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FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON APRIL 2014
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, FL TAMPA
APRIL
CAN’T MISS EVENT!
On Friday, May 2, the Trey Curry Foundation presents the 7th Annual Vine to Wine fundraiser will proceeds benefitting abused, abandoned, and neglected children currently residing at A Kid’s Place. Event will take place at The Regent at 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview at 7 p.m. Attendees can sample exclusive wines paired with gourmet food prepared by Chef Dave West of the Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium. Wines provided by Premier Beverage. For more information or to purchase tickets visit treycurryfoundation. com or call 813-655-0269.
04 FRIDAY
A Night of Hope Fish Hawk Fellowship Church | 7 p.m. 15326 Fishhawk Blvd., Lithia The Women’s Resource Center is celebrating 10 years in ministry through this event. Tickets are $50 per individual and $375 for a table of eight. Speaker will be Rachel Burgin and live entertainment and a silent auction will be available. Dinner will be catered by Carrabbas. For more information, contact 813-661-3696 ext 242 or email wrcnightofhope@gmail.com. Visit the Women’s Resource Center of Tampa on the web at wrctampa.org.
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SATURDAY
Pink Heels the Soul A New You, Pink Boutique Registration: 8 a.m. Walk: 9 a.m. 106 W. Robertson St., Brandon Put on your pink heels and walk for the fight against breast cancer. Two walk distances: the TaTa Strut (From A New You, Pink Boutique to Moon Ave and back) and the 5k BRAvo Challenge (From A New You, Pink Boutique to Kings Ave., around to Hwy 60, to Parsons Ave., and back). Registration is $35 with proceeds benefitting Lisa’s Pink Petals for Hope, which provided pre/post-surgical garments, breast prosthesis, and mastectomy bras to breast cancer patients. Each participant receives breakfast and freebies from local vendors. For more information, contact 813-661-7465 or 813758-4211. Charity Thrift Sale ECHO of Brandon | 8 a.m. 507 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Help ECHO refresh its stock and raise money by purchasing discounted overstock clothes and small household items. For more information, contact Joni Damico at 813-685-0935.
12 SATURDAY
Charity Thrift Sale ECHO of Brandon | 8 a.m. 507 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Help ECHO refresh its stock and raise money by purchasing discounted overstock clothes and small household items. For more information, contact Joni Damico at 813-6850935. 30th Annual Patron Party Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association | 6 p.m. 619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon Follow the Yellow Brick Road at this Wizard of Oz themed event for the arts. Limited Seating is available. Order your tickets today by visiting centerplacebrandon. org. Enjoy music by Big Beats Entertainment, complimentary premium bar, silent auction, Spotlight Catering, free valet parking, and more. For more information, contact Dawn Galia at cpfinearts@ verizon.net.
19 SATURDAY
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny South Shore United Methodist Church | 8 a.m. 11525 Big Bend Rd., Riverview Free breakfast and easter egg hunt with appearances by the Easter Bunny. Breakfast will be served from 8 to 10:30 a.m. and bring your basket for an Easter Egg Hunt at 9 a.m. For more information, contact 813-677-9482 or visit southshoreumc.com.
25 FRIDAY
Wild Game Night Lupton’s Boggy Bottom Ranch | 6 p.m. 8407 Lupton Place, Plant City The Brandon Rotary Club is hosting its 38th Wild Game Night. The guys-only fundraiser attracts men throughout the Tampa area eager to sample a variety of prepared wild game from venison quail and wild hog as well as pork ribs and catfish. Ybor City cigars will also be rolled on-site. Open bar, silent auctions, raffle and door prizes will be available. Tickets are $75 with proceeds benefitting local charities such as Rotary’s Camp Florida, the Brandon Outreach Clinic, and ECHO. For more information, visit brandonrotary.com or call 813-927-7174.
26 SATURDAY
Charity Thrift Sale ECHO of Brandon | 8 a.m. 507 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Help ECHO refresh its stock and raise money by purchasing discounted overstock clothes and small household items. For more information, contact Joni Damico at 813-685-0935.
28 MONDAY
11th Annual Community Roundtable Golf Tournament Buckhorn Springs Golf and Country Club Registration at 11:30 a.m. Shotgun Start at 1 p.m. 2721 South Miller Road, Valrico Join Community Roundtable as they raise funds for several area charities. Tickets are $100 for individuals and $300 for a foursome. Register online at thecommunityroundtable.org. For more information, contact Janine Nickerson at 813661-4350.
