Issuu

SPRING FORWARD PINE COUNTRY

Photo Courtesy of the Texas State Railroad

SPRING 2018

CONTENTS

05 CELEBRATES HEART HEALTH MONTH YMCA wants to offer Pine Country the gift of complete general wellness.

04 DOUBLE IRON MAN FOR DOWN SYNDROME Mark Johnson from Toys ‘R Us shows true dedication across Texas for an amazing cause.

06 THE REBECCA PROJECT FEEDS ELDERLY ON WEEKENDS Spreading love towards the senior citizens in our community!

ANGEL EXPANDS ATHENS’ HELP CENTER

STUDENTS SPEAK OUT ON FAITH

COMEDIAN TO YOUTH MINISTER

When an anonymous donor gives money to people who need it, we all get to see the good that happens because of it.

Powerful witness doesn’t just come from adults, but it starts in the home. How are you helping your kids share their faith?

Lucio pursued his comedian dream with touring and furthering his name in the field. But God had a different plan.

2 | PINE COUNTRY BEACON.COM

Thank you to Thrive Community Church for translating Beacon for our online Spanish readers. Gracias a Thrive Community Church por traducir Beacon a nuestros lectores Españoles en línea.

MEN UNLEASHED HIT STREETS OF HENDERSON COUNTY When men take the lead to serve their community, incredible things can happen.

CHANGE THE WORLD ONE SUMMER AT A TIME

FAMILY OPENS OLD JAIL FOR HOLIDAY EVENT

ATHENS THRIFT STORE GOES FULL CIRCLE

A 24-year-old Mabank woman works on adding to the rich cultural in Tanzania each summer with help from the Henderson County community.

The old Palestine Jail house is now home to incredible new adventures. This year, over 4,000 people visited the Grinch’s Lair

Athens Thrift Store made a huge impact with donations to over 20 charities in Henderson County in 2017. The largest came at the end of the year at $105,000.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE A special thank you to our local Whataburger locations who are passionate about our mission to deliver, hope, inspiration, and change to the Pine Country and surrounding areas. PUBLISHER Full Armor Foundation 501(c)(3) Organization

COMMUNITY MANAGER Blake Clifton blake@pinecountrybeacon.com

ADDRESS PO BOX 591624 San Antonio, TX 78259

BEACON WRITER

BEACON OFFICE PH: (903) 724-2274

“This is your chance to get involved in the communit y” - Jackie

Jennifer Kimble ONLINE PineCountryBeacon.com @PineCountryBeacon PUBLISHED Quarterly

PINE COUNTRY BEACON.COM | 3

OUR COMMUNITY

DOUBLE IRON MAN FOR DOWN SYNDROME BLAKE CLIFTON

BEACON STAFF

On March 21st of every year, we celebrate World Down Syndrome day. Rarely will you find yourself filled with more joy than being in the company of an individual with Down Syndrome. Many traits of the word “joy” can be encompassed in folks with Down’s. We celebrate their passion for life and learn from the way they live at this time each year. Mark Johnson is the Executive Vice President of Marketplace Operations for all 900 ‘Toys ‘R Us’ stores in the United States. After retiring from the Marines, where he spent 20 years in places like Okinawa and South Africa, Mark took on the challenge of Corporate America. To say he has an active lifestyle is quite the understatement. This March 17th and 18th, you can find Mark on the road from Marble Falls to Lufkin, Texas, performing a Double Iron Man.

In the name of raising money and awareness for Down Syndrome, Mark biked 224 miles, swam 4.8 miles, and ran 53.2 miles. For most of us, simply driving a car that distance is tiring. The goal: to raise $1,000 each hour in the name of Down Syndrome research and aid. We are here to broadcast Mark’s journey, but also to spotlight the incredible individuals that this feat is for. Mark’s sister, Wendy, is celebrating her 50th birthday. Wendy graduated from high school with a participation award, and moved to Marble Falls, giving meaning to Mark’s starting point of his biking/ swimming/running endeavor. Mark has a

special bond with his sister. “I’m so proud to be her brother.” Among the groups that were encouraging the big day was “Tres Dias”, a women’s group in the area. Mark’s Double Iron Man kicked off World Down Syndrome Day. We are honored to spotlight both Mark and the Down Syndrome community. YOU can get involved in the Down Syndrome community as well. If you feel called to donate to the cause, see the link below. In honor of what March 21st represents, the D.S. community calls anyone and everyone to walk, run, or bike 3.21 miles in your hometown. You would be hard-pressed to find a greater cause to get behind, so let’s get going! To donate, visit www.classy.org/fundraiser/933186

