Supply Roger Shadd- Owner 226 Bridge St.,Yuba City
(530) 673-0083
Yvette Adams Insurance
Auto - Home - Farm Mobile Home
(530) 743-6081
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
MINISTRIES
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
Adventure!Church 1100 Garden Hwy. Sun. 9am & 11am www.AdventureChurchYC.org
Pastor!Greg!Mansur
Gateway Calvary Chapel 808 8th Street, Marysville Sundays 10 a.m. Wednesdays 7 p.m.
Pastor Doug Hileman
www.gatewaycalvary.com
Does your
Agape Lighthouse Community Church
2106 Pepper Street, Sutter
Pastor BJ Wilson 530-237-6351
The Bride Church
1321 Peach Tree Lane, YC 530-751-0505 thebridechurch.org Sun. 9am & 11:30am Craftsmen for Christ- Tues 6:30
Living Water
Evangelical Lutheran Church Sun. 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Bible Study 950 Tharp Rd.,Ste.1200-B, YC
530-300-0528
Church of Glad Tidings 1179 Eager Road,Yuba_City www.churchofgladtidings.com
_ 530.671.3160
Saturday 7pm-Sunday 10am Wednesday 7pm
Praise Chapel
Word of Life Church
398 Aylor Avenue Yuba City
1229 Buchanan Street, Marysville
www.praisechapelyc.com
wolmarysville.org
Sun. 9 &11a.m., 6p.m. Wed. 7pm
Sun. 10am & 5pm & Wed. 6:30pm
530-923-7204
530-742-3724
Pastor Stan Reynolds
Pastor Chris Madsen
yubasutterlutheran.org
TWIN CITIES RESCUE MINISTRIES •
•
•
••A•Place•to•Sleep,•Shower,•and•Eat-A-Meal
church or ministry
••Hear•The•Word•of •God•Every•Night ••Daily•Bible•Studies ••Noon•Prayer•Service•(Mon-Fri)
partner with The Ambassador? Email editor@ ambassador
Hear the Word of God Every Night at 6:30p.m. Sharp!
A WOMAN’S FRIEND
Roger•Vaca,•Executive•Director 940•14th•St,•Marysville 530.743.8777
Samaritan•Village•Orphanage Tanzania,•Africa
You CAN help save the lives of children in Tanzania!
newspaper.com
for details
Call Victor Savage (530) 671-2219 or see page 8 to learn how
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 5,500 - 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
Editor/Publisher - Seth Halpern
-
Advisory - Dave Kugelman
-
Design - Teresa Davis
The Ambassador
3
INSPIRATION
The Voice of the Christian Community, Serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
• • • Thank You for the Fleas • • • by Paula McBride “Betsie, there’s no way even God can make me grateful for a flea!” Corrie ten Boom exclaimed to her sister. You may know the story of Betsie and Corrie ten Boom and their experiences in a Nazi concentration camp. The sisters and her group had just been moved to Barrack 28, and they were horrified that their reeking, straw-bed platforms swarmed with fleas. How could they endure such a place? But Betsie knew God’s answer as found in I Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.” “Give thanks in all circumstances,” Betsie told the prisoners. “It doesn’t just say in pleasant circumstances. Fleas are part of this place where God has put us.” The prisoners then stood between their bunks and gave thanks for fleas. As it turned out, the fleas were a blessing because the Nazi guards would not come near Barrack 28. The women were able to have Bible studies with a great deal of freedom, never bothered by their tormentors. God protected them from worse atrocities and made sure their deepest, truest needs were met. Sometimes we just don’t feel thankful. We all have “fleas” in our lives, those
things we can see no use for, things that are horrible, unpleasant, and painful. Things we want gone. No life is free of “fleas”, but if Corrie and Betsie can be our examples, God can use even nasty insects for our protection and blessing when we give thanks in all circumstances. So why is giving thanks so important? First of all, the Bible is filled with commands to give thanks. That’s right: commands. Psalms is full of them, usually followed by the reasons we should thank God. For example, Psalm 136:3 says, “Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.” Thanksgiving and praise go together and are the key component of worship. Also, giving thanks reminds us of how much we do have. In our weak humanity, our natural bent is to focus on what we don’t have. By giving thanks continually, we focus on what we do have. Corrie ten Boom wrote that when they prayed in the barracks, they thanked God that the sisters were together. They had a Bible. They even thanked God for the horrible crowd of prisoners, because more would be able to hear the gospel. This year has seen much loss and devastation throughout our country and among our friends, and only thankfulness can keep bitterness at bay. We do not thank God for evil and loss, but
that He is sustaining us through it (James 1:12). We can have thankful hearts toward God even when we do not feel thankful for the circumstances. We can grieve, hurt, and rage at the loss and still be thankful. That is what the Bible calls a “sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15). If the holiday of Thanksgiving is different this year because someone
or something is absent, giving thanks anyway will keep our hearts in right relationship with God and will keep us from the host of harmful emotions and attitudes that will rob us of the peace God wants us to experience (Philippians 4:67). Fleas are part of the place God put us. Let’s look for the blessing in them and be grateful.
10 Ways You Can Help The Ambassador Ministry 1. Pray with us and for us to not only sustain but to grow in impact. Pray for our health and for spiritual protection 2. Read it yourself – You will be enriched by reading it. 3. Share a copy or an article with someone- you will have someone in your life benefit from an article in every issue, cut it out and send it to them, or send them the whole issue 4. Leave a copy of The Ambassador when you’re having coffee or a meal or waiting for your car. Use it like a tract. It may be less intimidation. 5. Monitor The Ambassador at your church: assure their presence and visibility 6. Subscribe for a friend or family
member (or yourself) 7. Find new locations- ask businesses that you frequent to take some papers, deliver and monitor them 8. Deliver a small route- 1 to 2 hours each month 9. Give financially as an Individual partner, business partner, churches/ ministries partner (every dollar helps to impact the community) 10. Talk to your like-minded Christian friends, family, business associates and church leadership, about helping as well. If you would like to help, please contact Seth Halpern at 530-933-1385 or email editor@ambassadornewspaper.com
Free Home Market Value Analysis Call or email Intero Real Estate Services for a free, no obligation market value analysis of your home.
