Real Man’s Toolbox

REAL Man’s Toolbox Bring your best in an ‘age of outrage’

By Leo Hellyer

Living life as a Christian man in 2020 is a very complicated proposition. As men, many of us try to live life in our individual circle of family, co-workers, and friends, and as much as we can, block out the majority of the societal dysfunction that surrounds us. With us being in an election year, all of this dysfunction is magnified exponentially. During an election year, it seems that a lot of the gray areas that blend society together disappear, and all we hear are the extremes our polar opposite political parties present. Regardless of how hard we try to not get drawn into the fray, many times we are there before we know it.

As Christian men we need to be a stabilizing influence in our society. We need to be a breath of fresh air in the din that surrounds us. We need to bring reason to the unreasonable conflict and discourse that is present. As I examined for myself how I should proceed to build up, instead of tear apart, this great nation and our governmental structure that was built upon Christian foundations, I found a book that very eloquently speaks directly to this issue.

I believe that any Christian can benefit from reading this book. Ed Stetzer is a distinguished Christian author who addresses how we are to ‘bring our best’ as we live our lives. The book’s title is very descriptive of its contents: “Christians in the Age of Outrage — How to Bring Our Best When the World Is at Its Worst.” Published in 2018, the book is a great resource for living as a Christian at this time in history.

In the book’s introduction, we read, “This is a book about outrage. It’s an acknowledgement that our world, or at least our part of it, seems awash in anger, division, and hostility. Outrage is all around, so we have to decide how to walk through this. We are living in a day — and this is indeed our moment — when we need to live like Christ, as gospel Christians in the midst of shouting, anger, and hatred. And it’s going to get worse... What do we do when the anger becomes too much? How do we know when righteous anger has made the turn into unbridled outrage? These questions do not have easy answers, but they deserve our consideration if we want to be faithful disciples of Christ.” Stetzer takes us on a journey of discovery that ends with a lifestyle we are called to live out in all facets of our life, being Christ-like in all we do. Most Christians know that we are to be Christ-like, but doing so, especially while facing emotions, pride, personal attacks, patriotism, etc., becomes very problematic.

Outrage has the tendency to breed more outrage. In his book, Stetzer presents us with alternatives to the outrage. If we will immerse ourselves with Scripture and Christ-like living, we will be able to weather the outrage around us and bring stability back from instability. If we will get to the point in our Christian walk where we live by the Holy Spirit within us, we will be able to respond to the outrage around us in a manner that can extinguish the outrage and ignite a firestorm of love, compassion, consideration, and cooperation. At the end of the book, Stetzer challenges all of those who read his book by saying, “Put down this book and go into the age of outrage. Leave behind angry nationalism. Leave behind political excuses. Leave behind unloving tribalism. Leave behind prideful Facebook posts and endless arguments... Embrace your responsibility as a missionary of grace to those around you, seeing your local community as a mission field to which God calls His church. You have the Holy Spirit inside you to live on mission. In a world at its worst, live out your calling to be a Christian at your best in the age of outrage.”

This ending is very profound. As Christians, many times we soak up the great teachings, readings, singing, and prayers that we hear, and rejoice within ourselves. However, to be the most effective in our Christian walk, we need to do as Stetzer says — we need to take all that God has given to us and boldly leave the four walls of our churches and homes and enter the age of outrage with godly love.

We have the answers to the shortcomings of the society we live in. We have the power to overcome the divisiveness around us. Societies are not healed by politics and elections. Societies are healed when God-fearing believers get up, get out, and become soldiers of the Lord in the battle for the souls of the people. As Christians, we are ineffective until we hit the streets and share the truth, power, and love of Christ. This is what it looks like to Bring Our Best When The World Is At Its Worst. God bless you as you put feet to your faith. n Leo Hellyer is a non-staff pastor with a local church and has been married to his wife Norma for more than 45 years. The couple volunteered with the Boise FamilyLife Ministry Team for 20 years. They are both employed by Boise Rescue Mission Ministries, Norma at City Light Home for Women & Children and Leo at River of Life Rescue Mission. Leo is also the President and Chief Firearms Instructor with Helping Hands Firearms Training LLC. If you have questions about Real Man’s Toolbox, or need other assistance, Leo may be reached at silverplate426@msn.com or 208-340-5544. Leo Hellyer “As Christian men we need to be a stabilizing influence in our society. We need to be a breath of fresh air in the din that surrounds us.”

