Now in our 8th Year!
August 2012 Where was God? The Joker by Dr. James Emery White, GordonConwell Theological Seminary
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n the second installment of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, Alfred the butler gives a chilling description of the Joker:
“Perhaps this is a man you don’t fully understand. … Some men aren’t looking for anything logical, like money. They can’t be bought, bullied, reasoned or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” The world now knows the name of James Holmes, the loner graduate student who opened fire at a midnight showing of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colo., killing 12 and wounding dozens more. He had dyed his hair red, and later told police he was the Joker. In the aftermath of the shooting, the dominant cultural discussion – following shock and horror – has followed two streams. The first is gun control. The idea is that this nightmare, along with others like it, calls for new laws.
The other cultural current is, “How could God allow this?” Both conversations need to wrestle with the same reality, a word that is often airbrushed from our rhetoric. Evil. The medieval Christian philosopher Boethius aptly noted that “evil is not so much an infliction as a deep-set infection.” In 1973, psychiatrist Karl Menninger published a book with the provocative title, Whatever Became of Sin? His point was that sociology and psychology tend to avoid terms like “evil” or “immorality” and “wrongdoing.” Menninger detailed how the theological notion of sin became the legal idea of crime and then slid further from its true meaning when it was relegated to the psychological category of sickness. We need the word back. Why? Because God was not behind what happened in Aurora, much less responsible for it. A person was. Philip Yancey, a writer who has invested much of his life exploring these issues, was contacted by a television producer after the death of Princess Diana to... continued on page 16
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Ozarks Experts ADOPTION MBCH Children & Family Min. Adoption & Foster Care Services 1837 E. Cherry Springfield, MO 65802 (417) 831-2342 ARTS & GIFTS P. Graham Dunn Inspirational Decor and Amish Furniture • 417-334-9801 3500 N. Gretna Rd. Branson www.branson.pgrahamdunn.com Thomas Kinkade Signature Art Gallery • 2800 West Highway 76 in The Grand Village Shops • Branson, 417-334-7930 www.thomaskinkade.com ATTORNEYS Dee Wampler & Joseph Passanise Criminal Trial Attorneys 2974 East Battlefield in Springfield (417) 882-9300 Gregg E. Stade - Real estate, Business Law and Estate Planning at 600 W. Republic Rd. Ste. A 100 in Springfield (417) 889-5572 AUTO BODY Branson Collision Center 548 Gretna Rd, Branson, When it must be right! (417) 335-3775 www.bransoncollision.com AUTO SERVICE B.A.T. Boys Brake, Auto & Tire Boys Full Service Shop 548 Gretna Rd. Branson 417-339-2697 Branson Pennzoil 10 Minute Lube 249 Shepherd of the Hills Expry. 417-335-5182 • Chuck Ness Owner EXPRESS CARE Oil, Coolant & Transmission Service. State Inspections 1700 James River Road Ozark (417) 581-1720 ____________________ DETAILING BY CURT Protect your investment! (417) 559-9424 sevageJC@yahoo.com ________________ BANKING Branson Bank Falls Parkway, Hwy 248 and Forsyth 334-9696
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August 2012
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per month! CPO 4145 South National Springfield (417) 891-2200 www.CPOBooks.com _______________________________ Christian Gift Outlet Stores Tanger Outlet • 300 Tanger Blvd. Unit 101B Branson (417) 332-2025 _______________________________ Redeemed Music & Books 4140 S. National Springfield • 417- 877-9294
ELECTRICAL SERVICE Cornerstone Electric 24 Hour Emergency Service. 417-582-0621
Phoenix Health Care A New Beginning For Your Home Health Care • 3033 S. Kansas Expy 417-881-7442 www.PhoenixHomeHC.com
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Lifeway Christian Bookstore 3362 South Glenstone Ave Springfield, MO 65804 (417) 886-0911 Mardel Christian & Educational Supply 1533 E. Battlefield, Springfield. (417) 881-6338 CHIROPRACTIC CARE Victory Chiropractic Dr. Bo Bandy 800 St Hwy 248, Ste.2-B Branson, MO 65616 417-337-7077 CHURCHES Faith Center Church 8537 State Hwy 76 Branson West, MO 1/2 mile of Silver Dollar City turn off (417) 338-8537 CLOTHING John’s Suit Shop We Make The Look Affordable 1315 S. Glenstone in Springfield (417) 863-6919 COFFEE SHOPS The Awakening Branson Prayer Room, Coffee Shop & Cafe 3044 Shepherd of the Hills Expwy. Suite 101, Branson, MO www.AwakeningBranson.com COMPUTERS Computer Renaissance 308 E. Republic, Springfield (417) 882-7788 - Steve Yates www.computerren.com
Tim’s Headquarters Salon 1835 W. Hwy 76 • Inside Music City Center Next to Starbucks Branson • (417) 348-1958 HEALTH SERVICES Faith Community Health (417) 336-WELL (9355) FaithCommunityHealth.org Skaggs Hospital www.Skaggs.net HEARING Sound Advice Stay Young. Stay Connected. Hollister, Branson West & Springfield 417-339-0007 • 800-826-4447 www.SoundAdviceHearing.com HOSPICE AND HOMECARE Access Home Care 1440 Highway 248 Suite D Branson, MO 65616-9257 Phone: 417.332.3510 Hospice Compassus Serving with Heartfelt Compassion 3044 Shepherd of the Hills Expy, Ste. 200 Branson, MO • 417-335-2004 www.hospicecompassus.com/ loc-MOBRA.html INTEGRITY HOME CARE Home Care... From The Heart! 2960 N. Eastgate Springfield 417-889-9773 • 888-793-1795 www.IntegrityHC.com
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The Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks® 1 Opportunity Avenue Point Lookout, MO 65726 Phone 417-239-1900 www.keetercenter.edu Stonewall West Motor Inn 1040 Hwy 76 West Branson, MO (417) 334-5173 LOG HOMES Country Living Log Homes 48 models to choose from! Authorized dealer for Lincoln Logs Int. (417) 334-4277 MARKETING Sound Marketing, Inc. 205 Spring Lane Branson, MO 65616 1-800-451-8273 Fax: (417) 239-1541 www.SoundMarketing.com MINIATURE GOLF Greatest Adventures 4800 Gretna Rd. in Branson 417- 332-0888 minigolfinbranson.com MONUMENTS
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August 2012 PLUMBING Affordable & R & H Plumbing SMALL BUSINESS BIG SERVICE • Call: 417-336-6781 OR 417-334-4224 • TOLL FREE, 1-888-788-2740 • Serving the Tri-Lakes for 16 years. PHYSICAL FITNESS Anytime Fitness 554 Gretna • Branson (417) 239-0078 Wholly Transformed Fitness for Mind, Soul & Body Personal Fitness Training, Christ Centered Yoga • (417) 598-0144 www.WhollyTransformed.com PROSTHETICS J.P. & O Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory 526 Branson Landing Blvd. Ste. 1 417-213-3128 www.jpo-online.com RADIO STATIONS KADI AM 1340 Bott Radio- Springfield 90.1 Bott Radio- Branson 103.9 KWFC 89.1 KWND 88.3
www.OzarksChristianNews.com ROOF CLEANING Elite Certified Roof Cleaners (417) 230-8130 www.EliteRoofCleaners.com RV PARKS Taneycomo Resort & RV Park 365 Valencia Road in Branson 417-334-7375 • 800-949-9975 www.TaneycomoResort.com
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SCHOOLS Branson Christian Academy Call: (417) 353-7598 • K - 12 www.BransonChristianAcademy.com
New Covenant Academy 3304 S Cox Road in Springfield Call: 417-887-9848 www.NewCovenant.net SCREEN PRINTING Ozarks Screen Printing 426 U.S. Highway 60W Republic, MO (417) 732-4449 www.ozarksscreenprinting.com TREE TRIMMING TRIMMERS... A Top Notch Tree Service & Gen. Contractor Licenced & Insured Lake View Clearing (417) 612-0081 WATER SERVICES
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OCN Mission Statement The Ozarks Christian News’ primary purpose is to edify the body of Christ through inspirational articles of Christian faith and courage, educate the body of Christ through informative articles promoting the cultivation of a Christian world view and encourage the body of Christ to support one another. Our focus is on, and to, the invisible church which Jesus Christ said, “The gates of hell would not prevail against.” We announce the current events of the visible church, and we believe the Body of Christ is made up of people who have found salvation by faith in Jesus Christ evidenced by the good works they are doing and have done. We encourage our readers to be open minded to differing opinions on non-essential matters. We report the good and the bad within our church family as a testament for the necessity of a Savior. Our observations are made from a fairly moderate to conservative viewpoint.
We strive not to be the fire alarm, but the fire extinguisher
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Christian Bookstores, Price Cutters, Harter House, Country Marts, many theaters, businesses and most post offices!
Page 3 The Ozarks Christian News 149 Grand Avenue Branson, MO 65616 Office: 417-336-3636 John’s cell: 417-353-7598 editor@ ozarkschristiannews.com www.OzarksChristianNews.com (Free online subscriptions)
OCN Contributors Veeda Smith - Branson Frontline Jeremy Storch - Ask the Rabbi... Jennifer LeClaire - Columnist J. Lee Grady - Fire in My Bones Dave Ramsey - Act Your Wage Dee Wampler - A Minute with a Man George Kurland - Staff Photographer Max Lucado - Crosswalk Column John Sacoulas - Steward & Managing Editor Lorraine Sacoulas - Steward & Publisher Virgil Peck - Circulation Assistance
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P i e rc e A r ro w ’s J a r re t t D o u g h e r t y New Year’s Day, January 1st, 1968— Jarrett’s mother was shootin’ for that brand new washer and dryer “but all she got was me!” Jarrett knew, even at an early age, that he had a special love for music and laughter. “I started playing the drums at age 5 and started traveling on the road with a local gospel group out of our home church when I was in the 6th grade.”
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Living water by Max Lucado
It’s estimated our bodies are 80% fluid. Apart from brains, bones, and a few organs, we’re walking water balloons! Stop drinking water and see what happens. Coherent thoughts vanish. Skin gets clammy, and vital organs wrinkle. Eyes need fluid to cry. Your mouth needs moisture to swallow and your joints need fluid to stay lubricated. Your body needs water the same way tires need air! God wired you with thirst–a “low-fluid indicator.” Let your fluid level grow low, and watch the signals flare. Dry mouth. Achy head. Weak knees. Deprive your body of fluid and your body will tell you. Deprive your soul of spiritual water, and your soul will tell you. Dehydrated hearts send desperate messages: Snarling tempers. Waves of worry.
