Spring 2015 | Community Spirit Magazine by Community Spirit

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Contents FEATURES 6 8 10 12 14 16 20 24 26 28 30 39 40 45 50 54 56 58

Test Your Bible Knowledge with Qible 5 Technical Mistakes Churches Make TheKross Radio Station to Provide Free Rock! Ludger’s Cakes MyWhy.tv - An Effort to Reach Millenials Broken Arrow’s Annual Rooster Days OK Mozart is for the Whole Family A Message from Victory Christian School A Salute to Christian High School Grads Kanakuk Camps Oral Roberts University Section SoftWash - A New Way to Clean Roofs SuperHeroes to Help Stop Child Abuse Stop Tobacco Efforts are Working Cancer Treatment Centers of America Grief Recovery - Moore Funeral Home Join an Apologetics Class! Climb Kilimanjaro with Tom McCloud

COLUMNS 22 Deniece Adsit 28 Mollie Myers 42 Dr. Schluter Chiropractic 43 Michael Watkins - Fitness Together 46 Cornerstone Counseling Center 48 ACT Financial 27 52 Pet Corner 53 Premier Advisors

C o m m u n i t ySpi ri tma g a zi n e.com SP RING 2015

Spring 2015 PUBLISHER & editor Tom McCloud CREATIVE Director Ben Allen COVER PHOTO BY Don Kreutzweiser CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tom McCloud, Randy Cowell, Deniece Adsit, Dr. Kevin Nieman, Dr. Scott Nicholson, Michael Watkins, Mollie Myers, Dr. Schluter, Dr. Dennis Demuth, Danielle Stoltz, Ward Wiebe www.mccloudmedia.com • www.communityspiritmagazine.com Distribution Community Spirit Magazine is distributed to churches, schools, restaurants, Christian bookstores, and other businesses. Call us today to deliver to your church. Community Spirit Magazine is published monthly by McCloud Media. Claims by advertisers and the opinions of writers within this publication do not necessarily represent the views of Community Spirit Magazine or its publisher, Equipment Publications, Inc. Philippians 2:1-2 “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” Our Mission: 1. Build Community – Develop a sense of community among all local believers in Christ 2. Inspire Good Works 3. Support Families 4. Share the Good News of Jesus Christ Fan us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CommunitySpiritMagazine

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I Challenge You to a Game of T

hink you know the Bible? Wanna prove it by taking a quiz or two? Pull out your phone or iPad and get ready to test your Bible knowledge. You might be shocked at how much or how little you know. In either case, a local company called Kingdom Games hopes their new game will encourage you to buckle down and study even harder. Kingdom Games recently launched a Bible trivia app that is guaranteed to challenge, teach and guide you along a path to better Bible knowledge. The Qīble Quiz Game app is available for FREE from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

family members, or whether you want to support various charities by purchasing “tokens.” The tokens allow you to challenge others or even play against a long list of respected national ministry leaders. It is good, clean fun (maybe the cleanest) and it will encourage you to recommit and study harder. Phil Smith, an owner of Kingdom Games and creator of Qīble, explained that he developed the 6,500 multiple-choice Bible questions directly from scripture. In fact, almost every question has a corresponding verse that you can view in several different Bible versions. All the questions are designed to teach Bible facts, not theory.

“I also found that the potential market size for this app really wasn’t as large as I first had thought. As I investigated it, I realized that a Bible quiz game is only fun when you know something about the Bible and the percentage of people who know much about the Bible is actually quite small.” It is easy to download. Simply search for Qīble and hit install. Within only a minute or two, you will be able to join in the fun. It has been a long time since our Junior High Bible Bowl days and let’s face it, it is past time we all dusted off the cobwebs from the Bible memory section of those brains of ours. Once you download your app, you can make your own choice as to whether to continue to study, play and learn for free, challenge your friends and

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But a not-so-funny thing happened to Phil as he went through the process of building Qīble. He was shocked at how little the average person knows about the Bible. In fact, he now boldly says that he questions whether America really is a Christian nation. For the game to be fun and not frustrating, Phil found that the player needed to be able to answer more questions right than wrong. This created a problem. Even

spring 2015

though the game allows the player to choose levels between novice, beginner, intermediate and expert, at least in the lower levels, the average person’s Bible knowledge was so low, it was difficult to come up with enough questions they would be able to answer correctly.

A dedicated team of thirty professional “gamers” and developers, they are in the process of producing exciting apps and games which will inspire people all over the world to learn more about the Bible. “I also found that the potential market size for this app really wasn’t as large as I first had thought. As I investigated it, I realized that a Bible quiz game is only fun when you know something about the Bible and the percentage of people who know much about the Bible is actually quite small.” Using some quick estimates, Phil used Tulsa as an example. “Tulsa is surely one of the most Bible-driven communities in America. Let’s say we have 400 churches with an average of 100 in each. That means some 40,000 people a week are in church on any given Sunday. That is a tenth of the size of the community,” he said. “And, let’s face it, if you just go to church, you probably don’t learn much about the Bible. Oh, you will hear and remember the generalities of a few stories, but you really don’t learn much detail. To learn, you can’t just read it, you have to study it. Just reading it won’t get you very far. In the last couple of decades, we have challenged people to read their Bible regularly, but it appears that they are not really learning it. That takes study.”

get frustrated and embarrassed when they don’t score as well as they expected. “The folks who love playing Qīble the most end up being those who really know the Bible. They are the ones who challenge each other,” he explained. “So, is America really a Christian nation? Jesus said, ‘If you love me, you will follow my commands.’ Well, if you don’t know the commands, how can you expect to follow them? America is a nation of really nice people and we generally treat each other well, but it is hard to say that we are truly dedicated to a belief if we don’t know much about it.” Phil’s hope is that Qīble will inspire people to get into the Word and that the game will spark them to study harder… “Not just read the Bible, but to learn what is in there.” So how about you? Are you ready to learn? Download the app and get started. Kingdom Games is located here in Tulsa and in Austin. A dedicated team of thirty professional “gamers” and developers, they are in the process of producing exciting apps and games which will inspire people all over the world to learn more about the Bible. For instance, this fall they will launch a unique game called “Five: Guardians of David.” Players will be able to relive the story of King David through his five bodyguards as they protect him. In the process, the feats of these Biblical superheroes will weave an epic tale of conquest and adventure. The developers believe this game will touch the imaginations of both young and old, but that it is actually targeted with the hopes of providing a fun, positive alternative to many of the games teens are currently playing. You can learn more about Kingdom Games by visiting www.kingdomgames.com.

The next challenge Phil had was actually getting the person with some Bible knowledge to continue playing. Some church leaders, parents, and others who really should know the Bible sometimes C ommu n ity sp ir itma ga zin e.c om

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When High Tech Causes High Tension Mistakes Churches Make When Purchasing Worship Technology

oing church used to be easy. Many of us can remember when the lapel mic was the only bit of technology in the room. Man, have things changed! In this world of cameras, projectors, lights and computers, churches can hardly function without a covey of qualified technicians. Large churches normally have the budgets and the manpower to live up to the demands of today’s sight and sound spoiled churchgoers, but what about the smaller churches? The ever-changing presentation technology is yet another challenge the often-dwindling number of small neighborhood churches have in holding onto members and not losing them to the larger churches. We interviewed Austin Morton at Video Revolutions to pick his brain about the most common mistakes he sees these smaller churches make when expanding into more sophisticated technology. His words and advice just might save your church some money and heartache.

The Most Common Technology Mistakes Made by Small Churches They purchase systems their people can’t run. It is very important to purchase systems which are both intuitive and which include their own Control Systems. It is very easy for me to teach the one or two tech-savvy people in a typical small congregation, but it is then their responsibility to teach it to others in the church who might be asked to fill in. If it is not a very intuitive system, it is fairly easy for people to get lost and not know, if something happens, how to make it right. If they push this button, what happens? A control system helps conquer part of this challenge. A control system works as an interface on a tablet or cell phone, allowing the operator to have complete control of the system. Basically, it allows preset commands to do their operations for them. For instance, one single button might be pre-programmed to turn the lights on, turn the projectors on, and put them on the correct source. It just makes it a whole lot easier and faster to get things going. Having good people is critical. Even though a certain member of the congregation might be more technically inclined than others, this does not make them an expert in the audio and video world. Things change so quickly in this industry, churches need someone who can focus on what can be done and should be done.

They purchase systems which don’t match the needs of the room. Different rooms require different equipment. Some for instance, require using a processor. Not just a mixer, but a processor. Larger room environments with special acoustics, require a way to account and adjust for it. So if I just put two speakers in a

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large room and hope they sound good, eight times out of ten, it is going to do just fine. But every now and then, you will have a need to be able to fine-tune that sound a little more. That is when we use an actual drive rack processor which can actually control sound timing, EQ curves and phase, giving you a lot more control over the sound and how the room responds. That way you can avoid dead spots. It is important that you buy the right equipment for your room. A small church of 150 for instance, might only need to use large TV monitors on either side of the stage instead of projectors. Typically the room is a lot smaller and you don’t need as large of an image to see in the back. Also, such rooms often have restrictions in height as well. A large monitor which runs all the way to the floor for instance, wouldn’t be the right choice because the heads of the audience might cover the bottom third of the screen. It is also important to keep things as simple as possible and not over complicate. Twenty adapters might fix a problem, but focus on using the single right one instead. They don’t plan ahead for expansion. It is important to plan ahead for the next step. We call it being “Future proofed.” We don’t want you to have a system that you have to totally throw away in order to make an improvement. Instead, we try to provide systems which can be updated. You will want to expand. So, plan for it. Sometimes that means waiting until you have the budget to buy what you functionally need. You are often better off spending that 10 percent more to get what you are going to need only a year or two down the road.

They don’t adequately cheek references. Don’t purchase without references. Make sure the company has done it before and has good references on how well it was done. Anyone can do an installation, but are they going to be there to help with any complications?

They don’t demand enough training and support Demand training and service after the sale. Think about what position the company is in to provide that service. Where are they located and how many technicians do they have? If the projector goes down on Wednesday night, are they going to be able to get it fixed by Sunday? We provide one full year of support and then charge for on-site trips there after. Phone calls are always free and we provide next day or same day service. You should demand the same quality of service.

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AUDIO VIDEO We are headquarters for the best selection of cutting-edge technology for that ultimate home theater experience—indoor and outdoors —plus business environments. We invite you to consult with our skilled professionals when considering a home theater, home automation and business communication. We proudly offer the best products and expert installation, backed by our 30 years of experience serving northeastern Oklahoma.

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Rock the World with the Gospel TheKross to Offer FREE Christian Rock Music Across the World

s young people, 18-35 year olds all across the world leave the church in droves, a local businessman hopes to help reverse the trend, re-engaging them in a special way. Roger Chasteen, president of TheKross Radio, has decided to do the unthinkable in the radio world. He has canceled all of his advertisers and is now providing the best Christian Rock music available to kids all over the world absolutely FREE and with NO COMMERCIALS. That's right – no ads. Zip. Zero. Zilch. Hoping to let the lyrics and the music connect kids with the message of Christ, he has decided to make this totally unusual business decision without the hopes of any financial gain or benefit. Instead, founded on what Chasteen calls “the principle of selfless acts,” he is calling on individuals to be concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than with their own. People can now listen without being asked for anything – including listening to advertising. As most people know, most radio stations rely on playing ad after ad to pay the bills and keep the airwaves buzzing. The Kross is different. In order to replace traditional ads - The Kross will ask Sponsors to underwrite a minimum of sixty minutes of radio a month. “We really want our Sponsors to look inward and ask themselves 'what does selfless mean to me?' and to realize that many of our listeners may not have a chance to go to church – this might be the only uplifting Christian voice they hear,” Chasteen explained. Music will run, interruption free, except to Sundays. “Throughout the day on Sundays – we are going to be mixing in positive messages from local pastors with our normal music line up. The average size of a church in our listening area is something like 50 or so members. How many pastors of small congregations can hope to reach beyond their walls for no cost? The program will

give them a huge platform that they might not otherwise have to spread messages of faith.” Sponsors take the form of individuals, businesses, churches and groups that have answered the call to become selfless. Chasteen added, “Sponsors should expect to receive nothing in return for their generosity beyond knowing that they brought uplifting, inspirational Christian rock to someone who they will likely never meet.” When asked how to become a Sponsor – Chasteen said, “You can visit our website www.thekross.com and click on 'Learn More About Sponsorship' – it is very user-friendly. We are going to be giving back 10% to the listening community by supporting youth groups, churches, concerts and other events to share the love of Christ. This is a really great way to make a difference in the life of someone else.”

For more information on TheKross: info@thekross.com or 918.695.3987 Download the Apple or Google App for FREE! Listen on your on your computer or multimedia device.

10,000 Estimated Number of Churches Closing Their Doors Every Year in the US. Church Leader 2013

3,500 Number of People Leaving the Church Every Day in the US Pastoral Care 2014

80% Percentage of Millennials (14-33) Who Say Church is Not Important

Want to Know More? General Questions: info@thekross.com Event Announcements: events@thekross.com Sponsorship Questions: sponsorship@thekross.com Pastors interested in providing 1 to 3 minute long messages can contact: pastors@thekross.com Message Criteria: Uplifting Positive Non-denomination Non-fire-and-brimstone Tell YOUR Kids! Become a Sponsor! Got a band of your own? Submit your Music for Consideration!

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[Neh. 2:18]

Let us rise up and build . . .

Rhema Bible Church youth building coming soon!

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Have your Cakes and Love Them Too!

ey all you church ladies. (It’s okay. I am one of those too.) Let me tell you a story.

We were as ready as any nine hostesses could be for what was going to be the biggest wedding shower our church had ever had. After all, we had watched the bride and the groom grow up here. They were as cute as can be and both sets of parents and their extended families were not only active members, they had actually founded the church two generations ago! This was a big one and I was in charge. It was ten minutes before show time and amazingly, we were all set. I thought to myself, “Okay, one last prayer, one final inspection of the tables and we will be ready.” Everything was grand. The tables were lovingly set with flowers and lace, the silver was polished and reflected the light from the candles. The gifts are expertly wrapped and neatly displayed, and the punch, a church wide favorite, was ice cold and ready to serve.

