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Inside this Issue: Q&A About COVID-19 with Dr. Teddy Teketel at Zion Urgent Care How Should Christians Cope with Toxic Family Members?
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Letter from the Publisher Volume VI, Issue II
7 Paying it Forward 10 How Should Christians Cope with Toxic Family Members? 14 How “Katy-zuela” Food is Conquering American Hearts 18 I’ll Give You Something to Think About 20 Grace Bible Church: For Those 22 2020 Christian Summer Camp Guide 26 Q&A About COVID-19 with Dr. Teddy Teketel at Zion Urgent Care Clinic 29 The Buzz About Fort Bend 32
More Than “Luc” – One Katy Teen Proves that Dedication and Discipline Create Success in Work, Life
37 Recipe: Vegan Southern Tofu Scramble
With the Coronavirus dominating the news cycles, it has been a crazy six weeks. So many of our small businesses are shouldering the burden of our nationwide shutdown. Unemployment has skyrocketed, and I anticipate that very soon, we will see countless business foreclosures. In my opinion, none of this was necessary; our nation’s pain is something we brought upon ourselves. When all of this started, the so-called experts were predicting over two million deaths in the United States. Yet as time progressed, these projections lowered and lowered. As I write this letter, on April 14, the latest death toll stands at 25,162. The latest models have been revised to project a dramatically lower number - a total of 60,400 U.S. deaths by August, forecasting the peak of those deaths on April 12 (instead of April 16, as previously projected). Some models are even predicting as few as 35,000 deaths. These models projecting lower and lower COVID-related deaths. While every death is tragic and sad, let’s try to keep this in perspective. The CDC estimates that as many as 56,000 people die from the flu or flu-like illnesses in the United States each year. In bad flu seasons, we experience many more deaths. In 2018, there were 48,344 recorded suicides, according to the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). In 2019, an estimated 606,880 people will die of cancer in the United States. About 647,000 Americans die from heart disease each year. For the first time that I can ever recall, churches were forbidden to hold services in most cities. Louisville, Kentucky Mayor Greg Fischer went even further. On Holy Thursday, the mayor threatened church members and pastors to not hold a drive-in Easter service. Fischer’s warning read as follows: “We are not allowing churches to gather either in person or in any kind of drive-through capacity... if you are a church or you are a churchgoing member, and you do that, you're in violation of the mandate from the governor, you're in violation of the request from my office and city government to not do that. We're saying no church worshiping, no drive-throughs." The same day, the Mayor's spokesperson said he would use the police to deter and disburse drive-in religious gatherings: "Louisville Metro Police have been proactive about reaching out to those we've heard about and discouraging organizers from proceeding." Are we so willing to give up our God given liberties over a pandemic that hasn’t even killed as many people as the flu does on an annual basis? Is it worth destroying so many businesses, families and communities? As I drive through Katy, I wonder how many businesses in these strip centers will never reopen. Joseph R. Menslage President/Publisher Fort Bend Christian Magazine Cover: Terry Adams and Family.
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a i v i r T e Bibl
Test your knowledge of the book of Revelation by answering the trivia questions below! 1
3
2 5
4
6
7
8
9
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Across
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4) How many elders will be seated around the throne in Heaven? (Hint: use 2 words!)
1) What did Jesus have in his right hand when he first appeared in Revelation? (Hint: use 2 words!)
6) What church in the book of Revelation did Jesus find no fault with?
2)
7) The possession of which city will be at the center of international turmoil? 9) The book of Revelation was written while the writer was in exile on what island? 10) John saw a second beast, coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a…
In Revelation, we are told that unclean spirits will go forth to the kings of the earth to draw them to one place for a great battle. What is the name of this place?
3) Who wrote the book of Revelation? 5) An angel told which Old Testament prophet that travel would increase at the end of time? 8) What did Jesus say that the day of his second coming would be like for all the people on earth?
