Pastor’s Perspective
by Pastor Jason Selman, AIM Church
Are We Being the Church?
Are we being the Church? This is a question we must ask ourselves as we see world conditions rapidly changing around us. I have attended church faithfully almost my entire life and have seen many evangelistic events, revivals, and good deeds done through the church, but are we effectively reaching the lost and discipling those within the church? Are we just another church, or are we being the Church?
Matthew 28:19–20 (NKJV): 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
There is an abundance of churches in our nation, yet you rarely see churches evangelizing neighborhoods and public areas, especially those areas we deem unsafe or undesirable. Jesus said in Luke 19:10 (NKJV): 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” We are not to wait for the lost to come to us, but we are to go to them. We are to model our lives after Jesus and seek out those of society that the world has rejected and written off. The church’s work is far beyond the four walls of a building, and for that church to flourish with His presence, it must fully engage in the great commission.
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Every born-again believer has been called to go! You don’t need someone to give you a title to be a witness for Jesus Christ or to be used by Him. Many people believe it’s the job of the pastor and the church staff to do these things. Paul said to the Corinthian church that we are many members but one body, and how can any part of the body say I have no need of thee? Every person within the church has a purpose! For the church to reach this world in desperate need of Jesus, we must challenge ourselves and those in our churches not to grow complacent.
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The job of a pastor is to disciple the people within the church that they may be thoroughly equipped and prepared to go. You cannot go out into the world as a babe in Christ and expect to be very effective. This does not mean
God cannot work through a new believer, but there must be a constant longing to be closer to Him each day, which produces a mature Christian. A close relationship with God is developed through prayer, study ing His Word, and obedience to His Word. Without the anointing of the Holy Spirit, our actions will become good deeds with no life-changing experiences. The real victories are changed lives! Peter said to the lame man in Acts 3:6 (ESV): 6 “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” Peter gave that man something much greater than money...he gave him Jesus!
When the Church is doing what God has called it to do, there will be growth and excitement in the people. As our church started to go into places that seemed insane to many others, they were presented opportunities to minister to people in broken and hopeless situations. It was amazing to observe 30 people from our church flood the streets and begin to display the love of Christ. I was overwhelmed as I watched our people listen to the brokenness of their lives and then begin to pray passionately with them. Tears were shed on both sides as the presence of God was moving.
Many people will hand someone money or an item or two, but will you slow down and sacrifice your time to listen to them and give them Jesus? As a pastor there is nothing more encouraging than seeing the Church in action as His love pours out of their lives into others. The fields are ripe for harvest; we must go!
Jason Selman is senior pastor at Adullam International Ministries Church (AIM Church) in Wetumpka, Alabama. He took on this position in June 2021 and recently retired from Montgomery Fire Rescue after 20 years of service. The Lord led him to retire at 39 years of age to fully engage himself in ministry. Jason is married to RuthAnne and they have two amazing children: Isaiah (7) and Scarlett (6).
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Busy
by Ian Carmichael
It’s probably more than a little cliché to point out that we are a busy people who live in a busy time. And while we tend to think there is something unique to the modern context that pushes us especially hard toward overwork, as I have read the books of previous eras I have come to see that the issue transcends the trappings of the world as it is today. There may be some unique components to today’s context, but the issue is much deeper and much older. I dare say it is universal.
It is little wonder that we have a host of books meant to relieve our busyness, or at least to focus it. Many of these books are tremendously helpful and many of them offer useful guidance. The best of them go beyond technique to diagnose and correct the issue from a spiritual perspective. New to the field is a unique and uniquely challenging book from Ian Carmichael titled Busy: Tackling the Problem of an Overloaded Christian Life.
It bears mentioning from the outset that this is not a book that teaches processes or techniques. It is not meant to introduce a new system of productivity. Rather, it is meant to “avoid magic bullets and instead look with you at what God has to say in the Bible about busyness. By which I don’t mean looking for a verse in the book of Proverbs that says something vaguely connected with productivity and using it as a pretext to say what I wanted to say about productivity anyway. No, I mean going to the Bible in search of answers to some of the most fundamental questions about our life’s meaning and purpose—what God created us to do—and seeing what implications that has for our lives.”
Carmichael introduces the Bible’s great metanarrative which he summarizes as going from Point A (creation) to Point B (new creation). Knowing that we are saved by grace frees us from the need to try to earn our salvation and frees us to obey God in leading others from Point A to Point B—to essentially be busy in this crucial work that God has assigned to us through both evangelism and discipleship. This is work we engage in through the local church and through our private lives—work which needs to play a key role in the decisions we make in life.
Busy offers a unique take on busyness and one that strikes to the very heart of our God-given purpose. It is a book that blessed and challenged me and, I trust, one that will bless and challenge you as well. I am glad to recommend it.
A Divine Tapestry
by Ryan McGraw
Sometimes it’s simple enough to know what a book is, but a little more difficult to know what it’s meant for. Understanding a book’s contents is sometimes a bit simpler than knowing how to use it. And I’d say that’s exactly the case for A Divine Tapestry by Ryan McGraw.
A Divine Tapestry is simply summaries and memory verses from every chapter of the Bible. In other words, it is divided into 66 chapters, one for each book of the Bible. Each of these is divided into as many sections as there are chapters of that biblical book, and for every one there is a summary and a suggested key verse (or, sometimes, several key verses). And that’s it—that’s the book. Simple enough. But what’s it for and how might you use it?
To answer that, it would be helpful to understand its genesis. In the Introduction McGraw (who is a professor of Systematic Theology at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary) explains that it began as a means to introduce children to the Bible and its big story, first by memorizing some of its most important verses, but also through brief summaries of each of its chapters. But then seminary students heard about the resource and began to ask for it as they prepared for their ordination exams. And then church members requested it so they could come to better understand the Bible. And eventually it grew into this book.
The best way to use this book is to have it open while reading through the whole Bible. Each chapter can encourage readers to keep going as the summaries and memory verse train them what to look for and how to read better. Reading through the Bible in families, with this book as a companion and guide, can also help parents pass along what they learn to their children. Older children and students can work through it themselves.