SATURDAY, MAY 3RD
Kentucky Derby Party Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association | 4 p.m. 619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon The annual Kentucky Derby party features festive hats, dapper gentlemen, gourmet food, mint juleps, and a live broadcast of the popular race. Proceeds benefit the Brandon Outreach Clinic. Tickets can be purchased at brandonoutreachclinic.com. For more information, call 813-654-1388. FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON APRIL 2014
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LOCAL
LADY HAWKS LEADER
RETURNS ON A WING AND MUCH PRAYER
T
Article by the Gibbons Family & Cheryl Johnston
he F.I.S.H. Lady Hawks basketball team has just wrapped up an incredible 2013-2014 season by placing second in the Suncoast Christian Conference, finishing with 12 wins and 6 losses.
Kayla Gibbons, who had played together four years. In addition, seventh grade sister Allison Yates had joined the team. If that weren’t enough, Bethany’s senior year coach was her father, Derek Yates. The sky was the limit, or so it seemed.
Ultimately, in the tournament played the last weekend of February at the Clearwater Christian College gymnasium, the girls won their first two games before falling to Hope Christian in the championship game (4136). Bethany Yates, the senior who scored 18 points to go along with 11 rebounds and 5 steals, was voted the tournament MVP.
The year started well with Bethany averaging 18 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 steals and 4 blocks as the Hawks rolled to wins of 5119 and 65-8. Then after a tough 42-37 loss at Hope, the Hawks would play Genesis at home for the first time since last year’s championship. After a see-saw first half, the Hawks trailed 28-23 early in the 3rd quarter when Bethany took a pass on the basket’s left and went up for a jumper. When she came down, her foot gave way. She crumpled to the ground in obvious pain. An orthopedic visit revealed torn ligaments in the foot, with 6-8 weeks estimated recovery time. The conference tournament was only seven weeks away.
The Lady Hawks are students in the F.I.S.H. (Families Instructing Students at Home) homeschool group, which serves over 200 Christian families. This ministry of Bell Shoals Baptist Church strives “to provide an environment centered on Christ and to glorify God through encouraging one another to teach our children in the way God has directed us.”
The anticipated magical season appeared to be over. But Mark 11:24 says, ‘Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.’ And many people were praying for that foot. Bethany attended every practice and game during the next six weeks, cheering her teammates on as an emotional and spiritual leader. The Hawks compiled a 7-4 conference record without her; three losses by six points or less. And every week, updates about Bethany’s foot became more promising. Her teammates had a decorating party to give a little color to her walking aids, but Bethany had no desire to keep them. The crutches disappeared after a few days, the air boot after a few weeks. Slowly but surely, she was back on both feet, hobbling toward her goal of playing at least one more time her senior year. During a late in the third quarter timeout on Monday, cheers erupted from the crowd and her teammates when Bethany checked in at the scorer’s table. Despite the Hawks’ comfortable lead, the game took on a whole new meaning.
Tentatively at first, she tested her ankle, taking it slow, although wanting to sprint. She grabbed an offensive rebound, but missed the put back. Following the next pass she took, she made one of her 8-foot jumpers and a block on defense before the quarter ended. During the break, her coach debated taking her out of play, but Bethany changed his mind and returned in the 4th. Early in the quarter she made one of two free throws, and then missed a shot on the next possession before it happened. Playing out front with Katie in a 2-3 zone defense, Katie stole the ball and looked to make an outlet pass. Bethany, who was already breaking, took the pass, and dribbled down for the layup. The crowd went wild. Afterwards, there was no stopping her. Two more baskets, a steal and another block before the win was complete. Hugs and high fives all around followed, not just from her team, but from the Spring Hill girls as well.” The good news was that the Lady Hawks ended their year the way it began—with Bethany, their captain, encouraging them and leading them to victories. And for the team, despite her graduation, next year holds great promise, too.
