“Every woman wonders, dreams, loves, laughs, lives with hope, desire, compassion and uncertainties…come experience what God has designed with Every Woman in mind…” EVERY WOMAN
APRIL 2012
A Word from the Editor...
INSIDE THIS ISSUE A WORD FROM THE EDITOR
1
THE CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
2
A LOOK AT AN EXTRAORDINARY WOMAN
2
THE TRUE MEANING OF FAMILY
3
AN INT’L STORY OF COURAGE
3
POETRY CORNER: “BE A FRIEND”
4
MORE THAT JUST AN ORDINARY DAY
4
SERVING OUR VETERANS
5
THE DIVINE HOSTESS RECIPE CORNER
5
HEALTH TIP: WELLNESS & FITNESS
6
FROM THE BOOKSHELF
6
FROM THE FOUNDER’S DESK
7
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES FROM PASTOR RALPH
7
ANNOUNCING: ICFF’S ON YOUTUBE!
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Sometimes while going through the day God has to get my attention on certain things…especially those things that I’m taking for granted and really not paying much attention to. Here is one of those things...It always seems to amaze me how I am constantly reminded of the extraordinary women in my life! I mean think about it...there is greatness all around us in the form of another woman. Whether it is your mom, a favorite aunt, sisters, cousins, neighbors, you name it, she’s there. Take some time okay...how about right now and jot down names of women who have really inspired, you cared for you, influenced, motivated entrusted, you in ways you never thought. Now, I have some questions to ask you...do they know this??? And...are you that to other women? That’s what our Every Woman International newsletter strives for with each publication. Our goal is that Every Woman International becomes just that to all women because in reality, this influence, caring, motivation, inspiration has all come from God . Don’t believe me? Ok, read Psalm 139, and then we’ll talk! God knows each of us intimately and provides ultimate love, and also knows we need each other to reach out and give this love to others. Just look at our contributing writers this month! We are just ordinary women, living our lives, and wanting to be used by God to show other women His extraordinary Life! You’ll see within this addition of Every Woman International not only articles from myself, our Ministry Chaplain, Minister, and our Senior Pastor, but a mother, a student, a grandmother, all walks of life…beautiful isn’t it? And, here’s a thought, you can join in as well! Give this newsletter to women in your life, use the recipes, look at the resources, think of ways you can contribute for the next publication, etc. There is no end on what we all can do to motivate, inspire, care for one another through an “everyday woman”. Enjoy! Pastor Susanne About Pastor Susanne
Pastor Susanne has lived in San Diego for 39 years, and has one adult daughter, Amber, who is getting married in September. She is employed by HR Block as their West Territory Training Manager, covering Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii. But, if you ask her, she will state that her heart and real job is this Ministry. She has been involved with ICFF since its inception with all aspects of the Ministry, and is currently the Women’s Pastor. Pastor Susanne loves her parents very much and is the oldest of 5 siblings. She loves to dance, knows the lyrics to just about any song. She is also an avid reader, so you will rarely catch her without her Kindle.
ICFF Mission Statement: “Reaching the surrounding communities through comfort, truth and love.”
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EVERY WOMAN INTERNATIONAL
The Chaplain’s Corner... As women, we are often overwhelmed with feelings that we are the caretakers of the world. We give out of ourselves, and yet, we feel what we give out isn’t always returned. We also feel like we have to be the nurturers and cheerleaders of life. It is a God-given ability in us as women, but we are often led too much by emotion, making us neglect our own feelings. These could be feelings of being lost and depleted, while we pour ourselves into others. We feel we are responsible to save and heal everyone's ills, but in reality, we cannot. The gift in us that desires to do all of
the above is also what God is actually known for, except He does it in its proper order towards us. As women, we must remember that we are God’s resource. What we are able to do in our relationships with family, friends, and our selves through God’s Word, is to exercise words of wisdom, healing, compassion and restoration. These lead those in need back to the True Source, God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 tells us, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the
comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
- Chaplain Marta Soliz Ferguson About Chaplain Marta
Chaplain Marta was born in Calexico, California, and is the proud mother of three beautiful adult children. She has worked with Federal Express for over 27 years and is a community leader. She has actively worked in the ministry for over 20 years and currently serves as the Chaplain of Inner-City Faith Fellowship. She is very artistic and amazing at producing dramas and writing scripts. She loves to dance, enjoys jazz, the theater, ballet, opera and the arts. She also loves spending time with family, trips to the beach, traveling and watching “Law and Order”.
