Fort Bend Christian Magazine | June / July 2017

Faithfully Serving Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg and Stafford

FORT BEND

Family Friendly News with an Eternal Purpose

Inside this Issue:

Cancer Free

Minimalism, Order, & Community: Why My Husband Makes Me Uncomfortable

Tracy Walker Proves God Still Performs Miracles

Classic Chevy Sugar Land: An Auto Dealer That Does More

First Annual Katy Resurrection Run Blesses Others

Finding A Home

June / July 2017

FBCM_0617.indd 1

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Letter from the Publisher FORT BEND

Volume III, Issue V

7

Bible Trivia

9

Classic Chevy Sugar Land: An Auto Dealer That Does More

14 Cancer Free Tracy Walker Proves

God Still Performs Miracles 22 “Need Wisdom?”

25 First Annual Katy Resurrection

Run Blesses Others 29 Minimalism, Order, and Community:

Why My Husband Makes

Me Uncomfortable 35 Westlake Preparatory

Lutheran Academy Cares 40 The Buzz About Fort Bend 41 Finding A Home 44 Area Church Spotlights 45 Recipe: Spicy Potato Curry Our Mission Statement: “Our mission is to have a magazine devoted to His glory, provide cutting-edge stories important to today’s Christian, promote Christian-Judeo values we find important, and editorial content that your entire family can enjoy.”

For advertising information, contact Joseph Menslage at (281) 497-6455

Another summer is upon us! With this change in the season comes the blistering Texas heat, trips to the beach, and plenty of poolside barbecues.

However, summer is also a season of change. Just the other day, my third child, Jeremiah Menslage, graduated from high school and is headed off to Texas A&M in the fall. Many of you reading this column have experienced the same thing; as a parent, graduations are bittersweet. On one hand, your job as a mom or dad is to raise your kid to have a good head on their shoulders, and hope that when they come of age, they are prepared to take on the adult world. When graduation rolls around, you’re filled with excitement that your baby is starting the next chapter of their young life. On the flipside, your kid leaving the nest is terrifying. We dread the emptiness of no longer having them around the house anymore, living together replaced with a bi-weekly phone call. The hardest part of parenthood is that we only have our children for a short time. We have to cherish those moments. When I began having kids, everyone warned me that my time with them was fleeting, and that they’d grow up far too fast. When I looked at my tiny kindergarteners, this was hard to believe. Now that I am close to the end of my child rearing years, I can see that they were right.

Father’s Day is just around the corner! As many of you know, being a dad is not the easiest of jobs. A lot of us are kids ourselves when we start raising our own. We all make mistakes, but what counts is trying every day to be the father that God calls us to be.

Young children don’t know whether or not they are rich or poor, but they do know if they are loved.

Joseph R. Menslage President/Publisher Fort Bend Christian Magazine joseph@houstonchristianmagazine.com

or email joseph@houstonchristianmagazine.com

© 2017 Fort Bend Christian Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication or website may be distributed or reproduced without prior written consent of the publisher. Advertisements and or editorial content published in Fort Bend Christian Magazine does not necessarily reflect the views of Fort Bend Christian Magazine.

To SUBSCRIBE: send a check or money order for 30.00 for a 12-month subscription to Fort Bend Christian Magazine, 650 West Bough, Suite 150-170, Houston, TX 77024. For EDITORIAL or calendar submissions, please mail them to Fort Bend Christian Magazine, 650 West Bough, Suite 150-170, Houston, TX 77024.

CUSTOMER SERVICE For 24/7 service, please visit our website: www. FortBendChristianMagazine.com. You can also call (281) 497-6455 or write to us at 650 West Bough, Suite 150-170, Houston, TX 77024.

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Meet Our Staff

Joseph Menslage Publisher

Laritza Garcia Vice President

Nayara Bautista General Sales Manager

joseph@houstonchristianmagazine.com laritza@fortbendchristianmagazine.com nayara@fortbendchristianmagazine.com

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Bible Trivia

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June / July 2017 6/12/17 7:43 PM

Classic Chevy Sugar Land: An Auto Dealer That Does More

By Caitlin Richards There is more to Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land than just being a dealership; they aim for excellence!

As a General Motors Dealer of the Year for seven straight years, Classic Chevrolet recognizes it is their loyal customers who got them there.

“Our communities give to us and the right thing to do is to give back to local organizations within the community,” Classic Chevrolet Executive Manager Jeff Sebastian said.

Giving starts at the top with Classic Chevrolet Owner Tom Durant.

He established the organization’s community-focused culture back in 1960 when the original Classic Chevrolet opened in downtown Fort Worth, which is now located in Grapevine. Like Durant, Sebastian believes in the responsibility a business has to its community.

“We are part of the community,” Sebastian said. “We just believe in giving back. It’s what it’s all about.”

Classic Chevrolet gives to the community in a variety of ways through numerous local charities and organizations. In 2015, Classic Chevrolet donated $75,000 to assist a local army veteran who needed a home. For 2016, Classic Chevrolet contributed over $300,000 to multiple charitable organizations that included the Fort Bend Women’s Center, Fort Bend Senior Meals on Wheels, Kickstart Kids, Fort Bend Education Foundation, and the Sugar Land Police Officers Association to name a few.

“We have

contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars every year,” said Sebastian.

“We are here to play our role in the community. It’s synergy in a way I suppose. We give to the community and they give to us. We give again and Continued on page 10

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the cycle continues. That’s how it works.”

Perhaps the biggest way Classic Chevrolet gives to the community though is through their Annual Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land Chili Cookoff. This year marked the seventh year for the event and they raised over $52,000 for Fort Bend first responders. Classic Chevrolet covers all of the operational expenses necessary to run the event.