Louisiana schools to double enrollment with taxpayer-funded vouchers Associated Press - BATON ROUGE, LA - Nine religious schools that will take in taxpayer-funded voucher students for the upcoming school year will more than double their enrollments with the subsidized students, receiving about $3.6 million in payments from the state. About 13 percent of the 5,600 students who received placement offers this week for Louisiana's new statewide voucher program would attend those greatly enlarged schools, which are mainly in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, according to data released by the Department of Education. Included in that list is the New Living Word School, which grabbed early attention with lawmakers because of questions about the Ruston churchaffiliated school's capability to handle the students. It offered more spaces for voucher students than anyone else, willing to accept 315 children. The voucher program, pushed by
Jesus said, “if anyone thirsts let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water! John 4:14? -From Come Thirsty Listen to UpWords with Max Lucado at
OnePlace.com
Jason Crabb to be the special guest on The Jim Bakker TV Show on August 30. Crabb is one of the most celebrated vocalists in Christian music. Both a Grammy and Dove Award winner, Crabb has won 20 Dove Awards. He also has released a new book, “Trusting God to Get You Through,” Fire,” The one-hour Jim Bakker TV Show hosted by Jim and Lori Bakker is taped before a live audience at 11AM Tuesday through Thursday at the Morningside studio, just a short drive from Branson, Missouri, on Hwy 86 at Hwy 13. For more information, browse their website at
www.jimbakkershowcom
IMPORTANT MESSAGE Be advised that the contents of this publication often do not represent the positions held by many of the sponsors of the Ozarks Christian News (or for that matter, the publishers) Please remember to favor the advertisers here in the OCN. It would not exist without them!
Gov. Bobby Jindal as a way to expand educational opportunities, will use tax dollars to send students from low- to moderate-income families to private and parochial schools.
OUR LADY OF THE LAKE PARISH Annual Arts and Crafts Festival Seeking Vendors Vendor applications are presently being accepted for the 5th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival sponsored by Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Parish. The 3-day festival is scheduled for October 12-14, at the Our Lady of the Lake Parish Center across the street from the church, at 202 Vaughn Drive. The event will be conducted from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, October 12th and 13th, and from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Sunday, October 14th. Artists and crafters of all venues are welcome to participate. Some popular offerings in past years have been hand-crafted jewelry, seasonal décor, unique and spe-
August 2012 cial occasion gift items, paintings, and woodworking items. In addition to the Arts and Crafts booths, a book fair will be held and delicious food and bake sale items will be available for purchase. There will be plenty of parking and admission is FREE! In 2011, vendors from four states participated in the event, which was attended by approximately 1,500 people. This will be a great opportunity to showcase your talent and promote your craft! Vendor space is still available both inside and outdoors but the deadline to reserve a space is quickly approaching. Applications, with photos of your handcrafted item, must be received by September 1, 2012. Inside booths are 10 x 10 with two chairs, for $45.00. Booth space outdoors is 11 x 11 with two chairs, for $45.00. For additional information or to obtain an application, contact Janet Bosnick at 417-230-6060, Kathy Rauschendorfer at 417-230-5768 or Joyce Arnold at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Parish, 417-334-2928, ext. 103.
ladyofthelakeparish.org
August 2012 he Awakening Prayer Room, Coffee Shop & Café is located at 3044 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway in the Victorian Village Shoppes. The Awakening volunteer team has their hearts set on getting involved in the City of Branson through prayer and serving in the community. They are honored to come on board with the people of Branson that have been laboring for years to provide a family friendly, Christian environment to the tourists and locals alike.
www.OzarksChristianNews.com the Coffee Shop & Café they will be establishing a community, national, and international missionary information center that will provide info on ways to get involved in the local community and in missions work happening all over the world through giving, volunteering, and focused prayer.
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Tuesday-Saturday at 12pm-1pm and Friday-Saturday night at 7:30pm-9pm. In the Coffee Shop & Café guests can enjoy freshly made food and drinks. The menu offers a variety of homemade sandwiches, salads, and deserts along with many choices of frozen, iced, and hot coffee drinks, teas, and smoothies. The Awakening also displays a variety of local artwork. The Awakening volunteer staff is dedicated to excellence when it comes to the quality of the food and drink and service of their guests. Also, in
In Isaiah 56:7 God declares “My house will be called a house of prayer for the nations”. The Awakening’s desire is to create an atmosphere for people to pray, read there bible, journal, and find peace from the daily rush of their busy schedule. Guests may come and go as they please. There is always worship music being played. At times it is recorded music and at other times there are live sets. The live focused prayer sets are
Branson Christian Academy will be entering its third year and is now accepting students (grades K-12) for the 2012-2013 school season. Call John:
(417) 353-7598
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There are two more phases of The Awakening ministry plan: to help meet The Great Commission and to spread the Good News. In Matthew 28:19-20 God calls His people to “go and make disciples of all the nations”. Phase II is to start up a Creative Arts Internship built and designed to train up young adults in their natural artistic gifts and to show them how to use them to honor God and further His kingdom. Phase III is The Awakening Branson Theatre, which will present the gospel message through music, the spoken word, dance, and all other types of visual arts. This presentation will be open to the public and allow people an opportunity to respond to God’s grace.
There is no doubt that God is moving in a big way throughout the whole world including Branson! God has something in store for this amazing community and The Awakening Team feels extremely honored to be a part of this great movement. All are welcome to come and check out what The Awakening is all about and how they are working to serve others. To learn more about this ministry you are invited to come and visit The Awakening Prayer Room, Coffee Shop & Café and to check out their website at
www.awakeningbranson.com
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Springfield Church of God (7th Day) A Happy Church! Pastor: Andy Hassen
Nik Wallenda A courageous walk with Jesus BRANSON FRONTLINE by Veeda Smith ik Wallenda, The King of The High Wire, was recently honored in a welcome back parade and ceremony at Silver Dollar City in Branson where he returned to perform during the 2012 season. Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley was on hand for the ceremony and Brad Thomas, General Manager of Silver Dollar City, who presented an award and stated, “You made us proud because every single step you made you talked to our Lord and held His name in reverence, for that we are so thankful.”
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This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate there in day and night, that thou may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8
1521 E. 24th Street N. Springfield, MO 65803
August 2012
A week without a Sabbath is perpetual bondage.
Sabbath School: 9:45 am Worship: 11:00 am Wednesday night: 6:30 pm
(417) 831-6721 Just as Joshua prepared to cross the Jordan into the Promise Land, Nik Wallenda honored God as he made his successful walk over Niagara Falls on June 15, 2012. For I have commanded you to be strong and of good courage; and be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9 Thousands gathered at the falls and millions watched on national television as the courageous thirty-three year old, Wallenda, made history as the first person to cross directly over Niagara Fall on a high wire. Making world-wide news, an estimated 13 million people watched Wallenda’s performance on the ABC Network as he praised Father God and Jesus the Son on a live microphone all the way across the wire between the USA and Canada. From the US side, he walked at a declining angle into the mist of the falls dripping wet to emerge on the
Canadian side praising Jesus Christ. “I gave my life to Christ when I was 4 years old. Without His grace I would never have had the tremendous opportunities that I have been so blessed with in life,” said Wallenda. Wallenda walked on a 2-inch wire in special elk skin sole shoes that his mother, Delilah made for him, suspended 20 stories high, above raging water, with gusts of 70MPH winds over the 7000 tons of water at Horse Falls, the largest of the three falls that make up Niagara Falls. The 1800-foot walk took Wallenda a little more than 25 minutes to complete.
between two hotels in Puerto Rico in 1978. Wallenda is planning another daring walk over the Grand Canyon in the future. “No date has been set yet! Hoping next Summer, but no specific decisions have been made,” said Wallenda. For more information, browse his website at
When asked what the most difficult part of the walk was, Wallenda replied, “Wearing the tether! I have never worn a tether before, so it made it extremely uncomfortable!” As a seventh generation member of the famous Flying Wallenda family, Nik has trained for many years to make this walk in honor of his great-grandfather Karl Wallenda. His great-grandfather died in a high wire walk crossing
www.nikwallenda.com "If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy, and if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity."
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August 2012
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www.OzarksChristianNews.com Spirit-filled Davidic style Praise and Worship Annoited Bible-based teaching Fellowship after each service Nursery & Children’s Shabbat School
HEARTLAND’S OWN HEART TO HEART WINS DOUBLE DUO OF THE YEAR AWARDS HEART TO HEART featuring Jerry and Sharon Mays, based in Branson, and with home roots in Malden, MO, has been honored within one month to receive two national, fan based awards: 2012 King Country AGAPE Duo of the Year and 2012 Country Gospel Music Association Central Duo of the Year. In November, 2011, they received the Country Gospel Connection 2011 Choice Awards Duo of the Year honor and in 2010 brought home Gospel Music Association/IMMERSE Nashville Duo, Vocal Group of the Year and Song of the Year.
August 2012
Meeting at Branson Hills Ministry Center 256 Church Road, Branson, MO 65616 417.334.7373, www.TheTabernacleinBranson.com Discover the Hebrew roots of your Christian faith!
Heart To Heart is a full-time, nationally touring singing/songwriting Gospel and Family music duo that has changed the pace of the industry with their upbeat, crowd-pleasing performances, unique harmonies and outstanding songwriting. Jerry stated “We are proud to be from Malden, MO and based in Branson where we sing at the Night Light and Treasure Lake Resort as well as Branson Radio Live. We are working hard to bring a strong and uplifting message with our music. It’s an amazing feeling when the industry and our fans encourage our journey with these awards. They are tools to open more doors for Heart To Heart to serve the Lord.”
the 82d Annual MO/Mid-South Gospel Singing Convention coming to Malden, MO, September 21 and 22 with over 25 groups participating, See:
Heart To Heart will also be hosting
www.celebratesunday.org
hearttoheartmusicgroup.com for more information. _______________ The Bryants will be featured at the next HOPE Sings at Hope of Sparta on August 19, 2012. The concert begins at 2:00pm. Hope of Sparta is located in Sparta at the corner of North and Scott St., one block north of Hwy 14. For information contact 417-551-2597. SueAnn O'Neal Clark Celebrate Sunday Ministries
Join us for weekly services: Erev Shabbat (Friday) 7:30 pm Shabbat (Saturday) 11 am • 417-334-7373
Ask the Rabbi... by Messianic Rabbi Jeremy Storch
If we are all grafted into the olive tree, that is, Israel, are we all considered to be Jewish? I certainly do believe that because Yeshua, Himself, is a very Jewish Messiah, and anyone who believes in Him has the spirit of a very Jewish Messiah living inside of them. Paul speaks to Gentiles in Ephesians 2:11, where he says, "Therefore, remember that you, who were once Gentiles in the flesh, were, without Messiah, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without G-d in the world. But now in the Messiah, Yeshua, you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Messiah. For He, Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation. Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household G-d." We need to remember that the root of that olive tree from Romans 11 is connected to the laws of Moses, the Torah, which is the foundation of the Bible. We know that Yeshua obeyed His Father's commandments in the Torah.