Don’t scrimp on the cake! After all, it is the star and it needs to look and most of all, taste like it.

Everything passed our inspection, everything, that is…except the cake. The focal point of the whole production, the star of the show, the proverbial “cherry on top,” was… blah. Oh it was okay. It had been perfect for my daughter’s tenth birthday party and I am sure the ladies at the grocery worked hard on it, but still, it was not going to live up to this occasion and all nine of us knew it. The event was fine, the bride was delighted and everyone thought the day was great. However, it could have been better. We learned our lesson. Don’t scrimp on the cake! After all, it is the star and it needs to look and most of all, taste like it. “Lesson learned,” we all agreed. “Maybe we can make up for it when their baby shower comes around,” we joked.

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Since then, I have insisted on Ludger’s Bavarian Cakery. It locally-owned. I like that. I got hooked by stopping into their beautiful, new bakery and coffeehouse at 91st and Yale. I tell myself I go there because of their great coffee and because it is the perfect place to meet with the girls. But secretly, I don’t need a scheduled meeting. Their decadent confections make my car automatically swerve into their parking lot nearly every morning. I have loved getting to know Allison. Allison is the daughter of founder Ludger Schulz. For years, Ludger developed fans from all over the Tulsa area. He started Shadow Mountain Inn and later moved his restaurant to 30th and Harvard for a while before finally focusing more on catering from a hidden-away little place off of 38th and Sheridan. His food was incredible, but it was his Bavarian Cream Cheesecake that everyone most raved about. For him, it was a slice of home, a sensational des-

sert which reminded him of his childhood in Germany. Eventually the popularity of the cake led to requests for birthday and wedding cakes. Over the years, the popularity of the cake outgrew the ability to share a kitchen space with the catering side of the business and a bakery was added to accommodate the demand and volume of cakes. The flavor selection also grew to include vanilla, chocolate, chocolate chip, strawberry, key lime and red velvet…as well as sugar free and gluten free versions of the original vanilla flavor. A few years ago when Ludger wanted to retire, Allison and her husband, Chris, purchased the bakery from her parents. Ever since then, they have been dedicated to preserving the family reputation for quality and excellence. Ludger’s Bavarian Cakery has a huge selection and I have never been disappointed. From cakes for bridal and baby showers, to breakfast items for special meetings at work, I depend on them to make my guests smile. You may have heard that saying, “Life is short. Eat dessert first.” If that is true and… if I am consuming the calories anyway…I want it to be perfect…Ludger’s perfect. Ludger’s is located at 91st and Yale. www.ludgersbavariancakery.com 918-622-2537.

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MyWhy.tv T

A New Way to Reach Millennials here are new billboards going up around town containing little more than the curious statement “MyWhy.tv.”

They are one part of a full ad campaign designed to catch the eye of “the millennials,” that new generation of adults, roughly between the ages of twenty and thirty years old. “The age group is as difficult to define, as they are to attract,” so say advertising agencies across the country. But if marketers are left scratching their heads as they attempt to catch the attention of this group, churches have been even more frustrated. Individualistic, skeptical, socially compassionate, yet resistant to the norm, the millennials are proving to be less likely to attend church than the generations before them. They demand authenticity, push back against tradition and tend to shop churches like they were buying a new car, comparing the features and holding very little brand loyalty. BMC Ferrell Advertising has set out on a campaign to reach millennials, first locally, but ultimately in an effort spanning across the country. Of all the thousands of campaigns the company has managed, this one hits closest to home. After wandering the country in search of himself and his faith, Ben and Kelly Ferrell’s son, Parker, has come home to Christ and family and is now working with BMC to develop the MyWhy.tv campaign. The MyWhy.tv website includes a beautifully done documentary about Parker’s faith journey. The Ferrell’s believe testimonies like his will positively impact people of all ages, but especially millennials. It is the first of many such films which will ultimately draw viewers from all over the world. Kelly Ferrell came up the idea for the MyWhy project and is the producer of the films. Quickly it turned into a full family effort. In fact, it is obvious that God has equipped and called the entire BMC Ferrell family with the desire to make a difference in the lives of countless men and women from this millennial generation.

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Applying the experience they have developed from a long history in representing ministries, going back to an association with the Oral Roberts televised tent crusades, they believe they know how to reach this new generation. Dedicated to producing films and other products of the highest quality, they have set out to “represent Jesus really well,” as they lovingly package the message of Christ in ways this age group will accept. The second film to be included on the MyWhy.tv site is the inspirational story of Brian Hunter, a child polio victim who set out to run 1500 miles across Mongolia. Against all odds, he completed the effort by running 30 miles a day, six days a week, for two solid months. BMC Ferrell has taken on this project as the company’s personal outreach. They accept no advertising on the site. Instead, they have pledged $100,000 to fund the first phase of the project. If you would like to help them, you can make a tax-deductible donation through Tulsa Community Foundation. The foundation can be found at www.tulsacf.org or at 7030 S Yale Ave # 600, Tulsa, OK 74136. You may also phone the foundation at (918) 494-8823. Visit the site and watch the videos for yourself. Then considering joining in to help. This project just may reach your own “millennial someone.” Go to www. MyWhy.tv or watch the videos on YouTube and Vimeo. The shows can be seen online on the MyWhy.tv website, on YouTube, Vimeo, on the Oxygen cable network, Television Guide Network or the G4 Network.

Want to know more about BMC Ferrell? Visit their website at www. bmcferrell.com.

A SALUTE TO BROKEN ARROW

et you didn’t know that the once tiny little town to Tulsa’s southeast is now Oklahoma’s 4th largest community! In the past decade, Broken Arrow has seen over 30 percent growth in population, exploding to more than 100,000 residents. In fact, Broken Arrow’s population is greater than all the other Tulsa suburbs combined. Because of the city’s growth, national retailers and developers are now paying closer attention to Broken Arrow. Not only are they are attracted by the beauty of the town, they especially are attracted by the fact that it is full of young, educated families, its great schools and the city’s low crime rate. You can expect to see in influx of new companies expand into town. Things are especially expanding along the Broken Arrow Expressway. Evidenced by the exciting Warren Theatre, a host of restaurants and shopping areas are lining up along the highway, enticing everyone to get off and re-discover Broken Arrow.

wanting us to add them to the list. Large churches such as First Baptist of BA, Arrow Heights Baptist, Rhema, First Methodist, Broken Arrow Assembly, Destiny and The Church at Battle Creek are not only great community leaders, they are making a mark outside the city as well. At the same time, smaller churches continue to offer the kind of close-knit, family atmosphere that helps define the Broken Arrow community in positive ways. And so, Community Spirit is pleased to salute Broken Arrow. Keep doing BIG things! And keep reading Community Spirit Magazine! There are still hundreds of Broken Arrow people and ministries worthy of stories.

Another great asset of Broken Arrow is its assortment of churches. Community Spirit currently delivers to 26 of them and we get calls nearly every Job number: 417919 month from churches customer: ciTY oF BroKEn ArroW phone: ${customer.phone}

Come and play! Our festivals and events fill the days with play – Rooster Days with carnival rides and games, Tuesdays in the Park with live music and great food; softball and sports tournaments; Saturday farmers market treats and entertainment; and family-friendly stage and theater productions in our new Performing Arts Center. There’s a new adventure hiding around every bend of the six trails at Ray Harral Nature Park, delightful fun at our two aquatic centers and four splash pads, delectable ice cream from our own Blue Bell Creamery, and fantastic events from sand castle building to amazing chalk art displays. BEST WESTERN KENOSHA INN • BROKEN ARROW INN CANTERBURY INN SUITES • CLARION • HAMPTON INN HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS AND SUITES HOMEWOOD SUITES • LUXURY INN • QUALITY INN STONE CREEK BED AND BREAKFAST TIVOLI INN BED AND BREAKFAST TOWNEPLACE SUITES

Broken Arrow Convention and Visitors Bureau VisitBrokenArrowOK.com 866.503.7081

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It is Time for Rooster Days!

n the early days of Broken Arrow, farmers had a problem. There was always a market for selling hens, but if the farm produced too many roosters, they were difficult to sell. But one year, a local leader had a grand idea. If he could get all the farmers to bring their excess roosters to market at the same time, they could get a better price for them. It was an economic idea that produced lots of fun. In his mind, while the farmers were in town, they would surely stock up on everything from ladies dresses to farm implements, increasing everyone’s business. But to the farmers, it became a great reason for a party and Rooster Day quickly became something the whole community looked forward to year after year. There may not be many farmers bringing in roosters anymore, but the fun part of the annual festival remains. People come from all over the state to attend soak in the community, “small town” charm. They enjoy everything from the parade down Main Street and the Miss Chick Contest, to of course the great rides and entertainment of Rooster Days. This year’s festival is on May 8th and 9th. Come join in on the fun. Eat some great food, shop at the local shops, watch some pretty spectacular entertainment and if you are up to it, you can even be part of the 5K Fun Run/Walk. Watch the Rooster Days Facebook page or visit www.roosterdays.com for schedules and details.

Rooster Days 2015

Rock out at the 84th annual Rooster Days Festival, Oklahoma’s longest continuous running festival, in Broken Arrow May 8-9, 2015. Experience all the traditional festival fanfare you’ve come to

expect from this long-standing tradition and so much more. Check back soon for live entertainment lineups, Miss Rooster Days contest details, news and announcements about Oklahoma’s oldest festival.

Rooster Days Festival Hours Friday, May 8, 2015: 3:00pm-11:00pm Saturday, May 9, 2015: 10:00am-11:00pm Rooster Days Carnival Hours Friday, May 8, 2015: 3:00pm-10:00pm Saturday, May 9, 2015: 10:00am-10:00pm Rooster Days Run Saturday, May 2, 2015 Chisolm Trail South Park (101st & Creek Turnpike) 6:30 AM – Registration & Packet Pick-up 8:00 AM – TTCU (1k) Fun Run Begins 8:30 AM – 5k Run/Walk & 15k Run Begins Rooster Days Parade Saturday, May 9, 2015: 10:00am Miss Rooster Days Chick TBA Rooster Days Entertainment TBA C ommu n ity sp ir itma ga zin e.c om

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Bridgeport iii

• First and second floor space now available

• recently upgraded common areas

BriDgeport iii

6450 S. Lewis ave. tulsa, oK

• convenient location near • southern Hills, restaurants, • •

shopping areas, and easy access to i-44 Attractive lease rates and terms Exterior monument signage possible for tenant identification Contact: Scott morgan 918-556-8214 smorgan@couryprop.com

why should Vcs Be your school? the distinct advantage of Victory is its full range of quality programs at one of the best prices in the greater Metropolitan tulsa community. Begun in 1979, Vcs is one of the most diverse christian schools in the nation offering balanced quality programs in the arts, Music, academics, athletics, and spiritual life. • spirit-filled, charismatic, word of faith emphasis. • art (all grade levels), Music programs. • access to modern technology including the classroom Performance system, smartBoards, and new Portable science computer lab. • after-school supervision, extended care, or study hall for all grade levels – ideal for working parents. • ossaa—Victory is part of the oklahoma secondary schools activity association, providing an opportunity to compete for district and state championships in music, art, drama, academics, and sports with public schools. • health services with certified school nurse. • small class sizes. special remedial options for students needing academic help. and Much More!

it is not too late to make the switch to Victory christian school. contact the school for our second semester discount special.

Victory christian school now enrollinG! K3-12th Grade | 7700 S. Lewis Ave., Tulsa OK 74136 918.491.7720 // vcstulsa.org

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Mozart is Cool Mom! CONCERT LINE-UP AND GUEST ARTISTS ANNOUNCED FOR OK MOZART’S 31ST ANNUAL FESTIVAL

olfgang in Oklahoma? Amadeus in the Osage? You bet! Classical music has been a 31-year tradition in the Heart of America and it is a hit for all ages! Earlier this year the OK Mozart Festival launched its upcoming season at Bartlesville Community Center with a gala Launch Party where Artistic Director Constantine Kitsopoulos announced an exciting line-up of 2015 concerts and guest artists. The “Music of Italy” will be the theme, he said, for the festival set for June 6th through June 13th. The festival will literally shine with the return of nationally renowned artist, pianist Jon Kimura Parker. Providing electrifying sparkle will be young violin virtuoso Chad Hoopes, with added

Chamber Music recital, complete with a buffet of her own delectable culinary creations. OK Mozart’s Opening Celebration on Saturday, June 6, has been given a brand new air of excitement with a change in venue and an all-day, multi-faceted program. The earliest part of the Opening Celebration begins at dawn with a first-time-ever Fun Run that will follow the natural terrain at Prairie Song on the Ken and Marilyn Tate Ranch near Dewey From 9am till noon, the Opening Celebration will continue with tours of Prairie Song’s historically recreated 1800s Old West town, live music by the Corky Davis Country Swing Band, pony rides, tribal dancing, a petting zoo, do-it-yourself branding irons,

“We look forward to presenting one of the most exciting seasons ever in OK Mozart’s history, as well as hosting an ever-growing audience as a result of our efforts to expand the appeal of the concert series through a broader variety of programming, “ energy from the Aeolus Quartet, and the brilliant talent of violin soloist, Louise Owen. Owen is also a popular multi-talented blogger known as the “Kitchen Fiddler” and chocolatier founder of Cocoa Roar Truffles. She will present an especially delightful daytime

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wagon rides, and more—all of it FREE. In the evening, the Opening Celebration continues at Bartlesville Community Center where music lovers of all ages are invited to hear the Tulsa Youth Orchestra perform composer Joseph River’s symphony, “Buffalo Run”, specially written to celebrate the American bison, along with a performance by Judy Fu’s adult Tai Chi dancers. Again, admission is FREE. Festival week begins with “A Musical Tour of Italy” featuring violinist, Chad Hoopes, along with the Amici New York Orchestra joined by the OK Mozart AllState Orchestra. For this program some of Oklahoma’s finest young musicians will play next to some of the world’s greatest professional musicians under the skilled baton of Artistic Director Constantine Kitsopoulos.

