January 2017
By Jenna McKaye The bedroom closet became my refuge from the terror that crept into my life. Desperately, I tried to comfort myself as the tears streamed down my face, soaking my shirt. I was alone, without anyone to help make sense of what became of me. I grew up in Southern California. It was my playground, where I learned to ride horses, play volleyball, and attended school. I was a happy kid, or at least I appeared to be. My Christian education was established through private school and family church attendance every weekend. Sports held my interest more than any desire for boys. Training with a professional baseball player had given me an unusual sporting edge during my years
Pastor Profile Johnny Burke
Page 9
playing competitive travel volleyball. There was a feeling of being on top of the world with a serious game face on, but underneath, I was fragile with an innocence that eventually worked against me I was emotionally impacted by the divorce of my parents, despite hating their constant fighting with one another. When my sisters went away to college, I was left alone, struggling to maintain my winning
BEFORE
AFTER
Annual Marriage Check-Up
Page 13
game face. Then, at 18, I met him. He was a confident man, just a year older, who came to “rescue” me from my dysfunctional home life. He convinced me life would be easier and better if I dropped out of school and moved in with him. I believed him and I followed. The word naïve must have been written on my forehead, because our whole relationship was based on his controlling behavior which
After School Satan Club
Page 17
intensified into our marriage. The years of building up my own confidence soon broke down into fragments that slowly vanished from my life. My game face was replaced by a mask that was devoid of everything that was truly me. During a trip to Tijuana, Mexico, he had a tattoo artist carve his name on my back, like a cattle brand. From inside a souvenir shop in Vegas, I peered through a window and watched him talking to a man who appeared to be a pimp. Whatever occurred during their conversation would cause drastic changes once we returned home. He was always trying to make money,
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THE AMBASSADOR ?The Ambassador is a free, monthly publication promoting unity and revival among the local Yuba-Sutter area Bible-believing churches. ?The Ambassador has a circulation of 6,000 - 7,500 and is distributed in local churches and businesses in the community. ?The purpose of The Ambassador is to pursue the great commission of Christ by making disciples and to encourage, inform, challenge and connect the local body of Christ. ?We believe in the inspiration and authority of the Bible as the written word of God. We believe that God exists as One, in three distinct persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. ?We believe that the atoning work of Christ (His death) on the cross and His resurrection is the ONLY means of salvation and the only way to Eternal Life in Heaven. ?We welcome editorial content from anyone wishing to promote the mission of The Ambassador. All articles and advertisement content is subject to the approval of the editor. Views expressed in The Ambassador do not necessarily reflect those of our sponsors or advertisers
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The Voice of the Christian Community, Serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
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• • • The Delete Key • • • By Paula McBride Two of my life’s events gnaw so deeply that I wish I had a delete key to erase their memory. In both cases, I spoke words out of naïve ignorance that were taken in a way I never intended. Once warm relationships were seriously severed, and despite my heartfelt attempts at repentance and reconciliation, never restored. I know I’ve “blown it” more than just those two times; I’ve got a problem with “foot in mouth” disease. There are other trials of life I wish I could delete, too. We all do. The year 2016 was tough in many ways. Lots happened that we wish we could delete. Several of us watched our mothers graduate to heaven. Two of my friends lost sons, and another lost a daughter. As much as we wouldn’t wish our loved ones back from their home with Jesus, we wish we could delete the pain of their absence. Another friend, just my age, had a stroke. Fortunately, her life was spared, but long months of therapy await her in 2017. As her daughter cared for her, the daughter lost her own health with a serious back injury. They are strong believers, but isn’t it tempting to wish the event never happened? Well, we know life doesn’t have a delete key, but just as 2016 will never
come again, neither will the particular pain it brought. Let’s look at the brighter side. What joys did 2016 bring? Among my friends and family, two later-in-life single persons found a loving partner and are now married. Another welcomed their first baby into the household. Others graduated after long months of study from college. Those joyous moments will never be deleted; instead, they will be “saved.” And so it will be with 2017. There will be events we will “save” to our memories and moments we wish we could “delete.” One thing is certain, though. For believers in Christ, all things are made new when Christ does the deleting. We may be tempted to fear as we step into the new year. Yet, God promises through Isaiah, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand (41:10). Fear and its cousin, worry, can be deleted by trusting God’s promises to provide all we need. Perhaps the graphic media coverage of the atrocities of war shrivels you up and causes feelings of helplessness that darken your days. Isaiah 9:1 tells us there will be no more gloom for those in distress.
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10 Biblical
New Year’s Resolutions 1 • Pray Every Morning 2 • Study a Book of the Bible 3 • Memorize Weekly Bible Verse 4 • Exercise Regularly 5 • Eat Healthier 6 • Read a Book on Prayer 7 • Save Money 8 • Do Something Nice For Someone A few verses later is the prophecy of the child to be born who would be called Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:1, 6). Despair can be deleted by focusing on our God who is Sovereign over the affairs of earth and knows the timetable of all that must take place before His return. Best of all, one glorious day, God will delete forever death, mourning, crying, and pain (Revelation 21:4). Tears we thought would never cease will dry up and be no more. We will see our loved ones in heaven again. Pain-wracked bodies will move about streets of gold with youthful ease. And we won’t have to worry or despair because God is in charge of the delete key. We can live in hope for today and confidence for tomorrow. Happy New Year!
9 • Give Rather Than Receive 10 • Pray For Wisdom
Do something
everyday
that will lead you
closer
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Happy New Year 2017
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Suicidal Jewish Man Found The Messiah Christmas Eve, While Reading Gideon’s Bible By Michael Ashcraft (blog.godreports.com) On the night before Christmas, he was kicked out of his house. After years of “loose living and immorality,” Elliott Osowitt was driven out by a wife who had run out of patience. Downcast and despondent, he decided to go to a nearby motel and kill himself with a gun. Osowitt worked as a tour guide for “Heathen Tours,” a touring company that catered to tourists from England seeking sinful pleasures in America. It seems Osowitt indulged in too many of those allurements himself. After Osowitt checked into his room, he found a Gideon’s Bible opened to John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
The power of God’s Word and the Spirit of the living God moved on his heart. Tearfully, he repented of his sins and asked Jesus to be his Lord and Savior. And that is how the Prince of Peace, whose birth the reformed Jew had never celebrated, came to Osowitt to give him peace at Christmas in 1996. He actually spent three days at the motel reading that Bible. He attended church with his wife, Polly, the following
Elliott & Polly Osowitt
Sunday and quit working for the touring company. Osowitt began a new career with a Christian touring company instead. On Christmas Eve, the Bible “caused me to stop. It caused me to cry. When I read it was Jesus, I had a hard time with it,” Osowitt told USA Today. “It literally began a process of healing that eventually led to the reconciliation with my entire family. I just thank God for saving me and the Gideons for being so faithful.” Osowitt reconciled with his wife and saw his children, who were lost in rebellion, come to Jesus too. Two years after getting saved, he went to Fruitland Bible College and was ordained a pastor. He founded the Faith Fellowship & Harvest Ministries Baptist Church in North Carolina. His wife worked two jobs to put him through seminary. Osowitt preached revivals in America, Southeast Asia, Central and South America and Mexico. He supported the Ashe County Pregnancy Care Center and missionary organizations. He helped in prison ministries until his retirement at the end of last year. Michael Ashcraft teaches journalism at the Santa Monica Lighthouse Christian Academy.
