June 2015
By Seth Halpern / Editor The new movie “San Andreas” is causing people especially in California think about “the big one” again. The earthquake to end all earthquakes- You know the one that’s been predicted every decade for a hundred years. The movie’s predecessor “Earthquake” came out in 1974 - more than 40 years ago! It was just one of a string of disaster movies. Cinematic special effects have improved exponentially since then, so this could be a fun film to see in theaters. Unfortunately, real major earthquakes like the ones that hit Nepal in recent months are another matter. Two quakes there have caused more than 8,500 deaths and immeasurable damage. Thoughts, prayers and volunteers throughout the
James Harrison Profile
Page 9
globe have rushed to their plight. Living through the devastation is unimaginable even if Hollywood attempts to help us. Most of us on the west coast have been through some anxietyproducing moments of strong shakers. I still remember the 1989 quake that stopped the Bay Bridge World Series. Those are the kind that really shake us up (pun intended) and cause us to think about the possibility of
widespread destruction and personal loss. It really gets us all to thinking. Many wonder why a loving God would allow it to happen. After all, isn’t He in charge of everything? He certainly is. Then is it possible that He doesn’t care about us? He certainly does. There are no easy a n s w e r s to these questions, although some might say things like “He has a purpose for everything” or even “This is
“Most of us on the west coast have been through some anxiety-producing moments of strong shakers. I still remember the 1989 quake that stopped the Bay Bridge World Series”.
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His judgement on disobedience”. Those “easy answers” don’t seem to help us much. I don’t get into the arguments often because the truth is that this side of Heaven we really don’t know everything that God does or thinks. We are to simply trust Him. To bring this closer to home and from the theoretical to the real, there have been some recent quakes in the Napa area. My wife and I planned a few days in Napa about 9 months ago. With our bags packed and waiting to be placed in the car, I found out that there had been a sizeable earthquake there that morning and as you well know there was quite a bit of damage and injury. Fast forward to
CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
Legislative Update from James Gallagher
Page 15
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INSPIRATION NEW WAYS By April James As I was preparing the luncheon for a conference, the day gave way to evening and the final task, the pulling part of pulled chicken. As I faced the forty pounds of boneless chicken breast that had simmered all day to perfection, a dread swept over me, with two forks in hand the thought comes - I will never see the back side of my eyelids tonight. Okay, first I must admit it was only twenty pounds of chicken, but with two forks it might as well have been forty. As I stared at the chicken before me, trying to muster the energy to begin, I spy the food processor still on the counter from use throughout the day. A thought crept in; I wonder how it would turn out if I run the chicken through using the slicing blade. Well, it wouldn’t hurt to try; they say desperation is the mother of invention. With nothing to lose, in went a couple of breasts; I pushed down on whatever that thingamajig component on top is called. The blade whirred, the chicken disappeared, the moment of truth. In anticipation I slowly removed the lid to reveal the results, Oh My, it worked! It looked and tasted the same. I will never again go back to “the fork”. That ominous mound of chicken was brought down to a manageable pile in minutes; however, I am left with a dilemma, is it ethical to still call it “pulled chicken”? It’s easy to laugh or get excited when finding new ways to do everyday tasks
of life. What about in our spiritual life? Do we tend to do the same thing the same way because it’s the way it’s always been done; it works, so why change it? Or are we willing to look at different methods, think outside tradition, to ponder something new? Just consider, we serve a creative God, who made us in his image – creative beings. Consider Jesus’ example of healing people, he did it various ways, by touch, spit, mud and word. Not that any were wrong or ineffective, he just healed individuals in different ways and they were all good. Ever consider doing different things? Perhaps sit in different seat during service, around different people? Maybe sing a song in a different tempo. What about joining in corporate prayer across denominational lines with other Christians for a common purpose, or to simply promote Jesus Christ in our communities instead of a church? The Bible is full of transitions and new ways. What if Noah had said no to something new - like build an Ark? What if Abraham had kept the family traditions instead of moving on? Then there was a virgin named Mary, who said yes to something unheard of before! Just because it is not how we have done life in the past doesn’t mean change is wrong. When it was time to cross into new territory God encourage Joshua - be bold, be strong, be courageous. Who knows, when we enter into something new with the Lord, we may never return to the old.
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The Gospel According To Hank By Billy Coffey (billycoffey.com)
I pulled off the road along US Route 11 and into the parking lot of a noname service station, the sort you’d expect for rural Virginia: dirty windows, questionable service—and people who made putting up with both well worth the effort. People like Hank. The man behind the cash register greeted me with a “Howdy” as I walked through the doors, each of which had been propped open by two twelve-packs of Budweiser. I nodded back and made my way toward the drink cooler in the rear of the store. “BETTER ONES UP HERE,” shouted a voice. I turned, and there beneath the mounted head of a deer sat an old man. His red suspenders clashed with his brown pants and blue shirt. He twisted in a vinyl chair and tapped his cane on the bin beside him.
