Faith Pittsburgh South Summer 2013

FAI H

T h e h a rv e st i s p l e n t i f u l , b u t t h e w o r k e r s a r e f e w. -

M att h e w 9 : 3 7

Pi sburgh South

the

faith

Following and the

Following Jesus on the Job page 22

Matters of the Heart page 30

To Everything a Season page 34

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Owners: Elissa & Greg Norton 3663 Washington Road • McMurray, PA 15317 • 724-941-9100

FAI H PUBLISHER Wayne Dollard Project manAger Mike Granovitz mike.g@icmags.com

Letter from the

Publisher

Faith Pittsburgh Advisory Board Steve Carlson Jake Clawson Ken Culbertson Melba Dibble

Chris Jerin Herb Shaffer Bryan Thiessen

Welcome to the Faith Pittsburgh summer issue.

I would like to personally thank each and every person that has taken the time to read our

REGIONAL EDITORS Mark Berton [South, West and Erie] mark@incommunitymagazines.com

magazine. Time is a valuable commodity but one that is rarely found in abundance. I also

Pamela Palongue [North and East] p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com

Faith Pittsburgh for the first time.

OFFICE MANAGER Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com

together. We are taught in scripture to share the word of God, to lift each other up to greater

AD PLACEMENT COORDINATOR Debbie Mountain d.mountain@incommunitymagazines.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Anna Buzzelli Melissa St. Giles Sharon Cobb Tamara Tylenda Mike Miller

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGERS Tamara Myers Tom Poljak ADVERTISING SALES Sophia Alfaras Laurie Holding Anna Marie Lee Connie McDaniel Brian McKee Gabriel Negri Aimee Nicolia

Aimee Nicolia Vincent Sabatini Mark Seamans Michael Silvert RJ Vighetti Nikki Capezio-Watson

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2013.

would like to extend a sincere welcome to the readers in the North region who are reading It’s my honor and privilege to continue this journey with each of you, for we are truly in this love and works and to use the gifts that we have received through God’s grace in service to others. We will succeed in honoring these mandates when Faith Pittsburgh becomes a medium to reach the lost, educate believers and inspire ordinary people to extraordinary action that brings glory to God. We have received a wonderful response from the premiere issue of Faith Pittsburgh South including some wonderful testimonies to the impact the articles had in our readers lives.

I believe that Faith Pittsburgh North will be met with a similar response. Without a doubt, it has an awe-inspiring experience to see God at work opening doors and leading those involved with Faith Pittsburgh.

Please share your inspiring stories of Faith with us. You may have gone through what someone else is going through right now and your story could quite possibly transform a life.

Again, thank you for allowing us to come into your lives through the pages of Faith Pittsburgh and please share the magazine with others around you.

Have an wonderful summer!

Correspondence: Direct all inquiries, comments and press releases to: IN Community Magazines Attn: Faith Pittsburgh 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968 www.faithpittsburgh.com Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

Wayne Dollard, Publisher

SUMMER 2013

In this Issue 6

Features

Gotta have Faith!

If you would like free copies of Faith Pittsburgh for your church, nonprofit, or any other group check the website www.faithpittsburgh.com for distribution sites or contact us at 724.942.0940.

At any of our distribution sites you are free to take as many copies as you would like. If your church or group needs 300 or more copies please contact us and we can arrange delivery to you.

4

I am a Christian!

5

Dad, I Can Do Anything; Now that I am 10!

6

Measuring Success

10

A Marriage Made In Heaven

14

Our Source of Strength in Life and Death

17

The Road to Heaven

20

Betrayal & Forgiveness

22

Following Jesus on the Job

30

Matters of the Heart

33

The Next Big Thing Was Already Here

34

To Everything a Season

36

To Those Who are Troubled

40 Perspective: No Small Decisions 44

Rescued

46

Pigs in a Blanket

22

Following Jesus on the Job

If you would like copies for an event please contact Mike Granovitz at 412.779.6733.

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Measuring Success

47

Church Directory

49

Faith Event Calendar

Business Spotlight

9

America’s Benefit Improving the Quality of Each Life We Touch

Industry Insight

21

American Wills & Estates Ten Common Estate Planning Mistakes

CHURCH Spotlight

12

Peters Creek Baptist Church This local church is a visible example of the community of believers committed to worship, ministry, spiritual growth, and service.

FAITH Media

18

Test Your Knowledge Old Testament Quiz

18

Book Review

Who Do You Think You Are?

19

Movie Review

“King’s Faith”

30

Matters of the Heart TODAY’s SCRIPTURE

24

Romans 8:37-39 (ESV)

Bible Study

29

Faith Pittsburgh Bible Study

FAITH BASED NEWS

37

News

KIDS CORNER

26

Freckles The Little Bug A Children’s Story

NonProfit Spotlight

42

The Greatest Gift of All

The Bair Foundation gives hope to children and families.

33

The Next Big Thing Was Already Here

FAITH Pittsburgh South | Summer 2013 | faithpittsburgh.com 3

I am a Christian!

By Carol Wimmer

When I say that ‘I am a Christian’, I am not shouting that ‘I am clean living.’

I’m whispering ‘I was lost, but now I’m found and forgiven.’

When I say ‘I am a Christian’, I don’t speak of this with pride.

I’m confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say ‘I am a Christian’, I’m not trying to be strong.

I’m professing that I’m weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say ‘I am a Christian’, I’m not claiming to be perfect.

My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say ‘I am a Christian’, I still feel the sting of pain.

I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say ‘I am a Christian’, I’m not holier than thou, I’m just a simple sinner who received God’s good grace, somehow!

Be Blessed, Be a Blessing.

When I say ‘I am a Christian’, I’m not bragging of success.

I’m admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

Editor’s Note:: The first time we printed this article it was not possible to give credit to the author so we are including it again since we were able to ascertain the source and now we can give credit to the Author.

4 724.942.0940 to advertise | FAITH Pittsburgh South

When you feel like you’re drowning in life, don’t worry – your Lifeguard walks on water.

a n C D I o , d a “D Anything; now that I am 10!”

I looked up to see my daughter’s exuberant and confident face in the mirror as I drove along. Then she added, “And what I can’t do, God can do!” Yes, between her and God, she was set! No worries or fears. Come what may, they could handle it! No problems or concerns were too big! Life was an adventure to anticipate with confident excitement.

I smiled. What childlike trust and confidence in God. That was real faith. She had just celebrated her 10th birthday and she felt on top of the world. She had confidence in her abilities, but even greater confidence in God. She has the gift of faith.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Him [Christ] who strengthens me…and my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:13,19). Ironically, he was in prison when he wrote those words. Humanly speaking, it might have seemed like he could not do anything at that point. He could have just focused on his limitations, but he saw beyond the constraints that threatened to hold him down. His vision of what God could do through him was undaunted.

Regardless of what your apparent limitations or inabilities might be today, God wants you as His child to have trust, confidence and peace in Him because He is able to do all things. In His strength you can do whatever you need to do and you can face whatever comes your way! †

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FAITH Pittsburgh South | Summer 2013 | faithpittsburgh.com 5

Measuring Success

By Willow Welter

A first-of-itskind study of child sponsorship reveals practical and psychological benefits traced directly to Compassion’s child development approach.

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T

o track their kids’ well-being, Mom and Dad use tools such as thermometers and report cards. And while sponsors use different tools to assess sponsored children’s well-being — letter exchanges, child updates, photos, even Sponsor Tours to meet their children — they hope to see similar life outcomes.

But there’s more than just a hope that Compassion’s program can produce those desired adult life outcomes—there’s compelling evidence. A new, independent study of adults who were sponsored as children found that Compassion’s Child Sponsorship Program is molding educated, employed leaders in the most impoverished, hopeless places. Dr. Bruce Wydick, professor of economics and international studies at the University of San Francisco, and a team of researchers spent two years in six developing countries where Compassion has offered its Child Sponsorship Program.

In April, the prestigious Journal of Political Economy published their peer-reviewed research, which found “large and statistically significant impacts” of Compassion’s child development program.

The researchers found that adults who had been sponsored through Compassion as children were significantly better off than unsponsored children in the areas of education, employment and leadership.

the probability that a student earned a college degree in the countries studied.

That increase was over a small baseline, since only about 5 percent of people finish university in these areas, “but it’s still a dramatic increase,” Wydick says.

The value of education isn’t lost on those who receive it. When the researchers asked formerly sponsored children to name Compassion’s biggest benefit, the most common response was educational support, followed by spiritual development.

Equipped with extra knowledge, sponsored children see a new realm of employment—and a path out of poverty— unfold before them.

Employment: Labor And Love In another impressive result of the study, researchers found that sponsored children were roughly 35 percent more likely than their unsponsored peers to grow up to become white-collar employees – teachers, pastors, nurses. These careers offer stability and a salary, benefits that are rare in countries where itinerant or seasonal labor is most common.

Wydick reasons that staff members at Compassion’s child development centers and schoolteachers provide positive role models for the children and “they want to emulate See next page ›

Education: Stairway To Sufficiency Among the most powerful evidence gathered by Wydick’s team was that Compassion sponsorship increased secondary school completion by 27 to 40 percent. The skills developed in secondary school can help a student become a business owner or public servant as an adult, Wydick says, rather than a daily laborer.

So imagine the difference university education could make for a sponsored child.

Compassion sponsorship more than doubled

Equipped with extra knowledge, sponsored children see a new realm of employment — and a path out of poverty — unfold before them.

FAITH Pittsburgh South | Summer 2013 | faithpittsburgh.com 7

Measuring Success Continued

people who have given to them when they were younger. And that’s an exciting thing.”

The staff at a child development center may be some children’s primary role models, since many parents work long hours or do not have the job status to model new roles.

Staff members ensure that every child at a development center is known and loved.

Many children also receive encouraging letters from their sponsors. So all sponsored children have advocates cheering them on as they develop goals. As adults, the stable employment allows them to provide for themselves and their families. But their influence doesn’t end in the home.

Leadership: Consequence of Confidence A goal of Compassion is to see children grow into fulfilled, Christian adults who exhibit servant leadership. And a goal of the above study was to find out whether Compassion’s child sponsorship model does what it sets out to do. So the researchers examined formerly sponsored children’s roles as leaders in adulthood. They found that adults who were sponsored as children were more likely than their unsponsored peers

to lead in their communities and churches.

“We asked what happens during this programming,” Wydick says, “and a lot of it seemed to be in the development of children’s self-esteem.”

It’s the trust in their own capabilities that convinces the children that they can be leaders, whether making decisions on village councils or offering spiritual guidance in their churches. Compassion’s church-based model shows children just how precious they are to God. And when children are nurtured physically and spiritually, they thrive.

A Whole-Life, Whole-Person Result The Child Sponsorship Program’s unique approach is to nurture children directly. While Compassion does offer provisions—school uniforms, healthful meals, safe water—the focus is on the individual child rather than on more diffuse communitywide improvements.

Wydick says that development experts and many child-sponsorship organizations often focus on solving external problems.

For example, if a village lacks clean water, an organization may help to install a pump. Such provisions are essential, but what happens if the pump breaks? Compassion’s leaders

believe it is more effective for children to learn how to develop safe-water solutions for their communities or learn how to fix the pump.

By building up children, educating them, providing them with a safe place to learn and grow, and teaching them about the hope that comes from a relationship with Jesus, children are growing up to make positive, lasting changes to better their communities.

“The study,” says Compassion President Wess Stafford, “clearly demonstrates that a holistic approach to child development is the critical factor that enables young people to step out of poverty.” † If you would be interested in someone speaking to your church, organization, or any group about Compassion International and the opportunities to make a difference in the lives of children please contact me Michael Granovitz at 412.779.6733 or m.granovitz@faithpittsburgh.com Article taken from Compassion Magazine Editor’s Note: When the independent researchers started the study they contacted many of the different child sponsorship organizations.

Compassion International was the only one willing to be part of the study.

Our work day begins with giving our day to the Lord and dedicating all of our work to Him. I try to keep the mentality of God gave me this work so I’ll do it as though I were doing it directly for Him. I incorporate rules of high morality and integrity into each jobsite. I want it to be a testimony, not only to all of my employees but also to each and every customer.

Madison Remodeling is a locally owned and operated construction company. Established in 2002. We are focused on integrity and a good reputation as it’s our main form of generating new clients and work.

As a general contractor we now offer full residential and commercial remodeling and new construction. We will do the job right the first time at an affordable price. We use our employees and sub contractors for our projects unlike some contractors that hire seasonally. I have found through the years you impress people with doing want they want, on time, and in budget. We do what we said we would do when we said we would do it. That goes a long way. Fully insured, bonded, registered with the Attorney General and the State of PA. Owens Corning preferred contractor.

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Business Spotlight

Improving the Quality

of Each Life We Touch

A

merica’s Benefit is a local insurance agency that was founded with a belief in doing all things for the Lord and a passion to serve. We are composed of Insurance Professionals with over 50 years’ combined experience that is able to solve your insurance needs.