INSPIRATION 10 Ways You Can Help The Ambassador Ministry 1. Pray with us and for us to not only sustain but to grow in impact. Pray for our health and for spiritual protection 2. Read it yourself – You will be enriched by reading it. 3. Share a copy or an article with someone- you will have someone in your life benefit from an article in every issue, cut it out and send it to them, or send them the whole issue 4. Leave a copy of The Ambassador when you’re having coffee or a meal or waiting for your car. Use it like a tract. It may be less intimidation. 5. Monitor The Ambassador at your church: assure their presence and visibility 6. Subscribe for a friend or family
member (or yourself) 7. Find new locations- ask businesses that you frequent to take some papers, deliver and monitor them 8. Deliver a small route- 1 to 2 hours each month 9. Give financially as an Individual partner, business partner, churches/ ministries partner (every dollar helps to impact the community) 10. Talk to your like-minded Christian friends, family, business associates and church leadership, about helping as well. If you would like to help, please contact Seth Halpern at 530-933-1385 or email editor@ambassadornewspaper.com
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would like to thank the following people for their Individual Sponsorship
Kathy Baum Jim McCarty Bob Gilbert Marty Brown John Nicholls Rich & Joan Hackney Carrie Pederson Warren & Lucy Campbell Tom Harris Wendell Prine LaDonna Curteman Allen Halpern Mimi Robarge Chuck David April James Jeff Royce Christine Emerson Sandi Juri George & Cherie Shaw Rita Galusha Sue Kochi Josh Vanassche Clay Maynard
God Bless Each Of You For Your Support Of This Ministry And Our Community •••
If you would be interested in supporting The Ambassador as an Individual Sponsor ($20/month) please contact Seth Halpern at: editor@ambassadornewspaper.com or call 530-933-1385 or visit us online at www.ambassadornewspaper.com
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The Voice of the Christian Community, Serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
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Ongoing Events WEDNESDAY
SUNDAY CELEBRATE RECOVERY - Praise Chapel Church - Sunday 6:30 p.m. Join us for great worship and open share group. For more information call (530) 923-7204. AWANA CLUB Sundays 5:30-7:00 pm. Check in is at 5:15 pm. Grace Baptist Church - 1980 S. Walton Ave. (Bogue & Walton) Awana is an amazing children’s program for ages 3-grade 6. Join this new Club as it begins! Kids memorize Scripture, play games and learn lots! Call 530-673-6847 for information.
MONDAY KNIT & CROCHET WOMENS FELLOWSHIP Mondays 10:00 a.m. - Noon First Baptist Church - 1777 8th Ave. - Olivehurst Practice your yarn craft or learn a new one with us. Knifty Knitters are welcome. Bring your own project or work on a charity item that we donate to those in need in the community. Email yarncraftersforchrist@hotmail.com for info. FREE KARATE CLASSES Mondays 5:30 pm - FREE karate classes taught from a Christian perspective. First Baptist Church - 1777 8th Ave. - Olivehurst, 743-1831 for info, Pastor Miguel. CELEBRATE RECOVERY Mondays 6:30p.m.-8:30p.m. We are a Christ-Centered recovery group that provides a safe place to share your struggles,experiences, victories, and hopes with others who are also going through to Christ Centered recovery. For more info call 530.755.4149. Follow us on Facebook @ Celebrate Recovery Crossroads Community Church
TUESDAY ENCOUNTERING GOD 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Every Tuesday Morning Embassy of Heaven Campus - 1179 Eager Rd., YC - (Hwy 99 @ Eager Rd.) 530-671-3160 - www.churchofgladtidings.com Our Tuesday morning meetings begin with a time of worship. Afterwards we rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us to minister to each other, encourage each other, and build our hunger and desire for the things of God. Childcare is provided. CRAFTSMEN FOR CHRIST Meets every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The Bride Church - 655 Colusa Hwy, YC Men’s fellowship around the word and worship. All in the Body of Christ welcome! CHRISTIAN BUSINESS ALLIANCE First Tuesday of Every Month, Noon - 1:00 p.m. The Bride Church - 655 Colusa Hwy, YC Join us for a time of fellowship, prayer & encouragement. All are welcome! SAMARITAN VILLAGE MONTHLY MEETING The 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30p.m. This meeting is open to all who are interested in helping with an orphanage in Tanzania. For info call Victor Savage at 671-2219. PRAYER FOR THE NATION - Every Tuesday 7PM Embassy of Heaven Campus - Church of Glad Tidings- Bldg 2001179 Eager Road, YC Info: 530-671-3160 www.churchofgladtidings.com Our mission is to share this Good News of Jesus Christ, so that all people may hear of God’s saving power and come to know His truth.