“ICE MAKES ‘EM COLDER THAN THAT GOL’-DARNED ‘FRIGERATOR CAN,” he shouted again. I grabbed a Coke from the bin and swabbed the condensation with my shirt, nodding to the old man as he wheezed and coughed a hunk of phlegm into his handkerchief. I took a sip and paced the store, taking stock of the sardines and canned vegetables, both of which had expired three months prior. A mother and her brood of three came in just then, all of whom got their own howdy from the cashier. The kids made a beeline for the magazine rack, while mom paced the aisles in search of an elusive Something. “Do you sell salt?” she said to the cashier. “LAST AISLE, YOUNG LADY,” the old man said, pointing his cane to the opposite side of the store. She smiled a thank you, and he smiled a you’re welcome. He wasn’t done, either. In the next fifteen minutes, the old man had noticed the keys a customer had dropped, reminded another that his headlights were on, and squished a rather nasty cockroach. “You have a pretty good helper over
CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
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By Paula McBride Hogar Para Ninos, Vicente Guerrero, Mexico
Last Sunday I trudged down the dirt road about a mile and a half to the Freseros baseball park. (Now, don’t laugh if you know that a fresero is a strawberry picker. Our part of Baja is known for their strawberries.) I was glad I walked, because the streets were lined with parked
cars and a couple of tour buses. The line wasn’t too long as I approach the ticket booth, and even though I could get in for thirty pesos, I was pleasantly surprised when asked if I was a mother. When I said yes, I got in for free even though Mother’s Day was the week before. The stadium is the grandest place in Vicente Guerrero. Even though the entire field is dirt, the stands are comfortable. I walked to the red EcoGasolina section along the first base line. The Freseros had already scored one run in the first inning when I sat down. If I thought it funny that my team was the strawberry pickers, I was certainly amused to learn our opponents were the Algodoneros, the cotton pickers! (Other teams in the league that I know of are lobsters and sharks!) But baseball is baseball wherever it is played. The teams were evenly matched and their skills admirable. The music was partly Mexican and partly American. Yes, Take Me Out To the Ball Game, was played several times, and I my English ears picked up the chant after a pitcher threw a strike: “Whoa, Baby!” I didn’t see any popcorn, peanuts, or Cracker Jacks, but I did see potato chips shaken in hot sauce. I visited the logo wear store and bought a T-shirt. The game was great, the weather spectacular, and the Freseros
INSPIRATION won! For me baseball is more than a game. It makes me feel close to my father. During my younger years he was manager, coach, and player, sometimes all three for one team. I spent time in the stands watching my dad, and time after the game watching his fans admire him. At home, I loved going through scrapbooks of his earlier baseball days. He was so handsome in his uniform, and newspaper articles sang his praises. When someone speaks of life being like a baseball game, I don’t relate as a spectator, a bench warmer, or a home run hitter. I relate as being the daughter of one whom I love, and the one who knows the most about the game. In my game of life, I didn’t get called up because
of my ability, a lottery, or draft pick, I was chosen before the foundation of the world. Chosen for God’s team because he is my Father and he wants me! Oh, I could, even now, walk away and join another team named Success, or Wealth, or Power. But why should I when my Father, who is owner of the team as well as manager, coach, and player, knows that his is the winning team? He wrote the rule book, the Bible, and as I obey and practice what it teaches, I will be an effective player on the team of life. I will tell all who will listen that by believing in Christ, they can be on the team that always wins. It won’t be the Strawberry Pickers or the Cotton Pickers. It will be the Christ Followers, and our chatter will sound like Glory! Glory! Glory!
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The Voice of the Christian Community, Serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
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.
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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!
•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 •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.
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.
•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!
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
FOOD ADDICTS IN RECOVERY F.I.R. Building: 723 D St., Msvl Every Tuesday 7-8:30 p.m. Food Addiction: Are you having trouble controlling the way you eat? Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) is a free Twelve Step recovery program for anyone suffering from food obsession, overeating, under-eating, or bulimia. Meetings are held Tuesday at F.I.R. www.foodaddicts.org or call (503)960-5850
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.
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•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.
•BETHESDA HEALING WELL Saturday, June 20th at 10am 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
•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.
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!
TUESDAY SATURDAY
•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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Special Events UNITY DAY PRAYER AND WORSHIP Lake Oroville Dam, 460 Glen Dr, Oroville June 6, sunrise prayer 6:30am ends in sunset prayer 8:30pm FREE EVENT 8:00 am music for worship all day and prayer. Bring your own food,water and chairs . Will have shade. It is a day of unity in prayer, fellowship and worship with all our heart and soul to show our Honor and love to GOD/JESUS in unity. God is all about unity love worship and prayer PAUL KEITH DAVIS Sat June 7th- 7pm& Sun June 8th-10am Embassy of Heaven Campus Church of Glad Tidings - Bldg 100 1179 Eager Road, Yuba City Info: 530.671-3160 www.churchofgladtidings.com Paul has a unique gift for imparting prophetic understanding of times and seasons with a message of preparation and expectance for the Lord’s empowering presence. TENT MEETINGS w/ MARIO MURILLO
June 10 - 14 Y-S Fairgrounds, 442 Franklin Ave., YC We will be joining other churches at the Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 13 instead of our regular Saturday night meeting. Come and experience the healing power of God, and enjoy some awesome fellowship as we worship with other area churches.