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So, spiritually speaking, as I see it, all believers in the Messiah are considered to be Jewish. Especially, if they are following in the footsteps of a very Jewish Messiah, who also said, "I have not come to abolish the Torah nor the prophets. I have come to fulfill them." Physically speaking, to say you are Jewish when you have no Jewish ancestry in you whatsoever might be stretching it. But spiritually speaking, as believers in Yeshua, we have all had the blood of Yeshua applied to the doorposts of our hearts. Through faith in Messiah, the Seed of Abraham, (Galatians 3:29) we are all sons and daughters of Abraham. ----------Rabbi Jeremy Storch is the Rabbi, Cantor and Worship leader of The Tabernacle, Branson, Missouri’s Messianic Jewish congregation. Visit:
TheTabernacleInBranson.com
August 2012
Knowing When It’s Time to Surrender the Vision by JENNIFER LECLAIRE surrender … I found myself saying those words while talking with the Holy Spirit about my frustrations.
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Whether you are in ministry, in the marketplace or tackling the allimportant task of raising a family—or perhaps, like me, doing all three at the same time—you will no doubt come to a point in your walk with God that you feel like giving up. Paul wouldn’t have admonished us not to grow weary in well doing if he hadn’t witnessed people losing heart at times along the journey (Gal. 6:9). But I’m here to tell you that the answer is not to quit and give up. The answer is to surrender. And there’s a vast difference between the two. As much as I want to sometimes, I’ll never admit defeat in the midst of doing something God has called me to do. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13). And, of course, we know that God always leads us in triumph in Christ (2 Cor. 2:14). I could rattle off a few other Scriptures to drive home the point, but you get the idea. No, as much as I want to quit sometimes, I’ll never admit defeat in the midst of doing something God has called me to do. But I have learned that there is a time to surrender the vision.
www.OzarksChristianNews.com Miriam-Webster defines the word surrender as “to yield to the power, control or possession of another upon compulsion or demand,” and “to give up completely or agree to forego especially in favor of another.” Absolute Surrender Yes, there is a time to surrender the vision. And that time is not after you’ve done everything in your fleshly power to bring it to pass. That time is not when you get so frustrated you feel like giving up. That time is not after people and circumstances have worked against the very thing God called you to do. No, the time to surrender the vision is immediately after God gives it to you. What am I saying? If God didn’t give you the vision, there’s no use in trying to labor for it anyway. Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” In other words, “’Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts” (Zech. 4:6). See, it’s not really your vision. It’s God’s vision (if it’s not, He has no obligation to empower you to bring it to pass). God has chosen you to be His hands and feet on the earth. But apart from Him you can do nothing. The faster we learn that truth and surrender to His will—obeying His way of executing the plan and yielding to His
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grace flowing through us to get the job done—the faster we’ll see the vision become a reality. We have to remember that it’s not about us. It’s about Him. “Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests] and take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying, also]’” (Matt. 16:24 AMP). Denying Your Rights Deny your “right” to do things the way you think they should be done and surrender to His ways. Deny your interests in the project and surrender to His interests. Deny your feelings of frustration and surrender to His grace. When we follow Christ, we walk in peace, love, joy, righteousness and the like. When we follow our own will and our own way—even when our will and ways are eager to serve God’s vision—we just plain wear ourselves out. I know the harvest is plenty and the laborers are few. But your crew—however small it is—is a mighty force when you surrender to God. Don’t worry about who walks away from the vision, who betrays the vision or who is too scared to execute the vision. Just surrender the vision to God and He will bring you the resources you need for the victory. I’m reminded of Gideon. God gave him a vision to deliver Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Gideon was surrendered to God to the point that the Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon with Himself and took possession of him
(Judges 6:34). But not all of his brethren were as sold out to the vision of deliverance. Gideon started out with 22,000 men in his army and ended up with just 300 after obeying God’s instructions. With 300 men, it seemed like an impossible task to defeat the Midianites. Surely, Gideon would not have chosen to execute God’s vision for Israel’s deliverance this way. Gideon could have gotten frustrated to see 12,000 men turn back in fear and trembling. He could have been disappointed that another 9,700 were not ultimately called to battle. He could have decided not to enter the war seemingly so ill-equipped. Gideon’s men were faint yet pursuing the enemy as they crossed over the Jordan (Judges 8:4). No one would even give them bread to eat. Gideon had every natural reason to quit and give up. Instead, Gideon surrendered the vision to the God of the vision. And God’s vision became a reality: The Israelites conquered the Midianites so that they lifted up their heads no more. And the land had peace and rest for 40 years in the days of Gideon (Judges 8:28). If you want peace and rest, even in the midst of the battle that rages as you colabor with Christ to bring God’s vision to pass, don’t surrender to the enemy by quitting—surrender to God and watch Him bring it to pass. Amen.
Jennifer LeClaire is news editor at Charisma. She is also the author of several books, including Did the Spirit of God Say That?. You can e-mail Jennifer at jennifer.leclaire@charismamedia.com"
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A Critical Point in Time for CAM Food Pantries Over the past 25 years, Christian Action Ministries (CAM) has helped to fight hunger in Taney County. Currently CAM operates food pantries in both Branson and Forsyth, as well as a monthly mobile outreach to eastern Taney County and an average of five major food drops per year. For several years now, the need has continued to escalate to the point that CAM is now assisting an average of over 1,000 families per month. Those seeking help are provided a four-day supply of nutritionally balanced food for each member of the family. Food drops, sponsored by various grants, enable families to gather a significant supply of food from a semi-truck load distributed at the First Baptist Church parking lot in Forsyth. According to CAM Board Chairman Jack Burke, “We have been blessed with an extremely supportive community that has enabled us to continually meet the needs and actually expand our services. However we are approaching a critical point in time with the Farm Bill of 2012 that is now being debated in Congress. Our Mission "To inspire people to experience wellness and to create wealth for their life purposes" <><
As it stands, the bill would cut approximately $16 billion dollars from the SNAP Program (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program formerly known as food stamps). Since the majority of the people we help are on the SNAP program, these cutback will put additional strains on our supplies. Estimates vary, but experts predict that 1.8 to 3 million people will be cut from the SNAP program under the cutbacks in this bill.” Burke went on to explain that there have also been recent cutbacks in the monthly shipments of federal commodities, “Normally we receive 6 to 7 commodity items per monthly shipment. This month it was reduced to only two items and it appears that this shortfall will continue for a while.” When shortfalls hit the CAM inventory, CAM then proceeds to purchase subsidized food through the regional Ozark Food Harvest bank and/or supplement their stock with wholesale purchases from local food markets. The food bank is the first choice because CAM is able to
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purchase food for 12 to 18 cents per pound. The alternative of purchasing from retail food stores is considerably more expensive. That’s where the problem is further compounded according to Burke, “Thanks to generous grants and specific fundraisers, we have substantial credits on hand to buy food from the Ozark Food Harvest. However, they have been hit by reductions as well and their current selection is very limited. That means we have to use cash on hand to buy direct from food stores. Local managers have been wonderful in keeping costs down for us, but it’s still 6 to 10 times more expensive than using the food bank.” These economic hurdles increase the importance of CAM’s upcoming annual fundraiser, the 4th Annual Gospel SingOff to be held on September 2nd at Sight & Sound Theatres. As Burke explained, “We still need more businesses and organizations to sign up as sponsors for the event in return for advertising in the program. Currently Branson Tourism Center and SIX are key
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August 2012 sponsors for the event and we also have commitments from CenturyLink, L&J Plumbing, and the Titanic. But we definitely need more sponsors to help us raise the operational funds we need to continue serving the county. Then of course we need the community to come out in force and attend the event. My goal is to fill Sight & Sound, which means a little more than 2,000 ticket sales.” Sponsorship information and contestant entry information can be found at www.christianactionministries.org. Tickets can be purchased through Sight & Sound or Branson Tourism Center. Price is $12 for adults, $6 for children. Yours in Christ, Jack Burke, CAM Board Chairman If you would like to know more about Christian Action Ministries, organize a food drive, volunteer time, or make a financial contribution, visit
ChristianActionMinistries.org
August 2012
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The need for parental notification
al law on parental notification.
Charlie Butts - OneNewsNow.com
Only a federal parental notification law could have prevented an Indiana mother from violating that state's law. After taking her 21-year-old son's pregnant 15-year-old girlfriend to Illinois for an abortion, Kacy L. Heath, 43, of Owensville, Indiana, has been charged with delinquency of a minor and conspiracy to commit identity theft. The abortion was performed without the knowledge of the girl's guardians. Heath's son faces a sexual misconduct charge. Michael Fichter, who heads Indiana Right to Life, says this incident is just another example of the need for a feder-
"We're just shocked that this type of thing would be happening, but it does show why we need strong parental involvement laws to be enforced -- and we are glad that law enforcement officials apparently have wasted little time in making sure that they are bringing about charges in this case," he tells OneNewsNow. Illinois has a parental notification law that has been tied up in courts for a decade and a half and never been enforced, which makes the state a mecca for crossing the state lines to get an abortion and avoid parental involvement laws in other states. "I think this puts emphasis on the federal government's need to step in and pass strong parental involvement laws that
will address this type of situation of minors going from one state to another state to have abortions," Fichter remarks. Efforts to move such legislation in Congress have not gained sufficient traction.
Missouri Alert: Vote YES on Constitutional Amendment 2 On Aug. 7, your state will have the opportunity to protect religious freedom by voting YES on Constitutional Amendment 2. The measure, known as the Missouri Freedom to Pray Amendment, has been designed to do one thing—preserve the religious freedoms of Missourians. There are many who point to the First
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Page 11 Amendment as sufficient protection for those with deeply-held religious beliefs, but as we've seen in recent years, that is not the case. Students in Missouri and across our nation are continually silenced—told, for example, they can't pray during graduation or at school. Through court order and command of local school boards, your students are being forced to participate in diversity and sexual education programs that don't align with your family's beliefs. While the impact on our nation's youth is extremely evident, the damage being done goes much further, impacting families as well. Thankfully, you have the opportunity to stop this erosion of your religious freedoms.
