River Region's Journey Christian Magazine June 2020

I thought this was the place where we came to clean up?

- Trystin, 6th grade

For more information visit AlabamaHealthyTeens.com

Volume 22, Issue 3

Feature Articles

JU N E 2 0 2 0 Columns page 2

Publisher’s Note Jason Watson

page 10

Faith @ Work: Davene Holiday

page 4

Pastor's Perspective

Pre-K teacher Davene Holiday shares what brought her to faith in Christ and how that faith shapes her interaction with the children she teaches.

Grady Smith, Gateway Baptist Church

page 8

Moments with Kym Kym Klass

page 15

Women Arising

page 12

Looking Outward During Hard Times

Pastor Kemi Searcy

Anxiety has been on the rise since the beginning of COVID-19. Learn how taking your eyes off yourself and serving others can help. You’ll find practical ideas for ways you and your family can be a blessing to others during this time.

Bob Crittenden

page 16

The Intersection

by Patrick Tidwell

page 21

Counselor’s Corner Kim Hamblin, Ph.D.

page 24

Dave $ays Dave Ramsey

page 18

Ministry Spotlight:

Communities of Transformation

by Katie Blair

With the primary goal of helping families move away from instability, isolation, and dependence and move towards self-sufficiency, Communities of Transformation serves members of the community in a unique way. Learn how they are making a difference and how you can get involved.

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In Every Issue page 6

Books to Read page 10

Faith @ Work page 22

Support Groups June 2020

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

Community Coordinator Savannah Bowden

Research Editor Wendy McCollum

Contributing Writers Katie Blair Bob Crittenden Kim Hamblin, Ph.D. Kym Klass Dave Ramsey Kemi Searcy Pastor Grady Smith Dr. David Steele Patrick Tidwell

Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 702

Digital Manager Scott Davis

Ad Design

Tim Welch, Welch Designs

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 2020 by KeepSharing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

From the Publisher The Sickness of Racism When I was 18 I got my first job as a “professional”. You know, the kind where you have to put on a suit and borrow one of your father’s ties. I graduated up from being a bag boy at the local A&P and was now a sales associate working for $5 an hour at a new Montgomery Mall department store. A few months earlier, Mom bought me two new suits on a buy one get one special, so I was ready on my first day, as I strutted over the shiny tile floor checking myself in the reflection of the Clinique counter glass.

Like a lot of jobs, the shine wore off over time. My feet and back increasingly ached. My credit card balance climbed as I took advantage of my employee discount. Worst of all though, the sickness of racism against African Americans began to spread in my heart.

As part of their initiation, local black gang members were required to steal from our store, so we were trained to be on the lookout. Associates even got a reward if our tipping off store security led to an arrest. Needless to say, it didn’t take long for me and other associates, black and white alike, to quickly spot dark skin lurking behind clothes racks and to dial-up security when they looked gang member-ish enough. Fighting crime is important, but regretfully, while doing so, my view of African Americans was changing for the worse and racism was growing in my heart.

I knew better too. My parents were Hippie types from Cincinnati. My aunt, who lived around the corner, married an African American man and I loved my mixed-race cousin, Mike. After moving to Montgomery, when we went back for visits, we stayed with my parents’ close friends, Greg and Candy, an interracial husband and wife. As a child here in Montgomery, black friends would spend the night, and I hung out after school with other friends with darker skin than mine, playing basketball on spoke-less bicycle rims nailed to a tree. Well, I wasn’t being that guy as I stood behind that department store counter pressing #7 to make my report to security.

Thankfully, that season is behind me, but it’s not because I changed jobs. Racism has been inside every place I’ve worked. It’s also not because I reconnected with my family’s ideals. They weren’t strong enough to restrain my racism then, and aren’t now.

The difference for me since those days is Jesus knocked me off my make-believe superiority perch, revealing the truth about me, racial lies, and most of all, Himself.

The fact is I’m a wretched sinner who deserves hell for my life’s actions and thoughts.

What record of superiority shall I stand on to condemn my fellow man? Even as a believer, I sin daily. Even my good deeds are stained with sinful ulterior motives. All this can be said about you, too. Would you like your thoughts played on a screen for all to see? No person is superior to another!

Where then can we turn to escape our utter depravity? To the only One who is perfect – Jesus. The One who offers us salvation through His righteousness if we place our faith in Him. Have you or I loved our neighbor as we should? No! But Jesus has and offers His actions to God on our behalf. “Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’” (1 Cor. 1:31) There is so much work to be done to prevent and heal racism, but the ultimate cure for the sickness of racism is to know Christ. That’s different than knowing about Christ or Christianity.

Because to know Christ is to be brought low by embracing your sicknesses revealed in many sinful forms. Then by repentance and faith, exchange it for His free gift of grace and perfection.

By His work in us alone can we both love God and then love and value our neighbor no matter the color of their skin. In Christ we are blessed to be a blessing to all of mankind.

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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Worship with Us!

Founded Upon God’s Word

Liturgically Joyful

Warm and Loving

Committed to Mission

Sunday Worship with Communion, 8:00am Join us for an outdoor service or via live-stream Wednesday Evening Worship, 7:00pm Join us for an outdoor service or via live-stream Please find our YouTube page (search for Christchurch Montgomery), which is full of sermons, teachings, and many full services!

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Pastor’s Perspective

by Pastor Grady Smith, Gateway Baptist Church

“Separated in Person, But Not in Heart” Sometimes there are words in Scripture we read and know are true, but do not become personal to us until a trial helps us relate to them. Recently, Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 2:17 have been that for me as he writes, “But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face.” Granted, the circumstances were different that caused Paul not to be able to meet with fellow believers in Thessalonica. He was facing persecution because of his faith in Christ, something few of us in our context have had to face. In recent months, though, we have faced a separation from other believers unlike anything most of us have ever experienced. We have been separated from one another because of a pandemic.