The team’s coordinator, Sarah Yates, mother of four, including Bethany and her teammate/sister Allison, shared an article on Facebook that “The Gibbons Family” had written to highlight the team’s Senior Night, a victorious game over the Spring Hill Lady Wildcats they described as “a delight for their home crowd.” Lady Hawks team members include (alphabetically): Katie Almond, Mercy Beatty, Jenna Brink, Kayla Gibbons, Abby Holmes, Elizabeth Mion and sisters Allison and Bethany Yates. The Gibbons wrote, “The story of the night was the triumphant return of captain and team leader Bethany Yates, who was playing for the first time since injuring her foot on January 14, 2014. Bethany came off the bench to score 9 points, adding to a steal and 2 blocks as the Hawks rolled 45-13.” The post continued: “This 2013-2014 season held great promise with the F.I.S.H Lady Hawks returning four starters from last year’s 10-4 record team that narrowly lost the SCC Championship to Genesis Prep, a game the Hawks had led for much of the second half. Returnees included the core trio of Bethany, fellow senior Katie Almond and sophomore
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FISH Lady Hawks (L-R) Top Row: Allison Yates, Kayla Gibbons, Jenna Brink, Elizabeth Mion Bottom Row: Abby Holmes, Katie Almond, Bethany Yates, Mercy Beatty
FacesFaith of
MEN
ON
A
MISSION
By Cheryl Johnston | Photos by Anthony Sassano
As we approach one of the most significant and celebrated events in humankind’s history, our minds turn naturally to spiritual thoughts and the idea of new life. With the annual Resurrection of Christ celebrations and dramatic productions for Easter just around the corner, we felt this would be the perfect time to spotlight some of our local pastors. We believe you’ll enjoy reading their encouraging and insightful responses to our questions about faith in God. And if you feel compelled to ask a few of your own, we’re quite certain they’ll be happy to oblige. Meet six men who are sure of their life’s mission. Thanks to these and many others who minister to hundreds and thousands of families, our community is the better for their service. FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON APRIL 2014
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Dr. Tommy Green FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF BRANDON
Dr. Tommy Green has been the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Brandon, Florida since 1996. Aside from a relationship with Jesus Christ, the one thing he can’t live without is his “beautiful wife and best friend, Karen.” Married 34 years now, the two grew up in North Alabama and began dating in high school. The Greens have three sons, John and his wife Katherine, Philip, and Matthew. They are the proud grandparents of twins, Lyla and Fisher, and Ransom. “When God called me to the ministry in 1977. I commited my life to the work, said Dr. Green. “I served as a Student Pastor while at Samford University (1979) in Birmingham, Alabama. The call to serve as a Senior Pastor came in 1981 when I served as Pastor of Chesbrough Baptist Church in Louisiana. Over the next eight years, he completed the Master of Divinity (1983) and Doctor of Theology (1989) degrees from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. When asked about highlights and happiest moments of his life, he shared, “God has and continues to bless me with many joyous occasions. If I were to place them in order- 1. My day of salvation in Christ. 2. The day Karen and I married. 3. The birth of our three sons. 4. The birth of our grandchildren.” Dr. Green would like those who are just beginning to explore their faith to consider this: “The Lord Jesus Christ has a perfect love for
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you and He demonstrated His love in that He died for your sins. His resurrection unto life enables you to have eternal spiritual life as you believe and surrender your life to Christ. Ephesians 2:8 states that ‘for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.’ I would urge you to seek the Lord.” The pastor credits the key to the strength of First Baptist Brandon as “our unapologetic stand for Jesus Christ.” Continuing, he offered, “Our focus follows the directive of Scripture in these areas, evangelism, missions, prayer, serving, and giving. Our desire is to make Christ known in word and deed in order that others will trust in Jesus Christ for salvation and also to disciple believers in Christ.” One sentence identifies the common guiding light for believers at First Baptist Brandon, both inside and outside the church walls: “We gather to worship and depart to serve.” Through his years of service as the spiritual leader of congregations, Dr. Green has learned a critical lesson, which is, “We will follow vision that God establishes for His church.” His favorite verse, John 3:16, contains the familiar and lifechanging words of the disciple who was exiled to the Greek isle of Patmos because of his faith: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” A healthy principle Dr. Green strives to comes also from Scripture: Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it flows all the issues of life ~~ Proverbs 4:23 First Baptist Church of Brandon, Florida 216 North Parsons Avenue Brandon, Florida 33510 813-689-1204 www.fbcbrandon.org Sundays 9am, 10:30am, 5pm Wednesdays 6pm Established: 1915 First Baptist Brandon provides ongoing ministries through the MAC, First Baptist Academy, and daily church ministries. Ministries focus on preschoolers, children, students, collegiate, singles, young professionals, young adults, median adults, and senior adults. We offer support groups for many types of life situations. Our services include contemporary and blended styles of worship. Join us as we exalt and magnify the Lord Jesus Christ!
