San Antonio Beacon October/November 2020

OC TOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

THE SAN ANTONIO

Be A Light

Be A Light.

hope

G AT E WAY

OF

gives mothers a chance at restoration

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LEARN

HOW YOU CAN

BE A

light

SanAntonioBeacon.com/BeALight

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OC TOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

INSIDE A BEAM OF HOPE | A CALL FOR HELP She was starting to show. She could no longer hide her pregnancy.

She was afraid. She had secretly hoped she’d lose the baby so she wouldn’t have to face her worst fears.

C O V E R S TO R Y

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The Lord calls two women to build a Gateway of Hope for expectant moms s God filled one woman’s heart with a A desire to save babies, He filled another with a desire to save mothers

Would her family disown her? Where would she go? Who would show her compassion? Who would want to?

Tears welled in her eyes as she walked into the maternity home.

Anticipating to be turned away, she was relieved to be welcomed with open arms. Her fears fell away, and now residing in her heart, something unexpected—hope. This is a story of restoration, a central theme of the testimonies you will read in this magazine.

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As a publication that has been around for two decades, we have seen amazing transformation.

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The Beacon, founded on Christian principles, is dedicated to empowering people who help people. It is an awareness program of Transformation, a nonprofit that helps other nonprofits, ministries and churches.

For nearly 20 years, we have seen an outpouring of love from our brothers and sisters, their passion to help the most vulnerable is beautiful. But, like many in our community, the last few months has been difficult.

We would love your support—through prayer, through advocacy, through financial generosity. We believe the Lord is doing amazing things in our city and He will continue to through the work of community’s servants. The Beacon’s purpose is to bring awareness of their work, and through that, provide an avenue for resources they need.

Thank you to our local businesses who have partnered with us on the following Beacon stories.

A Bright Light on San Antonio’s Westside od transforms one family’s heartbreak G into a purpose fulfilled through Last Chance Ministries

Child Protective Services calls to faith-based groups for help CPS establishes program to meet the needs of our city’s displaced children

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Hope for the Homeless

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A Beacon of Light

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A Declaration of Faith

Church Under the Bridge brings refuge to those in need

L ighthouses of Prayer International continues to transform lives through pandemic

NE’s Executive Director finds healing O through the Spirit

We humbly ask you, our neighbors, our friends, our family, to consider being a part of the solution for our community’s most vulnerable.

We invite you to learn more about how you can be a light at SanAntonioBeacon.com/BeALight.

PUBLISHER: The San Antonio Beacon PUBLISHERS: Claude Roberts, Duke Jonietz EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Denise R. Marcos WRITERS: Inez Kirchner, Denise Marcos, Amy Morgan, Richard Zowie, Jessa McClure, April Newell EMAIL: info@saBeacon.com ONLINE: www.saBeacon.com

With love, The Beacon Family

Duke Jonietz Co-Publisher

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Be A Light.

Denise R. Marcos Editor-In-Chief

Claude Roberts Co-Publisher

The Beacon is a Christian publication provided by the San Antonio Beacon, LLC. The articles and ads in this publication express the opinions of the ministries, churches, schools and businesses featured and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the San Antonio Beacon, LLC. The San Antonio Beacon, LLC is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the facts stated in the content of this publication including any ad copy. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the advertising content in this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be taken up with the advertiser. The San Antonio Beacon, LLC assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of the advertising. Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and/or misprints, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. Under no circumstances shall the San Antonio Beacon, LLC be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or from any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to liabilities stated above.

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A Chance at R [ Good News happening in our community ]

Women Experience God Moving in Development of Maternity Home

BY A PRI L LY N N N E W E L L

As God filled one woman’s heart with a desire to save babies, He filled another with a desire to save mothers. Little did these two women know how soon their desires would be connected and flourishing.

Mary Boyd was making big decisions about restoring a building in Comanche, Texas, while in another town Stephanie Wade was praying fervently against abortion over their region. Less than a year after meeting each other at a prayer gathering, Gateway of Hope Comanche(GOHC) was born.

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at Restoration [ Good News happening in our community ]

While located in Comanche, Texas, GOHC will begin to serve San Antonio residents in the coming months. There are people in the community who will need the ministry’s home and love. San Antonio’s diverse and populous city will give Gateway of Hope Comanche the opportunity it needs for growth and development to continue to support its ministry efforts.

“I clearly had an experience of divine intervention,” Boyd, founder of Gateway of Hope Comanche, said. “I owned the building that Gateway of Hope Comanche is in for a long time; I was remodeling it as a bed and breakfast when I got this riveting message that I was supposed to open that building for homeless, expectant moms—a safe place for them, to train them, educate them and allow them to stand on their own two feet keeping their babies. It was about saving the babies.”

