River Region Journey October 2015

Volume 17, Issue 6

Feature Articles

O CTO BER 20 1 5 Columns page 2

page 12

Publisher’s Note

Faith @ Work

page 4

Jason Watson

Meet Vi Zaner and learn how her faith as a child was transformed into a real saving faith as an adult. She also shares how she lives her faith out as a broker for Parker Development Company.

Pastor's Perspective Rector Andrew Rowell, Christchurch

page 14

Women Arising Pastor Kemi Searcy

page 16

Stop Looking at Porn Right Now

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by Tim Challies

The Intersection

7 Good Reasons to

This ever-increasing problem is damaging our society in ways we have yet to fully see. Challies explains that the cost is not only the freedom (and sometimes the souls) of those caught up in pornography, but also what it costs their families, the Church and even the Savior Himself.

Sam Whatley

page 20 Bob Crittenden

page 25

Family Teams for Christ: Military Edition Lisa and Mike Conn

page 29

Counselor’s Corner Olivia Pierce, LPC

page 22

page 36

Fall Festival Guide

Dave $ays Dave Ramsey

Local churches offer alternatives to Halloween that are safe and full of fun (and treats) for your kids!

In Every Issue page 6

page 30

Books to Read

Ministry Spotlight

by Laura Jean Bell

Pondering the Journey

page 8

With child trafficking on the rise in our nation, and even right here in Alabama, Blanket Fort Hope is a local ministry helping victims and fighting to end human trafficking for good.

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Around Our Community page 26

Support Groups page 33

Christian Community Calendar October 2015

River Region’s Journey

Our Mission...

We believe the Good News concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is worth sharing with our friends and neighbors in the River Region. Each month we deliver this life-changing message to the centers of activity across our community in a user-friendly and relevant way to empower and equip all those seeking to grow closer to God. Join us in this mission by sharing a copy with your neighbor or by becoming an advertising partner starting next month.

Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@readjourneymagazine.com

Publisher

Jason Watson jason@readjourneymagazine.com

Associate Publisher Savannah Bowden

Research Editor Wendy McCollum

Contributing Writers Laura Jean Bell Tim Challies Lisa and Mike Conn Bob Crittenden Olivia Pierce, LPC Dave Ramsey Andrew Rowell Kemi Searcy Sam Whatley

Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 703

Ad Design

Tim Welch, Welch Designs

Distribution Team Kristy Brennan Wendy McCollum Chris Mitchell Manzie Moore Richard Ward Lesa Youngblood

From the Publisher I’m not sure if this is good, but when I think of October, Halloween is one of the first things that comes to mind. Halloween has changed in meaning throughout history, but our modern version glorifies all things spooky and scary with a bag full of candy on the side. The candy part doesn’t bother me. I still like walking through my neighborhood with my youngest dressed up like Queen Elsa from Frozen while she gets a pillow case full of candy (hopefully there are a few Almond Joys in there for me, too). But the more the Holy Spirit opens my eyes to the evil in the world and the corruption of sin, the less I want anything spooky or scary in my or my family’s life. On page 22, we have published a listing of area churches who are offering safe Halloween alternatives. Many families don’t feel safe going door to door on Halloween for various reasons. Let me encourage you to take your children or grandchildren to one of these churches listed.

As you go through this month’s issue you’ll see many of those churches have special advertisements that give you more details. These church “Fall Festivals” offer the fun and sweets without the spooky traditions of Halloween.

One clear evil that has been growing more monstrous ever since the internet became available is pornography. Even though the Bible labels sexual immorality as sin, pornography is embraced by many as something natural and not harmful. This is a lie. Proverbs 5:3-5 says it clearly, “The lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil. But in the end she is as bitter as poison, as dangerous as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.” If you or someone you know is caught in the claws of this sexual sin please read 7 Reasons to Stop Looking at Porn on pg 16. If you would like to find more help beyond this article visit www.prodigalsinternational.org.

The Bible says that Satan is a liar and that he comes to steal, kill and destroy.

The promises he offers only deliver death and bondage. When we are rescued by Christ, He calls us to live in the light of truth where He lives. 1 John 1:7 says, “If we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.” Each month Journey aims to shine the light of Christ onto your path through our biblically-based articles and columns. This month we’re excited to announce a new monthly column called Women Arising, written by Pastor Kemi Searcy. Kemi is a pastor at Fresh Anointing House of Worship, along with her husband Kyle Searcy. She is a gifted writer helping women see how God’s Word is relevant and offering answers to the questions they’re asking.

Women will enjoy this new column month after month.

As always, thank you for picking up this month’s issue. After you’ve finished reading it cover to cover please do two things. Email me, jason@readjourneymagazine.com, and tell me how God encouraged and equipped you. Then, secondly, pass along your copy to a friend so they’ll be touched by our ministry, too. Thank you for reading and sharing.

River Region’s Journey is published monthly by Keep Sharing, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, AL 36123.

For information, call 334-213-7940. River Region’s Journey is copyrighted 2015 by KeepSharing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

The opinions expressed in River Region’s Journey are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. River Region’s Journey has the right to refuse any content that is not consistent with its statement of faith.

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CHRISTCHURCH 8800 Vaughn Road

Come Worship With Us!

Founded Upon God’s Word At Christchurch, Holy Scripture serves as the final authority for our teaching and preaching. Indeed, over the course of three years, almost the entire Bible is read aloud and preached upon.

Warm and Loving

Liturgically Joyful At Christchurch worship involves the entire congregation, as we offer God praise, thanksgiving and adoration using worship traditions that can be traced back to the earliest days of the Church.

Our worship is not designed to entertain us, but to honor the true “audience” of worship, the Lord!

By God’s grace and through His Spirit, the people of Christchurch enjoy the richness and joy of being a true family. We’d love for you to become a part of us!

Regardless of who you are, you will always find a home at Christchurch.

Committed to Mission The people of Christchurch respond to God’s Word by going out into the world, to places like Uganda, Guatemala and Montgomery, proclaiming the good news of Jesus and joyfully serving as His hands and feet!

Sundays: 9:30 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Christian Education for All Ages Weekly: Discipleship and fellowship opportunities abound

Find us on Facebook and visit us at www.christchurchXP.net 3

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Pastor’s Perspective

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Rector Andrew Rowell, Christchurch, Montgomery

Striving to Be a Faithful Father My wife, Mimi, and I moved to Montgomery five months ago when I accepted the call to be the new Rector (a fancy Anglican word for “head pastor”) of Christchurch. Mimi was seven months pregnant when we arrived. Thus the craziness of moving to a new city to shepherd a whole new community was profoundly punctuated by the arrival of our first child, a son, Stephen Ebenezer (“Eben”) in June!

Since Eben’s birth, I’ve been trying to remember all of the “wise pastoral counsel” that “Father Andrew” has given to new parents over the years, for I suddenly find myself in need of some of that advice!

As a pastor I’m pulled in many directions as I strive to be a good shepherd to the wonderful flock of Christians at Christchurch. But like all fathers, I’m called first to let God, the true Good Shepherd (John

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10:11), guide my own heart; secondly to be a good shepherd for my family; and finally to look outward to my call to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-14) in the world in my vocation. So I find myself on my knees asking God for the wisdom to be a faithful follower of Him in my heart and a faithful husband and father in my home.

Only then can I be a good Father for my church family.

The first counsel on which I’ve been meditating is God’s command that I teach my son about His faithfulness. The culture around us tells us to do all in our power to make sure our children go to the best schools and are the best dressed, smartest and most athletic children around. But as I pray for my son, I keep hearing the Lord call me to a very different set of priorities.

Throughout Scripture we hear God’s commandment to tell our children and our children’s children about the things that God has done for us (Deuteronomy 4:9, 6:6-9; Proverbs 22:6). If we teach our children the Truth by which all other truths must be measured - that God created all that there is and, when creation fell in sin and became subject to evil and death, sent His Son into the world to die on the Cross so that we might be reconciled to Him - then we will be parents after God’s own heart. I want good things for my son.

But God tells me to seek just one thing for Eben - the knowledge of the goodness of God - and all 4

the other things Eben might need will be added to him. “Ebenezer” means “Rock of God’s Help” (1 Samuel 7:12). May little Eben, and all of our children, know that God is our help and stay, our Rock and our Redeemer (Psalm 19:14), and that worshipping Him takes precedence over every other thing in our lives.

The second counsel on which I’ve been meditating is God’s command to model for my son a life dependent upon the Lord. Now, that might sound easy I’m a priest after all! But I’m human, sinful and disobedient and in need of God’s grace at all times. I, too, face the temptation to rely on money or social standing or the approval of others for my sense of self-worth. I, too, hear our culture’s siren song of consumerism, which promises that happiness is something we can purchase.

Will Eben see me find my worth in my life in the Lord, the One Who made me from before the foundations of the world (Psalm 139:13-16)? Will Eben see me storing up my treasures in heaven, rather than on the fleeting pleasures of stuff (Matthew 6:19-21)? May little Eben, and all of our children, see us conformed, not to the image of the world, but rather transformed, renewed, and remade by the power of God’s Spirit (Romans 12:2)!

Like all dads, I can’t wait to see who Eben will be when he grows up. But having Eben has helped me grow up a little bit too. May we both, with the help of one another and God’s church gathered around, grow up into the full stature of men of our holy God (Ephesians 4:11-15)!

Fr. Andrew Rowell is delighted to be the second Rector of Christchurch Montgomery. He is married to Miriam “Mimi” Suber Rowell, who is a Critical Care Registered Nurse. Andrew and Mimi have a son.

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Our Statement of Faith In keeping with Protestant theology, we believe that the Bible, as contained in the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is fully inspired by God and therefore inerrant in the original manuscripts. The Bible is the only essential and infallible record of God’s self-disclosure to mankind. The Scriptures are the authoritative and normative rule and guide of all Christian life, practice, and doctrine. They are totally sufficient and must not be added to, superseded, or changed by later tradition, extra-biblical revelation, or worldly wisdom. The Bible is perfect in every way and shows us how to become and live as Christians.

The way of becoming a Christian is by faith alone in Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, who came to us, born of a virgin, in full human form while remaining fully God. Jesus was, and is, perfect, and was crucified so that others could live. Three days later He rose from the dead, never to die again.

He ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father, where He, the only mediator between God and man, continually makes intercession for His own.

Those who have faith in Jesus as their Lord in this life, and Savior from damnation in the next life, now live by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, becoming more like Jesus everyday.

We believe that God is one God. The one God has three persons: the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Just as God is one, so also, all believers are to be one. We believe in the unity and fellowship of all those that have faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We are one in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, His Body, which is composed of all men, living and dead, who have been joined to Him through saving faith. *All editorial content published needs to be in agreement with our Statement of Faith

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Eve

by William Paul Young On the positive side, I think [William] Paul Young has become a markedly better writer since The Shack. On the negative side, he continues to use his writing to undermine and redefine Christian theology. By my reckoning, that’s a net loss.

Where The Shack was meant to revolutionize our understanding of God, his new novel Eve is meant to revolutionize and rescue our understanding of the relationship between men and women. And it is no less troubling.

Now, obviously Eve is fiction, which means it can be tricky to determine exactly what the author actually means to teach through his story. There is a lot in the novel that is complex and symbolic and that awaits the author’s authoritative interpretation. But what is clear is that Young’s novel is a retelling of the creation narrative through which he means to right a great wrong.

The story begins when a shipping container washes ashore on an island that exists somewhere between our world and the next.