WILLIAM HOON GARDENING
Intero Real Estate Services Donna Phelan Director of Sales 868 Richland Road Yuba City, CA 95991
4
The Ambassador
Office: 530-790-7000 Donnaphelan@interopride.com BRE#01338574
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
INSPIRATION
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
- Want More -
FROM THE ARCHIVES...
by April James
they may come to know Christ, but we should to do a periodic self-check in these relationships; are we influencing them for good or are they influencing us the wrong way? Similarly, we need to be careful of other influences in our lives as well. Is the music we listen to like vitamins, pumping up our spirit, making us stronger, or is it a poison - stealing joy and life form us, dulling our senses to the presence of the Lord and the sound of His voice? Are we feeding on the word, the Bread of Life, inspirational messages or are what we taking in through our eyes and ears things that cause death, corruption, and crumble our moral values? Since we want to cultivate a healthy spiritual life, let us hunger and thirst for righteousness, putting away the desires of the flesh to feed a fire of passion for the
lic#452975
More, more, more, more – who doesn’t want more? There is nothing wrong with wanting more, that is, depending on what the more is. Wanting more peace, joy, time with family, and more times of rest from a hectic go-go schedule – are all good things. Then there is wanting to know the Lord more intimately, to experience His presence more, to live with more passion, fire, an unquenchable burning (hunger) within our spirit for Him; or to walk more in freedom, liberty, and victory. Where do such desires for more come from, how does it grow? What we feed creates an appetite for more of it, good or bad. Likewise, who we hang around influences us for the good or bad. So, best to find someone who has traits we admire to associate with. If we want to become wise – hang out with wise people. If we want to be more successful in business – spend time with those who are successful. If you want to be Godly, hang out with those that are Godly in their private and public life. Granted, we do need to associate with non-believers in order to influence their lives, to be a witness to them that
Sea Glass
KITCHENS + BATHROOMS DECKS + ADDITIONS REPAIRS + SIDING ALTERATIONS GRAB BARS WHOLE HOUSE FANS LEAF GUARD FINISH CARPENTRY
682.9602
www.GreenetzConstruction.com
Lord. Paul encourages us in Philippians 4:8 to “Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things…” Where does more passion, fire and a hunger come from and how does it grow? It comes by feeding our spirit within us good things. As we spend time in the anointed word of God, in fellowship with followers of Jesus Christ, it creates a hunger for more. As we spend time just loving on the Lord, worshiping and ministering to Him, experiencing His presence, it sets off fireworks within us that’s uncontainable. It leaves us wanting more, and this more is a good thing to want. Anyone want more of the Lord? Feel free to indulge your appetite!
by Nita Fochs I sit in the chill of the early costal morning and listen to the rhythmic breathing of my husband and son: the slow, heavy, abandoned breathing of slumber. Today we go home. It has been a long weekend of Pacific Ocean sunsets, misty morning skies, and combing the beach for treasures. We found shells and sea glass in shades of green, blue, amber, and opaque white. They were washed last night and spread on the counter to dry. I looked through them again this morning, running my finger over the smooth surfaces of the sea glass and breathing in the musty, organic scent of the shells. It delights me to see the beauty that God displays in broken shells and sand-polished shards of glass bottles. That must be how we look to Him; shards of what used to be, smoothed by His mercy, grace, and the wisdom that only He can instill in us. He must look us over each morning, running His finger over our surfaces, searching for sharp edges that need to be sanded smooth, and delighting in our differences and in His workmanship. He makes beauty from ashes, and from the least of us.
The Ambassador
5
The Voice of the Christian Community, Serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
CALENDAR
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
Ongoing Events SUNDAY AWANA CLUB Sundays 5:30-7:00 pm. Check in is at 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. 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 CHRISTIAN BUSINESS ALLIANCE First Tuesday of Every Month, Noon - 1:00 p.m. The Bride Church - 1321 Peach Tree Ln, YC Join us for a time of fellowship, prayer & encouragement. All are welcome! FREE KARATE CLASSES Tuesday 6:00 pm - FREE karate classes taught from a Christian perspective. First Baptist Church - 1777 8th Ave. - Olivehurst, 530-701-5131 for info, Pastor Miguel. CRAFTSMEN FOR CHRIST Meets every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The Bride Church - 1321 Peach Tree Lane, YC Men’s fellowship around the word and worship. All in the Body of Christ 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. FRIENDS FOR SURVIVAL SUICIDE LOSS SUPPORT GROUP 4th Tuesday of the month, 6:30 PM - 715 King Ave., (off Clark Ave.) Yuba City_ Support for people who lost loved ones to suicide. Contact person, Becky Reimers (530) 454-7698, ffs.ysc@gmail.com PRAYER FOR THE NATION - Every Tuesday Evening @ 7PM Embassy of Heaven Campus - Church of Glad Tidings- Bldg 200 1179 Eager Road, Yuba City Info: Stephanie Steele 530-870-6906 www.churchofgladtidings.com Join us as we intercede for our region and our nation
6
The Ambassador
WEDNESDAY AWANA Wednesday 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.
FRIDAY LIFE RECOVERY meets every Friday night at 7:00 PM (except the last Friday of the month) in the social hall of Loma Rica Community Church. Contact Church Office at 743.5435 for more information. TUESDAY
SATURDAY
BETHESDA HEALING WELL - Saturday, Nov 18th at 10AM Embassy of Heaven Campus - Bldg 200 - 1179 Eager Road, YC You are invited to come and receive special prayer for divine healing or prophetic guidance. Our prayer teams will pray with you for your needs. 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 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.