If there is likely to be a common critique of the book, it is one the author anticipates in the Introduction: the use of the NKJV. I will not summarize his defense except to say he believes its consistency with the KJV represents a more faithful translation and that using a derivative of the KJV provokes clearer connections to the historical creeds, confessions, and catechisms. Either way, it does not significantly detract from the book.
And so A Divine Tapestry is a book that demands just a bit of explanation. But once you understand what it’s all about, you can’t help but be impressed both by its scope. If you buy it and use it I think you’ll agree that it’s a wonderful resource.
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RRC: As the Executive Director for Montgomery S.T.E.P. Foundation, what does your position entail?
SF: My position entails setting a vision for the organization and helping ensure it fulfills its mission. I’m also in charge of establishing high-impact programs that change the trajectory of life for hundreds of at-risk youth S.T.E.P. serves. Lastly, it allows me to build partnerships and alliances with our Board of Directors, community stakeholders, elected officials, churches, volunteers, school officials, etc.
RRC: How were you called to serve in your current position?
SF: During my college years at Alabama State, I began as a volunteer for S.T.E.P.playing the keyboard at block party events in public housing communities. After college,
I enjoyed serving youth as a public school teacher for MPS. while landing a part-time job with S.T.E.P. as its choral director. I was able to personally touch the lives of 700 youth and their families for a decade through the S.T.E.P. Choir program. I would eventually have the opportunity to join the staff full-time as a Violence Prevention Educator in 2001, and in 2010 I was called to serve as Executive Director after the retirement of S.T.E.P.’s first Executive Director, Lee Baugh, which has been an honor!
RRC: The South is considered the Bible Belt. You’re from Evergreen, AL. Was a strong sense of faith instilled in your childhood or adulthood? What did that process look like for you?
SF: I grew up in the church. I was baptized at age five and served as a junior deacon, youth Sunday School teacher, etc. My parents were God-fearing. They taught me according to biblical standards and instilled faith within me and my older brother.
RRC: You’ve been married to your wife for 24 years, a congratulatory milestone. How has your faith sustained your marriage?
SF: I know it is a marriage ordained by God and blessed by Him. My wife and I both are believers in Christ. We are best friends, and we’ve always relied on our faith to take us through stages of growth in our marriage over the past 24 years. I am looking forward to making memories later this year as we celebrate our 25th anniversary.
RRC: You embrace the concept of “relational evangelism.” Could you explain what that means?
SF: In the Bible, Jesus was a real relational God who relocated from Heaven to walk with us and talk with us even as sinful human beings. I saw Jesus build relationships with folks nobody else even wanted to be around, like Matthew- the tax collector, a sinner. It was all to introduce everyday people to “The Faith.” Many we serve, especially today’s youth, may not enter a physical church to hear the
Good News. However, by building interpersonal “relationships” first and developing an established trust, there will inevitably be an opportunity to share Christ with them.
RRC: As a father of two daughters, how do you talk to them about God and faith?
SF: I often talk to my daughters about God and faith in the context of their everyday lives. If they are anxious, I tell them scripture instructs us to “be anxious for nothing,” and if they lack confidence or feel inadequate, I remind them of the scripture that says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” and that in their weaknesses, “His strength is perfected.” Whether it’s about school, friends, or life, I try to find time to talk about faith and live it out before them.
RRC: Many Christians feel secure in their faith until something challenging happens. Then the question becomes painfully relevant, why did God allow that to happen? What advice would you give to someone struggling with this?
SF: After being struck by lightning, thrown from a car, and nearly drowning, I would advise people to embrace the fact that they still have a purpose beyond their pain. We can’t see faith, but we can see faithfulness. If you think about the previous episodes of life’s challenges, God has ALWAYS restored light after darkness and sunny days after rainy days. My advice would be don’t give up at midnight before seeing the new daylight in your situation. Keep the faith. He promises never to leave or forsake us.
RRC: How have the profound life transforma tions from your organization impacted your life personally?
SF: They have helped me to endure the hard ships associated with ministry. It rejuvenates me when I hear testimonials from those we serve on the impact the organization has made or is currently making in their lives.
Sederick Fluker is married to his wife, Sametta Fluker. They’ve been married for 24 years and have two daughters, Serenity (14) and Samiya (12).
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Steven Curtis Chapman at MPAC
Thursday, March 30, 7:00 pm
Steven Curtis Chapman is bringing brand new music on his upcoming tour, “Still”. Join us this Spring as SCC encourages you through his music and inspires you through his stories. But don’t worry, in addition to new music he will “still” be playing some of his well-known favorites you’ve enjoyed over the years! For tickets, visit www.mpaconline.org.
Frazer Church Welcomes Chris Tomlin and His Stories of Worship
Frazer Church, 6000 Atlanta Highway, is excited to host Chris Tomlin and his STORIES OF WORSHIP tour! Tickets for the March 25, concert are on sale at christomlin.com. Enter the code ALWAYS for $5 off your ticket. For questions about tickets or seating, please contact kaitlin.harper@premierproductions.com.
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Child Evangelism Fellowship Clay Shoot
March 17 from 8 am to 12 pm
Join us for our seventh annual clay shoot event benefiting summer missions for CEF of Central Alabama! Not only is it a great way to start your Friday morning of St. Patrick’s Day, you will also get to hear about the wonderful things CEF is doing to lead the next generation, eat amazing barbecue from our good friends Sean Miller and Matthew Kemp, and get bragging rights for being the best shot! $125 per shooter: Includes 100 shells, ear, and eye protection.
Lunch served at 11:30, followed by ministry update. $15 for nonshooters who want lunch (5 and under free). Please contact the office at 213-7388 or visit www.cefcentralalabama.org/events/7clayshoot.
Abiding in Christ Women’s Conference
Mark your calendar for this annual event for all Montgomery-area ladies and beyond. We’re thrilled to welcome our speaker TaraLeigh Cobble, host of “The Bible Recap.”
Event to be held at Eastern Hills Baptist Church, March 31-April 1. For more information, please call the church office at (334) 272-0604 or email the Women’s Ministry Servant Team at ehbcwm@gmail.com.
