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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sin-fluence If you have a discipline problem with your teen, it could develop into a more drastic relationship problem, or even become a mental health problem, just by exerting the wrong kind of parental influences. I think we can agree that Christian teens are ‘under the influence’ of an ungodly culture more than ever. Anything goes – and no one thinks the wrongdoing in their life is a problem. But sometimes a parent’s good efforts to limit those ungodly influences in their teen’s world actually push a teen more toward the problem, not away. I came up with a term for it, I call it “sinfluence.” Parent’s aren’t intentionally sinning when they try to be a good influence, but parental influence exerted in the wrong way may contribute just as much stress and dysfunction to a teen’s path in life as the sinful influences in his world, and make their world a more attractive place to be than at home with parents who love them. I’ve listed the most sinfluential mistakes I see in parents today: Withdrawing If your teen feels, “If you do something wrong, I will be embarrassed, or hurt, and I will pull away from my relationship with you.” If you disconnect…then worldly influences WILL become OK in your child’s thinking, because children learn what’s right and wrong through a context of relationship.
No child wants to lose their relationship with their mom or dad when they make a mistake. If you withdraw your relationship with your teen, he will seek out even more connectedness within his world. Enabling Any time you step in to provide for them when they should be providing for themselves, or resolving their own problems….you simply train your teen not to solve his own problems. You also send the message that you don’t believe he is capable of getting it right. Since I’ve never met a parent who prefers having a 25-year old who is pathetic and helpless, you need to get over your anxieties about seeing your child go through a struggle, and wean them from their dependence on you. Any time you are more invested in solving their problems than they are, you are enabling. Poorly Listening One of the most influential moments in a teen’s life is the moment when his parent spends time truly listening to him. Time with your child during the teen years is just as important, if not more important, as spending time with them when they are young. But don’t spend time listening in order to focus on problemsolving, lecturing, warning, cajoling, or reasoning. Instead, just listen. Invite them to share their life with you,
without all of the advice. Demanding Perfection More than ever, especially in the younger generation of parents, instead of understanding the developmental challenges of moving from childhood to adulthood and all the bumps that are normally expected, I see parents hoping their teen is a holy rock-star who gets the meaning of life without a lot of work on their part, and is full of behavioral, academic, spiritual, and personal perfection. Instead of hoping for a perfect child, expect a messed up child. Appreciate that he is supposed to make mistakes, and become his advocate as you help HIM deal with it. In your teen’s world, the load of struggling, failing, bullying, and sinking is great. Parents misunderstand their child’s load, and make their burdens worse when they expect perfection instead of expecting them to mess-up. Denying In helping hundreds of families over the course of my career, I’m always amazed at the information parents leave out when telling me about their child’s problems. For example, one mom let me know that her son had depression, anxiety, was failing in school, and beginning to abuse drugs and alcohol. But in the course of our discussion she failed to mention that he had
also been caught having sex with his high school teacher, and it had been going on since his 8th grade. Hiding the truth of your teen’s behavior, choices, or problems doesn’t help your teen learn how to resolve them. Influence here includes telling the truth about what’s going on. The conclusion is this. No parent sets out to be a sinful influence. No one wants to cause a child to have deeper problems because of the way they influence them. I hope this list helps you see the most sinfluential choices I run into when dealing with troubled families. And allow me encourage you to not try to fix the problems with parenting all at once. But if you were to pick even just one area and work on it in your own life– in a short time your child would come under a better influence than he currently experiencing in your home. You can’t fix what’s wrong in your parental influence all at once, because trust is a twoway street and trust is earned. Change for good comes slowly. So pick the most important sinfluential habit, work on it. And if you need help, Heartlight offers a workshop for Families in Crisis on a regular basis. It might be humbling to ask for help in parenting, but it might be just what your teen needs.
Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder and director of Heartlight, a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. He has been married to his wife, Jan, for 40 years, has two kids, and 4 grandkids. He lives in Longview, Texas with the Heartlight staff, 60 high school kids, 25 horses, his dog, Stitch, 2 llamas, and a prized donkey named Toy. His past involvement as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and living with over 2,700 teens, has prepared Mark to share his insights and wisdom about parenting pre-teens and adolescents. You can find out more about Heartlight at www.HeartlightMinistri es.org. You can also call Heartlight directly at (903) 668-2173. For more information and helpful resources for moms and dads, check out our Parenting Today’s Teens website at www.ParentingTodays Teens.org. It’s filled with ideas and tools to help you become a more effective parent. Here you will also find a station near you where you can listen to the Parenting Today’s Teens radio broadcast, or download the podcast of the most recent programs.