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Though the circumstances are different, what Paul says here speaks to us.

Notice the phrase Paul uses in that verse. They are separated “in person not in heart.” One thing I hope that we all are realizing in the midst of the Coronavirus trial is how much we need one another – how much we need Christian community.

In the midst of separation, Paul thought about other believers and regularly prayed for them as we see in his letter to the believers in Ephesus in Ephesians 1:16, “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Physical separation does not have to mean a lack of thought for one another. In fact, quite the opposite was true for Paul.

Notice something, though. Paul’s thoughts and prayers for other believers led him to action, to pursue contact with them even in the midst of separation. He intentionally communicated with these friends.

He wrote letters to teach them, encourage them, and, yes, even to correct them in love. He pursued authentic relationship as much as he was able. Again, here is a great reminder for us.

Regardless of what we can do in group settings yet, we still can pursue one another. We have so many ways to stay in touch, ways that Paul could never have imagined. The question for us then is whether or not we will use those means for “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) and to “encourage one another and 4

build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). We do not have to wait for someone to contact us. God is calling us to take the initiative to reach out to others during this time.

Notice one more thing in what Paul said. While he made the most of the opportunity in separation, he longed for and worked toward getting back together with them. He said that he “endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face.” He wanted to be back in the fellowship of believers in the context of the local church in the town of Thessalonica. I love that string of descriptions he uses to help us understand how eager he was to be together with them in their church - eagerly, with great desire. Again, this is another great example for us. Do we desire Christian community as found in the context of the local church? Do we do all that we can to prioritize gathering together for corporate worship, for small groups, and for one-on-one discipleship, not just to be served, but to serve one another? I hope this trial helps us all give greater priority to getting together with other believers.

The big question for us in this trial, then, is how we will pursue Christian community. Will we ask God to give us hearts, like Paul, that long for Christian fellowship?

Will we seek God’s grace to commit fully to a local church where we can be fed spiritually, worship, find community, find accountability, and use our God-given gifts and talents to serve God and serve others? Will we let God grow us in these things as He uses this trial as James 1:3-4 says to make us steadfast, mature, and complete, including in our commitment to care for one another?

Grady Smith is head pastor of Gateway Baptist Church, located at 3300 Bell Road, in Montgomery.

Visit them online at www.gatewaybaptist.com.

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Coronavirus and Christ

The Logic of God

John Piper

Ravi Zacharias

John Piper is a trusted biblical scholar and pastor who has shared his wisdom in writing for decades. I first encountered Dr. Piper as a young man. I remember eagerly devouring his book, Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist when it was originally published in 1986.

Since those days, John Piper has without a doubt, shaped my Christian worldview and theological framework more than any other living writer.

Ravi Zacharias has encouraged Christian thinkers to craft careful biblical arguments and equipped them to engage people in the marketplace of ideas. But he has also challenged the skeptical mind with his brilliant intellect, keen insight, and winsome personality.

The Logic of God is the newest offering by the late Zacharias. This book contains 52 Christian essentials for the heart and mind. The book is targeted to Christian readers but it would be an excellent resource for skeptics to consider as well.

As an avid reader, I must say that Zondervan has gone to great lengths to make this a beautiful book. The hardback edition includes high quality glossy paper. The writing style is engaging and lucid. The person and work of Jesus Christ is celebrated. The Word of God is treasured. And readers are challenged to think through the exclusive nature of truth. Indeed, as the author notes, “Truth by definition is exclusive …

The law of contradiction does apply to reality: two contradictory statements cannot both be true in the same sense. Thus, to deny the law of noncontradiction is to affirm it at the same time.” Such a statement reveals how Zacharias alerts readers to the importance of philosophy and how good philosophy contributes to effective apologetics.

One of the things that emerges in this book is Ravi’s passion to wed reason and faith. This makes his style unique and resembles the pattern that Francis Schaeffer popularized in the twentieth century.

Zacharias has a gift for blending rationality and experience and wouldn’t think of having it any other way. His approach is desperately needed in these postmodern times.

Standing on the Solid Rock of Christ In his latest work, Dr. Piper provides a well-reasoned and biblical response to the current global pandemic. Coronavirus and Christ is not only saturated with Scripture; it is also a deeply personal book. Piper shares his battle with cancer and empathizes with anyone who is suffering during this season of sorrow.

The book presents the biblical vision of who God who is sovereign over everyone and everything. This God works all things according to the counsel of his will (Eph. 1:11). Piper adds, “This is not a season for sentimental views of God.” Therefore, the vision of God here is deeply helpful and satisfying.

The book concludes with a series of ways that the author sees God using the coronavirus in our world for his glory.

Readers will be educated, refreshed, comforted, and challenged – in the midst of the horrible pandemic. They will, in the final analysis, be confronted with the majestic God who offers salvation through his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ for anyone who turns from their sin and trusts his completed work on the cross.

Coronavirus and Christ is a must-read book; one that will make a huge impact around the world.

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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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Finding Our Identity Through Christ In the house that I share with my husband, we have a wall and a rather long countertop cabinet space in our den where we display menial athletic accomplishments. For him, it’s golf. For me, it’s running, triathlon, and my daughter’s soccer career.

One shadow box displays his hole-inone at a favorite golf course. A Master’s flag hangs next to it. A golf magazine is framed on another wall. On my side is a photo of me finishing a half ironman, another of me running a marathon in Georgia, a couple of age-group awards for running races, and a framed photograph of my father and I running a race together in the 1980s.