John the Collector finds a young woman named Lilly trapped inside. She is beaten, bruised, broken, and only barely alive. With the help of others—Scholars and Healers—he helps her to recover, to remember who she is, and to understand her importance in history.

Lilly, it turns out, is a Witness, one who has the privilege of watching past events unfold so they can be properly understood and interpreted in the present time. Her privilege River Region’s Journey

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is to witness creation and the fall into sin, and in that way to provide an account that corrects all our false understandings.

What she witnesses varies significantly from the account we are accustomed to hearing. In short, she sees a whole new and “corrected” view of humanity’s origins and depravity. Through this character, Young means to show that the story of humanity’s fall into sin has been co-opted and perverted by men in order to gain power over women.

Eve’s role in offering Adam the forbidden fruit is a fable men use to dominate and control women.

“But it’s all just a story,” you say. True, but in this case, Young insists that his story, and the truth it contains, is the result of decades of thought and research. He insists that the truth embedded in this story has the power to free us from faulty interpretations of the Bible that have long corrupted human relationships. In an interview with Publishers Weekly he says, “Ultimately, the inspiration for Eve is the Scriptures themselves. The more I studied and pondered and conversed, the more I was driven back to Genesis and the iconic saga of Beginnings, and it was there I began to find answers to the big, system-shaking questions I was asking. Eve is my attempt to express some of what I discovered.” In that way he plays a character within his own work—the character(s) he calls the Scholar.

Now, it’s not like the book is all bad. In fact, there are points where it is downright moving. Young’s descriptions of God’s joy over his creation, and especially his joy in the creation of man, is powerful and stirring.

Man’s response to God’s love is equally 6

sweet. Young’s compassion in describing the agonizing abuse endured by Lilly can only come out of the heart of an author who has himself suffered. And the story, while perhaps too complicated at times, is well-written and well-told.

And yet it is, in the final assessment, a troubling, faulty, and even dangerous story.

There is much I could say here, but for the sake of brevity, let me target the book’s big point.

Whatever else Young means to accomplish in his work, it is clear that he means to undermine the traditional accounts of creation and human depravity. As he reinterprets those two doctrines, he then reinterprets the relationship between the sexes, teaching that any pattern of authority or submission is necessarily a product of sin.

God tells us that God created men to take positions of leadership within the church and family, and for women to joyfully submit themselves to this leadership. In this way God provides a much fuller display of who he is and what he is like. His image is shown not in uniformity but in complementarity. After all, the relationships within the Trinity display this very same pattern of leadership and submission. What is ultimately at stake here is not the relationship of man to woman, but our understanding of God as he displays himself in our relationships.

Behind Young’s retelling of this portion of the Bible is the question of the Bible’s authority. The only way he can teach what he teaches is by radically altering the biblical narrative. So has the Bible been wrong all along? Is the Bible only a figurative count and Eve a faithful interpretation? Were the authors such a product of their time, place, and culture that they biased their work with chauvinist ideas?

As the dust settles, what exactly is true anyway? Read Eve and you won’t have much certainty.

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Hidden in Hope

Good News 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run Color Party

Benefitting Child Evangelism Fellowship October 17, Young Meadows Presbyterian; 5K starts at 8:00 a.m.; 1 mile starts at 9:00 a.m. To register go to active.com or visit cefcentralalabama.org. Pre Registration: $40 to run/walk 5K & 1 Mile Run with Color; $30 to run/walk 5K only; $15 to run/walk 1 mile only. Race Day Registration: (7:00 am to 7:30 am) $45 to run/walk both races; $35 to run/walk 5K $20 for 1 Mile Run with Color (Group rate available for 50 or more, call 334 213-7388.)

We will be throwing color in the one-mile run only. T-shirts guaranteed to those who register online or printout registration forms from website and mail them to PO Box 240704, Mont., AL 36124 a week and a half prior to the race.

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Teaching by Jo Hancock His Vessel Ministries is hosting a special teaching event October 16-17, 2015, at the Vessel Room located in the Historic Union Station in downtown Montgomery, Alabama.

Hidden In Hope, preparing the Church for the glorious days ahead, will be the focus for the weekend teaching.

Hidden In Hope will begin Friday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m. and will conclude with a Saturday session from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. For more information regarding Hidden In Hope or to register, e-mail info@hisvessel.org or call 334-356-4478.

His Vessel Ministries provides Christ-centered teachings that point people to the Truth that will stir and challenge individuals to love God with all their heart, soul, and strength so they become the vessel that pleases God. This is carried out through Bible teachings, yearly discipleship trainings, and special teaching events. The ministry also focuses on making the home a sanctuary where Father God may dwell.

His Vessel Ministries is located in Historic Union Station in downtown Montgomery where the Bible teachings and discipleship classes are conducted. Visit our website www. hisvessel.org or www.facebook/hisvesselministries.

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Frazer UMC in the Dragon Boat Races

Frazer’s Dragon Boat team, the FrazOARS, finished 9th out of 60 teams and made it to the championship division. The Montgomery Fire Department won the event for the second year in a row, but the phrase, “A church team shouldn’t be that fast” was heard many times throughout the day. Paddles up! Congrats to Frazer’s 30 member team who put in long hours training for this event.

Aldersgate Methodist Men Host 31st Annual Barbecue

Fall is almost on us and that means it is time for some slow cooked BBQ at the Aldersgate United Methodist Men’s 31st Annual Barbecue on Saturday, October 17, 2015. For only $8 per box, folks can taste the finest barbecued pork and chicken that Montgomery has to offer on the SAME PLATE, as well as generous sides of baked beans, slaw and bread. Boxes will go on sale beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, located at 6610 Vaughn Road. Boxes will be available until 2 p.m., or while supplies last. Drive thru pick up service is provided.

Tickets can be purchased in advance, or boxes can be bought on the day of the sale. Proceeds from the barbecue will benefit the Aldersgate Methodist Men’s mission and service projects for the upcoming year. Projects include Boy Scouts, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and other disaster relief organizations, hunger relief (such as the Society of Saint Andrew), short term mission trips, and assistance for the elderly. For information, contact 272-6152 or send e-mail to aldersgateumm@gmail.com.

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Mission to North America Southeast Regional Workshop

Women’s Event with

October 16-17, in Montgomery, at Trinity Presbyterian Church Guest Speakers: Dr. Ligon Duncan and Dr. Jim Coffield The focus is organizing churches to participate in disaster response. $20 per person/$10 for students. Includes breakfast, snacks and conference materials. Register at www.trinitypca.org/MNA.

“4th Saturday” Outreach Event

River City Church, a United Methodist congregation, invites the entire community to their 4th Saturday Outreach event October 24 from 9am-11am at the church, located at 301 Dexter Avenue. Admission is free. The River Region will have access to blood pressure/glucose screenings, career services, free haircuts, hygiene items and canned goods. Participants can register for a drawing for a weekly bus pass and gasoline gift cards. Volunteers will also provide homework help and a craft for children. For information, please call 263-0549 or visit www.rivercityumc.com.

Point of Grace

Prattville First Baptist Church will host a special women’s event with Point of Grace on Thursday, October 22, at 6:30 pm. Speaker will be Allison Wilks. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students (6th grade to college). Visit www.itickets.com or call 334.365.0606.

CCC’s Annual Yard Sale

Join us at Cornerstone Christian Church at 301 Dalraida Road on October 24th for our annual Yard Sale! Housewares, clothing, toys, lawn and garden items and much, much more. All proceeds are being raised to help fund our Mambajao Mission trip to the Philippines next summer.

There will be something for everyone. Sale starts at 7 a.m.

Come and shop till you drop! For more information, please contact Dianna Stover at 334-799-3576.

For EvEry G E n E r at i o n .

Prattville First United Methodist Church 100 E. 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 T R A D IT IO N A L W O R S H IP 8 : 3 0 A M & 11: 00 A M S U N D AY S C H O O L 9 : 4 5 A M T H E W E L L 11 : 0 0 A M

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prayer. So I did, right there driving down I-85 in my brown Chevy Blazer. And that is when the hunger hit. I wanted to learn more. I began listening to the programs on Faith Radio and reading devotionals. And the more I read and listened, the more I wanted to know.

RRJ: You had already been attending church for years before you came to know Jesus personally.

How did that encounter change the way you approached going to church?

RRJ: Has Jesus been a part of your life as long as you can remember?

Yes, I was taught in Sunday School and by my parents who Jesus is and what He did. I was taught that He is the son of God, born to the Virgin Mary, lived on Earth as a perfect man, died on the cross and rose from the dead after three days, and ascended into heaven where He lives now. I learned all about the miracles He performed and the parables He told.

I have believed that all of my life.

RRJ: So you’ve known about Jesus for a long time, but when did you come to know Jesus and what would you say is different?

Well, after my child was born, I began listening to Way FM, a Christian radio station. I did this because my child was getting older and starting to say words, so I didn’t want her to listen to the songs on secular radio. As I listened I heard them talking about inviting Christ into your heart, and the prayer that you were supposed to pray to do that. They would say if you don’t believe in Jesus, then you need to pray this prayer. But I did believe in Jesus, so I really didn’t pay much attention to it until one of them said the prayer on the air. And the words, “Lord, I am a sinner,” really hit me. As I closely listened to the prayer, I began to really understand that even though I did believe in Jesus and who He was, I was still a sinner and I needed to pray this River Region’s Journey

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Yes, I have been going to church from the time I was born. My parents took me to church as a child, and I was active in my youth group as a teenager.

I grew up in the Episcopal Church, which is a very ceremonial, high liturgy type worship service. I knew that service like the back of my hand. I could recite the Nicene Creed, and all of the prayers and songs with the best of them. I had been baptized as an infant and confirmed as a 12 year old just like I was supposed to be. But I was just going through the motions, so to speak.

After my encounter with Jesus, that service took on a whole new meaning. I felt God’s presence in me like I had never felt it before. It was the first time I actually experienced worship in church.

We are now members of Christchurch here in Montgomery, which is a part of the fairly new North American Anglican Church. We began to learn about the Word of God and how it is a truly living Word and applies to our lives right now in the present times, even though it was written thousands of years ago. These past five years at Christchurch, we have made some great new friends and I thank God all the time for guiding us there.

RRJ: You are the Broker for Parker Development Company. You oversee the Tax Credit Apartments your company builds and manages here in the River Region. How does your faith infuse your work?

My father, John Parker, started Parker Development Company over 33 years ago and built it over the years to be the company it is now. I am the Broker for Parker Development Company, but I have co-workers who really do the actual “overseeing” of the Apartments. Because they are Tax Credit Apartments and there are multiple investors and governmental regulations involved, it takes all of us working together as a team to make it work. Luckily, all of my co-workers are followers of Jesus Christ.

We all have different God-given gifts that make this team work. Our goal is to provide housing for our tenants that is well managed and well maintained for a fair price. Our faith is infused in our day to day life here at Parker Development Company. Periodically my father brings and shares copies of devotionals that he reads with my mom in the mornings 12

to encourage us. My co-worker, Kathy Estrada, always has Faith Radio playing in her office. One of our onsite managers, Debra Tubbs, prays over the Apartments she manages daily. We have one tenant who prays with us when he comes in to pay his rent. We have another tenant who sends encouraging spiritual messages with her rent. Those are just a few examples of things you see daily at Parker Development Company.

RRJ: I know you encounter many challenges that could leave you angry and bitter as you help meet the need for low income housing. What are some tools of the Christian faith that keep you focused on loving God and loving others?