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
CALENDAR
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
Special Events OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD (SHOEBOX GIFTS) NATIONAL COLLECTION WEEK, NOV. 13-20
FCS PLAYERS THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS “QUILTERS”! Faith Christian School/First United Methodist Church Theater, 3101 Colusa Hwy, YC Nov 9 & 10 at 7:00 pm; Nov 11 at 1:00 pm. This fall experience a dramatic harvest of love, laughter and tenderness as the FCS Players present Quilters – a heartwarming musical play about America’s pioneer women and their families - November 9 and 10 at 7:00 pm; September 11 at 1:00 pm. Call 530-674-5474 or visit www. fcs-k12.org for more information! HOLYCROSS 6TH ANNUAL DONATION STATION AND CHILI COOK-OFF Holycross Memorial parking lot, 486 Bridge St., YC - Thur Nov 16th, 5:30pm We are accepting donations including coats and blankets for the less fortunate in Yuba-Sutter. All items and money raised will go to Pastor Ron Brasier for A Hand Up Ministry and Riverbottoms Church.
For more info. call Dennis Gabel 695-1495 or go to samaritanspurse.org/occ Local drop-off locations to bring your packed shoebox gifts Cooper Ave. Baptist Church, 804 Cooper Ave. Yuba City Mon-Fri. (Nov. 13-17) 5pm-8pm. Sat. (Nov. 18) 10am-2pm, Sun. (Nov. 19) 2pm-7pm Mon. (Nov. 20) 10am-Noon Hope Point Nazarene Church, 600 N. George Washington Blvd., Yuba City Mon-Sat. (Nov. 13-18) 2pm-5pm, Sun. (Nov. 19) 1pm-4pm Mon. (Nov. 20) 10am-Noon
WOMEN OF PURPOSE NOV 17, 6:00 P.M. El Zarape Restaurant, YC Please join us for a time of fellowship and encouragement. For information contact Letty Wilson leticiawilson@att.net MOUNT OLIVET FALL REVIVAL 2284 McGowan Parkway, Olivehurst November 20, 21, and 22nd, 6:30 P.M Come one, come all and be Spiritually revived. Our revivalist this year is Reverend Dr. Yardley, a renown gospel preacher/speaker and gospel singer. We anticipate with great expectation to have an awesome time in the Lord.
Prayer Calendar for November 2017 1-Nov Children and Children’s Ministries 2-Nov Pray for race relation in our nation 3-Nov War-torn nations- pray for peace and protection especially for civilians 4-Nov Military, All armed forces & their families. 5-Nov Global Persecution-Safety/Courage of Believers 6-Nov Missing Teens & children- pray for protection and found safe 7-Nov Middle East - For the peace of Jerusalem 8-Nov Fire Victims- Pray for peace and provision for those affected by the recent fires 9-Nov Homeless/Poor - Twin Cities Rescue Mission, A Hand Up, Salvation Army, REST 10-Nov A Woman’s Friend - Unborn children/Pregnant Women 11-Nov Veteran’s Day- Give thanks and honor to those who have defended our nation 12-Nov Christian Businesses-Ambassador Sponsors & others. 13-Nov Missionaries -Fruit, Provision 14-Nov Singles, Single Parents, Divorce healing 15-Nov Orphan children- Samaritan Village (see p. 3) and other orphanages 16-Nov First Responders-Police, Firefighters, EMT, TIP 17-Nov President Trump- God’s Wisdom in decisions & communication 18-Nov Hollywood- May God to touch influential people 19-Nov Sex Trafficking - pray for victims 20-Nov Pray for dads to be Godly leaders in their home and give thanks for those who are! 21-Nov Addicted, Rehab ministries- Feather River Mens Center, Joshua House, Celebrate Recovery 22-Nov Seniors and Elderly- pray for support and protection from heat 23-Nov Thanksgiving Day- Give thanks to the Lord for all He has done!! 24-Nov Teen Depression, Suicide 25-Nov Local officials and community leaders 26-Nov State lawmakers- Pray for Assemblyman James Gallagher & others who represent us 27-Nov Local Pastors and their families 28-Nov Adoptive families & birth moms 29-Nov Struggling Women- Pray for Lydia’s House, Twin Rivers Crisis Center, Casa Esperanza 30-Nov The Ambassador Newspaper-Increased readership and Impact For suggestions to the Prayer Calendar, contact editor@ambassadornewspaper.com
DRAMA - “THE RIPPLE EFFECT” DEC 8-12 7PM NIGHTLY Embassy of Heaven Campus Church of Glad Tidings - Bldg 100 1179 Eager Road, Yuba City Info: 530-671-3160 www.churchofgladtidings.com Carter thought his life was over when he landed in jail. What he didn’t know was that all the pieces of an intricate puzzle had come together for just such a time. Admission FREE
Want to have your activities and events bold and hightlighted in the Ambassador? Become a church partner and help support this ministry. Contact Seth at 530-933-1385 or editor@ambassadornewspaper.com
I Will Sing To The Lord For He Has Been Good To Me. Ps 13:6
The Ambassador
7
COMMUNITY CBA MARKETPLACE MONTHLY IDOP Many followers of Jesus Christ have been plagued with a serious condition. Unfortunately, I have been infected (and affected) by it as well. There is a secular term that describes this disorder. It is often referred to as compassion fatigue – it is defined as an indifference to charitable appeals on behalf of those who are suffering, experienced as a result of the frequency or number of such appeals. Boy, isn’t that the truth! There are so many Christian causes that it is easy to become numb to most if not all of them. The remedy is what I like to call INTENTIONAL CHRISTIANITY. If we are to be successful in any area of life, we must be intentional, right? Diet, exercise, saving money, marriage, parenting, job promotion etc. So why should it be any different in our Christian lives? Okay, before I get to the main point of my article, success in our Christian life is based on this one simple concept. Dedication and devotion to the person of Jesus Christ. I know, simple concept, difficult application. Once again, be intentional. Since this is my article, I will boldly state my opinion. Though there are
numerous needs and causes to be concerned with, I believe that two of them rise to the top. One is pro-life and the other is prayer for the persecuted church. You may not be aware but Christian persecution is increasing around the world and though not in the same fashion, is also on the rise in the US as well. Please commit to pray for our brothers and sisters who suffer (and die) daily because of their identification with Jesus Christ. Sunday, Nov. 5, is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). But not just that day, but every day. There is a great prayer and devotion APP from the Voice of the Martyrs –(you can find it in the APP store under “VOM”). They give you a persecuted country to pray for daily along with a devotion which highlights a true story of Christian persecution. Let’s not be indifferent to those who suffer. God’s Word tells us how to pray for them. Let’s be intentional! Hebrews 13:3 (NLT) Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.