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The 16th Annual Caldwell Prayer Walk will take place on Saturday, April 18, beginning at 3 p.m. at Caldwell Memorial Park at Kimball and Grant streets.

“We walk around downtown and pray at various places for the mayor, city council, police, firemen, paramedics, and all the people who live in Caldwell and surrounding communities as the Holy Spirit leads,” Arlene Robinett, walk organizer, said. “You may stay at the park and pray if you like.”

After the walk there will be a potluck dinner at the park band shell. “We’ve seen prayers being answered for schools,” said Robinett. “Caldwell is having more businesses move in, and downtown looks great. A place where senior citizens and foster kids live side by side will be forthcoming in the community, too.”

For more information about the Caldwell Prayer Walk, contact Robinett at 208-249-4635. Nampa Mayor’s Community Prayer Breakfast

The Nampa Mayor’s Community Prayer Breakfast, presented by the Kiwanis Club of Nampa, will be held at 7 a.m. Thursday, May 7, at the Nampa Civic Center. Doug Armstrong, retired KTVB president and general manager, will be the keynote speaker. A musical performance will be given by the Nampa Christian Middle School Choir.

Tickets are $15 and may be ordered by calling the Nampa Civic Center at 208-468-5555. Idaho National Day of Prayer

Idaho National Day of Prayer is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, May 7, on the front steps of the Idaho State Capitol Building, 700 W. Jefferson St. in Boise. The theme is, “Pray God’s Glory Across the Earth,” based on Habakkuk 2:14: “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”

Join organizers and fellow citizens in public prayer for the U.S. and the State of Idaho. This event is one of thousands that will be occurring nationwide on the same day. Representatives will lead and cover seven prayer points: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church, and Family.

For more information, contact Deborah Crosby at ddcrosby@msn.com.

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Others need us Why aren’t we sharing the gospel?

COVER STORY

By Greg Laurie

It’s funny how teenagers can be too busy to clean their rooms or take out the trash, but if something comes along that they want to do, they suddenly and mysteriously have time in their schedules. It’s not about lack of time; it’s about a lack of will. They don’t clean their rooms because they don’t want to clean their rooms. They don’t take out the trash because they don’t want to take out the trash. It’s all about motivation. If we don’t have the motivation to do something, we aren’t going to do anything.

The same is true when it comes to reaching out to others with the gospel. We may know it’s what we should do (just like teenagers know they should clean their rooms), but we offer up excuses as to why we can’t or don’t. Behind the excuses, there are some real issues to address.

1. We need compassion. Jesus told the story of 10 bridesmaids: five wise and five foolish. The five who were wise had oil in their lamps, and the five who were foolish did not. When the cry went out that the bridegroom was coming, those who didn’t have any oil said, “Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out” (Matthew 25:8).

But the other bridesmaids answered, “We don’t have enough. … Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves” (verse 9). Essentially they were saying, “That isn’t our concern. We’re set. We’re happy. Work out your own problems.”

Quite honestly, that is the way many people in the church feel. Talking about the need for evangelism is of no consequence if we lack one simple thing: a compassionate heart for nonbelievers. 2. We need boldness. Most Christians I know are nice, pleasant people. We want to get along with others. We don’t want to offend anyone by saying that something is wrong, because it would be politically incorrect. A lot of times we are afraid to stand out.

That is not how Elijah was, however. When we are first introduced to him in 1 Kings 17:1, he explodes onto the scene, telling King Ahab, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.”

There was Elijah, storming boldly into the court of the notoriously wicked Ahab and flinging down the gauntlet of his challenge like he owned the place. They probably wondered how he got through security.

Where did Elijah get such boldness? Notice his interesting expres- sion: “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand...” Wherever Elijah went, he recognized that he was in the Lord’s pres- ence — that God was with him. Elijah served a living God — not a dead one like the god of King Ahab. Jesus said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). As believers, we are never alone. We automatically become a majority of one because God is with us.

This awareness of God’s presence gave Elijah the courage to do what God called him to do. And God is still looking for men and women today who will stand up for what is true and will carry His message. Are you willing? 3. We need tact. When Philip shared the gospel with the Ethio- pian dignitary, he demonstrated something that is often lacking in evangelism: tact. Many Christians just fire away with everything they have. They don’t engage the people they speak with. They don’t establish a dialogue. They don’t build a bridge. They just present all their arguments and all of their statements, and they feel so impressed with themselves. Meanwhile, people are looking forward to their shutting up and going away.

