River Region's Journey November 2013

Volume 15, Issue 6

Feature Articles

N OVEMBE R 20 1 3 Columns page 2

Publisher’s Note

page 18

Jason Watson

Establishing Boundaries in Ministry

page 4

Pastor's Perspective Pastor Keith Waldrop, Christ Community Church

page 14

Dave $ays

by Candy Arrington

Dave Ramsey

Serving others in the church can sometimes affect personal and family time in unhealthy ways, if we aren’t intentional about setting appropriate boundaries.

Learn some steps for keeping everything in good balance.

page 16

Shine Kim Hendrix

page 20

The Intersection

page 24

Bob Crittenden

Cover Feature:

100X Development Foundation

by Rachel Fisher

This local ministry founded by the Blanchard family is empowering children and families in Malawi and other impoverished areas of the world for a more hopeful and productive future. 100X focuses on changing the lives of orphaned children with love, education and job training, helping vulnerable youth escape trafficking, and giving mothers healthy nutrition and medical care so they can live to love their children.

page 22

Grace to You John MacArthur

page 32

Counselor’s Corner Lou Priolo

page 36

Family Teams for Christ Lisa and Mike Conn

page 43

Get the Point?

Elaine Britt

On Our Cover . . .

In Every Issue

This month’s cover photographer Molly Habich with Harry Phiri in Malawi. Harry came to 100X’s Mtendere Children’s Village when he was three years old. He lost his mother not long after he was born and his father was absent in his life. When he arrived at Mtendere he was very malnourished and sick. Harry is now in Grade 2, very healthy and has made a couple of best friends at Mtendere.

page 6

On the Bookshelf page 8

Around Our Community page 38

Event Calendar page 44

Movie Reviews 1

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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

Research Editor Wendy McCollum

Contributing Writers Candy Arrington Elaine Britt Lisa and Mike Conn Bob Crittenden Rachel Fisher Kim Hendrix John MacArthur Lou Priolo Dave Ramsey Pastor Keith Waldrop Gail Welborn

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

Cover Photography Molly Habich Photography

Ad Design

Tim Welch, Welch Designs

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

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 2013 by KeepSharing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

From the Publisher Let’s change the world! Who, me? Yes, you.

Changing the world isn’t just something naive kids dream about. Rather, it’s the plan of God that He’s called you to participate with and through Christ and His Spirit. If you’re a Christ-follower, you’re a worldchanger!

Sometimes we can be rocked to sleep by “religion”, if you will, where we think attending church, shaking hands and then filling up on Mexican food afterwards is what being a Christian consists of. That’s a “Christian” life that doesn’t need a Savior or the Spirit’s power to live because it’s not praying, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven.”

When Jesus’ mission on Earth was ending, He told His disciples what their future lives would look like while following Him. The Scriptures state that the disciples were sorrowful, because Jesus’ words were hard to hear, but that Jesus offered them hope by saying that He would send the Spirit to help lead them in all truth and empower them to live out their mission of stamping out this world’s perverse darkness with His light of truth. Christians today are proof that Jesus kept His word and that the Spirit has been, and continues to be, at work through Christians across the ages to bring the hope of Christ to a broken and condemned world. Again, if you’re a Christ-follower, you’re a world-changer!

In this month’s issue, Rachel Fisher interviewed a local ministry that is taking Christ’s light to nine countries around the world. 100X Development Foundation is an amazing story of God starting with a regular family like yours to impact thousands of lives in Christ’s name. As you’ll read on page 26, when we give a gift to God, He can return it 100 times (100X) it’s original value. Ask yourself how God is calling you to serve Him. Closer to home, many of us spend most of our hours in the workplace, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have a mission field. There’s not a square inch on this planet or in our lives that isn’t called to surrender to God our Creator. On page 24, John MacArthur explains how “The Christian’s Work Ethic” upholds the credibility of the Gospel’s power as we demonstrate God’s sovereignty in every area of our lives.

Having this world-changing mind and heart doesn’t just happen. We have to stay connected to the resurrection power we have in Christ. If your faith is weak, turn to page 32 and read local Christian counselor Lou Priolo’s column, “Resurrection Power: Do You Have Any?” Lou, and many of our other columnists, have written excellent articles this month that will encourage your faith greatly.

Because we live in a fallen world life has many struggles. As we wait on the Lord’s return, consider those faithful ones who have gone before us...those who were used to proclaim the light of Christ into your dark heart so you could be made alive. Now join with them to bring glory to our King by sharing the Good News that Christ is making all things new. Go be a world-changer!

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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HEAD SOUTH AT THE FIRST SIGN OF A

STROKE Get To The Area’s Only Nationally Certified Stroke Center

The first moments after stroke symptoms appear are critical. Receiving the right treatment quickly could save your life and minimize brain damage. That’s why you should immediately get to Baptist Medical Center South. As the area’s only Nationally Certified Stroke Center, Baptist South has a specialized Stroke Team on site 24/7, with the expertise to provide the fastest, most effective treatment. So in case of symptoms such as facial drooping, weakness in one arm, slurred speech, blurry vision, or sudden severe headache, head south…call 911 and get to Baptist Medical Center South.

334.273.4444 I baptistfirst.org

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Pastor’s Perspective

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Pastor Keith Waldrop, Christ Community Church

Get in the Back Seat Have you ever noticed how we all long to be in the front seat, to be in the best seat of the house? It is just our nature to desire to be in control, but Jesus invites us to humble ourselves, to be the last of all and servants of all.

Hertz had a jingle several years ago that said, “Let Hertz put you in the driver’s seat today.” When we read the Gospel of Luke, I see that Jesus had something to say about best seats…

7 When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 8 “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor,

for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. 9 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place.

10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. 11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:7-11) We feel important by being in the best seat in the house. When we at-

tend a ball game, we desire courtside or 50-yard seats. But Jesus had more in mind than seating arrangements.

It is difficult to not be in control.

If God is your co-pilot, change seats, hop in the back, and follow the Lord.

I remember the first time I was confronted with this when I was nine years old and en route to a funeral with my mom and grandfather. I pleaded with my mother to let me ride in the front seat, but the last words she ever spoke to me were to “stay in the back seat.” Life changed dramatically that day. My mother and grandfather were killed as we spun out of control on a bridge on Highway 82—my life was spared because I was in the back seat.

I have often thought back to that brief conversation with my mother and the impact it had on my life. Since that day, I have heard the Lord speak to me many times, “Remain in the back seat, Keith. It’s where you belong.”

The back seat position is one of dependence. When I allow Jesus to be in the front seat of my life, He is first, and I learn to put to death my flesh, surrendering to His heart. It is a daily battle to stay submitted as a Christfollower. Today, let’s put Jesus in the driver’s seat of our lives and yield to his leadership. He can be trusted and will take us where we need to go.

Keith Waldrop is the Founding and Senior Pastor of Christ Community Church, 8285 Ryan Road in Montgomery (off of Chantilly Parkway). He and his wife are graduates of Lee High School and have two daughters, one son-in-law, and one granddaughter, who are the joys of their lives. You may reach him at keith@christccm.net.

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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.

C.S. Lewis:

An Appreciation November 21, 7:30 p.m.

Huntingdon College, Ligon Chapel Free and open to the public Please join us for a celebration of the life and works of C.S. Lewis, including short scholarly presentations, readings, and performances.

Sponsored by the AUM Department of English and Philosophy and the Huntingdon College Department of Religion.

*All editorial content published must be in agreement with our Statement of Faith

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On The Bookshelf

by Gail Welborn

Destiny: Let God Use You Like He Made You

by Tony Evans, Harvest House, 2013, 208 Pages, 978-0736949972, $12.99 Dr. Evans, author, pastor and chaplain of the NBA Dallas Mavericks, writes about calling, purpose and meaning in Destiny, where he encourages readers to recognize God’s divine plan. His book reminded me of Jeremiah 29:11 where God said, “For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV) Could that verse mean God created man for a predetermined plan and a purpose, or like Pastor Evans writes, for a “special assignment…lived out in the power of the Spirit?” This man of God believes that it does and uses Olympic Gold Medalist Jesse Owens as an example.

Just as Owens won Olympic Gold multiple times, “…as a believer, you have been called to run your race…to aim for the gold…” because “…living out your destiny is…life’s most fulfilling experience,” writes Dr. Evans. That belief is behind why he wrote Destiny, to mentor, encourage and equip men and women to realize God’s unique individual direction and provision.

Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospel

by J. Warner Wallace, David C. Cook, 2013, 288 Pages, 978-1434704696, $16.99 Veteran homicide investigator Jim Wallace was an “angry atheist” until he walked through the doors of Saddleback church and met Jesus Christ. A “spiritual skeptic” for 35 years, he had rejected the Bible and thought Christian principles not worth consideration.

The pastor “caught his attention” with what appeared to be eyewitness accounts from the Gospels, something Wallace was familiar with. Afterward he bought a Bible and applied Forensic Statement Analysis (FAS) tools to Bible “linguistic tendencies,” which looks for evasion or deception in words or statements.

Accustomed to cold case investigations without witnesses or physical evidence, he recognized that also described New Testament events and began to read. By the time Wallace finished he believed “Mark’s gospel was the eyewitness account of the apostle Peter.” He no longer thought Christ was simply a good teacher. Now he knew Jesus was the Son of God, “because of the evidence, not in spite of it.”

The book reads like a good detective story. If you want to be an “informed Christian,” equipped to “defend the faith” with what you believe and why, Wallace’s engaging book is for you.

Our Daily Bread Devotional Bible NLT

Tyndale House Bibles, RBC Ministries, 2012, 1442 Pages, 978-1414361963, $24.99 This easy-to-understand New Living Bible paraphrase features Our Daily Bread devotions framed around the RBC Ministries motto, “Feed the Soul with the Word of God.” The translation encourages reluctant readers with its straightforward simplicity.

Devotions penned by Our Daily Bread writers are easily found in the topical list that also includes an alphabetized devotional index for specific topics, such as worry, fear or discouragement.

Bible books offer a historical introduction with author, date written, theme and brief outline. For example, the book of Psalms identities seven authors from the time of Moses to the Babylonian captivity. The Psalm’s theme and purpose—to praise, trust, worship, confess and ask forgiveness.

The soothing green softcover binding and easy-on-the-eyes black type has chapter headings and numbers in darker olive green. Besides the topical and scripture index, a dedication page for gift giving is included.

The understandable New Living Translation (NLT), the most popular Bible translation of the “English-speaking world,” is a good choice for new Christians or to encourage non-believers. It’s also a favorite choice for Bible study groups, devotional readings and frequently read aloud in church.

River Region’s Journey book reviewer Gail Welborn lives in Sedro-Woolley, Washington.

