MON VALLEY ROWING CLUB Coming to Mon Valley Pg. 5a
Heroin Addiction Halted; Freed and Bringing Change Locally & Internationally
I woke up that next day, and the day after that and on and on, and every bit of sickness that I normally had was totally gone and not one bit of withdrawal at all. The obsession and the thought to do drugs was totally lifted from my life.
By Justin Buckels For Jubilee News (Washington, PA) I got involved in drugs when I was about 12 years old. By the age of 17, I was on heroin, and by 18, I was injecting heroin. I made it through high school; I went to college and got my degree and worked as an occupational therapist in the medical field making great money. But it was catching up with me big time and things needed to change. We moved from Burgettstown to Washington, PA, I remember my parents had talked about Central Assembly of God and I started to go to church on my own. I was sick of being on drugs and I would wake up every morning sick and in withdrawal and would have to go and get more. It was ter-
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rible. There was an altar call and I gave my life to Jesus and became addicted to Jesus while still being addicted to drugs! I never missed church. I was 28 and the year was 2015 when an evangelist came. His name was Jonathan Shuttlesworth. There was an older lady there that tapped me on the back that first night of a seven-day revival and said: “God told me to tell you that He’s going to do something good in your life.” I thought to myself: “Oh, that’s nice.” I didn’t think much of it. But from the first night, he talked about the Lord healing people from drug addiction and how he had seen many people delivered from drugs. I was all ears at this point because I was bound by drugs myself. As the days went on, I saw things happen that I never saw before. When hands were laid on people [in prayer], they would fall down. To be honest, I thought everybody was totally cuckoo, but I kept going back night after night. I saw people I knew who were getting healed from things. I saw
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A Victory in Progress:
“Not Being Defined By Cancer”
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There’s Hope at “House of Hope”
Physical and Mental Abuse; Brokenness Healed! By Hazel K. Palmer For Jubilee News hpalmer@jubileenews.org
(Butler, PA) “I was abused from the time I was born until I was 15. And then I was abused from age 15 to 32 in every which way, form and fashion.” Michelle Schle-Courtesy Photo for Jubilee News “Real Parenting gel from Butler, PA shared. Barb Kravice (right) stands with with Di” “During my whole childhood ”Pg. 5a granddaughter, Zoe Ripple I was abused. I was very controlled and beaten down lump. It showed up in a sonomy whole life. I had many By Hazel K. Palmer gram and a chest x-ray. The wounds and much rejection. For Jubilee News doctor said: “I really thought it hpalmer@jubileenews.org was nothing, that it was going to My whole life was sexual, mental, and physical torment. be just a lymph node because (Mt. Pleasant, PA) Barb I went to the hospital of where it was located. But “Grandma’s Lap” Kravice from Mount Pleasant, when I was ten and was in Helena Harn unfortunately, it is cancer. It’s a PA has already defied the odds and out of psych hospitals ”Pg. 5a very rapid cancer that spreads as she has one experience because I didn’t know how really fast. It’s already at stage after another kicking out an to function. When I was 11, 3.” uninvited intruder from her life I tried to commit suicide and “I was sent for a CT scan by the name of breast cancer. developed a severe eating and my cancer doctor said: Barb shared, “I had my regdisorder because that’s how I ‘Unfortunately, it’s already gone ular mammogram in Novemcould gain control of my life. to your liver. We want to do a “A Loving Touch” ber. They saw calcium deposits pet scan to see if it’s in your My mother was pretty Jan Siarnicki on the left breast, so they sent mean to me all my life. I was ”Pg. 6a kidney, your lungs and your me in for a sonogram. After told I wasn’t wanted, so I brain. We have to find out how that, they did another mamfar it has gone since it’s already learned early in life to lay mogram and set me up for a low, to perform, cling, and showing up in your liver.’” The biopsy. The biopsy was negaoncologist’s expertise in regards jump through hoops to make tive. There was nothing in the people like me so I would feel to the shape and size of a spot breast in December. Everyaccepted. when it appears on a CT scan, thing was good. My mom was one of those is what led this specialist to rule “Love and Marriage” “Three times I was in the Christians that would beat Pastor Rena Perozich out potential spots that were hospital for 5 days with pneume during the week and Pg. 7a not caught on this type of test. monia while vacationing in raise her hands on a Sunday The lump began as the size of a Florida. I was in Florida from morning. What happened walnut and was then measured January 1st to April 1st. Docin your house stayed in your to be: 7 x 8 cm, the size of a tors got me well enough to house or you would get punsmall egg. come home. After I got home, ished. Barb continued: “From day I found a lump under my arm. I I was 10 years old when “Times & Seasons Under one, I spoke with my pastor and was being treated in the hosI was baptized in the Holy the Stars” Pg. 8a told him I needed to be anointpital in Greensburg for pneuSpirit and saved at Greater monia and sjogren’s, and that’s Works Outreach in MonroSee DEFINE Pg. 2A when I told them about the eville PA. That did help me
to get through the rest of my life! I met my first husband when I was 14 and got married when I was fifteen. My mom gladly signed me over to him and he was worse than my mom. He went on mission trips with the church and would beat me. I had five children before I was 20: a set of identical twin girls that died: Brittany and Courtney. Six months later, I was pregnant with Gabrielle and then came Chelcie and Anthony (Tony). I did miscarry at four months after I fell down the stairs. His name was James. I have three children here and three in heaven. I didn’t work. I didn’t drive. I didn’t get my driver’s license until I was 29. I endured many, many beatings on his behalf. He was a very large man and a nark at Shadyside, so I spent a lot of time by myself with my kids. I can remember every day I would think: Have I prayed enough? Have I fasted enough? Did I lose enough weight? Do I look pretty enough? I would iron sheets and pillowcases and put toothpaste on his toothbrush just to make him happy. But no matter what I did, nothing worked. That was the pattern for many years. My ex-husband would sit on top of me and choke me and punch me in the face. I had a CAT scan done and
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young girls fall out under the Power [of God] and nobody pushed them over. You just couldn’t deny that God was there and was moving amongst people. By the end of the week, God had me in a place of faith, and I believed in the Power of God like never before. But I was still on drugs. I was going to church high; I was going there sick, but I was going! I think it was the next to the last night that the evangelist said: “If the Lord delivered anybody from drugs in here this week, put your hand up.” There was a group of people that put their hands up. I was like… “Wow Lord! I want to be delivered from the drugs!” So, I came back the last night. I prayed the night before: “Lord, please do that for me.” It was at the end of the service and he was about to close the revival meeting for the week, and he didn’t call me out, and I was kind of disappointed. But he said, “I don’t have to lay hands on anybody. All I have to do is say a prayer over the congregation. I’m going to pray over mental health and drug addiction right now, and if you just believe it, you’ll be set free.” I remember I had gotten myself to a place where I was locked in with God, and I was like: “God, I know that you’re going to do it for me.” I didn’t feel anything. I felt faith; but I didn’t feel an encounter; I didn’t feel a difference. I woke up that next day, and the day after that and on and on, and every bit of sickness that I normally had was totally gone and not one bit of withdrawal at all. The obsession and the thought to do drugs was totally lifted from my life. That’s when I knew I had experienced God’s Power for the first time in my life I was ecstatic and was telling everybody about God, but I didn’t have a relationship with God yet. Everything I had was coming through other people and their relationship, and God was still teach-
DEFINE from 1a
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Justin Buckels ing me. I was seeking after God and I quit doing drugs totally, and then that same evangelist visited another church, and I went. He said: “There’s somebody in here who was delivered from drugs, and the Lord is saying: ‘If you ever go back, the devil is going to make sure that he takes you out this time.’” I didn’t think it was for me because I didn’t ever think I was going to do drugs again, but it was me! What ended up happening was I did get high again. I thought in my mind that I was doing so well, and just like an alcoholic who can’t take a couple of drinks and go back to normal, I got high. But this time, I overdosed! They found me seven hours later blue and bent over in my own puke. I was rushed to the hospital and where my heart was shocked to bring me back to life. I ended up in ICU with a trach down my throat and in a coma for I think six days. When I came to, it was like: ‘Well, I only got high one time.” (Now that’s crazy thinking!) But I was still on fire for God even coming out of the coma! I was told my heart would never function right again and I would probably need dialysis for the rest of my life because my kidneys won’t work right. But I didn’t believe it! I had experienced the God of Miracles six months before and I knew it would
be okay. That’s where my faith was! As I recuperated, things began to change. I went back to the doctor after I got out of the hospital, and my heart that was never supposed to come back to normal was at 100%. It was the same with my kidneys. Everything came back! There’s a Scripture that says: “When a demon is cast out of a person, it roams around a dry region, looking for a place to rest, but never finds it. Then it says, ‘I’ll return to the house I moved out of,’ and so it goes back, only to find that the house is vacant, warm, and ready for it to move back in. So, it goes looking for seven other demons more evil than itself, and they all enter together to live there. Then the person’s condition becomes much worse than it was in the beginning.” The yoke of the enemy had come back upon me stronger than before and I knew it had nothing to do with God. It wasn’t His wrath or judgement that I overdosed. I was locked on to God and He was locked on to me despite my choices! After the overdose, I stayed on drugs another two to three years, and got into a lot of trouble. I had four DWI’s. and went before the judge. He had sent me to jail a bunch of times. But this time, I was pushing in towards God like never before, even believing God to deliver me from
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Song Changes Life; Brings Music Artist, Kelly Willard to Monongahela, PA By Hazel K. Palmer As told by Karla Wade For Jubilee News hpalmer@jubileenews.org
(Monessen, PA) “I grew up idolizing my culture, and felt a connection with Angela Davis who was an activist and was associated with the Black Panthers. I grew up angry, radical and militant because of the history of slavery” But this isn’t the Karla Wade of 2019. Today, she attributes her change of heart to God which began after she heard a song sung by musician, Kelly Willard on the radio. Karla took a walk back to her high school days for a look at all that took place. She explained, “Back then, I was saved, but I just needed deliverance in some areas. One day, I had the radio on in my bedroom and when I walked into my room, I heard a singer singing “A Friend So True”. I just caught the tail end of it but, it was enough. I remember doing a double take and looked at the radio and thought, ‘Oh my God! Who was that?’ The DJ ‘s name was Larry Black out of Chicago. When I heard her, I heard me! It kind of scared me because her style and my style were so similar. I knew she was Caucasian, but I was so drawn in and I thought I have got to meet her! Back then, many of my friends would say I have that CeCe Winans sound. So, when I heard her and she wasn’t
Karla Wade from Monessen with Kelly Willard after they first met in 2011. a person of color, I thought: ‘What? I need to find out who this is!’” In the meantime, Karla would listen for the song on the radio so she could record it, which she did. She said, “I played this one part over and over again and harmonized with it. “I went to different music stores to try to find her album. I went to Century III mall and there it was: an album by Kelly Willard. My oldest sister was with me and I shouted: “Jan! Jan! I found her!” Two people Karla knew from a local church happened to hear Karla’s excitement. “They ran over to see what I was screaming about, but when they saw her album, they gave
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ed [with oil]. When I got to church that Sunday, he called me up front and I was anointed. I was anointed that day for cancer and for my lungs [pneumonia and sjogrens]. He prayed for everything. I started feeling better right then and there and when I went to my doctor. I told him whatever you’ve got to do, let’s get this going and I’m leaving it in God’s hands. “Two days later, they did a pet scan and it showed nothing other than the lump in my breast! Everything was good. There was nothing in the liver! I was screaming in the doctor’s office and jumping up and down screaming: ‘Thank you Jesus! Thank you Jesus!’ The doctor just watched and smiled. “This cancer is called metaplastic and it’s very rare in women. Only 1% of women get it. Every Thursday, I’m to receive chemo that has one drug. Every third Thursday, I receive a chemo that has three drugs that’s used to blast the cells so they