Later, the Christian thinks, “Boy, I really blew them out of the water when they said this and that. Wasn’t that great?” No, it wasn’t great. In reality, it was quite stupid, because our job is not to win the argument; it’s to win the soul.

If we want to effectively share the gospel with people, then we need to engage them. What did the master evangelist Jesus do as He talked with the woman at the well in Samaria? He engaged her in conversation. It was give-and-take. He spoke, and then He listened. She shared her heart with Him, and He revealed truth to her.

When we share the gospel with people, it is a dialogue — not a monologue. It is not just talking; it is also listening. It is offering the appropriate passages from Scripture and statements from a heart filled with love so that a person can come to believe in Jesus Christ. No one ever will be argued into the kingdom of God. They are going to believe because the Holy Spirit convicts them of their sin. Our job is to simply bring them the essential gospel message, with discernment and tact. Simplifying Evangelism

We overcomplicate this thing called evangelism. So, let’s bring it down to the basics: who, where, why, and when.

Who is called to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel”? Answer: We are.

Matthew 28:19–20 says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” These words are addressed to everyone — not just pastors, evangelists, and missionaries, but everyone. In the original language, they are a command. You are commanded by the Lord Himself to do this. No exceptions.

Where are we to preach the gospel? Answer: Everywhere! Mark’s Gospel tells us to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). To personalize it, “Go into all of your world and preach the gospel.” Go into your family, your workplace, your campus, your sphere of influence.

Jesus did not say, “Go and be a good example” but “Go and preach the gospel.” Some say, “I don’t want to push anything on people!” Would it be “pushing” something if you had a cure for cancer? We have the answer to life’s questions; we should be proclaiming it everywhere!

Why are we to preach the gospel? Answer: Because God’s primary way of reaching people is through people! “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21). But there is another reason as well: Because we care. We don’t want to see people go to Hell!

When are we to do it? Answer: All the time! We must always be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. You never know when the door of opportunity will open. “Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not” (2 Timothy 4:2). Another translation says, “Be on duty at all times.” And 1 Peter 3:15 tells us, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” The Perfect Opportunity

If you are one of those people who has been making excuses (like that teenager who doesn’t clean his room), I’ve got the perfect opportunity for you to get your feet wet. Why not start by inviting someone to the Boise Harvest, happening May 1–3? It’s a fantastic opportunity to hear some great music and a message about the meaning of life in a positive, non-threatening environment. Who knows? They may just say yes and have their lives changed forever.

Details for the event may be found at boise.harvest.org. n Greg Laurie is the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, with campuses in California and Hawaii. In 1990, he began holding large-scale public evangelistic events called Harvest Crusades. Since that time, in-person attendance and live webcast views for these events have totaled more than 9.4 million, with 520,183 people deciding to make a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. He has a nationally syndicated radio program and has written more than 70 books. For more information, go to harvest.org. “Later, the Christian thinks, ‘Boy, I really blew them out of the water when they said this and that. Wasn’t that great?’ No, it wasn’t great. In reality, it was quite stupid, because our job is not to win the argument; it’s to win the soul.”

MERRIN Packer A ‘guardian’ of children’s welfare

By Gaye Bunderson

Merrin Packer acquired firsthand knowledge of the influence a guardian ad litem can have on the well-being of children when her two adopted younger brothers came to her family out of the foster care system. “I was 16, and I heard of their experiences and saw their limited support,” Packer explained. “My mother thought the person who made the biggest difference on their behalf was the guardian ad litem.”

A guardian ad litem (or G.A.L.) is a person a court appoints to investigate what solutions would be in the best interests of a child. This can be advocacy for a child in foster care in an abuse or neglect case, a divorce, or a parental rights and responsibilities case. A G.A.L. investigates the situation, talks to all the parties involved, writes a report, and then gives that report to the presiding judge. They talk to, among others, caseworkers, doctors, teachers, parents, and other relevant parties. Their work gives the judge a comprehensive view of the situation to help facilitate the best decision possible for the child or children involved.

Packer is the Community Outreach Manager for the Third District Guardian Ad Litem Program, which includes Adams, Washington, Payette, Gem, Canyon and Owyhee counties. Because of her own family background, when she went to college she volunteered with the Court Appointed Special Advocate (C.A.S.A.) program, as well as volunteering as a guardian ad litem.

“And then they hired me,” she said. She has been community outreach manager for five years.

