October 2010 by Resound Missions Base

Amplified October 2010/ISSUE NO. 6

Free

Leah Ramirez:

PARTNERING WITH HEAVEN By: C. Clemens Across the story about to unfold in front of you. Such was the case world, across with meeting Leah. generations, across Leah first shared a bit of her story, the usual, “what I denominations, wanted to be growing up.” Turns out she always thought there are people she would be an Obstetrician, and even pursued the degree who are yearning for something more. They are seeking from a very prestigious northern college. But like so many, those willing to be honest and real, fearless towards the became unsure of the direction while in college, and possibility of adversity and persecution; desirous to live switched majors; going into Journalism. Leah is real full throttle alongside of them. They are looking to be honest about this time in her life: pointed to, find and experience the true Living God. These Amplified: “When did you feel led to go ‘into the are recognizable by the symptoms of their thirst; becoming ministry’?” discontent with: messages LR: “Well, I had never watered down for the sake of considered ministry before, making it palatable, the ever. I figured once I graduated minimizing of sin, false college, I’d do something with prophets and pastors who, writing and journalism and instead of calling their communications. Then my congregations to standards of whole life fell apart.” righteousness, allow the people to be led astray. Mounting in Leah went on to explain about the hearts is a desiring to own her life in college and where the original experience of the Lord embraced her in such Christianity found historically a way she couldn’t let go. Her documented throughout the story is unique, and one day New Testament. Enter Leah over coffee if you ask , she’ll Ramirez, Director and Founder tell you those things. It was of Resound Missions Base… surprising, meeting her as a one of these. “pastor/teacher,” when she Leah with husband Larry Ramirez. Larry and Leah are the Co-Founders and Directors of Resound Missions Base. continued, ”A pastor never impacted Located in Orlando, Fl When the first question of an me in my personal life. I actually interview “Did you always want to never felt like I fit into the church; I be a pastor?” is met with a smile, an emphatic “No,” and never felt like I was good enough.” a fit of laughter, you know there is going to be a great *cont. on pg. 3

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Table of Contents Leah Ramirez: Partnering With Heaven Pg. 1, 3-5 Letter From The Publisher

Pg. 8

The World Cup: Not All About Soccer

Pg. 9

Hi, This is Scott

Pg. 10

MamaKnowsBest

Pg. 11

The Adoption Option

Pg. 12

Review Corner

Pg. 13, 14

Resound Merchandise

Pg. 15

Amplified Staff Editor-In-Chief............Marcia Thorsell Feature Articles............Leah Ramirez ......Marcia Thorsell .......C. Clemens .......Kendall Thorsell .......Zerimar Ramirez .......Nicole Hawkins Photographer................Kendall Thorsell .......Cody Duncan Marketing......................Jaymie Smith Graphic Design.........Mike Kochenburger

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She continued to explain the path from college that led her to where she is now. “I went to a church service and told the Lord that I would do whatever! I felt like I was literally saved from the dead and my life was no longer my own. When I gave my life to the Lord, I had really no idea where that would lead me. I told the Lord I would do whatever but being a pastor had never crossed my mind. In that service, the pastor was preaching out of God’s Generals and the book highlighted three women who were revivalists. They weren’t even pastors. I thought ‘Oh I’ll do that!’. And that’s what started it. I had no idea what I was signing up for. I was signing up to be a revivalist.”

everyone at the camp and I knew no one. It was kind of lonely. I can see how God set me up to meet Him.”

This story needed a bit of clarification, so I dug deeper. Like others I have spoken to, it seemed Leah’s story would have an actual encounter somewhere. It was obvious from what I had just heard, she had not simply responded to a convicting message and an altar call.

So the interview had come back to college, and the story was bigger, just as I thought. Even though Leah temporarily looked away from the Lord, from the time of that camp encounter, He never stopped looking at her. His gaze continued to burn for her and followed her into the darkest places. Regardless of the things she found herself in, regardless of how “unholy” they were, He was still in 100% and completely in love. So much so that He only allowed her to stay in her sin for a short amount of time. He allowed her life to be pushed to the limits, until she could literally go on no longer. He gave her a compass and led her back home to Himself. So, though she had the intellect to become an Obstetrician and the communication skills for Journalism, Leah developed a thirst for God, instead.