don’t spread. They can’t do them both together because I would get too sick. But, they want to shrink this down so they can remove it because it’s too big right now to remove.” Barb began to explain the undercurrent of prayer she is experiencing that has been lifting her to a higher place, above cancer where it is no longer touching her. Here were her words: “This cancer is not mine. It’s something I’m dealing with now. It’s a battle that I’m fighting until it’s gone. I’m going to be a witness for what God is doing with me. “I received a call from a friend, Jeanie Bock. She said that she kept seeing my face and she wondered: ‘Lord, why are you showing me Barb’s face?’ She wants to come over and bless my house. I thought it was so neat that God would show her my face and she knew nothing of what was going on! “God is handling it all, and He’s giving me the strength. He’s telling me what I have to do
to win this battle. He’s saying: ‘Don’t give up! I’m there!’ So that’s what I’m relying on. “One Sunday, I was kneeling at the altar taking communion. Karen, a friend was on one side and Noelle, a woman I had never met was on the other side praying! I felt so good for the rest of the day!” Katrina Dyer, a choir member said to Barb: “When I saw your face, I knew something was happening in your body. I could just tell by your face that you were feeling so much better.’” Katrina was also healed of breast cancer. Barb told her “I felt so much better, and for the rest of the day, it was like a big burden was lifted. I had no worries. I felt good all over. I was happy! I was my normal self! I didn’t have that anxious feeling. I didn’t feel nervous anymore. I just had a real good peaceful day.” After that Sunday, Barb began her first chemo. “It’s just amazing! I
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ABUSE from 1a
had to get a glass eye because of the scar tissue behind my eyes from being punched by him. I wasn’t living, I was just surviving and would go to church, put on a face and do what I was supposed to do while he went on mission trips. My son was 15 and a big kid. One day, when my ex-husband was choking me, he got in the middle of it to help me and my ex said: “I don’t care how big you get boy! I’ll take a baseball bat to you!” Something snapped inside my head and I thought: “I’ll take the beating, but don’t you dare touch my kid!” That’s when I left him. For six months, I knew he was going to come get me. I had a PFA (Protection from Abuse order), and he tried to buy two handguns. For six months I had nobody but my kids. My son would set booby-traps outside the house and would sleep with a shotgun. It was horrible. One day, my car broke down and I couldn’t take my kids to school. My ex-husband broke into my house with a handgun and of course my kids intervened which made for a horrible situation. He put stitches in my head as my daughter went for help. My son had the shotgun. but that’s a big choice for a kid to shoot his dad to save his mom. If they weren’t home, I would be dead. My ex went to jail and my kids and I went on medication to help us deal with the trauma. I was 32 now and mad at God. I told Him: ”I did it your way! I tried to fast and pray. I was trapped in a household and no one wanted me. No one valued me. It was all about what I could do for them. So, Lord I tried it your way, now I’m going to do it my way.” And I just flipped off a switch and relied on medication and on whatever. The doctors would increase the medication and I would mix it with alcohol to numb my spiritual problem, but I didn’t
Kent and Michelle Schlegel care. I was so hurt because I felt like God left me down and nobody wanted me. Then a friend who lived in the same trailer court, introduced me to his cousin, Kent Schlegel in 2003.” Kent also had a salvation experience in July of 2002 and he too came from a difficult past. Kent shared: “Out of high school, I had a season of drugs and alcohol. But once I found out that violence was my thing, I was into it 24/7 and climbed the ranks of the military in martial arts. I was trained for seven years and was a Buddhist but didn’t know it. Their teaching comes from Buddhist monks and you’re not told what you are studying. The word “Buddhism” is substituted with the
R O S T R A V E R
word “tradition”. So, this wasn’t karate; this was the tradition of martial arts. “I had the rank and I had the power. I was a professional bodyguard and was taught how to not care about killing anybody. Basically and legally, I was a professional killer and was in and out of jail for various violent acts.” Kent shared one experience: “I remember being at a funeral and they took the coffin and put us into this room with all high ranks standing around the coffin. Then, you would do what is called the ‘dance of death’. Each person did it. It’s hard to even talk about, that’s how dark it was. But I got out one day and just packed up and moved
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have so many prayer chains. Pastor Paul Eckenrod of the Kiski Unity Methodist Church in Leechburg, his church was praying for me. I don’t know who called them and told them about me, but they had prayer for me one morning before a funeral. I’m on prayer chains in Florida. I’m getting messages on Facebook from people! I keep running into these good Christian people and they ask me for my first name and ask me if I mind if they put my name on their prayer list! I always tell them: ‘You most certainly can! I’ll take all the prayers I can get!’“ Bonnie Diver, Founder of Hair Peace Charities told Barb that the same radical chemo treatment I’m having was the same treatment she had. She explained it all to me. Hair Peace, a nonprofit, assists women in purchasing wigs while going through chemo. She said. “If you’re diagnosed with cancer, the aggressive cancer is the best kind of cancer to have because it’s unorganized and easier to beat. It’s the silent, slow-moving
cancer that’s worse.” For Barb, the diagnosis was sudden, because her mammogram showed she was clear one month and a few months later, there it was. It struck suddenly as in a surprise attack, and now Barb is firing back with her own warfare and artillery of prayer. Ammunition is being supplied from a higher place as people surround her to gain access to heaven to combat this enemy. As for the medical world, it is positioned to cooperate and witness the healing Hand of God as the combination of chemo and prayer makes for a good combination! God has been invited, and as it says in God’s word: “we receive not because we ask not.” Why not ask Him for help and healing? Will you watch the power that comes through Jesus’ name as we report Barb’s journey in Jubilee News? Let’s go on this journey with Barb Kravice, a woman who has determined herself to walk in her identity as a child of God and a victor, rather than the identity that cancer has attempted to place on her of “victim.” Love Heals, and Faith takes you there!
WILLARD from 2a
8 months behind on answering her letters. me a look like: “What? She thanked me for You’re excited over that?”. the compliments, and I read their expression every letter that I wrote and said to them: ‘She’s to her after that were good! She’s really good!’ sent to Santa Ana CalAnd that was the end of ifornia to Waco Texas it. But, had someone told to Alabama, and in me her singing put them every correspondence in mind of me, I probably I wrote: ‘I want to work would have rejected it, with you. I want to sing because there wasn’t any with you. I want you to way somebody outside help me.’ my culture would sound “By 2004, I lost like me! But, I heard her contact with Willard. for myself! I REALLY Maranatha wasn’t on heard her!” the radio as much and It was now 1984 and there were new artists. Kelly Willard’s next album I had just moved back was about to be released here to the Mon Valley called: “Willing Heart”. area from New Jersey Karla stated, “I really was and was living in a into music by this time Charleroi apartment. I and I had every album just happened to say that artist Kelly Willard one day: ‘I wonder worked on—albums she how Kelly Willard’s either played on or sung doing?’ And I started background. I remember praying for her, not how I begged my dad knowing that 2004 was to order her album from the worst year of her Maranatha, but he didn’t life. Twenty-nine years want his credentials to be of marriage ended, spoken over the phone! and both of her parBut when I found out she ents passed away that also had a song book, I year and her daughter just had to get the song committed suicide. book too! So finally. my She was devastated. dad did [place an order] It was the demise of and I got her album and my own marriage as her song book. well that I moved back “Her music was so home, so we were in a relatable, so I wrote her a similar pattern. letter in 1984. In it, I told “Then eight years her how I wanted to meet ago, Kelly Willard was her; I wanted to work in concert in Columbus with her. When I hadn’t Ohio and I drove there heard from her, I asked myself. My pastor at my church to pray and that time, recognized she finally responded. my passion and enShe was living in Santa couraged me to go. Ana California at the time “I was the only and she said she was person of color there which I had no problem with, because I was delivered and a different person by then. When I told her that I had come a long way to hear her, she said: ‘So you are the one from Pennsylvania?’ The pastor at that church where she sang had told her that somebody was coming from Pennsylvania. So, she and I sat together and sang together. The Pastor played Andrae Crouch’s: ‘Soon and Very Soon’. I sang in a tenor voice and she sang alto, when all of a sudden she shot up to a high ‘Kelly
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Michelle and Kent ABUSE from 2a
out of state. There was no saying goodbye, because I knew I would be taken out and I was always looking over my shoulder,” It wasn’t until Kent discovered Proverbs 16:7 that he finally found peace that he was no longer living in fear: “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Kent shared: “Then I read in Colossians 2:8 that says ‘See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.’ I thank God He brought me out of all that! I was saved in July of 2002.” Kent and Michelle met in 2003 and were married in 2004. Michelle shared, “But Kent showed no emotion and together with my issues, it was just too much. We separated for eight years and I went to live with my daughter in South Carolina. That’s when I hit rock bottom.” Michelle was in and out of mental hospitals and attempted suicide three times, garnishing a scar on one wrist that has since become a reminder of what once was. Never divorced from Kent, she came back to Pennsylvania for her daughter’s baby shower. Realizing her ex-husband might be there, she over-medicated. She was arrested for disturbing the peace, something, which she has no memory of doing. Because she was out-of-state, Michelle spent ten days in jail and believes it was “by God’s grace it was allowed to take place because: “God delivered me from many things during that time inside the jail cell. When I came out of jail, I contacted Kent and we reunited. We renewed our vows and got back together.” Although their eightyear separation held purpose that readied them to come back together again, it wasn’t until they were back together that Kent experienced a major change in his own life. Michelle began: “One day, Kent said: ‘Let’s not go around that mountain again.’ Some days it was like chewing glass to say I’m sorry. But we had to choose to make an effort to forgive. Kent was truly committed, and it still blows my mind! I’ve never seen a change like that in anybody in my life!” Kent explained, “That was my turnaround. I became a doer of the Word.” Michelle continued:
“He put everything he was reading in the Bible into practice. This one time, he was buying himself a pair of shoes and the Lord told him to buy me a pair too.” Kent chimed in: “The Lord led me to Ephesians 5. Ephesians 5 is like marriage counseling at its best, because it says: ‘men you are to love your wife like your own body.’ Long story short, I was online buying myself a pair of shoes and it was like God said: ‘Buy her a pair too.’ Ever since that day, I make sure she has a tank of gas; I make sure she has coffee and she has everything she needs. If I can do something to make her life easier, I go shopping; I’ll do the cooking! If it puts a smile on her face, that’s all that matters! Because it says right there in Ephesians 5 what you should do! It was my step by step instructions.” Michelle said, “I remember one night, I was crying and praying to the Lord that I didn’t know who He was. It would blow me out of the water when Kent would do something nice for me, but I kept waiting for the string that was attached. But God said, ‘I’m showing you my unconditional love and it’s coming through your husband.’ When you don’t feel valued, it feels amazing! I thought that was pretty cool how he was using my husband. I didn’t think it was possible!” “I was full of pride.” Kent explained. “I was top pride in martial arts! I was self-centered! When we first got married, if I did something for my wife, I did it with strings attached. Now, I just do it because God changed my heart. He gave me a love for my wife that I can’t explain. “If you have a marriage that’s broken, God can make it beautiful! if you have a marriage that’s great, God can make it even better! Our marriage at the beginning was broken doors, disabled vehicles, throwing punches and pulling knives, it was that bad. Now, it’s unbelievable! We make it a point every morning to pray together. “We have good days and bad days. There are days that I say something that I shouldn’t, but I always ask the Lord for strength. I ask God to help me think before I speak.” Michelle said, “This is the marriage I prayed for! God has answered my prayer and I’m so thankful to Him! I’m 48 and I finally got what I wanted my whole life; to be valued and feel accepted. I am experiencing love for the first time in my life that is unconditional. It’s the Love of God with no strings attached! And it feels amazing!”
