MARCH 2020
COMPLIMENTARY
OUR LOCAL BEACHES
INTERVIEW WITH DIRECTOR ANDY ERWIN
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O U R M I SSION
Contributing Writers: Dave Ramsey Adrian Bates Navy Office Of Community Outreach
Art Director: Chris Taylor Sales and Marketing: Chris Taylor, Laurie Stroud Cover and Cover Story Images: Chelsey Sayasane Bay Area Christian Family s published monthly in Mobile & Baldwin counties by Bay Area Christian Family, P.O. Box 834 Grand Bay, AL 36541. The phone number is 251-300-9800. Reproduction of any part of Bay Area Christian Family without permission of the publisher is prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. Views expressed in Bay Area Christian Family do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Every effort has been made by Bay Area Christian Family staff to insure accuracy of the publication contents. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy of all information nor the absence of errors and omissions; hence, no responsibility can be or is assumed. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2020 by Bay Area Christian Family. Unless otherwise noted, scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society. Circulation & Distribution: 10,000 copies of Bay Area Christian Family are printed each month. Bay Area Christian Family is free and available at targeted high traffic locations in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Subscription service offered for $5/month: www.patreon.com/christianbayarea
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Owner/Editor: Chris Taylor chris@christianbayarea.com (251)300-9800 Bay Area Christian Family www.christianbayarea.com
Judy Woodward Bates James Chinners Chef Lucy Greer Tricia Butts
Bay Area Christian Family exists to provide Christians and the YEAR at large with ways to grow and develop as a part of NTYcommunity WE the Bay Area’s Christian Family. The local publication is designed to promote positive living by sharing with readers the latest news on entertainment, healthy living, parenting and inspirational literature as well as what individuals and organizations are doing to try to address the needs of the family.
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TH E
E D ITO R
One of my evangelist friends has a quote when he speaks at schools that goes something like this, “You are one choice away from changing the trajectory of your life.” I think of that often. Each and every day we are giving hundreds of choices, from how early we wake up, what we eat, how we drive, and even what comes out of our mouths. We have the choice to do almost whatever we want to do on a daily basis. Almost every Mardi Gras holiday we plan to go out of town. We are not big Mardi Gras folks, mainly because we have never been involved with it. Where do we go out of town you may ask? The same place almost every Mardi Gras break, Sin City - Las Vegas. Nicole’s sister lives there and we are really close to them so we try and make excuses to spend any time we can with them. Many will ask when we go to Las Vegas what we are going to do when we get there. It is almost laughable to explain what we do but normally we just eat. On the surface though a trip to Las Vegas can sometimes be looked down upon by a number of those in the Christian community mainly because of the reputation it has. What is wrong with that judgment though? When we pass judgment on someone just because of the place they are going are we doing
A BOUT
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that entire situation justice at all? I do not think so. Las Vegas just like any other city has things in it that do not honor God, but in the same breath it has a lot of life there that is searching and doing God’s will. For us we get to spend time with family, meet new people, and do some things that we are not able to do at home, like fish for Bass on a golf course. We make the choice to stay within out boundaries of honoring God with our lives. And in a deeper sense, maybe someone will see Jesus in our choices. Blessings, Chris Taylor Bay Area Christian Family
E DITOR - I N - C H I EF
Chris Taylor, Owner of Bay Area Christian Family resides in Grand Bay, Ala and has been married to his wife Nicole, for 13 years and they have two children, Truett age 7 and Tag age 5. Chris received a Bachelor of Science from the University of South Alabama in 2008 and a Masters of Christian Ministry from Liberty University in 2012. Along with the Bay Area Christian Family, Chris owns and operates another publication focused on
South Mobile County called The Connection Paper and owns and operates a party rental company CC’s Inflatables based in Theodore, Ala. Chris is a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, formally as a youth pastor, and now currently as a speaker and entrepreneur. For more information on Bay Area Christian Family, contact Chris at (251) 300-9800 or chris@christianbayarea.com.
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4 Bay Area Christian Family
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March 2020 DEPARTMENTS
CONTENTS
VOL. 11, NUMBER 9
3 From the Publisher • It’s all about choice 6 Bargainomics • Bottled Water Baloney 7 Potluck • Pepper Jelly Glazed Meatballs 10 Money Matters • Dave Says
ON THE COVER 14 Interview with Director of I Still Believe Andy Erwin and Kingdom Studio’s Director Kevin Downes See page 14. 8 Beach Info and Safety Guide
11 Special Feature • The Spark that began the Mark
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12 Special Feature • From Garbage to Greatness 13 Parenting Points • The Addicted Parent 17 Church Leaders • Westlake Church One Year Anniversary 18 Special Feature • A Call to Arms 20 Special Feature • Mobile Native Military 22 Find A Local Church
NEXT ISSUE
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22 Ad Directory 23 Calendar DOWNLOAD THE APP GO TO INFOMARK.COM
Pre-School and Childcare Guide for Mobile and Baldwin Counties
20 March 2020 5
Bargainomic$
Bottled Water Baloney
If you’re buying bottled water when you stop for fuel, etc., you’re paying over $1 a bottle. Even if you’re buying in bulk to stock up at home, you’re still paying 20 to 80 cents each. Fact of the matter is, though, that at least 1/4 of the bottled waters out there on the market are nothing but filtered municipal drinking water - in other words, regular “tap” water. The average cost for the amount of tap water most people consume in a year? $1. Compare that with the $400 to $1,000 you’re probably spending to get it in bottles.
Save both you and the environment
Save money and help cut down on the 38 billion plastic bottles that end up in landfills each year. Install a water filter on your kitchen faucet and you’ll be drinking healthily for a fraction of the cost of buying bottled. Stock up on your own refillable drinking containers; keep them filled and ready in the fridge and carry them with you in an insulated bag or cooler whenever you’re headed out. Treat your feet. Give your feet a spa treatment while you watch TV or do any sort of seated project. Slather your feet with your favorite lotion. Slip on a pair of gripper socks and leave them on for at least a half hour – the longer you leave them, the better the result. You’ll love the look and feel of your treated tootsies.