Answers: 1) Seven stars 2) Armageddon 3) John 4) Twenty four 5) Daniel 6) Philadelphia 7) Jerusalem 8) Snare 9) Patmos 10) Dragon
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Paying it Forward By Lori Joiner Many people want to pay it forward! They want to invest in another spiritually to show gratitude for the people who helped them in their walk with God. Getting in the boat with another person spiritually and helping them become grounded in the basics of the Christian faith is exactly what we are called to do. I love how Paul said to Timothy, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” But here is the catch -- where to find someone to disciple? The desire to help others spiritually is only part of the equation. Where to find a person to actually disciple will take intentionality. I bet the person you need to invest in is already in your life. Continued on page 8
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could meet with my other babysitter! Finding a Person to Disciple Be Proactive! Examine and Pray Do you have a hobby? For me it is teaching a few classes at the local YMCA. I love the community of like-minded individuals there who share my love of fitness. I met for lunch one afternoon with a woman I had known for years at the Y. During our visit, she inquired as to what it meant to be saved. I explained to her the love of God and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ. I have since met with her weekly to teach her basic foundational teachings of the Christian faith. Are you employed? I know a businessman who keeps books on marriage and parenting in his desk. He looks for opportunities to share those resources with people he has casual conversations with at the office. Some of those relationships turn into deeper conversations about faith and he is ready to meet with them before the workday begins or during lunch breaks to help them grow spiritually. Are you a mom? When my boys were young, I had several babysitters on speed dial as I had no family in town who could watch them. One of my babysitters had questions about spiritual things and the Bible, and we would often talk about these topics when I returned home. I ended up meeting with her on a regular basis to help her in the basics of the Christian faith. Yep, I would hire a babysitter so I
Examine each of your current activities -- church, hobbies, places of business you frequent, your job, your extended family, your neighbors -- prayerfully seeking if a person in one of those groups may need your help. If you look close enough, I would bet the person you can disciple is already in one of those groups just waiting on you to take the initiative to meet. Finding a person to disciple is a matter of prayer and keeping your antenna up. I pray each day, “Lord, please use my life to help others. Please cross my path with those who need Your love and guidance today. I want to be a tool in Your hand to love on others.” Then I keep my eyes and ears open to His leading and step out in faith to invite others to learn and grow. P.S. – Once you do connect with a person to disciple, download for free "The Discipleship Starter Kit" on my website at lorijoinerministries.org!
Lori Joiner is an author, speaker and discipleship coach in Katy, Texas. In addition to writing, she teaches group fitness classes at the YMCA and enjoys walking the family chocolate lab with her husband Alan and playing board games with her two sons. You can reach out to her at LoriJoinerMinistries.org.
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How Should Christians Cope with Toxic Family Members? By Dr. Rebecca Deurlein It’s tough being a Christian sometimes. It requires us to act in a way that might not seem natural but is right and will ultimately bring us greater peace. In the moment, however, it may seem counterintuitive. If you’re a logical person, what you are required to do may not make rational sense. Does it make sense to forgive someone 70 times 7 times? Or does doing so make us doormats? If you are a feelings-based person, how do you just ignore your feelings in times when God calls us to do one thing and our hearts tell us to do something else? Just about everyone I know is currently dealing with a family member who, by all definitions, is toxic. You probably have one too. This is a person who treats you poorly, or worse, treats your kids poorly. Maybe it’s a mother-in-law who is constantly critical of your parenting or a sibling who is jealous of you. This person makes you feel bad about yourself or drives a wedge through your marriage. He or she causes fights among family members or makes everyone’s time miserable on holidays or vacations. No matter how many times you’ve
tried to reconcile with this person, the situation never improves and perhaps even gets worse. The result is that no one wants to see this person, resulting in problems for the entire family. I’ve been there and am still there. My friends are all there. It seems there isn’t a family alive who doesn’t deal with at least one toxic family member. Keep in mind that toxic doesn’t equate to annoying. We all have LOTS of annoying family members, or at least family members with annoying habits. No, toxic is different. It’s poison. It’s insidious. It weaves its way through your life, eating away at your happiness. So as Christians, how do we deal with toxic people when we are instructed to give unlimited forgiveness and to love our enemies? I think, as with all things, we look to Jesus for our answer. His interactions with others should be a model to us when we are struggling with how to react. Here is what we can learn from Jesus about dealing with people who are dangerous to our well-being: 1. Understand the difference between annoying and truly toxic. I defined the differences above. As Christians, we don’t get to just drop family members out of our lives because they talk nonstop, have different political views, have poor hygiene, or leave the cap off the toothpaste. A person is toxic when she is threatening your family Continued on page12
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2. Forgiveness is crucial but acceptance is not. Jesus always forgave but he did not accept sin. He pointed it out and offered love and encouragement to change and heal. We should do the same. Talk to the person who is hurting you and share how their actions make you feel. Tell them what needs to change in order to mend the relationship. Give them a fair chance to do so, knowing there will be setbacks and failures along the way. Acknowledge their efforts. 3. If change doesn’t come, you do not have to accept or settle for toxic behavior. Once you have communicated your bottom line, encouraged and loved the person through their efforts, and prayed for the person to see the light, you have done what Jesus has asked you to do. It may still fail miserably. Why? Because no one can change another person; they have to want to change themselves and do the work to make it happen. Sadly, some people refuse to see the need for change. Pride, ignorance, or stubbornness keeps them from doing what it takes to keep their loved ones in their lives. This is truly sad, but not within your control.
