Faithfully Serving West Houston, Katy, and Fulshear June / July 2015 • Complimentary
K AT Y Fa m i l y Fr i e n d l y Ne w s w i t h a n E t e r n a l Pu r p o s e
Inside this Issue:
Bible Trivia Pastor Profile: Bishop Jesus Rivero
Hot Days, Cold Water
The Importance of Hydration
What Can Vacations Teach You About Investing? Christian Business Profile:
Tom Stinson Allstate Agency
The Buzz About Katy
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June / July 2015
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Letter from the President & Publisher-In-Chief K AT Y Volume XI, Issue 3 6
Bible Trivia
8
All State Agent Tom Stinson Strives to Be a Good Samaritan for His Customers
10 Hot Days, Cold Water 12 Rainbow of Love Adoption Agency 18 Summer Snacks for Kids 22 Kibbey the Clown 27 “No One Is Immune:” Julissa’s Story 28 Dear Doctor 30 Pastor Profile: Bishop Jesus Rivero 34 As I See It: Higher Education 38 What Can Vacations Teach You About Investing? 42 Honor at Home: The Reality of Abuse Against Men 46 Faith West Academy’s 2015 Valedictorians Announced 48 The Buzz About Katy 50 Local Christian School Highlights 52 Local Nonprofit Helps, Gives Hope to Families of Children With Life-Threatening Illnesses 58 Sustained Fire! Until They Are Consumed! 62 Wounded Warrior’s Stint in Israel Defense Forces Inspires Others to Get Out and Help
My oldest daughter Hannah Menslage just graduated Stratford High School- class of 2015! Hannah and I have always been close and while I’m extremely proud of her accomplishment, I have to admit that it will be very difficult for me when she goes to college. Being a widowed father of four, I have had the tremendous responsibility of trying to fill the roles of both mother and father. It has been very trying to say the least, but by the grace of God I have survived thus far. I know during this time I’ve been blessed by the prayers of many saints, and without them I wouldn’t have raised such wonderful children. I’ve made many mistakes along the way, but I’ve always loved my children deeply. Now my second will be attending college in the fall and I will have two in high school. God tells us in Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” I’ve tried to instill in my children the foundations of the faith, and I’m joyous to say that they all received Christ as their Lord and Savior at an early age. As they grow older and start their lives, I can only pray that they will continue to grow in Christ. I know many parents share the same feelings as do I. But at the end of the day, we parents only have our children for a little while, and we can only hope that they will follow the path that God has laid out before them. “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.” - 2 Timothy 2:13 Joseph R. Menslage President/Publisher Fort Bend Christian Magazine joseph@houstonchristianmagazine.com
70 Ashleigh Wostarek Signs National Letter-of-Intent with Concordia Tornados
Our Mission Statement:
“Our mission is to have a magazine devoted to His glory, provide cutting-edge stories important to today’s Christian, promote Christian-Judeo values we find important, and editorial content that your entire family can enjoy.”
President & Publisher-in-Chief Joseph Menslage joseph@katychristianmagazine.com Malisia Garcia, Publisher & Business Development Manager mali@katychristianmagazine.com Kris Prewitt, Senior Account Executive kris@katychristianmagazine.com
Laritza Garcia, Account Executive laritza@katychristianmagazine.com Maria Isabel, Sales Coordinator maria@katychristianmagazine.com Hannah Menslage, Assistant Editor hannah@katychristianmagazine.com © 2015 KATY CHRISTIAN MAGAZINE. All rights reserved. No part of this publication or website may be distributed or reproduced without prior written consent of the publisher. Advertisements and or editorial content published in Katy Christian Magazine does not necessarily reflect the views of Katy Christian Magazine. To SUBSCRIBE: send a check or money order for 30.00 for a 12-month subscription to Katy Christian Magazine, 650 West Bough, Suite 150-170, Houston, TX 77024. For EDITORIAL or calendar submissions, please mail them to Katy Christian Magazine, 650 West Bough, Suite 150-170, Houston, TX 77024.
CUSTOMER SERVICE For 24/7 service, please visit our website: www.KatyChristianMagazine.com. You can also call (281) 741-8317 or write to us at 650 West Bough, Suite 150-170, Houston, TX 77024.
Letter From The Publisher Summer Break is finally here- a wonderful and relaxing time that we all look forward to each year. Summer provides time to spend with family and friends, as well as basking in the sun on family vacations. Summer is also the season for vacation bible school, where kids can learn more about the love of God, his mercy, and his grace. One of my favorite summer activities is volunteering to help those who are less fortunate right here in our community. Volunteering in local hospitals, shelters, and elderly care centers helps show others that God loves them and that He cares, no matter their situation. I invite you to set a few leisurely hours aside to give back to our city. Let’s spread the love of God this summer. Check our website weekly to find out where we will be volunteering in the community and come join us! Summer also reminds me that I am unbelievably blessed to be a part of an incredible ministry like Katy Christian Magazine. I view my work here as an opportunity to continue to spread the word of God and help Christian businesses grow. This summer, let’s all be a blessing to our community. If you have a special event or news that you feel we should promote or stop by to support, please let me know. I would love to be there and share in the excitement. May the Lord continue to bless you in all that you do! We truly thank you for supporting Katy Christian Magazine, which brings you “family-friendly news with an eternal purpose.” Like our sister publication, Fort Bend Christian Magazine, our mission is made possible only by the support of our Christian advertisers. Support our Christian businesses and please share your news at editor@katychristianmagazine.com. Malisia Garcia Publisher & Business Development Manager Katy Christian Magazine mali@katychristianmagazine.com Direct Line: 281-497-6499 Cell: 832-597-7397
Photo Credit: Cover photo courtesy of Traci Fields / Traci Fields Photography.
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Bible Trivia Test your Bible knowledge and try to answer the Bible trivia questions below. 1. Feel in the blank below with who said this pray according to (1 Chronicles 4:10). And ______ called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep [me] from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. 2. Who was Noah’s Great Grandfather according to the KJV? (A.) The eldest son of Cain (Gen. 4:17), who built a “city east of Eden in the land of Nod, and called it “after the” “name of his son ________.” This is the first “city” mentioned in Scripture. (B.) The son of Jared, and father of Methuselah (Gen. 5:21; Luke 3:37). His father was one hundred and sixty-two years old when he was born. After the birth of Methuselah, _______ “walked with” God three hundred years” (Gen. 5:22-24), when he was translated” without tasting death. His whole life on earth was three hundred “and sixty-five years. He was the “seventh from Adam” (Jude” “1:14), as distinguished from the son of Cain, the third from” Adam. He is spoken of in the catalogue of Old Testament worthies “in the Epistle to the Hebrews (11:5).