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P i erce A r ro w ’s G a ry K o re i b a Gary grew up in Port Huron, Michigan, the son of a Christian bookstore owner. “Singing was all I wanted to do. I fully intended to have a career in music.” And he certainly has done just that.
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www.OzarksChristianNews.com Drinker - Not Good Enough Messy Questioning God Imperfect - Ashamed Willing - Searching for Answers - Don't Know God - Alcoholic - Lonely Rich - Unhappy - Straight Gay - Judgmental - Drug Addict - And you'll be just like us!
Join us every Sunday at 10:30 am for FREE breakfast and "Church for people who don't like church, where no perfect people are allowed!" You don't have to dress up. Just come as you are. Everyone is welcome at Gateway regardless of what you think about church or God or religion. Gateway Branson Internet
WARNING: No Perfect People Allowed! Transportation is provided from the motels by calling: (417) 335-9915 More info call: (417) 335-0266 JOIN US for our August Events! August 12th: GO SERVE: Popsicle Posse 2:00 - 4:00 pm August 19th: LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR BBQ: Expressway Lodge 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Campus is a place where God meets people who are far from perfect. This church is for people who don't really like church. This is a safe place for skeptics and doubters to ask their questions. We know lots of people have been burned by church experiences in the past. We hope this is a place where everyone can sort out authentic faith in a very real God and begin to experience it themselves.
LIFE SUPPORT Discussion Group every Tuesday night at the JWH Living Room. There is a FREE HOT MEAL provided at 5:30 pm and group discussion from 6-7 pm. We began our Life Support discussion groups in two area weekly stay motels but now host them at the Jesus Was Homeless "Living Room".
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August 2012
not demand its own way. It is not “Remember when we does irritable, and it keeps no record of said that grief was the being wronged. It does not rejoice injustice but rejoices whenever strongest thing a person about the truth wins out. Love never gives up, could feel? Well, it isn’t. never loses faith, is always hopeful, endures through every circumIt’s forgiveness, because and stance. -1 Corinthians 13:4-7 a single act of forgiveness can change everything.” Does our idea of love – the love -The Tale of Despereaux
’m not even sure I took the time to examine that saying the first time I heard it. Like I’ve acknowledged many times before … I’m a "lover" - that is, I believe in Love. If love is the most important thing to feel, how can forgiveness be the strongest?
I
It is a Single Act That Changes Everything!
we hand out – look like that? If not, why? I think I’ve figured it out. Forgiveness has to be the strongest thing we feel, because without it, we would never be able to love our enemies. We would never be able to put away the past – past failures and regrets would chase us off the path that leads to our potential. Our love would never be able to look like the Love the Word of God describes. Forgiving … ourselves, others, and happenstance … is the only act we can perform that can, in a moment, send us spiraling into a life that begins and ends with embracing the infinite nature of Love.
We know with absolution that life inevitably wounds. We’ve been rejected. We’ve been torn down. We’ve been victimized by ignorance and arrogance. We’ve seen fresh, young life fade away. We’ve watched love’s clones be I believe in love, because I believe forged and slowly decompose. in a Divine Being that is Love. I Worse yet … believe in forgivebecause I We have victimized. We have ness, believe in a Love broken. We have destroyed. that forgave me. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It by Abigail Kraft Talented Stylist needed for a Christian owned Salon in a great location! Call Tim at: (417) 348-1958
Often the people most concerned about others going to hell when they die seem less concerned with the hells on earth right now, while the people most concerned with the hells on earth right now seem the least concerned about hell after death. ~Rob Bell Education Hour - 9:15 a.m.
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August 2012
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Using Stories to Develop Character
learn what's possible and hopefully some important lessons.
by Candice Z. Watters
Recently our son Harrison started being less than forthright about things. I reached for The Boy Who Cried Wolf to illustrate the importance of telling the truth.
t the end of a long, exhausting day A full of real-life troubles, bedtime rituals can offer comfort. Especially story time.
Yes, it was challenging to explain to a 4-year-old what happened to the little boy when the wolf really showed up and no one came to his rescue. But if Harrison can learn honesty by reading a story, even one that involves the demise of a naughty trickster, how much better than having to experience that pain firsthand.
A good story with strong characters and high morals can inspire both children and parents alike. Even the classics are beneficial, where lazy pigs get eaten, boys who cry "wolf!" are ignored and a foolish gingerbread man meets his doom. Such stories help children understand the importance of hard work, honesty and discernment; in short, the reality of consequences. Through books, children can
Some might argue that life's scary enough without reading fanciful tales of woe. I understand their concerns. I certainly don't want to introduce nightmares, filling my kids' heads with endless warnings of what bad things might happen. But I do want them to understand human nature and develop wisdom. And there are lots of books well suited to the task. Experts agree: Reading is one of the best things you can do for your children. And what you read matters.
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August 2012 Crossword Answers Page 26
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unnecessarily. • Draw blinds or drapes to block the sunlight during the hottest part of the day. • Install awnings over windows exposed to direct sunlight. • In the cooling season, don't run kitchen and bath exhaust fans longer than necessary. • Don't place lamps, TV sets or other heat-producing devices beneath a wall-mounted thermostat. Rising heat from that equipment may cause the air conditioning system to overcool your house.
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The Branson Area Christian Women’s Connection invites you to their August Luncheon Wednesday August 15, 2012 at 11:30 AM at the Grand Plaza Hotel, 9th floor. The address of the Grand Plaza is 245 N. Wildwood Drive, near Tanger Mall. All ladies are welcome to the luncheon. Door prizes are given each month. Guest Speaker: Jaclyn Rowe, Potosi, MO. The title of her talk is “The Greatest of these is Love”. With the heart of a teacher and the attitude of a servant, her goal is to be genuine as she engages her audience, gives them hope and encourages them to live above and beyond the norm. The buffet luncheon will cost $11.00, reservations are required by Monday, August 13th. Call Phyllis 417-335-5873 or Jan 417-334-7663.
August 2012
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You've probably seen the name of a popular fast-food restaurant, Chick-filA, in the news quite a bit recently—but unfortunately, it's not because of the quality of their food or service (which are both excellent). It's because Chick-fil-A's COO, Dan Cathy, was asked in a recent radio interview how he feels about same-sex marriage, and he gave an honest answer, based on his Christian faith and what the Bible says about homosexuality. Watch this week's CitizenLink Report, in which my colleague Stuart Shepard and I discuss this issue. Now, the Left is calling for a nationwide boycott of the chain. A-list actors have vowed never to eat there again, and Boston's mayor has said he'll do all he can to keep Chick-fil-A franchises from opening in his city. And the Jim Henson Company, which was working on a promotional campaign with Chickfil-A, ended the partnership last week, with CEO Lisa Henson ordering Chickfil-A's payment to be donated to a gayactivist organization instead. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee posted an invitation for people to show
support for Chick-fil-A on Aug. 1—one which was shared by nearly a million people in the course of 24 hours this week. Tuesday, Facebook® took the invitation down without explanation. Fortunately, it was restored later that night, with Facebook® telling CitizenLink it had made "an error."
in a country where people can agree to disagree over same-sex marriage and let the dominant viewpoint prevail at the polls. Instead, those who seek to radically redefine the family too often take a scorched-earth policy to everyone who holds biblical values, and seek to silence them in any way possible.
Chick-fil-A has always operated with biblical values. Franchises from coast to coast are closed on Sunday in order to observe the Sabbath and allow employees to attend church, if they wish. The company's charitable foundation has given $2 million to pro-family organizations, including Focus on the Family. That's made a lot of headlines, too, especially in the blogosphere.
Please join me in praying that God will restore a level of civil discourse to our nation—and thanking Him for courageous people who will stand up for their beliefs, no matter what the cost. I hope that each of us is able to display the kind of integrity the Cathy family has through this debate.
The point is, we no longer seem to live
For faith and family, Tom Minnery Senior Vice President, Government & Public Policy, Focus On The Family
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Continued from Front Cover... ...appear on a show and explain how God could have possibly allowed such a tragic accident.
mother Susan Smith pushed her two sons into a lake to drown, she said that as she did it, she went running after the car as it sped down the ramp screaming, “Oh God! Oh God, no! ... Why did you let this happen!”
“Could it have had something to do with a drunk driver going 90 miles an hour in a nar- Yancey raises the decisive question by asking, row tunnel?” he asked the producer. “How, “What exactly was the role exactly, was God God played in a boxer puminvolved?” God let us choose, meling his opponent, a and we did, and our teenager abandoning her From this, Yancey virtue, or a mother drowning reflected on the pervachoices have brought her children?” sive nature of the mind-
continual pain and heartache and destruction.
Such as when boxer Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini killed a Korean boxer in a match, the athlete said in a press conference, “Sometimes I wonder why God does the things he does.” In a letter to a Christian family therapist, a young woman told of dating a man and becoming pregnant. She wanted to know why God allowed that to happen to her. In her official confession, when South Carolina
God let us choose, and we did, and our choices have brought continual pain and heartache and destruction.
The recuperating victims, the families of the deceased, and all who were traumatized by that night in Aurora deserve our prayers and anything else we can offer to serve. But make no mistake. Holmes was, indeed, the Joker. And no gun law, much less God, has anything to do with his evil.
Sudoku Answers Page 26
set that our actions are actually an indictment of God.
August 2012 P i erce Arro w ’s Da n B ri tto n
Born on January 12, 1958 in Bloomfield, Indiana, he was raised on a farm, the same one his parents still call home, along with two sisters and three brothers. It was a musical family, frequently singing at local events and at church. After high school, Dan and his brothers began touring up north where they became the top draw in many casinos and show rooms.
August 2012
Randy White Overcomes Drug Addiction, Suicide Attempt by JENNIFER LECLAIRE
After the tragic death of his daughter, Randy White’s world spiraled down into the darkest place you could imagine. The co-founder of Without Walls International Church turned his back on God for not healing his daughter of a brain tumor, as well as other life crises. White became addicted to prescription drugs and eventually attempted suicide. From the bottom, White had nowhere else to look but heavenward. He sought professional help and finally pulled himself out of his spiritual depression by the grace of God. Now, White, who returned as
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bishop of Without Walls two weeks ago, is sharing his testimony in a book titled Only God Knows Why. White is also sharing his personal testimony of God’s restoration at the church’s 21 Year Anniversary Homecoming Celebration service on July 15 at 10 a.m. “I am so thrilled to be back at Without Walls International Church. God has done wonderful work in my life. He is the God of restoration!” White said. “I believe in Without Walls, and I know that God's hand is upon this great church." Without Walls just received the “Best Church in Tampa” award for 2012 from Tampa radio station 95.7 The Beat. But White is not quite satisfied. He is working with staff to restore various programs the church built over the
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last 20 years, including the children's church, youth group, life and discipleship classes, and the homeless ministry. Last Sunday, for example, the church's homeless ministry bused in 80 people for service and a hot meal. Afterward, White handed each of them $20 out of his own pocket. “It has always been in my heart to take care of the poor and needy. Twenty dollars might not be a lot to many but a little job done is better than a big job talked about,” White says. “The true mission of any church should be to take care of the indigent. I am back to lead Without Walls to the basics of what made this church so great and I challenge every church in Tampa to do the same. I've said this before: if you see a man standing in the rain, give him an umbrella."
