Beacon April 2018

THE SAN ANTONIO

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APRIL 2018

Easter Meditation from Max An Encouraging Word from Max Lucado Page 3

Be A Light

Thank you AM 630 The Word KSLR for making this story possible to share.

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APRIL2018 STO R I E S MA D E

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Symptoms of Alzheimer’s & How to Help

Just like the rest of our bodies, our brains change as we age. While most of us eventually notice delayed thinking and occasional problems remembering things, learn about more concerning symptoms.

Easter Meditation

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A Bright Future with Bracken Christian School

One of the accepted benefits of private school is that they provide exceptional and challenging educational experiences. Bracken Christian School delivers on every front.

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March On for a United Community

Pastor Kirk Freeman, of CrossBridge Church, shares his early misconception of what MLK Day meant to him, his epiphany of the real significance of the day, and what it means to him, as well as so many other Americans.

The Esperanza Court: Hope for the Hopeless

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The Esperanza Court offers a solution to the prostitution problem, and a way of hope for the very women that society has deemed as hopeless.

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Help a Horse Help a Child

Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch currently serves special needs children in our area by engaging their sensorimotor and neuromotor systems to create functional change and confidence.

Be A Light Full Armor Outreach PUBLISHERS: Claude Roberts and Keith Leslie CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Max Lucado, Kirk Freeman, Dana Michea Marquez, and Amy Morgan THE BEACON OFFICE: P.O. Box 591624, San Antonio, Texas 78259 PHONE: (210) 614-8884 FAX: (210) 614-8885 ONLINE: www.saBeacon.com PUBLISHED: Monthly MISSION STATEMENT: To shed light on area causes, ministries, organizations and non-profits and report on their positive contributions to the community. Our goal is to be recognized as the forum for family-oriented community events and activities, directories for area churches, schools, non-profits, organizations, businesses, and camps.

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Several years ago I received an urgent call to visit a dying man in the hospital. I didn’t know Peter well, but well enough to know that he was paying a high price for his hard living.

Years of drugs and alcohol had pilfered his system. Though he’d made peace with God through Christ, his liver was at conflict with his body.

When his ex-wife phoned, she was standing at his bedside. Peter, she explained, was knocking at death’s door. Though I hurried, he entered it seconds before I arrived. The hospital room atmosphere had a…just happened… feel to it. The ex-wife was still standing by the bed. His hair was stroked back from her touch. The imprint of a lipstick kiss was just below the knuckles on his left hand. Perspiration beads sparkled on his forehead.

She saw me enter and looked up.

With her eyes and words she explained, “He just left.”

He silently slipped out. Exited.

Departed. He passed, not away, but on.

Yet on to where? And in what form? To what place? In what manner? And, once there, what did he see? Know or do? We so desire to know. Who in your life “just left?” When the breathing of your husband ceased, the beating heart in your womb stopped, when the beep of your grandmother’s monitor became a flat-lined tone, what happened in that final moment?

And, what will happen to you in yours? Barring the return of Christ, you will have one…a last gasp, a final pulse.

Your lungs will empty and blood will still. Since the moment is inevitable, should we not prepare for it?

When asked the question, “What will we be after we die?” the human race has conjured up four answers: 1. Nothing – we will decay and/or disintegrate. Death is a dead end.

Our works and reputation might survive, not us.

2. Ghosts – Phantoms of what we once were. Pale as Edgar Winters’ beard.

Structured as a morning mist. What will we be after we die? Spectres.

3. Or, hawks. Or, cows, or a car mechanic in Kokomo. Reincarnation rewards or punishes us according to our behavior. We come back to earth

in another mortal body. Or, 4. As part of the universe. Eternity absorbs us like a lake absorbs a storm. We return to what we were before we were what we are… we return to the cosmic consciousness of the universe.

According to some folks, we bury the soul when we bury the body like a wrapping with a hot dog, never expecting to see either again. Other people propose that the spirit abandons the body as a butterfly escapes the cocoon.

Christianity, on the other hand, posits a new startling, surprising idea. What you had before death, you’ll have after death, only better, much, much better.