3. According the scripture above, what was Enoch’s Father’s name and what was Noah’s Grandfather’s name? __________ and __________. 4. Who was Noah’s Father? Genesis 5:25- 26 And Methuselah lived an hundred eighty and seven years, and begat ______________. And Methuselah lived after he begat _____________ seven hundred eighty and two years, and begat sons and daughters. 5. Palestine is about the size of Vermont with an interstate system, you could travel north to south in about ____ hours and east to west in less than _____ hours. 6. In Galilee (in the north), the east to west journey may cover only about ______ miles. But in the south, east to west traveler would journey about _____ miles. From north to south the distance is approximately 145 miles. 3. Palestine enjoys the subtropical Mediterranean climate. Rain comes in the winters and spring; the summer is dry. Almost no rain falls during the summer, so Palestine is brown in the summer and green in winter. Because of that crops such as grain and barley are planted in the __________and harvested in ____________or ___________. Grapes are harvested in ____________. Also, Palestine’s coldest month is February, the warmest is August. (1). Jabez (2). Enoch, Enoch (3).Jared, Methuselah (4).Lamech, Lamech (5). 3, 2 (6). 20, 90 (7). Fall, May, June, October.
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All State Agent Tom Stinson Strives to Be a Good Samaritan for His Customers By Jessa McClure In 1983, hurricane Alicia had just ravaged the Houston area, and Tom Stinson was on his way to Katy, TX. Amidst all of the chaos of cleaning up after the storm, Stinson’s family was trying to close on a home that they were set to move into days before the school year began. But, with the bank without power and the bank employees unable to verify his account, it looked like the family were out of luck. “But then the banker came out and it turned out that my father knew him,” Stinson said. “He said, ‘oh yeah, I know him. We’re going to be neighbors.’ In that funny way of being in the dark I learned that the value of that relationship was everything. If pop hadn’t known that guy, we wouldn’t have been able to move into that house.” It was this focus on the relationship aspect of business that inspired Stinson in his own business practices, first in the field of technology and now as an All State agent. “Your insurance agent should be someone that you have a one-on-one relationship with,” he said. “You should be able to call up
your agent and say, hey Tom, why is my premium more this year than it was last year? They should be there to tell you how it works.” Even though it’s important to be able to talk with your insurance agent and build a relationship with that person, Stinson said the industry is headed the other direction. “It used to be that insurance salesmen would make phone calls into their local neighborhoods. They’d go into grocery stores and
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stand around shaking hands,” Stinson said. “But those days are long gone. Now, it’s all about internet searches and trying to get people to call us. I want to turn that around.” The insurance agent sees his customers as more than just numbers and statistics on Google Analytics. He sees them as neighbors. He even likens being an insurance agent to being a Good Samaritan. “We have come along when a life event has completely overtaken them,” he said. “We may have talked to them in the beginning, we might have tried to get to know them, but until you’ve been there to save somebody from absolute disaster, you don’t have a solidified relationship.” He said that All State has something called the promise that means they are going to be there when you need them. “It’s that Good Samaritan principle. How many people walk by the guy on the road beaten and bloody and keep walking? We’re the ones who are going to make sure you’re indemnified and placed back in the position you were before this terrible thing happened.” Along with getting customers back on their feet after they’ve endured bumps in the road, Stinson also wants to support his local community. “A lot of insurance agencies will give a small dollar amount if you refer one of your friends. They say, here’s $10 for referring us. We’re going to take your $10 and donate it to a cause and put your name on it.” Some of these causes include charities that benefit children and families living in the Katy area. “We’re also going to be at community events like the Rice Festival and visible at school functions,” Stinson said. “My son plays
high school football, so we’ll be at the games giving out little All State footballs.” Stinson wants his fellow community members to know that he’s not there to sell them things they don’t need. He wants to be the
person they trust. “We want to be more like a guardian angel and less like a 1-800 number voice on the phone,” he said. “For 30 years this place has taken care of me. The next 30, I’m going to take care of it. That’s what being an All State agent is all about. This is my neighborhood. These are my folks.” Contact the Tom Stinson Agency at: 440 Cobia Dr, Ste 104 | Katy, TX 77494 Phone: (832) 913-3888
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Hot Days, Cold Water: The Importance of Hydration By Allison Robb Have you ever noticed how quickly a thirsty plant comes to life after watering it? All living things need water to function properly and efficiently. Many of us primarily focus on eating right and exercising consistently to stay healthy. The benefits of hydrating our bodies tend to be underestimated as a focal point in maintaining optimal health or even weight loss. Our bodies consist of two-thirds water. Therefore, hydration is vital for our bodies to function properly. Drinking fluids helps transport nutrients and oxygen into our cells, which in turn, helps our organs absorb nutrients better. Surprisingly, our brain is made up of ninety percent water. So, it makes sense that when we are not appropriately hydrated, we do not function well. The common side effects result in headaches and in some cases, migraines. Other
effects of dehydration include feeling lethargic, irregular blood pressure, muscle cramps, constipation, dry skin, and kidney problems. Do you desire to look more refreshed and younger? How about feeling more energetic and focused? Adding more water to your daily intake can be the beginning of a happier, healthier you. Water acts as an appetite suppressant. Try drinking one eight ounce glass of water before each meal to reduce your calorie intake. Water also helps flush down by-products of fat and aids digestion. Keeping the proper fluids in our body also lubricates our joints and muscles which can alleviate cramping. When exercising, you should be rehydrating every ten to twenty minutes. Some other benefits of water are better work productivity, regulating your body temperature, protecting your vital organs, replenishing your skin tissue, and moisturizing your skin. If your health and fitness goal is to lose weight or look and feel better, start with water.
Former Rice University Admissions Officer to Lecture on Ways to Slash College Costs Workshop is free – but fills up quickly… Sugar Land, TX - An extremely popular lecture is being held again this year at University Branch Library for the parents of high school sophomores and juniors. The workshop, which is being offered without cost to attendees, will focus on little-known ways of getting grants and scholarships for college, regardless of GPA or how much money a family earns. The class will cover topics such as how to double or triple eligibility for scholarships (even if a family makes too much money to qualify for financial aid), the secret to attending a private college or university for less than the
price of a state school and the single biggest mistake that 9 out of 10 parents make when trying to figure out how to fund their child’s college education. This class is free and registration is required. Tickets are available on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Space is limited by the size of the room. It is being held at the University Branch Library located at 14010 University Blvd., in Sugar Land, on Thursday, April 23rd, from 7:00 to 8:30pm. The library is on the University of Houston System Sugar Land Campus on University Blvd. at US Highway 59. Kurt Goedecke,
ChFC, is teaching the workshop. Mr. Goedecke is the former Assistant Director of Admissions at Rice University and a nationally recognized expert on college planning. A word to the wise – don’t wait to register. Past events have filled up quickly. To reserve a seat go to www.CollegeMoneyForTexans.org.
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Rainbow of Love Adoption Agency Gives Hope to Couple Who Struggled with Infertility and Loss By Jessa McClure When high school sweethearts Brandy Chandler and her husband Gene married in 1992, they had no idea of the journey they were about to embark upon. The next 19 years would be filled with laughter, tears and heartache as they waited for their perfect
child from God. The two met in Seattle and ended up moving to the Houston area to be closer to Gene’s family. Soon after, the couple found out they were pregnant. About a week later they unfortunately lost the baby, but a new resolve to have a child was born. “It was just an incredible feeling to know we were going to have a child,” Brandy said. “Even though we were super young and not quite ready, it was the most incredible feeling.” The couple tried on their own for several years before seeking medical help. But doctors didn’t seem to have any answers to why the Chandlers weren’t able to conceive.