There are similarities between our fitness journey and walk with Christ that many people do not realize exist. Before I get into that, I do want to preface this by saying; I absolutely do not believe maintaining fitness is close to the importance of our walk with Christ. I want to make sure this is clear before I move forward. Christ is eternal, fitness is not. Personally I have noticed a lot of parallels between the two, especially when life becomes tough and full of tribulation. Does anyone else tend to slip when life gets busy, stressful, and hectic? I know I do. If life is extra busy, I tend to falter with my walk and with my fitness. I don’t want that to happen, but I allow life to get in the way rather than prioritizing like I know I should. As of late, I have been exceptionally busy starting new programs at my business, and it is embarrassing to admit, but I have allowed this to negatively impact my walk and my fitness. I notice myself not taking the breaks and the time I need to be in prayer and in God’s word now that I’m in a stressful and difficult time in my life. I should be doing that more now than ever! I am not able to work out as much as I normally do or make healthy food choices all because my schedule is insane. In reality, these are just excuses most of the time. There is ALWAYS time for fitness, and WITHOUT A DOUBT, always time for Christ. We should never allow life’s stressors to prevent us from performing the activities we need for our spiritual and physical well-being. I would like to offer some suggestions for overcoming life’s difficulties to ensure you make the time to focus on these two crucial parts of life. My brother suggested taking deliberate breaks in your work schedule to stop and pray for 5 minutes and read God’s word for 5 minutes. Just 5 minutes at a time! Do that a few times throughout your day. Surely we can all manage that. During this time, put your phone on “do not disturb”, close the laptop or tablet, and just quiet your heart and spend time with your Heavenly Father. This will be super refreshing and renewing. This is necessary simply because God commands us to spend time doing these things, but we will also reap the huge benefits of this time with our loving Father. Another pointer is to spend time in prayer before bed with your spouse or if you aren’t married, then call a loved one and spend 5 minutes in prayer with them. Not much feels better than praying for someone you truly love and respect and then hearing them offer up prayers for you. If that doesn’t wash away the stress of life, then not much else will! Finally, if you find yourself still struggling with working these little times of quiet into your day, then set alarms to remind yourself. Have a spouse or friend or family member help hold you accountable by sending you a few reminders a day to stop what you’re doing so you can pray and read. As I stated, this struggle with time and priorities affects fitness too. While this is less important than time with God, it still has its place in life. I first want to eliminate the common misconception that you need to be at the gym for 1-2 hours at a time to achieve results. Not true! If you simply want to be healthier, feel better, and have some body composition improvements, all you need is 30 minutes or less at the gym or even at home, coupled with healthy nutrition. This is coming from someone who owns a gym. Bodyweight exercises or light resistance exercises with dumbbells or bands is plenty. Also, three days a week is all you need, and cutting out sugars and processed foods will help tremendously. These facts alone should help someone to make the time for fitness. Now if you are a competitive powerlifter, athlete, or bodybuilder that is a different story, but you can still accomplish plenty without a ton of time invested. I would recommend building yourself a quick HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workout that you can do at home, at work, anywhere. This should only take you 10-15 minutes to complete. If you don’t know how to do this, then seek out a trusted fitness professional or friend. There is a plethora of solid nutrition information out there, but like usual, I recommend seeking out a professional. You can, like I said, make massive improvements simply by cutting out the junk and sugars and incorporating more leafy greens and lean meats. Find yourself an accountability partner for fitness, just like I recommended for your walk with Christ-- someone who is responsible that cares about you and wishes to see improvement in your life. This person can either do the workouts and nutrition changes with you or help monitor you with reminders and check-ins to ensure you are sticking to your plan. I understand all of my suggestions are easier said than done, believe me! This is why we partner with fellow believers in Christ to encourage us, aid us, and love us. We are not meant to do this walk alone. I am excited to make these adjustments with all of you so we can grow closer to Christ, and improve physical health and wellness too!
Jubilee News Page 4A
--Kingdom Come--
--The “Healing Chair”--
Prophetic Vision
Making Fish Sandwiches “A Second Helping” By Kent Addams For Jubilee News
By Rev. Karen Graham, Kingdom Come Ministries International., Inc. For Jubilee News kg4kingdom@outlook.com
Proverbs 29:18 (GW) “Without prophetic vision people run wild, but blessed are those who follow God’s teachings.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NKJV) 9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. INVITATION ~ The Spirit says “Come!” I AM opening your eyes and causing you to see beyond the surface and into the depths of the heart and mind of God!” We have an appointment in His “Office of Optometry” where light rays from heaven are illuminating dreams and visions as glory intersects with kairos (divine appointments), reflecting images of prophetic destiny! He is examining our eyes for defects and cataracts, banishing diseases of the eye which distort vision and rob us of panoramic views of heaven. Our perception is linked to our comprehension and will blindly bring us to the edge of a cliff, if not reformed with corrective lenses. Isaiah 43:19 (ESV) Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. IMAGINATION ~ “ I am sanctifying perception and reviving your imagination to dream beyond the voices of limitation. I am activating your creativity to dream wild!” Prophetic sparks are flying and lasering our perception with a “new” and “now” laser so that we see, visualize, dream up, conceive, and conceptualize the impossible and the miraculous! Vision is progressive and images are coming alive within us as we set our sights on Jesus! People, places and things will “get your attention”. You shall begin to “notice” things and lean into the signs and wonders by asking questions! Lord, why did I notice this! Why did this get my attention? Why did that make my spirit leap? Why did that awaken desire? Lack of vision will stifle us! We must see a thing to lay hold of it with radical faith! 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. INSPIRATION ~ I will show you great and mighty things which you do not know! God is assessing vision and our ability to focus and discern what we see. He’s placing a scope on our aim ~ the Word of God! The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophesy! We are not doomed to failing a multiple choice test or to an unpredictable roulette of empty shots hoping to hit a target. We are marked for destiny and able to see beyond the natural eye into the realm of potential and possibilities to experience God’s abundance and fulfillment. Encounters with God are stirring desire and causing our spirits to leap with a sense of destiny, compelling us toward Him and propelling us into the invisible and the unknown! What a glorious adventure! Grace upon grace we are moving from glory to glory! Acts 1:8 (AMP) But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…
See KINGDOM COME Pg. 5a
In the interview with Hazel Palmer from Jubilee News when she covered the hundreds of miracles happening here, she asked: “Does this happen to you all day long?” No, sometimes I just make fish sandwiches. I’ve often wondered who packed the little kid’s lunch that day when Jesus used it to feed over 5,000 with just a few fish sandwiches. ‘Excuse me...5 loaves & fishes. Did they even have a CLUE what would happen later that day based with that small act of mundane faithfulness?’ It became the platform for a miracle and that fish is now remembered in history’s headlines. Look at my Facebook page & past posts with the healing chair. Word search: “healed or healing”. It’s stunning how God shows up just because we raise our hand & volunteer. Most of my day is spent writing estimates, engaging customers, ordering & exchanging parts, assembling crashed cars or bikes or selling them, and putting out proverbial fires; you know, “making fish sandwiches”. Just like the one who packed that boy’s lunch and it doesn’t always seem glorious…UNTIL God shows up to minister to a need. That day it was THIS guy’s turn. Round 1 “Can I get some air in my tire,” he asked as he slowed down in front of my shop. We’re more collision shop than service station, but serving people with needs remains the platform of something bigger: A DIVINE appointment. My good friend Bernie was there picking up
WILLARD from 3a Willard soprano voice’ and I turned and looked at her! I wasn’t expecting that! She asked me what song I wanted her to sing to me and I said: ‘A Friend So True’. “She was so down to earth and after the service we talked again. Before I left, I shook her hand and told her again I wanted to work with her. “Fast forward to today. Last year, at our church “Free Indeed in Monongahela, PA” we wanted to bring in a choir, but after we would schedule someone to come, it would fall through. I just happened to say: ‘I wonder if I can get Kelly Willard.’ And I heard the Lord say: ‘You can get her!’ I grabbed my phone and called her agency and here, I was really talking to her, but I didn’t know it. I told the lady on the phone: ‘I love Willard ‘and I asked what it would take for her to come to Pennsylvania. And she said: ‘I’m very reasonable’. Long story short, she accepted the invitation, and now she’s coming to Monongahela, Pennsylvania on Friday, August 30th for a private dinner, and on Saturday evening, August 31st at 6pm, Kelley Willard will hold a concert and “The Wade Sisters” will render opening selections. Then, on Sunday morning, September 1st, she will be leading worship and shar-
Round 2 Fast forward about a week. He had to get his nerve up and finally decided he HAD to stop back. He came in and I got the thought: “G.I. issues.” Before I could even share that Word of knowledge, he said: “My back is totally good now, but my stomach’s messed up. I’m anxious and can’t sleep. Is it selfish to want more prayer?” Time for the healing chair again and I sat him in it & prayed again. When physical pain or fear-based anxiety & nausea go, you can usually tell. But with Insomnia, time will tell. So I reached out to him a few days later to
verify that all the healing “stuck”. Proverbs reminds us to “guard our hearts”. We are the stewards or gatekeepers of what we allow back into our lives. The enemy always wants to steal healing back, IF YOU LET HIM. But he admitted that he was suddenly developing a new passion for all things that come from God and rededicated himself to the Lord. Chronic back pain, stomach issues, nausea, sleeplessness--all gone so far,” he said. It’s funny how people use that expression: “so far”. That line of thinking can leave a crack open in the door of doubt. I remind them that constant remission is really healing. He’s still healed and is daily getting more set free from his past. And it all started by making fish sandwiches. In the parable of the talents, Jesus reminds us sternly that we are to be faithful in the small things before he will give us more. Look at the trail of miracles in the Gospels. The disciples were there watching when Jesus told the servant at the wedding in Cana to dip his ladle in the huge jug of hand-washing water and take it to the wine steward for tasting. Wait…WH-AA-A-T? Dirty water turned into FINE wine? First Miracle before their eyes. Next it’s their turn. The disciples looked at the hungry crowd of 5,000 and Jesus told them: “YOU give them something to eat.” WH-A-A-AT? But… but… More often than not, it’s when we are up to our armpits in the ordinary everyday life that miracles show up in simple needs. IF we expect them, look for the opportunities & engage with Holy Spirit’s leading.
