March 2018
by Jim Denison- Denisonforum.org I saw Black Panther yesterday, which makes me anything but unusual. The movie took in an estimated $192 million over the weekend domestically, making it the highest February film debut in history. It has already grossed $169 million overseas as well. It is the highest rated superhero movie of all time. After viewing the film, I can see why. Ryan Coogler, already famous for Creed, directed an astounding cast in one of the most gripping films I’ve seen in years. Part of the movie’s appeal is clearly its amazing action sequences and outstanding performances. But its deeper message is one I believe to be especially
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significant for Christians in America. Why superhero movies are so popular Black Panther is the eighteenth movie connected to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, beginning with Iron Man in 2008. DC Comics has made dozens of movies over the years as well. Superhero movies are extremely popular these days, in part because the news reminds us daily how much we need protection. Nikolas Cruz has confessed to attacking Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, one of more than 140,000 schools in the US. In addition, there are more than 5.6 million commercial buildings and
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more than 107,000 shopping centers in this country. Most have multiple access points and little if any armed security. The cost of protecting each of them against an armed attacker would be astronomical. A list of the deadliest single-day mass shootings in modern US history includes schools, churches, businesses, a cafeteria, a McDonalds, a postal center, an immigrant community center, a casino and resort, a gambling club, a nightclub, a navy yard, a street, a movie theater, two brokerage houses, a Buddhist center, a nursing home, and a government center. Clearly, securing every vulnerable location is impossible. In our post-9/11 world, the promise
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of superhero protection, even though fanciful, is attractive. But there’s an element central to the plot of Black Panther that helps explain its unique appeal as well. A dilemma at the heart of life Black Panther is about an African nation called Wakanda, which developed a metal called “vibranium” from a meteorite. Vibranium helped them produce an extremely advanced civilization and technology they have hidden from the world by posing as an impoverished country.
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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 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
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The Talent
The Harvest Principle By Paula McBride Calling all gardeners! Have you prepared and enriched your fertile beds? Chosen your menu of healthy veggies? Decided on what brand of plant to purchase or which seeds to start? Armed yourself with environmentally friendly pesticides? Are there leaks in your drip lines or geysers in the sprinklers? Does the automatic timer work? Oh, there are so many things to consider as springtime rolls around and the itch to get soil under your fingernails consumes you, but one thing is certain. To reap a harvest, you have to sow the seed (or plant as the case may be). That’s the harvest principle. What is true in earthly terms is also true in spiritual terms. Scripture often uses soil as a metaphor for the heart of man and seeds as a metaphor for the truths of God’s Word. In order to reap the harvest of blessing in our lives, we must cultivate the truths of God. The earthly gardener will till or shovel his soil until it is soft and the lumps are all crushed out. In the same way, our Master Gardener, Jesus, through the conviction of the Holy Spirit will soften
our hearts as we allow Him to purge away the decay of sin. Then the seeds of truth are spread by Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life, as we open our hearts to the Word of God. Over time, our hearts are overflowing with fruit. And what fruit will that be? Scripture identifies six different types. Interestingly, one is soul-winning, according to Romans 1:13. Wouldn’t you like to be a soul winner? Another is holiness, according to Romans 6:22. Do you find it easy to give to the Lord? Romans 15:28 calls that a fruit. Colossians 1:10 labels good works as a fruit, and Hebrews 13:15 names praise as a fruit. More familiar is the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control from Galatians 5:22-23. Perhaps you are feeling rather “fruity” as you reflect on all God has done for you throughout the seasons of your life. Or, perhaps you are feeling a hardness in your soul. If so, let the gentle Lord Jesus soften you up and plant His truth in you. You will reap an overflow of blessing. That is God’s harvest principle.