A Look At An Extraordinary Woman... What do you say about a woman who lived 108 years? A woman who lived decades and has experience more that we will probably experience in a life-time. Well, there’s much to say about my dear grandmother, Ellie Clark Johnson Chavis, who was born on June 26, 1903. She is a true testament of what it looks like to serve and obey God. She walked in fellowship with others every moment of her life. When you read Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the Spirit, that completely describes Grandma Ellie. Writing this article is bittersweet, and gives me both sadness and happiness, because my dear Grandma Ellie passed away on March 22, 2012. Sadness because we all will miss her immensely, but joyful because she knew the Lord. She lived a long and fruitful life serving God, and leaves a beautiful legacy behind.
BUT WHO WAS ELLIE? Grandma Ellie was truly a virtuous woman and a blessing to all who knew her. I can reflect on the times spent growing up in her care. She always seemed to be so happy and truly loved the Lord, our family and her friends more than anything else. Grandma Ellie lived out her days with conviction and confidence in her relationship with God. There was never a day that she didn’t speak of His goodness, kindness and great mercy towards us all. She was a peacemaker, very encouraging, and managed to see the good in everyone (even those others would deem not so good). Whenever you spent time around her you felt a sense of peace and couldn't help but smile. Even in the nursing home where she lived; she received visitors all the time from random people that she didn't even know. The nurses told us that people were just drawn to her room for some reason (but we know why).
I really thank God for His mercy towards her and that she passed quietly. I am reminded of John 14:3, when God said He has prepared a place for us and that includes my grandma. I am happy to say she is now in Christ (at home with the Lord). Thank you for allowing me to introduce grandma to you all…
- Minister Lisa M. Harris About Minister Lisa
Minister Lisa was born and raised in North Carolina, and moved to San Diego, California in 1991. She is the youngest of seven siblings, but is not spoiled ;-). She works as an executive assistant at San Diego Gas & Electric and serves as a minister and deaconess at Inner-City Faith Fellowship. She loves to sing, dance, go to plays, listen to jazz, watch “Dancing with the Stars”, and is slightly hooked on Hallmark and Lifetime. She is a movie buff, who loves her popcorn. Her bucket list is to tour ITALY, visit Australia, Ireland, and the tropics!
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The True Meaning of Family... The very first thought that comes to mind when the word family is mentioned is: People who are related in some form or fashion. While this is true in one manner, family can also include people that are not related by kinship. As we progress in life, we have close relationships with people that we are employed with, people that are close friends, our church family and our neighbors. Some of these people are like family. They will show great regards for your well being. Families live in different parts of the world. Some live in suburban areas, the city, or rural areas. It doesn’t matter where they reside, communicating with family is important. Technology of today makes communicating easy. Some of the methods used include e-mail, texting, telephone, and writing. Sometimes there are misunderstanding and disagreements
with family members. Solving the problem is not an easy task, but families should try to be tolerant of one another. God communicates with us and listens to our problems. We should honor Him enough to do the same for our family. Jesus shows us examples in many ways. Praying, forgiving, and loving one another should be at the top of our family priority list. God gives us an example of the greatest love in John 3:16 when He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. This shows us that it is very important to love one another. Matthew 6:12-15 gives an explanation of why forgiveness is important, and the outcome if we choose not to be a forgiving family. In Mark 4:22, Jesus talks about faith in God, prayer, and forgiveness. Some other scripture references include: John
Matthew 6:9-12. I believe that God esteems families highly and we as a family should live up to God’s expectation to the best of our knowledge. We should always be open to continuously studying the Word, and learning ways to live in a manner that is acceptable in God’s sight. Be thankful that we have the greatest example that we should follow which is Jesus Christ, our Lord.
- Rebecca Dubose About Ms. Rebecca
Ms. Rebecca was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, and is the mother of five adult children and a community leader. She has been an a RN for 37 years and an educator for 17 years. Although she is retired, one would never know it because she spends much of her time mentoring students. Ms. Rebecca loves basketball, bowling, bingo, shopping for bargains, listening to jazz and trying new foods and gardening. She has a great sense of humor, loves to read and is undefeated at the game of Scrabble.
15:9-13, 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 and
An International Story of Courage...
