Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine August 2017

August 2017

Baton Rouge

Christian

FREE

Magazine

Braveheart

A Ministry of Hope and Healing

Capital Area Law Enforcement Foundation On a Mission Cultivating Freedom for Our Families

BR Fire Chief Ed Smith Leading through Faith

Florida Boulevard Reiger Road (I-10 at Siegen Lane) Baton Rouge, LA www.gerrylane.com

THIS MONTH AT BREC JOIN US IN AUGUST FOR...

Families Helping Families Luau Aug. 5 | 7-9:30 p.m.

Liberty Lagoon

Movie in the Park Aug. 11 | 7:30-10:30 p.m.

Womack Park

Flashlight Night at the Swamp Aug. 11 | 5-9 p.m.

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

Perseid Meteor Shower Aug. 11 | 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Highland Road Park Observatory

Duck Duck Goose Day Aug. 19 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

Great American Eclipse Aug. 21 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Highland Road Park Observatory

End of Summer Dog Pool Pawty Aug. 27 |1-5:30 p.m.

Liberty Lagoon

Swamp Fine Art Show Aug. 29 - Sept. 24 Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

brec.org/thismonth To volunteer at these or other events, email volunteer@brec.org

contents

august 2017

columns

Faith Life

Baton Rouge

Christian

6 A Ballerina’s Testimony

Magazine

by Pamela Gauthier

7 Chocolate Chip Cookies and the Fruit of the Spirit

by Sharon Holeman

9

Family Life Freedom for our Families

by Giselle Chaisson Saia

Creative Life

13 Pay Attention to that Still, Small Voice

by Sharon Furrate Bailey

Man Up

FEATURE story

16 Self-Control Can Vanquish

by Lisa Tramontana

Weakness

17-19 Faith Enhances

by Todd Shupe

Leadership...and Life

13

Geaux/Millennial Life

23 Spreading the Gospel Through Healthcare

by Trapper S. Kinchen

Learning for Life

28 Career Skills Taught Through the Bible

Pastor’s Perspective

23

inside each issue

36

30 Surrender and Be Free

by Robert Maxie

Witness at Work

32 Serving Faith, Friendship and Soul Food

by Lisa Tramontana

Healthy Life

5 Publisher’s letter 12 Reading for life

36 Recipe: Kids’ Favorite

by Kelli M. Knight

37

20 a little lagniappe

Cauliflower Pizza Hop, Skip and Jump!

Capital Area Law Enforcement Foundation

issue 5, volume 3 august 2017 PUBLISHER Beth Townsend beth@brclm.com Editing Lisa Tramontana Director of Distribution Elmo Winters elmo@brclm.com contributing writers Lisa Tramontana Trapper S. Kinchen Kelli M. Knight Sharon Furrate Bailey Robert Maxie Pamela Gauthier Sharon Holeman Giselle Chaisson Saia Todd Shupe Susan Brown COVER PHOTO Erica Rogers, founder of Braveheart Photo provided by Erica Rogers.

LAYOUT & DESIGN BY Illuminated Designs Studio printed by RR Donnelley / Memphis, TN BATON ROUGE CHRISTIAN LIFE MAGAZINE WEBSITE BY Therese Winters, Mine Your Business Virtual Solutions BATON ROUGE CHRISTIAN LIFE MAGAZINE 9655 Perkins Road, Suite C-133 Baton Rouge, LA 70810 225-910-7426

38 opportunities for life

batonrougechristianlifemagazine.com 4

@brclifemagazine

@brclife

AUGUST 2017 l Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine

Facebook.com/batonrougechristianlifemagazine

Publisher’s LETTER

W

The Big 3 for Me! It’s my least favorite of the fruits of the spirit.

Self-control. Because my faith didn’t really start to grow until my thirties, I had a lot of bad habits that I didn’t even know were bad habits. Sure, the obvious ones were obvious. Blatant sin does not hide well, and there was plenty of that to put front and center in the “need to change” category.

Defeating those big sins became easier the more I grew, though they still creep in from time to time.

It’s the more subtle habits that can truly wreak havoc on your ability to produce “fruit” in your life.

The big three for me require that I heavily trust in the “Christ in Me” knowing He holds the victory in these areas of struggle in my life.

1. Words. Our words should match our faith. We can’t say we believe one way and then speak the opposite. If we say we trust God to lead us along his plan for our lives, then we can’t grumble and complain when things don’t go our way. “Lord, I’ve asked you to lead; I trust you to lead. Help me to see you in the midst of my circumstances.” Instead of giving up and giving in, use your words to affirm your faith. Your words will be a blessing or a curse not only for yourself but for others.

2. Worry. This is a daily struggle! As a parent, who does not worry about their kids? Yet we are not supposed to! We are called to “be anxious for nothing.” That includes those we love the most. When I find myself stressed out with worry, I lean into my anchor Scriptures. Psalm 91 is a chapter I recite often, out loud and repeat as necessary. Gratitude is also a wonderful weapon. “Thank you Lord for watching over my children, my family and my decisions. Thank you for your spirit of peace. Thank you for being with me today. Thank you for forgiving me of all my sin.”

Y

3. Wit. We need to lighten up and relax! We are way too serious! When is the last time you had a

great time? What did you laugh out loud about lately? Who brings calm into your life? Who speaks faith into your life? An equally good question is who steals your joy? Intentionally be around people who enjoy life and seek to do good things. Talk with them about ways to grow and “bear fruit” on a daily basis.

If we have Christ, we have self-control. We don’t have to keep trying to get better! We ask Jesus to show Himself through our circumstances and invite Him into every decision. We allow him the freedom to match our mindset with his plan for our lives. Our work is to Trust Him. Do you want more self-control? Then surrender! Let Jesus have His way in your life! Give him your “big 3” and let Him bear fruit through you!

Beth Townsend

Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine l AUGUST 2017

5

X Faith LIFE

A Ballerina’s Testimony

by Pamela Gauthier

This story is about the self-control it took to wait on God for the fulfillment of a dream until it became reality. It all started when I was about seven or eight. My mom took me to a school of ballet to become a dancer, but the fear of being left there alone overcame the passion to dance. It seemed the opportunity was lost.

Around my freshman year of high school I began to feel the passion to dance again. I was in and out of modern dance programs throughout my high school and college years, but nothing became of it. I truly thought the dream had died.

Years passed and I was now married with two girls, Jamie and Jessica. Naturally, I desired to put them in dance school.

I’d recently accepted Christ and didn’t want to put them in any program that I felt dishonored God. Although this dream was very important to me, their purity was my highest priority.

The girls eventually became teens and they danced in our church’s youth group.

Later, my oldest son Joshua followed suit as a hiphop dancer for the younger kids’ group at church.

My youngest son Joseph was a baby at this time. My husband, Ronnie, and I were satisfied.

We felt that since our children were also homeschooled, this involvement in the youth group was the perfect balance.

Although I was happy my children were finally in decent dance programs, I still couldn’t shake my personal desire and 6

AUGUST 2017 l Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine

passion to dance. I wondered – was it too late for me? The opportunity still had not yet presented itself.

Not long afterward, Cammie Manuel, the youth dance teacher from church, approached us and informed us that Joshua had a natural talent. Cammie owned a dance school and asked if he could dance in her academy recital as a guest hip-hop dancer. We were thrilled and supported him as a family. This opportunity led to him and the girls enrolling in her school, Divine Dance Academy, the following year. We had finally found the right fit!

Then the unthinkable happened. Just when I thought it was over for me, my dream was resurrected. Cammie asked me to join the adult class at the academy. I was 49 years of age and had no ballet experience whatsoever. My whole world changed in that moment. I was able to dance with each of my children year after year at this school where the name of Jesus was lifted up with no compromise. Needless to say, bringing Him glory as a family unit fulfilled my dreams.

Fast forward to today … my girls are now married with children. I’m now in my 10th year of dance and have come to realize the masterpiece God was making of our family. As for God, His ways are perfect and so is His timing.

HeARTune Creations Poetry, LLC., is owned by Pamela Gauthier. Pamela is a writer and poet, who has been writing for over 20 years. She formally started her poetry as a business in October of 2013. Pamela is a native Baton Rougean, who has lived here all of her life.

She’s a wife, a mother of four, and proud grandmother of five. Pamela started her writing journey by writing poetry as a way to uplift the spirits of those in nursing homes and the like. This is still the goal today, to touch hearts and lives wherever encouragement is needed.

Faith LIFE

Chocolate Chip Cookies and the Fruit of the Spirit

W

by Sharon Holeman

I

admit it. I have a weakness for chocolate chip cookies.

Warm and gooey with a little crunch --- alongside a steaming cup of black coffee served underneath a covered patio. Through trial and error I have learned that this indulgence in my life must remain a mere occasional treat.

My weekly allowance often takes the form of a homemade “Jesus cookie” served at my friend Karen’s house after a couple of hours on the tennis court.

My aspiration to manage this sweet sensation may sound trivial but I believe it can serve as an intentional form of learning to have power over fleshly desires. By definition, Merriam-Webster says self-control is “restraint exercised

over one’s own impulses, emotions, or desires.” In fact, selfcontrol, a Biblical fruit of the spirit, is of great importance and affects just about every area of our lives. Often overlooked, self-control is spoken of many times in the Scriptures. It’s actually spoken of more than we might think.

When defending himself in Caesarea, Paul spoke to the governor and his wife “about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment … Felix became frightened.”

“Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.” (Acts 24:25) Self-control is not easy or convenient. We need the Holy Spirit’s help to guard our hearts, to take captive our thoughts,

Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine l AUGUST 2017

7

X Faith LIFE

Mechanics You Can Trust In Baton Rouge

ALL Import & Domestic Vehicles We specialize in all repairs.

Diagnostics Maintenance Electrical A/C Systems Tires Brakes Engine Replacement, and more We also offer used vehicle inspections before purchase.