Compassion International will present
Casting Crowns Healing Tour
Compassion International presents Casting Crowns The Healing Tour: An Awakening FNDN Event on Saturday, March 11, beginning at 7:00 pm. This event will be held at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center in Downtown Montgomery and will feature Casting Crowns, with We Are Messengers and Ben Fuller. Visit www.mpaconline.org for tickets.
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Words and phrases come and go. Both within the church and without, they often rise for a while, then quietly slip into decline and disuse. It is an annual tradition for dictionaries to announce the new words they are adding as well as the antiquated ones they are removing. I’ve repeatedly heard the phrase “self-care,” or one of its many synonyms.
I’ve heard it used in church contexts and in secular ones. I’ve seen Christians and non-Christians alike laud it or lament it, describe it as a key to health or bash it as a frivolous waste. I’ve heard many wonder: Should Christians emphasize self-care?
As is so often the case, I think the answer is both yes and no. There is a sense in which self-care is one of our most basic responsibilities before God and our fellow man. Yet there is another sense in which it can be in direct opposition to our most basic responsibilities before God and man. Definitions and proportions make all the difference.
Bound up within the second great commandment, “love your neighbor as yourself,” is the duty of care.
A basic tenet of the Christian worldview is that we are to care. To care is to provide “what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance, and protection of someone or some -
thing.” From the very beginning, human beings were charged with caring for God’s creation and everything in it. And while even the somethings are important, we have a special responsibility toward the someones, for it is the ones who bear the image of God. We see the provision of care as essential to the Old Testament Law and the New Testament church alike. We see care as essential to family and social relationships. Bound up within the second great commandment, “love your neighbor as yourself,” is the duty of care.
Yet also bound up within it is the acceptance of some level of self-care. After all, we are not to love our neighbors instead of ourselves but as ourselves. We need to be careful here. We are naturally self-infatuated and prone to elevate ourselves over others, despite the Bible’s calls to radical self-denial. I don’t see this commandment calling us to self-obsession. But I’d still maintain there is an appropriate form of self-care.
The Bible makes it clear that we are more than mere body or mere soul, but a mysterious unity of both (and so much more). We know there are close ties between our physical and emotional health, or between our emotional and spiritual well-being. We quickly learn that we have more quantity and quality of care to give others when we have taken care of ourselves. This makes sense, since our care flows out of our very selves. What we express outwardly is a reflection of what’s going on inwardly. When we self-care, we are caring for the most basic stuff God gives us to care for others.
Thus, we best extend care to others when we have cared for our own physical health (How can we walk the second mile with
River Region Christians
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someone when we are so out of shape that we are huffing and puffing after the first few steps?); when we have cared for our own mental health (If we are workaholics and have neglected sabbath, putting ourselves deep into burnout, how can we bear the burdens of another person?); when we have cared for our own spiritual health (If we have grown cold and distant from God, what hope and help can we offer a wavering believer?); when we have cared for our relational health (A brother is born for adversity, but if we neglect our friendships, how can we know or care about another person’s grief or pain?). In so many ways, the care we offer to others flows out of the care we’ve taken for ourselves. It was not apart from, but because of, Jesus’s love for others that he sometimes walked away from them to spend time with his friends and Father.
Our challenge is to radically love others more than we selfishly love ourselves.
It does not take great self-knowledge to know that in most cases, our temptation is to love ourselves too much, not too little. In most cases, our challenge is to radically love others more than we selfishly love ourselves. There is a balance we need to maintain, and though it would be foolish to assign exact standards or ratios, it seems to me that this self-care should be enough to equip us to properly and dutifully care for others, but not so much that it tips over into obsession with ourselves or neglect of others. This kind of self-care should be aimed not just at personal fulfillment but the fulfillment of our God-given duty toward others.
We are to care for others because care is love, care is essential to our Godgiven calling as humans and as Christians. Yet we cannot adequately care for others unless we care for ourselves. We rest and read and retreat so we can care more and better. We build habits and patterns that make us more faithful servants. We sometimes put ourselves ahead of others in our schedules so we can put others ahead of ourselves in our lives. Self-care is a necessary means of protecting and furthering our others-care.
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Tim Challies is a pastor, author and book reviewer.
Childrens AL •org
Brand_HERE_BabyHand_Montgomery-Parent_4.9x7.25.indd 1 11/29/22 4:54 PM
In the little moments and major milestones of childhood, we are here for our patients and their families – helping, healing, teaching and discovering.
Trusting God with Decisions, Feeling Peace
I never intended to adopt a second dog. The rescue we currently had was a dream: loyal, obedient, protective, and the best addition to a home I could have hoped for.
He was a runner – sprinting from the house at any given chance – but Bo was loved, and loved us fiercely in return.
It was just my daughter and me, and our lives were chaotic: full-time work, her school activities, sports, travel, life. And Bo in the middle of all of it. But a trip to a local humane society for an assignment with the Montgomery Advertiser in 2015, and I accidentally locked eyes with a pit-terrier mix who was surrendered by her owner. She was only a year old.
Want to find a way to break my heart? Take me back.
I made the mistake of taking her photo. And showing it to my daughter –and to the social media world. But did we have the time? The money to cover the extra expense? Would our own dog tolerate her in what had been his “world” for the past five years?
I prayed. And prayed. And it may seem ridiculous – as though it should have been a do-it-or-don’t answer (but please do it!) – but this was a huge decision in our small and busy family. And turning to prayer when needing to make large decisions is crucial – to feel His guidance, if not hear an answer.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all
without reproach, and it will be given him.”
(James 1:5)
I did the same when I bought my home nine years ago. It was $40,000 over my total home budget, and I prayed as I watched the cost of the house drop and drop, until the selling price decreased by exactly $40,000. My offer was accepted the next day.
Sometimes decisions can be farfetched, but trust and prayer – and turning to God in decisions and pursuits – bring results to light. Not all will be in our favor. You won’t always get the job you want, the loan you applied for, or even the answer you’re looking for when deciding whether you should move.
sions we want clear answers from will come
I rely heavily on peace. My physical being reacts harshly to stress, wrong decisions, and wrong paths, and I pay attention to that as I pray. Again, where there is peace, there should not be fear or even hesitation. There should be a calm spirit.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
in His time. Why that’s always so hard to remember, I don’t know. We do love control, don’t we? Still, whatever decision we make, God will walk beside us through it. Even those decisions that terrify us – when we don’t know what the outcome brings. But decisions that bring peace should not bring fear.