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4. Control your own behavior. Your actions and reactions, however, are entirely under your control. At this point, you can make the decision that you feel is best for your family, and you can choose to spend less time or no time with the toxic person. This is never what you want, but sometimes very much what you need, and it’s okay to give yourself permission to step away from a dangerous relationship. The one thing you should continue to do, though, is pray
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for the toxic person. You may not be able to change him or her, but God can. 5. Praying for your enemy helps you as much as it helps your enemy. It helps you forgive, it helps you see that we are all humans with flaws and weaknesses, and it helps you to be humble. There is nothing easy about praying for someone who has come close to destroying us, but it is what we are called to do, and for good reason. Praying heals. Remember that God knows our hearts. He does not want us to risk our own spiritual well-being and that of our family in order to placate someone who is seeking to hurt or destroy us. All he asks is that we be kind, we forgive, and we pray. I’m sorry if you are dealing April / May 2020
with a toxic person, but I pray that God will give you the strength to recognize what is best for your family and to take the necessary steps to protect them and yourself.
Rebecca Deurlein is the author of Teenagers 101: What a top teacher wishes you knew about helping your kid succeed, and President of Teenager Success 101, a one-on-one academic coaching company dedicated to helping kids find success. She blogs and writes internationally, speaks to parents across the nation, and loves every minute of living in Sugar Land, TX. Find her on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Huffington Post, or through her own blog A Teacher’s Guide to Understanding Teenagers. All can be accessed at www.TeenagerSuccess101.com.
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How “Katy-zuela” Food is Conquering American Hearts By Mylena Sanchez As the Houston area’s foreign-born population continues to grow, diversify and participate in the regional economy, more and more Venezuelan families have found their new home and businesses in the Katy area. Venezuelans are one of the fastest-growing groups in the Greater Houston area, more than tripling in the first seven years of this decade. Venezuela used to be one of the most desirable destinations for immigrants from all over the world, but during the last 25 years it has only seen an increase in political persecution and economic devastation. However, they may have found the perfect refuge for their families and businesses because Venezuelans value the same faith, family, education, security and strong work ethic that many Katy residents do. Among these recent immigrants, is the Vielma family who worked hard to create a chain of Venezuelan cafes called “El Kourmet”. El Kourmet has been making a name for itself by making the “arepa” one of the most famous and popular new meals in town. What started twenty-two years ago in the city of Merida, Venezuela, as the initiative of a boy with an entrepreneurial spirit, has become the most locally recognized brands of tropical food from a country that was once known for having one of the biggest oil reserves and most beautiful women on the planet (with 21 titles in international beauty pageants). Our new neighbors came with a clear vision, but it took thirteen years for them to see the success that they are seeing right now. From their first food-truck that opened in 2015 to the creation of an “Arepa Bar” inside a local famous market in Katy, and finally the opening of two successful locations in the form of full restaurants (North and South of the city); the Vielma family never gave up. Jose Vielma, founder and leader of the project is always moving and working like an ant. Vielma works very hard to ensure that the quality of his ingreContinued on page 16
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At Fort Bend Christian Magazine, we believe in the power of prayer and we want to pray for you, your families, and our community. To share your prayer request, visit our website at fortbendchristianmagazine.com and click on “prayer requests.” Please pray for all of those around the world who have been impacted by the Coronavirus. We know that many of our friends and neighbors have had love ones effected and that the virus has had a profound impact on our lives. Please pray for peace, healing, and protection. Please pray for those who cannot afford healthcare. That they find the means to care for themselves and their families. – Haylee of Spring Please pray for Joe G. in Richmond. Joe has Stage IIIC colon cancer and continues to undergo chemotherapy. We ask that you pray for all of those in our community who are experiencing the loss of employment and economic uncertainty. We pray that you would provide peace to our anxieties and open doors of opportunity for employment. Please pray for Naomi M. of Houston. She was recently in the hospital due to health concerns. Please pray for healing and swift recovery. Pray for our local, state, and national leaders and the hundreds of thousands of healthcare and law enforcement personnel across the country as they navigate the challenges presented by the Coronavirus.
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dients and customer service are the very best. “If you haven’t tried this Venezuelan food you are missing out”, commented a new American customer after having tasted for the first time the “patacon” (a sandwich that instead of bread is made with crushed fried yellow plantain, filled with a special stew of meat or chicken, as well as a special white cheese from Venezuela and seasoned with avocado and mouth-watering unique sauces). Another differentiator of the El Kourmet brand is to make the “hamburger bigger than normal; loading it with so many new rich ingredients like egg, ham and a very “unique white Venezuelan cheese that we grill”, explains Vielma. Being able to enter a market as competitive as that of the United States and to be able to give strength to their brand is the result of perseverance, faith, dedication, and hard work that must happen every day. Only through increasing the quality of their products and customer service have they managed to distance themselves from the competition. Nevertheless, as a man of faith and action, Vielma acknowledges God as the way maker and looks ahead with the dream of one day turning his business into a franchise.