To donate, visit www.classy.org/ fundraiser/933186

4 | PINE COUNTRY BEACON.COM

PALESTINE YMCA CELEBRATES HEART HEALTH MONTH “ We want the entire community to know we can be the first stop for screening of heart disease and offer them a way to combat the disease with programs that not only include exercise, but mental health as well. I’m excited and it feels good to have this new challenge.” –Ryan Pence Heart Health Month comes each February, and the YMCA wants to offer the community the gift of complete general wellness. Ryan Pence suffers from hyper tension, a diagnosis usually seen in males but can also happen to females. His disease is heredity, but that’s not always the case for everyone. “I know I’m going to have to live with this for the rest of my life. It will take maintaining with education and awareness,” Pence said. One of a few selected participants, Pence went to Chicago to complete training for a heart disease screening and monitoring program as part of a new national effort by YMCAs. The program is being built from the ground up to coincide with the YMCA’s fight against diabetes, and provide total wellness. “We want the entire community to know we can be the first stop for screening of heart disease and offer them a way

to combat the disease with programs that not only include exercise, but mental health as well,” Pence said. “I’m excited and it feels good to have this new challenge.” Pence is not the only one in the local Y with heart disease, a doctor recently asked the staff to monitor a senior’s blood pressure leading to adjusting medicine to improve the condition. Pence said heart problems, especially ones that need medicine, go undiagnosed all the time and could lead to kidney failure if not treated early or properly. “Perfectly healthy people die because of undiagnosed diabetes or heart disease. We want to stop that

from happening, and help people see the bad path they are going down. It’s not over if you are diagnosed. We want to help you succeed in living healthy,” Pence commented. Staff member Jeremy Janz will aid Pence by providing information on the nutrition side of the program. “We are ready to help everyone possible with our new program,” Janz added. Studies show that cooking and processed foods lead to heart disease and other health complications, so the national YMCA is working with the CDA to help people recognize the potential of living a well-rounded healthy lifestyle.

Sponsored by KBPC 93.5

PINE COUNTRY BEACON.COM | 9

OUR COMMUNITY Kids have so many things going through their minds today: Academics, extra activities, and just trying to become a well-prepared student. The students at Athens Christian School have those thoughts on their minds as well as how to bring more people to Christ. The principal reminds students everyday they are God’s masterpiece and a living Lego for him. The students focus on what they call “planting seeds for Christ.” Some recall happy times of sharing their faith while others did not have a positive experience. We asked the 5th and 6th grade students how they shared their faith of they had a story that touched them, and here are some of the responses we received: “I tell them I got saved when I was grounded. One of the Psalms punched me in the face. So I talked to my dad, and he led me to Jesus.” – Joshua Bass, 6th grade “I tried to share my faith with my cousin, but he didn’t believe me.” William Leang, 5th grade “I give them a bible, and ask them to do me a favor by reading it. Then I talk to them about what they read.” – Aiden Degado, 5th grade

10 | PINE COUNTRY BEACON.COM

STUDENTS SPEAK OUT ON FAITH “Every night when we eat, we pray for anyone that might be going through something. My brother had people telling him that he was nothing. He told my parents he wanted to die and locked himself in the bathroom one night. The next day, they got him involved at church, and he was eventually saved.” – Gracee Crone, 6th grade “I pray and ask God what to say to them.” Mitchell Korth, 6th grade “I went to public school before coming here (ACA). I always carried a bible in my backpack. One day, my friends were

all sad and went to the back of the room. So, I took my bible and read to all of them. It made them feel better.” – Lance Compton, 5th grade “I always have something to do with Christ in my paintings because I enter them in the Henderson County Art Show. One time, a girl asked me what gave me inspiration and I got to say God.” – Sophie Wright, 5th grade “I do dance, and a lot of my friends don’t know Christ up there so I tell them what I do in school. It helps me talk about my faith with them.” – Jasie Weber, 5th grade “I usually read scripture that I’ve learned then I tell them God gives us the chance to live with him.” – Lexi Akin, 6th grade “I’m in basketball. We pray with the other team before the game so we don’t get hurt and have a good game. I like it because it shows good sportsmanship. It makes God happy when we are good sports.” – Annika Nigo Powerful witness doesn’t just come from adults, but it starts in the home. How are you helping your kids share their faith?