The Chili Cook-off event was attended by over 2,000 people, who

enjoyed bungee jumps, rock climbing, a dunking booth, and a unique ‘beat the car’ activity. The chili cook-off had 48 teams from local chambers, businesses, and Fort Bend law enforcement and fire and EMS departments.

The event also included opportunities for the public to interact with first responders in a casual atmosphere. Fire engines, ladder trucks and SWAT vehicles were all on display for the public to learn about.

“It was bigger and better this year than it has ever been before,” Sebastian said. “We had big goals for this year and have even bigger goals for next year - raise a lot more money and have a lot more people involved.”

Every penny raised from the event went towards Fort Bend first responders, including law enforcement, fire and EMS associations, as well as, the cities of Sugar Land, Missouri City, Stafford, Richmond, Rosenberg and Meadows Place.

The secret to their success is the way they earn the community’s business. The dealership’s motto ‘Relax…and enjoy the difference’ speaks to it.

“For us, it’s not just a motto,” Sebastian said.

“It’s the way we do business because we actually want our customers to have a relaxed and enjoyable experience.”

Classic Chevrolet understands purchasing a vehicle can be a stressful experience. However, they believe it should be an exciting time for customers. The sales team aims to take the stress and pressure out of the car Continued on page 12

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buying process.

“We just want them to relax and enjoy the process, because it isn’t something you do every day,” Sebastian said.

Therefore, the Classic Chevrolet atmosphere is relaxed and it’s a no-pressure environment. The goal at Classic Chevrolet is to give the customers a good deal and great automobile shopping experience.

“We really mean it,” Sebastian said.

“Everyone says it, but we truly act it and believe it. We have some of the highest customer satisfaction scores in all of Texas, plus great reviews. We really put our money where our mouth is.”

Classic Chevrolet takes a lot of pride in the sales process, but also in their service process. They assist customers throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle.

From brand new to 100,000 miles, Classic Chevrolet is there for anyone with an automobile.

“We want to be there from the beginning and all the way through their life,” Sebastian said. “Hopefully, they will come back to us time and time again.”

The service department does everything from run of the mill maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and filter flushes to bigger service work like transmission and engine repair. They can do it all.

“When our customers come in for service maintenance, whether it is typical maintenance or service repair work that needs to be done,” Sebastian

said, “we go above and beyond to make sure customers are communicated with effectively and treated like family members.”

Some of their customers drive from over 50 miles away just to have their oil changed, because of the service they receive. Any make or model is welcomed at Classic Chevrolet, regardless of whether the vehicle was purchased there or not.

Most dealerships view customers as one-off opportunities to make a sale and put the most money in the dealership’s pockets. It isn’t that way at Classic Chevrolet though. Classic Chevrolet customers are viewed as family, where it is about how they can take care of the customer in the best way possible.

“We believe customers will appreciate our business philosophy and come back again,” Sebastian said.

“We would rather sell a customer cars for the rest of their life than just sell them one car and try to take advantage of them.”

Summer time at Classic Chevrolet means lots of inventory and lots of great deals. Come experience the Classic Chevrolet difference and start a lifelong automotive relationship at 13115 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, Texas. For more information, visit www.classicchevysugarland.com, or call 866-498-5485 for sales and 866-500-1660 for service.

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Cancer Free Tracy Walker Proves God Still Performs Miracles

By Jessa McClure Last summer, Tracy Walker was waiting for the surgery that would hopefully remove the cancerous tumors from her pancreas and liver. Her prognosis wasn’t good, but she had faith that God was going to work in her life.

She asked for prayers from friends, family, and even the Fort Bend Christian Magazine family. And now, months later, she attributes her miraculous recovery to those prayers and the mighty hand of God. “The cancer I had was one percent rare, so the only treatment is surgery to remove the tumors. One of the four tumors in my liver was inoperable because it was in the middle of the liver and next to a nerve.

That is why the prognosis was not good,” Walker said. “But because of the prayers I received, God removed that inoperable tumor.”

Doctors can’t explain why the untreatable known tumor had disappeared and that two tumors not on any previous scan were present.

“The liver surgeon felt the two little tumors with his hand,” she said. “His intuition, which I feel was led by God, told him to cut those tumors out. Now, I’m cancer free.”

By the end of the surgery, doctors had removed half of Walker’s pancreas, her gallbladder, her spleen, 29 lymph nodes and 30 percent of her liver.

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“I’m a medical miracle,” she said. “And I can prove it because I have the CAT scan where the cancer was there and after surgery it was gone.”

Although Walker was elated that surgeons were able to remove all of Continued on page 16

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June / July 2017 6/12/17 7:43 PM

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her tumors, she began to wonder why God had chosen to spare her life.

“I kept thinking, there are so many people who have cancer and don’t make it. Why me?”

It wasn’t long before she realized that her new purpose was to not only give hope to those who are facing difficult cancer diagnoses, but to tell her testimony and teach others about what she has learned about staying cancer free.

“I’ve learned that hope is not a strategy. You have to take action,” she

said. “The way I take action is by keeping my immune system amazing.”

One of the ways Walker does this is by taking supplements, which have been proven to boost immune health.

“When the three wise men visited Jesus, they offered him frankincense, myrrh, and gold. Now research has pretty much discovered that gold was turmeric,” she said. “Before my surgery I was taking up to 20 turmeric pills a day to prepare my immune system to fight.”

She also believes in using food as medicine, which means eating lots of

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June / July 2017 6/12/17 7:43 PM

fruits and vegetables, juicing, and drinking alkaline water to rid her body of toxic acid.

“My journey has taught me a lot,” she said. “I believe that life gives you lemons and God gives you the tools to make lemonade out of it, learn from it, and help other people.”

Walker has spoken to several groups about her miraculous recovery and how she continues to support her immune system for a better chance at keeping cancer at bay. She even had the chance to share her testimony at a Tony Robbins event recently.

