Now in our 9th Year!
Ozarks Christian News Changes Name After publishing the Ozarks Christian News for over nine years, we have decided to change the name of the publication before it was too late. (Insert tongue in cheek) Having witnessed the demise of the two biggest news periodicals (TIME and Newsweek) we have to admit that before the ink drys the contents of our work is no longer news. Our presentation is certainly more commentary and perspective on the news. Granted we search diligently for real news items that may have been ignored or
marginalized in the main stream press and if someone hadn’t heard about it, it was news to them. In any case, we believe that we really are the “voice” of the Christian community. Having carefully pulled the extreme left and far right passions of the members of the Body of Christ to a more centrist position does not mean we believe that it is the only right way to see any particular issue but rather a better representation of the whole. For that reason and at the risk of seeming presumptious we are now the Ozarks Christian Voice. -editor
If you think I’m cute, come out and see the rest of my friends!
OPEN EVERY DAY! See article on page 17
Body and Soul Fest Saturday, August 3 - Rockaway Beach, MO
see poster centerfold
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O z a r k s E x p e r t s ATTORNEYS Dee Wampler & Joseph Passanise Criminal Trial Attorneys 2974 East Battlefield in Springfield (417) 882-9300
CHIROPRACTIC CARE Victory Chiropractic Dr. Bo Bandy 800 St Hwy 248, Ste.2-B Branson, MO 65616 417-337-7077
Gregg E. Stade - Real estate, Business Law and Estate Planning at 600 W. Republic Rd. Ste. A 100 in Springfield (417) 889-5572
CLOTHING John’s Suit Shop We Make The Look Affordable 1315 S. Glenstone in Springfield (417) 863-6919
AUTO SERVICE
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Heavenly Wear & Gifts 112 W. Main St., Branson, MO Downtown Branson • (417) 544-9071 www.HeavenlyWear.net COFFEE SHOPS
548 Gretna Road 417.335.3775 When It Must Be Right! Branson Pennzoil 10 Minute Lube 249 Shepherd of the Hills Expry. 417-335-5182 • Chuck Ness Owner BOOK STORES CPO 4145 South National Springfield (417) 891-2200
www.CPOBooks.com Redeemed Music & Books 4140 S. National Springfield • 417- 877-9294 Mardel Christian & Educational Supply 1533 E. Battlefield, Springfield. (417) 881-6338
Heroes Coffee • Branson Wake Up. Do Good. Repeat. 1835 W. Hwy 76, Branson, MO Inside Music City Centre (417) 239-1313 COMPUTERS
Need a Qualified Professional Service? Choose an Ozarks Expert!
ELECTRICAL SERVICE Cornerstone Electric 24 Hour Emergency Service. 417-582-0621
JEWELRY Gerzen’s Jewelry & Repair 3532 south national, Springfield MO 417-887-2330 417-894-4485 gerzen@sbcglobal.net
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Crazy Eddie’s Branson Town Center 566 B Gretna Rd • Branson (417-335-3660 See ad on page 7
LODGING Classic Motor Inn 2384 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway Branson, MO 65616 (417) 334-6991
HAIR STYLING Tim’s Headquarters Salon 180 Mall Road, Suite C Hollister, MO Next to Family Pharmacy • (417) 348-1958
Rosebud Inn 1415 Roark Valley Road Branson, MO 65616 www.rosebudinn.com (417)336-4000
HEALTH & BEAUTY RENU- Feel, Look & Live Great Branson Town Center 566 B Gretna Rd • Branson (417-335-3660 See ad on page 7
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INSURANCE American Family Insurance Teresa Zucchini- Mcclish 3050 E. Battlefield Springfield • (417) 883-3039
DENTISTRY Kay E. Knipschild, D.D.S. Quality, Caring, General Dentistry 3841 S. Jefferson Springfield • (417) 887-2929
INVESTMENTS Edward Jones - Xavier Sinniah Financial Advisor 1972 State Hwy 165, Ste. F Branson • (417) 334-4290
Computer Renaissance 308 E. Republic, Springfield (417) 882-7788 - Steve Yates
July 2013
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PHARMACY FAMILY PHARMACY www.thefamilyrx.com Ozarks Christian Voice Available at all locations! PLUMBING Affordable & R & H Plumbing SMALL BUSINESS BIG SERVICE • Call: 334-4224, and 336-6781 • Serving the Tri-Lakes since 1994.
Express your love with a quality monument of faith (800) 346-9875
PROSTHETICS J.P. & O Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory 526 Branson Landing Blvd. Ste. 1 417-213-3128 www.jpo-online.com REALTORS RV PARKS Taneycomo Resort & RV Park 365 Valencia Road in Branson 417-334-7375 • 800-949-9975 www.TaneycomoResort.com
For Reading and Supporting the Ozarks Christian Voice
The Ozarks Christian Voice P.O. Box 336 • Rockaway Beach, MO 65740 Office: 417-336-3636 • John’s cell: 417-353-7598
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OCV Contributors Veeda Smith - Branson Frontline Dwight Widaman - Columnist Jeremy Storch - Ask the Rabbi... Dave Ramsey - Act Your Wage Dee Wampler - A Minute with a Man
Lee Grady- Fire in My Bones George Kurland - Staff Photographer Max Lucado - Crosswalk Column John Sacoulas - Steward & Managing Editor Lorraine Sacoulas - Steward & Publisher Virgil Peck - Circulation Assistance Marvin & Regina Reynolds- Archivists
July 2013
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at the Body & Soul Fest on Saturday, August 3rd in pavillion booth!
Bernie will be performing at 9:30 AM See poster centerfold
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doing and have done. We encourage our readers to be The Ozarks Christian Voice is open minded to differing opinpublished under the direction of ions on non-essential matters. the Ozarks Christian Foundation, We report the good a 501(c)3 non as well as the bad within profit agency. our church family as a Its primary testament for the nepurpose is to cessity of a Savior. Our edify the body observations are made of Christ from a fairly moderate through inspito conservative viewrational artipoint. cles of Christian faith and courage, educate the body of Christ through We strive not to be informative articles promoting the the fire alarm, cultivation of a Christian world but the fire extinguisher view, and encourage the body of Christ to support one another. Our focus is on, and to, the invisible church which Jesus Did you know there are Christ said, “The gates of hell would not prevail against.” 4 Bonus pages on the We announce the current events of the visible church, and we be- FREE online subscription? lieve the Body of Christ is made up of people who have found sal- www.OzarksChrisianVoice.com vation by faith in Jesus Christ evi- Press blue subscribe button denced by the good works they are
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Church Scraps Sunday Morning Service for Community Outreach Ginger Kolbaba/Pentecostal Evangel
W
hile many churches have gone to one Sunday service a week, Calvary Temple (Assemblies of God) in San Diego has joined the ranks, but in reverse: the congregation has stopped its morning service in favor of meeting Sunday evenings. Sunday mornings are now focused on neighborhood ministry. Every Sunday morning, Calvary Temple's street is taken over by a large open-air market, which draws thousands of people and over the years has expanded to flow directly in front of the church building, barring parking access. As members of the church wanted to pray the market away, Pastor Jack Sampier recognized an opportunity to show Christ's love to their neighbors. Located in the Hillcrest neighborhood, north of Balboa Park, Calvary Temple sits in the heart of the gay-lesbian community, a large homeless population, and within walking distance of major hospitals and mental institutions. Sensing the outreach possibilities, about eight years ago Calvary Temple, which averages 102 in weekly attendance, began a coffee cart ministry during the market times, in which members provide free coffee, tea and water to passers-by. "Our hope is to reach out and, if nothing else, say hello and let people know we're available to talk or pray with them," says church board member James Jaurez, who runs the coffee cart. As the market has grown, so has the outreach, and the church has added a prayer canopy, where people can request prayer. At first, the community response was hesitant and adversarial. But now many thank church members for being there, according to Jackie Romero, who oversees the prayer area. The church is planning to expand again by adding an art show, children's ministry and free concerts. "We're a mission outpost in a lot of ways," Sampier says. "I know that our role is to add to the weight of God's work in people's lives. We're just attempting to do what God has called us to do in this neighborhood." Romero agrees. "With the market continuing to expand, God is bringing the people to us!" she says. This article originally appeared in Pentecostal Evangel.
www.OzarksChristianVoice.com
Carman Comeback Underway With $500K Raised via Kickstarter by Rick Hogan
C
hristian recording artist Carman, who was diagnosed with terminal multiple myeloma cancer in February, set modest goals for his first major music venture in more than 10 years. When it comes to spreading the gospel, however, God isn’t much for modesty. In an attempt to revitalize his career after a long layoff and with help from Kickstarter and his legion of fans, Carman nearly tripled fundraising efforts to finance his first full production tour in more than 13 years. With more than $538,000 raised, the Christian artist can now complete his new album and music video and can look forward to a 12-city tour, which began last weekend in Georgia. “Can you say ‘nothing is impossible’ with God?” Carman said to his Kickstarter backers. “You have not only given me my ministry back, but have restored my life following my cancer diagnosis. Through your prayers and words of encouragement, I’m ready to battle again. And because of your support, there is enough money to record, as well as bring full production into venues for the tour.” While on tour, Carman will share new music he is writing alongside his hit songs and his most recent offering, “The Flag,” a compelling anthem that weaves the Pledge of Allegiance into a melodic and inspirational message of pride in America. “The Flag” concept video can be seen here, and his tour schedule can be found here. With 16 RIAA-certified platinum and gold albums and videos and over 10 million albums sold, Carman is meeting with producers to plan the recording of the new album. Holding attendance records from the 1980s and 1990s for the largest solo Christian concerts in history, Carman's music and videos have always been a catalyst for bringing the message and hope of the gospel to the masses. With a major market tour across the U.S. being planned now, his fans have breathed life back into his ministry. Major media outlets have covered Carman's journey the last few months, which began Feb. 14 when the artist was diagnosed a cancer of the blood that affects the body’s bone marrow. Stunned and initially devastated by the news of his diagnosis, Carman's spirit was soon lifted by the overwhelming love and support received from tens of thousands of fans after posting the news.
July 2013
July 2013
www.OzarksChristianVoice.com Kay E. Knipschild, D.D.S.
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Springfield Church of God (7th Day) A Happy Church! Pastor: Andy Hassen
Hamner Barber Variety Show Announces Final Season In Branson
1521 E. 24th Street N. Springfield, MO 65803
(417) 831-6721
privilege to have had the opportunity to be a big part of the development of this theater working along side the amazingly talented Hamners for the past decade," says Jim Barber. "I wish them much success in the future, and extend special appreciation to our wonderful staff, customers, valued ticket resellers, advertisers, and surrounding community for their support. We invite everyone to please make plans to attend one of our final performances before the end of this season."
The Hamner Barber Variety Show announces today that Jim Barber it will conclude it's tenth season "Working with Jim Barber has with a final performance on Debeen one of the greatest expericember 14, 2013. ences of my life," stated Dave Jim Barber, who has co-managed and performed at the Branson theater since 2004, will be leaving the venue at the end of the year to focus his attention on other opportunities. Hamner Barber Theater has entered into an agreement for the sale of the property with Dave and Denise Hamner assuming sole management of the venue. Details regarding their future plans are expected to be announced soon. "It has truly been an honor and a
Hamner. "He is one of the greatest talents I've ever known and he will be truly missed as a daily part of the operations of the theater. Both Denise and I wish Jim all the best in his next venture." The Hamner Barber Variety Show features the magical illusions of The Hamners and the unique vocal comedy of ventriloquist Jim Barber. Integral personnel in the production show include illusion manager and comedy magician Lex Pearson, dancers A.J. Heard, Ken Brown, Gwen Bliss, Dasa Hayes, magic assistant Cory Martin, spotlight operator Bonnie Fr-
July 2013
A week without a Sabbath is perpetual bondage.
Sabbath School: 9:45 am Worship: 11:00 am Wednesday night: 6:30 pm
erking, technical manager Paul Linden, box office manager Jan Braschler, sales manager Vance Hebblethwaite, concessions manager Jan Hammit, as well as versatile employee team members Brenda Hahne, Marty Hahne, Faye Brown, Mike Brown, Wanda Scritchfield, and Aaron Costales. Hamner Barber Variety Show performances are Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8pm, with select Sunday matinees at 3pm. Tom Mullica's Tribute To Red Skelton and The Fair Family performances will continue throughout the 2013 season as scheduled. Tickets to any of these shows may be purchased online at HamnerBarber.com or by calling the Hamner Barber Theater Box Office at 417-334-4363. editor’s note: It is my opinion (and of many others) that the Hamner Barber Show is one of the absolute stand out shows and has been iconic in word associations with the name “Branson Entertainment”. You will not want to miss this historical final run of a show that has no equal and literally fun for any age and equally enjoyed by all.
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July 2013
www.OzarksChristianVoice.com my anxieties; and see if there’s any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
A Spiritual MRI What would an X-ray—an MRI— of your soul reveal? Regrets over teenage relationships? Remorse over a poor choice? You become moody, cranky. You’re angry, irritable. Understandable, you have shame lodged in your soul. Interested in an extraction? Confess. Request a spiritual MRI. Psalm 139: 23-24 is just that: “Search me, O God and know my heart; try me, and know
Page 7 When a man marries a woman, they become one; the trouble starts when they try to decide which one.
We need a prayer of grace-based confession. God, I’ve done what you say is wrong. Would you wash away my guilt and make me clean again. No chant or candle needed. Just an honest prayer of confession. Try it! Listen to UpWords with Max Lucado at
OnePlace.com
THE DRUG KING WITH AN EMPIRE Evangelist Dr. Bill Saye Hear this dynamic man of God share his life story and how God set him free from organized crime, drugs, prostitution, murder, prison and betrayal. A story of forgiveness you will never forget. Dr. Saye will be sharing his testimony as he preaches in revival at: New Vision General Baptist Church 179 Church Camp Rd • Taneyville, MO July 28th - Aug 4th 7:00 PM Come see how he made it, how he lost it, and what he gained Pierce Arrow’s Jimmy Fu lbr igh t Jimmy was born in Columbus, GA, but "grew up everywhere" because his father was in the Air Force. He's been intersted in music since early childhood and credits his grandfather as his musical mentor. He is proficient on piano and loves to sing. He also plays guitar and drums. With a diverse professional music background, he has played keyboard and/or bass for Gospel acts, such as the Dixie Echoes, as well as Country acts, Donna Fargo, Earl Thomas Conley, Lee Greenwood and T. Graham Brown. Jimmy also has 12 years of experience at production theaters in Branson,MO, and Pigeon Forge, TN. He originally joined The Oaks Band in the summer of 2001 which led Jimmy to being the newest addition to Pierce Arrow in 2013.
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
Going on a Mission at Home MBCH Children and Family Ministries (an affiliate of Missouri Baptist Children’s Home) is seeking Christians willing to serve God by supplying foster care for teens. The Therapeutic Foster Care ministry provides a daily rate of pay that allows one foster parent to remain at home and care for the child. Training and licensing is provided for the foster parents at no cost. You can make a difference in the life of a hurting child by “Going on Mission at Home”. For more information about becoming a licensed foster parent, call
(417) 831-2342 or visit:
www.mbch.org
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www.OzarksChristianVoice.com Chambers. “Today it is as if I’ve just woken up to a greater sense of how painful it is to be a sinner in the hands of an angry church.”
