November 2015
Most of us have seen the billboards that show the “before and after” pictures of a normal-looking young person and then the heart-breaking image of them after getting caught up in drug abuse. Here we have a story of the reverse- a woman who had been a long-time drug addict who was transformed by the power of God. Below is the amazing testimony of one changed woman. -----------------------------------------My name is Linda Sierra and I am from Olivehurst. I am 59 years old. I started hanging out with the wrong crowd, started drinking and using drugs when I was 14 years old. I was a functioning alcoholic/addict and I had bought a home, a car and
Prayer Calendar Page 9
was raising my daughter. I was in a car accident in 2002 and was prescribed OxyContin which quickly turned into a heroin addiction. My addiction took everything from me; I lost my home and turned my back on everyone who loves me and I didn’t even care. I ended up homeless for the very first time in my life. I lived in a tent between the freeway and the railroad tracks off Feather River Bld. for 3 years; I was a beggar
asking people for money to support me and my addiction. I was a hopeless addict with no dreams or future. I know that God had never left me. He was always there protecting me. I was never attacked or harmed in the 3 years I was homeless. God sent people to pray with me, the Teen Challenge ladies would bring me food, and I would go to the outreaches at Riverside Restoration Center where
"Most do not recognize me, but after they know it’s me, they say that there is something different about me; I tell them it is Jesus"
Life Matters Page 15
Christians in “Sin City”? Page 16
I would be fed, get clothing and prayer. God was knocking on my door, but there was no way I was about to open it. Until one day He took control. I was arrested on a no-bail warrant. On October 24, 2013, I was court ordered to Teen Challenge and was escorted there by two probation officers. It was there where my new life began. Since God put Teen Challenge into my life I have hope and a future. I wake up every morning so very thankful for everything, I never want for anything. It took me about 8 months to completely surrender to God and then the blessing began to flow. God has restored my family,
CONTINUED ON PAGE 17
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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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101-Year-Old Receives Christ After Wife Prayed For 24 Years By Brian Blackwell (God Reports - blog.godreports.com) Lou Warshaw prayed for 24 years that her husband George would accept Christ as his Lord and Savior. After years of refusing to give up on the hope that he would become a Christian, God answered her prayers when, at the age of 101, George made that decision and followed through with believer’s baptism. “The devil kept telling me it wouldn’t happen,” Lou said, admitting to times when her faith was tested. “But I kept believing God would let it happen. I think I’m still on cloud nine.” George’s conversion story began on July 24, 1991, when he and Lou became husband and wife. The two were of different faiths; George was a Jewish nonbeliever; Lou was a Christian. Even so, George attended Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria, La., most Sundays with Lou, where she was a member. They sat in the same pew every Sunday for worship and then attended a Bible study class. Lou and other friends never pushed their faith on George through the years but showed him Christian love and prayed that he would come to know Christ. In recent months, George had become unable to continue attending Calvary or
even living at his residence with Lou, so he went into the Veterans Affairs Nursing Home in nearby Pineville but still remained in constant contact with Calvary members and staff. In late June, questions he asked about the Christian faith were more frequent and, on July 10, George asked David Boothe, his longtime Sunday School teacher, to visit him. Boothe said the conversation “moved to that of denomination and [Lou] and I both explained to him that being a member of a denomination doesn’t mean anything as far as a relationship with God.” “We told him you have to get your relationship with God straightened out, and the way you do that is trusting in God. We talked some more and he said he wanted to accept Christ.” Three weeks later, Lou was at the VA Nursing Home for a moment flowing from her intercession for George. Surrounded by friends and family who had prayed and never given up hope that he would accept Christ, George was baptized. Since he was too weak to undergo baptism by immersion, Boothe and Calvary pastor David Brooks jointly baptized George using water from the Jordan River that Brooks had collected during a trip to the Holy Land. Brooks described Lou is a perfect
George and Lou Warshaw example of a Christ-like follower who obeys Christ’s commandments even when the situation seems hopeless. “She prayed for him for years and lived out an exceptional Christian life in front of him,” Brooks said. “It is a great lesson to be persistent in praying for the salvation of anyone and witnessing to them. And never underestimate living a Christ-like life 24-7 in front of your family members. You never know the impact your life will have on them.” Since his conversion and baptism, Lou and George read the Bible when they are together during her visits at the nursing
home. “He can’t see well anymore, so I read him the Bible for a long time when I’m at the nursing home with him,” Lou said. “I really didn’t know he would love to hear the Bible as much as he does. It’s like he has a hunger for it.” George’s baptism portrays a lesson Lou for Christians who have witnessed to a non-believer for many years: “Keep praying and believe God will answer your prayers.”