Yes, in property management, as with any business, there are challenges. My father likes to refer to them as “opportunities”! We deal with so many different individuals and entities, and each have their own “opportunities” at times. And some of them can get very emotional and frustrating. We have learned that several things help us to get through difficult times and situations. I lean heavily on prayer and Scripture to keep me grounded, and I also turn to my co-workers and fellow Christians for their support. We work through problems together as a team and as the Body of Christ.

RRJ: Finally, so many people find it difficult to live out their faith beyond the church walls. What words of encouragement would you offer our Journey readers who are struggling in that area?

It is difficult in our society to live out our faith beyond the church walls. There are laws and government regulations that restrict us in almost everything we do outside of the church. We are viewed by the public as self righteous and judgemental. We are called as Christians to live our faith on the outside at all times. Not just in the church building. I think the most efficient way we can do that is to treat everyone we come in contact with, whether at church, work, or even the grocery store, with the love of Christ. Ask Him daily to give you His eyes and His heart to see others as He sees them. It is also important to let people know that we Christians are far from perfect. Share with others your story... how Jesus loves you even though you are far from perfect.

I am a volunteer for Childhood Evangelism Fellowship, which is an organization that has programs doing exactly that for children right here in our community. I love being able to share the “Good News” with the children at Wilson Elementary every week! I encourage all of you to go out and get involved with any of the many ministries in our area.

It will strengthen your faith and transform your eyes and heart to be more like Christ’s.

Vi Zaner is married to Tony and they have one daughter, Maggie.

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Why Me? A few years ago I had a dream that I had been invited somewhere to preach. As I arrived I saw thousands of women in a huge auditorium. Immediately, fear gripped my heart. I turned and told the organizer, “I can’t do this. There are too many people.” Immediately someone took my place preaching. As I sat watching my replacement fumble with her words, I realized I could have done a much better job.

In the dream I began repenting, saying, “Lord I will never turn down another opportunity to tell others about you. As I rose

up to go with tears rolling down my cheeks, I saw from all the angles of the room women running toward me, each with a folded note of a sermon in their hand. They cried, “We have been called to preach!” Others said, “We have been called to do something for the Lord but do not know where and how to begin.” They all pleaded, “Will you help us?”

Immediately I heard Joel 2:28 being recited: “In the last days I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh. Your sons and daughters shall prophesy.” The dream ended with me saying, “This is truly the hour for the daughters to arise!”

Beloved, this is truly the time for you to rise so that God may shine through you.

Don’t be like me in my dream, asking the Lord, “Why me?” Consider this: If not you, then who? If not now, then when?

The Lord Has Need of You

You may not think much of yourself, but remember God is in the details of life: everyone has value in His eyes.

Everyone has a mission and a purpose. Just as He needed even the donkey to fulfill a role in the huge prophetic parade into Jerusalem (see Luke 19), He needs you, more so at this hour where lawlessness seems to be increasing.

This season reminds me of a time in Israel’s history recorded in Judges 5:6 where the people of God experienced so much fear and terror in the hand of their enemies that they went into hiding. At that time God raised up a woman named Deborah River Region’s Journey

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whose love for God and her nation propelled her into the battlefront and to victory.

The same level of fear and urgency experienced in Deborah’s day is what we now face in our time. The Lord is looking for the next “Deborah” to arise and take up the banner of righteousness in the land. Will you be the one?

According to the latest statistics, about 7 billion people live on Planet Earth. Out of the 7 billion, only 2.5 billion say that they are Christians. That means billions of people will not make it into heaven. This is a painful reality as some of the people who won’t share heaven’s bounty are our dear friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members.

God is Requiring All Hands on Deck in This Hour. It will take more than a select few to get ready for His coming. He definitely needs you, woman of God! Remember He promised that our sons and daughters would prophesy and our old men would dream. Notice that God did not put a distinction between the gender roles in His kingdom. Kingdom work only requires availability.

What We Must Do 1. Realize that ministry is not limited to preaching behind the podium on Sunday morning.

2. Ministry, in its true definition, is meeting the needs of others. Go find the needs around you and serve people through good deeds, encouragement, etc.

3. Definitively point people to the Savior.

4. Take up the work of intercession on behalf of your family, community, nation, and the world.

Benefits

Mathew 6:33 says, “Seek first His kingdom and of his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” I challenge you to begin to take the focus off yourself, and begin to serve others and the work of God. Faithful is He who has called you. He will provide you with all that you need and more!

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$6 million in scholarships to four-year institutions awarded to our 2015 graduating class

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The vast majority of Trinity’s AP students score between a 3 and a 5 on their exams, with many students nearly completing their freshman college studies before graduating from Trinity

n Partnering with a local elementary school, Trinity students serve as “Study Buddies,” as well as provide food to 85 children weekly through “Feeding America’s BackPack Program” n Annually, over $20,000 is raised and distributed to charitable organizations in the River Region through the school-wide (K4-12) missions project , “Change 4 Change”

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Th is for ne as arr Do the the ma wit Fo the ability but also the desire to replace sin with holiness, to replace immorality with sexual purity. If you have no sorrow for sin, if you have no real desire for victory, if time and again you recklessly choose your sin over your Savior, you need to ask yourself this: Do I love pornography enough to go to hell for it?

If this sin continues to dominate your life, it may stand as proof that you do not have a saving, sin-slaying faith. For the sake of your soul, stop looking at pornography.

Pornography has existed as long as the camera has existed (and before that in more rudimentary forms, I’m sure) but has always been difficult to find and has always carried some kind of stigma. Today the tables have turned and porn has gone mainstream. Instead of being a shameful addiction it is now the punch line in jokes, the subject of sitcom episodes. Porn stars are admired. It’s probably significant that we don’t speak of “porn actors” but “porn stars” as if there is something inherently glamorous in their line of work. Books and magazines encourage us all to enjoy porn, to allow it to add a little spice to our relationships.

It’s a lot harder to avoid porn than it is to find it.

And then there are the scary statistics, the scary reality, that men and boys are consuming porn like never before. Women and girls are now being introduced to it and even being encouraged to regard it as normal. An email that haunts me is one I received a short time ago from a girl of 14 who found herself battling addiction to pornography. It’s becoming a part of our culture, a part of our lives. I see the damage pornography is doing and I see the despair of those who are caught up in it. My goal for today is simple: I want to give you 7 good reasons you need to stop looking at porn right now.

2. THE COST TO YOUR NEIGHBOR

Even those who know next-to-nothing about the Christian faith know this: Christians are commanded to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Just like Jesus, Christians are to esteem others higher than themselves and to place the concerns of other people ahead of their own. Of all people, Christians should know that pornography exacts a high cost of those who create it—the cost to their bodies, to their souls, to their mental well-being, to their dignity, to their future. A vast amount of the pornography you enjoy is created by people against their wills.

The simple fact is, by watching porn, you are watching rape and deriving pleasure from it. You become a willing participant in sexual violence and you allow that actor on the screen to suffer for your pleasure. For the sake of your neighbor, stop looking at pornography.

1. THE COST TO YOUR SOUL

I want to begin here: With the cost to your soul. If you are consumed with pornography and unwilling to put this sin to death, you have every reason to be concerned with the state of your soul. God promises that if he has saved us we will gain new passions and new affections. We will have not only River Region’s Journey

October 2015

3. THE COST TO YOUR CHURCH

At a time when the Christian church is crying out for more and 16

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better leaders, an entire generation of young men and women are infantilizing themselves by their dedication to pornography. They are in perpetual pornolesence, that period between the conviction of sin and the determination to do anything to stop it. In this time they constantly choose sexual immorality over God and their spiritual growth is stunted. For the sake of your church, stop looking at pornography.

4. THE COST TO YOUR FAMILY

There is scarcely a pastor ministering today who has not seen a family crumble and fall under the weight of pornographic addiction. Men are tearing apart their families for the sake of illicit pleasures; women are shunning the attention of their husbands in order to read or to watch what is forbidden and what seems to promise greater and easier satisfaction. Children are being exposed to pornography through the trails their parents leave behind. Fathers are inviting Satan into the home by their commitment to what God forbids and what Satan loves. For the sake of your family, stop looking at pornography.

5. THE COST TO YOUR MISSION

The Lord’s commission is an urgent commission because it is a matter of eternal life and death. Time is short and hell is forever, which makes the Christian’s business an urgent business. And yet so many Christians are distracted by something as evil and as wasteful as pornography. Their attention is arrested, their energy depleted, their usefulness undermined.

Don Whitney says it well: “If there are any regrets in Heaven, they will only be that we did not use our earthly time more for the glory of God and for growth in His grace. If this is so, this may be Heaven’s only similarity with hell, which will be filled with agonizing laments over time so foolishly squandered.”

For the sake of your mission, stop looking at pornography.

6. THE COST TO YOUR WITNESS

Christians are called to be different, to stand out from the rest of the world by their desires and by their behavior. Christians are to put sin to death and to display the power of God in removing and destroying all competitors. And yet so many Christians have had their witness shattered when the sordid truth comes out and when others learn that they profess faith in Christ on the one hand, and are consumed with lust on the other. Parents undermine the gospel they have been telling their children, pastors undermine the gospel they have been preaching to their congregations. For the sake of your witness, stop looking at pornography.

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7. THE COST TO YOUR SAVIOR

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By making light of pornography you are making light of the death of Jesus Christ. If you are a Christian, you acknowledge in your profession of faith that the cost of forgiveness was nothing less than the death of God’s beloved Son. Jesus suffered and died for your sin. How can you, as a Christian, then toy with your sin and take it lightly? How can you cling to it? As Spurgeon says with his customary eloquence, “Sin has been pardoned at such a price that we cannot henceforth trifle with it.” For God’s sake, stop looking at pornography.

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Tim Challies is an author, blogger and book reviewer. Visit www.challies.com.

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Even though their judgment isn’t always amazing,

1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org

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River Region’s Journey 7/6/15 4:04 PM

A Bridge to God In the mid-15th century the armies of the emperor Tupac Inca swept down the western coast of South America conquering tribe after tribe. His empire would rival the Roman Empire in length and size. One of his greatest obstacles was the Apurimac River. This river splits two mountain ranges for hundreds of miles. In some places the mountains are four miles high and the gorges are a mile deep.

To conquer this land his armies had to crisscross the mountains and ravines. They needed bridges. But there were no trees for lumber and no metal for girders. At every place he needed a bridge, the emperor had

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hundreds of villagers harvest long grass, beat it flat, and twist it into cords the width of a finger. The cords were twisted into ropes and the ropes into cables as thick as a man’s thigh. The cables formed the ribs of the floor and the hand rails of massive suspension bridges, while ropes and cords connected the cables. Bush branches were plaited to create the floor. When finished, these suspension bridges would accommodate dozens of men and llamas. But the bridges were always temporary.

Centuries later, only one grass rope suspension bridge spans a gorge of the Apurimac River in southern Peru. The bridge, over 100 feet long, must be replaced every year, just as the emperor commanded.

The villagers have kept the tradition, their heritage, and this art of ancient bridge engineering alive. It has been named a World Heritage Site. But it is still a bridge made of grass.

The word “bridge” does not appear in the Bible, but the concept does. Jesus is quoted

by John (John 5:24) as saying, “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” Jesus, his life, his words, his sacrifice, and his resurrection are the bridge to eternal life with God. We need bridges.

There are rivers and 18

canyons that we have to cross to do things that need to be done, and not just in the physical world. In our relationships with others and in our inner lives, we find ourselves on one side of a bad situation and we have to find a way to get to the other side.

