February 2015

Gò0dNews February 2015

Complimentary

Christian Magazine

• Celebrate with Friends p. 6 • Family Fitness Fun p. 24 • Press Hard; You’re Making Copies p. 32

Love in South Africa

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God Bless You and Thank You! Writers Pastor Larry Cockerham Rev. Julius McCarter Rev. Rusty Asble Andrew Lee Angie Parris Chris Moser Craig Gray Dave Carringer David Gray Esmerelda Lee Heather Ryerson John Garrod Kristy Snider Kelly McDonald Kevin Wilson Laurel Martin Mark Wells Paul Lee Rob England Teresa Mustar

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About Us Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have three beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, and Andrew. We live in Cleveland and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed.

GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising.

GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used

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Disclaimer All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use.

Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS� basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.

contents 20

28

42

Homemade Pan Pizza love in S. Africa GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk GoodNews for Health & Fitness

6

Influencing Your Family for God

24 Family Fitness Fun

by Kristy Snider

GoodNews for Everyone

40 From Mystery to Manifestation

by Dave Carringer

by Pastor Larry Cockerham GoodNews for Everyone GoodNews for Kids

8

They Say I’m Stupid

26 Expand Your Neighborhood

by Rob England

GoodNews on Money Matters

10 Knowing the Score

by Andrew Lee GoodNews for Him

12 Love Is a Battlefield . . .

Maybe not!?!

by Chris Moser GoodNews for Her

14 Celebrate with Friends

by Heather Ryerson

GoodNews Cover Story 28 Love in South Africa

by Esmerelda Lee GoodNews for Everyone

30 My Eternal Stroll

by Teresa Mustar GoodNews for Couples

20 When God Needs Your

ing Copies!

by John Garrod

34 Senior Living Abroad

by Esmerelda Lee

Help

by David Gray GoodNews for Everyone

GoodNews for Everyone

36 My Soul Mate

by Mark Wells

22 The Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers

by Paul Lee

42Homemade Pan Pizza

by Angie Parris

GoodNews for Everyone

44 Living in the Now

by Kelly McDonald GoodNews for Everyone

46 Christian Marriage

by Julius McCarter

32 Press Hard; You’re MakGoodNews for Seniors

GoodNews for Parents

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

GoodNews for Everyone

50 Heart for Haiti

by Laurel Martin GoodNews from the Tax Ofce

52 Who Will Pay the Tax?

by Rev. Kevin Wilson GoodNews for the Outdoors

54 The Beginning

by Rusty Asble

GoodNews for Everyone

38 Strength for the Climb

by Craig Gray

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Influencing Your Family for God T

by Larry Cockerham

here are many ways to influence your family. One of the best and most effective ways to influence others is by spending time with them.

Yet, time together as family seems to be more difficult than ever, especially since families are scattered all over the country. In the past, multi-generational families lived in the same community or at least in the same town. In that setting, the extended family of grandparents, uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews conveyed family values through sharing their stories. Family storytelling is almost a thing of the past, and we have to find other ways of influencing our families for God. No matter where your family members live and how little time you get to spend together, you can always pray for them. Even if they live on the other side of the world, you can influence your family through prayer. I want to illustrate my point with the biblical story of Abram, later called Abraham.

His story shows us how one man influenced his family for generations through prayer. Then I want to share my personal story and how the prayers of my grandmother continue to have influence on my life, even though she went to be with the Lord more than 60 years ago.

Genesis 12:7 says, “The Lord appeared to Abram and said, ‘To your offspring I will give this land.’ So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him” (NIV). Abram had a revelation from God for him and for his offspring. He called that place where he prayed Bethel.

If we skip down two generations, we see

6 // February 2015

Abram’s grandson, Jacob, running away from home, lost, alone, weary, and broken by life. It’s interesting where he ended up—at Bethel, the same plaice where his grandfather had prayed for his family. Abraham’s prayers lived longer than he did—long enough to bring his grandson back home to God.

Grandma Sarah’s Prayers

Now to my personal story. I was born into a very poor alcoholic family. We were far from God. But I had a praying grandmother named Sarah.

She prayed heaven down into our lost family. My father came to God and gave up his alcohol. Everything changed in our family. It seemed as if the devil had moved out of our house and Jesus moved in. I know God today because of Grandma Sarah’s prayers. She prayed when everything looked hopeless, and God answered her prayers.

Maybe you’ve been praying for your family for a long time and you’ve grown weary in waiting. I want to encourage you today that, like Abram, you will establish a prayer altar for your children and grandchildren. God is faithful and He will answer your prayers. Your family members may be scattered all over the country or all over the world, but there is no distance in prayer. You can still put their names in the ear of God everyday. You can influence your family toward God through prayer.

Pastor Larry Cockerham is the senior minister at Living Word Church in Cleveland.

Gò0dNews for Kids

They Say I'm Stupid Psalm 102:8

C

arlos didn't go in the house when he came home from school. Instead, he went to the backyard where his teenage brother, Jess, was working on his car.

"Hi, kid!" said Jess. "How's it going?"

"Because you're littler than they are, and they want to think they're big shots," said Jess. "When big kids pick on one little kid it shows what kind of people they are. It doesn't say anything against you. They're the ones who look bad."

"Terrible!" said Carlos.

"Hey, what's the matter with you?" his big brother asked.

bad has problems. Don't ever be like those guys. Are you nice to kids who are littler than you?"

"Sure I am!" said Carlos. "I wouldn't do what those guys do to me."

"That's good!" said less. "Tell you what-tomorrow I'll walk home from school with you. How's that?"

"Would you really?" said Carlos.

"Thanks a lot!"

"The kids at school don't like me," said Carlos. "They say I'm stupid."

Some Questions

"You're not stupid," said Jess.

"Who said that?"

• Do you know anyone who is a bully?

"I don't know their names," said Carlos. "They're in the fourth or fifth grade. But they walk home the same way I do, and they pick on me.

• Do you think anyone else thinks you are a bully?

"Do you know why they pick on you?" asked Jess.

"Because they don't like me," said Carlos, "and they think I'm stupid."

"They don't even know you," said Jess. "Your teacher, the other kids in your class, and your family know you're not stupid. We like you."

"Then why do they pick on me?" asked Carlos.

8 // February 2015

• If you call someone else bad names does it make the other person look bad? Or does it make you sound bad?

"That doesn't help me at all," said Carlos. "Yesterday they took my books away and threw them over the fence. I had to climb the fence to get them."

"Look, little brother," said Jess. "I'm not very old yet, but I've learned a few things. Anyone who has fun by trying to make other people feel

• Can you still feel good about yourself when someone calls you bad names? Why?

A Prayer Lord Jesus, I'm glad You love me.

Help me to love and to live with people who don't know how to give love. Amen.

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Gò0dNews on Money Matters

Knowing the Score (Credit Score, that Is)

U

by Andrew Lee

nless you’ve been living under a rock for the past several years, you’ve probably seen at least one article or commercial stressing the importance of checking your credit score, most often referred to as the FICO score. FICO simply stands for Fair Isaacs Corporation, the company that established the concept of the credit score ranging from 300-850, with 300 being the lowest and 850 being the highest possible credit score. The FICO score is determined by a complex formula that considers such factors as paying your bills on time, how much debt you have, what types of debts are owed, and other factors. (Curiously, your FICO credit score does not take into account your income).

Anytime the FICO score is mentioned in news articles or on commercials, consumers are always reminded how important it is to maintain a high credit score in order to qualify for lower interest rates on debt or to qualify for a home mortgage.

Before going any further, let me clarify the difference between a FICO credit score and a credit bureau report. The FICO credit score is, as stated above, a number between 300-850 that purports to give a concise and comprehensive portrait of a person’s credit-worthiness (meaning responsible handling of credit and debt, and the likelihood that a person will repay his or her debts). But a credit bureau report is much more personal, historically detailed, and informative— a multi-page report of credit accounts during one’s lifetime.

It often includes closed accounts from years or decades past, as well as current open credit accounts (including credit cards, home equity lines of credit, personal loans, car loans, student loans, etc.).

Conventional wisdom says that we should all check our credit bureau reports every year to be sure they are accurate.

10 // February 2015

Some statistics say that over half of all credit reports contain some sort of inaccurate information.

Identifying errors and fixing the errors can result in a higher credit score, and, for many, dollars saved in future interest payments. Moreover, a close examination of your credit report might reveal that you have been a victim of identity theft and that criminals have opened up credit accounts or borrowed money under your name. Identity theft reportedly occurs every two seconds. That’s scary.

To obtain all three copies of your credit bureau report from TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax, simply visit the U.S. Government’s free website and place your request: www.annualcreditreport.com.

This is your legal right to request a copy of your reports once every twelve months at no cost. Beware of many website scams such as www.freecreditreport. com which turn out not to be so “free” after all but are enticements to sign up for a monthly credit monitoring service for a fee.