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
8
The Ambassador
The Voice of the Christian Community, Serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
COMMUNITY
LIFE MATTERS presented by Yuba-Sutter Right To Life By Heather Pugh, Yuba Sutter Right to Life Secretary I was on Facebook yesterday and saw the most beautiful post you could imagine. It was a tearful posting made by a father of a child with Down Syndrome. The man and his son were in a store earlier when he overheard another father attempt to explain to his own children what Down Syndrome is. The other father told his children that Down Syndrome is an “illness of not knowing anything”. Despite his conscience telling him to say something, to explain what it’s really like to have a child with Down Syndrome, the father with the Down Syndrome child walked away and did not speak up for his son. This bothered him tremendously until he could no longer keep quiet and, on his way home from the store, pulled off the road and with tears streaming down his face, posted a video describing in beautiful detail what Down Syndrome is in reality. “Down Syndrome is literally one of the most beautiful things that has ever happened in my life,” he says in the video. “It’s fun, it’s brilliant, it’s amazing, it’s funny, it’s kind, it’s loving, it’s cuddly. They’re great teachers – people with Down Syndrome. It’s not an illness. It’s
• • • • The Gift of Down Syndrome • • • •
Syndrome and that was devastating to me in that moment. So I just wanted to right that publicly for myself. Thank you.” If you are pregnant with a child who may have Down Syndrome and your doctor or family is pressuring you to abort or you have doubts yourself about what to do, you should view the video. You need to read the comments posted by others who have loved ones with Down Syndrome. Your child is NOT broken. God did NOT make a mistake. You are blessed. You are loved. You are trusted with a tremendous gift and are asked to share this gift with the world. Your child has so much to teach us. Please, just watch the video. You’ll be glad you did. Click the QR code to see the video or visit https://youtu.be/m8sPT6-iGB
not an illness. It is not even a disability. Just because you read slower or you don’t run as fast, does mean you have a disability to me. This is what I learned from Turner. Disabilities are perception. I believe people are teachers and learners and a well-educated man does not have
more to teach than my son. He has different things to teach, but he does not have more to teach. His knowledge is not more valuable. Down Syndrome is the best thing that ever happened to me. But I didn’t say that. I didn’t step up for my son and for other people with Down
Also, PLEASE visit downsyndromeinfo. org/resources/parents/ for information and resources.
Newcastle Yuba City
9093 Old State Hwy Newcastle, CA 95658
916-663-4116 530-751-2238
1397 Colusa Hwy Yuba City, CA 95993
The Ambassador
9
... wait ... did somebody really say FREE CHILDCARE???
• Join us for : we hang out, drink coffee, & enjoy laid-back activities while our kids are looked after by experienced children’s ministry staff • 1st & 3rd Mondays, each month, from 9:30–11:30 @ Gateway Calvary Chapel (808 8th Street, Marysville) • Facebook at
. Email at
If you’re in need of some with other moms who can completely relate to the wonderful, sometimes frustrating, always worthwhile journey of motherhood, we encourage you to grab a friend and join us!
10
The Ambassador
. Cabins . Tepees . RV Sites
. Store . Events . Restaurant
8-12
(with beer & wine bar)
“A place where Memories are made & Memories are shared� www.indianvalleyoutpostresort.com IVOResorthwy49@gmail.com Dave & Karla Gardner Proprietors
The Ambassador
11
COMMUNITY
The Voice of the Christian Community, Serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
FCS Players present “Quilters!” for 25th Anniversary Season by ? This fall reap a harvest of “love, laughter, healing and tenderness” as the Faith Christian School Players present one of Yuba-Sutter audience’s favorite musicals for their 25th Anniversary season – Quilters - November 9th and 10th at 7:00 pm and November 11th at 1:00 pm This award-winning and heart-warming musical tells the story of America’s pioneer women and their families through song, dance, comedy, heartfelt dialogue and through the medium of “women’s domestic art” – the beautiful quilts they created to “keep cover on their families for generations!” Audience members of every gender and every age will find themselves laughing, crying and deeply connecting with what FCS Players Founding Director Paul DeMeritt describes as “Possibly the most powerful, wonderful and inspiring small musical ever written! A true testament to love, hope and faith!” This will be the fifth production of Quilters that DeMeritt has directed; his first staging of the play was in 1989 when he served as Director of Theatre for Bethany College in Scotts Valley, near Santa Cruz. The play was in the final stages of rehearsal October 17th of that year when the Loma Prieta 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck, damaging the Bethany campus along with much of the community and making it questionable whether or not the show would open in November. However, one of the themes of Quilters is “persevering through hardship to find healing and joy;” the show premiered and its message became a catalyst for healing in the shaken Santa Cruz community. Since the 1989 production, DeMeritt has staged the show four times here in the
12
The Ambassador
Yuba-Sutter community counting this present effort. DeMeritt recalls “This play has tremendous significance to me; my youngest daughter Katie was born during the production of the first show; all three of my daughters and my daughter in law have been in one of our productions of Quilters at Faith Christian, my wife, Anne has designed the costumes for several of the shows – and it seems that every time we stage Quilters, it comes at just the right time – at a time when family, friends and community are facing the ‘challenges of life.’” 2017’s production has proved to be no exception; this year, several families at the school have faced illness, personal tragedy and loss and now our community is in the early stages of recovery from the devastating Cascade and La Porte wildfires – including two Faith Christian families who have lost their homes. Once again, Quilters’ timing is providential one of the climactic moments in the play is a wildfire which sweeps the prairie – but Quilters ultimately brings a message of “love, laughter, healing, tenderness and faith” to a reeling community. “When the Loma Prieta Quake hit in 1989, we at Bethany decided to reach out and offer complimentary tickets for the show to any families in the community who had been financially impacted by that tragedy” DeMeritt recalls. “Now,
Music Director Lana Dodd and her orchestra create the glorious music of the production, which will also feature the unveiling of the amazing 12 X 12 foot “Legacy Quilt,” created in 1989 by the Pajaro Valley Quilt Association for the Bethany production and used in every production of Quilters DeMeritt has directed since. Additional beautiful quilts for the show have been provided by the Quilters of Yuba City First United Methodist Church and other area quilt guilds.
here at Faith Christian, the FCS Players want to make the same offer to families impacted financially by the Cascade and La Porte fires.” DeMeritt asks that families who have suffered loss in the fires and who would like to experience Quilters’ message of love, hope and healing contact the FCS Players Box Office at Faith Christian High School, 3105 Colusa Hwy, Yuba City where complimentary tickets will be made available. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm and phone is 530-674-5474 The 2017 Quilters features a strong cast including 1985 FCHS alumnus Sheryl (Gray) Seino, who also performed in the 1989 Bethany College production.