We offer service to Fleet Accounts

16302 Jefferson Hwy • Baton Rouge (Near Antioch) 225-756-8488 www.landsautola.com

Radio Bible Courses, Ltd. Founded by Dr. Nick Kalivoda “But the word of the Lord endures forever. Now this is the word by which the Gospel was preached to you.” - 1 Peter 1:25 Join us during ■ What the Bible the month of August as means by Louis Hilliard what it says teaches the Revelation ■ Open to the Public of Jesus Christ 8/6- Revelation 3:7-13 ■ Q&A Session 8/13- Revelation 3:14-22 ■ Sunday mornings 8/20- Revelation 4:1-11 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM 8/27- Revelation 5:1-8 Louis Hilliard

OPEN TO EVERYONE! Visit our website to view our Schedule of Speakers and download free materials from Dr. Kalivoda’s teachings: www.rbcword.org The Campus Bible Class meets at: Burden Conference Center - LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens 4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA

■ Come early and join us before the class for coffee & cookies ■ 8

AUGUST 2017 l Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine

to control our tongues and tempers, to turn our eyes away from the entrapping of the world around us, but yet not to ignore the people who so desperately need the love of Christ just like us.

Galatians talks about our freedom in Christ and living by the Spirit’s power. It says when we follow the desires of our sinful nature the results are clearly not good, but it is the Holy Spirit that produces fruit in our lives. And then it says something magnificent. “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.” (Galatians 5:24) That’s powerful. We have been given victory and control and “since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” (Galatians 5:25) Yet, sometimes in the moment it can be hard to follow the Spirit’s leading, especially if we can’t hear Him over our impulsive responses. So, how can we take practical steps to hear Him and properly respond to life’s temptations?

• Pray. Prayer is the conversation that keeps us close to God. • Presence. My day just isn’t right if I don’t start with time in the Word. Worship music helps keep my heart light.

• Pre-decide. If my decision is already made it’s an easy one. Respond in love, wait before speaking, and one dessert a week. You get the idea.

• Plan. Intentionally side-step stumbling blocks.

• Persevere. Forgiveness after failure is key … for us and for others.

I recently heard a pastor say that we are never more like Jesus than when we forgive.

As Christians, we are to die to ourselves daily-to be selfgiving rather than self-focused, self-controlled and acting in love. We are to be faithful in the little so we can be faithful in plenty, even if it means having just one chocolate chip cookie at a time.

Sharon Holeman is a writer and photographer living in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She was the project creator, coordinator and co-author of the book Backyard Miracles - 12 American Women, 12 True Stories, 1 Miraculous God. Previously published in Her Glory and Inspire Louisiana, she is now penning her first screenplay. Ministry Today showcased one of her photographs on the cover and several others as article imagery. Sharon is a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio and The Art Institute of Houston. She is currently attending Bethany College to further her pursuit of the Lord and His Word.

Family LIFE

Freedom for Our Families

W

by Giselle Chiasson Saia

“My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s spirit. Then you won’t feel the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness, unable to live according to how you feel on a given day. But when we use our freedom to live God’s way, He brings gifts to our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard – we find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and divert our own energies wisely.” – Galatians 5:19-23 The Message We probably do not typically equate the thought of self-control with freedom.

Other synonyms come to mind such as restraint, self-discipline, self-possession and command. But when we reflect on the fact that God’s spirit dwells in us and we are set free by His sacrifice for us, we too experience freedom when we choose to walk with Him and in His spirit. Galatians 5:13 says, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather serve one another humbly in love.” It appears many of us suffer in this current day and age from much indulgence of flesh and of selfishness, or “Me Syndrome.”

We must step out of this bondage in order to freely live and serve others in love. As Christians, we are called to “above all, put on love” (Col 3:14) and we possess the Holy Spirit “indwelling” us with His power. He gives us His spirit of power, love, a sound mind, and self-control (2Tim 1:7). So why do we struggle so much with practicing this especially at home, where the fruits of our choices matter most? One bad apple can spoil the whole bunch … how can we exercise freedom in self-control and fertilize the fruit trees in our homes and

families to yield a plentiful harvest as fruit appears in an orchard?

I have the honor and privilege of being a mom to a 22-year-old son, and 16-year-old daughter, a stepmom to three daughters, 16, 18 and 20, and a spiritual mother/mentor to many of God’s hurting children whom I counsel in my vocation/ministry as a Christian counselor. Upon reflection with my family and “children” as well as My Heavenly Father regarding self-control and family life, I encountered some revelations and “V8 slaps” in my own face and heart. Primarily, being a wife again in a second marriage and blending a family of teen girls at home brings much “baggage” on all our parts from painful past marriages and hurtful divorces.

God again (I am stubborn and He seems to keep leading me here) gently, lovingly, gracefully and mercifully, yet relentlessly, reminded me that the battle for self-control is within and with ME. He has not called me to control anyone but me. The battle is with me, myself and I and on the last day, He will only converse with ME about ME and how I did with what He gave me – not to discuss my husband, my ex-husband, Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine l AUGUST 2017

9

X Family LIFE his ex-wife, or anyone else I happened to have had issue with. If something is causing inner turmoil in me with my husband, then I must seek God’s face only to see if He is revealing an area in me that needs deeper healing, pruning or growing, and as I allow Him to work in me and I let go, He can deal directly with my husband much more efficiently than even I, the Christian counselor who “has done her work!” Ha! He reminds me I am not that co-dependent girl anymore and as I let Him sit on His throne and let His love flow in and through me, then I can choose love and let go and love my husband as He would love and forgive him. When I move in the spirit of self-control here, the atmosphere changes immediately in my marriage and in our children and household. Thus we are all free to love and serve and heal more deeply and we can do it with joyful hearts, free of selfishness, pride or irritation. I am reminded there is freedom in choosing selflessness over selfishness and in relinquishing control.

In our home, practicing self-control and self-discipline over our schedules and time is key. If my husband and I prioritize early morning time set aside to sit at His feet in His Word, to quiet our minds and hearts to hear Him speak in a still, small voice to our loud minds and we allow ourselves to receive His peace and guidance for our marriage, work, family and other issues, we carry that peace into the remainder of our day. But on the days we oversleep, are rushed to get to work or roll over and grab the cell phones and are pulled in by the world and demands of the day, our entire household and those we influence suffer. One bad apple …! It is evident that feeding our spirit-man and starving our flesh brings freedom, peace and joy even if it does not “feel” that way in the heat of the moment. If only we would roll over and grab our Bibles as quickly as we grab electronic devices to check 10

news, work e-mails, Facebook, social media and other worldly distractions, what a difference our homes, communities and world would be, not to mention the joy we would bring to our Heavenly Father who simply wants a deeper relationship with His children.

He has not called me to control anyone but me. The battle is with me, myself and I and on the last day, He will only converse with ME about ME and how I did with what He gave me...

Deeper and more present and intimate relationships within our families also results from the fruit of self-control at home. If we all are more mindful and intentional about being fully present in the moments, not just present with cell phones in hands, then face-to-face loving interactions take place. Real connections are made.

Loving memories that last forever are experienced at the heart level and those stay with us and can even help heal wounds of past disconnected places. Dinners, hanging out together on couches cutting up with each other, family vacations, moments between

AUGUST 2017 l Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine

spouses, and conversations take on a fuller and richer meaning much as God desires with us. It takes self-control within the home with cooperation from all parties to defeat the enemy’s distractions that Paul refers to in Galatians as works of the flesh. The enemy is referred to as the god of this world and the prince of the airwaves, and he seeks to destroy, divide, steal and kill unity and purity in the family. “It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time; repetitive loveless cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; a brutal temper; impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives ….” (Gal 5:19-21) On that note, I must admit my beautiful 16-year-old daughter’s response to what self-control in the family looks like to her were powerful words from a mature and wise-beyondher-years young woman of God. My other beautiful 16-year-old stepdaughter has given me feedback as well and we have all been tested in this department as I prepared this article. Imagine that!

Never any coincidences with our sweet God! I was reminded that parents set the tone for the family with self-control over our tongues and anger, and we should be quick to listen and slow to anger and slow to speak. As James reminds us in 1:19, we as parents should refrain from being short-fused with each other or our children because words do hurt.

We should show emotional maturity by stepping back, reframing, resting, and responding versus reacting to our emotions because words cannot be taken back and they enter our heart like fiery darts being used by the enemy to stir more strife and division in families.

I was reminded that we should also watch the profanities (yes, we slip up in that department) that fly as little ears

Family LIFE

God, Family, Business

W

do hear all and then repeat all, and children do as they see, not as they are told not to do. Word curses and generational curses have their roots here often. From the perspective of the teenagers and children and self-control, my daughter shared that controlling emotions and responding first before reacting was important, especially around gossiping as one never knows what is really going on inside a person who is behaving in an unbecoming manner. Thus judging and gossiping would only make it worse. She added that selfcontrol or jealousy among siblings is not necessary because they should support and bless each other’s achievements.

And if a parent is spending much time with a particular Cover STORY sibling, that sibling may be going through a difficult or dark time or emotional struggle and may need to lean on and be supported by one or both parents more than usual. She was insightful in noting that she would have to step aside from emotion and see what was really festering there that God may be dealing with. Definitely words for us all to live by and to remember to choose selflessness and put on love so Cover STORY His love flows throughout the home, not anger, jealousy or www.thekeyfinders.com division.

225-335-5395 I long to walk in the freedom and power of choosing 8686 Bluebonnet Blvd. BR, LA 70810 self-control given freely to me by Him who lives in me.

225-768-1800 Each office is independently owned and operated.

There will always be a battle between flesh and spirit as Paul reminds us in Romans 7:15-20. “I do what I don’t want to do and I hate what I do.” This statement holds so true, especially for those who struggle with addiction, compulsions, obsessive behaviors and even the choice to live a balanced life of healthy eating and exercise. May we remember the importance of feeding our spirits and starving our flesh and the power of prayer and fasting. I will WALK IN TUBS BATH REMODELS TILE SH WALK IN TUBS BATH REMODELS stay focused on the One who is sovereign (Eph 1:11) and ask Him to continue to change ME into His likenessWERS so His love WERS and Holy Spirit flow in and through me to my spouse, my 18 18 children, those I touch in counseling, and to His precious MONTHS MONTHS Body, the Church. I will keep in mind that without love, VISIT and self-control, I am nothing. May the choice to walk in SHOW1 WALK BATHaREMODELS the spirit of self-control andIN notTUBS in the flesh produce lush Owners TILE SHOWERS Owners Danny & Brenda LeBlanc 12504 S CH BA harvest of love and connection on our family’s tree of life.