April / May 2020
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I’ll Give You Something to Think About By Alisa Murray We have all been through so much over these last few weeks. It seems surreal to see lines at stores, people fighting over supplies and of course the alarming sight of cars carrying caskets in mass. I for one am thankful to have a faith-based life and have sought and found refuge in what appears to be a strange new way of life. It is in these types of circumstances that we all rise up and find new ways to love one another and to communicate with our world. Can you imagine a time that you could not call or FaceTime a loved one? The internet allows us to quickly transform education with others to a socially shared experience from the comforts of our homes. Having forced downtime also creates an awakening in one’s soul and a desire to connect with our Lord. It’s a good thing that comes our of a very bad storm. As I write this we are indeed in the calm before the storm. It is scary to see life so disrupted and round the clock stats on whose diagnosed and dying; so turn it off. This can be too much for anyone’s soul to bear. It can also be difficult to know when you have to stop doing business in a face to face way with others. Many small businesses are caught in a corner of when to draw the line on exposing both themselves, their employees and clients and loved ones. It has to be more about the common good than the
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bottom line. I have, besides being a writer/columnist, as many of you know; multiple businesses and in those businesses I primarily take care of my clients in what I call the “happy times.” Whether it be rejoicing in the delivery of a new baby they are bringing to me to be photographed or planning a beautiful vacation that they will be talking about for years or helping them buy a new home where they will make memories…all of these are in a happy time in their lives. Now I find myself writing more, reflecting more and in that headspace my thoughts flow with questions about what good will come from these times. How will the changes we quickly had to maneuver to create a sense of new calm and new society effect us going forward? Will we see education differently? Will we see our health care providers differently? Will we see our leaders and public servants differently? Will we create more and become the people we were always meant to be? Will we draw closer to our faiths and love one another as ourselves? Time is the answer to these questions and I for one have and will continue to use this time wisely. Take care of you!
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Grace Bible Church: For Those Who Love to Study the Word By Rebecca Deurlein Some people choose their church based on the music, some on programs, and many on how the Bible is preached. If you choose your church based on a thirst for Biblical knowledge and understanding, Grace Bible Church in Richmond might be for you. A new church celebrating its one year anniversary in April, Grace Bible Church focuses on 2nd Timothy 2:15, which says we are to: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (KJV) This emphasis on Bible study makes sense, given the pastor who started the church just a year ago has devoted his life to delving into the Word. Jim Phillips had previously pastored at Grace Baptist Church in Liverpool, TX, before coming to Richmond to start up the new church. For 20 years, he ministered in Israel, where much of the Bible was written and many of the events took place. Pastor Jim
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began writing commentaries on the books of the Bible, which he now makes available for free on the church website. In more recent years, Phillips did mission work in Greece, where Paul spent much of his time writing the church epistles on the dispensation of grace. This inspired Phillips to write commentaries on those books as well, in an effort to bring those stories to life for contemporary fellow believers. He even took part in an educational movie called The Apostle of the Gentiles, where he played the apostle Paul. The movie was designed to teach its viewers Bible doctrine and is also available for free on the church website. Visitors to the church will immediately recognize the focus on education, as they will find a number of sign-up tables in the auditorium for enhanced study opportunities. “Another important focus at Grace Bible Church is to fulfill Ephesians 3:8,” said Phillips. “’To make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God.’ Our people love to help one another do this by putting together discipleship material to distribute to churches and pastors everywhere. “In addition, we are the home of Grace Bible Institute, which is a free, online Bible College and Seminary that is self-paced and has had over 5,000 students enroll over the years. We have hundreds of April / May 2020
students in many countries that study with GBI for free, and many churches overseas use our Bible College free of charge to establish local Bible Institutes in their own areas.” In the past year, the church has grown to 40 people who love learning the word of God. Most members drive between 20 and 45 minutes from different towns in the Houston area to attend the church, which represents all ages and ethnicities. Grace Bible also offers a junior church for kids up to 12 years of age, and a nursery on Sunday mornings. They have a 6 pm Sunday Evening Bible Study, as well as a 7 pm Thursday Evening Bible Study. Phillips added, “Our ultimate desire at Grace Bible Church is found in 1st Timothy 2:4 and that is, ‘for all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.’ We hope to start numerous churches in the Houston area, in the years ahead, and around the world if the Lord tarries His coming. We would love to fellowship with you.” Grace Bible Church is located at 222 FM 359 Suite D. in Richmond, next to Frank’s Nursery.