ing in word. The Sunday service will begin at 11 am. She was going to be in Philadelphia that Sunday, but when her plans fell through, my pastor said: ‘This weekend belongs to Kelly Willard!’ There will be a free will offering taken for Kelly Willard’s music and prison ministry. All are welcome! “It’s been eight years since I’ve seen Kelly Willard. I told her I was the one who saw her in Columbus Ohio and she remembered who I was. But, where I started and where I am now are two completely different places, and I thank God for what He has done in my life and what He has brought me from, and what He’s about to do! “My church is Free indeed Ministry in Monongahela PA, a very diverse church and I love it! I thank God I’m at a church where there’s no divide. Because that’s what Heaven’s going to look like! It’s not going to be one room with black people and another with white people. It’s not like that! It’s all of us! We’re to be unified in the Body of Christ!. “On August 16th, 2009, I received a prophecy from Prophet Brian Davis from North Carolina who ministered at The Victory in Christ Ministries in Greens-
burg, Pa where Pastor Flora White Howand pastored. Here’s what was spoken: ‘God calls you the go-getter! God calls you the go-getter! Now He says with relentless pursuit, everything He’s put in you. God says He’s given you the personality and the outgoing that He has, because He wants to put something in your hands. He wants to bless you abundantly. And I speak into every area. And where you have supported others, so shall you be supported. God says you shall reap the benefits of your labor for others in full, in full, in full!’ “I met Kelly Willard two years and three months later on Sunday, November 21, 2011. Year after year I would inquire of the Lord: ‘What is it that You want to put in my hands?’ In 2019, I have
his truck after repairs. We just looked at each other smiling, KNOWING something miraculous was about to happen. One of us said: “He’s getting healed.” The other said: “He’s getting saved”. Turns out we were both right. I stuck my hand in the lunch bag pulling out the loaves & fishes; hungry crowd or flat tire, both are genuine needs. Today’s version of that were a tire chuck and a pressure gauge. Here it comes: I’m filling up his tires while my friend Bernie gets a Word of Knowledge for him asking: “What’s the matter with your back”? “How did you know that?” he quipped. “God told me.” Bernie responded. We had his attention; then we prayed for him and…BLAMMO...pain GONE instantly. Yet he didn’t show it exuberantly and was a little weirded out and we encouraged him it was Jesus who loves him & did the healing. When he went home and tried to explain this God encounter to his wife, she thought he was crazy.
This time they stuck their OWN HANDS in the lunch bag. The Allyou-can-eat fish buffet gets invented in three easy steps: SOMEONE PACKED the lunch; the KID SURRENDERS it; THEY obey Jesus’ leading to PASS AROUND the lunch. Now they’re in on God’s action. A similar thing happened to Moses with His staff; the very thing that he learned (?) and depended on daily. God asked: “What’s in your hand Mo? Lay it down.” When he obeyed, God miraculously made it ALIVE. Once Mo willingly let go of it, He then let him pick it back up again. What’s tightly held in YOUR HAND? Family, achievements, hobbies, career, social status, appearance? Hear the Spirit of God say: “LAY IT DOWN.” Watch Him breathe life into it and THEN probably give it back to you along with His power. So, wait tables, drive that truck, write code, crunch numbers, keep house, plan lessons or closing statements, and use them as a parting shot to crush the enemy. “Make fish sandwiches”, but don’t ever think you should STAY hidden in the kitchen doing so. There’s SO MUCH MORE. Put your hand in that lunch bag & pass it around, dip the ladle, surrender your secure walking stick. God will show up with miracles daily in the midst of it all... IF YOU BELIEVE for them. Let this encourage you to try it. Others before me have encouraged me to do so. Jesus said we’d do greater things than He did. “Heal the sick and tell them My Kingdom is here”
Karla Wade with Kelly Willard
come to realize what it is. It is the “Kelly Willard Project”. It’s the prophetic fulfillment coming to fruition ten years later in August 2019. The outcome of this project will propel me into my future! Praise God!” “I believe Kelly Willard and the ministry of music that she has and I will have, is going to help heal the divide in this nation as more people start singing together and praying together; the different cultures-different ethnicities as we bring our renewed minds together in the fullness of the Holy Ghost under the Spirit’s control. That’s what I believe Kelly Willard will introduce us into. “Thanks, Kelly Willard for coming to Monongahela! And thank you for your music ministry!” Editor’s Note: See Pg. 7a for more info.
Jubilee News News Page 5A Jubilee Page 3
--Real Parenting with Di --
When Superheroes Don’t Wear Capes
are a mile long and we are in desperate need of a break from that laundry that seems to multiply steadily. Some of us work while doing all of the aforementioned. Some of us have to do it all in the absence of a partner. Some of us are barely holding it together because we are chronically and seriously ill. Two of my dearest friends, in my life, are moms. They are what I refer to as “Super Moms” in ordinary circumstances. One is a girl scout leader, and she By Diana Zippay is always crafting and doing amazing “A Mom” things with her three girls. The other is For Jubilee News a mom who makes the most beautiful and charismatic creatures with pancake It’s not Mother’s Day, so don’t batter for holidays and birthdays for her panic thinking you’ve missed it again! three children. She is always thinking I’m taking a moment to honor moms about adventures to give to the kids. everywhere, and more specifically, two These women live and breathe for their special ones. Being a mother (whether babies. Both of them have three chilyou gave birth, adopted, or are treated dren, and are deeply vested in their faith as one), it’s a difficult job as it is. We teaching their children morals, ethics, are expected to be this all-encompass- and most importantly, about having faith ing being. We are the pillars of strength in God. This year, they both suffered (or so society tells us). We have to unthinkable cataclysms. be social workers, solving the many crises that go on in child friendships and relationships (what seems to be on an hourly basis); we are referees who break up fights continuously. We are judges as pint-sized lawyers scream into our exhausted faces: “She started it!” and “He hit me!”. We are healers. We heal broken hearts and soothe scratches and bruises. Sometimes, we have to hold their hand as they fight a life-threatening illness, and we get up and do it every day. Emily Friday, 38 years old, We have to smile through the PTA McMurray, PA meetings, and be sure the family social Emily, the mom who leads girl scout calendar is filled in with where everytroops like a natural born leader, was one is going for the entire month. We diagnosed with Appendiceal Cancer last have to make sure lunches include February. From a “simple” severe pain a fruit, and sometimes we just let the “fruit snacks” be the fruit because we’re in her right side, a disaster was born. She was given a devastating diagnosis tired. We drink copious amounts of coffee, and we probably use way more that would uproot her world. Remember, this is “Mom”. Mom is all things, dry shampoo than our hairdressers recommend. Most of us have roots that and now she’s all things with a cancer
KINGDOM COME from 4a IMPARTATION ~ “You shall receive power because you are going to need power!” The vision will require much focus, time, energy and resources. There is an urge and a surge of His Spirit coming up from the Living Waters of God with fresh baptisms of fire and authority, love and grace, to empower the people of God as we stay the course and go all the way with God! You will understand what it means to walk in the supernatural when you find yourself breaking off all limitations and pressing through all adversity to go above and beyond all that you have ever dreamed, thought, asked or imagined! Vision precedes provision. God-sized vision is always greater than you and the resources you have. Vision requires radical faith which calls things that be not as though they are! 1 Corinthians 2:9-13 (MSG) We, of course, have plenty of wisdom to pass on to you once you get your feet on firm spiritual ground, but it’s not popular wisdom, the fashionable wisdom of high-priced experts that will be out-of-date in a year or so. God’s wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of His purposes. You don’t find it lying around on the surface. It’s not the latest message, but more like the oldest ~ what God determined as the way to bring out His best in us, long before we ever arrived on the scene. The experts of our day haven’t a clue about what this eternal plan is. If they had, they wouldn’t have killed the Master of the God-designed life on a cross. That’s why we have this Scripture text: No one’s ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it— What God has arranged for those who love Him. But you’ve seen and heard it because God by his Spirit has brought it all out into the open before you. The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along. Whoever knows what you’re thinking and planning except you yourself? The same with God ~ except that He not only knows what He’s thinking, but He lets us in on it. God offers a full report on the gifts of life and salvation that He is giving us. We don’t have to rely on the world’s guesses and opinions. We didn’t learn this by reading books or going to school; we learned it from God, who taught us person-to-person through Jesus, and we’re passing it on to you in the same firsthand, personal way.