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CeCe Winans to Headline: A Montgomery Family Christmas

Christian recording artist CeCe Winans will headline A Montgomery Family Christmas at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. This fun, family Christmas event is presented by the Baptist Health Care Foundation and benefits Baptist Hospice. Concert tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster, ticketmaster.com or the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, mpaconline.com. Tickets for this event are $35 for theater seats, $25 for balcony seats, and groups of 10 or more receive $5 off of each ticket.

CeCe Winans is one of the most prolific artists in Gospel music. If you ask CeCe what drives her, the answer will be far removed from her endless list of accolades, best-selling albums, widespread industry recognition and vast amounts of press coverage. “It’s great to sing songs that help us or that encourage us to live right, or to talk right, or to love each other-and those are all powerful messages, things that God smiles upon,” CeCe says. “But when you just talk about the power of the living God and His awesomeness and His holiness, nothing is more powerful than that. It penetrates the heart more than anything.”

A Montgomery Family Christmas benefits Baptist Hospice – the only faith-based, not-for profit hospice in the River Region. Baptist Hospice cares for the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of patients with life-limiting illnesses. With the help of the Baptist Health Care Foundation and A Montgomery Family Christmas, Baptist Hospice is able to provide care and accept all qualified patients regardless of their ability to pay. Since the concert’s inception, the Baptist Health Care Foundation has raised more than $180,000 to assist Baptist Hospice patients with hospice care and various needs.

Family Night Out Fall Carnival

Broadway Comes to Montgomery in The Forgotten Carols

Returning to the Southeast for a third tour of the heart-warming musical, The Forgotten Carols, Los Angeles and New York cast members of the Theos Theatricals touring company will present the contemporary story of God’s love for a broken people, at the Davis Theater in Montgomery on December 6th at 7:00 p.m.

Michael Young, an award winning television producer from Los Angeles, California, obtained permission from composer Michael McLean to produce a southeastern tour after seeing a performance on the West Coast. Young partnered with long-time friend Greg Smith, to produce the first tour, and this year Smith, a pastoral counselor and ordained Baptist minister in Auburn, November 15th, Montgomery First Alabama, has written a Bible study to accompany the musical. Young and Smith believe the muAssembly, 135 Bell Rd. sical’s message of hope and redemption resonates with a broad audience. They sought to reach This is a fun event for the whole famout to those who have simply “tuned out” the celebration of the season due to adverse personal ily and the youth department’s largest circumstances, or the pervasive and overwhelming secular noise of holiday consumerism. fundraiser of the year for missions work The production tells the story of Constance, a young nurse who sees the holidays as a around the world. The night includes meaningless distraction until she is assigned to care for an aged gentleman who believes concessions food, candy and drinks, as that he has been alive for 2000 years and has met people from the Christmas story such as well as toddler to adult games. Also, the innkeeper who turned away Joseph and Mary – those who have been forgotten. As he inflatables, mechanical bull, rock wall, chronicles his encounters with his “forgotten carols” he eventually touches the part of her cake walk, hay rides, face painting, and heart that she had long ago forgotten. even a prize redemption booth for the One of the appeals of the musical is the involvement of local choirs at each venue. kids to redeem their winning tickets for Backing the Montgomery production will be the Alabama Christian Academy choir prizes. All attendees have a chance to directed by Trey Holladay. win free giveaways from local busiAdult tickets are $15; students and seniors, $10. Tickets can be purchased on the website, nesses throughout the night. The event www.theostheatricals.com.

Charities benefitting from the proceeds are Marriage and Family runs from 6pm-9:30pm in the church Legacy Builders, Montgomery Christian School, and the Cancer Wellness Foundation. For gymnasium. more info: Beth@creativepartnerspr.com or (601) 454-6503.

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Frazer’s Transformation Montgomery Continues to Grow

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Gateway Baptist Church Tutors Area Students

Frazer United Methodist Church announced recently that its local missions initiative, Transformation Montgomery, continues to grow in its quest to provide hope to the working poor in the northern part of the city.

Transformation Montgomery has now purchased 10 homes in the Garden Square neighborhood which have been, or are in the process of being, renovated by volunteers so they can be made available as affordable housing utilizing rent-to-own and zero-interest-loan options. A large nearby commercial building is being renovated to serve as a Transformation Center where tutoring, adult education, job training and micro-enterprise services can be offered. Individuals or organizations interested in volunteering with Transformation Montgomery, whether in housing renovation, after school tutoring for students, or mentoring adults in the Getting Ahead course, can contact Director Peggy Spaeth at 334.224.1048 or visit http://transformationmontgomery.com for more information.

“The Heart Behind the Music”

Gateway Baptist Church partners with Brewbaker Intermediate School for a weekly tutoring ministry.

There are 16 3rd & 4th grade students who are picked up on Wednesday afternoons and brought to the church where they receive a nutritious snack before the tutoring begins. Most of the students then join Gateway for their weekly fellowship meal and AWANA ministry before being picked up by their parents. This year Gateway has expanded its ministry to these students at Brewbaker by purchasing requested school supplies.

Christian Songwriter’s Showcase Davis Theatre, December 3, 7 pm with Susan Ashton, Billy Dean, Richie McDonald and Lenny LeBlanc. Visit www.susanashton music.com/tour/ for ticket info.

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Parents’ Night Out at Christ Community Church

Enjoy a date night out while supporting Youth Missions! Christ Community Church (8285 Ryan Road) is hosting a Parents’ Night Out on Friday, November 15th from 5:00-9:00pm. The staff and student ministry will be providing evening childcare in the church theater for children ages 5-12. The cost is $15 per child, and dinner will be provided. This is a great opportunity for kids to have fun while parents have a night off to be grownups, and all proceeds benefit the students’ 2014 Youth Mission Trip! To register your child, please call Lauren Beach at (334) 273-8110 or send her an email at lb@christccm.net (include your name, ages of children, and a contact phone number). Space is limited, and children must be registered in advance to participate.

Transition Conference 2014 for High School Seniors!

Saturday, January 25, 2014 Christ Community Church, 8285 Ryan Road, Montgomery. Details and registration at www.thetransmission.org/transconf.

Terrific Tuesdays for Older Adults

Terrific Tuesdays is a program for older adults. They meet every Tuesday at the First United Methodist Church in Montgomery, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park. People begin gathering at 10 A.M. in Room 204 of Wesley Hall for a snack and fellowship.

At 10:30 we begin our meeting.

November events are: November 5 – A Chalk Art Presentation by the Rev. Darrell Jennings November 12 - Bingo November 19 – A Day of Thanksgiving and Communion November 26 - No Terrific Tuesday.

At 11:30 we have lunch. The cost of lunch is $2.50. Call Nee Nee Webb at 834-8990 if you have questions.

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Free Thanksgiving Day Meal for Needy

Feeding the Multitude Ministry Thursday, November 28, 11 am—2 pm PUBLIC FEEDING SITE: Community Congregational United Church of Christ at 3481 South Court Street, across from old Bellingrath School.

We need: Name, Address and Phone Numbers by November 18, by 1:30 pm.

NO EXCEPTIONS! We Deliver to Homebound Elderly— Handicapped—Sick n’ Shut in Only.

Contact Number:334-220-1924 Minister Greg and Evangelist Dr. Linda McCall– CEO’S

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ADT’s ‘Mistletoe’ Features “The Messiah”

November 15-17 Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts More than 90 dancers and artists participate in this year’s elaborate Alabama Dance Theatre holiday productionwhich features “Favorite Dances of Christmas” and “The Messiah” with music by George Frideric Handel. It will be accompanied by the Montgomery Chorale Ensemble and a small orchestra under the direction of Rebecca Taylor.

A dancing Santa Claus will perform again in this season’s production, and children will have a chance to meet him after the Saturday and Sunday matinees on November 16 and 17 for a $10 donation.

Public performances are Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets range in price from $15 to $30. Reserved and general admission tickets are available by visiting www.alabamadancetheatre.com. For more information, call (334) 241-2800 or visit alabamadancetheatre.com.

Coming This Month!

A New Indoor Facility Offering 2 Private Party rooms!

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St. John’s ECW Bazaar

The Episcopal Church Women of St. John’s Episcopal Church will present its Bazaar on Wednesday, November 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Bazaar will be held in the education building of the church at 113Madison Ave. in downtown Montgomery. This year’s shops will include a well-stocked Pantry full of homemade casseroles, dressings and baked goods, desserts, famous cheese straws, mayonnaise and cinnamon rolls, along with seafood gumbo cooked by the men of the church. The Treasure Attic offers an abundance of preowned goods including books, decorative items, toys, kitchen and housewares, artwork, linens and jewelry. The Handmade room includes crafts, unique gifts and holiday items created by parishioners. The Garden Shop is filled beautiful plants large and small, decorative pots, and ornamental yard and garden items. Fine Arts boasts paintings, drawings, sculptures, prints, folk art and jewelry by local artists. The Silent Auction is full of donated antiques, silver, crystal and decorative wares.

Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church Parish Hall.

The Bazaar is free and open to the public but tickets for the luncheon are $10 each and may be purchased in advance in the church office or on the day of the event. Take-out plates are also available. All proceeds benefit community outreach projects. For additional information on the ECW Bazaar or to purchase luncheon tickets, please contact the church office at (334) 262-1937.

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

Prattville First United Methodist Church 100 E. 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 TRADI TI O NAL W O RSH I P 8 : 3 0 AM & 11 : 0 0 A M SUNDAY SCH O O L 9 : 4 5 AM TH E W ELL 11 : 0 0 AM

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Capitol Sounds Concert at Vaughn Forest Church

Everyone is invited to celebrate the sounds of Christmas with the Capitol Sounds Concert band and the Montgomery Recreators, Thursday, December 5, at 7:00 p.m. in the main sanctuary of Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road.

Enjoy the season with Christmas musical selections from “The Nutcracker Suite” including Miniature Overture, Six Characteristic Dances, and Waltz of the Flowers.

The band will also perform a beautiful arrangement of the Carol of the Drum, and the Leroy Anderson favorite Sleigh Ride.

Join in singing with a Holiday Sing-ALong of your favorite Christmas Carols.

The concert is free for everyone.

For more information and directions call 334-279-5433 or visit www.vaughnforest.com.

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Drive-Thru Living Nativity in Prattville

This year, East Memorial Baptist Church of Prattville is offering a “Christ-in Christmas Celebration” consisting of two events: A Drive-Thru Living Nativity on December 7, 5:30-8:30 pm, and Christmas musical, “Christmas Changes Everything,” on December 15th, at 6 pm.

The Drive-Thru Nativity includes more than 120 cast members, as well as live animals, plus Bethlehem, Shepherds, the Stable, The Cross, and the Empty Tomb. Admission is free for both events. Call 334-365-7500 or visit www.eastmemorial.org for more info and location.

