River Region's Journey September 2020

ALABAMA CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY QUICK SAFETY TIPS

• RIGHT SEAT: Check the label on your car seat to make sure it’s appropriate for your child’s age, weight and height.

• RIGHT PLACE: Keep all children in the back seat until they are 13.

• RIGHT DIRECTION: Keep your child in a rear facing position for as long as possible! When he or she outgrows the seat, move your child to a forward-facing car seat.

• INCH TEST: Once your car seat is installed, use your non-dominate hand and shake the seat at the belt path. A properly installed seat will not move more than an inch.

• PINCH TEST: Make sure the harness is tightly buckled and coming from the correct slots. Now, with the chest clip placed at armpit level, pinch the strap at your child’s shoulder. If you are unable to pinch any excess webbing, you’re good to go!

DID YOU KNOW? • Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the US.

ALABAMA CHILD RESTRAINTS LAW REQUIRES CHILDREN UNDER 6 TO BE PROPERLY BUCKLED IN AN APPROPRIATE CAR SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT. CAR SEAT RECOMMENDATIONS: • Infant only seats and convertible seats used in the rear facing position for infants until at least 1 year of age or 20 pounds.

• Convertible seats in the forward position or forward-facing seats until the child is at least 5 years of age or 40 pounds.

• Booster seats until the child is 6 years of age.

• Seat belts until 15 years of age. *American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children remain in a rear-facing car safety seat as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their seat.

FREE CAR SEAT CHECK Still have questions or concerns? For help (or to even double check your work), contact:

• Car seat use reduces the risk for injury in a crash by 71-82% for children, when compared with seat belt use alone.

Michelle Richardson (Perry, Walker, Lamar counties): (205) 554-4529

• An estimated 46% of car seats and booster seats are misused in a way that could reduce their effectiveness.

Anna Odom (Washington, Clarke, Baldwin counties): (251) 946-8012

Penny Roney (Madison, Marshall, Morgan counties): (256) 533-8712 Sharon Franklin (Macon, Elmore, Bullock counties): (334) 322-8431 Elizabeth Payne (St. Clair, Etowah, Calhoun counties): (256) 533-8712 1

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Volume 22, Issue 6

Feature Articles

SEPTEMBE R 20 2 0 Columns page 2

Publisher’s Note

page 8

Jason Watson

Faith @ Work Amy Dennis

page 4

Meet Amy Dennis, Volunteer Coordinator for MACOA, and be inspired by her passion to make life better for others. She shares where that desire took root, plus how her job has changed with COVID-19 and how she has kept hope during this difficult time.

Pastor's Perspective Trip Healey, Ridge Church

page 10

Moments with Kym Kym Klass

page 15

Women Arising

page 12

Social Media Awareness for Parents

Pastor Kemi Searcy

page 18

The Intersection

by Patrick Tidwell, PhD, LMFT

Bob Crittenden

Time spent enjoying screens has been on the rise for many adults and children since COVID began, but do you know exactly what your kids are seeing and experiencing? Find out details about the many apps and sites kids are using, so you can better protect your children.

page 23

Counselor’s Corner Kym Klass

page 24

Dave $ays Dave Ramsey

page 20

Ministry Spotlight:

HOPES (Helping Our Public Education System)

by Katie Blair

Discover a Montgomery ministry that began at Capitol Heights Middle School sharing Christ’s hope with students and faculty, but has now grown to a full support ministry to families in the Capitol Heights area.

Discover how HOPES is expanding even more and what you can do to help.

1

In Every Issue page 6

Books to Read page 8

Faith @ Work page 16

Support Groups September 2020

River Region’s Journey

Our Mission...

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

Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@readjourneymagazine.com

Publisher

Jason Watson jason@readjourneymagazine.com

Community Coordinator Savannah Bowden

Research Editor Wendy McCollum

Contributing Writers Katie Blair Bob Crittenden Pastor Trip Healey Kym Klass Dave Ramsey Kemi Searcy Dr. David Steele Patrick Tidwell

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

Digital Manager

From the Publisher Politically Homeless Last month our country’s two major political parties concluded their conventions, each making its case on why their candidate is the best leader for America over the next four years. Throughout the conventions and the entire campaign season, it’s easy to see peoples’ longing for some alignment between their politics and their faith. And it kind of does happen - until it doesn’t.

A phrase I’ve seen used to describe Christians and politics is “Politically Homeless”. No matter how deep we look into the mainstream political parties, we will never find the same mission and calling we have as Christ-followers operating in God’s Kingdom here and now. Yet, the pull to align ourselves more with a political party than biblical Christianity is massive, because political rhetoric and must-choose-a-side commentary are piped into our thoughts each day through popular news channels and social media.

Here, at this crossroad of thought, we Christians fulfill our mission. We don’t run and hide into the comfort of our churches. Rather we engage with politics and offer a better way. The way of God’s Creation and the Cross. It’s the salt and light from God that can only be applied when we engage with the world’s ways, in His name and with His better message.

There should be an uneasiness when you listen to political debate because both sides will, at times, make it difficult for you to fulfill the will of God, if you follow along with their views. The key is, borrowing a splice of a phrase from one of history’s political giants, Winston Churchill, “Never give in, never, never, never, never” give your allegiance to the Democrats, Republicans or Independents. Instead, be a Dependent!

Dependent on God! Seeking first His Kingdom through prayer and study, then voting your conscience.

May God bless America as we bless Her citizens in His name.

Scott Davis

Ad Design

Tim Welch, Welch Designs

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

For information, call 334-213-7940. River Region’s Journey is copyrighted 2020 by KeepSharing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

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.

River Region’s Journey

September 2020

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Worship with Us!

Founded Upon God’s Word

Liturgically Joyful

Warm and Loving

Committed to Mission

Sunday Worship with Communion, 9:30am Join us for an outdoor service or via live-stream Wednesday Evening Christian Education and Worship, 6:00 - 7:30pm Join us for outdoor education for all ages followed by an outdoor Worship service Please visit our YouTube page (search for Christchurch Montgomery), which is full of sermons, teachings, and many full services!

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September 2020

River Region’s Journey

Pastor’s Perspective

by Pastor Trip Healey, Ridge Church

Power Tools or Paper Weights?