Leah on outreach with Resounds ByWay Team in the Inner city of Ivy Lane

Amplified: “When did you meet Jesus?” LR: “I can think of several encounters I had over the course of my life. I went to my first church service when I was 8 years old or so. I remember going, and knowing God. It was like this immediate awareness of God. On the way home from the church, my dad asked, ‘What was your favorite part?’ I said ‘When Jesus came out dancing!’, and my dad said ‘You saw Jesus?’ I told him, ‘I saw Him. You didn’t see him?’ I talked about seeing Jesus. I wouldn’t have had a concept of Jesus, so I think I must have really seen Him. The next time I remember encountering Him, I was about to go into 10th grade. I went to a camp with my best friend. She knew

Leah then went on to share how the Lord gripped her heart during a worship service, and made it obvious that He was pursuing her. “I remember this overwhelming awareness that God was there, and He was after me. I knew He was 100% and that was what the call was to me. I don’t know why I knew; just knew it. That night I knew everything was different. My whole life was changed from that moment. I never answered an altar call. I can’t remember a sermon that was preached. It was just the reality of Him being present in worship. Its when people walk into that authentic experience....when you watch people engage with heaven that is undeniable. I was so crazy radical for God all through high school, and then eventually I backslid. It was a conscious decision, but I look at it as the importance of discipleship. You can go on zeal for a couple of years and then to be in relationship with a really good community is so important. Eventually you come to the end of all your zeal. I just hit that block and I ‘thought okay this isn’t working anymore’ instead of having somebody say ‘ No! You’re growing up! Don’t worry.”

Amplified: “How did Resound start?”

Larry and Leah Ramirez and their team in Houston, Tx.

LR: “ I would say Resound started three years ago if someone casual was asking. But from the moment I first read God’s Generals, the first book I read as a Christian, (post college) God spoke to me concerning Charles Parham who started the first school that raised up William Seymour. William Seymour then basically starts the revival that

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shook the nations. God had spoken to me and said I would be like a Charles Parham in my generation. From the very beginning, from the first time I said ‘Yes’ to the Lord, the idea of a school or a training center that would raise up revivalists has been in my heart. (In my heart) there has never been a time Resound didn’t exist.”

“The school of ministry is about Teaching, which I think has to be in place. I think we need more teachers to rise up to speak in the pulpits. We have seen people with a pastoral gifting leading the church. We need pastors, but we also need the apostles, and the prophets and the teachers to rise up and begin to go back through the Word, especially if we are crying out for revival. Anytime there is revival, they are going back to the law of the Word. So I think maybe that is different here [at Resound] but I don’t think it should be. I think you should have teachers in place; real Bible- centered teaching where the Bible is directing what is being taught; systematically training the church to love the word.”

Amplified: “ Resound is so many different things, a prayer room, missions base, church, school of ministry. What makes it different from all the rest?” LR: “…I don’t think Resound should be different; and I don’t want to make it sound like ‘We’re so “Then we have prayer (with the Prayer Room). different’, because Jesus says, ‘My house will be called a house of I really think the prayer’. Even though that sets us apart, as far as I church in general know, there are 27 houses of prayer in Florida. needs to do these But this shouldn’t be a para-ministry thing as if things. I don’t ‘you’re special prayer people over there’. I think think we are if you’re a church, this is the foundation of how doing anything you’re hearing God! “ profound. I think Leah ministering at her and her husbands church in we have four “The third component is Outreach (through the Orlando, Fl. Resound Church components. Some are Missions Base). I think that is different than even stronger than others; other missions bases. We have always been really all four should be strong to be a really thriving church. “ fixed on outreach. My reasoning is you can be contending

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for something, but its not until you go to do the outreach that you realize how much you really need that thing to break in. [laughter]. I just think it’s a really good indicator of where you are at; when you are out there seeing need, and even seeing your own need for God to break in and minister. I think we need to see that and so that has always been a huge part of what we do here.”

When asked what she sees as the Future of Resound, Leah's answer was punctuated with excitement, laughter and serious contemplation. It is the core of what has been set to burn in her heart and what she is seeing happening in others. Leah sees a youth movement on the horizon, which is not limited to the youth. “It's that Matthew 22 (vs1-14) mandate."