Easy Snack
Bacon guacamole cups. Here’s an elegant snack that’s so easy to make. You’ll need: (A) 1 can of refrigerated crescent rolls; (B) 1 cup of guacamole dip; and (C) a bottle of real bacon bits. Preheat your oven to 375. Roll out the crescent rolls onto a work surface and shape them into about a 9x12 rectangle. Use a pizza wheel to cut the rectangle into 24 equal squares. Using a mini-muffin tin, place one roll section into each opening, gently pressing to the sides so that each forms a little cup. Bake for 6-8 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool for about 10 minutes. Spoon a teaspoon of dip into each cup. Top with 1/6-1/4 slice of bacon. Budget-friendly fruit and veggie wash. Instead of washing fruits and veggies in plain water or even liquid soap, use a mixture of half water and half white vinegar. Keep it in a clearly labeled spray bottle. I picked mine up at Dollar Tree – you don’t want to re-use one that could have contained harmful chemicals. Spray the fruit or vegetable. Wait a couple of minutes and rinse in water.
Closing Thoughts
Moses sent a dozen men to check out the land of Canaan. Two came back with a glowing report about this Promised Land, with Caleb declaring, “We can certainly conquer it!” (Numbers 13:30b, NLT). The other ten protested, “We even saw giants there!” (Numbers 13:28b). God had promised them this land would be theirs, so what happened to their faith? Those men focused on the size of their problem instead of the size of their God. Let’s follow Caleb’s example. Our God is big enough to handle anything that comes our way.
— Judy Woodward Bates Want Judy to speak to your church, civic organization, or ladies’ group? You can contact her and follow her on her website, www.Bargainomics.com, as well as Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
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P otluck
Lucy’s Pepper Jelly Glazed Meatballs
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef 1 lb mild italian sausage 6 each green onions thinly sliced 2 each eggs ½ cup bread crumbs, plain 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon black pepper
Pepper Jelly Sauce: 2 jars red pepper jelly, 10 oz each ½ cup chili sauce juice from ½ orange 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons water
CHRISTIAN LIFE CHURCH
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Preparation:
Combine ground beef, Italian sausage, green onions, eggs, garlic, bread crumbs, kosher salt and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix until well combined. Shape meatballs by the tablespoon. You should get roughly 40 meatballs. Line meatballs on a baking pan sprayed with non stick cooking spray. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, and submerge in sauce. Simmer for 20 minutes, and serve hot. Pepper Jelly Sauce: Combine pepper jelly, chili sauce, and orange juice in a large pot over medium high heat. Whisk until sauce melts together. Combine cornstarch and water together in a small bowl. Turn the heat up, and whisk in the cornstarch and water mixture. Allow to simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
FIND US!
— Chef Lucy Greer Greer’s Market & Catering 5025 COTTAGE HILL RD. MOBILE, AL. 36695
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2020
BEACH INFO & SAFETY GUIDE Spring Break is approaching quickly and many families take to the local beaches for some rest and relaxation. With so many traveling to the local beaches we felt the need to inform you on some of the basic information for each of the local beaches: Dauphin Island, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores. All three are great places to go but have some specific information that will help your trip to each one be less stressful. Here we have the beach warning flags that were shared by the Orange Beach City Hall. One of the most valuable safety tips to be aware of can be found flying along the area’s beachfront flags.
Tanning
While tanning is a popular beach activity, it is vital to always use and regularly reapply sunscreen during all outdoor activities. And, do not be fooled by the shade of an overcast day – the sun’s rays can actually be more harmful when the sky is overcast.
Hydration
Hydration is a must when hanging out in the heat, and the best way to do so is to drink water and sports drinks containing electrolytes. Some beverages, especially those containing alcohol, can cause dehydration. Coinciding with the state’s motto, “Alabama the Beautiful,” coastal Alabama prides itself on having clean beaches. Help keep Alabama’s beaches beautiful by disposing of trash and recycling when possible.
Dunes
The sand dunes covered in sea oats along Alabama’s 32 miles of beachfront not only provide an excellent background for family photos, but also provide a habitat for coastal critters such as nesting sea turtles and the Alabama Beach Mouse. Help preserve this habitat by not disturbing, walking on or littering the dunes and not picking the sea oats which hold them in place.
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Dauphin Island
Orange Beach
Gulf Shores
Dauphin Island is full of amenities like the Sea Lab, Estuarium, Charter boating, and much more, but quiet enough to have the beach for yourself. Dauphin Island is a barrier island located about 45 minutes just south of Mobile’s Downtown. Entry to the island is made by crossing a three mile long high-rise bridge or by an automobile ferry from the eastern shore. The island is approximately 14 miles long and 1 ¾ miles wide at the widest point. The beach access information is as follows.
Orange Beach is a fabulous place to go. Over the years it has grown to be one of the favorite spots on the Gulf Coast. Many businesses have flocked there to be a part of the growth and have had success. Orange Beach has three main spots for travelers to checkout the beach and are detailed below.
In Gulf Shores, the name tells the story – miles of pristine white quartz sand washed by blue-green Gulf waters. Gulf Shores has the most locations that have public access and below you will find some of the top spots that are perfect for the family.
Romar Beach
It is located 6 miles from the water tower in the center of town. Absolutely no pets, no glass and no grills, no fires and no overnight camping allowed. No Lifeguards on duty, swim at your own risk. There are bathrooms and concessions available and regular amenities for rent. Cost for access is $3 per vehicle and $3 per person over 13 years of age.