I’m a pastor. But I also love to do projects and work around the house. My pet project during quarantine was to get some chickens and build a chicken coop, which I did. And as is often the case, one of the most useful tools in my arsenal was my Dewalt 20v drill. I’ve used it so many times for so many things. But it goes without saying that this drill is pretty useless without a proper power source and is nothing more than a glorified paperweight. You have to have a 20 volt battery for this drill to perform to its fullest potential and to function as it was intended to function.

As you know, in March of 2020, life changed for people all over the world and it will never look the same. The same is true for Christians and churches. And this pandemic has exposed some embarrassing problems within the 21st century church, perhaps most importantly, our over-infatuation with just doing church and

going to church. I think it’s pretty clear that we’ve lost sight of what it really means to be the church.

People outside the church have witnessed this firsthand as Christians everywhere have struggled to know what to do now that their Sunday morning routines have been disrupted. I mean, what do we do if we can’t go to church every Sunday? What do we do, as the church, if we can’t meet in a building, if there’s not enough money in the bank, if we lose our ability to influence politics?

Those are important questions to consider, because 2000 years ago, first century Christians didn’t have access to any of those things. And yet, the church grew and spread like wildfire. Which of course begs the question, why? How did the church become “the church” without all of the things that we believe are so important? Well let me remind you of what you already know.

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

(Acts 2:1-4 NIV) Now this must have been a crazy scene for sure, but then it got even crazier. A crowd of people from different countries began to gather and they could actually hear these Jesus followers speaking

River Region’s Journey

September 2020

in their own languages. And then suddenly, Peter gets up and begins preaching in the very same city and among the very same people who had crucified Jesus just a few weeks before.

Reading this, it’s easy to get caught up in the process of what happened. But think about why it happened.

It happened because Peter and the other Jesus followers were filled with the Spirit who enabled and empowered them to do something amazing. Don’t miss this. The church was born and began to spread because the people of God were filled with the Spirit of God. Period. And the reason I know that is because they didn’t have anything else. All they had to rely on was the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.

Here’s my point. I honestly believe that, in many ways, the 21st century church has unknowingly learned how to function like a drill without a battery. We’ve been filled with the Spirit, but we’ve become more comfortable with operating in our own strength.

My prayer is that we would recognize our own self-dependency and then stop putting our faith and confidence in our church, our pastor, and our Sunday morning routines. And instead we would begin to rely fully on the Spirit’s wisdom, power and goodness.

I don’t want us to continue being a paper weight when we have the potential to operate like a power tool. We’ve been filled with the Spirit AND must learn to operate by the power of the Spirit.

Church. Christians. How will you respond?

Trip Healey is the lead pastor of Ridge Church, a non-denominational church which currently livestreams services at 9am every Sunday and then on-demand on Facebook, YouTube and ridgechurch.live. In the future, we will again meet in-person at Wetumpka High School (1251 Coosa River Pkwy) at 9am & 10:30am every Sunday.

To connect with Ridge Church: Email: info@ ridgechurch.com; Website: www.ridgechurch.com; Instagram: @RidgeChurchAL; Facebook: /RidgeChurchAL

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See a primary care physician or specialist on your tablet, laptop or smartphone.

With our Telehealth service, The Jackson Clinic makes it simple and convenient to see a physician from the comfort of your home – or wherever you go. It’s available to the whole community, from Greenville to Prattville.

And new and current patients are welcome. Just visit us online and schedule your appointment to talk with a doctor on your video device. Primary care physicians as well as a full range of specialists are available. Whether you prefer to visit us virtually or in person, we’re here to help you and your family stay healthy. To learn more about Telehealth, visit JacksonClinic.org.

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September 2020

River Region’s Journey 7/24/20 10:29 AM

Strangely Bright:

Stott on the Christian Life:

Can You Love God and Enjoy the World?

Between Two Worlds

Joe Rigney

Tim Chester

“Can you love God and enjoy this world?” This question drives Joe Rigney’s newest book, Strangely Bright. Such a question often generates more heat than light as many people are accustomed to downplaying earthly things and emphasizing heavenly things. After all, the well-known hymn encourages us to: Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full on his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.

The admonition seems sound and even reasonable. But Rigney argues something that may run counter to conventional wisdom. His argument is essentially this: Enjoy God in everything and everything in God, knowing he is greater and more satisfying than any and all of his gifts.

The path that leads to Rigney’s conclusion is set up by examining the passages that help clarify the biblical tension. First, the author reveals that biblical texts that place an emphasis on complete devotion to Christ. Such passages are referred to as totalizing passages and include Colossians 3:1-2, Philippians 3:7-8, and Psalm 73:25-26. These texts are contrasted with things of the earth passages that include James 1:17, 1 Timothy 4:4, and 1 Timothy 6:17. These passages emphasize God’s good gift that creatures are meant to enjoy.

In the end, Rigney skillfully demonstrates how glorifying God and enjoying his good gifts are not at odds: “All of God’s gifts are invitations – they display who he is and invite us to know him and delight in him.” The author borrows a page from John Piper’s Christian Hedonism that was introduced in his book, Desiring God that was first published in 1986. “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him,” argued Piper.

Strangely Bright is a stunning retelling of Piper’s original thesis. This is a thrilling and liberating book. It skillfully crushes legalistic tendencies and warns readers to steer clear from any form of idolatry. The author strikes the biblical balance and leads readers on a path that is sure to encourage many.

Highly recommended.

John Stott was a formidable figure in the evangelical world, a reality that is seen throughout in Chester’s offering. The author begins with a biographical survey of Stott’s life and serves as a fitting introduction to the uninitiated. Once the groundwork is laid, Chester launches readers on a tour of Stott’s life that is both informative and inspiring.

Stott’s work on the evangelical mind played a significant role in my own Christian pilgrimage.

His book, Your Minds Matters was formative and helped establish early convictions as a young evangelical. Stott’s emphasis on creation, revelation, redemption, and judgment (which are the key pillars in the Christian worldview) help establish him as a key voice among evangelical leaders.

Stott was a model preacher and a fine example of a man who labored over the text and was committed to delivering expository sermons. His expositional commentaries have been a major help in my own sermon preparation and have helped thousands of expositors for years. Stott’s book, The Cross of Christ, which many (myself included) regard as one of the best books ever written on the subject is highlighted here.

While Stott held a high view of the authority of Scripture, one disappointment is his departure from the historic and orthodox teaching concerning eternal punishment. Chester adds, “Stott refused to ‘dogmatism’ about his position and asked people not to speak of his ‘endorsement of annihilationism.”