They will perform Mozart’s Overture to “Cosi fan tutte” and Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons.” The evening is being sponsored by Phillips66. Tuesday night will feature the Spencer-Prentiss/Becky Wallace Chamber Concert presented at Bartlesville Community Center on the main stage. Highlighting the performance will be the Aeolus Quartet with pianist Jon Kimura Parker and Amici New York wind principals: Diane Lesser, oboe; Pavel Vinnitsky, clarinet; Julia Pilant, horn; and Charles McCracken, bassoon. Wednesday night Amici New York and the Bartlesville Choral Society will join in presenting a semi-staged version of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” featuring Oklahoma soloists auditioned and hand-picked for the roles. Thursday night concert audiences will again be thrilled – this time to the amazing presentation by the world-renowned Canadian Brass, known for their unique performance attire of formal black suits with white running shoes, genre-bending versatility and joyous performances. As always, the Woolaroc Outdoor Concert on Friday night promises a rousing repertoire of favorites played by the Amici New York orchestra. Topping off the evening will be the sounds of cannons and visual thrill of fireworks. On Saturday, June 13th, the celebration concludes with the Bartlesville Choral Society under the direction of Susan Mueller joining the Amici New York Orchestra and Artistic Director Constantine Kitsopoulos. This concert promises to bring the house down with the sound of more than 100 performers on stage. Soloists that night, again, are outstanding Oklahoma voices. In addition, a series of five afternoon chamber music performances will be presented at 2 p.m. each day at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church by members of the Aeolus Quartet joined by pianist Jon Kimura Parker and violinist Louise Owen. Perhaps one of the most exciting elements of OKM’s 31st year celebration will be the Monday night black-tie formal L’Amore d’Italia Gala Ball at the Hilton Garden Inn ballroom honoring OK Mozart “Champions” TV personality Bill Kurtis and his daughter Mary Kristin Kurtis along with OKM Board President Charlie Daniels and his wife Julie. Music for dancing will be provided by the Amici New York Orchestra. Throughout the eight-day Festival, OKM will also present daily Showcase Events at various locations. These are designed to be entertaining and educational. Most are free and a number of them designed “Especially For Kids”. “We look forward to presenting one of the most exciting seasons ever in OK Mozart’s history, as well as hosting an ever-growing audience as a result of our efforts to expand the appeal of the concert series through a broader variety of programming,” says Executive Director, Randy Thompson. “The Launch Party itself has become one of the most exciting, funfilled community events ever.”

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Think on These Things H

ave you ever allowed something someone said to become so embedded in your mind that it started to affect the things you do? Many years ago I worked with several others who, like me, were young and brash, and not above playing a few mind games on people. After coming to the conclusion that we would prefer to be without supervision, and recognizing our supervisor’s weakness to the power of suggestion, we devised a plan. If we decided we would be better off without him that day, we would begin a low-keyed campaign of “Are you feeling okay today?” Or, “You look tired, are you sure you’re alright?” We would take turns offering up the comments until he decided he wasn’t feeling well, and would go home. On other days we would use alternative tactics. We would begin by telling him how much he had accomplished, and that he had really worked hard and deserved a break. It was a shame he couldn’t just take some time off to enjoy, since he had earned it. And again, he would decide we were right, and he would go home. He was so responsive to our powers of suggestions he was absent from the office 77 days that year! His response wasn’t the direct result of our words. He just kept spinning the thoughts in his mind until he believed them. He allowed our words to become so entangled in his thought process that he would become the product of our suggestions.

If we reinforce our minds with positive thoughts of God’s goodness to us, we live a life centered in God’s goodness. The same thing happens to us, although maybe not as blatantly obvious. The things we allow our minds to dwell upon become the trajectory of our life. If we allow thoughts of being unworthy to dwell in our minds, we live as if we are unworthy. If we reinforce our minds with positive thoughts of God’s goodness to us, we live a life centered in God’s goodness. When I look at the story of Job, I see a man who was bombarded with negative thoughts from his friends and even from his wife. His response was to openly and firmly disagree with their suggestions. In this manner he kept true to his faith in God. Even the mother of our Savior demonstrated this thought/ well-being connection. After being visited by an angel of the Lord, Mary found herself with child. She could easily have fallen into the pit of self-destruction by concentrating on all the negative aspects of bearing a child, and could have completely changed her demeanor toward the birth of Jesus. Her response instead was to go visit someone who was also living through a miracle, and together they shared the joy of being God’s chosen. After the Christ had been born and the shepherds and wise men came, she treasured all these things, and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19) The directions our minds can take us are as infinite as the number of people. Each of us has our own set of issues and our own

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thought processes. What will ultimately define us to the world we are trying to lead to Christ is the response we have to the thoughts we allow to take root in our minds. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:6-8 NIV)

ABOUT DENIECE Deniece has a passion to minister to women. You are going to grow to love her and the way she tells stories, always getting to the real heart of the matter.

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victory christian school

Selecting a School:

The No, 1 Question? Dennis M. Demuth, Ph.D., Superintendent, Victory Christian School

hat school should my children attend? Parents have greater freedom today than at any other time in history to select the school of their choice; whether it is a public school, private school, home school, on-line school. Since moving to Tulsa in 1981, the number of private schools has steadily increased from 15 to 70. During this same time period there were 115 new car models introduced to American consumers. However, selecting a school for your family is much more serious than selecting a family vehicle. It is a child’s education that lays the foundation for development, enriches understanding of themselves and the world in which they live, and paves the way for success. Students can go many places in the greater Tulsa Metropolitan area and get a “good” education, a good sports program, strong academics, fine arts, music, activities, strong discipline, and staff who foster a love for God and country. However, the choices that provide a strong biblical foundation based on the uncompromised Word of God are limited. Christian parents who select Christian school have an opportunity to fulfill the Great Parent Command found in Scripture concerning the teaching and training of children (Deuteronomy 6:1-9, 17, 25). Sending a child to a Christian school helps parents fulfill God’s instruction to train children in the way (God’s way), not a way. Ultimately, the Christian school is a place where parents can have confidence that the school is reinforcing Judeo-Christian values, imparting spiritual convictions and at the same time, providing an education in light of God’s Word where the secular and sacred are not separated but are interwoven into a lifestyle that leads to words, thoughts, and actions that bring glory to the Creator—God! A parent asked, “What is the No. 1 question I should ask before I select a private Christian school?” You might be surprised at my answer. It is not, “What are the school’s test scores?” Most private school achievement test scores are higher than local, state and national public schools; this is expected since private schools can require students to pass a certain academic standard prior to enrolling. The positive environment, strong academics, influences in the home, and a strong supportive working relationship between home and school all contribute to higher test scores. However, even when averages are high, there will always be students whose test scores are below average. Would I consider No. 1 as, “In what ways does the school combine Christianity and learning?” or, “Does your school use Christian textbooks?” These are important questions, yet they are not my No. 1. It is important to know that the school offers Bible classes, scripture memorization, and chapels and that it uses Christian textbooks whenever possible. However, is the school integrating God’s truth in all subjects? Do the textbooks provide for a biblical worldview or are teachers asked to add this to the secular textbooks? If so, it may not be happening. Even some Christian textbooks may have samples taken from Scripture, yet, there is little integration of a biblical worldview that shows how the Bible is relevant to everything being taught. My No. 1 question is not, “What is the teacher-student ratio?” Although some schools offer small classes as proof of “quality” education, research has yet to substantiate the fact that a given class size

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is a guarantee of educational success of all children. In my 43 years of educational administration I have had teachers with small classes and those with large classes with the same academic results. You might think the No. 1 question is, “Is the school accredited or registered with the state education department?” Most private Christian schools are accredited. Accreditation means a school meets a minimum set of standards. Yet, there are many strong college prep schools that have no accreditation. How about, “How much does it cost?” This is an important question and asked by every parent. Yet it is not my No. 1 . Any education that goes beyond public school will have a cost associated with it. Higher tuition costs do not necessarily mean that a school is of a higher quality. Nor should a school whose tuition and fees are very low in cost compared to other schools of the same size and scope of programs mean that it is of inferior quality. Yet, the quality of many schools is judged on cost factors. It is important to consider the true value of your tuition dollar. Does the tuition cover the entire cost or are there other fees that must be paid? What kinds of services and programs does this tuition represent? What kinds of athletic programs are available to the students? What type of playground facilities are available? Does the school offer special teachers in physical education, art, music, or drama? Will my children have access to modern computers? Does the school employ certified teachers? All of these cost money and relate to tuition and fees. Ultimately, tuition is one of the best investments you can make into the lives of your children. This investment will pay dividends not only now, but in the future pertaining to a child's spiritual character, mental and physical development. Your No. 1 question might be, “What minority groups are enrolled in school?” “What percentages of last year’s students are returning this year?” “To what colleges have recent high school graduates gone?” “Are there any programs for advanced placement of exceptional students or programs for those who need additional assistance?” “How many different subjects would a teacher in upper grades usually teach?” “What are some of the extracurricular activities?” “Have there been any problems with drugs?” “What kind of security does your school offer?” “How often are textbooks updated?” “What are the experience and academic credentials of the headmaster or principal?” “Do you have a dress code or uniforms?” So, what is my No. 1 question for parents? Simply, “What are the spiritual and professional hiring requirements and core beliefs and values for staff?” Rather than interviewing the administrator, ask to visit a classroom and interview the teacher(s) your child will have. The Bible says, “The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher (Luke 6:40). Whenever I interview staff for positions at Victory, I listen and observe and ask myself the question, “Do I want our students to be just like this teacher?” What type of teachers should you look for? Staff in Christian schools should be held to certain spiritual standards beginning with being a Christian. Only through the conversion experience is the teacher's mind open to receive the revelation knowledge of God, and only then is he qualified to reveal God to others. Unless a teacher allows Jesus Christ to be Lord of his life, it will be difficult for him to motivate students toward Christ-likeness. Is the teacher called of God. The teacher should also be able to give testi-

mony that he has a sense of God's will, that teaching is God's calling, and that teaching at this school is God's direction. Is the teacher filled with the Holy Spirit? The teacher is to be a channel through whom the power of God flows. It is the active work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the teacher that becomes a transforming force in the very life of the school. God wants His power to flow out of the teacher to students. When a teacher touches his students with the power of God, students who are being held captive educationally, emotionally, socially, psychologically and spiritually, will be set free. The active presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a teacher causes creativity to flow so lesson planning becomes an easy task. The teacher who allows the Holy Spirit to work in his life can expect to walk in the ability of God. The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit enhances classroom management by convicting tendencies to let things go, do less than expected, go the minimum mile, or not to care about the conduct of students. The Holy Spirit will not allow a teacher to accept sloppiness or laziness. When the Holy Spirit is released in the life of the teacher, he will be infused with a deep sense of responsibility; and will be better able to bring academic, spiritual and behavioral stability to the classroom. Does the teacher believe and act on the Word of God? Christian teachers should have a full understanding of the uncompromised Word of God and be able to use it with great authority, putting it to use against situations and circumstances. The Word of God is the power of God (Romans 1:16). The power of God has been entrusted to all believers, especially Christian teachers. We should expect teachers to be diligent with this power. Jesus said that His words were spirit and life (John 6:63). It stands to reason that in order for the teacher to live in the blessings and victory that God has given, he must know how to effectively use God's Word to bring into his own life those things that He has promised. Does the teacher had an active prayer life? Prayer is an important aspect in the life of a Christian. Teachers need to have an active prayer life, willing to be intercessors, ones who understand the importance of Mark 11:24 "...What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." Look for teachers who know how to pray the Word of God. Praying the Word of God brings the will of God into existence. What are the teacher’s core beliefs and values? The belief and values of the teacher determine how the he will think and believe. These set the direction for actions and practices. Proverbs 23:7 says, “for as he thinketh in his heart, so is he….” Jesus said behavior and speech were directed by the heart and mind (Luke 6:45). It is important for the beliefs of the school to be consistent so the “talked

about” philosophy is congruent with their “working” philosophy. Knowing what God’s Word says about teaching and training provides a foundation upon which our Christian approach to education is built. It furnishes the platform for developing educational goals and selecting the curriculum. Is the teacher prepared professionally? Look for a school that requires teachers to be state certified. Certification means teachers fulfill a set of educational and instructional standards and have met a base measure of knowledge. However, it is no measure of knowledge in action. Not only should the teacher know their subject, but they should know how to teach it well. Visit the classroom and see for yourself or call some of the parents who have had children in this teacher’s classroom. You will find that training and range of experiences, coupled with the lifestyle of the teacher, are far better predictors of teaching success than certification. A teacher who establishes himself in the classroom as the authority holds students accountable for school work, good behavior and living consistent Christ-like lives, will gain the respect of students. This teacher will become an effective minister, so, when the teacher speaks, the students will listen and heed the teacher's words. When students hear and obey their teacher, they are more likely to hear and obey the Spirit of God. How does the teacher manage the classroom? A teacher is expected to be able to establish a classroom environment that is smooth-functioning and well-ordered where everyone is at the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing in the right way. The teachers need to have a passion for improvement and be earnest about the business of training young people. Does the teacher have a zeal for Life? Look for a school with teachers who have an inner excitement about life in general. Teachers who display zeal and excitement that is grounded in the Scriptures will influence students. When teachers display aliveness and are bright and optimistic, their teaching will be interesting, student response will be stimulating, communication will flow and lives will be influenced. Ask yourself this question, "When this teacher stands before the class, will your child detect a vibrant spirit that radiates the joy of Christ?" If the answer is "Yes," then enroll in this school. What about their lifestyle. Look for a school that has staff who are willing to commit to a twenty-four hour lifestyle based on Romans 12:1,2, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers (teachers) in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will" (NIV). Finally, look for a school with staff you have confidence in to support your efforts in building a solid foundation that will withstand the pressures of life; one that will train young people to live above the world and its ungodly influences, and give your children the tools they need to be a success by fulfilling God's will for their lives. Looking for a school that answers all of these critical questions? Consider Victory Christian School - Quality Without Compromise. Visit our website www.vcstulsa.org for more information and special tuition and fee discounts. Victory offers one of the best prices for Christian education – great facilities and especially quality staff that make a difference in the lives of students.