All in all, Quilters promises to be a lifechanging experience! See the back page for details!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
1 Chronicles 16:34
The Ambassador Ministry
would like to thank the following people for their Individual Sponsorship
Rich & Joan Hackney Kathy Baum Tom Harris Marty Brown Allen Halpern Warren & Lucy Campbell Rita Collins April James LaDonna Curteman Sandi Juri Chuck David Sue Kochi Christine Emerson Clay Maynard Bob Gilbert
John Nicholls Carrie Pederson Mimi Robarge Jeff Royce Mike Sherman Robert E. Stark Josh Vanassche
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
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
RESOURCES
Legislative Update from Assemblyman James Gallagher For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24 (KJV) In a world fixated on labels and definitions, let us focus on truth and compassion. With the Governor’s signature, it is now official: you can legally change your biological gender in California and even check a “binary” option on your driver’s license if you would choose neither. Transgender advocates herald this legislation (SB 179) as a huge step forward for the civil rights of transgendered persons following states such as Oregon that have passed similar measures. It is only the latest in the California Legislature’s recent obsession with the very small percentage of people who are confused about their gender. Just last month the controversy was played out in a Rocklin charter school when it was revealed that the teacher of a Kindergarten class read the class a book about a transgenderism and allowed one student to change clothes and show the class her new gender identity. Parents who complained of the impromptu lesson, of which they received no formal notice, were told in no uncertain terms: this is the law and there is nothing you can do about it. Classrooms in California have been
using a cartoon Gingerbread man known as the “Genderbread Boy” to teach about gender identity and expression. As Christians, we know that a person’s gender is not interchangeable. Men and women are part of God’s beautiful and unique creation. We affirm the reality that God made us in His image in male and female form. Genesis 1:27. We know that our Scripture celebrates the two sexes as necessary and essential to the whole of creation – which each sex brings exalted attributes that strengthen their union, is a mystery that speaks of Christ and the Church. Ephesians 5:3132. We also know that human efforts to distort creation are very clearly called sinful, degrading passions. Romans 1:2032. But we also know we must also speak truth with love and compassion. Ephesians 4:15. We cannot ignore that those who struggle with their gender identity are bullied and teased to the point of taking their own lives. There is an inordinate percentage of transgendered youths who commit suicide and battle depression and low self-esteem. There is no doubt that there needs to be a continued effort to breed a more compassionate culture for those experiencing gender confusion, especially among our youth. The problem with government making
it easier for people to change their gender is that it doesn’t appear to ease the mental anguish and depression these individuals face. It turns out that teaching our youth that gender is a Candyland spectrum of subjective expression doesn’t improve outcomes. One of the most comprehensive, long-term studies of outcomes for those who changed their gender was completed in Sweden where transgender-supportive policies have long been in place. Despite completing surgical transition and being able to live as the gender of their choice, mental health problems persisted. Ten to fifteen years after surgery subjects had a suicide rate twenty times that of their peers. Research shows that the vast majority of gender identity issues in children is temporary and right themselves through adolescence. Oftentimes, it manifests when there is trauma or abuse in childhood. Yet, under the policies enacted in California, child health specialists find that more and more of our youth pursue chemical and even surgical re-assignment therapy consistent with their gender “choice” at an immature and undeveloped state of their life. As a society, we have become obsessed with the “who” or “what” we are becoming. “You’re nobody unless you are becoming somebody”. It has become
James Gallagher less important to understand the internal creative biology that has already made us unique and special in God’s eyes. Are we not “fearfully and wonderfully made?” Instead, we see biology as a trap we must escape. So, we push ourselves and strive after that which will make us more like… something different… something other than who we are. We will change our hair color, our body, and our face to meet this worldly expectation. We aren’t happy with who we are as God’s created being. Only by His Grace and power can we cease this obsession with self and rediscover the beauty in being who God has already made us to be. Indeed the question for our modern age is: Do we dare to be what God has truly created us to be or do we continue to “exchange the Glory of God for images of our own making”?
Country Veterinary Clinic “Beautiful Country Setting for Quality, Personable Medicine”
Country Veterinary Clinic 4839 E. Butte Road Live Oak, CA 95953 Phone: (530) 674-1660 www.countryvet.net
Mon-Fri: 8:00am - 5:30pm Sat: 8:00am - 2:00pm Sun: 4:00pm - 6:00pm (for lodging pick-up only)
After Hours: (530) 674-1660
530-755-3474 The Ambassador
13
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
Transform Your Prayer Life Do These Three Things
PRAY BEFORE YOU PRAY
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 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 Dennis & Connie Gable - Operation Christmas Child - (530) 695-1495 Rita Collins Steve & Cash Gilliss - Crosspointe Christian Books - (530) 673-6188 Adrian Graves - The Souler Guy - 530-329-1698 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 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 Dave Kugelman - Proforma by Kug - (530) 742-2423 Bill & Sonja Lindholm- RVOC - (530) 329-8361 Clay Maynard - Consultant - (530) 790-6611 Jerry Munz - JM Construction Co. - (530) 682-5316 Maria Paras Ronda Putman Roger Shadd - Shadd Janitorial Supply - (530) 673-0083 George Shaw- Serving Our Saviour - (530) 671-3303 Wynette Sills - CaliforniasForLife.org. - (916) 955-1577 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
14
The Ambassador
Ask God for these things before you start your prayer time. (2 Peter 1:3) --for the proper inner response (humility, an oper heart) --for His divine power to help you as your pray (giving focus and discernment) --that you would know His character, nature, and attributes (so you can trust and rely on Him) --that you would recieve His glory and goodness (because His love is a gift, not somthing that you can earn) --that He would enrich your life through your prayer time (so you can then go out and share Him with others)
PRAISE AND WORSHIP
Invite the power of praise into your life by meditating on and repeating Bible verses that focus on the character of God. Here are a few to get you started! --Jeremiah 10:6 - No one is like Him. His name is mighty.