Chester adds, “ … many assumed annihilations involved a denial of the authority of Scripture. Stott, though, explicitly warned against asking what one’s heart says rather than asking what God’s word says.”

I am impressed with the way that Chester handles Stott’s annihilationism. He does not shy away from the controversy but he also continues to pay proper respect to the man he regards so highly. His even-handed approach should be emulated.

The final chapter is a wonderful summary of John Stott’s life and ministry. This is a life that can be summed up in his commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and the power of his gospel. Stott gave his life for the great cause of the gospel. Tim Chester’s fine work bears this out in spades.

River Region’s Journey

September 2020

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Find Hope.

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Now more than ever, we need an encounter with God’s presence.

Worship with us virtually • • • •

WFRZ-TV: Channel 13 (cable) or Channel 33 (antenna) Frazer Channel for Roku, AppleTV or FireTV Livestreaming at frazer.church/live Facebook Live at facebook.com/frazerchurch

Worship with us in person starting Sept. 13 • • •

11:00am Contemporary Worship 9:30am Traditional Worship 8:00am Special service with added precautions for those who consider themselves at high risk

DOWNLOAD OUR APP | 6000 ATLANTA HWY | WWW.FRAZER.CHURCH | FOLLOW US 7

September 2020

River Region’s Journey

RRJ: Thank you so much for taking the time to share how your faith is at work out in the community. To begin with, how long have you been a follower of Christ?

Amy: I can’t remember a time where I was not a follower of Christ. However, I don’t think it was until I was a teenager that I truly came to know Him. I had heard the stories, asked the questions, and attended Vacation Bible School, but Christ still felt far away from me.

In my preteen and teen years I began to see how God’s word, teaching, and spirit was evident in the people I met and the experiences I was having. I saw him as a person in my life instead of a distant figure, and that began to change everything.

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

River Region’s Journey

September 2020

Amy: There are endless ways to glorify God in the work that I do. On a larger scale, my work is all in response to a calling in my life to live in a way that recognizes the needs of others and seeks to serve them in lifegiving ways. That sounds like a huge burden to bear, but what I find is that this work is simple and seemingly small at times. In my current position, I am essentially connecting community members with a program that allows them to be a part of feeding seniors right here in their city. The Montgomery Area Council on Aging’s Meals on Wheels Program provides nearly 400 hot lunchtime meals Monday-Friday to homebound seniors in Montgomery. I can honestly say it is an honor every day to see this program in motion and witness the physical and emotional needs of our seniors met because of the dedication and compassion of the Meals on Wheels volunteers.

RRJ: For Christians who struggle to live their faith beyond the church walls, what encouragement would you give them?

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

Amy: I have struggled to see beyond the present turmoil we are facing. I have sat with these feelings and brought them before God. He wishes to hear from us in our rejoicing and in our lamenting... he will not forget my pain. Remembering the ways that God has already come before and rescued us reminds me that he will surely do that again.

Even more than that he will make something new out of the current circumstances.

There is comfort in knowing that even in the hardest of times there are ways to love and shepherd people every day. In the midst of our hurt we must carry on and lean on God to hold us up.

Amy: I think one of the greatest gifts my parents gave me at a young age was spiritual freedom to form my own beliefs. I don’t remember all the lessons my parents taught me because I observed their lives and went from there. They provided me with a network of people to lean on as well. I remember tagging along with them everywhere, which made me very comfortable interacting with anyone – any age, race, or ethnicity. This spilled over into church life as my parents were dedicated to being a part of a community of believers. I never felt like church was somewhere I was forced to go; it was a joy to be able to have somewhere to go, and even more, people to belong to. Church was where I learned that I am my brother’s keeper and that we are all obligated to consider one another. My spirit was ignited as I grew up among people who selflessly gave with no recognition. I wanted to do likewise. I wanted to become all the people who listened, encouraged, and shepherded me.

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Amy: We are all priests and kings unto God, we are convicted to go beyond ourselves and share the Gospel. Recognize the gifts that God has entrusted you with and use those to walk the walk in all areas of your life. It would be such a shame to live your life in silos, only sharing the good news with people who already know it. There is so much that we can gain from sharing God’s goodness to a hurting world.

RRJ: We have been living in strange times lately. What are some tools of the Christian faith that keep you focused on loving God and loving others? What are some key things that have sustained your faith on the tough days?

RRJ: How has COVID19 impacted your work with Meals on Wheels? Is there a need for volunteers that the community could meet?

Amy: COVID has really changed things for us at Meals on Wheels. Prior to all of this our building had its doors wide open and welcomed everyone. It was a lively place.

When COVID hit it quickly turned into a quiet office with a core staff. Luckily, we were able to continue to feed our seniors.

We created a new method of getting food to everyone when we closed our kitchen. We were able to deliver shelf-stable meals to our

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clients along with donated food items from churches and organizations. Our new drive thru system began and along with that came even more volunteers! Several of our Meals on Wheels drivers are not able to continue delivering during these uncertain times, but we were overwhelmed with support from people who had never volunteered with us before! My job has changed a lot these days. I spend more time on the phone with volunteers walking them through the delivery process. We have now shifted back to Monday through Friday hot meal pick up and our kitchen staff has returned!

This has been extraordinary, but delivery still does not look the same as what it did before COVID. We do not allow volunteers in the building, so the staff packs the meals and loads them in the driver’s cars. Every volunteer that arrives is greeted by a health officer with a clipboard and thermometer in hand to take their temperature and ensure it is safe for them to deliver. There is always room for new volunteers! The nature of the world right now makes it hard to commit to delivery at times, so we always need new people to fill in to ensure we get food to our seniors. It is one of the most rewarding experiences.

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RRJ: How does your Christian faith shape the way you approach your work?

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Amy: While I was in school for Social Work, I remember a poster that was in the lobby of the building where I spent most of my time. It read: “We are here to make good things happen for other people.” I have always clung to mantras, Bible verses, little bits of wisdom that encapsulate my feelings. This statement struck me because it captured in a few words everything that I wanted to do with my life. I have always had interests in so many areas and was told that this was somehow a bad thing. Despite the number of people telling me to pick a straight path and follow it, God has always told me that my passion is a good thing. I find comfort in the straightforward messages that I find in the midst of all the chaos: be a friend, show up for others, and make good things happen for other people. When the noise of the world gets loud, I strip all of it away and I realize the work I do is simple. It is listening to a concerned family member on the phone, speaking words of affirmation to my volunteers, and carrying food to someone’s car.