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A Salute to Christian School Graduates

ulsa is blessed to have wonderful Christian schools. Each year, they produce a “crop” of new graduates, ready to take on the world for Christ. We wish we could honor every one of them, but of course space won’t allow that. Instead, we thought we would honor one grad from various Christian schools.

Victory Christian School Chloe Bradway loves animals and she is absolutely sure she wants to make a career out of caring for them. Graduating from Victory in May, she knows she will miss her friends, teachers and especially “Chapel” at Victory, but she knows God has big plans for her at Oklahoma State University in their highly regarded Animal Science/Veterinarian Medicine program. Except for a year or two of home schooling, Chloe has been at Victory since K4. “Its my church, my school, my family, all wrapped up into one,” she said. Photographer: Jennifer Olinski

James Gordon

Mingo Valley is truly home to Hannah Averitt. Not only has she been a student there since the sixth grade, her father is the pastor there at Mingo Valley Bible Fellowship. Hannah has been a standout leader in academics, athletics and arts. Aside from her academics, she enjoyed playing Basketball, Soccer and performing in the school musicals such as The Sound of Music and Annie. He plans to go to college at John Brown University and study Accounting. She says that she choose John Brown because it has similar philosophies as Mingo Valley. “They invested in me as a person and not just as a student,” he explained.

Anthony Conroy Augustine Christian School

Rejoice Christian School James Gordon is bound for Stillwater where he will pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering at OSU. He will miss Rejoice… all the friends, teachers and the ability to play sports. He says he transferred to Rejoice to be in smaller classes where he could receive individual attention and he was never disappointed. “The teachers not only taught me concepts, they C o m m u n i t y s pirit m agaz ine.com

Hannah Averitt Mingo Valley Christian School

Chloe Bradway

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helped me learn to put them in practice in true life situations.” Many advanced classes later, he now looks forward to using those concepts to work at the college level. Photographer: Brandi Simons Photography

spring 2015

Anthony Conroy is not only a National Merit Scholar and a 4.0 student, he is also a very accomplished cello player at the bART School of Music. Dividing his time between his passion for mathematics and music, he has a proven ability to excel in each. He plans to attend the University of Oklahoma where he will seek degrees in both Mechanical Engineering and Cello. He jokes that although the engineering may ultimately be his profession, he will never give

up his cello. Anthony has loved Augustine, explaining that it is a truly unique environment where students can feel safe, be accepted and supported. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The teachers and students here have a close connection. The teachers care about us and are willing to invest in our lives,â&#x20AC;? he explained.

James McNeese Metro Christian Academy James McNeese is ready to reach for big things. Applying the many lessons he learned at Metro, he hopes to now pursue a law degree with an emphasis on international affairs and language. From relandscaping the entry area at Metro as his Eagle Scout project to building sidewalks and performing street ministry in Guatemala, James has demonstrated a willingness to serve and an ability to make things happen. He looks forward to applying his studies in Spanish, Chinese and Arabic and his experience in Speech and Drama to make a difference no matter where he ends up.

Call today for a personal tour at:

918-272-7235

(Preschool / Elementary)

918-516-0050

(Middle / High School)

Rejoice Christian Schools admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

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THE ROAD TO TRANSFORMATION BEGINS WHERE PRAYER AND ACTION MEET By Jason Law

n our last article we shared unity is not uniformity. Unity is different - it simply means conforming to one purpose without sacrificing individuality. Unity is only possible where humility exists. Unity can manifest itself in acts of service not just for one another, but with one another. Churches and/or Christ-centered organizations linking arms to serve together for a common cause or goal is a glorious act of humility. Together they can have a more significant impact than possible alone. Serving together is a way to “humble ourselves.” This is what is powerful. The Bible says, “God rejects the proud BUT gives His grace to the humble.” (James 4:6). This is why I’m personally passionate about seeing churches in cities serving alongside one another. It’s a way to corporately position the Church within a city to receive a corporate outpouring of God’s grace.

“Unity is only possible when we walk in a spirit of humility.” This act of humbling ourselves makes unity possible and allows us to experience God’s grace at work in our lives, doing something amazing - individually and corporately - in us, through us, and among us all, which ultimately brings God glory. Unity is only possible when we walk in a spirit of humility. Humility is extended out of love. Love is humble and it is love - when we chose to wear it - that bonds us together (Colossians 3:14). This type of love leads to the perfect bond of unity within the context of any relationship – marriage, friendships, and even among churches and organizations. 1st Corinthians 13 gives a list of love’s attributes. There is one I’d like to draw our attention to and when applied to our lives and the decisions we make as organizations, will help us walk in a spirit of humility and unlock the door to unity. This familiar passage of scripture teaches us love does not parade itself. In today’s world it feels like we are inundated with brands. We all work tirelessly to promote and extend our brands. We could also say we work to promote and to parade ourselves, churches, ministries, business etc... Please understand I don’t think branding our churches, ministries or businesses is a bad thing – I was a marketing major and personally work hard to brand our organization. I’m using this to make a point to all of us – myself included.

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It is necessary to promote our churches or organizations because it’s a way to help grow God’s Church. However, when we find ourselves more consumed with promoting our name or brand in an effort to build our church or organization rather than consuming ourselves with branding Jesus and allowing Him to build His Church, we easily find ourselves consumed with self-promotion. We fall into the trap of building our own parade – to parade ourselves. The natural desire is wanting to brand our organizations in hopes of experiencing growth or receiving credit for something we do. Could going against nature by periodically laying down our own brands and serving our cities together actually serve to promote and brand Jesus and lead to growth in the Church? Could this, in essence, be a good church growth plan? I believe it would be. Why? Because this positions us corporately in a place of humility. I think we can rightfully expect God’s grace (His favor and power) to be poured out over our cities through the Church when we operate in this level of humility. When churches, ministries or organizations in the Body of Christ choose to link arms and serve our cities together in a way that does not draw attention to our individual brands it provides a collective opportunity to bring recognition to Jesus. It corporately humbles the Church in a city to promote Him over our brand. It brings honor and glory to His name while positioning us in a place of humility - all while serving others. Additionally I believe laying down our brand for a greater name and a greater cause is a good church growth plan because it allows us to corporately walk and example our love for one another. Jesus said this would be a witness. It becomes attractive to many on the outside looking in. It is light in a dark world. In John 13:34-35 Jesus tells us it is by our love for one another that all will know we are His disciples. Our expressions of God’s love to the lost are important, but so are the expressions of love one to another. This love must be shown for the world to see. We cannot just assume the world thinks we’re unified. Linking arms to serve our cities together is a way our love for one another and God’s love for the lost is exemplified to our communities. This is why we put on love as we would clothing - for all to see. It’s attractive to the world around us. When the world outside the Church sees the Church serving together it repackages and presents the Church in a genuine way – one which I believe will be refreshing not only for those outside the Church, but for those in it, as well. Love ultimately is what makes unity work. Humility flows out of love. Love binds us together perfectly. Unity is the product of choosing to walk in love. Let’s choose well - choice is one of the most powerful tools we possess.

Upcoming Opportunities: May 7th - The National Day of Prayer - the Church in America will have the opportunity to come together as one to pray for our nation. To learn more about Tulsa’s National Day of Prayer event go to www.nationaldayofprayer.org/events. (Choose Tulsa option) May 9th churches around the Tulsa area will be committing the day to collectively serve our city together. Many churches are choosing to put an emphasis on serving single moms in recognition of Mother’s Day. To learn more about the community service day go to www. unitemycity.tv. The road to transformation begins where prayer and action meet. Unite My City - The Church Transforming Our Cities - Together

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Cultivating Faith:

Contributed Article for Community Spirit By: Ward Wiebe, Director of Kanakuk K-West Summer Camp

Christian Summer Camping

f you are generation Y or older, the free moments of your childhood looked drastically different than the kids’ of this digital age. As a child, you likely spent time outside, biking with neighbors, shooting hoops, or playing foursquare. Your access to the world came from television, newspapers, magazines and radio—and communication like passing a note in class. Though today’s youth have swapped cards for video games and cassette tapes for iPhones, they still experience the important intersections that come with the pivotal early years of life. How your children spend this time will define them for years to come. At Kanakuk, we believe America’s greatest natural resource is our youth. In a few months, thousands of youth will travel to Christian camps around the country. This is one of the most influential experiences a parent can invest in to develop character, dynamic Christian leadership skills and, most importantly, faith.

Change Your Pace Like growing young bodies need sleep, kids need to change their pace to grow personally. Today’s youth feel a constant pressure to fill their time with sports, school, a social life and family time in addition to maintaining a relationship with God. It can be difficult for young people to balance everything. Summer camp presents a needed break from everyday life to grow and learn in a different sort of classroom. Time away provides the space needed to focus on faith and spiritual training. Godly relationships with mentors and peers encourage Kampers to walk in God-given identities. And fun, life-changing experiences help kids discover and live in confidence.

Dig Into Christian Community It is no secret that young people find role models, for better or worse. Paul warned the church in Corinth, “Do not be misled, bad company corrupts good character.” Likewise, as parents, we want our kids to be surrounded by the best influencers. We hope and pray they discover friends who will encourage them and share their love for Jesus. Kamp provides an ideal setting for Kampers to surround themselves with lifelong friends with common beliefs. “Being at Kamp helped me to realize the love not only God has for me, but also the love that is shown to me by other Christians,” said Kamper Kerstin Denney. “It is an amazing thing to meet so many people whose lives reflect the Lord’s and whose actions are what I strive for.”

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In addition to Christian peers, our handpicked collegiate Christian summer staff guide Kampers through cabin devotionals, youth-rally style talks and consistent Christian mentoring. Counselors exemplify what it looks like to live for Christ, serve others in love and have fun. This Godly community leads youth by showing them what it looks like to be a true friend—a brother or sister in Christ.

Step Into Life-Changing Experiences When we try something new, conquer a fear and receive encouragement from others, we are more confident. It’s the same in our faith journeys. God asks us to follow and trust Him. We step out, see His faithfulness and trust him for one more step. Kamp illustrates this to kids in a fun way. After returning home from camp, parents hear stories of zip lines, water skiing, campfires and endless adventures—kids light up at the thought of these activities! In the moment, these new experiences can bring nerves with them. Kids forget their nervousness as they step outside their comfort zones and experience the fun at hand. It is a great way to illustrate and practice faith while creating great memories.

Develop a Life of Servitude When Jesus Christ was asked to sum up his teachings, He simply said, “Love God with all your heart and all your mind and all your soul… and love your neighbor as yourself.” At Kanakuk, we echo this with the I’m Third principle, which urges Kampers to put God first, others second and themselves third.

It is hard to understand this idea of servitude in today’s world. We are used to seeing a culture focused on consumerism and selfinterest. Christian summer camps allow young people to thrive in an environment where serving others is the norm. Our counselors lead our Kampers by serving them and encourage them to do

“Love God with all your heart and all your mind and all your soul… and love your neighbor as yourself.” the same. When Kampers develop servant leadership skills, these overflow into their classrooms, relationships, families, sports and organizations.

Christian Summer Camp Since 1926 Since 1926, Kanakuk has been the Christian summer camp for over 300,000 youth. As a world leader among Christian summer camps, Kanakuk provides children with fun, safe, and professional outdoor youth camping experiences that grow them spiritually, physically, emotionally and socially.

Summer camp creates a greenhouse for Christian growth. We can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for this generation.

Interested in learning more about Kanakuk Kamps? Find out how you can be involved at kanakuk.com! Keep up with the latest from Kanakuk on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Here is an example of the great students at ORU. Michelle Paulson

Rebeka Guajardo

Junior from Tulsa’s Mingo Valley Christian School

Freshman from Jenks High School.

Michelle has a heart for kids in the inner city. She plans to use her Elementary Ed to make a difference in their lives. ORU has proven to be the perfect place for her to prepare for reaching out to such children. “I love the ORU community, the people, the opportunities for prayer movement, outreach, and especially the chapel. There are so many people to meet and so many different experiences ORU provides. It is a great place to go to school.”

Rebecka is studying Business Marketing and hopes to combine business with ministry. She feels ORU is preparing her to make a difference wherever she ends up. “ORU offers an incredible mix of a spiritual and collegian atmosphere. I was immediately hooked when I came to one of the college weekends. During the worship time, I suddenly knew this was the place for me.”

Dominique Johnson Sophomore from Colleyville, Texas, a suburb of Dallas.

Daniel August Sophomore from Tulsa’s Victory Christian School Daniel is an Accounting Major who works hard to apply his schooling to the real world. When he is not studying, he enjoys selling cars and working in the financing department at CarMax. He says there is something truly different about ORU. “It provides a unique atmosphere where everyone around you has a drive to do something special with their life. It encourages me to work hard as well.”

Larissa Nugroho Junior from Ungaran, Indonesia. ORU is extra special to Larissa. Not only is it a great school, it is the place where her parents met many years ago. Larissa is enjoying her time here, but looks forward to going home after graduation. She is a Communication Arts and Drama Major and she hopes to start a School of Arts in Indonesia. She explains that because drama is not taught in the schools there anymore, the young people are losing their rich heritage and forgetting tradition. She wants to provide a place where they can be creative and express their views and feelings while they combine the old with the new.

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Dominique is an Advertising Major and hopes to someday be a Communications Director for a nonprofit. “I had friends here and had heard stories about how great the campus was. I decided to come check it out one random weekend in December when there was almost no one around. I stopped in at the university’s Oracle Newspaper office, met one of the advisors and was very impressed. So, I looked even deeper and have never been disappointed. The community is fantastic. It is small enough to feel at home but large enough to be able to continually meet new people.”

Brittany Douthitt Junior from Kansas City, Missouri. Brittany is a Business Marketing Major with a heart for details. She hopes to be an event coordinator, maybe for a church. Transferring to ORU from Kansas University, she discovered the school had a completely different atmosphere and she fell in love with the school. “God orchestrated everything to make the move possible. The courses, my job and everything fell into place and I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity.”

David Grabovenko Senior from Russia David doesn’t take the opportunity to study at ORU, nor to worship during Chapel, lightly. He knows that people in some countries don’t have that right. He is a Ministry and Business major with plans to return to Russia when he graduates. He hopes to preach and make a difference in a community which often doesn’t get he chance to know and worship Jesus.