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Peace Despite the Storm By April James How can we be so certain God’s plans for us are good? We are bombarded at every turn with bad news: super-storms, flooding, severe drought, earthquakes, shootings, bombings, global economic crises, greater government control, diminishing religious freedoms, terrorism, and the list continues. With all the chaos and upheavals in life, when it seems everything is going wrong and with our faith dwindling for any change, one may doubt how God’s plans are to prosper us. If God’s plans were to harm us, why would Jesus have bothered to come? Why would he have endured such agony and suffering to save us? Why would he send the Holy Spirit to be our comforter, teacher and guide? If God’s plans had not been for good, then why give us a manual (Bible) full of instructions by which we may obtain good in our lives; a book that tells of times to come so we could be prepared. One which is full of examples showing how he provided and was
there for generations of old - in order to encourage us; to show that God is still in control of the world despite the seeming disarray of it; to let us know he doesn’t change, that he is still here
but the peace of Jesus, the peace that sustained him in the midst of storms and trials; that very same peace he gives to us (John 14:27).
for us today and will be there tomorrow. Then consider the numerous gifts and promises we have been given, one of which is peace. Not just any peace, or peace we have when life is going well,
Isaiah 32:17 “the fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.” When we have confidence in our Lord and Savior, our hearts can be
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at peace despite the storms, difficulties, challenges and uncertain times. Our confidence, faith and peace increase as we come to intimately know God and not just know about him. The more we focus on problems in this world, the easier it becomes to forget God’s care, love, dependability and provision. When our minds dwell on whatever is pure, lovely, and of good report, and then look to the Problem Solver, we can find joy even in the most difficult times, even as Habakkuk did and was able to declare, ”yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength;” Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. How can we be so certain God’s plans for us are good – how can we not? God’s plans to prosper us may not look like we think they should; may we have eyes to see as he does!
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CALENDAR 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. CROSSROADS CLOTHES CLOSET Crossroads Community Church, YC Shop at our - FREE Clothes given away! Open Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm
SUNDAY •CELEBRATE RECOVERY Praise Chapel Church - Sunday 6:30 p.m. Join us for great worship and open share group. For more info call 530-923-7204
MONDAY KNIT & CROCHET WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP First Baptist Church of Olivehurst 1777 - 8th Ave. Mon 10 a.m. - Noon 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 First Baptist Church of Olivehurst Mon 5:30pm FREE karate classes taught from a Christian perspective. 743-1831 for info, Pastor Miguel. CELEBRATE RECOVERY Crossroads Community Church Mondays 6:30pm-8:30pm 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
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Ongoing Events TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
•ENCOUNTERING GOD 9:30 - 11:30 AM Every Tuesday Morning Embassy of Heaven Campus 1179 Eager Rd., Yuba City (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.
FREE BIBLE COLLEGE CLASSES First Baptist Church of Olivehurst 1777 8th Ave., Olivehurst Wednesday Mornings 10:00 AM 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!
•SAMARITAN VILLAGE MONTHLY MEETING 3rd Tue of each month, 6:30pm This meeting is open to all who are interested in helping with an orphanage in Tanzania. For info call Victor Savage at 671-2219. •CRAFTSMEN FOR CHRIST The Bride Church 655 Colusa Hwy, YC Meets every Tuesday at 6:30pm Men’s fellowship around the word and worship. All in the Body of Christ welcome! •CHRISTIAN BUSINESS ALLIANCE LUNCHEON Every 1st Tue @ Noon Bonanza Inn, Yuba City Join us for Lunch, Fellowship and God’s Word! For info contact Dave Kugelman 530-632-9292
AWANA Wed 5:45-7:45pm during school year Evangelical Free Church 3785 Olive Hwy. Oroville For information please call 533-6866 Awana is a boys & girls club consisting of small group time, games, large group time. LIFE @ HOPE POINT Hope Point Nazarene 600 N. George Washington Blvd, YC Wednesday @ 6:30pm for kids, 7pm for adults 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. •DIVORCE CARE Wednesdays 7:00 - 8:30pm Embassy of Heaven Campus Church of Glad Tidings - Bldg 500 1179 Eager Road, YC (Hwy 99 @ Eager Rd) Info: Duane Russell 530.777.8543 Divorce Care is a divorce recovery support group where you can find help and healing from the hurt of separation or divorce. Weekly meetings provide you with an ongoing “support team” as you deal with the issues surrounding your separation or divorce. You’ll learn how to deal with the pain of the past and look forward to rebuilding your life.