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Fort Bend Christian Magazine's
2020 Christian Summer Camp Guide We've compiled a list of the top Christian Summer Camps across the area. Check out the list below or at FortBendChristianMagazine.com.
Summer Camps Baytown Summer Camps (281) 420-6598 baytown.org shontele.williams@baytown.org 2020 Camp Themes: Harry’s Potions & Spells, Pirates & Princess, Superhero, All About Me Series, Lego Transportation, Jedi, Karate, Track & Field, Cooking & Baking, Magic Spy, Space, Veterinarian, Art, and Crazy Chemist. Ages 5-15. $100-$125 per camp.
Baytown Wade Into Wetlands Summer Science Camp Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Center 1724 Market St. Baytown, TX 77520 (281) 420-7128 Baytown Nature Center 6213 Bayway Dr. Baytown, TX 77520 (281) 420-7130 June 1 – August 7. Entering grades 1-10. Registration begins March 2, 2020. Wetlands Center Full-Day Camps: $150/ Week. Baytown Nature Center Half-Day Camps: $75/Week. Limited scholarships and financial aid available.
Eagles on The Rock Academy 433 South Barker Cypress Rd. Houston, TX 77094 (281) 945-4540 academyontherock.org This summer enroll your kids ages 18 months – 5th grade at the Eagles on the Rock Academy Summer Camp for an enjoyable and educational experience! This invigorating camp will be held from July 1 – July 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Your child’s daily schedule will include language practice (English, French and Spanish), hands-on art (music, dance, paint, craft or garden), sports (P.E., soccer, gymnastics or games), science or math, and Legos. Register your toddlers and kids today because spots will fill up swiftly!
Fort Bend Christian Academy North Campus 1250 Seventh Street Sugar Land, TX 77478 fortbendchristian.org South Campus 1201 Lakeview Drive Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 263-9175 fortbendchristian.org
Help your Pre-K through 5th grade kids bust the summer boredom at Fort Bend Christian Academy’s summer camps! They will make new friends, learn something new and have FUN. It all starts on May 26! Morning classes include Arts, Computer, Sports and Games. Afternoon field trips include Altitude Trampoline Park, Constellation Field, Lifetime Fitness, Pump it Up and Urban Air Trampoline Park. Fort Bend Christian Academy also hosts a boy’s basketball camp (grades 1 – 6) and a girl’s basketball camp (grades 3 – 8). Visit their website to enroll today!
Grandma’s House & West Oaks Private School 14840 Branch Forest Dr. Houston, TX 77082 (281) 496-3105 westoaksprivate.com Grandma’s House and West Oaks Private School offer a fantastic summer camp program for children ages 5 – 12 years old. Each day. your child will dive into the exciting world of art and crafts, music and cooking activities. They will also take fun and educational trips 1 to 2 times a week to places such as museums, swimming, bowling, skating, movies, and much more. The team at Grandma’s House is dedicated to providing children with experiences beyond the classroom. The teachers are committed to education and foster in students the love to learn. All teachers are over the age of 18 and are
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CPR and First Aid Certified. Camp times are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended care from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at no additional fee. Call today to schedule a tour!
Marine Military Academy 320 Iwo Jima Blvd. Harlingen, TX 78550 (956) 423-6006 mma-tx.org The annual Marine Military Academy Summer Camp offers school boys ages 11-18 from around the world the opportunity to converge at MMA for four weeks of authentic Marine adventures and lifelong memories and friendships. Under the guidance of experienced Marines and athletic coaches, campers learn to work as a team and develop leadership skills and self-discipline through a series of fun and safe outdoor challenges designed to maximize physical fitness, mental sharpness and self-confidence. From reveille to lights out, MMA Summer Camp will challenge your son as he navigates his way through a host of extraordinary individual and team activities, such as rappelling, high ropes, paintball and much more. Enroll your son today so that this summer, he’ll discover the Marine inside himself. Visit the MMA website for more details.
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Pirate’s Bay Waterpark 5300 E Rd. Baytown, TX 77521 (281) 422-1153 baytown.org/piratesbay Jump In! It’s time for summer fun at Pirate’s Bay. This Texas-sized waterpark features attractions for everyone including a zero-beach entry, large Pirate themed water play center complete with a large dumping bucket, an awesome array of spray nozzles, tot slides, water guns, and a 671-foot-long lazy river and two large slide towers. Tower activities include fun for both the little ones and daredevils with everything from run-out slides to racing tubes. It’s an adventure unlike any other! For more information, call (281) 422-1153.
