Now in our 9th Year!
Called Home...
Strange but true...
The Great Passion Play Starts 43rd Year (EUREKA SPRINGS, AR)
T See page 9
See page 34
he Great Passion Play, “America’s #1 Attended Outdoor Drama,”is open for its 46th season. Featuring a cast of hundreds, the Play is performed amid a 550-ft historically accurate stage and brings to life the epic drama surrounding Christ’s last days on earth, including his death, resurrection and ascension. The Great Passion Play runs 1 hour and 45 minutes, featuring an original musical score composed by Phil Perkins and performed by the world-renowned National Philharmonic Orchestra of London. This
See page 15
“Wild Wilderness Drive through Safari” in Gentry, Arkansas. In November of 2012, the nonprofit foundation that runs The Great Passion Play announced that it would close its 46year run. However, with the help of Randall Christy of The Gospel Station Network out of Ada, Oklahoma, The Great Passion Play was able to raise $75,000 in 10 days to secure a 2013 season. Christy, who now serves as the President of the Great Passion Play’s nonprofit foundation, said, “The Play has been saved for years to come for future generations. We are excited to make The Great Passion Play better than ever!” Kent Butler, a cast member and the Great Passion Play’s Assistant Executive Director, shared some of the improve-
See page 4 Jack Nicolson See page 27
PRO LIFE? Richard F. Green – USS Pensacola, US Marine see page 7
See centerfold page 18
year’s performance will also feature Arabian horses, donkeys, and dozens of birds as well as 3 camels donated by the
ments that have been made to the Play:
continued on page 6
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OCN Mission Statement The Ozarks Christian News is published under the auspices of the Ozarks Christian Foundation, a 501(c)3 non profit agency. Its primary purpose is to edify the body of Christ through inspirational articles of Christian faith and courage, educate the body of Christ through informative articles promoting the cultivation of a Christian world view, and encourage the body of Christ to support one another. Our focus is on, and to, the invisible church which Jesus Christ said, “The gates of hell would not prevail against.” We announce the current events of the visible church, and we believe the Body of Christ is made up of people who have found salvation by faith in Jesus Christ evidenced by the good
www.OzarksChristianNews.com Page 3 works they are doing and have The Ozarks Christian News done. We encourage our readers to 2574 US Hwy 176 • Rockaway Beach, MO 65740 be open minded to differing opinMailing Address: P.O. Box 336 ions on non-essential matters. We report the good as well as Rockaway Beach, MO 65740 the bad within our church family Office: 417-336-3636 • John’s cell: 417-353-7598 as a testament for the necessity of a editor@ozarkschristiannews.com Savior. Our observations are made www.OzarksChristianNews.com from a fairly modFree online subscriptions erate to conservative viewpoint.
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OCN 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
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
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Who is the woman behind “Jane Roe,” and where is she 40plus years later? _________________________ by Dwight Widaman _________________________ In the case, “Jane Roe” (a legapseudonym), she wanted to obtain an abortion in Texas. At the time it was illegal to get abortions and she took her case to court. Her case was eventually heard by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1973 after her child was born. The high court sided with Roe, striking down 50 individual state laws and legalizing abortion in the first trimester. Norma McCorvey is the woman behind the “Roe vs. Wade” decision.
In 1985 McCorvey began work at a Dallas abortion clinic. But an interesting thing happened. Operation Rescue moved in to the offices next door. For a while, she says, all they would do is argue. One day, Norma and Operation Rescue’s founder, Flip Benham, were having a conversation in which the Beach Boys came up. Just that one topic “humanized” Flip, McCorvey recounts. She had thought all Flip cared about was fighting for against a woman’s “choice”. After that, McCorvey and Operation Rescue started slowly becoming less confrontational and more “friendly”. Emily, the daughter of an Operation Rescue volunteer, had bonded with Norma through day-today contact. One day, McCorvey found out that Emily had almost been aborted. The news shocked her and deepened her friendship with Emily. Emily routinely asked McCorvey if she would come to church with her. Finally, not
www.OzarksChristianNews.com willing to say “no” to sweet and persistent Emily any longer, Norma went to church. The sermon touched Norma’s heart, and she began her spiritual journey with the creator of the Universe through his son, Jesus Christ. After her conversion story became public, McCorvey was questioned by an angry media that challenged her about whether her conversion was authentic. It took a while for the change in her heart to change her mind on abortion. She still admitted to “supporting legalized abortion in the first trimester,” until one day she noticed a fetal development poster. She says it was as if a light went off and, she realized that the 10-week old embryo was, in fact, actually a baby. Abortion, no matter what stage of development, was wrong. From that point on, she steadfastly fought so save babies and has been a tireless worker for the cause of unborn life. Once a convincing advocate for a “woman’s right to choose”, McCorvey is now a leader for the pro-life movement. She had went on to found her own prolife ministry, “Roe No More,” and speaks out against abortion in the national media and events nationwide. The media despises Norma McCorvey. After all she IS the Roe in Roe v. Wade.
overlook the personal relationships with those that support abortion. Opening our hearts to these individuals, people who believe as strongly as we do, increases our ability to persuade them to move towards a pro-life conviction. Is it hard? Yes! Does it take time? Yes! Are the babies worth it? Yes! Just ask “Jane Roe.” IMPORTANT MESSAGE Be advised that the contents of this publication often do not represent the positions held by many of the sponsors of the Ozarks Christian News (or for that matter, the publishers) Please remember to favor the advertisers here in the OCN. It would not exist without them!
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)
What can we learn from the woman behind the Roe v. Wade decision? Her unique story is this: If the heart and mind of a woman who is singularly responsible for creating abortion on demand in America can be changed, is it not possible to believe that abortion on demand could end in our lifetime? It also shows that those of us in the pro-life movement must not
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. --John G. Sacoulas (2013)
May 2013
Last Tuesday President Obama got off the helicopter in front of The White House - carrying a baby piglet under each arm. The squared-away Marine guard snapped to attention, saluted and said: "Nice pigs, sir." The president replied: "These are not pigs. These are authentic Arkansas Razorback Hogs. I got one for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and I got one for Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi." The squared-away Marine again snapped to attention, salutes and said, "Excellent trade, sir."
May 2013
www.OzarksChristianNews.com Kay E. Knipschild, D.D.S.
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Only You and God by Max Lucado When I lived in Brazil I took my mom and her friend to see Iguacu Falls, the largest water falls in the world. I’d become an expert by reading an article in National Geographic magazine. Surely, I thought, my guests would appreciate their good fortune in having me as their guide. To reach the lookout point, you must walk a winding trail that leads through a forest. I used the time to give a nature
Iguacu Falls
report to my mom and her friend. I caught myself speaking louder and louder. Finally I was shouting above the roar. Even my mother would rather see the splendor than hear my description. So, I shut my mouth. There are times when to speak is to violate the moment. When silence represents the highest respect. The word for such times is reverence. The prayer for such times is “Hallowed be Thy name!” (Matthew 6:9). - from The Great House of God - Listen to UpWords with Max Lucado at:
OnePlace.com
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Springfield Church of God (7th Day) A Happy Church! Pastor: Andy Hassen
1521 E. 24th Street N. Springfield, MO 65803
(417) 831-6721
Great Passion Play continued from front page
“The pacing of the Play is much better and, overall, it is much more dramatic. After all, Jesus called them miracles; we have to call them special effects. We want people to be awe-inspired and amazed at the miraculous life that Jesus Christ lived.” The Great Passion Play is also pleased to welcome other performers to Eureka Springs and the grounds. Butler said, “The
Sabbath School: 9:45 am Worship: 11:00 am Wednesday night: 6:30 pm
May 2013
A week without a Sabbath is perpetual bondage.
million who have seen “The Greatest Story Ever Told” at The Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Crooked Creek Cabins on the Lost
While on the grounds, visit the famous 7-story tall Christ of the Ozarks memorial statue. Walk through Jerusalem’s Eastern Gate and journey through recreations of the Holy Land. See the Sacred Arts Museum with hundreds of pieces of rare works in 64 different forms and the Bible Museum with 6,000 Bibles (including an original 1611 King James Version of the Bible) and artifacts dating back to 2,000 B.C. Experience the popular free performances of David the Shepherd and the Parables of the Potter. Eat in the buffet dinner that is served on nights the Play is performed. Additionally, on Monday nights during the summer, come to a Gospel Music Concert with the dinner. The Great Passion Play’s 2013 season will run from the first weekend of May through the last weekend of October. Ticket reservations, performance schedules and other information are available online at: .............................
Spur Ranch 12miles E. of Harrison, Ar. Cabin sleeps 4 , fully furnished , kitchen and linens, very clean and attractive. Just 50 ft. from the creek,,excellent fishing, swimming, beach, hiking and ATV trails. FOR INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS 870-743-6686 or 870754-5519 Owners: T.J. and Lyn Hunter - No alcohol or drugs on premises. Pets must be leashed , $25.00 fee.
www.GreatPassionPlay.org or call toll free 800-882-7529.
7-story tall Christ of the Ozarks memorial statue. Great Passion Play is the foundation of what we do. At the same time, we recognize that there are many other talented Christian-friendly artists. In that spirit, we will be hosting a concert at the Eureka Springs City Auditorium featuring John Michael Talbot on Thursday, August 8 at 7:30 PM.” Christy added, “We have many other special events and concerts that are in the works too. We look forward to building upon what we have with the Play by having others share their outstanding talents in an entertaining and inspiring way.”
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May 2013
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CAM Receives Over 4 Tons of Food _____________________ by Jack Burke, CAM board chairman ______________________________ has been bountiful for the shelves at Christian Action Ministries’ Food Pantries. On April 20, nearly 200 women participated in a meeting of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints’ Springfield South Stake Relief Society at the new LDS church in Branson West. The women donated 664 pounds of food, averaging over 3 pounds per person.
as assisting in the school backpack program for Kirbyville Schools.” Earlier this month the popular Branson show SIX held an ongoing food drive at their show. As a result, the Knudsen brothers gathered and delivered approximately 7,400 pounds of food for CAM. CAM executive director Pat Davis commented, “We are so blessed by the generous spirit of charity in this area. Despite ever-increasing demands, our food pantries and mobile delivery has been able to meet the escalating needs of our county throughout the winter m o n t h s . ”
Branson entertainer George Picture: LDSFoodDrive.jpg (L-R: Jack Burke, CAM Board Dyer was on hand Chairman; Cheryl Braun, Second Counselor, Katherine CAM is entirely supto help with the Lewis, Stake Relief Society President; George Dyer; Dave ported by financial and food donations CAM donations Hoy, CAM Treasurer. from the community and was caught and serves an average in excess of 1,000 families occasionally entertaining some of the arrivals by per month with a four-day supply of food. belting out a song in the parking lot. Anyone wishing to donate cash, food, or time, Katherine Lewis, Stake Relief Society president can call Pat Davis at 334-1157 or visit the CAM said, “We are pleased and privileged to support the website at: activities of the CAM food pantries today, as well
www.christianactionministries.org
Pierce Ar row’s Jimmy Fulb right 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.
"If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy, and if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity."
In Remembrance Of Our Friend Richard F. Green We are sad to share the unfortunate news that our friend Richard Franklin Green, one of three WWII veterans featured in the Hamner Barber Variety Show multimedia tribute to Veterans, has passed away at the age of 87. Mr. Green, who has been fighting cancer in recent years, died peacefully at his home in Bull Shoals, AR on Saturday, April 20, 2013. We extend our deepest sympathies to his loving wife Judy, and their family. In 2008, Richard Green, along with several other American WWII Veterans, sat down with Dave Hamner and Jim Barber to share memories of his tour of duty in the South Pacific. He was selected to be among the 12 veterans featured on the Hamner Barber Veterans Tribute DVD entitled, “Thank You’s Not Enough.” He was also selected as
Page 7 one of the 3 veterans featured in the live-stage version that has been touching hearts and stirring emotions as the award-winning closing routine to the Hamner B a r b e r Va r i e t y Show. “I’m sorry you missed a good portion of your life, and that you gave your all… which had to be done for this country. Thank you for your sacrifice to this Nation. Thank you boys, thank you men, for doing your all.” - Richard F. Green – USS Pensacola, US Marine The quote above, was Richard Green’s reply when asked what he would say to his buddies who didn’t survive the battle of Iwo Jima. We now thank Mr. Green for his years of service to America, and for helping us remember that freedom is never free. May God Bless You Richard Green! Thank You Is Not Enough!
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May 2013
WHAT IS MESSIANIC JUDAISM? Rabbi Jeremy Storch: (RJS) Messianic Judaism is a movement of Jewish people who believe that Yeshua (Jesus) is the Messiah of Israel and the Savior of the world. Messianic Judaism however is not limited to Jewish believers in Yeshua, but also includes Gentile believers who are embracing their biblical Jewish roots in the Messiah. This would also include Gentile believers who recognize that they have been “grafted into the olive tree” of Israel (ROM. 11:17) and share in the “commonwealth of Israel” through the Messiah Yeshua (EPH. 2:12 & 13)
tion (Isaiah 42:6, 49:6). God told Abraham that through him all the nations of the Earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3). The Lord set apart the Jewish people to bring the knowledge of God, the Word of God, and the Savior to the rest of the world. At first the early Messianic Jews did not understand that this was God’s will and they proclaimed the Good News only to other Jewish people. Ironically, the big controversy in the first century was not whether Jews could believe in Yeshua (naturally they could), but whether Gentiles could come into the
OCN: WHEN DID M E S S I A N I C JUDAISM BEGIN?
fit of all is to be part of the overall restoration of the body of Messiah in these last days, for indeed Yeshua has “broken down the middle wall of partition” (EPH. 2:14) and in Him, we are all one! (JN. 17:21)
Jewish”! When Messianic Jews finally understood that salvation was also intended for the Gentiles, they began to share the Good News with non-Jews as well as with Jews. As a result, many Gentiles began to come into the faith. OCN: HOW DID A JEWISH MOVEMENT COME TO BE REGARDED AS SO UN-JEWISH?