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FREE BIBLE COLLEGE CLASSES - Wednesday Mornings 10:00 a.m. First Baptist Church - 1777 8th Ave., Olivehurst Starting in January 2015 you can earn an accredited bible college degree … all books are in public domain and you only need a tablet, computer or some type of electronic reader. We can print them out for a small charge. You will need a King James Bible to get started. fbco@comcast.net for more information. ENROLL TODAY! AWANA Wednesday 5:45-7:45 p.m. during school year Evangelical Free Church - 3785 Olive Hwy. Oroville Awana is a boys & girls club consisting of small group time, games, large group time. For information please call 533-6866. LIFE @ HOPE POINT Wednesday @ 6:30 pm for kids, 7:00 p.m. for adults Hope Point Nazarene - 600 N. George Washington Blvd, YC Join us for Life@Hope Point - groups for Nursery through High School ages and classes for adults Parenting, How to Study your Bible, more so contact the church office at 671-1130 for more details. TUESDAY
THURSDAY
EHOP PRAYER - Every Thursday, 7PM Embassy of Heaven Campus - Church of Glad Tidings- Bldg 2001179 Eager Road, YC Info: 530-671-3160 www.churchofgladtidings.com “My house shall be called a house of prayer.” (Matt. 21:13). The church today in is an all out war against the evils of darkness. The body of Christ is called to step up and be aggressive in their prayer life. TUESDAY
FRIDAY
CELEBRATE RECOVERY - Every Friday, 7:00 p.m.. Loma Rica Community Church- Moy Hall. Call church office for more information 743-5435 TUESDAY
SATURDAY
BETHESDA HEALING WELL - Saturday, January 21st at 10AM Embassy of Heaven Campus - Bldg 200 - 1179 Eager Road, YC Gathering for a time of soaking in God’s presence and then spending time to receive focused prayer for healing. For more info.,Ed Han 209-298-6102
multiple days of the week WOMENS CLOTHES CLOSET Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 8:00 a.m. - Noon Twin Cities Rescue Mission- 940 14th Street, Marysville We now have a womens clothes closet at the mission! It is free and available to everyone. We accept donations Monday - Sunday of women’s men’s, and children’s clothing! CROSSROADS CLOTHES CLOSET Open Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm -Shop at our - FREE Clothes given away! Crossroads Community Church, YC PRAYER - Every Tuesday & Thursday, 7:00 p.m. Embassy of Heaven Campus - Church of Glad Tidings - Bldg. 200 - 1179 Eager Road, YC 530-671-3160 - www.churchofgladtidings.com “My house shall be called a house of prayer.” (Matt. 21:13). The church today in is an all out war against the evils of darkness. The body of Christ is called to step up and be aggressive in their prayer life. PRAYER VIGIL FOR LIFE! Yuba-Sutter Right to Life is hosting peaceful, prayerful vigils in front of the Yuba City Planned Parenthood. All you need to participate is one hour and the desire to pray for LIFE. Please contact Heather Pugh at 751-9349 for date and time if you are interested.
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Special Events RESTORATION RAILROAD VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION AND TRAINING DAYS Hope Point Nazarene Church, 600 N. George Washington Blvd., YC Mon, Jan 9th, 6:30-7:30 PM (Orientation) Sat, Jan 21st, 9am-2pm (Training) Please join us for our volunteer orientation to learn what volunteer opportunities are available and to ask questions. We need mentors, support volunteers, direct outreach, and much more. If you are interested in volunteering, please return for a follow up mandatory training on January 21st. For info, email info@restorationrailroad. org or call 530-763-3160 AUTHORITY TO HEAL Christian Healing Seminar First Baptist Church 1866 Ridge Road, Grass Valley January 20 - 21, 2016. Friday 7:00 – 9:30 pm, Saturday 9 am – 4 pm The Bible speaks about the power of God in Jesus Christ to heal. In this insightful seminar presented by Sierra Ministries, you will become equipped in the biblical principles of Healing Ministry. Cost is only $40 which includes manual and lunch. To register or for more information visit www.sierraministries.org
WOMEN OF PURPOSE January 27th ,6:00 pm El Zarape Restaurant, YC Please join us for a time of fellowship and encouragement. For info contact Letty Wilson – leticiawilson@att.net SUPERBOWL BASH Sunday, February 5 at 3PM Embassy of Heaven Campus Church of Glad Tidings - Bldg 100 1179 Eager Road, Yuba City Info: 530.671.3160 info@churchofgladtidings.com Come and watch the game on the BIG Screen. Fun event for the whole family. Bring your own food. Invite your friends. Kick off 3:30PM - Doors open 3:00 PM
Want to have your activities and events bold and hightlighted in the Ambassador? Become a church partner and help support this ministry. Contact Seth at 530-933-1385 or editor@ ambassadornewspaper.com
Prayer Calendar for January 2017 3-Jan Homeless/Poor - for warmth and shelter from the cold 4-Jan Pray for the Unemployed and Underemployed 5-Jan Local ministries (see p. 3) 6-Jan Marriages-Restoration and Strength 7-Jan Caregivers of elderly and disabled 8-Jan Marketplace Ministries-Opportunities to share at work 9-Jan Missionaries -Fruit, Provision 10-Jan Local Schools- Students, teachers, and parents 11-Jan Military, All armed forces & their families. 12-Jan The Ambassador Newspaper-Increased readership and Impact 13-Jan Teen Depression, Suicide 14-Jan Global Persecution-Safety/Courage of Believers 15-Jan Local officials and community leaders 16-Jan Middle East - For the peace of Jerusalem 17-Jan ISIS/Terrorism- pray for wisdom & strong leadership to eradicade it 18-Jan Homeless/Poor - Twin Cities Rescue Mission, A Hand Up, Salvation Army 19-Jan A Woman’s Friend - Unborn children/Pregnant Women 20-Jan Pray for our nation and transition of power 21-Jan Christian Businesses-Ambassador Sponsors & others. 22-Jan Children and Children’s Ministries 23-Jan Singles, Single Parents, Divorce healing 24-Jan Orphan children- Samaritan Village (see p. 3) and other orphanages 25-Jan First Responders-Police, Firefighters, EMT, TIP 26-Jan Local Pastors and their families 27-Jan Hollywood- May God to touch influential people 28-Jan Sex Trafficking - pray for victims 29-Jan Adoptive families & birth moms 30-Jan Addicted, Rehab ministries- Feather River Mens Center, Joshua House, Celebrate Recovery 31-Jan Unity in and among local churches
Free Home Market Value Analysis Call or email Intero Real Estate Services for a free, no obligation market value analysis of your home.