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“When I was a teenager, I was told that I had a heart problem and that I would probably have to adopt, so that was always in our minds,” she said. “After the doctors told us we had unexplained infertility, we started thinking, well, maybe God’s plan from the beginning was adoption.” Even though adoption seemed like next logical step, Brandy struggled with the decision to give up on having a biological child. “As a woman, it’s so hard to come to that final moment where you say, okay, body, you’re not going to provide a child for your husband. You’ll never see half of you and half of him.” But, despite her hesitation with giving up on trying for their own child, Brandy knew that her and husband had always had a heart for orphans. “Every vacation we went on, instead of going ziplining, we’d go to orphanages,” she said. “When we went to Honduras, there was a four-year-old little girl named Virginia who walked up to us and we just looked at each other like, this is our daughter.” Unfortunately, the country had just suffered a devastating hurricane and they weren’t allowing adoptions. But the orphanage said they’d contact the couple as soon as the ban was lifted. Sadly, the couple learned just a couple months later that the child had passed away during a medical procedure. As the Chandlers were dealing with the loss of the daughter that could have been, Brandy received a cancer diagnosis. Although she knew she had a long road ahead of her, she wanted to move forward with adopting another child. “I had narrowed it down to a few Christian organizations and all of them said you have to be clear of cancer for two years before you
can be eligible,” she said. “I started thinking, maybe this isn’t what God wants. Maybe he wants us to be missionaries and help many
babies instead of just one.” When Brandy was well again, the couple had a long talk and decided that they would say a prayer and give up the whole situation to God. Two weeks later, they were visiting a new church campus, when someone asked if she had any children.
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“I said, we don’t have any kids yet, but we’re hoping to adopt,” Brandy said. “One of the ladies said, one of my good friends owns an adoption agency in Fort Bend, would you mind if I gave her your information? A little lightbulb went off and I said a prayer.” Within four days, the couple received a call from Debbie Richards, founder of the Rainbow of Love Adoption Agency saying she had a birth mom waiting for adoptive parents. Richards founded the organization in 2003 after years working as a social worker for the state. She wanted to make a difference and adoption seemed like the best way to do that. The former CPS worker decided on the name Rainbow of Love because of its positive connotations. “Love is always very positive, and when you see a rainbow in the sky, you know that the storm has ended and the sunshine is coming,” Richards said. Hearing from Richards was the hope of the sunshine after the storm for the Chandlers. Soon they were chosen by a birth mom and six weeks later she delivered the couple’s new son, Camden. “I was in the OR with the birth mom and after he was born the nurses said, do you want to see your son,” Brandy said. “I’ll never forget that moment, turning and looking down at him. Our eyes met and it was like the whole room went black and I heard God saying, this is your son. It was the most amazing, beautiful moment.” It’s stories like these that keep Richards and the Rainbow of Love Adoption Agency striving to match infants and those in the foster care system with adoptive parents. “Choosing adoption is a big step and it’s very scary. But nothing worth having in life is easy,” she said. “If this is the route you feel you were led to go on, it will happen.”
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June / July 2015
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Summer Snacks for Kids By Krista Thone Registered Dietitian Snack time is an important time of a child’s day. As our children grow, their nutrition needs become larger. A snack is an extra opportunity to give our child the nutrients that they need to stay healthy, grow, have strong bones, stay hydrated and have energy. When school is in session quick is the name of the game. We purchase items that can be tossed in our child’s lunchbox in the morning and can make it through the day. However, now that our children are home for the summer there may be a little more time to prepare snacks. Making the most of snack time could be a chance to expose your child to new foods they may not have tried yet, or to create a snack that will make them smile. It can be foods that need to be refrigerated, which will refresh your child after playing in this Texas heat. It can be items that need to be cooked. With your child home, you can now make snacks that wouldn’t survive the trip to and from school. This summer, let’s make snacks that are not only quick and nutritious, but that our children will be excited about and older children can help you prepare. The key to a snack is making sure it has two components in particular: Protein and Carbohydrates. Protein helps us stay full, it provides the building blocks for our bones and muscles to grow and
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stay strong. Protein can be found in meat, eggs, nuts, seeds, tofu, soy, and dairy products. Carbohydrates are what give our body energy; this includes fruit, vegetables and whole grains. Pairing both carbohydrates and protein makes for a well-balanced snack. As a parent we can use this extra time with our kids in the summer to teach them about nutritious snacks; Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). This list gives a few examples of snacks that are quick, kid-friendly, and parent approved:
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Kibbey the Clown By Jessa McClure In 1949, seventh-grader Larry Kibbey, was struggling to keep up in school. His reading level was much lower than his classmates and his teacher didn’t want to pass him through to eighth grade not reading
on grade level. “So, she took me to the library and said, ‘this is what we’re going to do. We’re going to find some books that you want to read about and you’re going to pick out 12 books and at the end of the semester you should be able to read at an eighth grade level,’” Kibbey said. When the young boy told his teacher that he enjoyed books about circuses and clowns, she decided to give her pupil some motivation to finish this daunting task. “She said, ‘I’ll tell you what I’ll do. If you get your reading level up to an eighth grade level by the end of the year, I’ll get you into the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey circus as a clown,’” Kibbey said. “She wrote them and they made the deal.” It took Kibbey the rest of the year to accomplish his goal, but he finally read the books to the teacher’s satisfaction and she kept her end of the bargain.
“They let me out every Friday while the circus was in town,” he said. “I’d go up to the reform school and the head clowns would meet me there. That night, they dressed me up as a clown and put me out into the rings with them. I fell in love with [clowning] and I’ve been doing it ever since.” Since then, Kibbey has become a professional clown and helped
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to train more than 4,000 professional clowns from all over the world through the Houston Clown School. He began clowning in his home state of Michigan when he was still in high school and only took a hiatus from clowning to serve in the US Marine Corps. Then, in 1968, he and his wife Carolyn moved
to Iowa so he could attend college. “The mayor of the town there used to hire me to stand out in the street and wave people into the restaurants,” Kibbey said. “I would stand out there with a stop sign in a clown suit and hand out literature about the town when people were driving through.” After college, Kibbey and his family moved to Houston and have made their home there ever since. But, despite putting down roots in the Lone Star State, the professional clown and his family also traveled all over the country, performing as clowns and advertising for carnivals. “We traveled with Murphy’s Bros. Carnvial which later became Worldwide Amusements—the largest carnival in the world,” he said.