"Whip me if you dare," was Lubna Hussein's defiant message to judges in Sudan, where the former journalist was arrested for the crime of wearing trousers. Hussein soon attracted international attention as a symbol of women's oppression in countries with strict interpretations of Islamic law. She was arrested at a restaurant in
Khartoum in 2009 under restrictive decency laws, beaten in a police van and held with 12 other trouserwearing women who had also been arrested. Ten of the women pleaded guilty and were given 10 lashes and fined, but Hussein asked to go to trial. As a press officer for the UN, she was offered immunity from prosecution but she resigned so that she could face the charge, inviting women's rights campaigners, protesters and journalists to her trial – and where her sentence could be 40 lashes. "I am not afraid," she said in an interview. "It is my chance to de-
fend the women of Sudan." Hussein was not sentenced to flogging, but was fined and briefly imprisoned when she refused to pay; other women who haven't been given international attention have since been flogged under public decency laws. Despite death threats, Hussein continues to speak out about women's rights in Sudan. ~~~~~ Article taken from theguardian news article. Photograph of Lubna Hussein. By Mohamed Nureldin Abdallh/Reuters. You can read the full article by clicking here: http:// www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/aug/02/sudanwomen-dress-code
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EVERY WOMAN INTERNATIONAL
Poetry Corner: Be A Friend... Be a friend. You don’t need money, just a disposition sunny. Just the wish to help another get along some way or other. Just a kindly hand extended out to one who’s unbefriended. Just the will to give or lend this will make you someone’s friend. Be a friend. You don’t need glory. Friendship is a simple story. Pass by trifling errors blindly, gaze on honest effort kindly. Cheer the youth who’s bravely trying, pity him who’s sadly sighing. Just a little labor spend on the duties of a friend. Be a friend. The pay is bigger (though not written by a figure). Than is earned by people clever in what’s merely self-endeavor. You’ll have friends instead of neighbors for the profits of your labors. You’ll be richer in the end than a prince, if you’re a friend. - by Edgar A. Guest
More Than Just An Ordinary Day... Late Saturday afternoon after one of our women’s planning meetings, I went home to clean and organize my house. A few hours had gone by and I said to myself, “you have done enough for today, it’s time for you to relax”. I went over to my neighbor-friend Kim’s house. At Kim’s was my other neighbor Olga, and Kim’s friend Tom, chilling and waiting for Tom’s daughters Taylor and Maya to come over for their weekend visit with daddy. They are so adorable. I went over to my house for something, and the next thing I knew, everyone was at my house playing WII bowling! So here we all are …bowling having a good time. After a while, I found myself in the kitchen talking to Tom. Tom is going through his second divorce, and has a drinking problem, not to mention that he owns a bar.
As I was talking to Tom, I could feel the Holy Spirit talking to me, giving me words of encouragement to share with Tom. I wanted Tom to see the two most important things in his life to live for were the two beautiful girls in my living room laughing and having a good time. His 7yr old, Taylor, was in a karate competition earlier that day, and she came in 1st place for breaking wood in half. I wanted him to see how important it was for him to be there for that, and for Taylor to look up and see her daddy there cheering her on. “It’s moment like these that you don’t want to miss out on. You want to see them grow up into young ladies, see them off to college, walking them down the aisle on their special day.” Tom began to tear up so, I told him it’s going to be ok. It’s a bump in the road that can be fix. I told Tom pray and ask the Lord to give him strength
and help clear is mind and his heart. I put my hand on Tom’s shoulder and he just let out a big sigh. For me, especially being a babe in getting to know the Lord, He has given me the ability to speak to someone that is feeling down, and needing some words of hope. I never thought in a million years that I would be that person. What I do know now is this, God works in many ways…Just believe this with all your heart!
- Demetra Fason About Demetra
Demetra was born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin, and is the youngest of eight siblings. She works as an Service Insurance Agent at Federal Express and serves in the Ministry of Helps department at InnerCity Faith Fellowship. Demetra loves to help others and is community-minded. She has a great personality, loves to shop, is a social butterfly, who loves to travel, enjoy good food, jazz events and outings.
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Serving Our Veterans... “Nurse Laura is the sole nurse for some 200+ veterans. She shares this story with us as a proud woman/nurse who serves the veterans at Veterans Village of San Diego”
- Jeanette Armijo ~~~~ Lt. Gen Patricia Horoho, RN, MSN, MS completed the path that took her from a job as a staff nurse to a historic post with the U.S. Army, be-
coming the first woman and first nonphysician to assume the role of Army Surgeon General during a ceremony Dec 7, 2011. The Army Surgeon General serves as the medical expert on the Army staff, advising the secretary of the Army, the Army Chief of Staff, and other Army leaders and providing guidance to field units. “Some say that I am cracking the glass ceiling” Horoho said in a U.S. Army Medical Command news release. “I would submit that I am just the next person that is passing through the crack that has been opened by pioneers, leaders that came before me regardless of gender, culture, race or creed. What I
bring to the job is not my gender nor my clinical discipline, but my 28 years of experience and education in the field of healthcare”.