Primrose School of Woodcreek Reserve 1249 FM 1463 Katy, TX 77494 (281) 371-0099 primroseschools.com/schools/woodcreek-reserve At Primrose School’s Summer Adventure Club, children become engineers, artists, explorers and more as they discover the joys of design
April / May 2020
thinking, a fun and innovative way to learn. Engineering design challenges, experiments and themed activities await as children unlock new ways of thinking—all while having a blast! The Summer Adventure Club is perfect for children ages Kindergarten – 5th Grade. Kids will engage in dynamic activities such as building robots and coding them to life, engineering their own toy cars, designing beautiful and kinetic art, creating their own music videos, and much more. Ready for your kids to have the best summer ever? Schedule a tour of the school today!
everyone is welcome! WPA also offers Big ROAR, a thrilling and enriching summer camp for children and youth grades 3 – 8. Read more about these programs online!
Westlake Preparatory Lutheran Academy 23300 Bellaire Blvd. Richmond, TX 77406 (832) 586-9130 westlakeprep.org Westlake Preparatory Lutheran Academy’s Kamp ROAR is a stimulating summer day camp which offers 3 weeks of summer fun for young children ages 2-8! At Kamp ROAR, campers are taught how to R.O.A.R. – Respect, Obedience, Accountability, and Ready to Learn. Kamp ROAR provides young campers with the fundamental experiences of developing friendships, creating amazing arts and crafts, learning team-building skills, fun and fellowship in a loving environment. You do not have to be a WPA student to attend Kamp ROAR;
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Q&A with Dr. Teddy Teketel at Zion Urgent Care Clinic What is telemedicine or virtual health care? How long have you practiced medicine? Urgent Care?
Telemedicine is the method of doing a health care visit over audiovisual media on a smartphone or a personal computer.
I was born in Ethiopia where I did my Medical School in 1996. I left my birth land after a few years of serving and got to go to Europe where I did infectious disease and Public Health related Studies. After this I served under Doctors Without Borders for 6 years in many Asian and African countries before moving to the USA. I did my Internal Medicine residency in 2011 in California and have continued to work as a Primary Care/Urgent Care doctor since then. We moved to Katy, our new homeland, in 2015. When did you come to know Jesus personally? Born into a Traditional Christian Home ( Orthodox Christian), I grew up learning God’s words and Hymns without having a relationship with God Himself. So as relationships count only when they are personal, I can say, I began to know Jesus after moving to the USA in 2008. I am still learning how to relate to Him and live my life with Him and for Him. Have you seen or heard of any cases of COVID-19 in Katy? Only suspected cases. I sent my first test for COVID-19 last Saturday to Labcorp and am waiting for the results. What should people do if they’re wondering if they have COVID-19?
How effective is it? Telemedicine has a lot of limitations especially in getting the physical examination from the patient and therefore is qualitatively a low standard of care. Doctors have to rely mostly entirely on what the patient says with the exception of sometimes also the pictures taken by patients and the patient's own measurements to make a medical decision. However, because of the convenience it gives patients and the cost saving it gives for insurance payers, it is being implemented in massive campaigns. Telemedicine can also be useful in times like now as it helps doctors talk to patients without being exposed to the sickness the patients may be carrying. How do you as a Christian physician think about this pandem-
Well, I wish I could relieve their worry by saying get tested and know it! Because that’s exactly what should be done. However, given the current local and national testing limitations for COVID-19, we don’t have enough tests for all who need to know. Therefore, if people have no symptoms, they should just stay vigilant to prevent any infections (i.e., exercise hand hygiene, avoid crowded places). If people have a fever with a cough or shortness of breath, they should wear a mask whenever close to others, call their doctors or do Telemedicine (e.g., Zion offers such services) to determine the next step. If people are having severe difficulty breathing, they should call an ER and inform them they are coming with such symptoms. What about people who do not have health insurance? What should they do? Sometimes paradoxically the cost of a doctor’s visit is more expensive for people with insurance than without. At Zion, a Telemedicine visit is $50 currently and a physical doctor’s visit is $100. The same person carrying insurance may pay $140 if he/she has a deductible payment.