You will go to paradise: heaven, but not home. Then, upon the return of Christ, you will receive a spiritual body and inhabit a restored universe. This is the

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Thank you AM 630 The Word KSLR for making this story possible to share.

last name. I assume that a family is buried there. It seems to be just one of the millions of burial spots around the planet. Yet, if these words are true, it will someday witness a miracle beyond words. The same God who shook the soil of Jerusalem will shake the soil of this simple cemetery. The grass will be pushed back from within. The caskets will open and the bodies of these forgotten farmers will be called into the sky. promise of God. This promise hinges on the resurrection of Christ. The Christian hope depends entirely upon the assumption that Jesus Christ died a physical death, vacated an actual grave and ascended into heaven where he, at this moment, reigns as head of the church.

The Easter miracle, in other words, changed everything.

It was Sunday morning after the Friday execution. The sky was dark.

The disciples had scattered. And the Roman executioner was wondering about breakfast, or work, or his next day off. But he was not wondering about the fellow he had nailed to a cross and pierced with a spear. Jesus was dead and buried. Yesterday’s news, right?

Wrong. God shook things up.

“There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.’” (Matthew 28:2–6) Had such words never been spoken, had the body of Jesus decayed into dust within the borrowed tomb, you would 4

not be reading this essay and we would not be discussing this promise. But the words were spoken and the promise was made more than once.

Jesus appeared to the women near the tomb and to the followers in the Upper Room. He appeared to the disciples on the road to Emmaus and his friends on the shore of Galilee. He spoke with them. He ate with them.

They touched his body, they heard his words. They were convinced that Jesus was risen from the dead.

And they drew this conclusion. His resurrection is the proof and promise of ours. What God did for him, he will do with us. When he rose from the dead, Jesus was the “first fruits” (I Corinthians 15:20,23). “First fruits” is the first taste of the harvest. The farmer can anticipate the nature of the crop by sampling the first crop. We can anticipate our own resurrection by trusting the empty tomb of Christ.

to be true because of verses like this from the Apostle Paul: “If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me.

Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!

I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far” (Philippians 1:21-23).

Paul believed that his last breath on earth would be followed by his first glimpse of Christ in paradise. The same is true for you. Say goodbye to loved ones. Say hello to God. You will then enjoy fellowship with God and loved ones until the day when Christ returns. “…the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God…all who are…in their graves will hear His voice…they will come out…” ( John 5: 25,28-29 ). He who created us, will collect us. “The Lord, who scattered his people, will gather them together” ( Jeremiah 31:10 ).

I’ve stood in cemeteries and attempted to imagine this moment.

The road on which Denalyn and I take our walks is marked by a small, country cemetery. The headstones are faded beyond recognition. No dirt has been turned for a century. The few discernible names share a common

Here is what is going to happen to you.

Upon death, your spirit will immediately enter into the presence of God. You will enjoy conscious fellowship with the Father and with those who have gone before. We believe this w w w.sa B e a c o n .c o m

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Spirits will be reunited with bodies, glorified bodies.

The resurrected Jesus is our example. His resurrection body bore a semblance to the crucified one; but only a semblance. Jesus’ disciples, who lived with him for three years, didn’t recognize him at first. Mary Magdalene ( John 20:11-18), the Emmaus disciples (Luke 24:13-35), and the twelve ( John 21:1-7), saw Jesus but didn’t see him as Jesus. He did familiar physical things such as walking and eating. He did things he had done, but appeared in a different form.

Were I to look at photos of you as an infant, I would experience the same phenomena. Perhaps, upon study, I would spot a common trait: the shape of your mouth or angle of your eyes.

But finding common traits would require focus. You’ve changed!

But not nearly as much as you will; your new body will be so much better. ” …when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2 ).

“We shall be like him.” Let the amputees and infected, bed-ridden, and anemic put themselves to sleep with the promise, “We shall be like him.” Let the wheel-chair bound and atrophied take this promise to heart.

“We shall be like him.” We shall graduate from this version to his likeness.

We shall enjoy a body, like his made for heaven and earth.