Meanwhile, not so far away, Wade was praying and felt an urgency to disciple

When ministries collaborate instead of compete, we are able to make a much larger impact on our community. As a men’s ministry, we do not have the opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of young women, but Gateway of Hope fills that gap in such a huge way. Gateway of Hope’s meaningful relationships and practical assistance are the Christ-like compassionate response to a young woman who feels alone, helpless, and hopeless. We encourage you to support their efforts!

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mothers. She was not sure what her calling meant. Then she met Boyd and their desires to help expectant mothers melded into ministry.

“I was meeting with a group of women in my hometown, praying for our surrounding cities. As we began praying against abortion, God told me I was going to need to disciple women in how to raise their children in the Lord,” Wade said. “We want to save the baby’s life, but we also want to save the mom’s life. I know the one true answer is Jesus, so discipling is a major part of this [program] for these moms to be successful and kingdom-minded.”

Once they connected, Gateway of Hope Comanche was formed in six months and their first resident moved in during the month of December 2019.

“It was a miracle and divine appointment that the Lord brought Mary and I together,” Wade said. “But being in the home has blessed me, [too].

Seeing how God puts everything together is amazing.”

Boyd experienced another divine intervention at a business event when she ran into a colleague and his wife.

This couple had experience with maternity homes in another state and were very interested in helping Boyd with Gateway of Hope Comanche.

Boyd recalled her encounter with them and their eagerness to learn about the ministry she had not even named yet. Not long after the event, the couple was making a way for Boyd and a group of ladies to visit other

maternity homes in Massachusetts.

Wade and another of group visited homes in Texas. Through their visits they gained knowledge to help decide just how they wanted to run Gateway of Hope Comanche—a nonprofit, privately-funded, organization with a focus on the Gospel.

“He later gifted us seed money to get staff and Gateway of Hope Comanche off the ground,” Boyd said. “We can accommodate a lot of women, we just needed to get our feet under us, and I feel like we’re there.”

Gateway of Hope Comanche is open and ready for any expectant mothers.

One came to GOHC with earnest. Her son was immediately placed with Child Protective Services once he was born and she has worked diligently with the two organizations to gain custody. The miracle, however, happened while she still held him in her womb and prayed for a place of hope.

“It wasn’t just us ladies in Comanche praying, it was those who were needing this place, praying for it, too,” Wade said. “It’s amazing to see someone come from the bottom and

Brodie Cooper, Executive Director, Blast & Cast Men’s Ministries O c tober / Novemb er 2020

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[ Good News happening in our community ] When your community supports your business, we feel it is our responsibility to give back to our community. It is apparent Stephanie, and her husband Richard, are sold out for Jesus and for those they serve. They are changing lives. This makes supporting Gateway of Hope an easy decision. We invite you to learn more about this amazing ministry and support their efforts too.

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David and Lyndall Vaughn, Owners Vaughn Motors

see the Lord work in her life so much.

It’s so encouraging to see what is happening in these women.”

Consistent mentorship and devoted time are what set Gateway of Hope Comanche apart. A mom and her child can remain in the home for up to three years.

“It took me three years to see my own transformation and to really understand and have confidence. We don’t rush through classes to be done in one year,” Wade affirmed. ”That time invested makes all the difference.”

In addition to education and job goals, discipleship is an integral and central part of GOHC’s program. A discipleship class as well as daily Bible study are mandatory for each resident. At the heart of it all is for women to encounter the Lord and develop a relationship with Him. The love of Jesus is woven through every aspect of Gateway of Hope Comanche.

“We are building trust, confidence and the belief that the Lord can and will guide them—the belief that they didn’t just come to us by coincidence, but He had a hand on this,” Boyd said.

The application process is extensive to keep everyone in the home safe.

However, Wade and Boyd are passionate about allowing God to lead, and their ultimate desire is to see the Lord change hearts and save lives.

“No woman will be turned away if she’s really wanting help,” Wade said.

“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

After an applicant is accepted through an interview process, they arrive at GOHC and are given a threeday grace period where they can settle into the house and learn about expectations. Goals are made every three months and may include earning a Graduate Equivalency Degree, beginning college courses or finding a job. Measures are also taken to ensure a safe and loving atmosphere free from distractions.

Blast & Cast Men’s Ministries is an interdenominational effort to share the Good News of Jesus with the outdoor community.

We have a presence in Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico with expansion efforts underway in Colorado and Florida.

We believe that a constant commitment to the truth and to the relationships we have made within the outdoor community is the best way to model and live out the unchanging message of Jesus.

