The Journey - Winter 2016

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The Journey / 2016 Winter

The Journey / 2016 Winter

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6 16 24 32 On the Cover: Dr Greg Adams & Logan Zaragoza

Every room was filled with patients when I came to take pictures of Dr. Adams. While most of us would be overwhelmed and rushed, Dr. Adams was calm and easy to work with. We are blessed to have him in the lives of our children.

- Becky Zaragoza

Contents

The Journey / 2016 Winter

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6 GOD’S JOURNEY TO EARTH AND BACK

Ben Cox

9 RUN YOUR RACE WITH GRACE Dr. Gregory Adams

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16 THE HEART OF THE FATHER IN TIMES OF TRAUMA Dr. Emily & Jason Stopper

22 I AM LOVED & CHERISHED Kathleen George

24 AN EARLY CALLING

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Sheila Driver, PNP

29 RELATIONAL, TRANSFORMATIVE CHRISTIANITY

Ben Cox

32 THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP

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Reggie Hunt

34 POLITICAL CORRECTNESS REDEFINED Jason English

38 WHEN FOOLISH IS A CHOICE Kim Furches

38 c Copyright 2016 The Journey Magazine O

Ben Cox - Owner/Publisher/Editor Deck Moser - Business Development Becky Zaragoza - Graphic Designer Hannah Maxson - HC365 Brand Manager Connie Cox - Distribution Manager Heather Cotten - Office Manager

Online flip through version available at:

MainStreetMarketingBoone.com This magazine is intended to present people’s stories about their personal relationships with God. We endeavor to have a diversity of viewpoints from people who identify themselves as followers of Christ. Each person who shares is encouraged to share their stories, uncut, as is. Because of this, it stands to reason that we are not always able to personally endorse all that is said, nor can we be held responsible for the total veracity of every story. The common denominator is that the people who share have experienced God’s love in real ways. The encouragement that we want for you, is that you too can experience His love wherever your journey takes you.

Any type of reproduction of this magazine is prohibited without permission from Main Street Marketing.

828.263.0095 . mainstreetmktg@gmail.com 324 Highway 105 Ext. Suite 14 (Carriage Square) Boone, NC 28607

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The Journey / 2016 Winter

God’s

Journey to Earth and Back From the Publisher/Editor Ben Cox

Welcome to the 2016 Christmas edition of The Journey! The people who share their stories in the pages of this magazine all contribute unique experiences from their personal spiritual pilgrimages. What unites them is their acknowledgement of being guided in their sojourns by the One and only person who has ever walked the planet without getting lost along the way. We know His name today as Jesus.

When Jesus was born in that manger 2000+ years ago, God, who is LOVE, came down to our level because we needed supernatural help to get to His.

The Lord Jesus Christ was sent to Earth on a mission from God to show us what God is like and to demonstrate how we, as humans, can live in the type of relationship that creates a transformative fellowship with the Lord!

Though Jesus is God, He was also 100% human when He came to Earth. As such, He willingly submitted Himself to the pains of mortal tribulations and experienced all the trials, hardships, injustices and temptations that every human encounters in this life. By submitting Himself to be crucified, when He could have used His Divine power to call down fire on all those who opposed Him, He demonstrated in a powerful way how to overcome evil with good…how to conquer hatred through the power of sacrificial love.

The rules and regulations of humantainted religious systems weren’t cutting it for making a way to heaven, so heaven came down to Earth in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.

The rules and regulations of human-tainted religious systems weren’t cutting it for making a way to heaven, so heaven came down to Earth in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.

After Jesus rose from the dead, He stayed with

His disciples for 40 days teaching them about the Kingdom of God and how it differs from the kingdoms of this world. He also opened their eyes to the Old Testament Prophecies He fulfilled as the Messiah they had been waiting for.

When His physical presence was taken from them into heaven, He told His disciples to wait patiently in Jerusalem “for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.” This happened when the Holy Spirit was initially poured out on them on the day of Pentecost. These men then followed the leading of the Holy Spirit like Jesus had done when He was among them. They also made it a point to be refilled with the Holy Spirit on a daily basis, through daily prayer and the study of the Holy Scriptures. As a result, these mere mortals changed the course of human history in a mighty way. With their message and with their own demonstrations of the power of humble, sacrificial love, they transformed entire cultures where they preached! The first believers who had been commissioned by Jesus to “build His church” were not perfect people, but they were people whose lives were filled with meaning and purpose.

They knew in their hearts that they had received a

transformation in their personal lives that was given to become the catalyst of change in their spheres of influence.

The people who we choose to feature in our magazine are people who understand that! As a result, they are happy to share how their lives have been transformed by the powerful love of Christ. That transformation has led them to a purpose which motivates them to set priorities that are geared to bring heaven to earth, instead of just hoping to go there when they die.

We believe that you will enjoy these stories. As always, our prayer is that something within these pages will stir you to come to know the love of Christ in a greater way than you’ve ever known or experienced it before.

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May His Kingdom come and may His will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven!

Ben Cox

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The Journey / 2016 Winter

Greg and Carol Adams

The Journey / 2016 Winter

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Run Your Race

With Grace Dr. Gregory Adams

Introduction by Connie McBride Cox: I was recently driving from Grandfather Mountain to Blowing Rock on the Parkway, reflecting upon the interview that my husband and I just had with Dr. Greg Adams for this edition of The Journey. When we talked with Greg, we discovered that he had become passionate about running in marathons. Driving along the Parkway I realized that, as a marathon runner, Greg would run the equivalent of these 9 miles in a single marathon several times.

Winding through the curves, I began to think of the importance for a runner to keep his eyes on the goal he was trying to reach, otherwise how easy it would be to stop short, to say it is too long, too hard. What occurred to me about Dr. Adams life philosophy, as it relates to running, is that he’s the type not only to keep his eye on his goal, but to stop his run to help someone who’s struggling. To encourage perseverance by saying, “You can do this! Come on!” He reminded me of Barnabas, in the Bible, whose role it was to help others succeed.

How easy it is in this life journey to lose sight of our goal, grow weary, wish to stop, grow complacent, and say “it’s become too difficult--I don’t know where this road is leading me.”

Greg Adams has such an eternal perspective as he runs his life race. It inspires those around him to keep going and to not lose sight of one’s goal. That goal is to one day be in the presence of the One we love, and hear Him say, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

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Dr. Adams in El Beni, Bolivia

Dr. Adams in El Beni, Bolivia

As I rode past the Moses Cone Trails I thought of the scripture from (Hebrews 12:1) “Run with perseverance the race set before you.” I’m also reminded of the passage that says “Don’t grow weary of doing good because in due season you will reap a harvest, if you don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Then when I spotted the rocks along the trail, I recalled that if we fail to praise Him even the rocks will sing out.

When Greg runs these trails his prayers echo through the woods. Prayers for family, friends, church, community, his parents, their families, governmental systems, everything.

I have known Greg for many years as a neighbor and the doctor to my children, but I have never seen him so passionate and eternally focused on Jesus as he was during our interview. The one he chooses to give the glory to in his life on every accomplishment, every victory, all joy. The glory goes to the Lord. It was truly inspiring to spend time with him and to hear his story. For myself, it was if he gave me his hand and said, don’t give up, keep going…

Many in the High Country have brought their children to his practice, and now many of these children have their own. Greg has cared for them as well as their struggling parents, as he knows it’s not just the body that needs healing but the wholeness of the person, body, soul and spirit.