Exodus' Alan Chambers Offers Shocking Apology to Gay Community by Bill Roberts Alan Chambers and Lisa Ling (Facebook) Exodus International, the oldest and largest Christian ministry dealing with faith and homosexuality, issued a shocking apology to the gay community for years of undue suffering and judgment at the hands of the organization and the church as a whole.
Chambers also said: “I am sorry for the pain and hurt that many of you have experienced. I am sorry some of you spent years working through the shame and guilt when your attractions didn’t change. I am sorry we promoted sexual orientation change efforts and reparative theories about sexual orientation that stigmatized parents.
The apology dovetails with the ministry’s 38th annual conference in Irvine, Calif. and the Thursday airing of the television broadcast “God & Gays” on Our America with Lisa Ling. On Ling’s program, Exodus President Alan Chambers, sits down with gay and lesbian people hurt by the church with the goal of reconciliation.
“I am sorry I didn’t stand up to people publicly ‘on my side’ who called you names like sodomite—or worse. I am sorry that I, knowing some of you so well, failed to share publicly that the gay and lesbian people I know were every bit as capable of being amazing parents as the straight people that I know. I am sorry that when I celebrated a person
“It is strange to be someone who has both been hurt by the Church’s treatment of the LGBTQ community, and also to be someone who must apologize for being part of the very system of ignorance that perpetuated that hurt,” said
coming to Christ and surrendering their sexuality to Him, I callously celebrated the end of relationships that broke your heart. I am sorry I have communicated that you and your families are less than me and mine. “More than anything, I am sorry that so many have interpreted this religious rejection by Christians as God’s rejection. I am profoundly sorry that many have walked away from their faith and that some have chosen to end their lives. “You have never been my enemy. I am very sorry that I have been yours. I hope changes in my own life, as well as the ones we announce tonight regarding Exodus International, will bring resolution, and show I am serious in both my regret and offer of friendship. I pledge that future endeavors will be focused on peace and common good.”
July 2013
Do you like this paper?..... Can you do us a big favor? The Ozarks Christian Foundation (The ministry that produces the Ozarks Christian Voice)
is holding an event on Saturday August the 3rd. Will you help us get the word out by carefully bending back the staples, removing the centerfold poster and hanging it in a high traffic area?
3000 Green Mountain Dr. (Yellow Route) Branson, MO 65616
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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!
Join us for weekly services: Erev Shabbat (Friday) 7:30 pm Shabbat (Saturday) 11 am • 417-334-7373
July 2013
Jesus Was Homeless Program Has First Graduates (Branson, MO): Jesus Was Homeless launched a new program in May of this year called Jobs for Life. Bryan Stallings, Jesus Was Homeless Co-Founder and Executive Director said, "This program is teaching our friends and neighbors in greatest need 'how to fish' and help them to pull themselves out of poverty, while benefiting local businesses. It's a real win-win for our community." Jobs for Life is a national program that is currently operating in 38 states across the US. The program consists of 16 sessions that teach men and women timeless biblical principles concerning the value of work and the ways those principles are applied in the marketplace. By focusing primarily on character development and confidence, participants will finish the program with the core work readiness skills and attitudes needed to succeed in
www.OzarksChristianVoice.com work and in life. "What we are most excited about," said Stallings, "is the opportunity to match Jobs for Life program participants with one-on-one mentors from within the business com-
munity who will walk side-by-side with them and offer them the encouragement and coaching that they may have otherwise never experienced." The potential benefit for local businesses is impressive. The Jobs for Life program boasts that 80% of program graduates stay employed for a year or longer nationwide. "In terms of the costs associated with employee turnover, disciplinary actions and re-training staff members, the Jobs for Life program will save employers thousands of dollars annually by funneling committed, prepared and
Page 9 reliable employees of high character into the workforce on a regular basis," said Stallings. By hiring Jobs for Life graduates, employers will be gaining quality employees while also providing a means for individuals and families to escape the cycle of poverty. The program is set to have its first Jobs for Life student graduates on Friday, June 21st at 7:30 pm and the public is invited to attend. "We are so excited for this first class of Jobs for Life graduates. Both the Champions (mentors) and students have worked so hard over the past 8 weeks," said Stallings. Jesus Was Homeless is offering the program on a rolling schedule, with new sessions beginning every month so that anyone who is ready and willing to move forward in life will not have to wait more than 30 days to get involved in the program. For more information about how to become a Jobs for Life participant, volunteer Champion, business partner or donor, please contact Ashley Lauer at 417.337.8103, or by email at Ashley@jesuswashomeless.org.
Page 10 If I were president series....... I would Outlaw Foreign Customer Service Agents and Fraudulent Credit Card Scams by John G. Sacoulas, OCV editor If you are like me, reaching a customer service rejuvenative on the phone from some major corporation that goes by the name of “Bob” but his mother named him “Pinjab” can be infuriating. We create this publication in Quark. Quark is located in Denver, Colorado but outsources their customer service to India. No matter what question ask, Pinjab, aka Bob says, (insert funny Indian accent here) “You must have a corrupted file.” I actually asked him how to default the font and he said, “You must have a corrupted file.” When I explained to him that was certainly not the right answer his English became intelligible. I have East Indian friends that speak perfect understandable English. If they cannot master our language they need to find work that doesn’t require communication skills, right? Have you ever ordered something on-line and it wasn’t even close to resembling your purchase only to find out that the company that boasts it has American cus-
www.OzarksChristianVoice.com tomer service reps but turns out Ebonics? “Mr. Saboolus, I axed ya foyah custmer numah doncha haf it wit choo?” Fortunately, I have worked many years in the deep south and am fluent in Ebonics but to many people in America it is a foreign language. I would make a law that would require the applicant to be understood by three out of four random phone calls before they can be hired. Next I would outlaw holding companies. A holding company is an organization that sells anything from widgets to whirlygigs, it really isn’t about the product. It is about them taking out an unauthorized amount from your credit card that they now have on file. Usually it is under $50.00 and most often around seven, eight or nine dollars. They pick an amount that you won’t fight them for but will eventually refund it if you do. This takes about three months. In the meantime, they are holding millions of dollars in thier account and earning interest on our money. So even if they refunded all of the fraudulent withdraws they are making a fortune. And it is legal. If the Attorneys general get involved these bandits dissolve thier corporations and resurface under a different name overnight. Why doesn’t Master Card and Visa police these scammers better? I guess it’s because they get a percentage of every fraudulent transaction. American Express and Discover are more stringent on these thieves but not many locations accept thier cards. Send me your ideas and I will consider you for my cabinet.
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 Voice (or for that matter, the publishers) Please remember to favor the advertisers here in the OCV. It would not exist without them!
Did you know the Ozarks Christian Voice has subscribers in 12 different states? That is just the printed edition. The online edition covers the entire country. (according to the unique IDs as seen on Constant Contact)
July 2013 Pierc e Ar ro w’s J a r re t t Do ug he r t y Jarrett’s always loved to laugh and to make people laugh. Of course, he was the class clown in school. At the age of 23, he was the drummer for one of the best southern gospel groups in the country, Jeff and Sheri Easter, and then later he joined the McGruders. In 1995 Jarrett moved to Branson, which is only an hour from his hometown, Ava, Missouri. For six years, he played the drums and did comedy for Barbara Fairchild. Just before joining the Pierce Arrow Theater, he was with Sons of the Pioneers. “Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, Dan Britton, Pierce Arrow’s owner and producer, asked if I would like to join the family as the new comedian. It was an amazing opportunity to be welcomed into Branson’s hottest show. I love life and enjoy livin’ every day here with my boy Dillon. Branson stands for patriotism and wholesomeness, the American way. What a great country we live in. I thank my lucky stars everyday that I get to come to work and entertain such wonderful fans. I believe laughter is the best medicine a person can have. So even if you are sick, come to Branson and see the Pierce Arrow Show, and me. I promise, you’ll either get well or ‘Die Laughin’!”
“I believe Satan to exist for two reasons: first, the Bible says so; and second, I’ve done business with him.” -D.L. Moody
July 2013
Why Our Society Needs a Marriage Revolution Compiled by Jimmy Evans In America, one divorce happens every 13 seconds, equating to 6,646 divorces per day and 46,523 divorces per week. Forty-one percent of first marriages end in divorce; 60 percent of second marriages end in divorce. Forty-three percent of children growing up in America today are being raised without their fathers. Half of all American children will witness the breakup of a parent’s marriage. Of these children, close to half will also see the breakup of a parent’s second marriage.
www.OzarksChristianVoice.com Sixty-five percent of altar-bound men and women live together before getting married. People who live together prior to getting married are 40 percent more likely to have marriages that end in divorce. Divorces for couples over 65 years old have doubled since 1980. ed- At least half of all Christians need to divert thier resources to preserving their marriages since statistically they will divorce. Again, we will have to destroy the idol of self. Of course, the church is still weak in preparing newlyweds for a lifetime commitment. - See more at:
The Space Shuttle Experience (Branson Newsdesk)
The Space Shuttle Experience is now open in Branson, MO. The replica space shuttle was built by the Kansas Cosmosphere and commissioned into service by the former head of NASA Dan Goldin. It was featured recently on the History Channel and displayed in front of the
Page 11 paintball target range that looks like a rocket on it's side. Shoot with our replica m16’s. See the captured alien family in our real Gemini training capsule. Feel the forces of gravity in our fast spinning ride the Wizzer. Located at 3682 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, at the corner of 76 and Shepherd of the Hills. For more information, see us on Facebook at The Branson Space Shuttle Experience and www.AtlantisDreamMission.com
ministrytodaymag.com
US Capitol building. The shuttle has 16 stations inside for "astronauts" to experience the last journey of Atlantis from earth to the International Space Station. Also tour the control room and see artifacts from the US space program. The experience is suitable for all ages. Open Tuesday through Saturday 10am-12 midnight. Admission is $8.50 per person, with a family rate available. Other attractions include an outdoor
SEE COUPON ON PAGE 25
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www.OzarksChristianVoice.com Ozark, MO
(417) 581-9192
Stained Glass Theatre: “Serving Christ Through the Arts”
July 2013
Now Showing: The Riverboat Revival by: Ron Boutwell Performing July 25 through August 24, 2013 In the summer of 1835, a showboat called THE GOSPEL QUEEN appeared in the little river town of Danner’s Cove, bringing a message of repentance and salvation. People waited expectantly for many years afterward, but the boat never returned. Now, seventy years later, Grandpa Holt sits on the wharf all day, everyday, waiting to once again experience the power of the living God…the power of another RIVERBOAT REVIVAL!
www.sgtheatre.com HIGH SCHOOL VALEDICTORIAN STUNS AUDIENCE AFTER HE RIPS UP SPEECH AND DELIVERS THE LORD’S PRAYER INSTEAD — WILD APPLAUSE FOLLOWS
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Roy Costner IV, a former public school student from South Carolina, stunned the audience at his high school graduation last weekend when he ripped up his previously-approved valedictorian speech, going on, instead, to speak about God — and then deliver the Lord’s prayer. The act, which drew loud applause, was taken in opposition to the School District of Pickens County’s decision to axe prayers from graduation events, Christian News reports. Officials said that they had recently received complaints from atheist activists and church-state separatists, leading to the removal of invocations from all school events. But that didn’t stop Costner. The Liberty High School ceremony is already making its way into national headlines, as the valedictorian’s actions and the subsequent cheers this past Saturday were caught on video. As he spoke, Costner went from merely mentioning “the Lord” to jumping right into the well-known prayer. “Those that we look up to, they have helped carve and mold us into the young adults that we are today. I’m so glad that both of my parents led me to the Lord at a young age,” he said. “And I think most of you will understand when I say –” And that’s when he commenced the popular invocation.
Crossword Answers Pg. 26
by Billy Hallowell from The Blaze.com
The important things are children, honesty, integrity and faith. -Andy Williams
“Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name,” Costner continued. “Thy Kingdom come…”
The Ozarks Christian Voice Throughout the entirety of the prayer, cheers and clapping raged. The school district, which, as stated, was already facing scrutiny over graduation prayers earlier this year, has no plans to punish the former student for his actions (after all, he’s no longer under their authority, so what retribution could he receive?).
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Security expert: Churches should train to 'shoot the guy,' not throw chairs by Charlie Butts (OneNewsNow.com) The federal government has issued guidelines for houses of worship when there is an active shooter inside. Chuck Chadwick of the National Organization of Church Security and Safety Management has read the report, which recommends in part the "Run, Hide, Fight" concept.
just people with concealed-carry permits and their weapons. "It'd be great to have law enforcement there," Chadwick says, "but most of our churches either can't afford to have a law enforcement person or they don't have a law enforcement person in their congregation."
Prominent pastor’s battle with cancer intensifies by Becky Yeh (OneNewsNow.com) One of the nation's most beloved pastors has regressed in his battle with cancer, and his family is asking for prayer.
Parishioners
"I didn't see anywhere in it where it says Shoot the guy," Chadwick tells OneNewsNow. Instead, according to the security expert, the feds recommend training, write a plan, and then incapacitate the shooter using items such as fire extinguishers or by throwing chairs. But shooting back at the shooter is the truly effective way of stopping the shooting, he says, unless the shooter turns his weapon on himself. "Instead of run, hide, fight, to me it's draw, aim, fire," says Chadwick, whose Texas-based organization operates a training program called Gatekeepers.
Calvary Chapel founder Pastor Chuck Smith, age 86 recently experienced a setback in his battle with lung cancer. Smith's daughter announced that doctors upgraded his lung cancer from Stage 3 to Stage 4 after they found cancer cells in fluid from his lungs. Not long ago, the Calvary Chapel pastor was winning his fight with lung cancer. Smith is scheduled for fluid removal on July 1 and will have a CAT scan to see if his lungs have expanded. If his lungs have expanded, his daughter said doctors will place a talc into his lung. If they don't expand, doctors will have to install a catheter into his lung area. A former Calvary Chapel pastor, Pastor Alan Esses, comments on the blessing that Smith has been to him and to others in the Christian community.
His advice to churches is to train church members as armed security through Gatekeepers, which trains volunteers or paid staff to follow state requirements to allow an armed bodyguard on church grounds. He says training is the key - and not
Chuck Smith
"We just love him," Esses tells OneNewsNow. "We thank the Lord Jesus Christ for his faithfulness - faithfulness to Jesus and to the Word of God. He has been such a blessing to me and my family and to countless others in California and
throughout the world." At a New Year's Day service in 2012, Smith shocked congregants with the announcement of his battle with lung cancer. The Calvary Chapel senior pastor has seen the Calvary Chapel movement explode nationally and globally, and he was a vital part in the "Jesus movement" of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
We double-dare you, IRS: Pastors sign up, preach politics on 'Freedom Sunday' by Charlie Butts (OneNewsNow.com) About 1,100 pastors across the country signed up to participate in "Pulpit Freedom Sunday 2013," held June 9. The purpose? To encourage the Internal Revenue Service to lodge complaints against one or more of the pastors, which would allow Alliance Defending Freedom to take the case to federal court. Pastors committed to preach on marriage as the union of one man and one woman, says ADF attorney Erik Stanley. At issue is the Johnson Amendment, which closes the door on the ability of pastors to speak out on political issues. Because of the Johnson Amendment, Stanley points out that everyone in the United States has the constitutionally protected right to freedom of speech -- except for pastors. "The church is integral to the moral stability of a society," says Stanley. "Yet every day that pastors are intimidated into silence on issues like life, liberty, the family and marriage is an
Page 13 Pie rc e Ar row’s Sc ott Fr ake r Scott, performed with the Missouri State University Touring Choir and later toured with the accapella group The Wing Tips, which made numerous national television appearances including: The Today Show, Good Morning America, and the CBS Morning program. Scott also performed with Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis and Frankie Avalon, and even got to sing for former President George Bush. Scott is a licensed minister out of Park Crest Baptist Church in Springfield, MO and continues to preach and speak across the US. Scott is a father of four and is married to his high school sweetheart Marcy. other day the cultural erosion continues unchecked." This year's "Pulpit Freedom Sunday" was the sixth observance. ADF says pastors and/or churches that were unable to participate in yesterday's event can still register through the end of July.