Kay Arthur Precept Ministries Conference

A Weekend with Kay Arthur “Prepared for the Days Ahead” November 15-16, 2013 at FBC Trussville We are living in challenging times. The question is, do we understand them? Do we know what to do? And are we prepared, committed and longing to hear Jesus say, “Well, done, my good and faithful servant?”

In this two day conference Kay Arthur will address these issues as you study God’s Word for the answers.

For more info call: 205-655-2403.

Holiday Help for Those Recently Divorced

Montgomery’s First Baptist Church, 305 South Perry Street, will be offering a Basic Survival Guide to the Holidays for those recently divorced. It will be on Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, in Room 405 (Preschool Building).

There will be refreshments served, plus there will be child care (please feed children before coming). Contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@montgomeryfbc.org or 241-5125 for more information.

Open House

for Prospective Families, Sunday, December 15th at 2:00 p.m.

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24 Area Nonprofits to Participate in 2013 River Region Alternative Gift Fair

The River Region Alternative Gift Fair aims to provide residents of the River Region a convenient and fun way to give Christmas and other holiday gifts that have a redemptive effect on our community. Shoppers at the fair will be able to buy “gifts” from area nonprofits to honor their family, friends, coworkers, teachers, and clients. Each “gift” will be a financial contribution supporting a specific need of the organization. For example, a shopper might honor her food-loving friend by giving a week’s worth of hot meals to an elderly couple in need. Or a construction business might honor its clients by helping a building-related nonprofit buy building supplies. Gift prices start at $5 and are tax deductible.

The Fair will be held Saturday, December 7, 10am to 2pm, in the Drum Theater on the Cloverdale Campus of Huntingdon College (formerly Cloverdale Junior High School), 1125 East Fairview Avenue in Montgomery. Interested persons may visit www.GiveHopeRiverRegion.org to learn more and keep abreast of developments in the planning process. For more information, contact Gift Fair chair Will Parker at (334) 538-8464 or Gift Fair clergy liaison Rev. John Blount at (334) 834-8990.

The participating groups are as follows: Aid to Inmate Mothers, Alabama Clean Water Partnership, Boys & Girls Ranches of Alabama, Bridge Builders Alabama, Central Alabama Laubach Literacy Council, Child Protect, Children’s Advocacy Center, Family Promise of Montgomery, Family Sunshine Center, Habitat for Humanity, Hands On River Region—Christmas Clearing House, House to House Community Development, Mary Ellen’s Hearth, Medical Outreach Ministries, Mid-Alabama Coalition for the Homeless, Montgomery Area Council on Aging—Meals On Wheels, Montgomery Area Foodbank, Montgomery Area Nontraditional Equestrians (MANE), Montgomery Humane Society, Reality & Truth Ministries, Rebuilding Together Central Alabama, The Samaritan Counseling Center, United Methodist Children’s Home, Urban Seed XChange, Women of Hope.

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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...

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B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS

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

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B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS

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Novemb

Q. Is it a good idea to sell your car in order to buy one that gets better gas mileage?

A. Only if the other car is really cheap,

or cheaper than the one you’re selling. I think it’s funny when people run out and upgrade on their $7,000 car to buy a $30,000 Prius to save gas. Think about it. That’s an extra expenditure of $23,000 to save gas. Where are you planning on driving, to the moon?

Actually saving money is a much better plan than some of the ideas people dream up in the name of saving money.

When it comes to things like this, you need to sit down and do the math.

Crunch some hard, cold figures and see what happens. “Well, if we got this kind of gas mileage, instead of what we’re getting now, how much money would we save?” But if you spend $5,000 more to save $50 it will take forever to get back the money you’ve already spent.

River Region’s Journey

November 2013

Getting better gas mileage is a good thing, but I wouldn’t recommend spending any more than the value of the car you’re currently driving to make it happen. Moving down in car but up in mileage is a great plan. If you do that, you’ll really start making headway with your money.

This kind of scenario is a simple math thing. The problem is lots of times people’s emotions get caught up in stuff, and next thing you know they think they have a real reason to buy an expensive, new piece of automotive technology. I call that car fever, and it’ll wreck your finances in a hurry!

Q. How long should it take someone to fully fund their emergency fund?

A. On average, building an emergency fund takes six months to a year. It takes about 18 to 24 months for most people to pay off all of their debt, except for the

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house. That’s if they’re gazelle intense, and have no life other than getting control of their finances.

Baby Step 1 is saving $1,000, and not paying extra on your debts until you have that money in the bank. Once you’ve got a $1,000 starter emergency fund, then your list all of your debts except the house from smallest to largest and attack them with a vengeance. All you do is work and pay off debt until you clean up the mess. Once that’s done, you move on to the next Baby Step, which is adding to your emergency fund until you have three to six months of expenses set aside. Most people can accomplish that in six months to a year.

There are always various factors involved because everyone’s situation is different. But in most cases, if you approach my plan with the kind of intensity I talk about, you can become debt-free except for your house and have a fullyloaded emergency fund is place in just two or three years!

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November Crosses 2013_Layout 1 10/22/13 10:13 AM Page 1

A Faith Radio donor and neighbor has provided 500 six-foot Christmas Crosses for us to distribute to our listeners for a suggested donation of at least $35. This donation helps Faith Radio continue to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Like last year, we will have the crosses available in Montgomery, Dothan and Andalusia a few days after Thanksgiving. Stay tuned for details and times. There is a limited supply and last year the Christmas Crosses were gone within a few days!

500

ce by y of

y

wo

Crosses... will be lighted this year in the Christmas season proclaiming the love of Christ Jesus!

Call to get your Christmas cross magnet!

The ministry of Faith Radio/WLBF is supported by individuals in the Christian community. You can participate in strengthening families as we provide spiritual encouragement with your financial support.

November 2013

River Region’s Journey

17 mail at P.O. Box 210789 Montgomery, AL 36121-0789.

Contact us at www.faithradio.org, call 800-239-8900 or by

SHINE!

die can is s the his all Go the

by Kim Hendrix

Are We There Yet? 2 Corinthians 1:8-11: “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.

Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us.

On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.”

Do you remember sitting in the backseat of your parent’s car as a child and asking, “Are we there yet?” Perhaps this is a question you hear now from your children or grandchildren. Many times the question is asked with great excitement as we journey on a vacation or to see loved ones and close friends. Sometimes it’s asked out of exhaustion, when the journey seems long and never ending. When the destination

offers relief or great excitement we want to know that we’ve arrived!

Here’s a destination we should all enter into our GPS--Total Dependence on God. It’s a place that offers relief, great excitement and a life we can’t even imagine until we get there. So let’s ask that all-important question in a new light, “Are we there yet?”

In 2 Corinthians 1:8-11, Paul is talking about the great suffering and persecution he had faced from those opposed to his ministry--times of imprisonment, and as he wrote, times of “despairing even of life.”

He goes on to say this hardship happened to teach them to rely not on themselves, but only on God. In other words, the deepest, darkest valleys brought them to total dependence on God. They praised God for deliverance and hope!

I wonder if it absolutely takes extreme despair to get us to total dependence. I think not. It is certainly a blessing that

alw in Go W fic “T no Go sto comes out of tragic times, but Scripture also tells us that prayer and relationship with Christ will get us to this place we should all desire --a place where it’s All Jesus All The Time. A place where His will is first, His strength prevails and His love and peace overwhelm the most difficult of life’s circumstances. That’s a place that deserves the question, “Are we there yet?”

A good friend whose husband killed himself at a young age--leaving her the single mom of two little girls--shared lifesaving and life-giving words to young la-

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dies in a Bible study. She said to do all you can now to be at a place where your faith is strong, so that when hard times hit, and they will, you’ll know your God and have his strength to stand on. In other words, do all you can now to be totally dependent on God, don’t wait for hard times to get you there.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

When circumstances bring stress and difficult situations, it’s not always easy to say, “Thank you, God, for where I am right now!” But we can always say, “Thank you, God, for being with me right here in this storm!”

Christian recording artist Natalie Grant has released a new CD entitled, Hurricane. She said difficult times in her life inspired the title track and gave new meaning to the story of Jesus walking on water as the disciples huddled in a boat fearing for their lives in the midst of a storm. She said that story reveals too many times we’re focused on Jesus getting us out of a storm, and completely missing the fact that He is walking in to be with us.

For that we can always rejoice and give thanks.

Lately I’ve heard too many stories of young people, barely teenagers, feeling suicidal--thinking they’re not measuring up; they don’t fit in or they consider themselves “unlovable”. These stories affirm the fact that we must be diligent in teaching our children to be rooted in Christ--that their value doesn’t come from winning games or having the most friends or getting the most “likes” on Facebook or Instagram.

Their value comes from the fact that God loves them so much, he gave his only son, Jesus, to die on the cross so they could live a great big, full life! A life filled with love, laughter, forgiveness and abundant grace!

They’ll know this life when they’re able to say, “I am totally dependent on you, Dear Lord. I will come to you for every single thing in my life and I will make time to be in your Word and in prayer so I can know you better.” Then, when life begins to knock them around, and it will, they’ll be better equipped to stand strong and weather the storm.

How do we help them get there and how do we get there as well? Look at the words in 2 Corinthians: 10-11: “On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.”

Paul’s agony had taken him to a place of total dependence, but right here he’s saying

I’m only here and can only stay here with your prayers… SO HELP ME! Reach out to others and ask for prayer. Immerse yourself in fellowship with Godly friends and hold each other accountable. Prayer is a mighty weapon in this world that all too often pushes us around.

Even with the difficulties of life, it’s a beautiful journey when we let God drive.

So ask yourself and ask someone you love, “Are we there yet?”

Dear Heavenly Father, Please help us reach the beautiful, peace-filled destination of total dependence on you! May we rejoice and give thanks daily, and pray without ceasing--no matter the circumstances in our lives. For those who have feelings of not measuring up and who at times consider ending it all, please hold them in your healing, comforting arms and walk a mentor into their lives who can steer them to you. We love you with all our hearts and desire to stand on your strength alone. In the mighty name of your precious son Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

Kim Hendrix is the Director of Development at Saint James School in Montgomery. She leads the Shine Your Light ministry at Frazer Memorial U.M.C. and recently ended a 26 year career in television news.

Kim and her husband Scott, have a 13-year-old daughter, Annie, who brings them great joy.

“Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

EVANGEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Proverbs 22:6

C hallenging a CademiC a tmosphere in a C hristian e nvironment Accredited AISA Blue Ribbon School Evangel Christian Academy is a ministry of Evangel Church in Montgomery, Alabama.

334-272-3882 ecalions.org Evangel Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, gender and national or ethnic origin.