Oral Roberts University Breaks World Bubble Wrap Record

ral Roberts University successfully broke the Guinness World Record for the number of people popping bubble wrap simultaneously. The university surpassed the current world record on January 26, 2015, when they hosted the “Pop ‘Til You Drop Bubble Wrap Challenge” in honor of National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day. ORU reported 1,011 students, faculty, staff, alumni, prospective students and friends of the university gathered in the Mabee Center for the event. This number broke the previous record of 942 people. “As a Christian institution, we believe that academics, faith and fun should all be part of the college experience for our global student body. The Bubble Wrap Challenge created a great sense of community for our students, faculty and staff and was a lot of fun for everyone who attended. Breaking a world record is icing on the

cake,” said ORU President Dr. William M. Wilson. Months of planning went into the “Pop ‘Til You Drop Bubble Wrap Challenge.” The university hosted more than 100 prospective high school, middle school and home school students during the event. Additionally, ORU provided entertainment with games, videos, social media and trivia contests as well as a “wrap” off. “The ‘Pop Til’ You Drop Bubble Wrap Challenge’ was such a fun event! It was a great way for ORU to come together and show the world that we like to achieve things as a community and have fun while doing so,” said ORU convergence journalism senior, McKensie Garber.

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ORU Offers New Degree Program in Quantitative Business Administration

ral Roberts University is offering a new degree program in Quantitative Business Administration. The program incorporates a thorough understanding of the challenges facing modern business and will prepare students for management in a globalized economy.

“The Quantitative Business Administration degree program is designed to teach students how to use data-driven analysis to develop business solutions,” said Dean of the ORU College of Business Julie Huntley. “Students in this program will focus on developing skills in business, mathematics, computer science and statistical analysis.” The Quantitative Business Administration degree program will require a quantitative minor such as biochemistry, chemistry, computer information technology, mathematics or physics. Quantitative double majors can also be accommodated. Graduates will have career opportunities with quantitative enterprises, investment banks and private equity firms. The ORU College of Business is accredited through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). In addition to this nationally recognized accreditation, ORU undergraduate students recently performed overall in the 89th percentile on the College of Business National Field Test, meaning they outperformed 89 percent of students who took the test nationally. Students interested in enrolling for the new International Business and Ministry degree program are eligible for nomination to the Quest Whole Person Scholarship, which offers up to $20,000 a year in tuition. For additional information on the Quest Whole Person Scholarship Program, visit www.quest.oru.edu. For more information about the Quantitative Business Administration degree program, contact the College of Business, at 918-4956555.

New International Business and Ministry Degree Program Prepares Students for Worldwide Impact

ral Roberts University is offering a new International Business and Ministry degree program. The new degree will prepare graduates with Spirit-empowered corporate leadership skills, equipping them to manage people and resources in the global marketplace.

“The International Business and Ministry degree program will allow students to minister to a hurting world through business excellence and a deeper understanding of theology,” said Dean of the ORU College of Business Julie Huntley. “Graduates will be prepared to step into business or ministry leadership roles no matter where they are located around the globe.” Students enrolled in the International Business and Ministry degree program will receive a degree in international business and a minor in theology. Available minors include: evangelism and outreach, missions, youth and family ministries or Christian apologetics. Graduates may pursue careers as international business owners or with multinational, trans-national, borderless or foreign corporations as well as with non-governmental organizations and ministries. The ORU College of Business is accredited through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). In addition to this nationally recognized accreditation, ORU undergraduate students recently performed overall in the 89th percentile on the College of Business National Field Test, meaning they outperformed 89 percent of students who took the test nationally. Students interested in enrolling for the new International Business and Ministry degree program are eligible for nomination to the Quest Whole Person Scholarship, which offers up to $20,000 a year in tuition. For additional information on the Quest Whole Person Scholarship Program, visit www.quest.oru.edu. For more information about the International Business and Ministry degree program, contact the College of Business, at 918-4956555.

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New Mathematics Preactuary Degree Equips Students with Analytical Skills

ral Roberts University is offering a new degree in Mathematics Preactuary. The new degree program is offered through the ORU College of Science and Engineering and will teach the fundamentals of business, speculation, and ‘risk’ as well as how to use mathematical models to extract value from underlying data.

“This new degree program is an excellent addition to our department,” said ORU Professor Andrew Lang. “ORU’s Whole-Person Education will equip students with essential tools to step into the field of mathematics as Spirit-filled analytical leaders.” Mathematics Preactuary is the study of data in business settings and requires analytical skills to address topics such as financial risk, insurance risk and liability. The degree is designed to prepare graduates for the first round of professional actuarial exams needed to achieve professional status as an actuary and to provide essential knowledge for professional and educational use. Mathematics Preactuary graduates have many career options. Professions include: statisticians, financial analysts and insurance underwriters. The degree also prepares graduates for careers in business mathematics as economists or business analysts. Students interested in enrolling for the new Mathematics Preactuary degree program are eligible for nomination to the Quest Whole Person Scholarship, which offers up to $20,000 a year in tuition. For additional information on the Quest Whole Person Scholarship Program, visit www.quest.oru.edu.

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Oral Roberts University Hosts Celebration of Healing Academic Conference and Tent Crusade

ral Roberts University will host a week long Celebration of Healing April 6-10, 2015. The celebration will begin with a Healing Gospel Academic Conference, held April 6-7, and continue with an ORU Healing Crusade April 8-10 to honor the great healing crusades of the 20th century. The Healing Gospel Academic Conference will feature guest speakers Kate Bowler, author and assistant professor of the history of Christianity in North America at Duke Divinity School; Candy Gunther Brown, author and professor of religious studies at Indiana University; Don Colbert, ORU medical school alumnus, New York Times best-selling author and leader of Integrative Medicine; John Crouch, president of In His Image International and of Good Samaritan Health Services, Inc.; and Craig Keener, professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary and chair for the Institute for Biblical Research. Main sessions for the Healing Gospel Academic Conference will be held on April 6 at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. and on April 7 at 11 a.m. and 1:10 p.m. in Christ’s Chapel. A banquet will be held on April 7 beginning at 6 p.m. on the 60th floor of Cityplex Towers. During this special session Crouch will give a personalized review of ORU’s ongoing contribution to the integration of faith, prayer and medicine with his presentation titled “Healing through Faith and Medicine: How Oral Roberts’ Healing Vision Was— and Continues to Be — Fulfilled.” Visit www.oru.edu/50/healing to register for the Healing Gospel Academic Conference. The pre-sale price of admission for the conference is $25. The price will increase to

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$40 on April 1, 2015. Admission to the banquet is $35. The ORU Healing Crusade will mark the 80th anniversary of the university’s founder being miraculously healed of tuberculosis. The celebratory tent meetings will feature world-renowned speakers Paul Daugherty, lead pastor of Victory Christian Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Jentezen Franklin, New York Times bestselling author and senior pastor of Free Chapel, a multi-campus church with a global reach located in Gainesville and Gwinnett, Georgia and Orange County, California; Marilyn Hickey, founder and president of Marilyn Hickey Ministries; Francis and Judith MacNutt, authors and founders of Christian Healing Ministries; and William M. Wilson, ORU president and Empowered21 president and global co-chair. The first healing service will be held on Wednesday, April 8 in Christ’s Chapel at 11:00 a.m. A second service will take place that evening from 7-9 p.m. in a crusade-style tent on the ORU campus. A third service will be held on Thursday, April 9 from 7-9 p.m. in the crusade tent. A final service will be held on Friday, April 10 in the crusade tent at 11 a.m. The ORU Healing Crusade is FREE and open to the public. For additional information, or to register for the Celebration of Healing, visit www.oru.edu/50/healing. For more information about ORU, visit www.oru.edu.

Making Media That Matters How Phil Cooke’s time at ORU equipped him for an accomplished career in film

By Danielle Stoltz

hen Phil Cooke ’76 first came to ORU, he was a piano major and had no idea it was possible to make a career out of working in the film industry. Forty years later, Cooke is considered a media guru, having produced media programming in nearly 50 countries around the world.

I traveled all over the world with him and I learned so much.” In 1991, Cooke moved back to the west coast and founded Cooke Pictures in Burbank, California, where he has worked on everything from Super Bowl commercials to documentaries for PBS.

The internationally known writer and speaker was first introduced to the world of film in high school. He and his friends would often steal his dad’s camera and make movies.

Cooke has appeared on NBC, MSNBC, CNBC, CNN and Fox News and had his work profiled in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times and the Wall Street Journal. He is the author of Jolt!: Get the Jump on a World That’s Constantly Changing,” “One Big Thing: Discovering What You Were Born to Do,” which was named one of the top five business books for 2012 by the Washington Post, and “Unique: Telling Your Story in the Age of Brands and Social Media.”

“We’d make army movies, mafia movies and space movies,” Cooke recalled. “I brought them to ORU thinking maybe someone would want to make movies with me.”

“I sat in the back of the class, and when it was over, they talked about it. Some liked it; some didn’t. But this unexpected moment happened to me that I’ve never had quite as clear before or since. This idea came to me that if I could do something with a camera that makes people talk about it like this, that is what I’m supposed to do with my life. I changed my major that day and I’ve never looked back.” While unpacking his belongings, a student on his floor told Cooke that he could help him learn to edit the movies. A professor saw one of Cooke’s films and asked to show it to his class. “I sat in the back of the class, and when it was over, they talked about it. Some liked it; some didn’t. But this unexpected moment happened to me that I’ve never had quite as clear before or since. This idea came to me that if I could do something with a camera that makes people talk about it like this, that is what I’m supposed to do with my life. I changed my major that day and I’ve never looked back.” From that day forward, Cooke said he could not be found at ORU without a camera. After graduation he moved to LA and worked with several fellow ORU alumni. About a year later, Cooke was contacted by someone at Oral Roberts’ TV program to come work as an assistant director.

The concept of "going into every person’s world” is one Cooke says is so important for ORU students and alumni. It is his hope that through his career, he can influence how Christians engage the world and how the world receives that message. “I want my legacy to be that I helped change the perception of Christianity in the culture. We live in a perception-driven culture. There are so many choices and distractions, and that initial perception means more than ever before. “If we can change that initial thought that people have about who Jesus is, what Christianity is, or what the church is about, it could have a huge impact on opening that door and them giving it a second thought.” To learn more about Cooke, visit philcooke.com

“I came back and a few years later, I was directing his TV show at the peak of his ministry,” Cooke said. “Oral was a great mentor. C ommu n ity sp ir itma ga zin e.c om

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Advance your career with an ORU Graduate Degree! GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS MASTER’S DEGREES Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) Leadership Master of Business Administration (LMBA) GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION MASTER’S DEGREES School Administration Curriculum and Instruction Teaching with Alternate Licensure Teaching with Public School Licensure DOCTORAL DEGREE Educational Leadership GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY MASTER’S/PROFESSIONAL DEGREES Christian Counseling Master of Divinity Missions Practical Theology MASTER’S/ACADEMIC DEGREES Biblical Literature Theological and Historical Studies DOCTORAL DEGREE Doctor of Ministry

oru.edu/grad-school 844.756.9035

Apply for fellowship and scholarship opportunities at quest.oru.edu/grad-school

Heather Wright: Master of Arts in Biblical Literature Working Missionary “From the Deans to the Professors, God has gifted this school with spirit-filled, qualified people. Not only are they incredibly knowledgeable, but they enjoy being around their students. They are not only educators, but are men and women who care about the students and their lives.”

SoftWash Your Building Clean

ould you continue to wear a stained shirt? Have you ever paid your dentist to whiten your teeth?

Well, have you noticed all those black stains on the roof and siding of your home, office or church building? Sort of embarrassing now that you think about it, huh? There is a solution. They can be removed, making your building look new again. Those ugly stains are not caused by dirt. They are actually a form of algae called Gleocapsa Magma which feeds off the limestone especially contained in building materials like asphalt shingles and stucco. Left to grow, they can quickly make a beautiful building look old before its time. Before you spend money on reconstruction, know there is an inexpensive, biodegradable alternative. Many churches and homeowners have begun to call on a company called SoftWash of Oklahoma to treat their

roofs, stucco siding and flat membrane roofs. The company uses a proprietary cleaning solution to kill the algae and rinse it away. Applied with a hose at low pressure, the solution gets the job done without the potential damage caused by pressure washers. Simply hosing the solution on and then spraying on a second solution to help keep the algae from returning, the black stains go away. There is no mess and no damage. The technician typically doesn’t even have to get up on your roof to get the job done. The results are immediate, dramatic and impressive, giving your building or home a fresh, clean appearance that people will notice. SoftWash is fully insured and offers FREE quotes. They offer a needed service at an attractive price. Give them a call and tell them Community Spirit sent you. SoftWash…Professional Roof, Exterior and Commercial Cleaning. 918-200-3715. C ommu n itysp ir itma ga zin e.c om

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101 WAYS TO

Praise a Child

Working together to end abuse. pREVENTION

Prevents child abuse and neglect through education, treatment and advocacy by helping parents and children find hope and learn skills to break the cycle. www.parentchildcenter.org

INTERVENTION

Enables medical, mental health, investigative and legal professionals to work together under one roof to reduce the trauma that a child abuse investigation can pose for the child and to determine whether abuse has occurred. www.childabusenetwork.org

TREaTmENT

Wow • Way To Go • Super • You’re Special • Outstanding • Excellent • Great Good • Neat • Well Done • Remarkable • I Knew You Could Do It • I’m Proud Of You • Fantastic • Super Star • Nice Work • Looking Good • Good Choice Beautiful • Now You’re Flying • You’re Catching On • Now You’ve Got It You’re Incredible • Bravo • You’re Fantastic • Hurray For You • You’re On Target • You’re On Your Way • How Nice • How Smart • Good Job • That’s Incredible • How Thoughtful • Dynamite • You’re Beautiful • You’re Unique Nothing Can Stop You Now • Good For You • I Like You • You’re A Winner Remarkable Job • Beautiful Work • Spectacular • You’re So Smart • You’re Darling • You’re Precious • Great Discovery • Sweet • You Figured It Out Fantastic Job • Hip, Hip, Hurray • Bingo • Magnificent • Marvelous • Terrific You’re Important • Phenomenal • You’re Sensational • Super Work • You’re A-OK • Creative Job • Super Job • Fantastic Job • Exceptional Performance You’re A Real Trooper • You Are Responsible • You Rock • You Learned It Right • What An Imagination • What A Good Listener • You Are Fun You’re Growing Up • You Tried Hard • You Care • Right On! • Outstanding Performance • You’re A Good Friend • I Trust You • You’re Important • You Mean A Lot To Me • You Make Me Happy • You Belong • You’ve Got A Friend in Me • You Make Me Laugh • You Brighten My Day • I Respect You • You Mean The World To Me • That’s Correct • You’re A Joy • You’re A Treasure • You’re Wonderful • You’re Perfect • Awesome • A+ Job • You Made My Day • That’s The Best • A Big Hug • A Big Kiss • Say I Love You!