America’s Benefit is dedicated to offering the highest quality, most competitive products for our clients. One of those products is our Final Expense Insurance. Today funeral expenses can cost upwards of $10,000, not including outstanding debts, legal fees, etc. Wouldn’t it be comforting to know that your final expenses are covered and you won’t be leaving your loved ones with a financial burden as well as a loss?

America’s Benefit offers you that type of comfort.

With our product your coverage begins the moment your policy is issued, there is no waiting period. Also, you will never see an increase in cost due to rising age. If you think your age or health makes it difficult to qualify for a policy, America’s Benefit may still be able to help you. We may be able to insure even those who have had a heart attack, cancer, or diabetes. Our policy does not require a medical exam and there are no height or weight restrictions. Our product was designed to give you and your family peace of mind and comfort during a difficult time.

Not only do we offer Final Expense Benefits, but we also offer Living Benefits called our Crisis Recovery Insurance, which is great for the small business owner. Many products only provide you with benefits while you are disabled to pay for medical bills, but our goal as business owners is to get back to work as soon as possible, because if we don’t work, we don’t make money. Our Crisis Recovery Insurance solves this problem! This insurance gives you access to your benefits should you be stricken with a chronic, critical, or terminal illness, including cancer, heart attack, or stroke. It gives you the ability to pay your bills and secure your family financially if something unexpected should happen and you are unable to perform your normal daily activities.

If you are diagnosed with a chronic, critical, or terminal illness this policy allows you access to cash to pay for treatment (that may not be covered by your health insurance plan), replace income lost as a result of your illness, pay bills to provide for your loved ones, etc. You can recover without the stress of worrying about economic hardship.

The funds are given directly to you and can be used as you see fit. The advantage to this coverage is that it can be used to pay for medical bills like regular insurance coverage, but also for anything additional you need during your recovery and beyond. America’s Benefit can set you up with this type of coverage that will allow you to rest easy knowing you and your family are financial secure.

Along with a portfolio of quality products, there are also great employment opportunities at America’s Benefit. We are looking to bring on Insurance Agents with a business owner mentality. We offer the opportunity for you to build a career with America’s Benefit while still having a great quality of life outside of work.

At America’s Benefit we do business by putting trust, goodwill, and reliability at the forefront. We are here to serve our clients and provide the best solutions to your needs.

Protection for every aspect of your life Final Expense Insurance Crisis Recovery Insurance We hold fast to timeless principles which guide our Team. We embrace the “Golden Rule” and trust that we can achieve greatness together while adding value to each other’s lives through Faith, Hard Work & Integrity.

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724.884.1498 info@americasbenefit.com “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” Colossians 3:23 FAITH Pittsburgh South | Summer 2013 | faithpittsburgh.com 9

A Marriage Made In Heaven Part one in two part series

By Tim Burgan Director of Communications Cornerstone TeleVision Network

L

ately I’ve been spending a lot of time helping couples work through some of their issues. After 50 years, you should still get a smile on your face when you think of your spouse.

Yes, I know you’re thinking, “You’ve got to be kidding!” But after nearly 29 years, I still smile when I think about my wife, Paige.

We have had some rough roads, but “God is faithful!” Allow me to share a few words of advice about having and maintaining a happy marriage.

1) Pray together! George Barna of the Barna Research Group found that couples who pray together have a much greater chance of staying together for life. For Paige and me, some of our driest times as a couple have been when we neglected to pray together due to busyness or tiredness. Plus, we have found that in addition to the spiritual blessings that come from praying together, some practical blessings come as well.

Sometimes I am not the greatest communicator in the world—after all, I am male! But when we pray together I hear Paige’s heart, and she hears mine.

Then we are able to keep up with what is really important in our lives. Even with all of the unpredictable things happening in the world, we know that there is at least one other person praying for us… On top of that, it is very hard to stay upset with someone you are praying for (not that Paige or I would know anything about that!).

2) Make it your goal to enable your spouse to be the best that they can be. In “The Message,” Ephesians 5 says this, “Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her.” This is Christ’s example to the church of how a husband should treat his wife. It is a blessing to both you and your spouse if every day your focus is, “How can I bless my spouse today, to help this person be who God has called him/her to be?” Hurtful words and wounding actions all get set aside if that’s your goal. Find out what your spouse’s gifts and goals are, and help make them happen.

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3) Be each other’s best friend!

Ephesians 5 (verse 31) also says the husband and wife are one. What this has meant to me is that nothing should come between the two.

I have seen many marriage disasters due to friends, children, or parents “coming between” and dividing what should be one. Your parents will pass away, your children will grow up and move away, and any friend who is more important to you than your spouse is trouble.

We are to “prefer one another” (Romans 12:10), and that should be especially true of our spouses.

If you want respect, give respect. If you want to feel safe in your marriage, then make your marriage a safe place for your spouse. If you do steps 1 and 2, step 3 will be easy.

Having a happy marriage isn’t about stuff, beauty, or perfection; it’s about love. And the three steps above say “I love you” louder than words. There are a few more steps I would recommend, but those are for another article.

I give you my personal guarantee: If you do these three steps, your marriage will be on the road to that smile every time you think of your spouse (even after 50 years)! †

Tim Burgan Director of Communications Cornerstone TeleVision Network (Life-Changing TeleVision!)

1 Signal Hill Drive Wall, PA 15148 www.ctvn.org CTVN’s 24-Hour Prayer Line: 1.888.665.4483

Famous Last Words

By Bryan Thiessen Senior Pastor Journey Assembly of God

“Useless, useless…” These were the last words of John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln on April 26, 1865. After he was caught hiding in a barn, refusing to surrender peacefully and attempting to fire upon U.S. soldiers, as he lay dying from a gun shot he asked for his hands to be raised to his face and said, “Useless, useless.”

“This is the end – for me the beginning of life.”

In contrast, these were the last words of one of my personal heroes, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He spoke these words just before he was to be hanged by piano wire on April 9, 1945, at Flossenburg Nazi Concentration Camp, just two weeks before the U.S. 97th Infantry Division liberated the camp and three weeks before the Soviets captured Berlin. Bonhoeffer was stripped of his clothing and led naked into the execution yard. The concentration camp doctor who witnessed the execution would later write, “I saw Pastor Bonhoeffer... kneeling on the floor praying fervently to God. I was most deeply moved by the way this lovable man prayed, so devout and so certain that God heard his prayer. At the place of execution, he again said a short prayer and then climbed the few steps to the gallows, brave and composed. His death ensued after a few seconds. In the almost 50 years that I worked as a doctor, I have hardly ever seen a man die so entirely submissive to the will of God.” Simply put, my question is this, “Which of the two could you relate to?” John Wilkes Booth: “useless, useless.” Is this how you would define your life at this point? Not that you haven’t accomplished good things in your life, but what defines your life up to this point – your family, what you do on the weekends, career, or maybe your love for the Steelers? Or would you relate to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who lived boldly for God even in the face of his own death and never compromised his faith? Jesus said in Matthew 10:39, “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Real life and real living is not being defined by what one does as a career, hobbies, or even families, though they are very important; it is simply a daily relationship with Jesus. †

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We offer a superior academic program, a respected athletic tradition, and a character-building, God-honoring approach to education.

HCA is a school that stands with your family, not against it, as you strive to instill Biblical values into your child.

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FAITH Pittsburgh South | Summer 2013 | faithpittsburgh.com 11

Church Spotlight

Peters Creek Baptist Church

R

ev. John Whitaker drew up the original church covenant on November 10, 1773, making Peters Creek Baptist Church 240 years old this year – and literally older than the nation. While the church has had various buildings over its long history ranging from a log cabin to the beautiful facility that is its home today, it is truly an amazing testament to the dedication of the leadership as well as the congregation to be able to effectively serve the Lord over a 240-year span. The current leadership, headed by Senior Pastor Gregory Adkins, who has been at Peters Creek since 1995, is appreciative of the illustrious history of the church as well as being singularly focused on the vision and mission of Peters Creek Baptist Church going forward into the future.

Peters Creek Baptist Church has much to offer its congregation. Classes, called Bible and Life Groups, for all ages from toddlers to seniors (including eight different adult classes) meet weekly. The church has both a bookstore and a library available to

parishioners to help them in their study of God’s Word. The goal of each of the ministry opportunities available is to provide environments where people can be equipped in the truth of the gospel, be introduced to meaningful community, and be challenged to selflessly serve both God and others.

There is always a lot going on at Peters Creek for the kids from preschool to 12th grade and everything in between. For the youngest of the children, the focus is providing a safe, loving, child-centered environment in which to lay a sound Biblical foundation and to partner with the parents to encourage them in the task of spiritual training for their children. For the elementary-age kids, the focus is to lead students to the hope of Jesus Christ in a safe, fun, and loving environment presented on a level that they understand.

KAOS is the ministry for middle school students that meets weekly for praise and worship led by a youth band. This is a ministry to students who are dealing with many things in their lives and provides

12 724.942.0940 to advertise | FAITH Pittsburgh South

At Peters Creek Baptist Church we believe in the church, a living and universal spiritual body with Christ as its head and all believers as its members. The local church is a visible example of the community of believers committed to worship, ministry, spiritual growth, and service. We believe that all persons are created with the need to acknowledge the sovereign majesty of God. Worship is the personal and corporate expression through which the believer experiences the nature, personality, and will of God. We believe that the Christian should make a commitment to private and corporate worship on a regular basis.

We also believe that the church is responsible to encourage the discovery of spiritual gifts, and to provide an environment where every member is given the opportunity to pursue ministry based on giftedness.

them a place to focus on God, whether by talking with a leader or talking to a peer from another school. Each summer the KAOS youth participate with the Pittsburgh Project on the north side of Pittsburgh. They come together with students from all over the nation to do service work all around the city.

KONNECT is the ministry for high schoolage kids whose goal is to provide a place where students are encouraged, a place where they are accepted, a place where they can connect, and a place where they can see that other people are going through similar struggles and are excited about similar things. Its primary goal is that students will connect with Jesus Christ, the one who accepts them no matter what, the one who loves them no matter where they have been. Connecting with Jesus Christ and living, learning, and working together with others who are also pursuing a relationship with him will bring everyone closer. †All are welcome to visit. There are Sunday services at 8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. with a Bible and Life Groups meeting from 9:45 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

Peters Creek Baptist Church is located at 6300 Library Road, South Park, PA 15129 and the office can be reached at 412.833.6111.

Balistreri Auto SERVICE

Serving the Community for 15 Years Our family run business started 15 years ago on a prayer for guidance and wisdom to show us the way God wanted us to go. Here at Balistreri Auto we feel that we flourish because of God. He gave us our Godgiven talents of being mechanically inclined. We have the knowledge from all of our years of schooling and training for all domestic and foreign cars and trucks. At Balistreri Auto only the state of the art equipment and tools are used on your vehicle. Some of our services are State Inspections, Emissions, Alignments, Engine Repair, and Computerized Diagnostic Work. And with our Godgiven traits of integrity, honesty and loyalty these help us with being able to give our customers great service and make them our number one priority. If you would like to learn more about our business, please check out our website at balistreriautoservice.biz. Thank you for trusting our business with your vehicle.

FAITH Pittsburgh South | Summer 2013 | faithpittsburgh.com 13

Our Source of Strength in Life and Death

BY Mike Howard

FEAR NOT! This phrase has a regular occurrence in the Bible. It is also the title of a book by Ligon Duncan, one of our country’s leading pastors. I read this book to get encouragement as my wife battles pancreatic cancer and am now reading it WITH her (at the time of this writing she just went under hospice care). The “forward” to the book was written by Jerry Bridges. He said: “Most people, even Christians, live in a state of semi-denial about death. We hesitate to say a

dearly loved relative ‘died’. We prefer to say she ‘passed away’ or she ‘went to be with the Lord’.

Even unbelievers who assume that everyone ends up in Heaven are known to say something such as, ‘he’s gone to a better place’”.

To that last statement I say: Maybe so ….

Maybe NOT! The truth is at death we ALL go to some place MUCH better or MUCH worse.

Oh, and let’s also point out they are not “looking down on us”. Who would want to do that after beholding the glory of God and Jesus Christ!?

14 724.942.0940 to advertise | FAITH Pittsburgh South

We are either praising God, or suffering in eternal torment.

The main problem IS fear. We do not face the issue with a reliance on Scripture as our source for information, nor do we meditate on eternal things as often as we should. Jonathan Edwards (Jonathan Edwards was a Christian preacher and theologian) was known to have spent at least twenty minutes a day meditating on Heaven! We should “go and do likewise”.

God is our source of strength in BOTH life

and death. Strength is defined as power and ability … force and might. The Scriptures are replete with these types of references to our Heavenly Father. Joshua reminds us to “be strong and courageous”. The Psalms talk of God as our “strength”. Paul exhorts us to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might”. (Ephesians 6:10) I recently listened to another one of my favorite pastors, Rick Phillips, and this came from John 21 when Jesus met the disciples at the Sea of Galilee. Pastor Rick reminds us of this one convicting point, which is the first point of his sermon outline: “The Futility of Laboring for Christ According to Our Own Wisdom”. Think on that statement for a minute.