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River Region’s Journey

Establishing Boundaries in

Ministry

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by Candy Arrington As Marc helped his wife clear the dinner dishes from the table, he realized he was weary. It had been a long, stressful week and he was looking forward to Friday evening at home with his family.

“Dad, let’s play a game,” his son called from the family room.

“Great! Set up the board and find your sister while I help Mom finish in the kitchen.”

Marc loaded the remaining plates, closed the dishwasher, and gave the control knob a spin. He slipped his arms around his wife as she clicked off the stove light. As they walked toward the family room, the phone rang. Marc stepped back into the now darkened kitchen, and grabbed the receiver without checking the caller ID. “Hello” “Marc, I’m so thankful you’re at home!

I was afraid you’d be out since it is Friday night. I really need to talk to you. I’m very upset. This has been the worst week of my life. You just won’t believe what my son River Region’s Journey

November 2013

said to me. I wish he was more like you. You are the only one who cares about me.”

Marc stifled a sigh. The vision of spending a quiet evening with his family vanished.

The caller was Lydia, and Marc knew there was no quick escape.

When Marc, a member of a large church, was elected to the deaconate and received the names of those in his district, he contacted each family. His phone conversation with Lydia was longer than others, but he wasn’t too concerned, assuming this widow was lonely and needed a sympathetic listener. But over the course of the next few months, Lydia took Marc’s offer to “call if you need me” seriously, and soon, she was calling his home several times a week to report on her health issues, complain about how disinterested her children were in her welfare, or agonize over her finances. Now, Marc dreaded these prolonged conversations with Lydia, and cautioned his wife and children to let him make the decision about 20

answering calls when her number appeared on caller ID. This night, when Marc finally extracted himself from Lydia’s over-long recitation of woes, his family had scattered, the game board abandoned.

“Just how far does servanthood extend?” Marc mumbled as he locked up and headed for the bedroom. His question is a valid one.

When a position in your church places you in a ministry role, you may encounter people who expect, and require, more time and effort than is normal in a healthy relationship. If you find yourself in that situation, here are some things to remember:

You can’t meet all needs – There

are some situations that are beyond your personal scope of knowledge and ability to fix. While you can provide encouragement, often, those with emotional or relational issues are so tied to having their needs met by

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When a position in your church places you in a ministry role, you may encounter people who expect, and require, more time and effort than is normal in a healthy relationship. here are some things to remember.

caring individuals that they don’t take steps to improve their situation.

They feel affirmed by the compassion, concern, and attention of others and fail to see, or work on, personal issues that need to be addressed. In many cases, they have alienated friends and family members with their clinginess, constant requests, and complaints, and have moved their focus to others who are willing to listen and affirm.

Use discernment – Employ wisdom in

assessing the situation with someone who seems overly needy. Spiritually, they may express underlying doctrinal misunderstandings or confusion about the concept of grace.

Frequently, they view God as a vengeful, fire-breathing entity and fear retribution for their sins. Observe patterns in what the person says. Often, there is reference to unfairness, unworthiness, lack of self-esteem, and victimization. Be aware these individuals are usually skilled in twisting the truth in order to paint themselves in a more favorable light.

Realize that what you are hearing probably isn’t the whole story. Unless you’re a trained counselor, you don’t have the ability to help sort through these problems. Allowing the person to talk about the same issues over and over doesn’t resolve anything.

Understand personalities – Some have a melancholy personality that makes them more prone to complaining. They often don’t see the positives in life and focus only on the negatives. While you can offer encouragement and point out blessings, you’re not going to change their personality. Be aware of the areas of vulnerability in your personality, also. Are you a people pleaser?

If so, be aware that despite your best efforts to help, there are some people who are never satisfied. Sometimes, we gain a “high” from feeling we are needed, thus creating a cycle of doing for others to feel good about ourselves, or fulfill an unmet need in our own lives. If your spiritual gift is service, it is easy to overdo good works. But keep in mind that if one person or family is sapping all your time and energy your ability to effectively minister to others is diminished.

Resist the guilt factor – Guilt is one of Satan’s greatest tools. Don’t allow guilt to cause you to get sucked into an unhealthy relationship that robs you of personal and family time. Even if the person says you are the only one who cares, you are not respon-

sible for the happiness, emotional health, or financial status of another.

Protect yourself and your family – Use

discretion in giving out all your personal contact information. Most people will respect your privacy, but giving out all your phone numbers or too much personal information about your family isn’t always wise.

Pray – Ask God to give you wisdom on how

to handle the situation. Spend time reading your Bible. Often, we gain insight and answers through Scripture. God’s perspective is always better than our best wisdom.

Know when to call in reinforcements

– Eventually, Marc realized he needed additional help regarding the situation with Lydia. He contacted the associate pastor in charge of pastoral ministries and senior adults at his church, and learned that Lydia, indeed, had long-standing emotional issues and had exhausted the resources of not only his church, but other churches and agencies in the community. The pastor gave Marc advice for backing away from Lydia’s clinginess without making her feel rejected.

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You can employ these tips also:

• Make sure your tone of voice conveys interest, kindness, and compassion rather than exasperation.

• When someone is talking on and on about a life struggle, there will eventually be a brief pause in their saga. Seize this moment to let them know it was good to talk to them, but you have another commitment.

• Ask if you can pray on the person’s behalf and offer a brief prayer. Most people realize a prayer signals the end of conversation.

• In a broader scope, suggest support groups, or free or low-cost counseling available in your community. Let the person know you are not a trained therapist and don’t feel qualified to counsel.

• Use methods other than conversation to let the person know you are concerned.

Occasionally send cards, a devotional book, or encouragement booklet.

Candy Arrington is a contributing writer.

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The Intersection:

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Christian Cultural Commentary by Bob Crittenden

Make It Right The words of Micah 6:8 give us a template for living our lives with justice, motivated by mercy - and can shape an attitude of wanting to make things right: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” Recently, an apparently visually impaired, perhaps even blind, person visited a Dairy Queen restaurant in Minnesota. According to a CBN News report, this customer dropped a $20 bill on the ground and another customer, a woman, proceeded to pick it up and put it in her purse. In stepped 19-yearold DQ manager Joey Prusak, who asked the woman to give the man his money back.

The woman became irate and stormed out, uttering a few choice words along the way.

Joey then took out a $20 bill from his own pocket and gave it to the man who had been wronged. A customer who witnessed the incident reportedly e-mailed Dairy Queen and the email was sent to store owner Dave Pettit, who posted it at the store. Then a fellow employee shared a picture of the letter via Facebook and it immediately went viral. Now, Prusak is getting worldwide attention. He’s even been personally called by major Dairy Queen shareholder Warren Buffet.

According to Joey, Buffet said, “...I just wanted to call and say thank you for all that you did. It means an awful lot to me.”

Since the posting, the store’s business has doubled and $20 bills keep showing up in Joey’s mailbox from people who have been

hav pri som we to ser thi inspired by his actions. Prusak said he’ll give the money to charity.

What a great story! It’s a story that underscores several Biblical principles.

One is justice. What Joey could have done is just ignored the incident, not stirred up anything, and relegated it to a matter between two customers in a restaurant.

That is not the path he chose - he wanted to make things right, and he took two steps to do it. He confronted the customer who took the $20 and he gave his own money to the blind man.

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Throughout the Scriptures, we read about a God who wants to make things right.

Humanity fell in the garden by their wrong choices, and while each of us inherited that broken relationship with God, He made the way for us to be right with Him. While justice might on one hand mandate that we be punished for our sins, mercy motivated God to send His Son to make things right.

A sense of justice can drive us to have right relationships, predicated on the principles of Christ. If we have offended someone or a relationship has been strained, we can be motivated to ask for forgiveness or to grant it, where we have been wronged. We serve a God of healing, who desires to make things right.

Another principle in operation here is generosity. You could say that confronting the errant customer to leave was enough, that it showed the woman that disrespect would not be tolerated in that particular space. But, Joey gave of himself and shared $20 of his own money with the offended customer; for a 19-year-old restaurant manager, that’s a huge step and a huge sacrifice. I don’t know what motivated Joey to do what he did, but I know that Christ’s compassion can drive us to be generous. And, Joey’s not even keeping the plethora of $20 bills that he’s receiving... another unselfish stance.

I think also we need to be reminded of civility, a virtue to which our culture seems to respond positively. Just look at the attention this one simple incident has received. As believers in Christ, we should be the most civil people on earth. Joey schooled the woman who stole the $20 on the importance of showing respect to others. I believe we can be firm in our convictions, but we should do so in a calm and winsome manner. Being civil, polite, and demonstrating respect for others are qualities that win the day.

In this culture today, our willingness to do that right thing and to actually execute those types of actions can be powerful for the cause of Christ. If we desire to see justice - to see things made right - injecting Biblical wisdom into situations where wrong has been done, those attitudes and corresponding actions can speak powerfully to others and give us the opportunity to call attention to the presence of the Lord within us. We can be challenged to be known as people of justice and mercy, generosity, and civility...living in a counter-cultural manner so that God might be glorified.

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.

KNOW S C

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF

USPECTED

ONCUSSION

A concussion is an injury caused by a blow to the head in which the brain moves rapidly and may collide with the inside of the skull.

Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior.

Any athlete with a suspected concussion: n

Should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY

n

Should be urgently assessed medically

n

Should not be left alone

n

Should not drive a motor vehicle

ThinkFirst _____________________________________________

Alabama

CONCUSSION CLINIC 205.934.1041 www.Childrens AL.org/concussion IN CASE OF MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL 911 OR GO DIRECTLY TO YOUR LOCAL ER

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Grace to You

12 pa

by John MacArthur

The Christian’s Work Ethic Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience?

But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose. (1 Peter 2:18–21) It should be of little consequence to believers what their circumstances are in the workplace, whether they are chief executive officers or custodians, whether they receive a substantial pay raise or settle for a salary cut so the company can stay solvent.

The factor of overarching significance is

that they maintain their testimony before the watching world of sinners (cf. Matt.

5:15–16; Mark 4:21; Phil. 2:14–16), and in the workplace that occurs when believers labor with an awareness of God’s glory. Such awareness is the motivation not only for godly behavior and submission on the job, but also for trusting in God’s sovereignty in every situation.

Undoubtedly many recipients of this epistle endured painful and unjust beatings as slaves. Their masters might have deprived them of food, forced them to work unreasonably long hours, or punished them unfairly in a variety of ways. Unlike modern-day employees in Western industrialized countries, those slaves had no one to turn to for redress of grievances—no union representatives, no government boards or ombudsmen to settle disputes, and no way to file civil lawsuits.