- Article written by Laura Suarez About Jeanette
Jeanette was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She is the eldest of six siblings and is an inspiration and encouragement to those who know her. Jeanette is very loving, funny, loves to dance, but says she has two left feet ;-). She enjoys the culinary arts and photography, and is the proud owner of Jeanette Armijo’s Massage Therapy business, located in San Diego.
The Divine Hostess Recipe Corner... As a child, I became a bookworm shortly after I learned to read. Books were a way to cozy up during cold weather and let my imagination run wild. My all time favorite children’s novel is, The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner. The book starts out with four hungry orphans, Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny, of which no one knows who they are and from where they came. Family or no family, they were most importantly hungry and homeless. The story carries on as the four children, so closely knit find a way to survive and take care of one another as they live in an old abandoned boxcar. One scene that is really heart warming, is when the children use their creativity and ingenuity to build their own makeshift kitchen. Then, from a little meat and small amount of vegetables, they make
a delicious stew. As they enjoy their dinner, you can almost taste the slowcooked goodness as the smell of the warm brown stew wafts off the pages and into the room with you. It was here that my imagination and love for writing married with my curiosity about food. On a chilly cloudy day, it is the perfect time to use my own imagination to cook up a delicious and hearty stew that takes me back to my childhood. I hope you enjoy the recipe.
- Tiffini Buchanan About Tiffini
Tiffini is a native of San Diego, CA, and is the oldest of three sisters. She is currently completing her Masters Degree in Engineering at CSU Los Angeles in CA and holds a Bachelors in English. Tiffini loves to read, is a great writer, fantastic cook, a health enthusiast and can put any outfit together with flair. Her divine philosophy is to eat well and live well. Tiffini is very creative, has a great sense of humor, and is a great party planner.
Henry, Jessie, Violet & Benny’s Stew
INGREDIENTS 4 stalks of celery minced 3 carrots roughly chopped 1.5 cups of potatoes in 1 inch cubes 2 to 3 vegetarian or chicken bouillon cubes (Veggie or chicken broth as substitute) Black Pepper Cumin 21 seasoning solute 2 TBSP chopped Parsley fresh or freeze dried 1/4 minced white onion 1 TBSP minced garlic 2 tsp olive oil 1 cup of lentils (Can also be made with chicken breast pieces or steak. If meat is used, it will need to be added after step 1 and allowed to cook a little while longer.)
Click link below for the full recipe. http://divinehostess.wordpress.com/2012/03/18/ henry-jessie-violet-bennys-stew/
EVERY WOMAN INTERNATIONAL
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Health Tip: Wellness & Fitness Dr. Oz’s Recommendations for Healthy Living Wellness doesn’t just happen. Only conscious choices can give you a vibrant, enery-filled existence. Like any other challenge in life, treat positive lifestyle changes as an opportunity to mature and grow. Plus, being healthy can be fun!
DIET before bed. Put a staAvoid refined, processed foods tionary bike in front of (basically, anything with white flour). your TV and only Avoid toxic fats, i.e., foods that are watch while pedaling. fried or made with hydrogenated oils. Develop a stretching Eat foods rich in phytonutrients, e.g., routine for increased flexibility. For berries, cruciferous vegetables and soy- instance, try simple yoga poses. beans. ~~~~ FITNESS Articles provided by Keep a set of medium-weight Heart Health Advice from the dumbbells by your bed. Do a couple Nation’s Best Cardiologists of reps when you wake-up and at night http://health.discovery.com/fansites/droz/tips_02.html
From the Bookshelf.. “Getting inspired from reading has many benefits, so we would like to dedicate this section to encourage all of us to READ.” This month we are highlighting “Made to Crave…Satisfying Your
Deepest Desire With God, Not Food” by Lisa TerKeurst. ~~~~ “I roll over and look at the clock. Another day. Beyond all reason and rationality, I slide out of bed and strip off everything that might weigh even the slightest ounce as I head to the scale. Maybe today will be the day the scale will be my friend and not reveal my secrets. Maybe somehow overnight the molecular structure of my body shifted and today I will magically weigh less. But no. I yank out my ponytail holderhey, it’s got to weigh something-and decide to try again. But the scale doesn’t change its mind the second time. It is not my friend this day. Vowing to do better, eat healthier,
and make good choices I head to the kitchen only to have my resolve melt like the icing on the cinnamon rolls my daughter just pulled from the oven. Yum. Oh, who cares what the scale says when this roll speaks such love and deliciousness. Vowing to do better, eat healthier, and make good choices, I head into my day only to find myself making more excuses, rationalizations, and promises for later. Always later. And the cycle I’ve come to hate and feel powerless to stop continues. But I did need to make changes and I knew it. Because this wasn’t really about the scale or what clothing size I was; it was about this battle that raged in my heart. I thought about, craved and arranged my life too much around food. So much so, I knew it was something God was challenging me to surrender to His control. Really radical changes for the sake of my spiritual health perhaps even more than my physical health. Part of my surrender was asking myself a really raw question.