by April James A new thought struck me as I was reading the parable of the talents (Matthew 25), the one servant did nothing with what had been entrusted to him because he knew, he believed, the master to be a hard man, so out of fear he hid his talent then went on with life as usual. The Bible doesn’t say what the other two servant’s impression of their master was. Did they know him to be hard, or merciful, full of grace, forgiving, kind? Did their view of the master allow them freedom to take a risk in doing something with what had been entrusted to them, not fearing potential failure? Did the fact the master trusted them to begin with encourage them to improve upon who they were or what they had? The parable also does not tell us if the two servants had all success or were their ups and downs, failures and slips, along the way to finally show an increase in the end. What we do know is the third servant let fear stop him from doing anything with what he had, which led me to the question – what is my view or core belief of God, and does it affect what I do? The later part, does it affect what I do, I’m certain is a resounding yes. What is my core belief of God takes a little more in depth pondering, as I’m guessing it does for all of us at times, and we all need to do
periodic internal checkups. What do we let fear stop us from doing with what the Lord has given us? What talents, abilities, gifts, wisdom, etc… lay buried under fear or other excuses and reasons for doing nothing? If our view of God is not of Him being a good Father, we need to change our wrong thinking. I admire Apostle John’s view, he didn’t just love Jesus – he knew he was loved - by Jesus, he referred to himself as the one whom Jesus loved. Can we, without question, say we know we are loved by Jesus and the Father? Knowing we are loved empowers us to step out. We have each been given something from the Lord that we are responsible to steward; it takes us from an ordinary life to an abundant life in Him. Let’s not despise small beginnings, as we steward well the one thing more will be added. Do we all not long to hear the words one day “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” Matthew 25:23. The joy of the Lord starts with our relationship and a right view of the Master. Is it time to change some of our thinking, to be about using what He has given us and open to see where it goes? www.BeyondTheSilverCoin.org
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• • • by Christy Boals “We missed again!” Every year on St. Patrick’s Day, our home has been invaded by small mischief-makers. Drawing on schoolwork, getting into our sugar canisters and leaving notes about our inability to catch them. To combat this problem, my children set increasingly elaborate traps. However, those pesky leprechauns continue to evade them year after year. The disappointment of the leprechauns’ escape is tempered though, by the fact that as they flee they drop chocolate gold coins from their pockets. Somehow they always drop just the right amount to be divided evenly among my children. This year my oldest happened upon the sprung traps and scattered gold early in the morning before anyone else was awake. Carefully counting the coins, he determined that each person would receive three. He went back to bed, not disturbing the crime scene in any way. Some time between his visit and the waking up of the whole group of children, one of our own leprechauns quietly got up, ate three coins and went back to bed. This might not sound surprising, but there is something deeper going on in this particular child. If you have more than one child, you already know how different kids can be
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Missed Again
even while being raised in the same home. For this child of mine for some reason, there is a sense of lack, of maybe missing out. It comes out in a lot of different w a y s , one being sneaking treats. It is difficult to see her feel this way. As her mother I want her to feel abundantly taken care of, abundantly loved, even to the point of being spoiled. What I don’t want her to miss out on is this love that is right in front of her. As always, when I see something in my children, God shows me it in myself. I too have struggled with a sense of lack. I have to remind myself all the time that God is my good father and He lavishes His provisions on me. In the same way I want my daughter to have a sense of abundance, He wants me to feel the same. He doesn’t want me to not be able to see what is right in front of me already. There was a point in the Israelites’ travels through the desert that they cried out for meat. They had what they felt was
• • •
a lack, they thought God was keeping something from them. They failed to see God’s provision already in front of them in the form of manna. There are so many times I am like that. Something triggers in me and I feel I am missing out. When God gently reminds me of His
goodness I turn my eyes back to Him as my ultimate provider. I can again see the “manna” blessings in front of me, God’s lavish, abundant provision in my life and I realize I am not lacking anything. “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:9-11 www.gracefilledpurpose.com
“When Wealth is Lost, Nothing is Lost; When Health is Lost, Something is Lost; When Character is Lost, ALL is Lost.” - Billy Graham
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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. Our club runs from September to May. Come join anytime. Kids memorize Scripture, play games and learn lots! Call 530673-6847 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
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. TUESDAY
SATURDAY
BETHESDA HEALING WELL - Saturday, March17th 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 HOUSE OF PRAYER - Every Saturday Night from 6pm-7pm Hope Point Nazarene! Join us on Saturday nights as we gather to worship and pray for our community and our world!
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.
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Special Events CHRIS AUGUST EVERYTHING AFTER TOUR Adventure Church of Yuba City- 1100 Garden Hwy, Yuba City March 2nd at 7 pm Chris August live in concert with special guest Missy Robertson from the Voice. MARDI-GRAS SUNDAY Mt. Olivet Baptist Church 2284 McGowan Pkwy, Olivehurst Sun March 4, 1:30 pm Gumbo, small bowl $7.00 large bowl $10.00 from 1:30 pm until all gumbo sold out AWESOME AFTER SCHOOL DRAMA PRESENTS DISNEY’S ALICE IN WONDERLAND! Yuba City First United Methodist Church Theater, 3101 Colusa Hwy, Yuba City Thur, Mar 8th and Fri Mar 9th - 7:00 pm Awesome After School Drama presents Disney’s Alice in Wonderland featuring music, dance, magic and fun for the whole family! Tickets: $4.00 General, $2.00 Students/Seniors/Active Duty Military; general seating on sale at the door! Call 530-713-4793 for more info! TWIN CITIES RESCUE MISSION 59TH ANNUAL BANQUET St. Isidore Church ,222 Clark Ave., Yuba City Saturday, March 24th 6:30pm-8:30pm Free Event! Open to the Community. An Evening of Dinner, Live Music, and Testimonies. Pastor Johnny Burke of New Beginnings Wesleyan Church will join us as our Guest Speaker.