He loves what he does and this community he is a part of. Somewhere between that twinkle in his eyes and the ease of his smile we find the calm reassurance that it’s going to be fine, we can complete this journey.

We are to be ambassadors of Christ’s love, agents of his loving kindness, conduits of his character.

We must engage the kingdom of God with the people we come in contact. Greg Adams models this principle, and here is his story. Enjoy!

The Journey / 2016 Winter

“No eye has seen, nor ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him”.

(I Corinthians 2:9) I greatly appreciate the name of this magazine: The Journey, because journey is a word I have used in describing the course of one’s life. Someone once encouraged me as a teenager, when I was struggling with depression, to view life as a journey; to see each day as an opportunity to learn and discover the meaning and purpose of life. The practice of that belief lends the journey the significance that it is more than just the passing of time, for it has the purpose and goal of experiencing the gift of life. Jesus made that clear when he said “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

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The late 60’s and early 70’s were also a time of social unrest, the beginning of widespread drug use, and national protests against the war in Vietnam. I was one of those youths caught up in rebellious attitudes and drug use, and found myself without any sense of purpose or hope in life.

During this time a very good high school friend showed me a verse in the Bible that said “he who believes in him ( Jesus) will not be disappointed.” I was intrigued by this because none of my friends read the Bible or ever went to church. In fact, I very much disliked the church and most Christians. But at the time quite a few folk musicians were mentioning Jesus, including James Taylor. A few months later I awoke in the middle of the night with the above noted Bible verse (I Corinthians 2:9) on my mind, even though I hadn’t looked at a Bible since early childhood. Though intrigued by the experience I continued in my rebellion and drug use.

“No eye has seen, nor ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him”. (I Corinthians 2:9)

My journey began here in North Carolina when I was born in Winston-Salem as the youngest of 4 kids in our family. A couple of years later my father took a job at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio.

Fortunately, we visited relatives here in the High Country on a regular basis which cultivated in me a sense that Western North Carolina was my home and instilled a desire to one day return to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

James Taylor’s music during my high school years in the early 1970’s only intensified that desire.

My mediocre performance in school, associated with my drug use, financial constraints, and the risk of being drafted for service in Vietnam, made attending college in North Carolina unfeasible. Instead I entered college in Ohio which I grew to dislike very much. Despite my

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The Journey / 2016 Winter

distaste, while there I was invited by some former hippies to a fellowship gathering which turned out to be about 75 people singing Bible verses and praying for 2 hours.

It was a group of Christians that were committed to their faith and not just stuffy people playing religious games. That night I threw out my marijuana, hash and pipes, got on my knees and cried out to God for forgiveness and for Jesus to be the Lord of my life.

I finished that first quarter in school (barely) but left the school to live at Grace Haven Farm, a Christian commune in Mansfield, Ohio. Most of us were former hippies who now studied the Bible, worked the farm, and made candles and leather goods.

chemistry professor encouraged me to apply for medical school. I needed those words of encouragement because this was something I had hoped to do but had felt was an impossibility.

For several reasons I decided to stay at OSU for my medical education, where I thought I would pursue a career in adult cardiology. In the late summer going into my final year I took the required pediatric course and was surprised to discover a feeling of being called into a career as a pediatrician. I had never considered pediatrics as I had very much “disliked” going to the doctor when I was a child.

During that rotation I found I had a love for kids, some of it from knowing that Christ has a compassion for the weak, vulnerable, and those that are suffering.

“One aspect of moving forward in a journey is the likelihood of stumbling or taking a wrong turn.

Upon graduation I to Dallas, Texas During my time helping with moved do my pediatric residency the Children’s Medical One of the greatest a local Boy Scout troop, I was atCenter.

Though residency emotional struggles of was extremely demanding, my life occurred that teaching an orienteering course I have a great appreciation spring while living and for the program, and the working on the farm. I and realized how important doctors and professors that sensed I was called to go me the profession back to the same college it is when lost to return to the taught I love. My fellow residents I hated, the Ohio State were also fantastic and University. I had hoped taught me so very much. I last known place on the trail to go to a small Christian still think of them foundly. college, or possibly do foreign mission work, but to determine the correct path A very significant part of not OSU. Why couldn’t it God leading me to Dallas, be somewhere in North forward.

Turning back from a rather than some other Carolina, or maybe Oregon? But there was no wrong direction (repentance) is program, was that Carol Runstrom had just moved fighting my calling, and to begin her work as despite my frustration I necessary to keep from going there an RN in the pediatric ICU soon found myself on the at CMC. We met when I was campus of the college I so further off course.” doing a procedure on one disliked.

Once I was back I was challenged by some friends to work diligently and be successful at the university, and they taught me how to study effectively. I have some amazing stories from those years at OSU, achieving way beyond my ability. God truly prospered me and then my

Carol & Greg with a new grandson

of our mutual patients, and then realized we were both going to the same church. We were married 22 months later.

After residency, Carol and I moved with our first son, Rick, to southwestern Michigan for my first position and to be near our families in the Midwest. We had two more kids

Greg & Carol with their kids and grand kids

The Journey / 2016 Winter

during our 4 years there, Hallie and Ben. Eventually the long, cold winters (worse than Boone), lengthy work hours (spent without seeing my own children) and the lifelong sense that North Carolina was my home, prompted us to move to Boone during Christmas, 1986. Our youngest son, Matt, joined the family that next autumn. Like his father he gets to claim to be a native Tar Heel. All 3 of our sons are married and we absolutely love each of our daughtersin-law, (Amanda, Brooke, and Deva) two of whom are from Boone. Hallie has just announced her engagement and we are excited to welcome Tim into our family. Besides all these blessings, we now have 6 wonderful grandsons. My years in Boone have been fantastic, and we are lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places in this great country. I have had the honor and privilege to work with partners at Blue Ridge Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine and a staff that is incredible. I am truly thankful for each and every one of our present and past employees.

The above points are places on the journey where individuals have impacted me and encouraged me in life.

However, since Watauga County is where I have spent the majority of my life, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that there are numerous local service organizations and ministries that have been a blessing to me. Yet I am reluctant to be specific because I would likely leave out someone worthy of recognition, and the list would be quite lengthy. Watching them work, it suffices to say that we are ambassadors and servants of a mighty King who is deserving of all the honor.

However, one organization that should be noted is World Medical Missions as they have given me the opportunity to serve the poor and needy in remote areas of the world. I am certain of the Lord’s teaching that He has a compassion for the poor, the sick and those suffering. From my travels I always return home aware that I have received more than I have given. These medical trips are a part of the journey, taking me to places I never dreamed I would be able to go to.