The Romar Beach Gulf State Park beach area is a great area to visit. It has a limited amount of free parking and is easy to get to. It’s perfect for a quick beach stroll or an impromptu picnic. It’s located 6.8 miles east of Highway 59. Future plans call for restrooms and outdoor showers, but currently there are not any. Find this beach at 24522 Perdido Beach Blvd. Orange Beach, AL 36561.
Public Beach
Alabama Point
West End Beach
The public beach is open to the public year round and during the Spring and Summer and there is a nominal environmental fee to enter there. Cars $6, Walk-ins $2, RVs, Buses, or Trailers $20.
East End Beach
The East End Beach is Dauphin Island’s newest waterfront and is located just South of Fort Gaines. This is the only beach that has free access on the island and is pet friendly. Generally hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and there is free parking
Beach at Isle Dauphine Club
Located on the cove, so the water is calm and shallow, making it especially child friendly. Kayaks and Jet Ski rentals are available in the Spring and Summer season and this is also a favorite location for windsurfers on the island. This is the most “full-service” beach on the island with the adjacent Pirates’ Bar-n-Grill serving casual fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner year round and the Pool and Cabana Bar offering lunch, dinner, and live music during season.
Located just .3 miles east of Perdido Pass Bridge, Alabama Point East offers more than 6,000 feet of wide beach, sand dunes, boardwalks, picnic areas, restrooms, and outdoor showers. Parking is free. Find this beach at 27853 Perdido Beach Blvd Orange Beach, AL 36561
Cotton Bayou
Last but not least is Cotton Bayou. This small beach area is found at the intersection of Highway 182 and Highway 161. Nestled between some of the most popular condominiums in the area, there’s always plenty of people-watching and activity. There are restrooms and outdoor showers on site. There is ample free parking and the beach is easily accessible. Find this beach at 26026 Perdido Beach Blvd. Orange Beach, AL 36561
Gulf Shores Main Public Beach
If you’re looking for volleyball-playing, beach-bar-hanging good times, this spot - where Highway 59 dead-ends into the Gulf - is for you. For a small fee, you get all-day, up-close parking, making it easy to unload your gear. Paid parking lasts from March 1 - November 30. The cost is $5 for up to four hours or $10 for all day. Beach attendants, open-air pavilions and a picnic area are available. There are also restrooms and showers on site. This is a popular spot, so you may want to arrive early to get a prime parking spot.
Lagoon Pass Beach
Lagoon Pass is a shallow waterway connecting Little Lagoon to the Gulf, located 2.9 miles west of Highway 59. It offers restrooms, a fishing pier, an outdoor shower and water fountain on site. Paid parking is located on the northeast side of the Lee Callaway Bridge. The cost to park is $5 for up to four hours or $10 all day. Address is 1660 West Beach Blvd Gulf Shores, AL 36542.
Gulf State Park Pavilion
This uncrowded, natural beach is located six miles east of Highway 59, among the sand dunes and sea oats. There’s lots of room to spread out, making it a great place for families with lots of gear. Surf fishing is a popular activity here. A brand new beach pavilion features air-conditioned restrooms, private showers, a snack bar, plenty of shady spots to sit and eat, and even a huge fireplace for chilly days. There is a $6 fee to park all day ($12 for large vans), but there are plenty of spaces, and lots of room for large vehicles and RVs. Find this beach at 22250 East Beach Blvd Gulf Shores, AL 36542. Call 251-948-7275 EXT. 2128 for more information.
MONEY MATTERS
Dear Dave, My husband and I had our first child in December. We bought a house not long before the baby was born, and since then we’ve been getting mail and phone calls about buying mortgage protection insurance. We’re both 27, we have good jobs, and our mortgage is $105,000. Would it be a good idea to get this insurance? - Rachel Dear Rachel, Mortgage insurance is really nothing more than a life insurance policy with the word “mortgage” stuck on the front. They make it sound like a specialized product, and they jack the price up. The truth is it’s just a big rip-off in most cases. If you two are healthy, you both could easily get $250,000 on 20-year level term life insurance policies, for around $12 a month. Then, if something happened to one of you, the other could pay off the house with the insurance money and still have a nice chunk left over. However, I recommend going a little further. My advice is for each of you to get good, level term life insurance—not just to cover your mortgage—but for 10 to 12 times your annual incomes. Both of you should have sensible plans in place to take care of your family now, and in the future, should something unfortunate happen. And Congratulations! God bless you two and your new baby! —Dave
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Dear Dave, I was thinking about putting my emergency fund savings into a balanced mutual fund. Would this be a good idea?
- Trey Dear Trey, You should never put your emergency fund into anything that can go down in value, or anything that charges penalties for early withdrawals. I recommend putting it into a good money market account with check-writing privileges. Remember, your emergency fund is insurance. It is not an investment. That three to six months of expenses you’ve saved has one purpose and one purpose only—to protect you, your family, and your stuff against the unexpected. You know how Murphy’s Law says anything that can go wrong will go wrong? Think of your emergency fund as Murphy repellent. That’s one of the reasons an emergency fund is so important. If you don’t have one, and something unexpected happens, you’re likely to end up borrowing money from the bank, or cashing out retirement savings to fix things. So, don’t worry about investing this money. Just park it, and think of it as an insurance policy for when Murphy comes knocking at the door! - Dave — Dave Ramsey Dave Ramsey is CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored seven best-selling books, including The Total Money Makeover. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 12 million listeners each week on 575 radio stations and multiple digital platforms. Follow Dave on the web at daveramsey.com and on Twitter at @DaveRamsey.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
The Spark that began the Mark
Every great idea is birth from a problem. Johannes Gutenberg faced the problem of limited information because printing was tedious and done by hand, thus the mechanical printing press was born. Steve Jobs created the iPhone to because we were not getting enough out of the experiences we loved and wanted to make them better. Robert Ross’ spark started at a conference that focused heavily on QR code’s. As you may know QR code’s are all around us but there is still a hesitation for mass adoption to occur with them from many because of the complicity. At the conference, QR code’s were pitched to be the future of access from print to digital but Ross didn’t buy it. That’s when the Ross, the President and CEO of Xante Corporation based in Mobile, AL, began thinking, there can be something better.