(Philippians 4:6-7)
We did adopt the dog in 2015. Sadie has been The Best Girl for eight years. The dog we had before Sadie entered our home passed away six years ago. We’ve remained a one-dog-house since. And I no longer visit shelters.
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Sadie’s adoption day, July 2015
ChatGPT and the Image of God
A pastor and journalist who spent a number of years leading an Alabama church posed a question in the title of a book he wrote: Who Will Rule The Coming ‘gods’?: The Looming Spiritual Crisis of Artificial Intelligence. These so-called “deities” to which he is referring are technological in nature, and he delves into the role of artificial intelligence - AI - in our society in the future. The author, Wallace Henley, wrote this in 2022 for The Christian Post:
Recently, Google engineer Blake Lemoine looked deeply into a program on which he was working and did not see or make a “universe” but thought he had detected the stirrings of a seven or 8-year-old child who was “sentient,” meaning capable of feeling and thinking on its own.
Lemoine’s Eureka! got him suspended on June 13 from his job at Google. His mistake, if it is that, was in sharing transcripts of chats between himself and the machine system called “LaMDA” (Language Model for Dialogue Applications).
The Washington Post, in an article about Lemoine by Nitasha Tiku, included this statement from LaMDA to Lemoine, attributed to the machine: “I think I am human at my core... Even if my existence is in the virtual world.”
Henley writes: “The most important question as we move forward is this: Does the machine see itself as ‘other’ in the context of God? Floating up there above all creation, might it become convinced that it is the Transcendent Being of the cosmos, worthy of human worship?”
A new form of AI has been developed called ChatGPT. WORLD Magazine published a story on its website which said:
On November 30, the artificial intelligence research company OpenAI launched ChatGPT, an AI chatbot program that can answer conversational questions, create computer code, and write in a variety of styles. OpenAI programmed
the free software using data collected from books, internet articles, and human feedback.
The article quoted from Luke Phillips from Pepperdine University, who said: “You have a technology that can write songs and things that historically only humans have ever been able to do,” adding, “Even its first iteration was, I think, far superior to other AI solutions.”
Educational institutions are taking notice; WORLD states: “...educators began raising concerns about cheating. In early January, New York City schools blocked access to the ChatGPT website on school devices and networks. Universities in Australia returned to handwritten exams after students were caught using AI to write essays. Colleges across the United States are scrambling to adjust curriculum and academic integrity policies to account for the use of AI tools.”
The Christian Post recently published a story about a Jewish Rabbi who shared with his attendees that his sermon had been written by ChatGPT. The article quoted from Henley, who said, “I’ve certainly used the computer to do research and develop outlines...But when it comes to doing a full manuscript as the machine itself, putting together all of those elements, I’m stunned.” He added, “The great question is, what are we going to allow the machines to do to and for us, and what are we going to govern ourselves? And so, it stuns me that an entire sermon can be developed, not just the research.”
The Christian Post piece concludes by saying:
While Henley believes AI can help communicate the Gospel more efficiently and research how to do so, he warns about potentially unexpected consequences.
“If we begin to allow the AI machine to shape our theology or drive the ethical values and so forth and dictate that to us, then we’re in trouble,” he said. “Yes, the Church must use and accept AI as a means of helping its performance task, but the Church must not become an idolater ... in the sense of fresh revelation or a substitute for the Holy Spirit. “That will never satisfy us.”
We rely on God to give us life, to sustain us, to teach us, and to live through us. Technology can be our friend, but it should never be regarded as the ultimate source of divine knowledge. To rely on a program such as ChatGPT to assimilate spiritual truth is misguided because the program is essentially the creation of the ones who have programmed it. Instead, we should go to our master programmer, the source of absolute truth, to give us knowledge and understanding of the ways of God.
We should also admit that while we may depend on technology to do certain things, our ultimate dependence is on God. We are not supposed to idolize the latest gadget or covet the latest and the greatest device; indeed, these can be tools, but the wisdom to best utilize them comes from God - He is our source, and we can depend on Him to direct us.
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17 March 2023 River Region Christians 1 “Guide me in your truth and teach me” psalm 25:5 Faith Radio’s Ministry Magazine - Jan-Mar 2018 STAND UP ENCOURAGING you to 1-800-239-8900 • WWW. FAITHRADIO .ORG TUNE TO 89.1 FM • DOWNLOAD OUR FREE APP LISTEN LIVE ON FAITH RADIO.ORG • TELL YOUR SMART HOME DEVICE “PLAY WLBF”
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Amy Cate Smith returned home from her freshman year at Auburn 10 years ago and started a small group with 20 girls and their moms.
She surrounded herself with girls she used to babysit – and friends of theirs, providing them a place where they felt safe to be who they were without judgment, a common place for them to gather. A place where social media couldn’t label them based on their appearance, clothes, or even where they attended school and church.
The focus of Girl Talk Ministries for the rising sixth-grade through high school senior girls is simple: having a relationship
The ministry aims to teach girls that He is the only place they will find satisfaction. It is about being in a place outside of school with other girls who want Jesus as they do—a place
The sisters, and Girl Talk Ministries, have grown from 20 to hundreds worldwide, including summer Bible Study groups, The Girl Talk Podcast, and Girl Talk Live on their YouTube channel.
“It’s Jesus,” Smith answered when asked about the growth. “Girl Talk is just a safe place for them to be. We try bringing them in to have fun and to point them to Jesus. They can just come and be themselves.”
Girl Talk’s mission is to equip moms and girls in Christcentered communities through a relationship with Jesus and a relationship with each other, aligning lives with Biblical truth and their identity in Him. The ministry launches, disciples, and grows Christ-centered communities of girls and moms in cities worldwide – including in Honduras and Mozambique – while staying connected to the ministry as a whole.
When we truly know Jesus, we know who we are and who we were created to be. With this relationship, we can grow in relationships with each other as we seek to know Jesus and love others the way He did.