Heals abused children and strengthens families in crisis by providing evidence-based trauma treatment, family preservation services and community connections. www.fcsok.org

adVOcacy

Trains community volunteers to speak in court for the best interests of abused and neglected children in state custody in an effort to find each child a safe, permanent, nurturing home. www.tulsacasa.org If you suspect child abuse or neglect, call the Oklahoma Hotline:

(800) 522-3511

April: Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month

pril is National Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. This month is dedicated to raise awareness about child abuse & neglect, and to encourage individuals and communities to support children and families. One in 17 children is involved in a child abuse investigation in Tulsa County. That’s about one child per average sized classroom. Child abuse damages our community’s most vulnerable citizens. National Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month is an opportunity for communities across the country to commit to keeping children safe, providing the support families need to stay together, and raising children and youth to be happy, secure, and stable adults. Last year, CAN provided hope to 2,562 children in Tulsa. Child Abuse Network (CAN) reduces the trauma a child abuse investigation can pose for a child. CAN stops the hurt and begins the healing. All of us share a responsibility to protect our children. Child abuse doesn’t have to happen. Below are a few guidelines for adults to use to help reduce the risk of abuse and protect our children.*

child. 5. Make a plan and learn who to call and where to go if you suspect abuse. 6. Get involved and lend your support to organizations that help children who are victims of child abuse. *Source: Darkness to Light; www.darkness2light.org This April, as we recognize National Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, let’s commit to protecting children from abuse not only today, but every single day of the year. If we all learn the signs of abuse and how to prevent it, report it when we suspect it, and seek help for those who have been victimized by it, then perhaps April will one day be the month in which we celebrate the end of child abuse. Let’s work together for that day. Join us in wearing a blue ribbon during the month of April to help us spread awareness of child abuse and to encourage others to speak up to protect the children in our lives. Together we CAN make a difference in the life of a child. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, please call the Oklahoma Hotline: 800-522-3511. To learn more about how you can get involved, visit www.childabusenetwork.org or call (918) 624-0213.

1. Learn the facts about child abuse and understand the risks. 2. Minimize the opportunity for one-adult/one-child situations. 3. Talk about appropriate contact with your children. 4. Stay alert and look for emotional and behavioral changes in a C ommu n itysp ir itma ga zin e.c om

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health

Dr. Schluter

Shocking Back Pain Statistics

f you are currently suffering from back pain, or have experienced it before, you’re definitely not alone. The statistics on the prevalence of back-related pain are nothing less than shocking:

• According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1994, at any point in time over 31 million people in America are experiencing lower back pain. Up to 85% of people worldwide will experience back pain at some point in their lives. • 50% of Americans in the work force report symptoms of back pain every year. One third of them over the age of 18 have had back pain severe enough to require professional help within the last five years. • Back pain has been reported as the second most common reason (second only to upper respiratory infections) for visits to a healthcare provider, and is one of the most frequent reasons given for having to miss work. • The primary cause of disability for those under the age of 45 is back pain. The yearly cost of care for back pain has been estimated at 50 billion dollars, surpassed only by the cost of care for cancer and heart disease. Interestingly, most cases of back pain are mechanical, as opposed to being caused by more serious medical conditions such as infection, arthritis, fractures, or cancer. Some are caused by sports injuries or accidents, but others can be triggered by nothing more severe than bending down to pick up a dropped pencil. Many times the cause is due to misalignments of the spine, or what we call subluxations, that have built up over many years because of improper posture or mechanics or even by a small trauma that went unnoticed. Most of these conditions can be successfully treated by Doctors of Chiropractic, who make corrective adjustments to the spine and other joints to relieve not only the immediate pain itself, but the underlying causes of it. Over time, chiropractors can help to return your spine and whole body to a more normal state of health, in which reoccurrences of back pain are less likely to appear. In other words, if you are one of the four out of five people who will experience back pain in your lifetime, you can do something about it. This is important to know, because a survey conducted by the American Physical Therapy Association found that although two-thirds of Americans experience low back pain, over a third of them don’t seek professional help for it. Chiropractic care is a safe, effective, and above all – because it is non-invasive and uses no drugs that may have potential negative side effects – conservative approach to the treatment of back pain. The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research conducted a study of all available care for lower back problems and recommended spinal manipulation as the safest and most effective initial treatment of lower back pain in adults. So if you’re experiencing back pain, find a chiropractor or ask around for a good referral; all you have to lose is your pain.

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Tips to Prevent Back Pain • Maintain a healthy diet and weight. • Stay active - exercise, even as simple as walking everyday, can be helpful. • Avoid sitting too long, get up every 15-20 minutes and move a little. • Warm up or stretch before exercising or other physical activities, such as working in the yard. • Be mindful of your posture, don’t round off your low back and be sure to keep your shoulders back. • Avoid uncomfortable shoes, especially high heels. • Try a firmer mattress if you experience back pain while sleeping. • Remember proper lifting techniques, bend at the knees and keep object close to you. • Avoid bending and twisting motions, including simple things like when you vacuum. • Quit smoking. Smoking impairs blood flow, resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues.

fitness together w i t h

M i c h a e l A Wat k i n s

Tricep Rope Press Down Moving along, the tricep rope press-down is the next exercise to add to your routine. This one is a really great tricep isolation movement and will work every single head of the tricep muscle. When performing it you’ll want to make sure that you are keeping the elbows locked into the sides of the body at all times as this is what will ensure that you are using only the triceps to power you through the movement pattern.

Reverse Grip Barbell Row

Four Great Moves For Firmer Arms

Finally, to finish off your workout to get firmer arms, turn to a reverse grip barbell row. This movement is ideal for those who want to also work their back muscles, building a very attractive upper body. Unlike the normal grip reverse row however that will primarily work the back, the reverse grip row works the back as well as the biceps for more arm toning effects. So next time you’re in the gym and on a mission to get more toned arms, make certain that you aren’t overlooking any of these exercises that need to be included in your workout plan.

f you’re someone who’s looking to enhance the tone and definition of your arm muscles, one thing that you absolutely must be doing is making sure that you’re strength training. While performing cardio training is great to help decrease your overall body fat percentage, unless you’re doing something to really challenge the arm muscles and get them responding and growing back stronger, you aren’t going to see the results that you’re after. Strength training is the number one way to enhance muscle definition and make sure that you’re seeing your body change right before your eyes. So that said, which exercises are great for firming the arms? When looking to firm the arms, you want to be focusing on movements that will work the biceps as well as the triceps as these are the two main muscles that make up the arms. Let’s have a look at four great moves that you should consider if you want to get firmer arms.

Bicep Curls The very first exercise to target the biceps that you’ll want to be including is the bicep curl. Bicep curls an are excellent way to enhance the curves of your arms and also gain some functional strength. Since you use your bicep muscles every day whenever you pick up an object, you won’t want to be missing out on the benefits that these offer.

Close Grip Bench Press The second exercise that you should be adding into the mix to make sure that you are building your best arms ever is the close grip bench press exercise. This exercise is ideal for those who are looking to firm the triceps and also work the chest at the same time. As it is a compound movement, it’s also ideal for total body fat loss, which is another core element required for firmer arms. When performing the close grip bench press, make sure that you lower the bar as low down to the body as you possible can as this is what will ensure that you get maximum muscle activation.

“Four years ago I didn’t know what a deadlift was, as of today my deadlift personal record is 315 pounds. The first time I was asked to do 10 pushups off my knees I barely made it to 5, and today I can do all kinds of various pushups… I never imagined I would ever be able to say I’ve lost 153 pounds.” - Sherrie Bullock Fitness Together Jenks: 97th & Riverside | 918.392.0540 Downtown: 6th & Boston | 918.935.3508 www.PersonalTrainerTulsa.com C ommu n ity sp ir itma ga zin e.c om

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918-595-4267

Smell That? Clean Air!

ulsa County is cleaner, healthier and more smoke-free than ever before, thanks to the efforts of the Tobacco Free Coalition for Tulsa County (TFC). The coalition has engaged community leaders to help further change Oklahoma’s once prosmoking culture toward a more smoke-free Tulsa. Despite a political quagmire, the culture really is changing and smoking is becoming less common. Oklahoma is one of 27 states with preemptive language within its tobacco laws. Vanessa HallHarper, Manager of the Community of Excellence Programs at the Tulsa Health Department explains. “Preemption is a tactic of the tobacco industry. Because they know that places like Tulsa have more of a tendency to pass stronger smoking ordinances, they try to ensure that smoking policies are established at a state level where they have more influence with policymakers. Using this tactic, they have helped to pass legislation which actually prohibits local governments like Tulsa from passing local ordinances which are more stringent than state law.”

“Despite a political quagmire, the culture really is changing and smoking is becoming less common.” So, how does a city like ours move past state policy and towards having a cleaner and healthier community? “By helping to change social norms,” Harper says. Over the last few years, The TFC has worked with schools, parks and businesses to decrease the places where smoking is permitted. The result is fewer smokers, less second-hand smoke and a healthier and cleaner environment.

For instance, they worked with schools to pass voluntary “Tobacco Free 24/7” school policies which prohibit tobacco use by a student, staff member, or school visitor at any time (24 hours-aday, 7 days-a-week), including non-school hours on or in all school grounds, facilities, vehicles, and at any school-sponsored function held off campus. Such policies voluntarily adopted at educational settings are not subject to preemption and therefore moved us past the coverage afforded by the current state law that prohibits tobacco use at educational settings only from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. They also counseled and trained businesses on how to establish their own voluntary tobacco-free worksite policies. Inviting business leaders to “Make it Your Business” symposiums, they offered the opportunity for the leaders to hear actual experiences, good and bad, from businesses that had adopted tobacco-free worksite policies. Finally, TFC has worked with cities to pass local tobacco-free outdoor recreational area ordinance that would prohibit smoking and other tobacco use throughout all city-owned parks and other outdoor recreational venues such as playgrounds, sports complexes, and swimming pools. The coalition efforts has definitely made an impact on overall health in Tulsa County, and these efforts have saved lives for future Tulsans.

Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em? Better check first. More and more of Tulsa is now Tobacco-Free.

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marriages that last

B Y D R . KE V IN NIE M AN

simple phrases

will marriage!

that save your

he following are five simple phrases that could very well save your marriage. They may seem small at first, but each have the power to move mountains within your marriage. As you read, see which ones you are currently using and find ways to use the ones you are not.

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1. I’m sorry.

The power of these two words continually goes unnoticed in marriage. Many individuals have grown up in families not hearing “I’m sorry”. The perception is that to express any remorse for ones actions is a weakness. This could not be further from the truth. Having the ability to take ownership creates stability and makes forgiveness a natural response.

The secret to being able to tap into this great healing agent, of “I’m sorry” lies in the ability to look at oneself. Many today are simply too insecure to be real. Instead of taking ownership of mistakes, they consistently push blame onto their spouse. The growing rate of adult children is astonishing. Remember, you’re not four; it is okay to admit you’re not perfect. Everybody else knows it, especially your spouse, it will be okay. Your spouse will love you more for stepping up and taking ownership.

2. I love you. You would think this one would be obvious; however, it’s not commonplace among marriages today. For many, this one is very difficult. Many individuals never heard these words while growing up so for them to pass them on is a challenge, to say the least. I’ve often asked people how to give something that they have never received. Though that answer is multi-faceted, I do believe one way to heal past hurts is to model and display what you should have received. Your own emotions may not all be there at first, and that’s okay, but with time and consistency, they will catch up. Knowing that you’re loved is a very powerful thing. Many men have done some very crazy things because of that knowledge. Love is truly one of the most powerful emotions we have and most don’t tap into that emotion like they should. Make sure your spouse knows you love them. Be intentional and tell them. They’ll never get tired of hearing it.

3. I need... Many struggle with effectively communicating what they need. The alternative is to keep your needs to yourself and secretly build resentments. Remember, you are responsible for how you communicate your needs. They need to be shared with love and respect towards your spouse. The first step in doing so is to understand that you’re worthy to not just share your needs but to have those needs. Giving yourself permission to share your needs can empower you within the marriage to have a voice. A true partnership takes two. If one does not feel safe or valued to share what they need, it’s not much of a marriage.

Marriage is not a competition, work through your own insecurities and offer a helping hand. This phrase also forces you to realize that it’s not all about you. Selfishness seems to be permeating most every aspect of our society and marriages have certainly not escaped. Marriage is not all about you. Your spouse is not here to serve you or make you complete. It’s a mutual relationship of two people committed to doing life together. One is not greater than the other, but two halves making a complete whole.

5. I want you. The difference between “want” and “need” are ginormous when examining a marriage. “Need” tends to create an unhealthy dynamic between couples; one where you become so dependent on each other that it passes through healthiness and heads straight for codependence. If you think of the letter “A”, this style of marriage create total reliance on the other person for you own sense of stability. What happens if one falls? The other is sure to follow. The “need” dynamic fosters blame and unrealistic expectations that no one can bear. The “want” relationship takes on the shape of the letter “H”. This relationship consists of two strong independent people who choose to connect themselves with another. They view their marriage as a joint partnership where both bring things to bless the whole. If one should fall, the other is there to help pick up. Expectations are realistic, built upon mutual trust and security to examine self rather than blaming your spouse. Tell your spouse that you “want” them. They will feel valued and wanted rather than feeling they constantly are trying to measure up. Dr. Kevin Nieman, LMFT Cornerstone Christian Counseling Services Cornerstone Christian Counseling Services is proud to announce that we are now in our newly remodeled offices. We are also pleased to announce that our new website www. cornerstoneoftulsa.com is active. We are excited about bringing hope and healing to those hurting in our community, blending our Christian beliefs with our professionalism.