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Mark Saunders BAY LIFE CHURCH
Bay Life Church was established 20 years ago on a foundation of “authentic community, relevant worship, and most importantly, God’s grace.” Lead pastor Mark Saunders grew up in a pastor’s home, mostly in Maine and Massachusetts. His undergraduate studies at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and seminary at Dallas Theological Seminary prepared him for his 23 years of ministry. On August 28, he will celebrate his 10th year as the Pastor of Bay Life Church. Of his family, Mark explained: “In 2004, God led our family to the Brandon area from Carrollton, Texas, where I had been serving as the Teaching Pastor at Bent Tree Church. I just celebrated my 22nd year of marriage to my beautiful wife Eleanor, and together we have three children - Ben, 19; Cooper, 18; Kye, 17.” “When I consider the happy moments in my life,” he added, “watching my girl walk down the aisle towards me would be hard to top. Our family today is a busy one, but we love vacationing together in the Georgia mountains and hanging out at home in Valrico. If I’m not with Eleanor at an estate sale on my day off, I’m on the golf course.” Regarding the defining moment in his decision to enter the ministry, Bay Life’s lead pastor recalled: “In 1991, my youth pastor at my home church offered me the middle school position there. After years of guaranteeing that I would not follow in my father’s footsteps (he was a pastor as well), God made it clear that He had other plans for my life. So I took the job.”
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For those beginning to explore their faith in Christ, Pastor Mark offers this information and suggestion: “Surrendering my life to Jesus has been the greatest decision of my life. I wrestled with what I wanted to believe through my late high school and college years, but once I decided to truly trust that Jesus was real and worth my life, I was in. If you’re just beginning your faith journey, I’d say find a church, get a Bible and read it for yourself, and then walk through what faith in Christ is with someone who can explain the good news to you in a clear way.” Bay Life is a church that loves God and loves people. Folks consistently comment about feeling welcomed. “Our church is a place where it’s okay to not be okay, where you’re accepted for who you are and who God is making you to be,” Pastor Mark explained. “We value authenticity, seek to make a tangible difference in the world around us, and purpose above all to help people surrender to God. If we are successful, I think it’s because our people are willing to serve God however He leads us. I’m biased, but I think we have a amazing church.” Of the many lessons, he has learned in ministry, Saunders feels the recurring one God teaches is “that His work must be done in His strength, not mine.” Aside from Christ, his wife and children, and other obvious priorities in life, the one thing he would miss would be his iPad. “I’ve probably grown too attached and I’d miss it if it were gone. Watching my beloved Red Sox is something I’d miss as well.” Matthew 6:33 is a favorite Scripture verse: ‘“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (English Standard Version) Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis is one of his favorite reads, and an important principle he tries to live by is: “Excuses serve only those who make them.”
Bay Life Church 1017 Kingsway Rd. Brandon, FL 33510 813-661-3696 www.baylife.org Services: Saturday- 6:00PM, Sunday 8:00, 9:30, 11:00AM Established: 1994 “Love God. Love People.” Outreach Efforts include: Feed the Bay, I Am Hope Café, Meals on Wheels, Inn from the Cold, Community Garden, Women’s Resource Center, Family Promise of Greater Brandon, and counseling for individuals and families
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Pastor Michael Hailey NEW DAY CHURCH
Michael Hailey was raised in Oklahoma where he did everything from rodeo, to teaching golf, to college athletics. He earned a B.A. in Sociology from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice College and Seminary. Michael has served in ministry for nearly 40 years, having been a Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor and Senior Pastor for six different churches. Pastor Mike’s interests and hobbies include golf, reading, speaking, music and martial arts. A book he’d highly recommend for anyone, in addition to the Bible, of course, is “Anything” by Brendan Mannan. His passions are teaching others about God’s grace and unconditional love, and his Family, which along with Jesus Christ is the one thing he can’t live without. Michael is married to his best friend Nancy and together they have seven children and eight grandchildren (pictures available upon request!!) New Day Church is committed to making disciples and members desire “simply to make Jesus famous; not our church, or our preaching and teaching, or our music and tech productions, but Jesus.” Sunday morning Gatherings are straightforward. “We sing and worship the Lord, we pray for each other and we teach the Bible. That’s it.” Oh, and they have a blast doing it! New Day’s appealing approach to welcome its website visitors and members is evident on the home page banner, “A place for fresh starts and new beginnings” and in the intro text. “We are a Grace-Based ministry that believes God’s love and acceptance is unconditional, and Hs forgiveness is once and for all. Our Passion is to help broken people put their lives back together through the gospel of God’s grace, and our Purpose is ‘to love God, love one another and serve all.’”