Jesus asks the disciples in John 21:5 “Children, you do not have any fish do you?” A rhetorical question, he knew the answer. (I guess ALL of Jesus’ questions were rhetorical when you think about it!) The disciples had not caught any fish … and the reason was they were attempting things in their own strength.

Regarding this same passage, John MacArthur (John Fullerton MacArthur, Jr. is an American Evangelical Christian pastor and author) reminds us: “The disciple’s failure through that long night established their inability to give themselves successfully to any other enterprise than serving the Lord. Not only had they dramatically been brought face-to-face with their own inability, AND divine sovereignty, but they were also next shown a miraculous creative act demonstrating that Jesus would continue to provide their needs”.

They produced NOTHING on their own efforts, but through Christ, they yielded a “catch” so large, they could barely haul it in.

What is the lesson here??

Christ wants us to see futility in self-trust. Once Christ tells them WHERE to get the fish … and they OBEY … the result: HUGE CATCH! This gives us the promise of blessing from Christ.

It reminds me strikingly of John 15, the picture of the vine. If we, the branches, do NOT abide in Christ the vine …

NO fruit! It is a simple agricultural lesson. If our lives are not enmeshed with Christ … NO Fruit. (Fish and Fruit … the makings of a great Baptist pot luck dinner, wouldn’t you say?)

Our job then is to take these biblical truths, these scriptural lessons, and apply them to life; to the big things of life.

What might those big things be?

Work … Marriage … Presenting the Gospel!!

In a future issue (or two!) we will deal with these issues AND circle right back around to the BIGGEST issue of all: Death and the life hereafter. We will convince ourselves that the ONLY way to deal with these, or ANY of life’s issues, big OR small, is by having God as our ONLY source for strength.

FEAR NOT! † Mike Howard General Sales Manager at WORD FM 101.5.

He is also host of “Bible Burgh” heard Sunday nights at 9:00pm.

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FAITH Pittsburgh South | Summer 2013 | faithpittsburgh.com 15

Hope

By Luke M. Light of Life Rescue Mission Residential Program

Living in Community,

Living Free

by Dr. Leonidas J. Salgado Director of Administration at Light of Life Rescue Mission

Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” ( John 8:32) The truth will set us free if we know it. How do we obtain that knowledge?

When are we truly Jesus’ disciples?

To understand what Jesus wants to teach us, we need to understand what Jesus means by knowing. I can memorize John 8:32, or even the whole Bible, but that doesn’t mean I know any truth. To know the truth is to know Jesus relationally and intimately by abiding in His word.

To know Jesus intimately, I have to deepen my relationship with Him. I have to walk with Him, trusting Him more and more as He earns my trust. I have to risk being in relationship with Him to know that what He says is true.

By trusting more and more in what He tells me, I verify that what He says is true. I cannot say I know Jesus if I don’t pay attention to His word by actually responding to it.

Any truth from God is then of this type: it involves verifying God’s veracity.

Even if we like what we hear from God, liking it doesn’t make it truth. What makes it truth is when we verify it by testing it, verifying it as we abide in it.

If we want to know whether God’s word makes us free, we need to do what God’s word says, for that is the only way to verify that it is true. God’s word says that the standard for our behavior ought to be to love Him and love our neighbor. How do we know this is true? By actually loving our neighbor. God wants us to verify this truth by actually living in community loving others.

We are then His disciples if we commit to loving others. In community we have a lot of opportunities to practice loving others. That’s why I’m committed to creating a healing community where God’s truth will make us free.

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Perceived triumph, amongst hardship, is the essence of hope Despite the odds, a sureness can rapidly grow Chance begins to dwindle as a fire’s kindled the flames of certainty sear deep to the soul Whether facing giants or lions, to what will you cling?

Your own strength, might, and human short sight?

Or to the King above all kings?

Faith immersed in the Lord, is how we best can fight not by harsh word nor sword For when we act alone without reverence toward the throne to our faces we will fall by the hands of our own It’s much easier to lose hope than it is to gain A life lived in Jesus and the power of His name is the only way to have blessed assurance by grace retained All hope in God returns a thousand fold the peace it brings can’t be bought or sold Obedience through trust is our offering All glory to the Father from which lasting hope springs

Heaven the road to

Follow Jesus Today

Everyone has sinned and has fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

If you are ready to follow Jesus take the first step now and pray this prayer.

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved. (Acts 16:31)

Lord I know and confess that I am a sinner, Lord please forgive me for my past sins and keep me from future sins. I believe Jesus is God and lived a sinless life, died for my sins so that I wouldn’t have to, and was raised from the dead that I can have new and eternal life. Lord please come into my life now and become my personal savior. From this day until my last day I give you control Lord. Make me a new person born again this day, guide my life to fulfill your will and bring glory to your name.

In Jesus Christ’s name I ask this. Amen.

Confess your sins. If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. (1 John 1:9) Everyone needs to be saved, because sin causes separation from God and eternal death. The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23) You can’t save yourself, but God desires to save you!

This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (I Timothy 2:3,4) For by grace you have been saved through faith.

And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

(Ephesians 2:8-9) By faith believe Jesus and accept Him. Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household. (Acts 16:31)

If you said this prayer sincerely desiring a relationship with Jesus Christ and have accepted Jesus as your savoir, you have taken the first step in an amazing journey with the Lord. There is much more to do; first and foremost is to find a church family to be part of that will educate and inspire you in your walk with the Lord.

Please write to Faith Pittsburgh and let us know about your choice and if there is anything we can do to help you.

FAITH Pittsburgh South | Summer 2013 | faithpittsburgh.com 17

FAITH Media

Test your knowledge Old Testament Quiz

1.) Who was the first man created on earth?

Abraham Noah Adam Moses 2.) Who was the first woman created on earth?

Sarah Rebekah Eve Rachel 3.) Who built an ark to survive the great flood?

Samson Isaac Adam Noah 4.) Who parted the Red Sea and helped the children of Israel escape from Egypt?

Jacob Naaman Moses Elijah 5.) Who was the first murderer?

Moses Abraham Cain Joseph

Book review

6.) Who sold the birthright to his brother for a meal?

Jeremiah Zedekiah Abraham Esau

10.) Who had incredible strength until his hair was cut?

Naaman Samson Daniel Israel

7.) Whose name was changed to “Israel”?

Noah Moses Adam Jacob

11.) Who could interpret King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and later was delivered by God from a den of lions?

Daniel David Jacob Isaac

8.) Who is taken captive into Egypt, becomes a ruler, and later saves the country from famine?

Israel Moses Joseph Noah 9.) Who becomes the leader of the children of Israel following Moses’ death and brings them to the promised land?

Naaman Noah Joshua Daniel

12.) Who received the ability to interpret visions and dreams because he refused to eat the king’s rich food?

Abed-nego Meshach Daniel Shadrach

Source – religionresourcesonline.org

See page 48 for answers

Review By: Sam Isaacson This book is essentially a sermon series in book form, walking through the book of Ephesians from start to finish. The subtitle is “Finding Your True Identity in Christ,” which captures the theme that runs through the book, but there’s a lot more in it than simply a redefinition of identity.

I read this expecting to like the content, but not be too enamored by the presentation.

It turns out he’s struck a winning formula in this one.

Although perhaps not as funny as some of his other books, this is a solid, Driscollstyle presentation of Ephesians, taking a few verses and breaking them down in each chapter into a number of easy-to-digest points, with challenging and practical ways to apply the lessons learnt throughout. He’s a massive fan of footnotes and endnotes,

18 724.942.0940 to advertise | FAITH Pittsburgh South

which means that it’s easy to find out what Bible passage to look up to follow an idea through, or which book to buy next if you want to explore an idea.

In short, I don’t think I’m going too far to say this is Driscoll’s best book out there. It’s easy to read, thoroughly biblical, and contains an important message that people need to hear. With some insignificant reservations I’d recommend it to anyone, but particularly new Christians, and Christians who don’t think they need to read it. That might be you!

Sam is a reformed charismatic husband and father, working in technology risk in London and planting a church at the same time. samisaacson.wordpress.com Article Source: www.faithwriters.com

movie Review King’s Faith Directed By:

Nicholas DiBella Written By:

Nicholas DiBella and Paul Root PG-13 : Violence and Adult Situations In Theaters:

Apr. 26th, 2013

‘King’s Faith’ is the story of Brendan, played by Crawford Wilson who after being released from jail is headed for his 18th foster home. Brendan is taken in by Mike (James McDaniel) and Vanessa (Lynn Whitfield) whose performances are a huge part of the success of this movie. Mike and Vanessa are still dealing with the pain from the loss of their son, who was killed in the line of duty as a police officer, when they open their home and their hearts to Brendan.

Things are different this time for Brendan: he has a newfound faith and is determined not to repeat past mistakes and return to his old life. Throughout the movie the performances of James McDaniel and Lynn Whitfield are inspired, believable, and truly well done.

Clashing with Brendan’s newfound faith and desire to do what is right are old friends, old temptations and a dangerous past that threatens to destroy all hope of a different future.

‘King’s Faith’ has a strong message of repentance and redemption that is well delivered through a story that keeps your interest without sounding like they are preaching. The movie also deals with the pain and difficulty of losing a loved one as well as the hurt caused by abortion. I would recommend this movie to anyone who is interested in not only a good faith-based movie but a very good movie period.

When used in conjunction with the group Bible study, ‘King’s Faith’ would make an excellent tool for youth leaders to use to deliver a very important message.

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FAITH Pittsburgh South | Summer 2013 | faithpittsburgh.com 19

Betrayal

Forgiveness &

By William L. Warren

B

etrayal is as old as time itself. Did not Satan betray God? For his sin of pride and desire to be an equal to God, he and one third of the angels were cast out of Heaven.

Even Jesus Christ, the son of God, was betrayed by Judas, one of the apostles. In many instances the betrayer is someone close to us, and when we are the betrayer in many instances it is those closest to us that we betray.

First we need to understand just what we are talking about here when we speak of betrayal. The definition most applicable to this discussion in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is “to fail or desert, especially in time of need.”

When we act in a manner that goes against God’s word we fail God. In addition to failing God we also fail other children of God; in many cases the people who we fail are those closest to us – family, friends, and neighbors.

Scripture tells us THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE. We all fall short of the lives we are called to lead in the scriptures.

Let’s get back to looking for an answer to our question of how to handle betrayal. All we have to do is look at the best-known prayer of all, The Lord’s Prayer, and the part that says “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” and you have the answer to our question, forgiveness.

The answer is so simple yet probably one of the most difficult actions to take. Forgiving someone who has wronged you or forgiving yourself when you have wronged another goes against everything that we feel in that situation. We want justice, punishment, and retribution. Or when it is us who betrayed another we feel guilt, shame, and sadness.

One of the most important things we as Christians must learn is the art of forgiveness, both for those who betray us as well as for ourselves when we fail others. One of the best ways to do this is to look at the example of Jesus; even on the cross after being beaten, tortured, and crucified, he said, “Forgive them, Father, for they do not know what they are doing.”

We also must learn to forgive ourselves for wrongs we have committed. The lingering guilt and sadness we feel is a burden that the Lord does not want us to bear. When we have wronged another the feeling of conviction is good—it shows that we understand what we have done wrong—but after we know we need to repent, ask for forgiveness and go forward, not dwell on what has been done in the past.

We are forgiven when we forgive others their transgressions.

Open your heart and mind to God’s word and pray for forgiveness for your trespasses and for the strength to forgive those who have trespassed against you. †

14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

- Matt 6:14-15 (ESV)

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Industry Insight

Ten Common

Estate Planning Mistakes Here is list of 10 common estate planning errors that people often make. An eleventh mistake, and perhaps the worst mistake of all, is to have no estate plan at all.

1. Improper use of jointly held property. Owning everything jointly makes the provisions of one’s Last Will and Testament null and void. Namely, property held jointly with the right of survivorship is left outright to the survivor. Frequently, an inequitable amount of property goes to a joint tenant because he or she receives the property directly even though the Decedent’s Will may have called for a different division of the assets.

2. Improperly arranged or titled life insurance.

If the primary beneficiary of your life insurance policy is deceased, and you never took the steps necessary to name a secondary or contingent beneficiary, your family could be in for a big problem. If your children are minors, and you haven’t designated a trust to hold the life insurance proceeds until they reach a certain age, they would have full access and entitlement to these monies at the tender age of 18.

plan, you’ll still be at square one. Be sure to take the time once a year to quantify in dollar terms your financial needs, goals and objectives.

Having a clear and intelligent estate plan can bring you peace of mind and assure that your heirs will get the maximum benefit from what you have left behind. Call us today to schedule your free legal consultation or visit us online at www.americanwillsandestates.com.

Lloyd A. Welling, Esq. Attorney Welling received his law degree from Duquesne University School of Law in 1992. He started the law firm of American Wills & Estates in 1997 and has practiced exclusively in the areas of Probate Estate Administration, Estate Planning and Real Estate law since that time.

3. Lack of liquidity. Not having enough cash readily available to cover funeral expenses, death and inheritance taxes and other final expenses is often a major concern for many families.