4. How can I help? These four simple words can truly lift a thousand pounds from your spouse. The worst feeling to have within a relationship is the feeling that you’re doing all the work. This phrase can express your desire to shoulder the load with your spouse, creating a true partnership in the marriage. Imagine what it’s like when your spouse asks you if you need them to do anything for you today. You automatically see your spouse more favorably and you’ll notice your own heart softening to meet their needs. The best marriages are those who are great friends, working and supporting each other.

CORNERSTONE Christian Counseling Services

Let us help you get your life back on track. Call today: 918.392.4008

4930 S. Sheridan Rd.

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act financial

RAN D Y C O WELL

Retirement Golden Years or Harbinger of financial Doom?…You Decide

o you hear it? The rumble in the distance? No, it’ not the sound of the OKC Thunder but the 10,000 Baby Boomers turning 65 every day and marching in lock step toward retirement. Think with me, 10,000 every day for the next 19 years! For those that have forgotten their history, let’s recap. After World War II, as the soldiers returned to their wives and girlfriends a pretty predictable event occurred. Nine months later lots and lots of babies came on the scene. So if you were born between, January 1, 1946 and December 31, 1964, you are a member of the Baby Boomer demographic, the largest demographic in America. So how prepared for retirement is this mass of humanity? A cursory look at the facts would indicate that most are unprepared. In a recent poll by crisiseducation.com 36% of Americans don’t contribute to their 401(K) plan. Is it any wonder that 35% of Americans rely almost entirely on Social Security? AlterNet

46% of all American Workers have less than $10,000 for retirement Let’s examine several other facts that paint a very gloomy retirement future. According to the Employee Research Institute, 46% of all American Workers have less than $10,000 for retirement and 29% of Americans have less than $1,000 saved for their Golden years. With the expectations of living longer the longevity risk is adding even more complexity to the problem. The low interest rate environment is not helping those wishing to put their money in a safe place and draw off the interest. With the 10 year Treasury bottoming out at 1.65% in January 2015, a quick survey of CD’s at bankrate.com supports this theory. The best 1- year rate is 1.3%. Unless you have millions saved it is getting harder and harder to generate enough revenue to make a difference in retirement.

Baby boomers planning to work “until the drop” – AARP

40%

Number of Americans claiming Social Security Benefits at 62 –

75%

The Washington Post

Number of workers supporting one retiree in

16 Today - 3

1950 -

2025 projected GAO.gov

1995 retirement age –

2014 retirement age -

2014 Gallup report

Pension recipients in 1980 –

39%

Pension recipients in 2011 –

15%

Employee Benefit Research Institute in Washinton DC.

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Out of 100 Americans Average savings of 50 year -

$43,797 Percentage of Americans who don’t save anything for retirement -

36% Total cost for 20 years of medical care for a couple over 65 -

$215,000 Percentage of people age 30-54 who believe they will NOT have enough money put away for retirement -

They Say Timing is Everything. I know most of my financial brothers and sisters won’t appreciate my next statement but the cold hard fact is “luck can play a much more crucial role in retirement planning than good money management.” Before you reach for the phone, let me explain. Depending on when you retire is a major factor when determining how successful one will be in retirement. The importance of sequence of returns is obvious when you look at a retiree retiring in 1990 and experiencing one of the best stock rallies in history and a retiree retiring in 2000 experiencing 3 straight years of negative returns.

What happens in the next long awaited market correction? It might seem that all is lost and I’m sad to say that for many, Social Security will be their primary source of retirement income. I believe there is hope and it lies in the understanding of the two powers used to generate retirement income. The “traditional” power utilizes simple interest, dividends from a stock or bond portfolio and oftentimes involves the systematic spend down of assets. The other power, “actuarial power”, can generate a much larger income without the need for market risk. This appeals to many of my clients wishing to reduce their market risk. Since over 30% of U.S. investors in their sixties have more than 80% of their 401(k) invested in equities, the question “What happens in the next long awaited market correction?” must be a concern. Will they have to put off retirement? Worse still, what if they are already in retirement and they lose 20, 30, or even 40% of their portfolio? Is it back to work at Walmart? For more information on the possibilities of actuarial power and how it can dramatically enhance your retirement give us a call. We would love to assist you with the next chapter of your life’s journey. A5TM-0315-01E2

80% U.S. Census Bureau 2014

RANDY C. COWELL, M.S., LUTCF, CFP®, CRPC® ACT FINANCIAL Randy C. Cowell is a columnist and President of ACT Financial Services, Inc. in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is the author of “God GoodDebt Bad”. Randy welcomes your thoughts and prayers. He can be reached at 918-664-0081 or by e-mail at rcowell@htk.com.

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Full of joy, Cecilia Martinez (pictured lower center) is surrounded by her brother, Armando (pictured upper left), her mother, Martha (pictured left), and her three sons, Franky, Christopher and Robert (pictured clockwise from upper right) during one of her visits to Cancer Treatment Centers of America®.

Ho p e i n the H e al i n g I

n 2010, Cecilia Martinez was living a full life. A wife, a mom of four, and a successful operations manager at an airport, Cecilia had no idea that change was on the horizon and her day-to-day reality was going to be wildly unfamiliar in just a few months. After weeks of ignoring headaches and other signs her health was declining, Cecilia finally decided to see a doctor. A CT scan ordered by her primary care physician landed her in the office of an OBGYN, who officially gave Cecilia the news that she had ovarian cancer. “My cancer journey really began in March of 2011 when I had surgery to remove the cancer,” Cecilia said. “The sur-

and it was encouraging to see the people who trusted the Lord and believed with me that God was going to heal me,” she said. “And God did heal me. He sent me back.” Upon her return, the company purchased a scooter that would allow Cecilia to quickly travel between airport gates without having to worry about tiring as she continued to gain strength after treatment. “Some of my employees couldn’t believe that I was back — that I was still alive. No hair, no eye lashes, no eyebrows, but I’m here — I’m alive.” Whizzing between gates on her newly gifted scooter, Cecilia had one message for her co-workers and those she encountered. “I went back to work talking about how amazing my God

because of the cancer treatment. Looking back, he was probably afraid to see me go through that.” In addition to an increasingly hostile home environment, Cecilia’s employer could not hold her position while she went through treatment again. Cecilia’s home life continued to escalate and though she was recently unemployed and going through cancer treatment, she decided to leave the home she shared with her husband and three children, and move into a women’s shelter. “I know God didn’t leave me here to go through this with my exhusband. God left me here to make a difference in lives and to impact those around me — not to be a number on a list. So I

“Unfortunately, this wasn’t the end of Cecilia’s cancer journey. After 18 months of good health, the cancer was back.” gery was followed with 25 chemotherapy treatments and I originally thought, ‘Why me, God?’ I was upset.” The treatments worked. While 2011 was largely marked by chemotherapy and doctor appointments, Cecilia was still standing and remission was in full swing. Having taken time off from work to recover, she finally felt like she was ready to return and her job welcomed her back with open arms. “I went back to work

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is,” she said. “My faith had grown.” Unfortunately, this wasn’t the end of Cecilia’s cancer journey. After 18 months of good health, the cancer was back. “This time, the cancer was worse and the enemy was attacking my life,” said Cecilia. “I remember asking my husband why he didn’t spend time with me and he said, ‘Look at yourself in the mirror’. All I saw was a bald lady who had gotten bigger and was always swollen spring 2015

removed myself from a dangerous situation and spent the next six months in a shelter,” she said. Filled with hard decisions and tearful nights, the year was difficult and even though Cecilia’s faith had grown after her last bout with cancer, this time many of the same fears returned and she found herself grappling with God about her existence and her future. “I told God, ‘What else do you want? I don’t have my health, my kids,

my marriage or my job. I’m alone in a shelter with no one I love. I’ve lost everything’” After seeking help through counseling, her thoughts began to shift and instead of crying out to God, her attitude began to change. “I didn’t have any special privilege. This was nothing compared to what God did for us,” she said. “I didn’t fully understand, but I kept fighting and I didn’t quit. I began fasting and praying every day and then there was a point when I started to say ‘Thank you, God.’” A clear turning point was on the horizon. Dallas Housing Authority helped Cecilia move out of the shelter in to a home that she had specifically prayed for. Having prayed blessings

“When I came to CTCA, I found hope, peace, integrity and love.” over her children, they each began to make the decision to move in with their mom. Finally, her health began to return and she was out of cancer treatment for the second time. “God was my provider. He answered my prayer,” she said. With her daughter recently married and her three sons, Franky, Robert and Christopher, now living under her roof, Cecilia began piecing her life back together. In remission and on her feet, she took the opportunity to grow and bless others whenever the opportunity arose. Nine months of remission, and like a bad dream, the cancer was back for a third time — and this time, with a vengeance. Ovarian cancer had been such a huge part of stealing Cecilia’s joy in her past, she was initially determined to fight it and returned again to her doctor for further treatment. “This time, the results weren’t coming in as expected. I asked my doctor at the time to pray and he told me that ‘God and science don’t mix,’” she explained. “So, for me, when your doctor is a believer and your doctor prays with you, hand-in-hand, it makes an amazing difference.” After three chemo treatments and increasingly poor reports from her doctor, Cecilia made the decision to quit treating. Her children begged her to continue, but wanting her loved ones to respect her wishes, she explained that she could not continue strength-draining treatments that did not produce results. Unwilling to give up, Franky, Cecilia’s oldest son, called Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) after seeing a commercial on television. The

CTCA representative called Cecilia at the request of her son. “I did not want to treat anymore, but I guess he just had the words I needed to hear,” Cecilia said. “I decided to visit CTCA in Tulsa to get a second opinion. This was the best decision.” Desperately looking for a miracle, Cecilia made the choice to begin treatment at CTCA. “When I came to CTCA, I was really sick and the cancer was spreading,” she said. “But they didn’t waste my time. I first visited CTCA in July of 2014 and I was scheduled to have HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) surgery the following month.” Knowing that HIPEC is an intense surgery that requires a lengthy recovery time, Cecilia made a decision to trust God with it and follow through with the surgery. “God has spoken through my doctors,” she said. “They have touched my heart and have encouraged me, but they are always honest with me. At CTCA it feels like they respect life — here, I am prayed over. When I came to CTCA, I found hope, peace, integrity and love. They call me by my name here — I am not a number. God is here.” Cecilia responded well to the surgery, and was able to navigate the recovery process with her family by her side. Her mom travelled from Mexico City and her sons spent weekends at her bedside. “Look at me, I’m alive,” she said. “I find peace and confidence here because we pray. The chaplain came and prayed with me and my kids in my room, before I had surgery, and when I was in intensive care. The staff has become part of my family.” Now, seven months after her surgery, Cecilia continues to improve. Her contagious laughter inspires other patients and is a reminder that hope can make a lasting difference in a life. So, while Cecilia’s dayto-day no longer resembles her reality in 2010, she has embraced her new life and is eager to share her story with anyone who will listen. “I want to give the message to other people,” she said. “Don’t give up, don’t be discouraged, keep going, keep fighting — you’re in the right place. Knowing what I know now, CTCA should have been my first choice, not my last resort.” No case is typical. You should not expect to experience these results. To learn more about Cancer Treatment Centers of America® in Tulsa, visit cancercenter.com or call 888348-5492.

Managing Stress Associated with Cancer Stress is a normal part of life. It can even be good, in certain circumstances, when it provides motivation to accomplish important tasks. But chronic stress that exists over a long period of time can be very hard on our bodies. This is especially true for cancer patients, who are already in a weakened state. A cancer diagnosis may be the most stressful event in a person’s life. Few things can cause as much anxiety as facing one’s own mortality. Added to that might be financial worries, guilt over burdening family members, feelings of isolation, physical discomfort, difficulty sleeping and/or the pressure to put on a brave face. Caregivers may not be facing the physical danger of cancer, but they face many of the same stressors as patients. Emotional stress has very real physical effects. When a stressful situation is encountered, the body releases more than 1,400 chemicals. These chemicals produce a variety of effects, including: • Fatigue and muscle tension • Impaired thinking, memory and problem solving • Increased production of cortisol (stress hormone) • Increased fat production around the waist • Impaired function of the immune system We must be careful not to make patients and caregivers feel as though the stress they feel is an indication of weak or inferior faith. Instead, we can kindly and empathetically try to ease their burden and look for opportunities to help them manage their stress more successfully. Provided by Our Journey of Hope®, an educational outreach brought to you by the Pastoral Care Department at Cancer Treatment Centers of America®

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NOT JUST SHOTS? W

hen a veterinary clinic calls to remind you it is time to bring “Fluffy” in again most people instantly think about vaccinations. I have been asked many times why it is necessary to vaccinate or have “Fluffy’s” stool checked for parasites. Granted Rabies is 100% fatal to humans, our domestic animals can carry leptospirosis, which is a bacteria that can cause severe kidney disease that can be fatal for the very young, very old, and immunecompromised individuals. The other vaccinations protect our pets from diseases which affect only them. However, the protection provided by veterinary medicine for their clients is largely unrecognized by the public. There are common diseases that our pets carry which can make human-kind very ill. After last summer, everyone in the nation became aware of West Nile Virus. I would wager the vast majority do not recognize that birds, especially crows, ravens and blue jays carry and spread the disease by way of a mosquito bite; that horses and deer are dead end hosts like humans. Many of the less publicized diseases are caused by intestinal parasites. The whipworm, Trichuris vulpis, is colon worm in dogs and cats. It is less prolific than other intestinal worms so it is the least likely to cause a problem. The round worms of the dog and cat are transmitted by oral fecal contact, and ingestion of vegetation, as well as ingestion of contaminated vegetables grown in the soil. As a young lad I remember chewing on long stems of grass. Who knows, I have probably been wormy almost all my life. Round worms, those spaghetti-like worms that some kittens and many puppies throw up produce larvae that can burrow through the intestinal wall into the blood stream and lymph system, finally migrating to the liver and lungs. Hookworm eggs hatch in the soil. These larval worms can penetrate the skin on the bottom of the feet of puppies,

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kittens, and humans. They too enter the bloodstream. Often there are so many of these larvae that the skin of the foot becomes red and irritated. In our pets this army of baby worms migrate through the lung tissue into the airways, up the trachea to the back of the throat where they stimulate the animal to cough and then swallow them. The hookworms may be so numerous they cause pneumonia, severe blood loss, and even death. These problems caused by hookworms and the roundworm family are reason enough for annual fecal content testing but, there is a more gruesomely imperative motivation which will provide incentive for these tests. Typically, because our body temperature is lower than our pets, these “aliens within you”, whether ingested or inside them via skin penetration, wander around until our immune system kills them or they die of old age. However, annually seven hundred to one thousand cases of ocular and retinal larval migrans are diagnosed. This causes visual impairment and even blindness. In comparison; everyone is aware of the danger of lightning. Lightning strikes 300 people annually compared to 10,000 cases of ocular and retinal migration, that’s EACH YEAR. The larvae can even cause brain damage and mental retardation in children. I strongly suggest; have your pets checked for worms. Next month I will report other internal parasites that can cause disease in people.