“The last thing is

Leah spending time with her children: Left; Juniah. Top; Judah

"When Jesus chose His disciples, He chose young guys. I wonder, ‘(Jesus) why would you do that? Being young, they would have almost immediately have been discredited.’ But He did it on purpose and I think, ‘How bizarre!’ Everything with the real Gospel can be discredited. It is interesting… He picks as the foundation of the church these inexperienced people, and I really think maybe it is because they are not unlearning anything; their attitude is ‘everything is possible.’ The cool thing to remember is Jesus always goes with the one that is going, ‘ Oh! Sure!” Anybody in any stage of life can say that to Jesus because He arranges it; it’s that quality of heart. “

Amplified: “What advice would you give to the twenty-something’s?” LR: “Spend ridiculous of times with Jesus. You will never regret it!”

Community. You have to have all four, they can be in different degrees but more and more I am trying to think of how I bring (our) church into outreach and prayer.” “Those four things make us who we are, but none of those things should be missing from anywhere else.” Leah sees the fruit of Resound, thus far, as good, but feels they are now entering a new phase. Having just credentialed graduates of the three year ministry school this past May, Leah is excited to support the release of ministers from Resound. She is excited to watch God's plan unfold.

The openness and honesty Leah has is unlike any other “leader/mentor.” Her passion to see a revival in America and ultimately the World is invigorating and fueled by being one of the thirsting. She is more than willing to admit things are not perfect and she is in need of a Savior just as much as everyone else. The Lord has tucked away a jewel into the heart of Orlando called Resound Missions Base. Leah, along with her husband, Larry, and the rest of the Resound Staff, are constantly in prayer, constantly serving, constantly seeking to go deeper. The partnership between Resound and Heaven is genuine; growing and increasing in both depth and height. The Lord is working through, and shaking the lives of everyone who comes to experience Resound, whether they go to the prayer room, visit the church on a Sunday morning, join the school of ministry, or go on outreaches with the group. The most intriguing part of it all is there is nothing about the way Leah teaches, or how any of the Resound staff operates, that is influenced by the wisdom of man. The fear of the Lord runs rampant. Resound is one of the only places that allows 1st John 2:27 to be manifested, “…the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.”

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Resound is a movement. Our mission is to raise up a generation who knows their God and does great exploits. Our mandate is to not only stand, but declare and perform justice. Our faith is this: Revival in every sphere of our culture. This is our hope: Jesus is coming soon.

House Of Prayer We believe that God is raising up a prayer culture that goes way beyond putting sets on a schedule. In the book of Acts, the disciples were directed by visions, prayer and direct encounter. The Holy Spirit was the leader of the church. The Apostles gave themselves to prayer and reading the Word. We have asked God for an outpouring like what is recorded in Acts, and He has asked us to position ourselves like the apostles. If He could find a people who would wait, then He would send a baptism that would turn the world upside down. We’ve decided to wait!

Church Resound Church exists as an expression of pastoral ministry for those involved in any of the ministries of Resound Missions Base, including the ministry staff and any other believers embracing the vision, values and mandate of Resound Missions Base. Our church vision is to call people into the love of God, resulting in passion for Jesus and compassion for people. To serve Orlando by building families that function together as an Apostolic Missions Community committed to prayer, fasting and the Great Commission.

School Of Ministry Resound School of Ministry is a full and part-time Ministry School which exists to raise up messengers who resound the atmosphere of Heaven and demonstrate its power. We are a hands-on training center and believe in not just searching out the scriptures but applying them to our daily lives. We have been ruined with accounts in the Word of ordinary men and women who believed God and saw their generation saved. Our desire is to see an entire body of believers addicted to the Word and bent on obeying...no matter what the cost.