4. Choosing the wrong Executor. Often, the person designated to serve as the Executor under a Decedent’s Will hasn’t got the time, skill or knowledge to carry out the often long and drawn-out process of probate estate administration.

5. Will mistakes or errors. Too many Wills do not get updated.

People tend to draft wills when they first get married or when they still have minor children. Their Wills may then be neglected for years after that.

Remember, an incorrect Will can pass property to an incorrect heir.

6. Leaving everything to your spouse. Depending on the size of your estate, there could be serious tax consequences involved in passing all of your property outright to your spouse. Make sure you stay current with any changes in federal or state death or inheritance tax laws.

7. Improper disposition of assets. This is when your assets get passed along to the wrong person. A 20-year-old, for instance might receive a larger amount of money than he or she is capable of handling.

8. Failure to stabilize and maximize. If you own a family business that is likely to survive and pass on to your heirs after your death, it’s very important that you know, and record, the value of your business interest, and have an agreement in place that makes provisions for the business if you die.

9. Lack of adequate records. Where are your assets located?

Remember, your Executor will need to have access to your most recent tax returns, the locations of all your bank accounts and all of your other personal and financial information.

10. Not having a master plan. You can learn everything you can about estate planning, but if you don’t have a well-thought-out master FAITH Pittsburgh South | Summer 2013 | faithpittsburgh.com 21

Following Jesus on the Job

By Ron Moore Senior Pastor, The Bible Chapel

OK, so something happens at work you don’t especially appreciate. More than just frustrating, it simply wasn’t right. You were passed over for a promotion you deserved. You didn’t get the increase in salary you were promised. You got an assignment based on partiality rather than performance.

How should you respond?

Peter addressed this issue head-on in his first letter—1 Peter 2:18-25.

This section is addressed to “slaves” and “masters” but the term he uses for slaves (a Greek word that means “house-servants”) allows for solid present-day application to the relationship between an employee/employer and an employee/supervisor. When we are the recipients of “unjust suffering,” Peter says that we should follow the example of Jesus. When we follow “in his steps” we are always headed in the right direction.

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Following are five applications taken from the example of Jesus, when he suffered unjustly.

1. Don’t sin (1 Peter 2:22a)

l to go through irly, it is natura fa un d te ea tr ion. But “in When we are ent and frustrat m nt oi pp sa di l a foothold” the emotions of t give the devi no do n… si t no that you your anger do work with know u yo e os Th .

7) -2 treated (Ephesians 4:26 you have been at th d an ee oy empl er of Jesus are a valuable e how a follow se to g in ch at ew unfairly. They ar workplace. eatment in the tr ir fa un handles eps of Jesus.

Follow in the st

3. Don’ t get even

(1 Peter 2:23a)

(1 Peter 2 :22b)

gue

Don’t say what’s on your min Don’t tex d. Don’t e t it. Don’t mail it.

T witter it. sake, don And for g ’t put it o o odness’ n Facebook to compla . Jesus ha in and cri d reason ticize yet found in “no dece his mouth it was .”

Follow in the steps of Jesus.

4. Don’t make threats

Don’t strike back. Don’t inflict pain because you have received pain.

In today’s workplace, the person supervising you today may be the person you are supervisin g tomorrow. Even when/if you have the op portunity, don’t try to get even. Show the lov e and grace of Jesus.

Follow in the steps of Jes us.

5. Hand the situatio

2. Hold your to n

(1 Peter 2:23b) Don’t go around telling everyone that “unless things change, I’m out of here! ” If you need to change jobs, leave well. When Jesus suffered, he made not threats.”

Follow in the steps of Jesus.

n to God

(1 Peter 2:23c)

ss, “he gh the agony of the cro When Jesus went throu legate De ” . tly jus s who judge entrusted himself to him y and in wa his in him handle it the situation to God. Let his time. us.

Follow in the steps of Jes

The follower of Jesus should be the best employee. He should be the hardest worker.

She should demonstrate skill and efficiency.

But remember it’s about more than the job.

Jesus uses every aspect of our life to stretch us and grow us into the followers he desires us to be. So, in the workplace, every day, even in times of “unjust suffering” follow in the steps of Jesus. † Ron Moore

Senior Pastor, The Bible Chapel 300 Gallery Road McMurray, PA 15317

FAITH Pittsburgh South | Summer 2013 | faithpittsburgh.com 23

Today’s Scripture

Romans 8:37-39 (ESV)

37

38

39

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,

nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

What’s it mean to me:

What these verses are telling us is that God’s love for each and every one of us is ineffable, eternal, and unconditional. Regardless of who, where, or what kind of person you are God loves you so much that He sacrificed His only son so that those who put their faith in Jesus Christ would not spend eternity separated from the Lord.

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KIDS CORNER

Every

word of Crossword by Myles Mellor Across

God proves true 1

1 He doubted Jesus (6)

5 Moses parted it (goes with 4 down) (3) Proverbs 30:5 6 He built the ark (4)

1

2

3

4

5 6

7 8

10

9 11

13

12

11 Opposite of light (4)

13

13 Up to now (6)

9 11

14

Crossword

Crossword by Myles Mellor

Down

Across

1 Number of commandments (3)

1 He doubted Jesus (6)

2 Second son of Judah (Genesis 38) (4)

5 Moses parted it (goes with 4 down) (3)

3 __mageddon (2)

6 He built the ark (4)

4 See 5 across (3)

8 Harass verbally (3)

7 Word meaning hell (5)

11 Opposite of light (4)

9 Entrance point to heaven (4)

13 Up to now (6)

12 Word meaning gazelle in the Bible (Deuteronomy 14:5) (3)

14 "_____ and ye shall find..." (4) Down See page 48 for answers 1 Number of commandments (3) 2 Second son of Judah (Genesis 38) (4)

The

Bag of Nails

There once was a young boy with a very bad temper. The boy’s father wanted to teach him a lesson, so he gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper he must hammer a nail into their wooden fence.

On the first day of this lesson, the little boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. He was really mad!

Over the course of the next few weeks, the little boy began to control his temper, so the number of nails that were hammered into the fence dramatically decreased.

It wasn’t long before the little boy discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.

Then, the day finally came when the little boy didn’t lose his temper even once, and he became so proud of himself, he couldn’t wait

4

7 8

10

14 "_____ and ye shall find..." (4)

3 5

6

8 Harass verbally (3)

10 ____ Second Coming (3)

14

2

3 __mageddon (2) to4tell his5 father.

See across (3) Pleased, his father suggested that he now 7 meaning (5)day that he could pull Word out one nail forhell each 9 Entrance point to heaven (4) hold his temper.

Several weeks by and 10 ____ Secondwent Coming (3) the day finally came when the young boy was able to tell his 12 Word meaning gazelle in the Bible father that all the nails (Deuteronomy 14:5)were (3) gone.

Very gently, the father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence.

“You have done very well, my son,” he smiled, “but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same.”

The little boy listened carefully as his father continued to speak.

“When you say things in anger, they leave permanent scars just like these. And no matter how many times you say you’re sorry, the wounds will still be there.”

Reprinted From : www.Spiritual-Short-Stories.com

FAITH Pittsburgh South | Summer 2013 | faithpittsburgh.com 25

12

KIDS CORNER

Freckles The Little Bug

a children’s story by Caroline Alderson

O

nce was a little bug named Freckles. He was named that because he had dots all over his cute little body. You know what Freckles liked to eat for dinner? He liked to eat bright red strawberries out of Susan’s garden.

That was dangerous, because Susan didn’t like little bugs eating her strawberries. In fact, when little bugs eat her strawberries, it makes her very mad indeed.

Freckles’ best friend Leroy, dressed in his little yellow overalls, popped up next to Freckles.

“Hi ya. Whatcha doing Freckles?”

“I’m looking at that strawberry. It’s almost ripe, and ready to haul off. Just looking at it makes my mouth water. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into that strawberry. Um, um good!

You know what I mean, Leroy?” Freckles stood there, rubbing his tummy with delight.

Leroy scratched his head while watching Freckles. “Are you out of your mind, Freckles?

Susan’s going to get you for sure, if you don’t be careful! We have plenty of strawberries to get. We don’t need to mess with this lady’s strawberries. She’s dangerous! You better stay away from her.”

“Na, she won’t get me, Leroy. I’m wearing my red overalls, so if she sees me, she’ll just think I’m a lil, red strawberry.” Freckles felt very sure of himself.

Suddenly, the two bugs heard heavy footsteps. Leroy looked at Freckles, scared. “Whoa, it’s Susan! Let’s get out of here, Freckles!” With that, Leroy ran as fast as a little bug can run, and popped down a hole. Freckles hid under a leaf. He thought to himself, She won’t see me under here.’ Then Freckles saw fingers coming toward him! ‘Oh no, I hope they don’t get me!’

The fingers came closer.

“Ye gads, those fingers are gonna get me! Help!”

The fingers stopped, and touched the strawberry that Freckles had his eyes on. The fingers moved away.

“Whew, that was close! I thought they had me, for sure! I’ll have to be more careful. Boy, that was a great adventure! It’s fun to get scared but I sure don’t want to get caught.

Freckles’ buddy Leroy popped up out of his hole where he was hiding. “Is she gone?”

“Yes, the fingers are gone!” Freckles declared.

“Fingers?? What do you mean? Those were Susan’s fingers! You sound as though you had fun! You could get in terrible trouble if you get caught!”

Freckles looked away. “Oh, you sound like my mamma! I’m just trying to have a little fun!

You are my best buddy. You should understand my wanting to have fun. Right?”

Leroy turned to go. “I have to go home now. I hear my mamma calling me. I’ll see you tomorrow, Freckles.” Off he went, popping back down his hole.

The next day, Freckles went to go check on the strawberry to see if it was ready to pick. He burst up out of the hole all excited, hoping the strawberry would be ready for him to haul turn to next page › FAITH Pittsburgh South | Summer 2013 | faithpittsburgh.com 27

off! He bounded over to it. Sure enough, it had turned bright red. It was a little strawberry, so it would be small enough for him to haul off. Freckles went to go get his wheelbarrow.

Freckles took his wheelbarrel over to the strawberry and started to haul it off. He pushed, and he tugged! It was heavy!

He finally got it over to the hole and was about to put it in when he heard those footsteps again. ‘Uh oh,’ he thought, scared. ‘If she sees me with this strawberry she will get me this time! What do I do?’

Freckles hurriedly shoved the strawberry toward the hole, but it got stuck! It wouldn’t budge! ‘Now what do I do? She’s getting closer!’

Her fingers came toward him. ‘They sure seem angry, if fingers can get angry.’ They came closer and closer. ‘Oh no, she might get me this time. What do I do? I can’t leave my tasty strawberry!

But what do I do?’ The fingers were almost upon him!

‘I’d better get out of here! That strawberry is not worth dying for!

I’m getting out of here!’ He took off running.

Swiftly, he felt fingers flick him across the garden!

He tumbled head over heels, over and over and over. Finally he came to a stop.

He thought it was over, but then he saw the fingers coming again.

Without warning, the fingers picked him up.

He felt himself rising higher and higher.

‘Oh no, where am I going? Is she going to eat me? Ooh, surely I wouldn’t taste good!’ Then he found himself face to face with the owner of the strawberry he stole. ‘If I ever get out of this alive, I’ll never come in this garden again!’ Freckles felt so scared he was shaking.

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He squirmed and he squirmed, but the fingers were too strong!

‘Well, I guess there’s nothing I can do. She’s going to eat me.’

Then, when Freckles thought he would never think of a way out, an idea came to him. ‘It might work, I’ve got to try it.’ He started to nibble on her hand. He was hoping to cause her to itch, and then just maybe, she would let him go. Nibble, nibble, nibble.

The fingers opened. Freckles floated to the ground.

Then as fast as he could, he got up and started running, as fast as a little bug can run!

He ran toward his hole. He saw the strawberry on the way. ‘Na. That strawberry got me in too much trouble.’ He didn’t need it.

He popped down the hole. Whew, he was safe! Leroy was waiting for him when Freckles arrived, all out of breath.

“What happened?” Leroy asked.

Freckles told him, then said, “No more going into other people’s gardens. From now on, I’m going to stay where I belong!”

The End

Bible study

Faith Pittsburgh

BIBLE STUDY

Welcome to Faith Pittsburgh Bible Study. Every issue we take a verse, break it down, look at what the verse says, talk about the meaning, and discuss ways to apply it in our daily lives.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Prov 3:5-6 (ESV)

These are two very well-known and often quoted verses of the Bible.

Let’s take a look at these two verses, break them down and talk about the meaning and their application in our lives.

Verse five admonishes us to not rely on our own understanding, knowledge, and worldview but rather trust in our Lord with all of our heart and in all that we do.

As we go through our daily lives we must look to the Lord for

direction in the beginning, during, and after all that we do. It is vital that we humbly give the glory of our successes to the Lord for it is through the Lord that we are able to succeed. When we do this God’s grace, love, and faithfulness will lead us to fulfill his will for our lives.