ISAIAH 61 CONFERENCE March 26 - 30 Begins Monday at 6pm Ends Friday 12 noon Embassy of Heaven Campus Church of Glad Tidiings 1179 Eager Rd., YC 530-671-3160 Register online: www. churchofgladtidings.com The Isaiah 61 Conference on spiritual warfare and deliverance by Pastor Dave Bryan. This conference has been taught all over the world. The Isaiah 61 Conference was birthed from an intense desire to see the full benefit of the work of salvation take place in our lives. To see the work of hell defeated and to see all God’s people walk in freedom from the bondages of sin. GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE The Father’s House – 10720 Live Oak Blvd, Live Oak Fri March 30, 7:00 - 8:15 PM A community event. Presentations featuring Spread the Light Puppet Ministry and individuals from community churches. HE SUFFERED FOR YOU Good Friday, Mar 30, 9:30 AM Come join other believers from many churches as we carry the cross. We will begin at the Town Center Fountain on Plumas Street, Yuba City. Then proceed up Plumas Street, west on Colusa Hwy to Gray Ave. We will cross the street at the corner of Togo’s, turn right and proceed down Colusa Hwy back to Plumas St. Finally, we will proceed down Plumas St to the fountain where we began. For Information, call: 530-300-3371
Prayer Calendar for March 2018 1-Mar Pray for Parkland, FL and the those who lost loved ones from the school shooting 2-Mar War-torn nations- pray for peace and protection especially for civilians 3-Mar Military, All armed forces & their families. 4-Mar Pray for race relations in our nation 5-Mar Missing Teens & children- pray for protection and found safe 6-Mar Middle East - For the peace of Jerusalem 7-Mar Children and Children’s Ministries 8-Mar Homeless/Poor - Twin Cities Rescue Mission, A Hand Up, Salvation Army, REST 9-Mar A Woman’s Friend - Unborn children/Pregnant Women 10-Mar Orphan children- Samaritan Village (see p. 3) and other orphanages 11-Mar Christian Businesses-Ambassador Sponsors & others. 12-Mar Missionaries -Fruit, Provision 13-Mar Singles, Single Parents, Divorce healing 14-Mar National unity- Pray for race relations and equality in our nation 15-Mar First Responders-Police, Firefighters, EMT, TIP 16-Mar Pray for dads to be Godly leaders in their home and give thanks for those who are! 17-Mar Hollywood- May God to touch influential people 18-Mar Sex Trafficking - pray for victims 19-Mar President Trump- God’s Wisdom in decisions & communication 20-Mar Addicted, Rehab ministries- Feather River Mens Center, Joshua House, Celebrate Recovery 21-Mar Seniors and Elderly- pray for support and protection from heat 22-Mar Global Persecution-Safety/Courage of Believers 23-Mar Teen Depression, Suicide 24-Mar Local officials and community leaders 25-Mar State lawmakers- Pray for Assemblyman James Gallagher and others who represent us 26-Mar Local Pastors and their families 27-Mar Adoptive families & birth moms 28-Mar Struggling Women- Pray for Lydia’s House, Twin Rivers Crisis Center, Casa Esperanza 29-Mar The Ambassador Newspaper-Increased readership and Impact 30-Mar Good Friday- Thank Jesus for His indescribable sacrafice! 31-Mar Pray for Churches and hearts preparing for celebration of the Resurrection For suggestions to the Prayer Calendar, contact editor@ambassadornewspaper.com
COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT Hosted by Adventure Church of Yuba City at Riverbend School Sat March 31 10AM-12PM Come on out for our 7th annual Easter egg hunt! The whole event is FREE. There will be hot dogs, lemonade, games, bounce houses and MORE! Egg hunts at different times, for each age group, ranging from babies up to 6th grade! Don’t forget to sign up to win a free Ipad!
EGGSTRAVAGANZA Grace Baptist Church, 3646 Oro Dam Blvd., E Oroville March 31st between 10am & 2pm All are welcome to join us in celebrating our risen Lord. We will hunt for eggs on the lawn, eat good food, play games, have candy too. There will be prizes; as well on this day. Please bring your family and meet ours...it’s going to be a good day! www.orograce.org or www.graceoroville. org
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PLEASE HELP! Marysville Group Information Moms in the Making is a non-profit faith-based fertility support group. If you are looking for support on your infertility journey, we want to come alongside you to support you with hope and encouragement. Moms in the Making was founded in 2013 by Caroline Harries. What began as an in-person support group in her home in Dallas, TX later expanded to the online audience in 2015. In 2017, Mom’s in the Making also hosted their 1st annual national conference in October which drew in an audience of attendees from 32 states and 3 countries.