COMEDIAN ADDS YOUTH MINISTRY TO CAREER

He came from San Antonio with a mission, to help youth see God in a different light. Adrian Lucio, 26-years-old, found his calling in life to become a youth minister starting his journey in Helotes, near San Antonio, before moving to Palestine for a full time position at the First United Methodist Church of Palestine. He grew up in Mission graduated from Sharyland High School. His background included rodeos and Future Farmers of America. High school years brought many youth camps and days spent with his youth group. However, Lucio’s junior year had him questioning his faith. “I got into some pretty rough crowds and scenes for a while,” Lucio commented. “My senior year, I came back to Christ, and got rebaptized at South Padre Island. That was cool.” In 2010, Lucio moved to San Antonio, where he claims the comedy bug “bit him.” His goals focused on being a wellknown comedian. He started with $65 in his pocket and a 1990 Toyota Corolla. “I slept on my brother’s futon, and got a job waiting tables. I would write copy at night,” Lucio recalled. His new-found Christian added to the responsibilities, Lucio said. From 2012 to 2016, Lucio pursued his comedian dream with touring and furthering his name in the field. After tour-

ing, he felt a calling from God to become a youth director at a Methodist Church in Helotes. “I always loved my youth director growing up, and loved my youth group. So, I was really eager to start the job,” Lucio said. The church never hired Lucio for full time even though the youth grew under his leadership. His love led him from San Antonio to another youth group. FUMC Palestine allows Lucio to travel for his comedy while instilling Godly values in the steadily growing youth group, up 10 members since he came to Palestine in August. Lucio said he enjoys being a Christian who is a comedian. “Being a clean comedian or a Christian comedian can be a disabling label. I’m the guy who can be at church Sunday morning after spending the evening in a bar making people laugh,” Lucio explained. While Lucio left the full-time comedy career as television shows called for his talent, he still performs on weekends and has a presence on YouTube and throughout the Internet by searching Adrian Lucio.

Get to know Lucio: What’s one thing people don’t know about you? “Some of the people I’ve worked with in comedy are big names in the field. It’s cool thing. Sometimes people say they watched a movie with Robin Williams. I get to say I’ve met him. It’s a surprise factor that I can drop names.” “Non-comedy or work-wise, I like to go antiquing. It’s the most unmanly thing. Ladies like the DIY, and I’m your guy to get those projects done. I also like documentaries. I sit there glued to the TV watching the ‘The Truth Behind.’ People say they watch that to sleep, but I’d be up all night.”

What joke to tell? “I love telling jokes about my grandmother. All of them are from real life. I get to pay homage to her. I also love jokes that don’t get laughs. When I write, I’m laughing historically putting the pen to paper. But, when I test it on stage, people groan. I just think, ‘I’m having a great time, so I don’t care if you are groaning.’ I did a joke about deaf people one time. Someone got offended, and said ‘What if deaf people heard you, Adrian?’ After that it became my favorite joke. I love it when people get offended. I think God created humor, and I think people at shelled when it comes to humor, especially in a church. They just don’t know how to deal with it. It’s something I use to bring God to people.”

What inspiration can you give to people who want to get into comedy or the ministry? “If you want to get into comedy, don’t! (Lucio hardly laughed) They really need to sit down and think about the factors. People get to see the final product. They don’t see that you will be gone a lot, so worrying about relationship or getting your bills paid. There are also workshops, radio shows, writing copy, and making strangers laugh at you.” “Do ministry because you feel called to do it. You can’t just do it during the day and put it away at night. You have to live the walk. God will clearly tell you. It’s not something you wake up and want to do one day.”

What is your favorite verse? “I have a couple. My all-time favorite is John 3:30. I have it tattooed on my wrist. It’s short, easy to remember and very specific. It’s a verse to put you in your place with humility.” PINE COUNTRY BEACON.COM | 11

OUR COMMUNITY

MEN UNLEASHED HIT STREETS OF HENDERSON COUNTY Every fourth Saturday you can find men and women in Athens loving the elderly and homeless in their community, the group is known as Men Unleashed. President Corey Rodriguez started the organization in March 2015 to mentor men in bible study and branch out to the needy people in the Henderson County community. The ministry now includes women, opened a separate feeding min-

them start it,” says Rodriguez. That’s exactly what led the group to focus on taking care of the elderly first with food, chores that have become difficult, or just providing financial help. Rodriguez recalled a recent event in October 2017 where a single elderly lady in Athens needed a major renovation of her home – including replacing all floors, walls, and ceilings. Members of the com-

the project. The end result gave the woman safety and security in her house once again. Another instance that remains in Rodriguez’s thoughts: Helping the small homeless population in Athens. The group once again collected donations from the community to give six people sleeping bags, blankets, water, and other survival necessities. “If people see you are