Finally, remember not to obsess over your credit score. For people who pay their bills and debts regularly and on time, and who are cautious to avoid debt whenever necessary, they will eventually achieve a good credit score due to their wise and disciplined financial habits. After all, one simple trick to get out of debt is to avoid it altogether. Proverbs 21:20 says, “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.”

Dr. Andrew Lee is associate professor of English at Lee University. He also serves as a coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He and his wife Esmerelda have three children.

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Gò0dNews for Men

Love Is a Battlefield . . . Maybe not!?!

F

by Chris Moser

or a couple of months I have been experiencing writer’s block. Although I really enjoyed writing these articles, I felt like I had nothing left to share. One of my heroes told me just to write what I know. Since this is the month of love, I thought I would write about my favorite subject.

Because my wife has really bad vision, a clock by the bed has huge numbers. I despise and love this clock.

I hate it because I don’t sleep much and the light of the clock keeps me awake. However, I love this clock because my favorite subject is my bride and the clock gives off the right amount of light for me to see her in her most peaceful state. I was doing this favorite past time the other night and decided I would share some things that I feel have kept the love in our relationship.

I thought it was also appropriate to talk about Gloria since I was sixteen when we met and twenty-two when we married. It was as if the stars aligned, the numbers matched up, and it was time to share these thoughts. I will admit that I am no expert; I am not even a skilled writer! I just want you to know how much I love her, and most everything I have employed to love my bride was learned through other professionals.

On our wedding day a man gave me some words of advice. I don’t remember who he was, and I am sure he was kidding with me about how the woman is always right, but I took his words to heart. He said, “Happy wife, happy life, and ask yourself Is it better to be right or be happy?” I have spent the last sixteen years with these two things in mind. Am I perfect? Yes, I mean no, but I have tried. One of those professionals told me that you can’t make a person feel an emotion such as happiness, but you can work to help put your bride in the best place possible to experience this emotion. By not trying to be right all the time, I think I am putting my wife in the best place to experience happiness. By not

12 // February 2015

fighting over the little things and only concentrating on the big stuff helps keep love in the air. Having to argue her point on every little thing may strip away a little bit of that love every time. It also helps that I am a very laid-back person.

After reading Gary Chapman’s book, The Five Love Languages, I learned the language of love that my wife speaks, and I have tried my best to speak love to her in that language. She loves by having and giving quality time. I try to give her this time.

I forget often in the day-in, day-out routine of life, but I do try. Quality time is not my language at all, but because I know that it is my wife’s, I hear her when she shows me love in this way. It might feel a little like getting regular unleaded gas when you want premium, but the way I see it, the car will still keep moving as long as there is gas in the tank.

I call her my bride because she likes to be called that, and it helps me remember that she is the bride of my youth the way Solomon felt when he wrote Songs of Solomon. If you want to read some real romance, check out that book of the Bible.

When I tell my bride I love her, I often tell her by saying “I am in love with you,” instead of just “I love you.” Some may say that there is no difference, but I disagree. I want my wife to always know that my love for her is deeper than the love I have for hamburgers.

I believe that love is not an emotion but a choice.

I choose every day to love my bride and to honor the vows I spoke almost sixteen years ago to love, honor, and cherish her till death. This is pretty easy because, without even knowing it, Gloria is a Proverbs 31:10-31 wife. She is a woman of noble character that is worth more than rubies. She brings me good and not harm.

Chris Moser is a lifelong resident of Cleveland, Lee University graduate and Court Liaison Team Leader at The State of Tennessee Department of Children’s Service.

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Gò0dNews for Women

M

Celebrate with Friends

ost people will tell you that women are more relational than men. Scientific studies confirm that we were created to love each other and live in relationship with one another, to share both joys and sorrows, weep with those who mourn, and rejoice with those who rejoice!

Recently I attended a Beth Moore simulcast where she highlighted the true joy of girlfriends to share life with. The following notes from the simulcast.

You may remember the parable in Luke 9 of the woman who had 10 coins and lost one. She searched until she found it, and then what do you suppose she did? She called her friends, invited them over and said, “Rejoice with me! I have found my lost coin!” Her joy at finding what was lost was incomplete until she shared her joy with her friends.

I can relate. If I have an accomplishment that makes me feel proud, I’m not able to rest until I share my joy with a friend. Misery may love company, but so does celebration! So thank you to friends who have endured the texts I have shared about my accomplishments.

I bet you are the same way. You don’t keep your accomplishments to yourself; you want to shout from

14 // February 2015

by Heather Ryerson

the rooftops: “I made dinner tonight and even the kids ate it!” or “I made it 30 minutes into a workout today, and I’m still alive to tell you about it!” Maybe yours is “I got twelve loads of laundry done today!” or “I totally didn’t lose it when I went to the grocery store and there were only two cashiers and 12,187 customers!” Whatever it is, it’s so much more fun to share.

You may say, “When I accomplish something I’m excited about, I post it on Facebook or Twitter.”

Social media has given us that little pat on the back we crave when we share big deals in life, hasn’t it? We get an easy way to feel good without actually having to invest in a relationship. That’s not what I’m talking about here. I’m talking about real friendships that require time and face-to-face investment. It’s vital.

Second John 1:12 addresses this.

(Maybe he knew something about how much screen time would be affecting us in our time.) He says, “I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink [or 140 characters or less]. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete” (NIV).

My momma always said, “If you want to have a friend, be a

friend.” Here are some suggestions: • Join a Bible study or an exercise class.

• Start a ladies’ night with the mothers from the Girl Scout troop.

• Reach out by preparing a meal for a friend who is weary.

• Invite someone out for coffee.

• Offer to watch her kids.

Small things can go a long way, and often God uses those things to encourage the friend in your life in more ways than you can imagine.

Step out, girlfriend. Don’t wait on it to come to you!

I’ve been so thankful to develop amazing friendships through what started as a monthly game of Bunco.

They are the ones I call or text when I need prayer, want a celebrate, or borrow a cup of sugar. My Bunco Beauties, I am so grateful for you!

We are truly “striving together as one for the faith of the gospel” (Phil.

1:27 KJV).

I hope you can find friends to celebrate all the things in life! In the meantime, let God lead you to be the friend you desire to have.

Heather Ryerson is a daughter of the King, wife to Matt, and mom to Jackson, Chloe, Gabi and Elsie. You will find her on any given day in the trenches of homeschooling and homemaking, loving most every moment and trying to forget the moments she doesn't! It's all about grace!

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Cleveland Church Directory Assembly of God

Grace Assembly 1976 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-7729 Triune Assembly 301 Sunset Drive Cleveland, TN 37312

Baptist

Beacon Baptist Church 505 Corvin Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7056 Big Spring Baptist Church 1415 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-1101 Bellefounte Baptist Church Pastor Lake Walker 132 Bellfounte Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-2312 Bethel Baptist Tabernacle Pastor John Bivens 3165 Buchanan Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5820 Blue Springs Baptist Church 699 Blue Springs Church Rd SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0932F Candies Creek Church 294 Old Eureka Rd Charleston, TN 37310 423-479-3731 candiescreekchurch.com Cedar Springs Baptist Church 723 Cedar Springs Church Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5506 Center Point Baptist Church 167 Monza Ln NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-2133 Cleveland Cowboy Church Pastor Wally Varnell 3040 Blythe Rd. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-7936 or clevelandcowboychurch.com Cloverleaf Baptist Church Pastor Johnny Moore 2290 Waterlevel Highway Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3617 Clingan Ridge Baptist Church 2412 Georgetown Road, NW Cleveland, TN 37312(423) 472-3511 or www.clinganridgebaptist.com Church At Grace Point Pastor Phil Griffin 2595 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 728-5050 or grace-point.com Covenant Baptist Church 249 Calhoun Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-2653 Dalton Pike Baptist Church

16 // February 2015

3055 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7606 Elkmont Baptist Church 4030 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4600 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1227 Powerline Dr NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 East Cleveland Baptist Church 1145 Arnold St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8728 Farmland Community Church Location: YMCA 10:00am Fairview Baptist Church 5545 Runway Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 790-5353 First Baptist Church Co-Pastor Allan Lockerman, Co-Pastor-Jim Gibson 1275 Stuart Road Cleveland, Tennessee 37312 (423)709-9100 or clevelandfbc.com Galilee Baptist Church 665 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 496-2019 Henegar Baptist Church 7423 Mouse Creek Rd. Cleveland Tn 37312 Hopewell Baptist Church 188 Old Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-3763 The Journey Church 1668 S Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 728-4100 Lebanon Baptist Church 1411 Old Parksville Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-6700 Macedonia Baptist Church 3119 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-1713 Maple Street Baptist Church 1700 Maple St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-3622 Maranatha Baptist Church 453 Blue Springs Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-8991 Michigan Avenue Baptist Church 2741 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-8891 Mt Carmel Baptist Church 7619 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1620 New Friendship Baptist Church 1344 Chatata Valley Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-6007 North Cleveland Baptist Church Pastor Dr. Jay Mccluskey