In 2018, Moms in the Making expanded its support groups to 14 locations across North America including an in-home support group in Marysville. We strive to offer a safe place for women to come and find support and prayer on their road to becoming a Mom. No matter how that title comes: pregnancy, adoption, foster care, etc. We meet the 2nd & 4th Thursday each month from 7-9pm. If you are interested in joining, please email: kendrajoyce@ momsinthemakinggroup.com www.momsinthemakinggroup.com @momsinthemaking #momsinthemaking
The Ambassador Ministry
would like to thank the following people for their Individual Sponsorship
Rich & Joan Hackney Marty Brown Tom Harris Warren & Lucy Campbell Allen Halpern Rita Collins LaDonna Curteman April James Chuck David Sue Kochi Dennis & Connie Gabel Clay Maynard Bob Gilbert
John Nicholls Carrie Pederson Mimi Robarge Jeff Royce Mike Sherman Robert E. Stark
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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YOU CAN HELP STOP ABORTION BY PETITIONING THE SUPREME COURT.
www.themoraloutcry.com Text: outcry to 95577 Please get informed, read the petition, sign it and go out of your way to encourage others to sign it. Thousands of precious preborn children thank you for your virtuous efforts to protect their helpless, defenseless lives. Your cost $0.00
Their benefit: LIFE infinite $
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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A New Gerber Baby: An Image Bearer with Down Syndrome by John Stonestreet – Breakpoint.org An adorable boy with Down syndrome was selected as this year’s Gerber baby. That’s great news. But remember, he’s not valuable because he’s cute! Starting sometime in the 1920s, the Gerber Baby became a cultural icon of hand-drawn cuteness. In 2010, the babyfood company started an annual photo contest for real-life Gerber babies. One hundred and forty thousand families entered the contest this year, and the winner is one-year-old Lucas Warren. Once you see his adorable grin, you’ll know why. In addition to being Gerber’s Spokesbaby—which of course isn’t strictly accurate since he can’t really speak yet—little Lucas enjoys another honor. He’s the first child with Down
syndrome to be named the winner. At first glance, as Kathryn Jean Lopez wrote at National Review Online, “the Gerber Spokesbaby slot …is an advertisement for baby food, (but) it can
be so much more this year. Looking in the eyes of Lucas, we might see a better way to live.” Amen, and good for Gerber! In most Western countries, including Iceland,
France, and even the U.S., the vast majority of precious children with Down syndrome are targeted for extinction through selective abortion. Even more, this is considered a good thing by many in the press, and even more in the academy. Princeton bioethicist Peter Singer has infamously argued that parents be allowed to kill children with disabilities like Down syndrome even after they’re born. Gerber’s choice sends a crucial message, that children with disabilities are just as valuable as any other child, and they often bring love into their homes, communities, and churches that’s second-to-none. So, may Lucas be an ambassador, not just for Gerber, but for
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Dave (Kug) K ugelman bein g enriched by “Somewhere” The Ambassa in Palm Desert dor !
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HELP SAVE LIVES IN YUBA CITY! You can protect mothers and children by joining this worldwide mobilization! Through prayer and fasting, peaceful vigils and community outreach, 40 Days for Life has inspired 750,000 volunteers! With God’s help, here are the proven results in 21 coordinated campaigns: • • •
13,998 babies saved from abortion 170 abortion workers converted 90 abortion centers closed
Here’s how to take part:
• Prayer location: Come pray with us at the public sidewalk in front of the Yuba City Planned Parenthood, 430 N. Palora Ave, Yuba City • Prayer hours: 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday • Local contact: Call JC Carpenter at 530-844-7379 for more information. Sign up to pray for life at our website:
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LIFE MATTERS presented by Yuba-Sutter Right To Life --- New Life In Spring --By Heather Pugh Yuba-Sutter Right to Life Secretary Many people enjoy the spring time for a variety of reasons. The sun is shining, flowers begin to appear, animals have their young, and the feeling of hope surrounded by all of this new life puts a spring in the step of many. But what if you’re trapped in a state of self-loathing or are burdened by guilt over choices made long ago? What if those choices include abortion? It may be difficult, if not impossible, to feel hopeful at all. The feeling of guilt and hopelessness may impact every facet of a person’s life. Sometimes alcohol and drugs are sought as a way to numb the pain. Relationships with those held most dear suffer and wither away, adding to the sense of loss. Long-term effects of abortion are farreaching and include a 65% increase in clinical depression following an abortion and a 30% increase in anxiety disorders. These effects do not discriminate based on gender and impact the men in abortion as well as the women. But there is hope. There is forgiveness. You can heal. Rachel’s Vineyard can help. Rachel’s Vineyard is a spiritual retreat held three
The sorrow you have shown shall have its reward, says the Lord. There is hope for your future!
times a year (1 in Spanish) for women and men suffering after abortion. Weekend retreats offer a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment where women and men can express painful emotions to begin the process of healing. The weekend costs $175, but scholarships are available. The program is Catholic, but all are welcome. The name “Rachel” refers to an Old Testament figure in the book of Jeremiah: Thus says the Lord: In Ramah is heard the sound of
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moaning, of bitter weeping! Rachel mourns her children, She refuses to be consoled because her children are no more. Thus says the Lord: Cease your cries of mourning, wipe the tears from your eyes.