To apply these verses to our lives we must trust the Lord completely heart and soul. It is also vital that our actions and reactions are such that other people see God’s glory in our lives. †

FAITH Pittsburgh South | Summer 2013 | faithpittsburgh.com 29

Matters of the

Heart Are There Road Blocks Impacting Your Walk?

By Melissa Pearce Founder/President, Enduring Hope Ministries

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F

or the last several weeks, I have been studying the seven different messages to the churches in the book of Revelation. As I was reading through each of the letters, there had seemed to be a common denominator between all of them – the emphasis of their works for the Lord.

As I continued to reflect upon God’s Word, I came upon the following passage in Luke.

Scripture Reading: Luke 10:38-42 “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

I want you to notice some key points from this passage that the Lord had given me.

First, Martha had opened her home to Jesus. She had welcomed Him and the other disciples to her home. Martha wanted to be close to Jesus. How often do we want to be close to Jesus? What is our responsibility of engaging with Him? I believe we need to respond to Jesus like Martha did, invite Him to our home. The first part of developing an intimate relationship with God is welcoming Him into our hearts, where He will make His home. Ephesians 3:17 “So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…” reinforces God’s desire to dwell and be completely at home within us.

However, there is a warning I believe Jesus is speaking to Martha, just as He did to the seven churches in Revelation. The warning is the distraction of works for the Lord versus being intimate with Him. If we are not careful, our doing can become a deterrent in building an intimate relationship with God. Luke 10:40 “But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.”

How many times have we forsaken Christ who is our first love by placing emphasis on our works and deeds? How many times have we forsaken our first love by esteeming material things verses building quality of time with God? How many times have we forsaken our first love by being politically correct for fear of rejection?

How many times do we act like Martha?

How often do we allow the preparations of doing ministry to interfere with our walk with God? How many times do we rely on our service for the Lord to be credited toward our relationship with Him? Please understand my heart – God desires for us to serve Him but not when our service triumphs our relationship with Him. I started to reflect even more. Lord, have I allowed the works you have called me to do for your glory to interfere with my relationship with you? If it’s not my service of ministry interfering with my relationship with Him, then what other distractions are causing an interference in my walk with God? Is it my job, spouse, relationships, illness, family, and/or my ‘to do’ list? Or have I allowed my own selfish ambitions and goals to interfere with my love for Christ? Listen to the words of Christ speaking to the church of Ephesus in Revelation. Revelation 2:2-4 “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false…Yet, I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.” How many times have we forsaken Christ who is our first love by placing emphasis on our works and deeds? How many times have we forsaken our first love by esteeming material things versus building quality of time with God? How many times have we forsaken our first love by being politically correct for fear of rejection?

Didn’t Martha fall into this trap? She wanted to be close to Jesus but somewhere

along the way, the priority of ‘serving’ and ‘becoming’ became her focus instead of ‘resting’ and ‘developing.’

Jesus spoke to the heart of the matter. He knew she was upset and worried about many things, yet He knew what was best – time at His feet. Here is what we fail to realize – God knows every detail that is occurring within our lives. He knows what is causing anxiety within our hearts. He knows the steps needed in helping a loved one. He knows our worries about our kids or spouse. He knows the emotional and physical stress we endure when a loved one is ailing. He knows every detail. There is nothing hidden from Him. He also knows the importance of sitting at His feet and abiding in what His Word would bring. So often, we try to handle this situation or that circumstance; yet God is so willing to direct our steps and provide solutions for us if only we would sit down with Him and allow Him to speak to our hearts.

God wants us to learn from both Martha and Mary.

Mary made a decision that would have a profound impact on her life. She chose what was better. She chose not to allow the distractions to interfere with her walk with God. Her fellowship time with God was a high priority in her life. How we too need to be like Mary and not allow the distractions of life to interfere not only with our time with God but our relationship with Him. I also love the fact that Mary exercised wisdom. Instead of allowing the distractions continued on next page

›

FAITH Pittsburgh South | Summer 2013 | faithpittsburgh.com 31

Matters of the Heart Continued

to overwhelm her, she had learned to take those matters directly to Him. How much better we would be if we would do the same.

So perhaps God is using this teaching to have you reflect upon your own walk with God. Let me ask you, have you engaged with Him and invited Him into your heart? Or perhaps He is asking to reevaluate where you have placed your priorities? Or is He asking you to be like Mary and make Him the choice?

How I pray the Lord will bless you and keep you.

May His face shine upon you and give you peace. â€

So often, we try to handle this situation or that circumstance; yet God is so willing to direct our steps and provide solutions for us if only we would sit down with Him and allow Him to speak to our hearts.

Melissa Pearce - Founder/President, Enduring Hope Ministries www.enduringhopeministries.com

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Let us know what you think, share your personal testimonies, suggest additional distribution points, or send us your inspirational story.

Send to: editor@faithpittsburgh.com

The Next

Big Thing was already here

By Pastor Floyd Hughes Pastor/Neighbor, CrossRoads Community Church of Jefferson Hills

Y

ou don’t have to be a “techie” to be familiar with the Samsung phrase, “The next big thing is here.” However, as a mild techie, I am just becoming familiar with the Samsung brand of smartphone. My wife is more familiar, having had the Samsung Fascinate as her first smartphone. She recently upgraded to the Samsung Galaxy S3. I had the first Droid from Motorola followed by the HTC Thunderbolt. I recently upgraded to the Samsung Galaxy S4. The S4 is supposed to be the greatest and latest smartphone on the market today...for now.

In some ways, people treat the Sunday Celebration like they do their smartphones: they’re OK for a while, until someone comes along with the Next Big Thing on how to do the Sunday Celebration. It may be a more flashy music celebration, it may be adding dramas or videos, it may be changing the setting where the celebration takes place to an auditorium or a theater or even adding locations via video. In some cases, it is adding more and more liturgy. But no matter what we add to the Sunday Celebration it does not change the fact that the Next Big Thing was already here...Jesus Christ.

When pastors and leaders remove the focus of Jesus Christ from the Sunday Celebration they are in essence saying there is something bigger and better and more important than coming together as the Church in the presence of the creator of the universe. There is nothing wrong with having all of the things mentioned previously in the Sunday Celebration. In fact, it is my personal opinion that the Sunday Celebration should be and needs to be the most exciting, vibrant, powerful celebration anyone attends. Why? Because we are celebrating the creator of the universe; we are celebrating everything God has done and will do in our lives; we are rejoicing that God loved us enough to send His one and only Son that we might have life and have it to the fullest, and we are doing it together...as the Church.

We should definitely celebrate that harder than any sports game, musician or music

group, or anything else in existence. It is our job as pastors and ministry leaders to remind people that the Next Big Thing was already, and still is, here: Jesus Christ and the amazing saving grace He offers to us through His death, burial, and resurrection...definitely worth celebrating! †

Written by

Pastor Floyd Hughes

Pastor/Neighbor, CrossRoads Community Church of Jefferson Hills 1028 Scotia Hollow Road N, Finleyville, Pennsylvania 412.384.9278 http://crossroadsofjeffersonhills.com pastor@crossroadsofjeffersonhills.com

FAITH Pittsburgh South | Summer 2013 | faithpittsburgh.com 33

to everything Dr. James Hilton Principal, Jubilee Christian School

a season

Transitions are a natural part of life. Some occur with little fanfare, such as the change of seasons.

Others are not only anticipated, but a cause for great celebration – like the birth of a child. As students and their families put the academic routine on hold for the summer, a change looms over many families. For some, there will be a transition from preschool to kindergarten. Many fifth grade students will leave their elementary schools and begin middle school in the fall. And eighth graders will soon find themselves in high school, marching toward the completion of their childhood education. These transitions are common, and yet not without their respective challenges and adjustments.

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I recently spoke with a group of sixth grade students at our school about being “planted for a reason for a season.” Some of our students will be staying with us for seventh grade, while others will transition to area middle schools. What I wanted them to know was that change was a natural part of their lives and that God would use this experience – this transition – as a means to change them personally as well as to give them an even greater opportunity to influence others.

How can parents encourage their children (as well as themselves) during times of change? While the world around us seems full of uncertainty, we can personally rest and remind our children of the truth found in God’s Word – “I the Lord do not change” (Malachi 3:6). God’s promises are true regardless of how we feel in the moment, and His presence along the way is just as necessary as it was before we found our lives uprooted. Parents can also remind their children that fear is a natural reaction to change. There are many passages of Scripture that speak about fear. One in particular speaks about facing fear with the peace of God’s presence and His ultimate control over our lives: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen

God’s promises are true regardless of how we feel in the moment, and His presence along the way is just as necessary as it was before we found our lives uprooted.

new place, here in Pittsburgh, to watch and see Him do an amazing thing in our lives and in the lives of others. For those of you who have children who will be going to new schools this coming fall, I pray God’s peace will flood their hearts (and yours, too!) this summer, as they think on these changes, as well as in the fall, as they enter unfamiliar territory. The God who knows the number of hairs on our head, knows just how long we need to be where we need to be. We do not always understand His plan or timing, but we can take great comfort in knowing that when our hearts are firmly planted in Him, regardless of the season, something beautiful is preparing to blossom. †

Written by Dr. James Hilton Principal, Jubilee Christian School 255 Washington Road Mt. Lebanon, PA 15216 412.561.5917

Jubilee Christian School Imagine • Believe • Achieve A K-7A Christian Elementary inthe theHeart Heart of the South K-6 Christian ElementarySchool School in of the South Hills Hills

Jubilee Christian School provides students with an exemplary education and enduring values rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

• Affordable Tuition • Small Class Sizes • Independent, Non-Denominational • Caring, Certified Teachers • Inquiry-Based Learning • Monthly Field Experiences/Trips

you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). What a promise to share with your children! The God who spoke the world into existence promises to be with us, strengthen and help us, and uphold us with His righteous right hand! Parents, allow your children to share their fears. Be transparent with them and share your own concerns. In the end, though, pray with your children and collectively let God know what He already knows. You are all His children, afraid, in need of His hand to lead you into the unknown. Then, rest in the truth of what He has already promised. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

A year ago, I was firmly “planted” in Orlando, Florida. My family and I were content with our perpetual sunny days and the life we had known for seven years. But then there was a bend in the road. My wife was diagnosed with cancer and I lost her in December of 2012. Suddenly, the familiarity of where I was planted, for so long, was of little significance. My roots, though, were anchored to my Creator, and He led my daughter and me to a

• Spanish, Art, Gym Classes • Parent Involvement Welcomed

Jubilee Christian School 255 Washington Road Mt. Lebanon, PA 15216 412.561.5917 www.jubileechristianschool.org Jubilee Christian School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational and admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

FAITH Pittsburgh South | Summer 2013 | faithpittsburgh.com 35

To those who are

Troubled

by Ms Sequeira

Dear Friend, I am sorry for the predicament you are in and feel for you. I too have faced many challenges and endured many trials. My faith’s been tested often at the shattering of my life. I may not have experienced the trials you are facing, but know that the cup is bitter. I too wondered where was God and why did He allow these afflictions to come upon me? I looked at the face of darkness trying to devour me and panicked often.

I’m now very grateful for all the afflictions, because I found God through them. I found Him to be my beloved Savior, Father and friend. He remained trustworthy and reliable.

He upheld me, when I could not stand. I found Him to be everything I desired and even more.

God brought me to a place of complete reliance on Him. He took away all earthly security and became my only security – bless His Holy Name! He taught me how powerful and great He is, and that He is more than enough for me. I had to read the Word often to believe His truth and renounce the lies of the enemy. Every work of the devil that was sent to afflict me turned around to my benefit. In God, I am strong and victorious. It’s like an unbelievable dream. I FOUND THE LIVING GOD! WOW! Friend, God never abandoned me and will NEVER abandon you. THIS IS A FACT, no matter what is going on in your life. He parted the waters of the Red Sea and can part the waters before you. He can make a way, where there is no way. He can deliver you of many afflictions and has the strength to carry you and uphold you through the storms of life. He is your mighty Deliverer and can break the strongholds that have gripped you. He can set you free of every temptation, vice and addiction.

God can work in an instant or gently lead you step by step. Please trust that He knows you through and through and has your best intention in mind. He made you and loves you dearly.

Will you give Him a chance to step in and change things for you? Will you allow yourself to trust Him, even if the mountain’s huge and there is only chaos all around? Will you allow His light to permeate your darkness? Will you be willing to give Him a chance to help you? If so, please say, “Living and loving God, I am ready to believe and need your help. My faith’s weak and I desire many breakthroughs. I am tired of these struggles and want to be set free – help me please. Send me Your Holy Spirit and comfort me. Deliver me from all evil and keep me strong O Lord. Break the power of the enemy in all the areas of affliction and renew my faith and trust in You (keep talking to Him and unfold all your burdens).”

I encourage you to get a book on the promises of the Bible and read it often and claim them. I am reading one called God’s Promises for Your Every Need – Thomas Nelson Inc. I also recommend you read and hear the Bible as often as you can. Pray and talk to God during the day.