Danny & Brenda LeBlanc BATON ROU WERS

W

$10

0% 0%

0%

18 MONTHS

O

CALL CALLTODAY TODAY $1000 OFF 400-544 (225)(225) 400-5444

(225) 400-5444 VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

WERS

Giselle Chiasson Saia is a Licensed Professional Counselor in WERS Baton Rouge.

She specializes in PTSD, developmental and relational trauma recovery, healing WALK IN TUBS BATH REMODELS TILE SHOWERS Owners 12504 S CHOCTAW DR the child within and family of origin healing. She practices from a “wounded WERS Danny Brenda LeBlanc from childhood abuse healer” perspective with her own & story and testimony BATON ROUGE, LA 70815 WALK IN TUBS OFF 18 recovery and divorce recovery. Thus, she is passionate walking alongside WALKabout IN TUBS BATH REMODELS TILE SHOWERS MONTHS those on their journeys out of shame identities and past bondage into lives of WERS VISIT OUR WERS wholeness and freedom. She is married to Russell Saia and they have a blended SHOWROOM 18 CALL family of five children. For counseling, mentoring or spiritual direction services, Owners 12504 S CHOCTAW D 18 MONTHS Danny & Brenda LeBlanc TODAY BATON ROUGE, LA 7 call (985) 687-6595 or e-mail gbc143@yahoo.com MONTHS

CALL TODAY

$1000

0%

0% 0% 400-5444 $1000 (225) OFF

WERS

VISIT400-5444 OUR (225) 11

Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine l AUGUST 2017 Owners

CALL

SHOWROOM

X Reading for LIFE

A Review of Captain Deadeye The Bully Shark

Written by Dianne De Las Casas and John Couret Illustrated by Stefan Jolet Reviewed by Kelli M. Knight

L

ocal Louisiana writers, Dianne de Las Casas and John Couret, present an imaginative book that expresses a wonderful message for kids through middle school. In Captain Deadeye, the main character, John, is entering fourth grade and excited to start a new school. Instead of the first day being exciting, it is terrible because the school bully decides to pick on him because John has a lazy eye.

Many think of self-control as an internal struggle but, what happens when there are elements, such as a bully, that can’t be controlled? One’s reaction to a bully is the only thing that can be controlled. Captain Deadeye shows a situation is always better when we respond in a more positive way. With the help of family members, John takes on a new persona - “Captain Deadeye.” He finds, just like sailors, he must learn to navigate “rough seas,” which in his case is a bully. He can’t control the bully, but he can control how he responds and that he can create a positive experience.

Captain Deadeye is available on Amazon or you can visit diannedelascasas.com.

s for

Join u

Sunday Brunch 0am - 2pm

  

Fabulous Buffet and Bottomless Beverages Specialty Menu Items Coming Soon For details, visit us at our website: www.boudreauxsbr.com

2647 Government Street Baton Rouge, LA 70806 225-383-5886

12

AUGUST 2017 l Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine

Kelli is the owner of Illuminated Designs Studio, specializing in graphic design services. She received her Liberal Arts degree from LSU. Over the course of her career she has written for several publications throughout Southeast Lousiana. Find her on facebook: facebook. com/kellissimeaux

claytongonzales.com • 13653 Airline Highway, Gonzales, LA 70737 • (225) 644-4663

Creative LIFE

Pay Attention to that Still, Small Voice

W

Christopher Smith: musician, producer, songwriter, and child of Christ

Christopher wtth his sons, Michael and Micaiah.

by Sharon Furrate Bailey • photos provided by Christopher Smith

“Awaken, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

-Ephesians 5 :14

Q:When did you first discover you were an artist?

A: From around the age of five, I always knew I had this passion and love for music. It was all around me, and I found myself always getting drawn to the different types of instruments, styles and rhythms of music. Being co-raised by my grandparents who were solid Christians and growing up in a local Baptist church in Donaldsonville, music enveloped me.

I mainly heard music that glorified God. As I began getting older, I discovered I had a talent for writing, putting lyrics together and creating what we call “rap” today. It was at that time I knew God would use this gift for greatness, a greatness that would serve and minister to the hearts of people.

Q:

What would you say is your artist statement?

What compels you to write songs and produce, among the many other things you do?

A: My reason for writing and producing songs is because I truly believe this is my calling. I was put on this earth to create, and I believe I am operating in God’s will by sharing my talent. My heart’s desire is to reach those who need to know the Lord in a personal way, those who may be lost in this chaotic world. During my daily prayer time, I always hope that my music breaks the yoke and bondage that many people carry. This world can be confusing and burdensome, but I know there is freedom in having a dependence on Christ. The Bible tells us that we are all strangers here on this earth - just passing through. So what must we do while we are here? From my experience, it is not just about the 9 to 5 job or getting into a career that makes a lot of money, or raising kids, though all of that is fine and well … but there is a greater purpose while we are here and that is to gain understanding of the truth which lies in Jesus Christ and to share that truth with others. This is what drives me to continue creating and walk with the Lord no matter what storms may come my way.

Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine l AUGUST 2017

13

X Creative life What was the turning point in your career in terms

Q:of dedicating your work and music to Christ?

A: In 2008, I co-founded a music recording label by the name Blow Yo Mind Entertainment with a very close friend. Until 2010, I created music that glorified the world and went against everything godly. Being fresh out of college, my life consisted of drugs, partying, sex, chasing after every dollar, and a lot of local traveling and performing with my label mates. For those two years, I lived a reckless life. God had a higher calling for me because I am still in awe that I am alive and not dead. I knew during that period that without a shadow of a doubt, if I had died I would go straight to hell. In November of 2010, I took a break from the music scene and started experiencing a presence that felt like pure love. Every time I felt this presence, I found myself crying because my emotions would surface and overtake me. I would reflect back on my life during those times and when I would feel this loving presence, in my heart, I knew that it was the presence of God surrounding me.

He was drawing and calling me unto Him. I knew that my life was in a spiritual battle of good and evil. His still small voice was calling me and I knew the sacrifice I would have to make to serve Him 100 percent. I would have to leave my old life behind. It was like God was presenting the changes and consequences to me as a warning before I made a move. I did not want to give up my lifestyle or lose friends along the way and it tore me to pieces thinking about it. Yet on May 14, 2012, when I had no place else to run, I surrendered my life fully to the Lord Jesus at a revival conference. The Holy Spirit filled me and my personal relationship with Jesus Christ began. Everything I am doing now is for the kingdom of Jehovah, God Almighty. Performing music, producing, evangelizing and participating in community outreach is for His Glory.

Do you ever feel God’s presence when writing or singing? What is one of your favorite songs to sing and share with others?

Q:

A: Anytime I get the urge to write a song, I know it’s something that God wants to speak through me and that I’m being led by the Holy Spirit, because unlike other artists who say they are always writing and coming up with songs and different ideas, I only write when I feel it on my heart.

One of my favorite songs inspired by the Holy Spirit, is a song titled Don’t Run Away, from my debut album Awakening, which was released in April.* The song speaks about what people may be going through and that God has a plan for their life and that Jesus Christ is their salvation.

At Life Songs Radio 89.1 FM New Orleans and also at the GIG Awards, Smith was nominated for five awards and won Best Gospel Pop/Rap Artist award, as well as “Song Writer of the Year” and “Best Collaboration.”

14

AUGUST 2017 l Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine

At the GIG (Gospel Independant Grammy) Awards with his wife, Alwonda Randolph Smith Smith with WTQT’s Kerwyn Feeling

W

Creative life

Q:

Have you ever received a note from someone who heard you perform – telling you how it impacted their life for the better?

A: I have received so many messages on Facebook and love from people about how much one of my songs has touched them, and they thank God for my life and testimony. However, it has not just been my music that has had a positive impact, but my testimony and ministry as a whole. When I see others being motivated to go after the things of God rather than the things of this world, it gives me strength and I praise God when I get to witness another life changed for the better.

Q:

Do you have a favorite book of the Bible or scripture that you have always enjoyed or reflected upon?

Q:

Where have you performed before and where will you perform in the near future?

A: I love the whole Bible because it’s God’s word spoken through man and driven by the Holy Spirit, but I am crazy in love with the New Testament from the Gospel of Matthew to Revelation. All of my favorite scriptures come from the New Testament (John 3:16, Philippians 4:13, Matthew 5:14, 1 John 4:4, John 10:10 and so many others). Not only are these some of my favorite scriptures, but I see just about all these numbers every day at least once. There is not an hour that goes by that I don’t thank or talk to the Lord, because each time I see these numbers, I immediately quote that scripture and get in prayer or a conversation with the Holy Spirit.

A: I have performed just about everywhere in this great state of Louisiana, as well as in Texas and Mississippi. However, 2018 is going to be my first BIG performance/ministering break since being a part of the gospel music scene. In May and June of 2018, my production company and music label, along with some other names, will kick off our first official southern regional tour called the Awakening Revival Tour, which will cover 33 cities. I know this is just the beginning of an awesome move of God. For updates, see the website www.CCBpro1.jimdo.com, or go to Facebook.com/Chris ChristChild.

The name of your company, Jesus Muzik Dynasty, is very

Q: catchy. What does your company specifically do?

A: Not only am I a youth minister and musical talent, but I am also the founder and CEO of CCB Productions, one of the fastest growing production and label companies in Baton Rouge, as well as the supporting company for the recording label Jesus Muzik Dynasty Recording. If someone has a need for production, photography, videos, commercials, songwriting, or recording, they should give us a call or go to our website. We love to help others’ dreams become a reality.

JMD Official logo

Share anything you would like our

Q:readers to know about your journey.