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How to Memorize Scripture COURTESY OF INTOTHYWORD.ORG
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11
Tools, Steps, and Tips to Help you Memorize Scripture
Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. Psalm 119:12
Start with the proper approach-that of prayer and reverence before our Holy God. Have an honest desire to know Him more fully and with a good attitude based on growing in Christ rather than seeking just what you want. Our minds must be clear and childlike before Him, because, when you read His Word, you are standing before the face of God-the Holy God! So, adjust to a good attitude and reverence for God and His Word. It is simply not enough to know what you want to doyou have to know the right way to do it. It is like following directions to build something like a model; when we use the directions, we build it right. When we throw them away, we get it wrong and our efforts are wasted. If we do not have the right approach and attitude, we do not get much out of God's Word, because our will gets in the way of His! First: Pray
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. Psalm 119:10
This is the essential, first step to always, always starting anything-especially the memorization of Scripture and communication with God! Ask God to open your eyes so you can be confident and be able to do this with ease, passion, and impact (Psalm 119:18).
• Pray and ask God to help you memorize; ask Him for the confidence and perseverance to do so. • Ask Him for His blessing and be positive that He will enable you to do it. • To grow in Christ, we must desire to be with Him and to learn from Him. (Phil. 3:10; 1 John 1 :3-4) • Prayer engages us with Christ and helps us in our best efforts, • True obedience comes out of our love and gratitude for who He is and what He has done. • Have confidence that Christ is working in you! Second: Select I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. Psalm 119:16 Choose a short passage-a verse or two that you wish to memorize. Either start with our recommendations below or with what your pastor or mentor suggests. • If this seems too much, then begin with one of the simple, one-verse passages. • Choose a verse that speaks to and/or touches you. • Never consider this as a chore or burdensome; it is our joy to know our Lord more! • The point is to do it. Do not jump into large passages or tough passages; get to know the basic passages in the Gospels or Psalms first! • Discover what our Lord has to say to you! • Think Big - Think Smart, not small or with an "I can't' or "I have to"' attitude; rather have a will to do it - our identity is in Christ. • Remember the context!
See the whole picture of what is going on. The reason most people do not get it is because they do not get in it! • Set aside time and be consistent; try at least 5-10 minutes a day to practice your Bible memory. • You can easily memorize one to two passages a week. • Do not be overwhelmed! Yes, memorization looks ominous and un-climbable, but you have to just start. Just as when putting together a big puzzle-start with what you recognize, do it one piece at a time, and then one day it will be done! • Keep in mind why you are doing this! Read Psalm 119 and do a study on verses 916. • Remember, we are called to memorize Scripture! Third: Read it I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. Psalm 119:15 Read the verse that you have selected and then read the book and chapter to know its context. Then, read the verses, verse-by-verse in order, and write down what you see and learn. Then, you will be amazed at how much more you will pick up! • Remember to read the verse in its context. • Study the passage first to better understand what you are memorizing and to increase your understanding of what the verse means. Do not assume anything; do the research and study. Many Christians think they know something when in fact they do not, or at least not well enough. • Read your passage in
another translation or a paraphrase. If you do not know what something means, look it up in a good commentary or Bible Dictionary. • State the reference of the passage before and after, such as John 3:16. • Make sure to say the passage accurately. Forth: Re-read With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. Psalm119:13 Commit your verse to memory by reading and rereading it. It is best to read the passage you want to memorize at least ten times in your translation of choice. If you are using the King James (this is great to do and my personal favorite for memorization), don't forget to also read it in a translation you can understand with more clarity.
Richard Joseph Krejcir is the Founder and Director of Into Thy Word Ministries, a missions and discipling ministry. He is the author of several books including Into Thy Word, A Field Guide to Healthy Relationships and NetWork. He is also a pastor, teacher, and speaker. He is a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California (M.Div.) and holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Practical Theology from London (Ph.D). He has garnered over 20 years of pastoral ministry experience, mostly in youth ministry, including serving as a Church Growth Consultant.
See MEMORIZE, page 5
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MEMORIZE
Hope & Healing: When Your Spouse Dies
Continued from page 4
• Read and review it; say it out loud several times. • Then, read the passage several times a day for one week. Then slow it down and read it once or twice a day for a week; then, to keep it memorized recite it once a month. • Make a prayer out of the verse; pray to God, incorporating the verse and its precepts into your prayer. • Meditate on the passagethis means to reflect and ponder on it. • Do an Inductive study on it. • Break the verse down into its natural phrases; comas are your clue, and do a section at a time. • Emphasize with your voice the key words. Try to stress certain words and phrases with different pitch and tones of our voice, like actors and public readers do. • Study at times when your biological clock is active, i.e. if you are a morning person, study in the morning more than in the evening. (Take your temperature every hour on the hour throughout the day and chart it. Do this 2 or 3 times in a week; chart the times your temperature is highest and study hardest at those times.) • Think positively and affirm yourself. A negative attitude will get you just that...a negative response from Scripture and a disconnection from what God is seeking to teach you and use you in others' lives as well. A positive attitude will also help you achieve what Christ has for you and others in your life, too. • Use memorizing techniques like making up stories to help you remember, or tie what you are learning to something else that you know as a synonym. • While you read, say it out in a loud voice!