RJS: Messianic Judaism is actually 2,000 years old, dating to the time of Yeshua Himself. Yeshua was (and is) Jewish. He was raised in a Jewish home and ministered to Jewish people in the Land of Israel. His disciples were Jewish. The Rabbi Jeremy Storch Blowing the apostles were Jewish and Shofar in call to worship. for a time, the faith was strictly Jewish. By the middle of the first century AD, tens of faith without having to legally “become thousands of Jewish people believed that Yeshua was the Messiah (see Acts 2:37-42, 4:4, 21:20). OCN: IF MESSIANIC JUDAISM WAS STRICTLY JEWISH AT FIRST, HOW DID GENTILES COME INTO THE FAITH? RJS: It was always God’s will for the Gentile nations to share in His salvaSpirit-filled Davidic style Praise and Worship Annoited Bible-based teaching Fellowship after each service Nursery & Children’s Shabbat School
RJS: By the end of the 1st century A.D. Gentile believers out numbered the Jewish believers and unfortunately many had little understanding of the Jewish roots of the faith and God’s eternal covenant with Israel. As a result a “deJudaizing” process set in and as the number of Gentile believers increased, the Gentile expression of Christianity dominated the faith.
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
OCN: HOW WOULD MESSIANIC JUDAISM BENEFIT CHRISTIANS TODAY? RJS: For all believers who desire a deeper walk with Yeshua, there is a rich inheritance found in many aspects of Messianic Judaism such as observing the feasts of the Lord (LEV. 23), honoring the Sabbath (EX. 20:8-11) and experiencing spirit filled Davidic praise and worship just to name a few. However the greatest beneMeeting 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
May 2013
www.OzarksChristianNews.com
Page 9
George Beverly Shea, Graham soloist, dies
like this: BEV SHEA SINGS. Billy Graham will preach,” The Times said.
Kingdom of God,” Harland told Baptist Press.
demand on 108 consecutive nights at a crusade in New York City in 1957.
By Baptist Press STAFF
By the time old age led to the winding down of their ministry together, Shea had “faithfully carried the Gospel in song to every continent and every state in the Union,” the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) said.
Born in Canada, where his father was a Wesleyan Methodist minister, Shea grew up singing in the church choir and later studied voice with private teachers in New York while he worked as a clerk with the Mutual Life Insurance Company for nearly a decade, The Times said.
“Mr. Shea’s vocal style was characterized by a resonant bass-baritone, impeccable diction, sensitive musical phrasing and an unshowmanlike delivery that nonetheless conveyed his own ardent religious conviction,” The Times said.
LIFELONG FRIENDS George Beverly Shea, Billy Graham’s soloist for over six decades, died April 16 at 104 years of age. BP photo CHARLOTTE, N.C. (BP)—George Beverly Shea, the longtime soloist for Billy Graham Crusades, died April 16 after a brief illness. He was 104.
Shea composed the music to one of his best known solos, “I’d Rather Have Jesus,” at age 23.
Shea and Graham were lifelong friends, for decades living only a mile apart from each other in Montreat, N.C. “I first met Bev Shea while in Chicago when he was on Moody Radio,” Graham said. “As a young man starting my ministry, I asked Bev if he would join me. He said yes and for over 60 years we had the privilege of ministering together across the country and around the world.” Graham added, “Bev was one of the most humble, gracious men I have ever known and one of my closest friends. I loved him as a brother.” A lengthy New York Times obituary said Tuesday Graham wasn’t always the more famous of the two. When Graham asked him to sing at his preaching events in the 1940s, Shea already was a nationally known voice in Christian music, The Times said. Graham, at the time, was a “fledgling minister.” “As has been widely reported, their early revival meetings were often advertised
Franklin Graham reflected on the character of the man who was by his father’s side in ministry for more than six decades. “Even though Bev was 10 years older than my father, he never acted his age,” Franklin Graham said. “He was absolute fun to be with. Bev was one of the most gracious and unassuming men I have known. He was always encouraging and supportive, a man of deep faith and strong commitment to Jesus Christ.” Mike Harland, director of LifeWay Worship, said it was hard to articulate the tremendous impact Shea had on church music as a singer, songwriter and musician. “He was a Christian gentleman whose talent could have placed him on any music stage in the world. But his love for Christ compelled him to serve the
He was working as a staff announcer and singer at WMBI, the radio station of the Moody Bible Institute, in 1943 when Billy Graham, then a student at Wheaton College, walked in to express gratitude for Shea’s singing. Four years later, Shea and Graham led the first Billy Graham Crusade, in Charlotte, N.C., The Times recounted. Shea appeared regularly on Graham’s weekly radio broadcast, “The Hour of Decision,” which began in 1950, and throughout his ministry recorded more than 70 albums. He sang at the prayer breakfasts of U.S. presidents, including Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lyndon B. Johnson and George H.W. Bush, The Times said. Perhaps the most popular hymn Shea sang, The Times said, was “How Great Thou Art,” which he sang by popular
Shea received 10 Grammy nominations, won a Grammy Award in 1965 and was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Grammy organization in 2011, BGEA said. In 1978, he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and in 1996 he became a member of the Religious Broadcasting Hall of Fame. In 2008, Shea was part of the inaugural class of the Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists’ “Hall of Faith.” Shea is survived by his wife Karlene and his children from his first marriage, Ronald and Elaine. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Erma, who died in 1976.
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Did you know the Ozarks Christian News has subscribers in 11 differnt states? That is just the printed edition. The online edition covers the whole country. (according to the unique IDs as seen on Constant Contact)
If I were president series.......
P i e rc e A r ro w ’s J a r re tt Doughe r ty 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. To me, there is no greater city than Branson to live in and raise children in. 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’!”
E
Can’t we talk about something other than religion for a change?
Why Socialism is Evil by John G. Sacoulas, managing editor vil is a pretty strong word, I know. But consider this; when a government becomes the ultimate caretaker of the masses they turn to it and not to God. For instance, for millenia if an individual had hard feelings towards their family they ultimately had to make peace with them because that is where they went to for help. The nuclear family was the model God chose to bless the members of it. The prodigal son no longer comes home to satisfy his ultimate survival. Now hoe goes to the government. Entitlements like food stamps and welfare is his savior. Not at the expense of loved ones but at your expense and my expense. Total strangers now will provide for the needy as well as the prodigal. Your adult wayward child will seek government assistance and not yours less they have to humble themselves in humility. I once heard a woman at Walmart grousing loudly about the meager amount she claimed she was receiving from her EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card. I guess they don’t want to call it food stamps anymore because it isn’t always used on food and there are no longer physical stamps.
May 2013 Example: You believe that it can only be used for actual food. If I was president, I would restrict EBT to meat, vegetables and fruit. No Twinkies or Potato Chips. When we enable folks to eat junk food we will ultimately have to provide for their health care from the poor eating habits that EBT afforded them. Here is another shocker; many individuals qualify to actually receive cash from their EBT cards to assist them in non food emergencies. Ironically, theses “food stamps” turned into cash can procure liquor and tobacco. So there is a weakness in the system. Widows traditionally remarried throughout history in order to survive. But now the government has become their provider. Single mothers married without exception in every culture in all of history. Their husbands provided for them and their children in exchange for having a mate and companion. Now many gals get pregnant solely for the added allowance given them through the EBT program! There is no substitute for having to slug it out with family because ultimately everyone grows through the experience. This model allowed for people to practice generosity for some and humility for others. Those days are gone and family estrangements are the norm. Send me your ideas and I will consider you for my cabinet.
May 2013
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Micah (Battle of the Mind): by Patrick Edmonds
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Performing April 18 through May 18, 2013 Ever faced a decision that seemed to literally give you a headache? Well, if you only knew what your mind was going through, you’d understand. Travel with Micah as he gets the chance to watch his mind at work. You’ll get to meet the characters that live there as they sing and dance their way into your heart, and help Micah make the most important decision of his life. It’s going to be fun getting to know Micah. www.sgtheatre.com Announce your next event for FREE at:
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COLLEGE OPENS NEW ICE CREAM PARLOR FEATURING ICE CREAM MADE FROM FRESH CREAM VIA THE CAMPUS DAIRY
I scream; you scream; we all scream for ice cream! The old adage may have new meaning with the signature, fresh Nettie Marie’s Homemade Ice Cream coming out of the College Creamery in The Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks. The new ice cream parlor is officially open and serving up ice cream classics chocolate and old-fashioned vanilla, as well as specialty flavors such as “Bobcat Crunch,” which features oatmeal cookies, toasted almonds, pecans, and white chocolate chips. “The love of ice cream is practically universal,” says Keeter Center Executive Chef Robert Stricklin. “For several years, the College has been making its own ice cream, which has been tremen-
dously popular with campus visitors. There is no better way to tell the ‘Hard Work U’ story than with the sweet frozen dessert, made completely by students.” A space in the lobby of The Keeter Center has been renovated to invoke the nostalgia of the ice cream parlors of yesteryear. Individuals interested in trying Nettie Marie’s Homemade Ice Cream can purchase a scoop—or two, or three—of the delicious cold dessert made from fresh cream and all natural ingredients. Sorbets, such as “Blueberry Basil,” are also served as part of the Creamery’s 12
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Page 11 featured flavors. For those who feel a little adventurous, the “Black Cow” flavor may do the trick. Black Cow’s swirl of root beer sorbet and vanilla bean ice cream brings a new flare to the traditional root beer float.
Interestingly, a biblical theology major has been assigned as student leader over ice cream production, and the student, Justice Knight, couldn’t be happier. “I would never think that [making ice cream] would be something I would do daily and love doing, but I feel blessed that I
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JAMMIN' FOR JESUS TO BENEFIT THE PASSION PLAY Branson News Desk Jammin' for Jesus, Sunday, May 5th, will be held at the new Doug Gabriel Theatre located at 3750 W. Highway 76. The music will begin at 2:00 pm with Gary Dooms on the saxophone and our hosts for the day; Branson entertainer Barbara Fairchild, Texas recording artist Ava Kasich and theatre host Doug Gabriel. "We are honored to produce the May Jammin' for Jesus as a live-radio remote with The Gospel Music Network. The concert will air on 22 radio stations in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Mississippi,
was chosen for this job,” Knight said. She is responsible for coming up with the basic idea of the “Bobcat Crunch” recipe but is quick to add that it took many to perfect the concoction. The process of making the special ice cream begins before the sun rises, when College of the Ozarks students milk 60 Holstein, Guernsey, and Jersey cows at the W. Alton Jones Campus Dairy. Once the milk is collected, students pasteurize, bottle, and deliver it to The Keeter Center, where another group of hardworking students turn the farm-fresh cream into Nettie Marie’s Homemade Ice Cream, named in honor W. Alton Jones’ daughter Nettie Marie. Farming and the use of farm-raised products has always been a part of the College’s 106year heritage that allows students to work, instead of pay, for their education. Students serve Nettie Marie’s Homemade Ice Cream 10 a.m.-8 p.m., daily. For more information, please call (417) 690-2146.
Come chew the fat! Meet some of the OCN staff in May. Every Wednesday night at 5:30 pm at the White River Grille ( see ad below) in Rockaway Beach for their great taco special... just $1.29 each for the best taco or burrito you ever had! We can’t wait to meet you!
and Tennessee." said Phyllis Rotrock, producer. “It’s a way to be true to The Gospel Music Network's mission, to change millions of lives, reclaim the media for the Lord, spread the gospel, clothe the homeless, feed the hungry and encourage Christians,” said Randall Christy, owner. Others performing at Jammin' for Jesus on Sunday, May 5th are: Southern Tradition from Arizona, The Erwins and Randall Garland from Texas, Chris Hester, The Williamsons, Randall Christy and the Southern Sonlight from Oklahoma. Jonathan Edwards and Faith Journey from Springfield will also be performing.
"We are excited to be the permanent home for Jammin' for Jesus," said Doug Gabriel of The Doug Gabriel Theatre. “Make plans now for an exciting celebration in worship.” He continues, “It’s an opportunity for our theatre to welcome the community and enjoy the gifts of these artists.” Free Admission with donations of office supplies or sheep feed for the Passion Play. A love offering will be taken. Join us as we are Jammin’ for Jesus and helping our friends at the Doug Gabriel Theatre, 3750 West Highway 76 (behind the Olive Garden) in Branson, MO on May 5th at 2 PM. For more information, contact Phyllis Rotrock at 417-336-5622.