CALENDAR Prayer Calendar for June 2015
FAITH NIGHT @ the GOLD SOX June 12, doors open at 5:30pm Colusa Casino Stadium, 14th St. Msvl. Come enjoy an encouraging message, Christian music, Ministry Fair, and root for the home team! Free tickets are available throughout the community. Bring your family and friends. FCS Players present MARY POPPINS First United Methodist Church Theater 3101 Colusa Hwy, YC July 7-10 - 7:00 pm July 11 - 1pm & 6pm Faith Christian Schools and the AwardWinning FCS Players 18th Annual Young People’s Summer Theatre Program hits the stage with the regional premier of Disney’s Mary Poppins. For more info, see ad on p. 13. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Grace Baptist Church 3646 Oro Dam Blvd. East Oroville July 12th thru. 17th, 6-8:30p.m. “Journey off the map” is our theme and Isaiah 30:21 is our scripture focus. We are looking forward to meeting with you and your family as we learn more about Jesus, through God’s word. Vacation Bible School is geared for children in grades K thru. 6th grades.
1-Jun Christian Businesses-Ambassador Sponsors & others. 2-Jun Local Pastors and their families 3-Jun Elderly/Care Facilities-staffing needs 4-Jun Adoptive families & birth moms - Lifetime Adoption (p.3) 5-Jun Atheists/Agnostics- Pray to know Truth 6-Jun Orphan children- Samaritan Village (see p. 3) and other orphanages 7-Jun Marketplace Ministries-Opportunities to share at work 8-Jun Addicted, Rehab ministries- Feather River Mens Center, Joshua House, Celebrate Recovery 9-Jun Teen Depression, Suicide 10-Jun Marriages, Restoration and Strength 11-Jun Local schools - Teachers and Students 12-Jun Faith Night- Come out to the ballpark! 13-Jun Missionaries -Fruit, Provision 14-Jun Sex Trafficking - pray for victims 15-Jun Military, All armed forces & their families. 16-Jun The Ambassador Newspaper-Increased readership and Impact 17-Jun A Woman’s Friend - Unborn children/Pregnant Women 18-Jun Global Persecution-Safety/Courage of Believers 19-Jun Local officials and community leaders 20-Jun Middle East - For the peace of Jerusalem 21-Jun Father’s Day- Thank God for Godly Dads! 22-Jun Homeless/Poor - Twin Cities Rescue Mission, A Hand Up, Salvation Army 23-Jun Local ministries (see p. 3) 24-Jun Unity in and among local churches 25-Jun Children and Children’s Ministries 26-Jun Sick/Afflicted, Healing and Comfort 27-Jun Singles, Single Parents, Divorce healing 28-Jun Caregivers of elderly and disabled 29-Jun First Responders-Police, Firefighters, EMT, TIP 30-Jun Unemplyed and Underemployed for more opportunities
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CBA MARKETPLACE MONTHLY NDP Thank You!
Violet
DOB 2-8-1997 Violet’s parents died of HIV. She was living with her brothers in a mud house. The home where they were found was penniless because the parents had sold everything they owned to afford their HIV treatment. No one helped the children after their parents died. Violet was discovered by the chairperson of the Samaritan Village Board in Tanzania. Violet’s oldest brother had been taking care of his siblings, but told the chairperson that he would rather abandon his siblings because he could no longer stand to see them suffer. The children were taken to the school where the chairperson is the head teacher. When people heard their story they helped to get Violet into Samaritan Village. The brothers still live by themselves. They receive some support from the members of their old neighborhood. Violet is in Form 3 Secondary at the Maasai Girls School. She is very sweet, and not attention seeking, doing good
deeds without looking for attention or recognition. She likes to watch movies, cook and clean. She would like to be a nurse. 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 @ http://www. samaritanvillageorphanage.org 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
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By Dave Kugelman The National Day of Prayer breakfast sponsored by The Christian Business Alliance and the Ambassador Christian Newspaper was a great success. The success was not based on the second highest attendance of any NDP past event but rather was determined by the fact that we prayed and we worshiped Jesus Christ. Our prayers are never in vain and prayers prayed in faith are heard by our Heavenly Father and will be answered according to His perfect will. With that stated, I want to thank all those who made this event possible and contributed to its overall success. I typically close the event by giving a general “thank you” instead of giving thanks to individuals by name. I have chosen this method for two reasons. The first is because our focus at this event is to give honor and glory to Jesus and not dilute it in any way by thanking dozens of people. The second reason is because I usually leave someone out and then risk
offending those people. So, here goes a list of names of so many individuals that I am extremely grateful for their amazing contribution to the NDP Prayer breakfast. My board of directors: Seth Halpern, Roger Shadd, Marty Brown, Robert Stark, Kathy Baum and Kathleen Caldwell. Musicians: Ronnie Rollins and Jill Leal. Caterers: Shannon and Eric Bufford. Event Coordinator: Shelly Sims (along with her mom Sandy Barnes who assisted). Amazing guest speaker: Sean Blount. Sound Tech: Issac Farrar. (Also, Duane Talbot who has helped with Tech for the past eight years) Parking: Santos Vigil. Flyers, tickets: Karen Mullin. Set up, clean up, servers: The Feather River Men’s Center. Way too many to thank who sold tickets. Thanks to all those who prayed. I believe that God will honor our prayers and is going to do great things in the Yuba Sutter region (AND BEYOND). Radical Revival is on the way! It is God’s desire that none perish but all come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
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
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
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Pro-Life Matters presented by Yuba-Sutter Right to Life