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The unique, non-traditional approach explanation of “getting back to the basics” continues: “We’re imperfect people striving to become more like Jesus, not just at church, but in the way we live our lives every day.” “Worship, Prayer and the Word” are the focus of Sunday Gatherings. “That’s it. We do things one way...Simple! We are SO over the Hype, the Big Show, the Bells and Whistles.” Pastor Mike remembers how the Lord directed him into service. “As a teenager, I felt a continual urging in my spirit that God would have me serve in vocational ministry. I laid out a childlike ‘fleece’ when I was 13 and God answered it confirming my future. His life’s happiest moments have been “not one really, but the birth of each of my children and grandchildren has to be right at the top!” For those beginning to explore faith in Christ, the pastor suggests: “Find a church or a group that is a safe place. A place where you will not be judged or condemned. A place where you have the freedom to ask ANY question or voice ANY concern without feeling intimidated or guilty.” New Day focuses on people rather than programs. “We are passionate about helping broken people put their lives back together,” explained Pastor Mike. “We have a special heart and focus for people who feel they are far from God or are pursuing any religious process of human performance to bridge the gap.” Continuing, he added “We have a passion to reach people with the Gospel of Grace, particularly those who donot believe in Jesus, are turned off by church, are in a religiously-spirited church, or struggling with sin, guilt, shame, and condemnation in their lives.” Paul’s instruction to the Galatian church resonates with him as well: “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” ~ Galatians 5:1) His best lesson learned in ministry is “that people can spot a pretender a mile a way. Be real, be yourself.” This is also why the “real church, for real people in a real world” has a powerful motto—“Grace Wins!”
New Day Church (Worships at) Music Showcase 402 Oakfield Drive Brandon, FL 33511 813-681-8239 www.newdayministries.org Service times: 10:00 AM Sundays Established: 2009 Church’s motto: Grace Wins! Annual outreach: Parking Lot Giveaway Extravaganza (December)
Rabbi Don Goldstein SHORESH DAVID MESSIANIC SYNAGOGUE - BRANDON Rabbi Don and Rebbitzen Jackie Goldstein welcome all to Shoresh David Brandon, a joyous Messianic Synagogue. The Brandon congregation is the third established out of Shoresh David Tampa. The other Shoresh David locations are in Lakeland and Wesley Chapel. The Brandon synagogue’s website is devoted to proving that God and the Bible are reliable and true. It invites visitors to meet “both Jews and Gentiles who are genuinely warm, friendly and caring as they worship the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob with Messianic Music, Davidic Dance, anointed teachings, and life changing healings.” The Philadelphia-born Goldstein moved his family to Brandon to help establish Shoresh David Messianic Synagogue in Tampa. He and his wife Jackie, both raised in Jewish homes, have been married 29 years and enjoy family time with their four children and 10 grandchildren. They also enjoy caring for the members of their congregation. Serious and life-altering health issues have greatly impacted the Goldsteins’ lives during the last 13 years. Rabbi Don explains: “After having a massive heart attack and two minor strokes in 2001, then Acute Leukemia in 2004, then a bone marrow transplant and another heart attack after 2006 along with surviving from 12 times having pneumonia, I learned that I did not know how to pray for my own healing. I was mad that at that time I had been a believer for 28 years and had never learned the basics about healing. Once I learned and applied them I was healed and now do healing services where I teach others this information. The healing service is streamed live on the first Friday of every month at 7:30pm at www.shoreshdavidbrandon. org All other services are streamed live every Friday at the same time. The recordings of these services are on our website, too. “Marrying the love of my life Jackie just a few weeks after accepting the Lord with her,” is how he explained his happiest moments. The Goldsteins love to encourage those just beginning to explore faith in Yeshua being the Messiah. Rabbi Don offers this advice: “Learn and be convinced by the facts. As a Jewish person, I would not accept that Jesus was the Jewish Messiah and would not read the New Testament. But when I was shown in the Old Testament all the prophecies about Him, that opened my eyes and I accepted Him
Shoresh David Messianic Synagogue 4929 Bell Shoals Rd, Valrico, FL 33596 813-699-4155 shoreshdavidbrandon.org Service times: 7:30pm on Friday nights Established: 2012 Synagogue’s motto: Where Jews and Gentiles worship together in unity Special annual outreaches: First Friday of each month healing service