“We’d arrive three days before the carnival and go to the TV station and the local school and hand out tickets to the carnival.” Clowning became a way of life. Kibbey’s wife and children became clowns and the Kibbeys became the largest family of professional clowns and magicians in the world. In 1976 the family decided to open up the Houston Clown School to teach others the tricks of the trade and bring other families together. Through their school, they have not only had the chance to train professional clowns, but they have also had the chance to “clown for the Lord.” “ We get calls all over the US asking us to do church youth camps and church reunions,” he said. “We’ve been just about everywhere in the country with it.” The Kibbeys have also helped teach object lessons in church services, trained clowns at prisons, cheered up patients at children’s hospitals and taught classes on Christian college campuses. Their expertise in this area is so wide in fact, that they have written a book called “Learn to Clown for the Lord,” and offer a class in the subject at their Houston campus. And because these clowns answer to a higher calling, Kibbey wants his students to have good moral character as well. “Our clowns have to agree to a few things before we will teach them,” he said. “They can’t drink or smoke or fraternize with the opposite sex. Their language also has to be pure. They can’t be cussing and clowning at the same time.” But despite the strict rules, Kibbey believes that everyone has the ability to be a clown, and that clowning is a great legacy to leave future generations. “It’s a good thing to pass from father to son,” he said. “If something happens to me, one of [my family members] can step right into my position.”
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“No One Is Immune:” Julissa’s Story Julissa Duran and Amy West, cochairs of the 6th annual American Cancer Society’s “Couture for the Cause”, have an important message. Julissa says, “Recently, I’d forgotten to schedule my annual mammogram in January, but wasn’t worried. I’m only 45 and the only cancer in my family was my dad, who had prostate cancer three years ago. In fact, I was serving on the Couture for the Cause committee in his honor! After my mammogram, they called back for more testing. After 5 hours in radiology, I heard the terrifying words: “It looks like breast cancer.” A biopsy confirmed I had Invasive Lobular Sarcoma, stage 2.” “I joined this committee last year to help others, but never imagined I’d face cancer myself. As a single mom, I thought about my 14 year old daughter, Soleil.Will I see her graduate, get married, have children? After the diagnosis, my exhusband called ACS on my behalf. They called to offer me a free wig and invited me to a support group. I felt comforted knowing they were there for me. Volunteering is now so personal. I know firsthand the difference that ACS makes! On April 6th, I underwent a 9hour
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bilateral mastectomy. I wasn’t ready for this road bump , but will continue living every day to the fullest!” Amy says, “As CoChairs, we’re thankful for ACS, this committee and the support of our stellar community. Cancer shows up unannounced and disregards who you are or what you have planned... no one is immune. Our Couture for the Cause committee is determined to help fight this vicious disease. Never underestimate what your support can do!” Join us for the 6th annual Couture for the Cause “A White Haute Affair.” Returning as presenting sponsor, Wealth Design Group partner with American Cancer Society for this exclusive evening on October 17, 2015 at the home of Randy and Brenda Bartley featuring an unforgettably creative fashion show. Dress code all white attire! We invite you to join our team as a sponsor or donor, with levels starting at $500. With limited spacing, this event sells out quickly. For information or to seize the limited sponsorship opportunities, contact Valerie Marun at (713) 7065684 or valerie.marun@cancer.org. Visit our website at www.coutureforthecause.org.
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Dear Doctor: The Latest in Incision-less Treatment for Chronic Heartburn/Reflux Disease? There are a number of incisionless options. Several procedures mimic the standard surgical treatment of reflux disease by creating a partial wrap of the stomach around the esophagus (fundoplication) using a transoral or endoscopic approach. These include the transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) procedure and the MUSE (Medigus Ultrasonic Surgical Endostapler) procedure. A third procedure (Stretta) uses radiofrequency treatment to cause changes in muscles between the stomach and esophagus to decrease reflux symptoms. In the carefully selected patient, these procedures can offer lasting relief of both typical and atypical symptoms of reflux disease.
By Dr. Peter Walker Gastro-esophageal reflux affects millions of individuals in the United States. Surgery may be indicated if conservative lifestyle modification measures and/or medications are not working to control symptoms, patients do not desire to take daily medications for treatment of symptoms, or for certain complications of chronic reflux or side effects from medications. In patients interested in pursuing surgery, certain diagnostics tests may be performed to determine which procedures may work best. These may include upper endoscopy, measurement of pH, manometry, and/or radiological studies. Careful selection is important to maximize good patient outcomes. In certain cases, an incision-less procedure done through the mouth may offer substantial relief of symptoms and prevent the need for daily antacid medications.
Dr. Peter Walker is a fellowship trained minimally invasive and robotic surgeon for the UT Health Science Center at Houston and provides patient care at UT Physicians at Cinco Ranch located at 23923 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy, TX 77494. To schedule an appointment, please call 713-486-5300.
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Pastor Profile: Bishop Jesus Rivero, Moving Mountains Ministries, Inc. By Malisia Garcia Moving Mountains Ministries, Inc. was founded in 1996 by Bishop Jesus Rivero and Co-founder Janeth Rivero. Bishop Jesús Rivero was ordained by Lakewood Church as a minister in April of 1972 and he set out to share the Principles of the word of God around through out the world. He first heard his calling to preach and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the age of 18 and he preached his first sermon the very next day. Bishop was an amazing man of God, he was on fire, and he was ready to begin helping to build God’s Kingdom and win souls for Christ. And, he has done just that. He made up his mind to serve the Lord at a young age and has not turned back. When he speaks you feel the love of God coming from him and has an honest desire to serve the Lord at all times. Bishop has a strong passion to teach the word of God to all who will listen. When I asked about the core foundations of his ministry, Bishop replied, “Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior and Lord of All.” He believes his calling and purpose is to continue to help pastors and leaders around the Globe to reach their potential and line up with
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God’s purpose and perfect plan for their lives and their ministries. Bishop says, “we have the capacity to help people to achieve happiness and success.” God has always been first in his life, but he expresses how
blessed he feel that God has giving him such a loving and supportive wife. Rivero is happily married to his wife, Janeth Rivero. They married in 1979 and she has been an integral component of the ministry from its inception. She has helped to operate the ministry in a number of ways, including: editing books and CD’s, event coordination, travel arrangements, and a number of other roles. Rivero says that he and his wife have also been blessed with three beautiful daughters. Bishop Rivero shared with Katy Christian Magazine that his favorite scripture is Mark 11:24. “ Therefore I say unto you, What things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them”. According to Rivero, “this scripture means that everything is possible if we believe”. If you would like more information about Moving Mountains Ministry you can visit their website at www.moviendomontanas.com, via email movingmountains@ sbcglobal.net, or call Bishop Rivero at 713-705-8753.