COMMUNITY community leader profile Life Verse/Quote/Motto: If You Change Your Heart, You Can Change Your Life
Fighting For Life By Heather Pugh I am tired of hearing about our so-called “war on women”. Are we at war? Yes. But not with women. We are at war with a society which has diminished the value and worth of human life to the point of it being viewed as disposable. When a young lady finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, she is confronted with the societal advice of abortion. She is also barraged with words like “clump of cells”, “product of conception”, and “blob of tissue” to further denigrate the value of this newly conceived child. But a basic biology lesson reminds us that all living beings are comprised of “cells” and “tissue”. If scientists consider a singlecelled organism at the very depths of the ocean to be life, than why not a newlyconceived child ensconced in the womb of his or her mother? The elderly, infirm, disabled, and now the gravely ill are also victims of this disposable ideology. If a human being does not “measure up” to the ideals that society has decided are the standard by
which we measure the value of a life, then that life is said to have no value. How sad for us. We are depriving ourselves of an incomprehensible amount of love that would be in this world today if it were not for our disposable view of human life. Life is beautiful! Human life is powerful! Just one human life can change the world for the better. One. But each one must be given the chance to live. A chance to be beautiful, to be the instrument of change the world needs, and to matter. We all matter to someone on some level whether we know it or not. Depriving the world of ourselves or another person for any reason is to deprive the world of the love and accomplishments of a life well lived. Human life brings love. Choose to fight for life. For more information on how you can join in the fight for life, come to a Yuba Sutter Right to Life meeting! The next meetings will be June 9th at 7pm and July 14th at 7pm both in the St. Isidore Parish Hall. See you there!
We walk by FAITH, not by SIGHT.
2 Corinthians 5:7
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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
Prior Occupation: Manager Hals Grubstake, Loader Truck Driver, Harrison Crop Dusting Favorite Book (Other Than The Bible): Battlefield of The Mind, By Joyce Meyer Favorite Movie Braveheart
Or
Movie
Genre:
Inspiring Person/Role Model: Pastor Dave Bryant Name: James L Harrison, III
Home Church: Glad Tidings
“Human”(Embarrassing) Moment: Just The Other Day Someone Was Honking And Waving, So I Waved Back Only To Realize They Were Waving At The People Next To Me.
Family: Wife Rebecca Of 18 Years, Daughter Taylor 25, Son Zachary 17
My Hobbies: Riding My Harley, Hitting The Gym, Umpiring Little League
Years In Yuba/Sutter: 49
Something Unique/Unusual You May Not Know About Me: I Play The Keyboard
Position: Director, Feather River Men’s Center For The Last 22 Years
Previous Places I’ve Lived: Phoenix Az, Los Angeles, Oakland, Santa Barbara Ca Favorite Place I’ve Visited: Cabo San Lucas
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The Voice of the Christian Community, Serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
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Boy Scouts President Calls For Withdraw Of Ban On Gay Leaders
Current members: A-1 Carpet Cleaning - (530) 673-3634 - www.a-1clean.com George Barlow - The Crave - (530) 790-0792 Kathy Baum - Operation Christmas Child - (916) 747-2212 Ron Brasier - A Hand Up Ministry - (530) 671-1360 Marty Brown - KCYC-LP FM - (530) 674-5296 Kathleen Caldwell - City of Live Oak - (530) 695-2112 Ruben Chavez - R&B Judgment Recovery - (530) 693-8087 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 Dennis Gable - Operation Christmas Child - (530) 695-1495 Bob Gilbert - www.yourbettertomorrows.acndirect.com - (775) 722-1212 Steve & Cash Gilliss - Crosspointe Christian Books - (530) 673-6188 Pamela Givans Marcos Gonzalez - Ultimate Business Maintenance - (530) 671-1564 John L. Guth - Attorney/Estate Planning - www.johnguthlaw.com Seth Halpern - Ambassador Newspaper - editor@ambassadornewspaper.com David Hobbs Painting - Cont. Lic#880562 (530)742-2428 David Holycross - Holycross Memorial - (530) 751-7000 Brad Indelicato - Dolco Packaging - bdi26@comcast.net Bill Jens - Yuba Sutter Healthy Marriage Project - (530) 671-6069 Dave Kugelman - Proforma by Kug - (530) 742-2423 Clay Maynard - Consultant - (530) 790-6611 Jerry Munz - JM Construction Co. - (530) 682-5316 Jared Nunes - Sutter Health Chuck & Miriam Page Ernie Phelan - Intero Real Estate Svcs - (530)-790-7000 Ronda Putman Darrell Sayles - Love Unlimited Body of Christ - luboc2004@yahoo.com Roger Shadd - Shadd Janitorial Supply - (530) 673-0083 Robert Stark - Sutter county Auditor/Controller - suttercountyauditor.org Dwayne Tanabe - Taylor Accountancy Corp - dktanabe@yahoo.com Jenine Tanabe - Jenine L. Tanabe, MD Dematology - (530) 743-0301
Carrie Dedrick | Editor, ChristianHeadlines.com Robert Gates, president of the Boy Scouts of America, called for the organization’s ban on gay adult leaders to be lifted this week. Speaking at the Boy Scouts annual meeting, Gates said that it was time for the change to occur to prevent “the end of us as a national movement.” Fox News reports the ban will not be lifted immediately, but Gates hopes to revise the policy in the near future. However, local chapters will be able to decide individually to allow homosexual leaders in the troops. Gates became president of the Boy
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“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news” - Isaiah 52:7 Can you help bring “Good News” to our community? The Ambassador needs volunteers to help deliver to locations throughout Yuba, Sutter, and Butte counties. If you can help once a month for an hour or two, please call The Ambassador at 530-933-1385.