By Theresa Vogel Millward Courtesy of faithwriters.com
• Imagine yourself as a participant-as if it is your story or as if you are there. • Let God speak to you; the main goal is to know our Lord better, not just to gain more knowledge! • Try to create a jingle or write a song! Fifth: Write it Out I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame. Psalm 119:31 Write out your verse on a small index card or flash card along with the passage reference. Then, use your card as a memory tool to look at, and re-read it at least 10 times. Put it away for a few hours, then pick up the card and reread it aloud several times. • How to review with 3x5 cards: study in short periods, i.e. five to 10 minutes at a time, and then go on to something else. Then, do it again for five to 10 minutes and so on. (The human mind has a short attention learning span.) Take breaks, carry cards around with you, and do this at different times throughout the day. • Studying for five to 10 minute segments 10 times a day is much more efficient than
It happened within 24 hours, my husband, Michael, collapsed and died of a heart attack. He had some medical problems, but we didn't know they were life-threatening. The hospital did numerous tests and found out he had an infection that spread to his vital organs. By the time he became critical, it was too studying for four hours at a late for the doctors to reverse time, and you will grasp it what was happening to my better! husband. We were married • Read the card quietly to almost 27 years. yourself several times and also A few years later, I took aloud; review-spending the time another chance on love, and and repetition is your key to remarried. My new husband, success. Nigel, previously had cancer, • Carry some of the cards but a few months into our you have done with you when marriage, his cancer you go places for practice and reoccurred and he passed review. away within one year. To say • You can also write out your the least, I was heartbroken. passage several times on a What do you do when your note pad. Repetitive writing spouse dies? Whether it is helps the words sink deeper suddenly or gradually, death into your mind. of a spouse can leave you • You can also write verses shocked, devastated, and down on "post-it" notes and lost. stick them in prominent places I want to share with you were you will see them often, what helped me get through such as your bathroom mirror, my grief and loss the first computer monitor, desk top, year, and beyond. It was not refrigerator door…not on your easy, but I took one day at a car or where you should not be time. distracted (This is my wife's • My Faith in God: He gave favorite way to do it)! me the strength and courage • Make sure the passage is to go through the grieving written down accurately. process. I depend on him • On the card, you can also every day of my life. Having write down the category, such faith is a mainstay that can as a promise, a command, or a get you through anything. fruit, etc. Jesus is my life, my joy, my • Organize your cards into all. categories such as in • My Friends and Family: I chronological order or in topics moved back to my hometown such as Holiness, Salvation, where, nearby, live my family God's Character, Sovereignty, and close friends. They are a Faith, Assurance, etc. great support. Making new friends is helpful, too.
• My Dog: Having a pet is a comfort and a companion. It was good for me to care for her and to be needed. I never had children, so my dog is my "fur baby." I highly recommend a pet, especially for those without children to care for, when you go through a loss. Caring for some thing else, in addition to yourself, helps keep the day busy and fills the void of loneliness. • Grief Support Group: If you are comfortable with sharing your loss with others, this can be a helpful way in dealing with your grief. A support group can give you steps on how to move forward in your life. I found a support group beneficial, because it's sharing and caring for each other. I discovered a video on YouTube, “Uncoupled, Dealing With the Death of A Spouse,” where four people tell their experiences with loss and what helped them get through their grief. I hope you find it helpful. There are no cookie cutter solutions for grief and loss, but there is hope, help, and healing. Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 Copyright March, 2015. Theresa Vogel Millward, All Rights Reserved. Author of Along Life's Path: Inspirational Poems, Songs, and Stories. Writes bi-weekly, faith-based blog posts at www.alonglifespath.com. To "encourage your heart and strengthen your faith."
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Get involved with youth organizations COURTESY OF METROCONNECTION
schools. Schools also lend their all-purpose rooms or other spaces to organizations so that meetings are convenient to students. School open houses provide great opportunities for adults to learn about the various programs offered by a given school. Such programs often need volunteers. Many young children are first exposed to group activities upon enrolling in the Cub Scouts or Girl Scouts. These are national programs that operate locally through packs and troops. Scouting organizations are entirely dependent on volunteers. Whether you sign up as a leader, a coleader or a person who works behind the scenes, you will be a part of an organization that has helped to shape kids for decades. Religious organizations also provide opportunities for adults to work with kids and young adults. Volunteer work is an integral part of many religions, and ministering to youngsters is one way to spread the message of faith. Work with a religious leader to find the best fit for your services. You may volunteer as a Sunday school teacher or serve as a chaperone at youth events. Volunteer work is beneficial no matter where one directs his or her energy. However, the experience can be even more rewarding when it involves working with children.