How does one escape the traps of pornography, alcoholism, adultery, or drug addiction? How does a person break the generational chain of family violence? How can we stop being selfish or always complaining? There is a way. There is a bridge.

The gospel tells us that we are born into this world separated from God. This chasm between us and the abundant life he created us to enjoy is caused by sin. Without a bridge to God we live, die, and suffer on our side of the chasm. But God has provided his Son to be the bridge, if we only have humility, turn away from our sin, and accept His forgiveness.

The Apostle Peter wrote (I Peter 3:18): For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous to bring you to God. The world will not tell you that. Our culture wants us to believe that mankind created God, not the other way around. Our college professors and authors of books may ridicule the saving power of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Many believe in some form of God, one that will be impressed by our good deeds and intentions. But after all we can do, there is still a chasm between man and God. And there is only one bridge.

God does not have to rebuild his bridge every year. He is eternal. His work is eternal.

His gift is eternal.

The Apostle John wrote (I John 5:13): I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

As Peter expressed it in I Peter 1:24: All men are like grass and their glory is like the flowers of the field; The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.

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October 2015

River Region’s Journey

October 2

H Found Out It’s unnerving to think that personal data could end up in the wrong hands. We have perhaps experienced credit card information that has been compromised, and are learning that skilled hackers can gather data and perhaps use it against others.

This brings us to the situation involving the cheating-facilitation site Ashley Madison. First of all, you recognize that these data miners are stealing, so they can take no moral high ground.

There are names listed who represent a vast number of people who had a desire to channel their desires for a person other than their spouses – that’s wrong and concerning.

Columnist Matt Barber made some strong points at Barbwire.com. After chiding the moral relativists that see hypocrisy, when applied exclusively to Christians, as the only sin that matters, he writes: Here is a fact: Adultery is sin.

Here is another fact: “[Y]ou may be sure that your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23). And how.

Some 32 million paying customers of the vile adultery website Ashley Madison, which makes a fortune off the backs of families it helps to destroy, have just learned this truth the hard way…

Barber pivots to discuss the redemption that is available for all through Jesus Christ, writing that, “...there is redemption available for the millions of our fellow sinners who, tragically, chose to avail themselves of this sick site’s sinful ‘service.’

While they have become fully exposed, utterly humiliated and, for many, even ruined by a most selfish and lustful ambition; total redemption is yet within reach.”

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He adds, “’For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord’ (Romans 6:23).”

Kyle Idleman of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville wrote this for CBN. com in response to Ashley Madison’s announcement a while back that 25 percent of those using its site professed to be Christians: There is a story in the Bible found in the Gospel of John where we read about a woman who was caught in the act of adultery. She is ripped from the bedroom and thrown at the feet of Jesus to receive her punishment. The crowd is full of hypocrites who are ready to stone her. They wait for Jesus to deliver the sentence. Instead Jesus says, “If any of you is without sin, he can cast the first stone.” Slowly the stones drop to ground and the accusers walk away.

Then Jesus says something to this woman. We don’t know her name, but let’s call her Ashley Madison. Jesus says, ‘Ashley, neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.’

That’s what I would say to those who identify as Christians on Ashley Madison.

But I wouldn’t just say it to 25 percent of the members; I would say it to 100 percent. We come to Jesus and he offers us forgiveness and invites us to live a new and different life.

There are some great lessons for us in the midst of these unfortunate circumstances. For one thing, as Barber points out, your sin will be exposed. Maybe not in this life. Maybe so. What is done in what we think is the dark may be illuminated. Above all, God knows, and there 20

will be consequences for our actions. The double life is a life of risk and rebellion the Bible says the way of transgressors is hard (Proverbs 13:15, KJV). The threats of exposed sin and the misery of embedded sin should produce repentance.

Where sin has abounded, God’s grace can be found in greater abundance. As Paul points out, that doesn’t mean we dabble in sin so that we can get more grace. We can know, however, when we come before God in genuine repentance, we can experience a great degree of His restoring love.

Richard Clark writes on the Leadership Journal website: …This is a time for confrontation, grieving, and prayer.

We like to advertise our churches as places for broken people. But when sin and its consequences come to public fruition, it results in a mess we often are tempted to clean up at all costs. Unfortunately there is no quick fix for the disorder caused by sin.

The gospel teaches something else: work through the disorder and chaos, and revel in grace.

Finally, we have to make sure that we take the steps to remain strong when we are tempted. The Bible tells us that God makes a way of escape for us when we face temptation. Proactive steps can be helpful, making sure that we are grounded in God’s Word and reliant on His Spirit’s power. The enemy will seek to attack us at our greatest point of vulnerability, so we can make it our aim to recognize the attack and appropriate God’s resources.

Bob Crittenden is host of “The Meeting House”, heard weekday afternoons from 4-6pm on Faith Radio, 89.1FM in Montgomery. Described as “the intersection of faith and culture”, the program features Christian music and conversation about a variety of topics. Learn more by visiting www. meetinghouseonline.info.

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making a difference?

October is the time when Faith Radio recognizes the outstanding efforts of pastors and church staff. This year we want to concentrate on acknowledging how God is working through church leaders to touch their communities.

At Faith Radio, we ask for your help in recognizing these outstanding community efforts by sharing with us the stories YOU SEE churches doing! Galatians 5:13 instructs us to serve one another through love.

Please share with us where you have seen church leaders making a difference! Perhaps your church is partnering with another congregation or ministry to reach out in the name of Christ.

Maybe it’s a community service project.

We want to share and recognize these stories.

Visit Faithradio.org and click on the Pastor and Staff Appreciation Month Banner.

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800-239-8900 | faithradio.org 2015 River Region’s Journey Listen LIVE Now at faithradio.org | Montgomery WLBF 89.1FM | Andalusia WSTFOctober 91.5FM | Dothan WDYF 90.3FM 21 Eufaula 91.9FM | Alexander City 94.1FM | Sylacauga 94.1FM | Thorsby/Jemison 96.9FM | Brewton 92.1FM

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Angel Fest

October 17 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

St. Michael and All angels Church, 5941 Main Street, Millbrook Join the fun at the annual Angel Fest at St. Michael’s. Shop unique arts and crafts, the bake sale and our silent auction.

There will be live entertainment, a children’s carnival, concessions and a Boston butt sale.

All proceeds go to help others in the Millbrook and West Elmore County communities. For vendor information or to pre-order Boston butts call the church office at (334) 285.3905 or visit www.stmichaleandallangels.com/angel-fest/.

Fall Festival at Alabama Christian Academy

Thursday, November 5, tentatively 3-6 p.m.

Inflatables, pony rides, games and more. They will have a silent auction and Country Kitchen, chili cook off and photo booth. Each class sponsors games for children of all ages. Concessions will be available. Admission is $5. Please call 277.1985 ext. 221 for more information.

Fall Festival Aldersgate UMC

Wednesday, October 28, 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m.

6610 Vaughn Road Trunk or Treat, games, prizes, crafts, hayride, inflatables. A fun-filled family night open to everyone free of charge. Call 272.6152.

Blue Ridge Baptist Church 50’s Fall Festival

4471 Jasmine Hill Road in Wetumpka Sunday, October 25 Girls pull back your ponytails and put on your River Region’s Journey

October 2015

poodle skirts and bobby socks.

Guys back comb your hair and wear your leather or letter jacket. Come to this free outdoor event for a 50’s and more concert by Reborn Harmony, with a hotdog and chili supper. Trunk or Treat, bouncy houses, fun, games and crafts.

Friendly costumes are welcome. Come celebrate this beautiful season God has given us.

Call John Carney at 567.4325 for information.

Fall Revival Capital City Church of the Nazarene

4450 Vaughn Road Sunday, November 1st Lunch around noon with Fall Festival following Inflatables, candy and more. For more information please call 272.8176.

Fall Festival Camellia Baptist Church

Halloween Carnival Camp Chandler

Saturday, October 24, 5-8 p.m.

Camp Chandler is located just off U.S. 231 North in Wetumpka on Lake Jordan.

Hayrides, carnival games, trick or treating and cake walk will all be part of the fun.

Cost is $5 per child. Parents free. Proceeds go to the camper scholarship fund. Hot dogs, hamburgers, cotton candy and drinks available for purchase. For more information, call 269.4362, ext. 241 or 252.

Visit www.campchandler.org.

Annual Family Fall Festival Dalraida Baptist Church

Sunday, October 25, 5:00 until 7:30 p.m.

3838 Wares Ferry Road Games, Prizes, Food, Hayride, Inflatables and More! Please Call 272.2412.

Fall Festival Dalraida UMC

Friday, October 31st from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

201 Woodvale Rd, Prattville Lots of games, food, candy and a life-changing message. Free admission. Games for ages preschool – 6. No scary costumes. Bring your family and friends. Call 365.0755.

Date to be announced. Please call for more information. 3817 Atlanta Highway Games, food, prizes, costume contest and other surprises. Call 272.2190.

Christ Community Church Fall Festival

Family Fun Fall Festival East Memorial Baptist

8285 Ryan Rd., Montgomery, 273.8110 October 25, 4 p.m.

Join us as we come together to enjoy some great food, fun, and fellowship at our annual fall festival. There will be games and plenty of candy! Free and open to the entire public.

Kids are welcome to dress up, if they would like.

No scary costumes, please.

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Saturday, October 31st 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

1320 Old Ridge Road, Prattville, AL Games, Candy, Balloon Animals, and all sorts of fun for the whole family! FREE!! For more info call 334.365.7500 or visit us at www.eastmemorial.org.

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Trunk or Treat Eastmont Baptist Church Sunday, October 25, 4-6pm 4505 Atlanta Highway In the front parking lot of the church.

Fall Festival First Baptist Church, Prattville

Thursday, October 29 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Preschool-Sixth Grade 138 South Washington Street Games, Rides and Prizes! Free admission, popcorn and cotton candy! For more information visit fbcprattville.org or call 365-0606.

First Baptist Church Fall Family Festival

305 South Perry Street, Montgomery Sunday, October 25, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Perry Street Lot FREE! Games, Fun and prizes.

For more information, call 834.6310.

Pumpkinfest First UMC, Montgomery

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Sunday, October 25, 4 p.m.

2416 W. Cloverdale Park For children of all ages - Front lawn of the church. Fun, games, horse-drawn hayride, moonwalk, refreshments and more! Happy

costumes are welcome! In the event of rain, the Pumpkinfest will be moved indoors. For children age toddler through 3rd grade!

Call 834.8990.

FUMC Fall Bazaar 2015

Wednesday, October 7th, 1 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Luncheon $12 | 12:00-1:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall featuring Birmingham Harmony Belles Music of the 40’s, Shopping & Silent Auction 1:00-7:00 p.m. Wesley Hall Baked Goods • Frozen Foods • Garden Treasures Gifts & Crafts • Kid’s Closet • Nice as New Red’s Little School House Bbq Dinner $10 | 5:00-7:00 p.m. Park Avenue Parking Lot Kid’s Chicken Finger Meal: $5. Please call 834.8990 for more information. Tickets can be purchased for $10 by calling the church.

Fall Barbeque at FUMC

October 7 from 5-7 p.m., First United Methodist Church, Montgomery. Fun for the whole family! A real picnic with great barbeque and all the fixins. Bring family and friends for food, fun and fellowship! For more information call 834.8990. .

Trunk or Treat First UMC, Wetumpka

Saturday, October 31 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.