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Scouts in May 2014; he said at the time that he wished to end the ban on gay leaders. In his speech, Gates said, “The status quo in our movement’s membership standards cannot be sustained.” “I remind you of the recent debates we have seen in places like Indiana and Arkansas over discrimination based on sexual orientation, not to mention the impending U.S. Supreme Court decision this summer on gay marriage. We must deal with the world as it is, not as we might wish it to be.”
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GOOD NEWS IN LAS VEGAS, IRAQ AND WACO Jim Denison Denison Forum on Truth and Culture (www.denisonforum.com) God is at work in surprising places. Consider three: Las Vegas, Iraq and Waco. In Las Vegas, long known as “Sin City,” an unusual ministry called “Hookers For Jesus” is serving “those who have been negatively affected by sex trafficking and the adult entertainment industry.” They provide health and wellness programs, skills assessment, retraining, career development assistance, criminal justice support, juvenile offender mentorship, and community awareness seminars and workshops. Their founder, Annie Lobert, survived a decade of sex trafficking and prostitution. Now her story of reclamation and redemption is being multiplied across the city and beyond. Iraq is much in the news today after the fall of Ramadi to the Islamic State. According to Michael Morell, who served twice as acting director of the CIA, ISIS poses a growing threat not just in Iraq but in America as well. Morell warns that the group threatens to destabilize the entire Middle East, with significant economic and political consequences for the U.S. It is attracting foreigners to its cause, many
from America. It is building a following among other extremist groups. And it is radicalizing young people who can be inspired to attack their fellow Americans. Yet God is hard at work in Iraq. He is using Samaritan’s Purse to provide clean water and sanitation to refugees from ISIS. A group of monks recently saved a historic Christian library from ISIS militants. And a true spiritual awakening is continuing in Iraq and across the Muslim world. I learned last week that as many as 350 million Muslims are now “secret” Christians—they have made Christ their Lord, but have not yet risked their lives by making their faith public. They join the multitudes who are professing Christ and forming churches around the Muslim world. God is at work in Waco, Texas as well. Emily Mills is the founder of Jesus Said Love, a ministry to women in the commercial sex industry. Founded in Waco, they now operate in several other Texas cities as well. She responded to the recent biker gang shooting by reminding us of some ways God is at work in her city. Word Music was birthed there, as well as Louie Giglio’s Choice Ministries and the Passion Movement. David Crowder’s
ministry was based there as well. Baylor University teaches and inspires multiplied thousands of world-changing Christians. Mission Waco operates 34 different programs for underprivileged people in the community. The Gathering, held on Palm Sunday evening in Baylor’s new football stadium, drew thousands for worship, prayer and commitment. God is on the move in Waco, and the enemy is fighting back. Jesus unmasked the devil’s strategy succinctly: Satan “comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). Whenever you see theft, murder and destruction, you can know that Satan is at work. He is on the offensive wherever God’s Spirit is moving—in places like Las Vegas, Iraq and Waco.
The prophet Nahum was buried outside Mosul, Iraq. He assured us: “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. But with an overflowing flood he will make a complete end of the adversaries, and will pursue his enemies into darkness” (Nahum 1:7-8). God is still on his throne. Here’s the question: is he on yours?
Faith Christian Schools and the Award-Winning FCS Players 18th Annual Young People’s Summer Theatre Program For 18 Years the Sacramento Region’s Premier Summer Drama Camp Hits the Stage with THE REGIONAL PREMIER OF:
Produced by Paul and Anne DeMeritt – Musical Direction by Jeff Poppinga
Performances: July 7, 8, 9, 10 - 7:00 pm Saturday Matinee, July 11 - 1:00 pm; Saturday, July 11 at 6:00 pm First United Methodist Church Theater 3101 Colusa Hwy, Yuba City
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Hours: Mon-Fri 10am—7pm Sat 10am— 6pm
Tickets: $10.00 General, $8.00 Students, Seniors and Active Duty Military Tickets on sale at the theater Monday - Friday 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm and at the Door for Performances! AND - A FEW SPACES STILL REMAIN IN THE CAST!!!