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Volunteer work can benefit volunteers emotionally and physically. Many people aspire to get involved by donating their time or resources, but they may not know which avenue to take. Leading a youth organization or mentoring children can change the lives of both children and volunteers in numerous ways. Youth groups include boys’ and girls’ clubs, religious ministry organizations, sports teams, and other specialinterest clubs. When matched up with the right group, children may learn a number of skills that can assist them as they age. After-school activities can teach kids leadership skills and how to work together while making them feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves. Volunteering with youth-based organizations is a great way for adults to make a real difference in the lives of children. Inquire among your network of friends when looking for a youth organization to work with. Friends may be in touch with sports leagues or other community groups that are looking for volunteers. If your child has an interest in a particular sport, find out if the league is looking for coaches or parents to work in other capacities for the team. This is a great way to get involved without compromising your child’s sense of individuality and space. Schools are another resource. Many clubs and organizations are chartered or sponsored through
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PROGRAM PURPOSE The Just, Love, Cooper, Coleman (JLCC) mentoring program is a program that mentors young men in Albany & Southwest Georgia. We relentlessly help young men embrace every aspect of Manhood. Our program begins every fiscal year with many new goals and aspirations and we involve each member and each parent in every material aspect of our goals. The JLCC mentoring program has numerous character building initiatives like fundraising, charity, tutorial programs, retreats, and community volunteer work to name a few that each member is required to perform. Each member is also mandated to exhibit leadership qualities that include respect, unselfishness, and teamwork. Parental involvement is mandatory and it assists the program in its efforts such as college tours, tutorial programs, attending athletic events, and purchasing school supplies to name a few. The Eta Omicron chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated is a 501(c)3 (non Profit) organization. All of the funds from fundraisers and Business Sponsorships will be used on the young men that are a part of the program. ADMISSION & JOINING PROCESS During the months of August thru December yearly potential program members and parents are allowed to participate in the activities the JLCC mentoring program undertakes. During this time frame both the parents and their son(s) can determine whether or not the JLCC mentoring program is a good fit for them. During the month of December of each year those who have been participating with the program and are still interested become full members of the program. As of the following January our program starts the new fiscal year and each new member and their parents are required to participate, fundraise, and be an integral part of every aspect of the program. Interested parents and potential members are welcomed to contact the committee chairperson using the contact information below. Sincerely,
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ALBANY First Bethesda Baptist Church 7108 Newton Rd (229) 435-2921 New Beginnings Missionary Baptist Church 209 N. Monroe Street (229) 888-4777 Greater Grace Church of God in Christ 205 S Westover Blvd (229) 439-7047 St. Teresa’s Catholic Church 421 Edgewood Lane www.stteresaschurch.org (229) 439-2302 St. Paul Episcopal Church 212 N Jefferson St (229) 436-0196 www.stpaulsalbany.org
Second Mt. Zion Baptist Church 1010 Old Pretoria Road (229) 439-0334 www.secondmtzion.com First Free Will Baptist Church 420 Westover Blvd (229) 436-4021 www.ffwbcalbany.org
Leesburg 135 Main St (229) 759-6576 firstbaptistleesburg.org Leesburg United Methodist Church 117 Starksville Ave N (229) 759-2096 umcleesburg.com
Shiloh Baptist Church 325 Whitney Ave (229) 435-8413
Greenbriar Church 1344 US 19 (229) 446-4642 greenbriarchurch.net
Calvary Baptist Church 1211 13th Ave calvarybaptistchurchofalban yga.org
Leesburg Church of Christ 106 Callaway St (229) 759-2030 leesburgchurchofchrist.org
New Life of Albany 1200 Cordele Rd newlifeofalbany.com
Philema Road Baptist Church 114 Stocks Dairy Rd (229) 435-3135
Lee First Baptist Church -
New Hope Baptist Church 1209 Graves Springs Rd
(229) 439-9997 newhopebaptist.net Greater United Pleasant Green 1512 Philema Rd S (229) 438-8062 Albany Community SDA Church 381 Fussell Rd (229) 436-3631 Friendship Baptist Church 564A Highway 195N Desoto, GA 229-874-6610 AMERICUS Life Point Church 384 GA HWY 30 W Central Baptist Church 190 Upper River Rd (229) 924-4092 cbcamericus.org
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Cornerstone Church 245 Southland Rd (229) 924-7409 Restoration Church of Americus 1213 Douglas Cir (229) 931-6244 restorationchurchamericus.c om First United Methodist Church 200 S Lee St (229) 924-3169 fumcamericus.com First Presbyterian Church 125 S Jackson St (229) 924-2162 americuspresbyterian.org St. Mary’s Catholic Church 332 S Lee St (229) 924-3495 First Baptist Church Americus 221 South Lee St (229) 924-9035 www.fbcamericus.org Faith Baptist Church 947 Felder st (229) 924-5890 Union Tabernacle Baptist Church 900 Adderton St (229) 924-0421 Americus Pentecostal Church 820 Magnolia St (229) 928-3178