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Comfort Inn 7 - 10 pm - Thursday, May 9, 2013 3370 East Battlefield, Springfield, MO ADMISSION IS FREE Join Richard Rives, author, lecturer and president of Wyatt Archaeological Research for a multimedia presentation of the discoveries of Ron Wyatt and learn of the connection between the Old Covenant, the New Covenant and the sacrificial system See actual video from Ark of the Covenant excavations in Jerusalem / Artifacts Wyatt Archaeological Research Information: www.WyattMuseum.com - (931) 293-4745 Sponsored By: Ozarks Hebrew Heritage Association 7-10 pm ~ Thursday, May 9, 2013 7-10 pm ~ Friday, May 10, 2013 2-5 pm ~ Saturday, May 11, 2013 Biblically Clean Covered Dish Dinner (Leviticus 11) 6 pm ~ Saturday, May 11, 2013
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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.
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www.OzarksChristianNews.com Finally, Brookshier read a letter from Summerall’s daughter Susan.
Pat Summerall remembered for his Christian faith By BP STAFF Legendary sportcaster Pat Summerall, a member of First Baptist Church, Euless, Texas, shares a minute with Joe Ford, vice chairman of the Augusta National Golf Club, after Summerall was honored at a Legends for Charity luncheon on the grounds of Super Bowl XXIX 2005 in Jacksonville. File Photo by Joni B. Hannigan/2005 DALLAS (BP)—Pat Summerall stood in the front row at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, on Easter Sunday, next to his wife Cheri, as the congregation sang “The Old Rugged Cross.” “I looked over there at Pat, and big tears were streaming down his face,” Prestonwood Pastor Jack Graham said. “Of all the times I’ve watched him on television, of all the times I’ve heard his voice, my greatest memory is going to be remembering Pat with his eyes lifted up to heaven, tears soaking his face, singing ‘The Old Rugged Cross.’” Summerall, the famed NFL broadcaster, died April 16 in Dallas of cardiac arrest at age 82. He had been in Zale Lipshy Hospital after surgery for a broken hip. Summerall was born in 1932 in Lake City, just outside of Jacksonville. He became a star athlete first in Florida high schools, then at the University of Arkansas and in the NFL. Graham said with all the accolades and applause that Summerall received for his sports broadcasting work, his walk with Christ is what mattered the most to him. “He finished well,” Graham said. “His faith was strong in Christ and he was
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prepared for eternity. His commitment was stronger than ever. Even though he was battling illness and the personal challenges of aging, he was joyful and constantly engaging people with his life and his testimony. He was always willing to share what Christ had done in his life and the transforming power of Jesus in his life.” After 10 years in the NFL as a kicker, Summerall spent more than 40 years calling NFL games for CBS and FOX, most notably with analyst John Madden. Prior to Madden, Summerall teamed with analyst Tom Brookshier. “We lost one of the all-time greats yesterday in Pat Summerall,” said Mike Greenburg, host of ESPN’s “Mike and Mike in the Morning,” on his April 17 show. “He was one of the great football voices—maybe the greatest football play-by-play man there ever was.” Summerall accepted Christ later in life. His partnership with Brookshier extended beyond the broadcast booth, as the two became close friends and drinking buddies. Much of Summerall’s life was characterized by alcoholism and abandonment of his family. In 1992, Summerall’s friends and family staged an intervention on his behalf, encouraging him to get professional help for his alcohol problems. He chafed at the idea and burned with anger throughout the intervention as his friends took turns speaking.
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
“I hadn’t been there much for my kids, but Susan’s letter made it clear that I’d hurt them even in my absence,” Summerall wrote in his autobiography, Summerall: On and Off the Air. “She recounted one incident after another. I was numb to most of it, sad to say. Yet, her final words made my knees buckle: ‘Dad, the few times we’ve been out in public together recently, I’ve been ashamed we shared the same last name....’” Summerall began weeping tears of regret and reluctantly agreed to enter rehab at the Betty Ford Clinic. It was a decision that changed his life. At the clinic, Summerall not only found freedom from alcohol. He also encountered the grace of God. “My thirst for alcohol was being replaced by a thirst for knowledge about faith and God,” Summerall wrote. “I began reading the Bible regularly at the treatment center, and it became a part of my daily routine. The more I read, the more I felt a void in my life that needed to be filled.” He was later baptized at First Baptist Church in Euless, Texas. Summerall described emerging from the water and said he had surfaced to a new world. “[F]or the first time in my life, I knew what people meant about being ‘born again,’” Summerall wrote. “I had already accepted that Jesus Christ was the Son of God who died for our sins. Now, I felt I was truly part of his family. I felt ecstatic, invigorated, happier, and freer. It felt as though my soul had been washed clean.”
Pie rc e Ar row’s Sc ott Fr ake r Scott, a southwest Missouri native, grew up in Niangua, MO. In college, he 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. Scott officially joined Pierce Arrow in 2010.
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Graham preached Summerall’s Funeral at Prestonwood April 20.
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Franklin Graham: Only One Solution to End Violence by Franklin Graham In the aftermath of recent tragic killings, such as those that have taken place in New Mexico, Connecticut, Colorado, and now Boston, our nation has focused on ways to curb gun violence.
stick, a rock, or perhaps the very thing that empowers every other weapon of violence—human hands. Jesus said to His disciples, “Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders …blasphemies” (Matt. 15:19). This is why moral, heartfelt transformation is really the only solution to the deadly and dangerous ills that are plaguing our nation. The Scripture says we need a new heart, not new legislation or regulations. “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you” (Ezek. 36:26).
New hearts are made as men and women respond to the preaching of the gospel of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. The Holy Spirit opens hearts and minds to believe in the But gun control proposals now circulating in Washington and in Our problems in this country are so huge Savior, and with many state capitals don’t address that I believe we need a massive change repentance from sins people a more important issue—the conto help stem the rising tide of evil. become new stant stream of violence put forth creations in by the entertainment industry. Christ (see 2 Cor. 5:17). Moral reformation can then Every year brings a flood of movies, not to mention cable and television programs, that are filled with vio- happen because there has been spiritual transformalence. Whole segments of America’s music industry tion. make their profits from song lyrics that glorify gratuitous violence, and there is seemingly an endless number of video games that are nothing more than murder simulators. The result of this constant inundation is that our culture has been effectively desensitized to murder and mayhem. Blood-lusty Romans gathered in the Coliseum 2,000 years ago to watch people slaughtered by lions for the purpose of entertainment, and our society is no different. We gather around computers, televisions, and movie screens to watch scene after scene of more graphic violence than anything the Romans could have imagined. Our current administration in Washington has taken aim at guns as the source of violence, as though murderous acts would cease if we just take the guns away. But the problem—the real crux of the issue—lies not in the instruments of violence used. Hammers or other blunt objects are used to murder more people in the United States each year than semi-automatic and assault rifles. The root of violence is in the evil and depraved heart of man. God’s Word clearly tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jer. 17:9, NKJV). The Bible records the first account of violence when Cain killed his brother Abel. Scripture does not tell us what weapon Cain used for his murderous act. It certainly wasn’t a gun. But it could have been a knife, a
Our problems in this country are so huge that I believe we need a massive change to help stem the rising tide of evil. That is exactly what we are launching this year—the largest evangelistic outreach in our history, My Hope with Billy Graham. This paramount effort is close to my father’s heart as he approaches his 95th birthday later this year. What better way to honor his 70-year ministry than to honor the message he has faithfully proclaimed: Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on a cross, shed His blood to cleanse mankind from sin, and was raised to life. This year, we will complete the training of 10,000 trainers across the country for this unprecedented My Hope outreach. Each of these individuals has agreed to train people in four churches—that’s 40,000 churches! In each church, we are trusting God for men and women who will be a part of My Hope. We are asking them to commit to pray for their unsaved friends and neighbors and then invite them to watch a special program we will broadcast on television, Internet, and by DVD, during the week of November 7. We pray that tens of thousands will come to faith in Christ through this effort. You can also be part of My Hope. Your prayers and financial support are vital to help make it happen. You may give on line at: www.billygraham.org In this violent, sin-sick world, our only hope is the Prince of Peace.
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A Minute with a Man One of the most quoted political authorities by all our founding fathers was the most famous law book ever witten, Blackstone’s Commentaries, written in 1765. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and all of our founding fathers quoted from and referred to this famous law book, which incidentally, was the single book that Abraham Lincoln studied when he became an attorney. Blackstone’s Commentaries, refers to two kinds of laws: (1) the laws of nature and; (2) the laws of nature’s God. Blackstone wrote: “The law of nature, dictated by God Himself is, of course, superior in obligation to any other. It is binding over all the globe, in all countries, and at all times: no human laws are of any validity, if contrary to this; and such of them as are valid derive all their force, and all their authority, immediately and intermediately from this original. The doctrines thus delivered we call the revealed or divine law, and they are to be found only in the holy scriptures. These precepts, when revealed, are found upon comparison to be really a part of the original law of nature. Upon these two foundations, the law of nature and the law of revelation, depend all human laws; that is to say no human laws should be suffered to contradict these.” Now you know what our founding fathers really said.
Springfield, MO Attorney Dee Wampler has 50 years trial experience as a Greene County prosecutor and defense attorney.
He is the author of “The Myth of Separation of Church and State.” and “The Trial of Christ: A 21st Century Lawyer Defends Jesus.”
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10 ANTI-ABORTION ACTORS, SINGERS AND CELEBRITIES WH by Billy Hallowell - www.theblaze.com
W
e brought you our list of 10 surprising celebrities who are alleged (and confirmed) Republicans and 10 Hollywood entertainers who are Christians. But today we bring you yet another list of fascinating famous faces: 10 actors and singers who are pro-life.
JUSTIN BIEBER In 2011, the world learned that pop star Justin Bieber is, indeed, pro-life. At the time, considering that Bieber was so young (he was only 16), it was quite odd
Some of the names will surprise you, but each of these individuals, according to multiple sources, embraces pro-life sentiment. In an industry that overwhelmingly touts liberal ideologies, taking a stance that runs contrary to the majority on an issue like abortion is rare. They are: JACK NICHOLSON He may have played the Joker, but his pro-life stance is no laughing matter. The famed actor is known for womanizing, but he’s also taken some firm and p u b l i c stances on the issue of abortion.
gained a plethora of media attention (both praise and criticism) for his devotion to God. Tebow’s pro-life views are well-documented. And, like Nicholson, his personal opinion on the matter is rooted in experience — his own mother’s, in fact. It is widely documented that Tebow was supposed to be aborted. Doctors told his mom that she should terminate her pregnancy — a decision she obviously refused. DONALD TRUMP While he was once pro-choice, business mogul Donald Trump has evolved. In a 2011 interview, he told CBN News’ David Brody that he is against abortion — and he detailed an event in his life that
that Rolling Stone asked for his views on such a heavy subject, but, alas, the outlet did just that.
KATHY IRELAND Known for her successful business s k i l l s , cameos on television and as a popular model, K a t h y Ireland is also distinguished from Hollywood elite by her Christian views. Like the others included on this list, she’s firmly pro-life. As Live Action News reports, she has advocated against Planned Parenthood and has been a vocal proponent of pro-life causes. ANDREA BOCELLI Italian singer-songwriter Andrea Bocelli may be a surprise addition to this list. He,
“I really don’t believe in abortion. I think [an embryo] is a human,” he said at the time. “It’s like killing a baby.” TIM TEBOW No surprise here, but New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow is as pro-life as they come. The Christian football player has changed his views on the matter.
Live Action N e w s explains: “As a pregnant teenager, Nicholson’s mother was pressured to have an abortion, but she refused. This has shaped Nicholson’s view on abortion, making him one of the few pro-life celebrities.” “I’m very contra my constituency in terms of abortion because I’m positively against it. I don’t have the right to any other view,” the actor once said, according to a 2003 report in National Review. “My only emotion is gratitude, literally, for my life.”
I’m pro-life, but I changed my view a number of years ago. One of the reasons I changed — one of the primary reasons — a friend of mine’s wife was pregnant, in this case married. She was pregnant and he didn’t really want the baby. And he was telling me the story. He was crying as he was telling me the story. He ends up having the baby and the baby is the apple of his eye.It’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened to him. And you know here’s a baby that wasn’t going to be let into life. And I heard this, and some other stories, and I am pro-life.
too, has a personal story, as his mother was encouraged to have an abortion after she was misdiagnosed with appendicitis while pregnant. She obviously chose to keep her child and the rest is history. The Telegraph published an interview with Bocelli in 2011 that captured this story in detail. In addition to talking favorably about faith and telling the journalist conducting the interview that he is a committed Catholic, Bocelli also said:
ristianNews.com • May 2013
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HO ARE OPENLY PRO-LIFE “You ask me before of my point of view about religion, and I told you I am very religious. It means that before I fight against something, I try to fight in favour of something. It is not Christian to go against someone. I am in favour of life. And, of course, personally I do not share the idea of being able to interrupt life arbitrarily. But I cannot be the judge of those who decide in a different way. As much as I can, I show them an example and act as a role model, because I believe this is the only way.” PATRICIA HEATON Patricia Heaton already made TheBlaze’s list of 10 Republicans worth noting. She’s
also an outspoken Christian. And, to top it off, she’s on our pro-life celebrity list. Star of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” Heaton has gone on to have a vibrant career beyond this show, with her latest program, “The Middle,” continuing to create laughs.