Her brothers were 6 and 4 when they were first fostered, following a difficult childhood. They are now 18 and 16 and have become wellgrounded young males. “They went through therapy and counseling. My family realized that what they needed most were positive adult relationships, and we surrounded them with that, including people in church, and family and friends.”

Packer herself is now 27, and beyond her work with the G.A.L. program, she and her husband Jarom have a foster son: Brenton, age 14, who went through a painful childhood that included abuse. “He’s a good kid. He has amazing faith and wants to serve God,” Packer said. “We have the same joys and struggles as the average parent,” she continued. “They may be magnified as a foster parent; but even when we struggle, we know our biggest purpose is to give this kid a chance. Sometimes it is a sacrifice, but it’s teaching me to love as Christ loves.”

Jarom is only 10 years older than Brenton, and Packer admits she herself is a little taken aback when the 14-year-old calls her Mom. But the situation is nonetheless working. “I’ve wanted to do this forever; I had 3 miscarriages. We wanted to foster eventually but thought we’d have our own children first. But God said, ‘That’s not the way it’s go ing to happen’ — it was not subtle at all.”

Their foster plans also didn’t initially entail a teenager. “We wanted a baby; we didn’t imagine a 14-year-old. We went through lots of training. Our intentions are pure, and God is definitely helping us,” said Packer.

Just as she is stepping up in leadership of the Third District Guardian Ad Litem Program, she is stepping up to be the best foster mother she can be as well. “I came from a home where my mother was strong and I am a strong mother too,” she said. “It’s something my foster son needs.”

Her own selflessness in fostering and working as a community outreach manager is frequently matched by the volunteer guardians ad litem she works with. “They are given tons of training. We’re always double-checking to make sure the judge has the whole story. The case- workers and the G.A.L.s are often on the same page, and it helps the judge. Our mandate is ‘best interest,’ or what’s in the best interest of the child; the caseworker must pursue reunification of the child with a parent.”

A guardian ad litem’s work generally requires about 5 to 8 hours a month. The Third District Guardian Ad Litem Program currently has 70 volunteers. “We need 150 to advocate for every child,” Packer said. The program has more women volunteers but also has “some pretty stellar guys,” according to Packer. “We have people in every stage of life and every category and every level of experience. This type of work appeals to anybody. Anybody who wants to help children. Whether the outcome of the case goes our way or not, the impact is significant. If a child has a guardian ad litem, they are 50 percent less likely to be re-abused and have to be declared again as wards of the state; 43 percent less likely to enter juvenile detention; and 8 times more likely to graduate from high school.” (Statistics are from the National C.A.S.A. Association.)

“People should know it’s hard work, but it’s worth it. Every effort and everything you can do to help makes a difference.”

Debi Duncan has been a guardian ad litem in the Third District Program for five years and said, “It’s very rewarding; each case is

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different. Each case is frustrating, but I’ve always been happy with the way it’s turned out.”

Duncan originally wanted to be a foster parent herself, but said, “I could see the heartache in that attachment. Being a guardian ad litem was the next best thing.

“It’s beneficial. It gives the judge a different perspective. I’m also making sure the biological parents are doing what they need, including going to counseling and getting drug-tested.”

When she concludes her research with all parties and gives her writ- ten statement to the judge, she said it is based on fact, not opinion, and also stated, “We do get to make a recommendation.”

The recommendation helps the judge determine whether the child should be returned to his or her biological family or be put up for adoption. In three of the cases she’s worked on, the children were returned to their biological parents — an outcome she was comfortable with.

Asked if her recommendations are valued by the court, she answered, “Very much. We are respected, and the judge has more information available to make a decision.”

She has a paying job and said she gives about 10 hours a month, roughly, to her work as a guardian ad litem (guardians ad litem are not paid). She is also the mother of two sons.

“Some people ask me, ‘How can you do that, be a guardian ad litem?’ It’s hard. But it’s so rewarding and really needed. It’s valuable, and it does make a difference. I wish more people would do it.”

Packer would love to enlist more people like Duncan into the pro - gram. She and others involved are doing what they do for all the right reasons. As Packer said of her guardians ad litem: “They do it out of the goodness of their hearts, and they really have an impact.” n

Those interested in becoming a part of the guardian ad litem program may contact Merrin Packer at merrinp@thirddistrictguardian.org.

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• Though only in their 20s, Jarom and Merrin Packer are foster parents to a teenage boy. Merrin Packer is also the Community Outreach Manager for the Third District Guardian Ad Litem Program. (Courtesy photo)

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