As we often say, if we can reach men with the Gospel we will see changed lives. If we see changed lives, we will see changed families. If we see changed families, we will see changed communities.

Matthew 4:19

STORY MADE POSSIBLE BY:

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The Beacon magazine and website work with local businesses and organizations across our city to help support our efforts of bringing awareness to area nonprofits.

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blastcastministries

www.blastandcast.org blastandcast@live.com

Blast & Cast Men's Ministries

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[ Good News happening in our community ] “We want our atmosphere to be like that of a Godly, family household. Our relationship with the Lord comes first and it trickles down,” Wade said.

A C H A N C E AT R E S O R AT I O N

Testimonies of God’s faithfulness fill the path of establishment for Gateway of Hope Comanche and stories of His healing and hope are filling their rooms.

We went into this with faith, “Boyd said. Gateway of Hope is the answer to prayer.

DONATE . The pandemic has greatly affected fundraising opportunities. One-time monetary gifts and long-term partners will help the nonprofit grow.

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At Vaughn Motors, we take great pride in serving our community in Comanche Texas. It brings us great joy to support nonprofits that are making a difference. We provide handpicked used cars and trucks for our customers. We go the extra mile for our customers to provide any needed title preparation and our detail and mechanic shop provide any needed services to the cars and trucks we sell. We try to make it as easy as possible for someone to purchase and maintain their next vehicle.

Come by for a visit. We will treat you like family.

VOLUNTEER . Host a diaper and/ or bottle donation event. Gather a small group and invite GOHC to speak.

INFORM . Spread the word about

Gateway of Hope Comanche and its efforts to the community. www.gatewayofhopecomanche.com | P.O. Box 222, Comanche, Texas 76442

(325) 718-2121

David and Lyndall Vaughn, Owners Vaughn Motors

STORY MADE POSSIBLE BY:

Vaughn Motors 7665 Hwy 67/377 Comanche, TX. 76442 RoyseVaughn5@gmail.com

Beacon vaughnmotorcompany

(325)356-3858

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Partner

The Beacon magazine and website work with local businesses and organizations across our city to help support our efforts of bringing awareness to area nonprofits.

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Good News is also available digitally

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www.saBeacon.com Keep up with everything God is doing in our community. There are many breaking, good news stories that cannot wait for our bi-monthly magazine. You will find these along with resources for your Christian walk, volunteer opportunities with ministry efforts, great video content, local Christian events and even community-minded business listings so you know where to shop for your next product or service.

When you visit, be sure to sign up for our weekly e-news updates to keep you informed on all God is doing in our community.

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Be A Light.

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LAST CHANCE MINISTRIES

A Bright Light on San Antonio’s Westside BY: INE Z KI R C H NER

A lot of things can make you want to turn away from Jesus,” says Jimmy Robles, founder and pastor at Last Chance Ministries (LCM). Hour by hour, he recounts the morning he discovered his 19-year old daughter, Victoria, or “Tori,” had died in a tragic car accident. The last call he made to her at midnight. The unanswered call at 2 a.m. when she didn’t arrive home.

San Antonio police officers, who were also friends of the well-known westside evangelist, confirming the devastating news at noon.

More than a decade into turning his life around for Christ, Robles faced the worst news a parent could endure.

"I decided that I could either die with my daughter or live for her, said Robles."

I decided to live for her.” Robles swung a baseball bat at his daughter’s funeral and delivered her eulogy marked MORE THAN 100 with the words, BATS have been given to “When life hits families who have experienced you, you either a great loss. Fifty bats have been get knocked given to children who are facing down or hit life-threatening cancer. The bats back.” Pivotal are symbols of hope, a reminder

services and multiple community outreach programs.

moments like these have characterized his journey with Christ and Last Chance Ministries: from giving up drug dealing; to meeting an unexpected donor through dire financial straits; to praising God despite a monumental loss.

Growing up in the San Antonio 78207 zip code comes with local and national notoriety. Amid rampant gang activity, prostitution and violence, Robles took to selling drugs. In 2005, his life changed. After attending a retreat, he gave his life to Christ. He was immediately called to evangelize back in the streets where he grew up and Last Chance Ministries was born.

"Many of the people who come to us are dying—physically and spiritually— and tell us ‘this is my last chance."

From offering a blessing or simply a hug every Saturday in a vacant lot at Zarzamora and Poplar, his efforts quickly grew to bilingual church

Fourteen years later and with a private donor’s help, LCM has moved into a larger facility on Brady Boulevard. The ministry bought the government building where he used to go to get food stamps. God has a sense of humor. LCM has since expanded to include two sanctuaries, a boxing gym, and the Christian Sports Organization field, a safe place for community youth to practice sports.