If you feel the need to call and talk to someone, I suggest first talk to God about it. You do not have to lift the phone or call out to Him, for He is near you. If you cannot pray, just sit and let your tears or your sighs and groans be a prayer to Him. Try to spend time hearing songs of praise and worship when you feel low or hopeless; it will comfort you. Songs of praise also defeat the enemy and bring us to a closer union with God. I love to also chat with a friend when I’m in trouble, but recently after reading a spiritual book, I was encouraged to go to God first with

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my need. So one day, when things were very tough and I wanted to call out to a friend to share my burden and pray together, I went to my bedroom instead and put on some gentle instrumental worship music. I started talking to God and unloaded all my burdens to Him. I opened the Bible and read some of it and some other spiritual books for a long time.

Peace came upon me as my soul was fed in His company. Faith started to rise and fear departed. This experience encouraged me to always go to God first.

Friend, there are many good sermons online and many good spiritual books around to guide and uplift you. Some good books that I’ve been reading recently and find helpful are Lead me, Holy Spirit by Stormie Omartian, Crafted Prayers by Graham Cooke and Healing the Sick

by TL Osborn.

The church is always at hand for God’s Spirit to touch you. There is a world of support ready for you and it’s His divine providence for you.

Please open your heart and allow Him to take over your life. Miracles are in His hand and ready to be sent your way. Like a flower that turns toward the sun, please turn toward the Son of God and heavenly Father and continually seek His help. He will wipe all your tears and wash you clean. He will hold and comfort you and show you His goodness and love.

Take care!

“O my Lord God, I uphold all who will read this and ask You to bless them in a special way today. Be with them, their family and their friends and shine Your divine light on them and grant them peace. In Jesus name I pray amen.”

Faith Based News

ManUp Pittsburgh June 13 at Orchard Hill Church in Wexford 700 men came together to be raised up and learn how better to be Godly fathers and men. This landmark event was years in the making and made possible through the efforts of the many volunteers led by the Urban Impact staff who worked tirelessly to make the event the success that it was.

The inspiration for the event began years ago at a leadership conference when Rev. Ed Glover (founder and director of Urban Impact) talked to Tony Dungy and discussed the possibility of working together on a project to impact urban kids.

After giving more thought to all that would be involved in starting a new project like this Rev. Glover “pulled a Jonah” unable to get past how busy he already was and how much time it would take to start a project like this. The call kept coming and it became abundantly clear that “God wasn’t asking he was telling me this was what needed to be done.”

Rev. Glover approached Pittsburgh Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin about being involved in a men’s event for Pittsburgh who answered with an unequivocal yes he would be willing to be part of a men’s event.

The focus for the event became clear through prayer and the realization that “the greatest problem facing the country is missing or unengaged fathers, when you look at the statistics you see that a huge majority of problems facing our society can be traced back to not having fathers in the lives of our children”. This is a problem that is in every community, city, and state that crosses all cultural and ethnic barriers.

The vision for ManUp Pittsburgh was fourfold; to build up men to be Godly fathers and leaders in their own homes, to up men’s game and enable them to reach fatherless children in their communities, to provide men with resources to impact the fatherless in Pittsburgh, and to influence other men to take action as well in an effort to exponentially increase the effect of the event.

Several local pastors from different churches came together to lead breakout sessions John Guest, Rock Dillaman, Kurt Bjorklund, Ron Moore, Bill Glaze, Craig Giles, Wayne Younger, Scott Stevens, and Matt Kaltenberger. Very generous sponsor’s donated sufficient resources that all the proceeds from the event were able to go to Urban Impact and will have a very real effect in Pittsburgh and surrounding communities. After the event when some leaders and volunteers gathered to share a moment of prayer and thanks Rev. Glover talked of the far reaching impact of the days event and how the 700 men that came out would be able to affect thousands of lives going forward.

For those that were not able to attend the event there are still ways to become involved; commit to the 30 day online devotional at www. manuppittsburghdevotional.com/, support Urban Impacts various ministries which can be found at www.urbanimpactpittsburgh.org, and make sure you don’t miss next year’s event scheduled for June 7th 2014.

Statistics on effects of a missing or disengaged father: • 43% of US children live without their father [US Department of Census] • 90% of homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes.

[US D.H.H.S., Bureau of the Census] • 71% of pregnant teenagers lack a father. [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release, Friday, March 26, 1999] • 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes. [US D.H.H.S., Bureau of the Census] • 85% of children who exhibit behavioral disorders come from fatherless homes. [Center for Disease Control] • 71% of high school dropouts come from fatherless homes.

[National Principals Association Report on the State of High Schools] • 75% of adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes. [Rainbows for all God’s Children] • 70% of juveniles in state operated institutions have no father.

[US Department of Justice, Special Report, Sept. 1988] • 85% of youths in prisons grew up in a fatherless home.

[Fulton County Georgia jail populations, Texas Department of Corrections, 1992]

FAITH Pittsburgh South | Summer 2013 | faithpittsburgh.com 37

Faith Based News

Tunch and Wolf ’s Walk for the Homeless The weather started out without much promise but the rain stopped in time and held off while the walk was underway. May 11th 2013 was the 11th annual walk for the homeless hosted by sports broadcasters Tunch Ilkin and Craig Wolfley. The proceeds from the event went to benefit Light of Life Rescue Mission on the North side of Pittsburgh. Founded in 1952 the ongoing mission of Light of Life is it to be a ministry of Jesus Christ, provide a home for the homeless, food for the hungry, and build disciples for the Kingdom of God among the poor, addicted, abused and needy.

This year’s event attained both the largest attendance as well as the most money ever raised in the 11 year history of the walk.

There were 900 people who came out to walk and over $110,000 was raised. During the event Tunch recalled the first Walk for the Homeless 11 years ago when 12 people showed up for the event. What an amazing testament to all involved when you see how far this ministry and event have come since their inception. In the Pittsburgh area there are 2,400 registered homeless which is a low number for a metropolitan area but the actual number, when you take into consideration the many homeless that don’t go to the shelters and aren’t involved in any of the

available programs, is most assuredly much higher.

If you were unable to be part of the walk there are still ways that you can make a difference. You can go to www.lightoflife.org and get a lot more information about what the staff are doing as well as how you can volunteer with them and personally make a difference or make a donation and help others to make a difference. They can also be reached at 412.258.6100 if you would like more information.

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Faith Based News

“Paying it Forward”

New Community Church Challenges Congregation with Kingdom Assignment “Paying it forward” is an expression meaning to perform a good deed or service for someone with only the expectation that the person receiving the gift will perform a good deed for someone else. Our world would definitely be a better place if everyone subscribed to this philosophy.

The clergy of New Community Church on Wexford Road decided to make paying it forward a reality by challenging the congregation to take on “The Kingdom Assignment.” Reverend Mark Bolton, senior pastor, Reverend Hollis Haff, senior pastor emeritus, and Vicki Carlson, director of connection, along with other organizers implemented the plan which was originated

by Reverend Denny Bellesi in 2000 in Aliso Viejo, Calif. Since that time, The Kingdom Assignment has been embraced by hundreds of churches across the United States.

While preparing a message on stewardship for his congregation of Coast Hills Community Church, Bellesi allotted $10,000 from the church missions fund. He handed out $100 each to 100 volunteers of the congregation, reminding them that the money was not theirs, but God’s money.

He challenged them to do something extraordinary for the Kingdom. The volunteers came back with many success stories including helping homeless people and battered women.

For New Community Church, the idea to take on The Kingdom Assignment was proposed during a church meeting at Panera Bread.

“Betsy Sicher, a member and volunteer at our church, first [approached] us about it. She asked if we had $10,000 in our budget,” said Haff, laughing over the dollar amount. “We had heard about the assignment before and there was so much enthusiasm about it, and it went over so well at other churches. We knew that we would be able to raise the money.”

“Hollis said it was the easiest $10,000 that we ever raised,” said Bolton. “He went to 10 individuals and immediately, when they heard the story, they wanted to support this.”

Both ministers then introduced the project to their 750-member congregation at two Sunday morning services. They gave each volunteer a $100 bill and 90 days to report back after “doing something outside the walls

of the church to further His kingdom.”

“There was a touch of the miraculous from the beginning because we didn’t know if we were going to have enough $100 bills to give out,” said Bolton. “As we gave them out, we had just the right number.”

The assignments that the volunteers created showcased ordinary people doing extraordinary things, from hosting a spaghetti dinner for poor residents of Appalachia to collecting money for the Mooncrest Children’s Program in Moon Township. Some even used their businesses as a tool to help them complete their assignments.

“Rick Wise, our facilities manager, owns Wise Guys for Fun in Saxonburg where he sells ice cream, has batting cages and miniature golf,” said Bolton. “He decided to make the last day of the season a nocost, donation-only day to fund his project, Hoodies for the Homeless. He was able to raise over $1,300 and got a store to provide 136 nice, quality hoodies at cost. Then he hooked up with Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community, which is a ministry on the South Side that does a lot of work with homeless people. The stories were pretty remarkable.

They met people who lived under bridges and provided them with hoodies. All 136 hoodies went to homeless people through various missions and ministries in the city.”

Haff ’s daughter was also one of the volunteers.

“Part of the pitch was to have that experience of praying and listening until God made something clear to the volunteers and my daughter was struggling with that,” said Haff. “One night she woke up and had this idea. She had read a quote by Mother Teresa that said, “Not all of us can do great things.

But we can do small things with great love.”

She took her $100 and bought 10 gift cards from McDonald’s to give to homeless people, whom she encounters a lot in her work traveling to big cities.

She was excited about doing that and then she put it on her Facebook page and asked friends to help. She ended up with $15,000!

She then went to a Steelers game to distribute the cards to homeless people outside the stadium. It was also interesting for her to see the contrast between the homeless people and

Rev. Mark Bolton, Senior Pastor, Rev. Hollis Haff, Senior Pastor Emeritus and Vicki Carlson, Director of Connection at New Community Church

the people tailgating.”

Others reignited their faith through performing the assignment.

“We were hoping for people to experience God and got more than we ever expected,” said Bolton.

“I got an email from a [recent high school graduate] and although her faith had waned, she made one more visit to our church before she headed off to college. Although she didn’t participate in The Kingdom Assignment, she told God that, when she went to work that evening as a server at a Mexican restaurant in Cranberry, if she made $100 in tips, she would use that as her Kingdom Assignment.

Seven hours into an eight-hour shift she had only made $70 and had just one table left. She was sure that she would not be able to make her $100 goal. Imagine her surprise when she saw that the couple at that table left her a $50 tip for a $30 meal! She was so flabbergasted that she looked for them in the parking lot to see if it was a mistake. It wasn’t. She felt that there was no other explanation but God intervening.”

“The Kingdom Assignment created this explosion of energy in the church,” said Haff.

“When you look back and see the range of human need that was represented and the diversity of human talent to meet those needs, you think, ‘This is what the church is supposed to be.’”

More information about The Kingdom Assignment can be found on the New Community Church website at www.nccinwexford.org.

FAITH Pittsburgh South | Summer 2013 | faithpittsburgh.com 39

Perspective

No Small Decisions

by Michael Granovitz

Every single day we are faced with many decisions: some are small and others are very large. Not one of these decisions is inconsequential; to the last one all have far-reaching ramifications.

As believers we can choose to live either worldly or eternally. To live worldly is to act and react in accordance with society and what is valued by a majority of the populace.

To live eternally is living in a manner that brings glory to and pleases the Lord. When we live eternally God’s love is reflected in our lives; we live every day knowing that at any moment our time here could end and we will be called to account for our lives. ››

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5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:8 (ESV)

Conversely the priorities of those living with an eternal perspective will be advancing their personal relationship with the Lord, treating others with love and respect, ensuring their actions and reactions please the Lord, and serving the Lord as well as other people. The person with an eternal perspective is not worried about what happens here on earth but much more so what will happen on the day of his/her bodily death when standing in front of the Lord waiting to hear “well done, good and faithful servant.”

Romans 8:5 (ESV)

A worldly life is one whose priority is gaining material things, attaining a high status, and making everyday decisions to benefit one’s self without a thought of God. Wordly people will give no thought as to how they treat others, what their actions and reactions cause those around them to think, and whether or not their decisions will please the Lord.

✝ 9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you.

Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Romans 8:9-11 (ESV)

Christians, it is our duty to live in a manner that honors God, fulfills his will, and reflects the Lord’s love to the people who come into our lives. I would venture to say that as a Christian if you are sharing the gospel with the people you meet in your life; you have heard at one time or another someone say “I stopped going to church because Christians are hypocrites they are ‘holier than thou’ on Sunday in church but the rest of the week they are worse than many people that don’t ever go to church” or something to that effect. This statement is a direct reflection of one’s perspective; when Christians live. Monday through Saturday with a worldly perspective, not giving a second thought to God, they not only displease God with their actions they also drive non-believers away from church, the gospel , and salvation. Whereas if we live every day with the thought that at any moment our time on this earth might end and we will have to stand before the Lord and give an account of why we chose to live the way we did; it would give us an eternal perspective not only changing our lives but also could very well change the lives of those around us when they see the Lord’s love reflected in the way we live.