Let this hope for tomorrow bring strength to today. Some of you indwell

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such road-weary bodies: knees ache, eyes dim, skin sags. Others of you exited the womb on an uphill ride.

While I have no easy answers for your struggle, I invite… no, I implore you to stand with me on the promise of Paul.

“So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). ©Max Lucado, March 22, 2016

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We are so grateful for Max Lucado and his God-given gift of communicating. HIs writings are motivational and filled with inspiration. And this one is especially inspiring, an amazing promise that we can all rejoice in. Easter is a special celebration, we can all celebrate in the promise realized in His resurrection. An amazing gift of grace and love comes by accepting this truth. We invite you to listen to KSLR any day of the week for programs that lift the spirit in all of us.

Be A Light.

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Thank you North Park Lincoln for making this story possible to share.

Thank you North Park Lincoln for making this story possible to share.

A Few Facts About

Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s disease is an epidemic: one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

It’s the 6th leading cause of death in the United States, and the only cause of death in the Top 10 that cannot currently be prevented or cured.

More than 5 million Americans are living with the disease, and there are an estimated 16 million caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

In the United States someone develops Alzheimer’s every 65 seconds.

If you need assistance finding a doctor with experience evaluating memory problems, your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter can help.

Early diagnosis and intervention methods are improving dramatically, and treatment options and sources of support can improve quality of life.

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As research is ongoing, growing evidence indicates people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle habits, including: • Regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate increases blood flow to the brain and body (check with your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine. You don’t want to overdo it!)

• Read daily: education is not just for students, it’s for all of us at any stage of life!

• Quit Smoking • Take care of your heart: evidence shows that the same risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke (obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes) can negatively impact cognitive health too.

• Protect your head from injury: wear a helmet when bike riding, always wear a seat belt in a car, and take steps to prevent falls.

• Eat healthy: a balanced diet low in fat, higher in fruit and vegetables can help reduce risk of cognitive decline.

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• Get regular sleep: insomnia and sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.

• Manage stress: anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns increase your risk of cognitive decline.

• Stay social! Being engaged in activities within your community – volunteering, or just staying active with friends and family.

• Challenge your mind: completing jigsaw puzzles, doing something artistic, playing strategic games all may have short and long-term brain benefits.

Here are a few informational links on key positive lifestyle habits: Tips on how to stay physically active:

www.alz.org/brain-health/stay_physically_active.asp Tips on adopting a healthy diet:

www.alz.org/brain-health/adopt_ healthy_diet.asp Tips on staying mentally and socially active: www.alz.org/brain-health/stay_

mentally_socially_active.asp

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Join Us and Help Out You can help out by getting involved in an Alzheimer’s fundraiser, like San Antonio’s annual “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” – this year’s walk will be on October 20th. Visit www.act.alz.org for more information!

If there are any Fiesta medal collectors out there, proceeds from North Park Lincoln’s 2018 medals ($10 each), as in past years will go to our local San Antonio & South Texas chapter of Alzheimer’s Association, to help them fund research, and caregiving efforts.

Our medal shape this year was inspired by the crown of Rey Feo, and inside we put our all-new 2018 Navigator, which is anything but feo of course! At the base of the crown are flowers representing our city’s signature “Battle of

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Flowers” parade, and the four flowers at the top of the medal were given colors that represent those who battle Alzheimer’s every day: blue for those who have Alzheimer’s, yellow for those who care for someone with Alzheimer’s, purple for those who have lost someone to Alzheimer’s, and orange for those who support the mission of Alzheimer’s Association, and their vision of a world one day without Alzheimer’s. Our sales showroom and parts counter (both at 9207 San Pedro) will have the medals – and our own Rachael Veilleux is the artist who drew the design! Thanks to everyone who helps whether financially, by donating their time, or providing care for an Alzheimer’s patient – it all helps, and keeps us all connected. Thank you!

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Alzheimer’s is a disease that is affecting more and more of our friends and family.