as my Messiah. I wrote a book for those who are seeking answers and everyone can read it free online here: http://shoreshdavidbrandon.org/ messianic-books/#friendbook He believes the strength of Shoresh David Messianic Synagogue’s ministry stems from the unity and compassion its members share. “We are a congregation of Jews and Gentiles who worship together and really love and care for one another,” Rabbi Don explained. “Our major focus is on reaching the lost, both online and off, and our healing services are a highlight where hundreds have been healed of everything from cancers, to bad backs to emotional problems and so on.” His best learned lesson in ministry involves digging into the Word. “Discipleship is the key to not raising a congregation of babies,” he said, adding “We are strongly into teaching.” Aside from Yeshua as his Messiah, the one thing Rabbi Don can’t live without is “ice cream (just kidding)… Spending time with my wife and enjoying everything the Lord has provided for us while we are still here.” As a result of his own healing, it’s evident why Psalm 118:17 would be a favorite verse: “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” Obviously, that verse ties into his favorite motto, which is “Be positive!” When asked to identify a favorite book, the avid reader responded, “Too many books to choose from!”
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Dan Cosby
RECOVERY CHURCH
Dan Cosby, ordained as a Protestant minister in 2012, established Recovery Church as a place for those who, as a result of their personal struggles, may not have been comfortable in a traditional church setting.
Way” of Christ approach it as a grand adventure where God will meet you at every turn and teach you about himself, as you wrestle with the ups and downs of 21st century life.
The pastor is also a Certified Addiction Professional. He earned those credentials in 1998 after a 20-year career as a corporate executive that required consistent travel.
In one word, he attributed “Acceptance” for the church’s success. “Many of our attendees have tried traditional church settings and have felt uncomfortable and unaccepted,” he explained. “We reach out to those in the community who have experienced brokenness in their lives and are trying to rediscover a foundation for their faith. Many grew up in a faith tradition as children and youth, but their faith hasn’t grown with them as adults, often because of their own poor choices. Oftentimes they aren’t comfortable with the ‘fellowship of the saints,’ so we provide a place to worship with a ‘fellowship of sinners.’”
His experience with addicted family members and his own workaholic behavior led him to search for solutions, so as to offer help for others. He focuses on the cognitive, behavioral (thinking/acting) aspects of addiction and believes spirituality must be considered in any holistic recovery plan. Although raised in a traditional Protestant setting, Dan found a fresh perspective on spirituality in contemporary monasticism. In addition to his ordination, he was also confirmed as an oblate in the ancient “Order of St. Benedict” after training with the monks of St. Leo Abbey. He and his wife Sharron have three children and five grandchildren. Together they enjoy movies, reading, and spending time with family. Pastor Dan recalls the defining moment, when at age six, he felt called to the ministry.”I remember telling my mom I wanted to be a preacher. With pride she asked why I would choose such a noble profession. I replied, ‘Because they only have to work one day a week.’ Of course, I have learned through the years that a pastor’s work is never done. I have served in ministry in some fashion all of my life but only chose official ordination in 2012.” Pinpointing the happiest moment of his life was simple. “That would have to be my wedding day. God gives us life partners to take away our aloneness, and since Sharron and I were married in 1974, I have never felt alone.” In offering advice to those just beginning to explore faith in Christ, Cosby said: “In the first 100 years after Christ, there were no written instructions for people to follow. In many ways the followers of Christ were conducting a magnificent experiment. I suggest that those who choose to follow “The
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“The best lesson I’ve learned in ministry is that life is a journey, a hard one, and there are no guarantees of health, wealth and happiness.” He added, “We all experience brokenness at some time in our lives and recovery is best accomplished in a fellowship of people who understand hardship and how to survive and thrive in the midst of personal storms.” Pastor Dan admits that the one thing he can’t live without, aside from Jesus Christ, is his family. “We have been ransacked with addiction, divorce, death and loss, but we are still together and encouraging and supporting each other in our individual struggles. When I reflect on how God has kept us together in spite of our mistakes and poor choices, I am truly amazed. My family encourages me by the way they continue to come together in a crisis around our common faith in Christ.” A favorite verse from The Message translation of I Thessalonians 5:23 is actually a prayer by the apostle Paul over the church at Thessalonica. “May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together – spirit, soul and body – and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The one who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it!” Cosby shares one of his own favorite thoughts with those he ministers to when they are nearing the point of decision: “There comes a point in everyone’s life when they decide to become the person God intended for them to be, instead of the person the world caused them to be.” A favorite book the pastor also recommends to those in recovery from any difficulty or addiction is The Return of the Prodigal by Henri Nouwen.