Twelve years ago I began a new adventure, running for my health. Anyone that knows me is aware of my “obsession’ with running (with some cycling and swimming added in for good measure). Running has produced numerous benefits in my life, from physical to mental and spiritual (I love to pray while running). I mention this part of my life because I cannot think of a better place to live

Greg at the Boston Marathon, 2016

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and enjoy this sport than western North Carolina, yet this hobby has affected me across the globe. My running has prompted the laughter of children, and likely adults as well, in remote Kenya where only children run (I was not in the Kenyan marathon training region!). I believe the white legs of an old man running must have been a funny sight for those children. Twice I have stumbled while running those dirt paths in Africa, once in Kenya, the other time in South Sudan. Both times I was offered sympathetic assistance by onlookers as I stood up with abrasions on hands and knees.

One aspect of moving forward in a journey is the likelihood of stumbling or taking a wrong turn. During my time helping with a local Boy Scout troop, I was teaching an orienteering course and realized how important it is when lost to return to the last known place on the trail to determine the correct path forward. Turning back from a wrong direction (repentance) is necessary to keep from going further off course. Even stumbling in the right direction may occur when traveling and often results in injury, teaching us that despite doing the right things we still have a need for grace and divine assistance.

As I contemplate this, I’m aware of my own stumbles and imperfections and that far too often I have hurt others with my words or expressions. Therefore, I wish to publicly apologize to all those that I have hurt. A line from Josh Garrels’ song Slip Away says “please forgive me before we reach the end.” That’s a plea for forgiveness that I ask of any that I have offended.

In this article, I have referenced a few songs from my love of music. One of the songs that I have come to love is At the Table by Josh Garrels. I identify with the story of wandering away and being called to return home. My desire is to encourage others in their walk and journey, to press on despite trials in this world.

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By Dr. Greg Adams Written with Ben and Connie Cox

Dr Adams with Caleb Ramsey

The Journey / 2016 Winter

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The Heart of the

Father

in Times of Trauma Jason & Emily Stopper

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made...Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:13 Not many parents can actually say they have known their children at the cellular level as Christ knows us, but Emily and Jason Stopper have shared this experience with their Creator. After three years of trying to get pregnant, they prayed and sought the counsel of their pastor, ultimately deciding to pursue in-vitro-fertilization as an option for starting a family. They had the unique opportunity to see the embryos before they were implanted and prayed for the lives within.

For their first attempt, Emily and Jason decided to have two eggs implanted, not knowing if both would “take”. Within weeks, they were thrilled (and alarmed) to find out they were pregnant with twins! They trusted God with this news and began preparing for the new additions. They were finally going to have the family they had been praying for and trusting God to provide.

was 29 weeks pregnant they received disturbing news that their little boy had fluid on his lungs. The doctors felt that it would be wise to drain the fluid from his lungs in utero. Emily and Jason were nervous and concerned for the health of the babies but trusted the doctors’ wisdom and they trusted God to protect them. On December 31, 2012 they checked into Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte for the procedure. They expected to return home and continue on bed rest after the procedure was complete. However, Emily went into labor shortly after being given steroids as a preventative measure to help the babies’ lungs. The doctors performed an emergency c-section when in the early hours of the morning the babies started showing signs of distress.

Since the babies had been born, Emily and Jason, experienced moments of confusion, helplessness, worry, and loneliness. They struggled with anger at God and at the situation.

The plans they were making and ideas they had about the coming months came to an abrupt halt when Emily was put on bed rest at only 20 weeks pregnant due to complications with the pregnancy. Each day was a fight to prolong the pregnancy as long as possible. When she

On January 2nd, 2013, they welcomed Sarah Catherine Stopper at 6:22 am weighing 3.4oz.

Caleb Wendell Stopper was born only one minute later, weighing 3.14oz. They were overjoyed and relieved when they heard both babies cry, believing it was a good sign that they were healthy. Their relief was short-lived. The emotional roller coaster that had begun when she was only 20 weeks pregnant would continue.

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Jason & Emily Stopper with first born twins, Sarah Catherine and Caleb Wendell They soon learned that Caleb had Down Syndrome along with a rare condition that is closely connected with Down Syndrome which affects the lungs, called Chylothorax.

Chylothorax can cause respiratory morbidity, as well as lead to malnutrition and immunodeficiency. They were overjoyed to have their babies, but were concerned about the road ahead.

At the mercy of the medical equipment, their interactions with their sweet new twins were limited and very different from what any first-time parents would ever imagine. Emily and Jason were encouraged when the babies were moved from the intensive care NICU unit, and felt that they were entering the exit phase of this ordeal. They hoped and believed they would get to bring both babies home soon.

But as time passed, the Chylothorax returned, this time on Caleb’s left lung, prolonging his stay. His condition seemed to be worsening and they were trying everything they could to strengthen him. He developed pulmonary hypertension.

He started having episodes of distress where he would have trouble breathing and was obviously in pain. He eventually had to go back on a ventilator, was given a tracheotomy, special medications, and feeding tubes. The doctors were concerned Caleb was not responding to their attempts to relieve his condition. They saw less and less improvement.

had been born, Cards, gift cards EmilySinceandtheJasonbabies experienced moments confusion, helplessness, worry, and and calls offering ofloneliness.

They struggled with anger at and at the situation. No one really encouraging words God knew what they were going through; The Stoppers were pleasantly were a comfort to friends and family were miles away. Cards, surprised when their baby girl, Sarah, gift cards and calls offering encouraging was released from the hospital sooner them, but ultimately words were a comfort to them, but than expected. However, they felt a mix this was a journey they walked this was a journey ultimately of joy and guilt as they brought her home alone with God. One scripture that Emily because they had to leave Caleb behind. to was, Romans 12:2: “Rejoice in they walked alone clung The weeks and months that followed hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant were difficult for the new family as they in prayer.” with God. attempted to navigate the logistics of taking care of Sarah while also trying to be present for Caleb in the hospital. They moved out of the Ronald McDonald house and rented an apartment in order to have some semblance of a normal life and schedule for Sarah. Emily picked up some hours at a friend’s dental practice in order to continue to provide financially as they waited for Caleb to come home.

They took turns visiting him and had to trust the nurses to comfort him when they were unable to.

Caleb showed improvement and growth in certain areas so they remained hopeful that he would be released soon.

The nurses kept trying to prepare them, telling them that fifty percent of all marriages that have a child struggling for life in the NICU end in divorce. To Jason, it was silly to think that there would be any reason to get a divorce just because they were going through a difficult time. He devoted himself to constantly supporting Emily through all the ups and downs.

Jason committed himself to remaining united with Emily, not allowing division to come between them. They had brief moments where they were irritable with each other, but only over silly things. This experience put their marriage vows to the test but ultimately strengthened the bond between them.

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They really only had each other (and Christ) to lean on, to understand what to pray, to understand the silence, joys and tears in each victory and each setback.

Through all the ups and downs, hopes and disappointment they found comfort and strength through the relationships they made with the nurses who cared for their little boy. The nurses were there for them when friends and family were unable to be physically present. Many of the nurses obviously walked in faith in the living God and encouraged Emily and Jason through their dedication to their work and gentle guidance.

One nurse named Rachel had made a special connection with the family. She would care for Caleb at night and was often the one that came to his aid when he would have one of the horrible episodes that were becoming more and more frequent.

Though Emily will never truly understand or be okay with the fact that Caleb passed away, her perspective of life and heaven shifted from a distant concept to a very real understanding.