They just had to endure whatever painful and difficult circumstances their masters imposed on them—and they did so, much to the glory and honor of God (Matt. 5:10; 2 Thess. 1:4–5; James 5:11), which evidenced their heavenly perspective.

Peter pressed his argument with a negative rhetorical question, followed by a positive statement. The implied answer to his question, For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? is, “There is no credit.” Believers who sin deserve chastening (Ps. 66:18; Jer. 5:25; Dan. 9:8; Heb.

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12:5–11), and they ought to endure it with patience.

On the other hand, Peter offered the positive assertion, But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. When the believing slaves did what was right some still had to suffer for it, even to the extent of being harshly treated as if they really deserved punishment. This indicates that, among various forms, harsh treatment came physically, by means of repeated, hard blows with the fists or instruments (cf. Mark 14:65).

Perhaps some were punished because of their Christian convictions. Again, those who endured such suffering patiently found favor or grace with God. It always pleases Him to see believers faithfully accept and deal with any adversity (3:14; 4:14, 16; Matt. 5:11–12; 1 Cor. 4:11–13; 2 Cor. 12:9–10; James 1:12).

Peter concluded this section with the amazing statement at the beginning of verse 21, For you have been called for this purpose. Have been called refers to the efficacious salvation call (1:15; 5:10; Rom. 8:28, 30; 9:24; 1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 1:6, 15; Eph. 4:1, 4). As soon as the Holy Spirit calls people from darkness to light, they become an enemy of the world (John 15:18–19; 1 John 3:13) and a target of unjust and unfair attack as they seek to obey Christ. Paul told Timothy, “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12; cf. Mark 10:30; John 15:20; 16:33).

It is more important to God that those who are citizens of heaven display a faithful testimony, marked by spiritual integrity, than that they strive to attain all their perceived rights in this world. It is more important to God for believers to uphold the credibility of gospel power than to obtain a raise or promotion in their vocation. It is ultimately far more important to God that believers demonstrate their submission to His sovereignty in every area of life than that they protest against problems at their workplace.

Whenever believers encounter trials on the job, they ought to view them as opportunities for spiritual growth and evangelism.

The chief reason God allows believers to remain in this world is so He might use them to win the lost and thereby bring glory to His name. Those who suffer with the right attitude will be blessed in this life and honored later in the Lord’s presence.

Widely known for his thorough, candid approach to teaching God’s Word, John MacArthur is a fifthgeneration pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and has served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California since 1969. John and his wife, Patricia, have four grown children and fifteen grandchildren. John’s pulpit ministry has been extended around the globe through his media ministry, Grace to You. 25

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du ch ch tio ing tra he car the

Lives Changed & Hope Renewed

100x Development Foundation

by Rachel Fisher

In 2004, the Blanchard family’s life took a turn that would forever impact them and the lives of people all over the globe.

Local couple John and Lindy Blanchard were long-time supporters of faith-based and humanitarian programs for many years, but never expected they would be the boots on the ground in a venture that would influence the lives of children and families across the world.

In 2003, the Blanchards with their local church were planning a visit to a hospital in Malawi they supported financially.

However, just a few months before they left, their oldest son Christopher tragically passed away. The family asked any donations be put toward a project in Malawi and John and his son, Ben, made the decision to travel to Malawi as planned.

While there, John and Ben met Chief Napolean Dzombe, a well-known businessman and philanthropist in Malawi.

They listened as he shared his vision for an orphanage to care for the thousands of children orphaned because of HIV/AIDS, drought and famine in his country. Malawi River Region’s Journey

November 2013

has one of the highest HIV rates in the world, ranking 9th on the global list with females accounting for more than 58% of all HIV/AIDS infections in Malawi. Also, 1 in 36 women in Malawi die in childbirth causing many children to be orphaned at a young age.

The Blanchards returned and made a decision to use the donations they received to fund an orphan care program in Malawi and 100X Missions was established as a non-profit. In 2005, the Blanchard family traveled to Malawi for the grand opening of Mtendere Village and to welcome the first 16 children into the 100X family.

Over the next few years, it became evident that long-term impact would require a more comprehensive reach. In response, 100X Missions expanded and 100X Development Foundation was established. Today, they still carry the same vision – just bigger.

“We came in with one vision, to just do an orphanage, and then we saw a larger need existed. We were willing to broaden our vision, and made steps in that direction,” says Lindy Blanchard. “We didn’t 26

want to become stagnant.” The motivation behind widening their vision was when Lindy says they began to see they were, in a sense, setting their kids in Malawi up for failure. “We were giving them the best in education, healthcare and the English language, but we were giving them more than their country could supply.” Today, Lindy is working directly with Joyce Banda, the president of Malawi, to continue to push for reform and new vision for a country that has a history of suffering, corruption and great need.

The Work of 100X Development Foundation

Today, the 100X Development Foundation is dedicated to leveraging resources to generate and support creative solutions to eradicate poverty and its negative effects by operating on the principle of Mark 4:8, “Other seeds fell into the good soil, and as they grew up and increased, they yielded a crop and produced thirty, sixty and a hundredfold.”

Their mission is to empower children and families for a more hopeful and pro-

str shi pro tio em tie im pro of thr pas bu sen on the and bri thr hu

ductive future with a focus on in greatest need including changing the lives of orphaned orphans and children at risk, children with love, educapregnant mothers, and famition and job training, helplies in poverty. 100X supports ing vulnerable youth escape the efforts of the organizations trafficking, and giving mothers in these places, but their work healthy nutrition and medical in Malawi is their primary care so they can live to love focus. their children.

Through innovation and Mtendere Village strategic public-private partnerThe project dear to the ships with corporations, nonheart of 100X is Mtendere profits and educational instituVillage, which is directly tions, 100X strives to sustain and managed by 100X and is the empower individuals, communiresult of the initial trip John ties and organizations that are and Ben took in 2004. Today, implementing the best practice Mtendere Village is home to programs that transform the lives 147 children who live in 16 of impoverished communities homes with a housemother throughout the world. Over the providing a family envipast few years, schools like Auronment many have never From left: Ben Blanchard (son), Ret. Chief Justice of Malawi Mr. Richard burn University and UAB have Banda, Her Excellency President of the Republic of Malawi Dr. Joyce Banda, experienced. There is a library Lindy Blanchard, Mae Mae Blanchard (daughter), John Blanchard. sent teams of students to work and multipurpose building Not present: Daughter Haley Blanchard. onsite in Malawi to provide on the property and a school their expertise in areas of health in process of being built.

Today, 100X is active in nine counand education. 100X has a proven record of Until the school opens on the property, the tries—Malawi, Haiti, Honduras, India, bringing sustainable change to communities children attend a local primary school. All Mexico, Moldova, Peru, Uganda and through education, health, nutrition, antiof their needs are provided through child the United States—working with those hunger initiatives, and social services.

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November 2013

River Region’s Journey

Partner ministries of 100x include:

Adullum House in Wetumpka, AL Ciudad de Angeles in Cozumel, Mexico Kerala Mercy Home in India Stella’s House in Moldova New Life Children’s home in Peru Academic Partners: Alabama State University Auburn University Auburn University Montgomery University of Alabama Birmingham Texas State University University of Malawi Corporate Partners B&M Management Blessings Hospital, Malawi NovemberAd 10/10/13 8:50 AM Page 1

sponsorships managed directly through 100X. Once the children at Mtendere make it to secondary school they attend boarding school and return home to Mtendere during school breaks. Through their emphasis on education, 100X hopes to increase the 7% diploma rate in Malawi and provide a future for the children who call Malawi home – something they never had before.

Statistics and Stories

You may have heard these statistics before: 55% of the world’s population lives on less than $2 a day. There are 153 million orphans, 27 million slaves and 350,000 women who

die in childbirth every year. The reasons for these numbers are complex, but behind every number is a person of value and worth. While statistics help us understand the depth of the issues, it’s the stories behind the numbers that motivate 100X to keep working toward transformation and hope for children and families around the world.

Stephen’s Story

One of the stories behind the numbers is Stephen Makasu. Stephen was born in Malawi and raised by his grandmother.

Forced to work in fields to put food on the table, Stephen and his brother dropped out of school. In 2005, when Mtendere Village opened, Stephen was one of the 16 children welcomed into the 100X family. “I became a part of a big happy family with lots of food and love,” says Stephen. “I was

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H At Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy, our goal is to equip students with the knowledge, skill and vision necessary to be effective leaders and servants for our Lord Jesus Christ.

You are invtied to attend our

VETERAN’S DAY CELEBRATION November 11, 2013 beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Guest Speaker: Lt. Col. Bobby Woods, U.S. Air Force

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3.

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5.

MORNINGVIEW BAPTIST CHURCH

125 Calhoun Road • (334) 356.7788 • www.ccamontgomery.org Building the lives of young people on Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone.

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encouraged to go to school and didn’t have to work.”

Stephen completed school as a top student and was overjoyed to be excelling and have a support system, which included his 100X sponsor family. Today, Stephen is a freshman at Alabama State University, who is partnering with 100X to provide full scholorships for Mtendere children.

2416 W. Cloverdale Park Montgomery, AL 36106 334.834.8990 www.fumcmontgomery.org

grass withers

The flower fades but the

Winnie’s Story

and the

In June of 2012, Winnie Maskeo came to Mtendere as a two-week old baby weighing only 4 pounds.

Winnie’s parents were un- Ret. Chief Justice of Malawi Mr. Richard pictured with Stephen Makasu, now able to care for her – her Banda attending Alabama State University. mother was just 16 years old, mentally disabled and HIV positive and her father was uninvolved. Unfortunately, after only 2 months at Mtendere, Winnie passed away due to complications with HIV at only 3 months old. But as Lindy Blanchard said, Winnie was meant to know great love, and during her time at Mtendere she experienced just that. From caregivers, to doctors, to her 147 brothers and sisters at Mtendere, Winnie was cared for and invested in every step of the way. The seeds planted in hearts of Lindy and the 100X family have grown into “Winnie’s Footprint,” a fund to provide pregnant and nursing women with proper nutrition and education on healthy pregnancy practices, as well as how to prevent passing HIV/AIDS onto their child.

word of our God

will stand forever.

Isaiah 40:8

Join us for worship, fellowship, and service.

Sunday Morning Worship 8:45 & 11 a.m.

Worship Service at Cloverdale School Sunday at 6 p.m.

Both Stephen and Winnie’s stories are just two examples that continue to strengthen the heart and resolve of 100X.

How You Can Help

Whether it be partnering with a business, non-profit, school or individual, the work of 100X is impossible without a community of people committed to change. There are a variety of ways you can be a part of what God is doing around the world through 100X: 1. Child Sponsorship - $40 for primary school students and $80 a month for secondary students. Sponsors have an opportunity to go on a two-month trip in the summer to meet their kids and build a relationship that will last.