Since that time, InfoMark under Ross’ focus and Stallone’s, now president of InfoMark, leadership has grown to have a full development team comprised of some of the best in the field around based right here in Mobile, Ala on the campus of Xante. Though the basic mission of InfoMark shares similarities to the QR code with bridging the gap between print and digital the innovation offers so much more in more simplistic manners.
InfoMark is a revolutionary way to discover and share relevant information quickly and is accessible to anyone with an internet capable device. An InfoMark is identified with a star * followed by a shortcode of four characters; for example BACF. With just that one mark you can link people to one location that has information in 13 different formats including but not limited to Photos, An entrepreneur at heart with the street smarts PDFs, Videos, URLs, and audio recordings. Our of the Dauphin Island Parkway upbringing, Ross InfoMark links to various information and digital envisioned what would be come to be known issues of the magazine quickly by either going as InfoMark. Xante, the parent company of the to www.infomark.com and keying in BACF or InfoMark app has been a staple of excellence in simply downloading the free InfoMark app and Jesse Stallone and Robert Ross the Mobile community and around the world for typing in BACF. Want to create one for yourself? printer manufacturing under the leadership of Ross. With multiple Download the app and create a free InfoMark for yourself and begin locations home and abroad the reach of Ross’ company goes far, and far your journey into the future. Link to this article and more with Infoenough to reach and old pal from Grand Bay, Jesse Stallone. Stallone Mark *042J † was born and raised in Grand Bay and expressed a desire to his friend Ross to ‘come home’ as he was living in Texas. With Ross’ focus in mind for InfoMark and Stallone’s experience in that field of technology it was exactly what was needed for the stars to align for InfoMark to be born.
March 2020 11
SPECIAL FEATURE From Garbage to Greatness Mayor Sandy Stimpson after meeting Douglas Kiker shared, “His raw talent and humble spirit are an inspiration to us all. He talked about taking a leap of faith to show his 2-year-old daughter that anything is possible. I am rooting for Douglas and so is Mobile!” For Douglas Kiker, February 16th will be a day he will never forget. With just the simple goal of making his daughter proud the day would turn into so much more after his audition on the American Idol. American Idol came to Mobile and many went out to audition to get on the show as did Kiker, but just as many others Kiker did not get a pass to another round of auditions. That did not stop him from traveling to Baton Rouge and making it to the second round which was broadcasted from Savannah for the American Idol premier. Kiker a native of Greensboro
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currently resides in Grand Bay, Alabama and works for as a garbage man. After being sent back to practice the judges brought him back in the great room for the audition and did a great job of getting some amazing vocals from Kiker. Luke Bryan, one of the judges, went over to the piano and began playing and stopped and threw his hands in the air and said, “There’s just so much in there!” Kiker would be presented with a ticket to Hollywood at the end of the audition from all three judges and Katy Perry’s comments has resonated since, “That wasn’t garbage, That was greatness!” Link to this article and more with InfoMark *QR1Q †
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PARENTING POINTS
The Addicted Parent Most addicts think they have their addictions under control, hidden from others. They think addiction secret is a private affair. That they can hide it from loved ones or others. This is far from the truth. You see those who suffer from substance use disorder, have taught themselves to function at a different level than they normally would. They have an obsession that they are “feeding” and the expense of other priorities. When “medicated” with the substance of choice they are “not in their right mind”. These individuals frequently fail to give the psychological, emotional, and physical support to their children that is necessary. This lack of support can have various effects on the children involved. Some survive and rebound from this negative environment, whereas others find themselves picking up the negative effects and dysfunctional patterns of the substance abuser. The child of the addicted parent begins to emulate this negatively modeled behavior. They are aware of this behavior and begin to assume that this is “normal behavior” and begin to pick it up and apply it to their life. Unfortunately, many times the children of an addicted parent, later in life become alcohol or drug abusers.
Christian Counseling Professionals Professional Counseling to help you find the freedom, peace, and victory you desire!
CCP is a non-denominational, friendly place where new visitors as well as old friends feel safe and loved for over 25 years in our community. At the center clients can expect the word of God and the prayers of the staff to have a prominent place in the counseling work. Tina Sullins Howard is a Licensed Professional Counselor and offers help to individuals, children & adolescence and families. Tina also offers adjunct therapies that include: Holy Yoga & Equine Assisted Therapy
Physical and Emotional Abuse
The addicted parent, not functioning at the appropriate level, can also become physically and emotionally abusive. They’re addiction drives this negative behavior, sometimes even becoming explosive, when their hidden desire is not satisfied or achieved for the particular substance they seek. There are even been times when abusers have resorted sexual abuse or sexual exploitation, while in their dysfunctional state of mind. These negative behaviors create safety risks for the children involved. For some children the risk of someone outside the family circle discovering the abuse is so frightening that they work to hide the facts and deal with the pain silently. For others the abuse is discovered, and because of the safety risk, they are separated from their parents. This separation exacerbates the issues for the children, the lack of parent-child bonding escalates.
Tina S Howard, MA, LPC (251) 308-3838 879 Snow Road N, Suite 1C, Mobile, AL thoward.counselor@gmail.com/ccpmobile.net
This addicted parent has become so “self-absorbed” that they are unaware of the negative effects. The separated child begins to blame himself, assuming that they have done something to create this environment. It is at this point that we see children suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. These children suffer from insecurity, misplaced trust, and emotional suppression which turned into anxiety, social dysfunction, and panic attacks. When a person, child or adult are found to be suffering from these longterm effects of living in the abusive home, they need to know there is help. There is a trained professional that can help these children and adults managing stressful situations and correct the interpersonal relationship problems that occur because of the effects of the abusive environment.