TIFTON Northside Baptist Church 4605 Murray Ave (229) 382-6855 nbctifton.org St Anne’s Episcopal Church 2411 Central Ave (229) 382-7505 stannestifton.com Our Divine Saviour Catholic 1205 Love Ave (229) 382-4600 odsparish.org Journey Church 304 20th St W (229) 238-3749 New River Church 17 Old Brookfield Rd (229) 386-2693 newriverbaptist.org Carpenter Road Church of God 40 Carpenter Rd N (229) 382-4880 crdcog.com First Presbyterian Church 217 Park Ave N (229) 382-6730 firstpresbyteriantifton.com Beulah Hill Baptist Church 321 Tifton-Eldorado Rd (229) 472-1505 New Life Presbyterian Church
3500 Fulwood Rd (229) 382-7238 newlifetifton.org
Calvary Baptist Church 830 26th Ave SE (229) 985-3237 www.calvarybcmoultrie.com
MOULTRIE
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First Baptist Church 400 S Main St (229) 985-2103 firstmoultrie.org
CrossPointe Church 110 Northside Dr (229) 242-7702 crosspointechurch.cc
Heritage Church 844 GA 33 (229) 891-3421 heritagelife.org
Southland Church 2206 E Hill Ave (229) 245-8188 southlandchurch.net
Trinity Church 201 12th Ave SE (229) 985-3660 trinityofmoultrie.org
New Covenant Church 3531 Bemiss Rd (229) 247-7777 nccvaldosta.org
Lifespring Community Church 2010 GA 133 (229) 985-2233 lifespringcc.net
Christ Episcopal Church 1521 N Patterson St (229) 242-5115 christchurchvaldosta.org
Lakeside Assembly of God 146 Washington St (229) 985-5424 lakesideassembly.org Friendship Alliance Church 835 26th Ave (229) 985-4908 friendshipalliancemoultrie.com
Moultrie First Church or Nazarene 410 12th Ave SE (229) 873-6265 www.moultriefirst.org
Perimeter Road Baptist Church 4091 Inner Perimeter Rd (229) 333-0746 perimeterroad.com Morningside Baptist Church 2604 Bemiss Rd (229) 242-1426 morningside.ws Azalea City Church of God 247 St. Augustine Rd (229) 244-1855 myazaleacity.com
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Strategies to Mitigate the Risks of Unresponsiveness– Part II In part I, it was determined that unresponsive and nonresponsive behaviors can threaten and potentially destroy business, ministry, and personal relationships. In part II, I share some strategies to alleviate the threats of these two unwise, unloving, and unclean behaviors. Depending on the number of correspondence you receive in ministry and business, you may want to consider the following response-based strategies. Autoresponders The first strategy is an automatic response that is
generated when someone sends you an email. You may be familiar with the concept of auto responders from your job in Corporate America. You most likely first used an automated email while away from the office. For instance, when you planned on going away for a vacation, you would set up an automated message to let people know you were out of the office and would respond when you return. The message would include the dates of departure, return, and in some instances a name, phone number, and email address of a person that you desired to be
contacted if the individual(s) required a response prior to your return. Automated email messages are not just to be used for vacation time. They can be used on a regular basis as a way to respond with a brief message. Explore the right auto response software in the below list. The GetResponse is highly ranked, and if your organization or ministry is a not for profit, you can qualify for a 50% discount. Visit Aweber Visit GetResponse Visit List Wire (free since 2003) Auto response software is not just for marketing; it can
be used as a way to keep communication lines open and avoid unresponsiveness. Administrative Support If you desire a more personal one-to-one approach, administrative support is the perfect solution. Ministry assistants and administrative support can receive and respond to any type of correspondence on your behalf. By the way, the support person does not need to be physically located in your office or even in your state. Working with a virtual assistant may be a viable option.
Karen M. Pina is the founder of Gifts Ordained by Direction. Her exclusive approach for leaders develops the character necessary to rise to greatness in business and ministry. She has written three books and created over 100 ministry, business, and personal development resources that quench leaders’ thirst and hunger for spiritual meat and marketplace wisdom. Karen has been a guest on several television and radio programs that challenged leaders to move to the next level of significance in every area of their lives. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services and a Master’s of Education (M.Ed). in Higher Education Leadership and Administration. Karen will defend and obtain and a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (Ph.D.) in 2016. Her education and gift of wisdom has served her well as she has coached, consulted, and trained doctors, directors, entrepreneurs, visionaries, IT professionals, bishops, apostles, executives, coaches, prophets, teachers, pastors, and a vast array of leaders to greatness. To learn more about the books, resources, and Karen go to www.godscoach.com
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Becoming a Voice for Children in Foster Care Georgia Child Abuse and Neglect • Every day, 33 children are the victims of confirmed abuse or neglect. • 200 incidents of child abuse and neglect are reported daily. • 39 children died from abuse and neglect in 2013. • On any given day, about 8,000 children are in the foster care system. • 17,148 children came through the foster care system during state fiscal year 2015. As the number of children in Georgia’s foster care system continues to increase, there is an urgency for more child advocates. While Georgia law now requires legal representation for children involved in the court process, the sheer number of cases per attorney warrants additional assistance to ensure that children do not fall through the cracks in our foster care system. Enter the invisible force. The men and women who give their time, their talents and their hearts to our community’s most vulnerable children. Who are these fearless men and women? They are your neighbors, your church members and your work colleagues. They are CASA’s. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are trained community volunteers appointed by a judge to speak up for the best interests of an abused, neglected, or abandoned child involved in a juvenile court