CALL 530-674-5474 TO ENROLL!
Daily Theatre, Voice and Dance Training! Classes: June 9 - July 10, 2015 - Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm . Boys and Girls Ages 7-18 . No Experience Necessary! . Financial Aid Available! . Quality Musical Theatre Training from Dedicated Professionals! . Safe, Supportive Christian Atmosphere! . Be a part of an Exciting, Professionally Produced Production in July!
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The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
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EARTHQUAKE - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 a few weeks ago and we again attempted a brief getaway to beautiful wine country and … you guessed it, while we were there, another (thankfully smaller) quake hit the area. In fact, it occurred in Yountville just two hours after we drove through that town. My first thought was “Why does God NOT want me to go to Napa?” Then a second thought hit me. I just missed both of them. He protected us in both cases. I realize that not everyone received that protection and many lost quite a bit especially in the bigger one last year. I can’t answer why. But I do know that the God who created the world and the tectonic plates can be trusted. Even with the ground shaking, we can hold onto the Lord. A friend of mine (and family member by marriage) had a stroke several years ago. Emmett (we called him Butch) was a simple man who liked to fish. There was one other thing about him. He loved and trusted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. After Butch had the stroke, he was mostly confined to a bed or wheelchair and his wife, Geri, came to visit him just about every day at the nursing home. Butch and Geri lived a number of years like that but they kept faithful- faithful to each other and faithful to the Lord. Recently, Butch was placed on hospice and we all knew
the end was near. Although Butch couldn’t use most of his body, he could use his sense of humor and he could use his faith in Jesus. Even the last painful week of his life on earth, his smile and simple faith were radiant. Butch and Geri’s earthquake happened several years ago in the form of a stroke. They experienced a lot of damage. God didn’t become any less God in their eyes or ours. It’s just part of this life here. Fortunately, for those of us who know and trust Jesus, our life doesn’t end here on earth. We get to enjoy an eternity in perfect health with the savior of our soul. And we get to see each other later. Earthquakes come in a variety of ways. Sometimes the ground literally shakes.
Other times what shakes is our soul and to its core. Sometimes the damage from the shake seems insurmountable. The Spirit of Jesus is always there to steady us and our faith will keep us from crumbling. This world brings “earthquakes” of health, finances, and relationships. Loss of a loved one; The prison of addiction; A marriage crumbling or a wayward child; financial devastation; these occur as the plates of our lives shift. But faith in Jesus Christ provides the solid ground that does not shake and in it you will withstand the mightiest of tremors.
a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” (Matt 7:24-27) If you would like to know more about Jesus and how to stand on solid ground through your personal storms and earthquakes, please contact one of the churches listed on page 3.
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds
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Legislative Update from Assemblyman James Gallagher The 2015 legislative session is in full swing down in Sacramento. This year alone, 1504 bills have been introduced in the California State Assembly. With so many pieces of legislation seeking to become law at the State Capitol, it can be challenging for constituents to track them all and fully understand the impacts of every bill. That’s why I am working with the Ambassador to author a bimonthly column to help keep readers informed. I am encouraged that Assembly Bill 517, which I was proud to author, was recently approved by the Assembly Education Committee with unanimous bipartisan support. AB 517 empowers parents to become more informed and involved in their children’s education. This bill gives parents ample opportunity to review materials
that outside consultants will provide to their children during sexual education lessons in our public schools. AB 517 also allows parents to make copies of any sex-ed handout materials so they can review them at home and become part of this important conversation with their children. The final provision of this bill requires schools to inform parents of the training these outside consultants have received in the areas of sexual health or HIV/AIDS prevention. Unfortunately, not every bill is favorable to families in our region. For example, Assembly Bill 775 would require privately funded crisis resource pregnancy centers, like A Woman’s Friend in Marysville, to post a notification that advises clients of abortion services offered by government funded pregnancy clinics. A similar law in New York was
struck down by a federal court as a violation of the First Amendment because the government cannot compel private entities to promote government programs. In this case, the bill would require clinics to go against their principles and tell clients about abortion services. I have seen firsthand the value these pregnancy resource centers bring to our communities and the hope they give to women when they need it the most. Because of the great work they do, and because I swore an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution, I spoke in opposition to this bill in the Judiciary Committee. You can track the progress of these two bills, or any other legislative matter, by logging onto my website at www. asm.ca.gov/Gallagher. If you have any questions, or would like to express your
James Gallagher opinion on pending legislation, please feel free to email me at Assemblymember. Gallagher@assembly.ca.gov or call my Yuba City District Office at (530) 6710303. It is an honor to serve you in the State Assembly.