Help those you love Seek that help!
- James Chinners ICSW-PIP Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker Mostellar Medical Clinic
March 2020 13
him (or gave him the elbow, he says) that he should make Camp’s story into a movie someday. Around the time he was filming I Can Only Imagine, he brought the idea for Camp’s story to the Erwin brothers, as he couldn’t get it out of his head. He remembers telling them that they “really needed to dive in and see what this story is all about.” The Erwins loved the story, and they all decided it would be their next movie, undeniably, Downes says. Andy Erwin shared Lionsgate put all their resources behind them for I Still Believe and have come behind us like mainstream films but are allowing us to put our faith behind it. From the movie I Can Only Imagine, Erwin shared. “No one expected it to do anything, we had to self finance to put it in theaters and it was predicted to do very little, and it did 17 million across the country and went on to steam roll.” Sitting at a food court in Dallas, TX God allowed Erwin to see how cool to be a part of doing something special. Erwin said, “I’m not my films, I feel very called to tell the stories that really move my heart and this is satisfying in and of itself for an audience.”
KJ Apa (left) who plays Jeremy Camp and Britt Robertson (right) who plays Melissa Henning Camp Photo Credit: Jason LaVeris
One love can change your life; one life can change the world.
“One love can change your life; one life can change the world.” That is the tagline for the upcoming film I Still Believe, based on the life of contemporary Christian singer Jeremy Camp and the relationship he had with his first wife Melissa, who died of cancer in 2001. The film, which opens nationwide in theaters and in IMAX on March 13th, was shot here in Mobile and the surrounding areas, as “it had the landscape and topography we were looking for,” says producer Kevin Downes. Downes, along with Jon and Andrew Erwin, produced the film, along with the inspirational movies Mom’s Night Out, Woodlawn, and I Can Only Imagine, which was the #1 box office grossing, independent film of the year in 2018.
which partners with Lionsgate Entertainment to strive to create life-changing content from a variety of talented storytellers. Those stories, Downes says, are what he has been drawn to for a long time. He says his favorite movies of
Kingdom Story Company
Andy Erwin with KJ Apa Photo Credit: Michael Kubeisy
The three created Kingdom Story Company,
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Made in Alabama
Filmmakers from Birmingham Alabama, Erwin shared that they are the underdogs and that is something they did not want to forget because
all time have been inspirational sports stories, mainly “movies that leave you at the end of the movie feeling encouraged and inspired. When I go to the movies, I wanna be entertained, but if I’m encouraged and inspired in my own life, then that’s a huge win. And so those are the types of stories that I love to tell, true stories that showcase the power of the gospel and stories of the Bible.” He says that they are passionate about telling these stories, and that the audiences seem to love them.
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of the hard work they have put in to get to where they are today. On the subject of choosing Mobile Erwin said, “We feel passionate about staying in the South. When choosing whether to shoot in LA or in our own backyard, we will pick our backyard everytime. We also feel passionate about people we do movies for and don’t want to get absorbed by the system on a stage celebrating about ourselves.” Downes praised the Mobile area, indicating that the residents were very friendly, the food was great, and that he would love to film in the area again. Besides Mobile, he visited Dauphin Island, where the wedding of Jeremy and Melissa was filmed.
Downes describes the film’s case as “well-rounded”, and they each deliver good performances. 22-year-old KJ Apa, a native of New Zealand and who Downes describes as a “talented kid with an old soul”, plays Jeremy Camp, and he did his own Continued on page 16
He and the Erwins spent about two months filming the movie in Mobile. The Erwins are natives of Alabama and are familiar with the areas, and, Downes mentioned, the state offers “very aggressive” filming incentives for doing movies there, so it helped them pick Alabama as the place to make I Still Believe. Besides Mobile, he visited Fairhope, which he described as an “idyllic little postcard town”; Dauphin Island, where the wedding of Jeremy and Melissa was filmed; and Gulf Shores, where the city’s annual Hangout Festival served as the backdrop for one of the film’s concert scenes. Downes is appreciative to the festival organizers for the “gift” of letting them use the stage and observed the audience’s excitement.
Where I Still Believe originates
Downes and his wife were attending a Jeremy Camp concert about eight years ago, and Camp was talking about Melissa and what they had gone through with her cancer and her untimely death. Downes says he and his wife both had tears in their eyes, and she mentioned to
Shania Twain (left) as ‘Terry Camp’ and KJ Apa (right) Photo Credit: Michael Kubeisy
Producer Kevin Downes
A Well Rounded Cast
Director Andy Erwin
March 2020 15
I Still Believe continued singing in the film. Interestingly, Downes notes his favorite scene in the film as an intimate moment between Apa and Britt Robertson, who plays Melissa Henning Camp. Without giving too much of the scene away, Downes tells that it makes the viewer see how much Jeremy loved Melissa: “KJ sings acapella, with no background music, just him and his voice to the camera, singing to her. You see his heart poured into it, really beautiful, and it just presents this image that people will want to be loved.” The rest of the principal cast includes actor Gary Sinise and singer Shania Twain as Jeremy Camp’s parents, and Downes observed that all of the actors were really invested in the story. He noted that the cast, including Sinise and Twain, made shooting the film a fun experience, particularly in a scene where Camp’s parents come to visit him at college. Those scenes were filmed at Spring Hill College, and Downes says that Sinise and Twain “made it a lot of fun”, displaying such charisma and personality.