Those suffering after abortion may begin the process of healing by visiting rachelsvineyard.org or calling 877-HOPE-4-ME. If you would like more information, read Forbidden Grief by Theresa Burke or Men and Abortion by CT Coyle. Not post-abortive? You can help someone heal by giving them this information, donating to Rachel’s Vineyard for a scholarship, or volunteering to pray for someone attending a retreat. Prayer partners will be given a first name a month before a weekend and can send a letter to them that the retreat attendee will receive as they arrive in their room: I have been praying for you! There she will sing with joy As in days long ago in her youth, After I had freed her from captivity. Hosea 2:21
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Pastoral Discussion on Bullying Draws Large Crowd by Veronica Avila, Outpatient LVN “Why, no matter what I do, I feel like I don’t matter, even though people say I do? Why do I feel like I should die?” This was one of the heartbreaking questions asked by a junior high school student at the first annual Pastoral Discussion on Bullying, hosted by Hope Point Nazarene Church on January 25th, 2018. The discussion was organized by Yuba-Sutter Stand for the Silent, a nonprofit that addresses bullying in the local area. The purpose was to give youth a safe place to address bullying utilizing the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. The evening began with three speakers, all local pastors, who shared personal stories about bullying. Afterwards, they were then joined by a panel of eight additional area pastors to help answer audience questions. Each presenter’s story was told from a different perspective: the bully’s, the victim’s and the bystander’s, and each had a very powerful and profound message to our youth. Matt Lynch, Hope Point Y&F High School Leader and Athletic Director at Yuba City High School, shared his story of being the bully who tormented a student all through elementary school. When
that student moved across the country, Matt shared how he found that student on social media for the sole purpose of harassing him, which continued for several more years. Lynch later learned that this student took his own life not long after high school. He spoke painfully of how this was the pivotal moment in his life when he realized how his actions took part in that student’s final decision and how he now lives with his past destructive choices. Minister Andre White, Outreach Pastor for Hope Point Live Oak, told his story of being bullied and beat up all throughout elementary school by the same group of boys. He continued the story by telling how he sought refuge in martial arts, only to then fall victim to the instructor’s sexual advances. He spoke of how this torment led to his attempt to take his own life by
overdosing on his m o t h e r ’s h e a r t medication. Pastor D o u g Smith of Hope Point Nazarene Church shared his story about being a bystander and then deciding to reach out to a student who had no friends. It was this one invitation and gesture of kindness that led the young friend to feel accepted and loved and that eventually began his friend’s long and meaningful walk with Jesus Christ. It was hard not to focus on the youth in the room. My own daughter was stirred by each story being told, as were other parents and youth. Because of this one student’s brave question, many other courageous kids stood and asked the panel really thoughtful tough questions. Members of the panel answered honestly, and the discussion was undeniably deep,
I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies.
powerful and eye-opening. I was shocked at the number of our very own youth in this room alone who are currently struggling with self-loathing, isolation, depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts due to bullying they are currently enduring. I was incredibly moved by the unity displayed by the local churches and congregations in attendance and on the panel. Each came together, not to recruit, but rather to stand together in solidarity to show our youth that they are available to help. The message was clear to the kids that each of them mattered regardless of their church affiliation. Our daughter asked my husband and me so many questions on the way home, which continued for days after. She played out different scenarios for us and asked us to guide her on how she could handle each one. If our family was this affected, I can only imagine how many others went home with the same feeling. As a parent, aunt, sister, healthcare provider and advocate for our youth, I would love to see this Pastoral Discussion become an annual event. It would also be great to have an anti-bullying movement incorporated within our school system, as bullying has become so prominent in our community.
-Psalms 18:3
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Con’t From Pg 1 - “...Black Panther...”