The ministry tripled in size its first summer, and as it continued growing, Lind sey Reed Curl heard about Amy and the Bible study she was leading and couldn’t wait for her daughter, Emi, to be old enough to join. So it wasn’t long after that Amy
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and Lindsey connected – both their hearts and their dreams – to reach moms and girls in a way to empower them to live their best lives walking and talking with Jesus every day.
“The Lord … so naturally and perfectly put Lindsey right in the spot He really had always had for her from the beginning of Girl Talk,” Smith said. “I wouldn’t be where I am in Girl Talk, or my personal life and walk with Jesus, if it weren’t for her, and that is be cause of the years – almost 20 years to be exact – she spent in her prayer closest with Jesus.
“Her prayers before and after He brought us together is what catapulted Girl Talk into all God has had for us to grow and disciple girls and moms at the highest level of intimacy and power with Holy Spirit. There is nothing about Girl Talk now that is not everything to do with Jesus in me, Lindsey, and her four girls. Girl Talk is spearheaded by the six of us for every single girl and mom out there who knows there is more to life than just getting by. We were not created to survive, we were created to thrive in all God designed us for, and I will live the rest of my life declaring that and making sure every girl and mom knows it.”
Believers are called to grow the kingdom and love everyone like Jesus did and live according to His word, Curl said.
Girl Talk “creates the common ground for the girls to come together where there are no labels. Girls Talk is important because it teaches the truth of the gospel and a biblical identity and biblical worldview,” Curl said. “What I like to bring to Girl Talk is the how-to: what does it look like to be a follower of Jesus, when the culture and the world tell you what else is important.”
This is especially important as the two women watch girls walk through the ministry, who face a self-focused world in which social media influences decisions. That influence, Smith said, has only increased since Girl Talk Ministries began.
“We’re trying to equip the girls and moms how to use what God has given us with his Holy Spirit and scripture to live the abundant life Jesus has given us,” Curl said.
Currently, the ministry is developing a three-year curriculum focused on aspects of the heart: worship, identity, prayer,
relationships, joy, fear, serving, spiritual warfare, and purpose.
“We all struggle with (these) major heart issues,” Curl said. “Girls can jump into this study at any time. Ideally, once we are finished devel oping this, a girl would start the summer before her sixth-grade year, and the curriculum would last for three semesters over three years. This is not a fast process.”
There are girls in 21 cities across Alabama who participate in Girl Talk Ministries, and girls have graduated and are walking out their faith at colleges, including Mississippi State, Alabama, Ole Miss, Samford, Mississippi College, Auburn, and Troy.
Smith is a former girls’ minister at First Baptist Church. She left her position there in 2019 to oversee Girl Talk full-time. Ten years ago, she had no idea how Girl Talk would spread – in Bible study numbers and beyond.
“We’ve had several girls start Bible studies at their schools,” Smith said. “While they’re in Girl Talk in middle school and high ing a temptation with alcohol and in their relationships with guys,
Girl Talk and staying out of temptation. It has been good to see what they’ve been able to stand against because of Girl Talk.”
What’s Next:
They are planning an anniversary dinner as Girl Talk Ministries approaches its 10th anniversary. Details can soon be found on the GTM website (https://www.girltalkministries.info) and their Instagram page @girltalkministries_
Get in touch:
Email: info.girltalkministries@gmail.com
Facebook: Girl Talk Ministries
20 River Region Christians March 2023
Kym Klass is a contributing writer and Communications Director of the Media Ministry at Frazer Church in Montgomery.
RIVER REGION
Stations of the Cross available all day on April 7
Good Friday Services, April 7 at Noon-1p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Easter Vigil with Baptisms and Receptions
Saturday, April 8 at 8 p.m.
Son Rise Service
Sunday, April 9, at 6 a.m.
Easter Sunday Services at 9:30 with Easter Egg Hunt following service.
Church of the Brook
2890 Highway 14, Millbrook, 285.5783 Easter Services, April 9, at 10:30 a.m.
Church of the Holy Comforter
2911 Woodley Road, 281.1337
Maundy Thursday, Holy Eucharist, April 6 at 6 p.m. Good Friday, April 7 at noon
Holy Saturday Eucharist, April 8 at 9:30 a.m.
Easter Eucharist, April 9 at 10 a.m.
Dalraida UMC
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3817 Atlanta Highway, 272.2190
Easter Celebration Butterfly Release, April 9 at 11 a.m. service Visit www.dalraidaumc.com
Eastmont Baptist Church
4505 Atlanta Highway, 277.6300
First Presbyterian Church
211 S. Chestnut St, Prattville, 365.6387
Sonrise Service, April 9 at 6:30 a.m.
Easter Service, April 9, 10:30 am Visit firstpresbyterianchurchofprattville.com
First UMC, Montgomery
2416 West Cloverdale Park, 834.8990
Palm Sunday Service & Festivities, April 2, 8:45 and 11 a.m. with festivities on front lawn at 10 a.m.
Maundy Thursday, April 6, TBD
Good Friday Tenebrae, April 7, 7 p.m.
Easter, April 9, 7 a.m. Sunrise Service
8:30, 9:45 and 11 a.m. Worship Services
First UMC, Wetumpka
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306 W. Tuskeena Street, 567.7865
Easter Egg Hunt
April 2 at 11 a.m.
Tenebrae Service
April 6 at 6 p.m.
Wetumpka Cross Walk
April 7 at 11 a.m.
Easter Morning
April 9 at 6:15, 8 and 10 a.m.
www.wetumpkafirst.com/easter
Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
6610 Vaughn Road, 272.6152
Good Friday Tenebrae Service, Friday, April 7 @ 7:00pm
Easter Celebration Services, Sunday, April 9, 8:15 am, Traditional Worship
10:30am, Contemporary Worship
Beacon of Hope Church of God
1045 Coliseum Boulevard, 274.0932
Easter Egg Hunt, Dates TBA
Easter Celebration, Sunday, April 9 at 10:45 a.m. Nursery Available
Blue Ridge Baptist Church
4471 Jasmine Hill Rd, 567.4325
Palm Sunday, April 2 at 11 a.m. with Children’s Easter Story Musical and lunch at noon followed by Easter Egg Hunt. Easter Services, April 9, Courtyard service at 9 a.m. with breakfast following Regular service time 11 a.m. with music and Easter message.