We all need to be aware of the signs and symptoms, and of the resources we can turn to for help. Remember you’re not alone! If you’re interested in volunteering or participating in any of the Alzheimer’s Association fundraiser events, please visit alz.org/sanantonio, or give them a call at 1-800-272-3900.

Be A Light.

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Thank you Action Courier & Logistics for making this story possible to share.

See A Bright Future

Private School Education Proves To Be Highly Beneficial.

One of the accepted benefits of private school is that they provide exceptional and challenging educational experiences. Private school students constantly score top marks on standardized tests and college entrance exams, and many schools have close to a 100 percent rate of students attending their university of choice.

Bracken Christian School is one of and unique classes for their seniors those private schools providing excel- such as Anatomy/Physiology Cadaver lent education for K4-12th grade. All Lab and EMT/First Responder Certifications. Bracken Christian also has students benefit from a comprehensive, rigorous curriculum supplean excellent athletic program where mented by individualized offerings their athletes have excelled and have and personal attenearned 10 TAPPS State tion, all imparted in Championships in Football, keeping with a Biblical Volleyball, Basketball and world view, where Cross-Country.

Christ and His teachParental involvement ings are at the center of everything.

Private schools are built Bracken Christian around open communication is committed to between parents and adminacademic excellence istration, and they make it a with a spiritual and priority to involve parents in missions emphasis. the community. From frequent Their middle school Bracken Christian graduates are parent-teacher meetings and better prepared for college. and high school have the participation of parent daily devotions (except committees in fundraising on Chapel day) and attend daily Bible initiatives, families become an integral classes, weekly Chapel and serve part of the child’s education. throughout our community.

A safe environment Bracken Christian’s academic program for Elementary offers Music, Private schools have reputations Spanish (beginning in Pre-K), Art, for maintaining high standards for Computer Science and Phonics as discipline and respect. Lower staff-towell as academic competitions such as Math Olympics, Speech Meet, and Spelling Bee. Their middle school and As parents of three Bracken Christian School students, high school offers academic competi- we are very pleased with our kids’ education. We can see both a knowledge and spiritual growth in each one of tions as well as dual credit courses

student ratios allow for more effective observation and control of school grounds. The strong sense of community found in private schools also discourages dangerous behavior. In the Fraser Institute study, around 72 percent of parents surveyed with children in the private school system strongly agreed that their school was safe, which greatly improves the quality of the child’s educational experience and achievement. The discipline they learn also improves their rates for success in post-secondary education, when they are in control of their class attendance and achievement.

in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, arts, or clubs. This involvement helps stimulate students in their studies, as noted in a study at Stanford University that found that students involved in the arts are more motivated to learn and are three times more likely to win a school attendance award. Brian Crerand, whose three kids attend Bracken Christian School, says that sport “has become part of their daily life. It has made them more focused. All three are doing very well academically.” Extracurricular activities can provide a much-needed break from the stresses of academics, while developing skills and engaging in valuable social situations.

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Extracurricular activities While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded education and encourage participation

At Action Courier & Logistics we believe in order to realize a bright future we need to act today. We believe that Bracken Christian School provides the right curricular and social environment for kids to grow and learn to their potential so they maximize their future potential. If you’re interested in looking into Bracken visit their website at www.brackenchristian.com or give them a call at 830-428-3211.

Be A Light.

them. We are blessed to have the opportunity to send them to Bracken.

The Crerand Family

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Thank you Southwest Exteriors for making this story possible to share.

March On for a United Community

BY K IR K F R EEMAN Pastor, Writer

For most of my life, I’d thought of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a holiday for black Americans. While I was supportive of it, it seemed distant and unrelated to me personally. Then one day while eating lunch with an African American friend, it suddenly hit me: Were it not for Dr. King and those who bravely marched with him, my friend and I would not be eating together.

In that moment, it was like the sun was starting to rise on the far horizon of my mind. Other faces began to appear in my thoughts; faces of other African Americans who’d been influential in my life. People like Coach Cross, my middle school football coach, who taught me to quit whining and start working (a good lesson for every middle school boy!). I thought of my friend Carlos, who was my constant MLK Day 2018 brought out competitor from many like-minded people sharing in the dream that 7th-12th grade.