Every year they hold a back-to-school event where volunteers distribute nearly 10,000 supply-filled backpacks.

Students can also get dental and vision checkups, immunizations and more. They host a warm Thanksgiving meal and Christmas celebration with gifts and activities for thousands of community families every holiday season. These two major outreach events will take place this year in spite of the pandemic. The Thanksgiving event will be held on November 21 and the Christmas outreach on December 19 (see Be A Light section for how you can help). The coronavirus has not stopped this grassroots

to fight back when life knocks you down.

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[ Good News happening in our community ] ministry, which will now opt for drive-thru events. “We’ve also taken our ministry back to the streets where it all started,” said Robles. Holding “Plug-Ins” LCM uses a generator to sing and praise anywhere, from under a bridge to a street corner, to maintain social distancing. “God is still large and in charge!”

been easy”, Robles noted. “There is no rule book about leading spiritually though a pandemic and many pastors are hurting.”

With the slogan, “Hope 4 the Westside,” Robles never forgets where he and the ministry came from. “Last Chance Ministries was built from the ground up by former prostitutes and addicts. It’s a blessing to see how they After his daughter’s death, LCM have transformed to become leaders entered a new season of glory. “She in this commugrew up evangelizing nity,” Robles with me and loved to said. His humilhelp the homeless,” Last Chance Ministries ity may be the her father reflected, key to God’s who has named serves nearly a hundred favor. several initiatives in people daily with Tori’s name. “Now, Shining a she’s more alive than free haircuts, food, bright light ever.” LCM expects to over life’s fresh clothes, prayer, open the first 10 of darkest VicTORIous Point Tranand non-judgment. moments and sitional Homes in overcoming 2021, a set of tiny challenges to houses to help the become even local homeless population transition stronger has been the message he has to financial independence. He has shared with thousands—from finanalso started the VicTORIous Scholarcial challenges and lawlessness to a ship Fund, which supports high pandemic and life-changing tragedy. school girls and dropouts.

Most importantly, many, many of In the future, Robles hopes to expand to 100 tiny houses, open a Bible institute to disciple others and eventually open a clinic on the LCM campus.

Amid COVID-19 and the remote learning orders that came down from the school district, he realized that many children on the westside lack technology and often even an internet connection. As a result, Robles and his team are working to provide computers and a safe, reliable place for students to study. Things are much different on the westside than the northside, he reminds us with a laugh.

In the midst of the pandemic, Robles meets with multiple pastors through his Bridging the Gap monthly meetings. He is trying to help them navigate the COVID-19 crisis. ” It has not

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these people have received Christ.

"We want people to know that somebody cares no matter what is tearing them down. We want them to know about Jesus. After all, His is the name above all names.”

GIVE. Provide financial assistance for the Thanksgiving and Christmas outreach events. Visit the website to give.

PROVIDE. Prepare side dishes for the LCM Thanksgiving outreach.

You or a group can adopt a family or two to prepare all the sides for their meal. For the Christmas outreach, LCM needs toys, clothing and shoes for children ages 1 - 18.

VOLUNTEER. Both outreach events in need of volunteers.

PRAY. Ask for willing hearts to present their skills and gifts to LCM in the areas they need it most. Pray that the Holy Spirit will touch hearts and hundreds will come to Christ!

VISIT. Plan to attend an upcoming Sunday service. Check the website for details and how to get involved.

Last Chance Ministries Every year, LCM hosts a gift drive. in 2019, its 13th Christmas celebration, the ministry distributed more than 4,000 new toys to children and youth on the westside.

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www.lcm.community 404 Brady Boulevard San Antonio, Texas, 78207 (210) 227-4451

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Call THE

[ Good News happening in our community ]

Government agency looks to faith groups for help

The name Child Protective Services (CPS) invokes images of families in crisis — children being removed from abusive

BY AMY MOR G AN

Would it surprise you to learn that CPS actively seeks to connect with faithbased organizations to combat the chaos? In fact, the state employs faithbased specialists like Hope Shelton to engage with churches, synagogues, and other communities of faith.

Shelton has been with CPS for 14 years, transitioning to her current position eight years ago. She jumped at the chance to incorporate her beliefs into her work. “It’s so important,” she said. “Case workers can’t provide what a community of faith can. Imagine how connected the children and families involved in child welfare could be if they each had a loving faith community.”

In 1995, the Advisory Committee on Promoting Adoption of Minority Children recognized the benefit of 12

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or neglectful situations, fractured families. connecting families served by CPS with those able to help. In 2016, the Texas lieutenant governor implemented a 10-point plan including faithbased efforts and the importance of CPS fully engaging with the faith community. Whether it’s donated goods, foster or adoptive homes, or volunteers, the faith community provides a natural environment in which to find willing hearts.