306 W. Tuskeena Street Contest, games, concessions, inflatables, cake walk, dunking booth and treats for all ages.

Parents are encouraged to attend with child. Call 567.7865, visit www.fumcwetumpka.com.

Fall Family Festival Gateway Baptist Church Saturday, October 31st 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

3300 Bell Road Free admission. Popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, games and trunk or treat.

Little bit of something for everyone.

Call 272.9494 for more information.

Trunk or Treat Fall Carnival Harvest Family Church

Saturday, October 31st, 4 -5:30 p.m.

7245 Copperfield Drive All superheroes, princesses and minions (and their families!) are invited to stuff their bags with candy and enjoy fun games at a FREE carnival presented by the folks at Harvest Family Church in the Copperfield community. FREE hotdogs will be provided (while they last) and a TV will be showing football for those who just can’t pull away! For more info: (334) 277-1156 www.harvestfamilychurch.com

Fall Festival Heritage Baptist Church October 31 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Inflatables, Trunk A Treat, Music & More Free Admission. Concessions Available 1849 Perry Hill Road Call 279.9976.

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Judgement House

403 Eastern Blvd.

October 14, 17, 18, 21, 24-25, 28-31, 6-9 p.m.

The ministry of Judgement House spans over 28 years with its roots tied to Montgomery. River Region Judgement House is a God-centered drama which focuses on the triumphs and tragedies faced in the lives of today’s youth and young adults. All aspects of this ministry are based on Biblical principles and teachings. Please visit us at www.judgement-house.com.

Metropolitan UMC Fall Festival

3108 Rosa Parks Drive October 3, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Community is welcome. Food will be provided.

You are welcome to bring your own grills, picnic baskets, tents and lawn chairs. Live entertainment featuring local choirs and musicians: Gospel, jazz, good music. Fun and games for the kids. Come out and spend the afternoon with your neighborhood church and let’s get to know each other. Contact us at (334) 263.0950.

Millbrook First UMC Trunk or Treat

“Family Game Night” will be the theme of an annual “Trunk-or-Treat” event hosted by Millbrook First United Methodist Church and Coosada Baptist Church on Sunday, October 25th, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Food Outlet parking lot.

Participants can win door prizes if they register

at the “door” and you must be present to win.

All ages are welcome. A costume contest will be held and free popcorn, snow cones, and cotton candy will be available. Get your game-night themed costume ready and come join the fun!

Call 334-354-3665 for details.

Trunk or Treat Mulder UMC

Thursday, October 29, 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

3454 Firetower Road, Wetumpka Fun for the whole family. There will be inflatables, games, trunks of treats, hayrides, face painting, live music and more. No scary costumes please. For more info, call 567.4225.

New Testament Christian Center’s Annual Fall Festival

10300 Highway 80 East (next to Jenkins Brick Company and Buck Masters) Saturday, October 24 at 2 p.m.

We will have hay rides, games, food, inflatables and much more. For more information please call 215.7215 or call Ms. McCall at 717.9009.

Harvest Revival Ridgecrest Baptist Church Sunday, October 25-28 at 6:15 5260 Vaughn Road Potluck fellowship will follow the October 25 service. For more info call 277.0011.

Trunk or Treat Saint James UMC

Sunday, October 25 5 to 6:30 p.m.

9045 Vaughn Road Parking lot at back of church. Hayride, inflatables, games, candy and much more! Wear your costume but please nothing scary. For more info, call Jennifer at 277.3037.

Taylor Road Treats the Town Taylor Road Baptist Church Friday, October 30th Gates open at 6 1685 Taylor Road FREE FOOD! Hot dogs, drinks, popcorn, peanuts, cookies, candy, games, Treat Street, hayrides, family pictures. Family Atmostphere.

NO scary costumes please. Call 271.3363. .

Fall Festival Thorington Road Baptist

Sunday, October 18th 3p.m. – 5 p.m.

450 Ray Thorington Road Come join us for inflatables, games, and fun for the entire family. Free! Rain or shine!

Call 396.9376.

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!

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How is Your Breastplate of Righteousness?

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:14, 15 Ephesians 6 is a well known chapter of the New Testament that teaches Christians to put on the full armor of God so that we can withstand the attacks of evil that come against us. Here we will examine the breastplate of righteousness, beginning with the meaning of the term, “righteousness”. Secondly, we will look at how we become “righteous”. And finally, we will look at the literal armor that soldiers wear, in particular, the breastplate.

What is righteousness?

In our 20 years of service in the military and of teaching marriage and family to military and civilian couples, we have experienced the unique privilege of watching and working with couples who are struggling to make decisions that are good and pleasing to God. Families and individuals face alternatives in their choices of good and evil in a world that is changing the boundaries of right and wrong. Andy Andrews, the author of How do You Kill 11 Million People? Why the Truth Matters More Than You Think, points out that in Nazi Germany, the lines of good vs. evil became so gray that people actually went along with Hitler’s horrendous execution of over 11 million people. What is true, what is right, what is morally correct depends upon an individual’s world view and perspective of sin and righteousness. When a baker in Colorado refuses to bake a cake that celebrates a homosexual marriage, he has chosen to take a stand for what he believes is true and right, “falling on his sword” to uphold not just religious beliefs but a core value that he holds to be right. Planned Parenthood

(which should be called Planned Abortion) is another example where people choose to turn their heads away from an atrocity, where parenthood is not begun until the birth of a full term child, making it right to some to kill an unborn child and even babies who were born and had the audacity to live! How have the lines between good and evil, sin and righteousness become so blurred?

Righteousness is defined in Wikipedia as, “an attribute that implies that a person’s actions are justified, and can have the connotation that the person has been “judged” or “reckoned” as leading a life that is pleasing to God.” The word is found in the Old Testament more than five hundred times and in the New Testament more than two hundred times (Wikipedia). Righteousness is the opposite of sin, therefore to be without sin is to be righteous. God wants His people to live righteous lives--free of sin and following His laws, as shown in Psalm 119:172 which says, “My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteousness.” 1 John 3:4 declares, “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.”

How do we become righteous?

To be righteous is to do what is right in God’s eyes. “Sins are actions and thoughts that go against God’s laws. Since they are in conflict with God’s way of living and are harmful to ourselves and others, our perfect and just God will not associate with us if we go down the path of sin and evil. We cut ourselves off from God and His protection!” (freebiblestudyguides.org) Isaiah 59:1-2 says, “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.”

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In Isaiah 64:6 we are reminded that our righteousness is like filthy rags. A breastplate of filthy rags is no protection at all.

The righteousness that will protect us from our enemy comes only from God. God is righteousness! His righteousness saves us through justification and forgiveness of sins.

God’s righteousness makes our breastplate strong and protective so that we can fight and win the battles, not based on our merit, but because of God’s grace and mercy.

What is the breastplate?

The righteousness of Christ forms the breastplate that protects our core, our innermost being. The breastplate was a central part of the Roman soldier’s armament, which protected his vital organs such as the heart and lungs. Without a breastplate, a soldier would not stand a chance of protecting himself in battle, however, with a strong breastplate, the soldier can fend off attacks, protecting himself, his loved ones, and his beliefs. The breastplate must be put on daily, just as we must try to live each day a life honoring Christ. The breastplate protects only the front of the soldier, so remember to have other Christians protecting your back!

Someday, the battles we are fighting will be finished and when that time comes, we are promised, “The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever” (Isaiah 32:17). By being faithful to live a life honoring to God and by staying away from sin, we will then be able to enjoy the fruit of righteousness.

Lt. Col Mike Conn and wife, Lisa, founded Covenant Family Ministries when Mike retired from the Air Force in 1997. CFM is an independent marriage and family education ministry committed to partnering with churches, organizations, and individuals in Montgomery and across Alabama to build Family Teams for Christ. Married for over 33 years, Mike and Lisa have three daughters, two sons-in-law, and three grandchildren.

October 2015

River Region’s Journey

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Adoption

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy and First UMC, Millbrook APAC- Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connection Support Group This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer.

For information, call Monica Russell at 409-9477 or email mrussell@childrensaid.org. Autauga/Elmore Group meets 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., First UMC, Millbrook. Childcare, children’s group and dinner provided. For info, call Hannah Taylor at 409-9477 or e-mail htaylor@childrensaid.org.

Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd.

Leaders: Chad & Betsy Emerson (334) 201-5241 Wednesday, 6:30pm in Rm. 116. The Orphan Care Group will focus on God’s call to help orphans through adoption, foster care, and missions work. The group will share experiences, study and Biblical themes regarding orphan care, and provide a support and network for individuals who want to support orphans.

Location: Millbrook First United Methodist Church, 3350 Edgewood Road Adoption Support- Will meet 4th Tuesday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m.

Alcoholic / Addict

Location: Caring Center of FBC, 52 Adams Avenue CrossRoads Support Group is for addicts/alcoholics and family members.

Meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and follows a Christ-centered 12-step program.

Call 264-4949.

Location: Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays.

272.2190. Alanon meets at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Location: First Baptist Church (Huff Community Ministries Bldg., 200 S. Perry Street) Celebrate Recovery, a Bible-based Christ centered approach to recovery from hurts, habits and hang-ups, meets Friday nights, from 5:30 p.m.- 8 p.m. For more information, contact Jane Ferguson at 241.5141.

Location: Grace @ Bell Road, Corner of Bell Road and Atlanta Hwy. Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon meetings are held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, at 6 p.m.

An Open AA Speaker meeting is held on Saturday at 6 p.m.

An Alanon & AA held on Sundays at 2 p.m.

Location: Grace Point Community Church, 78223 Tallassee Hwy (Hwy 14), Wetumpka Celebrate Recovery- every Tuesday night- 6:15pm. All are welcome! These meetings are a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits and hang-ups! gracepoint.info.

Location: Journey Church, 2960 East Cobbs Ford Road across from The Catfish House in Millbrook Celebrate Recovery - Christ-centered 12-step for anyone struggling with addiction or life-challenging issues. Mon-

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days at 5:30pm (meal-CrossTalk Cafe), 6-6:55 pm (large group), 6:55-7:45 (small group). Childcare available. Call Larry at 334-832-5714 or visit myjourneychurch.com.

Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. RSVPThis is a 12 step spiritual recovery program for overcoming addictions. Using the steps and Bible we help build self-esteem, responsible behavior, the making of amends for our destructive actions, and to fill the void in our hearts in a loving relationship with God. Wednesday @ 6:30pm in Rm. 121 of the Life Center.

Location: Prattville Church of Christ, 344 East Main St. RSVP - 12 step (Christians Against Substance Abuse-CASA) spiritual recovery program, for overcoming addictions. Class begins each Wednesday evening @6:30 PM. Please call 334365-4201 for addition information.

Location: Santuck Baptist Church, 7250 Central Plank Rd. (Hwy 9), Wetumpka. Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday evening at 6:15 in the Fellowship Hall. This is a Chrsit centered 12 step-program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Call 567-2364.

Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) is open to all struggling with addictive sexual behavior. If you believe you have a problem with sex addiction (or are wondering if you might) and you want to change your behavior, we recommend you visit our group. For locations, please visit- https://saa-recovery.org/ or please contact – MontgomerySAA@outlook.com.

Meetings are held: every Sunday night - 7:45 p.m, men only.

Every Monday night - 7:30 p.m, men and women.

Location: St. James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road Celebrate Recovery meets every Thursday night from 6-8 pm in the Youth Room. This is a Christ-centered 12-step group for anyone struggling with an “addiction or lifechallenging issues.” For information, call Chris Henderson at 334-215-0427.