ic? As a follower, of Christ I believe there is no more judgment for sins and wrath from God (as it’s already paid for) until final judgment day. However, the world is still a fallen world reigned by destructive evil spirits and when it rains it rains both on Christian and non Christian. The difference is the true Christian is not alone during suffering. God is covering those who hold on to Him, who trust in Him. For those who want to see, God is visible closer and brighter against the contrast of the darkness of our times. What is the role of prayer in this situation? Prayer operates on the higher level of law/ the spiritual law and lets God’s will operate through and over the lower level of law/ The physical laws of nature. Why do you have a prayer room at your urgent care clinic? We want Zion Clinic to be a place of God’s Glorious manifesta-
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April / May 2020
tion. A place of supernatural healing. We know He answers earnest prayer and we want patients to experience His good will. Any stories you can share of how you’ve seen prayer impact physical illnesses? I haven’t met any patients – both believers and unbelievers – who when we talked about God during their visit, didn't feel more hope and less pain. I have seen them change their frown to smile and lift their heads up. Most of the time the physical illness is not even their biggest issue and we have talked about and prayed about their spiritual standing with their Father God. Any other thoughts or recommendations you’d share with Christians here in Katy and Fort Bend? In times of trouble, suffering, be the Good Samaritans to all your
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neighbors. This time, the enemy’s hand is the hardest on elderly, chronically sick people. See if they need our help and help them get the first mask, the first water, food, and the first healthcare/testing if needed. Let’s comfort each other and pray for each other. Any other thoughts or recommendations you’d share with any just exploring the Christian faith? A Christian is not an individual serving himself but a part of the Body of Christ living to serve others in need.
Dr Teddy (Tewodros) Teketel is the Medical Director at Zion Urgent Care Clinic in Katy, Texas. Learn more about Zion Urgent Care Clinic at zionurgentcare.com.
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The Buzz About Fort Bend
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Do you know about an event happening in Fort Bend County? Share your photos with us and they could be published in The Buzz About Fort Bend! Email your photos with a short description to joseph@houstonchristianmagazine.com. 1) Calvary Episcopal Preparatory student, William Broussard, listens to his interactive lessons via google hangouts after local schools shifted to distance education during COVID-19. 2) Calvary Episcopal Preparatory Pre-K3 teacher, Mrs. Harris, led an online science experiment while parents and students replicated it at home. 3) Calvary Episcopal Preparatory Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Lacy, visited her students to tell them she missed them. Seth Okere grinned ear to ear at the sight of his teacher. 4) Fort Bend County Judge, K.P George, along with members of Commissioners Court, pose for a photo with Tyla Simone Crayton – sixteen-year-old CEO of Sienna Sauce, which was launched from her kitchen in the Spring of 2017 and named after her home in Sienna Plantation. She has won several competitions on GMA Strahan, Sara & Keke, The Revolt Summit, and The Hustle Showdown, not to mention countless honors from many amazing organizations throughout Texas. 5) Over $50,000 was raised at 2nd annual Wheelchairs for Warriors event in Fort Bend County. Wheelchairs for Warriors provides custom-fit, complex-rehab, mobility solutions to wounded veterans and first responders, so they can rejoin their lives at the highest level possible with independent mobility and function, offering them a better quality of life and the ability to roll strong! Wheelchairs for Warriors stands in the gap between actually needs. Information, April / May 2020what is provided, and what the warrior For Advertising
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The Buzz About Fort Bend
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Do you know about an event happening in Fort Bend County? Share your photos with us and they could be published in The Buzz About Fort Bend! Email your photos with a short description to joseph@houstonchristianmagazine.com. 1) Fort Bend County Judge, KP George, hosted a Veteran Resource Fair in February, dubbed as “Vet Connect Day”, to better coordinate needed resources and services to Fort Bend County area veterans and their families. 2) An impromptu and spontaneous gathering of concerned citizens, state candidates, ministers, and one candidate for Harris County Sheriff gathered to speak on the public access areas near Planned Parenthood in Houston over in March in what was called “Sanctity of Life March.” 3) Fort Bend Christian Academy theatre students prepare for a musical performance of Beauty and the Beast. The Fort Bend Christian Academy award-winning theatre department performs multiple plays and musicals at both the middle and upper school level each year. For more information about the fine arts program at Fort Bend Christian Academy, visit the website, www.fortbendchristian.org. 4) Calvary’s Middle School One Act Play students blew away an audience that included their competitors with their performance of “The Girl in the White Pinafore”. The play rated as the best performance, qualifying our actors and crew to proceed to state competition in Gainsville. 5) Calvary fourth grade students enjoyed perfect weather on their field trip to the Alamo and Mission San Jose. Fourth grade Calvary students are learning all about Texas history and history always comes alive for the students as they “Remember the Alamo” and the heroes who fought for our freedom.