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Christ has no body now on earth but yours... yours are the hands with which He is to bless us now. Please give generously of your time and finances to these ministries.
Raising Awareness for Charities P.O. Box 336 Rockaway Beach, MO 65740
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ADOPTION MBCH Children & Family Min. Adoption & Foster Care Services 1837 E. Cherry St. Springfield, MO 65802 (417) 831-2342
AWARENESS Ozarks Christian Foundation Raising Awareness for Charities P.O. Box 336 Rockaway Beach, MO 65740 (417) 336-3636
PRISON Bill Glass Ministries Prison visitations 1101 S. Cedar Ridge Drive Duncanville, TX 75137 (972) 298-1101
ASSISTANCE Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC) is a movement of Christian churches working together to show God’s love to the poor and needy. 7347 W. Hwy. 76 Branson, MO 65616 Phone: (417)-336-7056 Toll Free: 866-568-3462 Emails: Anita Pugh, Executive Director: apugh@omcloveinc.com Jenifer Maupin, Office Administrator, jmaupin@omcloveinc.com
DISASTER ASSISTANCE Convoy of Hope Assisting those in need 330 S. Patterson Ave. Springfield, MO 65802 (417) 823-8998
WOMEN Caring People Single mothers assistance 164 Corporate Pl. Branson, MO 65616 (417) 334-0131
FOOD Christian Action Ministries (CAM) Food assistance program 610 South Sixth Street, Ste 102 Branson, MO 65616 (417) 334-1157
Concerned Women for America (CWA) Conservative political women ministries 1015 Fifteenth St. NW, Ste 1100 Washington, D.C. 20005 (202) 488-7000
Smart Choice Foods Discount food program To find a local host: www.smartchoicefood.com National Office (866) 643-0877
Options Pregnancy Center Crisis pregnancy center 192 Expressway Ln. Branson, MO 65616 (417) 336-5483
HEALTH YMCA Fitness for families 175 Industrial Park Dr. Hollister, MO 65672 (417) 337-9622
Pregnancy Life Line Crisis pregnancy center 15765 Missouri 13 Branson West, MO 65737 (417) 272-5210
Health Care for the Working Uninsured www.FaithCommunity Health.org
(417) 336-WELL (417-336-9355)
HOMELESSNESS Victory Mission Residential work program 824 W Commercial St. Springfield, MO 65803 (417) 864-2244 JOBS FOR LIFE Jesus Was Homeless Work training program 5004 West Hwy 76 Branson, Missouri 65616 (417) 335-9915
YOUTH Bridges For Youth Youth ministries 834 N National Ave. Springfield, MO 65802 (417) 864-8430 Youth For Christ Youth ministries 7670 S. Vaughn Ct. Englewood, CO 80112 (303) 843-9000
We Prefer People Lie Rather than Be Honest
July 2013 tized version of people over the messy version, because that appears to be more Christ-like, even though it’s fake.
by Trisha Davis As Christians I think we’ve adopted a sliding scale of honesty. We look at situations in the news, with the IRS or other scandalous stories and we want to know the truth. We pound our fists and demand truth. The truth is supposed to win. The truth is supposed to set us free. But in the Church, I am not sure we’re comfortable with people being truthful. Authenticity has become a buzz word in Christianity over the past several years. We want to be authentic. We have a list of socially acceptable sins that as we feel comfortable confessing. Most of the time the sins we don’t lie about are more behaviors than heart issues: we are too busy, we aren’t having a consistent quiet time, we lost our temper, we need to be more disciplined. We feel better because we confessed something and others perceive us as authentic. But what about deep core issues? What about heart issues and sexual brokenness and inner thoughts and dark parts of our soul? Do we really feel comfortable with people being honest about things that we try so hard to pretend like we don’t struggle with? Here are three reasons why I think we prefer people lie to us than be honest: 1. We like sanitized Christianity more than messy Christianity. We want people to believe that Jesus fixes everything. If we’re honest about our struggles, sins and mistakes then what does that do to our faith and what does it say about Jesus? Isn’t it better to pretend we’re all put together so that people think Christianity is this “once and done” decision that you make and the rest of your life you live in freedom? Messy Christianity may confuse people. We prefer the sani-
2. We see the honesty of others and it confronts the dishonesty in us. I’ve been in conversations with people at times and they bare their soul and are completely vulnerable with me. God has used their total honesty to confront dishonesty in me that I have grown comfortable living with. When someone is transparent, it is like they hold up a mirror to us and we are able to see ourselves in relationship to the pure truth that is being shared. Judgmentalism rises from knowing the truth in others but living in denial about about the truth of ourselves. 3. We’re more comfortable with the fake versions of others. Knowing someones hurts, fears, wounds, struggles and sins requires more of me than knowing the fake version of them. I like my perception you. I don’t like knowing your baggage or your past or your mistakes. Knowledge is responsibility. If I know the real you, then I have a responsibility to you that is greater than if I just superficially knew you. I don’t have time for that (remember I confessed to you how busy I am). We’d almost prefer others be fake with us so we can continue being fake with them. My prayer for us is that we have the courage not just to say we want to be authentic, but to embrace the cost of authenticity. Justin & Trisha Davis are authors, bloggers, speakers and teachers in Nashville, TN. Their first book, Beyond Ordinary: When a Good Marriage Just Isn't Good Enough released January 2013.
www.refineus.org
July 2013
Can a Christian Be Gay? by LARRY TOMCZAK
D
eparting a restaurant where we celebrated my wife’s birthday recently, I got a 10 p.m. call on my cellphone. The lady in Kentucky needed help because her bank teller friend, who identifies as a Christian, was confused about homosexuality. Her unmarried female friend read a book called Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs.-Christians Debate by Justin Lee, 36-year-old founder of the Gay Christian Network that “helps educate the Christian community about sexual issues from a biblical standpoint.” Having feelings at times for members of the same sex, the woman's friend was being influenced by his theories and asking, “Is it OK to be a gay Christian?” “What about same-sex marriage?” Lee encourages his followers to embrace counsel from the New Testament (Rom. 14) and “not quarrel over disputable matters” and choose one of two paths:
Side A: God allows permanent, monogamous gay relationships. Side B: Gay Christians remain celibate. What follows is my way of helping someone like this lady. In a day where even the president of the United States, for whom I pray daily, seems to be either naïve or misinformed, as a professing Christian on this critical topic, I hope to offer help in the national conversation. I approach this subject not as an angry, mean-spirited extremist but rather in a spirit of humility, as a would-be friend of both supporters and opponents. As a Christian who was formerly a “rock star” drummer in a band called the Lost Souls (and I was lost!), I admit the church has unfortunately fallen far short in our testimony, due to divorce, hypocrisy and uncharitable attitudes in our ranks. Yet I want to be part of the generation arising that is not so much imposing but proposing a better way that really does lead to peace, freedom and long-term happiness in human relationships. I’ve engaged and befriended gays and regularly attended their gay pride events for over a decade in different states. I’ve stood
www.OzarksChristianVoice.com at the bedside of my buddy John who changed from gay to straight but later died of AIDS and requested I do his funeral (which I did, with his daughter and over 50 of his past gay friends present). We’re on a journey of discovery, and I hope this following counsel helps multitudes who are being asked similar questions as me. Let's Not Be Non-Specific but Straightforward The entire Bible unambiguously defines marriage between one man and one woman (Gen. 2:24 in the Old Testament; Matt. 19:5 in the Gospels; Eph. 5:31 in the New Testament). Outside that state, obedient Christians are called to sexual purity/celibacy (Eph. 5:3-6; Col. 3:5-6; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; 1 Thess. 4:3-8). Paul says, “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths" (2 Tim. 4:3-4, NIV). Dr. Timothy Keller, worldrenowned author and pastor, had to respond to similar inquiries at Oxford University. He lovingly and succinctly helped students with sound counsel from Scripture. He told them: “As Christians we’re called to love not disdain our neighbor—atheist, gay or antagonist. If you call yourself gay and Christians disagree with you, that doesn’t mean you’re being judged unfairly. The Bible clearly teaches that homosexuality is not God’s way or design for His creation. Don’t let your sexuality destroy your objectivity (to come to grips with biblical truth). “ Admittedly, some church people have attraction to the same sex but do not allow themselves to be governed by those feelings (temptations). Their identity in Christ is central, not their sexual identity. This shift is what frees them to both change and live changed. God designed us for human intimacy— companionship, touch and sexual expression—in the right place and right time, but people can choose to fulfill normal desires
The ABC’s of Salvation ADMIT - you are a sinner - Roman 3:10, 23, 5:3 & 6:23 BELIEVE - in Jesus - John 3:16 CONFESS - Jesus is your Lord - Romans 10:9 & 10
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in unrighteous ways. Key: it is a choice! Rosaria Butterfield, author of The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert, describes how she was a leftist lesbian professor who “despised Christians then somehow became one!” Now she’s married to a pastor, raising her children in North Carolina. Understanding the Bible Correctly Today, there’s a lot of misunderstanding regarding Scripture because some gay-affirming leaders and churches take a “salad bar” approach, conveniently selecting passages that support positions while neglecting other more challenging ones. Some people are dishonest with Scriptures (intentionally or unintentionally): “Where in the Bible does it even mention cocaine or pornography?” “I haven’t seen gay marriage in the Bible once!” (This actually came from a chairman of one of our political parties.) Others “cherry pick” verses to defend conduct without taking into consideration the context or the whole of what Scripture teaches on a topic (“A text out of context is a pretext.”). The fact is, the Good Book doesn’t categorically say, “Don’t judge”; “Don’t dance”; “Don’t drink”; “Don’t enjoy sex”; or dozens of other so-called “prohibitions” many erroneously believe. Neither does it tell us in every situation to “turn the cheek”; “hand over our cloak”; “give and expect no return”; or scores of other recommendations that need to be clearly explained in their context. Sometimes people try to discredit the Bible by mocking its content and citing Old Testament passages that seem outdated or severe in application. What they don’t understand is this: There are basically three types of laws prominent in the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible: 1) ceremonial, 2) hygienic and 3) moral. The first two (ceremonial and hygienic)don’t apply anymore for those
who are part of the New Covenant since the time of Christ; otherwise there would be no more football (handling a pig skin was a nono), and the over-40 crowd couldn’t approach the altar of God with a disability or during that “time of the month.” (“You mean I can go get a Wendy’s cheeseburger with bacon, have some Red Lobster jumbo shrimp or enjoy a Honeybaked ham?” Absolutely!) Yet the moral laws do still apply—not for or as a means to redemption but to show us our need to be redeemed! It really is time to gain a better understanding of the Bible, not primarily as a harsh legalistic code of dos and don’ts but rather as a guidebook of timeless wisdom. It also provides us with a coherent framework for outlining society’s problems, then prescribes answers to remedy them. Our challenge is simple: Will we follow a secular or a scriptural worldview? I suggest we embrace our Creator’s ways for His creation. “For best results, follow instructions in the manufacturer’s handbook!” Larry Tomczak is the apostolic leader and evangelist with Larry Tomczak Ministries www.larrytomczak.com. He is the author of six books, including Divine Appointments. editor’s note: Keep in mind all of the articles you see on the topic are written by folks that cannot relate to having a lifelong deep seated same sex attraction.
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What Is Real Intimacy? by Sheila Wray Gregoire I met my husband while I was in university. We became best friends quite quickly and were soon spending all our time together, telling each other everything. It was wonderful. About a year and a half into that friendship I realized that I actually liked him “that way.” And soon after we started dating. Again, I told him everything. We could sit for hours and just talk–about important stuff, about not so important stuff, about anything. When we got married I believed that’s what intimacy was–that ability to talk about anything, and still feel as if the other person heard you. But somehow over the course of the first few years of our marriage we lost that. When you’re friends, it’s easy to feel intimacy because you don’t have expectations on the person in the same way, and so it’s harder for them to let you down. It’s easier to feel, “we’re total soul mates.” But in marriage, expectations come to play. When we’d have a particularly bad time in our marriage, I often would think back to those dating days, and wish that I could get back to “real intimacy.” I now realize that I was wrong. Talking and sharing your heart is a wonderful PART of intimacy, but it is only a part. And in marriage, it isn’t enough. In marriage, intimacy involves making love. I think sometimes we women pigeonhole sex into being something that he “needs” biologically, and so we sort of look down on sex, like it’s a baser thing, while talking is a higher thing. But perhaps that comes from a misunderstanding about sex. We tend to think that sex is all about
the physical–it’s about getting release, and doing so in as pleasurable a way as possible. So sex is only about pleasure. But it’s so much more than that! The way that God made it requires deeper and deeper levels of intimacy to make it wonderful. We’re naked together, which is intimate. In order to relax and really let go and feel good, we have to become vulnerable. We have to tell him what we like, and we have to literally and figuratively let him in. Literally because that’s how sex works, and figuratively because for women, sex is mostly in our heads. We can’t get aroused unless we DECIDE that we’re going to enjoy it. For us it’s largely a mental experience. And that means that we need to make the decision to embrace him–that we’re not just going to “lie there,” but we’re actually going to have a good time. When I started doing that in my marriage, I suddenly got my best friend back again. Now, whenever we start to feel distant, I often find that before we really talk about why, we need to make love. It increases the goodwill between us so that we can tackle these problems. So don’t think that your marriage would be better if only he’d become your best friend again. Instead, focus on how to be his lover, and you just may find you have your best friend, too. Sheila Wray Gregoire is a marriage blogger, speaker, writer, and mom. The author of seven books, including The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex, she loves encouraging women to strive for the kind of real intimacy in marriage that God designed. When she's not blogging at To Love, Honor and Vacuum, you can find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!
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July 2013 Pierce Arrow’s
D an Britton 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. Itw 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.
Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it. - Ronald Reagan (1986)
Liberals view of people could be summed up the same way: If they are working, tax them. If they work really hard, regulate them. And if they stop working, entitle them.
(scary) China Just Pierced the U.S. Treasury's Veil... Townhall.com In an unprecedented agreement, the U.S. Treasury has agreed to give China direct access to its auctions. Per the deal, China is allowed to bypass Wall Street, and purchase Treasury Bills without placing any bids through primary dealers. The deal wasn't announced publicly or in any message to primary dealers. Never before... Not in the entire 237year history of this great country has any foreign government been granted such intimate access to Capitol Hill.
