welcome
Have you ever turned on the TV in hopes of finding something that would inspire you? Especially after a hard day of work, being a taxi driver for your kids, taking them to various after school activitiessoccer, ballet, piano lessons, and the list goes on. Let’s not forget that we need to get dinner on the table and do homework! You are done, turn on the TV and now you are faced with the latest news of the day, which usually comes in the form of the latest robbery, wreck, and then we have the national news. Is there any good news in this amazing country we call home? Beyond The Cross Magazine will feature inspiring stories that will give you hope, highlight kids doing amazing things, and announce local events that will energize your life. Get Inspired and Share the Inspiring news with those around you!
Live, Laugh, Love.
Beyond the Cross Magazine PO Box 65551 Lubbock, Texas 79464 www.beyondthecross.org
Special Thanks
We would like to thank all the sponsors who make this magazine possible. Their contributions allow us to provide you with this magazine free of charge.
Contents 3 4 6 7 8 8 9 10 11
Finding peace, hope & prosperity My Cause ragtown gospel theater amazing kids calendar of events live, laugh, love the cross down main street slow dance the lesson of the butterfly
Publisher
Beyond the Cross Ministries Kai & Jim Evans
advisory board
Kerri Schoonvelt, Family Life Radio Melody Dawes, Lubbock’s Home and Family Magazine Terry Taylor, D&D Construction Margaret Couch, Trinity Ranch Janna Aycock, Aycock Media Works
Contributors Kai Evans Melissa Roberts Andy Wood Cayce Kaufman Donna Balko
Design & Layout 2
Beyond the Cross
Matt Roemisch
article Sponsored by: Fountain of Hope Church
by Melissa Roberts
“H
ow could this happen? I feel fine. Can it be true? Can I really be dying? Is there anything I can do? I’m so scared.”
“I knew we weren’t happy. We haven’t been happy for a long time. I just kept hoping that things would get better. Now it’s happening. I’m getting divorced. The kids are a mess. They are so angry. Their grades have fallen. I don’t even know their friends anymore!” “I hate myself! I’m a failure. I can’t do anything right. Everything I try fails. I’m worthless. The world would be a better place without me. I’m so tired. I can’t go on anymore.”
loved. The church family loved me where I was at. From that day since, my life just keeps getting better and better.” “Now my life is full of peace, hope and prosperity. I’m on my way to financial freedom. I love myself. I have self respect. I’m not afraid. And I get to grow in my relationship with Jesus with my church family.” Fountain of Hope Church – Where there is hope for the hurting and healing for the sick. We welcome everyone. We want you to know that God loves you so much and we love you too.
In life we can often feel beat up and alone. Many of you have probably had one or several of these thoughts, I know I have….
“I was desperate and mad.” Says Melissa, a Lubbock insurance agent, “ I was drowning in debt. I was scared and alone. I would try and try and try and every time it looked like things would work out – Bam! Failure again! On the surface I looked like a successful business person, but underneath I knew that I was a failure. I kept trying and trying to reach financial freedom. I wanted a happy, loving marriage, but my past experience had brought only financial devastation and abusive words. I had figured out that I had to change inside in order to change my surroundings. But all the books on self-esteem, personal growth and positive mental attitude didn’t seem to get rid of the deep, deep hurts and fears. Every time I began to experience success, I seemed to self sabotage. And then I would be so mad and disappointed with myself I would call myself a failure.”
Brenda and Joey Dorman SENIOR PASTORS
Dwight and Deniese Glassco ASSOCIATE PASTORS
“I’ll never forget the day. The world came crashing down. I called my best friend and told her that I had to see her. She said that she was on her way to church and for me to meet her there. I was desperate. I found myself in my car driving to church 5 minutes later.” “God was there. I could feel the love when I walked in the church. I had never felt that before. My experience of church was a formal, ritualistic, and uncomfortable atmosphere. However, that night Jesus just wrapped his arms around me. I remember saying, ‘I’m so tired. I can’t do it anymore. I need Jesus. Jesus, if you are real, come into my life and help me.’ It was instantaneous. I was saved and felt new, clean, free and
WHERE THERE IS HOPE FOR THE HURTING
AND HEALING FOR THE SICK.