KENNY CHESNEY Country singer Kenny Chesney’s alleged commitment to his pro-life stance was once translated into a popular song called, “There Goes My Life.” When The Huffington Post added him to its own prolife celebrity list, here’s what the outlet wrote: “It would be no surprise to see any number of country stars on this list, but Kenny conceived through rape,” Live Action News writes. “Her mother considered aborting her and, after the birth, dumping her in the Ohio River, but in both instances, she chose to give her daughter life instead.” Newser claims that his conservative views on the abortion issue were espoused on an Irish talk show two years ago. The actor apparently feels so strongly about the matter that he refused to support President Barack Obama in 2008. BEN STEIN Known for his eclectic career in politics, Hollywood and media, Ben Stein is also a
In addition to upholding good values through her entertainment work, the actress is also an outspoken pro-life advocate. MARTIN SHEEN This one may surprise you, but actor Martin Sheen is also reportedly pro-life. While he’s an avid Democrat — and a liberal one at that — when it comes to abortion, his views vary from other Hollywood elite. “He has also spoken out about his wife, who was
life. I don’t think the Democrats are very good on the right-to-life issue,” he said during a PBS appearance last year. “People who think of abortion as a reasonable method of birth control just are never going to get my vote.”
Chesney may have taken his pro-life stance an extra step. His 2003 single “There Goes My Life,” about a teenager preparing to become a father, has been lauded as an anti-abortion, pro-fatherhood anthem.”
TWO POLITICOS pro-lifer. While he predicted a 2012 loss for Republican Mitt Romney and while he disagreed with some of the GOP’s economic views, Stein refused to support Obama. The reason? The actor and lawyer’s pro-life views prevented him from doing so. “For me, the number one issue is right to
WHO ARE NOT
LAURA BUSH If you'd harboured doubts that Laura Bush wasn't the red-blooded conservative type – in the mould of Dick Cheney's wife Lynne, who is possibly even more aweinspiring than the former vice president –
Page 19 then you were right. Doing the round of past TV talkshows, punting her mildly interesting autobiograp h y Spoken from t h e Heart, Laura Bush visited Larry King's CNN chatshow – an ancient US tradition, similar to an incoming British prime minister kissing the Queen's ring. During the interview she makes it clear that she supports gay marriage and – in some circumstances – a woman's right to choose abortion. COLIN POWELL You all know that I believe in a woman’s right to choose and I strongly support affirmative action. And, I was invited here by my party to share my views with you because we are a big enough party -- and big enough people -to disagree on individual issues and still work together for our common goal: restoring the American Dream.
If you can't be thankful for what you receive, be thankful for what you escape.
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Heart to Heart vs. Full House by Lorraine Sacoulas, Publisher OCN Every person has a unique history, an environment (perspective), and a purpose. Television is such an influencing tool. My husband grew up on the classic Heart to Heart with Robert Wagner and Stephanie Powers. An amazing husband and wife pair with little problems that were gracefully handled. The model relationship for him was unreachable and disappointing for a lifetime. Because of a good television show, with good morals, he ended up sabotaging his relationships out of disappointment. For me, the television show I grew up with was Full House. Danny Tanner was the model dad. Watch how he talks to DJ when she’s upset. It’s gorgeous. He comes to her with curiosity, wanting to know what’s going on. He’s understanding, shares how he feels, fears and all. Then he’s encouraging, telling her how beautiful and valuable she is, ending with a hug. This is the healthy form of communicating a problem. This is the fundamental heart talk. I know it’s different being father to daughter, but men and women should approach their spouse in this way.
Don’t ever forget the heart’s value. Every individual has an inner essence that they guard. Doing Heart Talk in the Full House version will gain results. ICU stands for intensive care unit. This area is for the critically hurt. This is the part of the heart that usually is off limits. This can be for the speaker or the listener or both, but we can take from Danny’s model: IIdentify: come to the problem with curiosity Danny,
“ W h a t ’s the problem, honey? We need to talk about this.”). C-Care: give your heart a voice (DJ, “It’s just I feel pressure to be perfect.” Danny, “I’m sorry you feel that kind of pressure.”). U-Understanding: seek understanding and attempt to validate (Danny, “I sometimes feel that pressure too. But you are a smart, beautiful, and talented young woman. ” And I think it’s always effective to end with a big hug. *This is not intended to fix or change your spouse. Yes, there are Rules: safety (is now a good time to talk?), limit ‘you’ as much as possible, share in small por-
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tions, speaker is not changing the feeling and listener is not accepting responsibility, always one speaker and one listener (focus on speaker), and be careful as listener because it’s easy to get defensive. Consign to a Win/Win Strategy. Remember, you are teammates! Devote yourself to being trustworthy, and being trustworthy to self. Both of your hearts are worth it! National Institute of Marriage, located in Branson East, has excellent tools that can be found online: www.NationalMarriage.com
Sacoulas’ bio includes a new husband herself. She has a bachelor's degree in Philosophy/Religion, and sat in numerous marital classes/seminars. She observes that the moralistically broken society is from a lack of stabitly within the framework of the home. It's tragic that this framework is difficult to maintain. Please write in with personal stories, comments, or disagreements so that this is a community column with real topics to pursue.Occasionaly guest writers will write the column.
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May 2013 P i e rc e A r ro w ’s
Dan 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. It was a musical family, frequently singing at local events and at church. After high school, Dan and his brothers began touring up north where they became the top draw in many casinos and show rooms.
NEW LOCATION! Tim’s Headquarters Salon 180 Mall Road, Suite C Hollister, MO • Next to Family Pharmacy (417) 348-1958
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
May 2013
25 Signs of Leading From Your Dark Side by Bishop Joseph Mattera God help us to not lead from insecurity, through manipulation, or for personal ambition! Here are 25 practical examples that indicate when someone is leading from their dark side:
www.OzarksChristianNews.com yourself and try to make things happen instead of allowing God to open doors and promote you. 5. You look for opportunities to backstab other leaders in your region or field of work. 6. You are driven to succeed to counter your insecurity, poor self-esteem and a sense of insignificance.
1. You inwardly celebrate when a colleague or fellow minister falls.
7. You thwart the emergence of other strong leaders in your organization.
2. Your spirit of competition causes you to inwardly celebrate when other organizations or ministries in your field aren’t doing as well as you.
8. You are closed-up relationally and have no open, transparent relationships in which you share your weaknesses and fears.
3. You are more concerned about your local church or organization than the good of the kingdom of God and cultural transformation.
9. You do not share power and work on your own in regards to major decisions that impact your organization or ministry.
4. You manipulate people to promote
10. You are shifty in relationships, taking sides with those you are presently
Have You Heard About Feminist Housewives?
Patricia Ireland left her job as a wealth adviser three years ago after her third child was born, and she has no plans to go back to work. Rather than a sacrifice, she feels it is a privilege to oversee “not just what they do, but what they believe, how they talk to other children, what kind of story we read together. That’s all dictated by me. Not by my nanny or my babysitter.” Her husband, who also works in finance, deposits his monthly paycheck in their joint account. “I’m really grateful that my husband and I have fallen into traditional gender roles without conflict,” Mrs. Ireland said. “Family is what is important in life not pushing papers at some … job. I’m not bitter that I’m the one home and he goes to work. And he’s very happy that he goes to work.” I realize, of course, that stay-at-home mothering is very often an amazing blessing borne of a prosperous culture and particular circumstance. Not every family is in a position to have a mother work full-time in the home. In the end,
by Jim Daly A fascinating article from the Daily Mail in London landed in my in-box recently. Here was the headline: Rise of the happy housewife: How a new wave of feminists are giving up their careers to stay at home because they WANT to. The article details a growing trend among women who, though raised by two working parents, have decided they want to give their own children what they didn’t enjoy as a child: A stay-at-home mother. Kelly Makino is the mother of two young children, Connor and Lillie. She calls herself a “flaming liberal” and a feminist, not exactly your stereotypical stay-at-home mom. Yet, she said her choice was the right one for her and her family. The article profiled another woman who recently also had a change of heart:
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with, then taking another point of view when with another person when there is a conflict or controversy. 11. You will sacrifice the future for the present in regards to debt financing and risk taking instead of leaving a legacy of financial sustainability.
18. You are loyal to people only until you have used them to get to the next level.
12. You do not receive correction kindly but always get inwardly defensive.
20. You only care for those who care for you and serve your agenda.
13. You are constantly blaming others when things go wrong.
21. Your greatest desire in life is to make a name for yourself.
14. You constantly justify yourself instead of facing your failures.
22. The bottom line in regards to organizational effectiveness is more important to you than people.
19. You avoid confrontation and walking in the light according to Matthew 18:15-17 and 1 John 1:7.
15. You have no deep relationship with God and lead out of your flesh and soul life.
23. You have a hard time forgiving those who offend you.
16. You don’t lead out of sound biblical principles unless it is convenient.
24. You carry resentment and baggage from the past that you refuse to let go.
17. You view yourself more as a pragmatist than a principled person.
25. You don’t walk in the peace of God but in the stress of the world.
every family must decide for themselves what arrangement works best for them. It’s also important, I think, to remember that stay-at-home mothering, which we often call “traditional,” is still a relatively new dynamic. Before the industrial revolution, families farmed together or ran small businesses. Not only didn’t the father leave the home (he worked it!), the mother also assisted in the family enterprise, in addition to raising the children. Yet, here we are navigating today’s ever-changing culture. Last week on the daily broadcast, I interviewed Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Mrs. Mary Kassian about modern feminism and we touched on this subject. We received an email shortly after the program from a listener who was struggling about her role as the family breadwinner. According to her letter, her husband stayed at home with the children and she went to work. Here’s a portion of what she wrote: God has not stopped whispering to my heart over the last week about the plans He has for me as a wife and a mother, dreams long forgotten as life has swept
us along since the birth of our first child. My husband and I are praying about and making plans for me to quit my job and become a full-time mother, allowing him to become the full-time breadwinner. This will undoubtedly be a difficult financial decision, but I have realized that our current situation has been robbing me of my feminism and motherhood, and it has likewise been robbing my husband of his masculinity. We are asking God to provide enough work for my husband to provide for our family. What a heartfelt struggle! But I’m curious what you think of this term the “Feminist Housewife” and how this discussion strikes you. Have you and your spouse struggled with this issue? I would love to hear your story. Follow me on Twitter @Dalyfocus Follow me on Facebook Keep up with Focus on the Family on Facebook
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www.OzarksChristianNews.com your company, including you.
Silence Is Golden by Dave Ramsey
How to Kill the Rumor Mill Three Hiring Mistakes to Avoid Forget the economy, your competition or even complicated government regulations. What may be harming your company more than any other factor is something that's so commonplace, you're probably not aware of its damaging impact. We're talking about office gossip. So how prevalent is negative chatter in today's businesses? The answer may surprise you. According to a recent survey of company executives by The Creative Group, a staffing firm, 84% said gossip is common at the workplace. In another poll by Randstad USA, gossip tops the list as the biggest workplace pet peeve. Gossip has the power to divide and destroy everything you've built. It kills morale, unity, productivity and creativity, and it causes turnover. So if gossip is so detrimental, how do you stop it? Here are a few ways you can kill the rumor mill. Set an Example The first step to shut down gossip is to take a look in the mirror. Are you guilty of talking negatively about someone on your team to another who is not one of your leaders? As the owner or leader of your company, your team watches everything you do and will naturally follow your example. Avoid impulse communication with them when you are angry or upset. Show them by your actions that gossip will not be tolerated by anyone at
Be Transparent One of the main causes of gossip at a company is lack of communication. People want to know what's going on and why. If they don't know what's going on, fear, frustration and anger set in. That's when the talk begins. Trust your team and avoid what Dave calls “mushroom communication”: keeping them in the dark and feeding them manure. Create a culture of communication. When in doubt, always over-share—as long you're not betraying confidences or crossing the gossip line. Just Say No The easiest solution to stop negative talk is to create a no-gossip policy. Then, have a meeting and explain that if someone gossips, they're risking their job. It's that serious. At Dave's company, an offender is warned once. On the second infraction, they're fired. The bottom line is that gossip is a cancer, and sometimes the only way to keep it from spreading is to cut out the source. Before you can take any action, though, your team has to know exactly what constitutes gossip. Gossip, by definition, is saying something negative about anyone or anything to someone who can't do anything about it. To keep it simple, use Dave's company rule: Negatives go up, positives go down. He wants his team members to tell their leaders—not each other—about the bad stuff. The first step in creating a unified team is to stop the gossip. When you do, you'll immediately see a difference as your team becomes more comfortable, a whole lot less frustrated and much happier. Before you know it, business will become fun again for everyone involved.
www.DaveRamsey.com
BRANSON FRONTLINE by Veeda Smith It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High. Psalm 92:1 Barbara Fairchild and her husband Roy began a new chapter in their lives when they began performing at The Golden Corral Restaurant in Branson. “I really am enjoying being at the Golden Corral Showroom....its close up and personal and that's important to me. I love being able to reach out and touch them, heart to heart,” said Barbara. Barbara and Roy perform dinner shows at the Golden Corral Tuesday thru Saturday at 6PM and some lunch shows on selected days. “The food is delicious! So come and join us! We'll have a great time,” said Barbara. New in 2013, will be a special 10 AM show for groups. “It will be an opportunity for groups to enjoy a longer show, have a delicious lunch with Barbara and I and take lots of pictures,” said Roy. Barbara Fairchild’s sincere love for people is evident whether she is singing or talking with her fans at the restaurant. She never meets a stranger and her warm personality and funny sense of humor puts her audience at ease immediately. Nine years ago, Barbara started a Sunday Worship Service in Branson. “Everything I do revolves around my belief in God,” Barbara continued. “The Sunday Worship Service is something I've done since being in Branson, except for the time we were on the road full time. I have to say the service is the highlight of our week. Folks from all parts of the country attend the service and it's such a blessing to see God move and touch their lives in a special way. We do lots of singing and share the Gospel without watering it down.