I also display on this countertop photos of my daughter in soccer uniforms over the years. One, specifically, is a travel ball team photo after they won a soccer tournament a couple of years ago.

These photos and awards that take up space in our home are signs of accomplishment derived from both hard work and sustainability in reaching for goals. They are also a result of gifts bestowed upon us by God. They are the result of us using those gifts in ways that help us reach our full potential, and that can help provide a sense of accomplishment.

What these items are not is our identity. Our identity rests solely in God.

“Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, River Region’s Journey

June 2020

where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:13 Our identity is not the awards we win.

Our identity is not our chosen profession.

It is not in our marriage, our spouse, our children. Our identity is in our Creator, and what He says about us. How he feels for us.

It is us, in His image. It is not what others think of us, what they say about us – in person or elsewhere. Their opinion matters not.

Because what happens when all of this is gone? What happens when we lose our job, our spouse, when our children move away from home. If all of this was our identity – if we put that much focus in allowing them to determine who we were and how we acted and how we represented ourselves – then what happens when it’s no longer at our fingertips?

Identity hidden in God means “That you abandon any image of yourself that is not from God. You start believing what God says about you,” according to Rick Warren.

You start believing you are a child of God. That you identify through Him, for Him. After I lost my job a couple of years ago – that I held for over 10 years, and that had me heavily involved in non-profits throughout the River Region – I allowed myself to feel my sense of identity had been diminished and flattened.

That I didn’t matter anymore in anyone’s eyes if I couldn’t be of help or of service, or if I couldn’t provide the outreach I had provided for a decade. I allowed myself to be a bit too consumed by this for weeks and months.

And I wondered, as we do, where my identity rested. And what God would have in store for me in the coming days, weeks, and months. And it forced me to look deeper within myself for this answer.

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But just like the accolades that sit in my family den, I had to remember that I could not tie my identity to what I accomplished at my job. I could tie my passion to it, my empathy, my drive to do more and to do better, but I could not continue tying my identity to it.

I had to remember there was someone greater in charge of who I am. And that is something I work to pass on, no matter how many times I have to remind myself of the same message.

From the time my daughter started playing city-level soccer, then travel ball, and also to the time she has played on her school’s varsity soccer team, I would ask her before every game, “Who do you play for?” And she would say God. I’d remind her of where her identity rested, and that every movement she made, every word she spoke on the field, and even every way she looked at an opponent, that she was representing God. That that is where her identity rests.

“Christian selfhood is not defined in terms of who we are in and of ourselves. It’s defined in terms of what God does to us and the relationship He creates with us and the destiny He appoints for us. God made us who we are so we could make known who He is. Our identity is for the sake of making known His identity.” – desiringgod.com Finding my identity in God is living for Him, representing Him through my actions.

In the end, this is all that matters. Living for the one who died for us, and finding my identity through all I do, all I am given, and all I can give.

I know I will occasionally look through the athletic collections in our home. We worked hard for them. But I’ll remember every time I run, and I’ll remember to tell my daughter every time she steps out on to the soccer field, to remember whose we are in Christ. And who we live and play for every day.

to to my

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RRJ: For most of us, family plays an important role in our lives. In what ways has your family been instrumental in your faith journey?

Davene: My family has been extremely instrumental in my faith journey, especially my mom and dad. My mama has showed me what a God-fearing, Southern lady is and how to constantly strive to put Jesus Christ my Savior as my Number 1 in life.

“If you put Jesus first, trying every day to live your life for Him, everything else within your life (grades, job, decision-making, marriage, family, etc.) will fall into place,” is what my Dad told me all the time growing up.

RRJ: I know you encounter many challenges as you strive to provide outstanding care for children and their families. What are some tools of the Christian faith that keep you focused on loving God and loving others?

Davene: I think that finding a great Christian friend to talk with and share things together. That always helps me to find someone to pray with, pray for, and talk with.

RRJ: As Christians, our primary purpose in life is to glorify God. In what ways are you able to glorify Him in your occupation or while at work?

Davene: Everyday before going into work, I pray and ask God to help me to see and love these four and five year olds through His eyes. I pray that I glorify God by showing these precious children God’s love and patience!

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

Davene: I came to know Jesus through hardship in my life. I really learned to depend on Him for all my needs, spiritual, mental, physical, emotional, etc., and be constantly in prayer about God’s will for my life. Living my life for Christ is the difference.

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RRJ: What do you enjoy most about your job?

Davene: Literally the endless and no judgement love and affection that my co-teacher and I share with these 18 pre-kindergarteners daily. There is a “rawness” that comes with working as an early childhood educator that is priceless and inexplainable. Children are so innocent and just so eager to be loved, and to soak up all the newness that their day brings to them.

RRJ: How does your Christian faith shape the way you approach your job as an early childhood educator?

Davene: I strive to love my kiddos, and every child that comes my way, the way that Jesus would love them. I honestly pray daily that the Lord open my eyes so that 10

I might see these children as Jesus sees them.

RRJ: The Scriptures say that if we want to bear fruit we must remain in Christ. What are specific things you do to remain in Christ?

Davene: I try to continuously pray about everything! When I start to feel down or frustrated … I try to pause, take a deep breath, and pray that The Lord will carry me through this situation and open my eyes to see the way that He would have me see. I also try to have a quiet time during my day; to start each day by putting on the Armor of God! RRJ: What do you feel is the most important thing in sharing your faith with others, especially non-believers?

Davene: Knowing that I might be the only person in a child’s life to show them the love of Jesus Christ and sharing that love and faith with them, especially non-believers, is the most important thing.