2. Project Sponsorship 3. Corporate Sponsorship 4. Supply Drive 5. Volunteer time and skills in the U.S. or abroad.

Dr. R. Lawson Bryan Senior Minister

For a full list of opportunities, contact Christina at christiana@bandm.org or visit their website at 100xdevelopment.org to learn more.

Rachel Fisher loves learning about what God is doing in the world around her and writing about it. She and her husband, Chase, live in Montgomery.

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November 2013

River Region’s Journey

River Region Support Groups Adoption

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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 interest network for individuals who want to support orphans.

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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 6 p.m. on Wednesdays.

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, group meets in Fellowship Hall at Coosada Baptist Church, Millbrook Celebrate Recovery - Christ-centered 12-step for anyone struggling with addiction or life-challenging issues. Mondays at 6pm (meal), 7pm (large group), 8pm (small group). Childcare available. Call Chuck at 850-723-9705.

Location: Santuck Baptist Church, 7250 Central Plank Rd. (Hwy 9), Wetumpka. Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday evening at 6:15 in the FellowRiver Region’s Journey

November 2013

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Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy and Glynwood Baptist Church, Prattville APAC- Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connection Support Group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer UMC. For information, call Hannah Taylor at 409-9477 or the church office at 272-8622. Autauga/ Elmore Group meets 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Glynwood Baptist Church, Prattville. Childcare, children’s group and dinner provided. For more info, call 409-9477 or e-mail htaylor@childrensaid.org.

Location: Cloverdale Baptist, 608 E. Fairview Celebrate Recovery, a Bible-based Christ centered approach to recovery from hurts, habits and hangups, meets Friday nights, beginning with dinner at 5:30 p.m., Praise and worship, 6:30, Open Share Small Groups, 7:30, and Solid Rock Cafe, at 8:30.

Call 265-9223.

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ship Hall. This is a Chrsit centered 12 step-program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hangups. Call 567-2364.

Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd.

RSVP- This 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: 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: 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.

Cancer

Location: Dalraida Baptist, 3838 Wares Ferry Road. Just for Men -- Montgomery’s first and only faith based cancer support group for men is intent on providing information, Christian fellowship, and helping turn adversity into prosperity. 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.

Alzheimer’s / Dementia

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 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. For info, call the LifeCare office at 272-8622.

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, friends or anyone interested in becoming a part of this compassionate journey, meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Rm 8253. Call 272-8622 or womenofhope@charter.net.

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

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.

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Depression

Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd.

Leaders: Mike & Suzanne Greene (334-271-3331) Every other Tuesday, 6:30pm in Rm. 117. Goal is to create an atmosphere of acceptance and trust, where people can feel free and safe to discuss their feelings and thoughts without shame or embarrassment.

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 Highway in Church Annex. For more info, call 334.652.1431 or email dbsamontgomery@ yahoo.com.

Divorce

Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street Divorce Care and Divorce Care 4 Kids, Wednesdays starting August 22, 6:30 pm. Cost $15.00 (scholarships available) Contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@ montgomeryfbc.org or 334-241-5125.

Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth Street, Prattville Divorce Recovery meets Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m., Bldg. 101. Call 365.5977.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Divorce Recovery Support Group meets each Tuesday, at 5:30 p.m., in Fellowship Hall Lobby.

272-8622.

Location: Heritage Baptist Church, 1849 Perry Hill Divorce Care Support Group meetings are held Sundays at 6:15 p.m. Divorce Care for Children also at this time. Call 279.9976. Grief Share groups are held each Sunday at 5 p.m. Call 279.9976.

Gambling

Location: Trinity Episcopal Church, 5375 US HWY 231 (Across from the Winn-Dixie shopping center) Wetumpka. Saturdays @ 7pm. 334-567-7534 Location: Mental Health Association, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Sundays @ 5 pm.

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

Gamblers Anonymous Hotline number: 334-541-5420

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. We have an annual special event on Tuesday, Dec. 4. We will hold a Candlelight Ceremony in memory of our children at 7 p.m. at Eastmont Baptist Church. Registration is encouraged and may be made by calling (334) 2842721. We will also collect Toys for Tots.

Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth St, Prattville Grief Recovery, Thursday nights at 7 p.m., in Wesley Hall Room 104. 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: 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 more information contact Glover at 334-2812754.

Homosexuality

Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd.

The Barnabas Group, created to address the needs of those in conflict with homosexual thoughts and feelings meets first, third and fifth Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m., in the library at the Life Center. 277.5800.

Mental Illness

Location: Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway 1. NAMI Montgomery will host General Membership meetings on the 4th Monday of the month at the Dalraida UMC annex building. Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. This meeting is open to anyone who is interested in issues concerning mental health. 2.

The NAMI Montgomery Family Member Support Group continues to meet on the 2nd Monday of the month, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Dalraida UMC annex building. Call Mary Jo Logan (271-2280) for directions/details. 3. NAMI Montgomery will offer the 12 week NAMI FAMILY TO FAMILY education program (free) on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. at the Bell Road Lowder Regional Library.

Call Mary Jo Logan (271-2280) to register for the course.

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. For more info and to reserve your spot, call Kelley Manning at 361-7919.

Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road Are you in need of a time-out? MOPS joins mothers 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 information e-mail VFCMOPS@ gmail.com.

Location: First Baptist Church, Montgomery 305 S. Perry Street MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) If you are a woman who is pregnant or has a child birth through kindergarten, desires to make new friends, wants to share the challenges and joys of motherhood, is looking for opportunities for personal growth through trusted resources,then MOPS is for you. Call Kristi Gay at (334) 233-8989 for more information.

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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 Aldersgate UMC 272-6152.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Fibromyaligia Support Group meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 6-8pm in room 8114.

Call 272-8622.

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 who is affected by a neuromuscular disease or family members of those affected are encouraged to attend. To receive information, please call 396-4534.

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.

Location: Taylor Road Baptist Church, 1785 Taylor Rd., Montgomery Gluten Intolerance Group of Montgomery meets on 2nd Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. Check the blog for special “alternate site” meetings and other info at www.glutenfreemontgomery.blogspot.com.

Pregnancy Loss / Infertility

Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth Street, Prattville Hannah’s Prayer--for women dealing with pregnancy loss/infertility issues. Meeting 2nd Thursday and 3rd Sunday of each month. Call 365.5977.

Singlehood

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Singles’ Small Groups meet each Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy T.N.T. (Tuesday Night Together) for Singles meets Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, bldg.

7000. A meal ($5.00) and program are provided. For reservations, call the Singles office at 272-8622.

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 Highway 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.

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River Region’s Journey

Counselor’s Corner

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by Lou Priolo, Eastwood Counseling Center

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Resurrection Power: Do You Have Any? How much Resurrection Power is there residing in the battery of your soul? Is it six volts of Holy Spirit power, nine volts, or is it 12? Perhaps you have 120 volts, or even 240 volts. Please allow me to give you eight clues that will help you do a quick evaluation of your power level: 1. Do you have increasing victory over areas of sin in your life?

2. Are you witnessing to the lost?

3. Are you being empowered for ministry?

4. Do you find God’s grace sufficient for your trials or your “thorn in the flesh?”

5. Are you content in your weaknesses and do you sense His strength in them?

6. Do you abound in hope?

7. Do you really believe that God is able

River Region’s Journey

November 2013

to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that you ask or think, according to the power that works within you?

8. Do you really know Christ, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering? Are you being conformed to His death (Philippians 3:10)?

Have you ever considered how the relationship between the resurrection of Christ and our walk in newness of life are alike?

1. Since Christ was raised from the dead by the power of the Father, your walk in newness of life is to be lived in the power of the Spirit.

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have

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been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:3-4) Christ was raised from the dead through the power (glory) of God the father.

2. Since Christ’s resurrection was characterized by His power over death, your walk in newness of life is to be characterized by power over sin.

“For if we have become united together [literally: planted together—like two seeds that grow together in union as they grow taller] in the likeness of His death, [what Christ

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experienced physically and literally, you and I experience spiritually—death to sin], we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection [the same power that raised Christ from the dead is made available for us in order that we may walk in newness of life]” (Romans 6:5).

3. Since Christ’s resurrection rendered Him alive unto God, your newness of life is a life that likewise renders you alive unto God. Being alive unto God means that we, as Christians, are now in a totally new relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

We are no longer “children of wrath” but rather “children of God,” and “children of light” (cf. Ephesians 2:1-5). Being alive unto God means that we now have communion with God and access into His presence (cf. Galatians 4:6). Being alive unto God means that we now have a new purpose for living—we are called according to His purpose. Consequently, we know that God is working all things together for our good (cf. Romans 8:28).

Being alive unto God means that the same Holy Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, indwells and empowers us to live a supernatural life (cf. Romans 8:9-13).

Being alive unto God means that sin no longer has dominion over us.

Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones in his excellent commentary on the book of Romans explains: Sin can never make me its slave or its captive again... ‘Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin’, by which he means ‘does not practice sin’, does not go on living in sin and committing it and practicing it- ‘for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin because he is born of God’. He does not say that he is incapable of committing an act of sin; what he does say is that he cannot go on in slavery and the dominion of sin. That is impossible. So the position of the Christian now is this: when a Christian sins he does not sin as a slave, but he sins as a free man who is choosing to do that which is wrong. ...The Christian, when he sins, does not sin as a slave, for he has been brought out of slavery. He belongs to a new territory, he has been ‘delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God’s dear Son.’ Is your “newness of life” evidenced by the power of the Spirit? There are a number of “circuit jammers” that could short circuit the power of the Holy Spirit in your life and cause a spiritual power shortage. Let me mention a few:

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1. You have never been plugged into the power source (you are not a Christian, cf.

Romans 1:16).

2. You are not giving the Spirit of God His most important weapon (you are not spending enough time in God’s Word, cf. Ephesians 5:18, 6:17; Colossians 3:16).

3. You have not been willing to confess and repent of certain sins in your life (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:19).

4. You have been waiting for God to “zap” you from heaven with an infusion of power rather than assuming that He will provide the power once you step out in faith and develop a biblical plan of action (cf. James 2:26).

May God give you the grace to more fully understand what it is that has kept you from experiencing the fullness of His power in your life. **If you would like to get in touch with this or any counselor at Eastwood Counseling Center, please call 334-386-2384.

Louis Paul Priolo is the director of the Center for Biblical Counseling at Eastwood Presbyterian Church in Montgomery, Alabama. A graduate of Calvary Bible College and Liberty University, he is the author of several books, including The Heart of Anger, The Complete Husband, Teach Them Diligently and Pleasing People. Lou is a Fellow in the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors and instructor at the Birmingham Theological Seminary. He travels frequently throughout the United States and abroad teaching at Christian marriage, family and counseling conferences.