dependency proceeding. You don’t have to be a legal expert, or have prior experience working with children. If you are over 21 years of age, can attend a training, be fingerprinted for a criminal background check and volunteer your time, you can join this legion of extraordinary people. Across the country, there are 949 CASA programs, with 76,327 volunteers, who have advocated on behalf of 251,165 children in foster care. In Georgia, there are 47 affiliate CASA programs, serving 145 of Georgia's 159 counties and 48 of 49 judicial circuits. In southwest Georgia, Dougherty CASA and SOWEGA CASA are striving to recruit volunteers for every child who enters foster care. The difference that CASA’s make are measurable and lifechanging. According to National CASA : A child with a CASA/GAL volunteer is more likely to find a safe, permanent home: • More likely to be adopted • Half as likely to reenter foster care
• Substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster care • More likely to have a plan for permanency, especially children of color Children with CASA volunteers spend less time in foster care... • “It is quite remarkable that children without CASA involvement are spending an average of over eight months longer in care, compared to children having CASA involvement.” Children with CASA volunteers do better in school... • More likely to pass all courses • Less likely to have poor conduct in school • Less likely to be expelled When I served as a juvenile court judge, the cases that I heard involving a CASA volunteer offered more information and a more in depth connection with the child and his/her needs. While the decisions, were just as tough, I felt like I was making wiser decisions on behalf of children. Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that
ever has.” Every day, CASA volunteers make the world a better place for children in foster care. Join the ranks. Call your local CASA office today and find out how you can be a voice for our children. Dougherty CASA Serving Dougherty County The Lily Pad SANE Center, Inc. P.O. Box 70938 Albany, GA, 31708 229-435-0074 FAX 229-435-0756 doughertycasa@gmail.com http://www.lilypadcenter.com/progra ms/dougherty-casa/ SOWEGA CASA Serving Ben Hill, Crisp, Dooly, Lee, Macon, Randolph, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Terrell, Webster and Wilcox Counties P.O. Box 732 Americus , GA, 31709 229-931-4488 FAX 229-931-4489 info@sowegachildren.org http://www.sowegachildren.org Source: https://www.gacasa.org/statistics.php Source: http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.m tJSJ7MPIsE/b.5332511/k.7D2A/Eviden ce_of_Effectiveness.htm
12 A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA PRAISE • February 2016 • www.albanyherald.com
Upcoming Events
First Saturday of Each Month 8:00 am - 10:00 am Dougherty Prayer Vigil 222 Pine Ave, Albany Contact Rance Pettibone, Sr.: rancepettibone@hotmail.com (229) 881-4828 Run for Hope 5k Hosted by Albany Area Primary Health Care Saturday, February 13, 2016 Riverfront Park 112 North Front Street, Albany JOIN US IN THE FIGHT! Run or walk a timed 5K race benefitting the HIV/AIDS early Intervention services of Albany Area Primary Health Care, Inc. Since its inception in 1990, Rural Model Clinic has grown into one of the nation’s vital resources for treatment of HIV/AIDS. All proceeds will support HIV/AIDS research, ongoing community outreach and education and direct medical services at Albany Area Primary Health Care’s Rural Model Clinics. This community gathering will serve as a vehicle to not only educate
the community but to honor those affected by the condition while serving as a viable tool in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Event details and schedule 8:15 AM Registration Begins 9:00 AM Rally @ Welcome Center 9:15 AM Opening Ceremony & Activities FEBRUARY 20 Mac Powell, Mark Lee, Third Day Unplugged with Mac Powell and Mark Lee of Third Day Roswell Street Baptist Church 774 Roswell St Marietta, GA 30060 Come and enjoy an unforgettable night of worship with Grammy Award-winning artists Mac Powell and Mark Lee of Third Day. Everyone is welcome, and all proceeds benefit MUST Ministries in their efforts to provide food, housing, employment services and clothing to your neighbors in need. Be sure to bring a new or used blanket to donate to those living in poverty this winter season. General Admission-$10 VIP Seating with Meet-and-Greet-$20
MARCH 6 The Bowling Family Community Church of Praise 3851 Union Church Road, SW. Stockbridge, GA 30281 The Bowling Family will be with us for a great night of Southern Gospel music and praise. APRIL 1 Audio Adrenaline, Newsboys, OBB, Ryan Stevenson - 'WE BELIEVE...GOD'S NOT DEAD' SPRING 2016 TOUR FT. NEWSBOYS First Baptist Woodstock 11905 Highway 92 Woodstock, GA 30188 First Baptist Woodstock Starts:7:00PM Doors Open: 6:00PM Tickets Premium: $45.00 Includes early entry at 5 pm and an artist Advance: $22.50 Family 4-Packs: $18.50/ticket - Limited number!
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Late Night at FBC Tuesdays at 8 PM College Bible Study - Free Food! FBC Family Life Center First Baptist Tifton 4th St & Central Ave www.fbctifton.org Contact Bill Hughes bhughes@fbctifton.org
Please submit your upcoming events to Jennifer King, jennifer.king@albanyherald.com
Advertise Your Business Inside the Pages of SWGA Praise!