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As I See It: Higher Education By Gary Gillen Katy area State Representative John Zerwas was appointed by the Speaker of the Texas House to lead the House Committee on Higher Education. One of the most important committees in the Legislature, it puts Dr. Zerwas, now in his fifth term representing the citizens of Fort Bend County, in one of the top leadership positions in the House of Representatives. Katy is one of the fastest growing communities in the Houston area. Surveys consistently show that people are attracted to communities with great amenities such as parks, shopping and schools. When I was Republican Party Chairman in Fort Bend County I said many times that what we want, regardless of race, religion or origin is a safe place to raise our families, good schools for our children and a good job. Katy has all that but in the competitive environment in which cities and counties operate, any extra amenity helps in the competition for residents and businesses. Being the Chair of the Higher Education Committee, places State Representative Zerwas in a great position to help steer higher education funds and facilities to our area. In fact he has sponsored several pieces of legislation to do just that. At the time of this writing the Legislature is still in session and they have not yet adopted
the budget so the fate of these bills is not yet known. By the time this column is published, assuming the Legislature has adopted a budget during the regular session, we will know if they have passed. If the Legislature has not adopted the budget by June 1, the Governor will call a special session because the Legislature MUST adopt a budget. House Bill 100 This bill provides the opportunity for institutions of Higher
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House Bill 658 Dr. Zerwas sponsored this bill, which has passed the House and the Senate and has been sent to the Governor for his signature, to enable the Texas State Technical College System to create a campus in Fort Bend County. This will give our students additional educational opportunities and create a positive economic impact in the area.
Education to issue bonds for the purpose of financing construction and renovation projects. These institutions desperately need this ability to meet the needs of their students and to build for the future. Specifically this will enable the University of Houston to acquire land and construct a new building in the Katy region and build a new academic building in Sugar Land. This will provide for more educational opportunities for our students and help address workforce needs in Fort Bend County and beyond. It will also provide for the construction of a new Texas State Technical College System campus in Fort Bend County.
House Bill 1992 This bill could save Texas Families $160 Million in tuition costs! Through Advanced Placement high school students can take college level courses while in high school and earn college credit before graduation from high school. At an average college class credit cost of $284 per hour, every hour earned in high school saves families a lot of money. In 2013 over 190,000 Texas students received scores of 3 or higher on AP exams, which represent 570,000 college credits. But not all universities accept a score of 3. This bill requires institutions of higher education to accept a 3 or higher unless they can show through evidence based research that these students are unprepared for secondary courses. Katy is fortunate to have State Representative Zerwas, with his position in House leadership and foresight for our children’s future and the future of Katy. Gary Gillen owns and operates Gillen Pest Control and Gillen Political Strategies in Richmond. He is the only person in history to have served on both the Richmond City Commission and the Rosenberg City Council. He was the Chairman of the Republican Party of Fort Bend County 2006-2007. He can be contacted at Gary@GaryGillen.com
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What Can Vacations Teach You About Investing? By Peter Horton Edward Jones Summer is almost here — which means it’s officially vacation season. You may be looking forward to “getting away from it all,” but, as you know, vacations actually require a fair amount of planning. And it might surprise you to learn that some of the efforts required for successful vacations can impart some valuable lessons in other areas of your life — such as investing. Here are some vacation-related moves that you may want to transfer to the investment and financial arenas: • Secure your home - If you’re going on vacation for a week or so, you may need to take some steps to safeguard your home: stopping your mail and newspaper, putting on a timer to turn on lights, alerting your neighbors that you’ll be out of town, and so on. But while it’s important to secure your home today, you will also want to help ensure it will be there for your family in the future, should anything happen to you. That’s why you’ll want to maintain adequate life and disability insurance. • Know your route - If you are driving to your vacation destination,
you will want to plan your route beforehand so that you can avoid time-consuming delays and detours. And to reach your financial goals, such as a comfortable retirement, you will also want to chart your course — by creating an investment strategy that is designed to help you work toward those goals, based on your specific risk tolerance, investment preferences and time horizon.
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• Keep enough gas in the tank - As you set out on a road trip, you need a full tank of gas in your car, and you’ll have to keep refueling along the way. To “go the distance” in pursuing your financial goals, you will need to have sufficient “fuel” in the form of investments with
growth potential. If you don’t own a reasonable amount of growthoriented vehicles, you could lose ground to inflation and potentially fall short of your objectives — so, over time, you may need to “refuel”
by reviewing and rebalancing your portfolio to ensure it has enough “power.” • Protect yourself from getting burned - If your vacation plans include a stay at the beach, you’ll need to protect yourself and your family from the hot sun — so make sure you’re all using sunscreen. When you invest, you can also get “burned” if you are not careful - especially if you are inclined to chase after “hot” investments. By the time you hear about these so-called sizzlers, they may already be cooling off, and, even more importantly, they just might not be appropriate for your goals and risk tolerance. Instead of becoming a “heat- seeking” investor, focus your efforts on building a diversified array of quality investments appropriate for your needs. If you only own one type of financial asset, and a downturn hits that asset class, your portfolio could take a big hit. But by diversifying your holdings, you can help reduce the effects of volatility. Keep in mind, though, that diversification by itself can’t guarantee profits or protect against loss. As we’ve seen, some of the same principles that apply to creating a vacation may also be applicable to your investing habits. So put these principles to work to enjoy a pleasant vacation - and a potentially rewarding investment experience. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. For more information, contact Peter Horton, your local Edward Jones Advisor, at (281) 491-0244 or www.edwardjones.com.
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Honor at Home: The Reality of Abuse Against Men By Pastor Cardenas In my previous article, I made an appeal to bring awareness about the abuse on women. Then a few men approached me and asked me to write on the topic of abuse affecting men. Undoubtedly, some men also suffer abuse by their female partners. In our society, abuse against men is well hidden. Not many men dare to confess their suffering, fearing ridicule, but it does happen. In the effort to compensate women from past historical failures against them, a shifting has taken place against men leaving some of them in a vulnerable position and unfairly disadvantaged in the current judicial system. When it comes to family law issues, courts in the free world usually side with women. Legal abuse on men is prevalent in our justice system. For instance, in divorce cases, custody of children is granted mainly to women. After a Legal separation, financial distress affects mostly
men. Recently, I followed a case where a man have been paying child support for over thirteen years, without visitation rights, for a child
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Be Our Guest on Sunday Mornings We Have Two Sunday Worship Services Traditional Service - 8:30 a.m. in the chapel Contemporary Service - 11:00 a.m. in the worship center
Visit our website at www.westland.cc to learn about our many opportunities... like Student Ministry and Westland Kids. Roy Meadows, Senior Pastor
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Trinity Apostolic Faith Church “A traditional church, an untraditional approach.”
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who unknown to him was not his biological daughter. The mother of the child finally reported the truth to the court, yet the State court insisted that he must continue to pay child support.