Martin Luther King Jr. memorialized in 1964.

Sometimes he’d win, other times I’d come out ahead, but one thing was certain: I would never have been spurred on by this smart, capable, athletic friend— who also happened to be black—were it not for Dr. King and those who marched with him. My paradigm was changing.

Then, it dawned on me that while the Civil Rights Movements was led by black Americans, it wasn’t solely for black Americans. The equal rights provided for in the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 paved the way for people of every race to enjoy equality. Again, faces of people flooded my mind—faces of people who’d influenced my life and still do. I thought of the Gonzalez family in our church and the great spiritual blessing of friendship I have with 10

Jeff as a fellow elder in our fellowship. I thought of a Filipino couple with whom I’d become friends and the wisdom of Sonny and the sweet compassionate heart of his wife, Lynn. The face of a Korean couple came to mind. They always greet me with joy and encouragement whenever we pass each other in Panther Springs Park. I would know none of these people, much less the benefit of their friendships, were it not for Dr. King and the courageous ones who marched with him.

How could I possibly think of this holiday as one solely for black Americans when I have so personally benefited from the work which the holiday commemorates? No, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a holiday for me as much as anyone—it’s a holiday for all Americans.

My bet is that as I shared with you the names of people of different races who’ve influenced my life, names and faces were coming to your mind as well. Like me, aren’t you the recipient of the blessing of someone of another race? Haven’t you been improved, instructed, or encouraged by someone of a different color? Of course you have.

My hope is that as these names enter your mind, gratitude will well up in your heart as it did mine. It’s always good to have something for which to be thankful.

Remember, though, in many ways, the march to Selma isn’t finished. A national holiday wasn’t Dr. King’s goal. He was after even more than emptying our federal and state laws of racial discrimination. He dreamed of racial equality. Where we partake of the rich harvest God has for us in his design of varied races and cultures.

Without a doubt we will have to work at it.

For me, as a local pastor, I have to look beyond just the words I speak on Sunday.

I’ve got to reach out and develop relationships with other pastors of all races. We’ve got to come together so we reflect God’s prophetic design of every tongue and tribe worshiping together. I hope you’ll be encouraged to know that there are at least 50 pastors in San Antonio who are deeply w w w.sa B e a c o n .c o m

The Esperanza Court:

From left to right: Johnson Nantawubwa, Gerard Bagsby, Kirk Freeman, Stuart Perryman, Russell Howelton, and Andy Hostetler.

committed to our being one Church.

These pastors are meeting for friendship and encouragement. They’re praying together and working together. Only good things can come of this—and we know they will, because this is surely God’s plan.

What is your role in this? What’s the right next step for you to contribute to the dream? Perhaps it’s to write a letter of thanks to someone who influenced you positively or to forgive someone who didn’t. Maybe you could intentionally establish a relationship with someone different from you. And let’s be frank, if you’re white, as I am, it is incumbent upon you to initiate. Most political and corporate executive roles are held by those who are white—that equates with power and power comes with the responsibility of lifting others up. Let’s continue the march to Selma and realize the dream together.

Pastor Kirk Freeman is lead Pastor at Crossbridge community Church in San Antonio which he and a team started in 2003.

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At Southwest Exteriors we are grateful for Martin Luther King Jr. and sharing his dream with us. As a result, we are realizing the dream and celebrating community together.

Please consider getting involved in next years’ MLK Day.

Be A Light.

Hope for

the Hopeless She was at the corner of Avondale and S. Presa Street when we first met. I had just finished talking to the bartender about the care packages my ministry was starting for the women on the streets. The women caught up in prostitution and addiction. Women that wanted to change but did not know how due to lack of support or fear of coming off the very drugs that were killing them.

DA NA MI C H E A MA R QUE Z Freelance Writer

I saw her sitting under a street lamp at a bus stop. I pulled up beside her to call her name, “Genevieve! Genevieve!”

She looked at me with a suspicious look, “Do I know you?”