Come Join Us Sunday Church Service: Sunday 10:15 am-12:30 pm Prayer Times: Monday 10:30 am-12:30 pm Tuesday 10:30 am - 2:00 pm Thursday 10:30 am - 1:00 pm Friday 10:30 am - 12:30 pm (Deeper) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

www.resound247.com

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Letter From The Editor What a day we live in!! This is certainly a time when it is easy to be overwhelmed with anxious thoughts….sleepless nights….nightmares….ulcers…..to put it bluntly -FEAR!!!! I mean, really…..if we aren’t wondering who is shooting at who abroad threatening war, then we are wondering who is shooting at who right in our own city, or neighborhood threatening another kind of war! We are either worried about the earth “quaking” or the earth “baking”; oil drilling or oil spilling; financial obsession or economic depression; political aggression or political indiscretion; artificial- everything, beneficial – nothing; disease increase, nutritional value decrease; no employment or income supplement, etc, etc, etc, etc! Seem a little depressing? The truth is….we are in a mess and there is only one way to survive it. Guess what? We are not meant to be anxious or in worry or in fear…even when you are going through extremely hard times or questioning what your future holds. In fact, I assure you that it is possible to have complete peace when the world around you is anything but peaceful. It is possible to be calm, cool, and collected when everyone else is nervous, heated, and falling apart. The answer is in the Word of God which says: Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7 Sound impossible? I assure you its not. The truth is, whatever we are focusing on becomes big in our mind compared to everything else. If your circumstance or problem is your focal point, it will become the most important thing to you. If you are stressed out about something and are consumed with it…thinking about it all the time…you are going to stay stressed! The simplicity of this passage is that if you focus on God, who He is, and what He has done, then God becomes your focal point and you will experience God’s peace, a supernatural peace, because your eyes are now on the Almighty Creator of the universe! Seriously, what could possibly be too hard for Him to fix? There is probably no one unaffected by the economy, causing us to hold tightly to our purse strings and worry about tomorrow. There are not many who can read the newspaper or watch the nightly news and not experience apprehension at what is happening around us. And just about everyone is battling some kind of crisis within their personal life and family. I am writing this to simply give you hope! There is an alternative to ulcers and heart attacks, but it is certainly not the alternative suggested by the world. In fact, it probably sounds ridiculous if you are not already following Jesus, but I again, assure you that it works. When you trust in someone who is bigger than it all, its not so hard to rest and be at peace, fully believing it will be okay. You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 -Marcia Thorsell Editor-In-Chief

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THE WORLD CUP: NOT ALL ABOUT SOCCER BY: ZERIMAR RAMIREZ Rejoicing! That’s what was heard far and wide in South Africa when selected to host the World Cup Soccer Championship. There was much reflection on how far the country had come from the days of apartheid, where human beings were not treated as fully human. The world used to forbid South Africa from even participating in global sporting events like the Olympics because of apartheid, so certainly, hosting an event like this was a great symbolic act for the country. Even so, no one is naïve enough to assume that all is well in South Africa. Dire poverty and economic disparity still plague the country. Old resentments still surface, as forgiveness is not always easy. As with most countries, racial wounds do not heal quickly. But amidst this celebration, it is troubling…no, heartbreaking… to hear that one of the major stories coming out of the World Cup is about the sex slaves trafficked into the country for the event. While human trafficking is common for any major event like the World Cup or the Olympics, the problem is heightened in a country like South Africa where the U.S. State Department considers South Africa to be a source of sexual slavery and forced labor, as well as a destination for human trafficking from other countries. South African human rights groups estimate that 38,000 children are trapped in the country’s sex trade. While there have been disputed reports regarding how many people have been trafficked in for the games, ranging from 18,000 to 80,000….the fact remains that it is occurring. What is human trafficking and how does it affect us locally, you might ask? Human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons: by the threat or use of kidnapping, force, fraud, deception or coercion, or by the giving or receiving of unlawful payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, and for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced labor. Mind you, the estimated number of persons trafficked per year in Florida alone are between 18 and 60 thousand. This is quite scary considering that 80% are women and children. The state of Florida has played a vital role in the “hot” yet “taboo” topic of human trafficking. We are currently leading the nation as a major port for the actual sex trade and forced labor movement that is human trafficking. On July 16, 2004, the United States had its first-ever national training conference on human trafficking in Tampa. The keynote speaker was President George W. Bush. We, as a state, have a dual-sided history in this issue having provided aide and information while neglecting our own need for it. How do we link the FIFA World Cup and local Florida human trafficking? Simple… just because this isn’t South Africa doesn’t mean we aren’t falling victim. National widespread coverage doesn’t mean that there is a lasting awareness concerning the issue. As a state, we must see our need for justice. Jesus has a heart to see those held captive, liberated…those who are oppressed, set