2815 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8524 or northclevelandbaptist.org Oak Grove Baptist Church 4452 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-9125 Old Pathway Baptist Church 224 Rymer Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Parkway Baptist Church Rev. Shane Lawson 185 Meadow Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-5522 or www.parkwaybaptist.info Philadelphia Baptist Church 910 30th St SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Philippi Baptist Church 2325 Old Harrison Pike NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-5385 Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church 799 Inman Street East Cleveland, Tennessee 37311 (423) 476-4081 Ridgeview Baptist Church 1501 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5119 Samples Memorial Baptist Church 371 Samples Chapel Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-2329 Shenandoah Baptist Church Pastor Brent Coley 138 Osment Rd Se, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-0103 or www.sbcministries.com Shiloh Baptist Church 3406 Blair Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-5755 Stuart Park Baptist Church 850 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-6741 Tasso Baptist Church 164 Old Charleston Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2114 Temple Baptist Church 3070 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6813 Thompson Spring Baptist Church 5660 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 790-1823 Union Baptist Church 797 Hughes Lake Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-1720 Valley View Baptist Church Pastor David Tuten 4657 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7707 or vvbaptist.org

Washington Avenue Baptist Church 1720 Perry St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0489 Waterville Baptist Church Pastor Allan Lovelace 4555 Dalton Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-5582 or watervillebaptistchurch.org West Cleveland Baptist Church 1959 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8927 Westwood Baptist Church Pastor Steve Smartt 4001 Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-1534 or www.westwoodlife.org White Oak Baptist Church 2043 White Oak Valley Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2359

Catholic

St Therese Catholic Church 900 Clingan Ridge Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8123

Charismatic

Cleveland Christian Fellowship Pastor Mark Strickland 695 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-2642 or ccfchurch.us

Church of God

Cornerstone Church of God Pastor Rick and Lori Sentell 2823 Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0006 Church of God Sanctified, Inc. Pastor- Bishop G.R. Hill 746 First Street N.E. Cleveland, TN. 37311 (423)479-3895 Destiny Community Fellowship CoG 2611 Blue Springs Road SE Cleveland, TN 37311 East Cleveland Church of God Pastor John A. Lombard Jr. 900 15th St NE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3389 Fellowship of Praise COG Pastor Selma Hall 931 Inman Street East Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3121 or fellowshipofpraisecog.org Grace Community Church of God Pastor Kevin Mendel 4745 Mouse Creek Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312.

(423) 614-0708 or www.gracecleveland.org Heritage Fellowship COG Pastor Steve Gilbert 4635 S Lee Hwy

McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 476-6316 International Worship Center Centro Internacional de Adoración 533 Central Ave. NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-1977 or www.iwcchurch.com Lakeview Church of God Pastor Dustin Wilds 105 Pound Street S.E. Cleveland, TN 37323 (423)-790-5805 or lakeviewcog.org North Cleveland COG Pastor Mitch Maloney 335 11th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5513 or nccog.org Michigan Avenue COG Rev. David B. Boles 515 Minnis Road N.E (423) 584-3663 Mt Olive COG 3522 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3381 Mt View COG 210 Roadway Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-6925 South Cleveland COG Pastor Chris Moody 1846 Volunteer Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6382 or southcleveland.org Westmore COG Pastor Kelvin Page 2412 Wolfe Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 559-9646 or www.westmorecog.org Zion Assembly COG Pastor Todd Mcdonald 5512 Waterlevel Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-3337 or zionassemblychurchofgod.com/

Church of God of Prophecy Cleveland Spanish CoGoP 2610 Grove Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312 (423)473-7199 Durkee Road CoGoP 201Durkee Rd. Cleveland, TN37312 (423) 472-4384 Keith Street Ministries CoGoP 4000 Keith ST. NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-2448 Peerless Road CoGop 3301 Peerless Rd. NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423)303-2680 Spring Place CoGoP 2530 Spring Place Rd. Cleveland, TN37311 (423)476-6414 Wildwood CoGoP Bishop Winston Reid 140 Wildwood Ave Cleveland, TN 37311 (423)479-6584

Episcopal

Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church 320 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311

Lutheran

LutheranFirst Lutheran Church 195 McIntire Ave NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-6811

Methodist

Big Spring United Methodist 1196 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5242 Black Fox United Methodist 1820 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-1908 Broad Street United Methodist 155 Central Ave NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5586 First United Methodist Church 3425 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-4504 S. Cleveland United Methodist 1165 Church St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 507-5760 Tasso United Methodist 1106 Tasso Ln NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4457 Riverston Church 85 Central Ave NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 790-5956 Trinity United Methodist Church 731 1st St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-7900 Valley Head Methodist Church 920 Mouse Creek Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-0575 Wesley Memorial Methodist 3405 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-9578

Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 4200 Pryor Rd N.E. Cleveland, TN 37312 423-503-6394

Pentecostal

Faith Memorial Church 910 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6281 First United Pentecostal Church 4095 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-9436 Full Gospel House of Prayer Pastor Michael Ferree 1500 Wildwood Ave. Cleveland, TN Set Free Christian Fellowship 1175 King Edwards Ave. Cleveland, TN

Nazarene

Cleveland First Church Of The Nazarene Pastor BJ Miller 2712 Henderson Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312-5225 423-472-7371 New Hope Church of the Nazarene Pastor Scot Carraway 2018 Washington Ave Cleveland, TN 37364 (423)479-7343

Non-Denominational

Christian Fellowship Ctr 895 6th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-9591 Church Alive Ministries Cleveland, TN 37353 (423) 559-1371 Cleveland Community Chapel Pastor Tazz Reid 1823 Forest Ridge Dr. Cleveland, Tn. 37311 Cleveland Cornerstone Church 533 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1775 Cornerstone Family Church 4997 N. Lee Highway Cleveland, TN 37312 423.380.9160 cfctn.net Dwelling Place Church Inter.Pastors Jamie and Judy JacobsTuttle 523 Urbane Rd. NE Cleveland, TN 37312 423.790.5200 www.iwilldwell.com Evening Light Gospel Dr. Donald E. Smith, Jr. 200 20th St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 Freedom Fellowship Church 3555 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0654 God’s Family Fellowship Pastors, Doug & Patsy Bell 197 Neely Circle NE Cleveland, TN 37312 Phone (423) 790-7533 www.godsfamilyfellowship.net Graceway Chapel 221 14th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 728-2226 Living Word Church Pastor Larry Cockerham 930 25th Street, NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3028 or Thelovingchurch.org Norvel Hayes Ministries 24 155 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-3882 Restoration Fellowship 211 Trewhitt Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-4249 The Simple Gospel 850 Elrod St SE Cleveland, TN 37311

423-650-9572 www.pointing2jesus.com Shema Israel Ministry 850 Elrod St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 423-994-8553 Tasso Christian Church 1135 Tasso Lane, Cleveland, Tn. 37312 (423) 479-2705 The Sanctuary Pastors Mike & Elizabeth Shreve 1203 Smith Dr. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423)478-2843 / shreveministries. org United Christian Church Pastors Charles and Margie Poteat 2200 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-4277 Unity Christian Ministries Pastor Aubrey Ector 2419 Georgetown RD NW 37312 423-473-9338 Walker Valley Community 787 Lauderdale Memorial Hwy Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-9696

Presbyterian

Charleston Cumberland Presbyterian Church 8267 N Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-5004 First Cumberland Presbyterian 161 2nd St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6751 First Presbyterian Church 433 N Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5584 Flint Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church Rev. Kevin Wilson 515 Flint Springs Rd Cleveland TN. 37323 423-284-6397 or Facebook Prospect United Cumberland Presbyterian Church 310 New Murraytown Rd., NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-6181 St James Cumberland Presbyterian

151 Short St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5762 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1780 Stuart Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-9595

Seventh Day Adventist Ladd Springs Seventh-Day 5860 Bates Pike SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-1889 Bowman Hills Adventist 300 Westview Dr NE Cleveland, TN 37312 East Cleveland Seventh-Day 801 Howard Circle SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-9299.

issuu.com/goodnewscm // 17

Athens Church Directory

Assembly of God

Abundant Blessing 2613 Cardinal St Athens, TN 37303 423-435-5867

Baptist

Antioch Baptist Church 218 Canal St. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-3332 Central Baptist 13 Nash Dr. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0400 Clearwater Baptist 964 County Rd. Athens, TN 37303 423-744-7147 Covenant Baptist 241 County Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-263-1569 East Athens Baptist 301 Central Ave Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1394 Fairview Baptist 251 County Rd. 128 Athens, TN 37303 423-649-0346 First Baptist 305 Ingleside Athens, TN 37303 423-745-5441 First Bible Baptist 1819 Old Niota Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0765 Freedom Baptist 2207 Velma Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-746-0193 Mount Pleasant Baptist 414 Chester St. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-6510 Idelwild Baptist 118 county rd Athens, TN 37303 423-746-0002 Lakeview Baptist 182 County rd. 126 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0451 Mount Pleasant Baptist 414 Chester St. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-6510 Mount Verd Baptist 251 County Rd 249 Athens, TN 37303 423-507-1286 New Hopewell Baptist 197 County Rd Athens, TN 37303