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Message of the Film
Downes is very proud of how the movie came together and is sure that audiences of all ages will gravitate toward the film for its positive message. “I think, whether you’re young or old, there is something in this movie for you, ‘cause we all Directors Jon Erwin (left) and Andy Erwin (right) Courtesy of Lionsgate have relationships in our lives, theme of unconditional love in the midst of cirwhether or not we’re married,” Downes says, cumstances, how Camp put everything in his “and this movie is such a visual example of life aside in order to serve Melissa and help her how to love your neighbor and treat them in a through her life at this point. He encourages way that’s often better than ourselves, and what people to see the film not just for the sights and happens when we actually do that and serve sounds of Mobile, but for the true story that one another.” He also adds that it’s a message resonates throughout the film. “Even though that is so needed in today’s society, “how it’s all this is a love story with kind of a sad element, about ‘me me me’, and people kinda take from they should know they will be encouraged and each other. Yet here’s this visual example of inspired by going and watching this movie.” true love”, what unconditional love it and how’s played out in the story of Jeremy Camp and Link to and more with InfoMark *GPR4 his late first wife. Downes thinks that audienc- Adrian Bates es young and old will really grasp the overall Senior Writer
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Church Leaders
One Year Anniversary Pastor Vaughen Garner came to the Wilmer area in October of 2016 as pastor. It did not take long for me to see that the church was dying and in a few years would close its doors. Through much prayer and consultation with a Church Health Strategist from Kentucky who was working with the Alabama Baptist State Convention a decision was made to lead the church to close and die a graceful death. In the meantime a team was put together to start forming a new church to be launched in the same location. The old church had a parsonage and a decision was made to sell the house and the proceeds were used to remodel the sanctuary of the church building and prepare it for the new church launch. Vaughen shared, “There were so many things that happened in all of this it would take a while to share it all, but as we as Westlake Church look back over the last year and the months preceding the new church launch, we can all say that it “Was a God Thing.” He opened doors and provided so much for us in the way of people and material to accomplish what has been done in this place. We have been blessed to say the least.”
Westlake is a new church that was started on March 3, 2019. At the first service we had approximately 25 people join. The members are made up of some of Trinity Baptist members and others from the community that chose to unite with us. On Sunday morning, March 1, we are planning a 1st anniversary celebration. We have two special speakers who will be with us, Dr. Thomas Wright, Director of Missions for the Mobile Baptist Association and George Yates, Organizational Health Strategist and coach, who assists churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. He has been a great resource that has been a guiding hand for us. The will also be special music, Goldon Gill, our worship leader will lead the song service and special music and then to close the service, The Voices of Mobile from the University of Mobile will perform. Our doors are open to all people, no matter their color, race, ethnic background or culture as long as they come to worship God. †
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SPECIAL FEATURE
A Call to Arms
An Honest Conversation About Manhood and the Gospel
When viewing the picture above and thinking about A Call to Arms: an honest conversation about manhood and the gospel that was held at Battleship Park, the word power just keeps coming to mind. I mean, just look at all those fighter jets! You can close your eyes and imagine the roar of the powerful engines as the plane crosses the sky. These jets served as the perfect backdrop for an event focused on a powerful issue: safeguarding our minds against sexual sin. Guest speaker Traylor Lovvorn shared his gut-wrenching experience with pornography and sex addiction. His marriage and family were shattered by the powerful grip this sin had on his life, but God’s transforming grace was stronger. His marriage and family were restored, and now he runs Undone Redone Ministries. This ministry focuses on helping men rediscover authentic manhood, restoring hope for women after betrayal, reviving and renewing relationships, and protecting and engaging children’s hearts (undoneredone.com) Topics regarding sexual sin are never comfortable or easy which makes events like this even more vital. There are so many feelings like shame associated with sexual sin which leads to isolation for many men. Gathering together to share and bear each other’s burdens is what authentic community is all about. And I think that was felt at this event. Josh Pepper, Mars Hill member, sums it up perfectly: “Traylor’s testimony reminds us that shame and fear Isolate us and keep our sin hidden in the shadows. But, through events like this, men can come together in community and connect to one another’s stories and share each other’s burdens.” - Tricia Butts Contributing Writer
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SPECIAL FEATURE Mobile Native Serves as Healthcare Paralegal for Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Before the word ‘jointness’ became a regular theme in Navy’s Medicine’s jargon on fostering good working rapport with other service branches, there was jointness personified working at then-Naval Hospital Bremerton. Meet Marquita Y. Hooks, healthcare litigation paralegal at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Bremerton.
History
Hooks, from Mobile, Ala. and a John L. Leflore High School 1981 graduate, shares, “I played basketball at the collegiate level at the University of South Alabama. However, after a couple of years of playing and always traveling with the team, I decided to stop playing to focus on academics. I joined the Army in 1985 where I continued to be an athletic standout in softball, volleyball and basketball. I was on the Traveling Post and All-Army Basketball Teams. I met my amazing and supportive spouse in Wurzburg, Germany in 2004, and we got married here in 2015 on our 11th year anniversary,” shared Hooks.
mand (USTRANSCOM), Scott Air Force Base, Ill. (requested by an Army lieutenant general); and 1st Infantry Division, Wurzburg, Germany. Hooks attests her most memorable experiences are from all of the leadership courses which instilled the 14 leadership traits, such as dependability, initiative, and integrity, “which encompassed what the epitome of a great leader should be and the traits they should possess,” she said.