At the heart of the movie is a dilemma: Should they share what they know with those in need? If they do, will they lose control of their resources? Will people use their technology for evil? Is their king’s highest duty to his nation or to humanity? If he refuses to help those he can, what kind of country will Wakanda become? Martin Luther King Jr. noted, “The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: ‘If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?’ But the good Samaritan reversed the question: ‘If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?’” Black Panther resonates with audiences in large part because its dilemma is our dilemma. Every day, we must face the question of serving self or serving others. The best test of character
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I heard about an executive with an unusual hiring practice. He would force the prospective employee to wait in his assistant’s office for ten minutes before their interview. Afterwards, he would ask his assistant how the candidate treated her. Her response was critical to his decision. The best test of our character is how we treat people we don’t have to treat well. We find this maxim on display in Genesis 45. In the midst of famine, Joseph’s brothers returned to Egypt seeking food. Recall that they sold him into slavery some seventeen years earlier (Genesis 37:28). Now he was prime minister of the most powerful nation in the world, second only to the pharaoh himself. His brothers’ lives were in his hands. For their crimes, he could easily and justifiably have ordered their execution.
Instead, he arranged for them and their families to join him in Egypt, where they would live under his protection and provision. Thirty-eight centuries later, his benevolence serves as a model for us. Let’s learn a lesson from Joseph: When we treat with kindness those we don’t have to treat well, God blesses our compassion. And we manifest the character of the One who “came not to be served but to serve” (Mark 10:45). Albert Schweitzer was a worldrenowned theologian, musician, and
missionary doctor. In 1935, he gave a speech to the students of Silcoates School in England on “The Meaning of Ideals in Life.” Dr. Schweitzer told the students, “I don’t know what your destiny will be. Some of you will perhaps occupy remarkable positions. Perhaps some of you will become famous by your pens, or as artists. But I know one thing: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” Will you be “really happy” today?
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Con’t From Page 9 - “...Gerber Baby” the joy that comes from welcoming all lives. I’m more than happy to praise Gerber… but I don’t want to praise them for the wrong reason. Gerber did the right thing, but children with Down syndrome aren’t valuable because they’re cute or even because they often bring so much love and happiness to their families, although both of those things are true. Lucas, like every human being, is valuable whether he’s cute or not; both when he brings happiness and when he doesn’t. His value is intrinsic, not a utilitarian calculation that weighs the costs with the benefits. Such a belief used to be commonplace in our culture. Tragically, the cultural consensus is gone. Just ask Natalie Weaver, mother of 9-year-old Sophia. Sophia, because of a neurological disorder called Rett syndrome, has deformities in her face, hands, and feet. She has no motor control and cannot talk, and she lives with a colostomy bag and a feeding tube. Yet Natalie Weaver proudly calls her daughter strong and happy, despite the difficulties she lives with every single day. Many academics, media personalities, medical professionals, and internet trolls,
however, think Sophia is worthy of death, not worth the money that’s needed to keep her alive. Some extremely cruel commenters on Twitter, for example, recently said that Sophia is proof of the need for abortion, even child murder. Weaver says, “I get people telling me to kill my child, to put her out of her misery.” For many, many families, caring for special-needs children is extremely difficult—sleepless nights, exhausting days, endless physical and emotional challenges, and the loss of dreams for a “perfect home” or an “ideal family.” Sophia has had 22 surgeries so far—think how tough that would be to watch your child endure that. And, of course, not every family—or mom—is as courageous, loving, or amazing as Natalie. And it’s exactly here where God is calling His people to step in. We can champion the dignity of every life in both word and deed, the cute and not-so-cute, at both lovely and unlovely moments, as parents and sibling and families, and as church communities. We can support, pray, love, care, and otherwise live as if every life matters. Because, of course, it does.
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9 Things You Should Know About Billy Graham (1918–2018) by Joe Carter Tgc.org (Editors Note: I was in the choir as a young man at the Billy Graham Crusade in San Jose more than 30 years ago. His influence and calling rivals that of biblical personalities. I aspire to live life and finish well as did Billy Graham. He is celebrating with our Savior at this very moment!) The Rev. Billy Graham passed away today (Feb 21) at the age of 99. Here are nine things you should know about the man who was considered one of the most influential evangelists in modern history: 1. Graham has preached the gospel to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history—nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories. 2. After graduating from Sharon High School in May 1936, Graham attended Bob Jones College. After one semester, he found it too legalistic in both coursework and rules. He was almost expelled, but Bob Jones Sr. warned him not to throw his life away: “At best, all you could amount to would be a poor country Baptist preacher somewhere out in the sticks. . . . You have a voice that pulls. God can use that voice of yours. He can use it mightily.”