A: I moved to Baton Rouge in 2015 with my beautiful wife Alwonda Randolph (facebook/ Alwonda.Randolph) and our kids (13 in all). They are blessings in our lives. Yes, our family is large enough to start our own football team, megachurch and more. We are committed to reaching people by showing love to others. Once a month, we (Living 4 Christ Outreach Ministry) go to the St. Vincent DePaul bridge and minister to those who are homeless or lost. We feed them and give them clothing. On Valentine’s Day and Thanksgiving, we minister so that these people know we are about putting God’s purpose into action. This ministry is a non-profit organization and all we do comes out of our own pockets. We trust in God’s provision and believe he will bless us. We do not expect anything in return from those we help. We want them to feel someone cares and most importantly, God loves them. So if you would like to give or donate to Living 4 Christ Outreach Ministry Organization, please send your gift to 9466 Balboa Drive, Baton Rouge, La, 70810. Thank you for your time, loving heart and obedience … and pay attention to that still small voice. God changed my life for the better and he wants to be close to you.

Awakening can be downloaded on iTunes, Google Play or CD Baby, or on the websites at www.CCBpro1.jimdo.com; youtube (search Sons of God2000); and facebook.com (Chris.ChristChild)

Sharon Furrate Bailey grew up in Alexandria, La., and moved to Baton Rouge to attend LSU. She earned a B.A. in English Literature in 1990. She attends Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church. Sharon has been in the field of marketing, sales and public relations since 1996. She is a gifted artist and has been a columnist since 2005. She can be reached at sharon@brclm.com.

Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine l AUGUST 2017

15

X

Man up

SELF-CONTROL C a n Va n q u i s h We a k n e s s

T

he Bible teaches us that selfcontrol is essential to living a Christian life. We must exercise our self-control or we become controlled by our weakness.

Whether it is food, alcohol, drugs or pornography, the enemy knows our weakness better than we do and will encourage us to go to it rather than to God in times of need. Our lives can soon be dominated by our weakness and we are living completely in the flesh rather than in the Spirit. Self-control is the very essence of “dying to self” and living in righteousness with God. Our righteousness cannot and will not ever come from ourselves, but only as a means of grace from God as a result of totally surrendering ourselves to His will and becoming His disciple.

If you are struggling with selfcontrol, I encourage you to first begin with prayer and ask God for His help.

Then, go into the Bible and study and memorize some particular verses that

16

speak to you and your situation. My “go to” verse when my patience is growing thin is Proverbs 29:11. “A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back.” We must remember that all wisdom comes from God. So how does one obtain wisdom? James 1:5 tells us that “if any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

The exercise of self-control will not only keep us away from our temptations, but will allow us to be a powerful witness for God. You may ask how can I be a good witness for God by exercising self control? The best witness is one who demonstrates his faith with his actions.

St. Francis of Assisi encouraged people to speak the gospel wherever they go.

Self-control will allow you to remain silent when verbally attacked. It will allow you to respond with love when confronted with hate. Self-control will

AUGUST 2017 l Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine

by Todd Shupe

also keep you pure when you are alone.

Self-control will also keep you sane in times of great adversity such as a flooded home, divorce, or loss of a family member. We freely and willingly yield control of ourselves to God and instead of worrying about what will happen, we stand steadfast in His promise of Romans 8:28. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Self-control does not mean that we are to go it alone. Life is tough and we need fellow Christians for the journey.

We need accountability groups that are small, honest, and safe so we can be vulnerable and encouraging to each other. Christ encouraged us to come to Him with our burdens and He will give us rest. Read Matthew 11 and then fasten your yoke to a friend.

Feature story

W

Faith Enhances Leadership… and Life

by Lisa Tramontana • photos provided by Baton Rouge Fire Department

L

eading the Baton Rouge Fi re Depar t ment is by no mea n s a n “ea sy ” job. But for Fi re C h ief E d Sm it h , who has held the position since 2002, faith cer tainly m a ke s it e a s ie r.

The BRFD is comprised of 19 fire stations, more than 600 employees, and services that go far beyond firefighting to include motor vehicle rescues, arson investigation, firefighter training, hazardous materials response, community outreach, and more. As Chief, Smith is expected to manage all of these moving parts at the same time, while keeping a very important promise --- to keep the community safe. It’s a heavy responsibility and he takes it seriously.

“My faith reminds me daily that it’s not what I do, but what I allow God to do in my life,” he said.

“Almost every day there is a decision that has to be made that affects someone’s life or career … it’s a comfort to know I can pray and seek His guidance in making these decisions.”

Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine l AUGUST 2017

17

X

Feature Story

“The Bible is a great blueprint for a successful life.”

– BRFD Chief Ed Smith

Firefighting is a dangerous job. According to statistics from the National Fire Protection Association, 1.3 million fires were reported in the U.S. in 2016, resulting in more than 3,000 civilian fire deaths, more than 15,000 civilian fire injuries, and 69 firefighter deaths.

The NFPA also states that in the U.S., a fire department responds to a fire every 23 seconds, usually for accidents resulting from cooking, candles, smoking, electrical fires and heating elements.

“Over the past 40 years, I have seen so much death --- among infants and the elderly, rich and poor, strong and weak,” Chief Smith said. “It makes it easy to understand that no one is promised tomorrow.”

Chief Smith agrees that it would be a better world if we didn’t need firefighters.

“We’d be happy if we never had to fight another fire,” he said. But since that’s not a reasonable wish, education is the next best solution. The BRFD sponsors a number of outreach programs, which create an effective way to connect with the community and promote safety.

Some of these programs include: Fire safety – BRFD visits schools, churches and civic organizations to discuss safety topics, including prevention, fire extinguisher use, and escape plans.

Smoke trailer – A specially designed trailer reminds students to “stop, drop and roll” and teaches them to safely crawl out of a fire situation to avoid smoke inhalation.

Smoke detectors – BRFD partners with other community organizations to provide free smoke detectors to elderly and handicapped residents.

Poster competition – Students compete annually to design fire prevention posters, and winners are invited to a special recognition banquet and award ceremony.

Junior Fire Center program – Young offenders are identified, educated and mentored by BRFD staff on the dangers of arson. The non-confrontational program monitors them until age 18.

The Fire Department also works closely with the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, both of which help fire victims recover after a fire. These organizations provide temporary shelter, clothing and medications to fire victims.

Public service and the desire to help others has always been an important part of Chief Smith’s personality. “My faith reminds me daily to stay humble because without God in my life, I am nothing,” he said. “I try to pattern this model in my workplace because without the 610 hardworking, dedicated men and women of the Baton Rouge Fire Department, we would not be the best department in the nation.”

His work has made his faith stronger, he says. A deacon at Zoar Baptist Church, he has taught Sunday school for 25 years to 7th and 8th grade boys. “Boys this age face a lot,” he said. “The temptations are not much different from decades ago --- sex, drugs, alcohol --- but exposure and access to these things is so much easier 18

AUGUST 2017 l Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine

Chief Smith stays closely connected to the community. Here, he is pictured with TV anchor Donna Britt during a cancer awareness event.

now. The internet is a valuable tool in many ways, but look how it has made pornography so available, even to kids.

It’s a real problem.”

Even so, Chief Smith is encouraged by how many of his Sunday school students have grown into strong Christian men over the years. “I’ve always told them that at some point, they will have to make their own decisions … they will find themselves in a situation where they need to ‘do the right thing.’ But they have to know what the right thing is. So it’s important that we, as adults, give them the guidance and support --- the tools --- to choose the right path.”

Feature Story

Pictured here is Chief Smith, his wife Trudy, their six grandchildren (above) and their three children (below).

W

The BRFD hosted a Haitian firefighting group in Baton Rouge to train the members on building collapse situations. Here, Chief Smith poses with the Haitian Fire Chief who visited.

And that starts with the Bible, he added. “The Bible is a great blueprint for a successful life.”

Building a close family unit is another piece of the puzzle, said Chief Smith as he talked about his wife Trudy, their three children, Shelly, Edwin and Megan, and six grandchildren. “As a parent, you prepare your family for the things they will have to face in life. You instill in them a love for God and teach them to lean on their Savior, Jesus Christ. And you have to understand that they may go through phases as far as their faith is concerned.”

As a community official and leader, Chief Smith has been asked often for his advice on how to promote unity, especially racial harmony, in Baton Rouge. After all, the community has faced a lot of division in the past year. The answer, he says, is really simple.

“I feel that Mark 12 answers this question,” he said. “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than this.”

For information on firefighter training, or to schedule educational activities, such as station tours or education classes, call the Baton Rouge Fire Department Headquarters at (225) 354-1400.

Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine l AUGUST 2017

19

X A Little lagniappe

Capital Area Law Enforcement Foundation

P

by Susan Brown • photos provided by Pat Englade

........at Englade is a man on a mission.

Against the agonizing backdrop of 2016-17 police shootings and flood recovery, the former Baton Rouge police chief sees avenues of hope. “I think, in the end, God’s going to give us the strength to do what we need to do, especially during these very trying times,” said Englade, a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. “I’ve been very close to God all of my life, and he’s rewarded me very well.

He gives me the tools to use, and I think it’s a shame if you don’t use them.”

Chief Englade was sitting in St. Gerard Church on Plank Road in North Baton Rouge preparing to speak about his newest passion, the Capital Area Law Enforcement Foundation, when the word came out: Police officers had been shot on Airline Highway.

From Left: Melissa Caruso, Dennis Oliver, Trenisha Jackson, James Tullier, Chief Englade, Tonja Garafola, Dechia Gerald, Laurie Aronson and Matthew Englade speaking to promote public awareness of CALEF.

20

AUGUST 2017 l Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine

“It was very distressing because I had heard multiple officers were down, and for somebody from that background, it sends a chill down your back,” Englade said. “But after that we saw a definite need to better protect our officers.” The foundation’s vision – to help protect and provide for officers and their families in times of personal crisis – quickly became a nexus for law enforcement and the community.