RRJ: We live in a world where emphasis is placed on political correctness, which can make living “loud” for Jesus difficult. How do your employees and co-workers know you are a Christ follower?

Davene: My co-workers know that I am a Christ follower because I share with them all the many, many blessings that He has done in my life; and, that Christ is the ONLY way that I get through every minute of every day. I share with them because I want them to feel the comfort and peace of having Christ carry them throughout their days…the good days and especially the harder days.

RRJ: What are some key things that have sustained your faith on the tough days?

Davene: Prayer and prayer alone!

As a native of Montgomery, AL, Davene Holiday has 15 years of experience working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. She has served as both a teacher and as a director of a child care center. She is a member of True Divine Baptist Church.

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by Patrick Tidwell

Life has changed forever due to the history making pandemic we all find ourselves in.

Being a good parent has a different meaning now since we all have been at home together and have had to develop new skills such as teaching, crafting, cutting hair, making hand sanitizer, learning to cook, etc. This has caused an increase in anxiety for some, but the Lord offers guidance for what to do with our cares and burdens.

Here are a few thoughts:

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During this time of crisis, families have had to become technologically savvy while social distancing. Many children had to adjust to going to school online. Teachers had to adapt to new ways of delivering instruction to their students and in guiding the parents. For many families, both parents have had to adapt to working from home. For many others, funds have been limited because at least one parent has lost their job. It is understandable that anxiety has been increased in these families.

We can decrease anxiety by limiting the time we spend thinking of only our own situation, needs and wants. Anxiety is increased by thinking upon what you don’t have. In other words, comparison is the enemy of contentment.

The way to get out of this cycle of wanting more or not feeling like you measure up to someone you admire on Facebook or Instagram is to get out of yourself. Looking outwards for who you can help or how you can help others in need is the key. Making a plan on how to do this and which family members will help is vital to growing closer together.

We all have an unprecedented opportunity to serve others as Jesus did. We’re reminded in Matthew 20:28 that “the Son of Man did not come for other people to serve Him. He came to serve others” (ICB)-International Children’s Bible. Viewing content on RightNow Media by popular authors such as Tony Evans, Jennie Allen or Francis Chan can inspire you to make a difference. But to make a real difference, a plan must be put into action.

Donating food for those in need who have lost their jobs is one way to help, but there are so many additional ways to show God’s love to others. There’s much being done to serve, admire, and appreciate those in the health care industry, and rightfully so. But there are so many others who have continued to provide “essential services” who have been overlooked.

All those who work in funeral homes, especially during this pandemic, have had to work within current restrictions and still do their jobs. They have had to ever evolve the procedures for families being able to say their final farewells to their departed loved ones, including arrangements to stream services online.

Chaplains, grief counselors, ministers, etc. have been taxed during this time. Not only have these essential workers had to work within the changing laws for remaining well, but they have had to find ways to be comforting using technology to keep the

“My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.” I John 3:18 (GNT)

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support with medical appointments. Cancer patients have to go to their tests, appointments and treatments alone. Volunteering to FaceTime with them after their appointments to try to understand what’s going on by being respectfully curious can mean the world to them. Making time to support families with relatives whom are pregnant, injured, or in ICU can be little actions which could open the doors for talking about the Gospel.

The impact of a hand written note should not be underestimated. It demonstrates time, drafting, effort, attention to detail and leaves a lasting impression. It takes more effort than a text, more time than an email, and shows more care than any emoji.

Writing a hand written note and mailing it or giving it in person can provide little bubbles of joy on tough days. In my counseling career, I have always kept any handwritten note that a client took time to mail or hand me because of how they believed I helped them. On some hard days, I have gone into that box to reach for hope that I can still make a difference.

Showing Christ’s love together with family members can decrease anxiety by setting up goals to improve the days of others.

Doing these things to be a blessing to others, instead of expecting a blessing on yourself, will open up your heart to the joy of the Lord that can only be obtained by doing your part to further His will. Sometimes, it’s the little acts of kindness that people will remember most and may very well open their hearts.

proper social distance. Counseling those who have lost a loved one without being able to comfort, hug, or cry beside them is difficult.

The MIO (Men in Orange) are essential workers. The sanitation department has continued to do their jobs, whether man or woman, to keep our streets clean. Those working to provide clean water have not wavered in their duties. Truck drivers who have worked for the grocery stores or home delivery services have continued to keep shelves stocked. All these workers need to be appreciated as well.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

Simple projects such as sidewalk chalk messages of gratitude for the MIO is something we can all do and involve our children. Writing thank you notes next to your door or decorating your door can be another easy way to let delivery workers (Postal workers, UPS, etc.) know that their work is appreciated. Truck drivers in our congregations could be sent an email of thanksgiving. Decorate your trunk for when you get curbside service.

These and other simple ideas can be used to serve others.

We can teach the next generation the value of helping others during this time, and this concrete example can be something they remember and apply now and later in life.

Modeling positive time management and service behaviors can aid the next generation in seeing the value of service. Another action that can involve Generation Z is to call those who need

Patrick Tidwell, Ph D., LMFT is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who has been blessed by the Lord with a loving wife and daughter. He has worked with clients for the past 18 years, has presented at various conferences, currently teaches counseling classes online and writes hopefully helpful articles freelance.

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Lessons Learned From COVID-19 We have now lived through five months of intense focus on a virus that has destroyed lives and families, as well as businesses and family bank accounts.

As we proceed through the next months, there is still a great deal of uncertainty in what we will face. It would be good for us to take a look at what we have or have not learned about ourselves during the pandemic so far. That way, we can avoid falling into any traps we found ourselves in during the first part of the year, and run the rest of our race to win!