Another abuse reported when counseling couples has to do with intimidation through intimacy issues. Unfortunately, some wives wrongly use intimacy as the reward or punishing system on their husbands. It was never meant to be so. Yet it happens more frequently than realized. Some men are threatened that if they don’t fulfill every expectation, their need for intimacy goes ignored. Consequently, the root of many men’s affairs and addictions are the results of this type of chastising behavior by the wife. An affair is
never justified, but it certainly can be explained. Physical abuse against men goes largely unreported. Men who suffered this type of abuse deal with shame. They prefer to keep it a secret. Women who abuse men physically use objects like tools or other weapons to inflict harm. For example, one morning after church as I was dismissing the crowd, one of the men tried to skip-out on me, but I caught up with him. He was a very strong and muscular guy who was married to a very fragile and petite woman. Instantly, I spotted a black eye on his face, so I had no choice but to ask the obvious question. He finally told me with a very sad face that this little woman hit him with an object. He then begged me not to ask her about it. The verbal abuse is another common behavior in unhealthy relationships. Men are threatened to comply with manipulations by their abusers. Threats go from possible abandonment to taking the children away. This usually happens where women make more money than their husbands. Children who grow up in this type of atmosphere lose respect for their fathers. When children see men as the weak authority figure, they usually go to the strong mom figure for any type of approval. To restore the proper manhood figure, we need to educate this generation about the respect men deserve beginning at home. This is where masculine leadership starts, so we must teach our boys to be responsible. They must be trained in decision-making skills. This can only happen when we apply biblical principles to raising little boys who one day will grow up to become exceptional men. “However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” - Ephesians 5:33
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Faith West Academy’s 2015 Valedictorians Announced For the second time in Faith West Academy’s thirty-three year history, the honor of valedictorian is being awarded to two graduating seniors, as both have been named co-valedictorians for Faith West Academy’s Class of 2015. Ashley Coalson and Emma Estephan shared a four-year GPA of 4.73. Ashley is the daughter of James and Beth Coalson of Katy. She is a member of the National Honor Society, charter member of the Science National Honor Society (president), Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Mu Alpha Theta. She was a member Lady Eagle Volleyball Team and the Varsity Swim Team. Ashley was named Academic All-State for TAPPS Volleyball. She was named “Most Representative Female Student” at the 2014 Homecoming and received the 2015 FWA Athletic Booster Club Scholarship. In the fall, Ashley will attend Texas A & M and intends to study
mechanical engineering and pursue biomedical research. Emma is the daughter of Jacques and Donna Estephan of Katy. During her high school years she has been a member of the National Honor Society (secretary), a charter member of the Science National Honor Society, International Club, and Mu Alpha Theta. Emma is a gifted art student and has several State Fine Arts Awards for her paintings and drawings. With an interest in the martial arts she has earned a second degree black belt-level 3 from Katy TaeKwonDo Academy. Emma will attend University of Texas to study medical science. Both young ladies exemplify the character and virtues expected of the prestigious position of valedictorian. Commencement ceremonies for thirty-three graduating seniors was held on Friday, June 5.
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The Buzz About Katy
Katy Visual and Performing Arts Center hosted artwork of many different media in its 3rd Annual Staff Art Show on May 29th, 2015. This art gallery brings together artwork created by KVPAC staff members from all departments.
Katy Visual and Performing Arts Center staff member, Kristen Molder, created an abstract painting for their 3rd Annual Staff Art Show on May 29th, 201.
A National Day of Prayer event was held at the Merrell Center on May 7th. 50 + churches came together in unity for our nation. .
25 teams made up of 200 people from 14 area churches took turns to continue worship for 50 hours from Thursday, May 7th – Saturday, May 9th at the Epi Center.
The Central Fort Bend Chamber hosted the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for “Right at Home -Rosenberg”. Right at Home is a franchise that has been providing personal and companion in-home care services to elderly and disabled clients for 20 years.
The Central Fort Bend Chamber celebrated the ribbon cutting ceremony for their new member, Needville Insurance! Needville Insurance has been insuring property in Needville since 1903. Needville Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency.
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June / July 2015
Enjoy the Buzz About Katy! Our Social Column is brought to you by SuburbanBuzz, a full-service website development and online marketing company. Contact them at info@suburbanbuzz.com, 281-615-9032, or visit www.suburbanbuzzmarketing.com.
The Blue Plate Special is The Thread Alliance’s citywide public awareness and education campaign encouraging Houstonians to take action against child abuse and toward healing. Several Sugar Land area restaurants supported child abuse prevention in April by offering a “Blue Plate Specialand donating a percentage of the proceeds to The Thread Alliance.
The Blue Plate Special is The Thread Alliance’s citywide public awareness and education campaign encouraging Houstonians to take action against child abuse and toward healing. Several Sugar Land area restaurants supported child abuse prevention in April by offering a “Blue Plate Specialand donating a percentage of the proceeds to The Thread Alliance.
The Blue Plate Special is The Thread Alliance’s citywide public awareness and education campaign encouraging Houstonians to take action against child abuse and toward healing. Several Sugar Land area restaurants supported child abuse prevention in April by offering a “Blue Plate Specialand donating a percentage of the proceeds to The Thread Alliance.
Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene, Realtors Lisa Miles and Christi Borden, welcomed Firethorne Marketing Director Janet Burkett to the “Let’s Go To The Hop” Katy Sunshine Fest benefit chaired by fellow BHGRE Realtor Bob Miles. The event raised $45,000 to be split between two children’s cancer charities, The Sunshine Kids and Triumph Over Kids Cancer.
Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene Realtors’ Bob Miles chaired the Katy Sunshine Fest this year, which raised $45,000 to be split between two children’s cancer charities, The Sunshine Kids and Triumph Over Kids Cancer. Family members and business associates on hand to congratulate Bob on the event’s success.
Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene, Realtors co-owner Mark Woodruff and his wife, Ann, enjoyed the “Let’s Go To The Hop” Katy Sunshine Fest benefit along with Janet Burkett, Director of Marketing for Firethorne, a longtime event sponsor. BHGRE Realtor Bob Miles chaired the Katy Sunshine Fest, which raised $45,000 to be split between two children’s cancer charities, The Sunshine Kids and Triumph Over Kids Cancer.
June / July 2015
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Local Christian School Highlights
Mrs. Christina Martin
Instructor, Faith West Academy Before entering Mrs. Christina’s Martin’s classroom, a sign reads; “Mrs. Martin’s Mathematical Mansion.” This is a clue to what you may discover once inside. Mrs. Martin believes the difference between a good teacher and an outstanding teacher is “who is not Mrs. Martin, but who (she) is.” Mrs. Martin describes herself as “controlling, detailed, and funny.” She strives to make her class environment to be educational while injected with as much humor as possible. Mrs. Martin is humorous, yet she takes a stern disciplinary approach. She stated; “discipline shouldn’t make the gap wider between teacher and student,” therefore; there should be an understanding on both sides of disciplinary action is taken. It is important “to be empathetic, not sympathetic” toward students. Mrs. Martin attended San Francisco State University and graduated from the University of Houston summa cum laude receiving a business degree. In the tenth year at Faith West Academy, she teaches geometry, pre-calculus and calculus. She takes part in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and in her spare time enjoys video games. According to Mrs. Martin, the most rewarding thing about teaching is forming a relationship with her students. The most important thing she has learned from her overall teaching experience is how “controlling teenagers is like trying to herd cats.” She deeply cares for her students and their needs. Mrs. Martin is a teacher who builds up her kids mentally, emotionally, and spiritually yet somehow finds a way to sneak in a joke. This is the life warming experience of when one enters Mrs. Martin’s Mathematical Mansion. Katy Christian Magazine will be highlighting local Christian students each issue and we need your help! We’re currently accepting nominations for outstanding elementary, middle school, and high school students to be featured in Katy Christian Magazine. To nominate yourself or someone else, please send an email to joseph@houstonchristianmagazine.com with a short bio and photo. The students bio should include their name, school, grade, church, and life goals. If applicable, please include information about sports, hobbies, and activities as well.