TUESDAY SATURDAY •BETHESDA HEALING WELL Saturday, November 21st at 10:00 a.m. Embassy of Heaven Campus - Bldg 200 1179 Eager Road, YC - Ed Han 209-298-6102 Gathering for a time of soaking in God’s presence and then spending time to receive focused prayer for healing. CELEBRATE RECOVERY Loma Rica Community Church- Moy Hall. Fri., 7pm. Call church office for more information 743-5435 •SATURDAY NIGHT SERVICE Word Of Life Church 1229 Buchanan Street, Marysville 6:30pm Contemporary Worship led by Leanne Whitley & Robbie Jellsey Relevant & Anointed PreachingPastor Stan Reynolds
multiple days of the week •AHOP Ascending House of Prayer Every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 6:00 - 9:00 PM Embassy of Heaven Campus Church of Glad Tidings 1179 Eager Road, YC (Hwy 99 @ Eager Rd) 530-671-3160 Praying and preparing for a new Jesus Movement, raising the Life of the glory of God in the face of Christ in America and in the nations. Come join us and experience the richness of His Love! •PRAYER Every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 7:00 PM Embassy of Heaven Campus Church of Glad Tidings 1179 Eager Road, Yuba City 530-671-3160 “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. •WOMENS CLOTHES CLOSET Twin Cities Rescue Mission Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00 a.m. - Noon 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!
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OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD NATIONAL COLLECTION WEEK Monday, November 16 -- Monday, November 23, 2014 Please bring your packed shoebox gifts to either of our relay centers, so they can carry the Good News of Jesus Christ to hurting children around the world. Cooper Avenue Baptist Church – 804 Cooper Ave. Yuba City. [Enter on Clark Ave. south of library.] Relay hours: Mon.-Fri. 5:307:30, Sat. 2:30-7:30, Sun. 1-6, Mon. [11/23] 10 am – noon. Hope Point Nazarene Church -- 600 N. George Washington Ave. Yuba City Relay hours: Mon. - Sat. 2-5 pm, Sun. 1-4 pm, Mon. [11/23] 10 am - noon. For ? please contact Kathy 916-747-2212, kathy.baum@att.net MEET THE NEED 5th Street Park Marysville, CA/ Calvary Christian Center Marysville November 21st. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. There are 120 children registered as homeless
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in the Marysville School District. We are asking for donations to create Thanksgiving Baskets for their families; non-perishable items to create grocery bags and gently used clothes and shoes to be given away. For more information contact Kim (530) 632-9926 4TH ANNUAL DAY OF HOPE Victory Outreach Now through November 20th 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Please donate coats new or gently used (all sizes needed) & turkeys. Accepting donations Now through November 20th. Drop off a 523 J Street, Marysville Tuesday - Friday 9:00am - 2:00pm. This event will take place November 21st 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at Victory Outreach Twin Cities. Any questions contact (530) 755-4040 STIRRING THE WATERS OF BETHESDA Friday, November 20th at 7 p.m. Embassy of Heaven Campus Church of Glad Tidings - Bldg 200 1179 Eager Road, Yuba City Info: Ed Han 209-298-6102
Praying through the night for the release of God’s healing power. Come and pray through the night or pick an hour to intercede for healing, miracles, signs and wonders. TURKEY DINNER GIVEAWAY Twin Cities Rescue Mission, 940 14th Street, Marysville November 24th Time will be stated on your receipt. Low income families please come to the mission to sign up for our Free Turkey Dinner Food Boxes. Sign-ups are every Tuesday-Friday from 1:00pm-3:00pm. Please call beforehand to find out the Food Box Requirements. Our office number is 530-743-8777. You will receive a pick up time when you sign up. THANKSGIVING SERVICE AND DINNER Twin Cities Rescue Mission, 940 14th Street, Marysville November 25th, 12:00pm-3:00pm Please join us for our Free Thanksgiving Service and Dinner! Everyone is welcome. The Maher family and crew will once again be preparing the meal, which we will get to enjoy after our service. FAITH CHRISTIAN PLAYERS PRESENT “THE MIRACLE WORKER” First United Methodist Church, 3101 Colusa Hwy, YC Dec. 2, 3, 4 at 7:30 pm The FCS Players, Faith Christian High School’s award-winning theatre troupe, presents “The Miracle Worker,” which tells the powerful story of Helen Keller and her mentor Annie Sullivan. “The Miracle Worker” is a true story of tragedy,
National Collection Week ~ Nov.16-23
turmoil, and ultimately triumph as young Helen Keller, blind and deaf, literally moves from darkness into light through the efforts of her beloved teacher. A remarkably compelling and entertaining play for the entire family, “The Miracle Worker” features the professional level sets, lighting, costumes and acting for which the FCS Players are well-known. For more info and for tickets, please call the FCS Players Box Office at (530) 674-5474. DRAMA - “THE RICH MAN’S DAUGHTER” December 4th - 8th 7:00 PM Nightly Embassy of Heaven Campus Church of Glad Tidings - Bldg 100 1179 Eager Road, Yuba City Info: 530.671-3160 or www.churchofgladtidings.com An original musical comedy/drama set in the first century Rome with gladiators, Christians, wealthy aristocrats and bumbling servants. Admission FREE. DAVID HOGAN December 11 - 13 Friday 7pm, Saturday 7pm, Sunday 10am Embassy of Heaven Campus Church of Glad Tidings - Bldg 100 1179 Eager Road, Yuba City Info: 530.671-3160 or www.churchofgladtidings.com Freedom Ministries was founded in 1981 by David Hogan. The work began in Central Mexico. The primary focus is to go into the villages and regions where there is not established work of the Gospel. Now there are over six hundred churches pioneered and countless villages have been brought the Gospel.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Jesus can use the shoebox gifts you pack with school supplies, hygiene items, toys, & prayer to bring hope & salvation to children living whose lives have been shaped by war, famine, poverty, & disease. Won’t you touch a child’s life by packing a shoebox gift & bringing it to a relay center during Collection Week. Check out the Ambassador’s calendar for drop-off locations & times. For additional information please contact Kathy 916-747-2212, kathy.baum@att.net