Here are ten ways to assess what we have done so far and give a kick-start to what we might do in the coming months.

1. I may not be able to control my circumstances but I can control my responses to them. Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

2. Boredom and bad habits can tempt me to be “tired” of the situation, but pursuit of godliness can consume me.

Isaiah 26: 3, “Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—because they trust in you.”

3. Lack of substantive resources can be real, but panic is a choice to not trust in God. 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

4. Hoarding may be the way of the world but generosity is the way of the cross.

Luke 12:25-26, “Which one of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?

Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”

5. Death is feared when faith is absent.

Psalm 46:1-3, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”

6. Complaining sets us up for unbelief. We should be demonstrating how we are not overwhelmed by what is happening. Nehemiah 8:10, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

7. Ministry to others is available if you look for opportunities around you. Create family memories; hold your own family church services or Sunday School. Children do not have to be scarred emotionally or psychologically but can gain understanding and fruit of the Spirit through these times. Deuteronomy 33:27, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”

8. A little love makes a BIG difference.

Who is next door to you? Do they need help beyond the physical kind? Matthew 10:8, “… Freely you have received; freely give.”

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9. You may not be able to believe the press or the politicians, but you can believe God. Think of those who do not have Him! Proverbs 18:10, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.”

10. Prayer can encompass every aspect of life listed above. Psalm 32:7-8, “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”

Send your any S.O.S. to the One who knew the pandemic was coming before the foundation of the world. He also knows if it will return in the fall, if there will be subsequent outbreaks, when a vaccine will be found, when life will be back to normal.

Do we really want life to go back to normal?

Or do we want American people who are not afraid to say, “God bless us,” on the news without censure? Do we want to be contagious in our generosity, our love, our peace, and our joy? Do we want our prayers to continue as hard and numerous in the good times as when the world turns south around us? Do we want to be like the three Hebrew children who stood tall in the midst of the fiery furnace?

Philippians 4:6, “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

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A Special Place Within the last few weeks, there have been reports of God bringing people together through a variety of efforts, such as the GO2020 event during the entire month of May, emphasizing praying, caring, and sharing the gospel message. The National Day of Prayer on May 7, even though inperson gatherings were curtailed, brought thousands together in a massive online prayer effort. Churches and ministries have been hosting worship services and special events online, which have resulted in reports of increased viewership and of people coming to know the Lord.

Earlier this year, in the mountains of western North Carolina, there was a minister whose simple vision for revival and spiritual awakening in our nation resulted in a dramatic response.

Before COVID-19 hit, Greg Mathis, the Senior Pastor of Mud Creek Baptist Church in Hendersonville, North Carolina, was scheduled to attend a mountaintop prayer retreat with other pastors on mountaintop property owned by a 95-year-old man named Fred Lunsford. On the church’s website, there is an article that Mathis wrote detailing the meeting that a number of ministers had with Rev. Lunsford earlier this year. According to the article, they discovered that “he was one of the brave soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day in 1944.”

The pastor relates: While Rev. Lunsford is a very patriotic American, it is his burden as a soldier of the cross for a spiritual awakening that really captured our attention. He told us that he spends every day longing for it, praying for it, and truly believing in it. He invited us to travel with him the two-mile track to his special prayer place to join him in prayer for a spiritual awakening.

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After they prayed together, Lunsford challenged the ministers to increase their numbers and bring 100 preachers to his prayer garden. The group actually recruited 200 to come together on May 5 to pray for revival. It became apparent that the preachers could not physically gather at Lunsford’s mountain. But, Lunsford was not deterred – Mathis wrote: He said, “through prayer God has shown me that the promotion of the Praying on The Mountain event was simply God’s way of getting the attention of 200 preachers who realized the urgent need to come together and pray.” Fred went on to say

that God revealed to him, “now that I have their attention, I want them to help organize an army of prayer warriors who will fast and pray on May 5th for a spiritual awakening. Fred said, “I should have seen this coming because God kept giving me hints of this when so many laymen kept asking me if they could be a part of the Praying on The Mountain event for a spiritual awakening.

Mathis wrote: “Fred is asking God to impress on the hearts of at least 10,000 Christians who will join him from their special place of prayer as he prays on the mountain on May 5th for a spiritual awakening in America.”

The Baptist Press website reported that over 250,000 people signed up to pray that day. The news service also reported that Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee President and CEO 16

Ronnie Floyd hosted an online event to focus on the prayer effort.

Let’s consider these concepts together: First, the COVID-19 crisis has perhaps given us some extra time - that time can be used to pray. It certainly seems God is communicating a strong call to revival and spiritual awakening during this season, with several movements occurring during May. With the time God has given to us, we can seek to be efficient in prayer.

Fred Lunsford has a piece of property on a mountain - originally, he had invited pastors to join him there; due to the Coronavirus, he then invited people to go to their own special prayer places. We can ask ourselves, what is your special place of prayer? In Matthew 6, Jesus referred to a “closet,” or “inner room,” a designated prayer area where we can spend focused time before God. We’re also invited to pray on the go, wherever we are, to “pray without ceasing.” Plus, we can make sure we have a place where we can engage in passionate, concentrated prayer, without distraction.

Finally, the Praying on the Mountain effort began with a few ministers, and the intent was to expand it to 100; it became 200 - with the virus, the effort became viral and went to 100,000 (the goal set by the church), then over 250,000. The idea took hold and spread rapidly, setting the stage for a profound prayer effort, recognizing that there is power in agreement. Jesus taught in Matthew 18 that He is in the midst of two or three - imagine what He can do with hundreds, thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions.