“These traits not only taught me to take pride in everything that I touched, but also to display character, competence and compassion,” continued Hooks. “Because I lived those traits every day of my Army career, I was selected by the cadre at four out of four leadership courses as the Distinguished Honor Graduate, which comprised academics and scenario based leadership performance. However, at my fourth lead“I joined the United States Army in 1985 ership course, I also won the Distinguished and retired after 20 years in 2005 with the Leadership Award, which was an honor to rank of sergeant first class. During my first bestow because you had to excel in your four years in the Army, I was a water purileadership role - mine was platoon leader fication specialist. Then, in 1989, I attended - and be selected by your peers to win this the Army’s Paralegal School and served as a award. Winning this award was one of the paralegal specialist until I retired in 2005,” most memorable of all of my experiences said Hooks, noting that during her Army while honorably and faithfully serving my career she was also the medical claims country.” investigator for Madigan Army Medical Center from 1994 to 1998. Her duty stations have included Seoul, South Korea; Fort Lewis, Wash.; Fort Rucker, Ala.; Heidelberg, Germany; Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.; Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Wash.; 121st General Hospital, Seoul, South Korea (upon requested by name by a ranking Army major general); United States Transportation Com-
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val medical facilities throughout the Pacific Northwest and California,” Hooks said. “Navy Medicine has taken me positively and unequivocally to the top of my professional game. I plan to continue to soar in Navy Medicine as we prepare to transition into our future endeavors with DHA and our mission of operational relevance and readiness.” “My duties clear the path for military members to prepare to achieve operational readiness by being able to concentrate on our core mission of medical force readiness. I help our Sailors have their legal documents, such as special powers of attorneys, will worksheets, notarizations, advance health care directives and medical powers of attorney, are in order,” commented Hooks.
Being part of Navy Medicine also provides a special significance to Hooks, allowing her a tailored fit opportunity to continue and build upon her Army active-duty career. When asked to sum up her experience with Navy Medicine at NMRTC BremerNew role after Retirement ton in one sentence, Hooks replied, “My As healthcare litigation paralegal at experience here has made me realize that NMRTC Bremerton, Hooks handles inves- being a civil servant is not about me. It’s tigations concerning administrative claims, bigger than me and being here has allowed as well as providing directorial assistance to me to provide selfless service to our Legal staff members for their legal needs. “When Department and healthcare staff alike.” needed, I’m (also) tasked by the health law attorney for Naval Medical Forces Pacific - Navy Office Of Community Outreach to investigate administrative claims for na-
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Call for a Free Assessment What We Do: - Alzheimer’s and 251-445-4204 Dementia Experts! Visit Our Website - Fall Prevention touchingheartsseniorcare.com - Transportation - Meal Preparation - Medication Reminders - Bathing and Dressing - Shopping and Errands - Light Housekeeping - Laundry - Companionship - Case Management - Medicaid and Veteran Benefits Our Location: The Quadrangle Square 3263 Demetropolis Rd Suite 10 Mobile, Al 36693 Follow Us on social media! Search for “Touching Hearts Senior Care” on your favorite platforms or get the links from our Website!
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Find A Church BAPTIST
3 Circle Church Midtown Campus 150 S Sage Ave, Mobile, AL 36606 251-479-4593 Sundays at 10:45 a.m. 3circlechurch.com/midtown 3 Circle Church Fairhope Campus 10274 AL-104, Fairhope, AL 36532 251-990-3112 Sundays at 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., & 11:00 a.m. 3circlechurch.com/fairhope Cottage Hill Baptist Church 4255 Cottage Hill Rd, Mobile, AL 36609 251-660-2422 Sundays at 10:30 a.m. cottagehill.org Dauphin Way Baptist Church 3661 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36608 251-342-3456 Sunday School - 9:00 am Worship - 10:30 am www.dwbc.org First Baptist Church Foley 221 N Alston St, Foley, AL 36535 251-943-8352
Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. Worship - 10:30 a.m. fbcfoley.com First Baptist Tillman’s Corner 5660 Three Notch Rd, Mobile, AL 36619 251-661-0114 Sundays at 9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. fbtc.org South Mobile First Baptist Church 10575 Dauphin Island Parkway Theodore, AL 36582 251-973-2322 Redemption Church - North Mobile 1251 Industrial Pkwy, Saraland, AL 36571 251-679-3266 Sundays at 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. goredemption.com
PENTECOSTAL
Christian Life Church 5025 Cottage Hill Rd, Mobile, AL 36609 251-219-0557 Sundays at 10:00 a.m. Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. clcmobile.church
A BOUT O U R A DVERTI SER S Bay Furniture – 3311 Dauphin Island Pkwy (251) 450-0463, www.bayfurnitureco.com
CC’s Inflatables – 6170 Hwy 90, Theodore, AL, (251) 610-4396, www.rentfromcc.com
Bay Area Christian Family is excited to share we have added a print directory to help our readers learn about churches in our area and find a church home! If your church would like to be included please email chris@christianbayarea.com
LUTHERAN
Our Savior Lutheran Church 5101 Government Blvd Mobile, AL 36692 251-661-4524
METHODIST
Christ United Methodist Church 6101 Grelot Rd, Mobile, AL 36609 251-342-0462 Sundays in Sanctuary at :00 a.m., 9:15 a.m., & 10:40 a.m. Sundays Newsong in Gym at 9:15 a.m., & 10:40 a.m. christunited.com
NON-DENOMINATIONAL
Destiny Church International 28328 Co Rd 13, Daphne, AL 36526 251-239-5751 Sundays at 10:00 a.m. ourdestinychurch.com
Support us by supporting them.