18 // February 2015

423-744-0940 New Zion Baptist 393 County Rd 616 Athens, TN 37303 423-263-9841 North Athens Baptist 402 Tellico Ave Athens, TN 37303 423-745-3813 Oak Grove Baptist 1212 County Rd. 100 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-9986 Parkway Baptist 1701 Velma Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-9709 Rocky Mount Baptist 1002 Rocky Mount Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8758 Rogers Creek Baptist 510 County Rd 180 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-0295 Short Creek Baptist 892 County Rd. 50 Athens, TN 37303 423-336-5089 South Liberty Baptist 505 County Rd 655 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-5124 Union Hill Baptist 258 County Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1241 Unity Baptist 162 County Rd 750 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-0420 Valley View Baptist 323 County Rd 370 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-5159 West End Baptist 803 Clark St. Athens, TN 37303 423-744-8274 West View Baptist 2707 Highway 39 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-2193

Catholic

St. Mary Catholic Church 1291 E. Madison Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-4277

Christian

Athens Christian Church 802 S Matlock Ave Athens, TN 37303 423-745-5791

Church of God

Aoh Church Of God 501 Ohio St Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1279 First Church of God 200 Fisher St. Athens, TN 37303 423-887-5855 Woodward Avenue CoG 507 Woodward Ave Athens, TN37303 423-745-1618

Community

ChristCommunity Church 14 Congress PRKY S. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8185

Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) 508 Cedar Springs Rd Athens, TN 373 423-745-0102

Nazarene

Athens Church of the Nazarene 1908 W. Madison Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-744-3017

Episcopal

St Paul Episcopal Church 123 S. Jackson ST. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-2224

Lutheran

Athens Lutheran Church 710 Forrest Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-9419

Methodist

Keith Memorial UMC 600 W Madison Ave. Athens, TN 37371 423-745-2612 Piney Grove UMC 767 County Rd. 750 423-462-2130 Athens, TN 37303 Riceville 2519 Cindy St Athens, TN 37303 423-462-2130 St. Mark Ame Zion Methodist 707 N. Jackson St Athens, TN 37303 Tranquility UMC 135 County Rd. 177 Athens, TN 37303 423-334-3062 Trinity UMC 100 E. College St Athens, TN 37303

423-745-0452 Vine Grove UMC 517 County Rd. 778 Athens, Tn 37303 423-507-5760

Non- Denominational

Ascension Life 935 Rocky Mount Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-829-5102 Christian Freedom Wrshp Center 109 Cherry St Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8999 Emmanuel Church 1905 Congress Parkway S. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0851 Freedom Chapel 815 Cleveland Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8079 Great Deliverance Ministries 2329 Clearwater Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-7575 Liberty Church 3328 Hwy 11 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-9248 Overcoming Faith Christian 14 Carter Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-3105 Restoration Church 3115 Hwy 39 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-7777 Sanctury 9 S. Kilgore St. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8900

Pentecostal

Crosslife Ministries 817 S. White St Athens, TN 37313 423-368-7197 Athens United Pentecostal 2820 Hwy 11 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-7159

Presbyterian

First United Presbyterian Church 321 N. Jackson St Athens, TN 37303 423-744-9073 Mars Hill Presbyterian 205 N. Jackson St Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1403

Seveth-Day Adventist

Seveth-Day Adventist 230 New Englewood Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-2335

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Gò0dNews for Parents

When God Needs Your Help A

by David Gray

s I exited the house one Saturday a few years ago, I discovered I had a flat tire on my car. I wasn’t in a hurry that particular day so the frustration that would normally accompany this unexpected hindrance to my unofficial schedule wasn’t present. Instead, I decided to take advantage of the situation.

I went inside to look for my ten-year-old son. He was exactly where I had anticipated: engrossed in some highly intellectual Saturday morning television program. Though I hated to interrupt his extra-curricular education, I told him I needed his help. After the usual pre-adolescent protests, he agreed to join me outside.

I showed him where to find the necessary tools for this job in the back of the

20 // February 2015

vehicle. Somewhere in the process of showing him how to release the spare tire from underneath the car I remember him saying, “Dad, I don’t understand why you need my help. I’m just a little kid.” To which I responded, “Just trust me buddy; I need your help.”

I instructed him on all the minor details that would make this a safe and quick job; things like, where and how to put the emergency brake on, and so forth. I taught him to loosen the lug-nuts before jacking up the car. After I started one, I let him try the rest.

Of course, his ten-year- old arms didn’t have quite the strength mine did, so after he attempted each one, I finished that portion of the job. I showed him how to find the appropriate spot to put the jack and let him place it there. When we started jacking up the vehicle, I explained why we were doing it that way.

In the process he experienced sev-

eral missteps which included: cranking the wrong direction (several times), letting the wrench slip, experiencing tired arms to the point where I had to do the last several turns myself, and getting scraped knuckles on the pavement with a bit of blood.

After quite some time, we finally jacked the car up enough to remove the old tire and replacing it with the spare. Then we did the whole process in reverse.

After some conversation, some giggles and laughter, and just plain old having a good time together, we finally finished the job, which took two to three times as long as it would have had I simply done it myself.

Tired and dirty, we went inside to wash the dirt, grime, and blood from our hands as a result of handling the tires. While he was cleaning up, he had a slight grin on his face. I said to my son, “Thanks, buddy, I really appreciated having your help changing the tire.” To which he replied, “No problem, Dad. I still don’t really see why you needed my help, but I was glad to do it.”

Today I am reminded of the reality of God’s call on each of our lives to do His will.

David Gray is the store manager at Habitat Restore on Grove Ave. He and his wife Kendra have four children and two grandchildren.

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Restaurant Las Margaritas Ocee Enrolling K4-12th File Name 2014-2015 Created By CP On 08-19-14

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By: d proof must be returned within five days of receiving it Changes 2507 N. Ocoee Street - Suite 6 294 Old Eureka Rd., Charleston, TN 37310 it will be considered approved by purchaser.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers

A

by Paul Lee

s I talk with law enforcement officers across the United States, including the Hamilton and Bradley County areas, I hear them refer to The Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO). I’ve never heard of that. That is because a Christian charity ministry is not able to really advertise. It is operated by word of mouth mostly, and God has continued to bless. Thanks to GoodNews Christian Magazine that is about to change.

Let me tell you a little bit about us.

FCPO is a national tax exempt 501 © 3 ministry comprised of Christian men and women from all areas of the Criminal Justice System. Since 1972 thousands of those in Law Enforcement in over 236 FCPO chapters across the United States have become affiliated in this unique ministry. We are touching thousands of police officers, sheriff’s deputies, state troopers, correctional officers, special agents, and support personnel nationwide . . . one heart at a time.

For more than forty-two years, FCPO has challenged Christian peace officers to use the powerful medium of their jobs and the fellowship that the brotherhood of police work provides, to impact the world for Jesus Christ.

FCPO focuses on serving local law enforcement communities and their families by equipping, empowering, and encouraging officers to make a difference for Christ one life at a time. Can you imagine a world in which police officers actually minister to the needs of the people they serve? The FCPO provides teaching materials and training for spiritual equipping to allow those Christian offi-

22 // February 2015

cers to make a spiritual impact within their communities by carrying out the Great Commission.

The Beginning

In 1971 two Christian Los Angeles police officers, unbeknownst to each other, attended the same Bible Conference and recognized each other.

They had thought they were alone as Christians in the LAPD. As they talked, they began to notice other LAPD officers, and, as most cops do, they found camaraderie in each other’s company. This group began to meet regularly for a time of prayer and Bible study.

By 1973 they had named their group The Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers and were officially incorporated. In 1992 the ministry had grown to the point that they needed full-time staff members. Through a series of God-ordained events, the national headquarters moved from LA to Chattanooga.

Phenomenal Growth

Since then, FCPO has continued to grow and has even embarked on several foreign police mission trips. We were instrumental to relief efforts to first responders in Gulfport, Mississippi, after hurricane Katrina. In 2010 we completed a FCPO history book titled, Onward and Upward a History of the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers.

Paul Lee is retired captain (Chattanooga PD). He is the executive director for the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers.