Intero Real Estate Services Donna Phelan Director of Sales 868 Richland Road Yuba City, CA 95991
Office: 530-790-7000 Donnaphelan@interopride.com BRE#01338574
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INSPIRATION
The Voice of the Christian Community, Serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
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DESTINY By April James Do you hear the wind blowing in the leaves? They are completely surrendered to where the wind takes them; just like the leaves - we should also be willing to go without resistance where the Holy Spirit leads us. When a fresh wind (move) of the Holy Spirit comes, will we be willing to let Him take us where we have not gone before? Will we be willing to flow with Him? We do not need to fear what He is doing. We do need to protect the purity of His move, it is not for show or our selfglory, it is for His. He desires to move unhindered showing his glory, releasing signs and wonders. The Acts Church was not just for yesterday, but for today. Are we hungry for it? Can you hear the Lord saying, “I’m not done with you yet! I’ve been waiting for the moment to speak, when you are silent and ready to listen. I will not compete with all you let occupy your mind. I whisper gently calling to you, waiting for you to hear and turn your attention towards me. Now that I have it, let me tell you how much I love you, how you are my heart’s desire. I long to be with you every moment of the day; you are my first thought – I long to be yours. I invite you to sit with me awhile. I have plans for you to know
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about. You still have a future, one with hope. It doesn’t matter what has happened to you or your errors, I am bigger than them all. I can use them and you for my glory, if you will allow me to. Hear my words, precious one, let me love you and make myself known to you in new way; let me revive you - body, soul, and spirit; let me breathe fresh life into you.” The Lord is not done with us yet. He has a destiny for each of us to live out. Destiny is more than a seven letter word in the dictionary. It’s more than a whimsical dream, it’s a calling, a plan and purpose, one designed by the Master Planner. We are not a “just” in life, not just a mother, father, son or daughter, employee or employer, student or any other “just”, and should not limit ourselves in our roles or titles. We are created for so much more. We are created in the image of God, therefore we are created for the extraordinary. Some of us might be walking out our destiny while others are being prepared to step into theirs. Then, there are those earnestly seeking to know their calling or perhaps sadly running from it. Wherever we are, I pray the Lord will awaken us to our call and destiny, to embolden us to live and walk it out in such a time as this in history, and to do so in the fullest.
Weirdly Wired
By Tamera Sturges Do you ever wonder why people do what they do, live where they live or work in a certain profession? Driving all around America, I get to see all kinds of interesting people, beautiful places, different professions and I can’t help but wonder sometimes, about how they ended up “there”. Here’s the thing; people are wired differently. Take Todd and me for example. Todd likes dedicated runssame place, same time, same route, etc. He’s a planner and his comfort is in knowing these things because while driving, he likes to spend his brain power on planning things for when we are home. He thrives while driving at night where there are few distractions. On the other hand, I get bored with that and prefer the new places and excitement of brokered loads that are usually last minute and ‘your guess is as good as mine’ on where we are headed next. I like to look and see what’s in front of me at that exact moment and thrive while driving through big cities or small quaint towns. They both have their pros and cons. Dedicated= reliable, but boring. Brokered= new and exciting, but getting lost, never knowing where you are going or where to park when you get there, having to discover at the last minute. where to eat, shower, etc. Plus, you don’t get much sleep because you are always dealing with the unknown and obstacles
that come with trucking. Okay, I admit, on paper, my preferences seem way more difficult. Regardless, I prefer the brokered loads. I discovered that when we just run dedicated, I am unfulfilled and my job performance suffers. Then Todd suffers. I don’t know if you know this, but “if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy”. There isn’t much that compares to discovering that quaint little gem of a ma and pa, old school truck stop, where the food is hot, tasty, plentiful on your plate and served with a smile as warm as the fresh baked bread that comes with every meal. Where the people that work there, have grown up, raised their kids, buried their parents and cherish their grandkids, all in a 20-mile radius. Where people still wave as they pass you on the narrow, asphalt, crop lined, not paint lined, road and will stop to see if you need assistance. There was a season (a short one) where I tried to overcome my selfproclaimed shortcomings. I tried to go against the way I am wired and worked hard at being scheduled, organized and disciplined. I failed miserably. Instead, as I continued on my faith journey, I embraced the gifting’s that Father God has given me and relied on the man God has given me, to compliment where I lack. I am his helper, as well. So it seems that indeed. people are wired differently, with purpose and by a Brilliant Designer. This is called the body of Christ and it is by brilliant design. that we are, with love, mercy, and grace, wired differently. Tamera is a former Roller Derby “Queen” who enjoys an unusual life in Christ while hauling freight with her husband, Todd. You can follow her journey at her Facebook page “Trucking is Glamorous”.
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Name: Johnny & Chelsea Burke Position: Lead pastor & Co-pastor Church: New Beginnings Wesleyan Church 616 C St, Marysville Denomination: Wesleyan Years in Current Position: 1 Years in Ministry: 6 Family: Chelsea (wife), Cori (5), James (2) Life Verse/Passage: Revelation 21:3-4 “God’s home is now among His people! He will live with them, and they will be His people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Favorite book (other than the Bible): Anything CS Lewis or Arthur Conan Doyle Inspiring Person/Role Model: Peter from the Bible, He took his shots, fell short often, and kept getting back up.
The Burke Family “Human” (embarrassing) moment: Pounding my chest and hollering loudly at a River Cats game because I won a free appetizer. Embarrassing part was that the box was full of Christian Families and I had no idea the appetizer coupon was for Hooters. Whoops. Something unique/unusual you may not know about me: After being clean and sober for over 11 years, I have a new addiction besides Jesus…Xbox One video games! Message to the Community: We believe that God has called the greater Yuba and Sutter area to stand up and be ONE church together, leading people to Christ. He is doing something amazing in this area right now and we are privileged to be able to come alongside what He is already doing!