--John G. Sacoulas (2013)
Although there are no laws being broken, the Treasury's accommodation of China is definitely suspicious. China already holds more than $1.2 trillion in U.S. Treasuries. Before long, China will own 50 cents on every dollar of U.S. debt. With that in mind, I must ask a very difficult question... Has the United States ALREADY lost its sovereignty to China? I've seen the poll results, and they're shocking. As always, thanks for your participation, Robert Williams Founder, Wall Street Daily
July 2013
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Come See Us At The “Promised Land” Zoo and foot safari now open By Branson Newsdesk Having a perfect model for zoo keeping at thier Eagle Rock, MO drive thru zoo the owners have recently opened Promised Land Zoo and foot Safari in Branson. “It feels great to finally be open,” said Laura Remenar, zoo director and daughter of the owners. “It has been a long road, but we’re finally here.” The Branson location is on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway just south of Pierce Arrow Theater. The new Promised Land Zoo sits on five acres “It is a foot safari, a petting zoo and all sorts of interactive exhibits,” Remenar said. “It’s an up-close experience with not only the animals, but with the zookeepers, too. We focus more on intimate encounters with baby animals and education.” Remenar’s husband and fellow zookeeper, “Jungle Josh,” hosts the shows at the zoo. He introduces and educates guests about several different animals before he takes them around for petting. There are four shows performed
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September 6-7 Lenny & Varda Harris (www.lennyandvarda.com) For more info: 888-265-1837 or ohhatorah@yahoo.com
Those in the International Community who refuse to put red lines before Iran don’t have a moral right to place a red line before Israel. 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. -Benjamin Netanyahu
daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. “The crowds have been bigger earlier in the day,” Remenar said. “But really, the 5 p.m. show is best because it is cooler and this whole area is in the shade.” The zoo also offers bottle feeding at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. “Guests can feed baby camels, baby bison, baby goats,” she said. “A zookeeper bottle feeds the baby lion at 10 a.m., so everyone can watch.” In addition to the baby animals, there are a few interesting animals calling the zoo home. “We have several unique animals here you won’t find other places,” she said. “We have a breeding group of sloths, a hyena and several other animals that are extinct in the wild. We also have spider monkeys and micro-monkeys, too.” The zoo will also be bringing in new animals from its other location from time to time. “We’re going to be bringing in several new animals from our other park from time to time,” Remenar said. “Here in Branson, we have mostly baby animals, so once they get large enough, we’ll take them back to the other park and bring in new babies.” Aside from the main zoo and shows, Promised Land will also feature several exhibits.
Parakeet Paradise allows guests to get people anymore,” she said. “Plus, with up-close and personal with the colorful the conservation and education, we have birds housed at the zoo. Promised Land a lot of things here that other places just will also host “animal encounters,” don’t offer. which give guests the chance to spend “We truly feel like this is a calling not time with young, rare and endangered just an occupation.” animals, such as baby kangaroos and baby monkeys. photos by Geoge Kurland “By having the other zoo in Eagle Rock, MO. we have the benefit of being able to breed some animals there, then transfer them to Branson for the people to play with,” Remenar said. “We’re really stressing education and conservation with these aniChristopher James Family enjoying mals. We don’t raise Promised Land Zoo with family. them and send them out for no reason.” Christopher is the emcee and Magician In a town known for for the Branson Belle tourist attractions and events, Remenar said the interaction between the guests and Promised Land Zoo is open seven days a the animals make Promised Land differ- week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more ent. information, visit plzoo.com or call 417“A lot of other places don’t have that in- 337-9453. teraction between the animals and the
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Ever play BOCCE? by John G. Sacoulas
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Bocce, pronounced Boatchay, is a ball sport with a common ancestry from ancient games played in the Roman Empire. Developed into its present form in Italy (the plural of the Italian word boccia which means "bowl"), it is played
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Agape Life Fellowship A Word of Faith Church (non-denominational) 6185 W. St. Hwy 266 Springfield, MO
(417) 831-2333 Sun. Services 10 am & 6 pm Wed. Bible Study 6:30 pm
Pastor Twila N. Bridges
P i e rc e A r ro w ’s L u k e Menard Luke Menard was born and raised in Crawfordsville, IN. He started playing the violin at age 5 and that is when Luke’s love of music began. He graduated from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois where he was heavily involved in music. Upon graduation, he formed and toured with the nationally acclaimed acapella group Chapter 6 for 10 years. In 2008, Luke was seen on the Fox hit televison show American Idol as one of the top 8 guys. Upon elimination, he was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. After several rounds of chemo and radiation Luke is now cancer free. His story was featured on E! Entertainment and Extra. In July of 2011 Luke became a singer in Branson’s long successful running show Pierce Arrow where he currently sings tenor in the quartet. Luke and his wife, Lara, have a daughter named Hope and reside in Branson, MO.
Open Daily 887-9553
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around Europe and also in overseas areas that have received Italian migrants, including Australia, North America, and South America initially among the migrants themselves but slowly becoming more popular with their descendants and the wider community.
July 2013 the other side has the opportunity to bowl. From then on, the side which does not have the ball closest to the pallino has a chance to bowl, up until one side or the other has used their four balls. At that point, the other side bowls its remaining balls. The team with the closest ball to the pallino is the only team that can score points in any frame. The scoring team receives one point for each of their balls that is closer to the pallino than the closest ball of the other team. The length of a game varies by region but is typically averages 10 points. Players are permitted to throw the ball in the air using an underarm action. This is generally used to knock either the pallino or another ball away to attain a more favorable position. Tactics can get quite complex when players have sufficient control over the ball to throw or roll it accurately.
In Southern France the sport is also popular and known as Boule Lyonnaise. Bocce is traditionally played on natural soil, grass and asphalt courts 90 ft. in length and 8.2 to 13 ft. wide. Unlike lawn bowls, bocce balls are spherical and have no inbuilt bias. A game can be conducted between two players, or two teams of two, three, or four. A match is started by a randomly chosen side being given the opportunity to throw a smaller ball, the jack (called a boccino or pallino in some areas), from one end of the court into a zone 16 ft in length, ending 8 ft. from the far end of the court. If the first team misses twice, the other team is awarded the opportunity to place the pallino anywhere they choose within the prescribed zone. The side that first attempted to place the pallino is given the opportunity to bowl first. Once the first bowl has taken place,
Attend the
Body and Soul Fest Saturday, August 3rd in Rockaway Beach, MO (See centerfold for details)
and join in the fun by participating in our Bocce Tournaments. Door prizes awarded to winning teams! No experience necessary
July 2013
Love INC Accepting Applications for Stone County School Readiness Fair On Friday, August 2, 2013 at the Reeds Spring High School, qualifying children who attend a Stone County school will be able to receive backpacks, school supplies, shoes, dental and medical screenings as well as a host of other services at the 10th annual School Readiness Fair. In 2012, over 28 organizations and churches came together to provide music, concessions, bowling, and a bounce house in addition to the information relating to children and families that was provided at each booth. “We were able to assist over 400 children last year. Any supplies that we may have remaining are then given to coun-
www.OzarksChristianVoice.com selors in Stone County schools to use throughout the year,” said Anita Pugh, Executive Director of Love INC. T h e event is hosted by Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC) to ensure that school age children have everything that they need in order to start of a successful school year. The last few years have seen donations drop significantly and Love INC is hopeful that this year is better. “On average, we anticipate the cost of providing for each child at $50. That $50 provides the basic essentials and does not include special items that are on all lists,” said Pugh. Love INC needs churches and busi-
Your Middle C by Max Lucado When author Lloyd Douglas attended college, he lived in a boardinghouse with a retired music professor who lived on the first floor. Douglas would stick his head in the door and ask, “Well, what’s the good news?” The old man would pick up his tuning fork, tap it on the side of his chair and say, “That’s middle C. It was middle C yes-
nesses that are willing to collect supplies at their locations. Some of the supplies that are needed include 3-ring binders, paper, scissors, glue, crayons, pens, pencils, folders, erasers, spiral notebooks, backpacks, school boxes and of course sleeping mats for the younger children. Love INC also relies on volunteers to assist with stuffing backpacks and picking up supplies as well as donations to purchase those items that are not collected. Donations can be made online at the Love INC website. Families who need assistance with school supplies should contact Love INC at 417-336-7056 to submit an application between June 10th and July 19th. New this year, parents can submit an application on line by visiting www.omcloveinc.com. The application is submitted electronically and will save parents who are on tight schedules from waiting for a return phone call. Each application is evaluated based on financial need. Pugh said that “it is amazing to see how our churches and community rally around the kids each year to make this event possible. We are blessed to live in such a caring and generous community.”
terday; it will be middle C tomorrow; it will be middle C a thousand years from now. The tenor upstairs sings flat. The piano across the hall is out of tune, but, my friend, that is middle C!” You and I need a middle C. A still point in a turning world. An unchanging Shepherd. A God who can still the storm. A Lord who can declare the meaning of life. And according to David in Psalm 23—you have one. The Lord is your shepherd! He is your middle C! - Listen to UpWords with Max Lucado at:
OnePlace.com
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A Minute with a Man Did you ever wonder about the Christian beliefs of our founding fathers? One way to know for sure is to examine their declarations and their last wills and testaments to see if it provides any convincing evidence of their strong religious beliefs. “My soul I resign into the hands of my almighty creator, whose tender mercies are over all His works, who hateth nothing that He hath made, and to the justice and wisdom of whose dispensations I willingly and cheerfully submit, humbly hoping from His unbounded mercy and benevolence, through the merits of my blessed savior, a remission of my sins.” -George Mason, Father of the Bill of Rights
Now you know what our founding fathers really said.
Dee is the author of “The Myth of Separation of Church and State.” and “The Trial of Christ: A 21st Century Lawyer Defends Jesus.”
Springfield, MO Attorney Dee Wampler has 50 years trial experience as a Greene County prosecutor and defense attorney.
Wisconsin Elementary School Hosts “Gender Bender Day” Blog of faithandthelaw.wordpress.com
An elementary school in Wisconsin stirred up a great deal of controversy and anger among parents by hosting a “Gender Bender Day” in which all students were instructed to cross dress as the opposite sex for school. See bonus page 38 on line at: www.OzarksChristianVoice.com
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DAVE $AY$
July 2013
cent
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Financial Straight-Talk
Dear Dave, Is there a downside to refinancing your home often? Katrina Dear Katrina, There’s really no downside to this, as long as each time you do a refinance you lower your interest rate enough to allow you to recoup closing costs before you move. In other words, you have to first make sure the numbers work. First, calculate the amount of money you’ll save as a result of a refinance. The way to do this is by multiplying the interest difference by your loan balance. If you have a $200,000 mortgage on a 5 percent loan, and you refinance to a 3 percent loan, that will save you 2 percent per year, or $4,000. Next, look at the refinance costs. What are the closing costs in order to refinance? If it’s $10,000, and you divide that by $4,000, that says it would take two and a half years to get your money back. If the costs are $8,000, it would take you two years to get your money back if you’re saving $4,000 a year. That’s pretty substantial! What I just laid out is called a break-even analysis. Basically, it answers the question of how long it will take you to get back the money you spent on closing costs with the interest you save. That will give you the answer as to whether or not you should refinance again. So, there’s not really a “you’ve done this too often” rule. If you refinance three times in a year it would only be smart if interest rates have dropped significantly throughout that time. Doing a refinance to save an eighth of a per-
won’t work out well for you. —Dave Dear Dave, Our son is about to graduate from law school. He took out a loan to cover the cost, but we’ve been paying on it for two years to help him out. Right now, the balance on the loan is about $76,000. We could continue paying it off, but my husband is hesitant. How do you feel about this situation? Patty Dear Patty, It’s not a bad thing if you guys decide to continue helping him out by paying off the rest of the loan. But I don’t want you to feel as if you’re obligated in any way. No deal has been broken here, and you haven’t reneged on a previous agreement. But there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a young lawyer earning a living and paying off his own debt. He can roll up his sleeves and clean up the mess he participated in making. If you do decide to pay it off, that’s an incredibly generous gift. In my mind, it should be met with much gratitude and appreciation. It should also be accompanied by a signed letter of agreement from him stating that he will never, except in the case of a 15-year, fixed rate mortgage, borrow money again. In other words, I’d want to see some kind of permanent commitment and recognition of the fact that you guys have changed your family tree. I’d want this kid to be affected in a deep and profound way by this gift; so much that his kids would also be affected in a positive way by your behavior and by his in the years to come! —Dave
www.DaveRamsey.com
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Barbara Fairchild appearing in the Golden Corral Showroom
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July 2013
Welk Resort Branson Completes New Multimillion Dollar Hotel Renovation (Branson, Missouri) – The Welk Resort Branson is proud to announce the completion of a multimillion dollar hotel renovation completed on June 1,
2013. The Deluxe Traditional Rooms reflect the unique charms of the Ozarks: vibrant colors and textures suit the casual, warm and friendly culture. A few of the new featured items include granite vanities, a work space with an ergonomic desk chair, wall-mounted AC controls, desk lamps with easy reach dual outlets, mini-fridge, Welk Signature Ecology bath amenities, Seattle’s Best single cup coffee system and Starbucks’ Tazo Teas. And the high-end finishes, plush amenities, and attention to every comfort show why this hotel is one of Branson’s value-focused, premier destinations, with retail, dining, and entertainment venues. Along with the complete replacement of all major components of its 159 Guest Rooms and Baths, is a renovation of the lobby, corridors and common areas. The Ozarks inspired color palette includes beautiful local photography on metal art and the all new lobby and hospitality reception area are accented with stone tile wrapped columns and granite finishes. “We’re very proud to offer our hotel guests an all new guest room that enhances the value of their experience with us”, said Dathan Atchison, General Manager of The Welk Resort. “We have always made gracious service to our
www.OzarksChristianVoice.com guests our foremost objective. Now, along with our other great amenities the Welk guests have come to expect, we are very excited about our new rooms and hotel upgrade, and believe our guests will be also.” Great Welk Resort amenities include an indoor/outdoor water attraction for children and adults, The Splash-A-Torium, an activities program, state-ofthe-art fitness center, live entertainment theatre, game room, playground, mini golf course, and free Wi-Fi. The Welk Resort is situated in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, in close proximity to Lake Taneycomo and Table Rock Lake, near Silver Dollar City and was recently recognized by Trip Advisor with the 2013 Certificate of Excellence Award. Celebrating their 19th season in Branson, The Welk Resort offers hotel and luxury lodge accommodations, a 2,200 seat live entertainment theatre, Stage Door Restaurant & Lounge, Gift Shop and the Splash-A-Torium, an indoor/out-
door water attraction with splash zones and indoor and outdoor hot tubs. The Welk Resort Theatre hosts two outstanding shows for 2013: The Price Is Right Live, returning for its 2nd season, running selected dates March through November, and Tony Orlando’s Great American Christmas, returning for Tony’s 20th and final year in Branson for a limited engagement of 20 shows, November 5th through 28th. For more information and reservations please call 1-800-505-9355 or visit online and view the new renovation photos at
www.welkbranson.com
'Sexless' Now Official Birth Certificate Status in Australia The Christian Institute Norrie May-Welby, 52, will now be known as 'sexless' on his birth certificate. A man in Australia who claims to be neither a man nor a woman has been officially recognized by Australian authorities as “sexless” on his birth certificate. Norrie May-Welby, a British expat, was born a man but had a sex change operation in 1990 when he was 28. However, after becoming unhappy as a woman he opted to become a “neuter.” In 2010, officials in New South Wales (NSW) altered the Briton’s birth certificate to declare a new sex category, “not specified,” but the decision was later reversed.