4806 Englewood Ave • Lubbock, TX 79414 • 806-793-5231 SUNDAY 10:30am & 6:30pm - WEDNESDAY 7:00pm
Beyond the Cross
3
“fog” that keeps most of us from accomplishing our goals and dreams. In amazement, I found myself mesmerized watching his self-assured movements and being drawn to the beautiful golden highlights in his hair. I quickly realized I had so much to learn from this amazing creature. I wanted our introduction to be perfect, but sadly he was too busy to notice me, let alone give me any of his precious time. He was too focused on his “to do” list and making sure his purpose was fulfilled on the ranch. While I felt very unimportant, I also felt as if he wanted to show me what being in charge of your own destiny resembled. He moved so quickly from chore to chore around the ranch, he almost looked silly. It was clear he could not possibly make time to slow down to visit with me, so I left his presence hoping for another opportunity to get to know him.
M
By Cayce Kaufman
y simple story of gratitude comes packaged in a tall and handsome stranger that is wiser than any other 20-year old I have ever known. In only a few days, this kindred spirit changed my life and helped me to see what my Soul Purpose is. I am so indebted to my chance meeting with him and he is someone I humbly thank God for each and every day. It was at Rocky River Ranch in Wimberley, Texas when I first noticed this proud and fearless leader standing among his peers. He stood taller than all of the others with his swift and confident movements. He had a definite presence about him that let everyone know he was large and in charge, as the saying goes. You knew to stay out of his way as he was a man on a mission and could not be bothered with trivial inquiries. I suppose this is why they refer to him as “Cause” as he certainly knows what his is in life. As I observed Cause, I found myself feeling somewhat envious; after all, what a tremendous gift to know for certain what you want from life and the purpose you have been created to fulfill. It was clear that Cause does not tolerate getting caught up in the
4
Beyond the Cross
As I thought about his “busy” life and self-importance on the ranch, I couldn’t help but think of how much he was modeling how I behave day-to-day. So busy all of the time, but what was it all for? Cause’s actions helped me stop and reflect upon who exactly am I serving and what exactly for? On our second encounter, Cause stopped and gave me his undivided attention and allowed me to see a few things from his eyes. The way he inspected my hands told me that these hands were meant to do God’s work, and as long as I will remember this, all I do will be pleasing in His sight. Cause also helped me to see that if I will be still and quiet before God, I will know what my calling in life is. I gained clarity to see that I have been blessed with a mind of creativity and I am meant to inspire and promote this for myself and others. Cause spoke to me of an everlasting love so great that I could never understand the depths of it, but if I would trust God, He would lead me to experiences that were bigger and greater than I could ever imagine. When I looked into Cause’s eyes and felt his cheek on mine, I completely understood that this tender embrace was symbolic of the love my Lord has for me in a way that said, “I am especially fond of you.” It bewilders me that I found this perfect peace and felt the grace of God’s love in Cause. Mainly because Cause is a horse. A beautiful 16-hand horse they call a Strawberry
Roan. The most majestic creature I have had the pleasure of learning from. Cause helped me meet God in a way I have not known until now and to know He is pleased with me no matter what I do in life. As I said goodbye to Cause and headed back to the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I reminisced on the wise words inspired by Mother Teresa: “May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing and dance. It is there for each and every one of us.” Ultimately, my gratitude is in knowing a God that meets us wherever we are in order to gently lead us where we need to be. And how blessed I am to know a God who is creative enough to accomplish it through a horse!
This story shares Cayce’s encounter at a Women’s faith based Leadership Retreat called the Soul Purpose Experience. To learn more about how you might meet your own “Cause”, visit www.soulpurposeexperience.com
Beyond the Cross
5
6
Beyond the Cross
“Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands. - Anne Frank they had never been on a vacation. You can imagine the surprise when they brought out special gifts for the kids and the parents! The Halls sacrificed their Christmas to give to another family in need, but in return were blessed with a “Really Fun” day says Katelyn. After the day unraveled, the Hall kids asked “What are we going to do next year”?
Katelyn and Seth Hall, ages
Thank you Katelyn and Seth for blessing the lives of the Sonnenburg family and we look forward to hearing about your future plans.
12 and 9, of Levelland decided to help a family at their church by giving them their Christmas. The Sonnenberg family have 3 kids and the oldest, Silas, a friend of Seth, requires expensive medical treatment each month. Therefore, Christmas is a stretch for the family. The Halls planned a special day for the Sonnenbergs with their favorite foods, movies, and snacks. They even surprised them with presents, each wrapped in the children’s favorite colors. As family and friends asked what they wanted for Christmas, they asked for money so they could buy presents for the kids. They also decided to send the parents on a special vacation to Cancun since
Motivated
by his own illness, Nicholas joined his cousin Shelby who lives in Maryland and started the Nickelby Project, to deliver a little hope and smiles to hospitalized children. Apart from providing gift bags to help ease the worries and fears of children with a chronic or life threatening illness and providing hospital and educational support, the Nickelby Project also gives away scholarships to childhood cancer survivors going to college or secondary school in any field of study. To find out more about Nickelby Project visit online at www.nickelbyproject.org.