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“Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.” - Billy Graham November 7, 1918 - February 21, 2018 3. Graham transferred from Bob Jones College to Florida Bible Institute. After graduating from the Bible college he earned his BA (1943) from Wheaton College in Illinois. In 1947, at age 30, he was hired as president of Northwestern Bible College in Minneapolis, Minnesota—at the time, the youngest person to serve as a sitting president of any U.S. college or university. 4. After a Los Angeles revival that included the conversion of Hollywood stars, Graham was surprised by a crowd of reporters and photographers. When Graham asked what caused the fuss, a reporter said, “You have just been kissed by William Randolph Hearst.” The powerful newspaper mogul had sent the message that his reporters were to “Puff Graham.” Within days, the crusade was being given extensive coverage by Hearst’s chain of papers, major national magazines, and wire services. Graham never met Hearst, and no one is sure why the publisher took an interest in the evangelist. But as a result of the media coverage, Graham soon moved from a tent evangelist to a national figure.
5. Graham’s ministry was the subject of controversy in the mid-1950s because of his “cooperative evangelism.” Graham began accepting non-evangelical support and funding from liberal and mainline Protestant churches and denominations. This move necessitated that converts at his crusades would be recommended to attend conservative and non-conservative churches alike. 6. In 1955, Graham invited Martin Luther King Jr. to join him in the pulpit at his 16-week revival in New York City, where 2.3 million gathered at Madison Square Garden, Yankee Stadium, and Times Square to hear them. In his autobiography, Graham says he and King developed a close friendship and that he was eventually one of the few people who referred to King as “Mike,” a nickname that King asked only his closest friends to call him. In 1963, Graham posted bail for King to be released from jail during the civil-rights protests in Birmingham. 7. In the early 1980s, Graham said he planned to spend the rest of his life preaching the gospel and working
for global nuclear disarmament. In an interview with Sojourners, Graham said, “Is a nuclear holocaust inevitable if the arms race is not stopped? Frankly, the answer is almost certainly yes.” 8. No other American has slept in the White House Lincoln Bedroom more than Graham, who was often referred to as the “pastor to the presidents.” Graham had a relationship or personal audience with every U.S. president from Truman to Obama. He was particularly close with Eisenhower, who asked for Graham while on his deathbed, and Nixon. He presided over the graveside services for president Lyndon Johnson in 1973 and spoke at the funeral of president Richard Nixon in 1994. The only president who didn’t like Graham, as the evangelist frequently noted, was Truman. Truman called Graham a “counterfeit” and said “he was never a friend of mine when I was President.” 9. Graham received many honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom (the nation’s highest civilian award), the Congressional Gold Medal, an Honorary Knighthood in Order of the British Empire, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was also the first non-musician to be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. He received the honor in 1999 for providing a platform to many Christian artists who performed at Graham’s events.
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What’s your favorite book of the Bible (and why)? of rich book , y ll a ic g ows eolo e most th on for all that foll us th s a d e d give regar oundati is widely course lays the f g, and Proverbs e Jesus s n a m o R in of se , Genesis utiful and inspir el because in it I er. a the Bible p th e s a s are b ohn’s Go n has seen the F le Judd J lm a is s P e it e r th avo e So -Ca but my f as seen th o h w e wisdom, h tely. And so intima
James. Tells it li ke it is. Encoura ges us to get seri faith. ous about our -Bill Lindholm
the that stands out is e on y jo en I s ok e book e many bo Although there ar s ago I put the entir ar ye of r be m nu a the fact e to a job I had at du Book of James. In d or L e th by challenged this stuff I to memory. I was memory. I figured to fo in s le sa t pu ited us to formation and mer in s time that required es el us as w ch orize whi come my was forced to mem d to help me over or L to d ke as I orize . So at He help me mem nothing in heaven th d ke as d an e ur grained ize script inability to memor have some verses in ill st I gh ou lth A . d to es Jam red if I put my min su the entire Book of as st re t bu h, uc t recall m ok not only in my mind, I can’ ing it back. This bo br d ul co l el w ugh ry ve y as I am tested thro it through prayer I da to nt va le re so then, it is esort and impacted me back vision with The R w ne r ou ith w ys e da r life. trials so much thes e next chapter of ou th to in us g in ad le - Dave Gardner the Lord Jesus
The book of Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all yo ur ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight. I have learned to focus on our Lo rd and guides me daily. -Maria Paras
er again I begin all ov ry a u n Ja ry e v an in of Genesis! E t as far as I c e k g o o d b n a e , th n e o v g e I lo en I continu unique, tellin h T so s. is si e s n e si e G n e reading year. G r alle end of the istence by ou x th e y b to in le n ib e B k o the His unlimited ation was sp d re n c a e le v o h lo f w o e how th is heart God reveals H . d o G l u rf e l w po -Connie Gabe so awesome! is e H . n o ti a imagin