diagnosis. Devastation was an understatement. No one is ever prepared for this. No one. Emily, by God’s grace and strength, carried the diagnosis with strength and dignity. With the help of her family and friends, Emily kept the pieces of the girls’ lives as “normal” as possible. After all, it’s what moms do; we try to keep the status quo even when it seems like the world has aligned against us. Emily is a human. There were times we would talk, and the tears fell from her beautiful blue eyes without command. It was like the tears had been waiting for sweet release, and my heart hurt for her so much. The chemotherapy was zapping her energy, but it never once took away her smile. She still made sure the girls stayed involved in their events and made it to their school shows. I know it took a little of her on the days she couldn’t make it to a school event or activity. However, I had the luxury of spending an evening, last December, watching Emily’s girls play with my two kids. Do you know what I saw as an outsider? I saw three normal, fun, happy girls sharing their beautiful bead necklaces with my children. When asked to clean up, they did it. The youngest blonde-haired baby doll gave me the brightest and most magical smile when I mentioned Santa was coming soon. Even more beautiful, the girls knew Jesus, and they knew Christmas was all about His birth. For this publication, I recently asked Emily Friday how being a mom had become different for her now that she has CONQUERED cancer. (Amen--she has!). Her response was: “I’d say the biggest thing I had to do was give up control and allow others to help. It’s okay to not be able to reciprocate right away. I think that’s tough for a lot of us moms, right?” Indeed it is my sweet
Mon Valley Rowing Club Launching
The Mon Valley Rowing Club (MVRC) is launching! MVRC is a local community organization (501c3) that is bringing competitive high school rowing to the Mon Valley. As a juniors rowing team, students from every high school in the Mon Valley are invited to join the team. The Mon Valley Rowing Club (MVRC) has a BIG vision, and we invite you to partner with us in this exciting new adventure. This January, the MVRC will welcome its first high school rowers. Rowing is a unique sport. •Big Picture Exposure. Rowing presents a big picture of the world as youth compete nationally and regattas are attended by high school, collegiate, and masters teams. •Hard Work. Rowing encourages a positive outlook as youth constantly break their own records and advance as rowers. •College Connections. Rowing is a great means for assistance with college scholarships and admissions. •Relational Growth. Most importantly, rowing teaches relationship skills as youth learn to be dependable and depend
on others in a respectful environment. Our vision is to begin the team with 20 rowers but pursue an aggressive growth strategy that will allow us to have a team of 300-500 in ten years. We are dreaming big! We see MVRC as an investment not only in the youth of today, but in the transformation of the Mon Valley. Rowing is a costly sport. In fact, cost is one of the primary obstacles for youth who desire to row. We are so sold on the life-changing capacity of rowing that our vision is to offer generous scholarships so any student who is committed to rowing can do so. Because we care about the whole person, MVRC has partnered with Family Guidance Mentoring, a nationally accredited one-to-one mentoring program that is the oldest and most successful in the country. Family Guidance will be providing mentoring for rowers who could benefit from additional adult support. Our belief is that love changes lives, and if hundreds of youth experience love through rowing and mentors, not only their lives but the Valley itself will be changed for the best, turning from apathy, hopelessness and addiction, to life joy and God-given purpose. If you are interested in finding out more about what we are doing, please attend our informational/fundraising meeting on Thursday, August 22, at 7:00PM at Smitty’s Grill in Speers. If you are interested in being a mentor, please contact Family Guidance at 412-741-8550, info@ familyguidance.net. In addition, please be in prayer for this team for godly mentors who will love kids well, for church and community partners, for safety, and ultimately for the youth to know the love of Jesus through the team, mentors and coaches.
Emily Friday and husband, EJ, smile for family photo with Eve, Rachel and Hannah
Stacy Bartkus stands between two daughters, Emma and Olivia; with husband Chad with son, Dylan friend. When we are at the mercy of others to carry our families, it is difficult to watch. However, let’s think about the line: “When you saw one set
See SUPERHEROES Pg. 6a
--Grandma’s Lap--
The Lion and the Child “Learning About Prayer” By Helena Harn “A Grandma” For Jubilee News The Lion said to the child, “Let’s take a little trip together like before. No one will see us, but we will be able to see them.” They went to a hospital into a waiting room where many people were and listened to what they were saying: “I don’t think Aunt Sally is going to make it.” John spoke up saying: “The doctor didn’t give us much hope, but we can pray.” Alice answered: “I just don’t think prayer will do any good, so why even do it?”. John thought and then stated: “Well, maybe you are right,” Alice added, “There doesn’t seem to be much hope.” The child felt so sad that they wouldn’t even pray. “Don’t they know that God can do anything?” the child asked the Lion. “No, they don’t understand that; they do not have hope; they don’t believe in the power of God” Next, they went to a home where Sally and Amy were and they were also talking about prayer. They were praying for their friend. “Lord we are hoping that something good will happen. We don’t know if You are able to do anything to make our dear friend Jane better and to take care of all her problems, but it might be nice if You did do something good for her.” The child was a little puzzled over that prayer. It didn’t seem to have much power to it, but said nothing. The Lion and the child went to still another home and there they saw a young boy named Samuel praying. “Dear Lord, I love You very much, but there are bad things happening in my family and I need Your help to fix it. Jesus, I know You can do it because the Bible tells me You can do all things, so I am thanking You for hearing my prayer and taking care of this.” Hmm, the child thought. I can feel something good in that prayer. I can feel hope and strength. This child believes God can do it! Then they traveled to one more place. There Mary and Paul were praying. “Lord, You are awesome and able to do all things. We are thanking You for taking care of the car problem. We need a new one, but there isn’t enough money. We don’t know what to do, but are not worried because we are going to walk in faith knowing we asked for your help and believe You will do it. In I Peter 5:7 it says to cast all your worries on Him because He cares for you. Therefore You said it and we believe it.” The Lion asked the child which prayer was more powerful, and the child quickly answered: ‘The young boy Samuel and the Mary and Paul .”“Why do you say that?” the Lion asked. The child replied, “Well, they believed that God heard their prayer and believed He would answer it. They know God’s word is true.” “Well done.” The Lion replied.
Jubilee News Page 6A
-A Loving Touch-
SUPERHEROES from 5A
“LIQUID GOLD” By Jan Siarnicki Registered Massage Therapist & Licensed Esthetician For Jubilee News
Vitamin C therapy has long been known to protect the skin from free-radical damage like the UV exposure and daily pollutants. This Vitamin is a miracle vitamin for many things, but for the skin it helps to brighten those dark spots and stimulates collagen production. Collagen production is so important as we age because we continually lose collagen, and it is the support system of our skin. When I drink orange juice, I always feel like I am drinking sunshine. Citrus fruits are loaded with all those things our body needs to keep our youthful glow. So how do we lose our vitamin C levels other than aging? Environmental pollution like our ever- changing ozone that leads to free radical damage, and smoking and our diets. Let’s talk a little about free radicals and their role in aging. Celebrity skin care expert, Renee Rouleau, believes that free radicals are unstable electrons that attack our healthy cells. This attack causes wrinkles and crepe skin. In researching this vitamin, I found that famous scientists all over the world believe the same thing; that the one main reason we age is because of these unstable electrons in molecules. That is what free radicals are. When cells are attacked, they no longer act like our younger cells used to act. To
slow down aging, we need to stave off the bad free radicals. Vitamin C can help us do this. Some studies have shown that Vitamin C taken both internally and applied externally may help to treat ultra-violet induced photo damage as well. (Oregon State University Micronutrient Center) To sum things up, this golden vitamin not only helps to minimize fine lines and wrinkles from sun damage, but it helps our immune system as well. Now, the vitamin C I am focusing on is topical vitamin C. Vitamin C within the skin is normally transported from the bloodstream and is found in cells on all layers of the skin.(Oregon State University Micronutrient Center) Applied topically, it will cross over the epidermis into the dermal layers. Cosmetic chemists have been working on stabilizing vitamin C for topical use, but really good old ascorbic acid (vitamin C) seems to work the best. Studies show that the mix of vitamin C, Ferulic acid and vitamin E are even a better choice for protecting skin from sun damage, or to help repair the skin from sun damage. Dr. Sheldon R Pinnell is the Founder of the product line “SkinCeuticals. He and his team of researchers feel that Vitamin E and Vitamin C in combination doubled the photo protection rather than just using Vitamin C alone. SkinCeuticals is a wonderful product line made up of many vitamins that have been researched for a long time. They have a great serum that immediately absorbs once applied. You can put it under your makeup or on a clean face before bed for it to do its magic. This product line has to be purchased through a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. To prove how well Vitamin C works, Roulea did this very interesting experiment with an apple. She cut out a slice of apple, then she coated one half of the apple slice with a vitamin C serum and left the other side without anything on it. Then she waited three hours and guess what happened? The side with the Vitamin C serum on it did not oxidize at
all. The other side of the apple was very brown and oxidized. The serum she used was the SkinCeuticals Vitamin C with Ferulic Acid combined together. Now, this is the exciting part! She put the same serum on the brown side of the apple, and giving it a little time to set in, the brown side of the apple turned bright and fresh again. This is such a testimony of how powerful Vitamin C really is! It can undo damage! You can view this experiment on a videos posted by “@gothamista”. She is a very popular skin care enthusiast and beauty vlogger on Instagram. Think back a few years when Vitamin C was considered the best thing for just colds. It became the Rodney Dangerfield of the vitamin family. “It didn’t get any respect”! The real truth is that scientists have taken a second look at Vitamin C. They found that it definitely helps you feel and look younger. (www.health. com) It’s not just for colds anymore. You can’t pick up a beauty product anymore without seeing vitamin C as one of the main ingredients. Antioxidants help to turn back the clock. There was an October 2007 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that found that people who ate foods rich in Vitamin C had a lot less age- related skin issues. In that study, it is also recommended that you use a topical vitamin C daily after cleansing your skin. If you can’t get to a doctor’s office to get SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic topical, LaRoche Posay Active C facial moisturizer is a good over-the-counter way to go. So give your skin the respect it deserves and “C” (see) the positive results small changes, like adding a C-serum can do for your outer glow.
Watch for the Next Issue in October!
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of footprints, that’s when I carried you.” God puts these people in our lives for a reason. No one is made to walk this life alone, and He knows that. He carries us on so many days, and that’s okay. Emily said, “I never want to wish away time, but I’ll be happy when I’m feeling more like myself, and able to DRIVE again! There’s that control issue again, ha!” We don’t realize how much the inability to drive can cause anguish to a mom. Most of us drive, and when we can’t, it uproots that calendar we spoke of earlier. It uproots the whole house! But what we fail to see is, it’s not about the events or the act of driving. It is about admitting we are human. Moms think they should ultimately control the universe and everything outside of the Milky Way! No! We do not need to control it. We need to learn to give that control to God. Emily learned that. Her faith has always been strong, but illness and relinquishing total control to God is something you only learn in the face of a harrowing diagnosis or life changing event. I am happy to report that she is cancer free! Praise God! She is rebuilding her strength, and she recently joined the girls on a back-to-school shopping spree. She came home exhausted and as if her brains were made of the hideous slime our kids insist on making. So, she came home like any other mom! I bet she even wiped some counters and threw a load of laundry in before she tucked her cape in for the night.