“There were 2,000 people there. The chances of me getting picked were very small,” Walker said. “Then Tony comes across the room, walks down the aisle, passes me up, and then takes three steps back and points to me.”

The motivational speaker brought the Katy resident up on stage and she spoke of the miracles that God had performed in her life and how she was using the knowledge she’d learned to stay healthy.

“I just want to give my testimony and tell people about it,” she said. “It’s not about me. It’s about God. He gave me a purpose to help other people, and I want to help people overcome anything in life, not just cancer.”

June / July 2017 FBCM_0617.indd 17

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June / July 2017 6/12/17 7:43 PM

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Tangible Difference Learning Center Tangible Difference is coming to Sugar Land/Missouri City!

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June / July 2017 6/12/17 7:43 PM

“Need Wisdom?”

By Pastor Richard Harris Christ Evangelical Presbyterian Church James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” This is truly an incredible promise, especially because I do not know anyone who does not need a little more wisdom.

We all have little devices in our pockets that can provide us more information than we can ever absorb, but wisdom is more than information and knowledge. It seems to me that as our access to information has increased as a culture, wisdom has decreased.

We have plenty of information. We lack wisdom.

What is wisdom? A practical definition for wisdom is: the ability to apply what you know about God from His Word to the problems and opportunities of everyday life.

How do we get wisdom? James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God.” The original Greek phrase literally reads, “Let him ask the constantly giving God.” Do you know God as the giving God? The whisper in the back of your mind that keeps saying, “God is withholding blessings from you” is a lie. Your God is always the giving God. The promise in James 1:5 goes on to say, “let him ask God, who gives generously.” The word generously can also mean “simply and sincerely.”

Simplicity and sincerity in generosity means that our giving God gives pure gifts. He never returns a favor as payback nor does He expect a favor

June / July 2017 FBCM_0617.indd 21

in return. God’s gifts to His children do not become debts. The good and giving God delights to give gifts to His children without calculating the return.

The promise in James 1:5 ends by saying, “[God] gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” If it is that easy, then Continued on page 22

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why is wisdom so rare?

James 1:6-8 provides a clarifying stipulation for receiving the wisdom promised in verse 5. James says, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.”

Let me try to explain.

God is not demanding perfect faith before He will give us wisdom. I don’t think perfect faith without ever wavering or doubting is what God requires.

In the Gospels we find Jesus to be tender with doubters, ranging from John the Baptist (Matthew 11) to doubting Thomas (John 20) to the father of the sick boy who famously says, “I believe, help my unbelief ” (Mark 9).

In James 2 Abraham is lifted up as a great man of faith, but his faith was not always perfect and unwavering. The overall orientation of Abraham’s life was one of faith, but Abraham certainly doubted and wavered from time to time (Genesis 17:17).

So, what does this stipulation “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting” really mean?

Listen to verses 7-8, “For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in

all his ways.”

The key is found in the word translated “double-minded.” Many scholars believe James coined this term because this is first time this word appears in all of Greek literature.

The problem is that the double-minded person is trying to live in more than one direction at once. The double-minded person says, “I want all of God’s wisdom and blessings, but I want my way, as well.”

When God’s wisdom is pulling you in one direction and worldly wisdom is pulling you in the other, then you are going to be – as James says – “unstable in all” your ways. Imagine having one foot in one boat and the other foot in another boat and then trying to maintain your balance. Eventually, you’re going to tumble.

Instead of splitting our trust between ourselves and God, why not trust the giving God wholeheartedly? If you can’t trust the One who has already given you everything, even His Son to die for you, then who can you trust? Who else has actually earned your complete trust?

James 1:5 assures us that wisdom is included in all matters and all things.

If anyone lacks wisdom, God says, “Come and get it!”

After serving for several years as Associate Pastor of Christ Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Houston (www.cepc.org), he became their Senior Pastor in May of 2015). Richard and Alicia have four children: Lillian, Savannah, Brantley, and Elizabeth. Besides him being a regular contributing writer for Katy Christian Magazine and Fort Bend Christian Magazine, Richard has also given devotionals on KSBJ and KHCB radio stations.

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First Annual Katy Resurrection Run Blesses Others

By Caitlin Richards Eager runners and excited families filled Faith West Academy’s campus to celebrate the Easter story on Good Friday, April 14,2017 at the first annual Katy Resurrection Run. Not only was the fun run a celebration of Christ, but also and act of Christ’s love.

The run raised about $8,000 for Faith West’s Eagle Initiative, which is Faith West’s outreach to the community. The Eagle Initiative gives Faith West Camp scholarships, and provides support to numerous other community organizations and projects.

“This is only [the Eagle Initiative’s] second year,” Kirk Rightmire, Faith West public relations director said. “Therefore, this is the most we have ever raised.”

Some of the organizations and projects the Eagle Initiative supports include: Caring4Katy, Sunshine Kids, Child Protection Services Adoption Day and Christmas, Boys Ranch, Good Shepherd Home, Star of Hope, Sunshine through the Rain, Faith West Academy Band College Scholarships, Hip Hop Youth, Friends of Sundown, and Katy Christian Ministries.

“It was a great way to give back to Katy,” Joseph Menslage, Katy/Fort Bend Christian Magazines publisher and Katy Resurrection Run founder said. “Katy has been so good to our magazine and Faith West is a wonderful organization. We are so glad we were able to serve them both in this way.”

The run, certified by the USA Track and Field, featured a 5K and 1K for the nearly 300 registrants. Results from the race are now available at resurrectionrunkaty.com. A special Kidz Fun Zone provided families with additional fun with inflatables and games sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods and The Church at Cane Island.

“There were so many great memories from the event,” Menslage said. “From the runners crossing the finish line to the children enjoying themselves in the Kidz Fun Zone, everyone had a good time.”