Recovery Church, Inc. OneThing Prayer Center 732 W. Lumsden Road Brandon, FL 33511 813-445-8201 www.eRecoveryChurch.com Service times: 6:30-8:00pm Wednesday evening Established: 2012 “Life is too hard to do alone; let’s do it together.” Special outreaches: Educational addiction prevention workshops for churches and communities.
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APRIL 2014 thefocusmagazine.com
Pastor Jomo Cousins LOVE FIRST CHRISTIAN CENTER
Drs. Jomo and Charmaine Cousins are the founders of Love First Christian Center, a Bible-teaching, non-denominational church in Riverview, Florida that demonstrates God’s love by sharing with its communities, county and country. Dr. Jomo is most proud of his first ministry, his 16-years marriage to his college sweetheart Dr. Charmaine and their beautiful children Jomo (14), Jamya (10), and Josiah (5). Born in Kingston, Jamaica, he moved to Washington, D.C. at age six. Although his family didn’t attend church, Jomo invited Christ into his heart while watching a Billy Graham television special. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from Florida A & M University, and subsequently has also added a Master’s degree in Divinity and a Ph.D. in Religious Philosophy. Dr. Jomo was drafted to the NFL from Florida A &M. After injuries and rehabilitation ended his football career, he moved from Orlando, where Charmaine was teaching high school, for a job as a sales trainer in Apollo Beach. Today the pastor’s fun involves playing basketball and Madden NFL Football on Playstation, as well as “going to movies with my family, but especially with my wife alone.” He remains convinced that the professional football career placed him among the right Christians who have helped him become a man of God. LFCC held its first service on July 27, 2008 and God continues to add to it daily. Dr. Jomo inspires and motivates people to seek God’s face daily in all they do to ensure they fulfill His purpose for their lives. He also travels to speak with youth about the importance of staying in school and becoming community leaders. With God’s help, Dr. Jomo is dedicated to saving souls and teaching God’s people to walk in love. The church has a vision to establish a women’s shelter and a youth center in the future. His defining moment came when the couple stopped at a yard sale on July 12, 2008. “A gentlemen we had never seen before approached and said ‘I have a word for you.’ My first thought was ‘Yeah, right,’ but he truly spoke a word: ‘If you don’t step out, God won’t step in.’ I was undone. I had been struggling with the call of ministry because I didn’t want to be a pastor. I was helping one at the time and I was ordained, but I didn’t want to pastor full time. On the same day, which was also her birthday, my wife went into labor and birthed our third child Josiah. This day we’ll never forget.