“We wanted to get those police officers protected as much as we possibly could and give them everything they needed to do their job as safely as they could,” Englade said. The widows and family members of officers killed or injured on duty play an active role in the foundation. “All these families have young children, and we see what they’ve gone through. These young women have evolved into very

A Little lagniappe strong young individuals who have decided they don’t want this to happen to anybody else.”

“Those guys went in and did heroic acts with very little protection, to be honest with you,” Englade said. While most police officers wear a bulky Kevlar vest under their uniforms, they lack the type of vest that covers the top area with a steel or ceramic plate designed to stop a rifle round, a necessity in the increasingly dangerous environment.

The Baton Rouge Police Department has now almost completely outfitted its officers with improved vests, using money raised by CALEF. “What people don’t understand is those vests have a shelf life; it’s a five-year vest, so you have to trade those vests out.

The need will just go on and on,” Englade said. The foundation is providing protective equipment for law enforcement in an eleven-parish area, including the LSU and Southern University police departments.

CALEF also continues to aid the family of EBRP deputy Nicholas Tullier, who is in longterm rehabilitation in Texas. The foundation was instrumental in passing legislation that guarantees permanent benefits for officers with life-threatening injuries and helps with college expenses for dependents.

Through the foundation, a new college scholarship was established by the family of former state legislator Donald Ray Kennard who was known for his love of law enforcement.

“We wanted to help the families in time of crisis or need. If a firefighter or first responder gets in a situation where they need help to get to Houston [for medical treatment], we say, ‘Yes, we can do that,’” Englade said. “We all know policemen don’t get paid a whole bunch of money, so their ability to go out and buy a vest for themselves or deal with a crisis in their family is very hard on them.”

“We have no administrative costs; nobody gets any pay,” Englade said. “We can actually show people what we have done with their money. The Kean Miller Law Firm and Hannis T. Bourgeois, CPA, are both involved. They helped draft most of our stuff to get our 501(c)3. Garrett Graves and Bill Cassidy have both been tremendous in helping us through that process.”

CALEF is fielding requests from around the nation from law enforcement agencies that want similar help.

So far this year, CALEF has reached more than half its million dollar goal. The outpouring from the community has allowed the foundation to purchase innovative risk-reducing equipment including drones to scope out potentially dangerous situations without

W

Laurie Englade and Pat Englade at the National Police Memorial in Washington D.C. in May.

CALEF raises funds to buy body armor needed to protect law enforcement.

Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine l AUGUST 2017

21

X A Little lagniappe

These men fell in the line of duty. Through CALEF, Pat Englade is working to better equip officers and aid the families of the fallen.

Top row: Cpl. Montrell Jackson, Rookie Matthew Gerald Bottom row: Deputy Sheriff Bradford Allen Garafola, Sr., Sgt. Shawn Anderson

Pat Englade

endangering officers or police dogs. The foundation will also consider providing BRPD with another robot to check suspicious packages for explosives.

But no protective equipment can replace the ability of an officer to bring peace to a crisis. “I still believe in treating people the way that I would want to be treated: communication and respect,” Englade said. “We just need to start talking to people again. Because God gives you opportunities and it’s up to you how much you’re going to make of the opportunities.”

CALEF is working with the NAACP and 100 Black Men to bolster community-police relations. “I think 22

once people realize that police officers are just human beings like everybody else and not threats, they’ll see that if you’re not doing anything wrong you don’t have to worry about the police.”

He is encouraging churches to reach out to law enforcement.

“The churches are missing a good opportunity to involve first responders in what they do and help pray for them,” he said. “I’d love to see every church in Baton Rouge have a First Responder Day. I think that will stick with these officers a little bit more, to understand that people care.”

For more information or donations, contact calef.la.

AUGUST 2017 l Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine

Susan Brown began her career in radio news.

She was news director for WJBO/WFMF radio and a journalism instructor at LSU. She holds Master’s Degrees from LSU and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and served as a chaplain at Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women.

Geaux life / Millennial life

spreading the gospel Through Healthcare

W

by Trapper S. Kinchen

Photos provided by Erica Rogers

Rogers meeting children in the mountainous village of Kabale, Uganda.

E

rica Rogers is—in every sense of the word—a nurse. She has held the hands of men without families as they lay dying. She has wept with newly widowed women and comforted their children. She has rejoiced with people who have been made well. And, through it all, she has spread the Gospel of Christ’s love through healthcare.

Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine l AUGUST 2017

23

X Geaux life / Millennial life

Rogers grew up in a large service-oriented family from Laplace. She was raised Catholic and said, when she was a child, she “had the knowledge of Jesus, but didn’t have a relationship with Him.” That changed when she was twenty-one. While attending Southern, she found salvation at Living Faith Christian Center and, from that moment on, she has passionately pursued the will of God. After graduating from nursing school, she spent nine years working for M.D. Anderson in Houston. During that time, Rogers got married, battled through a difficult divorce, and learned to lean into her faith. She eventually moved back to Louisiana and quickly became restless. So, she started fasting. She prayed, “God, I know there’s something you want me to do, but I just don’t know what it is.”

During that period of supplication, Rogers began receiving unsolicited emails from international service organizations seeking medical professionals to volunteer in the third world. The emails caught her off guard. She had never considered going on the mission field but, the longer she thought about it, the more her heart was drawn to Africa.

One day, she got an unexpected phone call from the founder of the World Health Organization. She said, “He called me, and I didn’t answer. He called me again on a different day and left me a message. Finally, I prayed about it, and I called him back.” He wound up inviting her to join his team on a trip to Uganda.

Rogers immediately agreed to go, but the World Health Organization required that she buy her own plane ticket. At the time, her finances were tight, and she wasn’t sure she would be able cover her travel costs. She said, “I wasn’t working, I had just moved back home with my parents, and I think I might have had like ten dollars.” But, with help from friends and family, she was able to raise the funds she needed to fly to Africa in March of 2014.

When Rogers returned home, she settled into her current job as a cardiac ICU nurse and fell into a daily routine. She soon started getting emails from contacts she made in Uganda, desperately asking for her help. After a great deal of prayer, she decided to take action. She kept thinking, “I don’t know how to run a medical mission, and I don’t know what to do.”

But she conducted a mountain of research, stepped out in faith, and organized an international medical expedition in November of 2016. Rogers said, “I ended up recruiting five people to go on that first mission trip.” Her nonprofit organization, Braveheart, was born of that experience, and she and her team have returned to Uganda several times since their initial journey.

Braveheart is a faith-based missions organization focused on ministering through healthcare. It operates as a peer-to-peer medical support network in the United States, and, abroad, it serves as a foundation through which long-term healthcare initiatives are developed. Braveheart’s international efforts are mainly based in Uganda—the place where Rogers first fell in love with missions work.

24

AUGUST 2017 l Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine

Erica and the Braveheart medical mission team straddling the equator near Kisoro, Uganda.

Children walking to collect a day’s worth of clean water.

Braveheart medical missionaries on the job.

Geaux life / Millennial life

W

Rogers telling stories to children in Kampala, Uganda.

Uganda rests on the northern shore of Lake Victoria, and is situated between Kenya and the Congo. It is home to roughly 39 million people, and—according to statistics compiled

by UNICEF—roughly 103,000 of the country’s children die before their fifth birthday every year. With an average annual income of only $440, the typical Ugandan lacks basic access to essential medical services.

Rogers’s goal is to help fill the void in Ugandan healthcare and, by doing so, enhance the population’s general quality of life. She said, “The greatest needs in Uganda are healthcare, sanitation, education, and business development.”

As a medical organization, Braveheart currently focuses on improving Uganda’s hospitals, educating local doctors, and providing important supplies.

Her ambition is not just to offer sick people medicine but also to share God’s love through individualized care.

Rogers endeavors to make a spiritual connection with every person she serves—at home and in Africa—no matter the circumstances of their illness.

She said, “It’s not just about care, it’s about quality care.”

Braveheart’s ten-year global plan involves restoring a centrally located hospital in Kyantale, a village in the southwestern corner of Uganda. Instead of starting from scratch, Rogers and her team concentrate on using existing infrastructure to build functional medical facilities. She said, “I focus on helping them rebuild what they already have in terms of healthcare. They lack the most basic medical resources. Right now, they can’t even properly diagnose illnesses.”

Each time she visits, Rogers sets up mobile clinics. She said, “When I go, I bring medication, equipment, and all the supplies we know we’re going to need.”

She and her team travel extensively during every mission trip, reaching as many towns and villages as possible.

Here in the United States, Braveheart devotes much of its resources to providing emotional and spiritual support to people battling cancer. Rogers loves teaching patients how to holistically approach their recovery by focusing on the relationship between spiritual and physical healing. She said, “It’s not only about chemotherapy and drug related treatments, but also about the mind, body, spirit connection.”

As of September, Braveheart is launching a new American initiative called The Heartbeat Community.

Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine l AUGUST 2017

25

X

Geaux life / Millennial life

Rogers said, “It’s a peer support network for patients on the journey of receiving heart transplants. It’s about educational and psychological support.” She partners people who have successfully gone through transplants with patients waiting to undergo the same operation.

Braveheart’s patient support networks focus on sharing important advice and encouraging people to lean into Christ. As a cardiac ICU nurse, Rogers is especially familiar with the difficult process faced by transplant patients. She said, “Waiting for a heart can be a very lonely and distressing journey.”

Over the next twenty years, Rogers wants to see Braveheart’s organ transplant and cancer ministries grow nationwide. She also hopes to see functional Braveheart clinics operating throughout Africa. She said, “I would love for Braveheart to keep growing and striving to teach holistic healing. I want the organization to be a people’s organization.”

If you feel led to support Braveheart, you can easily do so by visiting www.mybraveheart.org. Money, medication, and volunteers are always needed and greatly appreciated.

Click on the website’s “donate now” link to make a financial contribution, and check out the “be a Braveheart” page for

more information on how to volunteer. Everyone is welcome to participate, because Rogers believes all Christians are called to serve “the least, the last, and the lost.”