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10 Ways You Can Help The Ambassador Ministry
Qualified By Paula McBride The four of us scrunched close in front of a full-length mirror so we could see ourselves together in our graduation regalia. Three summers prior, we had met as students in a master’s degree program, and our friendship deepened as we worked, played, and prayed together. It was a rigorous course, designed for teachers who worked during the school year and devoted their summers to further education. But it was finished. We laughingly pulled away from the mirror, straightened each other’s’ gowns, stoles, and mortarboards, and headed for the ceremony. We were qualified to graduate as Masters in Elementary Education. That was a long time ago, but I can remember the stress and all-nighters of those summer weeks. We had one class at a time, all day for eight days, and three classes per summer. Homework seemed insurmountable and exams too frequent. Statistics nearly did me in, and at times I was sure I would fail, but by the grace of God, I finished the course. We have to be qualified for many things in the school of life. Students have to qualify with grades to promote to the next level. Runners, swimmers, and racers strive for times that qualify them for meets. A teenager qualifies for a driver’s license by passing written and practical driving tests. Employers have pages of qualifications necessary for positions in their businesses. Fear of the unknown hovers in each situation as the haunting
question murmurs, “Will I make it?” How blessed we are, in the kingdom of God, not to be bound by qualifications we can never achieve. Jesus doesn’t see us as failures; everything we need for life and Godliness are met in Him (2 Peter 1:3). Paul wrote to the Colossians “giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light” (1:12). These verses are promises for us today! We are qualified by kindness, love, and mercy. Titus 3:4-5 says, “when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.” Our performance would never measure up in God’s “grade book.” In fact, it’s bad enough that we should be “expelled from school.” But Jesus blotted out our “bad grades” of sin when He died on the cross. He made them as if they never existed. Then He transferred His grades, His perfection, for ours. Now when God sees our report card, it’s flawless.
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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
One day there will be a glorious graduation to heaven. Our robes will be white and our songs will be praise. Sorrow and trouble will be no more. In the meantime, there is none of the worry of “Will I make it?” In Jesus the work is done. God has qualified us share with those in the kingdom of light. That’s a hope and a promise to be thankful for this season.
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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
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Prayer Calendar for November 2015 1-Nov Christian Businesses-Ambassador Sponsors & others. 2-Nov Local Pastors and their families 3-Nov Elderly/Care Facilities-staffing needs, summer heat 4-Nov Local Schools- pray for students, staff, and teachers 5-Nov Marketplace Ministries-Opportunities to share at work 6-Nov Orphan children- Samaritan Village (see p. 3) and other orphanages 7-Nov Pray for the Unemployed and Underemployed 8-Nov Addicted, Rehab ministries- Feather River Mens Center, Joshua House, Celebrate Recovery 9-Nov A Woman’s Friend - Unborn children/Pregnant Women 10-Nov Marriages, Restoration and Strength 11-Nov Veteran’s Day- Pray for Vets and their families 12-Nov Adoptive families & birth moms 13-Nov Missionaries -Fruit, Provision 14-Nov Sex Trafficking - pray for victims 15-Nov Military, All armed forces & their families. 16-Nov The Ambassador Newspaper-Increased readership and Impact 17-Nov Teen Depression, Suicide 18-Nov Global Persecution-Safety/Courage of Believers 19-Nov Local officials and community leaders 20-Nov Middle East - For the peace of Jerusalem 21-Nov Drought- Pray for RAIN 22-Nov Homeless/Poor - Twin Cities Rescue Mission, A Hand Up, Salvation Army 23-Nov Local ministries (see p. 3) 24-Nov Unity in and among local churches 25-Nov Children and Children’s Ministries 26-Nov Thanksgiving- Give Thanks to the King of Kings! 27-Nov Singles, Single Parents, Divorce healing 28-Nov Caregivers of elderly and disabled 29-Nov First Responders-Police, Firefighters, EMT, TIP 30-Nov Hollywood- May God to touch influential people
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COMMUNITY
The Voice of the Christian Community, Serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
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CBA MARKETPLACE MONTHLY GT = Grateful & Thankful
Simon Simon was born May 2, 2001 and his mother died of HIV when he was two months old. He was taken care of by a convent up until the age of two, but then they went to social welfare and requested he be placed somewhere else because he is a boy and cannot grow up in a convent. He was placed at the center. He is in class 6 at Lady of Mercy School and will begin secondary boarding school next year. He enjoys different hobbies, playing soccer, and watching TV. He wants to do something with mechanics when he is older.