(229) 888-9319
A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA PRAISE • February 2016 • www.albanyherald.com 13
Wanda Heath Office Manager
Leigh Hall Associate Rector
110 Cordele Road Suite 5 Albany, GA 31705-2478 Bus 229-485-1385 wanda@kentnanceismyagent.com
306166-1
Kent N Nance, Agent The greatest compliment you can give me is a referral.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 212 N Jefferson St, Albany (229) 436-0196
Where were you born and raised? I was reared a Primitive Baptist in Swainsboro, GA, which is the county seat of Emanuel County. It is the selfproclaimed “Pine Tree Capital of the World.” Tell us about your family. My “children” are a Boston Terrier named Boo Radley and a Boxer puppy – a rescue – named Scout. How long have you been a pastor? This August, I will celebrate my seventh ordination anniversary as a priest in the Episcopal Church. What is the most challenging aspect of your position? For me, one of the more challenging aspects of my position is finding new and interesting ways to convey the ancient truth that is Jesus Christ to folks who may not want to hear it, or who may not understand why that truth really matters to them. This and also being a female clergy person in the American south. There aren’t many of us around these parts! What is the most gratifying aspect? It is my deep privilege to be present with people during their “life and death” moments, which always bear witness to the transformational power of Christ. I am also humbled and honored each time I get to preside at and celebrate the Holy Eucharist (“Communion”). Do you have any advice for someone who feels called to the
ministry? If you love to do something else whether it is cutting hair, practicing law, or teaching school - pursue that passion first. Ministry is hard work. Leave us with a meaningful message or scripture. “I am Resurrection and I am Life, says the Lord. Whoever has faith in me shall have life, even though he die. And everyone who has life, and has committed himself to me in faith, shall not die for ever. As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives and that at the last he will stand upon the earth. After my awaking, he will raise me up; and in my body I shall see God. I myself shall see, and my eyes behold him who is my friend and not a stranger. For none of us has life in himself, and none becomes his own master when he dies. For if we have life, we are alive in the Lord, and if we die, we die in the Lord. So, then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's possession.” -From the funeral service for the Burial of the Dead, which is found in The Book of Common Prayer, the primary worship book used in the Episcopal Church.
Honor the Sabbath The Sabbath is a day of rest every seventh day, commanded by God to commemorate His day of rest on the seventh day following the six days of creation. In the book of Exodus, the command to honor the Sabbath is the longest of the commandments and spelled out in the following detail: "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work; but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your manservant, or your maidservant, or your cattle, or the sojourner who is within your gates; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it." (Exodus 20:8-11) God also commanded a Sabbath year every seventh year when the land was to be rested, and we would all do well to honor the idea of a holy rest. This rest will
actually make us more productive, though that is not necessarily the object of the Sabbath. We should work diligently for six days of the week and then rest on the seventh. Honor God by honoring the Sabbath. Six days shall work be done; but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation; you shall do no work; it is a Sabbath to the Lord in all your dwellings. R.S.V. Leviticus 23:3
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My Story of Forgiveness: Forgiving the Man Who Killed My Entire Family Dr. Tai Ikomi tai.ikomi@yahoo.com www.privatetimewithGod.com I woke up at about 9 o’clock in the morning on April the 8th,1986 with the nightmare of the accident flashing through my mind. I felt numb and exhausted. Grief and sorrow washed over me as the reality of the accident began to haunt me once again. Before the end of the day, I would face a horror few people have ever experienced — committing to the ground the remains of my entire family. A week had passed since the terrible accident that claimed the lives of my husband and our three precious children. Today, I must bury them. Today, I’ll have to watch their caskets being lowered into their graves. Today…I don’t know if I’ll get over today. Something felt contrary to nature here. How could I bury the children I brought into the world? They were supposed to bury me, not the other way around. I did not want to see their caskets. I am not even supposed to see their caskets. And yet today, I have to. I had fed them, cared for them, wiped their noses, dried their tears, and loved them with all my heart. They were so young and tender. Temple had just turned eight. The twins were not yet three. Oh, my children, I wished that I had died in your place! My husband died in the same accident, leaving only me to mourn all of them together at the same time. He had been a good and capable husband, always smiling and caring for everyone, and suddenly, he was gone, leaving me to gather up the remaining pieces. How I wanted to hear his comforting words and cry on his shoulder! Nine days ago, Johnny, the children, and I were a family. Our future was
filled with hope and anticipation. Then, tragedy struck. We were driving back from Fayetteville, Arkansas, to our home in Lincoln, Nebraska. As we were approaching a construction zone, a drunk driver struck our car from behind. The impact sparked a fire that took away the lives of my husband and our dear young ones before my eyes. I was the lone survivor. Is there room in my heart to forgive the man who killed my family in their prime? Is there some criteria he must meet before I must bestow my
longer an accident. It was blatant murder! My resolve to forgive was shaken. Drinking and driving…how could he be drinking and driving? Anger welled up inside me. The deaths of my family members could have been avoided. My family could have been alive today if it weren’t for him. His drinking problem had deprived me of my family. His drinking problem had obliterated all the dreams Johnny and I had for our future. It was not until ten months later that the Lord used my therapist, Beverly Jones, to bring out this unforgiving spirit in my heart. During counseling, Beverly probed me about my reaction to this man, the one who took my family away from me. I tried to convince her that I had truly forgiven him, but she noticed the hollowness of my conviction to forgive. She asked me insightful questions that I answered as truthfully as I could. She noticed that I was apathetic toward him. I did not care about him. I did not care if he was alive or dead. Thinking of him was a waste of my thoughts. But Beverly was such a good counselor; she pointed out that my apathy denoted a lack of forgiveness. At first, I argued. I remembered how I had resolved to forgive him two years earlier. I tried to make Beverly see that I had truly forgiven his transgression. But by repeating the very words that had come out of my mouth, she convinced me that I was deceiving myself. Suddenly, as if scales fell from my eyes, I realized that I had been burying the ill feelings; I had not released him. Beverly told me to come to her apartment, where she would counsel me free of charge. Both of us were in the seminary at Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, Oklahoma (USA).