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CROSS TALK Views from both sides of the fence
www.Twitter.com/OCNEditor Christian - One who professes belief in Jesus as Christ or follows the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus. “R” rated – Any movie rated “R” because of hard language, intense or persistent violence, sexually-oriented nudity, drug abuse or other elements. Movie – Motion picture There are several strong values that support Christians refraining from “R” rated content, but the three I’ve chosen to focus on are Pure Minds, Honor, and Example. Even when something doesn’t affect us on the outside right away, it is important to keep our minds Pure. Honor is about keeping our minds and our hearts strongly immersed in God’s word and doing what he would want us to. And as Christians, it is important to set a good Example for the world. By watching “R” rated content, we can cause other to stumble or doubt that Christ really makes us different.
Christians Should Not View "R" Rated Movies BY KENDRA LOGAN
Since movies were not around during Biblical times, it is difficult to be decisive about this subject. Instead of relying directly on the Bible, we must rely on the messages given to us. One thing is for certain: God does not look at things the way Man does. When deciding whether or not to view “R” rated movies, one must try to see things from a holy perspective.
Is the judge ready? Is the timer ready? Christians should be in the world but not “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8. This is only one example of the Bible being very clear on what to put into our minds. The Bible does not put qualifications on this, it very simply states to keep yourself pure by dwelling only on what will be beneficial to you. Before continuing, I would like to define some terms.
of it. They should be living, breathing, tangible reminders of what Christ did and how he changes lives today. When the world looks at Christians, what does it typically see? Hypocrites. It is extremely important that we work to change this view on Christians. By viewing “R” rated movies, especially in the theater, we are only bringing our faith down. It is important to show the world that Christians are different.
August 2012
what we take it. If we fill our hearts and minds with “R” rated content, whether we think so or not, it will eventually affect how we think, how we act, and therefore who we are. Who we are needs to set a good example to the world.
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August 2012
God and R-rated movies.
Another important thing to consider is the purity of our minds. Everything we put into our minds affects us, whether it is immediately apparent or not. As Renae Richardson points out, “A person is not deemed to be sick of a disease until it is confirmed by outward symptoms or diagnosed by a physician. However, a person is often internally sick before they even manifest the first signs. All diseases begin with one germ that multiplies. All germs have an origin. They don't just manifest.” This means that even though “R” rated content may seem not to affect us, it actually is. Everything we view has an effect on us, good or bad, whether we realize it or not. Change starts on the inside; we ourselves might not even realize it until very late in the game. The bottom line is honor. Honor God, honor yourself, honor your family, honor your morals. Honor is not about doing what is easy, what is convenient, or what makes sense at the time. Honor is about setting values for yourself and following them even when it is not as appealing. It’s all too easy to make good decisions when you are calm, but when put in different circumstances, our minds are not always clear. It is better to make a conscious decision NOT to watch “R” rated movies than to leave yourself open to temptation and decision in a difficult situation. In conclusion, Christians should not view “R” rated movies because it compromises their honor, affects the mind whether they realize it or not, and sets bad examples for non-Christians.
Who we are is defined by how we act. How we act is defined by what we think. What we think is directly influenced by
August 2012
Consider What the Ratings System Actually Means by Colin Liddle n the Bible, it is clear that God has a certain lifestyle He planned for us. We are meant to be good people, to have strong morals and to keep the mind abundant with God’s word. However, the opposition to God’s word is ubiquitous. Advertisers and marketers want us to deny ourselves for their product, which is what many people do. They deny themselves for a product or lifestyle they think will make them better or better liked. In fact, everybody does this at some point in his or her life and it’s a sorry replacement for the acceptance of God. Denying oneself for God makes one begin to see how silly all the things in our lives are and how at the moment we buy something that we’ve wanted for sometime, our minds are so fickle and earthly that they immediately move to the next thing on the list. Worldly validation will never last; God’s validation is everlasting.
I
There is something else that people use for validation, it is better intentioned and executed with God in mind, but it is still a petty substitution for a Godly ideology. It is an attempt to measure God by worldly customs. A good example is a church that nigh enforces its members to
wear a suit and tie or a nice dress when they come to church. One has to wonder why exactly something like this would matter. An argument that could be made is the very one that is being made in this article except in a different context. A person may be worried that the inclusion of casual wear such as t-shirts and jeans may lend to a person’s mind a worldly demeanor. However, if somebody comes into church with his or her mind focused on the world and not on God, which many people do, it isn’t going to matter if somebody is wearing a Volcom shirt or a suit coat. When you think about it, the need for a suit and tie seems really silly. Jesus didn’t a wear suit and tie, they didn’t even exist back then, a collar is just a thick topper to your shirt and a tie is just a piece of cloth that dangles from your neck. This is supposed to please God how? Now, this isn’t to say that a suit and tie is a bad thing, but it is a pedantic notion to have it be required apparel. God invites His people to come as they are to Him, why should church be any different? Another strong measurement by earthly means is the speaking out against R-Rated movies. Many Christians simply say RRated movies should be avoided at all costs with no exceptions. This is the mother of all short strung measurements to an endless thread of string. Anybody who says that R-Rated movies should be avoided at all costs for one’s spiritual integrity needs to be educated on how the ratings system works. First, it is a monopoly of censorship in which all movies in hopes of being distributed to theaters nationwide (almost all theaters won’t
www.Twitter.com/OCNEditor show movies that don’t have an MPAA rating) must go through. Second, the people who fund the ratings board are the big movie studios themselves, so there is a strong bias in situations like a movie that will make more money with a PG-13 rating than an R. Have you ever found yourself watching a PG-13 and saying to yourself “Wow, this should be rated R,” or found yourself watching an R-rated movie and thought: “Wow, this should be PG-13.” Well, there’s origin to your suspicions. For example, the first Transformers movie was slapped with an R, but the rating was changed to a PG-13 after a simple call from Steven Spielberg asking them to change it. Another example involves a Utah-based film called Saints and Soldiers, a WW2 movie made on a meager budget; therefore it was independent and without a large studio backing it. The filmmakers made the movie based on PG13 war movies like Behind Enemy Lines, in fact they even made it a point to make it less violent just in case, but they were slapped with an R-rating regardless. They had to undergo editing in order to secure the PG-13 rating whereas if a studio supported them, it would have been rated PG13 with no questions asked because the MPAA would have had money banking on the project. Does that seem like a reliable tool to relate with your spiritual integrity?
about and make a decision based on that. It all matters on the intention of a movie. A PG movie can be much worse than an R movie if its intention is to tell a story with sinister ulterior motives. Movies with strong spiritual substance can be very realistic which causes them to be rated R, but a PG-13 movie about some dude who goes crazy and kills a bunch of people (without showing the ramifications and bloody outcome) is much more damaging. We need to stop trying to put a worldly
Thirdly, there aren’t any rules to what makes a rating. None. It’s just a few people, whom do not undergo any training, that screen the film to decide the rating. Fourthly, slapping a movie with an RRating entails that Into The Wild is at the same level of questionable material as Superbad, or Schindler’s List to American Pie. The same stigmatized word (RESTRICTED) labeled to completely different stories with entirely different premises and content. The idea that one’s spiritual resonation is going to be in adherence with an extremely flawed and inconsistent rating system is ludicrous. People need to look at the content of the movie itself, look at what it’s
• Let Us Serve Those Who Live to Serve • Let Us Serve Those Who Live to Serve • Let Us Serve Those Who Live to Serve • August 2012
Page 19 label on God’s gospel. It simply will not work and will be fluid and interchangeable as the times pass. Always turn to the Bible, you won’t see anything about suit coats and ties or instructions to listen to a small group of people’s decision when it comes to deciding what movie to see on a Saturday night. If you enjoyed this article please subscribe! www.Examiner.com -CSL
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YAK BAK Y Feed Back from our readers
As a fellow journalist and Christian, thank you for standing for truth; and for delivering this word of correction to the Body of Christ. I completely agree. (this was feedback of an email I sent out that can be seen on page 22-ed)
www.OzarksChristianNews.com "I think people would be interested in knowing that Chuck Pennel serves on the board of CAM (Christian Action Ministries), Church Army, and Homes for Hope. This is a good demonstration of where his spiritual heart is." Sue Andersen, Branson, MO ___________________ Branson Cafe Twitter I love the Branson Cafe... especially the great selection of homemade deserts!
Sandee Rice, Point Lookout, MO ______________________________
I love all the quotable quotes you pepper through the Ozarks Christian News. They are some of the best I have seen! Thomas, M., Springfield, MO _______________________________
My family recently went to The Price Is Right Game show at the Welk Resort and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Being big fans of the TV show it was exciting to be in the audience and feel the energy and excitement of the audience. This is a great addition to the Branson line up for great family entertainment. I would recommend it to anyone! Evangelina DelRosario, Branson, MO
@DaveFoodGuru ____________________ Thanks for running the Dave Ramsey column each month. His advice brought me back from near bankruptcy. Your publication has a treasure trove of great advice for Christian Living. Keep up the great work. My donation is on the way! Larry Coleman, Crane, MO ____________________ Send your letters to the editor to:
August 2012 Twitter the Ozarks Christ ian News!
The OCN's purpose is to create discussions and awareness. Share us with your friends and family - discuss, discuss, discuss. You know what? Discuss with us! We would love to hear from you. Did a particular article bless you, Did something make you angry? Write us, email us, call us! Now you can Twitter us! There is always an open invitation. We get blessed by it, and we put it right back into the paper. So continue to enjoy, and thank you for the support! This month’s Twitter location is Greatest Adventures Minature Golf. Twitter us your thoughts about this attraction! @OCNEditor
P i erce Arro w’s K i m B o y ce Family has always been a special part of Kim’s life. She grew up in Florida and sang together with her younger sister, Tina, and her mother, Gail. After graduating as salutatorian of her high school class, Kim pursued a broadcasting degree at the University of South Florida. During college her inner beauty and talent, accompanied by her outer beauty and grace, led her to becoming Miss Florida, and placement in the top ten semi-finalists at the 1984 Miss America Pageant.