Oakley, brain tumor survivor

He’s taking on

life

Gregory Friedman, MD

Because he’s taking on cancer

The Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of Alabama is ranked among the top pediatric cancer programs in the nation.

Our team of over 300 dedicated pediatric healthcare professionals is committed to exceptional patient care and innovative research.

At Children’s, we’re safely serving children — providing essential care just as we have since 1911.

Our Center treats more than 90% of Alabama’s children with cancer and blood disorders. Learn how you can help at: ChildrensAL.org/committedtoacure

Amy Dennis is a graduate of Samford University and University of Montevallo and holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work. In addition to her work as the Volunteer Coordinator for MACOA, Amy is a small group leader for youth at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Montgomery.

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September 2020

River Region’s Journey

Playing for God in Life Starting when my daughter was in fifth grade, and before she took to the soccer field for either a practice or game, I would remind her that she represents God when she’s on the field.

No matter the shoving, pushing, tripping, and no matter the words that came out of another player’s mouth, I reminded her she is a child of God and that what she says and how she acts is a reflection of that.

She would look me dead in the eyes, and say, “Yes, ma’am,” and I knew I wouldn’t have to worry. But I did watch, because sometimes, staying true to who you are is difficult.

She’s a high school senior now, and I’ve had the pleasure of watching her grow as a player and as a Christian while playing in Prattville’s city soccer league, travel ball, and for the past five years, varsity soccer for her team at PCA. When she earned a varsity spot at PCA as a seventh grader – and as my 12-year-old played against 18-year-olds – I again reminded her to stand her ground, fight for the win, and always asked, “Who do you play for?”

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

Ephesians 6:13 Over the years, I’ve watched her brush off shoulder hits, take deep breaths River Region’s Journey

September 2020

after shoves, and walk away from angry words. I watched her accept her lone yellow card with grace – amid disbelief – and reach out her hand to opponents on the ground.

Only once has she told me after a game, “I wanted to cuss so bad. But I didn’t. I didn’t. ” I left her alone that night.

Neither one of us are perfect. We make mistakes, and plenty of them. We all do.

But when we live every day for God, when we play for Him every day on and off the field, we can shine. We can set examples – even when we falter – of faith and promise.

Living before God’s face is to be obedient to God’s commandments wherever you are: work, school, home, church, with people or alone. It is to consider what is pleasing to God in thought, word, and action.

– ActiveChristianity “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:9 It is about living for Him when we are cut off in traffic, and keeping all fingers down. It is holding our tongue when we’re met with harsh words or actions. It is turning the other cheek when assaulted.

Playing for God in life isn’t always 10

easy. We are met with temptations daily.

We’re met with decisions that could have dire consequences. With choices that could steer us wrong if chosen incorrectly.

Playing for God means living a prayerful life. It is trusting that when you live for Him, you will be rewarded.

That you will receive riches only God can bestow.

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Galatians 1:10 How can we live an obedient life through and for Jesus?

Pray. Cultivate good habits. Praise and give thanksgiving to God for all He has provided.

Read the Bible – seek Him in His word and spend time with Him. Love one another.

Give up yourself and desire God’s will above all else.

Be that 12-year-old girl on the soccer field up against the fastest and strongest and hold your own, and do it knowing you’re living as God intended – and know you’re representing Him well.

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”

1 John 2:15, 17

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River Region’s Journey

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by Patrick Tidwell, Ph D, LMFT

Social connection has become more difficult since COVID-19.

Many young adults and teens have become more dependent on social media apps to fill the need for connection. Many people have tried to circumvent this issue by having longdistance picnics (of at least 6-foot distance). Some have had Zoom parties, Skype events or attended their small group or support group meetings on these platforms.

River Region’s Journey

September 2020

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Many families have used FaceTime or Google Hang Outs to stay in contact with relatives who are older, have higher risk conditions or have had doctor appointments. Churches have been live on Facebook and YouTube. College ministers and youth ministers have had weekly events planned through these platforms to keep in touch during this crazy time.

All of these are good things and social media has allowed people to feel heard, appreciated to some degree, connected to some, and valued. There are further benefits such as social awareness, improvement of social skills, and closer relationships with friends.

Social Media is a driving force now more than ever. Kids 8 and under spend up to two hours and nineteen minutes a day on some kind of device. Kids ages 8 to 12 spend up to four hours and thirty-six minutes per day (Common Sense Media).

We need to teach our young people where true confidence and esteem comes from. In Colossians 3, Paul answers this for us. It is our connection to Jesus Christ.

Paul writes for us to “set our minds on things above, not earthly things” (verse 2).

If we don’t reinforce that following Jesus and seeking first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) is where we all will find our purpose and meaning in life, they will go looking for it elsewhere. That can be a trap.

The more connected to social media, the bigger the fear that something important will be missed among the peer group.

The more social media pages involved, the less likely to miss out on “liking” something that someone has posted or reading whether or not your post was “liked.”

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8 (NIV).

The devil doesn’t have to “prowl” very far these days. The portal to danger is being held in your young person’s hands as we speak. Having someone “like” your posts, pictures or updates can directly affect your self-esteem. There are many apps that can be used in harmful ways.

Apps to Look For on Your Child’s Phone and Other Screens

“Hot or Not” is an app and website that has been around since 2000. It’s used to rate the attractiveness of other users who have posted pictures of themselves.

It has no age verifying process. This site can be used by others to engage in cyberbullying and undermine self-esteem. It serves to be objectifying and causes harm by the direct rejecting of others. A user’s GPS location is shared to put people in the same area in contact with each other.

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“Down” is another app that is really dangerous. It shares a user’s GPS location even when not being used. The content exposes young people to sexually explicit material, promotes “hooking up” and sexting. It could easily be used for abduction and sexual assault. Because of the anonymous nature of the users on this site, it makes it difficult for law enforcement to stop things before they happen.

“Yubo”, previously known as “Yellow,” is a social networking app similar to “Tinder” that encourages exposure to sexual content, profanity, and depictions of alcohol and drug use. Users often use it to find a willing sex partner within a couple of miles of their GPS location. It has been linked to human sex trafficking and abductions.