A monthly sponsorship for a child is $60., but any amount - either one time, monthly or even yearly is greatly appreciated. Our website provides a link to Paypal and donations may be made online via credit card for your convenience, or checks may be mailed to Samaritan Village at the address shown below. You may follow us on Facebook @ Samaritan Village Orphanage, on our website @ and through our quarterly Newsletter. The all volunteer Board and friends of Samaritan Village meet monthly and you are invited to attend the meetings to learn more about this life saving work. Please call Joan @ 530-755-2588 for information and meeting information. To sign up for our Newsletter, please drop us a note at the address below and include your name, mailing address and email address (if available). As always, we solicit and covet your prayer partnership for these little ones whom God has placed in our care.
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
Though many may already be aware, I wanted my article this month to address a recent decision that Robin (my wife) and I made in regards to leaving Glad Tidings after nearly 16 years as committed members. In addition, I was employed there for ten years as part of the leadership team. I’m aware that curiosity would ask the question, why? My goal is not to answer that question but to merely use this space to express my extreme gratitude and appreciation for how God used Pastor Dave and all of the elders to train and equip me for greater use by God. I could use the entire issue of the Ambassador to list all of the spiritual and practical benefits from our time at GT. Pastor Dave may no longer be my Pastor but he is still a great friend. I have told him many times that no one taught me more about grace than him. He taught me many lessons and modeled how to “speak the truth in love.” Jess Parker (another elder) pushed me (I’m grateful now but wasn’t at the time) into teaching and speaking more than I wanted to. He knew that in order for me to grow that I had to step way outside my comfort zone. He also prayed for me to overcome the fear of public speaking.
When I told Jess I was leaving, his first comment was, “it won’t affect our friendship.” Lou Binninger, the heart and soul and architect of GT’s community outreach is responsible for me becoming a law enforcement and hospice chaplain. I’ve known Lou longer than any of the elders and always had great respect for him long before I worked for and with him. Also a great friend. Finally, Bill Jens who became my prayer and accountability partner dating back to February of 1998 has been a true (and continues to be) committed friend. Also, the elders and lay ministers of the church were there to help us, love us and counsel us through some of the most difficult times of our lives. There are so many others, too numerous to mention but they know who they are and know they are loved and appreciated by both Robin and myself. Thank you GT. We would not be the Christians we are today without you! Though we haven’t made a final commitment yet, we believe that God has led us to a new church family. We look forward to this new chapter in our lives.
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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Thoughts for Thanksgiving James McAlister Bulletininserts.org In an era not so long ago, our country was being ripped asunder by internal turmoils and differences—much as it is today. Yet even in the midst of the darkness of civil war, Abraham Lincoln cast a ray of hope that the nation might once again have “full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.” We would do well to review some key thoughts of Lincoln’s proclamation of October 3, 1863, which set the precedent for our national Thanksgiving holiday. “The year that is drawing towards its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God . . . . “Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal
as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. “It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, r e v e r e n t l y and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens . . . to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness
and disobedience . . . fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.” As in Lincoln’s day, our nation’s deep wounds beg to be healed. Peace, harmony and tranquillity cry for restoration. Our moral compass pleads for calibration. Perhaps it is time to move our Thanksgiving holiday beyond f e a s t i n g , fellowship and football. Perhaps it is time to embrace Lincoln’s advice to observe a “day of thanksgiving and praise. . . . with an attitude of humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience”? The results might be surprising—and enduring. If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and
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RESOURCES BILLY GRAHAM: 5 WAYS CHRISTIANS CAN STAY TRUE TO THEIR FAITH UNDER PERSECUTION
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10 Great Prayers for Every Marriage By: Ron Edmondson (ronedmondson.com)
Dear Lord, grow our love for You daily. Dear Lord, help us to love each other unconditionally Dear Lord, allow us to respect one another in an empowering way. Dear Lord, teach us how to complete each other, building us into one unit You design. Veronica Neffinger | Editor, ChristianHeadlines.com Famous evangelist Billy Graham says to “prepare for persecution” in a recent article for Charisma News. The 96-year-old evangelist acknowledged that American Christians have enjoyed relative immunity to persecution in the past. But, Graham asks, if persecution were to descend on Christians in America, would they stay true to their faith? Graham then provides “five ways to fortify yourself so that you will be able to stand in that day.” Firstly, Graham says, “make sure of your relationship to God.” Graham stresses the importance of being prepared to meet God. We prepare for other things in life such as marriage, a career, our education, but we often neglect to take time to prepare our hearts and souls to meet God. “This is a time for repentance and faith. It is a time for soul-searching, to see if our anchor holds,” Graham says. Secondly, Graham exhorts,“learn now to walk with God in your daily life.” We see from God’s Word that people like Abraham, Moses, and David walked with God, and God was with them, and yet He didn’t necessarily deliver them immediately out of all trouble. He
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did, however, promise to be with them through trouble. Thirdly, says Graham, we should “fortify ourselves with the Word of God.” Reading, studying, and memorizing Scripture is of utmost importance as we need to have the truth cemented in our hearts and minds now more than ever. The Words of Scripture bring truth, encouragement, and hope which we will need to rely on when facing trials. Fourthly, Graham says, “fortify yourself with prayer.” Living in the Spirit is powerful and we should strive to “rediscover the power of prayer” in our lives. We must remember that prayer is a driving force, a powerful tool God has given us to be used daily. Lastly, Graham tells believers, “meditate on Christ.” If we are to stand with Christ in the day of persecution, the person of Christ and our relationship with Him must be “vitally real to us.” We must pray like David did in Psalm 19:14: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” “God needs men and women who will ‘stand in the evil day.’ Will you be one of them?” Graham asks.