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Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness

Family Fitness Fun W e did it! We made it past the Thanksgiving turkey, the Christmas ham, and brought in the New Year with some luck from our black-eyed peas. However, we might not have gotten by without getting a little lazy from time off work or school break. This time of year it’s hard to get the family motivated to start moving and stay active to shake the holiday weariness. Establishing some fun activities the entire family can enjoy can help kick-start the New Year with physical activity while giving you built-in family time. Creating healthy family habits early in the year can help you stick with those plans and help your family realize fitness can be fun!

Find a place to play or walk.

Our area has lots of great parks, hiking trails, and places to walk with the entire family. The Greenway in Cleveland is a great place to walk or run, and there are tons of outdoor and indoor walking tracks. You can also find family-friendly hiking trails or biking trails throughout our area. You can turn a walk in the park into a fun nature walk or scavenger hunt. Take a list with a variety of animals, trees, plants, and so forth, and have the kids find as many things as possible on the list.

Try some seasonal activities.

Even in the South, we have several winter activities that are fun and also help burn calories.

Some cities, including Knoxville and now Chattanooga, have set up ice skating rinks during the holiday season (Chattanooga is keeping the rink

24 // February 2015

by Kristy Snider

open until February!). Try skiing or snowboarding in Gatlinburg, or take a longer trip to find a ski resort. If we’re lucky enough to get some snow this year, take advantage of it! Build a snowman, make a snow fort, and go sledding.

Take a fitness class as a family.

Fitness facilities are beginning to offer specific classes for youth. Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and strength training are some of the many options available. Some places also offer family classes where parents and children can participate together. There are facilities in our area that have indoor pools you can visit year-round. Swimming isn’t just for summer! Take swimming lessons, try out an aquatic’s class, or simply come to free swim.

If your family likes video games, another great way to stay active is to invest in sports, dance, or other interactive games you can play at home.

Plan out future family activities.

Take some time to prepare for warmer weather.

Plan your family vacation and think of new spring or summer activities you would like to try. Get the kids involved in setting goals needed in order to make these plans happen. They might want to learn to swim, learn a new language, get in better shape, or learn about a new culture. Everyone will get excited about meeting these goals!

The main idea . . . be active and be together!

Kristy Snider is the aquatics director at the Cleveland Family YMCA.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Expand Your Neighborhood D

by Rob England

o you have any homeless neighbors? The question seems to present an oxymoron, because we generally think of our neighbors as those who live in the houses near our house; thus, they are not homeless. When Jesus says in Mark 12 to “love your neighbor as yourself,” who is He speaking of? This is the second greatest commandment that Jesus gives to us, so we need to know what it entails.

So who is our neighbor?

Jesus is asked that same question in Luke 10. His answer is in the form of a parable that most of us are familiar with—the Good Samaritan. In this parable Jesus describes a man who is alone, injured, without clothes, and half dead. While others (including a priest) walk by, deliberately steering clear of him by moving to the opposite side of the road, one man, a Samaritan, shows

26 // February 2015

compassion. This Good Samaritan goes out of his way to help the needy man lying in the road.

He did not know this man nor did he live next door to him, but this was the example Jesus gave to describe who our neighbor is.

Our “neighborhood” extends past our street or subdivision.

More than likely, we have needy neighbors in our church, in our school, or at our workplace.

To use examples more closely matching Jesus’ example, we pass by needy persons on the street or sitting on a sidewalk who looks to be in obvious need.

Or we may drive past a homeless or needy person along the side of the road who is holding up a sign, spelling out his or her need. These people seem to fit the description of our neighbors in light of Jesus’ definition, but do we recognize that? Let’s both recognize and act on it.

What to Do

As an easy starting point, you can help the needy that you pass by with a simple bag of helpful items. I like to keep what I call “homeless bags” in the car. These are small kits I’ve put together with some basic personal

items: a toothbrush, toothpaste, Kleenex, ChapStick, bandages, and so forth. I also include food like crackers, granola bars, and applesauce. This time of the year you may want to include a pair of gloves or a hat as well. Most importantly, I include a Bible and an Evangelical tract. Most items, including the Bibles, can be purchased at a dollar store. I put them in a gallon-size zip-lock bag. Keep a few of these in your car, where you can quickly grab and hand through the car window to someone in need.

Always smile, make eye contact, and say, “God loves you.”

Then say a prayer for them. (And don’t let the occasional news story of a fake homeless person stop you from helping.) Another option is to keep an extra coat in the back seat—one that you are willing to give away in a moment’s notice if you pass someone who could use it.

These are just starting points.

Volunteering at a local rescue mission is a great way to help many needy members of our community. But there are many other ways. Be creative and pray about how you can help those in need around you. Maybe this could be a New Year’s resolution for you.

Let’s update our definition of neighbor and expand our neighborhood.

Rob England is a resident of Cleveland and works as a senior technical support rep at Thomson Reuters.

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Love in South Africa

FEATURED COVER STORY

A different kind of gift: sowing into the lives of children.

A

by Esmerelda Lee

ndrew and I are blessed to live in this beautiful town of Cleveland with our three children, Caleb (15), Samuel (12) and Elyssa (5). The opportunity to attend Lee University brought me from South Africa to Cleveland over twenty-three years ago. Our vocations at Lee University and Life Care Centers of America have had such a huge impact on our lives that we continue to strive to serve through them.

But our dreams have changed when we became parents. Becoming parents who seek to inspire our children, our hope is that they, in turn, will see the value of serving through giving.

The Challenge

Christmas lists and the American culture of going overboard in gift-giving at Christmas in an attempt to show love has always concerned us.

At times I have felt extreme guilt to buy the most trendy items to give our children with the sacred intent of showing our deep affection for these three blessings God has miraculously bestowed. I soon

28 // February 2015

noticed that last year’s “musthave” sneakers soon became dated and not used as often.

Our friend, Pastor Jonathan Stone, gave us a challenge this past year, asking all families in our iMarriage Class to find a way to impact others through missions. This past Christmas when we were blessed to visit my family in South Africa after four years away, Andrew immediately reminded me of this missions challenge. We agreed that as parents, we would not merely give the usual Christmas gifts this year, but instead give this trip and the opportunity to sow into other children’s lives as the Lee family Christmas gift to each other.

The Christmas Party

My dad had told me about a group of children who have been orphaned due to AIDS. These children live in a township with family, friends, and neighbors. They sleep at the homes of anyone who will take them in at night, and during the day, the children play on the road hoping for a meal from people in the township. Most of the homes in this area have tin or cardboard roofs, walls made with boxes and mud, and there is no electricity or running water.

We talked with my parents and two brothers about the possibility of getting these children together and hosting a Christmas meal and party.

My family also knew that this area was dangerous, and the logistics of taking this trip would be challenging, yet rewarding. A local church, Zion Baptist in Polk County, heard about what we were planning to do from Eddie Sloan, an employee at Garden Plaza. This gracious and missions-minded

challenging, yet rewarding. A local church, Zion Baptist in Polk County, heard about what we were planning to do from Eddie Sloan, an employee at Garden Plaza. This gracious and missions-minded church donated toys for us to take to this group of children. The Garden Plaza employees also brought in toys for this special group of children.

My friend, Kim Calhoun, spent hours baking sweet treats for this trip with the help of my daughter, Elyssa.

When we arrived in South Africa, it took us several days to prepare meals and to strategize how we were going to give these gifts without being mobbed, robbed or disappointing a child who came by not having enough meals or toys. But through prayer and planning with a matriarch in the township, we believed everything would work

out. During the day of our trip, we realized that even though we were on time, the children arrived extremely early. They were wearing their best clothes, already waiting for our arrival.

We were greeted with joyous shouts and singing, something that both excited and worried our children. Having never been in a township like this, we could see that our children were visibly moved. While some of us set up, the others formed lines with the children, and Andrew led the children in singing to keep them distracted. We had children from eighteen months old to teenagers— all waiting patiently for a hot meal, gifts, cookies, and chocolate-covered pretzels. Our own children worked alongside us for hours without taking a break to eat or drink. They hugged, loved, and sat with these precious children as they presented them with gifts.

The Impact It began to rain during our party, but the precious children of the Sweetwater township never left our sides. They expressed gratitude and joy.

When our children saw the sincere gratitude for a coloring book and crayons, I could see the impact.

After all the years of trying to communicate how blessed we really were, it actually began to hit home for them.

Although we never presented our children with their own traditional gifts this Christmas, the greatest miracle is that they were not disappointed and never asked about them either. Our trip helped them realize that whether we give them a gift or not, they are loved. They are surrounded by so many loving people through their schools, church

family, and our work families.

Our son, Samuel, said it best: “Mom, we are so blessed. We live in a great place, have the best schools, and we have so many people that love us. That is why when we get back home, let’s not forget that we can give back even in our own community. Mom, I have a great life!”

We thank God every day that we have been so blessed, and we pray that His love will be shown through our family.