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River Region’s Journey

Family Teams for Christ

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by Lisa and Mike Conn

Many Mansions in My Father’s House On the 4th day of September, my brother in Atlanta called to let me know that our father, suffering from the final-stages of Parkinson’s disease, was having an alarmingly bad day. I packed a quick bag and was on the road to Georgia within the hour. My brother, sister and I, along with our spouses and children, had a precious week with my dad and each other before he finally crossed over to heaven on 9/11.

It was bittersweet in the end. So many memories of Dad ran through my mind--Daddy supporting his family as a hospital administrator and in his spare time doing what he loved most, being outdoors in God’s creation. As children, we would sit on his lap in his big

recliner and beg him to tell us stories of his boyhood. I especially loved hearing the tales about Dad and his buddies fishing at midnight in the Georgia swamps.

They found a big cottonmouth tangled up on a trot line late one night--it was as big as Daddy’s arm. I would look at his muscular arm and shudder at the size of that snake! That well-muscled arm was his one “good arm”--the left one. His right arm was paralyzed from polio in 1941 at age 12, and it never grew any larger. I didn’t view his paralysis as a handicap, nor did he. He hunted, fished, raised a vegetable garden and cleared our land. He was a carpenter, building beautiful desks, bookcases, dining room tables, and corner cupboards for his

children and grandchildren. Daddy tried several times to serve our country in the armed forces, but was always turned down because of his paralysis. Yet, he demonstrated to us all that challenges can be overcome with a “can-do” attitude, perseverance and good ole American ingenuity.

Always fascinated with medicine, Dad had arranged years before to have his body donated to the Georgia Medical College, so we completed the arrangements. As I packed my bag to return home the next day, I slipped Daddy’s

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River Region’s Journey

November 2013

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watch on my wrist and packed his khaki-green fleece jacket worn by our USAF airmen that he took off only to be washed. It was hard to let him go.

Most important, however, was the knowledge that Dad loved Jesus and had invited Him to be Lord of his life years before. I have the assurance that we will be together again because of God’s promises found in the Bible and because of Dad’s decision to believe in Christ as Savior. The entire chapter written by John, a first-hand witness and dearly loved disciple of Jesus, describes the reason why Jesus came into the world over 2000 years ago. In John 3:16, 17 he declares, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world but to save

the world through him.” Later John tells us, “The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.” (John 3:35, 36) About 30 minutes before Dad drew his last breath, he opened his eyes, which had been shut for days, and stared up at the ceiling. He stared unflinchingly for so long that I finally turned around, hoping to glimpse what he was seeing. I felt a bit of disappointment that I couldn’t, but it was not my time.

At that point we knew he had already left us, even though he still drew ragged breaths. I wondered if he saw angels or perhaps his own parents whom he dearly loved and missed. Maybe he was gazing upon the face of Jesus! One thing I do know: Dad has eternal life in paradise-and has the use of two good arms!

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The day after I returned home, we drove three hours to our daughter’s house for a quick visit. I desperately wanted to have time with our children and grandchildren. That was when our little granddaughter Emma Cate said, “Your daddy is living in a mansion now!” Then she sang a song to me based upon John 14:2 recorded on the wonderful Steve Green CDs and DVDs called, “Hide ‘Em in Your Heart.” Emma Cate, at 3 1/2 years old, has already accepted Jesus as Savior and is now hiding God’s word in her heart. I can still hear her little sweet voice singing, “In my Father’s house are many mansions, many mansions in my Father’s house. I go to prepare a place for you, for YOU!”

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 30 years, Mike and Lisa have three wonderful daughters, two great sons-in-law, and two precious grandchildren.

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Community Calendar Christian Community Calendar Christian 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 334396-0208. Email jon@bridgeoflife.tv or visit www. bridgeoflife.tv.

Capital City Church of the Nazarene, 4450 Vaughn Road, Montgomery. Free Tutoring throughout the school year. All subjects. Grades K-12. Every Wednesday night from 5:00 to 6:00.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information: 272-8176.

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. We are a church where you can be you, you can be loved and where you can grow!

Christchurch, 8800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, offers a Women’s Enrichment Bible Study led

by Jeanne Dean on Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 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 Bible study led by Fr. John-Michael van Dyke, on Thursday mornings on the 11th floor of Goode Medical Bldg, Jackson Hospital. Breakfast is served beginning at 6:45 a.m. and teaching begins at 7:15 a.m. Call 3870566 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 Family Night every Wednesday beginning at 5:20 p.m. with supper, followed by a study on prayer. Everyone is welcome. For more information call (279-1372).

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

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 River Region’s Journey

November 2013

of fun! Visit www.fumcmontgomery.org or call 334-834-8990.

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 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 $2.00. Every fourth Tuesday the time will extend until 3:00 p.m. for bridge, games, and other activities in room 203 in Wesley Hall. For additional information please contact NeeNee Webb at 834-8990.

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, 541 Seibles Road, Montgomery, offers Bible Study Tuesdays at 5:30 P.M. and Wednesdays at 6: 30 P.M. For directions or information call 334-288-0577. Email HallMemorialCME1@aol.com or visit www.HallMemorialCME.blogspot.com.

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. www.hallmemorialcme.blogspot.com. iConnect.coffeehouse provides a place for women to experience meaningful fellowship with women seeking genuine connection. Meetings will be held in the Atrium at Frazer UMC 3rd Tuesdays from 9-11 a.m. For more info, call Frazer’s Women’s Ministry at 495-6391.

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) 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 and Catechism class for 7th-9th graders at 7:00 pm. Please call for Wednesday schedule due to seasonal breaks. 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.

New Freedom Worship Center, 6004 –A East Shirley Lane, Apostle T. Briggs~ Pastor; Sunday 36

Worship Service 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday Night Bible Study 7:30 p.m.

Open Door Christian Faith Church, 1601 Dewey St. Montgomery, offers Women’s Prayer Mondays at 5:00, Men’s prayer Wednesday at 5:00, followed by bible study at 6:00. Couples ministry held every 1st Wednesday of the month at 7:00. Pastor William Cromblin, and the Open Door Church family invites you to “come experience the move of God. For more info, call the church at 334-269-6498.

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 is $10 for a one hour lesson, devotional, and 3 hours of DJ music. People of all denominations are 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. We invite you to”come experience God in a personal way, feel loved by all and know that you belong”. Office 334-657-0392 or visit www.theriveroflifechurch.net.

River Region Contra Dancing-Everyone schoolage through adult is invited for a little exercise and a lot of fun. Singles, couples, and families are welcome. All levels of experience – including no experience. Dancing is on the 1st & 3rd Friday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 5260 Vaughn Road. For more information check out the website: www.riverregioncontradance.com or call Katherine Thomas at 334-361-6572.

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.

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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. Pastor Farrell J. Duncombe is the teacher and Senior Pastor of the church. Come and join us for Sunday School each Sunday at 9 a.m. and Morning Worship at 10 a.m. Need transportation, call (334) 264-7618. For info call 286.8577 or www. saintpaulamemontgomery.com.

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.

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...THE POTTER. All women of all denominations or race are welcome.

This ministry is available to teenagers as well.

Come join us as we lift, encourage and build each other up through the Word of God and the words of our testimonies. For more information contact Evangelist Dr. Linda McCall, 334-220-1924.

Young Meadows Presbyterian Church, 5780 Vaughn Road, invites you to attend its Sunday Respite Care Program on 1st Sundays from 4-6 pm.

Children with physical and cognitive disabilities (and their siblings) ages 6-18 are invited for a time of activities and a light dinner so parents can have a night out. Call Susan Clements at 301-0355 for information and to make a reservation, or email rooftopfriends@gmail.com.

This Month Saturday, November 2

Agape’s 5th Annual Adoption Celebration will be held at the Dreamfield Farms and Pumpkin Patch in Union Springs from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The community event provides an opportunity for adoptive families to come together, build relationships and celebrate God’s unique plan for their family. The celebratory event is free and lunch will be provided. To register for the event, email info@ agapeforchildren.org or call 334-272-9466.

November 5 through November 8

New Freedom Deliverance Worship Center, 6004 –A East Shirley Lane, Montgomery, will host a Church Anniversary Celebration at 7:30 pm nightly, and climaxing Sunday, November 10th, at 2 p.m. Call (334) 277-1207 for info.

Thursday, November 7

Abby Johnson will be the primary speaker at the 2013 Sav-A-Life/First Choice of Montgomery Womens’ Medical Center Banquet at Montgomery’s Frazer Memorial UMC. Because of the

generosity of underwriters, there is no charge to attend this event, but reservations are required.

Those interested in attending or hosting a table of 8 should contact Melinda@mstewart@firstchoicewmc.com or call 334-8010 by October 24th.

Monday, November 11

Golf for a cause at the 8th Annual Agape of Central Alabama Golf Tournament at the Wynlakes Golf and Country Club. Taking part in this event will help support Agape in finding Christian homes for foster children and orphans, as well as helping women through a crisis pregnancy. The annual golf tournament is more than just a great day of golfing—it’s an opportunity to be part of a ministry that serves neglected and abused children, families who want to share their love with a child, and pregnant women in need of assistance. Special military discounts for veterans and active military are available for individuals and teams in honor of Veterans Day. For registration and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.agapeforchildren.org/golf.

Friday, November 15

A Family Night Out Fall Carnival will be held at Montgomery First Assembly, 135 Bell Rd. The night includes concessions food, candy and drinks, as well as toddler to adult games. Also, inflatables, mechanical bull, rock wall, cake walk, hay rides, face painting, and even a prize redemption booth for the kids to redeem their winning tickets for prizes. The event runs from 6pm9:30pm in the church gymnasium.

Christ Community Church (8285 Ryan Road) is hosting a Parents’ Night Out from 5-9 pm.

The staff and student ministry will be providing evening childcare in the church theater for children ages 5-12. The cost is $15 per child, and dinner will be provided. This is a great opportunity for kids to have fun while parents have a night off to be grown-ups. To register your child, please call

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Calendar Lauren Beach at (334) 273-8110 or send her an email at lb@christccm.net (include your name, ages of children, and a contact phone number).

Space is limited, and children must be registered in advance to participate.

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Sunday, November 17

The Singing Kempter Family will be at the Highland Gardens Baptist Church at 10 am. Following the morning service there will be a potluck dinner served in the Fellowship Hall, and all are invited to participate. Bring your favorite dish, enjoy the meal and visit with the Kempters.

Wednesday, November 20

The Episcopal Church Women of St. John’s Episcopal Church will present its Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Bazaar will be held in the education building of the church at 113 Madison Ave. in downtown Montgomery. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church Parish Hall. The Bazaar is free and open to the public but tickets for the luncheon are $10 each and may be purchased in advance in the church office or on the day of the event. Take-out plates are also available.