The Christian Business Alliance would like to invite you to our midweek meeting. Rich Fellowship, Powerful Prayer, Refreshing Presence of God! We meet at the Bride Church the first Tuesday of the month from noon – 1pm. Current members: A-1 Carpet Cleaning - (530) 673-3634 - www.a-1clean.com Rachel Aleman - Century 21- 530-813-2253 Ron Brasier - A Hand Up Ministry - (530) 671-1360 Marty Brown - KCYC-LP FM - (530) 674-5296 Kathleen Caldwell - Caldwells Custom Countertops - (530) 695-2112 Fred Cox - Richard's Tree Service - (530) 673-7993 LaDonna Curteman - Band Together for Christ - ladonna.curteman@gmail.com Chuck David Carol Dodds - A Woman’s Friend - (530) 741-9136 Stephen Elliot- Ad Lucem Tax Services - (530) 329-8685 Dennis & Connie Gable - Operation Christmas Child - (530) 695-1495 Rita Galusha Steve & Cash Gilliss - Crosspointe Christian Books - (530) 673-6188 Pamela Givans Adrian Graves - Solar City - 530-329-1698 John Guth - Guth & Changaris, A Prof Law Corp - (530) 674-9841 Seth Halpern - Ambassador Newspaper - editor@ambassadornewspaper.com Kurt Hilbers - Hilbers Inc - www.hilbersinc.com Arlene Hite - Bridges to Housing - (530) 755-3414 David Hobbs Painting - Cont. Lic#880562 (530)742-2428 David Holycross - Holycross Memorial - (530) 751-7000 Bill Jens - Yuba Sutter Healthy Marriage Project - (530) 671-6069 Cornell U. Kay - Integrity Chamber of Commerce - (916) 969-0205 Dave Kugelman - Proforma by Kug - (530) 742-2423 Bill & Sonja Lindholm- RVOC - (530) 329-8361 Clay Maynard - Consultant - (530) 790-6611 Jim McCarty - Trinity Living Systems - trinityls@yahoo.com Jerry Munz - JM Construction Co. - (530) 682-5316 Maria Paras Ronda Putman Roger Shadd - Shadd Janitorial Supply - (530) 673-0083 George Shaw- Serving Our Saviour - (530) 671-3303 Robert Stark - Retired Auditor/Controller - stark@otnusa.com Dwayne Tanabe - Taylor Accountancy Corp - dktanabe@yahoo.com Jenine Tanabe - Jenine L. Tanabe, MD Dematology - (530) 743-0301
For weekly reminders, updates, or to join email editor@ambassadornewspaper.com
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May GOD be with you through NEW YEAR and fill your life with COMFORT, LOVE and JOY. May this day and the days ahead, Hold many BLESSINGS for you and yours.
Happy New Year!
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I Can’t Help Myself!
Samaritan Village welcomed baby Pendo to the family on December 10th. Tragically, when she was found dumped, she was found with malnutrition, sickness and a broken right leg. The first pictures we received from Josephat (Director of the Orphanage) were truly heart breaking. Immediately she began receiving love, medical care and nutritious food from the nurses and “mamas” who care for the children at Samaritan Village, and just one week later, she looks like a different little girl. She is tiny, and they are estimating her to be between 1 ½ to 2 years old. We give praise to God that she was found and pray that she will fully recover from this very sad and frightening ordeal. Baby Pendo has joined a wonderful family of brothers and sisters, “mamas” and nurses who will love and care for her at Samaritan Village. She will be taught about her Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus, and will receive all the care she needs to grow and reach her full God given potential. The goal of Samaritan Village is to reduce the number of abandoned children and help prevent the deaths of children in Tanzania, Africa by providing care for those whose parents have either died or abandoned them and who have no relatives responsible for their care. Like the other children at Samaritan Village, baby Pendo will continue to live here until she is either adopted by an eligible family or until she is an adult
Baby Pendo and is able to support herself. As a supporter of Samaritan Village, you can be part of blessing her, one of “the least of these”. God allows us to be His hands and feet, ministering to the needs of others. A gift of $60.00 monthly will provide for Pendo’s care at Samaritan Village Orphanage. A monthly sponsorship for a child is $60.00, but any amount, either one time, monthly or even yearly is greatly appreciated. Please visit our website @ samaritanvillageorphanage.org or you may follow us on Facebook @ Samaritan Village Orphanage. We are an all volunteer Board and meet monthly along with interested friends of Samaritan Village. We are involved in activities throughout the year — all for the joy of helping care for the children. If you would like to find out more or be part of this exciting work, please call Joan @ 530-755-2588.
Samaritan Village Orphanage, Inc. P.O. Box 444 Yuba City, CA 95992 Tax ID#68-0214955 501c 3 “...whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matt 25:40
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Since repetition is the mother of all teaching, I can’t help myself in repeating my philosophy on making new year’s resolutions. It certainly is a time to reflect on changes we need to make in our lives. There are negative circumstances which impact all of us which are beyond our control. THEN, there are those choices we (knowingly) make which negatively impact our lives. This is where change is needed. We typically need to either start or stop doing something. With the new year comes great expectation for positive change. There is nothing wrong with a New Year’s resolution. If that is you, go for it. However, if you want or need change in your life, you can make it on January 1st, March 11th, June 22nd or any other day of the year. Don’t wait for the new year. I often hear comments like “this next year is going to be a great year.” Again, nothing wrong with a positive
outlook on the future, but sometimes change is needed today. Many people justify overeating during the Christmas holiday with the intention of starting a diet on January 1st. Finally, since I can’t help myself make lasting change, I am happy there is Someone who can, and already did change me and His name is Jesus Christ. Do you want change, lasting change? Surrender your life to Jesus. Live in complete obedience to Him. Read His Word. Worship Him daily and join other believers in consistent fellowship. Pray, spend time with other committed Christians who are serious followers of Jesus Christ. Jesus said that broad is the road that leads to destruction (hell) and narrow is the road that leads to life (heaven). Remember this, if you are following the crowd, you are going the wrong way. Get on the narrow path and follow Jesus Christ today. You won’t be disappointed. Happy New Year!
David Kugelman is the president of the Christian Business Alliance which meets each Tuesday at noon at various locations. Dave welcomes your questions or comments on this article at drkug@comcast.net
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AN END-OF-YEAR MARRIAGE CHECK-UP 9. When is the last time we (cheerfully!) said, “How can I help you this week” (and meant it)?
Kevin DeYoung, (The Gospel Coalition) (Editor’s Note: This “check-up” is equally useful for the beginning or even any time of year)
11. Have we raised our voices at one another in the last month? 12. Are we more eager to spend time with someone at work, at church, or at the gym than we are with each other?
Here are 15 questions to help you and your spouse take the relational temperature of your marriage:
together?
1. How often do we laugh together?
6. Has our physical intimacy grown cold, infrequent, or a source of too much pressure and stress?
2. When is last time we had a meaningful conversation about something other than our schedules or the kids? 3. Do we ever turn on music and sing and dance and act silly? 4. How many times in the last month have we prayed together or read the Bible
5. Do we ever hold hands?
7. When is the last time we said “I’m sorry” or “I forgive you”? 8. When is the last time we said “Thank you” for regular, ordinary task like making dinner, doing the dishes, paying the bills, fixing the car, or folding the laundry?