“There are so many great congregations,” Shelton acknowledged. “We have more than 600 kids in Region 8 waiting for adoption right now.”

There are so many ways to start serving this population.

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greatest need. A larger church can undergird the efforts of another.

Sometimes they just desire a congregation equipped to welcome a group of children in foster care at the youth events the congregation is hosting Shelton said.

While many children are placed with families, some live in residential treatment centers. Mentors make personal connections that can change a child’s future. Pastor Mel Keyes serves at Joshua House of Worship. He partners with CPS by mentoring youth at The Bridge Emergency Shelter.

“As adoptive parents ourselves, Kendra and I know what kinds of hurts these kids are dealing with, but I can’t even begin tell you how many times we left O c to b e r / N ove m b e r 2 0 2 0

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[ Good News happening in our community ]

the shelter full of the knowledge that we were the ones ministered to.

“Sharing life with the children at the Bridge has impacted our whole ministry team. We have gotten to see God up close at work in the lives of these beautiful, brave souls through confessions, testimonies, anger, questions, doubts, tears, games, laughter, re-dedications, baptisms, food & lots of Scooby Snacks,” Keyes said.

Shelton’s task is to spread the word—inspiring church members to share their time and talents. She admits it’s been an uphill battle.

Currently, referrals have mainly been by word of mouth. She is available to speak to groups or leaders electronically or in person to cast a vision for impacting lives.

“We are eager to access what the church already offers,” Shelton said.

Region 8 touches the lives of thousands of children in Bexar and 27 surrounding counties. No donation of time or treasure is too small to make a difference.

She encourages anyone with a desire to help to contact her. She’ll help find a place to purposefully serve. Hairdressers style hair. Handy men donate time or supplies to make homes safe.

A shoe enthusiast provided footwear. Others held a career fair.

The greatest needs are currently for beds or duffle bags (and room to store them). Placing a child with relatives is the best option when a child is removed from their home, Shelton explained, because family members O c tober / Novemb er 2020

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have genuine love and concern for the children and will keep siblings together. Relatives provide consistency—a familiar neighborhood, culture and connection, she added.

However, family members may not have the proper furnishings—children remain in limbo until items can be

“These kids are in foster care through no fault of their own. They are not bad kids — they are kids who have been traumatized. When you pour into them, they prosper.

There’s something everyone can do.”

TELL. Connect your friends and church members to this faithbased initiative through Hope Shelton at 210-452-2321.

INVITE. Contact Hope to speak at your church.

SHARE. Expand resources to reach thousands of children and families in the 28-county region.

DO. Use your time and talents to take action to improve the lives of children and families in need.

PRAY. Pray for CPS caseworkers, Hope and their efforts to connect all communities of faith to children in need.

secured. The need for beds is most urgent. Shelton said that CPS can distribute 25 beds or more each month so the need is ongoing.

Another acute need is for a new duffle bag for children in CPS’s Region 8. Often kids need to leave a residence quickly. All they have is what can be stuffed in a bag. “It is hard enough to be separated from family,” she said. “Harder still to move in with a stranger. Taking something that belongs to you, can help make that move a little less scary." w w w.sa B e a c o n .c o m

Hope Shelton Faith-Based Specialist www.dfps.state.tx.us/Community/ Faith-Based/default.asp 3635 SE Military Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78223

(210) 452-2321 13

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[ Good News happening in our community ]

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[ Good News happening in our community ]

FOR THE HOMELESS

Church Under the Bridge brings refuge to those in need

BY JE SSA M CC LUR E

AS 6 P.M. approaches, dozens of homeless men and women in downtown San Antonio gather to be fed both physically and spiritually from the volunteers at the facility owned by Church Under the Bridge (CUB).

The ministry, that began 23 years ago, serves around 200 meals a night, and has become “the place” for the homeless to find a hot meal, even during a pandemic.

“We’ve heard people say, ‘when everybody disappeared, you guys stepped up,’” said Dianne Talbert, executive director for CUB. When the restaurants began to close, especially in the early months of the pandemic, there was a lot of food insecurity, fear and aggression. But Talbert and the volunteers at CUB pumped worship music out into the streets and recited Bible verses to calm the nerves of those who were worried about their next meal.

To further ease the need for meals in the homeless population, CUB went from serving meals three nights a week to providing dinner seven nights a week. That meant that the ministry’s 45 to 60 partners, who typically provided a meal once a month, would now need to increase their supply.