Other rating and “hooking up” apps include “Blendr,” “Yeti: Campus Stories,” “Line,” and “Kik Messenger.” All of these sites make it difficult for law enforcement to stop something before it happens. It would be easy to walk into a trap.

“Houseparty” can be used responsibly if the settings are set to strict. It is designed for group video chats but can be used for sexting and cyberbullying.

“Snapchat” is used to send photos or videos from your phone to anyone or everyone watching at present for a set amount

September 2020

River Region’s Journey

of time (for example, one minute) and then automatically erases it every time. Many images from it are used for ways to get back at someone who has broken up with you without supposed damage by the sharing of videos or pictures. It is also used to buy and sell drugs.

Speaking of drug use, there are some apps that look innocent enough but their intent is malicious. Two such apps are “Week Scale 2.0” and “Digital Scale Pro.” These apps are used to turn a phone into a scale that can weigh marijuana or other drugs.

“Burn Note” is another app used for drugs, invitations to buy drugs, and invites to parties. It is text only and the text/note “burns up,” leaving no trace. This can also be used for cyberbullying.

Some apps are directly aimed at teens.

They advertise that they’re for social networking and bringing people together. They can be used for cyberbullying, sexting, invitations to use alcohol and drugs, pictures with suggestive content and directly mature content.

All these apps track and use a user’s GPS location.

“Afterschool” has been removed from the Apple app store twice. It can be used for private messaging that can’t be tracked, is completely anonymous, and creates a separate chat group for each school.

“Ogle” is designed to be used by middle and high school students. It is the younger version of “Yeti: Campus Stories.”

Threads are posted anonymously so there’s no danger of getting caught for cyberbullying, setting up drug deals or making individual threats or making threats about the whole school.

“Omegle” is designed to allow users to chat with random strangers. Anything can be discussed. It is promoted as a way to meet new people while social distancing.

Online predators can easily use this service as people are anonymous while using it, describing themselves as only “You” or “Stranger” until a person chooses to give out further information.

Keeping kids as young as 12 years old engaged in positive activities that teach them the values that you want them to have has never been more important. Textbooks on Substance Abuse Counseling all relate that alcohol and drug use begin in middle school. Addiction is a pediatric disease.

Helping children understand the world and how to stay away from danger is a full-time job because the internet has made danger available instantly.

Let’s be savvy. Let’s learn about and use the protective factors that have been shown in studies to help. The biggest is an active spiritual life with an understanding that your

daughter or son was loved by God before they were even born. To know the Gospel story and how it relates to you is the largest motivator to engage in behavior that involves finding ways to use your talents to help others. Study after study has shown that involvement in positive activities can keep your child around other children and adults who can influence them to form positive values and self-esteem.

If you see something on your child’s phone, and don’t know what it is, Google it. Don’t forget who the Lord put in charge.

Don’t forget who pays the bills. If you have questions about that super expensive phone they use with your wireless plan, make sure you know all the passwords because you have agreed with them that such knowledge is a condition for having the phone.

Make sure you know what apps can be used to hide content like the app “Calculator%” that looks like a calculator, but is just a way to hide inappropriate pictures. Or the app “Vaulty,” which is designed for the very purpose of hiding content.

Let’s be on guard and aware of what apps your young person is using.

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

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River Region’s Journey

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Spiritual Nutrition...Yum! We have heard much about nutrition and its benefits to our body. From the five main food groups to the most popular current diets, the emphasis is on the chemical processes our body goes through with the foods we eat. I know people who have been “healed” of arthritis merely due to a change of diet.

Others have been helped significantly in their fights against heart disease, brain issues, and cancer by choosing foods wisely. As much as the body should be taken care of, the eternal nature of the soul and spirit should receive at least equal attention, if not more.

How is your spiritual nutrition? Let’s do a check-up to ascertain the levels of our spiritual food groups. That way we can choose to shore up the weak areas and encourage ourselves with what we are doing well.

First, when we become Christians, we often absorb every facet of our lives as a God-given gift. We are as eager as a nursing baby to get the milk of the Gospel and the wonderful feeling of fullness it gives to us. We are encouraged to grow beyond the simple principles of the Gospel, yes, but do we lose our delight along the way? Have you recently just had a recounting of your blessings such that you could do nothing less than shout a hallelujah? “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13).

Next, we need to participate in spiritual disciplines as God leads us. Meditation, fasting, solitude, service, giving, suffering are some of those practices we may think are not too much fun. It can feel like hurrying through the helping of vegetables so we can eat the yummy starch on the other side of the plate. Most of us do not gravitate toward the spiritual disciplines, yet they have great power to build our immune system against the enemy. What might the Lord be asking you to do to bring your spiritual health up a notch? “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 12:13).

Third, how well are you doing at keeping the meat of God’s Word in front of your eyes and mind? The priests of the Old Testament were told to literally bind God’s law to their foreheads and bodies to remind themselves of the Word’s rulership over their attitudes and actions. When was the last time you memorized a verse that would remind you how to act when that nosy relative irritates you? The Word builds spiritual muscle for such times. “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.“ (Proverbs 4:23).

Next, what did you have for breakfast this morning, spiritually speaking? Experts recommend that grains should be fed to the body early in the day. This is because the calories will ready to efficiently burn, giving energy and life to us. The early morning is an important time to the Lord as well.

He asks to meet with us in the morning as the new day dawns, laying out our souls before Him, taking time for meaningful dialog, and setting our faces like flint toward the goals of the day. A morning worship time with the Almighty can change the destiny of our next 24 hours! “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).

Last, our bodies need the vitamins and minerals from fruit.

For most of us, fruit is a pleasing course of our meal, with sweet returns to our tongues.

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Have you thought of the fruit of the spirit in the same way? Take a little bite of joy or peace and make a place of goodness wherever you are. You will find you can completely infect a morose person, startle a moody spirit out of a group of people, or charm your family into their best by initiating your fruit into situations. “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:18).

I pray good health to you wherever you are and in whatever your situation is. I encourage you to remain healthy physically, yet I also decree a resurgence of spiritual health over you. Be fastidious to eat heartily from the beautiful plate of nutritious spiritual food God has provided for you.

Here’s to a great feast!

September 2020

River Region’s Journey

Adoption

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

Alcoholic / Addiction

Location: Caring Center of FBC, 52 Adams Avenue CrossRoads Support Group is for addicts/alcoholics and family members. Meets at 6 p.m.

Tuesdays and follows a Christcentered 12-step program.