free. This isn’t a government issue. If the church will arise and be the church and let her voice be heard to the government, we would see the ending of human trafficking. Brief history: In 1862, the Emancipation Proclamation was established and shortly after that, in the fall of 1865, the 13th amendment of the constitution was enacted, prohibiting slavery in the US. I am reminded of William Wilberforce. This British man fought for years upon years to end the slave trade in the early 1800s, never growing tired, but constantly growing in his knowledge of the slave trade as well as his burden for the slave. We too must be like a modern day Wilberforce, giving our all to see injustice ended in our city, state and nation. The fact that modern day slavery is thriving in our nation and the world should provoke us to action. The revenue generated by the sale of human lives is greater than drugs and is 2nd to that of weapons trade! We must partner with the Lord in this hour and raise our voices. Through prayer we can alter regions. Resound offers prayer times focused on the ending of modern day slavery as well as education on the topic. Ignorance is what is plaguing our city; thankfully, we also have good resources. Tomas E. Lares, Founder and President of Florida Abolitionists, has aided in education on our local and national issues. He has established a faith based educational curriculum for churches and other institutions alike and offers training seminars throughout the nation, but especially here in his hometown of Orlando. This can no longer be a South African, Indonesian, Cambodian or European issue. This is AMERICA’S issue and it’s certainly ORLANDO’S issue. Help end modern day slavery! Become educated, burdened and active!

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“Hi, This Is Scott...” By: C. Clemens

As one who spends time reading inside the political environment, it is easy for me to get discouraged about the character and drive behind our political leaders and candidates. It is too common for a political figure to be called out on the carpet for a foul play in the political arena or stumbling block in his or her personal character. Hidden agendas, lack of steadfast morals and ulterior motives run ramped and are seemingly impossible for men and women in public office to avoid. However, speaking to Representative Scott Plakon was refreshing. As the phone rang, I was anticipating a man answering firmly and directly, exuding his “authority.” I was caught completely off guard when a man’s voice casually answered, “This is Scott.” Mr. Plakon’s tone reminded me that he was a person just like me.

Secondly, I asked what he thought was the biggest issue facing the current generation. I had preconceived ideas of what he might say (Abortion, Human Trafficking. etc…) but he was quick to say, although abortion is a huge issue, it will probably be around for a few more generations. He believes that the $13 trillion dollars of national debt is the biggest issue facing our generation. He shared with me he has three things he aspires to accomplish: 1- Meeting Jesus, 2- Bringing as many people as he can to meet Jesus with him, 3- Leaving the Earth a better place for the generation behind us. “When comparing our current situation, and current government, we are failing at number three. The federal government is committing generational theft,” he said. He believes that each generation should pay their own way; not leave it to our children, grandchildren and beyond. He also told me children are approximately $40,000 dollars in debt the minute they are born into America. After asking Mr.Plakon my first two questions, I sensed he was a man of God, and perhaps an answer for the type of leader for which the church has been crying out to fully represent Christ in the political arena. My third and final question to him was what he thought was the best way for the young adults and twenty something’s to get involved? His answer was to walk with Christ and to live Biblically in all aspects of life. He then said he felt the church as a whole needs to re-engage in directing public policy; and, on an individual basis, it is extremely important for a person to get behind a candidate they believe in by volunteering with them.

I was anxious to start asking him my questions and see how he felt about things so important to us. I started off by asking him what influenced him to go into politics. His story was down to earth. Mr. Plakon was a successful businessman before he went into politics. Years before, I was very encouraged after when he was in his 20’s, he and speaking with Mr. Plakon. He his wife, Susie, had discussed reminded me actively, likehim going into public office minded politicians are not around mid-life, to “give back.” extinct; that they are, in fact, In 2007, he filed to run for the approachable, and each of us Representative of District 37 in can make a difference. the Florida House. He enthusiastically added that, Choose to give, or give back. although he had not thought Get involved by contacting about the conversation he and your representative’s office or a Susie had many years before, campaign office today. For Scott Plakon charging the people during his campaign, he calculated when more up to date information on Scott the 1st session would be if he was elected and, ironically Plakon, visit his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ enough, it fell within one week of his 50th birthday! I asked scottplakon him what was his main motivation for pursuing such a position, and he said hands down it was the Pro-Life issue. He referred to it as the “candle that lit him,” helping to push him forward.