“The girl at the bar gave me your name. I’m out here ministering to the women of the night.” I pulled over and got out of my car to minister to Genevieve. This was December of 2014.

The same month the naked body of 15-year-old Natalie Chavez was discovered under a San Antonio West side Bridge – brutally raped, beaten and murdered. Little did I know that a few months later, Natalie and Genevieve

would share the same fate.

According to the Texas State Historical Association (https://tshaonline. org) article, Prostitution by David C. Humphrey, “Prostitution has long been a feature of the Texas social landscape.

In 1817, when Texas was still a Spanish province, nine prostitutes were expelled from San Fernando de Béxar (San Antonio). Spanish-speaking prostitutes resided in San Antonio from its early days under Texan rule.

Anglo prostitutes joined them during the 1840s and 1850s, and by 1865 both groups were entrenched.”

San Antonio has always faced a major issue of prostitution. As stated with the statistics given by the San Antonio Police Department Public

Information Office, in 2017 alone there have been 1,104 prostitution arrests.

While in 2016, prostitution arrests were 1,192.

the overall numbers are “ While down, which are a result of street operations and the diversion programs done by the DA’s Office, Internet prostitution is increasing every year. There are a lot of the street girls moving to the Internet, it’s just easier for them.

Internet prostitution cases also take us longer to do. For the same time it takes to make one Internet case, we can do at least three street cases.

”

~ Lt. Jimmy Sides of the SAPD VICE UNIT.

Prostitution may be a major issue in San Antonio, however, there is a Specialty Felony Court Program called The Esperanza Court that is offering, not only a solution to the prostitution problem, but a way of hope for these very women that society has deemed as hopeless.

Thank you Law Offices of J Charles Bunk for making this story possible to share.

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Thank you Law Offices of J Charles Bunk for making this story possible to share.

Judge Lorina Rummel of the 144th District Felony Court, oversees The Esperanza Court, which is 2.5 to 3-year Specialty Felony Drug Court. Judge Rummel, with a team of one Probation Officer, Case Managers, Prosecutors, Housing and Mental Health Representatives, along with several strategic staff, are helping to make this program effective and successful.

When asked about The Esperanza Court being in other cities, Judge Rummel answered,

this Specialty Felony “ ByCourtLegislation, must be in every county with a major population. In Texas, this court is in Fort Worth, Dallas, San Antonio, Houston and Austin. Only in San Antonio is it known as The Esperanza Court. The Esperanza Court is also funded by government grants through the State of Texas.

”

Regarding a December 2016 article written by Elizabeth Zavala of the San Antonio Express News, “The Esperanza Court is open to men and women.

Officials describe it as a problem-solving court, supplementing the routine of criminal justice by working to modify criminal behavior. It focuses on criminals who have convictions of three or more convictions for prostitution by offering treatment and therapy, for drug and alcohol abuse, trauma and mental health issues, county officials said. For those who Judge Lorina Rummel participate, it is a way to confide in and bond with others in the same situation, talk about their problems, learn job-seeking skills, and stay out of jail or prison.”

To partake in the program, participants are screened by Judge Rummel and her team members. Each person must be on felony probation, as well as have a history of prostitution in his/ her background. They must also understand the benefits and requirements of the program and be willing to put in the time and effort as partici-

pants. The program currently has approximately 40 people involved.

In a phone interview, Judge Rummel reinforces the intensity of the program, “As part of the two-year program, the participants are closely supervised and must undergo weekly drug and alcohol screenings. There is daily contact between the participants, team members and myself. We meet once a week. This is the most enjoyable part of my week.”

The program works with the participants by providing basic needs in the early stages of the five-phase program.

Not only is mental health and therapy provided, housing is provided transitioning them from a negative environment to a positive, encouraging environment. This sets the foundation of being reintegrated as law abiding and productive members of society.

The Esperanza Court, meaning hope in Spanish, teaches accountability, and challenges the women to get their GEDs, find employment, and attain a higher form of education. The court has also been successful in helping pregnant participants give birth to

t o N I Ameless.

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Judge Lorina Rummel is up for re-election for the 144th this year.