May 2013 So many people have told us how much this means to them and that they experience the Love of God in a powerful way there. We always want to yield to God's will.” Services are held at 10AM every Sunday at Doug Gabriels’s Star Theater (next door to the Olive Garden) through December. Known for her trademark hit, “The Teddy Bear Song,” Barbara Fairchild has also been recognized in the southern gospel music field with songs such as "Could You Walk A Mile," "Turn Right and Go Straight," "Apples of Gold," and "Uncommon Love." She was also a member of the gospel group, Heirloom, along with Candy Hemphill Christmas, Sheri Easter and Tonya Goodman Sykes. Together Barbara and Roy are a dynamic couple who have a powerful impact on the people they meet. They have a message to share that inspires and encourages others everywhere they go. For more information on Barbara Fairchild contact her at
www.barbarafairchild.com
Everyone deserves a good meal
ly ed! w l Ne ode m Re
Barbara Fairchild appearing in the Golden Corral Showroom
3551 Shepherd of the Hills Branson
May 2013
Why Beyonce Is Not A Role Model for Today's Youth Alyssa Shull - Charisma Magazine
F
or many girls, the last Super Bowl performances were a celebration of femininity and girl power. Talented artists like Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson sang and danced on the media’s largest stage of the year: The Super Bowl. But imagine with me for a moment if all of this star power, talent, femininity and glamour was used to exalt the name of Jesus.
www.OzarksChristianNews.com (1 Cor. 6:17, MSG). Hear me out here, to me, her performance was soft porn. I wouldn’t want my (future) sons and daughters to ever see a performance like that. My sons, because it was completely sexual, and I don’t want those images in their minds. My daughters, because I don’t want them to think that to be an attractive women you have to look, dress or act like that.
How amazing would that be? I want to show you the difference between two performers, Jennifer Hudson and Beyoncé. They had the same audience, same platform, yet completely different showmanship and performances.
Beyoncé Jennifer, who is very talented and beautiful, looked classy, dressed modestly and I want to say to you, young women, that gave a stellar performance without what Beyoncé did at the halftime show dancing provocatively. Beyoncé, who is is not something you should praise, or also very talented and beautiful, danced strive to imitate. Sure, she knows how in a way that should only take place to dance and she can sing like nobody’s between a husband and wife (well business, but she is not doing it for the minus the Illuminati signs and the worglory of the Lord. She is doing it for a ship ‘I want to feel your energy’ part). paycheck. Everything we do should be She was dressed in lingerie and danced for the glory of the Lord. provocatively. My heart longs for a generation to rise up and stand for purity. Sadly, what I see in front of me is a generation of women who do not know that they are God’s masterpiece. We see a complete violation of what God designed our bodies for, "...these bodies that were made for God-given and God-modeled love"
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31 GWT). Ask yourself, did Beyoncé’s performance glorify God? So whatever we do, we should do it to
the glory of God. Sure, Destiny’s Child came out and people were screaming Beyoncé’s praises, but did it bring God praises?
Beyoncé has this beautiful gift, that the enemy (Satan) has twisted to use for his kingdom. Beyoncé was born into a Christian family and she said in one her first popular songs, Survivor, “I’m not gon’ compromise my Christianity (I’m better than that)”. What is Christianity? It is following Christ. Christ has called us to follow Him. It says in 1 Corinthians 8:13 that if what we do causes another believer to stumble, then we should have no part in it. And then Jesus says that even if a man looks at a women with lust for her, he has already committed adultery with her in his heart (Matt. 5:28). The way Beyoncé is displaying her body to people causes men to stumble and influences women to follow her behavior.
Page 23 accessories, fast cars, and women flocking to men who flash cash in the club. Seduction has been substituted for beauty, and the power of manipulation is rewarded over the influence of wisdom.” She hit the nail on the head here. Our culture is prioritizing the wrong things. "Everything you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Col. 3:17 GWT). I want to encourage you to see the world through the eyes of Christ and not the eyes of the world. "Don’t become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants—what is good, pleasing, and perfect" (Rom. 12:2 GWT). Be different. Be set apart. Strive for purity.
Alyssa Shull and her husband founded Shull Ministries International. Through this ministry, they travel speaking in churchGirls, we need to es, hold outreaches be aware of the overseas and host devil’s ploys so we Skunks TV, a youth Jennifer Hudson can resist them! television program. She also founded In Lisa Bevere’s new book Girls With The Pink Lid, a conference designed for Swords pg.87-88 she says this: girls ages 12-18. “Our present culture is more likely to encourage women to dishonor their bodies with immodesty, impropriety, obesity and other eating disorders, than to honor their bodies through modesty, propriety, and moderation. What was once commonly held as virtues—integrity, a good name, and a sterling reputation—are not longer celebrated in our culture’s songs. You are more likely to hear lewd dance moves, expensive
When a man marries a woman, they become one; the trouble starts when they try to decide which one.
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.YAK BAK Feed Back from our readers From the April OCN online Bonus pages: Okay, you have to admit, he does look like him, right?
Russell L., Springfield, MO ______________________ Jack from Springfield, MO Incredible balance and perspective on modern evangelical thought. FIVE STAR RATING: EXCELLENT READ! Google posting _________________________ WOW! The article on the book of James was amazing. Where do you guys find this stuff? I am 72 years old and a dedicated researcher. I vetted the story. Dr Brown is accurate in his assesment. I LOVE your paper. I get it at the CPO Bookstore vending machine. Keep up the good work! Kyle Bevins, Bolivar, MO
www.OzarksChristianNews.com I found your paper at a local Price Cutter. Thought is was going to be stuffy but you had Steve Martin on the cover so I had to buy it. I loved it and really appreciate the “sugar to help the medicine go down”. Mary Collier, Springfield, MO _______________________ I disagree with your position on gun control but I loved the New Ministry Dictionary on page 27 of the April issue. William R, Harrison, AR _____________________ I just discovered your paper at the McDonalds in Branson West. Who are you people? You make Christianity seem intelligent and a fun way to live life! Paul Handley Fulton, MO _______________________ Thank you for printing Max Lucado’s stuff. He is a brilliant communicator of the gospel and is so spot on and concise. Betty, G., Branson, MO ______________________ Sometimes you are too hard on women (April Centerfold) but Lee Grady’s articles on women in ministry balance you out! Karen Bell, Joplin, MO _______________________ Send your letters to the editor to:
editor@ozarkschristiannews.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.
SPECIAL EVENT COMING UP – Peace Lutheran Church of Hollister will host local Western authority and singer John Fullerton at a special event in honor of Mother’s Day. On Thursday, May 9, at 2:00 p.m., John will present his new program on the life, ministry, and music of Dale Evans. Dale would be 100 years of of age now, and we look forward to hearing what John has put together to remember her. Bring your friends and neighbors with you, and come out to join us for this very special event. See page 10 for contact info.
May 2013
Celebrity Doctor Uncovers The “Holy Grail of Weight Loss” adapted by OCN edtor
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M
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ost diets just don't work. They're restrictive and leave you craving foods and sweet treats that you love, but aren't allowed to eat. Now is the time to stop trying those fads, foodhating diets and switch to something healthier and easier. Natural diet pills are the perfect solution if you want to lose weight quickly, safely & easily. Dr. Oz has no financial interest in the product. There is much credibility in his findings. As you might already know, using natural diet pills is always better than using supplements that have been made with synthetic chemicals that are harmful to your health and prescription weight loss pills have serious risks. Natural diet supplements are the ideal choice if you want to lose weight in a safe, healthy, effective manner. Natural diet supplements are not drugs at all; they are herbal products, which mean they contain ingredients from Mother Nature that aren’t harmful to your health. One key ingredient to look for in these natural supplements is Hydroxycitric Acid, or HCA. HCA is mainly found in fruit grown in India and parts of Asia. HCA is an important ingredient that allows you to lose weight without having to diet or exercise. Here’s how it works:
HOW GARCINIA CAMBOGIA HELPS YOU BURN FAT: HCA extract increases serotonin levels which help with emotional eating. HCA extract acts as an appetite suppressant so you're not hungry as often. HCA extract prevents new fat cells from forming. HCA extract also manages cortisol, the stress hormone.
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May 2013
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Produced by the Chronis Family in Sparta, Greece since 1856
• Hand picked Olives • Cold Pressed Olive Oil • Hand made Soap Pick up your FRESH ORGANIC OLEA products at the Ozarks Christian Foundation offices on top of the Post Office in Rockaway Beach, MO. Call ahead, quantities are limited. Will ship (additional charge). απολαύστε (apoláf̱ste - “Enjoy!” in Greek) • (417) 336-3636 • Mention this ad for 20% Off I know that for some Christianity is only a perfunctory, mechanical routine. Like the brilliance of old master paintings covered with layers of varnish, it loses its pristine color as layers of religiosity and formality are imposed on it. - Reinhard Bonnke
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Pierce Arrow’s Ti m St o r m s
Across 1. Boast 5. One time 9. Blocking vote 13. Acquire by efforts or actions 14. Rural area 16. Iniquity 17. Chills and fever 18. Toil 19. Transmit 20. Send money in payment 22. Textile with a woven design 24. Weep 26. Jump 27. Scuffle 30. Shellfish 35. Crib 36. Drench 39. Terpsichore
40. Motor vehicle 42. Visual representation of data 44. Young elephant 45. Fragrance 47. Addictive narcotic 49. Rodent 50. Menace 52. Red Bordeaux wine 54. Food 57. Prevarication 58. Recall 62. Exact duplicate 66. Small inlet 67. Danger 69. Being the only one 70. Kind of tournament 71. One of the senses 72. Smell
73. Curve 74. Encounter 75. Short letter Down
1. Bruin 2. Fury 3. Starch 4. Laminated metamorphic rock 5. Nocturnal bird 6. Orderly 7. Faction 8. Run away together to marry 9. Waistcoat 10. At any time 11. Diminutive 12. Of long duration 15. A cherished desire
Answers to Crossword Puzzle on Page 12
Answers to Sudoku Puzzle on Page 30
21. Flip 23. Sharp hand shovel 25. Online journal 27. One of the senses 28. Express audibly 29. Currency unit 31. Pouch 32. Trap 33. Enthusiastic approval 34. Remaining 35. Actors in a play 37. Deplete 38. Long narrative poem 41. Single 43. Frame or body of a ship 46. Domesticated
48. Injure or wound seriously 51. Entice 53. Think logically 55. At right angles to the length of a ship 56. Laconic 58. A strong line 59. Fifty-fifty 60. Repair 61. Customary observance or practice 63. Commotion 64. Coagulate 65. This place 66. Adult male swan 68. Allow
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
May 2013
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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.
It is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict, God’s job to judge, and it’s my job to love. -Billy Graham
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Died: George Jones, Legendary Country and Gospel Singer
drug use, but he also had Christian roots—and a voice well suited to gospel music. The Associated Press reports that Jones had "one of the most golden voices of any genre, a clenched, precise, profoundly expressive baritone."
by Melissa Steffan Christianity Today Magazine
Jones was raised as a Christian, but in the early parts of his career kept a wild lifestyle which led him to become "infamous for ditching performances after drinking and drug binges." At one point, Jones even wound up in a coma as a result of an alcohol-induced car accident.
Musician turned to God late in life after rebellious lifestyle landed him in a coma. Russell Moore warns against Christians viewing Jones as a hypocrite: Country star George Jones has died as a result of complications from recent hospitalizations. He was 81. “George Jones has died, and I am afraid a lot of people will think he was a hypocrite. George Jones was no hypocrite. He was the troubadour of the Christ-haunted South. The raw emotion, and even whispers of torture, in his voice can teach American Christianity much about the nature of sin and the longing for repentance.” The legendary singer may have been known for his alcohol and
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But Jones told CBN that he a w o k e from that c o m a singing g o s p e l songs: "I wanted some gospel music, and my whole life changed," he said. Although he said he felt that parts of his life had been wasted, Jones said God kept him alive for a purpose. His main goal in life became to "try to get closer and closer to Him." He recorded an album of gospel songs, and said he was more proud of it than any other album.