Men Unleashed got out into the streets committed to love and acts of leadership by serving the hopeless, the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the unclothed, the sick, and the prisoner. These are truly the least among us in our communities, so we train and raise up leadership in our communities – men and women, young and old – to service all these. istry, and serves the Houston area. The future holds a new transportation ministry, made possible by a bus donation, allowing the group to expand for more areas of service. Rodriguez says, “We want to bring hope to the forgotten of all communities.” The group does this by providing furniture and home repairs to anyone unable to afford them, food for elderly and homeless who would otherwise be forgotten over the weekends, and a bible study encouraging growth and leadership for men of all ages. The mission? To spread the movement all over Texas. “We know people are doing separate things, so we are pulling them together to do one big thing with people in numbers and make a bigger impact on our communities. A lot of people want to do something; they just need someone to help 12 | PINE COUNTRY BEACON.COM

munity helped with monetary donations – covering the complete cost of materials –while the Men Unleashed came with skilled volunteers to provide the labor for

genuine and have integrity, they will help with donations or volunteer. It’s just a blessing to give back.” Rodriguez commented. The men and women live by inspiration found in Acts 17:6 – to come turn the world upside down and be the hands and feet. Their motto continues to touch lives and show love. Join the movement by emailing them at menunleashed@gmail. com, visiting the Facebook page, or contacting Corey Rodriguez at 903-2035023.

e h t e g n a h C W or ld r e m m u S e On at a Time

A 24-year-old Mabank woman works on adding to the rich cultural in Tanzania each summer with help from the Henderson County community. Reba Bailey started her life’s journey shortly after high school by attending a mission trip to Tanzania. In 2012, a teacher spoke words to her that will stay in her heart and mind forever: “We teach English for a better future and God for a better eternity.” Bailey said she knew that life was leading her to Africa for a second home. After the first trip, Bailey started sponsoring trips for two weeks in the summers. People join her from Mabank, Athens, Henderson County, Louisiana, and Colorado to share the Christian faith with Tanzanian school children and their families. Back home in Henderson County, donations collected through the year support four Tanzanian children’s education with food, transportation, books, and uniforms. Bailey recalled one student that sticks out of all because of his family’s choice to practice the Muslim faith. Aubu’s family lived next to the Tanzanian church, and at the beginning his parents would not allow the child to be outside when the

other children were playing. However, slowly Aubu was allowed to play with the children but not go inside the church for bible study. In 2017, Aubu’s mother came into the church asking for Bailey to allow Aubu to attend the three-day summer camp with the other children. “We hope this eventually leads to the entire family converting to Christianity,” Bailey said. The summer camp brings together 200 to 400 Tanzanian children, where they receive food, love, and the message of Jesus. Bailey said the future holds the promise of an independent school and camp facility she will lead. “We want to sponsor more kids, and having our own place will allow us that possibility,” said Bailey. Bailey encourages everyone to take the leap by visiting another country and see the world. She maintains a website: spreadingoflove.org, where people can read about the trips, become a sponsor, or just donate to the cause. Contact her by phone at: 903-292-8174.

“We teach English for a better future and God for a better eternity.” PINE COUNTRY BEACON.COM | 13

OUR COMMUNITY

FAMILY OPENS OLD JAIL FOR YEARLY HOLIDAY EVENT Every holiday season a Palestine family opens their home to the share Christmas with the public. Most people think of normal house, however, Jeremy Janz and Sonia Martinez live in the old Anderson County Jail, built in 1931. Each year the couple brings characters inspired from Dr. Seuss’s “The Grinch Stole Christmas” to life utilizing as much of the 11,000 square-foot space possible. “We like to share the meaning of Christmas with people. It’s not about gifts and shopping. The focus should be on spending time with family and kindness,” said Janz. The Grinch, acted out by Janz or Ty Mullen, takes pictures with guests while cracking jokes. Max the Dog, portrayed by Jake Glenn, does mock cooking demonstrations. “We just look for everyone to have a good time. It adds to the magic of the Polar Express ride,” Janz commented including another holiday attraction for Palestine.