Call 264-4949.

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

Location: Grace Presbyterian Church, Corner of Bell Road and Atlanta Hwy. Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon meetings are held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, at 6 p.m. An Open AA Speaker meeting is held on Saturday at 6 p.m. An Alanon & AA held on Sundays at 2 p.m.

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

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

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

Mondays beginning at 6:15 pm. Childcare available.

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

Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd.

RSVP- This is a 12 step spiritual recovery program for

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overcoming addictions. Using the steps and Bible we help build self-esteem, responsible behavior, the making of amends for our destructive actions, and to fill the void in our hearts in a loving relationship with God. Wednesday @ 6:30pm in Rm. 121 of the Life Center.

Location: Prattville Church of Christ, 344 E Main St. CASA - 12 step (Christians Against Substance Abuse) spiritual recovery program, for overcoming addictions.

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

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

Location: First United Methodist Church, Wetumpka 306 W. Tuskeena Street ‘Fresh Start’ Recovery meets every Thursday, 6-8pm (meal included). In 2011, Fresh Start Motorcycle Ministry (FSMM) began when God laid it on the heart of a lifetime biker to minister to those with his background.

All are welcome, not a requirement to own/ride a motorcycle. For any information contact ministry leader, Paul Henderson, 334-201-5428.

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

Alzheimer’s / Dementia

Location: First UMC, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, An Adult Parkinson/Alzheimer’s respite ministry meets from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Lunch is served. Contact Daphne at 834-8990.

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

Cancer

Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Rd Cancer Survivors Support Group is sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center. We would love to have anyone (patient or family member ) join us.

Thursdays at 1 pm. Please call before attending just to make sure we are meeting that week.

Please call Debbie D at 4674578 or Ben W at 202-1912.

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

Location: Frazer UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Central Alabama Multiple Myeloma Support Group meets from 10 a.m. to noon the second Saturday of every month in Room 3105. We have guest speakers, video presentations, printed information and a group that welcomes sharing their journey with myeloma in an informal setting. Refreshments are provided. Contact Joe Crowley at 334-207-4385 or jpcrowl46@yahoo.com Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group, providing education, awareness, and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family and friends, meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Room 8114.

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

Divorce

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

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

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

Gambling

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

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

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

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

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

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Grief

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

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

Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth St, Prattville Grief Share, Wednesday evenings at 6 pm in the church parlor. Led by Michael Beatty. Call 365-5977.

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

Location: Grace Baptist Church, 304 Old Montgomery Highway, Wetumpka Mourning to Morning is a Christian growth group for mothers who have lost a child, from before birth through adulthood. Meets the last Thursday night of each month.

For info, contact Alice Scarborough (334) 462-4775 or Gwen Ellis (334) 567-8754 or e-mail mourningtomorning@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook.

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

Location: Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 E. Washington Street Grief support group meets every Monday at 6:00 P.M- 7:00 P.M. For additional information, please contact Alice Glover at (334)281-2754.

Mental Health

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Mental Health - NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) meets 2nd Monday of each month from 6:30 – 8:30 pm in Room 7205. Group provides understanding, education & information to family members & friends of those who suffer mental illness, Call Pat Cobb at 334279-8331 for more info. NAMI Connection Support Group for individuals with mental illness meets every Thursday evening, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, room 3104. Call Pat Cobb at 334-279-8331 for more information.

Parenting

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

Childcare provided by reservation. Call April Scott at 828-446-6666.

Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is a place you can share a good meal, make new friends, and find encouragement as you face the everyday challenges of raising your little ones. We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Meetings are every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165.

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

Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd.

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

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

Location: Redland Baptist, 1266 Dozier Rd, Wetumpka A MOPS group will be held 1st and 3rd Tuesday’s of every month during the school year, and has scheduled play dates and moms nights out through the summer and beyond. While moms are in a MOPS meeting, their children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program.

Email Denise Braswell at deniseorscott@yahoo.com.

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

850-529-4730 or email Montgomerymipac@gmail.com.

Physical Challenges

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

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

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

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

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September 2020

River Region’s Journey

In the Battle Zone Over the past several months, the media has covered instances of unrest and even violence in major cities throughout America. People are certainly, in my estimation, communicating a sense of dissatisfaction with the way things are in our country, or even in the concept of our nation itself.

In the wave of discontent, there are reports of a rise in crime in major cities throughout the land. Chicago is a case in point, and a pastor there has taken simple, yet potentially powerful, steps - steps to combat the violence that he has seen.

His name is Edgar Rodriguez, about whom FoxNews. com stated: Several weeks ago, in response to the violence that has seen children, including a 1-year-old, being gunned down, Pastor Edgar Rodriguez of New City Fellowship started organizing evening prayer walks around affected neighborhoods in Chicago.

The article goes on to say: “The church has to rise up,” Rodriguez told the Baptist Press. “This is the church’s moment to stand up and lay down all other languages of networks and denominations and, as brothers and sisters adopted by the Father because of the good news we believe in, we have to come together and stand together.”

On Facebook Live, Rodriguez said, “We just really want God to invade certain parts of the city,” adding, “We have to be proactive. We can’t just be reactive. We’re not going to wait until someone else dies, then say, ‘we’ll go out there.’”

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September 2020

The response? FoxNews.com reported that on Fox and Friends Weekend, the pastor referenced “...this idea of owning my community, owning my block, praying, getting to know the people, asking individuals if they need prayer...especially those who may be involved in gang activity and other activity that is unlawful,” adding, “And so we engage it. We pray for them. And, in my part of the community by God’s grace, we have seen results. We’ve seen individuals change. We’ve seen violence go down...”

The Baptist Press article stated: “Rodriguez said his goal is to capitalize on that collective sober attitude to point to Christ, and the hope of the Gospel. Sharing Christ has to be done with urgency, and with unity from the church, he said. Calling and reaching out to multiple congregations in the area, Rodriguez said he believes now is the time the church has to step together into these difficult moments.”

In Portland, which has become known for unrest and destruction, the Church has also been motivated to minister.

Aaron Bennett is pastor of a church in downtown Portland called Garden Church. He is quoted in a Baptist Press article: “I really encourage people, ‘Don’t see the entire world through the political agenda,’” Bennett said. “I believe it’s so important to be engaged in civic life, however, we have to believe in Portland and that there’s a greater kingdom we are

called to, that there is a greater sense of government under the Prince of Peace that we are called to reflect.”