Love First Christian Center Meets at Riverview High School,11311 Boyette Road, Riverview, FL 33569 and Spoto High School, 8538 Eagle Palm Dr, Riverview, FL 33578 813-671-2009 Website: www.lfcc.tv Service times: Sunday 7:15 & 9:45am at Riverview High School; Sunday 11:45am at Spoto High School; Wednesday 7pm Bible Study at Spoto High School Established: 2008 Church’s motto: “We Live To Give” Special annual outreaches: Monthly food outreaches; Backpack Give Away in August; Fall Festival; Thanksgiving Outreach in November; quarterly food and clothing outreach in Ruskin with Lighthouse Ministries
The happiest moment in life so far is “Being a father for the first time.” To those beginning to explore the Christian faith, Pastor Jomo suggests simply “take it one day at a time.” He added, “For someone to grasp all Christ has done for us, it can be overwhelming. I recommend baby steps.” Three keys he credits to the church’s ministry successes. “We pray, we fast, and we give. When we entered ministry, I asked God what would make us different? Initially I got nothing, but then I heard Him say, ‘Start a prayer line.’ Excitedly, I agreed to do it one day a week. But, God impressed, ‘Why not more?’ I knew more was needed but didn’t want to make the commitment. So, I rebelled a few days, trying to find away around this, seeing as I initiated the question. Then I surrendered and started a prayer line. It began slowly with only a few people at 6:30 a.m, Monday through Friday, but now we have hundreds praying all over the country. We fast a few times each year, in January, during Easter and during the quarter. It’s a time of deeper fellowship and focus on God.” “We also give away bags of food every Wednesday during Bible Study, along with a hot meal, as well as give away groceries the last Sunday monthly. Our outreach is yearlong and never stops. Literally, ‘We live to Give.’” “The best lesson I have learned in ministry is that God can use anybody,” he explained. “I didn’t feel qualified to teach others about Christ. My history would have never indicated this was the path for me, but God chose to use me anyway. I am in awe every time I go before our church that people actually showed up to hear me tell them about Jesus. Only God could do this.” Aside from Jesus Christ, Dr. Jomo can’t live without is his beautiful spouse. “My wife Charmaine has been my rock through all my seasons. I have lost both my parents in the last three years, which has been truly difficult.” The definitive found in John 14:6 is his favorite verse: “Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.” His father taught him an important skill with the words, “If You Don’t Listen, You Will Feel” (as in pain), and a book he highly recommends is the classic by Napoleon Hill, Outwitting the Devil: The Secret to Freedom and Success. FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON APRIL 2014
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FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON APRIL 2014
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BUSINESS » PROFILE
SHARPESCAPES
LANDSCAPE SERVICES T
Profile by Sharron K. Cosby | Photos by: Cathy Sharpe
hrough hard work and buckets of sweat equity, husband and wife duo, Jim and Cathy Sharpe, have grown SharpeScapes Landscaping Services into a respected professional landscape services company serving Eastern Hillsborough County.
Agronomy is the science of soil management, land cultivation and crop production, while horticulture is the study of the science, technology and business involved in intense plant cultivation. Both disciplines have proven invaluable in providing services to their clients.
Jim and Cathy actually met on a college basketball court in Illinois. She challenged him to a game of hoops and the rest is history.
SharpeScapes has been in business for eight years. Prior to stepping out on their own, Jim was the golf course superintendent at a local golf course. While working full time, the couple did weekend jobs mowing lawns and landscape designs. The work increased to the point that the Sharpes took a leap of faith and opened their own business.
Cathy worked at a golf course while Jim finished his degree from University of Arizona. Jim worked side jobs at a golf course which furnished firsthand experience in the courses he was taking. Jim graduated with a double major in Agronomy and Horticulture, including an emphasis on turf grass management.
Sharpe Scapes owners Jim and Cathy
“The mission of our company is to deliver full service landscape maintenance and design to our customers, providing exceptional quality and honesty at a fair price,” Cathy explained.
“We are a team and have been since college,” Cathy said. “I do the landscape design and business stuff and Jim is the irrigation specialist and fixes all the equipment. We run the business together, making joint decisions. Where I lack in knowledge, he takes up the slack and where he lacks, my strengths shine. So, we complement each other, pooling our personal fortes to run a successful business.” When asked to explain how a new customer meeting is conducted, Cathy said, “A prospective landscape client will meet with us at the site, explaining their ideas for the design. We draw up a plan for the project, incorporating the customer’s vision and details. At a later appointment, the design is reviewed, complete with a plant listing (pictures included) so the client has an idea of what will be planted. The plans can be pruned and trimmed according to the client’s discretion and at the conclusion of the appointment, hopefully, SharpeScapes gets the job.”
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Jim said SharpeScapes’ customer base is commercial property maintenance, but they also enjoy the landscape design and installation side of the business. The company provides quality services for businesses and homeowners associations including Brandon, Valrico, Riverview and Seffner. The Sharpes are community-minded business owners. They direct their church’s, New Day, annual Parking Lot Giveaway using their leadership skills and landscape design knowledge. Jim lays out the sections of the parking lot much like he would plan an irrigation system. He uses his work skills to design an efficient venue for the event. Jim, Cathy, and their team scour yard sales for donated items from September to December, culminating in an event that serves upwards of a thousand people each year. The Sharpes can be reached by phone at 813-786-9046, 813-495-4838 or sharpejc@ msn.com. The office is located at 4520 Lithia Pinecrest Road in Valrico.
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