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August 2012
A Minute with a Man He is the author of “The Myth of Separation of Church and State.” and “The Trial of Christ: A 21st Century Lawyer Springfield, MO Defends Jesus.” Attorney Dee Wampler
www.OzarksChristianNews.com
WHAT OUR FOUNDING FATHERS REALLY SAID
“Sensible of the importance of Christian piety and virtue to the order and happiness of a state, I cannot but earnestly commend to you every measure for their support and encouragement. The very existence of the republics...depend much upon the public institutions of religion.” Now you know what our founding fathers really said...
If y Foun ou like has 50 years trial experience ding as a Greene County prosecutor Chec Fathers and defense attorney. Dee’s k out new b ook! For believers in America, it is not a question of winning or losing but rather one of faithfulness. It is nothing less than sinful for a Christian who lives in America to be ill informed of the by Dee Wampler great issues of our day and uninvolved in providThe Bible teaches, "He who walks with the wise ing solutions to the moral challenges we face. people will grow wise himself. But a companion America's is in trouble morally and spiritually, of foolish people shall suffer harm." (Proverbs but this is not the time to retreat. Rather, Christians must stand up, speak up, and refuse to 13:20) Foolish people have foolish talk, foolish give up. You cannot correct error with silence. ideas, foolish actions, foolish habits, and have With God all things are possible. God honors those who honor him and you foolish associations. Once never lose until you quit. you meet a fool, look out! In this day and age, Because foolish people it is not enough to even pray usually know people more for big things. You have to foolish than themselves. position yourself for the big Good fools are disciple by things but maybe you have better fools. And there are positioned yourself around different levels of fools. the wrong people. If you are Some have their Bachelor's one who spends time with Degree in it. Some have foolish people, your life will their Master's Degree and begin to unravel. some have a Doctor's The world is in greater chaos than ever before. Degree in "Foolology." The stock market is nervous over a fragile situaAnd above all - don't be a fool. tion in the global economy. The Middle East Today there is more fear, insecurity, fa moves towards destabilization as has to defend o uncertainty, and distrust of our ay t in itself against a nuclear Iran. In America, w American government than at he righ yes, T s " l i n e an debt has reached historic proportions and any other time in our history. foo s ow ise m ens disaccorded division abounds as radical We have divorced God from the sweeping changes are being thrust hi a w list public square; we have evicted o t ." the owner of the house. If we reject bu e wh nsel :15 upon our society. Jesus gave a list of signs to watch for in regards to his him then it is guaranteed that he will is h cou s 12 o erb t return. He said there would be wars, be replaced by something else. We're ov earthquakes, famines, false prophets, persecur watching murders multiplying in the P tion of Christians, and rampant sin. We must workplace, in schools, and other public places - a frightening and sobering spectacle. I stand firmly against the strategies of our enemy. don't have all the answers except to say, we have Springfield MO Attorney Dee Wampler to place our trust in Christ and then all of the has 50 years trial experience as a Greene things that are happening in the world today are County prosecutor and defense attorney. See Above: A Minute with a Man just small potatoes.
How to Fool Proof Your Life
Page 21
~John Hancock, original signer of the Declaration of Independence
Book Review: Standing on the Front Line by Dee Wampler “Standing on the Front Line” is a compilation of Radio Programs by Dee Wampler on Bott Radio Network (2008-2012). Listen to Dee’s mini series: http://www.hiswaveradio.com Dear Friend, For the last four years I have hosted a one-minute radio program on Christian radio KSCV-FM entitled, “Standing on the Front Line.” As you can read from “Standing on the Front Line”, I believe that America’s past history is being erased and changed by diversity and tolerance experts. If we do not remember our history, particularly our Christian heritage and the speeches and letters of our beloved founding fathers, then eventually in the generations to come, our young people will be cheated out of an honest look at American history, sacrificed on the altar of political correctness. Warning -- some of the enclosed pages are politically
incorrect! Best wishes to you in teaching your childre and grandchildren about America’s history and the thoughts and beliefs of our founding fathers. I pray that the booklet will assist you in that regard. Sincerely yours, Dee Wampler
Get your own copy at CPO (see page 27):
www.cpobooks.com
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We Did Build This OCN Newsdesk
Last month, Missouri small business leaders from all across the ‘Show Me’ state stood up to President Obama’s recent insulting comments with a simple and clear message: “we did build this.” Despite what the president may think, Americans DO build businesses on their own. They deserve a president who believes that as well – and who’s not too busy to find ways to promote that. Here is what they had to say: “When small businesses disappear in this country - there gone forever - they are irreplaceable. For the president to stand up and demean small business owners it is even more insulting for the employees, the employees that have been with us for 20 years. It is there blood, sweat, and tears that have also been slapped by these comments. The government does not understand, there is no one there to offer small business anything, there is no such thing as a debt ceiling increase when the funds aren’t there, there is no such thing for going to the bank and begging for a little more. When you lose it, you lose everything you have. You lose your home, you lose part of your life, and you lose part of your heritage.” -Dave McArthur, McArthur’s Bakery est. 1956 in Chesterfield, MO “When I heard the president’s remarks, my first reaction - I wasn’t angry, I was disappointed, and I was very disillusioned. Everything we had worked for… for 35 years didn’t mean a thing because now the government was the one who was responsible. When we hand dug our foundation, I don’t remember a government guy working the shovel. He may had been in the background, but if he was, he was sitting
www.OzarksChristianNews.com down somewhere. I don’t remember the government guy holding my hand when I couldn’t sleep at night because I didn’t know how I was going to make the next payroll or I didn’t know how I was going to pay the next bill at the end of the month. Government builds roads and structures but we pay taxes and taxes pay for that. Government doesn’t help you build your own small business.” -Bob Jones, J&W Cycles est. 1978 in Washington Missouri “I came to Missouri 25 years ago with a dream: to own a network of Peterbilt Truck and John Deere equipment dealerships. I don’t know, if I didn’t build it, who laid awake at night to fill the payrolls. And if I didn’t build it, who laid awake and did the business plans and met with the banks and accounting firms to make a business go. The comments of this president—call it out of touch, call it out of base—but I find that offensive w h e n Americans that run small businesses get up early every morning, brush the dust of our shoes, go to work, and employ. We started out with one facility; we now have over 18 across several states. I’m proud of our employees, I’m proud of my faith in God, and I’m proud of the United States of America. And I believe that Governor Romney is the exact choice that we need for this country and for American business.”
August 2012
Please Be Careful by John Sacoulas, editor OCN
My plea to you is first as a Christian, and then second as a member of the press. Please reconsider forwarding a certain email that purports that President Obama is a flag burning Muslim. This email transmission is a hoax. These events never happened. There is no Dale Lindsborg that ever was employed by the Washington post. I am not an Obama fan but I do not need to fabricate or pass along lies to discredit him. He can do that without fabrication. (See the article to the left of this for instance)
she politely asked me to stop that urban legend. A local pastor was actually angry with me when I first reported this truth because he said, "Why would you want to crush people's hope? What is the harm if they believe it?"
I am not an Obama fan but I do not need to fabricate or pass along lies to discredit him.
Is it because we humans hate some folks so much we are glad to savor any negative morsel we
can pass on?
If you are a Christian, you are bearing false witness (For you non-Christians that means lying). This is just like the Corrie Ten Boom myth that will not go away concerning her prophecy over Branson. I personally spoke with the nurse that was with her in her latter part of life and
Let's be righteous about this matter. People of concern can publicly express their disdain for President Obama without making things up. (It makes us look like wing nuts. If we are a Christ follower, we do a disservice to the Gospel by participating in these falsehoods. btw, This is easily debunked with about 2 minutes of internet research. Many more than SNOPES.com has vetted this as false.
D.L. Moody said: “I believe Satan to exist for two reasons: first, the Bible says so; and second, I’ve done business with him.”