One morning as Emily was coming in to visit Caleb, Rachel told her about a profound moment she had with Caleb the night before. She said he had experienced a severe episode and seemed to be in extreme pain that evening. She wasn’t able to relieve his symptoms but remained by his side. Rachel spoke to Caleb during the episode and said, “Caleb, if you see Jesus, it’s okay.” Rachel said that Caleb smiled and seemed to regain peace. Emily and Jason found comfort knowing that Jesus was near and perhaps Caleb had been able to see a glimpse of his face during his time of trouble.

The next day Emily and Jason made the difficult decision to remove the feeding tubes and ventilators. Sarah, his twin sister, had not been able to go to the hospital with them because they could not risk compromising his delicate immune system, but this day the hospital allowed her to join them. They would finally get to be together as an entire family, even if for a brief time. For the first time in months, they were able to hold their precious baby boy. They felt his skin, and hair, breathed in his essence, talked with him, prayed over him and savored the remaining moments.

Caleb went home to be with Jesus on August 8, 2013. He

Jason and Caleb

was seven months old. They were able to be with him when he passed. They experienced insurmountable pain in their loss. Their love for their child had never wavered even though their relationship with him was far from normal. Emily and Jason graciously donated Caleb’s organs to other children who desperately needed them. They know that his eyes and his heart valves were able to be used. They rejoiced that they were able to bring hope to someone else through this loss.

They had a celebration of life for Caleb on August 11th. His body was laid to rest in West Jefferson cemetery. On the same day, they dedicated Sarah, Caleb’s twin, to the Lord in order to show that even through these trials they trust God with their child.

They were dedicated to raising Sarah to love the Lord. Sarah has played a huge role in helping Jason and Emily heal.

Caleb

Returning home to Ashe County, without Caleb, after 7 months of being away was extremely difficult. Emily found it difficult to readjust to being “home” as “home” had been Charlotte and Presbyterian hospital for the last several months. Emily recalls feeling somewhat isolated in what she was experiencing and felt the need to talk with someone who had experienced a loss similar to hers. That’s when Emily’s friend, Fran Petrey introduced Emily to her sisterin-law, Daphne Petrey.

Daphne had also lost a baby boy. Daphne was a huge help to Emily, offering a listening ear and words of encouragement, comfort and friendship. Daphne recently published a children’s book about the loss of her son, entitled: I Have A Brother-My Brother Is In Heaven. The book is intended to help other grieving families know they are not alone in their hurt and grief. Emily treasures this book and reads it to her children regularly.

While this experience may scare some parents away from having more children, Emily and Jason firmly believe that God has a plan and purpose for the additional embryos they preserved through in-Vitro-fertilization. They plan to use all the embryos collected for the purposes of starting a family.

With the help of IVF, On November 24th, 2014 they were blessed with a second daughter named Hannah. She is healthy and full of life. On December 26, 2015, Emily took a pregnancy

Emily and Caleb

The Journey / 2016 Winter

test and found out they were expecting another child, only this time was without the help of IVF. It was a wonderful surprise and blessing! Three years to the month after God took Caleb home to be with Him, He gave Emily and Jason a second son.

They welcomed their son, Titus, on August 16 of this year and he too is healthy. There are still two embryos remaining so they are excited to see if God will bless them with more children in the future.

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before.

Jason’s perspective as a husband and father also changed.

Jason came to know God in a deeper way through this experience. He realized that if he truly believed in God that he would have to trust God as the Father of all, including his own children. He understands his role as a husband and father in a deeper way than ever before. He realizes now, that he is the second father to his children and that God is the one true father. God is letting Jason borrow his children and Jason’s job is to shepherd them. Just as any father can call their child in from playing, God can call his children home as well. As much as Jason wanted Caleb here on earth, he knew that his body here on earth, was wrecked.

He is comforted knowing that Caleb’s body has now been made whole, with Christ in Heaven. He feels that being a good husband and good father are the two most important jobs given to him by God in order to show his faith in Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior.

As much as Jason wanted Caleb here on earth, he knew that his body here on earth, was wrecked. their faith was tested during that He is comforted timeWhile Most people do not often connect love in their lives, they rejoice knowing to pain, but, in actuality, these two are often are firmly planted in their relationship knowing that they closely intertwined. To need and experience with the Lord Jesus Christ. At any moment love is to be human, but sometimes the depth this entire ordeal, Emily and Jason Caleb’s body has during of love is not known without loss. Caleb’s death would have given anything to take away their is the most excruciating loss Emily and Jason pain to make him whole. Now they now been made son’s have ever experienced, but the pain they feel understand more fully, the love the Father reminds them of the deep love and bond they for them that He would lay His own life whole, with has shared with their first son. So they welcome down so they can be whole again. They have the opportunity to talk about him, share his with Him the joy of creation Christ in Heaven. experienced photos and share this story with family, friends and now, the pain of love and sacrifice. They Emily continues to work with her father as a dentist at their shared practice, Mountain Town Dental. Jason has worked with them as an office manager since 2011 while also serving as a Major in the Army Reserves. His experience with the medical staff in the hospital helped him see the powerful role that Christians can play when working in a profession that serves people in some of their most vulnerable and depleted moments. He is currently working toward becoming a paramedic so he can offer the same support he witnessed, as he walked through the toughest time of his life.

and now, the world. They still include Caleb in their everyday lives, talking about him with their children and thanking God for the time they had with him.

Thanks to Caleb their perspective on life has forever changed. The door was closed but the window was opened to allow them to truly see God in a new way. Now when they look back on this experience, they see His hand throughout this painful time in their lives. Though Emily will never truly understand or be okay with the fact that Caleb passed away, her perspective of life and heaven shifted from a distant concept to a very real understanding. She now has an eternal perspective, knowing she will see her son again. She knows this is not the end. She feels closer to God than she ever had

Sarah, Hannah & Titus

know now, more than ever, that He alone holds their lives in His hands. He will not leave them or forsake them. He was broken and gave His only Son for them that they may know the true meaning of “life”. They find solace knowing that Caleb is not in pain anymore; Caleb is now alive with Christ!

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, and he was crushed for our iniquities, and the punishment that made us whole was upon him, and by his bruises, we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

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Written by Amber Bateman with Jason and Emily Stopper

Jason, Emily, Sarah, Hannah & Titus

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Merry

Christmas

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I Am Loved & Cherished Kathleen George Marion & Kathleen George Growing up in the 50’s and 60’s my parents took my large family to a First Christian Church. It was a compromise between the two of them, as my father had a Baptist upbringing and my mother was Catholic, and I received Jesus as my Savior when I was a young girl. When I was 13 my parents divorced, which officially ended the era of family church attendance. About that same time period one of my sisters returned home after leaving with the carnival and heading to California. She subsequently ran into trouble and headed back home, bringing with her the hippie and drug culture. She and another older sister were so “cool” in my young teenage mind, and I looked up to them and their drug use in the way younger siblings tend to do. My mother was gone and my father worked nights; under such lax supervision I slipped into that pot smoking culture and all its accompanying bad choices for the next 20 years.

church and pray for me. They popped up all over the map; in my hometown Kissimmee, FL, then Dallas, TX and Atlanta, GA where I moved with my work in the hotel industry.