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With the primary goal of helping families move away from instability, isolation, and dependence and move towards self-sufficiency, Communities of Transformation serves members of the community in a unique way.

Communities of Transformation takes the church into the community, builds bridges across racial, economic, social, and cultural boundaries, as well as going far beyond emergency relief. The program, an initiative of the United Methodist Church, focuses on being a relational ministry as opposed to a transactional ministry.

“At COT, we believe that everyone is a leader,” said Rev. Amy Armistead, who serves as the Montgomery Site Coordinator. “Our nurturing community provides a hope-filled environment where participants can work on sustainable and realistic goals.

Our 12-week free Awaken course focuses on the 5 dimensions of human flourishing: The physical, financial, intellectual, relational, and spiritual dimensions. We offer opportunities and educational programming to help discover their strengths and build on them. The hope is to move families and individuals out

of isolation, poverty, and instability and into a positive network of people who will help reach their goals.”

Through COT, program participants have paid off debt, opened savings accounts, built strong friendships with people who can help them problem solve, and gotten jobs. The program has celebrated participants graduating from community college and nursing school.

Volunteer participants spend eight to ten weeks training for the work they will do.

During this experience, they become familiar with the program. COT builds structured friendships designed to encourage and support. After training is complete, volunteers and participants work together towards the goals set in training.

“Upon completing Awaken, our Personal Leadership Program, graduates have gone on to enroll in GED programs or college, obtain employment, work on bettering relationships, have found housing, worked on physical health, and much more!

Everyone’s goals are different but the common thread is the supportive community that cheers graduates on along the way,” said Armistead.

LaQueta Savage, who first participated in COT almost four years ago, says that the entire experience has helped her to set and meet goals and find a space for support.

“To me, COT is a very interesting holistic

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approach to community and the different aspects of community. We come alongside each other, identify obstacles and overcome them together,” said Savage, who attended with her two sons. Savage said the COT experience is one that changed her life. “I am a cancer survivor. When COT found out I was having surgery, they were my support people. I woke up from surgery and there they were. These aren’t just people I met, these are awesome, lifelong friends.”

“COT, it is a safe space. If I feel down, it is a place I can go and feel good. I started about four years ago. I heard about it through a friend. I encourage people to attend. It doesn’t matter what walk of life you come from. I made drastic changes in my life because of COT. It gave me a push.

I had to deal with a lot of things. I am not a person who really liked affirmation, but COT helped me overcome that. It wakes you up and helps you search for the answers with friends. It is an awesome place. I still participate. I share my good news. It’s like a little family. We made it our own little family. It is a supportive space, but not a support group.

When we are working on goals, we all work on goals, leaders, participants… it doesn’t matter. I tell people that I know would benefit, ‘Hey listen, they help you set goals and support you in obtaining those goals. It’s a space where you can go and don’t even have to cook. You learn and meet other people. You

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learn about others. You learn about yourself.

You keep learning. You learn about resources and how to use those. It’s a space of real support. It’s not an ‘I’m gonna pray for you’ thing, it’s ‘I’m gonna pray with you’. They are there. We are there. It’s all about knowing you have someone who cares about you and wants to see you succeed.”

It is stories like Savage’s that keeps the momentum for COT going. “The best part of serving as Site Coordinator of Montgomery’s COT is the warm hope-filled community,” said Armistead, who has served as site coordinator for the past year. “Every single person in our community benefits from the collective spirit of the group. We all (even the site-coordinator) work on personal goals and encourage each other to reach them.

At COT, we build bridges across socioeconomic, racial, and cultural boundaries.”

The program currently has ten sites throughout the Alabama-West Florida area, with programs in Brewton, Dothan, Eufaula, Evergreen, Mobile, Montgomery, Phenix City, Pine Hill, Selma, and South Walton County, Florida.There are more sites under development. Participants typically meet weekly for dinner and participate in the Awaken curriculum, which includes classes in budgeting, goal setting, relationships, and exploring a new future story. “All of the participants are individuals or families who volunteer for the initiative,” explained Armistead.

Even in the midst of social distancing and safety measures, the work of COT continues. “Communities of Transformation, as an organization, is rooted in creating a community by breaking bread, sharing good news, and supporting each person. Today we are faced with how to support families from a distance,” shared Executive Director Katy Wrona in a letter to the communities posted on the group’s website.

“We may not be able to meet in person, but COT is still creating and strengthening our communities. For now, the members are using Zoom to connect and share good news and see familiar faces. “We have been hosting ‘virtual Good News Circles’ every Tuesday evening,” says Armistead. “We have a tradition at COT... every meeting we begin with sharing good news.

Life, especially now, is often chaotic, so our Good News Circle is a unique opportunity to cheer on others and spread some positivity. At the end of the night we share “affirmations” as a way to uplift one another.

While our 12-week Awaken program is on hold, we still gather over Zoom for additional programming.”

“In Communities of Transformation, we strive to walk with families (and) individuals to move them out of isolation. Even now with so much uncertainty in the world, you are not alone,” shared Wrona in her letter. “We do not know how long (the uncertainty of COVID19)

will last, or what is next, but we do know that even now, God is moving. Even now, relationships are growing stronger and communities are finding new ways to support their neighbors. Even now, laughter and tears are being shared and healing is taking place.”

There are ways the community can help with COT, says Armistead. She explains, “We are an Americorps VISTA site, a ministry of the United Methodist Church, which means we are funded by donations from local churches, organizations, and even individuals! We are always looking for more volunteers! Volunteers are vital to Communities of Transformation because they walk alongside Awaken Students as they work on goals and personal growth. Volunteers and students both set goals and help support each other in meeting these goals. If folks can’t commit to volunteering long-term, a group or individual can donate a meal.”