The event wouldn’t of been possible though without title Continued on page 27

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sponsor B&B Butchers and the many others. The 2017 sponsors included: Adwebvertising, Covering Katy, The Katy News, ER Katy, State Farm Insurance Agent Matt Schomburg, State Representative John Zerwas, Christian trial lawyers Simmons and Fletcher and Belhaven University.

“We want to thank them for making this event possible,” Menslage said. “If it wasn’t for their generous time, efforts, donations and everything else, we couldn’t of pulled it off.”

The sponsors worked together flawlessly to host an event for the Katy community full of family fun, but also much more. For Christian business owner, Nick Covanes, Adwebvertising CEO and creative director, the run was a great way for Adwebvertising to put their Christian values into action.

“With [being a Christian and a Christian business], the ideas Christ taught of unity and helping one another was really carried out,” Covanes said. “Even though it is a family fun event, it is still nurturing the less fortunate in our society and helping them in ways that we may never see on this side of eternity.”

For the 2018 Katy Resurrection Run, the founders Katy/Fort Bend Christian Magazines and Faith West Academy have decided to move the event to Saturday to allow for even more families and participants.

“We were very happy with how it turned out for our first year,” Menslage said. “We are already looking forward to next year’s run and what we can do to make it even better.”

The founders also want to hear feedback from those who participated in the run. Participants can visit resurrectionrunkaty.com to fill out the feedback survey to help make the run even better.

Save the date for the 2018 Katy Resurrection Run on Saturday, March 31. Also, be sure to like the Resurrection Run Katy Facebook page to be the first to register and get news about the run!

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June / July 2017 6/12/17 7:43 PM

Minimalism, Order, and Community: Why My Husband Makes Me Uncomfortable

By Jordan Harrell Two months after we got married, Clark and I moved in with his grandmother, Mama Em. The university apartment complex we were living in (Clark had yet to graduate) allowed us to move out for the summer, so in order to save a few months’ worth of rent Clark thought, “Let’s live with my grandma!” And I was like <insert wide-eyed emoji and bride and groom emoji>.

I remember the decision being a hard one. Or… I remember me making the decision a hard one.

We are grown-ups now. We are MARRIED now. We should be responsible for our own selves, not depend on family members.

Stop mooching off of everyone else.

To which Clark replied, “It’s not mooching. It’s helping each other out. Stop being prideful.”

Then, there’s this irritating fact that he requires very little to function joyfully. He never packs a suitcase when we visit his parents. Instead, he just digs through whatever clothes were left from high school and uses the extra toothbrushes in the guest bath.

I recall a particularly ridiculous Sunday get-up consisting

Continued on page 31

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眀眀眀⸀愀搀眀攀戀瘀攀爀琀椀猀椀渀最⸀挀漀洀 䌀愀氀氀 一漀眀℀ ⠀㜀㄀㌀⤀㌀㤀㜀ⴀ㌀㠀㌀㌀ 䄀搀眀攀戀瘀攀爀琀椀猀椀渀最⸀ 䤀琀ᤠ猀 䰀椀欀攀 䄀搀瘀攀爀琀椀猀椀渀最⸀⸀⸀伀渀氀礀 䈀攀琀琀攀爀℀ 圀栀椀氀攀 漀琀栀攀爀猀 愀爀攀 琀栀椀渀欀椀渀最 漀甀琀猀椀搀攀 琀栀攀 戀漀砀Ⰰ 䄀搀眀攀戀瘀攀爀琀椀猀椀渀最 椀猀 最漀椀渀最 戀攀礀漀渀搀 琀栀攀 戀漀砀 琀漀 栀攀氀瀀 漀甀爀 挀氀椀攀渀琀猀 最愀椀渀 瀀爀漀洀椀渀攀渀琀 攀砀瀀漀猀甀爀攀 漀渀 琀栀攀 洀愀樀漀爀 匀攀愀爀挀栀 䔀渀最椀渀攀猀 氀椀欀攀 䜀漀漀最氀攀Ⰰ 夀愀栀漀漀Ⰰ 愀渀搀 䈀椀渀最⸀

䘀爀攀攀 䌀漀渀猀甀氀琀愀琀椀漀渀 愀渀搀 ㈀ ─ 漀昀昀⨀ 匀攀爀瘀椀挀攀猀 眀椀琀栀 琀栀椀猀 愀搀⸀

∠ 圀攀戀猀椀琀攀 䐀攀猀椀最渀 ∠ 匀攀愀爀挀栀 䔀渀最椀渀攀 伀瀀琀椀洀椀稀愀琀椀漀渀 ∠ 倀愀礀 倀攀爀 䌀氀椀挀欀 䄀搀瘀攀爀琀椀猀椀渀最 ∠ 匀漀挀椀愀氀 䴀攀搀椀愀 䴀愀爀欀攀琀椀渀最 ∠ 䴀愀渀愀最攀搀 䠀漀猀琀椀渀最 ∠ 倀爀椀渀琀椀渀最 匀漀氀甀琀椀漀渀猀

吀栀椀渀欀椀渀最 䈀攀礀漀渀搀 琀栀攀 䈀漀砀℀ ⨀䐀椀猀挀漀甀渀琀猀 搀漀 渀漀琀 椀渀挀氀甀搀攀 倀爀椀渀琀 倀爀漀搀甀挀琀椀漀渀 漀爀 倀愀礀 倀攀爀 䌀氀椀挀欀 䄀搀瘀攀爀琀椀猀椀渀最 䘀攀攀猀⸀

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June / July 2017 6/12/17 7:43 PM

of high-water Tommy Hilfiger tapered jeans, chunky brown loafers circa 1997, and a faded striped Nautica shirt two sizes too small. But he rocked that outfit like he was still 16 (and not a full-fledged 26) — with zero shame.

I applauded his confidence from a safe distance across the church auditorium.

This is not the actual outfit but just imagine something embarrassingly

similar. (This photo was part of the fake engagement shoot we took long before we started adulting.)