-Glenn Larson, Larson Group est. 1987 in Springfield, Missouri
submitted by Tom Brandt Missouri Victory Communications Director, Republican National Committee (202) 309-0721 @thetombrandt
Barbara Fairchild appearing in the Golden Corral Showroom starting in April
3551 Shepherd of the Hills • Branson
August 2012 A Miracle Inside the Aurora Shooting: One Victim’s Story by Brad Strait t Columbine, I have seen this before. But not up close. As a church pastor in Denver, I have worked as a chaplain alongside several police and fire departments. I was privileged to counsel parents just hours after the Littleton Columbine shootings. However, in this new tragedy at the Aurora Theater Dark Night shooting, one of the victims was a 22-year-old woman from my church, Petra Anderson (pronounced Pay-tra). Petra went to the movies with two young friends who are biking across America. You and I have been inundated with news about what happened next. A joyful movie turned into bloody, unbelievable chaos. Petra was hit four times with a shotgun blast, three shots into her arm and one bullet which entered her brain. This a bit of Petra’s miracle story. With awesome people from our caring and pastoral team, I spent all day Friday in the ICU with Petra and her family. Her injuries were severe, and her condition was critical. A bullet had entered Petra’s face through her nose, and then traveled up through her brain until stopping at the back of her skull. The doctors prior to surgery were concerned, because so much of the brain had been traversed by the bullet. Many areas of brain function were involved. They were hoping to keep her alive long enough to get her into surgery. The prognosis was uncertain—if she lived, Petra might struggle with speech, movement, and thinking due to considerable brain damage. With Kim, Petra’s mother (who is in the final stages of terminal cancer), we simply cried, hugged, and prayed. Other families come and go into the ICU waiting room. Some sit with us, and we talk. Others are visited by doctors with “Family Advocates” in tow. The families listen, sob, and then are moved like stunned cattle to a more private space to grieve. We pray. Petra is finally taken into surgery, using two different surgical
A
www.OzarksChristianNews.com teams. One team of neurosurgeons Petra’s case, the shotgun buck shot, will open up the back of her skull to maybe even the size used for deer remove the bullet and clean up brain hunting, enters her brain from the damage as best they can. Another exact point of this channel. The bullet ENT-specialty surgical team will then is channeled from Petra’s nose work through Petra’s nose by scope through her brain. It turns slightly, to follow the bullet’s path up into her and comes to rest at the rear of her brain. Their hope is to remove bone brain. And in the process, the bullet fragments, clean up damaged brain misses all the vital areas of the brain. tissue, and reseal her brain to reduce In many ways, it almost misses the infection. brain itself, doing very little After the damage. Not exactly, but like a waiting giant BB though a straw created drags for in Petra’s brain before she was over five born, it follows the perfect hours, tired route. The bullet moves in the doctors and least harmful way. A millimeter nurses spill in any direction and the the back into the brain is destroyed. Evil wins a room, one or round. two at a As he shares, the doctor seems time. I look taken aback. It is an odd thing Shooting Victim for “Family to have a surgeon show a bit of Petra Anderson Advocates” wonder. “It couldn’t have gone but can find better. If it were my daughter,” none. I exhale. The doctors update us: he says quietly, glancing around to “It went well, and she’s recovering see if any of his colleagues might be now. We found very little damage to watching him, “I’d be ecstatic. I’d be the brain, and got the bullet out clean- dancing a jig.” He smiles. I can’t ly. It went better than we hoped for.” keep my smile back, or the tears of Each brings a warrior’s smile, and a joy. In Christianity we call it prevenbit of information—information that ient grace: God working ahead of we turn into hope as we regurgitate it time for a particular event in the over the next hours. Still, the medical future. It’s just like the God I follow team remains professional and to plan the route of a bullet through a reserved, “Something might still go brain long before Batman ever rises. wrong. We just need to wait and see if Twenty-two years before. she makes it for the next 48 hours.” While we’re talking, Petra awakes. Petra is moved back to ICU. She She opens her eyes, and sits up, looks, surprisingly, wonderful. With a “Mom.” The doctor talks to her, and small hole in her nose, and her arm she talks back. He asks questions, and wrapped, she almost looks uninjured. Petra has the right answers. “Where She is medicated and sleeping when I do you hurt, Petra?” “All over.” come to visit her on Saturday. I sit, Amazed, but professional, he smiles talk, and pray quietly with Kim amid and leaves the set shaking his head. I the darkened room, lit by glowing am so thankful for this man. medical screens and power switches. “I’m thirsty,” she proclaims. It seems as if the bullet traveled “You want an ice cube, honey?” Kim through Petra’s brain without hitting replies. “Please.” Wow. She lays any significant brain areas. The doc- down, back to sleep, a living miracle tor explains that Petra’s brain has a who doesn’t even know it yet. . small “fluid pocket” in it. In our non- “Thank you, Jesus,” I whisper. medical minds, it is a tiny route of fluid running through her skull, like a Complete unedited story and Petra’s tiny vein through marble, winding recovery update at: from front to rear. Only a CAT scan http://bstrait.wordpress.com would catch it, and Petra would have Kim and Petra need our help. For never noticed it. It seems many peo- more on the Andersons, or to help ple have these places in their brains, with their medical costs, please visit: in random places. But what is significant is that in www.indiegogo.com/readytobelieve
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August 2012
August 2012
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Movie Reviews in a nutshell...
Dark Knight It has been eight years since Batman vanished into the night, turning, in that instant, from hero to fugitive. Assuming the blame for the death of D.A. Harvey Dent, the Dark Knight sacrificed everything for what he and Commissioner Gordon both hoped was the greater good. For a time the lie worked, as criminal activity in Gotham City was crushed under the weight of the anticrime Dent Act. But everything will change with the arrival of a cunning cat burglar with a mysterious agenda. Far more dangerous, however, is the emergence of Bane, a masked terrorist whose ruthless plans for Gotham drive Bruce out of his self-imposed exile. But even if he dons the cape and cowl again, Batman may be no match for Bane. PG-13, 2 hr. 45 min. Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense Directed By: Christopher Nolan
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Did you know America has Answers to Crossword Puzzle on Page 14
Across 1. Manufactured 5. Fairy 8. Prickle 13. Wild goat 14. Ellipse 15. Scoundrel 16. Chair 17. Currency of Mexico 18. Spooky 19. Flashing light 21. Moved through water 23. Finish 24. Boxing platform 26. Self 27. Type of balloon 29. Associated 34. Male offspring 35. Clip 37. Musical drama 38. Group of three 40. Legendary creature
43. Drawn tight 44. Worship 46. Small lake 48. Health spring 49. First book of the Old Testament 52. Talisman 54. Haul 55. Proceeds 56. Part of a circle 59. A single undivided whole 61. Detection device 65. Stringed instrument 67. Strikes lightly 69. Donate 70. Church officer 71. Hint 72. Woody plant 73. Poised for action 74. Female bird 75. Group of animals
Down
1. Failure to hit 2. Assist or encourage 3. Expensive 4. Obtain by intimidation 5. The night before 6. Young girl 7. Bloom 8. Vibrato 9. Garden tool 10. Fiend 11. Spoil 12. Requirement 14. Aperture 20. Prejudice 22. Historic period 25. Smile 27. Swarm 28. Vegetable 30. Appropriate
31. Annoy persistently 32. Flare up 33. Information 34. Male deer 36. Soda 39. Metal-bearing mineral 41. Castle fortification 42. All together 45. Wide part of a river, near the sea 47. Nobleman 50. Electrically charged
Answers to Sudoku Puzzle on Page 16
particle 51. Swop 53. Distance or duration 56. Affirm 57. Annoy 58. Finale 60. Story 62. Founder of a family 63. Concluded 64. Part of a woodwind instrument 66. Guided 68. Play on words
the most fatherless homes in the industrialized world? I don't think it's a coincidence that the U.S. is also ranked the most violent nation in the world. The implosion within our homes and communities has eroded the moral fabric of our country.
Divorce is ravaging our nation and moms are heading 95 percent of all single-parent homes in our communities. The ramifications are staggering for children raised in homes without their fathers. Consider the statistics: 71% of high school dropouts come from fatherless homes. 63% of all suicide victims come from fatherless homes. 80% of all rapists come from fatherless homes. 75% children living in poverty come from fatherless homes. 85% of youth in prison come from fatherless homes. by Paul Benjamin
August 2012
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Page 27 • Locally-Owned • Bruce and Kim Erdel
Serving the Ozarks since 1990 Get D Store Hours Monday – Saturday from 9AM to 7PM. Physical Address – 4145 South National Ave, Springfield ee new b Wampler Phone Number 417-891-2200 or Toll Free 1-888-835-0034 • Like Us on Facebook – CPO Discount Christian Store ’s Chec ook here! k out pg.21
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Inescapable by Nancy Mehl Page-Turning Romantic Suspense Set Against the Backdrop of a Small Mennonite Town Lizzie Engel is used to running away. At eighteen, she left her Mennonite hometown, her family, and her faith with plans never to return. Five years later, Lizzie finds she'll have to run again. False accusations at her job, a stalker, and a string of anonymous threatening letters have left her with no other options. This time, however, her escape is back to Kingdom, her hometown. As Lizzie becomes reacquainted with Kingdom, she realizes she may not have left her Mennonite roots and her faith as firmly in the past as she thought. She draws on the support of Noah Housler, an old friend, as she hides out and attempts to plan her next steps. When it becomes painfully clear that the danger has followed Lizzie to Kingdom, suspicions and tensions run high, and she no longer knows who to trust. With her life and the lives of those
she loves at risk, Lizzie will have to run one last time--to a Father whose love is inescapable.
Coming Home
by Kingsbury, Karen The Baxter Family is a novel about tremendous victory and unprecedented loss, a story of faith and a forever kind of love, love that will stay with you long after the last page. This standalone novel will serve as either a grand introduction or a beautiful coda in the saga of the Baxter family. The Baxters make plans to come together for a summer lakeside reunion, a celebration like they haven't had in years. But before the big day, tragedy strikes. As the Baxter family rallies together, memories come to light in the grief-stricken hours of waiting and praying, memories that bring healing and hope during a time when otherwise darkness might have the final word. In a season that changes all of them, the brilliance of family love overshadows even the valley of heartache as the Baxters draw closer to God and each other. Along the way, secrets are revealed and the truth about the Baxter family history is finally made known. Phoenix Health Care A New Beginning For Your Home Health Care Ultimately, in this portrait of family love, the Baxters 3033 S. Kansas Expy 417-881-7442 cling to each other and to www.PhoenixHomeHC.com God's promise of forever.
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Running for My Life: One Lost Boy's Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games by Lopez Lomong The inspiring true story of Lopez Lomong, a Sudanese "lost boy" who achieved his dream of becoming an American citizen and Olympic athlete. He was abducted. He was beaten. And he was nearly forced to become a boy solider in his war-torn homeland, Sudan. But he escaped in the night, ran three days, and was taken into a refugee camp in Kenya. He never owned a pair of shoes. He never owned a pen or paper and did schoolwork in the dust with his fingertips. His boyhood was the daily struggle
W E N
of an orphan, and each day he would run an eighteen-mile lap around the refugee camp just to play a game of soccer. In his wildest dreams, Lopez Lomong couldn't even conceive that Nike would one day be his official sponsor, that he would graduate from college, and that he would represent his new home and bear the American flag in the Summer Olympics. "Running for My Life" is Lopez Lomong's harrowing story of loss, overcoming, triumph, and redemption. A story that captures the best of humanity, it will arrest the hearts and inspire the hopes of readers everywhere.
E S A E L E R
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August 2012
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August 2012
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Page 29 Pierce Arrow’s Ti m St o r m s
If the Arabs layed down their arms today, there would be peace in the Middle East. If Israel layed down their arms today, there would be no more Israel.
o n E x p err t L ife E x tensio
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Born August 28, 1972 in Tulsa, Oklahoma and raised in Waterloo, Indiana, Tim developed an ear for vocal music at a young age. His musical influences include many a cappella and southern g o s p e l groups.
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“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” ~Psalm 139:14
Your Nervous System is your Master System and mis-alignments in your spine cause a wide array of health problems such as: • headaches • allergies • digestive problems • asthma • high blood pressure • heartburn • sciatica • fibromyalgia • sinus problems “Thanks be to God, who gives us VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 15:57
Find out how we can help YOU achieve VICTORY in YOUR life!
Here is a Real-L Life Testimony I had allergies, occasional headaches and soreness in my xiphoid process. I had been to the doctor for allergies and was taking OTC allergy medicine and also OTC medicine for occasional headaches. I also had been to the doctor's off ice for my xiphoid process and it was simply put off as a pulled muscle or just soreness from working. Since I've been under Dr. Bo's care I have noticed a change in my overall feeling of just "feeling good". My allergies didn't bother me at all this year except for the occasional sneeze. I can't remember the last time I had a headache and my xiphoid process doesn't bother me anymore. I attribute this to my body being in better alignment, thus healing itself and letting my body work better, or simply how it is supposed to. Thanks to Dr. Bo and his staff for making this a wonderful experience. -Brandon
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www.OzarksChristianNews.com needs to take.