--Jeremiah 32:17 - Nothing is too hard for Him. --Isaiah 40:28 -His understanding is unsearchable. --Isaiah 41:10 - He is with you. He will uphold you. --Isaiah 57:15 - His name is Holy. He will revive you. --Psalm 18:30 - His way is perfect. He is your shield. --Psalm 28:6-7 - He hears you. He is your strength.
PRAY THE SCRIPTURES
Choose a Bible verse that relates to your situation. Meditate on the verse, then do any or all of the following. --Claim the verse by repeating the verse out loud. -- Personalize the verse by adding a name or personal pronoun. -- Pray the verse by repeating it in your own words as a prayer. Find out more about prayer and letting go of perfectionism at www.journeytoimperfect.com
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
Lessons Learned: How a Callous Heart Found Jesus by Will Graham The man behind the wheel was an alcoholic. His marriage was broken. He was angry and bitter, and he didn’t mind one bit showing his disdain to the people who climbed into his vehicle. The year was 1959, and Ron Baker was one of many Australian bus drivers who had been hired to transport people to and from my grandfather’s [Billy Graham’s) Crusade at the Sydney Showground. Night after night he put up with his riders singing hymns and worshiping. He’d drop them and sit in his seat stewing until the doors opened and his bus filled again with jovial people who were excited about what God was doing in their city. Mr. Baker’s wife attended the Crusade and she committed her life to Christ. The following week, Mr. Baker found himself in the same stadium to which he had begrudgingly brought others. When the invitation was given, Mr. Baker walked forward. God radically transformed Mr. Baker’s life following his salvation. He gave up those things that were poisoning his body, mind and marriage. He pursued theological education and became ordained. As I contemplate the story of Ron Baker, I’m left with three thoughts. 1) There are a lot of Ron Bakers out there. We pass by them every day; people who are hurting and broken, and probably know it. Their addictions control them, their marriages are fractured, and their hearts are far from God. In Mr. Baker’s case, he flat-out hated Christians, yet deep down he was searching for hope. Once he found it, it changed his life and eternity.
2) As I approach an evangelistic outreach, I often pray that God would raise up “the next Billy Graham” from the people who respond at the invitation. I pray for the person that would reach the world with the Gospel. Mr. Baker, however, is proof that even if a person doesn’t reach millions, they can and do influence others, passionately sharing the Gospel to those around them. 3) Evangelism is vertical. Mr. Baker and his wife made individual decisions for Christ, reconciled their marriage, and began living for Him. Their children were then raised in a Christian home and went into ministry. Mr. Baker’s grandchildren were raised by godly parents and began relationships with Jesus. Entire generations can be impacted when people turn to Christ. It’s easy to think that a heart is too callous to be pierced by the Holy Spirit. We may believe that our neighbor, our coworker, or the bus driver for that matter, could never find hope in Christ or be used by God to reach others. The story of Ron Baker, however, shows that God can reach and use anybody. We just have to do our part in sharing the Good News with them. About Will Graham: Will is the third generation of Grahams to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ under the banner of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). He also serves as vice president of the BGEA, and as executive director of the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, N.C. Follow Will on Facebook atwww. Facebook.com/WillGraham4 and on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/TellaGraham.
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.
The Ambassador
15
The Voice of the Christian Community, Serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
continued from page 1 - “FINDING HOPE THROUGH THE FLAMES” organizations and causes. But more so, John is a people person and has helped hundreds of people in need of everything from PGE bills to money for groceries. Overnight, he and his family lost their home and everything in it. The Gaisers evacuated along with thousands of others during that Sunday morning. The Red Cross and Salvation Army along with many volunteers assisted the evacuees at a temporary shelter at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds where hundreds of people of all ages hunkered down. John and his family chose to stay at a local hotel, which would provide only slightly more comfort. For most of the next week, the evacuees were. praying, thinking, and waiting, yes waiting. They waited to get the ok to go back to their home or to see if there was a home to go back to. Donations poured in from a caring community. But still, the anxiety of the unknown and the pain and confusion of the possible loss would require more than the donations could provide. There is a time when we find ourselves at a loss to be able to control our destiny. This was one of those times, just as when a loved one is sick or dying or when a relationship ends. It seems like we have been in a season of uncertainty and heartache. This is just a few weeks removed from the nation’s deadliest mass shooting in Las Vegas. Just before that, we all watched as a trio of Hurricanes ravaged large areas in Texas and Florida among other locations. Add to those tragedies, the ongoing uncertainty of North Korea and the racial divide in this nation and the national angst is off the charts. What are we to do when all is (or seems) lost? What do we say to God when our neighbor’s house is in ruins while ours is barely touched? How do we grapple with seeing their home stand while ours is now
16
The Ambassador
a heap of ash? How do we continue to have faith and trust in a God who seems so random? After all, the one who lost his or her home may have prayed just as much as the one whose home survived? Ah, these are the questions that are always asked and have been in all of history. Why me, Lord? Why? Why? Yet, God’s Word doesn’t give us that answer in a neatly packaged verse. So, we try to find a scripture that we like and use it to soothe our conscience. After all, we need to know, right? We deserve to have the answer, don’t we? Life shouldn’t be this unfair, should it? Well, if you read this long hoping to have that answer, you will be disappointed, my friend. There is no “straight” answer to the question “why?” The answer that the Lord usually gives is simply “Trust”. Trust? Does that sound too trite? I used to think so. But what I’ve realized is that we are to “trust” in the Person of God. Sometimes we look too closely to the verses to find an answer.