Esmerelda Lee is campus manager for Garden Plaza of Cleveland, an independent and assisted living facility for seniors. She and her husband Andrew have three children.

issuu.com/goodnewscm // 29

Gò0dNews for Everyone

My Eternal Stroll

T

by Teresa Mustar

he inspiration for this article came the first time my Mamaw Hampton did not know my name due to Alzheimer’s disease.

As a child, I spent the summers with Mamaw cooking, sewing, and listening to her stories. She repeatedly told me of visiting heaven in a dream while her physical body was being marred by an archaic dentist who broke her jawbones during extraction of her wisdom teeth without anesthetic. She was a married teenager in the early 1930s without insurance and without money. She may have forgotten her “eternal stroll” temporarily, but I have not.

My beloved Mamaw Hampton has been walking on the emerald carpets and streets of gold for seven of our years. I am thankful to her for teaching me to love the Lord.

perfect solitude, never needing or wanting to be alone.

There are playful animals, and flawless mansions, cabins, and stables.

I am drawn on by the constant breeze of the breath of God pulsing to the rhythm of an invisible, eternal clock. Leaving the emerald carpet, I step over a curb that resembles an unrolled scroll that edges a wide, shiny, street of gold. The gold is so pure it appears as a sheet of glass overlaying a six-inch layer of gild.

I hear the melodious sound of a chorus of angels, the number I know to be billions. Has the sound of the chorus just started? No, the chorus has been singing since I first stepped foot into this place. I hear an even newer song with continuous lyrics that emanate effortlessly from every plant, animal, and person. Yes, this too, has been here all the time.

Someone appears on the golden street with me. I recognize her. She doesn’t speak audibly, but she talks I hesitantly take my first step onto a thick emerald to me ; “Joy is present here. A countless supply of inviscarpet of evenly spaced strands of grass all the same ible rays deposit hope and health everywhere.” perfect height. I, then, feel the touch of distinct fraI nod, “Yes.” grances, like sweet kisses on my nose, from vase-less She continues, “Come, let me lead you into the bouquets of flowers living knee-high on the borders. I sound of perfect praise rising to the throne of God.” see a rainbow of exquisite colors in every direction. The Again, I nod, “Yes.” aroma of pure cleanliness is obvious.

As we walk, she thinks that the peace here is thicker I’m enveloped by a brilliant white liquid of love than the evil she once felt on Earth while on a special floating like visible oxygen. I am keenly aware of a assignment. It occurs to me that I have memories, too. I constant source of Light. There is an orderly, humbling have no remorse, just peace. We joy together in silence perfection here­—somehow new, yet intimate. when I realize that the warmth I feel is the gentle stirThe Tree of Life is near. I can smell, and taste its ring of faith that flows continuously, which is never too uncommon fruit. To experience the delicious, smooth hot and never too cold. texture without taking a bite causes my curiosity to soar.

We stop at the astonishingly loud, yet comforting, What else is here? At that question, I learn that every rustle of the angel chorus as they reposition each of their thought is experienced by all six senses: smell, taste, six wings in unison. They begin a new version of their touch, sound, sight, and spirit. Hereafter, I am filled song, “Holy, Holy, Holy,” and we join in. with satisfying truth, never again to experience hunger, Teresa Mustar is the founder of thirst, or want. There is complete satisfaction at every www. personalvictory.org, a web site level. where Christians can share God’s good news of spiritual, physical, People everywhere; yet, I find myself in a state of

Her Dream

30 // February 2015

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Gò0dNews for Couples

I

Press Hard; You’re Making Copies!

by John Garrod

hail from the carbon paper days. You younger folks have no idea what you missed, with your carbonless forms and paperless society. In the carbon paper days, you had to have a piece of carbon paper between the original and each copy you wanted to make.

With carbon paper, you had to be careful how you even handled the stuff, or you’d end up with a deep purple-black ink all over your hands. Any time you were filling out any kind of important paperwork, you always received the same admonition: “Press hard; you are making multiple copies,” because the imprint of your pen had to imprint the ink of the carbon paper onto each successive copy.

If there was sensitive information involved (as was the case in my Army days), the carbons had to be destroyed, because they held an image of what had been written. There were no corrections; even if you put White-Out on the original, the carbon paper had already imprinted the copies.

When you’re a couple raising children, you are imprinting messages all of the time. What children perceive, process, and store about what it will mean someday to be a spouse comes first and foremost from one source: you. They pick up on everything—the way you speak to each other, the way you hold each other, the way you handle good times, and just as importantly, the way you conduct yourselves when all is not roses and honey in your household.

32 // February 2015

These all leave indelible marks on young minds and will override what they learn elsewhere, because you are their primary source of information. They may read in Ephesians 5 that wives should be subject to their husbands, but have they seen Godly submission to a priest of the home, or fearful obedience to avoid abuse? They may be taught in Sunday school that a man should nourish and cherish his wife, but do they understand that means you should hold her as priceless, even when she is ill? Angry?

Wrong?

With the divorce rate in the church matching or surpassing that of couples outside the church, and the rate of children being born in single-parent homes, I’d have to surmise that the correct answers to those questions would be, “Not enough.” Is it any wonder that the Biblical model of marriage has never seen such an attack as it has in recent decades? We have the blueprint for marriage sitting on our coffee tables and loaded onto our smart phones and tablets, but we need to live that out if we want to see the institution of marriage restored to order.

So please, folks, press hard. Let’s make copies that will last for a lifetime of marriage.

John Garrod is a father of 6, husband of 1, Army veteran, and a resident of Tennessee for the past 4 years. He is a member at South Cleveland Church of God.

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Gò0dNews for Seniors

Senior Living Abroad

W

by Esmerelda Lee

hile my husband and I were on vacation to South Africa last month, I had the unique opportunity to tour several senior living communities in Johannesburg. I was very pleased to observe that the United States, although a forerunner in senior living and senior communities, is not the only country attempting to break old traditions by customizing housing for senior adults.

Customization was something I found our health-care colleagues in South Africa doing very well. Although the continuum of care facilities for seniors were picturesque—set against a backdrop of an African nature preserve, they were also conveniently located near stores, museums, and health clinics. But what made these homes and apartments truly special was the unique design of each apartment.

As I walked from one to the other, each space showed unique thought, deliberate intent, and remarkable insight in considering both comfort and practical needs of seniors. From the positioning of light switches to the unique placement of sink faucets, each domestic space gave the impression that the residents’ needs were foremost in the minds of the designers and builders. As a result, I

34 // February 2015

learned that many of these homes and apartments were already on a long “wait-list” of clients wanting to get in.

Holistic approaches to wellness and residential life played an integral role in the communities I visited. In one community, residents grew some of the produce used in the facility’s gourmet community kitchen. Residents enjoyed using the garden for a variety of purposes, too, which included meditation, volunteering to work in the garden, praying in a serene environment, or listening to music. Yoga and other group exercises were also a part of the daily regimen for seniors who were so inclined. From studying the calendar of events in these communities, it was apparent that wellness was much more than exercise and nutrition—it was an inclusive part of the whole experience.

Best of all, this trip to South Africa taught us and our children a lot about giving, including time spent giving gifts and food to AIDS orphans in one of the settlements. Senior living is evolving daily, and I am excited that other countries across the globe deem it important to invest in the lives of their older generations. It is in cherishing our past, and creating a quality “present” for seniors, that we will find a fulfilling future for us all.

Esmerelda Lee is campus manager for Garden Plaza of Cleveland, an independent and assisted living facility for seniors. She and her husband Andrew have three children.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

My Soul Mate

by Mark Wells

I

have often heard people talking about their soul mate in reference to their boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife. I can tell you from my experience that those relationships do not and should not qualify for the true lover of your soul.

The thing is . . . human love is fickle. We love when it is convenient for us to do. Typically, we love when we are loved back. When that person stops loving us, then we stop loving him or her.

I accepted Christ as my Savior when I was twelve years old. Through the years I have had success and failure. Sometimes the failures seem to outshine my successes, or they seem to linger longer. In last month’s issue I mentioned that I was paralyzed in a traumatic boating accident and went to Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia, where I stared at a butterfly painted on the ceiling tile. When I was in the ocean for over four hours trying to make it back to a marina, I became unconscious several times due to the pain I was in. On three different occasions, I looked up in the sky and saw a butterfly. I don’t know why they were there or what their purpose was at the time.

When I got to Shepherd Center I was offloaded from the medical transport. As they were pushing me through the hospital, I saw a painted butterfly on the ceiling. My nurse had butterfly scrubs on and a butterfly hair clasp in her hair. My bed was not made when I got to my room. Imprinted in ink on my mattress was a butterfly. Wow! When I came back home from all of my therapy, I was reading the Word and God told me what the butterflies meant. There is a story in Luke 8 that talks about a boat ride and how His disciples were in jeopardy. That word jeopardy translated

36 // February 2015

from Greek to English means “danger.” I, too, was in danger. The last five words in verse 24 are “. . . and there was a calm.”