“We were truly blessed. Our existing partners stepped up to provide a

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meal, even if they couldn’t physically come to our facility,” Talbert reflected.

“They would say, ‘give me a mailing address and I’ll pay for a meal.’”

Along with the scheduled partners, the ministry was also blessed by other organizations and churches whom they had not worked with before.

“We have one church that the pastors are friends of mine. They had never been on our schedule, but starting in the middle of April, they decided to come every Monday. Now they provide several meals a month.”

Not only does CUB provide a hot meal to homeless individuals, but they also provide snack bags twice a week, hygiene kits, socks, shoes, clothing pre-bagged by size and gender, and even dog food and veterinarian clinics for their pets.

But while the CUB volunteers are working to meet the basic needs of the homeless population, their ultimate goal is to bring them the love of Jesus.

“Our original mission was to meet the

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[ Good News happening in our community ]

GIVE . CUB gives away between 20 and 30 pairs of shoes weekly. Do you have a pair of used tennis shoes in good shape that you could spare? Ask how you can help for their upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas events.

Your time, talent, or treasure all make a difference!

PURCHASE . If you have the means, the

spiritual needs of the homeless, and that has not changed,” Talbert said.

“We try to put a couple of people on the street, walking up and down, bringing the hope of Christ to them in this current situation.”

The ministry’s passion for meeting the homeless where they are spiritually has helped many come to know Jesus and find the strength to keep fighting for a new life.

“A guy drove up the other day and I happened to be at the gate. He yelled, ‘Mom, I got a job!’” Talbert said.

“The ones who have received their salvation and are trusting and listening to the direction of God, their lives have changed.”

And for those who don’t choose to walk with the Lord—Talbert said they continue to plant seeds, pray for them and meet their physical needs, especially for the upcoming holiday season.

“We do big holiday meals every year along with Christmas baskets. It may look a little different this year, but the O c tober / Novemb er 2020

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unsheltered will still get holiday meals and Christmas baskets, packed full of God’s love through CUB. In the past, CUB has provided holiday meals a week before their respective dates, but because the ministry is now providing food seven nights a week, these meals will likely be served on the actual holiday.

These meals, and subsequent giveaways, are a lot of work for the volunteers at CUB, and Talbert and her team pray that more will come alongside the organization to prepare to bless the homeless people of downtown San Antonio.

ministry is in need of new socks and underwear in all sizes (preferably white). Monetary donations can be made at www.cub-sa.org or CashApp at $DonateCUBSA. PRAY . Ask God to bring peace and

comfort to those on the street and to allow them to hear the message of salvation. Pray for the volunteers who unselfishly serve and that God would bring more laborers to the field.

VOLUNTEER . CUB needs committed

volunteers who can regularly donate time to help. From helping to organize meal supplies to bagging up clothing to walking the streets, bringing the light of God—all are needed.

“People are really benevolent right now and going into the holidays, but it is usually on a one-time basis,” she said. “We are looking for [people] to labor in the fields for a while.”

Don’t be afraid to step out in faith and help this organization minister to a population that is often overlooked or ignored. You just might help someone find Jesus and turn their life around. w w w.sa B e a c o n .c o m

Church Under the Bridge www.cub-sa.org 724 Chestnut St, San Antonio, Texas 78202 (210) 569-4026 17

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[ Good News happening in our community ]

Lighthouses of Prayer continues to transform lives through pandemic

BY DE NISE R. MAR CO S

T

o those visiting the Alamo City, San Antonio is easily remembered for its diverse cuisine, bustling tourist spots and its extensive list of must-do things. And if they stay long enough, they will undoubtedly describe it the same way locals do every day—a place of potential, growth and astounding resilience.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the repercussions that have continued in the months following stay-at-home orders, San Antonioians have displayed amazing perseverance. The community’s ability to adapt is one thing that pastor of River of Life Church and president for nonprofit Lighthouses of Prayer International (LPI) Pastor Gene Loeffler passionately describes as “a community full of diverse cultures and backgrounds”—a people, despite their differences, who work together to overcome hardship.

LPI, whose purpose is to be a guiding light for Christians to fulfill their call to 18

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be disciples through united prayer groups, is one organization that has been able to continue its mission despite the recent circumstances. The abrupt stop to our daily lives due to the pandemic and racial strife that has surfaced is, as Pastor Gene coined, “A Devine Pause” and a time when prayer is needed most.

“Prayer is how we talk to God. How we grow in our relationship with Him,” Pastor Gene said. “There isn’t a formality on how to start, just ask God to open your heart and whatever answer you’re seeking, pray. When the founder, Joan Courtney of Lighthouses of Prayer International, back then

Spiritual leaders gathered to pray while abiding to social-distancing restrictions.