Maybe it’s time to pull our spiritual “eyes” back a bit and look at the character of God. This is the One who “loved us and gave himself for us” (Gal 2:20). We sing of His “Amazing Grace” , then we don’t trust Him to keep us, protect us, and provide for us. The popular verse Romans 8:28 says that “He works all things for the good of those who love Him…”. Our HOPE is in the character of God. While it will be painful, our Hope is in God working it out for Good, because He IS GOOD! This is where our hope comes from. No matter the situation we find ourselves in, the Lord calls us to Hope and Trust in Him. This next sentence may sound trite and even insensitive. Please know that it comes from a heart of love. No matter what circumstance you find yourself in, no matter how painful or unfair, continue to put your trust and hope in the Lord. He WILL get you through it. Whether it’s the painful loss of your home and all your possessions and memorabilia,
whether it’s sickness or the loss of a loved one, whether it’s financial burden or loss, whether it’s family or marriage heartache, in all these things God WILL walk you through it if you trust and hope in Him and walk with Him through the mess. This is the way my friend John lives. He was at his store on Monday and I went to see him. If I had not heard what happened, I would not have any indication he had just lost his house. Someone even came up to him during our chat to ask for some help. He offered what he had- snacks and drinks. Hours earlier, he left home with just the clothes on his back. In the days following, I (along with many others) asked what he needed or what we could do. “Prayer” is his standard answer. Many would be distraught, but John sees the blessing of the Lord in the tragedy. H insightfully states “People ask ‘where is God when these things happen?’. I say that He’s in the people who give, help, listen, and pray with and for the ones who’ve suffered loss”. He tells of the ability to put solar on the roof of his next home and how he almost put a new roof on the house that was lost. What a perspective! John’s attitude can only be attributed to the Lord’s presence in His life and the trust he has in his Savior. He told me , “The possessions I lost were temporary; the spiritual lessons I am learning are eternal, praise God!”. He lives by the verse that has become my life scripture: I keep my eyes always on the Lord, With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore, my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices. My body also rests secure. (Ps 16:8,9) Note: Please continue to pray for the victims who lost their homes or other property.
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
continued from page 1 - “THE CASCADE FIRE AND ME” look around and figure out what really needed to be taken. I took my flute and house ownership papers, stepped outside and looked down at my semi-feral cat and said, “You’re on your own!” I decided to drive up to the nearest fire line to see how close it was to my house. Although shocked by the size of the flames, I was grateful it was several miles from my Browns Valley home (near Hwy 20). Once I drove past the road block I knew I wouldn’t be able to go back and decided to focus on what was ahead, a church full of evacuated people. I drove into the parking lot of Hallwood Church of The Nazarene which by this time was loaded with horse trailers and people looking for answers and direction. Of which, of course, I had none. As a pastor and a therapist, I did my best to put on my ‘helper’ hat and be present for those who arrived. It was challenging to ignore the gnawing curiosity of my own home and then those who I seemed unable to contact who lived in the direct path of the fire. Some of my clients arrived for counseling, totally unaware that my home was in the evacuated area. This is typical
many stories of pain and loss. I reminded myself to be Jesus with skin on. Be a friend, listen, try to understand. Late that night I was able to go home, others still wondered if they had a house to go home to.
for the client and therapist relationship in a metro area and harder to maintain in a rural area. Other clients knew the general location of my home but I maintained the focus on their goals. It wasn’t until dinner time when I stood in line with the rest of the evacuees that I realized I had not committed to finding a place to sleep that night. That is the moment my situation became real. It was humbling and a bit scary. One of the
elderly women in our church invited me to her home. That night I fell in love with a warm washcloth, slid into a bed not my own, and had nightmares about my friends I hadn’t contacted. The next day I felt compelled to go back and be available as early as possible for those who slept at the church. The offers for donations started pouring in. I felt inadequate in light of all the need and the relentless fire which ignited so
I was so grateful to drive up the driveway past the sign I modified to read “Private Property, Beware of God”. I believe God gave me the home and is simply letting me live there for now. I felt guilty for feeling so happy. God understands. The next couple of days I slept at the church with the evacuees and helped organize the donations that poured in. I made some new friends. Some of them came to church the following Sunday. One of them I stood with, in front of a pile of rubble that used to be his home. I cried for the first time that night. Mostly for the loss and pain of others but also for the enduring grace of God in my life that allowed me to minister to His hurting people. We stood in that country church Saturday night, surrounded by burned homes and fields, and sang in unison, “It is well with my soul.”
And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted. “Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. Isaiah 12:4-5 Professionals Dedicated to Protecting and Preserving Your Growing Investment
We build structures and relationships to last.
Serving Our Neighbors Since 1957
SERVICE
, INC.
673-7993
www.richardstree.com 10% DISCOUNT WITH THIS AD Fully Insured for P.L. & P.D.
Workmen's Comp.
Lic. Contractor #608859
Senior Discounts
and License #547970
(530)
TREE
Certified Arborist Tree Trimming Cabling & Bracing Tree & Stump Removal 24 Hr Emergency Service Arborist Reports
Partnering together to save millions in the design and construction costs for Christian schools and churches nationwide.