13. When we have time together at home, just the two of us, is the television always on in the background? 14. Are there hurts or sins or fears that we need to disclose to one another? 15. How might the love of God the Father, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit shape our life together in this season of marriage?
Not a perfect list of questions, certainly not an exhaustive list. But perhaps it’s a start. God’s grace flows best in marriage when we are talking together.
We build structures and relationships to last.
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As we approach the end of the year, many of us will take time to reflect on different areas in our lives. There is nothing magical about the turn of the calendar page. Yet if the flip from December to January causes us to think about what’s really important, I’m all for this little bit of common grace. Some of us will put together new exercise goals. Some of us will find the right Bible reading plan for next year. Some of us will zero in on a new schedule for Bible memorization. All of these are important (especially the last two). Let me suggest one other plan for the end of the year: check in on your marriage. As a pastor, I’ve seen too many marriages flounder (or fall apart) over the years. The church usually is good about rallying around a couple for sympathy, counsel, and comfort in the midst of marital trials. What we may not be as good at is helping each other before the problems become acute. We need a place for marital triage in the church, but we also need regular check-ups.
10. When is the last time we surprised each other with a gift, a note, or a night out?
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LIFE MATTERS presented by Yuba-Sutter Right To Life President-Elect Donald Trump Names Pro-Life Rep. Tom Price as HHS Secretary replace Obamacare and bring affordable and accessible healthcare to every American,” Mr. Trump said. “I am proud to nominate him as secretary of Health and Human Services.” Mr. Price, chairman of the House Budget Committee and an outspoken opponent of Obamacare from Georgia, said it’s an “honor” to be nominated for the position. “There is much work to be done to ensure we have a healthcare system that works for patients, families, and doctors; that leads the world in the cure and prevention of illness; and that is based on sensible rules to protect the wellbeing of the country while embracing its innovative spirit,” said Mr. Price, Georgia Republican. During a debate over legislation to stop taxpayer funding of abortion, Congressman Price laid out his pro-life views. “This legislation prohibits taxpayer funding of elective abortions, no matter where in the federal system that might occur. This is a position supported by the majority of Americans in a bipartisan manner. We have a responsibility, through our government, to protect the
By Steven Ertelt of LifeNews.com President-elect Donald Trump has named yet another pro-life advocate to a key position that would have oversight concerning pro-life policies. Today he named pro-life Congressman Tom Price as a secretary for Health and Human Services. The position will have great influence on Obamacare, which funds abortions with taxpayer dollars, and on policies related to respecting the conscience rights of doctors and health care workers. The nomination of Congressman Price, who is a physician by training, comes after President Trump nominated prolife Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions as his attorney general and pro-life Governor Nikki Haley has his UN ambassador. Price has a long pro-life voting record as a member of Congress and has voted pro life 100% of the time according to the National Right to Life Committee. In a statement about the nomination, Trump said Price has earned a reputation for being a “tireless problem solver” and “the go-to expert on healthcare policy.” “He is exceptionally qualified to shepherd our commitment to repeal and
most vulnerable among us, not the least of whom are the unborn. This bill is an important step in the right direction,” he said. Price has also blasted the Independent Payment Advisory Board, which has been derisively called “death panels” by detractors. He said: “Patients, families, and doctors should make medical decisions, not Washington, DC. The Independent Payment Advisory Board is a direct threat to quality, innovative and responsive health care for America’s seniors. This board of unelected, unaccountable
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bureaucrats has the power to deny care to seniors by deciding unilaterally what care will be paid for. Repealing IPAB will help protect the patient-doctor relationship for Medicare beneficiaries. It is part of what must be a broader effort to focus attention on solutions that put patients first.” “When bureaucrats choose, patients lose,”he concluded. Responding to the nomination, pro-abortion Sen. Democrat Leader Charles Schumer, claimed the pro-life Congressman’s too radical, , stating that Price is “far out of the mainstream” on healthcare policies.
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Human Trafficking: The Problem and Solutions By Nicole Duncan and Meredith Curry If you read the cover story and the experience of Jenna, you might be asking “Could someone in Jenna’s life have seen red flags that indicated she needed help?” “What could they have done to help her?” Let’s take a look at some statistics and what you can do to help fight trafficking. An estimated 21-27 million people are enslaved globally. Human trafficking is the world’s fastest growing criminal industry making $32 billion per year (according to the 2016 Fortune 500, that’s more than the profits of Nike, Google, Coca-Cola, and McDonald’s combined). Nationally, it’s estimated that 100,000-300,000 children are at risk of commercial sexual exploitation per year. California has three of the FBI’s highest child sex trafficking areas in the nation (San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles). Yuba-Sutter’s proximity to major highways and to Sacramento make it a destination and pass-through area for trafficking. We also have high numbers of foreign nationals, people living in poverty and drug use, all of which are vulnerabilities traffickers prey upon. Since its inception in 2013, Restoration Railroad, an anti-human trafficking organization in the Yuba-Sutter area, has assisted 77 individuals and trained over 3,000 members of the community on the signs of human trafficking. More victims are being identified in our community on a regular basis. So what can you do to help trafficking victims? First, educate yourself about the signs of trafficking so you can ask, “Are you safe?” “Do you need help?” If a victim wants help, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Hotline at 1-888-3737-888. Twenty-four hours a day they are prepared to tell you how best to assist a victim anywhere in the U.S. If
the victim does not want help, which is often normal, you can give her the number above, which is easy to memorize, so she does have a resource when she is ready to get out. If time and circumstances permit (you and she are safe), you can listen to her, ask her what her dreams are and tell her about local resources she can access when she is ready. Second, volunteer. Restoration Railroad and other organizations like it depend on volunteers to assist victims: mentors, people to host awareness events, participants in direct outreach to women in the sex industry who help these women know they can have help accessing resources should they choose to get out. And so much more. Once a victim is removed from the trafficking situation, the real healing and hard work begins. Needs are comprehensive and typically include: immediate safe housing, counseling and assistance managing symptoms that come out of trauma (returning to the life, mental health disorders, using manipulation as a survival skill), life skills, completing a high school education or GED, employment that pays a living wage and more. All of these needs must be met by professionals in those fields. And we need more of them. If you are one of these professionals, please make yourself known to Restoration Railroad or another anti-trafficking organization in your region so we can call on you when you are needed. Finally you can examine your heart attitude toward this issue. For so long, our society has considered any woman involved in prostitution as being there by her own bad choices. Certainly there are some women who choose to prostitute. But when you look at the reality of this life, you quickly realize that many women and youth involved in the life are there not
Some Key Red Flags
To Join the Fight Against Sex-Trafficking visit www.restorationrailroad.org, email info@restorationrailroad.org or call 530763-3160. See the Calendar on p. 7 for upcoming Volunteer opportunities
by choice but by manipulation or force or a lack of (or their perceived lack of) better choices. We can recognize the humanity involved in the life and consider our responsibility in offering better choices and helping people see and access alternatives. Often victims will return to their traffickers multiple times. So what will be our response? Will we throw up our hands in frustration because she “makes the wrong choice”? Wouldn’t it be better to bring their plight to before heaven in prayer and wait for her at the foot of the cross? Let’s pray for all involved: for the victims, for those at-risk, for the buyers and the traffickers and for our own hearts to be open to looking this full on in the face and addressing the enormity of it one step and one God image-bearing person at a time.