All it takes is a little motivation to make a tremendous impact. By simply surrendering to God’s calling, Erica Rogers’ ministry has led to an international outpouring of healing and hope, love and encouragement. Her work with Braveheart often comes at the expense of her personal life. But she says it’s worth it, because her efforts go towards expanding the Kingdom of God. Think about how much good the Body of Christ could do if each of us, like Rogers, decided to step out in faith and follow our hearts.

Trapper was born on the lip of Lake Pontchartrain. He was raised there, reading in the salt-flecked breeze on a splintered wharf that jutted into South Pass. Never bored, he divides his time between trying to raise organic chickens in the Livingston Parish piney woods, traveling to different time zones, and exercising his mind by steadily learning as much as he can.

He graduated from LSU in 2013 and Wayne State University in 2015. He is a busy fiction writer and contemplative naturalist. He has a great time living life.

HELP US LEARN MORE ABOUT HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND BRAIN HEALTH. Scientists at Pennington Biomedical are working to better understand the potential links between high blood pressure and the risk for developing dementia.

To qualify for rrAD research study, participants should: • •

The risk reduction for Alzheimer’s Disease (rrAD) research study will assess whether exercise, blood pressure medications, or the combination of both could help reduce the future risk of developing dementia in people who do not have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

• •

Be between the ages of 60-85 years old Have concerns about memory loss or have an immediate relative with a diagnosis of dementia Have high blood pressure or be on medication for high blood pressure Have a primary care physician

Participants can earn up to $750 for study completion.

TO PARTICIPATE:

Call 225-763-2973 Email dementia@pbrc.edu Visit www.pbrc.edu/rrAD

26

AUGUST 2017 l Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine

Geaux life / Millennial life

W

Valluzzo Companies Locally Owned and Operated with 50 Locations in Louisiana and Mississippi

‘I’m in the best shape of my life’

says research study participant Bernard Baudin has always struggled with his weight, and when he turned 38 he was diagnosed with high blood pressure. A gastric bypass operation eventually helped him lose a significant amount of weight and keep it off, but his blood pressure remained high.

When Baudin heard about the rrAD research study (Risk Reduction for Alzheimer’s Disease) at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical, he jumped at the opportunity to participate. His younger sister had recently been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and he was eager to make a difference.

Having access to world-renowned Alzheimer’s disease “I wanted to give back to the community,” Baudin said. “I may not experts and getting a personalized baseline on his cognitive be able to help my sister, but I can give back to future generations. function has been a positive aspect of the experience for Plus, participating in the study has been good for me. I’m giving Baudin as well. back and getting healthier in the process, so it’s a win-win.” is for keeping up with the cutting edge The rrAD research study is aimed at evaluating whether exercise, Scientists at Pennington Biomedical“Pennington are working Biomedical To qualify rrAD research study, of between technology. They are right at the forefront of Alzheimer’s to better the potential blood pressure medications, or a combination ofunderstand both could help links participants should: high blood pressure and the risk for developing disease research, and although Alzheimer’s disease research reduce the risk of developing dementia in individuals who have • Be between the ages of 60-85 years old dementia. has a long way to go, I know Pennington Biomedical is helping not been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The principle • Have concerns about memory loss or have so many people right now—and in with future generations— is that what is good for the heart might also be good for the brain an immediate relative a diagnosis of The risk reduction for Alzheimer’s Disease through their research,” Baudin said.

“If you want to make a as it ages. dementia (rrAD) research study will assess whether • Have high blood pressure or be onrecommend difference in the world today, I would definitely exercise, blood pressure medications, or the Baudin has lowered his blood pressure through participation in for high blood pressure combination of both could help reduce the future getting involved withmedication their research.” the study, which requires him to get 100 minutes of high-intensity • Have a primary care physician risk of developing dementia in people who do not Biomedical Pennington is one of four study sites around aerobic activity each week. He’s lost about 10 pounds, too. have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or the nation participating in the study, which is funded by “I’ve got a few aches and pains – I’m adementia.

69-year-old guy—but the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) National Institute on cardio-wise I feel like I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been Aging. To learn more about the study, in. Being in the study has stretched me a little bit and I feel Participants can earn up to $750 for study completion. visit www.pbrc.edu/rrAD or call (225) 763-3000. great,” Baudin said.

HELP US LEARN MORE ABOUT HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND BRAIN HEALTH.

TO PARTICIPATE:

Call 225-763-2973 Email dementia@pbrc.edu Visit www.pbrc.edu/rrAD

Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine l AUGUST 2017

27

X

Learning for Life

Career Skills Taught through the

Bible S

tarting this September, Baton Rouge area ladies will have the chance to acquire valuable work skills and receive professional, godly guidance that will benefit them as they search for steady employment. Unemployed and underemployed women can receive instruction from volunteers with the Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC), an outreach ministry with the Eastern Louisiana Baptist Association. Classes will begin Tuesday, Sept. 12, and continue for 10 weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Judson Baptist Church, 32470 Walker Road North in Walker, La. The students will learn how to format a resume, operate computer programs and manage money. They will also learn job interview skills, including how to dress professionally and act confidently.

Participants should apply and register by Sept. 1 and attend a mandatory orientation Sept. 8 at Walker Baptist Church. Interested adult women can apply for the classes by calling the ELBA office at (225) 664-9309.

CWJC is a national ministry offered in 25 states, with several locations in Louisiana. The ministry is brand new in the Baton Rouge area. Bobbie Shaffett, site coordinator, helped get the ministry started locally last fall. Previously, she has served as a CWJC volunteer in Starkville, Miss., teaching financial skills to 10 graduating classes as well as mentoring the students.

“CWJC is definitely the Lord’s work!” Shaffett said. “It is amazing to watch what He is doing. We just try to keep up with Him as He sets every detail and volunteer in place. Little 28

AUGUST 2017 l Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine

Bobbie Shaffett, CWJC Site Coordinator, Yvonne Smith, graduate David Brown, ELBA Missions Coordinator.

did we know what would happen as we planned for our first semester last fall before the flood, but the Lord sent us two ideal [students].”

Lisa Hidalgo, a hair stylist and member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, was one of the students who graduated at the end of the course. She decided to attend the classes specifically to improve her interview skills after seeing CWJC advertised in her church bulletin. Hidalgo also said she was looking for doors of opportunity to open in her career through networking. Hidalgo contributed to the program by showing volunteers and classmate Yvonne Smith how to style hair for job interviews.

Hidalgo said she received not only career skills, but also a chance to see God’s Word in a new way through Bible study.

“I just received a deeper connection with the Biblical liturgy we were going over,” she said. “There were eye-opening moments for me.”

The group started in the book of Genesis, studying Abraham’s calling, and went through the God-appointed tasks for the 12 tribes of Israel. Five volunteer teachers took part in CWJC in 2016, conducting Bible study and teaching important life skills, career education and computer classes each week.

Volunteers interested in making a difference in the lives of these women are needed immediately to begin training for the fall semester of CWJC. A mandatory volunteer training session is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 9, at 9 a.m. at 32470 Walker Road North, next to Judson Baptist Church.

Volunteers must register in advance.

Learning for Life

W

Largest Flexsteel gallery in Baton Rouge

Town CounTry Furniture Graduates Yvonne Smith and Lisa Hidalgo.

YOUR SPECIAL ORDER STORE Over 3500 fabrics and a million design options 6545 Airline Hwy. LA (225) 355-6666 Mon-Sat 9:30-5pm

tcfurniture.com

DO YOU LOVE A GREAT LOVE STORY?

...from Baton Rouge’s up and coming Romance Novelist Kelli M. Knight

Judy Hunter, Oreda Hogue Liv Lib, Suzanne Riche, and Lisa Hidalgo.

Opportunities to assist in this ministry include teaching, mentoring and fixing lunches for each session. Mentors, or Christian Friends, will form one-on-one partnerships with students and be available for prayer and encouragement.

“Relationships formed among students, mentors and teachers are always some of the most valuable outcomes of the program,” Shaffett said. Hidalgo said she had the opportunity to meet “wonderful women.”

“They put their heart and souls into what they are doing,” she said. “They never give up on you.” Hidalgo encourages other women to try the program. “If you want a life-changing experience, this is what you need to do,” she said.

For more information about the program or to register, call (225) 664-9309 or email info@elbamissions.org.

Get Your Copy! Only $2.99 on AMAZON!

/kellissimeaux

kellissimo69.wix.com/kellissimo Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine l AUGUST 2017

29

X Pastor’s Perspective

Surrender and Be Free

by Pastor Robert Maxie

A

nd after fasting 40 days and 40 nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ – Matthew 4:2-4 One of the hardest things to do is to admit that we have failed or that we are powerless to do something. We see it as weakness to admit that we are being whipped, but admitting that there is an area in our life where we have lost control is the first step at gaining it back.

For years, I have had the honor of working with people battling all manners of addictions. I currently work as an addiction counselor at a hospital here in Baton Rouge, and I have found that counseling in the secular community can be a bit different than dealing with addictions through pastoral counseling.

Sometimes I feel that I am walking a thin line between what the church believes about addiction and what my profession teaches. Even with the many differences, I believe there is one thing every person dealing with hurt, habits or hang-ups must deal with to be successful in either arena – the issue of self-control.

Self-control is the restraint exercised over one’s own impulses, emotions or desires. The word itself implies that we alone can control or fix ourselves, but when we look through the scriptures we find that God himself

30

is the originator of self-control. In the book of Timothy, the Bible tells us that God created and gifted every believer with the capacity to control oneself.

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

– 2 Timothy 1:7 Why is it then that so many people struggle with self-control? We tend to focus on those who have a drug or alcohol problem, but what about those who have problems controlling their anger, who lash out at their loved ones only to say sorry over and over again?

If we are honest, many of us have areas in our lives where we lack self-control (our “thorn” in the flesh), but I am persuaded that victory over those issues is found in Jesus.

Jesus is our ultimate example of self-control. The book of Matthew tells us that after fasting for 40 days, Jesus was tempted by the devil to turn rocks into bread. Personally, there are many things I don’t like in this world and one of them is being hungry, so it is a good possibility that I would have turned those rocks into a turkey sub.