When I was on the boat, I noticed that the only time I wasn’t screaming at the top of my lungs was when I saw those three butterflies. It was as if God Almighty said, “That is all my son, Mark, can handle. I’m going to send him a butterfly just to get his mind off what he is going through.” And there was a calm.

Now every time I see a butterfly, I am reminded that God watched over me then and He still does now. It doesn’t have to be a butterfly. It could be your child’s smile, your spouse’s laugh, a friend’s hug, or a special verse from the Word that reminds you God loves you.

Friends, I truly believe that God Almighty takes a personal interest in each one of our lives. I believe He gave His best for us in His Son, Jesus Christ.

He truly loves you. He alone is the lover of your soul—your Soul Mate!

Mark Wells attends Mt. Olive Ministries and works for Cleveland Utilities. He loves to give his testimony and can be contacted at: mark_wells@bellsouth.net

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Strength

for the Climb

by Craig Gray

“A

ll things through Christ . . .” Really?

I pondered these words holding onto the side of the mountain in the dark.

As wind whipped my body with ice and snow cut my face, I struggled to breathe at 11,500 feet. The previous night, if you could call it that, seemed to be the shortest of my life. Having climbed the headwall of the Grand Teton the day before to base camp at 11,000 feet, we were now attempting the summit. It was 3 a.m. and I was just physically and mentally spent as I struggled to adjust my climbing harness and follow the guide in the dim light of my headlamp.

This point in the climb was the last place to let the guide know, “Hey, I am not going to make it,” because it was the only spot with a clear, safe path back to base camp. But climbing the Grand Teton was going to be the crowning achievement in a year of “me” style accomplishments in my halfway to 90th year (having just turned 45).

I talked about it to everyone and anyone who would listen. The Rockies are a huge part of my life, and having spent innumerable hours and miles in the high elevations, the thought that I might not make it to the top never crossed my mind. Everyone in my circle of friends and family knew about the special trip and the singular goal to reach the summit. Now here I was, about to utter those words, “I can’t make it.” The phrase stuck in my mind like an unwelcome guest. I wondered

38 // February 2015

how it might be possible to spin it to the people who would surely ask how the climb went.

This certainly had not been my only challenge.

Having gone through a tragic divorce, at that time I was the single parent to five kids, ranging in age 15 down to 5. Working two jobs and struggling to finish a degree, I had often come to that place where there was nothing left. In those moments, the powerful encouragement of the Word would always find me, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13 NKJV). Each time, it provided the strength for me to get up, find joy, and carry on. But this thing, this climb, I had chosen for myself, for my “list,” and my trophy shelf.

In that moment, I was reminded of how many times choosing something out of pride simply emptied the gas tank and brought me to a place of surrender. In that moment, I could see with absolute clarity that human strength truly means nothing and accomplishes very little. In my weakness, He is strong!

This was no different, so with a little energy I whispered in the dark, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” and pulled myself to the next ledge. Around 9 a.m. we reached the summit, and again I found He is the only strength that matters.

Craig Gray lives with his wife Susie and their six kids in Cleveland, TN. He is the chief information officer for Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina and an avid outdoorsmen.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

From Mystery to Manifestation

by Dave Carringer

I

’m sure you’ve heard someone say, “Well, you just never know what God’s gonna do.

His thoughts and ways are far above our thoughts and ways!”

Some use this as an excuse when things don’t turn out the way they prayed. God’s Word reminds us: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth and make it bring forth and bud, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but shall accomplish what I please, and prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

(Isaiah 55:8-11 NKJV).

Religion tries to convince us that God’s ways being above our ways is His will, when really, it’s not God’s will at all. Isaiah 53 foretold the coming of Christ, and the next three chapters

40 // February 2015

contain prophecies of how things would change after He came.

God was actually prophesying that His Word would be sent to change man’s position with God, initiating a New Covenant.

In Jeremiah 17:9, God said, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (KJV). This was absolutely true, but it wasn’t God’s intention, and He wouldn’t settle for it! Man’s heart was incurably sick, and God prophesied how He would make man’s terminal heart condition past tense. In Ezekiel 11:19, God says, “I will give them singleness of heart and put a new Spirit within them. I will take away their stony stubborn heart and give them tender, tender hearts instead” (NLT).

John 1 says God’s Word came forth and became flesh, giving all who would simply believe, the right to become children of God. Galatians 4:4-7 explains that God sent forth His Son (the Word made flesh) to redeem us and adopt us as sons. Now, because we’ve been made sons, He’s given us the Spirit of His Son, through whom we cry, “Abba Father!”

The Spirit of Christ within us gives us a new ability to know things that were impossible for man to know when Isaiah 55 was written. Ephesians 1:6-9 reminds us that we’ve been accepted in God’s beloved Son, and the wisdom and understanding of God that was impossible to know in the old covenant, now abounds (flows freely in abundance) to us through the riches of His grace!

Through the gift of His Spirit, God has made known to us what was only a mystery back then.

First Corinthians 2 tells us the things of God can never be known by man’s natural eye, natural ear, or natural heart. But our Heavenly Father has made even the deep things of God known to us by His Spirit! They are freely given to us and we have the mind of Christ! Now we can know what God is thinking! We can know what God is doing by His Spirit! Jesus became the wisdom of God unto us, and through Him, that which was once a mystery, is now manifested within us as the glory of God! Dave Carringer is a minister of the Gospel.

God called him behind the bars in 1997, where he and his wife, Kay, share the Good News withthousands of state prison inmates each year. They also own Abundant Living Organic Foods.

Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds

by Angie Parris

Homemade Pan Pizza Y

ou will need a 14-inch deep-dish pizza pan, two 8-inch springform pans, or two average iron skillets.

For the dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour • 3 tbsp yellow cornmeal • 1 3/4 tsp salt • 2 3/4 tsp instant yeast • 2 tbsp olive oil • 5 tbsp butter, melted • 2 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 cup, plus 2 tbsp lukewarm water

M

ix the dough ingredients together and knead them by hand or with a mixer with a dough hook for about seven minutes on medium/low speed. Then, put the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 60 minutes until it is nice and puffy.

While the dough rises, prepare the sauce.

Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter • 1/4 cup grated onion • 1/2 tsp dried oregano • 4 garlic cloves, minced (or 2 tsp bottled minced garlic) • 1-2 can crushed tomatoes (8 oz) • 1/2 tsp sugar • 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves • 1 tbsp olive oil • salt • pepper

M

elt butter in a medium saucepan over medium/ high heat. Add the onion, oregano and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook about 5 min until the onion gets tender and translucent. Add the garlic and cook about 1 minute.

Add crushed tomatoes and sugar. Allow sauce to begin

42 // February 2015

to simmer. Turn heat down to medium/low and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes (it should reduce in amount to about 2 cups).

Prepare your pans by spraying them with cooking spray and drizzle with olive oil (make sure to oil the sides of the pan).

When dough is puffy, stretch with your hands to make as big of a circle as you can. Place the dough in the pan and stretch it until it starts to shrink back. Cover and let it rise for another 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Now, stretch the dough to cover the bottom of the pan and press it up the sides of the pan with your fingers. Let it rest about 10 minutes. Bake for approx 10 minutes. Remove from oven just before it begins to brown.

If your sauce has reduced, it is time to finish. Remove from heat, add the chopped basil, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the pan pizza.

Toppings:

• 1 lb shredded mozzarella cheese • 1/4 cup grated or shaved parmesan cheese • Your choice of pizza toppings (pepperoni, sausage, cooked beef, peppers, onions, etc.)

C

over the bottom of the crust with the mozzarella cheese, add whatever toppings you have chosen to use, and cover it with sauce. Do not allow sauce to go above the edge of the crust. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top of the sauce. Bake about 25 minutes or until the cheese on top begins to brown and the crust starts to look golden brown. Remove from oven. Allow the pizza to sit for 15 minutes before cutting.

Enjoy!

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Living in the Now

by Kelly McDonald

“T

herefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt. 6:34 NIV).

As humans, we worry about our past, our present, and our future. There are things we have done in our past that we are not proud of. Sometimes we are afraid that our past actions will come back to haunt us. We are concerned with our present and the decisions we should make now. We have bills that must be paid and obligations we must meet.

Lastly, we are concerned about the future of our children and grandchildren.

We think about how our needs will be met in the future. Satan, our Enemy, wants us to live in constant worry about yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The problem is that when we live in fear, shame, and worry, our “right now” passes us by.

We let it go by without living every moment with purpose and drive.

The most important moment of your life is now! In the first century, the Jewish people were waiting for the coming of the Messiah. When Jesus came, some recognized Him as the Messiah. Everyone else was still focused on the future, waiting on the Messiah. The Messiah was in front of them, yet they missed Him. They failed to recognize the time of God’s coming to them (see Luke 19:44).