What I call “mooching” he calls “community.” In his mind, that’s what people do. We take care of each other. We help each other. Give and take.

As I’ve watched him throughout the years, this belief in mutual dependence that once made me feel awkward, guilty, uncomfortable, embarrassed, etc. became something of a sociological experiment. I found that relationships thrive when others feel helpful. They feel needed, important, valued. I realized my tendency to “be responsible for myself” was actually individualistic, prideful, and isolating.

I also realized my desire to live independently from others naturally fed into my desire to live independently from God. Where I tend to just handle all the things out of fear of bothering or smothering others, or just plain not wanting to surrender, Clark’s the first to reach out and say, “Hey friend, I have a favor to ask,” which gives him this uncanny ability to have deep relationships within a matter of minutes. It takes me years.

A couple of years ago God began a slow work in me.

I was overwhelmed. I had three tiny people who required all of me and left trails of you-name-it wherever they went. We were renting a 2,100 square foot house that was filled to the brim with stuff, most of which I didn’t even like.

My house was decorated with hand-me-downs from other relatives, dead or alive, and things I’d registered for pre-Pinterest and therefore pre-I-know-what-I-like-and-how-I-want-it-to-look. And I was DROWNING in housework even though my mom and MIL, God bless them forever and ever amen, paid for my house to be cleaned once a Continued on page 32

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month (if you’re in need of a baby shower gift idea, that’d be the one).

So after reading a few books, watching a few documentaries, and sitting at the feet of friends a lot more like Jesus than me, I began feeling pulled toward SIMPLE. When we realized we were moving, we decided to take advantage of the opportunity to easily downsize and simplify. While Clark was all LET’S GET RID OF EVERYTHING AND MOVE INTO A TINY HOME I was more I’M AT HOME BY MYSELF ALL DAY WITH THREE CHILDREN AND NEED TOYS AND PERSONAL SPACE. So that’s where we started.

We compromised on anywhere from 1,300-1,600 square feet. And funny how it turned out… that’s all we could afford in the area anyway. Boo-yah. (Eventually I’ll get into the WHY behind all this… but holy longwinded blog post, I’ll wait for that.)

We were brutally picky on what we kept and what we didn’t. I got rid of almost all my decor. If I didn’t love it, need it, pine for it, it was out. We were working towards quality and away from quantity: a few things we loved rather than a bunch of stuff we tolerated. We combed through every closet and drawer and crevice. Bedsheets. Pots and pans. Pens.

Books. Files. Magnets. Toys. We left nothing

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June / July 2017 6/12/17 7:43 PM

untouched. And packed nothing we couldn’t live without.

Then, we had a garage sale and I burned up Facebook Marketplace selling all the big items I didn’t like and buying a few pieces I did. However, I was careful not to just replace for the sake of replacing. I didn’t buy anything I didn’t absolutely adore.

Which brings us to today. We now live in 1,500 square feet of ORDER. There is order in my life for the first time in … ever? Tidiness and organization are suddenly effortless. Everything has a spot AND its spot is nearby.

I can stand in the middle of the house and be mere feet from every other room. There’s a toy in the middle of the living room? Oh! I can just toss it into the playroom a few feet away. Hattie’s shoe is under the couch? Well, let me just hop over to the girls’ room and put it in her drawer. It’s not a whole night affair. I’m not jogging up and down stairs or hiking from one end of the house to the other.

Add that to the fact that there’s less stuff to fill the smaller space and I now feel so much lighter. Nothing is stuffed. Or stacked up high. Or wadded up. Or shoved in. There’s room for everything.

As lame and cheesy as this sounds, I feel free. Like all that stuff I’d been picking up and piling up was actually burying me.

Most importantly, I feel more hospitable because having people over

isn’t nearly the chore it once was.

Which brings us back to the beginning.

Having less stuff does cause one problem: I will probably have to depend on others a bit. I will now have to borrow someone else’s ski jacket if I ever go skiing. And now that we don’t have cable, we may have to go watch a game at someone else’s house once in a while. Which probably means we should go make some new friends here. Yikes.

But isn’t that the beauty of it? We end up living more open-handedly.

We reach out to others more often when we have less stuff because we no longer belong to it, or depend on it. Rather than things, we depend on people. We know what it is to share, to give and to take. To need and to meet needs.

It’s called mooching. Just kidding. It’s called community.

Gosh. I hate it when he’s right.

Jordan and her husband Clark live in Sealy, TX with their three kids, ages 4, 3, and 1. She is a teacher turned stay-at-home-mom and attempts to blog on the blessed occasion that all three kids’ naps align. For stories that will make you feel better about yourself, visit her blog at jordanharrell.com.

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Westlake Preparatory Lutheran Academy Cares

By Caitlin Richards Students are more than a number at Westlake Preparatory Lutheran Academy. With large classroom sizes on the rise, Westlake is stepping in to make sure students don’t get lost.

“We feel like there are a lot of kids in the area who desire that extra attention with their education,” Venessa Homewood, director of admissions and marketing at Westlake said.

Whether a student is excelling beyond their potential or needing a little assistance to reach their full potential, Westlake is a good fit. The relationships developed between students, and Westlake faculty and staff are so personal it creates a very family-oriented atmosphere.

“Our kids know they are loved,” Homewood said. “We have over 220 kids and our Head of School, Judy Gerber and myself know almost every child by their first and last name.”

From the teachers to the entire school staff, students are cared for during tough times and celebrated during exciting times because of how connected the environment is.

“They’re not just another number,” Homewood said.

“They actually have a face, a personality, and a name. Each child has a story that we are all a part of.”

The mission of Westlake is to provide students with an Continued on page 36

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excellent education academically and spiritually. Strong Christian values and academic standards are the foundation of Westlake.