All proceeds benefit community outreach projects.

For additional information on the ECW Bazaar or to purchase luncheon tickets, please contact the church office at (334) 262-1937.

Saturday, November 23

Christian recording artist CeCe Winans will headline A Montgomery Family Christmas at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre at 7 p.m.

This fun, family Christmas event is presented by the Baptist Health Care Foundation and benefits Baptist Hospice. Concert tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster, ticketmaster.com or the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, mpaconline. com. Tickets for this event are $35 for theater seats, $25 for balcony seats, and groups of 10 or more receive $5 off of each ticket.

Tuesday, December 3

“The Heart Behind the Music” Christian Songwriter’s Conference will be held at Davis Theatre, at 7 pm. See Susan Ashton, Billy Dean, Richie McDonald and Lenny LeBlanc. Visit www. susanashton music.com/tour/ for ticket info.

Friday, December 6

Returning to the Southeast for a third tour of the heart-warming musical, The Forgotten Carols, Los Angeles and New York cast members of the Theos Theatricals touring company will present the contemporary story of God’s love for a broken people, at the Davis Theater in Montgomery at 7:00 p.m. Adult tickets are $15; students and seniors, $10. Tickets can be purchased on the website, www.theostheatricals.com. For more info: Beth@creativepartnerspr.com or (601) 454-6503.

Please send your calendar events to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com by the 18th of the month for FREE print.

River Region’s Journey

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38

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Desirable Discipline “…do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves…” “…No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12: 5,11) What is your immediate reaction to the word ‘discipline?’ Close your eyes and see the images that are evoked in your mind’s eye, forming a personal definition of the word. Is it positive or negative? If given a choice, is discipline something that you would choose or reject? Keep these thoughts in mind as there will be a test.

We are born into this world knowing, well, not much. Ponder approaching adulthood having never been taught to read, write, not touch a hot stove or brush your teeth regularly. Further, imagine the disastrous results if, rebelling against any simple task like teeth brushing, you had been left to your own devices and allowed to ignore the rules!

Based on the Greek word paideia in the above verses, discipline is defined in Strong’s Concordance as, “… tutorage, i.e. education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction.” Though we are not privy to the information, let us assume that Adam and Eve were created as adults, equipped with basic human instincts of survival, etc. What would have happened if God had left them there in the garden, neglecting any further ‘education or training?’

How long would they have lasted? Further, when they chose to disobey, visualize the ensuing chaotic legacy if God had said, “Never mind, I didn’t really mean it when I made that rule.”

God’s form of discipline is often not recognized as such because it so differs from our preconceived definitions. Hearing ‘discipline’ we often equate it with pending punishment due to wrong action. As God’s

children, however, the purpose of being disciplined is to propel us toward Spiritual maturity. The Bible is our Instruction Manual, as 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us, All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness… Not unlike an earthly parent guiding a child, our being chastened, trained, and instructed by the Lord acquires our attention. Progress is realized as we embrace this instruction, allowing it to effect positive behavioral and character ‘upgrades’ resulting in moral and mental growth and improvement.

In the wise words of Oswald Chambers, “It is very easy to grieve the Spirit of God; we do it by despising the discipline of the Lord, or by becoming discouraged when He rebukes us…We begin to pout, become irritated with God, and then say, ‘Oh well, I can’t help it. I prayed and things didn’t turn out right anyway. So I’m simply going to give up on everything.’

Just think what would happen if we acted like this in any other area of our lives!...It is difficult to get into stride with God, because as soon as we start walking with Him we find that His pace has surpassed us before we have even taken three steps. He has different ways of doing things, and we have to be trained and disciplined in His ways… It is God’s Spirit that changes the atmosphere of our way of looking at things, and then things begin to be possible which before were impossible.”

As God’s children, the course that our ‘life race’ dictates is often antithetical to the world that we live in. Also, running the race with our eyes fixed on Jesus does not guarantee any special freedom from suffering, tribulation or controversy; in fact, we are promised the opposite as Jesus declares boldly in John 16:33, “…In this world you will have trouble…” On the flip side, however, we marvel in the remainder of the verse as Jesus promises, “…But take heart!

I have overcome the world.”

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Life’s many challenges can be faced with bitterness and resentment or viewed as an opportunity for growth. We are ‘in training’ every moment of every day and by welcoming God’s disciplinary hand in our lives we turn our backs on indignant entitlement and embark on the road to restoration and recovery. Would we rather be loved and disciplined by God or be ignored by Him? According to the opening verse from Hebrews, “…because the Lord disciplines those he loves…” we can’t have one without the other. When we are disciplined, it is an assurance that we are loved - with the added benefit of …a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Ready for the test? (No, I didn’t forget!) Close your eyes and return to your initial vision regarding discipline. Now superimpose on those thoughts the concept of God’s Biblical form of discipline – training strictly for our own good. What a difference a definition makes!

A.W. Tozer adds, “How good it would be if we could learn that God is easy to live with. He remembers our frame and knows that we are dust. He may sometimes chasten us, it is true, but even this He does with a smile, the proud, tender smile of a Father who is bursting with pleasure over an imperfect but promising son who is coming every day to look more and more like the One whose child he is.”

Elaine Britt and her husband, Tim, reside in Montgomery, with son Bryan at UAH in Huntsville and son Kevin at the University of Montevallo. She counts her family as a great blessing. By profession, Elaine is a 33 year veteran Interior Decorator and owner of Carriage House Interiors, now freelancing from home. By God’s calling and to her great joy, she is a writer, whose published works include stories in A Cup of Comfort Devotionals; Lord, I Was Happy Shallow; and Heavenly Patchwork; one book, Messages, as well as various e-zine and magazine articles.

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River Region’s Journey

Movie Reviews Reviews provided by MovieGuide: A Family Guide to Movies and Entertainment Ratings are based on production quality and moral acceptability. See details below. ***Reviews do not necessarily reflect views of the publishers of River Region’s Journey.

Grace Unplugged

I’m In Love With a Church Girl

Production Quality: **** Moral Acceptability: +4 (Exemplary) Starring: AJ Michalka, James Denton, Kevin Pollak, Michael Welch, Shawnee Smith, Jamie Grace, Emma Catherwood, Chris Ellis, Rob Steinberg, Zane Holtz, Kelly Thiebaud, Patricia French, Anthony Reynolds, Aimee Dunn, Pia Toscano Genre: Drama Audience: Older children to adults Rating: PG Content: Very strong Christian worldview with very strong moral, pro-family messages; no foul language, plus one reference to going to the bathroom; no violence; no sex; no nudity; alcohol use and girl passes out from drinking; no smoking or drugs; and, girl lies and runs away from home, but repents.

GRACE UNPLUGGED is an extremely well produced, faith-filled, jeopardy packed movie that speaks to all the millions of parents whose children want to get into the entertainment industry.

Grace is the daughter of John Trey, a famous rock singer who crashed and found Jesus. When Grace was little, John gave her a guitar. Now, they sing together, much to her mother’s delight.

However, 18-year-old Grace is getting more and more rebellious. She wants to sing her style of music. She wants to do things her way. She wants to go into the music industry, while John only wants to sing with her in church. And, she doesn’t want to talk about it, even though John is overly protective and presses her hard to make the right choices. When her father’s old manager entices Grace into the music business in Hollywood, life starts to unravel in a major way. Will Grace return to Christ before she heads down the road to perdition?

GRACE UNPLUGGED is tremendous. It isn’t just a three hankie but a whole Kleenex box movie. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. This type of clean, evangelistic movie is a departure for Lionsgate Films. They’ve done Tyler Perry movies, but GRACE UNPLUGGED goes the next step. It’s one of the best, most entertaining Christian movies ever produced. MOVIEGUIDE® only hopes they market the movie well enough that every family wants to see it. GRACE UNPLUGGED will help many families and keep them from going through the heartache of the prodigal son or daughter.

Production Quality: *** Moral Acceptability: +1 (Wholesome) Starring: Michael Madsen, Stephen Baldwin, Adrienne Bailon, Vincent Pastore, Martin Kove, Ja Rule, Toby Mac, T-Bone, Michael Rivera, David Thomas, Adrian Bustamante, Tara Radcliffe Genre: Drama, Romance Audience: Older children and adults Rating: PG Content: Very strong Christian worldview, the Gospel is presented multiple times through Bible verses, sermons, songs and prayers; two light obscenities; light violence includes one brief scene of a car jacking, but nobody is hurt; character reads a sensual Song of Solomon passage from the Bible to his girlfriend, but the girlfriend explains her biblical convictions, and he doesn’t press the issue; no nudity but girls wear form fitting dresses at night club, and one of the main characters wears some cleavage bearing outfits; lots alcohol is consumed, but no drunkenness; main character is a former drug dealer; and, nothing else objectionable.

A new faith-based movie, I’M IN LOVE WITH A CHURCH GIRL stars rapper Ja Rule as Miles Montego.

Miles is living the high life with plenty of money. A former drug dealer, Miles is now a legitimate businessman trying to turn his life around. When he meets the beautiful church going girl Vanessa, his whole world is turned upside down.

As he pursues a relationship with Vanessa, she challenges him regarding his faith.

I’M IN LOVE WITH A CHURCH GIRL has a lot of good production values. The cinematography is top notch and the actors, much of them professional, pull off convincing performances. The weakest point of the movie is the story.

Most of the movie revolves around Miles and Vanessa’s relationship. There’s very little tension and drama. The movie’s worldview is strongly Christian. Overall, I’M IN LOVE WITH A CHURCH GIRL has a heartfelt Christian message.

A light caution is advised for some brief foul language and one scene of violence.

The previous reviews are a selected sample of informative reviews from MOVIEGUIDE: A FAMILY GUIDE TO MOVIES AND ENTERTAINMENT, a syndicated feature of Good News Communications, Inc. To subscribe to MOVIEGUIDE which includes a complete set of at least 10 reviews of the latest movies as well as many informative articles, please visit our web site at www.movieguide.org or write or call:”MOVIEGUIDE,” P.O. Box 190010, Atlanta, GA 31119 (800) 899-6684.

What the ratings mean:

Production Quality: (1 to 4 stars) Moral Acceptability: -4 (Abhorrent), -3 (Excessive), -2 (Extreme Caution), -1 (Caution), +1 (Wholesome), +2 (Good), +3 (Moral), +4 (Exemplary) River Region’s Journey

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The

Living Christmas Tree December 13 • 7 pm December 14 • 4 & 7 pm December 15 • 4 & 7 pm Tickets available online beginning November 11.

Call 334.241.5156 or order online at www.montgomeryfbc.org No offering will be taken during the presentation. $5 per ticket suggested.

305 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36104