✝ So when you are faced with everyday decisions look at them with an eternal perspective and ask yourself what would please God instead of what is best for me. Never forget that scripture calls us to be Christ-like in our lives.

4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

1 John 2:4-6 (ESV)

FAITH Pittsburgh South | Summer 2013 | faithpittsburgh.com 41

Non-Profit Spotlight

the greatest

gift of all The Bair Foundation gives hope to children and families

42 724.942.0940 to advertise | FAITH Pittsburgh South

There are over 400,000 children in the foster care system in the United States.

Many have been neglected and/or abused, their hope for a bright future is gone, they have been rejected, and in many cases they have never known love. The Bair Foundation for over 45 years has been dedicated to these children through Christ-centered programs for the treatment, restoration, and empowerment of children, youth, and families.

Success at The Bair Foundation is measured by keeping siblings together, finding a home for teenagers, facilitating a foster child adoption, improving grades from all Fs to Bs after multiple placements and schools, looking a child in the eye and saying “I love you” and having him/her respond for the first time, having a high school graduation rate of 95% when statistics show the national average is 44%, and preparing and financially supporting our youth for college.

This success would be impossible without the help of others. The success of children and youth who enter and leave our care is largely dependent on loving, committed families and staff, organizations and church partners who dedicate their time and energy year-round to helping young people in need.

One of the primary goals of The Bair Foundation is achieving permanency providing a safe, stable home in which to live and grow including a lifelong relationship with a nurturing caregiver. Planning for permanency begins in the earliest stages of out-of-home care. While every child has a unique set of circumstances and needs, the permanency plan will be different for every child and will always be in the child’s best interest. In order for a child to grow up as a healthy, functioning and productive member of society, having a sense of family and a permanent home is key.

Although The Bair Foundation Pittsburgh office offers a number of community-based services including B.E.S.T. for Families,

Foster-To-Adopt, Adoption Services, and Medically Needy Foster Care, its main focus is Therapeutic Foster Care. As the number of children coming into care increases, so does the need for more Christ-centered homes. It is Bair’s desire that every foster child, regardless of age, is placed in a safe, loving, and nurturing home. Bair wants them to know that they matter, and that despite their traumatized past…they can experience a bright future.

Fostering takes patience and commitment. The challenges can be great, but so are the many rewards.

One of the most important things that The Bair Foundation can do to help the children that it works with is reduce how many times they are moved. Children need stability and predictability to thrive. A child who has been removed from home is particularly in need of consistent caregiving. Increasing placement stability has been shown to be the most significant factor in improving mental health outcomes for foster children. More than 91% of children placed or residing in Bair homes remained in the same home within the last year.

There are ways that anyone reading this can help. You can make a tax-deductible donation to The Bair Foundation to enable it to continue planting the seed of hope in the lives of children who have never known hope.

Each child is a precious gift of God. Please prayerfully consider sharing your life, faith, and your home with an abused child or teen; by doing so you can bring lasting change, provide restoration, and rebuild trust while teaching children to love others and themselves. When you answer the call and become a foster parent you will be living, breathing testimony of the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. †

For more information on how you can take the next step in transforming the life of a child please contact The Bair Foundation or visit the website at www.Bair.org.

The Bair Foundation, 412-341-6850 • hperella@bair.org

The Bair foundation uses a treatment model known as Structured Intervention Treatment Foster Care which is made up of the following components: preparation for placement, effective service planning, no moves, developing competencies, seeing the opportunity in crisis, and resiliency. The core principles used in this model are:

A B C D E

The foster parent is the principal agent of change in a child’s life.

Strong relationships are extremely important for successful outcomes and are built through solid commitment in the face of extraordinary challenges (family to child, agency to family).

Foster parents and staff must be trained so they are prepared to work effectively with children who have been exposed to trauma.

(This is accomplished through comprehensive, competency training and accountability.)

Proper preparation prevents poor performance.

All behavior has purpose; looking behind behavior to identify that purpose offers an excellent chance to facilitate change through addressing the root cause.

Children who are more resilient have the ability to not only survive, but to thrive when faced with adversity.

If you are interested in your nonprofit being featured in the nonprofit spotlight of future issues please contact: Faith Pittsburgh: 603 McMurray Rd., McMurray PA 15317, Attn. Mike Granovitz Office 724.942.0940 Cell 412.779.6733 Email m.granovitz@faithpittsburgh.com.

FAITH Pittsburgh South | Summer 2013 | faithpittsburgh.com 43

Rescued

By Jennifer Mobbs

R

ecently I picked up a prescription for one of my dogs at the vet’s office, 86 dollars and 28 cents.

Unfortunately, it’s not the only medication I have to give to our houseful of animals and when I say “houseful” I mean four cats and seven dogs, all rescues. Each one has its own unique story, most of them very sad.

Several of them have been very badly abused.

As I was waiting to be checked out I started thinking about all the costs of having so many pets. The shots, medicines, special food… I let out a long sigh thinking to myself, “I can’t keep doing this!” Another lady with a perfectly healthy, friendly, sweet dog was checking out at the counter as well. It seems one of the women working there had noticed my rather long face as I was looking over the bill. I jokingly said to her, “Why can’t I have a normal dog, one that

doesn’t require anything but food and love?”

Denise smiled back at me, shaking her head, and said, “Jennifer, you will probably never have a ‘normal’ dog or cat; you take the ones that no one else wants, the ones that are the neediest and the least loved.” As I handed her my check, I said, “You’re absolutely right, but there must be some reason why I do this!”

Once I got home I looked around my house at all the modifications we have made to accommodate all our pets. We have ramps for the older ones, special beds and crates, and even little stairs so the smaller pets can reach the couch. We purposefully chose flooring for our living room that is “pet friendly.” My bookcases and my walls are all filled with pictures and knick-knacks of dogs and cats, books on dog care, cat pictures, pug pillows… you name it I probably have it. I am also one of

44 724.942.0940 to advertise | FAITH Pittsburgh South

those people who love to change around the furniture every few months, but I had to stop after we took in a blind pug. She knows the layout of the house and if I move anything, she might run right into it. I sat down on the couch and instantly all my dogs and cats jumped up to sit with me. As each one came to greet me it made me think about Adam in the Book of Genesis. God says from “out of the ground” he made all the creatures in the earth, and in chapter two God takes all the animals to Adam to see what he would call them – and whatever Adam said, that was the name. God made all the creatures yet he let Adam name them all. So God had no doubt in Adam’s ability to name the creatures He had made.

I have to admit it’s true; I don’t think I have ever had a pet that didn’t have some kind of issue, physical or emotional, usually both.

humble and to honor God each day. I must always remember to not be angry with those who don’t serve God, but to pray for them.

They are in the same situation I am; they have to let God in to change their lives.

Change is probably the hardest thing for me to accept and do. I wasn’t raised under the best circumstances. I almost died as a child. I saw a lot of adult things that children shouldn’t see. My high school boyfriend physically abused me. I escaped him, but then my first husband was worse, abusing me physically and emotionally. But, by far the most difficult and painful situation for me has been the repeated rejection by my family for my beliefs and my convictions. I want them to understand as much as we can here on Earth the depth of who God is and why He deserves our love and respect. I hate to admit it but in a small way my heart still longs for their approval. Having convictions always makes me think of Daniel

unending love; of that I am positive.

This leads me back to my seven dogs and four cats now sitting on the couch with me snuggled up on each other and me like cordwood. I think that’s why God brings these wounded and abused dogs and cats to my door. Who better to understand? I have been so wounded and I understand what it feels like to be abused and unloved. But all that changed when I learned to trust God to heal me, then to give me a direction, an occupation that would bring glory to Him; that’s when I came out of my shell, came out from behind the walls of shame I had built around myself.

I took in a little dog just about a year ago, so starved you could see each rib on his body.

He was covered by so many fleas they were slowly killing him. Cleaning him up and feeding him were the easy part. The hard part was I had never seen such a sad and fearful dog ever before. At first I couldn’t touch him or pick him

Learning about God and God’s people has helped me see who I am; the closer I get to God the less important the world is, and the easier it is to let go of those past hurts.

Sometimes I wish they could tell me what happened to them, so I could try to fix it. But since they can’t, I treat them with love and give them time to realize that we can be trusted. All of this is another lesson from God, a window He provides for me to see into. In fact, these days, everywhere I turn I see a message about who God is and a chance to learn something more about God’s Grace, His Goodness and His ability to change me if I will let Him. People around me believe I am willing to take less, to take the worst portion of what they have, and that was true. For much of my life I have allowed myself to be put down, given less, and just plain mistreated. I thought that because I was so aware of my shortcomings, my sinful nature, I deserved to be treated this way. Thankfully God stepped in to remind me how much He loves me. This is one of the things I work on daily, to like myself, to remain

from the Old Testament, captured as a young teenager and taken to Babylonia. He was to be trained and taught to serve a pagan king.

But Daniel had convictions; he knew God as Jehovah. He chose obedience to Jehovah no matter what it might cost him. Each time his faith and convictions were challenged by the pagan kings God always protected Daniel, and Jehovah became known to a pagan nation as the Most High God, the True God. Learning about God and God’s people has helped me see who I am; the closer I get to God the less important the world is, and the easier it is to let go of those past hurts, seeing the bad things that happened to me for what they were and deciding to take the narrow road.

Learning to have relationships with people in my life who don’t understand my love and commitment to God can be very challenging.

Sometimes it’s hard for me not to become critical of the lifestyle choices—so opposed to God—that many in my family have chosen, especially because I love them so much. But I have realized by now that no matter what I say, it falls on deaf ears and closed minds. Could I have Daniel’s strength? It’s not without pain and loss, but God will replace that loss with His

up without him cowering in fear, hiding under a chair or in a corner. I have been working with him very slowly and he is starting to trust, but he still has a long way to go. I’m not worried; he can spend his life with us, he’ll never be starved or abused again, and we will take it step by step.

The important thing about a dog that has been as abused as this one, is that I cannot push him; I want him to come to me, on his own. Yet one more lesson from God: He wants the very same thing from us. God never pushes us; He wants us to seek Him with our hearts laid open willing to trust Him. He is always a Gentleman, never forcing His will upon us. But, I have to warn you, time may be very short so don’t let this moment pass you by. Today is the best day in the world to seek Him. It doesn’t matter how wounded you are, how abused you have been or how unloved you may feel. He is ready to take you in and rescue you.

I have been writing all my life; I just didn’t realize it until I was in my late 40s. I hope my experiences can help others who have gone through similar trials. † Article Source: www.faithwriters.com

FAITH Pittsburgh South | Summer 2013 | faithpittsburgh.com 45

Pigs in a

Blanket

By Herb Shaffer Senior Pastor New Song Community Church

Centuries ago Sheila and I were preparing for our wedding. “How about if we have pigs in a blanket at the wedding?” she asked.

I thought it was rather strange that sausages wrapped in a pancake would be served at a wedding reception. But this was Toledo… in a Polish family… not the first time I had discovered something odd about my wonderful fiancée… and she was the bride, so I agreed.

Months later we were walking hand in hand out of the sanctuary where, for some reason beyond my understanding, Sheila had said “I do” when asked if she took me to be her husband. “You need to get into the fellowship hall! They’re ready to serve the food,” my brand new mother-in-law exclaimed.

First in line (being the groom has a few privileges), Sheila and I gathered our food at the buffet. I saw all the food we had requested except the pigs in a blanket. In their place were hamburger stuffed into cabbage covered in a red sauce. “Where are the pigs in a blanket?” I whispered.

“Right there!”

“Right where?” Perhaps love really had blinded me. “I don’t see them.”

Sheila poked her fork at the cabbage rolls, “Right there!”

“Those aren’t pigs in a blanket,” I responded. “Pigs in a blanket are sausages wrapped in pancakes.”

“Why would we have sausages and pancakes at our wedding reception?”

“That’s what I thought when you asked to have them months ago, but, hey, it’s your wedding.”

“That’s just silly. Eat your pigs in a blanket and be happy.”

It was our first “argument” as a married couple.

Who was right? Both of us. In southern Ohio pigs in a blanket are sausages wrapped in pancakes. In northern Ohio they are hamburger wrapped in cabbage.

Neither one of us thought to describe them because we couldn’t imagine anything else. And so we were both blind to the reality of the other person.

Is it possible we have grown up in a world so upside down from God’s reality that we are blind to what is true? It’s not that we

“We live by faith, not by sight.”

- 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)

ever intended to be, it’s just that we have not spent enough time with God to see and hear Him describe what is real, what is true, what is valuable, what is important, what we should live for, what will matter while we’re alive and when we die. Is it possible that we think we know what God is talking about but will only find out on our “wedding day” (see Revelation 21) that what we thought was WAY wrong?