Ask the Rabbi Unity of all Believers Our vision at the Tabernacle is the unity of all believers in the Messiah Jesus, whether Jew or Gentile. Galatians 3:28 says that “in the Messiah, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female – that we are all one in Yeshua Ha Mashiach, Jesus the Messiah.” Verse 29 adds that “we are all the seed of Abraham, and heirs according to the promise” that God gave to Abraham. Ephesians 2:14 says that “Yeshua Himself is our peace – that He broke down the middle wall of partition” that once separated us. Paul adds in Ephesians 2:12 and 19 that Gentile believers in Jesus are now part of the commonwealth of Israel, fellow citizens with the Jewish people. If you’re a Gentile believer in Jesus, you have the ‘Spirit of the Jewish Messiah’ living inside of you. If you’re a Jewish believer in Jesus, you have the same Holy Spirit that a “Born-again” Christian has! We all need each other! You know, its love and unity of Believers that speaks volumes to the unsaved. In john 13:35 Yeshua said, “by this all the world will know that you are my ‘Talmidim’(my disciples) if you love one another.” Paul adds in Romans 5:5 that “the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts through
Page 23 Now, three years later, the man has won an appeals verdict in the NSW Supreme Court to be recognized as “sexless” on his birth certificate in a landmark case. The NSW Supreme Court ruled that people do not have to legally specify if they are male or female but could select a third sex category, stating “non specific” on official documents. In 2011, new passport rules were introduced in Australia that allow residents to identify their gender as male, female or indeterminate. In the same year, the U.K. Home Office said it was considering scrapping any mention of a person’s sex on passports for the sake of “transsexual equality.” Also in 2011, it was reported that parents in Canada decided to raise a “genderless baby”—in “a tribute to freedom and choice.”
the Ruach Ha Kodesh – the Holy Spirit.” Aren’t you glad, that whether Jew or Gentile, we are all one in the Messiah Jesus? One body, one temple, one bride and one priesthood – purchased by the blood of the Lamb! To Him Be all glory, honor, power and praise, forever and ever! To contact Jeremy for ministry in your congregation, for a radio or television interview or other special event, or for information on his albums or teachings, please call or email: Tabernacle of Praise, Branson, MO ~ Phone: 417-334-7373 Email: info@JeremyStorch.org Website: www.JeremyStorch.org
Rabbi Jeremy Storch is the Rabbi, Cantor and Worship leader of The Tabernacle, Branson, Missouri’s Messianic Jewish congregation. For more information on the Biblical Hebrew roots of Christianity, visit:
TheTabernacleInBranson.com
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.YAK BAK Feed Back from our readers We agree, Ben Carson would make a great president but alas, the best ones will never run because they are too smart. Leon & Dana, Ozark, MO _______________________ Looking forward to the Body & Soul Fest... it sounds like a great family event! Ted D., Republic, MO _______________________ Your story on the imported food we eat and the junk we buy was a wake up call. Thanks for the heads up! Bill Jones, Harrison, AR _______________________ Your centerfold piece on “Falling Pastors” broke my heart. When are we going to realize Satan wants to slay our shepards and start protecting them better? Sally Garfalo, Ava, MO _______________________ Page 21 of the June issue regarding Rick Warren’s son committing suicide shows us that no family is immune to mental illnesses. It is yet another form of the fallen human condition that can override the best family environments. Ken Dollack, Branson, MO ______________________ We love De Wampler’s “A Minute with a Man” column each month. Mr. Wampler has a great appreciation for our nation. Keep ‘em coming! Paul Peterson, Springfield
Your article on why our kids are leaving the church was enlightening but sad. However, we need to address these issues if we want to save the next generation. Karen F. Marshfield, MO _____________________ I appreciate Dave Ramsey’s column each month but sometimes I see a lack of empathy for people who have fallen into financial ruin through circumstances beyond their control. I think someone needs to speak to the broken culture and how we can rebuild without remorse. Ben Yost, Kansas City, MO _____________________ Your cultural reference like the Austin Powers character on page 34 was disturbing. Should we relly be so ingrained in pop culture to make a point? Neil Foster, Lebanon, MO ______________________ Send your letters to the editor to:
editor@ ozarkschristianvoice.com or mailing address: P.O. Box 336 Rockaway Beach, MO 65740 Letters may be edited for space consideration. Please indicate if your whole name may be used.
Please have patience for those that choose to sin differently than you do.
There Are No Indian Reservations in Heaven by J. LEE GRADY
G
od’s heart is broken over the spiritual condition of the Native American community. Do you care? I spent part of this week preaching at my friend Quentin Beard’s church in Sioux Falls, S.D. On Sunday—which happened to be Pentecost—I reminded the congregation that if we really want the fullness of the Holy Spirit, we must have more than just emotionally charged worship, speaking in tongues or miracles of healing. Those things are wonderful, but if we want full-blown Pentecost we must also tear down racial and ethnic barriers. Later that morning, a tall Native American brother named Joe Marrowbone came to the altar for prayer. He is from the Lakota Sioux tribe, and he wanted the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Within a few moments, he was praying in tongues with his hands raised in the air. He told me later that He feels God will send him to share the gospel on some of the Indian reservations near Sioux Falls. Joe was especially blessed when I addressed the issue of racism among whites and Native people in his home state. I told the church that when we get to heaven, there will not be a white section, a Hispanic section, a black section or a Native section. “We are all one big family. There are no Indian reservations in heaven," I said. Seeing Joe filled with the Spirit was a highlight of my trip. But when I left Sioux Falls, I was burdened about the condition of the Native people in our nation. We have so much unfinished business when it comes to healing the breach that exists between us and our American Indian brothers. Consider these facts: Native Americans have the highest poverty and unemployment rates in the United States. The poverty rate is 25 percent. Native people living in Indian country have incomes that are less than half of the general U.S. population. Only 36 percent of males in high-poverty Native American communities have full-time, year-round employment. Nearly 10 percent of all Native families are homeless. The rate of Native homes without electricity is 10 times the national average, and 20 percent of Native households lack running water. The infant mortality rate among Native people is about 300 percent
July 2013 higher than the national average. The poorest county in the United States is the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, where the unemployment rate is at a mind-boggling 80 percent. Life expectancy on this reservation is the lowest in the Western Hemisphere, except for Haiti. Rates of violent victimization for both males and females are higher among American Indians than for any other race. From 1999 to 2004, American Indian males in the 15- to 24-year-old age group had the highest suicide rate compared to males of any other racial group. Native American men have been found to be dying at the fastest rate of all people in the United States. What do those figures say to you? I believe it is an absolute travesty that those of us in the Christian community have not fully acknowledged our forefathers’ role in perpetrating genocide on our Native brothers. And it is pathetic that we have largely ignored this languishing mission field in our own backyard while we spend millions on our tech-savvy megachurches in white suburbs. God forgive us. When the Holy Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost, the apostle Peter declared from the book of Joel that one sign of the Holy Spirit’s outpouring would be the empowerment of the poorest of the poor. He said, “Even on My bondslaves, both men and women, I will in those days pour forth of My Spirit, and they shall prophesy” (Acts 2:18, NASB). Surely Native Americans were on God’s heart when those words were recorded. Yet many of us completely missed the point of Pentecost. We made it about us. We chased after the anointing, the chills, the hype and the charismatic circus—forgetting that the reason we are anointed by the Spirit is to minister to those who need Christ’s healing. I am praying that the Spirit-filled community will renounce its self-absorbed immaturity and begin to fulfill our true Pentecostal mission. Pray for a spiritual awakening among Native people, both on and off the reservation. Explore ways that you can build bridges of reconciliation. And ask God how you and your church should respond to the needs of Native people. J. Lee Grady is the former editor of Charisma and the director of the Mordecai Project (themordecaiproject.org). You can follow him on Twitter at @leegrady. He is the author of Fearless Daughters of the Bible and other books.
July 2013 Kids Brutally Vandalize Man’s Family Home — But Now He’s the One Facing Jail Time by Billy Hallowell Jesse Daniels, 53, is accused of endangering the welfare of children for the actions he took after catching four boys in the act of vandalizing his father-in-law’s home over the weekend. With extensive damage done to the inside of the house, Daniels and his wife called 911 — and he went inside of the residence to confront the boys. But that’s not all: Daniels put the kids inside of a closet while he waited for authorities to arrive. It was this latter action that created an even bigger legal conundrum. The vandalism unfolded in Clyde, New York, a small town between between
www.OzarksChristianVoice.com Rochester and Syracuse. Daniels lives next door to the home — his father-in-law’s residence that is under continued renovation — and when he heard noises and saw the lights on, he knew something was wrong. The incident unfolded around 9 p.m. Saturday when Jesse Daniels said he told his wife to call 911 after he heard loud noises coming from the home next door and saw an individual striking a wall with a hammer. Daniels tells 13WHAM News he ran next door and found four children, ages eight and ten, doing damage to the property. Daniels said he took a hammer from one of the kids and corralled them into a closet while he waited for police to arrive. Daniels estimated that the damage to his father-in-law’s property exceeds $40,000. Clyde Village Police took the children
back to their parents and filed felony criminal charges of Burglary 2nd Degree and Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree. Those cases will be handled in Family Court and the results of each case is likely to remain sealed. Now, here’s where the details take a turn. Two days after this debacle, the police went back to Daniels’ home and arrested him. The parents of the children, claiming that the man threatened the kids with the hammer and was rough with them, insisted that charges be filed. So, Daniels faces four counts of endangering the welfare of a child. The local man could face up to one year in county jail for each offense, meaning that a total of four years of detention, pending Daniels receives the max penalty, could be his ultimate ramification.
Page 25 The children’s motivation for the attack on the home isn’t known, however WHAMTV reports that Daniels claims that the boys were riding ATVs earlier in the evening on Saturday and that his wife told them to get off of their property. The home attack may have been a retaliatory act, he contends. Regardless of the exact details, the home is severely damaged. And after spending years renovating it for and with his fatherin-law, Daniels isn’t happy. “It just looked like a bomb went off it really did I can’t believe the power that it took to send (electrical) outlets six-inches into the wall,” At least one of the parents is calling for increased charges against Daniels, despite admitting that the children’s actions were unacceptable.
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&
July 2013
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MMA Demonstrations Body & Soul Fest, Saturday, August 3rd in Rockaway Beach
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Pierce Arrow’s Tim S t o r m s Answers to Crossword Puzzle on Page 12
Across 1. Long narrow range of hills 6. Solomn pledge 9. Carry 13. Decorate 14. Make a mistake 15. Conspiracy 16. Deluge 17. Understand 18. Fragrance 19. Storm 21. Water flask 23. Consume 24. Similar 25. Fuss 28. Used to control a horse 30. Back fin 35. Troublesome child
37. Desiccated 39. Mother-of-pearl 40. Alleviate 41. Boundary 43. Heroic tale 44. Awry 46. Mentally healthy 47. Arithmetic operation 48. Maestro 50. Portable shelter 52. Domestic animal companion 53. Olfactory organ 55. Belonging to us 57. Treachery 61. Shaped like a ring 65. Be of use to 66. Allow 68. Thrust
69. Tennis stroke 70. Argument in favor 71. Large black bird 72. Woody plant 73. Amateur radio operator 74. Awake Down 1. A flat float 2. Not working 3. Disastrous destiny 4. Fumble 5. Make attractive or lovable 6. Waistcoat 7. Mineral 8. Break forcefully 9. A pastry with fruit filling
10. Musical instrument 11. Domesticated 12. Panache 15. Large artillery gun 20. Move stealthily 22. Assistance 24. Enliven 25. At right angles to the length of a ship 26. Literary genre 27. Desert haven 29. Part of the eye 31. Type of file 32. Skin covering the top of the head 33. Debate 34. To the lowest degree 36. Trial
Answers to Sudoku Puzzle on Page 32
38. Eat dinner 42. Shaped to fit a mortise 45. Infirm with age 49. Pole 51. Vast treeless plain 54. Imaginary being 56. Relating to farming or country life 57. Yore 58. At any time 59. Uncommon 60. Basketball team 61. Particle 62. Exist 63. Affirm 64. Let for money 67. Epoch
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 music groups. Four days after graduating high school, he moved to Oklahoma to begin a career in Christian music. Over the next several years, Tim would sing with the groups Timothy, Freedom, Vocal Union, AVB, Acappella, 50’s at the Hop and Rescue. During his career in Christian music, Tim has been blessed to be able to sing in Brazil, France, Switzerland, Jamaica, Fiji, Russia and England, as well as all over the United States. Tim set a Guinness World Record for the lowest note produced by a human by vibrating his vocal chords down to .189 Hz, which is just over seven octaves below the piano. He also set a Guinness World Record for the widest vocal range for a male. The new record was announced via CNN and Reuters at Ripley's Believe It Or Not, London, England. Tim joined Pierce Arrow at the beginning of the 2006 season and currently lives in the Branson area with his wife, Angie, daughter Emma, and son Evan.
Socialism: A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul. -- George Bernard Shaw
July 2013
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Rock-A Swap Small Animal Swap Meet First Saturday each month Apr-Nov 6 am - Dark Admission Free Vending $10.00 Poultry, small animals, crafts, fleamarket stuff Held in Beautiful Rockaway Beach! Please research the story before you forward something on the web. Christians must be very cautious against bearing false witness. • Locally-Owned • Bruce and Kim Erdel
Serving the Ozarks since 1990
Store Hours Monday – Saturday from 9AM to 7PM • Physical Address: 4145 South National Ave, Springfield • 417-891-2200 or Toll Free 1-888-835-0034
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Dear Father, Forgive me when I lose sight of what is really important in life. Help me to keep my eyes focused on your truth. Enable me to show others that you are the real treasure in life.
417-336-7056
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The Ozarks Christian Voice is available FREE at all Family Pharmacy locations!