Location: Trinity Episcopal, Wetumpka (Across from Winn Dixie on HWY 231) Gamblers Anonymous-Saturdays at 7 p.m.

Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road Celebrate Recovery is a 12-step-Christian process to help you cope with hurts, hang-ups, and habits on a weekly basis.

Led by Jeff McFarland on Wednesdays from 6-8 pm. Call 279-5433 for more info.

Location: First United Methodist Church, Wetumpka 306 W. Tuskeena Street ‘Fresh Start’ Recovery meets every Thursday, 6-8pm (meal included). In 2011, Fresh Start Motorcycle Ministry (FSMM) began when God laid it on the heart of a lifetime biker to minister to those with his background. All are welcome, not a requirement to own/ride a motorcycle. Format used is the Holy Bible. For any info contact ministry leader, Paul Henderson, 334-201-5428.

Alzheimer’s / Dementia

Location: First UMC, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, Wesley Hall Bldg.

An Adult Parkinson/Alzheimer’s respite ministry meets from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Lunch is served. Contact Daphne at 834-8990.

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Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers’ Support Group meets on the first Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. in Room 3103. Call 272.8622.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Dementia Daycare is held each Thursday in Rm. 3101 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Each participant may bring a sack lunch. There is no charge. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Call the LifeCare office at 272-8622.

Location: Memorial Presbyterian, 2130 Bell Road A Dementia Morning Out for caregivers is offered each Tuesday from 8:45-noon. There is no charge. Each participant may bring a sack lunch (juice provided). Registration is required by calling 274-1018.

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Cancer

Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery Cancer Survivors Support Group is sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center.

We would love to have anyone (patient or family member ) join us. Thursdays at 1 pm. Please call before attending just to make sure we are meeting that week. Please call Debbie D at 467-4578 or Ben W at 202-1912.

Location: Dalraida Baptist, 3838 Wares Ferry Road.

Just for Men -- Faith based cancer support group for men.

Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the conference center. Please call 272-2412 email stan.hurst@knology.net.

Location: ChristChurch, 8800 Vaughn Road Cancer Support Group for general cancer. Tuesday afternoons at 1 pm. For more info, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie at 467-4578.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group, providing education, awareness, and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family, and friends, meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Rm 8253. Call 272-8622 or womenofhope@charter.net.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. The Central Alabama Multiple Myeloma Support Group meets from 10 a.m. to noon the second Saturday of every month in Room 3105. We have guest speakers, video presentations, printed information and a group that welcomes sharing their journey with myeloma in an informal setting. Refreshments are provided.. Contact Lorenzo and Elaine Duncan at 334-281-8158, or at duncan6563@gmail.com.

Depression

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Depression/Bipolar Support Group meets on the 1st Thursday of each month from 7:00-8:30pm in Room 3101. This group also meets on the 3rd Saturday afternoon, 12-2 pm, Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Hwy in Church Annex. Call 334.652.1431 or email dbsamontgomery@yahoo.com.

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Divorce

Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street Divorce Care is held Wednesdays, 6:30-8 pm. Childcare available. $15 for workbook. Dinner at 4:45 ($5 adults, $3 kids). Call Kathy Cooper at 241-5125.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Divorce Care meets each Tuesday from 6-7:30pm. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. This group will provide support & guidance to assist you in working through the issues, pain & pressures surrounding divorce. Also, Divorce Care for Kids meets each Tuesday from 6-7:30pm. For information, contact 495-6385 or email singles@frazerumc.org.

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Location: Millbrook First UMC, 3350 Edgewood Road DivorceCare- Will meet Sundays from 5-7 p.m.

For more information or to sign up, please call the church office at 285-4114 or email churchoffice@mfumc.org.

Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road DivorceCare fosters a weekly supportive and caring environment to heal the hurt of separation and divorce. Facilitators are Todd Smith, Wendy Timbie, and Becki Harrison. Call 279-5433.

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Gambling

Location: Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US HWY 231 in the Wallsboro/ Wetumpka community Gamblers Anonymous, Saturdays at 6 pm. 567-0476 Location: Mental Health of America Bldg, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Sundays @ 5 pm.

Location: St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 4475 Atlanta Hwy, Mondays @ 6pm.

Gamblers Anonymous Hotline: 334-541-5420 or you can call 2-1-1 and ask for meeting information.

Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling: 277-5100

Grief Location: Eastmont Baptist,

4505 Atlanta Hwy. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child meeting first Tuesdays at 7 pm. Call (334) 284-2721 for info.

Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth St, Prattville Grief Share, Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm in the church parlor. Call 365-5977.

Location: Frazer UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Grief Recovery Support Group meets Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., Rm 3105, in Fellowship Hall Lobby. 272.8622.

Location: Grace Baptist Church, 304 Old Montgomery Highway, Wetumpka Mourning to Morning is a Christian growth group for mothers who have lost a child, from before birth through adulthood. Meets the last Thursday night of each month. For info, contact Alice Scarborough (334) 462-4775 or Gwen Ellis (334) 567-8754 or e-mail mourningtomorning@gmail. com. Join us on Facebook--Mourning to Morning Group.

Location: Millbrook FUMC, 3350 Edgewood Rd Grief Share meets Sundays from 5-7 p.m. For more information or to sign up, please call the church office at 285-4114 or email churchoffice@mfumc.org.

Location: Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 E. Washington Street Grief Ministry is a grief recovery support group that meets

every Monday at 6:00 P.M. The ministry is designed to help anyone through the hurt of losing a loved one by successfully traveling the journey from mourning to joy. Alicia Glover is the coordinator. For information contact Glover at 334-281-2754.

Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road GriefShare is a support group that meets Wednesdays from 6-8 pm. This program is non-denominational and features biblical concepts for healing your grief. GriefShare will be led by Howard and Carol Payne and Jim Williams. Call 2795433 for more information.

Miscellaneous Location: 5500 Ash Grove Circle, Montgomery.

OCD Support Group (obsessive- Compulsive Disorder) Long showers, multiple hand washing, rituals, checking stove, hoarding and symmetry. This support group is open to anyone who has struggled with OCD. You’re not alone anymore. Call Donald: 220-7555.

Location: Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Highway Take Heart is for women dealing with infertility and/or miscarriage. The group meets the first Monday of each month at 6 pm in room 116. Contact Melissa at (205) 9132667 for more information.

Parenting

Location: First Baptist Prattville, 138 S. Washington Moms LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) meets twice monthly from 8:30 - 11:45 am in the chapel at the Church from Aug May. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guest, special guest speakers and a lot of fun!! Cost is $5 per meeting. For moms of all

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stages and ages of life. Childcare provided by reservation.

For more info and to reserve your spot, call April Scott at 828-446-6666.

Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Moms, need a little break? MOPS is a place you can share a good meal, make new friends, and find encouragement as you face the everyday challenges of raising your little ones. We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities.

Free childcare is provided. Meetings are every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Frazer mom2mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of ages birth to 5 at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. Email Mom2mom@frazerumc.org for more information.

together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms, and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. We meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 9:30—11:30 a.m. Childcare is provided. For info e-mail VFCMOPS@gmail.com.

Physical Challenges

Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Road Visually Impaired Support Group – Meets monthly on second Thursday 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. The group is called Outward Sight - Inward Vision and is for those with vision loss and their caregivers. Our mission is to assist those experiencing vision loss to maintain their independence by providing access to valuable information and spiritual support. Call 272-6152.

Location: Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Road Single Moms’ Care and Support Group meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:15 - 8:00 PM. December meeting will be on the 11th. Free snack supper provided to moms and children. Child care for infants -16 years. Call 272-3174 for information.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An MDA/ALS Support Group will meet Tuesday August 10 6:00p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in room 3101. Anyone affected by a neuromuscular disease or family members of those affected.

To receive information, call 396-4534.

Location: Redland Baptist, 1266 Dozier Rd, Wetumpka A MOPS group will be held 1st and 3rd Tuesday’s of every month during the school year, and has scheduled play dates and moms nights out through the summer and beyond.

While moms are in a MOPS meeting, their children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program. Email Denise Braswell at deniseorscott@yahoo.com for more info.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy The Montgomery Ostomy Support Group is for people who have had or will have urinary or intestinal diversion surgeries such as colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy. Family members are welcome to attend. Meetings are held every other month generally on a Sunday afternoon. For more information, call Paul at 271-3563 or visit www.montgomeryostomy.info.

Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road Are you in need of a time-out? MOPS joins mothers

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Parkinson’s Support Group will meet the 4th Thursday

at 6 p.m., in room 8114 at Frazer UMC. This group is for those who have Parkinson’s disease and the family members. 272-8622.

Singlehood

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Boundaries study for singles meets each Tuesday from 6-7:30pm in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. This study will help singles learn to set boundaries with emotions and help avoid the harmful behavior of others. For more information, call 495-6386 or email singles@frazerumc.org.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Single and Parenting! A New Group for Single Mom’s.

This group meets every Tuesday from 6-7:30pm for hope & encouragement & guidance & parenting ideas. For information, call 495-6386 or email singles@frazerumc.org.

Location: Cornerstone Christian, 301 Dalraida Rd. Unavoidably Single Again (USA) Fellowship, a support group for widows and widowers. Informal meetings for fellowship and fun are held on the third Saturday of each month starting at 10 AM. Contact Lynda at farauthor@aol. com or 354-8869.

Veterans

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Veterans OEF/OIF Caregivers Support Group meets on the 3rd Wednesday from 11am-1pm in Room 3108. Contact LaQuana Edwards, Caregiver Support Coordinator at CAVHCS (334) 727-0550 ext. 5350.

Email your support group info to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com!

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Pursue Goals Like a Champion The word goal tends to make us cringe, as initial thoughts include sacrifice and misery. Building goals from a platform of achievement and satisfaction, however, makes the process seem less daunting and more palatable. Who better than Paul, an encourager and Champion in Christ, to guide us through goal creation and attainment? In his pep talks, he uses athletic analogies involving achievement.

In true sports psychology fashion, Paul encourages visualization and mental rehearsal to persevere. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, he writes, “run in such a way as to get the prize” instead of “running aimlessly” or “beating the air.” If you feel like you’re fighting without purpose or spinning your wheels, here are some Paul-inspired tips for building and achieving goals.

1. Shift Your Language

One small shift from negative to positive language can give your goal a different feel. In this case, negative implies taking away and positive implies adding to. Let’s say your goal is to be less stressed. Put in negative terms: “I will decrease my stress.” This is called an avoidance goal, as you are avoiding a thought, feeling, or action. These goals drain us mentally just by the thought of moving against something. Simply ask yourself, “What would I like instead of stress?”

The result in positive terms: “I will live my life more carefree and with purpose.”

This is called an approach goal, as you are

approaching thoughts, feelings, or actions.

These goals fuel us mentally, physically, and spiritually because we are moving towards something, not against. Instead of waiting for the absence of the problem (stress), we can immediately begin searching for and noticing the presence of results. If you catch yourself living more carefree and with purpose, you are more inclined to continue with the goal because the reward center of your brain is tapped, craving more.

Paul exemplifies how goals are meant to be embraced, not feared. He states the perfect approach goal in Philippians 1:21: “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” He created a win-win mindset. If he lived by an avoidance goal, like “try not to die,” he may not have felt as encouraged, being less inspirational to his audience.