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MamaKnowsBest insecure? or bragging and boastful? or arrogant and prideful? rude and coarse? or needy and attention seeking? quick-tempered and mean about every little thing? remembers the faults and doesn't forgive?

ne and everyone, about An advice column for anyo because who’s better to anything and everything, ask than Mama!

There's also a difference between puppy love and mature love -- both are sincere, but real love has follow through -"Say what you mean; mean what you say." As believers in love, we should encourage and challenge each other . . . to know and love God even more than ourselves every day. Remember, if God brings two people together, He's talking marriage! And in that relationship, He will make them one . . . in the Spirit. Real love, real unity, is the work of The Spirit.

Dear Mama, How do I know if I really am in love and if he’s the right one for me? -Amanda Orlando, Fl Dear Amanda,

God is Love and God is Spirit, and the fruit of both is the same. If you believe you're in love, you will exhibit the fruit of Love . . . when you're alone and when you're together. You'll know by The Spirit. Seek the Lord, and He will answer you.

What a good question! What's most important before you engage in any kind of relationship with "love" in mind, is whether they believe Jesus is who He says He is . . . for, as the Bible says, “What does light have to do with darkness?” So many times we are attracted to someone because of the way they look or because of their talents, or they're famous or rich or in the "popular" group. Our feelings can play tricks on us, and our thoughts can be unschooled and shallow. Core beliefs should direct us in choosing our mate. . . If Jesus isn't the center in your "love" life, really what's the point?

P.S. Remember, If you're looking for "the one," you need to be "the one." Dear Mama, How do I serve God when none of your friends are? -Anonymous

Perhaps the real question is: Are you living and walking in the Spirit? because if so, your answer will become clear. "The fruit of the Spirit is love." And real love shows itself like this: joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; not boastful, challenging one another, or envying one another. Look at it like this: joy is Love's strength -- peace is Love's security -- patience is Love's endurance -kindness is Love's conduct -goodness is Love's character -faithfulness is Love's confidence -gentleness is Love's humility -self-control is Love's victory. Does this describe you and your relationship? happy and hopeful? patient and kind? honest and true? stable and believing . . .even in the rough times?

Dear Anonymous, With all your heart! This may seem simplistic or avoiding the question, but if you are a believer, we are instructed to love the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. So "how" is with your all . . . even with folks who aren't. Jesus invites us to follow Him, spend time with Him, get to know Him and love Him . . . and then we will serve out of that wonderful friendship and love. Real If serving is the result of our love.

“Remember, you’re looking for “the one,” you need to be “the one.”

OR impatient and unkind? exaggeration and lies? unstable? negative? or easily walks away? How about jealous or

Also, we need to know what God says about friends and those we spend time with. "Bad company corrupts good character." Do your "friends" really care about you? Do they care for your soul? Jesus promises to be "a Friend that stays closer than a brother," and "You will gain a greater Friend . . . and friends."

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The Adoption Option By: Nicole Hawkins

Unlike most teenagers who change their mind frequently on what they want to do with their lives, Chala Barrington-Cruz, founder of Adoption Consultants of Florida, was unwavering in her choice once she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. “I knew I wanted to do adoption,” she says with resolution. Born in Orlando, FL, Chala moved to Portland, Oregon in her early teens. During this time, one of her basketball teammates was “missing” for a few weeks due to pregnancy. “She said she was going to have an abortion, and I didn’t know how to say, ‘Don’t do it!’ So I said, ‘Okay.’ After that day, I never saw her again.” A year later, she heard her pastor preach on young women who have abortions… and knew what she was called to do. After graduating from Oregon State, she moved to New Orleans and attended Tulane University due to their joint Masters program of social work and law. Through her internship, she preferred the social work side. “I learned that lawyers don’t work with girls outside of the court room.” While attending Tulane, she met her future husband, and they got married after her graduation. When they moved to Florida, she started as a counselor for an adoption agency connected to a pregnancy center. “I got close to women; it was hard but I loved it! Adoption is my passion.” Later in her career, she would transition from working with newborns to older kids. In time, she’d receive phone calls from prospective parents seeking advice on private adoptions. This motivated her to start Adoption Consultants of Florida to help adoptive parents. “We don’t work with the birth parents, just the adoptive parents. What we’re trying to do is help parents be educated, to protect themselves, and make the best out of their adoption experience,” says Chala. The consulting agency helps adoptive parents through the first 5 months in private adoptions for domestic newborns here in Florida and nationwide. At least 40% of American adults have strongly considered adopting a child, but they tend to believe popular myths. “Some common ones are that with private adoptions, people think the mother doesn’t care about their child, but mothers do care! Another myth is that most birth mothers are teenagers, but that’s usually not the case.”