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Branson's IMAX Entertainment Complex Announces New Retail Store – CAMO COUNTRY Branson, Missouri – CAMO COUNTRY opens its first new retail store inside Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex. Owners of the new store, Nathan and Anna Robb, developed this new concept from the popular TV series “Duck Dynasty” and “Swamp People”. “We opened Camo Country because our family loves to watch Duck Dynasty," says The Robbs, "And after making a trip to West Monroe, LA, we knew we had to bring the flavor of Louisiana to Branson!” Camo Country is a licensed dealer for Duck Commander, Swamp People and Browning with unique gift items including t-shirts, caps, Si Tea Cups, Phil Robertson famous sauces and rubs, Mrs. Kay’s official cooking video, Duck Commander calls, Swamp sauces, real gator heads, exotic jerky and more. The store has a large variety of camouflage items
from comforter and sheet sets, purses, home décor, wine glass sets, knives with more items arriving daily. “We fell in love with these popular products, along with the people who make them. It’s our hope that you enjoy our new store inside the IMAX as much as we do,” says Anna Robb. “While you shop, you can enjoy samples of our famous smoked alligator and duck, along with a variety of sauces.” This is the newest retail store inside Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex, which includes over 12 other retail shops. Randy Brashers, President of Branson's IMAX Entertainment Complex, is excited about the new store. “Camo Country brings a whole new variety of popular reality TV show fad items to our retail mix, along with a strong fan base for Duck Dynasty and Swamp People,” says Brashers. Hours of operation are from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily. For more information contact: Email : info@camocountrybranson.com or www.camocountrybranson.com
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July 2013
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Is the Name 'Jesus' Really Related to the Name 'Zeus'? BY MICHAEL BROWN
Life Extension Expert
There are a lot of ridiculous myths that have become folk legends via the Internet, but the idea that the name Jesus is related to the Greek god Zeus is one of the most ridiculous myths of all. It is high time that we put it to rest! In short, you might as well argue that Tiger Woods is the name of a tiger-infested jungle in India. It is that absurd, based on serious linguistic ignorance. And while we’re putting some myths to rest, here’s another one that needs to bite the dust: namely, the myth that the original Hebrew-Aramaic name of Jesus was Yahshua. In reality, there is no such name in the Hebrew language, and those of us who deny that Yahshua was His name are not part of some secret conspiracy to suppress the divine name. The truth is, His name was Yeshua—not Yahshua, which, to repeat, is a
fabricated, non-existent name—and we don’t glorify the Lord or help His people by manufacturing false and worthless claims. Worse still, some believers even divide over this, claiming that if we call on the name Jesus, we are invoking the name of a pagan god (that is sick, to be blunt), or arguing that if we don’t say Yahshua, we are dishonoring the Lord (which is patently ridiculous, to put it lightly). So, what are the facts? The original Hebrew-Aramaic name of Jesus is Yeshua, which is short for Yehoshua (Joshua), just as Sammy is short for Samuel. (By the way, there is no such name as Yahushua, supposedly the original pronunciation for Joshua in Hebrew—again, not true!—and God’s name was never pronounced Yahua. Throw those myths in the trash bin as well.) The name Yeshua occurs 27 times in the Hebrew Scriptures (or Old Testament), primarily referring to the high priest after the Babylonian exile, called both Yehoshua (see
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Zechariah 3:3) and, more frequently, Yeshua (see Ezra 3:2). So, Yeshua’s name was not unusual; in fact, as many as five different men had that name in the Old Testament, and it was a very common name in the first century of this era. Also, Syriac-Aramaic transcriptions of the name from the first centuries of this era confirm the pronunciation of Yeshua rather than the makebelieve Yahshua. About 200 years before the time of Jesus, when Greek-speaking Jewish scholars translated the Hebrew Bible into Greek (the translation was called the Septuagint), they transcribed the Hebrew Yeshua with the Greek name Iesou(s) (pronounced yeysoos), which is ultimately how we got the English name Jesus. (There was no “sh” sound in Greek, so Hebrew “sh” became Greek “s.”) There’s nothing mysterious here, and this is just a matter of names in one language undergoing changes when they switch into another language, like Michael in English compared to Miguel in Spanish compared to Mikhael in Russian. There is no conspiracy and no cover-up. Where, then, did the name Yahshua come from? Someone made it up! My educated guess is that some zealous but linguistically ignorant people thought that Yahweh’s name must have been a more overt part of our Savior’s name, hence Yahshua rather than Yeshua—but again, there is no support of any kind for this theory. What about the alleged connection between the name Jesus and the god Zeus? This is one of the more bizarre claims that have ever been made, going back in part to the Sacred Name cult. According to the late A.B. Traina, in his Holy Name Bible, “The name of the Son, Yahshua, has been substituted by Jesus, Iesus, and Ea-Zeus (Healing Zeus).” According to the Institute for Scripture Research, the leading ancient Greek dictionaries connect the name Jesus with pagan healing deities, while another bogus website claims that, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica, "the name Ieusus (Jesus) is a combination of 2 mythical deities, IEU and SUS (ZEUS, a Greek
Page 29 god).” All this, again, is complete nonsense, without a stitch of truth behind it. In point of fact, the major ancient Greek lexicons (all of which I own) say no such thing, nor does the Encyclopedia Britannica (which I also own). Either the people writing these articles simply fabricated their citations or else they misunderstood what they were reading. The fact is, anyone with a sound knowledge of Greek would know that there is zero connection between the names Jesus and Zeus in Greek, as someone once said, “Jesus is as much related to Zeus as Moses is to mice.” Unfortunately, some popular teachers continue to espouse the Jesus-Zeus connection, as well as insist on the Yahshua nonsense, and many believers follow the pseudoscholarship in these fringe, “new revelation” teachings. Not only, though, are these teachings and practices filled with error, but they do not profit in the least, and every legitimate dictionary and lexicon and ancient manuscript in the world is against them. So, to every English-speaking believer, I say: Do not be ashamed to use the name Jesus! That is the proper way to say His name in English—just as Michael is the correct English way to say the Hebrew name Mi-kha-el and Moses is the correct English way to say the Hebrew name Mo-sheh. Pray in Jesus’ name, worship in Jesus’ name and witness in Jesus’ name. And for those who want to relate to our Messiah’s Jewishness, then refer to Him by His original name, Yeshua—not Yahshua and not Yahushua—remembering that the power of the name is not in its pronunciation but in the person to whom it refers, our Lord and Redeemer and King. (For more details, see my book 60 Questions Christians Ask About Jewish Beliefs and Practices.) Michael Brown is author of The Real Kosher Jesus and host of the nationally syndicated talk radio show The Line of Fire on the Salem Radio Network. He is also president of FIRE School of Ministry and director of the Coalition of Conscience. Follow him at AskDrBrown on Facebook or @drmichaellbrown
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Church Needs to Repent for Failing to Model Strong Marriage TRUTH IN ACTION MINISTRIES The Supreme Court’s decision in the case of Windsor v. United States effectively allows federal marriage benefits to be extended to same-sex couples who are legally married in their states. In its accompanying decision, in Hollingsworth v. Perry, the high court declined to rule on whether California’s ban on same-sex marriage is constitutional by rejecting the petitioners’ legal standing to challenge the lower court's ruling, which had declared Proposition 8 unconstitutional. These decisions do not establish a constitutional right to same-sex marriage; nor do they settle the issue, and with good reason. Regardless of how future courts and legislative bodies decide on the definition of marriage, we affirm that as Christians, our final touchstone for truth on this issue—and every other cultural issue—is the authority of Scripture, which contains God’s revelation of His design for marriage, family and human sexuality. Jesus Christ clearly identified God’s creational design and plan for marriage when He stated, as recorded in Matthew 19:4-5, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female; and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh’?” Calling a relationship between two members of the same sex that is based on personal affinity and psychological attraction “marriage” does not change reality. That relationship can never be a marriage, which is uniquely characterized by the sexual union of two heterosexual individuals—one male and one female—who have taken vows of sexual fidelity to each other and to the exclusion of all others. This reality, which is rooted in God’s creation order, cannot be changed, regardless of whether or not any court or legislative body attempts to give its legal imprimatur to relationships that are based solely on personalistic definitions of love and attraction. As those who seek to uphold the lordship of Jesus Christ over all of life, we strive to daily demonstrate our love for Him by obeying His commands. From the beginning, God, the creator and giver of life, ordained the intimate bonds of marriage between a man and a woman to serve as witness and testimony of the ultimate example of His love for His bride, the church, which Jesus Christ purchased with His own precious blood. The frequent failure of many mem-
www.OzarksChristianVoice.com bers of the church to live out and bear witness to this truth does not contravene God’s commands and design in regard to marriage. Therefore, even as we unequivocally affirm that we will continue to stand for marriage between one man and one woman as God’s design for the ordering of human society, we acknowledge that there is much work to be done to rebuild this understanding of marriage in our culture. To that purpose, we join with those who have signed the Marriage Solidarity Statement, pledging to stand in defense of marriage and the family and society that is founded upon them. In addition, we call upon the church to acknowledge and repent of its failure to provide the strong example of biblical marriage that our society so desperately needs. When divorce becomes common, even among those who claim to be followers of Christ, the example of marriage as the relationship of Christ and His bride (which the apostle Paul writes of in Ephesians 5), is marred and lost to the wider culture. The church has been lax in protecting marriage, and society is paying the price. We have failed to point troubled marriages back to God, to appropriate His strength and comfort, and to cling to His Word. Finally, we state the resolve of Truth in Action Ministries to continue to equip and encourage members of the body of Christ to live out the wholeness and healing that only Jesus Christ can bring to any area of life. Our human sexuality is at the core of how we understand human nature and the ordering of human society. It gets to the core of how we relate to one another and of how we build culture and civilization. Therefore, we challenge all followers of Christ to honor God’s beautiful design and purpose for marriage and to be intentional in protecting our own marriages. And as a ministry, we pledge to continue to make every effort to come alongside those who are struggling to find the healing, wholeness and peace that Christ alone can offer through knowing Him and following His perfect design for marriage and every other area of life. Truth In Action Ministries is a Christian media outreach that seeks to mobilize the body of Christ through television, radio, print and the Internet to actively advance God’s kingdom in every sphere of life.
www.truthinaction.org
July 2013
Don’t think you can be an artist? Come out to the Body & Soul Fest Saturday, August 3rd in Rockaway Beach and Corks 2 Canvas will show you the “tricks” of the trade!
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July 2013
Patsy Cline Remembered Patsy Cline Remembered is a show that not only features the greatest hits of one of the most influential female vocalists, but invites you to explore the reality of who Patsy was beyond her music. Come celebrate her achieve-
www.OzarksChristianVoice.com ments and grieve her troubles as you discover how she paved the way for women to become an integral part of Country Music. Patsy Cline Remembered stars C.J. Newsom, who performed in the award winning John Denver Tribute show for over six years, and now is eager to share how Patsy influenced her life and the career of many female country singers. The show takes you on a journey of not only Patsy’s experiences, but of those that influenced her like Judy Garland,
her friends such as Loretta Lynn, and those most influenced by her like Reba McEntire. Patsy Cline Remembered is an engaging and entertaining show. As the last notes fade away, you will feel like you have become a close friend of a musical giant, Patsy Cline.
Page 31 her live band! Monday through Saturday at the Elite Theatre inside the IMAX Complex at 9 AM. For more information, call:
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July 2013
Lesson #2: Smart guys marry women who love God—and they learn to treasure their wives’ advice.
5 Lessons From the Stupidest Man in the Bible
Nabal never broke free from his sinful nature. Abigail painted a pitiful picture of her husband when she begged David not to attack Nabal. She said: “Please do
by J. LEE GRADY If you want to be a good husband and father, avoid this guy’s bad example.
“
Who is the most brainless man in the Bible? We could make a long list of losers: Adam, Cain, Esau, Pharaoh, Saul, Ahab, Judas or Simon the Sorcerer. I love the fact that people’s mistakes aren’t whitewashed in the Scriptures. Even the holiest guys blew it (Peter comes to mind) but fortunately many of them found forgiveness and a second chance. That gives me hope every time I make a dumb mistake.
Some have been haunted by certain behavior patterns since they were young, yet they never found emotional healing or deliverance from the shame of their mistakes.
But there’s one guy who’s stupidity puts him in a class by himself—partly because he never even realized how spiritually clueless he was. When I was speaking to a group of leaders last week in Puerto Rico, I used Nabal as an example of how men shouldn’t act. If we want to be good husbands and fathers, and if we want to disciple other men to do the same, we should take a cue from this Old Testament geezer whose name literally means “fool.” Here are five reasons I put Nabal in the “stupid” category: Nabal didn’t honor God. Nabal was an entrepreneur and he built a prosperous business in sheep and goats. But the Bible says he was “harsh and evil in his dealings” (1 Sam. 25:3). He was the kind of guy no one really wants to be around: pompous, corrupt and selfish. When David came seeking food for his warriors, Nabal refused to help. He didn’t care about God’s kingdom because he was focused totally on building his own. Lesson #1: Smart guys yield the throne of their lives— as well as their money and careers—to Christ. Nabal didn’t listen to his wife. If you look up the word “macho” in the dictionary, Nabal’s picture should be there. His wife Abigail is described as “intelligent” (see v. 3) and she is praised in verse 33 because of her discernment. But Nabal didn’t benefit from his wife’s wisdom because he ignored her. She was a deeply spiritual woman, and she stopped David from making the foolish mistake of attacking Nabal. David listened to Abigail, but Nabal arrogantly refused.
”
not let my lord pay attention to this worthless man, Nabal, for as his name is, so is he. Nabal is his name, and folly is with him” (v. 25). Nabal never rose above the depravity of his past. He never grew spiritually. He refused to change.
Lesson #3: Smart guys may not come from the best backgrounds, but they trust Jesus to free them from every sinful tendency. Nabal let his addictions control him. After Abigail successfully prevented David from slaughtering Nabal’s men, she went to tell her husband and found him so drunk that she had to wait until morning to talk to him. Alcohol was his drug of choice, and he became totally debilitated because he couldn’t kick his habit.
of our generation is that so many Christian men are sitting in the back rows of churches, struggling to become true disciples. Some have been haunted by certain behavior patterns since they were young, yet they never found emotional healing or deliverance from the shame of their mistakes. Others are secretly addicted to alcohol, drugs, porn or gambling. Many other men I have prayed for struggle in their marriages because they view their wives as inferior. Sometimes a seething macho attitude erupts in anger or even violence. As a result, many modern Abigails are suffering because of their husbands’ stupidity. They are praying for a holy intervention. What would happen in this country if huge numbers of men renounced their selfishness, repented of their foolishness and asked God to break their hard hearts? The gospel of Jesus has the power to make this happen. I’m praying that God will spark a national movement among men that will break addiction, stop domestic violence, reconcile broken families and turn stubborn Nabals into humble Davids. J. Lee Grady is the former editor of Charisma and the director of The Mordecai Project: www.themordecaiproject.org You can follow him on Twitter at leegrady. His latest book, Fearless Daughters of the Bible, is now available in Spanish from Casa Creacion.
Sudoku Answers to Pg. 26
Lesson #4: Smart guys don’t allow any unhealthy behavior to control them. They seek help and confess their sins. He had a hard heart. When Abigail finally told Nabal how she had sucessfully intervened in David’s life, and how David was destined for the throne of Israel, Nabal’s heart “died within him so that he became as a stone” (v. 37). His physical condition mirrored his spiritual deadness. His stubborn refusal to submit to God’s authority ended up taking him to an early grave.
Lesson #5: Smart
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One of the tragedies
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July 2013
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Abortionist Sued for Forcing Procedure on Unwilling Woman
rected employees to physically restrain Gravely and proceeded with the abortion.
by MELANIE KORB
Shortly thereafter, Stephens announced that he was finished with the abortion and sent Gravely home. The next day, Gravely ended up in the emergency room of a local hospital, where she learned that the abortionist had left parts of the unborn child—including the baby’s head—in her womb.
A West Virginia woman is suing an abortionist for forcing her to continue with the procedure against her will. (StockFreeImages.com) A woman represented by attorneys with Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) and the Family Policy Council of West Virginia (FPC) filed suit Friday against Women’s Health Center of West Virginia and its abortionist, Rodney Lee Stephens, of Charleston. The woman, Itai Gravely, claims Stephens forced her to proceed with an abortion against her will and then left her baby’s head in her womb. “A woman’s life and health is more important than an abortionist’s bottom line,” says ADF allied attorney Jeremiah Dys, president and general counsel of FPC. “What Stephens and Women’s Health Center did to Itai is beyond the pale. She has been exposed to extraordinary cruelty, and her life was put in jeopardy.” Gravely v. Stephens, filed in Kanawha County Circuit Court, alleges that 26year-old Gravely changed her mind before the abortion process began when Women’s Health Center could not provide her with adequate anesthesia. Ignoring her pain and instructions to not begin the abortion procedure, Stephens di-
According to statements provided by a consulting medical expert who examined Gravely’s complaint and medical records, both Stephens and Women’s Health Center were negligent. The expert concluded that Stephens violated standards of care “by failing to account for the fetal skull following Ms. Gravely’s surgical abortion. … [F]etal parts … if retained, could lead to serious injury or even death.”
sentatives on the potentially fraudulent use of taxpayer dollars by Planned Parenthood. “Our tax dollars should not fund abortionists who are irresponsible and only promote their own self-interest and bottom line.” Senior counsel Casey Mattox, who heads up the ADF Abortionist Accountability Project, joined with Dys at his announcement of the lawsuit and urged West Virginia to adopt regulations to protect the health and safety of women. West Virginia does not license or inspect abortion facilities. “Abortionists should be held to the same health and safety standards as all other medical facilities,” Mattox says. “It is not too much to expect that abortionists meet basic standards to protect women’s health.”