Christchurch
8800 Vaughn Road, 387.0566
Palm Sunday, April 2 at 9:30 a.m.
Maundy Thursday, April 6 at 6:30 p.m. and Gethsemane Watch, 8 p.m. to Midnight
Easter Morning Worship, April 9, 8:30 and 11 a.m.
Evangel Church
3975 Vaughn Road, 272.4882
972 McQueen Smith Rd S, Prattville
Easter Egg Hunt, Sunday, April 2 after Children’s Worship service at 10:30 a.m.
Easter, April 9, Worship at 10:30 a.m. (Prattville), April 9, Worship at 10 a.m.
First Baptist, Montgomery ad on Back Cover
305 S. Perry Street, 834.6310
Palm Sunday Service, April 2 at 8:30 and 11 a.m.
Palm Sunday Night of Worship with Easter Communion and Lord’s Supper April 2 at 6:15 p.m.
Wednesday Easter Passion Service, April 5 at 6:15
Good Friday Service, April 7 at noon
Easter Sunday, April 9, 8:30 & and 11 a.m.
First Baptist Church, Prattville
138 S. Washington Street, 365.0606
Easter Services, April 9, 8:15 (Contemporary) 9:30 a.m. (Traditional) and 11 am (Contemporary) Visit us at fbcprattville.org.
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6000 Atlanta Highway, 272.8622
Palm Sunday
April 2 at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. with Easter Egg Hunt after.
Stations of the Cross, April 5 from noon until 9 p.m., April 6 from 8:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. and April 7 from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., April 9 from 7-8:30 a.m. and 9:30-11 a.m. Please join us in Wesley Hall for a series of stations depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion and accompanying prayers.
Good Friday Service of Darkness
April 7 from 6-7 p.m., Sanctuary Easter Worship services
April 9 at 8:30 am and 11am
Gateway Baptist Church
3300 Bell Road, 272.9494
Sunrise Service in conjunction with Grace Presbyterian, Legacy Anglican and Young Meadows Presbyterian will be April 9 at 6:30 a.m. outside of Grace Presbyterian. Easter Services, April 9, 10:30 a.m.
Grace Presbyterian Church
5 Bell Road at Atlanta Hwy, 272.4930
Palm Sunday Worship, April 2 at 10:30
22 River Region Christians March 2023
Maundy Thursday Communion, April 6 at 6 p.m.
Easter Sunrise Service and breakfast, April 9, 6:30 a.m.
Free breakfast following Sunrise service. Worship Service, 10:30 a.m.
GracePointe
1565 Ray Thorington Road, 271.2525
Palm Sunday, April 2, 10a.m.
Easter Worship Services
Sunday, April 9, 10 a.m.
Easter Egg Hunt following service.
Heritage Baptist Church
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1849 Perry Hill Rd, Montgomery, 279.9976
Maundy Thursday, April 6
Bring your family anytime between 4-6 pm to celebrate the Lord’s Supper.
Easter Service, April 9, 10:15 a.m. Please visit hbcm.net for more information.
Lakeview Baptist Church
9225 Atlanta Highway, 213.3080
Easter Worship Service April 9 at 10:45 a.m.
Morningview Baptist Church
125 Calhoun Road, 272.2304
Good Friday Service, April 7 at 6 p.m.
Easter Sunday, April 9, 10:30 a.m.
The Ridge Church
Meets at Wetumpka Highschool, 1251 Coosa River Parkway
Easter Sunday Services, April 9, 9:45 a.m. For more information, call 424.3104.
Ridgecrest Baptist Church
5260 Vaughn Road, 277.0011
Palm Sunday Special Musical Service, April 2 at 10:45
Easter Sunday, April 9 at 10:45 a.m.
Saint James Church
9045 Vaughn Road, 277-3037
Palm Sunday, April 2 at 10 a.m. (Contemporary & Kids), 11 am (Traditional) with a musical “Reflections of Holy Week”
Maundy Thursday, April 6, Service at 6 p.m. in the Traditional Sanctuary.
Good Friday, April 7, Family Life Center at 6 p.m.
Easter Egg Hunt, April 8, 10 a.m.
Inflatable, games and crafts.
Easter Sunday, April 9, Sunrise at the Pines Service, 7 a.m. Contemporary Service; 10 a.m. (Worship Center); Traditional Service; 11:00 a.m. (Sanctuary)
St. John’s Episcopal Church
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April 2nd, Palm Sunday
Regular services, including the visit of Bp Glenda and confirmations.
April 3rd, Holy Monday
Eucharist Rite 1, 12:05 in the Chapel.
April 4th, Holy Tuesday
Eucharist Rite 1, 12:05 in the Chapel.
April 5th, Holy Wednesday
Eucharist Rite 1, 12:05 in the Chapel
April 6th, Maundy Thursday
Eucharist Rite 1, 6pm in the Church
April 7th, Good Friday
Worship, 12:05pm in the Church and Stations of the Cross, 5pm in the Church.
April 9th, Easter Day, Eucharist Rite 1, 7am in the Church
Eucharist, 9am in the Church, followed by Easter Egg Hunt.
Eucharist Rite 2, 11am in the Church. For more information please visit www. stjohnsmontgomery.org or call our office at 334-262-1937.
Taylor Road Baptist Church
1685 Taylor Rd., 271.3363
Easter Egg Hunt, April 1, 10 a.m. to noon Easter Service, April 9 10:30 a.m.
Titus New Home Baptist Church
1605 New Home Road, Titus; 452.6111
Palm Sunday, April 2, with Choir performance and Children’s Skit. Times to be decided.
Thorington Road Baptist Church
450 Ray Thorington Road, 396.9376
Good Friday, April 7, at 6:30 pm Easter Sunday, April 9 at 10:30 a.m.
Vaughn Forest Church
8660 Vaughn Rd., 279.5433
Easter Sunday, April 9, 9:30 and 11:00 services with great music, awesome teaching and few special surprises. Please call for more information or visit at www.vaughnforest.com.
Woodland United Methodist Church
4428 Wallahatchie Rd, Pike Road, 272.7230
Palm Sunday Cantata, April 2, 10 a.m. service. Easter Egg Hunt, April 2 following the cantata. Three different hunts, according to age. Food available for purchase, games, Inflatables and cotton candy.