May I ask you this same raw question?
Is it possible we love and rely on food more than we love and rely on God?...” ~~~~ If you have a book you feel will inspire women, please feel free to send your recommendations to us!
- Pastor Susanne
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From the Founder Desk... A new year presents change, and with change comes opportunity! We all have the privilege to do something that will make a difference in our world. Each one of us have a part to play in the overall scope of things. Changing the world happens one person at a time, by affecting and influencing where we live. Don’t overlook the good that you can do at home by reaching out to the needs of those in front of you. Sometimes we want to save the world—and that’s a tall order. Remember, God is in control and has given us a neighbor to care about.
Every Woman International has the opportunity to touch and change lives one woman at a time, and one family at a time by, gathering together, sharing and planning. Each person involved represents every woman because together they are every woman. It’s nationality, ethnicity, and cultural differences that makes a great salad bowl of opportunity. I’m excited to be a part of this very necessary resource, and thank God for the inspiration the women bring to our world.
- Senior Pastor Ralph E. Buchanan
Inspirational Quotes from Pastor Ralph Did you know that Ralph E. Buchanan, Senior Pastor of Inner-City Faith Fellowship, is an author, writer and speaker? His teachings can be heard from California, to North Carolina, on the Continent of Africa, and other international locations. He is currently writing several book, some based on his teaching series from ICFF, which can be found by visiting our webpage at www.icff.org. One of the books he is currently writing will give a series of inspirational quotes that will help you find applications for daily living. Here are a few of his copyrighted quotes. “Have you ever considered that the things that are happening to you are actually happening for you?” “Finding purpose is finding your place to serve.” “Fear diminishes possibilities.” “Peace is the absence of chaos.”
This is merely a sample of the hundreds of quotes written by Pastor Ralph. Stay tuned for this book, and other inspiring writings in your local bookstore and online.
NEED INSPIRATION?
Announcing: ICFF’s On YouTube! YouTube, founded in 2005, is a site that allows its users to upload multimedia and watch originally-created and exciting videos around the globe. These included teachings, music and other forums that are designed to inform, inspire, and connect us with those around the world. This is an awesome platform to GET THE WORD OUT. Our use of YouTube is to reach the surrounding communities with God’s comfort, truth and love. At ICFF, we are truly blessed with awesome leadership and the opportunity to be taught a series of teach-
ings every week. These teachings help us renew our mind, strengthen our faith and encourage us in our walk with Christ, while sharing the gospel with others. In our latest string of teachings, we went from understanding “What’s In A
Name? taught by Senior Pastor, Ralph E. Buchanan, which explains what God’s names mean and how vital it is to know and understand THEM for our lives and relationship with Christ— to learning what “Obeying God’s Commands” looks like,
Click Picture to Watch!
while going through deliverance, even with Jesus—to finding out “What We Are Known For?”, taught by
Chaplain Marta Soliz Fergusson, as we learned that the WHY’s of what may be said about us is not more important than WHO God, the One that can change us says we are. We encourage you to take some time for YOURSELF, listen to our latest teachings, find some applications, and forward the links to your family and friends.
“What’s In A Name?” By Senior Pastor Ralph E. Buchanan
“Obeying God’s Commands” By Pastor Susanne Bernal
“What Are You Known For?”
By Chaplain Marta Soliz Ferguson
taught by Pastor Susanne Bernal, as we experienced the human conditions we all have
ICFF Vision Statement: We, as an organization, will become a House of Influence that will provide resources for the spirit, soul and body to those who are hurting around the world. FOUNDER & EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Ralph E. Buchanan, ICFF, Inc. EDITOR IN CHIEF Susanne Bernal DESIGN DIRECTOR Lisa M. Harris CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Marta Soliz Ferguson Jeanette Armijo Tiffini Buchanan Rebecca Dubose Demetra Fason
Physical Address A Time To Dance Studios 3982 - 30th Street San Diego, CA 92104
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Mailing Address Inner-City Faith Fellowship, Inc. P.O. Box 720823
Every Woman International a subsidiary of ICFF, Inc. Make a tax-deductible contribution today! ICFF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization CLICK HERE
Email: info@icff.org _______________