A common and painful response Chala has faced is with churches as they deal with unplanned pregnancies. In fact, she recalled a church leader who wanted to get an abortion; Chala asked her why. The lady said she wouldn’t carry her baby for 9 months and then give it away. “See, the adoption rate is much lower than the abortion rate in general. But if the church would change their awareness and embrace adoptions, it would probably reduce abortions,” says Cruz with passion. So if someone wants to adopt, now what? To start the process, Chala advises to get a home study done, which is a process all families must go through to assess whether they are suitable to adopt. Can this be a lengthy process? Yes and if the parents request a certain race or gender, it could prolong the process. Are there any financial benefits for adopting a child? She says, “These parents may be able to get thousands of dollars off for a tax credit, but should talk to their tax advisor first. Some employers may even help with the adoption costs.” So after the home study, there are options on how to finalize a private adoption. They can do an open adoption, where the birth mother may have full access to personal details of the adoptive parents and child. A closed adoption is where the birth mother may not receive information. “There is no set concrete form on how anything works. They can kind of intertwine so a lot of people are moving towards the semi or open adoption because birth mothers at least want to know how the child is doing. And it gives them confidence they made the right decision.” Chala longs to see the church herald adoption to help women like her old basketball teammate. “I want to see the church change their mindset and public opinion. Can I say for sure that mothers will change their mind? No, but when a woman wants to place a child into adoption, don’t look down on her. Encourage her on making such a courageous decision.” To find out more information on adoption or meet with a consultant, call 407-850-8346 or go to www.adoptionconsultantsfl.com.

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Review Corner Gaming With Brian Couvillion OKAMI

BATMAN: ARKAM ASYLUM As some are aware, the original stories of the Batman comics are true to Batman’s title, the Dark Knight. This game is true to that title as well with a setting that is dark and morbid. Many bodies are found throughout the game while some have been placed in order to send more than just your usual message. There are monsters and mutations that Batman faces along with your usual “beefed-up” henchmen. The clothing in the game is also to be considered. Most, if not all of the female characters are shown in tight and revealing clothing. Batman himself sports a very tight suit that makes no attempt at hiding his muscular physique and many of the henchmen are also running around shirtless. Although there is no actual nudity, I certainly would not consider this game as conservative or modest in clothing attire. The game also holds some inappropriate content in its dialogue. The Joker, being the irreverent character that he is, can be found using impure jokes from the very start. Bad words can also be heard throughout the game, even from the good guys.

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In general, this game is not one that the serious believer should go anywhere near. Immorality can be found in much of the game, from clothing, to dialogue and anything in-between. The setting and atmosphere holds many noticeable and, more likely, unnoticeable dark principalities and mindsets with much darkness and much less light.

If you’re looking for something pretty, Okami would be a good game for you. If you’re looking for something spiritually safe, Okami is not a good game for you. While this game is very attractive, with its classic Japanese art style on the outside, it is filled with idolatry and false ideologies on the inside. The main idea of Okami is based on an old Japanese spiritual mindset, with multiple lesser gods who are all dependant on human praise for their power and strength. Among these gods is your character, Amaterasu, who is praised for being the god of creation in this story. You must travel through the game to gain praise for upgrades while regaining your powers that were lost a century ago in your battle with an evil spirit. The game also contains some impure clothing options. One of these is a forest spirit who, upon regaining some of her power, changes into an outfit that is more revealing than her previous ensemble. In short, this game is pretty clean apart from its spiritual perspective. But I would advise against being entertained by this game because of its idolatrous spiritual basis and weak view on spirits and gods.