Moving through these towns I began to seek out Christianity in a new way. Once I took a Billy Graham Bible study course, which had scripture memory cards that you could save and I kept them in my purse many years. By the time I was in my early 30’s I was growing sick of the lifestyle I had chosen, and one day I pulled out those scripture memory cards and browsed through them. Matthew 6:33: (“Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you”) changed my life that day. In my mind, I thought that if I sought God and His righteousness first, then He would give me a good husband. So I cried out to God after many years of trying to go to church and falling away, “God how do I seek first Your kingdom? Please tell me what to do!” and in my heart I KNEW He spoke to me, encouraging to commit to read His Word. I trusted this heavenly advice and became determined to study the Bible. At the time I worked the early shift in the hotel business, so my new found commitment meant waking up at 4am to spend that time in the Word. I bought a Daily Walk Bible in the Living Bible version, to be better able to understand. It was divided into daily segments, and would help you to apply what you read to your life with a prayer guide. This is how I learned to ask God to lead me to a church where HE wanted me to be.

...when he reassured me I felt so safe. At that moment, I knew in my heart that he was going Throughout the years the Lord would to be my husband. put people on my path to invite me to

Marion & Kathleen

By then, I had given dating up to God. Though at work one day, there was a chef’s intern who asked my friend the baker if she thought I would go to dinner with him. When she told me that he was a Christian and only wanted to have someone to go to dinner with, I accepted. He invited me to a church that he was attending and I immediately felt that I had come home as soon as I stepped over the threshold.

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Though that man wasn’t my future husband, he did bring me to the place that would change my life. I made friends with all the single ladies, and one of them said that when you pray for a husband make a list of all that you want and read it to God. I prayed and asked God for the husband HE would choose for me, asking that this man would love God first, so THEN he would know how to love me.

Sometime later, there was a guest speaker in our church while I was working in the nursery. One of my single friends came to tell me to quickly go into the sanctuary to be prayed over, as he was praying for the unmarried to find their mates.

The idea didn’t sit well with me, and I told her that I didn’t need his prayers as I had already given any matchmaking to God. At the same time, almost everyone in my life was telling me that I was too picky and would end up an old maid if I didn’t get out and meet single men. But I knew that God was in control now, and in His timing, my husband and I would meet. I needed to become the person deserving of my future husband, and all my time spent learning God’s Word was doing just that.

It was several years after I found my home in the church that I was asked to lunch by Marion George. I was hesitant at first, but I went anyway and soon was sitting down to eat with him. Nearly the second we sat down at the table, I blurted out, “I just want you to know now that I was on drugs for 20 years and under the influence of the lifestyle that goes with it.” I don’t know why on earth I would say such a thing so soon, but I did. In retrospect Marion said he let that go in one ear and out the other, because before he had asked me on our date the Lord put on his heart that I would be his helpmate. It was perfect timing for both of us, as neither had had a perfect past. His wife had left him sometime before that, and he was about to go into the mountains and become a recluse, until God intervened with other plans.

One day Marion called at a time when I was very distressed.

My sister was trying to talk me into moving back to my native Florida; and despite my trepidation I was tempted by her offer. The family I was living with had just had a baby, and though I felt the need to move on I was upset and confused by all the directions I was being pulled toward. Marion could hear my anxiety, and asked if everything was fine. I told him about the stress coming from every direction, and he told me not to panic. They might have been simple words, but when he reassured me I felt so safe. At that moment, I knew in my heart that he was going to be my husband.

A year later we were married, and 22 years later I still thank God everyday for answering my prayer for a husband who loves God first, because he sure knows how to love me.

I tell Marion frequently that I am the most blessed wife in the whole world, for I know that I am loved, cherished and honored the way God intended. Marion learned this love from Ephesians 5:25: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it.”

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God has truly blessed me and “restored the years the locust had eaten” (Joel 2:25)!

Written by Kathleen George

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An Early

Calling Sheila Driver

During the season when we are more aware of our blessings, it is a no-brainer to be thankful for quality medical care here in the High Country.

Ashe County is no exception. We are fortunate to have skilled professionals as quality health care resources in our small town. Sheila Driver, a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practioner, offers special care to Ashe County folks from her office, Ashe Pediatrics, PLLC in downtown West Jefferson.

Sheila is originally from a small town in Franklin County which is located in the eastern part of the state and neighbors Wake County where our state capital is situated. She was born the seventh of eight children and credits her professional compassion to the strong sense of family that she acquired when growing up. Undoubtedly, “being raised with seven brothers and sisters led me down a path of helping.”

Sheila Driver their denominational affiliation. It made me realize how important it is to have faith in God because that was a major part of what made them so strong.” Her grandparent’s example of faith is what inspired Sheila’s faith and it’s that faith which led her to embrace her career in medicine as a ministry. Prayer is a constant in her life as she ministers to patients as a health care provider. She loves the way the medical field has given her many opportunities to make a difference and help others.

Her grandparent’s example of faith is what inspired Sheila’s faith and it’s that faith which led her to embrace her career in medicine as a ministry.

She recalls, as a young child, going to visit her sick grandma at the nursing home. Her grandma was blind but never failed to comment on Shelia’s hands. Her grandmother insisted, just by feeling Shelia’s hands, that her occupation should be that of a nurse. Although Sheila wanted to grow up and become a lawyer, her grandmother’s insight was a guiding force in her career choice.

Sheila grew up alternating between churches.

Her grandmother was of the Baptist faith, while her grandfather professed the Methodist faith.

The way they made that work for the family was by alternating churches on Sundays. “That has made a lasting impression on me,” Sheila said, “because their faith mattered to them more than

In the Bible, Jesus is often depicted as The Great Physician. Jesus made it his mission to reach out into a hurting world and offer healing and hope, especially to the impoverished and needy. He continues His mission today by utilizing His servants to offer hope to those who are spiritually ill, healing to those who are physically unhealthy, and comfort to those who are afflicted mentally and emotionally. In her role as a pediatric health care provider, Shelia can offer those same resources as an instrument in the hands of Jesus. Time and time again God allows Shelia and her staff at Ashe Pediatrics the opportunity to minister to children, adolescents, and their families.

In Sheila’s world, every day brings different challenges and in knowing that, she begins each day at 5:30 a.m. with a swim. The exercise gives her the opportunity to practice self-care, but also time to take a stab at solving problems.

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Every new day consists of various challenges along with new opportunities. For example, Sheila recalled a time when she found herself counseling a grieving mother. She knew this mother was going to lose her child sometime in the near future and she had to help this mother and family face the inevitable tragedy of death. Whenever she’s had to do this she tries to help a family see that sometimes, death can be a blessing. Death is terrible, a no-win situation, and life will never be the same, but when patients have no quality of life, or a machine is the reason a heart is beating, that’s when the compassionate, honest help of a health care provider like Sheila is so vital.

Then there are the joys of being a part of saving a life! In the peak of our tourism season, a family was visiting the area.

They literally walked in from off the street with their child in respiratory distress and luckily, the receptionist recognized the fragility of the situation. Sheila and her staff were able to administer breathing treatments as well as other lifesaving protocol to stabilize the patient while simultaneously reassuring the family. The entire staff was involved in the care of this young child and that is the definition of the type of team work that has been achieved there.