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 Brad Indelicato
April James Sandi Juri Sue Kochi Clay Maynard John Nicholls Carrie Pederson Wendell Prine Jeff Royce Julie Stamper
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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IN THE NEWS
The Voice of the Christian Community, Serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
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Everything You Need to Know About The Charlie Charlie Challenge asked. There are also specific instructions as to how to say goodbye to Charlie when one finishes the game. The challenge has swept social media as teens record whether or not this demon answers their questions and post it on their favorite sites. The reactions range from ridiculous to terrified. What is concerning is the lack of discernment and knowledge when it comes to playing with things of a demonic nature. Most participating think it is harmless, but there are real spiritual consequences to a game like this. Scripture is clear about the devil being the enemy and him having an army of demons that work to do his bidding. Here are just a few places where the devil and demons are mentioned:
By Carrie Kintz (twitter.com/CarrieKintz) The Charlie Charlie challenge starts like this: someone grabs a piece of paper and draws four sections on it. They write no/yes in opposite corners. Then someone stacks two pencils on the sections like a cross and chants for Charlie, a Mexican demon to come and answer the questions
Jesus calls the devil the ruler of this world and tells His disciples that he must be cast down. Demons cry out at the presence of Jesus and beg to be thrown out of people. In Acts, the Sons of Sceva attempted to throw demons out of someone, and they jumped out of the person and beat the sons until they were naked and wounded. Peter tells us the devil is a roaring lion, seeking to devour anyone he can. Paul reminds us that we do not battle against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places. This fight is why the full armor of God is necessary. The point is that demons are real. They aren’t harmless. It is important that we educate the kids in our churches about the reality of the devil. We need to show our children that a union with Jesus, knowing Him and His word is the only way to have
authority over him. Part of the good news of the gospel is that Jesus came to heal and to free those oppressed by the devil. To equip those in the church to stand against him. Jesus Himself is the light that shines in the darkness. He is the overcomer of this world. He is the King and the Victor, and He can be those things in and through us if we know Him. If our kids are playing games like this, there are real spiritual consequences in their lives. It isn’t something to take lightly or to brush off as a non-issue. This social media trend is an opportunity to teach our kids the necessity of knowing Jesus in a real and profound way. It’s a chance to minister the gospel to kids who are looking for answers to the questions of their lives. And these answers can’t be found in seeking a demon. The answers can only be found in the person of Jesus.
Hank - Continued From Page 4
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there,” I told the cashier as I paid. He smiled and said, “Yeah, Hank’s been around forever. Used to own the place until he started getting sick.” As if on cue, Hank began hacking again. “So he still comes around?” I asked. “Yep,” he said as he offered my change. “He’s deaf, weak, and the doc told him last month all those non-filter Camels have eaten his lungs up. But he still shows up every day wanting to help out and do somethin’.” I shoved the change into my pocket and looked at Hank. That a simple man in a no-name gas station on a fall afternoon could teach me something was a little unexpected, but then again there are lessons to be learned in most anything. Especially in the sight of an old man clinging to what little life he had left. Strip away theology’s pretense and
philosophy’s theories and we are faced with this one basic question when it comes to the conduct of our lives: what does God expect from us each day? Over the years I had come up with many possible answers—to love Him and others, to do our best to leave the day a little better than we’ve found it, and so on. But after watching Hank, I knew the real answer to that question. What does God expect from us each day? Simple. To show up. Hank still showed up in that little gas station every day, willing to do whatever he could to help, despite his weaknesses and infirmities. I think we should do the same. Because no matter how wounded we are, no matter how broken and beaten, we can always do something to help. We can always make a difference.
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CUBAN GOVERNMENT LIFTS BAN ON BIBLE DISTRIBUTION IN DRAMATIC POLICY SHIFT
IN THE NEWS MARINE COURT-MARTIALED FOR REFUSING TO REMOVE BIBLE VERSE FROM WORK COMPUTER Carrie Dedrick Editor, ChristianHeadlines.com
Carrie Dedrick Editor, ChristianHeadlines.com Bible distribution is now legal in Cuba for the first time since 1969. Charisma News reports the Castro regime had banned the practice for 46 years, but is allowing the distribution of Bible as part of an experimental program. Ministries such as Revival Fires have already responded to the change in policy
and have distributed 265,000 Bibles to Cubans. The ministry plans to send even more, with a goal of 1 million Bibles distributed. Ministries hope that the change in policy is leading to a revival in the nation. David Isais, of the Bible Commission of Cuba said told The Joplin Globe that the Cuban government has said the experimental program could be halted at any time.
A U.S. Marine was court-martialed and discharged from the military for displaying a piece of paper with scripture on it at her work computer. Fox News reports Monifa Sterling had posted the Old Testament quote, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper,” on her computer. When a superior asked her to remove it, the lance corporal refused. The next day, Sterling found the
paper in the trash. Sterling was court-martialed on Feb. 1 where she was convicted of failing to go to her appointed place of duty, disrespect of a superior, and four counts of disobeying lawful order. Her rank was lowered to private and she is now unemployed. The Liberty Institute is now representing Sterling for an appeal. Michael Berry of the Liberty Institute said Sterling’s charges were amped up “to make it look that things were worse than they were.” Berry said, “If the government can order a Marine not to display a Bible verse, they could try and order her not to get a religious tattoo, or go to church on Sunday. Restricting a Marine’s free exercise of religion is blatantly unconstitutional.”