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called Women’s Prayer International, started this ministry 20 years ago, she had a vision of women coming together to pray in unity for spiritual revival. Today, men are gathering for the same purpose—to glorify God through prayer.”

LPI was established in 1997 as an outreach effort for the Christian evangelist Billy Graham. Courtney answered the call to be a prayer leader for San Antonio. And as the crusaders prepared for their way to South Texas, Courtney, together with fellow women, flooded the heavens with fervent prayer.

Since its founding nearly 25 years ago, LPI’s mission has not changed. In the midst of city restrictions and personal reservations as a result of the pandemic, Pastor Gene says people still long for connection and prayer is the foundation of that fellowship.

Thankfully, technology has made it possible to share the Gospel with the masses. To date, LPI has 19 prayer groups that encompass nearly every O c to b e r / N ove m b e r 2 0 2 0

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[ Good News happening in our community ] area of San Antonio. Groups, many currently using technology to stay connected, continue to pray for their personal needs, our economic recovery and our city and nation’s spiritual healing.

With current circumstances it’s hard to predict the future need of LPI’s outreach efforts, but Pastor Gene noted that, now more so than ever, pastors need to come together to support and pray with and for one another.

“To have access to God’s teachings through technology is a blessing.

There is no doubt things will be different moving forward,” Pastor Gene said. “And there is no better time to grow in your relationship with God then when it is being tested in every way, whether you’re going through financial hardships or if you’re experiencing loneliness. God wants us to have a deeper relationship with Him and prayer gives us that opportunity.”

Throughout history, in all Christian denominations, scholars credit prayer as the primary reason for spiritual change. Pastor Gene raised a Christian but didn’t fully accept Christ until his early 20s, attributes prayer as direction for his own personal journey.

“I pray to God to guide me. He opened up my heart to become a pastor years ago—to serve my community, to lead them sacrificially—to bring them closer to Him,” he said.

Prior to moving back to San Antonio, Pastor Gene and his family ministered to an affluent California neighborhood.

There they gained invaluable knowledge, but returning to the Alamo City, Pastor Gene recalled, “rescued” them.

“We are now ministering in a much more difficult context. There is a lot of poverty, both of belongings and spiritually. There is generational pain, hurt and O c tober / Novemb er 2020

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While there haven’t been as many gatherings because of the pandemic, Pastor Gene is confident the time these pastors spend in unity will continue to make an impact on the city.

Pastor Gene shared Christ with one of the attendees at the 2020 PraySA event. She received Jesus and was baptized two weeks later!

brokenness. But God put it in our hearts to love the people, and in so many ways, they rescued us.”

Through this pandemic, many San Antonioians continue to seek the grace of the Lord through new means.

In early August, more than 200,000 gathered in person and online for PraySA, a park-and-pray gathering, which took place at the Freeman Coliseum. Many city pastors, leaders, ministries and partners from numerous churches around the city, joined to unite through prayer.

“The sheer attendance of this event was amazing and I’m honored that I got to be a small part of that. We desire God’s intercession. People long for connection.

And on a smaller scale, our work with Lighthouses of Prayer is really an opportunity to do that. It’s a place where people of all Christian denominations and differences come together to be evangelists as God has called us to be.”

“Spiritual growth starts with prayer,” he said. “We need prayer, now more than ever. Starting a prayer group with fellow moms or coworkers or golfing buddies is a great way to strengthen our faith and deepen our relationship with God. This can still happen now, when people are reluctant to gather in person. They can do this through Zoom calls or other technology that allows that connection.

Now, with both men and women groups focused on glorifying the Lord through prayer, we can be beacons of light for our city—one lighthouse at a time.”

www.lighthousesofprayer.org info@lighthousesofprayer.org 8023 Vantage Dr. Suite 200 San Antonio, TX 78230 (210) 349-7729

The first men’s prayer group for LPI consists of 12 pastors, in which, Pastor Gene, intentionally selected 12 as the specific number to gather.

PRAY. For us to turn back to God as a city and nation. For spiritual healing of our city and nation. Pray for revival to sweep the land.

“When I prayed about the direction God was wanting us to take with the addition of men to the ministry, I felt He was telling me that we needed to lift up our leaders,” Pastor Gene said. “There is so much going on right now and when we can come together and pray for one another for guidance, we light a fire that we can bring back to our church communities. That’s where it starts.”

UNITE. Start a Lighthouse of Prayer group in your area.

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IMPACT. Pray continuously and spread the Gospel everywhere you go.

GIVE. LPI relies on the financial generosity of our community to support its efforts. Donations can be made through the LPI website.