During the first full week of August, CBN News quoted pastor J.W. Matt Hennessee from Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church Portland; the article said: “Tensions eased somewhat over the weekend as federal agents were replaced by... police officers who must follow much more restrictive rules of crowd control measures.”

The article added: But that didn’t stop protesters from burning American flags and even Bibles.

How that relates to racial justice wasn’t immediately clear. But Pastor Hennessee says there is a role for Christians to play.

“We need to pray for the ability to listen, to learn and to find out how God wants us to engage and to do that in a very, very like, intentional way for us to be able to be used by God, as instruments in this space,” Hennessee said.

These pastors have chosen to recognize and enter the battle zone. We don’t dare go into spiritual warfare without our armor or our spiritual weapons. We can ask for the Lord for direction in how we can effectively minister in our communities. But, he is doing it in a Biblical way - with prayer.

Prayer is a key element for seeing change in the places where we are called to live.

We can ask the Lord to give us a heart for the people around us. People are struggling; there is a sense of anxiety and dissatisfaction that has set in - and, wherever we are, we know that we are on mission for Christ: to live out His truth.

God is looking for participants. Our faith is an active faith, not a passive one.

Certainly, we need to spend time alone with Him in prayer and Bible study. Then, we can take what we’ve learned and practically and powerfully allow Him to show us how to use those principles for His work.

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Journey.SE

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Please contact us for your copy.

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September 2020

River Region’s Journey

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Seth Rhodebeck’s voice grows excited when he speaks of community, relationships built around meeting the needs of others, and encouraging neighbors who have become family. He is a part of HOPES, a ministry of Gateway Baptist Church in Montgomery. “HOPES, which stands for Helping Our Public Education System, demonstrates the love of God to the students, families, teachers, and administrators of the Montgomery Public School system by alleviating the crippling effects of poverty,” said Rhodebeck, who serves as an elder in the church.

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September 2020

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“We believe that every student is valuable and we work to provide those in need with the opportunity to progress from surviving to thriving. HOPES raises awareness and recruits community organizations and individuals to help.”

The ministry which started in 2010, has evolved from offering weekly Bible study before school at Capitol Heights Middle School to a ministry with a new name currently feeding more than 75 people not only nutritious foods, but the Gospel, as well.

“We started with the Capitol Heights area, because we lived in the area and saw a need,” said Rhodebeck, who began serving with his wife, Megan.

“For a long time, this ministry has been informally referred to as the Capitol Heights Middle School Ministry or something similar,” he said. “As the ministry has grown over time, we realized that the needs are greater than what we see at Capitol Heights. We wanted to cast a vision beyond CHMS and call others into

the mission of serving Montgomery Public Schools as a whole. As we’ve ministered, we’ve also noticed that there is a lot of despair in Montgomery concerning MPS.We believe there is hope for MPS. We wanted a name that describes what we’re trying to accomplish and also brings encouragement each time it is spoken. The opposite of despair is hope. It was natural to build a name around the beauty of hope. HOPES seemed to perfectly capture those things.”

Seth goes on to say, “When we began ministering at Capitol Heights Middle School, our main goal was simply to share the love and hope of Jesus Christ with the students, families, teachers, and administrators of CHMS; that goal hasn’t changed. We started out by encouraging students, teachers, and administrators

with the love and grace of the Gospel. As our relationships at CHMS grew, we began learning from the students, teachers, and administrators about specific needs.

In general, one of our main goals is simply to encourage the teachers and administrators in the overwhelming task they have before them. From that heart, we’ve been blessed with several opportunities to serve the school. We’ve built relationships with several administrators and teachers at CHMS. In each instance, our goal has been to learn from them their goal and then support and provide them with the resources to accomplish it.”

Reaching out to the faculty and staff of the middle school, Rhodebeck discovered that there were many ways in which people could meet the needs of the students and teachers. Whether providing breakfast for the faculty and staff during their professional development days or serving as waterboys during the middle school football games, there was a growing need for support from the community.

When the schools closed due to the pandemic, the ministry did not stop seeking ways to serve the students and

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families they had come to know through their work at the school.

“We’re a ministry that ministers to people. Covid 19 has obviously made it very difficult to be physically present with people. We were all set to begin tutoring students last school year until Covid shut everything down. Many of the ways we were ministering were impacted. However, whether it’s Covid or some other issue, there’s always a need to be flexible with ministry. From the start, our prayer has been that the Lord would reveal needs, provide resources and people to address those needs, and that the Lord would be glorified in the process. Our prayer is that we would neither run ahead of the Lord or lag behind him, but follow him where he is leading.”

Delivering Food for the Body and the Soul “When Covid hit, as we have always done, we just started asking the school administrators how we could help. The need came to light when we discovered the school’s food bank had been shut down. Twenty-five families were using the

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September 2020

food bank and Covid took away that option. That’s how our food ministry started.

We depend on the social worker to identify families in need. After the social worker gets permission from the families, we contact them, verify how many people are in their family, and then begin delivering food if they desire. In late March, we began providing food staples for several families. We have continued to add families and now provide weekly food deliveries to 14 families.”

Covid also gave us time to do some painting at CHMS. We got a team together since the school was empty and, at the request of the guidance counselor, painted the counseling offices at the school.”

Covid-19 has presented challenges, but also blessings. “The Lord is always working, even in the midst of suffering.

We must meet challenges with faith and trust that the Lord is present, even in suffering. He is faithful,” Rhodebeck said.

Families in need visit with a volunteer each week, who delivers food and much more. “Each week, a family in need is provided eggs, bread, milk, fruit, and dessert. As needed, families are also provided peanut butter and jelly.

We are also providing for a couple of Mixtec families and, as requested by the family, we provide them with rice and beans in addition to the other items.

Each family is also given a recipe each week and the ingredients necessary to prepare the meal.

We have provided each family with a slow cooker as some of the recipes are slow cooker recipes. The idea is to equip the families to produce something for themselves and build a bank of recipes that they can draw on in the future. A devotion written by one of our volunteers is also provided to the families each week.”

Rhodebeck said the ministry 22

reaches deeper than just providing a meal. “Beyond these physical things, we also desire to provide our families with the assurance that they are not alone. We encourage our volunteers to communicate with their CHMS families throughout the week, to encourage them and pray for them. Through this, we’ve learned of additional spiritual and physical needs.