Do you know an Amazing Kid? Email Us: info@beyondthecross.org Beyond the Cross
7
Trinity Girls
Saturdays: June 6th, August 22nd, September 12th, October 10th: 10-11:30am Trinity Girls is a divine worship experience for women. Come see why Trinity Girls is such a unique and exhilarating time of spiritual renewal. FREE!
For directions and more information visit www.trinityranch.us
240 F.M. 1730 - Lubbock
Ragtown Gospel Theater
Magdalene April 17th-June 27th John...The Baptist July 17th-October 17th The Hoppers - America’s First Family of Gospel Music July 24th & 25th For more details visit: www.ragtown.com
Marketplace Community Network Lunch God has a divine purpose for you and your business, you can influence your business as a place of ministry. Meets at the Texas Tech Merket Allumni Center Please RSVP by calling 806.771.2700 May 13th - 11:45-1:00 June 10th - 11:45-1:00 July 8th - 11:45-1:00 August 12th - 11:45-1:00 September 9th - 11:45-1:00
Vacation Bible Schools
Calvary Baptist Church (5301 82nd - Lubbock) June 1st-4th - 6-8:30pm St. Lukes UMC (45th & Memphis - Lubbock) June 1st-5th - 9am-12:15pm Oakwood Baptist Church (60th & Ave U. - Lubbock) June 8th-12th - 9am-12:00pm West Texas Church at the Barn (8322 CR 6500 - Lubbock) June 5th-7th
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Every Tuesday: 6:30-8pm Oakwood Baptist Church NAMI’s Family Support Group meets weekly for individuals who have a loved one that has a mental illness. Free to attend. Call 806-783-9268 for more info.
Rooftop Cafe - Live Music
Every Tuesday: 7-8:30pm Live with Tom & Sherry Green with Special Guests 3300 82nd Street - Lubbock - FREE!
Live, Laugh and Love
The Rev. Billy Graham tells of a time early in his career when he arrived in a small town to preach a sermon. Wanting to mail a letter, he asked a young boy where the post office was. When the boy told him, Rev. Graham thanked him and said, “If you’ll come to the Baptist church this evening, you can hear me telling everyone how to get to Heaven.” “I don’t think I’ll be there,” the boy said. “You don’t even know your way to the post office.”
“Laugh a lot, and when you’re older, all your wrinkles will be in the right places.” - Author Unknown 8
Beyond the Cross
By Kai Evans
amazing sight can be seen as you look down Main Street in Ballinger, TX…The Cross. This Ballinger cross, standing at 100 feet tall and 70 feet wide, was built in October, 1993, by Jim and Doris Studer as a “thank you“ to God for all of the blessings bestowed upon them during their life, particularly the time they have been in Texas. The Studer family, originally from Florida, moved to Texas in 1988 to start Buddy’s Plant Plus with 25 employees, several of which were family that made the move. They chose Texas because of good highways and convenient railroads. The move to Texas wouldn’t be easy; they had been established in Florida for over 30 years. This would require them to risk everything (their house, land, and trust that business would quickly become successful). Buddy’s Plant Plus manufactures “Scott’s Miracle Grow” and did quickly flourish. What started as a small family business in 1988 now employs over 150 employees and produces more than 2,500,000 cases of fertilizer each year. In the fourth year of business the Studers decided to show thanks and appreciation for the company success by erecting “The Cross”. Jim drew the original plans and asked Steve Jansa of Jansa Construction, who had been working on some expansions at the plant, if he could build the cross. Steve took the challenge, and with the guidance of a local engineer from San Angelo, the construction started. This was a community project with local labor, concrete, and
steel from the local Mueller Company. The completed cross weighs more than 50 tons with 100 tons of cement and steel in the ground for a solid foundation. The cost to build a 100-foot tall cross over 15 years ago was over $70,000, but the price does not compare to the thousands of people touched by the sight while on the highway. Each year several hundred people express thanks with cards, letters, and pictures. The biggest blessing to the Studers has been the wide acceptance from the community even beyond the Texas borders. “God used me as a tool to build the cross”, says Jim. It is the hope of the Studers that those who view it may pause a moment to also thank God for their many blessings. So whether driving to San Angelo, Abilene, Midland, or just passing by, take a look down Main Street of this quaint town of just 4,000 and see a cross that is truly inspiring. If you would like more information on “The Cross” you can visit www.ballingertx.org. Beyond the Cross
9
Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground? Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight Or gazed at the sun into the fading night? You better slow down Don’t dance so fast Time is short The music won’t last - Author Unknown
Do you run through each day on the fly When you ask “How are you?” do you hear the reply? When the day is done, do you lie in your bed With the next hundred chores running through your head? You’d better slow down Don’t dance so fast Time is short The music won’t last Ever told your child, We’ll do it tomorrow And in your haste, not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch, Let a good friendship die ‘Cause you never had time to call and say “Hi”? You’d better slow down Don’t dance so fast Time is short The music won’t last When you run so fast to get somewhere You miss half the fun of getting there. When you worry and hurry through your day, It is like an unopened gift.... Thrown away... Life is not a race. Do take it slower Hear the music Before the song is over.