Dear Lord, rid our hearts from grudges or bitterness towards one another, teaching us to forgive readily and extend grace continually. Dear Lord, let us encourage each other to achieve the dreams you give us individually and jointly. Dear Lord, keep us humble, placing each other’s needs ahead of our own. Dear Lord, guard our hearts from selfishness and self-centered desires. Dear Lord, protect our marriage from the destruction of outside influences. Dear Lord, make our commitment deeper than our emotions, stronger than the seasons of change and the trials which will come our way.
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LIFE MATTERS presented by Yuba-Sutter Right To Life New California Law Allows Health Insurance To Deny Treatment But Cover Assisted Suicide Drugs In fact, Dr. William Toffler wrote in The Wall Street Journal that he’s seen this problem in Oregon, where assisted suicide has been legal since 1998. He said under Oregon’s Health Care Plan some drugs and pain medications that his patients need are not covered, yet a prescription for a lethal dose of phenobarbital is. He asked, “Supporters claim physicianassisted suicide gives patients choice, but what sort of a choice is it when life is expensive but death is free?” In a report from The Heritage Foundation, Ryan T. Anderson explained that assisted suicide might be seen as a new solution for the sick and disabled as health care costs continue to increase. He said, “Given the increasing number of elderly patients in modern societies, their increasing longevity, and the increasing cost of treating their chronic illnesses, [physician-assisted suicide] will increasingly be seen as a cost-effective option and one that the elderly should be encouraged to consider.” In January, Ann Cupolo Freeman, a board member of the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, said something similar about California’s assisted suicide bill. In an op-ed, she wrote, “Nothing in the proposed assisted
QR code
suicide law protects patients when family pressures, whether financial or emotional, distort the ill person’s choice. And nothing prevents an heir, who stands to benefit from the patient’s death, from helping the patient sign up for the lethal dose.” She added, “No assisted suicide “safeguard” can ever protect against coercion. In this era of managed care, will those living with a disability and the seriously ill be more likely offered lethal prescriptions in place of medical treatment? A prescription for 100 Seconal tablets costs far less than most medical
treatments, especially considering the cost of long-term care for someone living with a disability.”
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Sarah Zagorski of LifeNews.com On October 5th, California Governor Jerry Brown signed a dangerous bill that made his state the fourth in the country to legalize physician-assisted suicide, following Oregon, Washington and Vermont. His decision upset religious leaders, pro-life activists and disability rights organizations because it opens Pandora’s Box to all sorts of evils. In July, California lawmaker Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) explained some of the ways the law could be used to manipulate people into killing themselves. She said, “My concern is for people who don’t have resources, who don’t have a choice. You read about Oregon denying someone a lung transplant, but, ‘Here, you can you have these pills.’ That’s my fear about what this would become.” Assemblywoman Gonzalez is not alone in her opinion about assisted suicide; countless experts have explained that it’s nearly impossible to ensure that the legislation will not be used to target marginalized populations, such as the sick and elderly. Additionally, the Daily Signal reports that some believe the law will impact the poor the most because health care plans could refuse to provide coverage for certain expensive drugs.