Hmm, favori te book of th e Bible, that so many fro is a hard one m the Old a . nd New Test profoundly d ament that m There are epending on in ister to me where I am only one I w in life. If I h ou ad to choose reflective se ld likely go with the bo nse and pre ok of John. sents the pe John has a nature, as w rson of Jesu ell as a pers s, His divin onal look at just love Jesu e Jesus Christ s, he knew th . John did n at he was lov himself as th ot ed by Jesus; e one whom he refers to Jesus loved. image I nee This is such d to keep in an importan m doubt I am t loved by the ind and understand, tha t without a Lord, for ou everything e t of that lov lse opens up e relationship and flows. – April Jame
s
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EDITORIAL SAFE-SPACES, HEALING-PLACES & THERAPY By Jon Skillman I am troubled…I am concerned by what is “trending” (I try to stay attuned to the latest vernacular) on campuses across this land. There’s a push toward diversity in all things…except…diversity of thought. And there is a trend toward tolerance of everything…except…tolerance of opposing ideology. There seems to be an unspoken understanding that progressive liberalism is the only ideology, and to think otherwise is strictly verboten. So schools offer safe-spaces, healing-spaces and counselling for students who may have been exposed to and therefore traumatized by anyone expressing conflicting ideas or views. What happened to the free expression of ideas and rational debate? Why have universities and colleges become bastions of closemindedness and group think? I believe this doctrine has spawned a generation of non-thinking conformists who are unable to cope outside their academic cocoon. These are no longer institutions of higher learning producing proficient and productive citizens, they’re bakeries turning out educated but halfbaked cream-puffs. Case in point, (among many) is the University of Connecticut’s reaction to an appearance of conservative speaker Ben Shapiro. Upon learning of the event, the Associate Vice President and Chief “Diversity” Officer, fired off an Email warning students of the event and offering counselling for students who might be “triggered” by Shapiros presence on campus...Triggered meaning, causing
feelings of hurt, trauma, anxiety and/or being offended. What is the aim of this counselling? Is it a “Snap out of it!” approach or a mollycoddling? Is it designed to help students “get over it” or soft music and warm puppies? It seems to me we are graduating folks ill- equipped to survive the real world…or even more troubling…they becoming the real world. Hey! I’m offended nearly every time I turn on the TV or pick up a newspaper (with the exception of this one). Do I assume the lotus position and huma-hum a mantra? No! Do I seek a safe-space…yes! And do I receive counselling…you bet! Allow me to explain. As a Christian I have a counsellor 24/7. Jesus promises in John 14:1617 “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counsellor to be with you forever…the spirit of truth…” My safe-place is in the Word of God, where I am told not to avoid trials and adversity but to learn from and be strengthen by them. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2-3. “…rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4. And guess what? I didn’t have to pay tens of thousands of dollars to acquire all this…all I had to do was buy the text book.
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.
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WILL IT EVER STOP Parkland, Florida- the most recent pin in the map of American tragedy. The horrid devastation of a day of terror in our land. We know the details: 17 dead, mostly children. The number also includes heroic adult staff. The 24-hour news loops the tense footage for the first day or two, then the conversation turns to the political. What happened? Why did this happen? Easy access to guns? Untreated mental illness? Violent video games? Non-secure buildings? The options grow, the sadness turns to anger and we want something done! “We won’t let this happen again!” is the cry from those affected and moved around the nation. But how? How will we stop it? Some say take access to guns away. But didn’t guns exist before without the limitless carnage? We all have our own thoughts and opinions as to why and many have ideas on how to stop it. The really sad thing to me is that it will not solve anything. Nothing will be solved by legislation alone. In fact, Congress probably won’t agree on anything anyway. I don’t want to sound gloomy and hopeless but we have a problem folks and it is much bigger than gun control. I personally believe that there should be less access certain kinds of weapons without removing our right to bear arms. But that is simply not going to “fix” what is at the heart of the problem. And that is exactly what’s at the heart of the problem- the heart. We are a nation that has lost its way. While one of the most technologically advanced, we are morally corrupt. The statistics on school shootings show the growth and acceleration of moral decline. The increase of violent games
Seth Halpern - Editor and music, sexual “liberty”, disrespect of parents and other authority and rampant fatherless homes and substance abuse can only lead to a downward society. Breaking God’s laws and in fact removing Him completely from our institutions does not bode well on society. We are in this mess now because we have allowed the tide to turn through our actions (or inaction) in the past decades. Unfortunately, I don’t know that there is an instantaneous way to return to the “good old days” at this point. It took a while to get here and every choice, every vote, every bill has brought us here. I may not know how to bring us back, but I do completely believe that the answer is in the Lord and the facilitator is the church. We, the church of God, the Body of Christ, has allowed the culture to come to this point because of our dimly lit lamps. It is His Church that must influence the culture (rather than the opposite as has been taking place). Then, the hearts of the people will hear from God. We need to be effective in prayer and action. We must take the opportunities to infiltrate the messy, disgusting culture around us, because that’s what Jesus did!
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