It’s not a big deal to know what pigs in a blanket are. It is eternally essential to know what is really real. †

Herb Shaffer,

Senior Pastor, New Song Community Church

4767 Library Road Bethel Park, PA, 15102 • 412.283.0888

“What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight.” - Luke 16:15b (NIV)

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Faith Pittsburgh

CHURCH DIRECTORY 3 Rivers Grace Church 412.450.0733 All Saints Episcopal Church 412.564.5620 All Saints Greek Orthodox 724.745.5205 Alleg Dist EVGL Church 412.854.5620 Apostolic Overcoming Holy Chr 412.381.6996 Baldwin Community Untd Mthdst 412.882.9300 Baldwin United Presbyterian 412.653.1400 Beechview United Presbyterian 412.561.0882 Belmont Christian Church 724.746.1857 Berean Fellowship Church 412.220.4673 Bethany Evangelical Lutheran 412.531.9363 Bethany Lutheran Church 412.835.9221 Bethany Presbyterian Church 412.221.5132 Bethel Bible Church 724.941.2259 Bethel Presbyterian Church 412.835.0405 Bethlehem Lutheran Church 412.381.2210 Beulah Baptist Church 412.431.3320 Beverly Heights Presbyterian 412.561.5100 Birmingham United Church-Chrst 412.881.6282 Bower Hill Community Church 412.561.4114 Brentwood Christian Church 412.882.7936 Brentwood Presbyterian Church 412.881.9334 Brightwood Christian Church 412.835.6703 Brookline Assembly Of God 412.561.2250 Brookline Boulevard UP Church 412.531.0590 Calvary Baptist Church 412.461.2006 Calvary Full Gospel Church 412.257.1707 Canonsburg UP Church 724.745.0800 Castle Shannon United Mthdst 412.561.6866 Center Presbyterian Church 724.941.9050 Chartiers Creek Community Chr. 724.941.2024 Chartiers Hill United 724.746.1330 Christ Community Church 412.519.4097 Christ The King Church 412.595.7181 Christ United Methodist Church 412.835.6621 Church Of God In Christ 412.431.1033 Church Of Resurrection 412.563.4400

Church Of The Advent 412.561.4520 Church Pine 412.650.6224 Cobden Street Baptist Church 412.488.7977 Community Bible Chapel 412.833.4525 Community Church Three Rivers 412.638.1040 Community Of Christ 412.831.1559 Concord Presbyterian Church 412.882.1141 Concordia Lutheran Church 412.881.3005 Covenant-Community Presby Chr 412.343.4411 Cross Roads United Methodist 412.494.9999 Crossroads Church Of Christ 724.941.4942 Crossroads Community Church 724.348.9278 Crossroads UM Church 412.221.8880 Dormont Presbyterian Church 412.531.1555 Dormont United Methodist Chr 412.531.9055 Emanuel United Methodist Chr 412.921.1432 Emmanuel Lutheran Church 412.531.1080 Evangelical Lutheran Church 724.941.4305 Exalt Church 412.600.4527 Fairhaven United Methodist Chr 412.882.2544 Faith Community Church 724.941.9035 Faith Lutheran Church 412.835.7470 Faith Lutheran Church 412.835.4590 First Baptist 724.348.6777 First Baptist Church 412.221.4232 First Baptist Church 724.745.8740 First Bethel United Methodist 412.835.0700 First Christian Church 724.745.9066 First Presbyterian Church 412.561.0401 First Presbyterian Church 724.348.5689 First Spiritualist Church 412.672.1272 First United Methodist Church 412.221.5577 First United Methodist Church 724.745.5771 Friendship Baptist Church 724.222.2774 Full Life Deliverance 412.481.2310 Good Shepherd Church 724.941.9418 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 412.276.2446

Grace Episcopal Church Grace Lutheran Church Grace Point Church Grandview Church Of God Grandview United Presbyterian Great St. Albert Hamilton Presbyterian Church Haven Heights Methodist Church Hill Top United Methodist Chr Hilltop Baptist Church Holy Assumption Orthodox Chr Holy Child Parish Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Chr Holy Trinity Catholic Church Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Holy Trinity Social Hall Holy Virgin Russian Orthodox Homeville Christian Church Hot Metal Bridge Faith Cmnty Independent Bible Presbyterian Innercity Christ Is All James Chapel Methodist Church Jefferson Hills Bible Church Jefferson United Presbyterian Jesus Fellowship John Mc Millan Presbyterian Journey Church Knoxville Baptist Church Knoxville Christian Church Knoxville United Church Lebanon Presbyterian Church Lifestone Church Lighthouse Church Lincoln Park Nazarene Church Lutheran Church Of-Redeemer Meadowlands United Methodist Mingo Church Montour’s Presbyterian Church Morningstar Baptist Church Mt Lebanon Baptist Church Mt Lebanon Christian Church Mt Lebanon United Lutheran Chr Mt Lebanon United Methodist Mt Lebanon United Presbyterian Mt Olive Baptist Church Mt Zion Baptist Chr Of Library Mt Zion Baptist Church Nativity Church-South Park Nativity Church-South Park New Day Assembly Of God New Life Fellowship Church New Song Community Church New Wine Harvest Noblestown Methodist Church Noblestown United Presbyterian North Zion Lutheran Church Oakdale UP Church Our Lady Of Grace Church Our Lady Of Loreto Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Peace Lutheran Church Peter’s Creek Baptist Church

412.381.6020 412.655.3100 412.319.9842 412.341.5252 412.431.7445 412.884.8622 412.884.2722 412.381.5848 412.481.5484 412.344.4426 412.431.6421 412.221.5213 412.833.3355 412.466.6545 412.561.1726 412.882.3900 412.466.9695 412.221.4099 412.461.3731 412.481.4010 724.926.3355 412.875.5175 724.348.5504 412.653.6930 412.653.4797 412.854.3137 412.833.4704 412.221.9000 412.381.4500 412.381.2125 412.381.3317 412.468.7184 412.458.0390 412.431.0171 412.462.2524 412.881.4404 724.228.3370 724.348.5278 412.787.1050 412.461.7861 412.561.8113 412.531.8554 412.563.0300 412.531.7131 412.531.3387 724.745.4777 412.371.7212 412.835.9668 412.655.1565 412.655.3000 724.941.1661 412.922.3703 412.283.0888 412.207.7216 724.693.2755 724.693.8250 412.655.3343 724.693.8950 412.279.7070 412.341.6161 724.941.7467 724.941.9441 412.833.6111

FAITH Pittsburgh South | Summer 2013 | faithpittsburgh.com 47

Faith Pittsburgh

CHURCH DIRECTORY Pine Run United Methodist Pittsburgh Baptist Church Pittsburgh Christian Flwshp Pleasant Hills Community Chr Presbyterian Church Of Mt Wash Prince Of Peace Lutheran Chr Prince Of Peace Roman Cath Chr Prince-Peace Roman Catholic Providence Reformed Prsbytrn Reclaiming Our Catholic Kids Redeemer On The Mt Restoration Church Resurrection Church Resurrection Lutheran Church Ruthfred Lutheran Church Sacred Heart of Jesus Saints Simon & Jude Scheick Street St Albert Second Baptist Church Second Primitive Methodist Serna Real Jesus Shiloh Baptist Church South Canonsburg Church South Hills Assembly Of God South Hills Baptist Church South Hills Church Of-Nazarene South Hills Community Baptist South Hills Congregational Chr South Park Baptist Church South Side Presbyterian Church Southminster Presbyterian Chr Spencer United Methodist Chr St Albert The Great St Anne’s Church St Barbara Rectory St Basil Church St Benedict Church St Bernard’s Church St Catherine Of Siena Church St Elizabeth Church St Francis Assisi St Gabriel Catholic Church St Genevieve Catholic Church St George Antiochian Orthodox St Germaine St Gregory Byzantine Catholic St Joan Of Arc Church St John Capistran Church St John Russian Orthodox St John Ukranian Catholic Chr St John Vianney Church St Justin Church St Louise De Marillac Church St Margaret’s Church St Margaret’s Church Cafeteria St Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran

570.398.4469 412.341.1660 412.381.4111 412.655.2000 412.481.0425 412.655.2168 412.481.8380 412.431.1030 412.388.1099 412.882.9836 412.352.8876 724.941.3480 412.461.8087 412.788.4513 412.835.7140 724.745.9139 412.344.1306 412.440.0221 412.461.7870 412.431.6677 412.531.1101 412.835.7220 724.745.7438 412.835.8900 412.481.2288 412.831.6333 412.833.1313 412.881.7373 412.835.1191 412.431.0118 412.343.8900 412.881.4000 412.884.7744 412.531.5964 412.221.5152 412.882.9763 724.941.9406 412.561.3300 412.531.2135 412.882.8744 724.348.7145 412.881.8115 724.746.9393 412.221.2277 412.833.0661 412.835.7800 412.854.3173 412.221.5445 724.745.9776 412.431.2531 412.381.8300 412.381.9878 412.833.2422 412.921.0745 412.922.7279 412.531.9575

St Mary Of The Mt St Mary Of The Mt Rectory St Mary’s Russian Orthodox Chr St Michael’s Orthodox Church St Michaels Byzantine St Norbert’s Church Hall St Pamphilus Church St Pamphilus Friary St Patrick Catholic Church St Patrick Church St Patrick Church St Paul AME Church St Paul’s Episcopal Church St Peter’s Episcopal Church St Pius X Byzantine Catholic St Pius X Catholic Church St Simon & Jude Church St Stephen Lutheran Church St Sylvester’s Rectory St Thomas Episcopal Church St Thomas More Church St Valentine Church Religious St Valentine’s Chr St Vladimir’s Orthodox Church St Wendelin’s Catholic Church St Winifred Church Stewart Avenue Lutheran Church Sunrise Baptist Church Sunset Hills United Prsbytrn Tabernacle Pittsburgh Gospel Temple Baptist Church Terrace Church Of Nazarene The Bible Chapel Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Trinity United Methodist Chr Union Baptist Church Union Roads United Methodist Unitarian-Universalist Church United Methodist Svc For Upper St Clair Alliance Church Vineyard Christian Fellowship Wallace Memorial UP Church Walnut Grove Assembly Of God Waterdam Church West End AME Zion Church West Mifflin Cmnty Baptist Chr Westminster Presbyterian Chr Whitehall Church Of Christ Whitehall United Presbyterian Worship Generation Community Zion Christian Church Zion Lutheran Church

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412.381.3310 412.381.0212 412.431.6428 412.271.2725 724.745.7117 412.881.8201 412.341.1000 412.531.8449 724.745.6560 724.693.9260 724.745.4130 412.431.2166 412.531.7153 412.884.5225 412.881.8344 412.563.5423 412.561.8808 412.279.5868 412.882.8593 724.745.2013 412.833.0031 412.831.6466 412.835.4415 412.431.9758 412.882.1480 412.344.5010 412.881.0171 412.653.4744 412.561.6261 412.458.0365 412.481.6164 412.346.0228 724.941.8990 412.466.7773 412.212.8794 724.941.4770 412.884.5333 724.348.6200 412.561.6277 412.341.1030 412.835.4775 412.921.4174 412.561.2431 412.469.3010 724.745.3158 412.928.0676 412.466.5924 412.831.6128 412.884.2055 412.882.7973 412.462.6697 412.886.1864 412.221.4776

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August 8 & 9 Teen Madness South Hills Campus Two day high energy event including concert just for teens The Bible Chapel 300 Gallery Drive McMurray PA 15317 724.941.8990

August 17, 2013 Yinz like to run, n’at?

Grab yer Terrible Tahls, sammitches and worsh rags and dress in yer oldest Still City uhtire aht’ll represent da burgh best to yinself.

Join us for the Yinzer 5K. Takes place at North Park.

Registration is at 8a.m. and the run at 9 a.m.

Registration is $35 Early bird special: Register before July 17 and the fee is $25 Proceeds benefit Light of Life Rescue Mission, a nonprofit organization providing life changing recovery programs and food and shelter for Pittsburgh’s poor and homeless on Pittsburgh’s North Side since 1952.

September 11

September 13-14, 2013

Bible Institute

Enduring Hope Ministries ‘Breathe’ Conference

6:30 p.m.

South Hills Campus Classes offered by Dallas Theological Seminary The Bible Chapel 300 Gallery Drive McMurray PA 15317 724.941.8990

Join Enduring Hope Ministries for two life changing days of teaching & Fellowship Focusing on encouraging & empowering women in the word of God! Monroeville Convention Center 209 Mall Boulevard, Monroeville, PA 15146 For more information visit: www.enduringhopeministries.com

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If you are a Christian business owner, nonprofit organization, Christian school, or if churches are one of your customers, Faith Pittsburgh can be a valuable tool for you to reach your target audience.

We will be publishing Faith Pittsburgh quarterly in regional editions (South, North, East, West).

Each full-color non-denominational issue will have 25,000 copies distributed through a large network (300+) of both secular and religious locations within each region.

If you are interested in scheduling a personal appointment to discuss the advertising opportunities available to your organization within the pages of Faith Pittsburgh please contact us.

Join the Faith Pittsburgh Community 603 McMurray Rd. McMurray, PA. 15317 Attn. Mike Granovitz Emai: m.granovitz@faithpittsburgh.com • Phone: 724.942.0940 • Cell : 412.779.6733