After returning home, Gravely continued to experience severe pain and heavy bleeding. When she called Women’s Health Center and said she could not drive and was in too much pain to take public transportation, the center declined to assist her. Gravely called an ambulance and was taken to the emergency room of a hospital. “Abortionists must be held accountable for such horrors,” says Michael J. Norton, senior counsel for ADF, co-counsel and a former U.S. attorney for the District of Colorado. Norton co-authored an ADF report to the U.S. House of Repre-
Page 33 Partial list of exhibitors at the upcoming Body and Soul Fest: Christian Action Ministries (CAM), The Ozarks Christian Foundation, Bill Glass Prison Ministries, Cox Hospital, The Spa Place, Victory Chiropractic, Crazy Eddie’s, Ozarks Christian Academy, Kona Ice, Pregnancy Life Line, Keller Williams Realty (Jim Robertson), Smart Choice Foods, J.P. & O Prosthetics, Creation Ministries of the Ozarks, Images at the Cross, Options Pregnancy Center, KLFC 88.1 FM, Faith Community Health, Caring People, Love, INC, The YMCA, Springfield Victory Mission, Still Waters International Minstries, The Coast Guard, American Cancer Society, The WIND 88.3 FM, Grief Share, Jesus Was Homeless, Teen Harvest, Olea Estates, Genesis Pure, Ann Goering, CC Silver, LLC and Bodies By Vi. Admission to the public is free. For more information see website at:
www.BodyandSoulFest.com
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BRANSON FRONTLINE As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15 By Veeda Smith
M
ore than 7 million tourists visit Branson, Missouri, each year and enjoy many of the family-friendly shows. The Knudsen family, known as SIX, is quickly gaining momentum as one of Branson’s top shows. Now in their seventh successful season in Branson, Missouri, SIX, Branson’s Show of the Year, combines the musical showmanship and boundless energy of six brothers (Barry, Kevin, Lynn, Jak, Owen and Curtis) to create a truly exciting family entertainment experience. Dubbed as an “Orchestra of Human Voices,” you won’t believe what comes out of their mouths. Normally when you think of an acapella group, one would think of voices with no instrumental accompaniment, however, their performance captivates the audience with not only outstanding harmonies and astonishing vocal feats that are so amazing, you will think you are hearing a full band. . Raised in a family of ten brothers and no sisters by parents Arnold and Joyce Knudsen, the six oldest brothers make up the singing
www.OzarksChristianVoice.com group and the four younger brothers play a big part in working behind the scenes.
What to Wear to Church
When they were still very young, their father noticed their natural ability and talent to make up songs and also make up harmonies. Also musically gifted, their father decided to sit them down at an old piano and begin teaching them gospel hymns. They picked the hymns up quickly and were soon singing in 4-5 part harmony. After their first performance singing gospel in church, they began performing at various talent contests, community concerts and fairs.
A
Their first big break came in 1978, when they were invited to sing on ABC’s national television program, The Donnie and Marie Show. And what a break it was, opening many doors for the talented Knudsen brothers. An award winning show, SIX has won numerous awards in Branson including the 2007 "Editors Award for Best New Show," the 2008 "Best Show of the Year,” and 2009 and 2010 "Fan’s Choice Award for Best Show & Entertainers of the Year" by Bransoncritic.com. Chris from Bransoncritic.com said, "In many of the reviews it talked about how SIX is a show that all ages can enjoy. That is the one thing about Branson. It is a place where entertainment brings people together. The entertainment of SIX brings families together and creates memories for a life time." SIX will be performing through December at the Mickey Gilley Theater on Highway 76 in Branson. For information, go to their website www.theSIXshow.com for a complete listing of their 2013 schedule of show times or call 877-SIX-SHOW.
by Jennifer Maggio bout five years ago, I made a conscious decision not to wear mascara to church. The music portion of our service was so beautiful that it repeatedly brought me to tears, and rather than have black tears streaming down my face, I decided to forego mascara applications altogether. Not long thereafter, I attended a women’s conference in my hometown. It was one of those events that took your breath away at every turn. God was evident in every detail – the speakers, the music, everything. By the end of the third day, my spiritual cup was overflowing. Although tears had slowly trickled down my face at various moments during the conference, by the end of the third day, an all-out cry fest took place. I was completely uninhibited. I was in awe of God’s goodness, all he had done in my past, how he cared about all of us in that room, and filled with excitement about his plans for my future. I just let loose, and it didn’t matter to me that I would be a red-faced, sweaty mess, thereafter. May I be honest? It was the first time I had cried in church unconcerned about how I appeared to others in a very long time. So what’s the point of the story? Am I saying that wearing mascara to church is wrong? Of course not. I love makeup. I love high heels and beautiful blouses. I love a new haircut, a sparkly-pocketed pair of blue jeans, and great new boots. And I do not think there is anything wrong with any of those things. But when the shirt covering our hearts becomes more important than the purity therein, it is a major problem. When the heart that graces our inside is less important than the new necklace draped across its outside, we are in dangerous territory. Today, I am invited to women’s conferences all over the country to speak and encourage other women. It is a great honor to do so and I spend many hours preparing for what I might share. Admittedly, I also put thought into what I will wear. During a recent out-of-town event, I was scheduled to speak on a Friday morning, but I arrived early on Thursday evening to attend the opening night of the conference. The women’s minister (and pastor’s wife) greeted me, and I
July 2013 was in awe of how beautiful she looked. Her hair was impeccable. Her clothes were neat and fashionable. She was a gem, for sure. And then, the most beautiful thing happened. Worship began and we spent the next two hours singing songs to our King. And do you know what that beautiful woman did? She took off those high heels and kneeled to the ground, then later, fell to her face in free worship and adoration of the Creator of Heaven and Earth. Tears flowed down my face, once again. It was in the moment that I thought, “we all need to just get back to the basics.” For years, I was always taught that we bring our very best before God. Many in my life translated that to mean that men wore full suits and women adorned beautiful dresses and pantyhose, as this was considered the very best. Then, I transitioned into a church that was much more casual with jeans and t-shirts worn on most Sundays. Which is right? What about the homeless man with no shoes? What does he wear? My answer to you is that it is “all” right as long as motives are pure. If your desire is to put on a pant suit or full-length church dress because you believe that brings honor to your Savior, then, please do so. But be careful not to pass judgment on the young mom across the aisle who wears jeans and a tattered t-shirt. Spend more time preparing your heart for the message that the pastor will be bringing, rather than ironing your attire. Spend more time praying for the worship leader, rather than choosing just the right jewelry for your Sunday outfit. And above all else, bring with you a pure heart, ready to gather in the King’s house and welcome all in, regardless of how they are dressed. (Article first appeared on iBelieve.com) Jennifer Maggio is considered one of the nation’s leading authorities on single moms and womens’ issues. She is an award-winning author and speaker who has a God-given passion to see women walking in total freedom. She is founder of The Life of a Single Mom Ministries and has been featured in countless media venues. For more information, visit http://www.jennifermaggio.com.
July 2013
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from the editor...
Hey, buddy, can you spare five bucks?
Y
ou may have noticed that The Ozarks Christian Voice 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.) We make it available for free so new readers can find the OCV 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 9th year of printing
the only Christian newspaper in the Ozarks that is fun, inspirational and without being inclusive to other world religions. 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 the believer without creating a great offense in the process. If this paper took a left-wing, flaming liberal position or a stinking right-wing, conservative position (extreme opinions either way), folks on both sides of that spectrum would get pretty generous to support their own ignorant bias. Having a Christian publication be moderate to conservative usually generates moderate to conservative financial support because it doesn’t get us all fired up. However, we believe a moderate approach to the majority of hot topics is the most prudent and, dare I say, Christian ap-
proach? The Body of Christ is extremely diverse because it mysteriously serves God’s purpose to be that way.
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The OCV is a Kingdom paper. We know $30.00 yearly subscription in this economy is a huge amount. If that is not possible, could you please try to get the newspaper through vending machines for 50 cents (10 issues per year) located at grocery stores and post offices, as well as many high traffic areas. That’s only $5.00 a year. ...or you could just send us $5.00 and pick it up at all our free locations for an entire year as a way to help us...
Of course, if you feel led by God to just make a donation of any size we would be most grateful. (Please send check to address below or hit the donate button on our website)
www.OzarksChristianVoice.com John, Lorri and the gang
It would be a shame for this newspaper to disappear It’s only $30.00 a year... only to have NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! people saying Or Gift it to a Loved One! that had they known our Credit Cards accepted needs, they thru PayPal would have order by email: helped out in editor@ozarkschristianvoice.com 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
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Pierce Arrow’s M ic h elle Wait Michelle was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. She fell in love with performing after watching her brother sing in his high school musical production of '42nd Street' when she was eight years old. With some encouragement from her Mom, she went on to perform in show choirs and numerous school and community musicals while growing up. Michelle moved to Branson in 2004 and has been employed by several theater's in Branson. She has also been a featured vocalists for Celebrity Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line. Michelle is a certified personal trainer, but most of all, Michelle loves being a mother and spending time with her two little boys, Bo and Abe. Michelle is thrilled to be a member of the Pierce Arrow family!
assistance.
Joplin Regional Manager Needed The Ozarks Christian Voice needs a regional manager for the Joplin area. This is a generous commission only position with unlimited earnings! Must have dependable transportation and past experience in account managing. Call John at (417) 353-7598
July 2013
Diabolical Crimes Mark a Troubling Sign of the Times by Steve Gallagher Recently a 15-year-old boy shot both of his parents when they insisted he do his chores. The reason for his anger? He was anxious to look up a Bible verse for a friend who wanted to know how to get saved. Two injured people hardly compare to some of the horrific mass murders we have witnessed in the past few years, but this incident does reveal an increasing number of people who have lost the ability to control themselves. Of course, murder has been in our midst from the founding of this nation, but senseless killing has never been seen on the scale we are experiencing in our day. There have been some 25 incidents in the United States since 9/11 where at least five people have been murdered in wanton killing sprees. What is going on with people? I believe Scripture holds the key to understanding the “helter skelter” happening in our culture. The spiritual deterioration of individuals (1 Cor. 1:18) and even an entire nation (Amos 8:1-2) are both documented in the Bible. However, I think what we are seeing today reflects something of much grander proportions than either of these historical phenomena. It seems we are witnessing one of the final stages of the spiritual downfall of mankind. In Matthew 13, Jesus described false believers as “tares” the angels would reap “at the end of the age” (vv. 39-40, NASB). The book of Revelation describes the unbelievers alive in the last days as rotten grapes ready for “the great wine press of the wrath of God” (Rev. 14:19). The apostle Paul skipped the metaphor of maturing plants and simply said that in the end times, “evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse” (2 Tim. 3:13). Just as it takes time for plants to ripen to the point of harvest, so too the sinful condition of mankind has taken several
www.OzarksChristianVOICE.com thousand years to arrive at its final state of evil. While this reasoning may sound good in a seminary course, does it really hold water in the real world? For instance, how do a couple hundred killings in America compare to the numerous occasions down through history when entire people groups have been exterminated? It is true that there have been certain periods when Satan was able to possess a man and direct his followers to the point of massacring large numbers of people (e.g., Adolph Hitler, Idi Amin, etc.), but the number of victimizers in these cases were typically limited. What we are seeing in the U.S. and throughout the world now is an escalation of wickedness amongst the masses—not the few. I can see two predominant contributing factors for this phenomenon. First, the technological advances of our time have made it possible for people to indulge sin at a level and intensity never before imaginable. The book of Daniel predicted the last days would be a time of a great increase in knowledge (Dan. 12:4). What other generation has experienced the increase of knowledge that we have seen? Perhaps you are aware of the fact that it took nearly 18 centuries from the time of Christ for man’s knowledge level to double. From 1750-1900, it doubled again, and once again from 19001950. By 1997, it was doubling every two years, and today it probably doubles within months. No generation in the history of mankind has experienced anything remotely comparable to what is occurring in our time. “Yes, but many of those scientific advances have been for the betterment of mankind,” some would contend. It is true that they have made temporal earthlife more comfortable and safe, but how much of it has contributed to man’s eternal well-being? Consider some of the ways these technological advances have contributed to the wickedness of our day. For instance, what American living in the 1900s could have imagined being able to view sexual
deviancy of all kinds on a screen sitting in their homes? What early pioneer could have comprehended a day when 50 million unborn babies would be slaughtered in our country? How could those simple folks have envisioned an entire city of people being vaporized with the push of a button? Perhaps even more close to home for most of us is what today’s technology has meant to our personal lives. We now live in such a fast-paced society that we can have nearly anything we desire on the spot. Not only does such a lifestyle of instant gratification keep a person’s carnal nature inflamed, but it also quickly hollows out people of the normal contentment that comes with a decent life. The prosperity and technology of our day has enabled people to quickly immerse themselves and burn themselves out in their sin of choice. These zombie-like burnouts who commit bizarre crimes are only going to increase. The other major contributing factor in the escalation of evil we are witnessing is the increasing latitude God is allowing the enemy as the end approaches: “Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time” (Rev. 12:12). This ripening of evil is preparing the masses of humanity to come to the point that they will accept the mark of the beast. You know that nice neighbor lady who always gives you a bright smile and a friendly greeting? One day she will be openly worshiping Satan (Rev. 13:8). Those close family members you pray for? They will be the very ones who turn you into the authorities (Luke 21:16). Those conservative pundits you admire? One day they will be calling for your execution (Rev. 6:9-11). That is where humanity is heading. Considering the rapidity of the changes we are witnessing and the shocking way people are reacting to them, one must conclude that the final, terrible period of mankind’s history is nearly upon us. The closer we come to that frightful time, the
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more we are sure to see people like Ted Bundy, James Holmes, Jared Lee Loughner and the Tsarnaev brothers emerge from the shadows to commit their diabolical crimes. What is even more disconcerting, however, is the change that is coming over “decent” citizens. It all points to the eventual demonic takeover of unredeemed mankind. How do believers handle such foreboding predictions? First, we must live in God’s reality. We cannot afford to seek escape in the world’s entertainment system. Not only does it deaden the spiritual discernment so crucial for such a time, but it also puts us in the same spirit that is at the bottom of these atrocities. Second, we must move forward in faith. Each of us has a rich history of God’s love and faithfulness. When indiscriminate killings and human tragedies are occurring all around us, we must remember that the same God who has proven His trustworthiness to us in the past is on His heavenly throne, ruling sovereignly over all earth’s activities. He will take us through victoriously whatever mayhem the dark lord of this world instigates. Third, we must remind ourselves that we are citizens of heaven not earth. Whatever we face on earth is meant to better prepare us for our eternal home. Perhaps the best advice we can receive is from the One whose coming we all anticipate: “When these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28).
Steve Gallagher holds an Associates of Arts degree from Sacramento City College and a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry from Master’s International School of Divinity. He is also a certified Biblical Counselor through the International Association of Biblical Counselors (IABC) in Denver, CO.