The miracles of Christ were all overlooked because Jesus did not fit into their mold. He did not fit their way of doing things. They had their own mindset

44 // February 2015

of what tomorrow would bring, and they missed the “now”!

The beautiful thing about the one true God is that He can take care of the three things we worry about. He takes care of our past by forgiving our sins and wiping them away. He provides for our future by giving us precious promises in His Word.

This provision allows us to live in the now—the present. Through His Spirit, every moment of our lives can be purpose driven. This allows us to make the most of our life here on earth. Are we just letting time pass us by? Are we living in worry? Living in concern can quench the Spirit’s burn.

It is easy to look back and think we should have done something differently. Hind sight is always 20/20. God redeems our past by giving us a message for now. Our past failures become our present message.

Perhaps you lived a life as a drug addict; that was your past. Jesus wipes away your past mistakes. This gives you an eternal, future hope. In doing this for you, He gives you a message for now.

Your present message will help others overcome.

Jesus urges us to live right now—the present.

The past is the past and the future is in His hands.

I encourage you to give your past to Him, believe in Him for your future, and live purposefully and passionately in the now.

Kelly McDonald, Jr. is an ordained evangelist with Hungry Hearts Ministries. He has written 15 books and booklets on Christian Living. www. hungryheartsministry.com

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

P

Christian Marriage

by Julius McCarter

erhaps one of the joys a minister has is to bless and sanctify the marriage of a couple before God. There are always reasons I find to read Saint John’s story of Jesus at the wedding of Cana found in John 2.1-11.

The first creation account in Genesis builds carefully through the different pairs: heaven and earth, light and dark, sun and moon, sea and dry land, animals and plants, and finally humans— part of creation that stands against the rest of creation as God’s image-bearers and then divided as are the animal and plant kingdoms, into the ultimate complementary pairing, male and female.

John’s Gospel is all about the marriage of heaven and earth in Jesus Christ. That is the final purpose of God in creation—not the separation of heaven and earth but fruitful combination. It is that coming together of the complementary Godgiven pairing that we celebrate in the marriage of a man and a woman.

Right off the top, we Christians must confess that the joyful and mutual love of a man and a woman isn’t just some curious social convention.

Marriage is a sign of what God intends for the entire creation.

Maybe that’s why marriage seems so difficult, and yet so full of potential. Make no doubt about it, John’s story demonstrates all the ways that a wedding can go wrong with awkwardness and embarrassment. But the embarrassment of that wedding day mirrors the blushing of Adam and Eve, hiding from God in the Garden, a

46 // February 2015

couple gone wrong, a fault symbolized by wrong eating now being put right by a redemption that is symbolized by right drinking. The miracle of Jesus changing the water into wine is designed to say, not just to this couple whose day was about to be ruined, but also to the wider world, to you and me, to the whole creation: It’s all right! It’s going to be OK!

A Signpost

The lifelong self-giving of a Christian marriage is meant to mirror God’s unbreakable commitment to a creation where so many things go wrong. This is why, at the end of John’s story, the bride got the wine, the bridegroom got the compliments, and Jesus got the glory. That’s how it should be.

Christian marriage is the mystery at the heart of creation itself, because it is nothing less than a demonstration of the mystery of God’s love for that creation— a mystery we see take form and live among us in Jesus Christ. Marriage is a signpost for the rest of the world that God’s love may be demonstrated in the largest endeavor we humans can make together.

The hour has come. God has kept the best wine till now. Marriage is that time when we eat, drink, and take in that love with one another.

The Reverend Dr. Julius McCarter is a minister and spiritual director. He is an author and church consultant and supply pastor. He and his wife Kendra currently live in Loudon with their three "kids"— Ricky, Henley, and Pippa, their cats.

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Gò0dNews Christian Magazine

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Gò0dNews for Missions

Heart for Haiti Part 3: Block by Block

by Laurel Martin

I

n two previous articles, I introduced myself and

materials, labor, furniture, and other necessities.

my ministry partner, Julie, and our passion for

While we are planning to take a team with us to

Haiti. In part two, I mentioned our upcoming

help build the house, we also want to provide tem-

trip planned for May of this year. I said we will be

porary income for Haitians who wish to help with

attempting something we have never done before.

the build. In this way, we will not only be helping

For this trip, we are planning to BUILD A HOUSE!

one family, we will be providing temporary in-

I previously mentioned a community known as “the hill,” and we are building the house for a fam-

come for several others as well.

While we have a heart for these families, and a

ily there which we have grown to love. Pictured

heart for giving, we believe it is so much more than

in this article is their current structure, and our

that. In this building project, we will be giving

hope is to provide them with a more permanent

Haitians the opportunity to help themselves and

one come this May! Also pictured is the family –

their families with this added income they may not

Madam Severe, Widney, Eline and Elande. Their

have otherwise. In fundraising for this project, we

current home, as you can see, is very small and

are planning to build this house “block by block.”

easily succumbs to the wind and rain. A concrete

We are going to sell hypothetical “blocks” at $10

structure on a permanent foundation will help

each with the goal of selling 1,000 blocks total.

keep them dry and give them a permanent place to

This will be our highest fundraising goal and big-

live.

gest endeavor as of yet.

Our goal is to form a team to assist with the

It seems like an insurmountable task, but God

build and to raise $10,000 for the endeavor. This

knows our need. He has planted this dream in our

amount will provide for the property, building

hearts, and He will see us through!

50 // February 2015

Laurel Martin is a registered nurse at Sky Ridge Medical Center.

Gò0dNews from the Tax Office

Who Will Pay the Tax?

T

by Kevin Wilson

here are changes every year to the tax laws and Affordable Care Act (Obama Care).

The Health Insurance Mandate is one of the biggest changes ever made because it impacts everyone who is required to file a tax return. This is the first year for the penalty tax for not having the minimum health insurance coverage. If you have insurance through your employer, Medicare, TennCare, Veteran’s insurance, or some other government insurance plan, including insurance through the Market Place, you will not pay this tax.

If you are uninsured or do not have the minimum coverage required by the Affordable Care Act, you will pay this tax. Catastrophic coverage does not meet the standards of the mandate.

52 // February 2015

You may have heard it is only $95 per person. This is somewhat true and is limited to three family members on the same tax return; however, the tax is $95 per person (limited to three) or one percent of your income, whichever is higher. It is possible you could pay much more. For instance, if your taxable income is $20,000, your penalty would be $200. You may qualify for one of the exemptions. There is a list of exemptions but the majority fall into the categories below: • The minimum amount you must pay for the annual premiums is more than eight percent of your household income; • You have a gap in coverage that is less than three consecutive months; or • You qualify for an exemption for one of several other reasons, including having a hardship that prevents you from obtaining coverage, or belonging to a group explicitly exempt from the requirement.

This is the biggest change this year. The other changes have to do with adjustments to tax tables, and so forth, based on inflation. If you have questions, ask your tax advisor and he or she should be able to address any question you may have about your annual tax return!

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Gò0dNews from the Outdoors

The Beginning

by Rusty Asble

I

wanted to be outdoors and I wanted to hunt, so

poses itself in a freshly plowed field shows where

as a five year old, I did the only thing I could

a past hunter had also walked those steps. These

do. I found mom’s broom and crudely sawed

are the details. The things that make you wonder

the broom handle off to use as my gun. I walked

becomes a kind of day dream of what has gone on

inside and told my mom I was going to the woods

before us that we forget about and cannot appreci-

to hunt rabbits. That was the beginning.

ate because we do not know.

Little did I realize that over these many years,

However, we do know this: All things have

with that burning desire, I would feel the same as

come through Christ first before they come to us

the very beginning. The passion, the love, the expe-

on this earth. For that I am thankful. My beginning,

rience, the adventure in just taking one step toward

this Earth’s beginning, were from Him. My respon-

the field, water, or woods would bring all that back

sibility is to acknowledge Him and follow Him. So

again.

today I try again. Will you join me? Will you try?

I think about it more now than as I did as a

Will you begin? This opportunity is pretty good.

child. I look more at the details. For instance, look at the 200-year-old oak tree. Its little acorn found a

“In the beginning God Created

safe place to grow in days long gone by. The rotted

the Heavens and the Earth…

cedar fence post was placed in by hand to sustain a

light...water…sky…land…day…night…

family by keeping the livestock in for future food,

living creatures in the water, sky and land…man

and the ruts deep within the earth were made by

…and God saw it as good.” (see Gen. 1).

marching men and wagons to fight a civil battle for freedom. The creek that has cut the earth and exposed hidden rocks was placed there from thousands of years ago. The Indian arrowhead that ex-

54 // February 2015

Reverend Rusty Asble is the associate pastor of recreation administration at First Baptist Church, Cleveland, TN. He and his wife Stacy have three children: Ridge, Garrett, and Susie. They reside in Cleveland.

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