“We focus on the whole child,” Homewood said. “We’re helping to prepare kids for the world they are entering. We want them to be a well rounded child – educated spiritually and academically.”

As part of the Lutheran Education Association of Houston (LEAH), Westlake has a rich tradition of quality education in the greater Houston community. Other schools within the organization include Lutheran South Academy, formally Lutheran High School, (established in 1949)

and Lutheran High North (established in 1980).

Since 2008, Westlake has been serving the West-Houston area with a quality Christian education. While the students are loved, they are also taught a curriculum of excellence.

All teachers are state certified with some having higher degrees and certifications. Westlake’s curriculum is geared to match the child’s ability. If a child is excelling, they are challenged in an appropriate way. However, students who may need a little additional attention, receive it without any hesitation or concern.

“Our students are the ones who are exceling in public school and want a little bit more of a challenge, or are looking for a smaller environment,” Homewood said.

As a private school, Westlake is able to forego state standardized testing that may be causing students anxiety or disadvantaged learning.

Instead, they take a basic skills test to ensure students are on the right track for success.

“Our students are testing higher than what you would find in public school,” Homewood said. “We know they are testing higher than their pubic school counterparts because of our basic skills test.”

Besides receiving an education of excellence, students receive a foundational faith education. In addition to daily Spanish, music, and physical education special classes, students also have a daily religion class

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June / July 2017 6/12/17 7:44 PM

and weekly chapel.

“We are here to help students establish a strong foundation with their faith to help them become good students and ultimately good adults,” Homewood said. “If we can get people hearing the message of Christ and help at least one person find their faith, it would be a job well done at the end of the day.”

Students from any Christian faith are welcomed at Westlake. The largest faith at Westlake is non-denominational followed by Baptist, Catholic and then Lutheran as fourth. Additionally, students from over nine Katy and Fort-Bend zip codes attend Westlake.

“We are very diverse,” Homewood said. “We have kids from all over.

Even students with roots in Nigeria, Scotland and China.”

Westlake offers Pre-K through 8th grade with Pre-K starting at age three. Currently, enrollment applications for the 2017 - 2018 school year are being accepted. However, Westlake is seeking to grow even beyond 8th grade in the coming years. Starting in the fall of 2018, Westlake will be adding a grade a year until they reach 12th grade.

Ultimately, Westlake will have around 1,500 students on campus over the next 15 years. Plans to grow campus facilities are in place as well.

Eventually, the already two building campus will have four educational

buildings – one for early childhood, elementary, middle school and high school.

Additionally, on the 48 acres of useable land numerous sports facilities will be constructed including a football stadium, track complex, tennis courts, and baseball and soccer fields. Currently, Westlake offers volleyball, basketball, soccer and track. With the growth of their facilities, Westlake plans to see a growth in their athletic program.

“We are here to create strong kids academically and strong kids in their faith,” Homewood said. “We want to prepare them for college and beyond.”

Families interested in enrolling for the 2017-2018 school year can contact Venessa Homewood at 281-341-9910 or at venessa.homewood@ westlakeprep.org. They can call anytime to set up a private tour as well.

For the 2018-2019 school year, Westlake will be hosting three preview brunches on October 10, 2017, January 18, 2018, and March 1, 2018. All at 9 a.m. in the morning. Additionally, interested families can visit www. westlakeprep.org to find out even more about Westlake, the admissions process and tuition details.

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The Buzz About Fort Bend

The Fort Bend Christian Academy Varsity Cheer Squad for the 2017-2018 school year was recently announced. Members include: Kiley Blanchard, Hannah Potter, Paige Estes, Jalynn Gerard, Maddie Roberts, Annie Matthews, Georgia Scott, Alysa Aldredge, Sydney Hendershot, Peyton Kotch*, Maci Winters, Cory Bruns*, Manoella Giovanaz, Giselle Warren, & Skylar Shaw. Photos courtesey of Sash Day.

Fort Bend Christian Academy recently announced its JV Cheer Squad for the 20172018 school year. Members include: Naviah Dixon, Emma Temple, Kirby Harpster, Lily Mancuso*, Kristen Pierson, Mandy Kamp, & Shea Slovak.

Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert proclaimed the week of May 7- May 13, 2017 as Hurricane Preparedness Week. Hurricane season officially begins June 1st and continues through November 30th. As we enter the 2017 hurricane season, it is critical that everyone in our area becomes more knowledgeable about hurricanes and hurricane preparedness. During this week citizens are encouraged to begin to prepare a family emergency plan.

Classic Chevrolet hosted their 7th Annual Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land Chili Challenge on April. The fundraiser supports First Responders Associations in Law Enforcement, Fire and EMS of Fort Bend County and the various city entities. 48 teams eneted the chili challenge and the event raised over $52,000.

UT Physicians Community Health &Wellness Center - Rosenberg celebrated the grand opening of the newest health center at 5115 Avenue H, Suite 701 with a ribbon cutting.

UT Physicians staff, Chamber representatives, elected officials and over 350 guest enjoyed tours of the new facility; fun activities for the attendees; free health screenings; including a meet and greet with the Rosenberg Fire and Police Department.

The fourth annual Calvary Episcopal Preparatory Drama Club musical extravaganza of the Lion King Jr. featured 100 students in show stopping costumes and production numbers. An all-volunteer endeavor, parents, teachers, administration and community members come together to create a one of a kind school based production. Students in kindergarten through 12th grade audition and prepare for this all-encompassing show.

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The Buzz About Fort Bend

Approximately 2,600 students from across Texas attended the 2017 Private Schools Interscholastic Association (PSIA) Academic State Meet on May 6th at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX. The students qualified to participate in the PSIA State Meet by placing first of second individually in one or more contests at the District Meets.

CEP sent 24 students to State after taking took 1st overall at the district in March.