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April / May 2020
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More Than “Luc” – One Katy Teen Proves that Dedication and Discipline Create Success in Work, Life By Jessa McClure Inside the Team Legacy Martial Arts facility, a group of teens and adults are learning the next skill they need to advance towards earning their blackbelts. While the average age of one of these students is above 18, the instructor is not. Senior Seven Lakes High School student, Luc Boucher, has been employed with the martial arts dojo since he was just 15 years-old, and has gone from promising student to go-to teacher. But the talented athlete and leader didn’t start out with the confidence of a martial arts master. “Luc grew up struggling with ADHD and was picked on a lot,” said Luc’s father, Jean Boucher. “So, my wife and I decided to put him in martial arts—more for self-confidence than anything else.” It was on Luc’s first day at the martial arts school that he met Team Legacy founders, Master Scott Jones and Master Mike Scionti, who had just moved from Long Island, NY and were tasked with helping this timid boy find himself. “We really saw Luc develop as a person in a tremendous way,” Scionti said. “I literally watched him go from that timid kid to a responsible, hard-working guy that people want to be around.”
The martial arts master said adversity can define someone, and Luc could have chosen the bitter, angry road and felt sorry for himself. But instead, Luc found the courage to prove to himself and others that he could become the best version of himself. With newfound confidence, Luc entered high school ready to take on the challenges that awaited him. His parents suggested that he try out for the wrestling team. The non-confrontational teen didn’t think the sport was his thing, but he tried out nonetheless and made the team. “From there he was just blessed with really good coaches and teammates,” Jean Boucher said. “It’s his family away from home. It’s just this tight-knit group of wrestlers.” Like martial arts, Luc found a passion for wrestling and made it to varsity as a sophomore and was a letterman three years in a row. But, unfortunately, Luc found himself ounces away from his wrestling weight class before a tournament during his senior year, which meant he couldn’t compete. “Because he couldn’t compete, the coach put him on JV,” Boucher said. “And the only way to get your spot back on varsity is to fight for it.” While Luc could have given up and spent his senior year on JV, he decided to fight his way back to the top. This eventually led to
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a match against the varsity team’s captain, which earned Luc a spot back on the top team; From there he continued to see success. “He qualified for Regionals and then he qualified for state, and we’re just like, oh my goodness, is this really happening?” Boucher said. Luc had gone from underdog to victor in a short amount of time, going 1 and 2 at the state competition, placing in the top ten. “Just making it to state is very good because that means you’re top 16 in the state already,” Luc said. “I was just happy I made it.” Although it seems like Luc lucked into a spot that led to his me-
teoric rise, Scionti said there was no privilege involved. “Success stories are not just accidental or overnight,” he said. “They take time and dedication and discipline. [Luc] has that in spades.” Luc’s father said it was Luc’s desire to be the best and God’s hand in his life that allowed him to come out on top. Not only has the high school senior’s strength and confidence grown over the last year, but his faith has deepened as well. Luc joined his father on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic last summer, and it was an eye-opening experience for the 18-year-
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old. “A lot of the kids that we met there didn’t have a lot,” he said. “We saw a lot of people without homes or begging for food. We don’t have to beg for stuff here. It made me thankful for what I have.” Boucher said not only did his son come away with a thankful heart, but he also left the Dominican Republic with a dozen new friends. “He didn’t have to speak Spanish and they didn’t have to speak English. He used the universal language of love and play to connect with the children there,” Boucher said. “He went out there and was a leader to the kids. He just developed friendships with all of them.”
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Recipe: Vegan Southern Tofu Scramble By Hannah Menslage Assistant Publisher Fort Bend Christian Magazine & Katy Christian Magazine
1) Pat tofu dry and roll in a clean, absorbent towel with something heavy on top, such as a cast-iron skillet, for 15 minutes. 2) While tofu is draining, prepare sauce by adding dry spices to a small bowl and adding enough water to make a pourable sauce. Set aside.
Ingredients Scramble • 8 ounces extra-firm tofu • 1-2 Tbsp olive oil • 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced) • 1/2 red pepper (thinly sliced) • 2 cups kale (loosely chopped)
3) Prep veggies and warm a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add olive oil and the onion and red pepper. Season with a pinch each salt and pepper and stir. Cook until softened - about 5 minutes.
Sauce • 1/2 tsp sea salt (reduce amount for less salty sauce) • 1/2 tsp garlic powder • 1/2 tsp ground cumin • 1/4 tsp chili powder • Water (to thin) • 1/4 tsp turmeric (optional) For Serving (optional) • Salsa • Cilantro • Hot Sauce • Breakfast potatoes, toast, and/or fruit April / May 2020
Directions
4) Add kale, season with a bit more salt and pepper, and cover to steam for 2 minutes. 5) In the meantime, unwrap tofu and use a fork to crumble into bitesized pieces. 6) Use a spatula to move the veggies to one side of the pan and add tofu. Sauté for 2 minutes, then add sauce, pouring it mostly over the tofu and a little over the veggies. Stir immediately, evenly distributing the sauce. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until tofu is slightly browned. 7) Serve immediately with the breakfast potatoes, toast, or fruit. Enjoy!
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