Stacy Bartkus, 35 years old, Monongahela, PA I have always referred to Stacy as Winnie the Pooh, the lovable, kind hearted, sweet bear created in the beautiful mind of A.A. Milne. Just as Pooh is always ready for an adventure, a hug, or a kind word, so is Stacy. She is the mom who makes sure her kids are living their best life, and even simple inflatable pools and backyard picnics can be made epic at her house! My favorite thing she does for the kids, is her adorable pancake breakfasts complete with whipped cream and sprinkles topped with a bright candle. I never know what’s burning brighter, the candle or the eyes of the smiling child. September 11th is already a devastating date to so many of us, but it holds even more of an agonizing life event. Last September 11th, my dear friend experienced a large hemorrhagic stroke that would threaten her life at 34 years old (at the time). Again, are we ever prepared for these things? In mere moments, her life was changed. She was life-flighted to a level one trauma center where her fate was uncertain. By the grace of God, she does not recall the details of those days and weeks of intubation, drains in her brain and chemical sedation. She does not recall her husband’s eyes, red from tears and his face drawn with concern, love and fear. She doesn’t know the pep talks her family gave her or the times I spoke to her, willing a familiar voice to come out from her. Her family did their best to keep the children’s lives as “normal” as possible because that is Stacy. She always runs a welloiled Bartkus machine. The kids still went to school every day, and came home to homework and studying. Cheer practices and baseball games still went on. The kids missed their mom, and were given little information because, honestly, no one was sure what tomorrow would bring.
724-684-7224
All the while, she fought to stay alive, and prayer upon prayer went up with her name attached with a string for God to see. One beautiful day, she awakened, and things began to improve. Today, she’s walking, talking, gorgeous, and a glorious miracle! I see her sitting in a pew at church with her kids surrounding her and my heart is so full. Is there a more beautiful picture than a woman who loves her children and God all at once? Stacy still struggles with the weeks that were lost, and I’m wondering if God doesn’t keep us from knowing too much sometimes. Maybe our hearts are not meant to endure the brutality of what happens to us sometimes. However, she is strength-training every day, and she is getting this “momthing” like a champion. Recently, she invited my daughter to come over and play with her middle daughter. We always said, long before any of this happened, that our daughters were destined to be forever friends just as we are. The girls played and worked on crafts together, and they even invited my daughter to stay for dinner. She would text photos to me throughout the day of the girls playing together and having adventures. My eyes burned with tears as I flipped through them. I had been so scared of losing her and losing this, that when I finally saw some semblance of who she was, I let myself cry. It’s over. It’s finally over. God is bringing her through the storm, and just like any ship left in a storm, the sails are a bit tattered, and the sailor is tired and weary. With perseverance and fortitude, she’s sailing again! By God, she is sailing again--so much so, that my 10 year old daughter came home and said: “Mom, that was the best day of my life. To see Stacy doing so good, and she made the best dinner I’ve ever had. I’m so happy God heard us.” Now, Stacy struggles with her setbacks—mostly with her memory, double vision, and right sided weakness. She is not a person to easily accept defeat, so she fights daily to be who she was. She’s mad at herself for not being stronger, and she says sometimes, she just needs a break from the kids. All the while, she feels guilty for this! My advice to her was: “I did not have a stroke and I need a break from my kids!” All jokes aside, I think she needs to give herself a ton of credit, because there have been kid’s birthdays since the stroke, and you know what? Those fancy pancakes and the bright burning candle were still there! I did notice a difference though: “I you’re reading this Stacy, (which you better be), the smiles are even BRIGHTER in the kids.” Recently, she told me that she noticed the kids were arguing less, and her oldest son was being more helpful and involved. Sometimes, God gives us challenges to overcome, but the lesson is not intended for us at all. Maybe, just maybe, the lesson is for others around us--not even necessarily our families. Do those who know us realize how much we take care of, are responsible for, and what we bring to the table every day? Probably not. Please, do not misconstrue her having a stroke as a good thing! Absolutely not!~ But, one thing is for sure, she has learned to say “I love you” more freely and openly as she was more of a reservist with those words. She still loses her temper when her kids are kids, and I try to remind her: “That makes you an ordinary mom.” As she too, tucks her cape in every evening, one child still gets to rotate sleeping over in Mom’s room right next to her as they always have, and as it was always meant to be. The lesson is: “We are moms!”. We are fierce, and sometimes we can be each other’s worst critics: “Can you believe she let her kid wear such and such?” are words you know you have heard. “Who lets their kid spray their hair weird colors?” we whisper. “She looks a mess at pick-up every day.” Here’s my unsolicited advice: “Stop judging.” Motherhood is not a competition; it was never meant to be one. Motherhood is a secret union of women who are in the race together. We know not what adversities lie within the homes of others. Be careful with the sharpness of your tongue and instead, let’s be the example Christ asks us to be: supportive, a helper and kind. I leave you with Proverbs 31: 25-30 to think on: “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all’. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
JubileePage News Page 3 Jubilee News 7A
--Love and Marriage--
“Summer Heat and Staying Cool” The Seven Cardinal Rules...and One More!
By Pastor Rena Perozich For Jubilee News rperozich@mfcministries.net How to save your marriage in the heat of Summer? Take two cars. When headed out to what could be a stressful event for both you and your spouse, take separate cars. I know this sounds crazy, but you wouldn’t believe the fights you will be spared. This has several perks. You can set the AC wherever you want it. Play your favorite tunes and leave the family reunion whenever you want to. The pre-stress feelings of having to go present, perform, socialize,
ADDICTION from 2a
drugs again! I was 28 when I stood before the judge, and the probation officer said: “We recommend that Justin Buckels serve time in the Washington County Prison and be transferred to a state prison for a 10year prison sentence.” The judge got this faraway look on his face. I’d never seen him look like that before, and in looking back, I know the Holy Spirit was touching his mind. He dropped his glasses and said: “You know what? I don’t think we’re going to send Justin to state prison. I think we’re going to give him another chance. This is what we’re going to do. We’re going to send Justin to a long-term rehab, and from there, he’ll go to a half-way house. We’re going to give him another chance.” I was ecstatic and ran out of that place never thinking I would leave without hand cuffs! I said to God: “I’m about to do something I’ve never done before! I’m going away for eight or nine months, and I’m just going to believe You, God! I’m just gonna push into You like never before!” The whole seven to eight months I was there, I did the bare minimum to get through without getting into trouble. I went after God the whole time. I read probably like sixteen “Bill Johnson” [Christian] books and of course the Bible. Now I had a real relationship, and actually knew the Scriptures this time. Any break I got, any moment I had, I would read the Bible. I fasted once a week and believed the Lord to set me free! I even began a Bible Study at the halfway house and only a couple of guys came, but then I met a guy with a guitar, and he began to play worship songs and then everyone in the half-way house was coming! A revival took place! I would sneak out of the halfway house in order to pray for people on the streets and began to see miracles
2. What others think of you is none speak, confront, etc. are all lessened of your business. It’s how much you value because you get to calm yourself down. yourself and how important you think you On your way there, you know you can are. leave when you need to—or want to. 3. Time heals almost everything. When we marry a person, we get the Give time, time. Pain will be less hurting. family thrown in too. We don’t pick our Scars make us who we are; they explain in-laws, or as some would say “outlaws”. our life and why we are the way we are. When we take a separate car, we can They challenge us and force us to be leave that stronger. family re4. No one When we take a separate car, we can union and our is the reason for leave that family reunion and our spouse spouse can your own happican stay as long as they want. No fights. stay as long ness, except you as they want. “Love you Honey, got to go.” Give them a kiss on the cheek, say your goodbyes, yourself. Waste No fights. no time and and you’re free to enjoy your day. “Love you effort searching Honey, got to for peace and go.” Give them a kiss on the cheek, say contentment and joy in the world outside. your goodbyes, and you’re free to enjoy 5. Don’t compare your life with othyour day. No fights. No stress. No guilt ers’. You have no idea what their journey trips. I seriously tell couples this quite is all about. If we all threw our problems in often. And the proof is in the outcome. a pile and saw everyone else’s, we would Couples tell me how much better they grab ours back as fast as we could. get along just knowing they have a 6. Stop thinking too much. It’s alseparate car. right not to know all the answers. SomeI’m not sure where these came from, time there is no answer, not going to be but here are the 7 Cardinal Rules of Life. any answer, never has been an answer. I added the 8th. That’s the answer! Just accept it, move on, NEXT! 7 cardinal rules in life: 7. Smile! You don’t own all the prob1. Make peace with your past, lems in the world. A smile can brighten the so it doesn’t spoil your present. Your darkest day and make life more beautiful. past does not define your future – your It is a potential curve to turn a life around actions and beliefs do.
after I cried out to God FOR miracles! I had a new excitement for life! God was all I wanted. I remember saying to God: “Everything I thought I was to have in life, I don’t have anymore. My college degree and all those plans are gone. God, show me what I’m supposed to do with my life now.” I remember even saying: “God, send me a prophet!” When I was at the halfway house, I had a job interview at WalMart. I left the house and was walking down
you in that back alley, you didn’t believe any of the things that I said. But now, I’m telling you again. God has reserved you for this time to lead thousands to the Lord. God is going to send you some places that He can’t send anybody else. Your ministry will be a ministry of healing, miracles and signs and wonders. And God will have you ready in six months for full-time ministry.” I thought: “What! Six months? I’ve never even preached or thought about preaching!” That
I was ecstatic and ran out of that place never thinking I would leave without hand cuffs! I said to God: “I’m about to do something I’ve never done before! I’m going away for eight or nine months, and I’m just going to believe You, God!