• Inability to speak to individual alone • Answers appear to be scripted and rehearsed • Employer is holding identity documents • Unpaid or paid very little • Under 18 and in prostitution
Questions to Ask
Assuming you have the opportunity to speak with a potential victim privately and without jeopardizing the victim’s safety (because the trafficker is watching): • Are you free to come and go? • Do you have your passport/ identification? • Are you safe? Do you need help?
National Human Trafficking Resource Center 1-888-3737-888
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CONTINUED FOR PAGE 1: cover story unfortunately it was always through criminal activity of some sort. Growing and selling marijuana out of the apartment was just the tip of the iceberg. Storm clouds fogged my head completely during this time. Though my faith in God was not shaken, my innocence in believing and hoping things would get better, failed me. I leaned on trying to understand how to maintain a marriage, but also have the courage to speak up. Then he sold me. Human Trafficking/Sex Trafficking was something so foreign to me. I didn’t understand what was happening, just completely paralyzed with fear. My husband received money from men who wanted to rape me. He was always around, even when he locked me in the closet, where I couldn’t escape. I cried uncontrollably, frightened, and in both physical and emotional pain. The “monster” was on the other side of the closet door and was stuck inside alone. A light fixture hung overhead and every time I was raped and thrown into the closet, that light gave me hope. I realized that I was not completely alone. But then there was someone else that was always there with me: GOD. I would lay there in the closet, bleeding, in pain, crying and alone and I would pray. I was always thankful the light switch was on the inside of the closet so I wouldn’t be sitting in the dark. But God always gave me light. He gave me hope. Hope that it wouldn’t always be this way. He also gave me peace. Peace that allowed me to sleep in that condition. He spoke to me, putting the fragments of my former self back together again. Through His strength, I managed to rise above my paralyzing anxiety and escape my abusive husband. While God was busy rescuing me, my life didn’t get any easier after I left my husband. There was too much damage in my life that needed repair. I scheduled
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an appointment with a physician who weighed me in at 100 pounds not enough for my six foot seven inch frame. My hair was falling out in clumps and all the physical injuries were more noticeable than the tattoo on my back. No one asked, and I was too frightened to tell. I stayed silent for six years. With no one to help support or guide me, I lived a self-destructive life for some time. Then I met a man, got married, and had a son. It was during a routine office visit with the physician (OBGYN) that I was asked if I had ever been sexual abused. I had never told anyone about the trauma, not even my new husband. The shock of being asked about sexual abuse had stirred up old anxiety and torturous visions of rape all over again. The weight of it all came crashing down like a hammer and I sought out intensive therapeutic treatment. To be able to speak openly to someone for the first time was finally setting me free. It was like I could finally be free of that small closet, once and for all. Freedom from the bondage of emotional pain and hate didn’t free me from more suffering though. My new husband left me just four months later. The consequences of keeping my trauma a secret proved too much for him. I was on my own again, but this time living in a one-bedroom apartment, working three jobs and raising my son. For added therapy, I leased a horse, riding every time life seemed too much to handle. A pastor and his family became my support group during this time. Despite all the losses in my life, I grew deeper in my faith as I pursued God with every breath I could take. I realized that no one goes to the grave without losses in this lifetime. My transparency has helped many other people overcome trauma and I enrolled in college again to
fulfill dreams. Restoration Railroad has given me volunteer opportunities to be an advocate in raising awareness about Human Trafficking. (please read their article on the subject on page 15) God’s plan and timing were perfect. God gave purpose to my pain and to my life by using my story to educate communities and assist sex trafficking victims. It is
my hope that my story can help increase awareness in many communities. This is not just an international problem, it’s something very close to home, right down the road. To learn more of my story and for resources, please visit: JennaMckaye.com
If you would like to experience the peace and transformed life that God can provide through Jesus Christ and you are willing to commit your life to the only one who can truly set you free from your sin, you can pray to the Lord right now and ask Him to forgive you of your sins. Because of what His Son, Jesus, did by dying on the cross, your sins will not be held against you by God anymore. You can experience freedom for the rest of your life on earth and then have a life in Heaven with God for eternity. God’s part of the deal is already done. Your part is to confess your sins, repent (or change your ways) and believe that He is Lord. If your life is out of control, let Him take over control. For help, questions, or more information, contact us at The Ambassador or any of the churches listed on page 3.
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IN THE NEWS
Satan Club Holds First Meeting at Washington Elementary School By Michael Gryboski Christian Post Reporter The After School Satan Club held its first meeting at an elementary school in Washington state last week where 20 people attended the event hosted by the Satanic Temple. Eleven adults and nine children were at last Wednesday’s meeting at Point Defiance Elementary School, where one parent reportedly signed up their child for the program. Lilith Starr, chapter head for the Satanic Temple of Seattle and director of Washington state’s After School Satan Club program, was one of the attendees for the Point Defiance meeting. “It went very well; we were able to answer a lot of questions from the parents and most of them seemed supportive of the After School Satan Club,” Starr said Tuesday in an interview with The Christian Post. “One family signed their child up right then and there. We anticipate others will sign up before our next club meeting on Jan. 11, 2017.” Earlier this year, the Satanic Temple announced that they were going to launch an After School Satan Club chapters in public schools nationwide. Their intention was to hold meetings
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at the same elementary schools that allow student chapters of the evangelical Christian group Good News Bible Club to meet after school. The effort comes several years after the United States Supreme Court ruled 6–3 in the decision Good News Club v. Milford Central School that the Christian group had the right to meet on public school property after class hours. “By denying the club access to the school’s limited public forum on the ground that the club was religious in nature, Milford discriminated against the club because of its religious viewpoint
in violation of the Free Speech Clause,” wrote Justice Clarence Thomas for the majority. “[It] cannot be said that the danger that children would misperceive the endorsement of religion is any greater than the danger that they would perceive a hostility toward the religious viewpoint if the club were excluded from the public forum.” Starr told CP that if the Good News Club were to stop holding their gatherings at Point Defiance Elementary School, then the After School Satan Club would do the same.