8th grade students from Calvary Episcopal Preparatory recently visited Washington, D.C. The group toured the historic sites in Philadelphia, then Gettysburg, before heading into Washington, D.C. Students work hard raising over half of the cost for the trip but they also prepare academically.

On Tuesday, April 25, 2017, Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert presented a proclamation to Bruce Mercer, President of Fort Bend County Women’s Center, and several of the center’s employees, proclaiming the month of April as ‘Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention’ month. During the month of April, citizens are asked to support and encourage creating awareness that sexual assault can be prevented if all citizens work jointly to create a culture of mutual respect and consent.

Middle school student Joshua Ashiofu represented Fort Bend Christian Academy at the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) National Spelling Bee Championship in Washington D.C. In the tough D.C. competition primarily made up of 7th and 8th grade students, Joshua made it through six of the nine rounds of spelling.

Riveredge Dentistry opened its doors to business owners and community members as the Crate Crossfit celebrated their grand opening with family, local business leaders and Central Fort Bend Chamber celebrated with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, Central Fort Bend Chamber representatives with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on April 27, 2017. Owner, Dr. Nester Arrellano thanked all who came to show their support.

Thursday, April 13, 2017. Crate Crossfit offers all levels of workouts from competition Riveredge Dentistry is a Family General Dental practice near Brazos Town Center at ready to the individual that is just starting out. For more information, visit their website 535 FM 2977, Suite 138, Rosenberg, TX 77469. Riveredge Dentistry has been in at: www.cratecrossfit.com. Or stop by their location at 19830 FM 1093 Suite 2401, business in Advertising Sugar Land for 20 years and has just relocated office to Rosenberg.

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Finding A Home

By Caitlin Richards Home is where love resides, memories are created, friends and family belong and laughter never ends. A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.

The quotes that attempt to capture the essence of a home can go on and on. Searching for the perfect house to transform into a quote-worthy home can seem daunting and unattainable though.

Joe Gorczyca with JLA Realty has recently established his real estate business in the Katy and Fort Bend areas but isn’t new to what it takes to create a home. After creating the quote-worthy home of his family’s dreams, Joe wants to help families, couples and singles find the quote-worthy home of their dreams.

“My life is about helping people,” Joe said. “It’s part of what I have come to know about myself. It’s what gives me joy and what gives me the incentive to do what I do. It also helps me make sure that when I commit to doing something, it’s about that purpose [of helping people.]”

He also added, “my faith is the foundation for everything in my life – church, family, work, and community. I have been very blessed and want to be a blessing to others.” Joe serves on the executive board for a mental health organization, leads a support group at his church, and is a published author.

Collectively Joe’s past experiences have enabled him to be a one of a kind realtor in the Katy and Fort Bend areas. He came to Houston a little over 30 years ago and witnessed the tremendous growth of this area.

As a result, Joe has developed an insight into the various communities that have been a product of the area’s expansion. With his particular interest in family, Joe has a strong understanding of the schools, churches, and community groups within these communities as well.

“It isn’t just about looking for a house,” Joe said. “It’s about helping families plan for their future. That’s the way I look at it.”

Whether it is a growing family upgrading to a larger house or empty nesters needing to downsize, Joe seeks to understand the needs of his clients to navigate them to the home they are looking for.

Part of that is helping clients sell their home as they prepare to move or find a new home to buy. Joe seeks to help those currently in the West Houston, Fulshear, Katy and Richmond areas, as well as, Sugar Land and Missouri City.

A family, couple or single looking to relocate to the area can call on Joe. Ultimately, the goal for Joe is to help all of his clients be in the place that works best for them in their specific stage of life.

“It is especially rewarding for me to help younger families with their plans to find a home, and later on get into their next home as their family grows,” Joe said. “There is a special excitement and energy that goes with that. I get a lot of personal reward in helping families in those particular situations.”

Sometimes the season of a client’s life where a home change is needed is not the easiest of seasons because of a divorce or a new caregiver role. Joe, having a blended family himself, genuinely understands these challenges.

“I can relate to many of the challenges that people go through,” Joe said. “It is important [as a realtor] to understand those things about folks if you are really going to help them in the best way.”

It makes sense that Joe is known as the professional, friendly realtor. Prior to being a realtor, Joe worked in corporate human resources where he developed a keen ability to positively work with people from all walks of life.

Continued on page 42

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For Advertising Information, Call (281) 497-6455 • www.FortBendChristianMagazine.com • 41 6/12/17 7:44 PM

“My previous work of being focused on people’s needs is really what gave me a great background to move into doing real estate work,” Joe said.

In his previous role, Joe worked with people from 40 different countries around the globe. Consequently, making him familiar with international relocation, as well.

“The bottom line with the real estate business is it’s a people business,” Joe said. “That’s the reason I feel [being a realtor] is a good fit for

my overall purpose to help people, and that’s ultimately doing work in what I consider the people business.”

Being a realtor goes beyond just doing a set of transactions for Joe’s clients. He genuinely wants to be a resource for his clients to make the real estate process as smooth as possible and result ultimately in over-the-moon satisfaction.

When Joe isn’t helping clients find their quote-worthy home, he is spending time with his family in his very own quote-worthy home.

He and his wife have created a home that cultivates the ultimate house experience for their grandchildren.

“Our home is a place for family to gather together and really just have fun,” Joe said. “We have a pool, a big two-level tree house, a game room, and a media room. So when we gather it’s to be able to just relax, enjoy and have fun.”

As a Realtor who enjoys spending time in his home with his family, Joe wants to help his clients find the quote-worthy home of their dreams.

Families, couples, and singles should contact Joe at 281-814-8934 or joe_gorczyca@yahoo.com. He truly wants to help you find your special kind of home. For more information about his services, visit www.jag-realtor.com.

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FORT BEND FAMILY YMCA 4433 Cartwright Road, Missouri City, TX 77459 • 281-499-9622 T.W. DAVIS FAMILY YMCA 911 Thompson Hwy, Richmond, TX 77469 • 281-341-0791 YMCA Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Everyone is welcome.