Trusted Care for the Senior You Care for. • Companionship
• Light Housekeeping
• Companionship • Light Housekeeping • Meal Preparation • Shopping & Errands • Meal Preparation • Shopping & Errands • Medication Reminders • Personal Care • Medication Reminders . Personal Care Call for a free, Call for a free, no-obligation appointment:
no-obligation appointment:
281-4663
281-4663 Licensed, bonded, insured
Licensed,bonded,insured Each Home Instead Senior Care franchise office is independently owned and operated.
10
Beyond the Cross
homeinstead.com
freedom. To seek relief from that struggle, as many often do, only leads to greater hardship. Or another, tighter cocoon. Or perhaps even to death.
J
by Andy Wood
ason meant well. But his efforts to help the butterfly-tobe only ended in disaster. For days he had watched the cocoon and wondered what it would produce. Finally he noticed a tiny opening in the cocoon’s wall. On the other side, the new life form was struggling furiously - desperately - to be free of its self-designed prison. Feeling compassion for the little creature, the boy found a sharp knife and carefully cut the cocoon’s wall in order to relieve it from its struggle. The butterfly soon died. Its wings were grossly deformed, and it was unable to fly. What appeared to be a struggle was actually the process by which the animal’s wings are formed. Jason had short-circuited the process, and the results, though unintentional, were tragic. You and I are very much like the butterfly. We are often wrapped up in our own kinds of cocoons - alone, stifled, limited, longing to be free. Sometimes these are prisons of our own doing addictions, bondage to sin, broken relationships, stupid decisions. At other times our cocoons are thrust upon us in the form of disappointments, losses of loved ones, extended illnesses, or the abuse of others. Either way, the results are the same. Why do we feel so alone? What in the world is God up to? Where will we ever find relief? When will we be “free to fly” again? How will we make it through another day?
There is a big difference between relief and freedom. There is an even bigger difference between relief and encouragement. Often in our efforts to help those we love, we only add to their bondage. How? By offering relief at just the point they were beginning to stretch their wings. Parents do this with their children. (“Here, let me do it for you.” “It’s O.K. You can always come home.) Spouses do it for one another. (“But I love her!” “Well, I’m different; I’m his wife.”) Christians do it for one another. (“Don’t you worry. I’ll take care of it for you.” “Now don’t cry. You’ve got to be strong.”) We mean well. But we short-circuit their growth. “My grace is enough for you,” the Lord told Paul. “My strength is made perfect in weakness.” As long as we live in a fallen world, we will have our cocoons to fight through. And we will always desperately need the all-sufficient grace of God. But we will never discover His grace is enough until His grace is all we have. Learn the lesson of the butterfly. For yourself. For those you love. Otherwise, the haunting words that describe the children of Israel might also be said of you: “And He gave them their request [their relief!], But sent leanness into their soul” (Psalm 106:15)
During our cocoon seasons, God often seems to be uninvolved and uncaring. Why doesn’t He get us out of this? If He can part the Red Sea, or split the sky for Elijah’s chariot, why can’t He cut a hole in this prison of mine and supernaturally get me out? The answer is seen in the lesson of the butterfly. It is in the struggle that you develop your beauty. It is in the process of breaking through - with His help, in His timing - that you discover the true meaning of
Beyond the Cross
11
PO Box 65551 Lubbock, Texas 79464