If you are interested in learning more about Communities of Transformation or would like to volunteer or donate, please visit www.communitiesoftransformation.org or follow them on Facebook. If you would like more information about starting a site in your community, please email cot@awfumc.org.

Katie Blair is a graduate of Auburn University in Montgomery with a degree in Elementary Education. She currently serves as a Children’s Ministry Partner with Frazer Church. She is a freelance writer and blogger who writes about family life. She resides in Montgomery, Alabama with her husband, two children, and their dog, Rosie.

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PTSD, COVID-19 and First Responders In last month’s issue of River Region’s Journey, Avery Berry did an excellent job in his discussion of coping with anxiety during CoVid-19. This has been an extremely stressful time for the country. Avery pointed out several components of the stress we have experienced. These include unpredictability and dealing with the unknown, a lack of control and a lack of power, the change in our lifestyles forced by social distancing and the closing of multiple small businesses. We have experienced shortages of common items. Schools, stores, and restaurants have been closed. We are deluged with information about sickness and death and confronted with anxiety and fear about ourselves and our loved ones. As Avery pointed out, this requires developing a new set of coping skills.

Our healthcare providers are facing an even more difficult set of stressors.

This pandemic may provide us with our next wave of people suffering with PTSD. It is important to discriminate between Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and PTSD. ASD arises from the stress that we are currently facing. The core elements of ASD and PTSD are the experiencing of traumatic events, exposure to injury or

death, intrusive thoughts or memories of the trauma, prolonged physiological and psychological distress, the inability to escape the distress, and unrelenting arousal and lack of sleep. PTSD arises from the inability to get past the acute stress in the future, once we are out of danger. It comes from being haunted by the memories of past times of stress and the sense that we remain in a dangerous situation.

PTSD is not a condition or diagnosis that is related only to military service.

PTSD can be experienced because of multiple severely stressful events, including sexual assault, child molestation or incest, serious automobile accidents, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and other kinds of natural disaster or violence.

One of the simplest definitions of PTSD is a normal reaction to an abnormal event. The CoVid-19 pandemic is certainly an abnormal event. It has disrupted our personal sense of predictability and safety. Our healthcare providers face the stress of unpredictability, the unknown, and lack of control. They face an unusual sense of helplessness because they know so little of this disease, are dealing with a lack of personal protective equipment, and the lack of equipment and knowledge about how to treat this virus that has no known or proven treatment.

They are in constant danger of infection themselves. Medical providers feel like it is their problem to solve, but they don’t have the tools to fix it. Because the virus is so contagious and relentless, medical personnel are faced with endless hours of work in a dangerous environment.

Medical personnel, particularly physicians, are action-oriented, high achievers who expect much of themselves and 21

expect to be able to take care of the illnesses and injuries they face. Now they are facing illness and suffering on an unprecedented scale day after day.

There is an increasing awareness of the stress faced by the front-line responders and they are being hailed as heroes. The F-16s of the 187th fighter squadron and the C-130s of the 908th Airlift Wing saluted local hospitals in May with flyovers.

These medical personnel probably don’t feel like heroes because they are aware of what they can’t do, haven’t done, or might have missed, and some even feel like they have failed. We have heard of suicides by medical professionals who felt overwhelmed and helpless.

They need to hear, “We can’t imagine how hard it is to deal with what you face, and we appreciate your sacrifice.” They need to be told that they were trying to help and that it was the disease that was wreaking havoc and not their failure as providers. We must provide them the opportunity (and permission) to talk about their feelings. We must also pray with and for them and offer them hope that comes with their faith. “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” (Romans 5, vs 3-4 NLT)

Dr. D. Kim Hamblin is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Alabama. He received a B.A. in Psychology from Mississippi State University and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. He maintains a fulltime private practice which specializes in adult individual therapy. Special interests include depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorders and ADD/ADHD.

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Adoption

Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road, Montgomery APAC, Alabama Pre/ Post Adoption Connection Support Group: This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Meets 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m. For more information call Jill Sexton at 409-9477.

Alcoholic / Addiction

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 Christcentered 12-step program.

Call 264-4949.

Location: Dalraida United Methodist Church 3817 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery An Alanon meeting is held at 9 am on Saturday mornings. Call 272.2190 for details.

Location: Grace Presbyterian Church, 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: Heritage Baptist Church 1849 Perry Hill Rd, Montgomery, AL Route1520 is a Christ-centered recovery movement dedicated to showing the way home for men impacted by sex and pornography addiction. Meets: Mondays, 6:30 – 8:00 PM CST. No Childcare Provided. Email montgomery@route1520.com, visit http://www.route1520.com/ men/groups-for-men/ or call 877.200.1520.

Location: Journey Church, 435 Sheila Blvd, Prattville Celebrate Recovery - Christ-centered 12-step for anyone struggling with addiction or life-challenging issues.

Mondays beginning at 6:15 pm. Childcare available.

Call John Pearse at 303-243-4308 or visit myjourneychurch.com.

Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd.

RSVP- This is a 12 step spiritual recovery program for

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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 E Main St. CASA - 12 step (Christians Against Substance Abuse) spiritual recovery program, for overcoming addictions.

Class begins each Wednesday evening @6:30 PM. Please call 334-365-4201 for additional information.

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 life-challenging issues.” For information, call Chris Henderson at 334-215-0427.

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. For any information contact ministry leader, Paul Henderson, 334-201-5428.