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May 2013
May 2013
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Think you cannot afford advertising? Think again! Sign up for the Ozarks Christian News Auction and if you are the high bidder you just might get a good size ad for peanuts! email: editor@OzarksChristianNews.com and put in the subject line: “I want an ad for peanuts”
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when I “woke up” for two or three hours. Then mid-day, the fatigue would revisit in a wave, where there was just that need to take a nap. I fought through to graduate but I rowing up, I had very poor eating knew I did not want to spend my life habits. The effects hit me in full feeling that way. It was only when I swing as a young adult in college. met my spouse that he was kind enough Apparently, eighteen years of eating to educate me on proper eating habits. very little of substance with a decent Then, my husband and I came to know dose (a lot) of sugar takes its toll irreDr. Bo and Tami Bandy at Victory versibly. Really, at a certain point, it Chiropractic. We have been didn’t matter how well going to Victory for two years, I would eat. My body and have been blessed physiwas scarred for the cally, emotionally, and spirituway I abused it for the ally. The headaches have vanmajority of my life. ished. The single hiccup isn’t It was in college ear blowing, and I have hope that I suffered. For one that one day, it will disappear to look at me, I seemed altogether. And the fatigue… like an all-together Lorri, Dr. Bo, well, let’s just say I was a student because the & Yanni delightful pregnant lady. And desire was there. that would not have been posHowever, there were several signs of sible without Victory Chiropractic, and poor health: headaches, hiccup, and God’s blessing on our healing. trouble sleeping. The one that truly Lastly, to Dr. Bo, thank you so much affected my college career was the for reading God’s word over our severe fatigue. As one knows, fatigue is adjustments and having Him guide our the last thing a college student needs, sessions! You’ve blessed our whole but mine was inevitable. The mornings family with your ministry! We love you were pretty difficult: the heavy weight Dr. Bo and Tami! of getting out of bed, and the first hour that I thought of nothing else but crawl- InHisLove, ing back into bed. Then there was relief Lorri Sacoulas
G
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No nursing home for us. We'll be checking into a Holiday Inn!
With the average cost for a nursing home care costing $188.00 per day, there is a better way when we get old and too feeble. I've already checked on reservations at the Holiday Inn. For a combined long term stay discount and senior discount, it's $59.23 per night. Breakfast is included, and some have happy hours in the afternoon. That leaves $128.77 a day for lunch and dinner in any restaurant we want, or room service, laundry, gratuities and special TV movies. Plus, they provide a spa, swimming
www.OzarksChristianNews.com pool, a workout room, a lounge and washer-dryer, etc. Most have free toothpaste and razors, and all have free shampoo and soap. For $5 worth of tips a day you'll have the entire staff scrambling to help you. They treat you like a customer, not a patient. There's a city bus stop out front, and seniors ride free. The handicap bus will also pick you up (if you fake a decent limp). To meet other nice people, call a church bus on Sundays. For a change of scenery, take the airport shuttle bus and eat at one of the nice restaurants there. While you're at the airport, fly somewhere. Otherwise, the cash keeps building up. It takes months to get into decent nursing homes. Holiday Inn will take your reservation today. And you're not stuck in one place forever -- you can move from Inn to Inn, or even from city to city. Want to see Hawaii? They have Holiday Inn there too.
&
TV broken? Light bulbs need changing? Need a mattress replaced? No problem... They fix everything, and apologize for the inconvenience. The Inn has a night security person and daily room service. The maid checks to see if you are ok. If not, they'll call an ambulance . . . or the undertaker. If you fall and break a hip, Medicare will pay for the hip, and Holiday Inn will upgrade you to a suite for the rest of your life. And no worries about visits from family. They will always be glad to find you, and probably check in for a few days mini-vacation. The grandkids can use the pool. What more could I ask for? So, when I reach that golden age, I'll face it with a grin.
SEE YOU ALL AT THE HOLIDAY INN hehehe btw, The Holiday Inn Express and Suites at 1970 W. 76 on the strip in Branson is newly remodeled and ready for your reservations! - ed.
Sudoku Answers to Pg. 26
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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
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her achievements 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
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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.
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May 2013
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Forgiveness.
Custom Built Lodge Style Home with a Panoramic Lake View of Beautiful Bull Shoals Lake! Just one mile from Arkansas line, Buck Creek Recreational Area and the Peel Ferry! 3,834 SF with Full Basement, 3 BR, 2 ½ bath, Wrap Around Deck on 30 cleared acres!! Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife Abound! Upper End Quality Throughout! Vaulted Living Room w/ Floor to Ceiling gas insert Fireplace, Very Energy Efficient! Gourmet Kitchen features, Stainless appliances, 5 burner Gas Cooktop, Double Convection Ovens, Veggie Sink and Beautiful Granite Countertops, Truly a Chef's
Home Run - The Movie
by Melanie Morrow When I was given the opportunity to visit the set of the movie HOME RUN, my first thought was oh another baseball movie. But after spending a couple of days on location speaking with the cast and crew I realize that this movie is so much more than just another baseball movie. This movie is a sports story, a love story and a story of redemption. Producer Carol Mathews and her producing partner Tom Newman develop "projects that matter." Carol was inspired to produce a feature film giving hope to those suffering from addiction. "We want people who feel imprisoned by their choices or habits to know they don't have to carry that burden alone anymore," Mathews said. "We hope people will sit in the theater and see themselves, and will consider that whatever holds them back, God can heal it. Change is possible." The faith message is developed in this movie by means of the Celebrate Recovery program. Celebrate Recovery was founded in 1991 by John and Cheryl Baker. While John Baker was attending Alcoholics Anonymous he longed for a Biblically based, Christ-centered program. His thoughts were expressed in a 13-page letter to Saddelback Senior Pastor Rick Warren. Warren's response was,
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The Bottom Line of Christian Living. Experience the Soul-Quenching Relief that comes with Forgiveness!
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Call for Appt: 417-830-9865. "John, you do it." Today, there are 19,000 individual churches and organizations hosting programs worldwide. More than 700,000 people have completed the program. The mission of Celebrate Recovery is to take a lost broken person, introduce them to the saving power of Christ and teach them how to grow into a fully devoted follower of Christ. The door to recovery is opened by spending time together sharing experiences, strengths and hopes with one another and celebrating God's healing power in our lives. Can people really change? This movie explores the challenges that Cory Brand faces from losing everything to discovering what really matters. HOME RUN explores this transformation and reveals that there doesn't have to be shame along the journey. HOME RUN the movie is a feel good, Christian based family film that will be an inspiration to all. The film gives hope to those suffering from addiction. This is a movie about baseball, love and encouragement. A must see movie that will undoubtedly score big.
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Why Do We ‘Tame’ the Gospel Message? by Brian Zahnd
T
he Gospel of Mark was the first of the four Gospels to be written, and its original ending seemed strange and abrupt. At a later date, a longer and more satisfying ending was appended; but Mark’s original conclusion to his Gospel narrative was simply this: “And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid” (16:8, ESV). The End. But how can that be the end? It’s so sudden, so abrupt, so lacking in resolution or explanation. We’re left with three women fleeing from the empty tomb, trembling, astonished and speechless. It’s as if the film in the projector simply ran out and we find ourselves sitting in the theater, puzzled by the unexpected ending. Yet this was the original ending to Mark’s Gospel. Fear, trembling and astonished silence. Of course we understand why eventually the need was felt to add a more thorough ending (17 additional verses), as the other Gospels have. There needed to be a further explanation of the empty tomb. Christian theology in its essence is the extrapolation of implications based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The book of John, the last Gospel written, has two full chapters after the Resurrection account. There is much to be written about, thought out, worked out; in fact, this is what the New Testament epistles are—
www.OzarksChristianNews.com the outworking of Resurrection implications. But! … Mark’s original ending was the perfect way to end the first Gospel, if only for a while. Astonishment accompanied by fear and trembling, evoking stunned silence should be our first response to the gospel! Just think how unsatisfactory it would have been if Mary Magdalene had calmly said, “Oh, yes, this makes perfect sense”—and then gone on to give the other two women some erudite explanation like a German theologian giving a university lecture. If explanation had been the first response to the Resurrection, something would have been wrong.
And something is wrong! What’s wrong is that we have precious little astonishment in our modern gospel. We’re familiar with it. It’s in danger of degenerating into cliche. It has only the faux astonishment of a late-night infomercial. For only $19.95! But wait, there’s more! Call now! We yawn and change the channel. I’m afraid that’s how our gospel is too often heard. But consider how the gospel sounded upon its first hearing in the first century: A Galilean Jew named Jesus was executed by crucifixion by the Roman government for alleged crimes against the state; three days later God raised Him from the dead; He is now the world’s new emperor. That’s the gospel! It’s not an explanation; it’s an announcement. It may sound absurd, but it’s certainly not cliché. No matter what else one might say about this gospel, it is certainly an astonishing claim. But in our modern sophistication we have replaced astonishment with something a bit tamer. We have made the gospel reasonable, sensible and practical. We explain the gospel in cogent terms such as “the plan of salvation” and “spiritual laws”—as if it is simply the most rational thing in the world.
The gospel is now commonsense, logical and, most of all, “useful.” We have no use for astonishment because, well, we have no use for astonishment. Astonishment is not something we can use—it’s not something pragmatic we can make use of to further our self-concocted and self-oriented agendas. So instead of announcing an astonishing gospel, we find ourselves trying to sell a useful gospel. Evangelism takes on the tone of a multilevel marketing presentation. Some buy it, some don’t; but not many are astonished. Yet astonishment is the most appropriate initial reaction to the gospel story (and it is a story, not a set of propositions). What if the three women at the tomb on the first Easter had calmly responded to the angel with a series of consumerist questions like this: “What do I do with this?” “How do I use it?” “How can I make this practical in my life?”—as if the angel had just presented them a business plan. No! The gospel properly proclaimed and properly heard is a mystery evoking awe; it’s not a prospectus-eliciting calculation. Without astonishment as our initial response, we meet Christianity in a wrong way—or more properly, we meet Christ in a wrong way.
Without astonishment we inevitably reduce the gospel to inert “-ology” and “-ism.” Or worse, it becomes a spiritual “product” that we must “market.” This is consumer Christianity, and it is the bane of our age. Perhaps we actually believe the gospel is a kind of product. God help us! We need to once again be astonished like the three women on that first Easter—not by what the gospel can do, but first of all for what it is!
May 2013 Throughout the second half of the 20th century, and now into the 21st century, American evangelicals have increasingly touted the virtues of the gospel by promoting it as “practical.” This has become something of an article of faith. It is unquestioned and fully assumed that we should make the gospel practical. The goal of every sermon is to give a practical way of applying it to your life. We even speak of making the Bible “relevant.” (How grateful God must be that someone has at last made his Word relevant!) But do we fail to see that this is the secular language of the market and not the sacred language of mystery? This is the language of consumerism, not the language of Christianity. This is the language of business, not the language of faith. Of course the argument is: How are we going to get any takers if we don’t sell the gospel on practical grounds? How indeed? Perhaps we will have to place some faith in the gospel and in Jesus Christ Himself. Perhaps we will have to believe that the gospel story itself, faithfully told, still has the capacity to astonish. Perhaps we will have to believe that the risen Christ can still make Himself known in astonishing ways. Brian Zahnd is the founder and senior pastor of Word of Life Church, a congregation in St. Joseph, Mo. He and his wife, Peri, have three sons. Zahnd is the author of "Unconditional?" and his latest book, "Beauty Will Save the World," which released in January.
May 2013
www.OzarksChristianNews.com
Jack Hayford: Why So Many Lightweight Christians?
pressure comes (see Mark 4:5, 17)—and Christians are facing an increase of both in our world.
Written by Jack Hayford
As leaders, we would well be warned of our common vulnerability to being distracted by the abundance of "enhancements" available to ministry today. "Make up" isn't evil, but it's no substitute for leading believers to "take up" the disciple's cross and be shaped as His true followers. We're within frightening reach of being able to grow bigger churches while failing to grow bigger people.
A contemporary “weigh in” on an ancient value. First, knowing so many ministry-types serve Jesus' goals, I don't want to seem unduly critical of any in addressing a concern. If you're a dedicated servantleader, I'm on your side! But I want to bluntly talk about the lessened "weight" being given today to Jesus' strategy for advancing His church. He said, "Go— make disciples!"—and this foundational call is increasingly being "dissed." "Dissing"—the pop word for disrespect—is becoming normalized regarding discipleship. I don't think it's calculated, but it's occurring as "doing church" supplants "becoming the church." A dimming focus on plain, New Testament discipling is bringing us to the brink of evolving dumbed-down saints, a deceivable elect and a crippled Body emptied of ministry strength and unready to face persecution. Without discipleship, we are at risk of garnering believers in Jesus while not growing stable, committed, empowered agents of Christ. Jesus spoke of people who "for joy" lay claim to faith, but who do not endure. They wither when trials or
We are increasingly tooled and trained in technology and management techniques, better resourced with music and media effects, and better housed and staged for added consumer appeal. While not attacking these outsourced resources, I'm asking about our outcomes. Amid our heavyweight enterprises at refining style, we are growing weak in substance. In our version of the bride "trimming to be pretty," are we ending with lightweight believers? Here are some oft-accepted habits that hint at our weakness. I'm damning none of them, but I'm asking, "What do they weigh?" Special music and skills may assist our worshipping God, and real discipling indeed requires encountering Him. But if my guitarist is being given an 8-bar lick between verses, does the applause generated create an event rather than an encounter with God?
A 7-minute drama, carefully, cleverly prepared to reinforce the message of God's word can be heart-searching and hilarious. But if our skits become more for fun than for focus, are we simply "rolling in commercials" for an end product that isn't—or was never—in Jesus' mind? Today's pastor-teacher lives in a world requiring more than a "speaker." It looks for "communicators." Has that mandate turned our focus away from our discipling task to our delivery style? In preaching, might I gain smiles with my cleverness while losing my grip on my sword, satisfying "itching ears" (2 Tim. 4:3) while watering down "the apostle's doctrine" (Acts 2:42)? What about my "charismatic" potential for breeding some people whose preoccupation with "prophetic words from the Lord" have drawn them away from a hunger to be fed the word of God? My "prophesying" may attract a following, but in the end, will they follow Jesus? Let's focus on the real and lasting. This demanding hour calls for disciplers— leaders who won't be "diss-tanced" from the call. ------------------------------------------------Jack Hayford is the founder of The Church on the Way in Van Nuys, Calif., chancellor of The King's College and Seminary and the president of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. This orginally appeared in Ministry Today magazine.