Can you imagine having the power to do anything you want and you haven’t eaten in 40 days! Most of us would have given in, but Jesus shows us how to deal with temptation and the concept of delayed gratification, and he does it by the word of God. When faced with temptation, Jesus turned to God’s word. When feeling weak and hungry, Jesus turns to God and in this, we find the answer to the problem. We must understand that self-control comes from within, that it is only found when

AUGUST 2017 l Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine

we submit our entire lives under the power of the Holy Spirit, the power greater than ourselves!

The first three steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are called the surrender steps. They are the most important steps because in them, we find that we are living in self-will, trying to will ourselves clean. The problem is when I attempt to use my willpower to fix a spiritual problem, then I am trying to do it alone and without God. When I give up on my will, I gain the grace to do what I could not do on my own because self-control is from God. It is a fruit or gift that I get to exercise when I am in God’s will. My will led me to destruction and I will never trust my will again. Through surrender to God’s will, we find freedom and the power of self-control.

Pastor Robert Maxie served 16 years in the US Navy, completing nine deployments, including three in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He currently serves as Director of Crossroads Recovery Ministry and as a Christian counselor at Heartsease Family Church. He and his wife, Aminga, have six children and one grandson. The family attends Heartsease Family Church pastored by Philip Pimlott.

W

A Little lagniappe Need an interpreter to communicate with your teen?

Tired of being disrespected in your own home?

Looking for help improving family relationships and communication?

There is hope!

www.hopeforyourfamily.com

ROGER D. BUTNER, PHD, LMFT

225-333-1582

Investment advisory services are offered through Peters Wealth Advisors, LLC (“PWA”) an investment advisor registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Such services are only provided after clients have entered into a Wealth Management Agreement confirming the terms of the advisor client engagement and have been provided a copy of PWA’s ADV Part 2A brochure document.

Securities offered through Dominion Investor Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC.

Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine l AUGUST 2017

31

X Witness at work

Serving Faith, Friendship and Soul Food

by Lisa Tramontana

On Sunday mornings, starting at about 7 a.m., Angie StewartChapman is cooking up a storm at her Cortana Mall restaurant, hoping to greet a large lunch crowd on their way home after church services.

“My prayer is that after they receive spiritual nourishment at their places of worship, they will come here for physical nourishment and break bread with their families and friends.”

32

AUGUST 2017 l Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine

Angie Stewart-Chapman specializes in old-fashioned home-style cooking at The Café in Cortana Mall.

Witness at work To that end, she offers a Soul Food Sunday Dinner special every week at her business, called simply The Café. The small restaurant is a lifelong dream come true and she credits God for making it happen.

“God gave me favor,” she said.

The Café serves the kind of old-fashioned home cooking that Stewart-Chapman cooked for her family when she was growing up. “I remember being 5 years old and baking biscuits with my mother in the kitchen early in the morning,” she said. As a young girl, her cooking abilities grew to include southern fried chicken, jambalaya, red beans and rice, fried fish, cabbage, rice and gravy, smothered pork chops, mustard greens and more. By the time she was a teenager, she could cook just about anything.

Cooking with her mother is a happy memory, but it didn’t last forever. During her teenage years, her mother left the family and Stewart-Chapman found herself caring for her two younger siblings and her grandfather. She worked two jobs to help support them, while still in high school --- delivering pizzas in the evenings and stocking shelves in the middle of the night at a grocery store.

Somehow, she graduated from high school and even went to college for a short time. But in a life filled with ups and down, there was more struggle to come.

By the age of 31, she was a single mother with two toddlers, living in a homeless shelter, and dependent upon food stamps for her survival. But she knew it would be temporary. The staff at the shelter led group sessions in which the residents talked about their hopes and dreams, and Stewart’s honesty was met with sarcastic remarks.

“When I told them I wanted to have my own restaurant or catering business someday, the other women laughed and mocked me. ‘Oh really? How’re you gonna do that? Where are you gonna get the money?’ But I was willing to work hard and I knew in my heart that things would get better.”

One day, she decided to stop accepting the food stamps. “I thought to myself, ‘I’m living a good life. The Bible says that God will provide ‘seed to the sower and increase his harvest’ so I’m going to put my faith in that. The Bible also says ‘I have been young and now am old,

W

Stewart-Chapman is usually cooking by 7 a.m. each day.

yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or His children begging bread.’ If I was accepting food stamps, I was begging bread and I didn’t want to do that anymore. I prayed on these scriptures and I believed in them.”

Not long after, she was able to rent a stall at the flea market on Florida Boulevard and began selling plate lunches three days a week. It wasn’t the restaurant she dreamed of … but it was a start.

By 2013, she was able to open The Café in the Cortana food court. She serves daily lunch and dinner, and with the help of her 7 employees, delivers additional lunches to employees at the local chemical plants. She also caters special events for the National Guard, the Army Reserve and local businesses. (She also operates a second store, Decadent Creations, next door to The Café.)

On a recent weekday, The Café’s entrees included fried chicken, barbecued ribs, fried fish and shrimp etouffee.

Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine l AUGUST 2017

33

X Witness at work

2017 FALL INCLUSIVE

Sunshine socIals FALL SCHEDULE Sept. 15

Anchors Away

Oct. 20

Monster Mash Costume Ball

Nov. 1

Hunter Hustle

Dec. 18

Ugly Sweater Christmas Soiree Through a partnership with Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge, BREC offers themed, monthly socials for adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities and their friends and family. Events include music, snacks, door prizes and more.

Milton J. Womack /

6-9 P. M.

“When I told them I wanted to have my own restaurant or catering business someday, the other women laughed and mocked me. ‘Oh really? How’re you gonna do that? Where are you gonna get the money?’ But I was willing to work hard and I knew in my heart that things would get better.”

Lunch rush is always a busy time.

Stewart-Chapman’s cooking skills provided her with not just a livelihood, but with a ministry as well. On delivery runs, she always takes a few extra plates and hands them out to the homeless or anyone who looks like they might appreciate a good meal. At The Café, she enjoys connecting and visiting with her customers. More than once, she’s been told that she has a “glow.” “That’s my open door,” she said, “to share my faith.”

“God has truly blessed me,” she said. “And one of the things I make sure to do is tithe.

Ten percent of everything goes to my church so I can do my part to thank God and to help other people.”

Though her children are grown now and she is remarried, Stewart-Chapman is still juggling work with parenting. For the last four years, she has fostered a young boy whose mother is struggling with drugs and other personal problems. During our interview, it’s her sister Saundra Stewart who shares this information.

“She won’t tell you about that,” said Saundra, “but I think people should know just how much she cares about other people … how hard she works to take care of everyone around her. I don’t know what would have happened to our family if it hadn’t been for Angie working so hard to keep us all together.” (The siblings have since reunited with their mother.)

Stewart-Chapman practices her faith at Full Gospel United Pentecostal Church, and has advice for Christians who occasionally struggle with their beliefs.

“I pray,” she said. “Every morning when I come in to cook, I start with a prayer. And throughout the day, I look at other people to remind myself of all the blessings I have. And I don’t complain … because I know that my life is full.”

Soul Food Sunday Dinner Special Every Sunday, 11:45 a.m.-5:15 p.m. the Café at Cortana Mall (Entrance 4) Buy 4 plates and get a 5th for free.

34

AUGUST 2017 l Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine

Healthy life

W

Recipe YUM! YUM!

Kids’ favorite cauliflower pizza Ingredients:

1 head cauliflower, stalk removed 1/4 cup grated Parmesan 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray pan with non-stick spray.

2. Break up the cauliflower. Shred in a blender or food processor until fine.

3. Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and place into microwave for 4-5 minutes, or until softened; let cool.

4. Using a clean dish towel or cheese cloth, drain cauliflower completely, removing as much water as possible.

5. Add remaining ingredients.

6. Transfer to the center of the baking sheet and spread into a circle, resembling a pizza crust. Bake for 20 minutes.

Add tomato sauce, desired toppings, mozzarella cheese, and bake an additional 10 minutes.

Clip and save!

The Café Yo u’r e in

Soul Food

e nc e i r for a Delicious Expe

Great selections such as The Southern Louisiané, fried catfish, baked turkey wings, fried pork chops, fried chicken, ettoufeé and so much more.

The Café - Simply Soul Food located inside

Cortana Mall Entrance 4 225-335-6372

Lunch Specials Mon. - Fri. • $6.95 Senior Lunch Special First Responders & Military Discounts

Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment of Snoring/Sleep Apnea

“We know how to make you smile” Call Today!

(225) 292-9700 11811 Coursey Blvd. Ste. A www.cffdds.com

New Patients Receive *FREE Exam & X-rays

*New Patients only.

Must present coupon.

D0150, D0274, D0330 (Value $252)

Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine l AUGUST 2017

35

X Healthy life

HOP, SKIP

and JUMP!

H

opscotch, four square and alphabet trails—those beloved summertime games that help kids wile away the summer—might one day serve as more than just child’s play. Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center believe that these well-loved games may hold the key to improving physical fitness for some of Louisiana’s youngest citizens.

Right now, one in two children in Louisiana is overweight or obese, putting them at risk for a host of chronic diseases over their lifetime, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and more. Moreover, many children are not engaging in the one to two hours of daily physical activity that is recommended. Health professionals are looking for creative ways to fight the obesity epidemic in our youth in a way that is sustainable over time.

Dr. Maura Kepper, a postdoctoral research fellow at Pennington Biomedical, plans to evaluate whether adding stencils to provide 36

AUGUST 2017 l Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical partners with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation to evaluate stencil games as a way to improve kids’ health.

these games to childcare centers will get preschoolers moving during recess.

“Stencils are a lower-cost approach that may encourage exercise for kids in a way that’s fun, while also fostering motor skill development like learning how to jump, hop, and run,” Kepper said. “We want to know exactly what kind of impact the addition of these games has on preschool children’s levels of physical activity, sedentary behavior and fundamental motor skills.”