For instance, we’ve been able to come alongside them as they’ve dealt with loss and family issues, just to be with them and lift them up in prayer. We’ve also been able to help one family properly register a car she owned so she could begin driving it legally. We’ve helped others solve problems with utility companies. We’re in the process of helping one family with a leaky roof. There are many needs, and we can’t address them all.

But we can encourage these families with the truth of the Gospel and encourage them to run to the Lord.”

Yes, Volunteers are Needed!

Currently, the ministry has a need for prayer, resources and volunteers.

“The Lord works through the prayers of his people; we’ve seen it time and again with this ministry,” said Rhodebeck.

We also need resources to continue ministering to the people of CHMS. We currently spend approximately $600 a week to feed 14 families (75 people total). There are more families in need that could use food each week, but we don’t want to over-commit ourselves until we’re sure that we can walk with these families for the long term. There are also additional needs beyond providing food. Our CHMS families have indicated a need for tutoring, particularly in light of the fact that all learning is being done virtually.

We’re working with churches close to CHMS to develop a tutoring program. I’m sure we’ll need tutors and administrators to help make this happen.”

If you would like to pray for, volunteer with, or provide a resource to HOPES, you may contact Seth Rhodebeck through the ministry’s website hopesmgm.com.

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

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Suicide and the COVID-19 Pandemic I have a friend who recently separated from his wife, and because of her breast cancer diagnosis and because of COVID-19, moved out of their home and into an apartment to keep her as unexposed as possible.

They did this during a global pandemic, where isolation is favored. But where it keeps one healthy, it has isolated another to the point of lost hope. He has lost his home, he is losing his wife, and he’s being advised to not socialize because of a virus that has killed more than 160,000 in the United States.

And he told me in a recent message: I don’t want to end it all, but I can’t keep living like this.

He is still with us, but many during the seclusion of COVID are not. His story truly opened my eyes to those hurting, those who we have lost to suicide during a time it might feel help is scarce, when it feels nobody understands what they’re facing – although millions do. But when you can’t meet face-to-face with support groups, meet a friend for coffee or worship together in person, it’s hard to know others experience the same.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. for all ages.

Every day, about 123 Americans die by suicide, with one death by suicide hap-

pening every 12 minutes – that is more than 44,965 Americans every year.

It’s difficult for many to share their mental health journey – or even their suicidal ideations – and a pandemic can intensify that. It is hard feeling so alone, especially in a time when we are encouraged to not socialize, not see our friends – family, even – and not go anywhere deemed unessential.

So we sit at home. Buy groceries.

Then sit at home again.

We’re losing people who have lost hope. We need to be a community that helps, that reaches out, that checks in with friends – the strong ones, and the ones we know are suffering. Mental health has never been as important as it is now.

We can’t turn a blind eye to the suicide rates that are climbing through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Suicide mortality rates that were rising over the past two decades, combined with the current pandemic are a “perfect storm,” found a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in April.

Factors include economic stress, social isolation, reduced access to religious services, overall national anxiety, and increased firearm sales. The National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine has seen a 65 percent increase in calls and emails since March, according to the organization, although it is not a crisis hotline.

But physical distancing during COVID-19 doesn’t have to mean feeling alone, according to the #BeThe1To movement, as social connection is more important than ever. The #BeThe1To movement is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, spreading the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide.

Many of the signs that someone may be considering suicide will be harder to read during times of physical distancing – 23

changes in routine, especially, will not be as apparent, according to the movement.

The movement offers five steps to help: Ask: Asking whether someone is thinking about suicide communicates you’re open to speaking about suicide in a non-judgmental and supportive way.

Be there: This could mean physically or speaking to them on the phone when you can. The importance of this step is following through. When you say you’re going to be there, be there.

Keep them safe: When you’ve determined suicide is being discussed, it’s important to find out a few things to establish immediate safety.

Help them connect: helping someone with thoughts of suicide connect with ongoing supports can help them establish a safety net for those moments they find themselves in a crisis.

Follow up: Check with them to see how they’re doing. Leave a message, send a text, or give them a call. Check to see if there is more you can do for them. This can increase their feelings of connectedness and share your ongoing support.

If you need help:

If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.

If you are in a crisis, or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273TALK (8255) If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text NAMI to 741741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor.

Kym Klass serves as a board member for The Samaritan Counseling Center. She is a mental health advocate and author of “One More Day: a powerful true story of suicide, loss, and a woman’s newfound faith.” She serves on the state National Alliance on Mental Illness board of directors, as well as the Montgomery board. She lives in Prattville with her daughter, a senior at Prattville Christian Academy.

September 2020

River Region’s Journey

Worried About College

Q. My husband and I are about to start Baby Step 5. We want to save money for college to help our children, but we’re a little worried about starting a 529 Plan and being penalized if we pull the money out for trade school or they don’t finish their studies.

What do you think we should do?

do you think about this and how it might impact the relationship?

A. Well, it makes sense your wife would be onboard with the whole thing. It’s her dad making the offer, so of course she would be a lot more comfortable with the idea than you are.

This is a big deal, and it’s something you two should have a very serious conversation about. Get on the same

A. You’d only be taxed on the growth, not what you put into the plan. And you’d be taxed on the growth anyway if you put it into something else, so there’s no reason not to go with a 529 Plan.

The truth is a 529 will work for a lot of trade schools. It may not be accepted if they do a straight-up apprenticeship, but it’s fine for a course of study at a vo-tech school.

Now, if you don’t use all of what’s in your 529 for education, the portion that goes unused will be taxed. You’ll want a chunk of cash sitting in your 529, enough to make a difference in their educational goals, but you don’t want to overfund it.

Accept a Gift from In-Laws?

Q. My in-laws have very generously offered my wife and I $250,000 to help with a down payment on a home. I know the amount exceeds the IRS’s yearly gift allowance, but they want to structure it as a family loan and have already told us they don’t care if we pay it back. If we accept, we technically owe them a lot of money.

If we say no, they may be offended. What River Region’s Journey

September 2020

24

page in every regard. Also, I’d recommend making sure you get everything in writing. See to it, as well, that it can be forgiven at the maximum allowable annual gift rate.

In addition, in the event of death make sure it’s included in the estate, it’s forgiven, and there will be zero call on the note. In effect, that would make it an advance on your inheritance instead of debt. Under no circumstances should they, or any other heirs, have grounds to call the note.

That’s a good question. And a nice gift!

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