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P i e rc e A r ro w ’s M i c h e l l e Wa i t 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!
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Proverbs 31, Victoria's Secret, and viral marketing by Christina Darnell - God's World Publications
W
hen Alex Eklund updated his Facebook status on Nov. 30, 2011, he had no idea it would make him a social media star. Eklund was studying in the Baylor University library when he noticed a theme among his friends’ status updates. During the airing of the annual Victoria’s Secret fashion show on CBS, girls posted updates like “I’m going to have to hit the gym after this” and “I’m going to starve myself for a week.” Although Eklund assumed his friends didn’t mean the statements seriously, they still made him uneasy. “There was an underlying sense of insecurity which I sensed throughout the entire thing,” he said. On a whim, Eklund posted in response, “I’d rather have a Proverbs 31 woman than a Victoria’s Secret model.” Almost instantly, Eklund’s post went viral. Both negative and positive comments piled up on his wall as friends, friends of friends and total strangers reposted his comment. During the next
www.OzarksChristianNews.com few days, Eklund discovered the power of social media to capture an audience, cultivate a following and spread a message. Some people, like Eklund, stumble on the social networks’ ability to create overnight celebrities and scramble to make use of their instant audience. Others, like former Victoria’s Secret model Kylie Bisutti, leverage their social media presence to help strengthen their brand. And sometimes, the two strategies overlap. Markus Pfeiffer, a digital media professor at Regent University, believes Eklund’s message generated such a strong response because his post reflected a timely trend: “An unknown person or ministry can reach a very wide audience and get discovered, because of the viral capabilities—because they are watching trends. A lot of stories are born within these tools.” Less than 24 hours after posting his comment, Eklund realized he had struck a nerve. Leveraging the opportunity to capture so much attention, he and his friends produced a video to clarify and expand on his Facebook post. Within three days, the video had more than 120,000 hits on YouTube. “When so many people started looking at the page and talking about it, and different people reposted it as their status, it just kind of became a movement,” Eklund said in the video. Along with four of his g u y friends, Eklund founded the Live31 Movement, a group committed to redefining beauty. Just three months later, in
May 2013
March 2010, its Facebook page had more than 14,000 fans, and its Twitter account had more than 1,800 followers.
evening news magazines and doing some free promotion for a fledgling ministry started by five college students.
“It’s one of these really typical social media success stories,” Pfeiffer said. “One individual had a vision or idea that could be propagated, and it struck a chord.”
After Live31 reached out to her, Bisutti agreed to write a blog post for the group’s website, detailing her story in her own words. In an interview with Inspired Women Magazine, Bisutti said she wanted to tell her story to young girls and show them that true beauty and selfworth comes from Christ. Pairing her message with Live31 helped her reach even more like-minded people. In February 2012, fashion and religious blogs were buzzing about Bisutti, and the former bikini model was telling her story on Fox News, Good Morning America, The Glenn Beck Program and CBS This Morning. Links to videos of Bisutti’s national television interviews poured into Live31’s Facebook page, generating even more momentum for Eklund’s movement.
Social media platforms allow individuals to monitor trends in an organic way, making it easier to offer material that people will respond to, Pfeiffer said: “In this case, [Eklund] understood this was a hot topic, and he was able to turn that into a ministry that got a lot of attention.” Live31 generated so much buzz it soon caught the attention of Bisutti, winner of the 2009 Victoria’s Secret Model Search. She had spent several years modeling lingerie for the company, but quit in 2011 because of her Christian faith. On Dec. 21, 2011, she tweeted Eklund: “I stopped being a Victoria’s Secret Model to become a Proverbs 31 wife!” During a 2012 interview with Good Morning America, Bisutti said the realization that her career choices did not honor God came on gradually: “I just became so convicted about wanting to honor my husband with my body and wanting to be a role model for other women out there who look up to me.” She decided to redirect her career to model more modest clothing and says she now chooses her jobs carefully. Michael Bartlemay, the first person to repost Eklund’s original status and a member of Live31, was amazed at how much Bisutti’s story meshed with their message. “We thought, ‘This person is incredible, and we have to get her on board.’” Like Eklund, Bisutti wanted to spread a message. In part because of her prolific tweets, she soon found herself making the rounds of morning talk shows and
May 2013
from the editor...
Hey, buddy, can you spare five bucks?
Y
ou may have noticed that The Ozarks Christian News is available for free in various locations such as theatres, restaurants, waiting rooms, trash cans, etc. If you have not noticed these free copies... fantastic! Hopefully it was purchased from one of our vending machines or you are a faithful subscriber and get it in your mailbox each month. For the more than 13,000 people that have chosen to get it free each month online, do not feel guilty. We know how you are. (Just kidding, we love you.) We make it available for free so new readers can find the OCN and discover they cannot live without it. Hopefully, they will want to purchase it in the future. Some of the vending machines are honor racks, and we encourage you to be generous with loose change from your pockets, purses and car ashtrays. We are now in our 9th year of printing the only Christian newspaper in
www.OzarksChristianNews.com the Ozarks. We have served the Christian community to the best of our ability trying to be fair and balanced to more than one position on the non-essential matters. Of course, it is the human religious nature to make twigs into trunks. You can imagine the difficult task we have to try to educate and spiritually mature 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 p o s i t i o n (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 usually generates moderate 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,
Did you hear about the $3 million Kentucky State Lottery?
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dare I say, Christian approach?
newspaper to disappear only to have people saying that had they known our needs, they would have helped out in some way.
The Body of Christ is extremely diverse because it mysteriously serves God’s If we were all ads, we would need no purpose to be that way. support from the reader, but we hope The OCN is a Kingdom paper. We know $30.00 in this economy is a huge amount.
the contents are a blessing to you and to others and is worthy of your financial assistance.
Of course, if you feel led by God to If that is not possible, could you just make a donation of any size we please try to get the newspaper would be most grateful. through vending machines It’s only $30.00 a year... for 50 cents (10 NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! issues per year) Or Gift it to a Loved One! located at groCredit Cards accepted cery stores and thru PayPal post offices, as order by email: well as many editor@ozarkschristiannews.com high traffic areas. That’s It’s a win, win... only $5.00 a when you help year. ...or you us grow, 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...
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The Happy Together Tour is coming to Branson this October!!
T
he Happy Together Tour celebrates the best music of the 60’s with four huge hit making groups… all together on one stage… for two big nights at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre in Branson! THE HAPPY TOGETHER TOUR CELEBRATES THE MUSIC OF THE SIXTIES WITH THE TURTLES FEATURING FLO & EDDIE, MONKEES LEAD SINGER MICKY DOLENZ, GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GAP BAND, AND MARK LINDSAY, FORMER LEAD SINGER OF PAUL REVERE & THE RAIDERS, BRINGING GOOD TIME MUSIC TO BRANSON! In the three years since The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie brought back some friends for the 25th Anniversary Tour in 2010, "Happy Together" has become one of the most successful tours in existence, constantly hitting the road and celebrating the music of the 60's for thousands of "Happy" fans to enjoy across North America. This year's Happy Together Tour -comprised of The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Monkees Lead Singer Micky olenz, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap Band and Mark Lindsay, former lead singer of Paul Revere & The Raiders will be in Branson at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre on Friday and aturday, October 18th and 19th. "Happy Together Tour 2013 will be the biggest and most successful tour we have done in the past 7 years," states Mark Volman (aka "Flo") of The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie. "The groups on this year's show bring with them hours of hit songs and memories certain to please every fan of the 1960's. We are so excited to be a part of this great show. You don't want to miss it!" Hours of hit songs, indeed. In all, the four artists on this year's tour have over sixty Top 40 hits to choose from, including six number one songs. Half of those Top 40 hits were Top 10! The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie have headlined and hosted all the previous Happy Together
www.OzarksChristianNews.com Tours and will be doing the same for this year's shows. Gary Puckett & The Union Gap return from last year, while Mark Lindsay, former lead singer of Paul Revere & The Raiders returns from 2010 and 2011. Additionally, just for Branson, Monkees Lead Singer Micky Dolenz will co-headline the show. From such songs as "Happy Together," "Last Train To Clarksville" and "Young Girl" to "Indian Reservation (The Lament of the Cherokee Reservation Indian)" fans will once again delight in hearing the songs sung by the
original singers that they've heard on the radio for the past several decades. "Happy Together" by The Turtles hit #1 on the charts in 1967 (displacing the Beatles' "Penny Lane") and remains a staple on classic rock radio to this day. Although their biggest hit and signature song, it's just one of their nine Top 40 hits, which includes such popular songs as "She'd Rather Be With Me," "Elenore," "You Showed Me" and "It Ain't Me Babe." In 1968, far ahead of their time, they would release one of music's first concept albums, The Turtles Present the Battle of the Bands, where they pretended to be eleven different bands with different names, each providing a song in a different genre. The album -- which showcased their incredible range of vocal talent -- spawned the hits "Elenore" and "You Showed Me" (both peaking at #6 on the Billboard charts). Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan have remained plenty busy over the years with both The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie and their extracurricular music activities. The band has sold over
60 million albums worldwide and continue to please audiences with their funfilled performances. Micky Dolenz, has fashioned a long-lasting and diversified career in show business, he is best known as the drummer and lead vocalist of the 1960s made-for-television band The Monkees. Along with Davy Jones, Peter Tork, and Michael Nesmith, Dolenz became a teen idol in the mid'60s and sold more than 65 million records. The Monkees released a movie and two more albums after their television show ended in 1968. By 1970, it was Dolenz and Davy Jones who were touring and performing concerts to promote the group. Micky Dolenz has continued to make his mark in other areas of the entertainment business, through his varied career as an actor, director, writer, producer and performer. Gary Puckett & The Union Gap was one of the most successful musical groups of the sixties, boasting five Top 10 singles. Gary's unmistakable signature voice garnered six consecutive gold records and top ten Billboard hits such as "Young Girl" and "Woman Woman." In 1968, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap sold more records than any other artist including the Beatles. Gary Puckett has performed on more than thirty network television shows and prime time specials during his career, even adding a command performance for the President and Prince Charles at the White House. The Union Gap disbanded in 1971. Gary continues to tour nationally and internationally. Gary comments, "The Happy Together Tour is a tremendously fun and entertaining show both to do AND to see! It's a pleasure and an honor to be one of the featured performers. Don't miss it!" "Indian Reservation" by Paul Revere & The Raiders hit #1 on the charts in 1971, selling over 4 million copies which made it the biggest selling single for Columbia Records for almost a decade. This massive hit followed quite a few that came before it from the band including "Kicks," "Hungry," "Just Like Me" and
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"Good Thing" (as well as the Mark Lindsay Top Ten solo hit, "Arizona," from 1970). In all, the band would achieve no less than fifteen Top 40 hits, five going Top 10. In February of this year, Mark released, "Like Nothing That You've Seen," ultimately described by Little Steven on Sirius/XM Radio's "Underground Garage" as the "coolest song in the world." "I'm hyper-excited about being back on the Happy Together Tour this year and I'm working out to get in top shape for my high energy show," says Mark. "I hope to see you all out on that road and we'll have some great rock and roll fun together!" Come on out, join the fun and imagine how the world could be, so very fine... so Happy Together! For Tickets to the Happy Together Tour 2013 and all the “Moon River Weekends” Shows at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre in 2013, call 800MOON-094 or visit Andy Williams.com
Twitter the Ozarks Christian News! The OCN's purpose is to create discussions and awareness. Share us with your friends and family discuss, discuss, discuss. You know what? Discuss with us! We would love to hear from you. Did a particular article bless you? Did something make you angry? Write us, email us, call us! Now you can Twitter us! There is always an open invitation. We get blessed by it, and we put it right back into the paper. So continue to enjoy, and thank you for the support! Tweet us at: @OCNEditor
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Branson Hot Tubs and Pools Receives Retail Excellence Award from Hot Spring® Spas [Branson, MO] – Branson Hot Tubs and
www.OzarksChristianNews.com business and build the Hot Spring brand.”
at www.Facebook.com/bransonhottubsandpools .
“A hot tub is a personal care product that makes a significant difference in the quality of life of our customers and helps them spend quality time with the people they love,” said David, Owner of the Dealership. “This award is proof that we are serving our customers here in Branson with excellence. It motivates us to continue to provide the absolute
About Watkins Manufacturing Corporation: Watkins Manufacturing is the world’s leading manufacturer of hot tubs worldwide. Hot Spring Spas are sold through an independent network of dealers across North American and in more than 60 countries around the world. Watkins is a division of Masco Corporation, a Fortune 500 company whose quality home products include Delta® Faucets, KraftMaid® Cabinets, and Behr® paint.
Abortion-Pill Mandate Losing 10-4 in Court by Bill Roberts-Charisma News Kathleen Sibelius U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius tours the stage during a walk-through on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. (Reuters/Jason Reed) Amid a flurry of activity this month in lawsuits against President Obama’s abortion-pill mandate, the administration’s record in cases litigated so far stands at 10 losses and only four wins.