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[ Good News happening in our community ]

Endorsed as a “Righteous Candidate” by the Church and Politics Initiative.

It’s time for

AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP that represents the 20th Congressional District.

Mauro Garza is focused on families, faith, and our values as Texans.

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[ Good News happening in our community ]

A DECL AR ATION OF

Faith

A STORY OF GOD'S GRACE

Healing through the Spirit I had a horrific recurring dream as a child. I’ll spare you the gory details but it involved my body being trapped, violated and dismembered. The shame of the dream was almost as bad as the fear it brought.

The shame kept me silent about the dream's content but my mom knew that her six-year-old little girl was being traumatized by it.

What you are about to read is the first time I remember experiencing a miracle. One night my mom said, “Cayce, we’re going to ask Jesus to take that dream away from you.”

to feel safe enough to process even the things of my worst nightmares.

One time in conversation with Jesus, He took me back to the dream. Jesus wrapped His arms around me. As He held me in His gentle, safe embrace. My legs and arms were re-integrated into my body and butterflies filled my insides. Light poured into the room and there was no longer a perpetrator there.

Throughout the healing process I forgave this man multiple times.

Four years ago, I was driving and the Holy Spirit spoke this: forgive him. “But I already have Lord.” “Cayce, forgive him.”

And so, I did—again.

She simply prayed, “Jesus, please take away this nightmare and let Cayce never have it again.” It worked.

I still remember the dream, but I never had it again. In fact, I never had another nightmare.

What neither my mom nor I knew at the time was that the dream really wasn’t a random nightmare, it was a road map. God has dismantled the fear and silenced the shame for the past three decades. Now, I see that this dream pictorially represents the pain of one of my earliest life experiences.

Somewhere between the age of two and four years old, a trusted doctor sexually molested me. His own wounds—God only knows what they are—led him from hurt to purveyor of hurt. He took advantage of my innocence. Could he possibly know how deeply it would impact my life?

At 18, I read a book about God healing emotional wounds. I didn’t think I had many of them. I had loved life and had great parents and friends. Though I remembered the abuse, I had disassociated from any form of associating it with my own story.

The very next day the man who took advantage of me all those years ago showed up in the place I worked. Instead of freezing or fleeing full of pain triggers, I looked up and saw a picture of Jesus right there with us. I rejoiced that God had gone before me for years to dismantle triggers and bring healing.

I have yet to meet a leader in ministry that doesn’t have wounds. The reality of being a human is that, often, we are more driven by our wounds, especially the invisible ones, than we are by our identity and connection to Jesus.

This is the human experience. Jesus died not to give us good theology, but to radically heal us in every way. It is my joy to be part of the ONE team—we help leaders live and lead from the healing connection that only Jesus brings. Everyone experiences pain and disconnect, but the real tragedy is being alone in it. God made us to walk out of shame and fear—together. His Holy Spirit will help us all. I know, because I live it and watch it happen in practical ways every day.

God, in goodness, led me step-by-step to people and experiences where I could connect practically with His kind voice. Hearing God’s voice, created a space for me O c tober / Novemb er 2020

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column 2

YOUR ROLE AS A CHRISTIAN

[ Good News happening in our community ]

B Y: D UKE J O NI E T Z

THE ELECTION

is quickly approaching.

It seems there has never been more chatter leading up to an election than there is in this one. Social media posts, news, TV, YouTube—political messaging to try and win your vote.

I get it to some degree, there are many more channels to get the word out.

But it seems the more messaging, the more division in our country. Everyone has an opinion.

To make matters even worse, what can you believe. Some truth, half-truths and flat out misinformation and fake news. How, as a believer, can you make

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an informed decision about your vote?

The Beacon would like to help you. We have posted a series of articles on our website to equip you to make your vote really count. Not for a particular candidate or even a party, but to count for Jesus and His Kingdom.

For instance, did you know that a faithbased platform has been developed and endorsed by spiritual leaders from across the city? Since its foundation is scripture, it promises success. It mentions government FOR the people and OF the people and establishes that any candidate who runs for office should seek public servanthood not political position and power.

We also reported on each party’s plat-

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form and compare them side by side.

This is important because our elected officials will make important decisions based on the platform that their party has adopted.

Finally, we recognize the work of the Church and Politics Initiative in our city, led By Anita Kegley and a tiresome team of volunteers. This initiative sent questionnaires to every candidate and through the answers from those who responded endorsed a candidate as a “righteous candidate.”

Casting an informed vote through a biblical worldview is our responsibility as Christians.

Search sabeacon.com for YOUR VOTE

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Be A Light.

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