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journey. As we go through the life of David and look into his heart after God, in all the seasons of his life. By: Leah Ramirez Cost: $25.00

Reading With Cody Duncan FORGOTTEN GOD By: Francis Chan Jesus is coming back soon, and we are not ready. In Forgotten God, Francis Chan exposes the insecurities, misunderstandings, and offenses that the modern day church has in regards to the Spirit of God. In a day when half of the Christians in our nation cannot say they have actually experienced God in a tangible way, Chan reignites the desire for the tragically un-known Godhead. As a church, our intellect has blinded us, making us deaf and dumb to the voice of God. Because of this, we have not seen His power move in the way He desires to move. We have changed our theologies, had unnecessary church splits, and preached sermons we’ve not labored over. We’ve dismissed the need for the Spirit and have ultimately paid the price by building our churches with weak, powerless Christianity. Who is the Holy Spirit? What is His purpose? What does He look like? If I am filled with Him, what will I look like? Why do I need Him? And what’s the deal with speaking in tongues? In Forgotten God, Francis boldly, yet simply, uncovers the truth behind the Holy Spirit, and the truth behind the church’s current identity (your identity). This book will draw you into hungering for what God has promised you, and may cause you to give everything to Him all over again…and again…and again. I highly recommend this book to anyone who questions moves of the Holy Spirit, who thinks they know the Holy Spirit, who has no idea what I am talking about, and to anyone who would call themselves human. Consider this book a 911 cry from Jesus. His bride has lost her hearing and her sight has gone too, she’s slowly dying, and needs resuscitation. If you’ve been searching for “more,” here’s a jump start.

At The Movies With Chris N’ Tay EAT PRAY LOVE Chris: Eat Pray Love; a PG-13 movie about a woman named Liz, played by Julia Roberts, who is out to find her place in the world while trying to sort out very difficult situations in her personal life. Taylor: She goes to Italy, India, and Bali for a whole year. Now, I feel really bad that our first review is going to be a bad one…..sorry guys. Chris: Bad review?! that’s the best descriptive word you could come up with? How ‘bout, it was so boring I would rather shoot lizards off a fence post with a paint ball gun….. For me I felt like Aladdin when he was trapped in the hour glass by Jafar and time just kept on passing. (Taylor interrupts)….Actually hon… it was Jasmine that was trapped in the hour glass… and shooting lizards sounds fun to me. (Chris interjects) Ok fine, I would have rather been eaten by the snake… Taylor: Anyway, back to the review. I didn’t think it was so boring, but there were several things I didn’t like about it. There was some foul language, and they had some risqué moments that I didn’t feel comfortable watching. Apparently PG-13 isn’t the same as it used to be ‘cause they are now allowing one “F” word in. Chris: like the NAKED GUYS BUTT!!! Taylor: Yeah, as soon as that popped up I looked away. Chris: I didn’t know what to do. I kind of froze like the deer in the headlights HAHA! Taylor: She also slept around a lot while she wasn’t married. Chris: Don’t let the title fool you. There was only one prayer in the movie and it kind of made it look like God told her to get a divorce. The majority of the movie is focused in on Hindu meditation. Taylor: So, I guess we are saying that we wouldn’t recommend seeing the movie. But not to be a complete “Debbie Downer,” there were a few nice things. A FEW… Chris: Well, for one, I was totally getting hungry with all the food scenes in Rome. Taylor: Yeah, that Italian food looked really good. The places she went also had really pretty scenery. Chris: Ya, you sure did like the scenery. When Bali came up, you grabbed my arm and went… BEACH BEACH BEACH! Taylor: Yeah, and I will admit I almost cried once, but that’s just me. It was a sweet moment. Chris: Well, I almost fell asleep a couple times so I guess we are even on this one. Taylor: How is that even?y Chris: I mean we agree on this review… Well there you have it. Take our word for it or not, but on our scale, we would rate this movie: “D” for “Dude Don’t waste your time” Taylor: “D” for “dud.”

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Gripped By God By: Leah Ramirez Gripped by God looks at the biblical accounts of men and women from all walk of life who were apprehended by God in their generation. Some were kings, some prophets and some were unknown by man...But they all had one thing in common: they moved the heart of God. There are 6 teachings included in this series as well as a copy of all the notes in pdf format.

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