Pools, a local hot tubMike retailerRogers, based in Glenda best customer experience, and to help Foraker, Branson, was recognized with the 2012 even more people Mike Dunn and David Forakerdiscover the many Retail Excellence Award from Hot benefits of hot tubbing. To sum up the Spring® Spas, the world’s number oneway all of us here feel: SERVICE MATselling brand of hot tubs. Branson Hot TERS. ” Tubs and Pools was honored at the 2013 Hot Spring Dealer Kick-Off held recent- Branson Hot Tubs and Pools offers ly in St. Louis, MO. complete sales and service/repair for all pools and spas, their accessories, and all “David and Glenda Foraker, owners of chemical treatment products. They Branson Hot Tubs and Pools, earned recently were also chosen to be the Big this distinguished award for their outGreen Egg grill/smoker/oven dealership standing achievement from among all for the Branson area. Come check them Hot Spring Retailers in North America,” out on Hwy 248 in the North Park Plaza says Mike Dunn, Executive Vice in Branson. For more information President of Hot Spring Spas. “We about Branson Hot Tubs and Pools, visit applaud the true entrepreneurial spirit of the company’s website at this dealer, as well as the investment www.BransonHotTubsandPools.com they were willing to make to grow their and be sure to “Like” them on Facebook
“Americans should be free to honor God and abide by their consciences at work, home and church,” said Senior Legal Counsel Matt Bowman. “Washington politicians can’t confine our faith to the four walls of our homes and churches alone. Honoring God is important every day, in all areas of life, including in our work. The Obama administration’s attacks on faith and business prove that it doesn’t respect either one.” Alliance Defending Freedom and allied attorneys filed a motion for an emergency injunction Friday following a notice of appeal filed this week in a lawsuit challenging the abortion-pill mandate on behalf of Grote Industries, based in Indiana. The emergency motion in Grote Industries v. Sebelius
May 2013 seeks to suspend the mandate against the Catholic-owned auto lighting manufacturer while its appeal of a district court decision goes forward. In a similar Alliance Defending Freedom lawsuit filed on behalf of a nonprofit college, Louisiana College v. Sebelius, a federal judge has refrained from granting the administration’s motion to dismiss and instead issued a stay order Friday that preserves the college’s lawsuit and religious freedom claims through August. Rather than dismiss the case as the administration had requested, the court ordered the administration to provide an update of rules related to the mandate at that time. Additional court deadlines are approaching next week for the administration in two other abortion-pill mandate challenges: Tuesday is the deadline for the administration to appeal the injunction issued against the abortionpill mandate in Tyndale House Publishers v. Sebelius, and Jan. 18 is the deadline for the administration’s opening brief appealing another injunction issued against the mandate in favor of Colorado’s Hercules Industries in Newland v. Sebelius. Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys and allied attorneys are also litigating several other lawsuits against the mandate: one in Minnesota on behalf of Annex Medical, Inc.; another one in Indiana on behalf of Indiana’s Grace College and Seminary and California’s Biola University; and one in Pennsylvania on behalf of Geneva College and The Seneca Hardwood Lumber Company and its owners, the Hepler family. The lawsuits represent a large cross-section of Protestants and Catholics who object to the mandate. “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
May 2013
Busyness Is Not a Spiritual Gift by Tammy Whitehurst
'Wait' is a tough word to deal with in today's busy world.
I
easily become overloaded, overburdened, and go overboard with busyness. I've often thought to myself that life would be perfect if bad times had fast forward buttons and good times had pause buttons. I'd also like to clone myself to get more done and never have to sit back and wait for anything. But is that really what I want? Wait is a tough word to deal with in today's busy world. Being too busy can distract us from the really important things in our lives—people. Do I really like being so busy that I'm worn out by noon? No. I know deep within my heart that being overloaded is a way for the enemy to distract me from those most precious to me. If I'm really honest, I would have to admit I learn more during those calm and peaceful times when my heart, soul, and mind all unite to seek God's will than I do when I'm stretching my mind to hold more and more while I'm falling apart. One thing I have to remember on a daily basis is that wait is not an ugly word and "busy" is not a spiritual gift. After all, God says in Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God." Isn't being still waiting? When you have a personality like mine, it's hard to be still, but it is only during those moments alone with God that I can truly feel a peace that surpasses all understanding. Busy is the enemy of peace. Busy steals precious time. Busy robs my blessings. Waiting Time Is Never Wasting Time
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through Christ who gives me strength. In this fast paced, jungle-like world we build for ourselves, we rarely have "waiting" time anymore. We expect instant gratification and instant results— at lightening fast speed! We become so engrossed in paperwork that we delete all the "people" work in our lives. We become so busy that we can't remember the last time we took a full day off or sat at the dinner table with the family. Life can bring about big storms and the waves hit hard if we don't slow down. Busy can beat upon us like a drum. When those closest to us have stopped asking for our time, it's because they know we are too busy for them. That's crushing to the heart. We all need "waiting" time, whether we think we do or not. Waiting time is when we say adamantly, "It can wait!" and we step back and do what is really important. I discovered this after I found myself checking my appointment book to see if I could squeeze in lunch with my 18-year-old daughter. I knew then that I had to back up and take a good look at my priorities. The world would momentarily stop if something ever happened to her, so why can't I stop when she wants me to have lunch? It's amazing how busy I allow myself to be. To actually clear my schedule for a day or two feels impossible. I feel as if everything would fall apart if I said, "No, I'm sorry. I can't do that task," or if I refuse to answer my phone. God puts his healing hand under my chin and assures me of one thing—he will never leave me and he wants me to trust him as he helps me clear my overloaded plate to a manageable amount. The storm that rages inside me is shouting, "Slow Down!" and demands my attention. But if I heed that call, the Creator of peace will shower me with a peace that surpasses all understanding if I just trust him. The fragrance of grace and mercy will overflow in me when I come to peace with being less busy. Breaking old patterns is hard, but God reminds me that I can do all things
Morning by Morning New Mercies I See I began to sing the hymn "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" as I awoke each day. I asked the Lord to help me give up a life of unbridled busyness and to show me how to achieve balance between worshiping God, loving my family, and enjoying my work. Somehow during the course of my life, I mixed those up and put work at the beginning. From this day forward, busy was not going to win out any more. Busy was not going to push me around till I was worn out from the struggle. I stood up tall, held my shoulders back, and smiled. I began to seize the opportunity to truly listen to God's plan for my life. Someone once told me peace smells like cupcakes. Step back and welcome that smell. Let your house begin to take on the odor of a bakery and watch how you begin to see and taste that the Lord is good once you grow still and begin to slow down. If you are in a season of fast-paced insanity, no fun frustration, and running around like a road runner, I encourage you to seek God with all your heart and ask him to help you clear the unnecessary chaos that you have brought to your life. Sit and wait as he begins to show you the things to remove, and be ready to listen. Is it easy? No. Is it worth it? Yes. Do you love some of the things he might remove? Yes. But trust him and hang on to your faith with an iron fist as you seek to glorify the Lord with your life. Begin to say, "Use me, Lord!" not, "Why me, Lord?"
God is going to see you through and when he does, you will stand taller and bolder, and be more faithful. You'll begin to smell the roses, taste the rain, laugh more, and not miss out on the important things in life. You'll overflow with good things rather than be drained from exhaustion. You'll come out of the desert singing "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" and knowing that God is in control after all. It's such a relief to not have to try to control everything. And the best part is that one day, as you awaken to sunshine peering through your window, you'll feel the joy of the Lord has returned to your life. You'll know that joy comes in the morning when you realize that busyness is not a spiritual gift. The ultimate peacemaker said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled …" (John 14:27). He releases you to run free from chaos and to break free from busyness so you can experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. So, when your heart is calm, thank him. And once you've done that, go to lunch with a loved one and don't forget to turn off your phone. Tammy Whitehurst, a Christian speaker, is the founder of Joy for the Journey Ministries. You can read more about her at tammywhitehurst.com. Copyright {2012}, {Tammy Whitehurst} and Christianity Today/ChristianBibleStudies.com. Used with permission.
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3 Lies Porn Tells You BY JUSTIN AND TRISHA DAVIS APRIL 18, 2013 Justin and Trisha are bloggers, authors, speakers and founders of RefineUs Ministries. Sharing their story of pain, loss and redemption, RefineUs is igniting a movement to build healthy marriages and families. They are the coauthors of their first book, Beyond Ordinary: When a Good Marriage Just Isn’t Good Enough, published by Tyndale House Publishers. One man's experience through his addiction—and what brought him through the other side. SHAREFacebook 2,233 Twitter 366 Pinterest 0 Three years into our marriage, my wife, Trisha, woke up in the middle of the night and realized I wasn’t in bed. She walked out into the living room and as soon as she looked at the TV, I quickly changed the channel. She began to question me about what I was watching, why I wasn’t in bed, and why I would immediately change the channel. Then came the repeated question: Do you struggle with lust and pornography? The more she asked the more intense the conversation became. So I denied everything. I told her I was just channel surfing. I argued with her about what she saw. I convinced her that I didn’t struggle with porn or lust. She had nothing to worry about. I was lying. FOR THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE WHO STRUGGLE WITH THIS, WE DON’T TALK ABOUT IT NEAR ENOUGH. I didn’t know it at the time, but that night was the first of many opportunities I had over the first 10 years of our marriage to be honest about my porn addiction. I was a pastor and pastors don’t struggle with lust or porn. At least, no other pastor I knew struggled with it, I felt all alone. The truth was, I wasn’t alone. friends I could have talked to. accountability partners I lied to. other pastors I blew off when
I had I had I had asked
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about sexual sins and struggles.
BONDAGE COSTS OVER TIME.
In my mind, my intentions were good—I was trying to protect my marriage. The reality is, porn was telling me lies and I was buying right into them.
3. Confessing your struggle will cost you too much. Porn wants you to live in secret. Porn causes us to weigh the cost of confessing against the cost of hiding and convinces us that hiding will be less painful. You think you are helping yourself and your marriage by hiding your porn addiction. Your wife—or husband—won’t understand. Your marriage won’t recover. Your credibility won’t be able to be rebuilt.
For the amount of people who struggle with this, we don’t talk about it near enough. We don’t talk about it in our families. We don’t talk about it in our churches. We think avoiding it will make it go away. Statistically speaking, over 50 percent of the men reading this post have had exposure to pornography recently. And it’s not just a “man’s problem,” either. About 30 percent of porn users online are women. It isn’t going away. Here are the three lies porn told me and will tell you as well. 1. That was the last time. No matter how many times you’ve looked at pornography, that was your last time. Because you truly believe it is your last time buying the magazine, going to the web site, downloading that movie— you don’t need to confess it, because it was the last time. Until tomorrow or next week or next month. It is the last time— until the next time. If porn can convince you that “this time is the last time,” you’ll never tell anyone. 2. You can stop anytime you want. You know what pornography has done to other marriages, to other friends, to other families, to other church leaders…but you aren’t really “addicted” to pornography. You can stop anytime you want. Besides it doesn’t have the same effect on you that it does on other people. It won’t hurt your life, your marriage, your kids, your church, your ministry like it has other people. You are in control of porn, it doesn’t control you. FREEDOM COSTS SOMETHING UPFRONT, BUT NOT AS MUCH AS
Something I’ve learned the hard way: Hiding sin never provides us with the power to overcome it. The freedom you long for is found in confession. Freedom costs something upfront, but not as much as bondage costs over time. Believing these lies will never give you the power to overcome them. Trying to quit will not give you the power to quit. But freedom is possible. Here is what I believe with all of my heart: If you struggle with pornography, God isn’t disappointed in you; He is fighting for you. He died and conquered sin and death so you can have victory in this area of your life. Where do we begin? How can we overcome something that grips our heart and keeps us living in shame and guilt? The first place I suggest everyone that struggles with pornography start is with a Christian counselor. Both my wife and I needed someone with greater perspective and wisdom than we had to help us overcome this struggle in my life. Beyond that, I want to share one principle with you that I believe has power to bring freedom, hope and healing to your heart. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. Healing comes through confession and prayer. I know that sounds very churchy, but take a look at this Scripture: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous
May 2013 person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). The type of confession that James is talking about isn’t a confession for forgiveness; it is confession for healing. There is a healing that comes to our heart as we confess our sins with one another. Most of us have the “forgiveness” part of confession down. We know that in order to get forgiveness from God, we have to confess our sins. Maybe you grew up confessing to a priest, maybe it is something that you do in your quiet time with God, maybe it is something that you do after you’ve made a huge mistake. Most of us know that forgiveness from God comes through confession. We don’t talk about the “healing” type of confession in the Church very often. In fact, we have built a religious system that tries to find healing through hiding our sins, not confessing them. The sins we do confess are “safe” sins: bitterness, jealousy, materialism, anger and selfishness. I was the master at this. I appeared “authentic” for confessing socially acceptable sins while I lived as a prisoner to sins I wasn’t willing to confess. For years, I forfeited the healing that God longed to bring to my heart not because I didn’t confess my sins to Him; but because I refused to confess them to anyone else. But here’s 3 truths porn will never tell you: Temptation loses its power when we confess. Sin loses its ability to keep us fractured when we confess. Addictions lose the control they have in our lives when we confess. The secret sin you keep only has power as it remains a secret. The Light will always overcome darkness. The difficult decision we face is allow that Light into the darkest, most embarrassing parts of our heart. God can’t heal the parts of our heart we refuse to bring into the Light. But when we do, we can be healed.