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Haters Gonna Hate By Frank Viola If you are making an impact on people’s lives, you will . . . (not might) . . . attract haters. So if you don’t want any haters in your life, don’t speak, don’t write, don’t blog, don’t podcast . . . oh, and don’t breathe. Haters are either fueled by jealousy, low self-esteem (which is trying to assert itself), or an inflated-ego (which has been bruised somehow and elicits bluster). Every once in a while I’ll get a flaming email from a hater. A few weeks ago, a man wrote me an email which included baseless accusations against a co-author of one of my books. Of course, the man making the accusations doesn’t know the person they were accusing. They just read some slanderous smackdown on the Web which painted my co-author to be a combination of Freddie Krueger, David Koresh, and a certified warlock. And to this benighted soul’s shame, he naively swallowed it hook, link, and sinker. (Or hook, line, and sinker, if you prefer.) Anyway, my assistant sent him an indisputable refutation of the slanderous accusations against my co-author that shredded them into confetti. Aware of the claptrap, my co-author and friend refuted every accusation point-by-point years ago. So the false accusations that this man came across on the Web were not only old and outdated, but they had been discounted long ago. Now get ready to be shocked. Even after reading the refutation proving that the allegations were untrue, here was this man’s response. “I am very aware of their deception. [Name of my co-author] is a wolf in sheep
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clothing and I have no other reason to believe that either you and Frank Viola are naive or of the same stripe as [name of my co-author].” Really? In other words, “don’t confuse me with the facts. I’m going to hate Viola’s co-author — a man I do not know and have never spoken to. I don’t have the intellectual honesty and integrity to try to speak to or listen to him with an open mind and heart just as I would want if I were the one being falsely accused, and nothing will convince me otherwise.” As someone who believes the Bible and the words of Jesus in Matthew 7 and Matthew 23, I fear for this man. He has no idea of the gravity of the sin he’s chosen to embrace and walk in. The fact that human beings who profess to follow Jesus can behave in such sub-human ways staggers me. So what’s my point? Haters are gonna hate. Period. And if you are successful, they are going to emerge on your radar screen (or your inbox). What can you do about it? 1. Ignore them. 2. If they start spewing their hatred and lies on your blog or social media pages, ban them. 3. If they are on your email list, remove them. And then forgettttabbbbouuttit (yes, that’s one word). Don’t give them another second’s thought. And never respond in kind. (If you’re a Jesus follower, you may want to offer a prayer for them and place them squarely in God’s hands.)
Do not allow them to drain any emotional energy from you. Because these people are designed to distract and discourage you from your mission. And for every hater, there are 50 – 100 people who love and appreciate you. Now, someone may say, “but what about critics who should be heard?”
Haters are befuddled abusers and they are NOT the same as people with integrity who provide constructive criticism based on truth and accuracy. Not even close. (Editor’s Note: Please read my editorial below. It goes along with this article) Source: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/ frankviola/hatersaregonnahate/
unFAN MAIL We’ve been publishing The Ambassador for 10 years now and every once in a while I get a strange letter or call. Someone recently called me about the chickens by Raley’s! Since we don’t shy away from controversial topics like abortion, same-sex marriage or Islamic terrorism, I wouldn’t be surprised by an unfriendly letter from someone with an opposing viewpoint. I was surprised however, when I received a letter last month accusing me of personally being a racist! The writer who signed the letter illegibly with no return address or phone number was essentially anonymous. I’ve been called different things and as a repentant sinner who’s saved by grace, I am aware of some of my faults and open to constructive criticism regarding areas that I need work in. But this is the first time I’ve been accused of being a racist. The writer’s argument was that I ran two stories involving African-Americans in a negative light. The two stories were the Ferguson riots and the Bill Cosby scandal. I was accused of being “so obvious” in my hatred of black people because I ran both stories in the same issue. When I received the letter, I was at first, shocked, then checked myself out to see if there was any truth to the accusation. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit (with confirmation by my wife and close friends) didn’t allow me to continue to thinking thoughts of the Enemy (the evil
Seth Halpern - Editor thought-caster) and I promptly returned to normal. Afterwards, I started thinking about the how quickly unfounded rumors and accusations get started. In this case, I wonder why the writer didn’t see that both issues were simultaneous, which would explain why they were in the same issue. The rioters were simply opportunistic criminals whether black, white, Hispanic or otherwise. As for the Cosby scandal, it never was about race. I don’t know of a single person discussing the issue in person or in the media who made reference to Cosby’s race. It’s strange that some people find things to be negative about that others of us have never even considered. By the way, I gave the letter to a friend, who, after reading it asked me if he could have the honor of crumpling it up and throwing it away! I said yes, and then took the advice of Frank Viola (see article left) and haven’t thought about until writing this in hopes that you will do that same when you are falsely accused.
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