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June / July 2017 6/12/17 7:44 PM

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25358 Canyon Fields Dr. | Richmond, TX 77406 281-21-BELLA bellavisionmontessori.com For Advertising Information, Call (281)(3552) 497-6455 |• www.FortBendChristianMagazine.com • 43 6/12/17 7:44 PM

Area Church Spotlights Looking for a church home in or around the Fort Bend area? Here are a few great area churches to check out. For a complete list of churches and other faith-based organizations, visit our website at fortbendchristianmagazine.com Bound 4 Glory Ministries

25358 Canyon Fields Dr. 4508 Hwy 6 N. Houston, TX 77084 (281) 855-3920 bound4gloryministries.com Manuel & Tanika Mukes serve as lead pastors of Bound 4 Glory Ministries in Houston, TX. Manuel is the founder of the Godley Boyzz Men’s Ministry and has published a book entitled, “Givers are Getters.”

Tanika is the founder of the Kingdom Chicz and the Demon Crusher women’s ministries. Tanika’s latest project was her book, entitled “Coming Out The Cage.” Manuel and Tanika Mukes have many accomplishments, awards, and achievements; yet their greatest are their four girls, Tymanie, Manunika, Manuion, and Manuija; and their two boys, Manuel and Chris.

Church at Cane Island

123 FM 1463 Katy, TX 77494 (832) 248-2371 thechurchatcaneisland.org The Church at Cane Island is a nondenominational church in Katy, Texas. We exist

Church on the Rock – Katy

to “Connect our Community to Christ.” We love our community for its rich history and its bright future. As our community grows, and our diverse population paints the beautiful tapestry of West Houston, we have a deep desire to build and maintain strong and meaningful relationships in every community. “Connecting our Community to Christ” is our motivation to build these relationships through service, fellowship, and especially the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is our call to action and our response to the command of Christ to “go and make disciples.”

As a church we are blessed to connect with multiple ministries, charitable organizations, community improvement projects, and other events and programs that strive to build a better community for all of our friends and neighbors. Our desire is to meet people where they are and share the truth of God’s love for them. We are a church that doesn’t mind getting messy. When life gets messy, and it always does, there is great comfort in having a community that loves you regardless of the mess.

This is our church and we pray that God will be glorified in every connection that we make to build the kingdom of Christ.

We meet each week at Katy High School at 9:30AM. We serve in various ways throughout our community. Come and get with messy with us and be a part of “Connecting our Community to Christ!”

433 Barker Cypress Rd. Houston, TX 77094 (281) 599-9777 rocakaty.com

Church on the Rock Katy held its first public meeting on September 20, 1998 at the Omni Hotel as a church plant from Church on the Rock Houston. Pastor Jorge H. Cardenas and his wife Olivia responded to the Call of God to serve as lead pastors.

The ministry flourished from the start and quickly grew to about 500 members in less than five years.

In 2008 the church moved to its current location.

The congregation is made up of a very diverse ethnic group, with members who are originally from many nations around the world. As part of its International Mission, Church on the Rock Katy oversees 15 churches in Central and South America.

Besides the regular Sunday and Wednesday worship and Bible Studies services in English and Spanish, Church on the Rock Katy also has a Spanish Bible Seminary, a music school, a dance studio, and an International Pre-school-to K-2 in French, English and Spanish, along with indoor and outdoor soccer academies. The indoor soccer arena is considered to be one of the best for playing futzal ( indoor soccer).

Living out the gospel and love of Jesus every day

Worship -10:45 a.m. | Bible Study - 9:30 a.m.

Dulles Ave.

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Court Rd

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Student Ministry 7:00 p.m.

2223 FM 1092 | Missouri City, Texas 77459

6

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(281) 403-4994 | www.hbctx.org

44 • For Advertising Information, Call (281) 497-6455 • www.FortBendChristianMagazine.com FBCM_0617.indd 44

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Recipe: Spicy Potato Curry • 4 teaspoons curry powder • 4 teaspoons garam masala • 1 (1 inch) piece fresh ginger root, peeled and minced • 2 teaspoons salt • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes • 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinsed and drained • 1 (15 ounce) can peas, drained • 1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk Directions 1. Place potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until just tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and allow to steam dry for a minute or two.

2. Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Season with cumin, cayenne pepper, curry powder, garam masala, ginger, and salt; cook for 2 minutes more. Add the tomatoes, garbanzo beans, peas, and potatoes. Pour in the coconut milk, and bring to a simmer. Simmer 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Ingredients • 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1 yellow onion, diced • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 2 teaspoons ground cumin • 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

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Miles / Year: 12,000 Overage Charge: .15. No security deposit. With approved credit. $13.89 for every $1000 financed. Down payment will vary depending on credit rating. Example down payment 10% of MSRP. See dealer for details. More than 5 at this offer. Plus TT&L. $160 doc fees. Offer Ends: 5/31/17. [8] 2017 Toyota RAV4 LE. 0% APR for 72 months. Model Number: 6942 Amount down at signing: $1999 Net Cap Cost $23,366. Miles / Year: 12,000 Overage Charge: .15. No security deposit. With approved credit. $13.89 for every $1000 financed. Down payment will vary depending on credit rating. Example down payment 10% of MSRP. See dealer for details. More than 5 at this offer. Plus TT&L. $160 doc fees. Offer Ends: 5/31/17. [9] 2017 Toyota Tundra SR5 4.6L V8 Double Cab 4x2. 0% APR for 60 months Plus $1500 Special Edition Bonus Discount. $16.67 for every $1000 financed. Down payment will vary depending on credit rating. Example down payment 10% of MSRP. On approved credit. See dealer for details. More than 5 at this offer. Offer ends 5/31/17.

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