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CHRISTIANS IN “SIN CITY”? By Seth Halpern/Editor Las Vegas. Sin City. “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”. It certainly has a reputation that would keep Jesus followers away. Naturally, I had to find out! I know, it doesn’t seem like the kind of place for an editor of a Christian newspaper. My wife and I have been to “nicer” places and written about some of them: Tahoe, Catalina Island, Monterey… but Vegas? “Why”? You might wonder. Well, it had been a longtime desire of mine to see some of the “only in Vegas” attractions. Alcohol, gambling, smoke, and sex was no attraction for me, but I’ve always wanted to see the amazing hotels and larger than life attractions. Since it is not my wife’s “thing”, I planned this trip with my adult son several years ago. After cancelling a few times, we finally had an opportunity at a good price and went for a few days. So, what can a Christian family do in Vegas? Well, please understand that Vegas has a bad image for good reason. Alcohol, gambling, smoke, and adult partying abound. It is very easy to find it, but in most cases it is also easy to stay away from it. If you go with family, you need to do the right things, at the right places, and at the right times. I wouldn’t say that Vegas caters to family, but there is certainly plenty to do for anyone of any age. Our whirlwind two and a half day tour began with a helicopter ride over the “Strip” to see the lights. There’s no better way to see Vegas lights than from above. The tours are short and expensive, but competition among the companies can help you find a great deal. Ours was under $60 each. One morning, we were picked up at our hotel by a Humvee and taken to a shooting range where James fired
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an AK47, and 50 Cal among other military weapons. You can’t do that in most places! From there, we learned about the history of the mafia (which controlled Vegas for decades) at the Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas. This unique museum is packed with information and history on these crime families and how they were brought down by authorities. It is housed in the former courthouse where investigations took place. They use a lot of interactive exhibits which use multimedia. But, warning, some of the exhibits are not for the faint of heart. We saw a few comedy/magic shows including Mat Franco and Mac King. Franco, who won last year’s “America’s Got Talent” competition, started a new show at The LINQ Hotel this summer. We had great seats and he was simply amazing. He had a 2 hour special on TV later that same week. Mac King’s show at Harrah’s was an afternoon “family” show. He was very funny and personable. He was also a great magician who had been there 15 years! One interesting thing is that they both did several of the same tricks. For some Christians who are sensitive to “magic” as opening the door to the spirit world, use wisdom. I appreciate the skill of sleight of hand “tricks”, but don’t appreciate the dark “otherworldly” illusions. Vegas is also a “foodies” delight. Every celebrity chef has their restaurant here and they are very expensive. Fortunately, there are affordably priced Food Courts in every hotel and we spent a lot of time at those! We did eat at Hash House A Go Go at The LINQ. It is a place where you need to come hungry. The food was fresh and plentiful and we took much of it back to the hotel.
The interactive Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum was fun as we took pictures with amazingly detailed wax celebrity look-alikes. We also took the High Roller (also at The LINQ) which is the world’s highest observation wheel. At 550 feet high, it is a great way to take pictures and video of the Strip on the slow moving pod (which accommodates up to 40 people) that takes 30 minutes to go around. There was so much more we could have done. Yet, as it was we were exhausted from walking through each of the hotels. Each one is a resort in itself. The detail and expense of these hotels is incredible. Some like the Excalibur, where we stayed, have a theme. Others are just pure luxury. They spared no expense when building each one to outdo the one before it. There are also many free attractions on the strip and downtown. Many are fun for families. Off the Strip and just barely out of town exist numerous family friendly attractions and natural attractions. Most of the strip is artificial, but there
are quite a few natural recreation areas nearby. We got back to our room by 8 or 9pm each night so we didn’t see any of the “night life” (and didn’t want to) In summary, it is quite possible to have a good time in Las Vegas without compromising your Christian values, but it is important to do your homework. Research in advance what you want to do and how to get there. Otherwise you may find yourself in a cesspool of sinful activity. We did not see any of the sexual sin that Vegas is known for. We were busy. We knew where we were going and how to get there. I took a picture of a billboard there calling people to Jesus. It was refreshing and reminded me that there are many churches, many Christians, and many workers just trying to support their family. Pray for them, treat (and tip) them well and maybe you can have a positive impact in the midst of their busy lives. Lastly, pray for wisdom and protection. Do that and you can have a good time in what people call Sin City!
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1: WHAT GOD CAN DO I go to the same outreaches and I see the same people I ran the streets with. Most do not recognize me, but after they know it’s me, they say that there is something different about me; I tell them it is Jesus. They say that if I can do this they can too and by seeing me it gives them hope. I go to the Twin Cities Rescue Mission and to Teen Challenge Ministries sharing with others what God has done and is doing in my life. I have graduated Teen Challenge and am a Ministry Trainee at the Twin Rivers Crisis Center. I am able to help the ladies when they first come into the center. I know that I will never forget where I came from, it is my desire to be able to continue to reach out to others. I have applied to the Teen Challenge Ministry Institute and am planning to attend there in December. I am so blessed to be a new creation in God and I am excited to see where God leads me. (Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is living like Linda did, know that
EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE FOR HIM WHO BELIEVE. MARK 9:23 there is hope. Linda experienced the wonderful and amazing grace and power of God. That is available for all who call upon Jesus. Just as Linda repented (turned away) from her sin and reckless behavior, so can you have a new life with God. He uses Teen Challenge and other local gospel-based ministries that focus on bringing salvation through Christ, His death on the cross, and His forgiveness of all sins. If you would like help with this or want more info, contact The Ambassador, the churches and ministries on page 3, or Twin Rivers Crisis Center directly at 530-751-9511)
• Psalm 118 verse 8 is the center of the Bible: “It is better to trust in the Lordd than put confidence in man.” • A chariot imported from Egypt cost around 600 shekels of silver (1 Kings 10:29). That would be about $77,000. One shekel was 4 days wages. • Almonds and pistachios are the only nuts mentioned in the Bible.