Four Financial Mistakes Businesses Make and How to Avoid Them Ask any business owner, and they'll tell you. One of the best ways to gain knowledge and skills is by making big, fat, whopping mistakes. Lessons learned are what make us stronger, smarter and resilient. However, there are some goof-ups that do more than teach a lesson. They can kill a business. Luckily, every one of them can be avoided. As Dave teaches in EntreLeadership Master Series, there are several ways to bulletproof your business and find financial peace at the same time. Here are few of the preventative measures every business owner
1. Do the Accounting. At heart, we're all brave warriors who work long hours, fight the competition, and make any sacrifice to succeed. That is ... until it comes to accounting. Then, most of us would rather have a tooth drilled without Novocain. Unfortunately, it's about the biggest business mistake you can make. As the Bible says, "Be diligent to know the state of your flocks and attend to your herds." (Proverbs 27:23 NKJV) Dave, too, dislikes accounting. But he loves the control and awareness it gives him. "I don't care how much you hate diving into the numbers, business owners who don't stay on top of their accounting fail and close up shop." 2. Pay Your Taxes If there is anyone, and we mean anyone, you do not want to mess with, it's the
tax man. He will always get paid, even when you don't. You should have a monthly tax-savings account, where you can set aside 25% of your profits to pay your quarterly IRS estimates. Treat the money in that account as untouchable. The same holds true for payroll/sales taxes. Don't borrow from them to operate, because you'll never catch up. Add severe penalties and interest, and you can count yourself gone. 3. Avoid the Toys Once your company begins making a decent profit, it's easy to fall into the trap of needing the latest gadget or electronic gizmoâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all in the name of increased productivity, profit or client approval. The most successful businesses don't buy nicer things and toys without surplus funds. They never go into debt for them. "No deal was every made or lost based on the couch in the reception area," Dave says. "That is ego."
August 2012 4. Make Cash King Anyone who has listened to Dave for more than two seconds on the radio knows he is the number-one enemy of debt. But that's just for home, right? Actually, no. Dave believes that businesses can operate successfully without borrowing as well. His company, plus many others both big and small, runs every day without borrowing. Debt magnifies your mistakes, kills your cash, and puts your business' very survival at risk. It should be avoided at all costs. These steps are just a few of the many principles needed to successfully run a business. Make time to keep your financial house in order, and you will always reap the rewards.
For more financial help, please visit:
www.daveramsey.com
PhotograPhy Contest Come vote for your favorite photos and receive a chance to win a $25.00 gift certificate to Botanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mexican Restaurant anytime before August 25.
August 2012
When the Church's Enemy is the Church
www.OzarksChristianNews.com gates of the church will not prevail against." Or, "I will build my church, and the gates of the pastors will not pre-
ver feel like spiritual terrorists are ambushing your church? Jesus told us that the work of authentic ministry would be resisted. He said "I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it" (Matthew 16:18). The implication is that, although the gates of Hades will not ultimately prevail, they will always be trying to overcome Christ's church.
E
But the longer I'm in ministry, the more I'm beginning to think that "the gates of Hades" aren't our biggest problem. After all, Jesus said they would fail. To be honest, I see more kingdom resistance coming from within the church than from without. This wouldn't be the first time God's people resisted him. Stephen made it clear that Israel, God's Old Testament people, "always resisted the Holy Spirit" (Acts 7:50). God's chosen people we're actually obstacles to him. They were the gates against whom God had to prevail. The church can be the same thing, if we're not careful. I'm beginning to think that if Jesus was teaching today, he might say something like, "I will build my church, and the
midst. We need to be certain that we've not allowed Satan and hell to go on vacation by doing their job of resisting God for them. We need to look at every area of our churches to be sure they're designed to welcome God not resist him. Think of your leadership, worship, small groups, spiritual development, evangelism, and structure and ask yourself, "In this area of our church, are we in any way resisting God and doing Satan's work for him?"
E. Glenn Wagner
vail against it." Or, "I
will build my church, and the gates of the elders and deacons will not prevail against it."
Maybe we've been giving Satan and hell too much credit for resisting the work of the church. Maybe, just maybe, the gates that are currently prevailing are us! Through our refusal to change, adapt, live by faith, listen to and follow the voice of God, and risk all for the sake of Christ we could be God's greatest obstacles in building his church. Leaders, we need to be sure that we're not resisting the move of God in our
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We need to return again and again to the pattern laid out in James 4:7. We're to "Submit to God," and "resist the devil." Let's be sure we're not submitting to the devil and resisting God.
ing collection. E. Glenn Wagner is the founder and president of FutureLead (www.futurelead.org), an organization committed to equipping people to live and lead with purpose, passion and power. He's the author of numerous books including, God: An Honest Conversation for the Undecided (Waterbrook Press) and his latest book, Fire In Your Bones (Life Bridge). To schedule Glenn to speak or for more information, please contact info@futurelead.org.
By the way, I realize that when Stephen told Israel they were resisting God, they became, "furious and gnashed their teeth" (Acts 7:54). Then they proceeded to stone him. If I've evoked the Your Complete Sales & same feeling in Service Center you, please send your stones to the (417) 337-9782 editor, he'll add them to his growwww.BransonHotTubsAndPools.com
800 Highway 248, Suite 1-F North Park Plaza Branson, MO 65616
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“THREE COUPLES”
Michael Simone, Senior Pastor of Spring Branch Community Church says, “THREE COUPLES is one night of hope … especially for anyone who has been knocked down by life and thinks they can’t get back up.”
Is An Incredible Night of Hope Baseball superstar Darryl Strawberry and his wife Tracy, an inspiring speaker, take the stage as one of THREE COUPLES at The Mansion Theater on Saturday September 22nd.
Darryl & Tracy Strawberry
In what is billed as “A Life Changing Evening of Music, Inspiration & Comedy,” THREE COUPLES also features former ABC/Fox TV host Ross Shafer and his wife Leah, a talented singer who has led the praise team at the 100,000 member Saddleback Church in California.
The father of Schoolhouse Rock and author of the bestselling When God Winks books, Squire Rushnell, accompanies his wife, Louise DuArt, one of the world’s top comedic impressionists, round out the THREE COUPLES. Rushnell and DuArt are the authors of the break-through book, Couples Who Pray.
“Who has been knocked down more than Darryl Strawberry? Put Darryl’s powerful testimony together with the others …. the stories of six people, traveling sometimes dark and scary paths, all arriving at a place of peace and joy … mix-in a heavy dose of music, inspiration, and comedy, and you have a memorable evening of hope.”
August 2012 July 2012 Join Charlie and Keith on Good Morning Ozarks Wednesday, August 22 at 7:30 A.M. where John Sacoulas (editor, Ozarks Christian News) will be discussing the 3 Couples Seminar coming to the Mansion Theater in September. They will be talking to some of the presenters live!
Improving your life through medical, health and wellness services.
Showtime is 7pm—doors at 6pm. Tickets are $22.50 in advance-$27.50 at the door. For reservations call 417239-1333. For more information go to:
Ross & Leah Shafer
www.themansion theater.com
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Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you, The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Isaiah 58:8
Here to serve you in Southwest Missouri, call- A.T. Blann • (479) 619-9966
August 2012
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www.OzarksChristianNews.com Jesus Was Homeless .org
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Awesome day of serving! You should have seen the look on people's faces when we handed them a dollar after washing their car!...
$1.00 Car Wash 7-15-2012
We got to bless people. Here are some of the comments: • Crystal Lee Wolfe: LOVE IT!!! • Heather Rauschenberger: You guys do SO MUCH for so many! • Joy: You are all Awesome ! • Jodelle: Such a good day. Thanks you guys, for always making us step out of our comfort zone and have way more fun than anyone ever thought possible!
August 2012
August 2012
from the editor...
Hey, buddy, can you spare six bucks? ou may have noticed that The Ozarks Christian News is available for free in various locations such as theatres, restaurants, waiting rooms, trash cans, etc. If you have not noticed these free copies... fantastic! Hopefully it was purchased from one of our vending machines or you are a faithful subscriber and get it in your mailbox each month. For the more than 13,000 people that have chosen to get it free each month online, do not feel guilty. We know how you are. (Just kidding, we love you.)
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We make it available for free so new readers can find the OCN and discover they cannot live without it. Hopefully, they will want to purchase it in the future. Some of the vending machines are honor racks, and we encourage you to be generous with loose change from your pockets, purses and car ashtrays. We are now in our 8th year of printing the only Christian newspaper in the Ozarks. We have served the Christian community to the best of our ability trying to be fair and balanced to more than one position on the non-essential matters. Of course, it is the human religious nature to make twigs into trunks. You can imagine the difficult task we have to try to educate and spiritually mature
www.OzarksChristianNews.com
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the believer without creating a great for a mission or a project, He will offense in the process. If this paper provide the financial resources or took a left-wing, flaming liberal some other method to make it come to pass. The position or a Bible says stinking rightwing, conserva- ...or you could just send us Jonah paid tive position $6.00 and pick it up at all our his own way to get to (extreme opinions either way), free locations for an entire T a r s h i s h because he folks on both year as a way to help us... was not in sides of that the will of spectrum would get pretty generous to support their God, but was provided free transown ignorant bias. Having a portation to the shores that led to Christian publication be Niveveh. On the other hand, we are moderate usually gener- told, “we have not because we ask ates moderate financial not.” So we’re asking... Please take a support because it doesn’t subscription today. Seriously. get us all fired up. However, we believe a If that is not possible, could you moderate approach to the please try to get the newspaper majority of hot topics is through vending machines for 50 the most prudent and, cents located at grocery stores and dare I say, Christian post offices, as well as many high traffic areas. That’s only $6.00 a approach? year. ...or you could just send us
The Body of Christ is extremely diverse because it mysteriously serves God’s purpose to be that way. The OCN is a Kingdom paper. We know $30.00 in this economy is a huge amount. Dozens of Christians newspapers in America have simply gone out of business because of the bad economy. The Ozarks Christian News has resorted to using the rate sheet of eight years ago because our sponsors have had to make severe advertising cutbacks. If you are like me, when the leader of a religious organization threatens to stop printing, preaching, or broadcasting unless the listener “sows a seed” into their ministry, I feel like their season has come, and their ministry should end. If God is
$6.00 and pick it up at all our free locations for an entire year as a way to help us...
It would be a shame for this newspaper to disappear only to have people saying that had they known our needs, they would have helped out in some way. If we were all ads, we would need no support from the reader, but we hope the contents are a blessing to you and to others and is worthy of your financial assistance. Of course, if you feel led by God to just make a donation of any size we would be most grateful.
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