2. Visualize Your Preferred Future

This involves mentally capturing what the end result will look like before taking a step forward. It keeps us on course, maintaining our focus. Paul writes in Philippians 3:13-15, “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” Have you ever set a goal with all thrust and no vector, finding yourself somewhere quickly but at the wrong destination? It makes much more sense to set your coordinates before the launch. First, imagine what others will be saying to you once you’ve reached your stated goal of living your life more carefree and with purpose. Second, think about what you did to make that happen (e.g., being more spontaneous, finding meaning in everyday tasks, etc.). Third, envision what you will be doing differently as a result of reaching this goal (e.g., different thoughts, feelings, and/or actions). Knowing how you’ll be living 29

your goal bridges the gap between what you desire and how you get there. Motivation, therefore, comes from the hope and expectation for a better tomorrow (optimism bias), not from the stated goal itself. “Expectation and hope” are what gave Paul the courage and strength to face the anxiety of possible death (Philippians 1:20).

3. Mentally Rehearse Overreaching Your Goal

Positive psychology challenges individuals to strive beyond just getting back to normal. If you were less stressed two years ago, is getting back to baseline necessarily doing anything more than status quo? In this ‘growth mindset,’ instead of viewing your goals as an end product, you think of them as an ongoing, developmental process. Weaknesses are even viewed as necessary to stretch us in becoming more innovative, optimistic, courageous, and therefore more confident to pursue other goals. Paul states eloquently in 2 Corinthians 12:10, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

What would happen if you began pursuing goals as Paul, lacing up your shoes every morning with the intent to “run in such a way as to get the prize”?

Perhaps you’ll receive similar heavenly results.

Olivia Pierce is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor and Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor. She works with adolescents, adults, and couples. She provides traumabased psychotherapy that addresses multiple anxiety disorders, such as acute stress, posttraumatic stress, and generalized anxiety. She enjoys providing couples and organizational workshops, certified in the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program, Bringing Baby Home Program, 4 Lenses™, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®, and Seven Habits of Highly Effective People®.

October 2015

River Region’s Journey

by Laura Bell

If there was ever any uncertainty as to whether or not human trafficking happens in America, you can be assured that is it presently attacking not only our nation, but Alabama itself.

Blanket Fort Hope, a non-profit in our very own River Region area, is fighting against all of its forms of horrific exploitation with an emphasis on children and the attacks that they have faced.

This non-profit began January 2015 when the organization could not find anyone in the state of Alabama providing shelter for child trafficking victims and could no longer sit still. When talking to Alexa James, Vice President/Co-founder of Blanket Fort Hope, she shared some shocking truths about what is happenRiver Region’s Journey

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ing here and why we are so uninformed as to what is going on around us. Alexa explains, “Human trafficking is the second largest criminal activity and the fastest growing crime. Human trafficking occurs when a person compels someone else to engage in a commercial or sex act. While no one knows with certainty the exact number of human trafficking victims, we do know that this crime can happen anywhere and is happening everywhere in the world.

Children around the world are victims, including children in Alabama. It is not a new idea in practice; however, it is a new concept to the law. In the United States, the first federal law that made this activity a crime was passed in the year 2000. In Alabama, the first state law against human trafficking was passed in 2010. Blanket Fort Hope has answered the call to bring these children home.

As anti-trafficking respons30

es are organized at the national, state, and local levels, we begin to identify gaps in how we are addressing the problem.�

There are plenty of systems and agencies involved in this anti-trafficking response, including law enforcement, courts, and service-provider organizations. How will all of these entities be organized and begin to work as one to address the prob-

lem ne the ing go eff sit pro Fo sub go an hu

lem? Blanket Fort Hope will help meet this need by providing education and training to the many groups involved. They are striving to work as one team with a common goal in order to achieve the efficiency and effectiveness needed to identify trafficking situations, prosecute the perpetrators, and provide services to the victims. Blanket Fort Hope will seek to help carry the substantial load currently shouldered by government agencies, law enforcement, and service-providers. The perpetrators of human trafficking are often very orga-

nized, so anti-trafficking efforts must involve organized collaboration in order to be effective.

Blanket Fort Hope has a vision that is quite simple: To be a fortress of safety for child victims of human trafficking, forging a path of purpose and hope for our children. Blanket Fort Hope is the only service for child victims of human trafficking in Alabama and in the Southeast. They have partnered with agencies in Alabama and the nation in order to help the children.

Collaboration is the key to ending human trafficking, and education and prevention are at the top of their list. They are on the ground teaching and partnering with statewide social workers, NASW, judges and courts, churches, schools, Sav A Life, abortion clinics, tattoo parlors and more!

When I asked Alexa where Blanket Fort Hope has seen God move the most in their ministry, her answer was chill-

ing. “In our short existence, we already have our first foundation monies, were invited by Jr. League of Birmingham to apply for the Beeson grant, and possibly partner on our education initiative. We had a foundation on a national level ask us to apply, which is so unheard of this early in the game. We KNOW God wants these children home. We have partnered with Market Town Coffee Company, a local coffee company that gives their profits to organizations fighting human trafficking.

God gave us two locations, one in Shelby County and one in Prattville. So many doors have been opened for us, doors only the Father could open. We are amazed!”

Alexa explained two different ways in which Blanket Fort Hope is raising money.

So far, their most effective and fun way of fundraising is through something they like to call “The Lemonade Stand Campaign”.

The purpose of the Lemonade Stand Campaign is to raise funds for Blanket Fort Hope (BFH) to open a Children’s Home for child trafficking victims and to educate children, and professionals who work with children, about human trafficking.

The first LSC was introduced only weeks ago through a Centerpoint Church tailgate

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party in Prattville. On October 6 they will set up the LSC at National Night Out in Shelby County. (National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live).

In closing, Alexa shares, “By making an intentional investment with national and local agencies, law enforcement, and the general public, Blanket Fort Hope will identify child victims and provide them safety through homes, services, and longterm commitment--offering them healing, restoration, and the opportunity to thrive.

We envision a world where children are not disposable, but rather invaluable. Our communities need hope that today we can choose a different path besides one where countless children are preyed upon and exploited. We are excited about expanding the idea across our country and world that collaboration and strong commitment can positively change the course of these childrens’ lives forever.”

If you desire to get involved with Blanket Fort Hope to help their mission and their cause, there should be no hesitation to call them. They are always looking for volunteers to help in any way!

Blanket Fort Hope, 205-532-3048 or find them on Facebook at Blanket Fort Hope!

Laura Bell is a freelance writer, born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama. She enjoys spending time with her husband Cody and finding all reasons to have joy in life!

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October 2015 Community Calendar Monthly events can also be found in the Around Our Community Section starting on page 8.

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Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 1550 East Washington Street, will celebrate their 91st Church Anniversary. Rev. Quinton E. Hammonds from Pratt City in Birmingham, Alabama will be the guest speaker.

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Mission to North America’s Southeast Regional Workshop, at Trinity Presbyterian Church.

October 16-17

Guest Speakers: Dr. Ligon Duncan and Dr. Jim Coffield. The focus is organizing churches to participate in disaster response. $20 per person/$10 for students Includes breakfast, snacks and conference materials. Register at www.trinitypca. org/MNA. Hidden in Hope, Teaching by Jo Hancock. His Vessel Ministries is hosting a special teaching event October 16-17, 2015, at the Vessel Room located in the Historic Union Station in downtown Montgomery, Alabama. Hidden In Hope, preparing the Church for the glorious days ahead, will be the focus for the weekend teaching.

Hidden In Hope will begin Friday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m. and will conclude with a Saturday session from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. For more information regarding Hidden In Hope or to register, e-mail info@hisvessel.org or call 334-356-4478.

Visit our website www.hisvessel.org or www. facebook/hisvesselministries.

October 17

Good News 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run Color Party, benefitting Child Evangelism Fellowship October 17, Young Meadows Presbyterian 5K starts at 8:00 a.m.; 1 mile starts at 9:00 a.m.

To register go to active.com or visit cefcentralalabama.org. Pre Registration: $40 to run/walk 5K & 1 Mile Run with Color; $30 to run/walk 5K only; $15 to run/walk 1 mile only. Race Day Registration: (7:00 am to 7:30 am) $45 to run/walk both races; $35 to run/walk 5K $20 for 1 Mile Run with Color. (Group rate available for 50 or more, call 334 213-7388.) We

will be throwing color in the one-mile run only.

T-shirts guaranteed to those who register online or printout registration forms from website and mail them to PO Box 240704, Mont., AL 36124 a week and a half prior to the race.

Aldersgate Methodist Men Host 31st Annual Barbecue. For only $8 per box, folks can taste the finest barbecued pork and chicken that Montgomery has to offer on the SAME PLATE, as well as generous sides of baked beans, slaw and bread.

Boxes will go on sale beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, located at 6610 Vaughn Road. Boxes will be available until 2 p.m., or while supplies last. Drive thru pick up service is provided. Tickets can be purchased in advance, or boxes can be bought on the day of the sale. For information, contact 272-6152 or send e-mail to aldersgateumm@gmail.com.

October 22

Women’s Event with Point of Grace at Prattville First Baptist Church, at 6:30 pm. Speaker will be Allison Wilks. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students (6th grade to college). Visit www.itickets.com or call 334.365.0606.

October 24

Join us at Cornerstone Christian Church at 301 Dalraida Road for our Annual Yard Sale!

Housewares, clothing, toys, lawn and garden items and much, much more. All proceeds are being raised to help fund our Mambajao Mission trip to the Philippines next summer. There will

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River Region’s Journey

be something for everyone. Sale starts at 7 a.m.

Come and shop till you drop! For information, contact Dianna at 334-799-3576.

River City Church invites the entire community to their 4th Saturday Outreach from 9am-11am at the church, located at 301 Dexter Avenue.

Admission is free. The River Region will have access to blood pressure/glucose screenings, career services, free haircuts, hygiene items and canned goods. Participants can register for a drawing for a weekly bus pass and gasoline gift cards. For information, call 263-0549 or visit www.rivercityumc.com.

Ongoing Happenings AGLOW International meets every third Thursday, 9:30 at the Montgomery House of Prayer. All women welcome to join together for praise, prayer and an anointed message. Contact mboudousquie@yahoo.com.

Bridge of Life Assembly of God, 9000 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, holds Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m. each week. Sunday school classes meet at 9:30 a.m. We offer classes for all age groups and childcare is provided. Our goal is to build bridges...not walls. We invite you to come join us if you need to learn how to build those bridges. For directions or information call 334-396-0208. Email jon@bridgeoflife.tv or visit www. bridgeoflife.tv.

Central Community Christian Church, 981 South Perry Street, Montgomery, holds new members training classes on Sundays at 9 a.m. Sunday School (9:30),

morning worship (11:00), Tuesday night Bible study (6:30). Every fourth Sunday of the month is our youth Sunday. For more information please call (334) 269-0457 or by email at centralccchurch1@gmail.com.

Christchurch, 8800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, offers a Women’s Enrichment Bible Study led by Jeanne Dean on Thursdays, 11:45-12:40 in Canterbury Hall. All women are welcome. Childcare for ages birth-4 years is provided. Call 387-0566 x 201 for more info.

Christchurch offers a Men’s Breakfast Bible Study at 7 a.m., 11th Floor Goode Building/Jackson Hospital. Call 387-0566 x 201.

Chisholm Baptist Church, 2938 Lower Wetumpka Road, Montgomery, holds Sunday morning Bible study (9:30), Morning worship (10:45), Tuesday prayer breakfast (8:30) Wednesday evening prayer service (6 pm) and Senior Body and Soul Group (every 1st Tuesday at 1 pm). Email jbass9784@charter.net or call 262-6437.