this one back alley to my bus when I saw a man coming towards me. I didn’t want to talk to anybody, and I remember saying to God: “I don’t want to talk to this person. I’m gonna put my head down.” As this person got closer, he stopped me and said, “Hey, sir, I wanted to tell you something. The Lord Jesus sent me to tell you that you’re going to go into the ministry and you’re going to lead thousands to Jesus before it’s too late,” He told me some other things about the ministry and I was like-“Oh, okay.” I said: “God, I don’t know if that man was from You at all, but if he was, I’ll receive that.” I totally forgot about that man because I didn’t really believe it. Three weeks later, I was asked to go to church on a Saturday night because a prophet was coming. His name was Prophet D. LaRee Scott. I went, and as I was sitting there, the prophet walked in. I looked up at him and it was the man from the back alley! He began the service, and as he did, he looked over at me and said: “I’ve been fasting and praying all week, and I had a vision of you that you would be here. The Lord told me that whenever I encountered
never heard of “Legacy Church” in Houston, plus I didn’t think I was going to be a pastor. I thought I was going to be a traveling evangelist. Then a “Legacy Church” asked me to come preach for them! They were giving new believers in Christ an opportunity to preach at their Washington site. I remembered that prophetic word I was given, and asked: “Do you guys have a church in Houston?” They said: “Yes, and we’re looking for a pastor to fill the role.” It was shortly after that, they asked me to pastor for them. I was in full time ministry in six months as prophesied. I even held my first outdoor crusade where 50 people received Jesus. I have since talked to the same prophet by phone who said: “The Lord’s telling me that He’s preparing a wife for you. He’s getting your wife ready and your ministry will go international by December (2018).” When he said this, it was nine months away from December. I thought it was unlikely, because at that time, I was on probation and you’re not allowed to leave the county, the state, let alone the country. Then this lady heard me preach and started coming to my church. She ended up working for the judge who sent me to the half-way house. Literally, nine months to the date that I got the word that my ministry would “go international by December”, doors opened for me to go to Honduras in
was never on my agenda. I believed that word but didn’t know how it was going to happen. Three more weeks went by and I was still in the halfway house and going to another Bible study, and these people asked me to preach at their church on a Sunday! I preached for the first time, gave an altar call and nine people received Jesus. The prophetic word was already beginning to manifest! I was getting ready to be discharged from the half-way house to come back to Washington County, and that same church asked me to preach a second time! And then another church asked me to preach. So now, I was the heading up a Bible study inside the half-way house and preaching on the outside on Saturday and Sunday nights. I was spending hours writing messages to preach. I knew I was now addicted to preaching! And I realized that With a the Bible Study I headed up inside the half-way Subscription of: house was preparing me for what was to come! I remember doing street ministry one day when one of the guys I was with said: “Hey, the Lord’s telling me that Call: 724-684-7580 you’re gonna be the pas- Leave a Message or see: tor of Legacy Church in Houston, PA,” But to be www.jubileenews.org honest, I didn’t believe (Scroll to the bottom) him, because first off, I
To “GIFT” YOUR CHURCH or GROUP
and set everything straight. 8. Take your own car. When headed to family functions such as reunions, alleviate the fights with your spouse and drive separately. Then you can leave when you want, no feelings hurt. We can feel stressed and angry when we don’t make peace with our past. We may feel entitled and shift blame on others, rather see ourselves for who we are. However, when we realize that hey, I’m okay and I can choose how I feel about my past and my present, we can choose to be happy. We don’t have to enjoy the company of everyone, even if we are related to them. We all handle situations differently. So, let’s give one another space. People want to be with people who are happy. Happy people don’t compare themselves or their marriage with others. They accept their life as exactly that— their life! So, they can smile and make decisions that make themselves and others smile, by taking their own car for example. None of us are stuck. So, as summer heats up, keep your cool by following these eight cardinal rules. Share this list with others, and encourage them to subscribe to this publication, so instead of getting hot under the collar, they can bring up the heat under the sheets! Enjoy Summer lovin’ instead of low livin’.
Justin and Dalise Buckels November. It was also exactly one year from the time I cried out to God for miracles when people were being healed as I prayed. That lady talked to the judge and said: “Hey, you really need to let Justin go on this Honduras trip”. The judge okayed it and my international ministry was birthed. I had experienced miracles here locally during street ministry, but it was my first time I ever saw deaf ears open, drug addicts set free, blind eyes open, all the way from a 90-year-old lady down to a 7-year-old girl in Honduras. When God sets you free, He sets you free! I never had to do any house-arrest, which is common when you’re on probation. And on my first Honduras trip, I met my wife just as the prophet said. I pastored at Legacy church in Houston for
only a short time, and within six months, the Lord led me to begin my own ministry. I’m at the same location I was then, but it’s called “Victory Faith Center”. Today, at the age of 31, I married Dalise, the love of my life, who was also my interpreter in Honduras. We were married on May 11th, 2019. (That’s another story!) Together, we minister locally and internationally, and on May 31st, we had our second outdoor crusade with another one coming up on August 16th, 2019. To God be all the Glory great things He has done! Editor’s Note: Go to Pg. 7a for an upcoming event. Victory Faith Center is located at 10 Cherry Avenue in Houston, PA. Services are every Saturday evening at 6pm. Pastor and evangelest Jeremy Gilbert is associate pastor.
Jubilee News Page 82A
“Mitch”
A Birthday Present From Heaven
have the heart to put tools in it and use it”. Randy asked all the right questions, but it still sounded too good By Hazel K. Palmer to be true! But it For Jubilee News hpalmer@jubilee was true! news.org It was still unbe(Monessen, PA) July lievable to Randy 26th 2019 was the that it wasn’t selling birthday of my husbased on the hisband Randy tory of that and he respecific van. We felt the 4-speed transmission When he ceived a birthshift perfectly. We felt the power that discovered day present would be able to handle all of the we both will hills in Monessen! I said, “I feel like there were no never forget. we have gone back in time, back into inspections For the last 1995. This van looks like it came off in Michigan, the showroom floor!” five years, he’s his thoughts kept his eye turned to open for a 1995 GMC and his mechanic told skepticism: “This Rally STX van, a van van might look him: “This van’s shot! he once owned and good, but how is What it would cost loved for 14 years. it mechanically? for you to replace the It was the most deWhy hasn’t it sold? brake lines—the van’s pendable van he had Does it have a catanot worth it.” But, I ever had despite the lytic converter since knew God was holding leaky roof air vent and that van in Michigan they don’t need an irritable anti-theft emissions?” for my husband! alarm. It had close to In disbelief, I always had a 300,000 miles when Randy kept watchdesire to buy him a he finally junked it. It ing Craigslist for van and surprise him, was like a funeral—so but never really had it to sell. He also sad! found another van enough money set Randy replaced on craigslist in aside to do such a it with a used 2000 Baltimore, Marything. But this time Chevy Express van land that was up was different. So, in 2014, we named for sale since May. what did I do? I got a “Caleb”. And now He called about it loan knowing that this “Caleb” was on its last was ALL God. Once since it was closer leg. The entire time to where we live, the loan was finalized he owned it, Randy and it sold the day and the money hit our would look online for before, another checking account, I another 1995 GMC sign that the one in began to make arRally STX van. When Michigan was the rangements for us to he would find one, it one for him! go to Michigan would either be for Two days before Randy finally called sale out of state or Randy’s birthday the Michigan owner would quickly sell if it on Wednesday, for the first time. The was local. He would July 24th, we left owner’s name was say: “People know for Midland MichiMario. He had tried for this is a good van.” gan. Randy looked many years to purIn early May, Ranat me and said, chase this van from a dy came across a “I think this is the collector who refused 1995 GMC Rally STX to sell. Mario was this craziest thing we’ve van on Craigslist in ever done!” I just collector’s friend and the state of Michigan. laughed. handyman and when One month went by Nine hours later, this collector was on and then another and we feasted our his deathbed, he said: another and it was still “Give that van to Maeyes on the prize. there! It looked like I watched Randy rio. He wants it.” it was in such excelcrawl underneath Mario, had it for lent condition, but he that van to inspect only seven months, couldn’t understand the undercarriage. but decided to sell it why it was still there I heard his words: because he “didn’t and not sold. “Haze! It’s like the brake line is brand new!” He saw the catalytic converter. He saw an undercarriage that was perfectly clean, and before he even testdrove it, he looked at me and said: “I want it!” We climbed into the perfectly clean seats that looked like they were never sat in and took a test drive. We listened to the purr of a perfect 350 motor with only 94,000 miles. We felt the 4-speed transmission shift perfectly. We felt the power that would be able to handle all of the hills in Monessen! I said, “I feel like we have gone back in time, back into 1995. This van Meanwhile, “Caleb” was going downhill fast. Randy said: “It has more leaks than Watergate!” Aluminum tape held the body together, and when his brakes went to the floor one day, he took it to the shop. It had major brake line and power steering leaks,
Actual photo as it appeared on “Craigslist Michigan”.
There was an incredible find under the seat in this van that pointed to the divine plan that had unraveled. looks like it came off the showroom floor!” There was even a log book recording all repairs and oil changes. By four o’clock that same afternoon, the title was signed over to my husband. Happy Birthday Randy! I asked Mario why it wasn’t sold. Here were his words as much as I could remember: “People didn’t appreciate this van. They wanted to give me cash and a trade. Or they just wanted to trade something for it. I didn’t have the heart to keep it. I didn’t want to put tools in it. It’s too big and I want to downsize and maybe get a Chevy Astro van. I’m just going to do my own work [as a handyman] because help has been undependable.” I remember him saying this after he signed the title over: “I said to the Lord, I can’t keep this van. But my wife thinks I’m crazy for selling it!” As Randy situated the van for us to drive it away, I asked Mario if I could pray for him. We held hands in the middle of his driveway and here was my prayer: “Father, I ask for you to bring to Mario the exact van he wants, just like you brought this one to us. I don’t know how you’re going to do it; whether you’re going to send somebody to him or cause his eyes to fall upon it. But Lord, I believe that when you do it, he will remember this prayer and he will thank you. And now I pray a blessing over Mario and his wife and
his entire household and even the dog! In Jesus name! Amen” I saw tears in his eyes. We said good-bye and drove off in our sleek 1995 GMC Rally STX van. The next day, we drove 450 miles back to Monessen with no problem whatsoever. The van came with a full tank of gas and we spent only $57 in gas to get home. We have a joke about how we always name our vehicles, and I asked Randy what he was going to name it, and he instantly said: “MI(t)CH”. I laughed and asked why, and he said, “It’s short for Michigan.” I quickly googled his play on words: “Mitch” and in Hebrew it means “Gift from God”! As it sunk in, late on, he looked at me and said: “I want to get a plate made for the front of the van that says: “Mitch ‘A Gift from God’”. On Friday, July 26th 2019 which is Randy’s birthday, he was the proud owner of a 1995 GMC Rally STX van. But it doesn’t end here! The next day, he removed the passenger seats and something caught his eye. On the bottom of one of the cushions, a date was stamped: “July 26th,” the exact month and day of his birthday! It was the date the van was made! How overwhelming it still is for us to think that when this van was made back in 1995, on Randy’s birthday, God had a
plan all along for it to fall into the hands of a collector who would take good care of it. He knew when the collector would leave this earth to go to Heaven, that he would pass it on to Mario, a kind hearted man who would honor his friend’s memory by seeing to it that the van would fall into the hands of someone who would appreciate it. That man was my husband, Randy Palmer who lives 450 miles away. It was Randy’s birthday present from Heaven. As we both continue to thank God for this gift, we say good-bye to “Caleb”, our former van. But this time, neither one of us are sad to see it go. Instead, we see it as one last sign from God. “Caleb” took us to our “Promised Land”…the GMC Rally STX van. Just as “Mario” was the go-between from one van owner to the next, “Caleb” was the go-between until it was TIME for Randy to receive the van of his dreams in 2019. It all took place on God’s watch, and we give God all the glory for what He has done! Oh, and did I mention it doesn’t have a roof air vent or an irritable anti-theft alarm? A Perfect Gift from a Perfect On-Time God!