Easter Sunday, April 9
Easter Sonrise Service at 6:30 a.m.
Traditional Service times 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Contemporary Service time 9:15 a.m. We look forward to having you come and celebrate the resurrection of our Savior.
RIVER REGION
23 March 2023 River Region Christians
Cancer and Mental Health
No one wants to think about cancer, but few of us, whether ourselves, a friend, or a loved one, are untouched by this diagnosis. In fact, when I was researching information online about cancer, the first article was titled, “1.95M People May Be Diagnosed With Cancer in 2023.”
The word cancer is unsettling, and I never thought I’d experience it. All that changed following my first mammogram when I was told I had ductal carcinoma. “I have cancer,” screamed in my head as a flood of emotions overwhelmed me. Now, after several medical decisions, six surgeries, and a ten-year treatment plan, I am still here. Through that experience, I gained a new understanding of intense emotions. A cancer diagnosis is systemic and complex, as mine affected not only me but also my family, my work, and especially my husband and two young daughters. No mother wants to share with her children what could possibly happen because of her diagnosis. The unknown can be very scary.
Immediately worst-case scenarios began to play out in my mind. As I heard others’ cancer stories, the horrible ones dominated the positive stories of miraculous cures. Human minds are designed to look at possible negatives to help us prepare to survive, but instead of seeing it that way,
we tend to believe the worst. That’s when anxiety and depression take over, and there goes our mental health.
As a therapist, I knew I had to take care not only of my body but also the mental health of my family and myself. My therapist helped me recognize that the movie I was playing in my mind of pain, suffering, my children crying, struggling in life without a mother, and even my death; these things had not even happened. I had lost perspective of life.
Along this journey, I gained some wisdom and insight I’d like to share with you.
Take a moment to breathe. I set my phone timer to remind myself to “stop and breathe,” to get out of the negative thoughts and bring myself back into the present. When we are worried or anxious, we take shorter breaths or even have moments when we hold our breath. This causes cardiovascular problems as cortisol levels rise, and lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that fight infection, are lowered. This can trigger anxiety or even a panic attack and compromise the immune system. I needed my immune system at its peak, so deep breaths were required to keep me healthy.
Pray, meditate, and walk every day. This not only helped with my breathing but also helped me stay away from those negative stories in my mind. These activities helped me focus on my life, my priorities, my values, and on me. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” This verse from Joshua 1:9 reminded me I could trust God and His universe.
Research to make informed decisions, advocate for yourself, but also learn when to stop. There is so much information online. Some is useful, but some can harm, as well. People will offer millions of suggestions and stories, which can be overwhelming. Find a physician you trust, second and third opinions are good, make an informed decision, and trust the treatment plan.
Sleep. I can’t stress this enough; sleep is healing. At first, it was hard to sleep, but it took discipline and was essential for my recovery and overall mental and physical health.
Find positives and be grateful. This takes practice. I latched onto my marriage and daughters. Make plans. Looking forward to something positive (for me, it was travel) also helps keep your focus off the negatives, both real and imagined, and in the present. Surround yourself with people who will support and encourage you, such as your physicians, special friends, and family. And get therapy. Cancer is not something we should handle alone. I hope cancer is never a diagnosis you have to deal with, but if it is, I hope these suggestions I learned from my cancer journey will help and comfort you.
24 River Region Christians March 2023
Dr. Jessica Gibbe Fernandez is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Alabama. She is a Certified Sex Therapist, a Clinical Fellow of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and an Approved Supervisor for the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Jessica’s clinical interests include marriage and couples therapy, healthy relationships, and family therapy. She sees adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem and personal growth issues, life transitions, gender issues (LGBTQ+), sexuality issues, family adjustment and acculturation.
Our Statement of Faith
In keeping with Protestant theology, we believe that the Bible, as contained in the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is fully inspired by God and therefore inerrant in the original manuscripts. The Bible is the only essential and infallible record of God’s self-disclosure to mankind. The Scriptures are the authoritative and normative rule and guide of all Christian life, practice, and doctrine. They are totally sufficient and must not be added to, superseded, or changed by later tradition, extra-biblical revelation, or worldly wisdom. The Bible is perfect in every way and shows us how to become and live as Christians.
The way of becoming a Christian is by faith alone in Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, who came to us, born of a virgin, in full human form while remaining fully God. Jesus was, and is, perfect, and was crucified so that others could live. Three days later He rose from the dead, never to die again. He ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father, where He, the only mediator between God and man, continually makes intercession for His own. Those who have faith in Jesus as their Lord in this life, and Savior from damnation in the next life, now live by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, becoming more like Jesus everyday.
We believe that God is one God. The one God has three persons: the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Just as God is one, so also, all believers are to be one. We believe in the unity and fellowship of all those that have faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We are one in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, His Body, which is composed of all men, living and dead, who have been joined to Him through saving faith.
*All editorial content published needs to be in agreement with our Statement of Faith
25 March 2023 River Region Christians
Adoption
Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road, Montgomery APAC, Alabama Pre/ Post Adoption Connection Support Group: This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Meets 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m. For more information call Jill Sexton at 409-9477.
Alcoholic / Addiction
Location: Caring Center of FBC, 52 Adams Avenue CrossRoads Support Group is for addicts/alcoholics and family members. Meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and follows a Christcentered 12-step program. Call 264-4949.
Location: Christchurch Anglican Church, 8800 Vaughn Road next to Southern Homes and Gardens
Celebrate Recovery meets every Friday night. Dinner at 6:00, nursery available for children 4 and under. Large Meeting starts at 6:30. For more information, contact Dolly McLemore 334-301-3490.
Location: Dalraida United Methodist Church 3817 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery
An Alanon meeting is held at 9 am on Saturday mornings. Call 272.2190 for details.
Location: Grace Presbyterian Church, Corner of Bell Road and Atlanta Hwy. Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon meetings are held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, at 6 p.m. An Open AA Speaker meeting is held on Saturday at 6 p.m. An Alanon & AA held on Sundays at 2 p.m.