First Presbyterian Church, 9299 Vaughn Road, hosts a Men’s Prayer Breakfast every Friday morning, 6 a.m.

at 10:00 a.m. followed by a program at 10:30 a.m. and lunch at 11:30 a.m. The cost of lunch is $2.50. Contact NeeNee Webb at 834-8990.

Frazer mom2mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of ages birth to 5 at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. Email Mom2mom@ frazerumc.org.

Good News @ Noon is an interdenominational Bible study, held at the First Baptist Community Ministries Building on Adams Street, Thursdays, at noon. Small cost for hot lunch. Call 272.1133.

Hall Memorial CME Church says: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Tutors, prayer-warriors, and office/clerical volunteers needed for the Montgomery City Jail Ministry & G.E.D program. Opportunities are ongoing. No experience or certification necessary. Contact Pastor Anderson T. Graves II, at hallmemorialcme1@aol.com.

Call 334-288-0577. The City Jail ministry is an in-reach ministry of Hall Memorial CME Church, 541 Seibles Road, Montgomery.

The Youth of First United Methodist Church, Montgomery every Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. for Wednesday Night Live, a time of praise and worship in “the attic”. Also, every Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. is MYF which includes a snack supper $3.00 followed by activities, small groups and lots of fun! Visit www. fumcmontgomery.org.

Macedonia Miracle Kingdom & Worship Center (MMKWC), 3070 Selma Highway, Montgomery, services are Sunday School and New Members Class, 9:00 a.m., Morning Worship, 10:45 a.m.; Tuesday Night Bible Class, 7:00 p.m. and Friday Night Prayer, 6:00 p.m.

(BOTH at The Pattern-Mt Meigs Road)

First United Methodist Church will host Terrific Tuesdays. Please come and join us for fellowship, a program and lunch. Terrific Tuesdays will meet each Tuesday in room 204 of Wesley Hall. Fellowship time will begin

Messiah Lutheran Church, 6670 Vaughn Road, invites all to Wonderful Wednesdays starting with a $3-5 meal at 5:30 pm (RSVP 277-4213 by Monday noon), worship with eucharist 6:15-7:00 pm, and adult choir rehearsal

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New friends are now best friends. New experiences are now the best times ever. No wonder it’s so easy to tell others about it and include them in the fun.

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

We’ve do put Itogether everything you’re looking for in a perfect“I saw camp onemy of Why choose Riverview each summer? mysetting! first river Recognized on a mountain,as I rode Golf,times Dance, Dance, Outdoor Sports, Soccer,use Beach Volleyball, Basketball, “As go,Stomp it was one of the BEST.”Skills AndClass, what child couldn’t some of that these days?

Riverview Refinement, Program, Campfires night,Recognized optional trips and more!

We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16...

Mother-Daughter Weekends1are also!

Registeredfor Nurses and6 Physician on Staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid andand CPRFall Certified.

Camper/Counselor Ratio 5:1 Spring Mother-Daughter Weekends...

waiting lists start early...sign up soon!...

Waitingwww.riverviewcamp.com! lists start early...sign up soon!...

Only 1 /Mountain 2 hours from Huntsville Located on top of Lookout in Mentone, AL. Only a 3 hr drive.

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Call for FREE DVD and catalog 1-800-882-0722 Accredited by American Camping Association • Members of Christian Camping International

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Dr. Larry & Susan Hooks, Owners/Directors • Donna Bares,Asst. Director

1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16

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first I had campfires every night. Icamps felt close to God. giggled a lot is with friends and counselors. time flew by! thehorse.

Southeast’s best all-around for girls,IRiverview annew oasis of fun, friends andThe happiness...

I Exciting felt safe and secure. Iinclude: gained confidence in myselfPool,Tennis, through the world around me.” activities Riding, Heated Canoeing, Ropes Course, Climbing Tower,

AND

FLAG TWIRLING • CHEERLEADING • RIFLERY • ARCHERY • TRIP DAY • GOLF

We don’t wonder anymore how it happened, that one summer could bring such happy memories.

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• H ORSEBACK R IDING • S WIMMING • T ENNIS • C ANOEING • D ANCE • A EROBICS • G YMNASTICS • B EACH V OLLEYBALL •

• R OPES C OURSE • C LIMBING T O WER • OUTDOOR L IVING S KILLS • C AMPFIRE F UN • C OUNSELOR -I N -T RAINING •

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and Catechism class for 7th-9th graders at 7:00 pm. For information, call 277-4213.

Mt. Gillard Missionary Baptist Church, 3323 Day Street, holds Wednesday Bible Study in the church Fellowship Hall and lasts for one hour. Please come and participate in roaming the Bible learning God’s word through teaching. The Rev. Henry M. Carnegie, Jr. is the teacher and pastor. Mid-day Bible Study begins each Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. Evening Bible Study begins each Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Call 233-8750.

Open Door Christian Faith Worship Center, 2450 Presidents Drive, Montgomery, holds Sunday School at 9:00. Sunday Morning worship 10:45. Wednesday night Bible study 6:00. Youth Sunday Every 2nd Sunday.

Women’s Prayer Monday 6:00. Our Mission is producing believers who make an impact on a fallen society.

Motto: Living –Loving-Praying and Walking In The Spirit of Excellence. William E. Cromblin, Pastor. For information call 334-270-6498.

Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Rd, sponsors a Bluegrass Jam in the Church Fellowship Hall on the third Saturday of each month from 9AM - 12AM. All Bluegrass Artist plus Fans are invited to attend. Attendance is FREE. For information call Kathy@ 272-3174.

Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Rd, hosts a Wednesday Night Supper and Revive! program each week from 5:30pm til 7:00pm. Reservations are required by noon on the Monday prior to the supper. Cost is $4 per person or $12 per family. Call 334-272-3174 for more information.

River City Church, 301 Dexter Avenue, offers a Friday Christian Night Club (free of alcohol and smoking) with

Ballroom Dancing every Friday at 6:30 P.M. Cost $10 for a one hour lesson, devotional, and 3 hours of DJ music.

All denominations welcome. 7:30-10:30 open dance floor.

The River of Life Church, located at 116 County Road 40 E (in the Pine Level Community Center) Prattville.

Pastor Nick Edwards invites you to a “Place of New Beginnings”, where families come and grow together.

Church Service Schedule: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Sunday School; 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship; 5:00 p.m. Evening Worship. Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study, Teens (Genesis Project), Jr. High (Limitless), Royal Rangers, MPact Girls, Rainbow’s/Noah’s Zoo Club. Thursday 9:00 a.m.Women of Grace Bible Study. Nursery provided. Call the church office 334-657-0392 or visit www.theriveroflifechurch.net.

Saint James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road, offers S.N.A.G. (Sunday Nights About God!) This program starts at 5:00p.m. and ends at 6:30p.m. Childcare is provided for small groups until 7:00p.m. Don’t forget this program is available for all children!

Saint James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road, offers Wild & Wacky Wednesdays! Wednesday night supper starts at 5:15p.m. We will start checking children in at 6:00p.m.

This program ends at 7:30p.m. and childcare is provided until 8:00p.m. for small group participants. Call 277.3037 for more info.

Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 706 E. Patton Avenue, “Clothes Closet” is open to the public each Thursday morning from 10 a.m. – Noon. The Men of Saint Paul host a free Men’s Prayer Breakfast the Third Saturday of each month at 8 a.m. in the Church

Fellowship Hall. The Men’s Prayer Breakfast is open to all men of all ages. Come and share your concerns and needs of our Men of today. For more information, please contact (334) 354-1897. Bible Study is held each Wednesday, 6-7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. For info call 286.8577.

S-STOP, a commUNITY Bible study for Singles.

Souls Strengthened Together for One Purpose. Psalm 46:10 “BE STILL and know that I am God.” Meets at Prattville Christian Academy on Sunday nights at 6 p.m.

For info email sstop04@gmail.com.

True Divine Community Development hosts the Community Yard Sale every third Saturday from March to October, 4525 Virginia Loop Road; Time: 7:00- 11:00 AM. Sign up for $10 Booths by calling 286-4008.

Vision Full Gospel Ministries, 163 Rifle Range Road, Montgomery, holds Bible Study Tues. Night 7:00 p.m., Pray & Praise 2nd & 4th Thurs. Night 7:00 p.m., Sunday School 9:30 am, Sunday Worship Service 10:45 a.m., Internet radio-homecominggospel.com Sunday 3:00p.m.

Central & 4:00 p.m. Eastern. and Satellite Radio -wlsg 1340am Sunday 3:00p.m.

Women at The Well Ministry invites you to attend its women’s fellowship at 1 pm every 1st and 3rd Saturday.

We are women who desire and have a heart to see broken, crushed, hurting women be transformed through the one man who can fulfill their every need... JESUS. All women of all denominations or race are welcome.

This ministry is available to teenagers as well. For info contact Evangelist Dr. Linda McCall, 334-220-1924.

Send your events to deanne@ readjourneymagazine.com.

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Q. I’m accepting a new job out of state. My

wife and I will be in this new area for at least two years, and we’re not sure if we should rent or buy a house.

A. Most of the time, as long as you’re

financially ready for such a big investment, buying a house is a good move. But if I’m in your situation, and I’m not sure if it’s a longterm thing, I’m going to rent until I see what the future holds.

It seldom makes a lot of sense to live in a place for two or three years and sell it, unless you get a ridiculously good buy at purchase and are able to sell for retail without any trouble. Even though the economy is finally, slowly turning around somewhat, I’m not sure that most properties in the current marketplace would go up enough in value in only two years to offset your cost of sale.

You’re in a situation similar to lots of military families I help. Often, they’ll be stationed somewhere for just two or three years. They’ll buy something, they can’t get it sold, and they end up with rental properties all over the country. Believe me, that wasn’t their initial plan. Playing long-distance landlord is a pain in the rear!

River Region’s Journey

October 2015

Rent for now. Then, if you two decide you like the new job and new surroundings — and it turns out you’re going to be there for a good, long while — start checking out the area for a nice home.

Q. I’ve heard you talk about extreme

spenders and extreme savers. Exactly what do these terms mean?

A. Some people have a tendency to live in

the moment, while others think more about the future. Financially speaking, those who live in the moment tend to be spenders, while the other type tends to be savers.

When you take these kinds of behaviors to unhealthy extents, you have extreme spenders or extreme savers. Either one can be an unhealthy thing.

Extreme spenders may need to slow down, grow up and learn the value of money by living on a budget, setting savings goals and working to meet these goals.

Extreme savers often operate out of fear and uncertainty. In some cases, they may have an even worse spirit in their lives — greed.

They have to learn that it’s okay to have a little fun spending and to give generously.

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When it comes down to it, there are only three uses for money: spending, saving and giving. You have to do some of all three in order to have a truly happy and healthy life!

Q. My wife and I would like to put our house on the market. We’ll be asking around $140,000 for it, so do you think we should consider professionally staging the home?

A. It would make a lot of sense if you were talking about a million-dollar house, but with a less expensive home like that I’d just make sure it’s really clean and neat and nice — especially the front area with the sidewalk and bushes. We’re talking curb appeal here.

Make sure the front door, trim and porch area are all cleaned or painted, too.

There shouldn’t be any bad smells in the house, and everything inside should be crisp and clean as well. You can stage it yourself with a few pieces of nice furniture and such, if you have it available. And try this old realtor’s trick to make things a bit more homey: Put few drops of vanilla extract on an eye of the stove while it’s heated. It will make the whole house smell like you’ve been baking cookies.

Join us for these events plus many more!

305 South Perry Street | 334.834.6310

www.montgomeryfbc.org