Sheila and her staff also encompass the idea that mental health is vitally important to physical health. By establishing relationships with her patients and their families, tough questions can be asked along with being able to share with her patients healthy perspectives on parenting. In this role, Sheila appreciates the opportunities she has to encourage parents to make positive choices, seek spiritual counsel, and promote community involvement in extra-curricular activities.

The staff at Ashe Pediatrics has a goal to make each and every patient feel special. Sheila declares that in the pediatric world, a practitioner is only as good as her toys.

The environment is quite child friendly. Each exam room is theme oriented and has very little resemblance of the sterile exam rooms that are stereotypical of a visit to a health care professional. She provides her patients a toy for good behavior. If a patient’s behavior is not up to standard, then the incentive is offered to work towards two toys the next visit by exhibiting good behavior. She admits to having a cot in the back room to sleep in case winter weather might inhibit her safety going and or coming to the office.

Sheila is certain that every job she had prior to opening her practice in Ashe County has prepared her to care for her patients. She believes the work she does is so important.

Even though she recognizes that she cannot make decisions for her patients, she can help guide them to a path to success. She hopes to instill in her patients healthy selfesteem and motivation to make good grades and do well in every aspect of their lives.

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Written by Kim Furches with Sheila Driver

Members of Blackburn’s Chapel United Methodist Church

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Relational, Transformative Christianity An Intro to 2 Churches & 2 Pastors who are Raising Awareness in the High Country

After some recent back pains sent me to the doctor, I had been prescribed physical therapy at the Wellness Center and found myself there one afternoon. It was in the lobby that I encountered an old acquaintance of mine; she had been purchasing Dining Cards from me for years and was at the Center with her husband. The couple was in their seventies and he was receiving physical therapy because his body was wracked with pain--fifty plus years of operating a jackhammer for the highway crew will do that to a person.

We were exchanging pleasantries when she recalled that I was a pastor, and requested I pray for her husband’s condition. But, before we could start she began to talk politics, national and worldly affairs, and her deep concern for it all. Then she told me that she had to distance herself from a long-time friend because they were having such huge disagreements over political issues. It made me sad to hear

this, not only because they had been friends, but because they attended the same church.

For reasons I don’t fully understand, when she told me this it impacted me deeply. I felt as if all of heaven was weeping because two sisters in Christ were now estranged due to differing opinions on current events. At that point I simply asked if we could pray for her husband and reached for her hand. We sat there in the lobby and I prayed, but I didn’t just pray for her husband’s broken body; I prayed for that broken friendship and our broken culture.

Not long after that, on a beautiful Fall day when the leaf colors were beginning to change, I was in the parking lot of a popular high country restaurant when I walked past 3 people standing amongst the cars. They were in the midst of an animated conversation, and in an attempt to

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The Journey / 2016 Winter

be friendly and lighten things up a bit I said, “So, what are you folks doing—solving all the problems of the Universe?” They laughed, as if to affirm that they were doing just that. So, then I said, “Let me give you a few problems to add to your list.”

We were laughing and the mood was light and then one of the ladies made a blatantly racist comment. “We’re just trying to solve the _________ problem.” (Yes, she used the N word.)

It so surprised and stunned me that all I could do was take a step back and respond with a “WHOA.” The people who were with her seemed as shocked as I was that she would say such a thing out loud to a total stranger. In fact, the lady who was with her said, in jest, “I don’t know her.” As I walked away, the words of a song from my childhood popped into my head: “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world, red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.” I later wished that I had summoned the courage to turn around and simply sing those words to them.

Plans are being made to break ground for a new worship center soon.

Jason English. These guys, along with many others in the High Country, are taking some practical steps to counteract racism, harmful rhetoric, and the thoughtlessness that diminishes us as a people. In doing so, their goal is to bring positive change to the spiritual climate of this region. Reggie and Jason both pastor churches in the High Country and it has been my privilege to be friends with these guys for many years.

heart, let us be reminded that it was Jesus who actually spoke those words. Furthermore, it’s also important for people to understand the full context of where Jesus was and who He was speaking to, in order for it to have the full transformative power that it’s intended to have in our lives. Jesus was speaking to a religious leader who was a part of a religious system that desperately needed a Divine overhaul!

I met Jason English shortly after he moved to Boone in 2008, where we first got acquainted at a coffee shop and immediately hit it off. In fact, I liked Jason so much I gave him a job with my company. In that context, we prayed together every day and got to know each other. At the time, we didn’t have a clue that he would one day become a pastor at The Heart Church, where I have attended for 12 years now. The Heart is a church that was planted in 2001 by Howard’s Creek Baptist Church in conjunction with Greenway Baptist Church and the Three Forks Baptist Association. The founding team was led by my friends Richard and Teri Miller who are still an integral part of our church community. When Richard felt the pull of the Holy Spirit to pass the leadership baton to someone else, Jason English emerged as the man of the Spirit’s choosing. So now Jason is my friend and my pastor too! When I heard that Jason had become neighbors with Reggie and that they were becoming friends, it made my heart glad.

May those of us who are followers of Christ be Since we live in what some refer reminded that we can’t to as the Bible Belt, I’m almost positive that the words and tune to preach the good news that song would have been familiar to those folks. Who knows? They On Sunday October 9, 2016, and be the bad news. We I attended may have even been professing Cornerstone Summit Christians and churchgoers. But, Church and The Heart Church need to be patient with on the same day. That’s right, I Christian or not, churchgoer or not, that kind of racist rhetoric is both church meetings on each other remembering attended inappropriate, inflammatory and the aforementioned Sunday and hateful. Clearly the Holy Scriptures heard both pastors speak at each proclaim that hatred, prejudice other’s worship services in a “tag that we’re all “works in and injustice run counter to the team” type of way. Reggie Hunt message of love, redemption and encapsulated what that Sunday was the progress.”

We must reconciliation that Jesus taught. about with this slogan: 2 churches 2 services + 2 pastors=1 heart for understand that it is +Boone.

Now it’s one thing to know the What they shared impacted truth of what I just said and to give both audiences in a way that I the Lord’s will for us to believe will have a positive ripple mental ascent to it, but talk alone is cheap. It’s fairly simple work to find for the rest of us here in the become more Christ- effect plenty of examples of polarizing High Country. Therefore, I invite words and actions that occur on a you to open your minds and hearts regular basis in our contemporary like in our attitudes, and read about their journey as society. But, since merely focusing it relates to race relations in our on poor behavior does little to nation. dispositions and solve the problem at hand, let’s shift our focus to a story about two In a Bible Belt culture where demeanor. friends of mine, Reggie Hunt and many of us know John 3:16 by

Reggie came to Boone 21 years ago where I came to know him as a leader in a ministry called Young Life, an interdenominational organization that brings a unique and effective ministry to high school students. In 2004 Pastor Reggie led a team of people to plant Cornerstone Summit Church in Boone, which is a thriving, racially diverse church.

Currently they meet at Hardin Park Elementary School for their Sunday service and in small groups during the week.

Consider with me John 3:16-21 (NIV): “…God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has

The Journey / 2016 Winter

not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light, because their deeds were evil.

Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.” Here in the South it seems to me that there is a great emphasis by many churches and Christians to proclaim a message whose intention is to help people get “saved” so they don’t have to go to Hell when they die. That is a onedimensional approach to the gospel which prevents wellintentioned people from experiencing the fullness of what Jesus intended for His followers to receive. Because of this type of teaching there are scores of sincere, benevolent people who “get saved” and then rededicate their lives to Christ over and over again only because they’re fearful of eternal consequences.

That type of mindset reduces Christianity to just another religion that has no real power to transform our lives in the present. In fact, that mentality unintentionally-and occasionally on purpose--relies on guilt and shame to motivate people to get right and stay right with God. In actuality, the power of the cross is meant to remove guilt and shame from the equation and opens a way for us to have intimacy with a God of love and compassion that starts now and continues eternally. That type of understanding helps transform us into better people than we could ever become through our own efforts alone. It helps us experience an inward transformation that should continue evolving until we

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behold the Lord with our own eyes. When that day comes everything else about us that still needs changing gets fixed in an instant, or as the Scripture says, “in the twinkling of an eye.” When we understand the gospel in that light it helps us to realize that we are blessed to be a blessing and a force for good in an evil world.

May those of us who are followers of Christ be reminded that we can’t preach the good news and be the bad news. We need to be patient with each other remembering that we’re all “works in the progress.”

We must understand that it is the Lord’s will for us to become more Christ-like in our attitudes, dispositions and demeanor. Embracing that attitude means we will resist the temptations to judge, live with prejudice, or to cut people out of our lives due to disagreements. It means we don’t dissociate with our friends or our enemies! Besides this, may we be on guard against our human tendencies to be harsh or mean-spirited by remembering our Savior’s admonition to do unto others as we would have others do unto us!

But, in closing, before you read the thought provoking words that Reggie and Jason have to say about such matters, I want us to consider John 3:16 again, only this time I want us to consider 1 John 3:16: “This is how we know what love is; Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”

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Written by Ben Cox

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The Journey / 2016 Winter

Jason English and Reggie Hunt

The Power of

Partnership Reggie Hunt I have spent more than half of my life serving in various ministry capacities in the High Country, and during this time I have benefited from several life lessons that this area has taught me. As a leader, I have been challenged and have grown through partnerships with fellow pastors, leaders and community officials that significantly contribute to progress of Boone.

Jason English, pastor of the Heart Church, has been a wonderful friend of mine and I welcomed the opportunity for the two of us to preach together during our respective worship services a few Sundays ago.

Jason and I share a strong desire to see healthy Churches thriving together in the High Country. Our opening conversation during our shared service centered around Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. In the 3rd Chapter of Corinthians Paul writes to expose the need for maturity and perspective within the body of Christ.

Establishing healthy churches has challenges. One of the everpresent issues with today’s church is that some approach their involvement with a consumer mentality. With this perspective, it becomes the Church’s duty to keep members’ preferences at the forefront of consideration to maintain attendance at a local church.

This idea is unhealthy and divisive; it treats the member as a consumer and the church (including its programs, preaching, and services) becomes a vendor required to please its customers.

When Paul writes to Corinth he mentions Envy, Strife, and Division. To be spiritual we should stop seeking for ourselves, stop contributing to behaviors that pull us apart and stop allowing division to rule.

We must also recognize what Paul says at the end of the chapter in verse 21: “All of this is for you.” Often we fail to remember that local pastors serve communal positions: one plants, another waters, and God gives increase. As members of the Church and followers of Jesus, we should not allow our preferences to replace what only God can do. The increase in our faith is a result of intimacy with Jesus, not programs, preaching or personality.

Additionally, we should encourage each other’s success and progress even if we find ourselves in different congregations come Sunday. The focus of this community needs to make a shift from consumer-driven Christianity to collective efforts on spreading the Gospel of Jesus.

At the end of the day, it’s not about an individual’s preferences.

Conversely, our collective efforts are for the growth and maturity of individuals called to a body.

Naturally, there are moments when God transitions people to serve in other fellowships in an area, and we have seen these healthy transitions facilitate growth to the local body. There is an important distinction to be made here between healthy transitions in membership and the immature transitions of a church; the division, envy and strife lead to a more fragmented body of Christ.

With this idea in mind, Jason and I’s unique conversations and friendship led us into a dialogue on race, family and an overall heart for God to be glorified in the High Country.

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As a person of color leading a church in the High Country, I found that the systemic and systematic issues of race are often neglected in present day church dialogue. My tenure of assimilation into the majority culture has not been easy; the current challenges we face in Boone in regards to race are just as heartbreaking as those that have been playing out on the national stage. The most painful and visual effect of this division is the present bewildered response by the church, which has been on the wrong side of such issues in the past.

During these challenging times, both for our community and for me personally, Jason has been a faithful friend. While Jason and I share two very different experiences, basic compassion and active listening has brought healing and understanding.

Often times people are tempted to dismiss the creativity of God by saying things such as, “I don’t see color.” Or “I’m color blind.” In our Sunday sermon, we shared the importance of avoiding this type of dismissive phraseology, none of which is supported in scripture. The Bible doesn’t suggest that I lose my unique distinction; if we don’t recognize our distinct differences we will miss the opportunity to be compassionate and empathize in our unique struggles.

21 years ago, I arrived in Boone with a heart for reconciliation.

A young man with a desire to see people returned to God and joined across racial, ethnic and socio economic boundaries. I believe it is a part of the biblical mandate for the church. Jason and I do not have all of the answers to the issues that churches are facing. However, we are committed to work together, as friends and co-laborers in the community, and for that I am grateful.

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Written by Reggie Hunt

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Political Correctness Redefined Jason English Jason English and Reggie Hunt Reggie Hunt and I are friends. We are both fathers, husbands and pastors, and believe setting an example in the High Country is an important task for each of us. We aspire to do so by sharing our overflow of friendship.

We want each other’s church families to thrive. We are united in the advancement of the kingdom of God. We are having conversations with each other about what it means to advance the gospel in the High Country, and how we can reach more people in the High Country together. We aren’t interested in seeing who can win the false competition of appeasing consumers, and we aren’t sorry to disappoint those who think our aim is to give them exactly what they want. Instead, we are having conversations about bringing leadership to what we think the High Country needs. And we are committed to doing this together.

We could spend thousands of dollars and rent out the football stadium as a way of demonstrating unity, but it is more authentic and more effective to simply be friends and examples of mutual respect.

include setting an example together in the area of racial reconciliation.

One of my former seminary professors shared with me that he began his role in pastoral ministry in the 1960s during the Civil Rights Movement. He assumed that since he was young and he was white, that he couldn’t really do much. And then as an older man, he regretted his silence.

While our friendship is not centered around racial issues, if I am going to try to leverage the platform that God has given me in the High Country as a way of setting an example for the next generation, it’s time for our friendship to include setting an example together in the area of racial reconciliation.

While our friendship is not centered around racial issues, if I am going to try to leverage the platform that God has given me in the High Country as a way of setting an example for the next generation, it’s time for our friendship to

I have mostly kept quiet about the issue of white privilege and the history of racial brokenness in our country, especially as it relates to the oppression of the African American community. My main reasoning has been seemingly valid, but a bit of a weak excuse.