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aDVErtiSEMEnt
It’s not all in your head. Women should feel healthy, vibrant and strong throughout their adult lives. if you’ve been told, “it’s all in your head” or “learn to live With it,” read on.
MAGGIE’S STORY
Maggie had suffered for years with depression and fatigue, since giving birth to her second child. She had a lifelong history of cold hands and feet, was experiencing significant hair loss, and had severe muscle aches. She had gained 30 pounds and couldn’t lose weight. To make matters worse, she had lost all sexual desire and felt that she was in a “brain fog.” Even after sleep, Maggie never felt rested. Maggie had sought the care of numerous physicians who told her that she was “depressed” and prescribed antidepressants. They made her feel that she was a hypochondriac and emotionally inadequate.
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Local Nonprofit Helps, Gives Hope to Families of Children With Life-Threatening Illnesses By Jessa McClure When Melanie Davila suffered a stroke at the age of 32, her world turned upside down. Not only was she trying recover from the effects of the stroke, but she was also trying to combat the financial, emotional and physical struggles that often come with a major medical
event. Then, doctors discovered that Davila had a disease called MoyaMoya that restricts the blood vessels in the body and she would need immediate brain bypass surgery. So, the mother of two got on a plane and flew to California where doctors at Stanford University performed the procedure. Although the surgery saved her life, she was still not the woman she once was. “At the time, I felt lost, afraid and angry that I couldn’t be the mother my children needed me to be.” A few years later, she met Sheree Norton, who had also faced major medical expenses when her daughter Savannah was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)—a genetic disease that affects the nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movement.
Sadly, Savannah passed away just before her third birthday. After the death of the little girl, Davila and Norton decided that they would use their pain and loss for something good. “We knew that God had not put both of our families through so much pain and heartache for no reason,” Davila said. “We needed a ‘purpose’ in life and we have found it through helping others with Caring4Katy.”
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The two women formed a non-profit organization whose primary goal is to assist families in Katy and the surrounding areas
who have children suffering from life-threatening illnesses. “Through the help of donations from individuals and corpora-
tions in our community, we are able to ease the daily stress brought on by the cost associated with their illnesses,” she said. “The donations that we receive allow us to provide assistance with services such as hospital parking and fuel expenses along with meals and lodging for caregivers if they are frequently traveling to the medical center.” Davila said the organization can also help with minor household repairs if they will improve the patient’s well-being, but the most common form of assistance is helping out with home utilities, mortgage payments or rent. “Ninety percent of the funds raised go directly to assist our Caring4Katy families with only 10 percent going towards the cost of operations,” she said. But, Caring4Katy goes further than just helping pay bills. They support each family with prayers and online support groups to connect families who are going through similar battles. “Once we assist these families, they become a part of our family,” she said. “We stay in contact with them and will host annual events
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on their behalf.” One of those annual events is called “Christmas in July,” that will take place this year at No Label Brewing Company in Old Katy on July 25. It is a toy drive and barbecue cook-off all wrapped into one. Not only will the event help collect toys for Caring4Katy kids, but donations will also help to provide Christmas presents for children receiving treatment at Texas Children’s and MD Anderson. “We will have a children’s area with Santa, fun games, bounce houses, face painting, live music, a silent auction and food vendors,” she said. Davila said that if you feel led to get involved with the organization you can make a donation, become a volunteer or nominate a
family to receive help. You can also sponsor a meal or join the Caring4Katy team on the third Monday of every month when they serve dinner to families at the Ballard House. “If you have always wanted to help others, but haven’t really known where or who to reach out to, please consider joining our cause,” Davila said. “Together, we can make a difference in the heart of our community.”
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Sustained Fire! Until They Are Consumed! By Dr. Stella Immanuel When the military prepare to invade and occupy a territory they first send in air assaults. As the air force maintains sustained fire toward the enemy the ground troops invade and occupy. The military continue to maintain fire and establish order till they have completely won the battle. Our Lord Jesus told us to occupy till he comes. People call me every day from all over the world asking what they need to do to win. Most just want me to pray for them and wave a magic wand so their problems will be over. I remember when I was at the same place. I would run from Conference to Conference. Call pastors, just knowing that if they prayed for me all would be well. I remember one night after I had cried myself to exhaustion. I was on the floor in my room balled up and rocking back and forth. “Lord why do I have to fight so hard?” “Why are my chains not breaking?” I wailed. “I have been your daughter for 5 years, praying
and fasting. I have changed my life,” “Why, Lord why?” I cried. “I don’t want to fight no more,” I cried with tears streaming. I was anointed for war pretty early in my walk with God. When I got saved I pretty much started warfare prayers for months with intense fasting. All I did was go to work and pray. That was my life.
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I wanted something from God. I was saved now and wanted my inheritance. I wanted my life whole. I was not trying to be a preacher, God kept showing me the bondages in my life and I fought like crazy to break them. One of my sisters in the Lord still laughs today because I almost took her head off when she said she saw me as a Preacher ‐ a mighty one. Yet, here I was 5 years later, still on the floor with issues and tears! That night the Holy Spirit spoke to me. “Warrior princess, get up and fight!” At that moment a jolt of energy hit me. I jumped up! I felt a rage swell up in me against the Devil ‐ I felt like I could snap the head off of any demon! I reared up like an angry bear and said “I come right now from my throne in heavenly places, above principalities and power and might and dominion. I attack from my place beside Jesus.” I started fighting. I released fire, brimstone, axe, locust, liquid sulfur, Holy Ghost hand grenades. I was fighting and screaming and kicking. Afterwards, exhausted, I fell on my bed and slept with sweat still flowing. That night the Lord showed me the battle. I was in heavenly places standing on a bright throne with fire, clouds and angels flying all around. As I said “Thunder” I saw thunder rolling at my command to do what I asked it to do. I said “Fire” and I saw a big ball of fire rolling off towards the mountains. I said “Angels” and
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I saw them fly away like fighter jets at my command. Down below, I could see mountains being blown up, demons scattering. It was amazing! I woke up the next morning with the realization of the damage our prayers can do to the kingdom of darkness. “Cool!” I chuckled. I realized I was a warrior and my life would be better if I surrendered to the call. There was no use running anymore. I was called to be a trench fighter, a warrior in the Kingdom of God. I was God’s warrior princess. I have stayed on sustained fire ever since. What is sustained fire? It is invading the camp of the enemy and recovering what he has stolen. It is staying at the enemy and pushing till you get a breakthrough. It is that stubborn resolution not to give up until you enter your Promised Land. It is deciding that enough is enough and you are done losing It is raiding the camp of the enemy and fighting till you recover your stuff It is fighting till you are occupying your allocation from God It is fighting till you pull out from the spirit into the physical that prophesy God has placed in your Spirit It is knocking at the mountain chip by chip till it disappears It is praying and fasting till your child, your husband, your wife gets saved and starts serving God. It is praying and fasting till the drug dealers leave your neigh-
borhood or that night club closes down. What is sustained fire? It is refusing to take “No.” for an answer. It is bombarding heaven and hell till Creation responds to you. Many of us live and die without ever achieving 1/100th of that which was meant for us. To go on sustained fire: You have to be sick and tired of getting tossed around by the enemy. You have to have a righteous anger at the devil and what he is doing in your life and in the lives of those you love You have to be tired of your circumstances and decide they have to change permanently. You have to have a violent stubborn resolution not to lose anymore. You have to decide you will fulfill your destiny or die trying! Decide your story must change! If people walk down a grass path enough the grass will lie down and eventually wither. If they continue, it will disappear and there will be a clean tract. Most of the time if people stop walking the path, grass grows back and obliterates the path. There are some paths though, that have been walked for so long, that even many years after it is no longer used it still remains a clean path. That is sustained fire. Psalm 18:37. Stay tuned.