R. Scott Nicholson, DVM, is a respected Broken Arrow veterinarian. Dr. Nicholson’s clinic is located at 816 S. Elm and he can be contacted at 918-906-6074

Why Investing In Employees’ Financial Well-Being Makes Good Business Sense

aving worked with employers for the past 30 years, I have often heard it said “an educated workforce is a more productive and efficient workforce.” During this time I have worked with companies ranging in size from very large all the way down to a one-man “shop”. The one thing that I have learned as I have observed them all is that the successful ones have something in common. A common denominator if you will that is part of their DNA and a bottom-line contributor to their success. What is this business philosophy that yields such great results? It’s their willingness to educate and retain their employees. It comes as no surprise that today’s workplace is changing and along with the unprecedented economic uncertainty, employees are recognizing the need to make sound financial decisions in an attempt to improve their fiscal well-being now and hopefully for the future. To meet this need, broad financial education has become a desirable low cost benefit that employers can provide to their workforce. Perhaps Bob Dylan was prophetic when he made the lyrics famous “the times they are a changin’.” Because of the growing economic uncertainty and the effects on their employees companies large and small are seeing the benefits of workplace financial education.

An Educated Workforce is a productive workforce Educating employees in the six key areas of personal finance is critical to their overall well- being. Areas of concentration are risk management, cash management, investment concepts, tax management, retirement planning and estate conservation.

“We feel that people that are economically secure in their own lives are more productive employees.”- UPS Corporate Manager

80% Workers in one survey that indicated that workplace benefits, such as financial education, were a key factor when considering whether or not to accept a new position. FoxBusiness. com, June 13, 2012 Many workers are unprepared for retirement: 57% have saved less than $25,000 for retirement, and 46% have saved less than $10,000. Employee Benefit Research Institute, 2013 51% Americans age 55 to 64 that don’t have wills. Rocket Lawyer Survey

In a 2012 Society for Human Resource Management survey, 83% of HR professions reported that personal financial problems have some or a large impact on the work performance of employees. Over 50% of those surveyed indicated that employees have dipped into retirement savings in the past 12 months to make ends meet. According to the study: • • • •

47% of HR professionals noticed employees struggling with their ability to focus on work. 46% noticed issues with overall employee stress. 26% observed negative impact on overall employee productivity. 24% said money woes were a definite factor leading to employee absenteeism and tardiness.

It is well documented that employee financial stress has been known to result in negative productivity behaviors such as absences, tardiness, mistakes, accidents, loss of concentration, and lower output (Garman et al., 1996; Williams, Haldeman, & Cramer, 1996). Additional research has shown that the negative effects of employee stress on employers can also take on many forms: employer time used to handle employee’s personal financial concerns, higher health care costs, and increased likelihood of worker compensation claims (Garman et al., 1996).

Get Started Today! So what does this mean to employers and why are more and more introducing Financial Educational Workshops in the workplace? Other than it directly adding to their bottom line, it is helping to retain and attract employees. In a nutshell it just makes good business sense!

For more information on how you can develop, implement and enjoy the benefits of a workplace financial education program tailor-made for your company, please contact Premier Education Partners at (918) 828-7787 or visit us online at www. PremierEducationPartners.com. C ommu n itysp ir itma ga zin e.c om

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Grieving?

You Are Not Alone. Help is Available.

Group at Moore’s Funeral Home Finds Comfort in Being Together

hey are often different ages and come from different situations and backgrounds, yet, they are there for each other, listening, consoling and helping to carry each other’s burdens. As close as family, they patiently see each other through the grief process. Once safely on a more tolerable side of grief, they often continue to attend the group. “I love these people,” explained Charles R. Foster. “And, I make a mean pineapple upside-down cake,” he said with a laugh.

“It’s a safe place to share.” Whether it is the social aspect, the continued support by group leader, Elaine Moore-Jones, or the practical, “I have been there” therapeutic lessons of Dr. T. David Willets, the group works, quietly assisting people to a place where they can live life again. Charles has been attending for a year now. Grieving his wife of 48 years, he finds solace, as well as friends here. “It is still difficult, but I am doing better,” he said with tears in his eyes.

“Grief. I don’t know when it is coming. I can’t watch the shows we watched together. I try to keep my mind occupied.” - Charles R. Foster He explained that he wants and needs to be able to talk about his wife. The two had known each other since they were only six years old. He says he was always taken by her long auburn hair and dark brown eyes and he can still picture her roller-skating at the old Continental Skating Rink on 11th Street. By the time they were in the seventh grade, he already knew, telling his father, “I am going to marry her some day.” Stricken with Multiple Sclerosis and later with a stroke, she depended upon Charles right up until the end. She went into the

someone other than a family member is somehow especially healing. I don’t think my family can truly understand what I am going through, but the members here get it. The pain of grief is fresh to the members of the group.

“This group provides me with continued support, helping me with spiritual, emotional and even financial issues.”- Joyce Finter hospital at Christmas and died last March. The year since has been a rugged, painful, often ill path for Charles, something he couldn’t have borne without his special group of friends at Moore’s. “I wasn’t sure at first if I wanted to get involved with a group or not. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of men who do. I don’t know if most men just don’t want to, or if they would just rather keep it all to themselves, which is not good. But I have thoroughly loved coming out here. The Moore’s took care of things when my wife died and in fact, they have been caring for my entire family since 1957.” “It is still difficult at times. I don’t know when grief is coming and it is nearly impossible to avoid, but sharing that grief with

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We understand where each other are coming from and how each of us is suffering and dealing with our grief. We share with each other and try to help each other. Of course Elaine Moore-Jones is there as well. There are not enough words in the dictionary to describe what a wonderful person she is.”

“My family is tired of hearing me talk about it. These people at Moore’s listen.” Elaine stresses to all who will listen that they are not alone. “With our online grief support and local grief recovery group,

“I thought I was doing okay until I heard his favorite song. That threw me right back to grief 101. Now, I am rebuilding. It gets better every day.” you’re assured of our commitment to helping you through this difficult time. It doesn’t matter what time of day, or what day of the week you need support; we’re here for you. You can access online counseling services or watch our interactive videos, anytime: 24/7. No matter how you feel at this moment, you have our commitment - you’re never alone,” she said.

“We learn from each other. We are not alone. We all have feelings. This is a safe place to share and tell our stories.” The grief recovery sessions use videos and a discussion guide called “Silverlining” (www.silverlining.ws) produced by Dr. T. David Willets. Dr. Willets has served in Oklahoma in church ministry for more than 35 years. His educational training is in the area of pastoral care and counseling and he has experienced personal tragedy himself making him uniquely qualified to help those experiencing grief. These sessions are held at Moore’s Southlawn Chapel, 9350 E 51st St, Tulsa, OK from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. each Tuesday. If you would like to attend, please call (918) 6632233 and notify Elaine, Sharon or Jeff that you plan to attend. There is no charge and it is open to anyone who needs it.

Dr. T. David Willets The grief recovery sessions use videos and a discussion guide called “Silverlining” (www.silverlining.ws) produced by Dr. T. David Willets. Dr. Willets has real-time experience on the topic of grief. He has served in local church ministry for more than 35 years. His educational training is in the area of pastoral care and counseling. In 2004, David’s wife of 27 years and 18-year-old daughter were killed in an automobile wreck. Through this painful experience, along with his training, Dr. Willets brings sound psychological, spiritual and applicable expertise to those on the journey of grief.

You really aren’t alone. The group is ready to greet you.

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Can YOU answer the TOUGHEST QUESTIONS? Attend the Tulsa School of Apologetics and Practical Theology Equipping Your Mind to Impact Your World for Christ “Over the years, it has become increasingly clear to me that the way you spell evangelism, discipleship, missions, and Christian education in the 21st century is ‘apologetics.’” Dr. Richard Land

ou feel that critics of your faith in God and Christ are at all time high. You hear it on TV or read about someone’s comment in magazine that Christianity is for shallow thinkers and can not be relevant to the pressing problems of the day. You want to share Christ with someone in your life (neighbor, lawn boy, hair dresser, friend), but you not only feel that you lack courage, but you are not sure you can answer their questions. Plus you have been having doubts yourself. Are there answers to the questions regarding God, Christ, and Christianity? With a resolute and resounding YES. The Tulsa School of Apologetics was established to equip Christians to learn that Christianity is a Factual Faith. You can personally establish a Confident Christianity in your life and help others by “equipping your mind to impact your world for Christ.” Start that journey by signing up for this incredible class. Practical, thought provoking and absolutely relevant, this class is designed to help you to be ready to answer that next difficult question. You…WE all need to attend! Time is running out and lives are hanging in the balance.

APOLOGETICS 105: Cultural Apologetics and Contemporary Issues Dates: Thursdays, April 9 through May 7, 2015 Time: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Location: First Baptist Church, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma To register: www.fbcba.org/events Cost: for whole course: $55 per person; Family cost: $ 99 per family, for one class: $15 person; Family cost: $ 25 per family 56 |

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Here is what you will learn… Class One (April 9): Topics: How the Christian Worldview Transforms a Culture and a Nation Biblical Principles for Government America’s Christian History Speakers: Dr. Jim Burkett, Director, Tulsa School of Apologetics Pastor Paul Blair, President, Reclaiming America for Christ Class Two (April 16): Topic: Understanding Islam and the Christian Ministry to Muslims Speakers: Dr. Mark Christian, Christian doctor and former Muslim from Egypt Pastor Paul Blair Class Three (April 23): Topic: Christian Perspectives of Creation and Origin Issues Panelists: Dominic Halsmer, Larry Hart, Jonathan Bartlett, Ken Wolgemuth, Moderators: Mark Tedford and Dr. Jim Burkett Class Four (April 30): Topic: Marriage, Same-Sex Issues, & the Loss of Religious Liberty Speakers: Judge Phil Ginn and Dr. Frank Turek Class Five (May 7): Topic: Apologetics Strategies That Transform Cultures Preaching Biblical Truths That Impacts Culture Speakers: Dr. Jim Burkett and Pastor Nick Garland For more information: contact Ro at 918-258-4575 or text 918-691-8756.

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Q. What is the next Best Thing to Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro? A. Watching a few other crazy folks do it, of course!

f you haven’t heard, publisher, Tom McCloud, and a group of eager-for-adventure folks are buying gear, gathering supplies and training to climb the World’s Tallest Free-standing Mountain in the World. Located in Eastern Africa, the mountain stands 19,341 feet tall and is one of the Top 7 coveted prizes of mountain climbers. Bet you didn’t know Tom was a mountain climber, did you? Well, he isn’t and neither are the folks going with him. So why climb this mountain? “Because it is there,” as the old saying goes. But there is another reason for this climb. In fact, it is a reason for you too to get involved in this effort, even if you do it from the comfort and safety of your own living room. You see, the group is taking a film crew with them in order to produce a unique Men’s Video Bible Series along the way.

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Using Kilimanjaro as a backdrop, an experienced and awardwinning team of videographers will be producing an inspiring video series and Bible Study that will impact the lives of people all over the world. Once completed, the video series will be posted for FREE on YouTube, where many of the Kilimanjaro films have received over 100,000 views. Combined with a website and Bible Study, the film will reach fact-hungry Kilimanjaro climbers not only with advice on climbing this mountain, but also with the message that through faith in Jesus Christ, they can conquer death, life’s tallest mountain. But here is the deal…photographers, editors, television studios and travel does not come cheap. In fact,

to produce the quality film the team envisions, it is going to cost well over $25,000. Over and above their own expenses, the team of climbers are personally investing much of this needed capital. However, they need your help with the rest. “I want to invite all Community Spirit readers to become ‘producers’ on this important film by making a tax-deductible donation. Any amount will help. Call the Community Spirit Magazine office for more details,” Tom explained with excitement. “We need investors, but maybe you would like to do more than just help financially. Maybe you would like to go with us! We have a few spots available. But it trip is not for the timid. 19,341 feet (without an airplane) is a sight few people ever get to see.” “It is not a technical climb. It requires no ropes or expert climbing experience. It is a slow, grueling, 45-mile, uphill challenge. Nearing 40,000 people attempt it each year and less than half suc-

ceed. Altitude sickness sends the majority of them back down the mountain,” he explained. So, are YOU intrigued with the idea of climbing Kilimanjaro? Call Tom and get he particulars. We think you will catch the vision and jump aboard. Or, maybe you would like to become a producer on the film! “In either case, call me and let’s talk about it,” Tom said. “Men and women from all over the globe are fascinated by Kilimanjaro and hasn’t God always used mountains as a great place to change lives? We believe God will meet us and all of the film’s viewers on this mountain. Those viewers may be people who could never be reached in traditional ways and we are just crazy enough to believe God will use this climb to bring thousands to Christ. Wanna help us?”

To make a donation or to learn more about joining our team, call Tom at Community Spirit Magazine. 918-307-2323 Photo: Compliments of ClimbKili.com

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