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The Ambassador Ministry
would like to thank the following people for their Individual Sponsorship
Kathy Baum Marty Brown Warren & Lucy Campbell Chuck David Christine Emerson Bob Gilbert Rich & Joan Hackney
Tom Harris Marie Hiebert David Hobbs April James Sandi Juri Sue Kochi
Clay Maynard Jim McCarty John Nicholls Carrie Pederson Wendell Prine Jeff Royce
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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EDITORIAL
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
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10 years!
WHO DO YOU TRUST? By Jon Skillman According to an AP article in our local paper, the folks at The Freedom From Religion Foundation are really torqued off about some law enforcement agencies placing the phrase “In God We Trust” on agency vehicles. This bully outfit, out of Madison, Wisconsin, has sent letters of complaint to the offending agencies with threats of lawsuits for violating the nonexistent constitutional clause separating church and state. What really has the foundation in a tizzy is their inability to find someone within the agencies willing to be their plaintiff in court. It seems all personnel within the agencies are good with trusting God. But I fear, in this age of selfies and YouTube instant notoriety, someone will sell their soul for a fleeting fifteen minutes of fame. A quick visit to The Freedom From Religion Foundation’s official website confirmed the obvious. The foundation is made up of atheists, “free thinkers” and skeptics...it was a real, “well duh!” moment for me. What the heck is a free thinker anyway? Anyway, I noticed the website prefers to invert the phrase “separation of church and state,” to read separation of state and church…this, they think, reverses the founding fathers original intent to keep the state out of the church, and somehow validate their desire to keep all aspects of the church out of the state. Perusing the FFRF website led me to believe that this group doesn’t trust anybody. The site’s disclaimer reads: “Freedom From Religion Foundation assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions on this website.” Really? Then who does? I guess they don’t even trust themselves! Upon further perusal, the need for such a disclaimer became abundantly clear. The site is awash in errors, conspicuous in its omissions and their ability to paint the
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Trust in the lord with all thine heart,
and lean not unto
thine own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge
him
and he shall direct thy
paths. Proverbs 3:5,6 Bible completely out of context has become an abstract art form. Case in point: This question and answer from the “What do you really know about the Bible quiz. Question: “According to Jesus, how should Christian disciples treat their parents?” Answer: “Parents should be hated.” This out of context answer is immediately followed by this snide, freethinker comment, “More family values from the good book.” The site points to Luke 14:26 to validate their answer. So is this free thought? No, this is what Dr. David Jeremiah’s Turning Point devotional defines as “Truth Decay (Wed. Oct. 7th).” What a great and appropriate phrase; “Truth Decay.” And although, truth does not actually decay, the perception of it may. Our freethinking friends at FFRF don’t really care for the truth so they feel compelled to invent their own. Truth is not invented, it is discovered and I fear many will not discover it until it is too late. Put your trust in God for He is trustworthy.
The November marks a milestone in the life of The Ambassador. It is our 10 year anniversary! In the fall of 2005, with the help of Sean Blount and Dave Kugelman, we published our first issue. It looked a lot different than the one you read today. Even the purpose has shifted. Originally, I didn’t realize the ministry opportunities it would bring. I thought it was primarily for the people in church to get their information about events in the community. While, that is still true, God has shown me that this is an opportunity to be a light in our community that points to Jesus! My prayer each issue is for the Holy Spirit to speak to the hearts of people through an inspirational article, a testimony of His Power and Grace, A challenging word against complacency and compromise, or information leading God’s people to pray or become involved to meet a need. Yes, ministry opportunities abound and I have been blessed to be able to bring this resource to the Yuba-Sutter and Butte area for these ten years. I’ve received letters (many from the jail), emails, and phone calls (often from people with great needs) of appreciation over the years and each one is an encouragement to continue. My desire is to see the Ambassador in every
Seth Halpern - Editor
home because many of those readers would not step foot in a church yet. I want to see God continue to use The Ambassador as a point of reconciliation between God and the people He loves (each of us!). I want to say a big “Thank You” to all who have helped to support this effort whether financially or through delivery, writing or any other way you’ve partnered with us. We continue to need more people partnering with us and continue to pray for a harvest in our community. If you can help financially or otherwise to bring The Ambassador to the needy (both believing and unbelieving) people in our community please contact us at editor@ambassadornewspaper.com or call 530-933-1385.
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