530-673-2947
The Ambassador
17
EDITORAL POTPOURRI By Jon Skillman Potpourri…such a cool word to pronounce and a misery to spell…what’s with those French? Anyway, potpourri is defined either as a hodge-podge or a deodorant, which makes it a most apropos title for this hodgepodge of an article about things and events that…well, kind of stink. EVIL: Evil filled a hotel room in Las Vegas and rained down on thousands of unsuspecting country music fans enjoying an outdoor concert. Fifty-eight lay dead, hundreds wounded and thousands of lives changed forever. Why? Nobody knows! The motive died inside the mind of a madman. DEPRAVITY: A famous movie producer is exposed as a serial sexual predator. Why did he do it…because in a culture devoid of morality…he could! His lecherous and lewd behavior was not only tolerated in Hollywood, but anywhere his wealth and fame could purchase it. But does the guilt and shame rest solely on him? No…the guilt is shared by all who knew of it yet did nothing to stop it. And, sadly…there is no shame. Their silence was indeed deafening and I can’t help wondering how many were violated, corrupted and ruined due to their enabling complicity. I guess when you work in an industry that creates trash and produces filth you can’t help but get a little dirty. POLITICAL CORRECTNESS: The wide world of sports has fallen victim to the insanity that is, political correctness. ESPN has injected PC philosophy into
athletics by firing sportscasters who use any word that could be construed as offensive or racist…which in today’s PC world pretty much includes the entire English language. Also, following the Charlottesville brew-haha over a Robert E. Lee statue, ESPN, in its infinite absurdity, reassigned sportscaster, Robert Lee (an Asian American) from announcing a southern college football game to one outside the Confederacy. PC in spades! EARTH WIND & FIRE: No, not the musical group but earthquakes, hurricanes and wildfires, tragedies insurers refer to as acts of God…but are they really? All I know is there have been an awful lot of them lately. Such tragedies bring out both the very best in humanity and the very worst in man. While many aid and comfort the stricken, looters creep in like jackals to prey on the misfortunes of others. RIGHT & WRONG: These words have been neutered and of little consequence in a post-modern humanistic society. Morality is considered to be subjective, but in reality…is only subject to God. “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.” Isaiah 5:20. And, “The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men.” Psalm 12:8. HOPE: Hope is found only in grace alone…through faith alone…in Christ alone! Now that’s a potpourri that can make even this hodge-podge smell sweet.
The Ambassador accepts opinions and editorials (op-ed’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.
18
The Ambassador
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
MINISTRY CHANGES! The season is changing from summer to fall. With it brings much change: Colors of the leaves, temperature of the air, thickness of our clothing, and outdoor to indoor activities. We also begin to think about and plan for the upcoming holiday season. Sometimes our community is also in transition. Certainly, many who were victims of the Yuba County Fires are in transition. So also are several local Christian ministries. Within the span of a few weeks, I became aware of significant changes from three vital local ministries. Perhaps the most well-known is A Woman’s Friend. AWF has been led for the past six years by Carol Dodds. Carol has done an excellent job at the helm as Executive Director of AWF. She has accepted a similar position at a crisis pregnancy center in her home state of Texas. She will be missed both as a leader and a friend not only to woman but to me and scores of others partnering in the work of the Lord. Fortunately, another good friend Kristen Bird is taking her place and while we will miss Carol, we are excited about the future of A Woman’s Friend under the capable leadership of Kristen. Another important Gospel work in our area is Young Life. Regional Director Brad Distad has engaged all of us as he has shared stories of this fruitful work among teens. Brad and Jessica came to our area from back east and believe that the Lord is directing them into a new season. Former Young Life Director
Seth Halpern - Editor Jon Hamilton and Rachel Young will be heading up this ministry geared to our next generation. Finally, Restoration Railroad, a ministry to victims of human/sex trafficking has done much to educate the community about this issue and the reality of it being much closer to home than we might think. They have begun to bring local agencies together to combat this rampant problem and have decided for now to dissolve this ministry. Meredith Curry, founder and director, has given her all to this cause and now needs to focus on raising and homeschooling her children. The Ambassador would like to acknowledge, honor and thank these servants for their diligence in serving the Lord and our community for these past years! May God continue to use each of them as God directs and may He use the new leaders with wisdom and power as we continue to lift them up before Him!
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
MARKETPLACE
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM AUTO
MONROE TRANSMISSION Don Monroe 1397 Colusa Hwy Yuba City 530-751-2238
BUILDING/REMODELING
DAVE GREENETZ CONSTRUCTION INC. www.greenetzconstruction.com REMODELING
682.9602 - lic.# 452975
HILBERS INC.
CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS 1210 Stabler Lane, Yuba City www.hilbersinc.com 530-673-2947
SHUTTER-UP
Window Coverings (530) 755-3474 Blinds* Shutters* Shades Lic. #890713 BUSINESS SERVICES
PROFORMA BY KUG Dave Kugelman Promotional Products www.proforma.com/kug 530-632-9292 HOME MAINTENANCE
A-1 Enterprises
CHIMNEY & DRYER VENT Cleaning Time! Call us to schedule yours. (530) 673-3634 Contractor’s License # 728636
BUTTES PIPE & SUPPLY CO. "Your Complete Plumbing Supply Store"
(530) 673-8501 www.buttespipe.com
IMPACT THE COMMUNITY HOME MAINTENANCE
LANDSCAPING
RUSSELL•&•BOALS PAINTING,•INC
Richard’s Tree Service 530-673-7993
lic.#496656
Certified Arborist www.richardstree.com Lic. 608859
Yuba City Pest Control
WILLIAM HOON GARDENING
530-870-2620
“Voted•Best•Yuba/Sutter•Painting•Service•2014”
P.O. Box 2, Yuba City, CA 95992 Ph. (530) 755-2555 Fx. (530) 755-4672 "Quality Service Guaranteed"
“We can help free up your weekends!”
530-788-5899
Country Vet Clinic, Inc 4839 E. Butte Rd, Live Oak "Treating all creatures Great and Small" Jerry Long, DVM & Assoc.
REAL ESTATE
Intero Real Estate Services (530) 790-7000 www.interopride.com donnaphelan@interopride.com Great People. Great Agents
General Yard Care & Maintenance
OTHER
PERSONAL CARE
Indian Valley Outpost Resort
Excellent Massage Care
Off-Season Availability Cabin and RV Rentals and Catering.
“A Touch Like No Other"
SUPPORT "LOCAL" CHRISTIAN BUSINESSES
PETS
Brenda Banducci 530-701-4847
Make It Your Winter Mountain Get-a-way.
www.indianvalleyoutpostresort.com
317 D St, Marysville
eXfuze Seven+
botanical supplements: acai, fucoidan, goji, seabuckthorn, noni, gac, mangosteen Robert E. Stark
674-0345, stark@otnusa.com
JENINE L. TANABE MD DERMATOLOGY 414 G Street, Suite 204 Marysville 743-0301
MarketPlace Ads should not be considered as an endorsement of The Ambassador as to the spiritual commitment of the advertiser. The Ambassador does not and cannot "monitor" spiritual commitment of its advertisers."
Promote Your Business Here!
The Ambassador
19