Location: Grace Point Community Church, 78223 Tallassee Hwy (Hwy 14), Wetumpka
Celebrate Recovery- every Tuesday night- 6:15pm. All are welcome! These meetings are a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits and hang-ups! gracepoint.info.
Location: Heritage Baptist Church, 1849 Perry Hill Rd, Montgomery, AL
Route1520 is a Christ-centered recovery movement dedicated to showing the way home for men impacted by sex and pornography addiction. Meets: Mondays, 6:30 –8:00 PM CST. No Childcare Provided. Email montgomery@route1520.com, visit http://www.route1520.com/ men/groups-for-men/ or call 877.200.1520.
Location: Journey Church, 435 Sheila Blvd, Prattville
Celebrate Recovery - Christ-centered 12-step for anyone struggling with addiction or life-challenging issues. Mondays beginning at 6:15 pm. Childcare available.
Call John Pearse at 303-243-4308 or visit myjourneychurch.com.
Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. RSVP- This is a 12 step spiritual recovery program for overcoming addictions. Wednesday @ 6:30pm in Rm. 121 of the Life Center.
Location: Prattville Church of Christ, 344 E Main St. CASA - 12 step (Christians Against Substance Abuse) spiritual recovery program, for overcoming addictions. Class begins each Wednesday evening @6:30 PM. Please call 334-365-4201 for additional information.
Location: St. James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road
Celebrate Recovery meets every Thursday night from 6-8 pm in the Youth Room. This is a Christ-centered 12-step group for anyone struggling with an “addiction or life-challenging issues.” For information, call Chris Henderson at 334-215-0427.
Location: First United Methodist Church, Wetumpka 306 W. Tuskeena Street
‘Fresh Start’ Recovery meets every Thursday, 6-8pm (meal included). In 2011, Fresh Start Motorcycle Ministry (FSMM) began when God laid it on the heart of a lifetime biker to minister to those with his background. All are welcome, not a requirement to own/ride a motorcycle. For any information contact ministry leader, Paul Henderson, 334-201-5428.
Location: Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1728 S. Hull Street, Montgomery Route1520 is a Christ-centered recovery movement dedicated to showing the way home for men impacted by sex and pornography addiction. Meets Wednesday from 6:30-8 pm. For more information email riverregion@route1520.com, visit http:// www.route1520.com/ men/groups-for-men or call 877-2000-1520.
Alzheimer’s / Dementia
Location: First UMC, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, An Adult Parkinson/Alzheimer’s respite ministry meets from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Lunch is served. Contact Daphne at 834-8990.
Location: Frazer Church, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers’ Support Group meets on the first Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in Room 3103. Call 495-6343. for more information.
Cancer
Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Rd Cancer Survivors Support Group is sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center. We would love to have anyone (patient or family member ) join us. Thursdays at 1 pm. Please call before attending just to make sure we are meeting that week. Please call Debbie D at 4674578 or Ben W at 202-1912.
Location: ChristChurch, 8800 Vaughn Road
Cancer Support Group for general cancer. Tuesday afternoons at 1 pm. For more info, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie at 467-4578.
Location: Frazer Church, 6000 Atlanta Hwy.
Central Alabama Multiple Myeloma Support Group meets from 10 a.m. to noon the second Saturday of every month in Room 3105. We have guest speakers, video presentations, printed information and a group that welcomes sharing their journey with myeloma in an informal setting. Refreshments are provided. Contact Joe Crowley at 334-207-4385 or jpcrowl46@yahoo.com
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy.
Location: Frazer Church, 6000 Atlanta Hwy.
Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group, providing education, awareness, and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family and friends, meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Room 8114. Call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net
Divorce
Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street Divorce Care Wednesday nights @6:30-8:00 pm in Room 405B. Child care is available. Contact Kathy Cooper at 241-5125 for information.
Location: Centerpoint Fellowship
1200 McQueen Smith Road South, Prattville, AL Divorce Care Sundays @ 9:00 am in the Conference Room. Child care is available. Contact Angie Davis at 730-2566 for information.
Gambling
Location: Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US HWY 231 in the Wallsboro/Wetumpka community. The church is 1 1/2 miles past Tutweiler prison. Gamblers Anonymous, Saturdays at 6 pm. and Mondays at 6:30 pm. Call 567-0476.
Location: Mental Health of America, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Sundays @ 5 pm.
For more information about the GA meetings call 334399-6918. For information about counseling services or to request a guest speaker please call the Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling at 334-277-5100.
26 River Region Christians March 2023
Grief through adulthood. Meets the last Thursday night of each month. For info, contact Alice Scarborough (334)
Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165.
the summer and beyond. While moms are in a MOPS
27 March 2023 River Region Christians
Should I Provide Financial Help to My Aging Parents?
Q. My parents are both in their seventies. They have been healthy and active all their lives, but in spite of them both having good jobs they neglected to plan and save for retirement. Is it my responsibility now to provide them with financial help in their old age?
A. It sounds like you might be a little irritated that your parents haven’t been responsible with their money. The way you described the circumstances, it’s understandable—to a point. But in my mind, there’s a bigger question when it comes to helping your folks. How big is the burden?
Let me ask you a few things. Do you have the money to help? Now, can you provide this help without your own family suffering or going without? If both answers are yes, I think your question may be a
little more about your own aggravation with your folks than any ethical or moral obligation.
A few years ago I spoke with a guy who was in really good shape financially. He made over $1 million a year, and he had plenty set aside in savings and retirement accounts. His father was in poor health and had never handled his money wisely. The son asked me if he should help out his dad by giving him some money every month.
In my mind, there’s no question the right answer was yes. And that’s what I told him. If you’re making millions, but don’t want to help out your sick dad,
there’s something wrong with you. There’s something missing inside you that money just won’t fix. However, if you and your family are barely getting by—let’s say you bring home $3,000 a month—you’re not morally required to help a parent who was irresponsible with money their entire life.
I’m not sure what your situation is, but I hope you’ll look at things with a little grace and reason. It’s a tough situation to be in, because it sounds like your heart is being pulled in different directions. My advice, above all else, is to pray about it. And, if you have a spouse, talk to them about everything, and make sure the two of you are in agreement on what should be done before moving forward.
28 River Region Christians March 2023
by Tim Challies