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Wounded Warrior’s Stint in Israel Defense Forces Inspires Others to Get Out and Help By Jessa McClure When US Army Staff Sgt. Brian Mast and his team hit the ground on a warm September night in 2010, they thought it would be a routine night targeting terrorists in Afghanistan. Being the lone bomb technician, or EOD, on the mission, Mast was the point man who would venture out ahead of his team to secure the area for his fellow soldiers. This particular night the team could not ladder over the walls of a compound they were trying to enter, so they had to use a long corridor instead. “I told my guys to hold up. I said, if I was a bomb living in a compound, this is where I would be hiding,” Mast said. The Army Staff Sgt. didn’t see anything and gave his team the okay to forge ahead. But before he could take another step, a device exploded, sending the soldier tumbling through the air. “I’m lying on my back and I’ve got the wind knocked out of me,” Mast said. “I realized that there must be a reason I can’t stand up right now.” As his fellow soldiers rendered aid and called for a helicopter,
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Mast began to realize that his legs were badly damaged. In the next few days he would lose his legs and be sent to recover at Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital in Washington, DC. “When I was lying there in that hospital bed, initially, I honestly believed that I was going to strap on a pair of prosthetics, spend a
couple of weeks learning to walk again and then I was going to be back out on the next set of missions,” he said. But, he soon realized that his recovery would be long and difficult and he could take one of two roads—one of anger or one of faith. “I was able to look around and look at this situation that was a very painful part of life and see there was something bigger at play here. This was my God and I could see His hand in my life.” He saw God at work even during the long journey from Afghanistan to the US after he was injured. “I ended up in Germany for 24 hours, waiting to go back to the states,” he said. “I wasn’t awake for any of this, but I came under the care of a doctor named Josh Campbell. I went to high school with Josh Campbell in Grand Rapids, MI. He recognized me and somehow got in touch with my wife. He had my wife send a picture of her and my six month old son and he printed it out and taped it to the end of my gurney so when I woke up, it would be the first thing I would see.” Not only did he see the goodness of God’s work in his life
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during his recovery time, but he also saw the goodness of mankind. “People would come to the hospital and say we’re going to help you build a handicap accessible home. We’re going to help you get into a handicap accessible vehicle. You want to get back to work, we’ll teach you how,” Mast said. “What I learned was that these people weren’t just supporting the troops by writing 100 characters or less on [social media]. They were finding their own ways to give of their life, resources and blood, sweat and tears to make a difference.” After witnessing these acts of good will, Mast decided that whatever causes came his way, he would find a way to support them by giving of the work of his own hands. The first cause that came to his attention was the plight of the soldiers serving in the Israel Defense Force. While living in Boston and attending Harvard University, he began noticing a rise in anti-Israel protests. “I just couldn’t understand this double standard that was being applied by the protestors,” he said. “If the US was having rockets launched into our borders from Canada or
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Mexico, then every American would expect guys like me to go there and destroy those enemies. This is what happens to Israelis year after years.” One night, while Mast was taking a walk with his wife and children, the protestors began to change their words from anti-Israel sentiments to anti-US soldier. “They looked at me and figured out I was a service member and started saying things to me and my kids,” he said. “I said, let’s take care of this, but not one of these guys wanted to take care of it. It was a reminder to me that historically, it has been easy to say let’s ignore these threats. I decided then and there that I wasn’t going to ignore this anymore.” So, the wounded warrior, told his wife that he was going to find a way to go to Israel and show support to the country and its people. “I knew I wanted to do something with the military,” he said. “I connect best with soldiers. Soldiers give you the most honest assessment of the situation because they have a
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real respect of the life and death complexity. Eventually, I found an in-road and volunteered with the IDF.” The retired Army officer spent a month volunteering alongside the Israeli soldiers putting together medical kids that were needed on the front lines. “I was packing up morphine and tourniquets—things that my team had used on me when I was injured,” Mast said. “It was something that was very rewarding for me, and I hope that it was for them as well.” Scott Kammerman, the executive director of the Texas Branch of the Friends of the IDF (FIDF) said it is likely that Mast’s work in Israel made more of an impact than he knows. “Because men and women of Israel have to serve in the IDF when they reach 18-years-of-age, they are really impressed when they see Americans leave the comfort of their own country to go and serve in the IDF,” he said. But, Mast doesn’t see his work with the IDF as just a good deed. He sees it as helping to protect something sacred. “[The terrorists] are fighting against Judea Christian values,” he said. “Israel is our brother in this fight.” The soldier, who is considering a run for Congress in 2016, said as Christians, we need to put some prayer into it and find out how we can make a difference with the work of our own two hands. “I am one person who volunteered,” he said. “Israel’s not going to live or die because of the work I did, but it made a big difference because I went and did it with my hands and not with my words. I would encourage everyone to find that tangible capability. Go where you feel called and help.”
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Ashleigh Wostarek Signs National Letter-of-Intent with Concordia Tornados Concordia University (Austin, TX) Head Volleyball Coach Nicole McCoy announced the signing of Faith West Academy’s Ashleigh Wostarek to the American Southwest Conference Tornados. Team Captain Ashleigh led the Lady Eagles as middle blocker. She posted several honors for 3-A Division TAPPS Volleyball; 2014-2015 1st Team All-District, 2014-2015 All-State Honorable Mention, 2013-2014 1st Team All-District, and 2012-2013 2nd Team All-District. Outside hitter/defensive specialist Ashleigh was first team for Skyline Juniors of Houston’s club volleyball players. Concordia is a privately-held, accredited, liberal arts university, and is under the auspices of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. It is a member of the highly respected Concordia University System in which more than 36,000 students are enrolled nationwide. Ashleigh is the daughter of Mr. Thomas Wostarek of Fayetteville, TX and Ms. Pam Wostarek of Katy, TX.
Pictured from left to right: (seated) FWA Coach Carly Walsh, FWA Varsity Volleyball Coach Dana Bass, Ashleigh Wostarek, Skyline Director Jen Woods, and Skyline Asst. Director Holly Jones. (standing) FWA Athletic Director Greg Koch, Pam Wostarek, and FWA Asst. Athletic Director Sandy Brown.
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