“ Judge Lorina Rummel is up for re-election for the 144th this year. To keep her vision for The Esperanza Court, she needs to be re-elected. Let’s remember her when we go to vote. Thank you Judge Rummel for all you do for our community.”

J Charles Bunk Texas Attorney Law Offices of J Charles Bunk

drug-free babies.

The Esperanza Court had its first graduation in December 2016 since its 2.5 year start in 2014. There will be another graduation taking place in March of 2018.

When asked about future goals and needs of The Esperanza Court, Judge Rummel stated, “To keep running it, to see more graduates. As far as the need goes, more jobs for people that have changed their lives. More potential employers for people with checkered pasts that have proven themselves.”

Judge Lorina Rummel is up for re-election for the 144th this year. To keep her vision for The Esperanza Court, she needs to be re-elected. She does not have an opponent in the March election. However, come November, she will have an opponent on the ballot.

After the interview with Judge Rummel, my mind raced back to Genevieve on Saturday April 4, 2015.

The day I received the text from the same bartender that told me about her.

“Did you hear about Genevieve?” I read.

“No, what happened?”

“The news is over here. I wanted to tell you before it got out in the media.

They found Genevieve’s body!”

Just a few hours earlier, I was at the same bar looking for her. Everyone

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Re-elect Judge Rummel and keep the Vision for The Esperanza Court thought she was with me. She had been talking about contacting me since the week before. She wanted off the streets. She was voicing how sick and tired of being sick and tired she was. She wanted to change.

Genevieve Ramirez, 45, was found near death in an alleyway on the 100 block of Avondale, by a man that was cutting his grass. In a June 22, 2015 News4 Interview, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar (whom Genevieve Ramirez was a SAPD Sergeant at the time of Genevieve’s death), was stated as saying, “She had what may have been trauma to her neck area and she was also under the effects of what may have been a heroin overdose.”

Ramirez and Chavez had one thing in common: both were victims of Johnny Avalos, now deemed as San Antonio’s South Side Serial Killer.

Avalos is in the process of court proceedings regarding the four women he brutally murdered in a four-month time span from December 2014 to April 2015.

Genevieve died two months later in a nursing facility while in a comatose state. Programs, such as The Esperanza Court, offer transformational hope to prevent future Genevieves from dying.

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Writer Dana Michea Marquez is a wife and mom of two intelligent boys. She has been writing since elementary school, when she first started writing poetry. Mrs. Marquez has a passion and calling in helping women caught up in prostitution and drugs through her soon-to-be non-profit, Genevieve’s Purses. Among Michea’s many gifts and talents, she is also an entrepreneur. She currently owns New Wavez Vizion Consultants, which is an Event and Marketing Business. She and her family attend Victory Outreach of San Antonio Church with Pastor Luis and Debbie Molina, Jr. Michea can be reached at Newwavezvizion@gmail.com

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At Law Offices of J Charles Bunk we believe it’s all about community and sharing a similar dream. We are so grateful for what Judge Rummel is doing with the Esperanza Court and our community. We know life throws us challenges and it’s nice to see there are options for people who take the wrong path. Getting off the wrong path is not always easy. Providing assistance to change your life’s path is important for changing our future. Please consider getting involved or assisting The Esperanza Court by going to www.saBeacon.com/ court.

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Story made possible by North Park Subaru@ Dominion.

SUBARU at DOMINION

Help Us Put Some Medal Behind Helping A Child Pick up our Fiesta Medal (local pickup at our store only) for $10 each. We were very inspired by the horses, the kids, and the volunteers who care for them.

“Really incredible stuff goes on you don’t get without the horse – they are our number one partner,” Kate said.

BY AMY M O R G AN Freelance Writer

It’s not just another Fiesta Medal.

Proceeds will benefit Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch: help us to care for the horses that help kids!

Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch’s mission of equine rescue and therapy is one North Park Subaru at Dominion is proud to support. Open T.R.A.I.L. (which stands for Therapeutic Riding Actively Improving Lives) currently serves 60 riders weekly, with 12 horses. Their horses help special needs children in our area by engaging their sensorimotor and neuromotor systems to create functional change and confidence.