Janz started the tradition after moving to Palestine from California. The jail was chosen over the Memorial Hospital, old library and other repurposed buildings. “I found Sonia, asked her if she was interested in living in the jail, and we haven’t looked back since she said ‘yes,’” Janz said. “I’m sure people think I’m out there, but they still support us. We want to be part of revitalizing Main Street. I think we are doing that in our own special way.” The old jail lends to a perfect adaptation of the story, Janz said. It’s opening up to continue the storyline after the Grinch stole all of the presents. It just seems like a lair outside, but inside colored lights add motion and life to the characters. The couple started with Christmas decoration donations about six years ago. Each year the collection grows with more donations 14 | PINE COUNTRY BEACON.COM

or items the couple comes across through the year. Decorations cover the three floors of the former jail, including blowups of “Billy the Bass” and “Minions.” “We like to give the kids something magically to see. They walk in and the jail is animated. It’s for everyone from the youngest child to ‘grinchy’ grandpas,” Janz added. “I think the important part is that the Grinch taught the Woos about the

real meaning of Christmas too.” The Grinch’s Lair stays open through December. The family holds Spring-time tours of historical Palestine’s cemetery, other buildings and important monuments. The old county jail served Anderson County for over 150 years. It’s the only Art Deco building in Palestine. Visitors to the city thought the building was a hotel and attempted to book a room for the night for lack of signage labeling the entity as a jailhouse, Janz shared. Fading painted letters remain as a reminder to the the building’s history. “This adds to the family-friendly aspect through the year. Kids get to see the old jail and learn what it was like to be a prisoner or staff and older generations get to reminisce on the past,” Janz said. On the Church Street side of the building a fallout shelter sign gives the bricks

and mortar another special recognition. The jail can hold 190 people if needed. Janz said living in the jail makes the couple feel safe and secure through storms. “We don’t ever have to worry about someone breaking into the jail,” added Martinez. “It’s a pretty solid building. The only setback would be no privacy since we don’t have a backyard and our trash can is by the street. Overall it’s fun and we get to be theatrical. It’s really great that we can give back to the community,” Janz commented. Outside of the holiday season, Janz and Martinez use the old jail as a based point for walking tours sharing the history of Palestine. Future plans hold public paranormal investigations and escape rooms.

ATHENS THRIFT S E O G E R O T S E L C R I C L L FU Athens Thrift Store made a huge impact with donations to over 20 charities in Henderson County in 2017. The largest came at the end of the year at $105,000. Doors opened to the store in August 2010 by Drew Douglas, said Board Secretary Janette Absher. Since opening, the store provided over $.5 million to non-profits like ARC Campus Ministries, Alzheimers Coalition, Athens Soup Kitchen, CASA, Iron House, Disciples Clinic, East Texas Crisis Center, ETMC Auxiliary, Faith in Action, Family Peace Project, FBC Children’s Clothing, FBC Bedding Ministry, Foundry House, Henderson

County Food Pantry, Henderson County Help Center, Henderson County Young Life, Labor of Love, Lila Lane Outreach, Meals on Wheels, Rainbow Room, and Ruby’s Safe Haven. The store gives back to the community three times a year with $2,000 to $5,000 per entity. Everything in the store is donated from the community. Seven paid employ-

“ We really are full circle by helping the charities, but also the customer by providing quality items they probably couldn’t afford anywhere else.”

Janette Absher

ees prepare, clean, repair, and sell the items with help from 50 volunteers throughout the year. “We help the customer to buy nice things at a price they couldn’t afford to pay somewhere else,” said Absher. In 2017, the store opened a separate area dedicated to Christmas items. The new store stays open in November and December. However, the main store stays open year round offering anything you can think of – from furniture to clothing to medical supplies to water. “Athens has the largest ratio of people helping their community, I believe,” Absher said. “We really go full circle in helping the charities and the customer. We kept getting better and better every year.”

PINE COUNTRY BEACON.COM | 15

Full Armor Foundation PO Box 591624 San Antonio, TX 78259 Non Profit Org US Postage Paid Permit No 1416 San Antonio, TX

*********ECRWSSEDDM ********* Postal Customer

Online: www.PineCountryBeacon.com. Follow and like us on Facebook (/PineCountryBeacon)

PALESTINE HOMETOWN PHARMACY Layne Vannoy, R. PH - Lisa Parker, R. PH Most RX and TX Medicaid Accepted 8:30 - 7:00 p.m. M-F 9:00 - 2:00 p.m. Sat 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Most Sun Drive Thru 101 Medical Drive (Behind Hospital) Palestine, TX 75801 903-729-3100