“Our goal with the After School Satan Club is to provide another alternative to the Good News Club. If one religion is allowed access to a school, we believe it’s important that there be more than one option for children to choose from,” said Starr. “Otherwise it could appear that the school is promoting one religious voice exclusively. If the Good News Club withdraws, our program will no longer be needed to provide a counterpoint, and we will also withdraw.” Moises Esteves, vice president of USA Ministries for Child Evangelism Fellowship, which oversees the Good News Bible Club, told CP in an interview earlier this year that his organization had no plans to quit meeting at elementary schools. “The After School Satan Club is simply another attention-seeking atheist club. The choice of mascot reveals that its leaders simply hate God, and are trying to provoke or spook parents and schools,” said Esteves. “Like those before it, this club will fizzle out, because parents don’t view their children as pawns for a ‘blend of political activism, religious critique and performance art’ by angry atheists.”
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EDITORIAL the great divide By Jon Skillman Contrary to popular belief, I was not around during the Civil War era. Therefore, I cannot recall when this nation entered into a new year so deeply divided (of course my “recaller” isn’t what it used to be, but my “forgetter” is working fine). Oh sure we’ve had issues divide us before, but not along so many fronts and different levels. The wedge that has been driven between us is spitting conservative from liberal, secular from spiritual, male from female and truth into a million pieces. Depending on who you talk to, this is either a time of hope, or a time of despair…a time of promise, or a time of fear…a time of love, or a time of hate. It all comes down to which side of the divide you find yourself. But where did this wedge come from and who keeps pounding it between us? Well, this being an opinion piece, here’s my personal and unabashed perspective. The wedge was forged by a postmodern worldview and driven home by the secular progressive movement. It began as a slight tapping that chipped prayer time from our public schools. Then in 1963, a more manifest pounding knocked Bible reading out of public schools. In the late 1960s the free love movement began beating its way out of the communes and into the arts where it, along with a disdain for morality, and a
taste for dope, were glorified in song, and on stage, screen and eventually into the societal norms of the day. This in turn, removed the stigma from promiscuity and shame from out of wedlock births. Everything became groovy…you know the mantra; “If it feels good, do it!” I must admit, as a young secularist myself, I almost got caught up in the hippie craze by becoming, what is known as, a pseudo hippie…meaning; I looked like a hippie, talked like a hippie, but was married, had a full time job and didn’t do drugs. Anyway, in 1973…POW! The Supreme Court drove the wedge ever deeper by ruling the killing of your unborn child was no longer a crime but a right! Then in 1980…BAM! The Ten Commandments were cleaved from the public square, effectively creating a Godless government. KAPOW! In 2015 The Supreme Court declared God’s moral laws null and void by legitimizing perversion and sin through the sanctity of marriage. And now, a person’s gender is no longer determined by birth but by whim. So here we stand on the precipice of a great divide. God is constant; He does not change. So, if a nation or a person finds themselves separated from God…guess who moved. The real question is: How do we bridge this great divide?
The Ambassador accepts opinions and editorials (op-ed’s) as long as they are well-written and less than 450 words. Op-ed’s will be published purely at the discretion of the editor. If you would like to submit your op-ed, please email it (written in MS Word) to editor@ambassadornewspaper.com. The deadline for submission is the 15th of the month for the next issue.
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The Ambassador
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
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Be A “HERO” My wife and I love to watch reruns of “The King of Queens”. Watching the exploits of Doug and Carrie Heffernan (played by Kevin James and Leah Remini) reminds us so much of our own marriage. Kevin James is one of my favorite comedic actors. However, recently Remini has become more famous (or perhaps, infamous) than her hilarious co-star. After a much-publicized split with “Church of Scientology”, Remini wrote a “tellall” book about her decades- long experience. Now, she is hosting a show called “Leah Remini- Scientology and the Aftermath” in which each of seven episodes shares stories from former members of Scientology and the painful abuse and family trials as a result of leaving the “church”. The stories are heart-breaking and while I at first thought that Remini was simply capitalizing on her experience for fame and money or at best, had an axe to grind, I realized quickly that she is passionate about bringing an end to the abuse of this cult and the pain it inflicts on its members who “wake up” after years of service. There are incredible accounts of physical, emotional, financial and even sexual abuse. Remini doesn’t appear to be a follower of Jesus based on her vulgar language, which is repeatedly bleeped out, and there is no mention of the Christian God. In fact, her previous experience with something called “church” will no doubt make it difficult for her to consider religion in any sense. That said, I would consider Remini a “hero”. She states unequivocally that the organization can sue her and harass her but she will not be stopped or manipulated by those threats. As a successful actress, she certainly has something to lose: Money, Reputation, etc. Yet, she is willing to sacrifice that
Seth Halpern - Editor if it exposes the abuse of this cult (and others) that does great harm to people. I write this in order to encourage and challenge you in two ways. First, check out this show on the A&E Network and become aware of abuse that is going on in this organization and other cults that prey on the vulnerable or well intended and who want to do good in the world. Second, I challenge all followers of Jesus, to be like Him in exposing the darkness of the enemy and his tactics. There are many injustices in this world. We feature one such story on the cover. We, Christians, are commanded to be “salt and light” and to “seek justice and defend the oppressed” (Isa 1:17) William Wilberforce put his reputation on the line when he sought to abolish slavery in England. Dietrich Bonhoeffer risked his life to save Jews from the Holocaust. Both were committed Christians obeying God’s Word. There is a lot of darkness in our world and a lot of suffering at the hands of Godless people. It is our responsibility to speak and defend against those injustices. They include abortion, sex trafficking, bullying, racism, and countless other horrible acts. Some Christians only talk about love and don’t want to get involved in the muddy water of injustice. We are called to show our love in that fight as well. Don’t allow injustice, on your watch. Be a “hero”.
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