Jubilee News Page 39A
--Events That Bring Change--
Kelly Willard Comes to Monongahela, PA
“Simple, honest, unpretentious, easy to listen to over and over...” These are a few words that many people use when describing the music and voice of Kelly Willard. Although Kelly has lent her talents to the artistry of such wellknown artists as Bob Bennett, Bruce Carroll, Jim Cole, Dion DiMucci, Bob Fitts, Amy Grant, Buddy Greene, Keith Green, Steve Green, Karen Lafferty, Lenny LeBlanc, Fernando Ortega, Twila Paris, Ricky Skaggs, Paul Overstreet, and inumerable Praise and Worship recordings over the years, she remains as simple and approachable as a person can be. Born and raised in Winter Haven, Florida, Kelly took to the piano at the tender age of five. Piano lessons were short-lived, as she preferred the unconventional path of playing ‘by ear’. Learning by listening to the radio and recordings, Kelly began to compose her own songs when she was thirteen years old. Accompanying the choir at her church, playing and singing in nursing homes on Sunday afternoons, and traveling with a part-time Gospel group on weekends, it kept her sharing her talents with people. At the young age of sixteen years, Kelly moved to Nashville, TN, where music became her
Kelly Willard livelihood. Taking the opportunities afforded her to accompany such groups as The Jake Hess Sound, The Archers, and Seth, she continued to offer her God-given abilities. But, Kelly credits her vocal development to a man from Oklahoma City, OK, named Harlan Rogers. She says that he encouraged her and taught her, actually having to talk her into singing solos. “I really didn’t think I had what it took to sing solo, but Harlan kept insisting that I did, and if it weren’t for his influence and belief in my gifting, I probably never would have sung anything outside of a ‘group’ setting.” Kelly married at age eighteen, joined Harlan Rogers & Friends, and traveled the Midwest until 1977, when she
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” Psalm 133:1
Saturday, August 31, 2019
6pm ~ “An Evening of Worship” The Wade Sisters - Opening Selections
featuring
Kelly Willard
Recording Artist and Full-Time Prison Ministry
Sunday, September 1, 2019
11am ~ Kelly Willard Worship Leader / Morning Speaker
401 Second Street, Monongahela, PA 15063 (724) 258-2090 www.freeindeed836.com
Kelly Willard Recording Artist
Free Indeed Ministry
Pastor Frank Sloan, Jr. Free Indeed Ministry
and her husband, Dan, moved to Southern California to be a part pf the then current flow of “Jesus Music” people, ministering and recording in that area. She played keyboards and sung background vocals on projects for such artists as Karen Lafferty, Bob Bennett, Tommy Coomes, Roby Duke, and Lewis McVay before “Maranatha! Music” approached her to record her own solo project. 1979 witnessed the release of her first solo album titled, BLAME IT ON THE ONE I LOVE, produced by Jonathan David Brown. The release of this album thrust Kelly into the eyes, ears and hearts of the public, as much of her music received extensive National radio airplay, and she began touring the United States and other countries. In 1981, Kelly was involved in the production of her second
album, WILLING HEART. 1983 brought the release of her next “project”, a son, named BRYAN ASHER WILLARD. Bryan is a musician/ writer/worship leader in his own right, and lives with his wife and three daughters in Wisconsin. He is currently working with Jason Upton’s ministry, THE KEY OF DAVID, as well as playing the bass guitar with Jason’s band. Later that same year Maranatha!Music released what many people have termed their “favorite Kelly Willard album, titled PSALMS,HYMNS & SPIRITUAL SONGS. This recording is what Kelly considers “a personal look at her relationship with God, through worshipful music.” In 1986, Kelly bore a second child, her beautiful and most cherished
daughter, named HAYLIE GRACE WILLARD, who entered her Eternal Home with Jesus at the age of eighteen. (August 29, 2004) Her fourth and fifth albums, released between 1986 and 1991, are titled MESSAGE FROM A KING, and GARDEN. In 1996, Kelly had the opportunity to record a “Positive Country” CD, which was originally only released in Holland, but which Kelly has recently re-released through her website, for all to hear. It is titled HOMESICK FOR HEAVEN. With all that Kelly has had the opportunity to do, she has expressed that her favorite thing is, “to worship God, and lead others in doing the same.” She states, “I believe God’s greatest desire is to Love us. And, as we receive His Love for us, our hearts respond with authentic love, praise and adoration for Him. It is in this setting that I believe our own healing and restoration takes place. To be a part of this kind of ministry is an honor and responsibility that keeps me on my knees before Him. I am truly humbled that He would grant me the privilege of being a carrier of His Presence.”
“Light House of Grace” Turns a Page August 12th, 2019 marked a new beginning for “Lighthouse of Grace”, a monthly gathering held at Alverton United Methodist Church. Judy Shirer, president, shared: “I don’t see our meetings as a “service”. To me, a service follows a format or an agenda. This is more of a joyful gathering where men and women come together and freely worship God and pray for one another. Virgie Videl, a ‘General in God’s Army’ ministered at our July meeting and paved the way for “change” to come forth. We believe God has a plan that we are walking out and we are open to whatever God wants us to do!” Tom Shirer, Pastor of Alverton UMC is also embracing change. He shared: “In that word “Change” comes transition, and I can’t help but see this as a stepping stone to where God’s taking us.” Pastor Tom had asked the Lord to give him an acronym for the word: “CHANGE” and in a moment’s time, a download came: “Christ-Holds-A- NewGlory -Experience”. The block below shows the upcoming “Lighthouse of Grace” gatherings. Anyone who wants to “experience” God in their life are welcomed with open arms. It’s a new season for YOU!
Times and Seasons Under the Stars Sept. 1st - Sept. 29th (Month of Elul) Sept. 30th - Oct. 29th (Month of Tishrei) By Chuck D. Pierce For Jubilee News (Intro by Hazel K. Palmer) What you are about to digest is not astrology, nor is it your horoscope. Instead, this is the “Real Deal”. Why eat hamburger when you can eat steak? Why not digest the “Real”, rather than the “counterfeit”? Thirty days hath September, April June and November. This is the calendar we are accustomed to. But, did you know that it is a “man-made” calendar that was adjusted to accomodate Constantine; whereas the calendar of old is a “lunar calendar” that follows the times and seasons in the heavens, incorporating earth with the order of the Heavens? Isn’t that powerful?
That calendar is still in existence and is used by the Jewish population who have the wonderful understanding that the Heavens speak into our lives as God intended; and that there really are signs in the Heavens that speak and confirm the times and seasons we live in, according to the Divine Order that has been set into place just for us-not by man, but by the Creator Himself who created man: God Himself. Elul: 29 days Alphabet:YUD - appointed mercy from the Hand of god Tribe: Gad Characteristics: The month that “the King is in the field.” Approach Him and allow His countenance to shine on you.
The month to fix what has been broken. The month to find your place in the company of the Lord The month to run into the tower of might. The “mother” month--a month of nurturing Faith requires action. This is a month os spiritual service, organization, management Constellation: Virgo (the virgin) - I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine! Color/Stone: Grey/Jastper or Hematite Elul is called “the month of repentance,” “the month of mercy,” and “the month of forgiveness.” God wants to meet with us in a special way and share a time of special intimacy with Him. Elul is a “haven in time,” like a “city of refuge” from the ravages of life. Through most of the year, a king lived in a palace, protected by armed guards and iron gates. To have an audience with a king, you had to make an appointment, learn palace protocol, and dress correctly. But one month each year the king left his palace and went out among his people. He set up his royal tent in a field near a town, and all who wanted to see him were welcomed. The announcement was made: “The king is in the field!” This is the month that “the King is in the field” (2 Sam. 10:1). All can approach Him and He shines His countenance upon everyone. Editor’s Note: This month also reminds us that we CAN approach the King at any time and “the King” is not far away, but always near.
Tishrei: 30 days - October Alphabet: LAMED — which signifies the aspiration to return to your absolute source — “Teshuvah” Tribe: Ephraim — “be fruitful and multiply” Characteristics: The 7th month and all sevens are important: “completion, fullness”. The month of the “Fall Feasts” – Returning to God and experiencing His Glory. The month to “touch” – Mt. 9 — Remember the woman who pressed through to touch Him. The month linked with awakening and removing that which would keep you from returning. Constellation: Libra (the scales) — where the deeds of man are weighed and judgement is released Color/Stone: Black/Black Onyx or Agate In the Bible, Tishrei is “the month of the strong” or “the month of the ancients.” With respect to the reckoning of years, Tishrei is the first month of the year. In the reckoning of the months, Tishrei is the seventh month, the month of completion and perfection. Tishrei is the month of “fall feasts,” when we are to return to God and experience His glory. Tishrei is associated with the constellation Libra (the scales) which pictures the deeds of man weighed and judgement released. This is a month to concentrate more on the justice system than you do in other months. The month of Tishrei is the month of Ephraim, the second son of Joseph. Ephraim went before the firstborn Manasseh, sort of like Jacob and Esau. This is the month to be fruitful and multiply. As the seventh month, Tishrei is the month of the Head of the Year, Rosh Hashanah. All 7’s are dear to the Lord and are dedicated to the Lord, so this month is the dearest month. Tishrei is the month of reflected light, which is different than what we see in April when we have the light of the sun. This is the light of the moon, which changes our environment, the way we process time, the way we work, the way crops grow, and the way we harvest. Tishrei is associated with the Hebrew letter, LAMED—which signifies the aspiration to return to your absolute source. During this month, decree that the things that have been scattered will be returned to you. This month is linked with arousal and awakening, as well as with bitterness, which keeps you from returning to the Lord. A lot of people don’t process bitterness right. During the first month at Passover, you ear bitter herbs to be reminded of the bitterness of the past so you can move on through to the future. At the Head of the Year, you want to be sure you are cleansed of all bitterness. At the Head of the Year you need to ask the Lord how you are to get to the place where you are sure you are flowing in what He is doing. Used with permission from GZI excerpted from the book called “Time to Advance”. A Time to Advance, by Chuck Pierce with Robert & Linda Heidler, will help you learn to think like God thinks. This book can be ordered at: www.gloryofzion. org. The purpose of this book is to show that here is a redemptive, prophetic word that is working in your life. You will come to understand how God, from the past, develops His whole conquering army for today.
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