The Free Gift

By Deborah Elum, Producer & Author

Recently, I needed to return an item I purchased online from a distributor. For convenience, the distributor had a return kiosk inside another store in my area. When I gave the store clerk my item, he handed me a coupon for ten dollars off any purchase in the store. So, I found a black blouse on sale, initially priced at sixty dollars. As I pulled out my wallet to pay the difference, I was told I did not owe anything. The coupon and the additional sales discount covered the entire cost. This was the first time I bought something and did not have to pay. I considered it a gift that the store had given me. That experience was a reminder of the gift that God gave us. That gift is our wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ. When we received Him into our hearts, we received salvation, love, peace, joy, and much more. In the Book of Isaiah 9:6, the Prophet Isaiah foretold of His birth, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” The wonderful news is that we can share Jesus with everyone, anytime, and anyplace. We don’t have to wait for a store open or wait for a sale to receive Him. He is a free gift to all who will receive Him as Lord and Savior. As we celebrate the joyous seasons of Christmas and the New Year, we must let people know that Jesus is the Reason for every season. I pray that if you don’t know Jesus, you will invite Him into your heart today. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:22-23

Listen to Deborah’s Podcast at: https://redcircle.com/shows/changing-your-life-with-the-word

“A Book that is Good to the Last Drop!”

“A fabulously fun read and just downright hilarious!”

It is Time for a Church Overhaul! The Pastor of Sunnydale Community Church just does not know what to do. He is at his wits end with a church of rowdy ladies, a dysfunctional Deacon Board, and one nosey secretary. A Church with Spots and Wrinkles is a hilarious comedy by Deborah Elum. Price $12.95. Available at Amazon.com.

Grab a cup of coffee and hold on to your funny bone as a pair of twin sisters put a smile on your face, laughter in your heart, and joy in your soul. This light-hearted comedy about sisterhood, romance, and friendships will leave you thirsting for more. Wake Up and Smell the Coffee! by Deborah Elum. Price $12.95. Available at Amazon.com.

DO NOT GIVE UP ON THEM!

By: Jaime Wallace

Abusers have triggers. In my professional experience, triggers can be unemployment, drugs or alcohol, loss of control, infidelity, or financial issues. After learning this it should be no surprise to you now that a recent meta-analysis has shown that “domestic violence incidents increased 8.1% after jurisdictions imposed pandemic-related lockdown orders.”1 The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office has seen an uptick in DV cases post pandemic and we are working hard to get these numbers down in our community. Did you know that it takes about seven attempts for a survivor to leave their abuser and stay separated for good? One reason is because “leaving is the most dangerous time in an abusive relationship.”2 Keep this in mind the next time you ask yourself why they stay. When you find out that someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, first thing is first- armor yourself with patience and lots of it! It may be frustrating for you, but it can be life or death for them. What do I do while waiting patiently? DO NOT GIVE UP ON THEM! Now that you know “getting out” of the relationship is not as simple as a break up text or walking out the door, provide them with information to keep them alive and the tools to help them once they commit to getting out. Survivors must make an exit plan and stay alive in the process.

Safety tips:

• Figure out what that plan is- when, how, where will you go, etc… and practice it! • Know your abuser’s triggers so that if you cannot leave, you can at least avoid kitchens, bathrooms, and garages where there are weapons. • If you have children, teach them to not protect you, but to hide and call 911 or run and find a neighbor. Have them memorize your address. Tell them it is not their fault and that violence is wrong. • Save the National DV Hotline number: 1-800-799-7233. They can direct you on the next steps to take, where to go, who to talk to, and how to survive. • Let a neighbor know what is going on. Have a code word or a code like lights flickering on and off when help is needed. • If charges are filed, many resources will be available. A victim in Montgomery County will never have

1 Alex R. Piquero, Ph.D et al “Domestic Violence During Covid-19, Evidence from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” Impact Report: COVID-19 and Domestic Violence Trends, National Commission on Covid-19 and Criminal Justice 2 Respond- Working to End Domestic Violence: https://www.respondinc.org/dv-facts-stats/

Jaime Wallace is the Chief of Domestic Violence (DV) at Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. The DV section falls under the office’s Special Victims Division. ADA Wallace is responsible for reviewing all domestic violence cases to assess the severity and lethality of the each case. This review includes not only the law enforcement offense report, but also the nature of the relationship between the two parties, the manner and means of the assault, and the criminal history of the defendant. ADA Wallace became a prosecutor right out of law school. She’s been with the District Attorney’s Office over three years now trying anything from misdemeanors to first degree felonies. As a wife, mother, and resident of Montgomery County, she is proud to serve her community and advocate for victims of domestic abuse. The DV section’s first priority is protecting the victim. In addition to her duties in the office, ADA Wallace is involved in outreach presentations within our community. One topic near and dear to her is being proactive by sharing how to protect women and children from becoming victims, as well as how to respond to a friend or family member when you find out they are being abused by their partner.

ATASCOCITA 17404 W. Lake Houston Humble, TX 77346

HUMBLE 2602 S. Houston Ave Humble, TX 77396

PASADENA 3939 Pasadena Blvd Pasadena, TX 77503

PORTER 22271 US Hwy 59 Porter, TX 77365 Four Locations, one number to call 281-441-2171

“Our family has been helping others in this community for 92 years. We are honored to serve your family” —Jess Fields, President