My ancestors were European Jewish immigrants who came over to the United States well after the abolition of slavery in the United States, and were not part of any known oppression against African Americans. If anything, my ancestors were simply attempting to flee from their own persecutors.

I kept telling myself that since my ancestors were Jewish immigrants, I didn’t have any responsibility to help in racial reconciliation in America. But in reality, I

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am just a generic white guy that has had a certain kind of ease in my life.

This ease manifested itself in various ways throughout my life. It didn’t occur to me until my early adulthood that during the integration of the school system my African American friends got bussed 45 minutes out of their neighborhood to attend school while I simply rode my bike half a mile. I had not a single thought for the difficulty integration was creating for my fellow students, when in reality I had it much easier because that’s simply the way that it was. When I think about the idea of white privilege, I don’t need to walk in shame, but I do need to realize and acknowledge that which I was raised in. There was an ease that I didn’t realize. I shouldn’t be ashamed of the comfort that I had as a boy, but now that I have a voice in this community, I realize that my silence does nothing to help those who need it. I can no longer be part of passive conversations designed to maintain a broken system.

There is a passage in Matthew 5, verses 21 and 22.. when Jesus said: “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,[a] and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister[b][c] will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court.”

The word “Raca” is an Aramaic term meaning contempt. But the image associated with that word is the noise that is made when you are about to spit. Imagine that noise in your mind. Jesus is, in essence, saying that If you want to make that noise and consider spitting at that person, you are already a murderer in your heart. Should

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you have the impulse to spit on someone, it is preceded by the thought that you’re better than them. By this reasoning, if you think you are superior to anyone you have just taken a step towards murder..

This concept draws me straight to the Genesis account of the first murder in human history. The first murderer ever (Cain) was the first person to ever be born, and his victim was his brother (Abel). Murder seems to be among the broken part of humanity, and even much of human history is summed up in this way. After Cain murdered Abel, the Lord asked Cain “Where is your brother?” And Cain’s response was “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

Cain’s passive response haunted me. In my heart, it connected with the idea of Jesus’ teaching about “Raca.” It occurred to me that if I were presented with the question: “Where is your brother?” and my response took on the tone of not having any responsibility, I would be taking on the posture of a murderer. Similarly, asking “Am I my brother’s keeper?” is the question that a murderer asks.

Even though I have never harmed someone like Cain did, if I think that my brother’s well-being is not my responsibility then I have taken on the posture of Cain.

I would like to propose two new versions of being politically correct in an attempt to help bridge the gap that has ripped through our country.

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Pray. Ask God to bring healing.

Confess. Own your responsibility in this. When a racial issue is brought up, I would love to see followers of Jesus own their responsibility as their brother’s keeper, instead of trying to assign blame.

Pursue. Actively find friends who look different than you Commune. Have a meal with and/or observe communion with someone who looks different than you.

As ministers of the gospel who are committed to commending the kingdom to the next generation, we believe that it is the gospel of Jesus Christ that changes human hearts. Systems are about behavior control, the kingdom of God is about our hearts.

And we believe that racial reconciliation in America can and will happen through the local church, the ones who have been called and tasked by God to set the tone for change.

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Written by Jason English

Jason English & Reggie Hunt

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When Foolish Is a Choice Kim Furches So in the middle of winter, during early morning feeding chores, I relish the stillness of the season, especially when a blanket of white covers the ground and God’s beauty surrounds me. However, on this particular winter morning, my worship is interrupted by an injury. I see one of my sheep with wool dangling from his neck and yeah, you guessed it, the red stuff is oozing too.

My first thought is panic—I’m fearful that a pack of coyotes has attacked my herd. Even though I have a pair of Livestock Guardian Dogs to prevent this very thing, my fear remains. I realize that I have to do something!

Even though I am shaken about what has happened, I am beyond thankful that a predator is not responsible for my sheep’s injury.

panic will ensue again. Just the noise from the motor of the clippers can cause utter chaos among sheep; however, much to my surprise, the sheep remains still, looking almost lifeless.

and personally. I was quick to place blame on a predator when in fact the incident happened because of an impulsive, foolish choice. How many times have I made choices that were not well thought out? Rather than seeking the Lord’s counsel in prayer, I chose foolishness. How many times have I fought the healing hands of my Savior? The next time I find myself in a painful predicament due to my foolish, impulsive choice(s), why not fall into my Father’s embrace? Rather than resisting and fighting what will spiritually make me whole again, why not surrender and trust in the healing ways of my Savior?

After the vet has the area shaven, he administers an antiseptic before he begins to stitch up the wound. I’m thinking, “Wow— that’s going to sting like a swarm of yellow jackets!” But, once again, the sheep just lies there, looking almost lifeless. I am beginning to wonder if he is going to survive this much trauma! Next comes the guaranteed pain— stitches and staples with no anesthesia.

The vet threads the needle to begin stitching. He takes this fishhook looking apparatus and catches the first stitch. I am sweating the next stitch, but nothing. The little guy just lies there like he knows this is what has to happen in order that he might be well. The vet then begins to treat a few of the less intense wounds using staples.

Although the staples are not as painful as a needle penetrating skin and stitching it back together, the sound of the staple gun right next to his ears might just bring the poor sheep right off the table. He continues to lie there, totally and completely surrendered to accepting the care and compassion the vet is offering to his mangled neck.

How many times have I fought the healing hands I ever so slowly approach this little guy; of my Savior? The next he is apprehensive and rightfully so. I gently grab him from underneath his shoulders time I find myself in a to examine him and find a horrific wound just underneath his right ear. It is gaping painful predicament due wide and I can see muscles, tendons, and the likes. I immediately realize that this to my foolish, impulsive injury is beyond my capability to treat. I call on my local veterinarian to assess the choice(s), why not fall wound and recommend treatment options.

At this point, I am thinking that I should into my Father’s embrace? prepare myself should the vet advise me to euthanize the sheep.

Rather than resisting and fighting what will When the vet arrives, my hubby and I have to wrangle the sheep to get him to the It is at this moment when I begin exam table. The poor guy is traumatized spiritually make me whole to weep. I realize that this poor sheep and certainly in pain. But immediately, as recognizes that his only hope of survival the vet begins to examine the wound, this again, why not surrender lies in the hands of the vet. This sheep has sheep becomes calm, quiet and almost a foolish decision that could have and trust in the healing made relaxed. The first thing the vet needs to cost him his life! All this pain and suffering do is shave the wool from around the are consequences of his poor choice. This ways of my Savior? wound. I brace myself for I surely know that incident begins to resonate with me deeply

Upon examining the wound, the vet determines that there are no teeth bites but mysterious scratches alongside the nasty wound. My husband and I take on the role of detectives and conclude that this sheep has made a very poor choice—he has put his head through one of the square panels in the wire fencing.

I’m convinced that he is applying the age old saying, “the grass is greener on the other side” but it is winter and there is no green grass to covet! I assume that once the sheep had his head stuck in the frame it would not budge—more than likely he panics and the edges of the wire began tearing and gnawing at his flesh.

...

Written by Kim Furches

Bishop Tim Smith and his family at his daughter Ruth’s wedding.

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The Journey / 2016 Winter

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The Journey / 2016 Winter

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