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Wisconsin Elementary School Hosts “Gender Bender Day” Blog of faithandthelaw.wordpress.com An elementary school in Wisconsin stirred up a great deal of controversy and anger among parents by hosting a “Gender Bender Day” in which all students were instructed to cross dress as the opposite sex for school. The Tippecanoe School For The Arts And Humanities made the “Gender Bender Day” a part of its May 24th School Spirit celebration. Boys were encouraged to dress like girls and girls were encouraged to dress like boys. The move was met with disapproval from parents, some who called the school requesting the event be cancelled. The school responded by changing the name of the event to “Switch It Up Day” but the instructions to cross dress and engage in transgender activity remained. There were other parents who voiced their displeasure: Deidri Hernandez, the mother of a 7-year old child at the school, was one of the parents who contacted school Principal Jeffrey Krupar to voice her disapproval. “I didn’t have a problem with the title. I had a problem with the activity taking place,” Hernandez says. She says it’s “ridiculous” and “creepy” to ask elementary boys to come to school dressed as girls, and vice versa, and predicts that having students dress as “transvestites” will distract from the learning process. Hernandez knows of at least one other parent who shares her concerns and plans to hold her child out of class, too. But it’s the motivation behind “Switch It Up Day” that has Hernandez most concerned. She wonders if it is being done to promote the acceptance of homosexuality to students in school, which runs from prekindergarten through eighth grade. Hernandez thinks it’s inappropriate to expose young children to these issues, even in a light-hearted manner. “They might as well call it ‘Transgender Day,’” she says. The Bible is clear that cross dressing or transgender dressing is a sin: “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.” – Deuteronomy 22:5.
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Gender roles are to be maintained and dressing as the opposite sex is a sin. Public schools in the United States of America have become increasingly hostile to the Word of God while at the same time promoting ideas that are in direct rebellion against God’s clear commands. In this instance, Principal Krupar responded by saying it was the student’s decision to hold the day and he saw no issue with it. As Beginning and End has detailed, elementary school students have found themselves in trouble just for including the name of God in a poem. But an entire day devoted to a Biblical sin is acceptable. Pray for the children in public schools being increasingly exposed to ideas that run contrary to the Christian faith and for a return to Biblical principles and values. Public schools have become a training ground for indoctrination into sexual values and ideas that society has approved, regardless of whether the parents have knowledge or not. This is not the first incident in the state of Washington. As detailed in a prior article on the increasing sexualization of children, “Sex Ed” has become so X-rated, an elementary school principal gave graphic description of intimate acts to children in class, traumatizing some children to the point they refused to return to school. Matthew 18 records a conversation where Jesus Christ was asked about children: At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. – Matthew 18:1-6. Exposing children to sinful sexual acts at such a young age is rebellion against The Lord. And pray for the parents of these children to continue to contend for the faith once given to the saints and not to submit to the agenda of a school system that is increasingly hostile to anything related to the name of Jesus Christ.
Southern Baptists agree to disagree on Calvinism
July 2013 about what it says about some issues - including "who can be saved and how they are saved," he concludes.
Charlie Butts (OneNewsNow.com) Southern Baptists are gearing up for their 2013 convention in Houston and will be dealing with Calvinism, which has been a topic of debate within that denomination for quite some time. Calvinism, a Protestant theological teaching that emphasizes the irresistibility of grace and the doctrine of predestination, has stirred controversy within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) - and the debate has been present since the denomination's beginning. Dr. Richard Land, who soon takes over as president of Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina, explains the teaching named for 16th-century theologian John Calvin. "Basically, this belief is that God is so sovereign that he elects those who are going to be saved, and they ultimately have no choice in the matter," he offers. "They are the subject of 'irresistible grace' and they will be saved; and those who are not the objects of 'irresistible grace' can't be saved and they won't be saved." Land, who is not a Calvinist, says a serious Calvinist voice, but not a dominate one, exists within the SBC. A report developed by a 19-member advisory committee representing both sides of the debate will be presented at the SBC Annual Meeting next week (June 11-12). That report - "Trust, Trust, and Testimony in a Time of Tension" - urges Southern Baptists to "grant one another liberty" in the debate. "I think the report will be a positive step in the right direction," Land tells OneNewsNow. "But if you mean 'dealt with' that it's going to go away, no; it will be addressed, but the debate will continue. It's been going on for a long time in Southern Baptist life and it will continue to go on." And he does not believe the issue will split the denomination. Land points out that Calvinists and nonCalvinists do not disagree about what the Bible is. They do disagree, however,
Tragic Anniversary is Reminder to Care for Elderly Drivers Chris Woodward (OneNewsNow.com) This week marks 10 years since one of the worst traffic accidents in U.S. history, but how to prevent it from happening again remains anyone's guess, especially when dealing with elderly parents. Ten years ago, 86 year old George Russell Weller drove through a Santa Monica, California farmer's market, killing 10 people and injuring more than 60. The incident ignited a public debate on whether people of a certain age should not drive, but to this day, Sharon Carty of AOL Autos writes no one wants to appear ageist. Furthermore, Carty says there is no good age at which to put a limit on, and there are no tests that are comprehensive enough to determine whether someone has lost physical abilities, including the ability to make good decisions behind the wheel. So, what can people do if they're concerned about an older parent or grandparent no longer being able to drive? "I think a lot of time when we get in the car with our parents we tend to just drive them because it's easier, but you should actually encourage your parents to drive so you can get an eyewitness account of how they're driving,” Carty suggests. “Also, look for dings and dents on their car. That will be the sign that they might not be pulling into parking spots the right way and they're starting to lose that spatial ability. Keep an eye out for traffic citations. If they're starting to get more tickets, that's also a sign." When it's time to talk to your parents, Carty says you have to be prepared to offer alternatives for them and don't just take no for an answer. Meanwhile, don't let your emotions or denial keep you from confronting the older driver.
July 2013
Dean of Character Education Sue Head Receives “Kingdom Builder Award” at 12th Annual Ozark Mountain Prayer Breakfast College of the Ozarks Dean of Character Education Dr. Sue Head received the “Don Gabriel Kingdom Builder Award” at the 12th Annual Ozark Mountain Prayer Breakfast held this morning at the Branson Hilton Convention Center. The award is given annually to a person who contributes to the quality of the community by demonstrating in word and action a dedicated and dynamic Christian life; who constantly puts others ahead of self, who lives by Christian principles in all situations without compromise, and who lives by vision and mission working for God’s perfect will in Ozark Mountain Country. College of the Ozarks President Jerry C. Davis presented the award to Dr. Head. During the presentation, he quoted what one community associate said about her, “She has an amazing ability to bring people together for the right reason.” Dr. Head is heavily involved in Loaves and Fishes, a program that provides hot meals to the area’s underprivileged during the winter months, Faith Community Health Center, committed to providing Stone and Taney Counties' working uninsured with quality, affordable healthcare, and Ozark Mountain Legacy Builders, which promotes biblical principles and five core values: family, faith, flag, friend, and future in the Ozarks area. She also has served as a moving force behind the S. Truett Cathy Poverty Summit, First! PLACE Character Initiative, and the cre-
www.OzarksChristianVOICE.com ation of the School of the Ozarks, the new lab high school operated by College of the Ozarks.
was a college student and had just gone through what he called “the worst year of my life.”
“Although she has been named one of the most influential persons in southwest Missouri and holds degrees from Vanderbilt and the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League school, she is just as comfortable speaking with the underprivileged as she is with speaking with the rich and famous,” Dr. Davis said. He also added that when something needs to be done, Dr. Head is one of the “go-to” members of the College of the Ozarks team.
“I felt music was becoming my god,” he said, describing his sophomore year before the audition. “I felt like I had to give music my all, that it was now or never, and I was squandering opportunities and not being a good steward of what God was giving me.”
“I am so grateful to live in Ozark Mountain Country,” Dr. Head said. “We have a great opportunity here to stand up for this country and for things that really matter.” She continued by saying that she was especially grateful for the young people in attendance at the breakfast who represent our future leaders and are dedicated to learning about our culture and Christian heritage and willing to stand up for those values. Past award recipients include Cliff Wagner (2004), Don Gabriel and Larry VanGilder (2005), John Baltes (2006), Edd Akers (2007), Barbara Brezavar and Brad Swofford (2008), Smith Brookhart III (2009), Bob Burton (2010), and Jerry Lilley (2011).
Jason Castro: Faith to Move Mountains by Cicely Gosier/BGEA Jason Castro Winter Jam singer Jason Castro got his start on 'American Idol,' but it was a leap of faith that led him to that point and catapulted his career into what it is today. (Facebook) When Jason Castro auditioned for Season 7 of American Idol, he’d been singing for only a year and a half. So when he took the stage as a finalist to sing Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” he had no idea that soon enough, he’d be publicly talking about his journey from drummer to vocalist—and his journey of faith. At the time of his 2008 Idol run, Castro
That included his grades. “And my dad said to me, ‘Do you really think God is going to bless you like this?’ And I felt convicted,” Castro recalled. So he quit the band he played with in school, started teaching himself how to sing, and got honest about who he was both musically and spiritually. “I really began seeking God and wanting to be more about the man I was becoming,” Castro said. Today, he’s an accomplished singer and songwriter who just wrapped up a Winter Jam tour with contemporary Christian artists like TobyMac and NewSong. It wasn’t until 2009 that Castro talked more openly about his faith. And now his latest album “Only a Mountain” takes fans on a ride, from that low point in college to where he is today. “It didn’t happen overnight, but I decided to turn my efforts over to God,” he said. “And it’s been a joy to see how God has been faithful and that there was definitely a plan.” Castro’s newest single with the same title of the album parallels the message of Matthew 17:20. Jason sings: “This is only a mountain. / You don’t have to find your way around it. / Tell it to move, it’ll move. / Tell it to fall, it’ll fall.”
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“I always, through my music, want to inspire people to have hope, but I think this album is also leaning more to the redemption side of things,” he explained. “There’s been a massive change in my heart with the selfishness and things that kept me from enjoying complete freedom in Christ.” Castro, whose family is Colombian, grew up in a Christian home and played drums at church during worship with his father. When he was 16, he really got serious about his faith. “I had to ask myself, ‘Am I doing this because of what my parents say or because of what I believe?’” he said. Now 25, a lot has changed for the blueeyed, mellow Castro. Most notably, he’s now a family man. He and his wife, Mandy, have been married three years and have a daughter. “I’ve gained such an appreciation for how God uses these new scenarios and circumstances in our lives to shape us and teach us more about ourselves,” he said. This is Castro’s first time performing for the entire Winter Jam tour. Last year, he came in on the tail end of the concerts. “I am just inspired by what takes place every night,” he said of the Christian music series. “Above how cool it is to tour, the coolest thing is knowing that I’m right where God needs me to be.” With Winter Jam over, Castro will be performing with the Sidewalk Prophets in April and May. “I want people to realize faith is big and real and has power,” he said. “When I would deal with my doubt, every time there was just no refuting God is God,” Castro continued. “Every time I came back to just God.”
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Is 'Man of Steel' Superman Christlike or More Like the Antichrist? DAVID GIBSON/RNS
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leading evangelical magazine: “Superman … is there mostly to satiate that part of the American psyche that wants their messiahs to punch things, too.” These critics’ main quibble isn’t with the quality of the movie, though many faithbased reviewers concur with secular critics who think Man of Steel suffers from
Superman has always had a bit of a messiah complex, born as a modern-day Moses in the imagination of two Jewish guys during the Depression and over the years developing and amplifying his Christlike characteristics. So it made sense that Warner Bros. Pictures spared no effort in using the Jesus connection to attract the increasingly important Christian audience to see the latest film in the Superman franchise, Man of Steel. The studio hired a leading faithbased marketing agency, Grace Hill Media, to hold special screenings for pastors, and it developed an extensive website of Christian-themed resources—including specially-edited trailers for use in churches and Man of Steel sermon notes. “The Christlike parallels, I didn’t make that stuff up,” director Zack Snyder told CNN. “That is the tried-and-true Superman metaphor.” Or maybe not. Despite the studio’s best efforts, some viewers are leaving the theater after watching Man of Steel and issuing what amounts to a theological spoiler alert: Don’t compare this Superman to Jesus Christ. In fact, “he is the anti-Christ,” as the Rev. Thomas Reese, a Jesuit priest and commentator for National Catholic Reporter, tweeted after he saw the movie. In Man of Steel, Reese wrote, “Superpowers, not love, conquers [sic] evil. Bash the bad guy, don’t turn cheek.” Or as Jackson Cuidon put it in his Man of Steel review in Christianity Today, a
Moreover, in Man of Steel, Superman’s interminable battles with Zod devastate Metropolis, leaving untold thousands dead but with no real reckoning—moral or otherwise—for the lives lost. “Disaster Porn,” one critic called the film. In short, this Superman is so unlike Jesus that Michael Parnell, pastor of Beth Car Baptist Church in Halifax, Va., found himself angry that the studio had the gall to pitch this movie as representing Christian values. “Don’t sit there and tell me I can compare this character to Jesus,” said Parnell, who reviewed the film for the Religious Herald. “Harry Potter is a better messianic figure than this Superman is.”
an overstuffed plot and a surfeit of special effects. And there are others, like Religion News Service blogger Jonathan Merritt, who wonder if all the targeted marketing “represents another step forward in the commodification of Christianity.” Rather, Superman’s real sin, for some Christians, is that he resorts to violence to accomplish his goals—namely, killing his enemy, the evil General Zod.
As a former moderator of the Captain Comics Round Table, Parnell is a superhero fan who knows what he’s talking about. He will even be traveling to the big ComicCon International festival next month, where he may find that more than a few secular comic book aficionados share his concerns.
That was new, and it broke what comic book fans traditionally call “the rule” of the superhero ethos: Thou shalt not kill, even though you can.
“From everything shown to us from the moment he put on the suit, Superman rarely if ever bothered to give the safety and welfare of the people around him one bit of thought,” Mark Waid, a leading comic book writer and Superman expert, put it in a blistering online essay that has generated wide interest in the comics community.
The very point of Superman, in particular, was that he always found a solution without killing, which would have been so easy for him to do. He was a role model in making the right moral choice, not using force to win the day. This Superman “blasted a hole in the traditional moral code of the character,” as religion writer Jeff Weiss put it in a Real Clear Religion essay.
To be sure, this latest Superman shares and even boosts many of the Christlike characteristics of most every Man of Steel: He is sent to Earth as an infant to save mankind and is raised by a hard-
July 2013 working adoptive father and saintly mother. He must hide his supernatural gifts until he reveals himself as an adult and then, at age 33, after performing many great deeds, he hands himself over to the authorities. This Superman even strikes an arms-outstretched crucifixion pose as his otherworldly father urges him to return to Earth and “save them all.” The movie is, as the Christian reviewer Paul Asay put it, “a Bible study in a cape.” Except for the last part. Yet all may not be lost, and Christians don’t necessarily need to boycott what appears to be one of the most popular and entertaining films of the summer. Joe Carter, writing at The Gospel Coalition site, argues that the otherwise flawed Man of Steel does have a redeeming quality in that in just a few minutes of screen time Clark Kent’s Kansas dad, Jonathan Kent—played affectingly by Kevin Costner—displays the quiet strength and “unconditional, self-sacrificial love” that the Jesus of the Bible did. “Superman may be the man of steel,” Carter writes, “but his earthbound father shows us what it really means to be Christ-figure.” “Remember when we said that grief was the strongest thing a person could feel? Well, it isn’t. It’s forgiveness, because a single act of forgiveness can change everything.”
-The Tale of Despereaux