Location: Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1728 S. Hull Street, Montgomery Route1520 is a Christ-centered recovery movement dedicated to showing the way home for men impacted by sex and pornography addiction. Meets Wednesday from 6:30-8 pm. For more information email riverregion@route1520.com, visit http:// www.route1520.com/ men/groups-for-men or call 877-2000-1520.

Alzheimer’s / Dementia

Location: First UMC, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, 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.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers’ Support Group meets on the first Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in Room 3103. Call 495-6350 for more information.

Cancer

Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Rd 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 4674578 or Ben W at 202-1912.

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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 UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. 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 Joe Crowley at 334-207-4385 or jpcrowl46@yahoo.com Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. 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 Room 8114.

Call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net

Divorce

Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street Divorce Care Wednesday nights @6:30-8:00 pm in Room 405B. Child care is available. Contact Kathy Cooper at 241-5125 for information.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Divorce Care meets each Tuesday from 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Come to the Library area. This group will provide support & guidance to assist you in working through the issues, pain & pressures surrounding divorce. Call 495-6350 or e-mail jan@frazerumc.org.

Gambling

Location: Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US HWY 231 in the Wallsboro/Wetumpka community.

The church is 1 1/2 miles past Tutweiler prison.

Gamblers Anonymous, Saturdays at 6 pm. and Mondays at 6:30 pm. Call 567-0476.

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Location: Mental Health of America, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Sundays @ 5 pm.

For more information about the GA meetings call 334-399-6918. For information about counseling services or to request a guest speaker please call the Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling at 334-277-5100.

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Grief

Location: Cornerstone Christian Church, 301 Dalraida Road River Region Survivors of Suicide meets on the second and fourth Thursday of every month (excluding holidays) from 6:30-8:00 PM. This is an open group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide and welcomes anyone regardless of their religious beliefs. Contact Cheryl Vinson at riverregionsos@gmail.com with questions or for more information.

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, Wednesday evenings at 6 pm in the church parlor. Led by Michael Beatty. Call 365-5977.

Location: Frazer UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Grief Recovery Support Group meets Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., Rm 3105. Call 495-6350 for more info.

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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.

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 support group meets every Monday at 6:00 P.M7:00 P.M. For additional information, please contact Alice Glover at (334)281-2754.

Mental Health

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Mental Health - NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) meets 2nd Monday of each month from 6:30 – 8:30 pm in Room 7205. Group provides understanding, education & information to family members & friends of those who suffer mental illness, Call Pat Cobb at 334-279-8331 for more info.

NAMI Connection Support Group for individuals with mental illness meets every Thursday evening, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, room 3104. Call Pat Cobb at 334279-8331 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 stages and ages of life. Childcare provided by reservation. Call April Scott at 828-446-6666.

Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) 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 UMC to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. Email Mom2mom@frazerumc.org for more information.

Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd.

Single Moms Support Group, Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in classroom 118. For information call 277-5800.

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.

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.

Location: St.James UMC, 9045 Vauhgn Road Moms in Prayer International: This is a Christ centered interdenominational prayer ministry made up of moms, grandmothers, aunts or any woman who wants to gathers to pray for their children and schools. Meets every Sunday afternoon from 3:00-4:00. Call Annette Jones for more information on joining us or training to start your own group.

850-529-4730 or email Montgomerymipac@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. Call 272-6152.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Parkinson’s Support meets 4th Thursdays at 6 pm in Room 8114. Call 495-6350 for more info.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Ostomy Support meets every other month on the 2nd Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in room 3101. In 2018: Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct., Dec. Call 495-6350 for more info.

Location: Vaughn Park Church, 3800 Vaughn Rd. Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group meets 2nd Friday of each month from 6:30- 8 PM. We have activities, speakers and special events throughout the year for the parents, siblings and children with Down Syndrome. Childcare is provided. Please visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com or our Facebook page (MADSOG) for information. Please contact MADSOG at montgomeryareadownsyndrome@gmail.com.

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June 2020

River Region’s Journey

Pay Taxes Now or Later?

Q. My husband and I owe $3,500 in federal taxes, along with $3,000 in state taxes. We’re both still working during the pandemic scare. Would it better to wait until the new July 15 due date to pay taxes, and pay off other debt in the meantime, or go ahead and pay state and federal taxes now, and take care of our other debts with what we have leftover monthly?

A. If you’re talking about back taxes, I’d say pay them now. You don’t want to play around with the IRS, because they can really mess you up if they decide they’re coming for you.

But if you’re talking about taxes for 2019, I’d go ahead and include them in your debt snowball. If you need to move them up in your debt snowball in order to pay them on time, that’s fine. Whatever you do, don’t pay them late. Sit down

River Region’s Journey

June 2020

together, and lay out a game plan that includes paying your taxes—and all your other debts—on time!

Use Savings to Pay Credit Card Debt?

Q. I feel truly blessed.

Even with everything that is going on these days, I still have a steady job and a good income. I’m thinking about taking some money out of my savings account in order to completely pay off my credit card debt. How do you feel about this idea?

A. It’s not a bad plan if you’ve come to a point where you understand a few things.

The credit card and the debt aren’t the real problems. They’re symptoms of buying things you probably don’t need with money you don’t have. You need to take

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a long look in the mirror, because the person who’s looking back at you is the real problem.

If you can accept this, and are committed to changing yourself and your financial habits, I’d say go for it. Just don’t wipe out your savings in the process. Leave plenty of cash in there, especially right now when so many things are uncertain. Also, make sure you cut up that credit card, close the account, and make a promise to yourself that you’ll never use those things again.

Once you do all this, and start living on a written, monthly budget, rebuild your savings as quickly as possible. Saving money is always a good thing. And everyone needs an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses for the unexpected stuff life throws at you!