“Is there room in my heart to forgive the man who killed my family in their prime? Is there some criteria he must meet before I must bestow my forgiveness on him? These are the questions I kept asking myself.” forgiveness on him? These are the questions I kept asking myself. As difficult a decision as it was, I knew from within that I had to forgive. I told myself that it must have been an accident, and that he did not actually mean to hurt my family. It just happened. By mistake. After all, to err is human. After two or three days of grappling with this issue, I resolved to forgive him. This decision was based on the general view of the Bible that we are meant to forgive. It was time for the issue to be laid to rest. A few days later, I read in the Lincoln Star, the daily newspaper of Lincoln, Nebraska, that the young man’s blood alcohol level had exceeded the legal limit. I became furious. This was no
Dr. Tai Ikomi is the author of the bestseller, His Beauty for My Ashes, an account of the grace of God in her life when she lost her husband and three children to a drunk driver. She has written over 30 books. A conference speaker, she speaks on her testimony of God’s grace all over the world. She conducts seminars on the Names of God and Forgiveness. Dr. Ikomi is the founder of Forgiveness Discipleship, the art of training in forgiveness. She lives in Dallas, TX. She was majoring in counseling while I was majoring in theology. She guided me through a process that would lead me to forgive him. She asked me to release him and let him go. I later learned that the English word “forgive,” translated from the Greek, means to let go or release. She told me to follow it up with a confession. And so I began to confess aloud, “James, you are forgiven. I forgive you, in Jesus’ name.” At first, I did not like the idea. I felt uneasy and indeed reluctant. But I persisted. And, as if by miracle, I began to experience the joy of forgiving others, as Christ has forgiven me. I was free. As I travel the world, I am convinced more and more of the need to teach and promote the importance of forgiveness. People are living in pain and in hurt because of their inability or refusal to forgive. Their spiritual life is affected. Their health deteriorates, and life is not being lived to the fullest. This need has given birth to my vision and ministry of emphasizing forgiveness in the church and around the world.
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Charlene W. Glover Senior Pastor Trumpet of God Ministries & Training Center 600 Pine Ave, Albany (229) 432-1877
Where were you born and raised? I was born in South Carolina and raised in Augusta, Georgia. Tell us about your family? I am single again. We have two adult daughters Shacobi (Elvin) and Wendy (Eldrick) with four adorable grandchildren. How long have you been a pastor? I have pastored for just-under 16 years, but have served in ministry for more than three decades. What is the most challenging aspect of your position? My biggest challenge is convincing people that God’s highest intent and plan for their lives supersedes their best efforts and any short-term plan the adversary has to offer them. We are created in the likeness and image of Almighty God and His plan for us is good (Genesis 1:26-28; Jeremiah 29:11; John 10:10; 3 John 2). What is the most gratifying aspect? To be used of God as an instrument to bring reconciliation, salvation, transformation and restoration to individuals and households. And to witness the transforming power of God restore and empower both the up-and-out and the down-andouters to become fruitful and
productive and bringing empowerment to the lives of others. Do you have advice for someone who feels call to the ministry? The best equipping for a divine ministry call starts with submitting to the Truth of God’s Word to be developed in godly character. Secondly, it is essential to become a student of the Word of God personally so that one’s ministry is preached, taught and modeled with authenticity, sincerity and clarity. Thirdly, Paul instructed his young son in the Faith, Timothy, not to entangle himself with the affairs of the world, rather to follow his practices, pattern and manner of living. Therefore, having mature godly models, mentors and spiritual leaders is vital and necessary (Philippians 3:17, 4:9; I Thessalonians 4:1-8; 2 Timothy 2:4). Leave us with a meaningful message or scripture. The Bible is the Constitution for the Believer, it contains principles and promises, that when believed and fully obeyed, it yields Repeated Predetermined Results - Charlene Glover Jeremiah 7:23, NIV - but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you that it may go well with you.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not selfseeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
16 A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA PRAISE • February 2016 • www.albanyherald.com