Lisa Granger – Keller Williams Realty, Inc., 1565 Hillcrest Road, Mobile, AL, (251) 454-1170, lisamichelle@kw.com
Palmer’s Toyota Superstore - 470 Schillinger Road South, Mobile, AL, 251-639-0800, www.palmerstoyotasuperstore.com
Greer’s – Locations throughout Mobile and Baldwin Counties, www.greers.com
Touching Hearts Senior Care – 3263 Demetropolis Road, Suite 10, Mobile, AL, (251) 445-4204, www.touchingheartsseniorcare.com
Central Christian School – 17395 Hwy 104, Robertsdale, AL, (251) 947-5043, www.ccssaints.com Hansen Heating & Air – Two locations to best serve you – Mobile, 251-471-3047 and Eastern Shore, 251Children of Alabama - 1-844-750-8950, 210-1493, www.hansenair.com www.childrensal.org/heart. Lighthouse Restaurant - 12495 County Road 23, Christian Counseling Professionals of Mobile, Irvington, AL, 251-824-2500 LLC – 879 Snow Road N, Suite 1C, Mobile, AL, (251) 308-3838, www.ccpmobile.net Living Word Christian Center Kingdom Academy - 1060 Government Blvd. Mobile, AL 36604, 251Government Street Baptist Church/School – 3401 433-5866, lwccim.com/kingdom-academy Government Blvd, Mobile, AL, (251) 660-7444 NuView Counseling – 1120 Hillcrest Road, Suite 2G, Mobile, AL, (251) 401-3560, www.nuviewcounseling.com
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Pathway Church - Moffett Campus 7200 Moffett Rd, Mobile, AL 36618 251-649-8867 Sundays at 9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. pathwaychurch.us
Victory Health - 3750 Professional Parkway Mobile, AL 36609, 251-460-0999 Westminister Village | Acts Retirement Life Communities - 251-261-0130, aboutacts.com/bay-area
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MARCH 2020 Calendar
March 2 & 4 Auditions for “Beauty and the Beast” at Mobile’s Playhouse-in-the-Park Auditions from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Those auditioning should be prepared to sing a 30-second song of their choice, and to be prepared for a short dance audition. Auditions are open to ages six through mid-20’s, and a large cast is needed. This ORIGINAL PLAYHOUSE MUSICAL will run during the months of April and May, 2020. For further information, please contact Danny Mollise at playhouseintheparkmobileal@ gmail.com or (251) 422-5434 March 8-11 Revival New Life Traditional Baptist Church Revival services start at 6pm. 5010 Mc Crary Rd. Semmes, Al 36575. Visiting Evangelist Brother Donnie Guy from Gulfport Ms. For more information, Contact. Brother Larry Bruneer @ 251-402-5063 March 18 Bragg-Mitchell Mansion’s Annual Spring Tea Fundraiser Wednesday – 1 pm – 4 pm, Bragg-Mitchell Mansion Admission: $15 Adults 13+ In Advance, $17 At the Door | $10 Children 12 and Under In Advance, $12 At the Door Ages: All The Bragg-Mitchell Mansion is hosting its annual Spring Tea Fundraiser. Guests are invited to enjoy delicious treats, tea, and an informal look at one of Mobile’s most iconic antebellum homes, Bragg-Mitchell Mansion. Our magnificent oak-lined drive welcomes visitors to the Mansion. Inside the home, one can sense the comfort, beauty, and hospitality for which the South is recognized. Guests are treated to a relaxed look at the Mansion complete with a curved Mahogany staircase and exquisite 12ft.+ pier mirrors gracing our double parlor. Beautiful antique furnishings throughout the mansion compliment the delicious signature tea and treats. Proceeds from the event will benefit the on-going restoration and operation of the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion. For questions, please contact a staff member at the Mansion (251) 471-6364. Ticket sales begin February 18 through Brown Paper Tickets. March 18 BizCouples - Wednesday – 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, Container Yard Admission: $75 per couple Ages: Professionals Do you and your spouse or significant other own a business or each have side hustles? BizCouples
is a niche networking event that caters to couples in business together. Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres and connect with other couples to share and learn. This event fills up fast with a maximum of 25 couples. Get your tickets now! March 21st UCP’s Mobtown Mac ‘n Cheese Fest Saturday – 12 pm – 3 pm, Cathedral Square Admission: $12 In Advance | $15 At the Gate | 5 and Under Free Ages: All The folks at United Cerebral Palsy believe that macaroni and cheese is the King of Comfort Food. If you share this belief, you are invited! Taste gourmet and classic mac and cheese samples provided by community businesses, listen to local music, and spend a day raising awareness for UCP. March 25th Free Educational Medicare 101 Seminar Hosted at the Goodwill Community Center 2423 Schillinger Rd. Mobile, AL 36695 Dates: Feb 26th, March 25th, April 22nd & May 27th Time: 10am. Hosted by Jessica Zoltek with Healthcare Resource Center March 26-29th Festival of Flowers Thursday – Saturday – 9 am – 5 pm | Sunday 11 am – 5 pm, Providence Hospital Campus Admission: $12 Adults In Advance| $14 Adults At the Gate | $13 Seniors & Military | Children 12 and Under Free Ages: All The 27th Annual Festival of Flowers, sponsored by Wells Fargo, is proud to showcase gardens of Japanese influence by Lead Designer Dale Speetjens of Shipshape Urban Farms. Produced by the Providence Hospital Foundation, the 2020 Festival of Flowers will inspire and nurture the gardener in all of us. On March 26-29, come celebrate with us and “Feel the Zen!” March 28 Azalea Trail Run 43rd Annual Azalea Trail Run (ATR), one of the premier 10K road races in the United States and the 2011 RRCA National 10K Championship. The event also includes 5K and 2K runs. All of the courses are flat and extremely fast. Contact Megan Moiren Phone: (251) 473-7223
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COMING IN APRIL April 10 Gulf Coast BIZCON 2020 Join us for a conference full of forward-thinking, tactical sessions on leadership, growth, marketing, social media, the business landscape, innovation, and so much more. At Gulf Coast BizCon you’ll connect with our amazing community of entrepreneurs, chat with speakers and our BizCon staff. You will also pick up some cool swag and experience a fantastic Happy Hour to round out your day. Tickets are currently $99 and will prices will increase March 1st.
HAVE AN EVENT? TELL US ABOUT IT! If you have an event you would like listed in the Bay Area Christian Family Community Calendar for FREE! Email to: chris@christianbayarea.com subject line: Events
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