Last fall, when North Park Subaru at Dominion was searching for a “Hometown Charity” to add to its “Share the Love” campaign, customers who lease or buy a Subaru were allowed to select one of four charities to which the car dealership would donate $250 on their behalf.

Stephen Markham, General Manager at North Park Subaru at Dominion, providentially heard of Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch, a therapeutic

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riding facility and scheduled a personal visit with Kate Vasquez, founder, executive director and instructor. He was so impressed with her work, and that of the other three instructors and physical therapists, he selected Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch as the dealership’s local beneficiary. The employees at North Park Subaru at Dominion passionately promoted Open T.R.A.I.L. to their customers – which led to a donation of $42,000 for the ranch.

“It is the biggest donation we have ever received, and the first donation from a company,” Kate said. “We were speechless a group would believe in us so much to do that for us and our riders.”

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And the relationship between the ministry and the dealership continues.

North Park Subaru at Dominion employee group invest “sweat equity” on Open T.R.A.I.L. workdays, clearing additional trails on the 100-plus acre land at 28710 Boerne Stage Road, just 10 minutes from La Cantera.

“It is incredible to see them, not just at their dealership vouching for us, but on their off-time coming out. They are completely invested in our riders and with our rescue horses,” Kate added.

Funds from North Park Subaru at Dominion have built a new barn with additional equine stalls. Most of the ranch’s horses are rescued from an abusive or neglectful situation or were

April 2018

headed to the slaughterhouse. These rehabilitated horses, “give so much and behave differently once they realize they are no longer in danger,” Kate said, and are the perfect complement to her riders, many of whom have come from similar situations or who have behavioral or psychological problems.

“The horses have their own stories we can share with the kids,” she added, which is especially helpful for those in Equine Assisted Learning Therapy. A horse is a mirror image, she explained, which helps participants recognize and give voice to their emotions. The horse can advocate how the participant is feeling.

“If they are angry, the horse will walk away; if they are anxious, the horse will show that emotion, too,” she said. “A lot (of participants) are foster kids or those who have had trauma, autism spectrum, or a learning disability that almost makes them unable to relate to others. They can learn how to properly socialize utilizing the horse.”

Another equine therapy offered by Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch is the Therapeutic Riding Program for ambulatory riders with physical, emotional or cognitive special needs. The goal is for graduates to be able to ride unassisted anywhere safely.

Hippotherapy is specialized physical therapy treatment on horseback.

April 2018

Participants may not be able to walk, but because the movement of the horse mimics walking, muscles are strengthened and range of motion increased, which can lead to an ability to take purposeful steps versus being in a wheelchair.

“Really incredible stuff goes on you don’t get without the horse – they are our number one partner,” Kate said.

open a therapeutic riding facility.

Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch relies on volunteers to provide personal interaction and support for each rider and horse. Students as young as 14 can be trained to participate in a variety of meaningful roles. Find Kate at www.opentrailranch.org for more information.

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SUBARU at DOMINION

Children can learn how to properly socialize utilizing the horse.

Lastly, she teaches vaulting, which is basically gymnastics on a horse. The small class promotes social skills, confidence and team building.

Instructors and therapies are certified by PATH, an international accrediting agency.

The ranch has been open since 2012, the year Churchill High School alum Vasquez graduated from college with a degree in psychology and special education. She crafted her degree always mindful of her goal to

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At North Park Subaru at Dominion we believe in Kate’s vision and are appreciative for how she’s meeting the needs of these special kids. These kids get the benefit of therapy and the horses find a new purpose in their lives. There are so many ways this ranch can help so many more kids, we urge you to look into Kate’s vision. We think you’ll fall in love with the idea of helping more. Visit them at www.opentrailranch.com or give them a call at (210) 367-8248.

Stephen Markham General Manager North Park Subaru @ Dominion

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Be A Light

Happy Easter From All Your Friends at The Beacon Dive-in Head First to The Word, Your Heart Will Follow.

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