Kepper plans to evaluate the games by assessing the changes in moderate to vigorous physical activity and sedentary time using an accelerometer, which is an activity monitor that tracks the intensity of physical activity. She and her colleagues will also examine children’s fundamental motor skill competency to see if children become more proficient – which is important for building physical activity habits over the long-term. The project will involve Kepper

Healthy LIFE and her team stenciling games for children who attend a childcare center in East Baton Rouge Parish and then comparing children with the stencils versus children at a childcare center without the games.

The endeavor emerged from a Louisiana partnership funded by the Association of State Public Health Nutritionists which aims to reduce obesity by equipping childcare centers in Louisiana with low-cost ways to improve physical activity in kids. The team includes members from Pennington Biomedical, the Louisiana Department of Health, the Louisiana Department of Education, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and LSU’s School of Kinesiology.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation is funding the project over the next year through its New Horizons program – a fund that supports innovation in the health and education sectors across Louisiana.

“We know that if we’re going to solve Louisiana’s most persistent health problems, we’ve got to think differently to make Academic Merit progress,” said Michael Tipton, president of the foundation.

“This project, which will explore a cost-effective, fun and safe way to play represents the kind of thinking we think can move our state forward.”

Playground equipment can be prohibitively expensive for childcare centers to purchase, whereas stencils may be a low-

W

cost, easily-implemented way to get kids moving—this may be particularly important to reach low-income children who are disproportionately impacted by obesity, said Kepper.

“We are optimistic that this research will add a new strategy to the toolbox for childcare centers when it comes to improving children’s health,” said Kepper. “Ultimately, our goal is to help kids in Louisiana and beyond live better, longer lives by establishing good exercise habits and a healthy weight early on in life.”

To learn more about how you can help advance health research in our community by participating in a study at Pennington Biomedical, visit www.pbrc.edu/healthierLA. To learn more about the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation, visit www.bcbslafoundation.org.

SCHOLARSHIPS Dr. Maura Kepper

Non-discriminatory admission policy

congratulates The Dunham School and the Christian Life Magazine PPLY NOW! -12 • A team for their positive G ra d e s 6 contributions to the spiritual growth and well being of our city.

(225) 767-7097 | dunhamschool.org

Roedel Parsons Koch Blache Balhoff & McCollister 8440 Jefferson Hwy, 3rd Floor, Baton Rouge 225-929-7033 • www.roedelparsons.com Responsible Attorney–Larry Roedel

Serving Louisiana since 1978 12659 South Choctaw • 225-272-5680 www.pbcind.com

industrial * welding * safety * marine * janitorial Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine l AUGUST 2017

37

Opportunities for LIFE

X

Calendar of Events Do you have an event to share? To have your event included in our calendar, please email a brief summary of your ministry or service-related event to news@brclm.com by the 10th of the previous month. Please include details (date/time/ location/information/etc.) so we can be sure it’s ready to print. Please send SEPTEMBER submissions by AUGUST 10.

AUGUST 2, 9, 16, 30

PARKVIEW BAPTIST MEN’S STUDY: Conquer Series 11 a.m., Student Center Café, 11795 Jefferson Hwy. Theme is “A Study on Purity.”

For more information, contact Bax Kegans at (225) 953-3499 or specialksteel@gmail.com.

AUGUST 3, 10, 17, 31

THURSDAY DISCIPLES’ TEACHING 7 p.m., Greater New Bethel Full Gospel Baptist Church, 110 S. 19th St. General Overseer Melvin L. Carter, Elder Patricia Carter and the Greater New Bethel church family.

AUGUST 5

BATON ROUGE HOG CHAPTER AND FRIENDS SOLDIER OUTREACH 10:30 a.m., Baton Rouge Harley Davidson Store, 5853 Siegen Lane. Gather to stuff soldier packages after the HOG meeting (at the home of Christy Smith, 1544 Boreas Drive). Also used as a drop-off point for non-perishables.

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION AND HISTORICAL COMMEMORATIVE CEREMONY 9 a.m., Magnolia Cemetery, 422 N. 19th Street. Baton Rouge Bicentennial Celebration, the annual commemoration of the Civil War Battle of Baton Rouge. For more information, contact Chip Landry at cemetery1@cox.net or (225) 931-7561.

GARDERE INITIATIVE 11TH ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL EXTRAVAGANZA 9-11 a.m. Gardere Initiative and BREC Hartley-Vey Park, Gardere Lane and Ned Avenue. Vendors, music, games and food, a spiritual message and call to worship before the Back to School kits are distributed. For details, call Murelle Harrison or Reginald Brown at (225) 769-0305.

AUGUST 7, 14, 28

PARKVIEW BAPTIST MEN’S STUDY: BOOK OF HEBREWS 6 a.m., Mission Cafe, 11795 Jefferson Hwy. For more information, contact Bax Kegans at (225) 953-3499 or specialksteel@gmail.com.

AUGUST 8, 9, 17, 31

CASA INFORMATIONAL SESSIONS Attend an informational session and find out how you can be a voice for an abused or neglected child while they await a safe and permanent home. Location: 848 Louisiana Ave. Please call CASA at (225) 379-8598 or email volunteer@casabr.org to learn more.

AUGUST 10

CHRISTIAN YOUTH THEATER DENHAM SPRINGS CLASSES 6 p.m., Amite Baptist Church, 7100 Amite Church Road, Denham Springs. Register at cytbatonrouge.org.

AUGUST 15

CHRISTIAN YOUTH THEATER BATON ROUGE CLASSES 4 p.m., Jefferson Baptist Church, 9135 Jefferson Hwy. Register at cytbatonrouge.org.

AUGUST 16 and 18

AUGUST 19

ANNUAL HEALTH FAIR 8 a.m. early morning walk; 9 a.m. health fair (Building Healthy Communities), Gloryland Baptist Church, 6745 Greenwell Springs Road. Games, prizes, health screenings for kids and adults, vendors, education, demonstrations, Ask the Doctor session, Mayor’s Healthy Initiative program, indoor/outdoor Health Expo and more. Contact Joycelyn Green (225) 928-0436 or e-mail green731@cox.net

AUGUST 24

GARDERE INITIATIVE PRAYER WALK 5 p.m., Gardere Initiative and BREC Hartley-Vey Park, Gardere Lane and Ned Avenue. For details, call Murelle Harrison or Reginald Brown at (225) 769-0305.

AUGUST 30

RESTORE MINISTRIES WOMEN’S RETREAT Join us at the beautiful Solomon Episcopal Conference Center as Kathy Drake and Sherry Barron lead this time of worship & Biblical teaching: Awaken to the Pursuit of The Bridegroom. Cost: $190. For more information, visit restoreministries.net or e-mail restoreministries@ymail.com.

AUGUST 31

UNDERSTANDING THE DYNAMICS OF POVERTY TRAINING 7:30 a.m. Training is designed to help participants understand the challenges and barriers faced by people who have grown up in generational poverty.

Discussion topics include quality of life indicators, learned behaviors, language and family background. Approved for 6 hours of continuing education credit by the National Association of Social Workers - Louisiana Chapter as authorized by the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners. For more information and registration, contact HOPE Ministries -David Tidwell at (225) 590-7798 or dtidwell@hopebr.org.

sundays throughout august

THE PROMISE – HEBREWS 6:15 Sunday mornings at 8 a.m., Greater New Bethel Full Gospel Baptist Church, 110 S. 19th St. General Overseer Melvin L. Carter, Elder Patricia Carter and the Greater New Bethel church family.

now THROUGH AUGUST 13

“GRAND VICTORIAN” CASA PLAYHOUSE – CASAS FOR CASA The 2017 “Grand Victorian” CASA playhouse is on display until August 13 at the Mall of Louisiana in the main entrance corridor near the center court. Raffle tickets are $5 each and are available online at casabr.org, at the mall or at the CASA office, 848 Louisiana Avenue.

NOW THROUGH AUGUST 15

BATON ROUGE HOMESCHOOL CHOIR REGISTRATION Open to all home school students age 4 to 18. Three age-appropriate choirs available. First Christian Church, 8484 Old Hammond Hwy. Classes begin August 29, 2:15-4:15 p.m. for 12 consecutive weeks. For more information, contact Sherry Barron or visit www.brhomeschoolchoir.com.

CHRISTIAN YOUTH THEATER ENROLLED STUDENT AUDITIONS FOR “MUSIC MAN” Open to all enrolled CYT students ages 8-18. Times vary. Register for classes to be eligible and receive more information at cytbatonrouge.org.

NOW THROUGH AUGUST 27

august 17

now through OCTOBER 29

Baton rouge christian life magazine ministries mix Time TBD - Boudreaux’s on Government and Eugene.

All are invited to visit with local, Christiian Ministries.

Follow our Facebook page for details.

38

AUGUST 2017 l Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine

THE RIVER RISES: HISTORICAL FLOODS EXHIBIT West Baton Rouge Museum, 840 N. Jefferson Avenue, Port Allen. For information, call (225) 336-2422.

WATER TRAILS OF THE ATCHAFALAYA EXHIBIT West Baton Rouge Museum, 840 N. Jefferson Avenue, Port Allen. For information, call (225) 336-2422.

Faith LIFE X Help us reach our city for Christ by advertising with us!

Your Guide to Digital Marketing

Call Todd or Sharon.

onlinemarketinggps.com ellenmcdowell.com

Baton Rouge

Monthly Marketing Membership Guide

Christian

Email Marketing Social Media Magazine

Websites

Online Scheduling

SCAN THE CODE TO CONNECT WITH ME!

Todd Shupe 225-773-3015 todd@brclm.com Sharon Furrate Bailey 225-954-7991 sharon@brclm.com

“Be of good courage, and he shall stengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.”

- Psalm 31:24

SPECIALIZING IN BUSINESS ADVERTISING AND FAMILY HISTORY VIDEOS Contact Taylor Frey Productions at 225-240-3376 or by email Taylorfreyproductions@gmail.com.

Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine l AUGUST 2017

39

X

h c t a w & y a r p g i B m a e Dare to dr

40

AUGUST 2017 l Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine