Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s been vaping in the stall? - Sarah, 8th Grade
For more information visit AlabamaHealthyTeens.com
Volume 21, Issue 7
Feature Articles
O CTO BER 20 1 9 Columns page 2
Publisher’s Note
page 14
Faith @ Work: Susan Brown
Jason Watson
Trinity Presbyterian School Kindergarten teacher Susan Brown shares her journey to faith in Christ, why kindness has been important to her since childhood and why she loves teaching children and considers it a calling.
Roosevelt Williams, III, St. John’s AME Church
page 4
Pastor's Perspective page 12
Pondering the Journey Sam Whatley
page 16
The Intersection page 18
Bob Crittenden
Sex, Scripture and Modern Times
page 22
Women Arising Pastor Kemi Searcy
by Scott Sauls
What are Christians to do in the everchanging discussion on sexuality and marriage in today’s culture? Pastor Scott Sauls shares some out of the box thoughts on this difficult subject.
page 31
Counselor’s Corner Kaila McCarthy, M.S., Associate M.F.T., Samaritan Counseling Center
page 36
Dave $ays
page 24
Dave Ramsey
Fall Festivals Guide
Take your family out to any one of these great Halloween alternatives at River Region churches. page 26
The Enemy Steals While God’s Hope Heals
In Every Issue page 6
Books to Read page 8
Around Our Community
by Pastor Jay Wolf
Travel back to 2008 as Pastor Jay Wolf recounts the story of his daughter-inlaw’s near deadly stroke and how God brought their family through it all. You’ll be inspired by this personal look at Jason and Katherine Wolf’s journey from tragedy to hope, including the birth of a ministry! 1
page 14
Faith @ Work page 32
Support Groups October 2019
River Region’s Journey
Our Mission... We believe the Good News concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is worth sharing with our friends and neighbors in the River Region. Each month we deliver this life-changing message to the centers of activity across our community in a user-friendly and relevant way to empower and equip all those seeking to grow closer to God. Join us in this mission by sharing a copy with your neighbor or by becoming an advertising partner starting next month.
From the Publisher What if Christianity is true? A proper response might be... • To run through the street smiling and yelling gleefully like George Bailey did at the end of “It’s A Wonderful Life.” • Or to throw open your front door, take your spouse by the hand and swing each other around in the front yard! • Maybe you would crumble by your bedside in tears of joy at the “coming for you at all cost” love God has placed on you.
Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@readjourneymagazine.com
Publisher
Jason Watson jason@readjourneymagazine.com
Associate Publisher Gena Hill
Research Editor Wendy McCollum
Contributing Writers
Bob Crittenden Kaila McCarthy, M.S., Associate M.F.T. Dave Ramsey Scott Sauls Kemi Searcy Dr. David Steele Sam Whatley Pastor Roosevelt Williams, III Pastor Jay Wolf
Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 702
Digital Manager Scott Davis
Ad Design
Tim Welch, Welch Designs
Distribution Manager Charles Silliman
Christianity says God, yes that God (the one who made the stars and planets and coded your DNA), wants to adopt you, lavish His love on you, then bless you with an eternal inheritance starting now. Too, He actually knows who you really are and His love for you doesn’t change. He knows you drink too much and that you cuss at your kids. He knows about those dark places in your heart where lust drives you to fantasize. He sees how much your paycheck has a grip on you and the fear you have over losing everything. Whatever those things are that would bring shame if they were made public – God loves you still and wants you to be His child. That’s both amazing... and a problem! How can a dirty broken person like me and you become a child of the Holy Holy Holy God who beams with purity and is always good and righteous? Christianity not only says that God loves broken people, but that He’s made a way for us to receive His pure love. Enter Jesus, God’s own Son. God knew none of us broken people could fix ourselves, so He decided to fix us Himself. Jesus is known all over this globe because He’s the only one who was able to make a way to God by being perfect and blameless on our behalf. It’s called GRACE – getting what we don’t deserve! So you’re telling me all that stuff that I chase after to make me happy, to give me peace, to make me feel accepted and loved, to belong? It’s all waiting for me as an adopted child of God? Yes! Thanks to Jesus! Stop. Yes. Christianity is true. What’s your response?
River Region’s Journey is published monthly by Keep Sharing, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, AL 36123. For information, call 334-213-7940. River Region’s Journey is copyrighted 2019 by KeepSharing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. The opinions expressed in River Region’s Journey are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. River Region’s Journey has the right to refuse any content that is not consistent with its statement of faith.
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Candlelit Service of Lessons & Carols Madrigal Voices of Montgomery, Montgomery Brassworks, and conductor Thomas Hinds
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Pastor’s Perspective by Roosevelt Williams, III, St. John’s AME Church
The Art of Waiting As you and I are living, and loving, and working, and interacting, and communicating - we should also be learning more and more about God. As we learn of Him, we also become aware of ourselves and how He has brought us through various circumstances and situations. This is called process! During God’s process of shaping and molding us into vessels of honor (vessels He can pour into, as we pour out to others), we can often find ourselves “getting weary in well doing”. We forget sometimes, that we will reap if we just don’t faint! This process of “perfecting the saints for the work of the ministry” can sometimes leave us needing an encouraging word. As you and I go through the processes of life, there may be times when we may ask questions like: Why me Lord? How do I get through this? How do I
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survive that? Where are You Lord, and do You really care? Throughout Israel’s history, we see a series of sin, obedience, conquest, defeat, repentance, reflection, restoration, happiness, sadness, longing, separation, unity - and then the cycle would repeat itself. Through Isaiah, the Old Testament Prophet, God indeed sends a word of strength and encouragement to His people. Isaiah 40:29-31 states: He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. There is an art to waiting! Have you ever gone to a restaurant and had to wait? You gave the host or hostess your name and number in your party - but you still had to wait. You had to wait for them to call your name, wait to place your order, and wait on your meal to be prepared. And sometimes you even had to wait on your waiter! Oftentimes, that’s how we treat God. We glance at our watches, pat our feet in impatience, and pace the floor as if God is late. We often lament, “I prayed, Lord, read my Bible...I even fasted and prayed - but where are You? But have we really learned the “art of waiting”? Sure, we think we know how to wait on others, but what about God? As we’re waiting on “our blessings”, why don’t we wait on God? 4
Let’s go back to the waiter analogy for a moment. A waiter at a restaurant is there to “wait” on his or her customers. Their job is to see to every need of the customer, provide impeccable service, and even anticipate unspoken needs and desires. Exceptional waiters focus almost entirely on their customers. That’s their job, and their livelihoods depend on it! Similarly, we wait on God by serving Him our best thanks, praise, and worship. As we’re waiting for deliverance in our situations, we should also wait on God by giving Him our attention through prayer, thanksgiving, praise, and our worship. Waiting on God won’t necessarily change Him - but it will change us, and that’s what He’s ultimately after - a changed heart, and a changed mind. Isaiah also states that those who wait on the Lord will “mount up with wings like eagles”. Eagles have keen eyesight and know how to focus on their prey. Eagles are fearless and never back down from a fight - even if their prey is larger than they are! Other birds fly away from storms eagles fly high above them. Eagles fly to great heights, but they use very little energy because they trust the gusts of wind to carry them. And eagles know how to wait. They sit almost motionless, and wait for opportunities to strike their prey. While we’re waiting on God, don’t forget to wait on Him (love Him, serve Him, and worship Him)! When we truly wait on Him, we’ll be renewed and strengthened for the journey ahead.
Rev. Roosevelt Williams, III is the senior pastor of St. John’s African Methodist Episcopal Church. Along with being a minister of the gospel, Pastor Williams is a visual artist and graphic communications instructor, businessman, and the Director of Technology and web master for the Ninth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
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Something Needs to Change
Vulnerable
David Platt (2019)
Raleigh Sadler (2019) “Preach the gospel – and if necessary use words.” This pithy quote by St. Francis of Assisi has captured the hearts and minds of many. The sentiment sounds right and may even feel right but fails in the final analysis to do justice to the gospel. Yes, the gospel is meant to be lived. Yes, the gospel makes a difference in the lives of others and demands sacrificial service. But St. Francis falls short in the matter of proclamation. We may serve people and love them but if we fail to proclaim the message of the good news, the “gospel” loses its efficacy. Raleigh Sadler’s book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking works hard to maintain a commitment to proclaiming the gospel and reaching people by engaging them at every level. The heart of the author is unveiled at the beginning of the book and serves as the general theme of the book: “Jesus Christ motivates vulnerable people, like you and me, to love other vulnerable people for us, to the point of death.” Christ’s vulnerability, then, serves as a supreme example for his people and motivates them to love others. Sadler exposes the trafficking industry and calls Christians to make a difference. His ultimate aim is to eradicate all human trafficking. Vulnerable is filled with stories of people who have been marginalized, manipulated, or trafficked in some way. The interview with Michael Horton is the highlight of the book as Dr. Horton weighs in on the subject of trafficking. “I’m not a co-redeemer with Christ when I’m opposing human trafficking; rather I’m witnessing to that redemption that Christ has already won, and will one day consummate when he returns bodily,” writes Horton. Such a perspective provides a keen biblical balance that remains obedient to Scripture but also steers clear from any liberalizing proclivities of the socalled “social justice” movement. Vulnerable is not an easy book to read. The pain and suffering that the author reveals, however, is a reality that Christians must face. The only answer is the saving message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
In an age where it has become in vogue for pastors to question the Christian faith, compromise the faith, or even abandon the faith – David Platt is a breath of fresh air. The fiery Washington D.C. pastor and author of Radical is back with another thought-provoking book, Something Needs to Change. Pastor Platt invites readers on a life-changing journey to the rugged Himalayan trails where he encounters poverty, human trafficking, and a host of problems that lead to personal crisis and life change. Platt is not content to hoard his life-changing journey; he wants to share it with others. He wants to challenge others and inspire them to something greater. According to Platt, then, something needs to change. A few highlights help summarize the general flow of the book. The author intends: * To integrate what we know in our minds with our hearts and feel genuine compassion for lost people (my words). * Challenge readers to engage their hearts with a broken world. * Motivate readers. * Spur reader to take action. The real beauty in this book is found in Platt’s insistence to steer clear from the social gospel. To be sure, the author never minimizes the massive human need for food, shelter, medicine, or education. These are all areas that followers of Christ must address when the opportunity arises. Yet, these physical needs are penultimate. The greatest need of every image bearer is the gospel. The greatest need of human beings is being in a reconciled relationship with a holy God. The greatest need of creatures is redemption. The response to social justice alone makes this book a worthy read. Too many churches are neglecting the purpose of the church by drawing lines that maximize social justice and minimize the gospel. Something Needs to Change is the biblical antidote to the misplaced emphasis of the so-called social justice movement. David Platt is to be commended for his heart and passion for the truth. But strong dogma never discourages maximum impact. Rather, strong dogma demands maximum impact – so that God might be glorified among the nations! River Region’s Journey
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Woofstock: Peace, Love and Pets
Saturday, October 5 * 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Woofstock—Peace, Love and Pets (inspired by the 50th anniversary of Woodstock—Peace, Love and Music) will be held on the Green at Providence Presbyterian Church, 2130 Bell Road in east Montgomery. “Woofstock” is a community festival, bringing together adoptable pets, vendors, food, and fun! Woofstock features adoptable animals from the humane societies of Montgomery, Autauga and Elmore counties. There will be a petting zoo with goats, chicks, an alpaca, donkey and other farm animals with which kids can interact. Children can also play on inflatable games and enjoy cornhole, face painting, and games. Ordained members of Providence Presbyterian will be offering Blessings to any pet that comes to the festival, and all are welcome—live pets and stuffed teddy bears, too! Inside the church will be a Used Book Sale with great offerings and prices. The event will also feature arts and crafts vendors and other pet-related businesses and ventures. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be prepared by the Providence Presbyterian Preschool and available for sale. Admission to “Woofstock” and all of its features is free, and the event is open to the public.
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River Region Out of the Darkness Walk
October 27 at Auburn University Montgomery, Moore Hall. Noon registration; 1:30 p.m. opening ceremony and 2 p.m. walk. Proceeds bring local and national suicide prevention and awareness programs of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention directly to the school. Learn more at afsp.org/OutoftheDarkness.
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Freedom Tour
with Jennie Allen, Christy Nockels Saturday, October 12, at 6:00 pm Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road, in Montgomery.For more information, call 334-279-5433 or visit itickets.com.
Aldersgate UMC Men 35th Annual Barbecue
Fall is almost on us and that means it is time for some slow cooked BBQ at the Aldersgate United Methodist Men’s 35th Annual Barbecue on Saturday, October 12, 2019. For only $10 per box, folks can taste the finest barbecued pork and chicken that Montgomery has to offer on the SAME PLATE. Each box comes with pulled pork, a quarter chicken, and sides of baked beans, slaw and bread. The sale will be from 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, located at 6610 Vaughn Road. Drive thru pick up service is provided at the front of the church by Boy Scout Troop 306. Tickets can be purchased in advance, or boxes can be bought on the day of the sale. Proceeds from the barbecue will benefit the Aldersgate Methodist Men’s mission and service projects for the upcoming year. For more information, contact Aldersgate United Methodist Church at 272-6152 or send e-mail to aldersgateumm@gmail.com.
Community Congregational Church “College Sunday”
Sunday, October 20th at 10:45 am 3481 South Court Street, Montgomery As we celebrate education and show our school spirit, the disciples of Community Congregational Church invite you to experience powerful worship, guest singers from area colleges and a soul-touching message from our Pastor about “Declaring the Right Major.” Calling all Divine 9 orgs! Dress comfortably and feel free to come in your nalia or jerseys. Nursery service available for children under 6!
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Spiritual Warfare & Deliverance Ministry Conference
Adoption Support Group
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. Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road, Montgomery For more information call Jill Sexton at 409-9477.
Fountain of Grace Church at 881 McQueen Smith Rd will be hosting a FREE Spiritual Warfare Conference on Saturday October 12 from 9 til 3pm. If you RSVP at 365-5511 or fog.a@ att.net by October 5th lunch is included FREE. No childcare provided.
Coming in November!
The Theatre Tour with TobyMac, Cochren & Co. Sunday, November 17, at 7:00 pm Montgomery PAC at the Renaissance Montgomery 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery, AL 3More For more information call 334-481-5110 or visit itickets.com
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Former Governor Mike Huckabee Announced as Speaker for His Vessel Ministries Benefit Dinner His Vessel Ministries will be celebrating our 18th year of Christ-centered discipleship and Watchman intercessory prayer ministry with a Benefit Dinner featuring Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church, 305 South Perry Street on Tuesday, October 29, 2019, 6:30-8:30 PM. Becoming His Vessel is the theme for this year’s dinner. His Vessel Ministries helps Christians live their lives with purpose, on purpose, to become God’s pure vessels. When God’s people live for His glory, amazing things take shape: changed hearts, homes, and our community. In announcing the featured guest, Jo Hancock, His Vessel co-founder states, “We are honored and excited to once again welcome Mike Huckabee to Montgomery for our Benefit Dinner, and know he will greatly encourage and bless all who attend.” Mike Huckabee’s life exemplifies one devoted to living a godly life of obedient service to impact his home state as well as the nation whether in ministry or politics. He is the host of the TV show “Huckabee” on TBN each weekend and is a Fox News contributor, NY Times best-selling author of 12 books, and frequent speaker for corporate, civic, and non-profit groups all over the world. Tickets are $150/person and can be reserved by calling His Vessel Ministries at 334.356.4478. His Vessel Ministries, Inc., a 501(c) (3) non-profit provides Christ-centered teachings through Bible studies, yearly discipleship training and special teaching events written and published by Jo Hancock. His Vessel Ministries is in the Historic Union Station in downtown Montgomery, Alabama.
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Fire on the Mountain I stood on a mountain in Honduras and watched a control-burn get out of hand. The fire was about two miles away on an adjacent mountain dotted with skinny pine trees and covered in waist-high grass. The fire had burned for most of the day in a straight horizontal line. When the wind changed, the flames on the right side of the line started a vertical descent toward the little stream that separated that mountain from where I stood. The flames increased in our direction. I pointed out the danger to Betsy Hake, the director of Jericho Villa, a children’s home about twenty yards behind me. “Should we call someone?” I asked.
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“No, no one to call,” she said. The nearest neighbors were a mile away. The nearest fire department (if it existed) was twenty-five miles away. But Betsy is a lady of prayer. She dropped her head, raised her right hand toward the sky, and prayed, “Lord Jesus, we ask that you either put out this fire, or stop it from coming to our property. We thank you, in Jesus’ name. Amen.” Then she turned and walked away. I was stunned. Growing up in rural Alabama, I had seen and fought several brush fires. You generally don’t just pray and walk away. I looked for something to use to beat back the flames, but saw nothing usable. For about twenty minutes, I stared, entranced, as the black and gray smoke snaked down the ridge, coming slowly our way. The sky, which had been heavy with clouds all day, turned darker. I heard a growl of thunder. ‘No-o-o-o,” I whispered. “It can’t be.” Turning around, I saw a sudden sheet of rain sweep over the Villa. It went over my head, drenching me, and straight to the fire. I couldn’t believe it. I moved under a shelter, but could not take my eyes from the scattering smoke on the ridge beyond the creek. The rain pelted that mountain for another thirty minutes or so, and moved on over the next mountain. The horizontal
control burn was smaller, but the vertical brush fire was only smoldering smoke. Then it was gone. While I stood there astounded, I remembered a prayer I had prayed the week before. I had complained, asking God if I really had to make this trip to Honduras. Wasn’t there some other way for me to edit a book I was working on with Betsy Hake? But the Lord seemed set on me going. When I persisted, I sensed Him say, “I have something for you to see in Honduras.” And now I was watching rain put out a brush fire right after Betsy’s prayer. Weeks later, a friend asked me how I interpreted the significance of this fireand-rain experience. If God was showing me something, what was He saying? I’ve thought a lot about that question since then. I can’t say that I know the answer for certain. I can say God is watching us, listening to us, and caring very much about our circumstances. I think He was showing me that I don’t pray about enough things. I pray about big things, but I don’t look around me every day and see problems that I could talk to God about. Sometimes those problems are on someone else’s mountain. They aren’t my problems, yet. Maybe God was illustrating that when we pray, we need to expect a response. It may not be as dramatic as a thunderstorm, but our Father will answer us in some way. Our prayers are not wasted. God is not our bellhop or waiter, but I think we forget how interested He is in our daily lives. The scripture reminds us that His eye is on the sparrow. He knows how many hairs are on our heads. Why do we think He would not care for us? Why don’t we ask Him if He has something we need to see? It may involve trusting Him with an unusual prayer. I am reminded of Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV): “I lift up my eyes to the hills –– where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
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MEDICARE Open Enrollment October 15, 2019 – December 7, 2019
Have Questions?
FREE Help is Available Call SHIP
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1.800.243.5463 What is SHIP? SHIP is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Through SHIP, certified counselors and volunteers are available to help you make informed choices about health benefits. Counselors and volunteers are not affiliated with any insurance company and will not attempt to sell insurance. SHIP Can Help You: n Understand your Medicare n Determine which Part D Plan best fits your needs n Enroll in a plan of your choice n File a Medicare claim or appeal n Answer questions about your health insurance
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Susan Brown Kindergarten Teacher @ Trinity Presbyterian School
in me to work hard and do the right thing. After many years of trying so hard, I finally learned that no matter what I did or how hard I worked I could never do enough to earn God’s love. We all fall far short. His love, mercy, and grace are a free gift to us, bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus on Calvary. Although each and every day we stumble and make mistakes, He is there waiting to lovingly pick us up when we put our faith and trust in Him. I am so glad that there are new mercies waiting for me each morning and that I have a Savior who loves me not because of who I am but because of who He is. RRJ: What does your relationship with the Lord look like today?
RRJ: Thank you for taking the time to share your “Faith @ Work” story with our readers. To begin, please tell us how you came to believe in God and His plan of redemption through Christ. Susan: My father and mother were among the strongest Christians I have ever known and quietly lived out their faith daily in everything they did. I learned so much through their example. “God and others first, then us” was the motto our family lived by. We learned firsthand the joy of giving and living humbly with less to make life better for someone else. They taught us to look for a need and then quietly meet it. Christ was the center of our family and I always knew I was loved and cared for. I asked Jesus into my heart when I was about eight years old. My sister and I grew up on a small farm and learned the value of a strong work ethic at an early age. It was ingrained River Region’s Journey
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Susan: I love Him and I need Him more than I ever have before. I make mistakes every day and He takes those mistakes and turns them into teachable moments. He has taught me so much about love, forgiveness, and trust over my lifetime. Quite often, during the most difficult times, He has taught me the most. Jesus is so kind and sweet! When I go to sleep, I know He is there and when I awake He is waiting for me. He is always right beside me leading and guiding me along the path that He has chosen for that moment, that hour, that day, because every moment is holy. I just want to be used by Him in whatever way He sees fit. To be in the center of His will is the only place I ever want to be. He cares about everything that matters to me. He has given me a hunger for Him that I can not explain. He has opened doors for me to share my faith with others, especially those who are new to our Country and are eager to learn more about Him. He orders our steps, words, and deeds and He uses them for our good and His glory. He has a beautiful plan for our lives and nothing can thwart that plan. RRJ: How does your Christian faith shape the way you approach your job as a teacher? Susan: I have been given the tremendous opportunity to leave a lasting impression 14
for good in the lives of the children I teach, and it’s a privilege. I realize that I spend more waking hours with them than anyone else. I want my students to feel loved and confident, and to use the unique talents that God has given each of them to their full potential. When I see a child struggle in an area, I look for their strengths in other areas and use them to help build confidence where it is needed. I have learned that everyone struggles with something. Sometimes it is more obvious or pronounced than others. Confidence and encouragement are the keys. I have also discovered that everyone does something well. When confidence is allowed to spill over from one area into another, it waters the self-esteem and the child blooms! It is my desire to bring out the best in each child through what I say and do. RRJ: For most of us, family plays an important role in our lives. In what ways has your family been instrumental in your faith journey? Susan: The most wonderful gift I have ever received outside of salvation is my family. I married my high school sweetheart and the love of my life. Over the past 34 years, God has blessed us with four precious children. Our oldest is waiting for us in Heaven. I honestly didn’t realize how precious and fleeting life was until she was taken away suddenly. I can say without reservation that although we walked through a very dark season, we were never alone. I believe in the plan God has for each of our lives. In Psalm 139, we are reminded of this. “He knew every day before there was even one.” He is always faithful. Jesus never left our side. He was faithful and sent three more beautiful children into our lives. The most wonderful and difficult job in the world is being a parent. I have made so many mistakes but I know that God’s plan for their lives is amazing and is not hindered by something I did or didn’t do. He takes all the things that happen and weaves them together to form the beautiful fabric of our lives.
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RRJ: In your walk with the Lord, what are some tools and/or resources that are vital in keeping your faith strong? Susan: Prayer. I can’t stress enough the power of prayer in a believer’s life. Our prayers are so precious to God that the Bible speaks of them being kept in golden bowls in Heaven. When we come to Him alone in prayer we find Him waiting for us as a loving and gentle father. Another is hiding God’s word in our hearts. It brings comfort, strength, peace, joy, wisdom, and assurance when needed. Later, at just the right moment, we can encourage another with the strength it has provided to us. It is powerful, timeless and true. I believe that praise is another powerful tool. When we take our eyes off our circumstances and begin to acknowledge all that He has done for us, with thanksgiving and praise, our hearts are lifted and our faith renewed. The joy of the Lord is our strength! RRJ: Why do you believe it’s important to get connected with a church and use your talents there? Susan: God made us for one another. He created within us the need for companion-
ship. When we are surrounded by like-minded believers, we can encourage one another and strengthen each other in our faith and walk with God. We all have different talents and gifts that are developed for a specific purpose. When we come together and use those gifts in church we are vitalizing the Body of Christ to go out and do all the good works He has prepared in advance for us to do. We find our strength in Him when we are bound together in spirit and in truth. RRJ: If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be? Susan: Each day look for ways to be kinder than necessary. RRJ: Sometimes fellow Christians struggle to continue living out their faith beyond Sunday morning. How would you encourage all of us to allow our faith to be a constant force in our lives?
Susan: The answer is simple; have a daily walk with Jesus. From the time you get up until you close your eyes to sleep, know that He is right beside you and is your very best friend. He loves you more than anyone else ever could. Remember that He has a beautiful plan for your life and He doesn’t ever make a mistake. Our good and His will are married together. What matters to us matters to Him. Susan Brown has been married to Bob for 34 years. Their children are Emily (26), Molly (25) and Cole (21). The Browns are active members at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Montgomery.
FBC Prattville Welcomes New Senior Pastor,
Dr. Peyton Hill!
Sunday Worship Services 9:30 - Traditional 11:00 - Contemporary
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www.fbcprattville.org
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In God We Trust Students returning to classes this year in Louisiana were greeted by our national motto being displayed in schools. According to the KNOE Television website, a bill that was signed by Governor John Bel Edwards last year has taken effect that “requires every school to display the national motto and educate students on its history...” That national motto, by the way, is “In God We Trust.” Shelby Ainsworth, the principal of West Monroe High School is quoted; he says, “I still feel strongly that America is a Christian nation,” adding, “I want our high school youngsters exposed to as much as that as possible.” He states, “There are varied opinions even amongst high school students, their parents, the communities, the different churches that are represented, different faiths that we have...It’s nothing hidden, it’s nothing swept under the rug, but it’s nothing forced upon anyone.” The article says that “dozens of posters can be seen along the walls in each building.” Fox News reports that students in South Dakota will be seeing the motto at their schools; the story says that the law was passed “requiring the state’s 149 districts to paint, stencil or prominently feature the national motto.” In both states, the display is mandated, but the method by which the words are displayed is discretionary. As Yellowhammer News reported, the Alabama Legislature passed a bill last year “allowing the national motto to be displayed in public buildings, including schools.” This is most certainly a message that we as a nation need to hear. In the aftermath of the recent El Paso and Dayton shootings, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick went on Fox and Friends and highlighted not only the harmful effect of violent video games, but the lack of spiritual moorings in our country. He said, according to Real Clear Politics:
“So we need to look at all of this and who we are and as long as we continue to River Region’s Journey
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only praise God and look at God on a Sunday morning and kick him out of the town square at our schools the other six days of the week, what do we expect? What do we expect? There’s no excuse for this. We condemn it totally, but as a nation, we have to look at this and leave all of the politics out of it.” Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee echoed the need for spiritual solutions on Martha McCallum’s program, The Story on Fox News. According to the Washington Examiner, he stated:
“Those of us who would try to say, ‘Well, look for spiritual answers.’ How can you tell a young man that God wants to be your father if his image of a father is someone who abandoned him or beat up his mother? This is why we have to rethink, but recognize at the same time, that ultimately the hole in the human heart can never be filled just by human things. It has to be filled ultimately by spiritual things that give people a higher sense of who they are, what their identity is, and why they matter.” Huckabee went on to say that mass shooters are drawn to hateful, fringe ideologies because they lack the feelings of significance once derived by relationships to God and family. As I reported on the radio show, The Meeting House, pastors Greg Laurie and Jack Graham released a video following the shootings, in which they also emphasized the spiritual forces behind these horrific events. 16
There are a number of principles we can consider: First, we have a spiritual problem in America. There is no doubt. And, we have to address matters of the spirit using spiritual principles. That involves speaking the truth of God’s Word, as well as fervent prayer, recognizing the spiritual warfare element that is driving people to do horrific acts. But, I don’t think blaming America is the answer. Christians should love our country and appreciate our freedoms and our system of government. There are those that would want to lead us away from the time-honored principles upon which our nation was founded. I believe that has become quite a political issue. We can ask: what are our values? And, what system of government reflects the values upon which this nation was founded? There are many Christians who love America, and should not be denigrated for that love of country. Our nation was founded on Christian principles; our Founders were intent on providing a nation of religious freedom and the pursuit of morality. There were imperfect men in search of an effective and inspiring ideal - America hasn’t always done it right, but there has always been promise and potential. That’s the foundation; when there is a departure from God’s principles, consistent with Scripture, that can explain why we’re in the dire situation that we’re in.
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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.
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Among those who identify as Christian, there is current an ongoing debate—and in some cases deep disagreement, confusion, misunderstanding, and even mischaracterization and slander between tribes around the subject of sex and marriage. Some adopt a more strident posture that seems (and often is) lacking in pastoral compassion, empathy, and grace. “The Bible says it, that settles it, and you’re on your own to get your life in line with the Bible” is way too pervasive a posture among people who (a) are rightly concerned about maintaining biblical fidelity in every area of life, including sex and marriage, yet who (b) lack biblical fidelity in the way that they treat people unlike themselves. Just as Scripture says we must love God with all that we are, it says likewise that we must love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Others adopt a more open and “affirming” posture that seems (and often is) lacking in biblical fidelity. “The times are different now than they were back in biblical times, and furthermore, we have read the Bible wrong all these years on sex and marriage, just as Christians once read the Bible River Region’s Journey
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wrong about slavery.” Those with this mindset are (a) rightly concerned about caring deeply for those who are attracted, say, to the opposite sex, and yet (b) fail to account for the fact that every time Scripture mentions sex outside of marriage between one man and one woman, it comes with strong warnings…and with zero exceptions. For others, including me, there is a desire to engage this conversation—and the real people with real lives and stories and struggles who are most impacted by it—in a way that resembles how Jesus engaged a sexually confused culture and sexually damaged persons. I hope that what I share below will help readers on all sides of this discussion find their way, not into a tribe as much as into the wise and perfect ways of Jesus, who alone is Lord and Maker of sex. 18
The landscape is changing on the subject of sexuality. The centuries-old, universal consensus among Christians, Jews, and Muslims as well—that God gave sex for marriage between one man and one woman—is being questioned not only by secular society, but within Christianity itself. Fading is the long-held belief that “immorality” and porneia—the New Testament Greek term for all sex that happens outside of marriage between one man and one woman—are the same thing. Ours is a different age, says the Western hemisphere (and mostly white) “progressive” or “ex-” -vangelical. Biblical prohibitions about divorce, unmarried cohabitation and same-sex relationships were written for situations unique to the time and setting, but that do not necessarily apply to our modern context. Christians who find the new interpretations unpersuasive and biblically unsound are increasingly viewed as unenlightened at best, and bigoted at worst. What are we to make of this new cultural landscape? Moreover, how are we to understand the Scriptures on this
matter? And what are we to do with that understanding?
Have We Misinterpreted Scripture?
Most of us Christians are swift to distance ourselves from a damaging, “us-against-them” posture on this issue. A condemning, shaming stance toward LGBTQ and/or unmarried, sexually active hetero men and women has proven only to be damaging and counterproductive. For some, forsaking a holier-than-thou posture has also led to sympathy toward, and in some cases affirmation of, expressions of sexuality that have historically and widely been seen as incongruent with faith (and still are seen as incongruent outside the West). As once-culturally taboo expressions of sexuality become mainstream, and as colleagues, friends, and even family members “come out” with news of a pending “no fault” divorce or a same-sex or cohabiting hetero relationship, more and more Christians—especially when friendships and family ties hang in the balance—feel an urgency to sympathize instead of condemn, to support instead of separate, to affirm instead of deny. To
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reinforce this instinct, LGBTQ folks are compared to oppressed minorities of the past, most notably the victims of slavery. “Christians eventually shifted on slavery because they finally saw that slavery was biblically wrong,” the thinking goes. “This is no different. LGBTQ,” it is said, “is the new oppressed minority.” This is a difficult leap, however, because every reference in the Bible about sexual activity outside the covenant union between one man and one woman is negative. The pro-slavery mindset is repudiated by Paul’s letter to Philemon, a slave-owner who, according to Paul and the Holy Spirit, must cease treating Onesimus like a slave and instead receive him as a brother. No such book or verse exists in the Bible on the subject of sex and marriage. In fact, as Scripture unfolds from Old Testament to New, while it becomes more progressive in the way it dignifies, empowers, and liberates women, ethnic minorities, the enslaved and the oppressed, Scripture takes on a more conservative tone in the way it speaks of sex and marriage. Jesus affirms that in the beginning, “God made them male and female, and the two (male and female) will become one flesh.” Qualified
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elders must be either single and celibate like the Apostle Paul and Jesus, or onewoman men—the “husband of one wife.” Jesus is kind and restores dignity to a woman caught in adultery, but also tells her that if she is going to identify as one of his followers, she must stop committing adultery. In other words, unlike the liberation of slaves spoken of in Philemon, there is no place in Scripture that pronounces liberation for those wishing to pursue sexual relationships, including committed and monogamous ones, outside of the male-female marital union. This teaching is admittedly becoming less and less popular in our late modern times. Yet, if the true relevance of Scripture is that Scripture shows no interest in being relevant—that is, it shows no interest in being adapted, revised, or censored in order to be more in tune with the ever-shifting times—then the sex question is one that sincere believers must wrestle with. We must remain committed to being counter-culture where the culture and the truth are at odds with one another. This, and this alone, is what will make Christians truly relevant in the culture. Compelled by the love of Christ, we will not withhold kindness or friendship
from any person or people group, and we will not engage in any sort of “us against them” posturing. This in itself is counterculture in the modern West, where the norm is to be constantly on the hunt for something to be offended by. Compelled by the truth of Christ, we will honor and obey the Creator’s design— even when his design is counter-culture and, at times, counter-intuitive to us. His ways and his thoughts are higher than ours on this matter.
Affirming Sex (and Chastity)
Jesus, who was a lifelong, unmarried celibate man tempted in every way just as we are, affirmed sex within the malefemale marital union. He invented sex. Sex is not a no-no. It is not taboo. It is a gift that invites husbands and wives to taste Eden together—naked without shame, known and embraced, exposed and not rejected. Proverbs invites a husband to find satisfaction in his wife’s breasts. Song of Solomon pictures a husband and wife admiring, reciting poetry over, and adventurously enjoying one another’s naked bodies. Paul the Apostle, also unmarried and celibate, says that except for short seasons dedicated to prayer, able-bodied married couples
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should have sex, and have it often. History will culminate in consummation between Jesus and his Bride, the Church…a “profound mystery” that every believer, married and unmarried, can anticipate in the New Heaven and New Earth. God is also deeply concerned that sex not be distorted, abused, or turned into an idolatrous pseudo-savior. Porneia, the Greek umbrella word for sexual immorality, represents any departure from God’s design of a male-female, two-becomingone marital union. Why is the Bible seemingly so liberating about sex inside heterosexual marriage, but so limiting for every other setting? Tim Keller says that God put guardrails around sex because sex is the most delightful, and also the most dangerous, of all human capacities. It is a transcendent, other-worldly experience. Sex works a lot like fire. On one hand, fire can warm and purify. On the other hand, if not contained properly and handled with care, it can burn, leave permanent scars, infect, and destroy. So it is with sex. I have seen this play out in scores of pastoral situations over the years. “There is a way that seems right to a man,” says the sacred Proverb, “but in the end it leads to death.”
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A Way Forward— Especially for Christians
So what is the way forward on this issue? I’m going to propose something a little bit out of the box. What if we Christians, especially those of us who still affirm the ancient, traditional Judeo-Christian guardrails for sex as described above, concerned ourselves less with defending biblical marriage “out there” and focused more on nurturing biblical marriage “in here?” What if we graciously and humbly conceded that the culture war has been lost on this issue, a chief reason being that for a couple of decades, the Christian witness on this issue, in its zeal for truth, mishandled the truth by forgetting about love? What if, in conceding that the culture war has been lost, we rendered unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and accepted our new opportunity to set aside the failed “moral majority” posture and replace it with the more biblical “life-giving minority” posture? The wise and lovely Madeleine L’Engle is helpful in her reminder that “We draw people to Christ…by showing them a light that is so lovely that they want with all their hearts to know the source of it.”
The telling of the light will backfire where there is no showing of the light. Rather than condemning “sex in the city,” what if we concerned ourselves instead with being the “city on a hill” that Jesus intends for us to be? What if we affirmed, along with the Bible, that being unmarried and celibate (like Paul and Jesus) is a noble and fruitful calling? What if we affirmed along with Paul that the calling to singleness, though less common, is still a “far better” calling than marriage because it frees single men and women to devote themselves fully to the Lord’s concerns? Speaking of this, what if we got rid of the term “single” in the church and embraced a renewed biblical vision for the church as a surrogate family where every person, married and divorced and single, hetero attracted and same sex attracted, has access to spiritual friendships as deep as that of David and Jonathan, whose mutual accessibility, transparency, and loyalty rivaled the love between a man and a woman? What if we shifted our emphasis toward THE MARRIAGE to which all other marriages are but a shadow—the mystical union between Jesus and his bride, the
Church, which is inclusive of believing husbands and wives, as well as widows and widowers, divorcees, and other unmarried men and women? According to sacred Scripture, no matter what one’s marital status or sexual orientation, the first moment of trust in Jesus makes that person as married and complete as s/he will ever be. From our first moment of faith, Jesus is our Bridegroom and we are his Bride. We are our Beloved’s, and our Beloved is ours. Finally, what if we focused on renewing marriage inside the church first, repenting of hard-core and soft-core pornography habits, taking thoughts and fantasies captive that objectify the image of God, reducing divorces where there are no biblical grounds, and nurturing love, lingering conversation, hand-holding, fidelity, forgiveness, and living face to face (in intimacy) and also side by side (on mission) within marriages? For unless and until we become this kind of countercultural community amongst ourselves— showing the light of Christ that is in us as well as telling it—any zeal for biblical marriage and chastity “out there” will fall on deaf ears. And rightly so. Scott Sauls is a pastor, author and blogger. He resides over Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN.
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River Region’s Journey
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Who Is Your BFF? Suzanne and Marci had been friends since they were toddlers. Even when they left home to attend different colleges, they remained close, texting and talking daily. Suzanne was overwhelmed with guilt and the disgrace when she became pregnant by her boyfriend. She reached out to Marci for support and comfort. Suzanne was stunned when Marci told her, “I can’t be your friend any more. You need to move on without me in your life.” Suzanne could hardly believe that what she heard could be real. What is your reality? I know women who represent each of the following realities: 1. Has an abusive boss but feels trapped in her job. 2. Has an unfaithful husband who hasn’t touched her intimately in years. 3. Had abandoned her career goals to have children and now hasn’t the time or money to complete her goals. 4. Created an innovative improvement on her job but her team leader took the credit. 5. Has a child in rehab for doing heavy drugs. What might you be hiding behind your plastic smile? Does anyone really know who you are? Do you let anyone know your circumstances? Do you let anyone in on your thought world?
You’ve Got a Friend
Having friends is good for you. Having close friends increases your chance of survival from a major debilitating illness. River Region’s Journey
October 2019
Having a close friend reduces mental stress. BFFs (Best Friends Forever) are usually the go-to people women use to vent, sort out life, and help validate decisions. Scientists tell us that we will have almost 400 friends over the course of a lifetime, but only one out of twelve are lasting friendships. A 2004 study published in the American Sociological Review showed that the average number of people having trusted friends fell by a third from 1984 2004. During the same 20 years, the proportion of people who did not have a close friend doubled. If you don’t already know it, Jesus is the Best Friend Forever you can have. “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you,” (John 15:15 ESV). The qualities of a close friend are that they remain loyal, confidential, faithful, sharing, caring, and serving. Jesus truly exemplifies each of these characteristics.
You’ve Got a Counselor
As we go through the major problems of our lives, we often look to those who can advise us well. When choosing someone to guide you, counselors, pastors, and other church leaders can be extremely helpful. Yet sometimes we may feel exposed if we share in the place where we worship or minister. Look to someone who you know is in the Word of
God, but also has a different personality from you (with whom you probably would never be a best friend) because they can often tell you the truth you need to hear. The Holy Ghost is a phenomenal Counselor. He can see the situation beyond what you can. He knows the end from the beginning. He knows the hearts of men and women. “But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you,” (John 14:26 AMP).
You’ve Got a Father
Your parents may or may not have become friends with you once you became an adult. I know many moms and daughters who are very close. The freedom to share may have some limits when it comes to issues with their spouses, but most everything else is free between them. Parental-substitutes are everywhere, however. Older women who have lived their lives glorifying God can help many of us through situations or relational issues. If you do not have a parent or older person to give you advice, do not despair. There is a Father who can listen, advise, bring balance, and to show His boundless love toward us. “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him,” (1 John 3:2 ESV). Human beings are not successful being emotional islands. God has built a social dimension within us as part of creating us in His image. Women should not isolate themselves and bear their crosses without comfort or guidance. We need help! I am glad that God can truly be my Best Friend Forever!
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Angel Fest St. Michael and All angels Church, 5941 Main Street, Millbrook October 19 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Enjoy entertainment while you browse the booths of renowned local artisans, bid on amazing items for an unbeatable price at the Silent Auction, as the children enjoy the Kids’ Carnival. Don’t miss out on all the great food… Grab a tasty lunch of mouthwatering homemade goods at the Bake Sale, freshly cooked Boston Butts and more. Put the date on your calendar and come be part of this classic Millbrook festival! For vendor information or to preorder Boston butts call the church office at (334) 285.3905.
Alabama Christian Academy Fall Festival 4700 Wares Ferry Road, Montgomery Thursday, November 7th, tentatively from 3-6:00 p.m. Inflatables, Pony rides, games and more. They will have a silent auction and Country Kitchen, chili cook off and photo booth. Each class sponsors games for children of all ages. Concessions will be available. Admission is $5. Please call 277.1985 ext. 221 for more information.
Aldersgate UMC Fall Festival 6610 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Wednesday, October 30th, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Trunk or Treat, games, prizes, crafts, River Region’s Journey
October 2019
hayride. A fun-filled family night open to everyone free of charge. Call 272.6152.
costumes. Bring your family and Friends. Call 365.0231
Blue Ridge Baptist Church
Camp Chandler Halloween Carnival
4471 Jasmine Hill Road in Wetumpka Sunday, October 27 from 4p.m. to 6 p.m. A hotdog and chili supper. Trunk or Treat, bouncy houses, fun, games and crafts. Friendly costumes are welcome. Come celebrate this beautiful season God has given us. Please call at 567.4325 for more information.
Calvary Baptist Church Fall Festival 432 W. Fourth St., Prattville October 27 from 4 until 6 pm. Free fun for everyone. For information, please call (334) 365.5213
Calvary Baptist Church, Wetumpka Fall Festival 504 West Osceola Street, Wetumpka October 27 from 4 until 6. For more information, please call (334) 567.4729
Camellia Baptist Church Trunks or Treats Thursday, October 31st; 6-7:30 p.m. 201 Woodvale Rd, Prattville Games, food, candy and a life-changing message. Free admission. Games for ages preschool – 6. No scary 24
Camp Chandler is located just off U.S. 231, North in Wetumpka on Lake Jordan. Saturday, October 19, 5-8 p.m. Come out and join us for a night of carnival games, the little pumpkin playhouse, a cake walk and raffle, trick or treat, silent auction, McGilvery Plantation Haunted Hike, a costume contest and more!! For more information, call 269.4362, ext. 241 or 252. Visit www.campchandler.org
Dalraida Baptist Church Annual Family Fall Festival 3838 Wares Ferry Road, Montgomery Sunday, October 27, 5:00 until 7:30 p.m. Games, Inflatable, Hayride and More! No scary costumes, please. Please Call 272.2412.
Dalraida UMC Fall Festival / Trunk or Treat ad on page 8
3817 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery Dates to be announced. Games, food, prizes, costume contest and other surprises. Please Call 272.2190.
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East Memorial Baptist Church Family Fun Fall Festival 1320 Old Ridge Road, Prattville October 31st, 5:30-7:30 Games, Candy, Balloon Animals, and all sorts of fun for the whole family! FREE!! For more info call 334.365.7500 or visit us at www.eastmemorial.org
Eastmont Baptist Church Trunk or Treat 4505 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery Sunday, October 27 from 4-6 p.m. in the front parking lot of Eastmont Baptist Church. Bring your little super heroes, princesses, pirates and cowgirls for a FREE, fun and safe alternative to trick-ortreating. Visit www.eastmont.org for more info or call 277-6300.
Pumpkinfest will be moved indoors. For children age toddler through 3rd grade! Call 834.8990. Also, FUMC Fall Bazaar 2019 Wednesday, October 2, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Luncheon $12 | 12:00-1:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall Shopping & Silent Auction 1:007:00 p.m. Wesley Hall Baked Goods • Frozen Foods • Garden Treasures Gifts & Crafts • Kid’s Closet • Nice as New Please call 834.8990 for more information. .
First UMC, Wetumpka Trunk or Treat 306 W. Tuskeena Street, Montgomery Wednesday, October 30 from 5-7 p.m. Contest, games, and treats for all ages. Parents are encouraged to attend with child. For more info, call 567.7865 or visit www.fumcwetumpka.com.
First Baptist Church Fall Family Festival
Gateway Baptist Church Fall Family Festival
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305 South Perry Street, Montgomery Sunday, October 27 from 4-7 p.m. Event is free. Food available for purchase. Games, Fun and prizes. For more information, call 834.6310.
3300 Bell Road, Montgomery Wednesday, October 30, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free admission. Popcorn, Cotton candy, snow cones, Games and Trunk or treat. Little bit of something for everyone. Call 272.9494 for more information.
First UMC, Montgomery Pumpkinfest 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, Montgomery Sunday, October 20, 4-5:30 p.m. For children of all ages - Front lawn of the church. Fun, games, horse-drawn hayride, moonwalk, refreshments and more! Happy costumes are welcome! Come join the fun! In the event of rain, the
Ridgecrest Baptist Church Fall Festival 5260 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery Saturday October 26 from 4-6 p.m. Open to all ages. Family friendly. Games, prizes, food, candy, and trunk or treat. For more info call 277.0011.
Saint James UMC Trunk or Treat 9045 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Sunday, October 27, 5 to 7 p.m. Located in parking lot at back of church. Hayride, inflatables, games, candy and much more! Wear your costume but please nothing scary. For more information, please call Jennifer at 277.3037.
Taylor Road Treats the Town 1685 Taylor Road, Montgomery Sunday, October 27, 5-7 p.m. Come out for a night of fun. We will have games, a cakewalk, photo booth, inflatables, and free hot dogs. We will also have Trunk or Treat with lots of candy. Bible Story Land is also part of the evening. Enjoy a hayride as it takes you by 8 Bible story scenes. Costumes are welcome but no scary ones please. Call 271.3363.
Mulder UMC Trunk or Treat 3454 Firetower Road, Wetumpka Thursday, October 31from 6 to 8 p.m. Fun for the whole family. There will be inflatables, games, trunks of treats, hayrides, face painting, Live music and more. No scary costumes please. For more info call 567.4225
Thorington Road Baptist Church Fall Festival 450 Ray Thorington Road, Montgomery Sunday, October 20, 3:30p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Come join us for Inflatables, games, and fun for the entire family. Free! Rain or shine! Call 396.9376.
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“The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy. I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus A pastor pal sat in my office on a normal Monday afternoon dissecting difficulties created by some troublesome church issues. I listened patiently and offered some advice on how to untangle the relational knots instead of cutting the line. Our discussion was interrupted by my cell phone vibrating. I glanced at the River Region’s Journey
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number and noticed the call came from my son in California. Jay Leon Wolf, III had come to his last day of Law School classes after three years at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. Since my children take priority over a friend’s church squabble, I called “time-out” and answered, “Hi Jas, how’s it going on your last day of school?” With a tense voice he quickly explained, “Dad, something is wrong with Katherine. I came home to get a school 26
paper and found her lying on the floor. She had vomited and seems paralyzed below her waist. The paramedics came and they are taking her to UCLA hospital. Maybe it’s food poisoning. I don’t know what’s happening. Please pray. I’m grabbing little James and we will follow the ambulance. I’ll call you from the hospital with more information.” As a veteran pastor, I’ve fielded lots of emergency calls, so you try to stay calm and share God’s soothing promise
of His presence and provision. We prayed for a moment and Jason hung up to take up his six month old son and chase an ambulance transporting his angelic wife to the hospital. My conversation resumed with my pastor friend, but I didn’t hear much else he shared because my heart raced with my boy along the California freeway to UCLA. After an hour passed, the phone rang again and Jason delivered unthinkable news, “Dad, Katherine has suffered a massive brain stem stroke.” This crushing statement seemed contradictory to reality. Katherine was 26 years old and in perfect shape. She won “runner up” in the Miss Alabama contest a few years earlier and her friend who took the top spot went on to win Miss America. Katherine made their daily bread by modeling and acting. She “naturally birthed” their son just six months earlier with no problem. We had seen her a few weeks earlier in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and she sparkled. She loved the Lord and lived her faith daily. This couldn’t be happening. Jason continued, “Her brain stem is pressing down into her spinal column and they must do surgery or she will soon die.” Now my brain reeled in disbelief. “Please call on everyone to pray, Dad.” We prayed again and pleaded with God to save Katherine. I promised to come to California as quickly as possible. My assistant used the office intercom to summon all church staff mates who were available to come to our prayer room adjacent to the entrance of First Baptist. In less than three minutes, 20 dedicated Christfollowers assembled and we earnestly claimed God’s promise in James 5 for the Lord to intervene when His people pray.
I raced home to talk with my wife, Mary Ruth, and our daughters, Mary Austin and Alex. Jason called back and further explained they had plunged Katherine into emergency brain surgery guided by Dr. Nestor Gonzalez. Her prospects for survival were slim. In moments, four faithful friends and leaders within our beloved First Baptist family, virtually materialized at the Wolfden: David Martin, Billy Irvin, Douglas McElvy and Andy Birchfield. Andy made a plane reservation for me from Atlanta to Los Angeles. Douglas and Billy volunteered to drive me to the airport. David took the task of calling everyone to pray. I threw some clothes in a bag and Douglas did his best imitation of Dale Earnhardt as we sped to Atlanta. While we dashed down I-85, I called Dr. Don Kendrick, a dear friend and renowned neurosurgeon. I shared with Don the score and his answer seared into my spirit. Dr. Kendrick gently revealed, “Jay, this type of brain stem AVM, an arterial venous malformation, is not survivable.” “Then how do we pray?” I asked. His profound response still lingers with me, “Ask God to suspend the natural laws and miraculously intervene on Katherine’s behalf.” On the 2200 mile flight to Los Angeles, I replayed Jason’s and Katherine’s relationship development. They met at Samford University in the opening days of their freshman year. Katherine came to Montgomery and we were impressed by her outward beauty, charming personality, maturity, humility and deep faith in the Lord Jesus. Their relationship grew into a friendship which eventually yielded the fruit of a courtship and marriage. I performed their wonderful wedding on November 6, 2004 in Katherine’s home-
town of Athens, Georgia. Her parents, Brooks and Kim Arnold, proved to be delightful and faithful Christ-followers. We felt like they would be good co-grandparents when the Wolfcubs arrived, so all the puzzle pieces fit nicely together.
After a few months of marriage, Jason and Katherine gathered their earthly belongings into a Penske rental truck and moved to California. Their adventure started with Katherine getting some modeling jobs and small parts in television shows, commercials and a movie. Jason started law school at Pepperdine University and they had a ridiculously cool apartment overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu. They were living the dream. After three years in California, Jason and Katherine had a fine son, a fabulous family of Christian friends, law school
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was nearly done, and their future looked as bright as the noon-day sun. A catastrophic brain-stem stroke was not part of the plan. As this strange new day dawned, the Delta jet banked steeply over the edge of the blue Pacific and touched down at 6:30 am on April 22, 2008. My heart was racing as my cell phone coverage was restored. With trembling fingers I called Jason to see the result of Katherine’s surgery. Did she survive? My son’s tired voice answered as I walked up the concourse of the LAX airport. “She lived, Dad. But it looks really bad, there will be many deficits. Please come as soon as you can.” I asked if anyone was with him and Jason replied, “Our Sunday School class sent out the word to pray and over 40 of our friends spent all night in the lobby of the hospital asking God to save Katherine.” Tears streamed down my cheeks as I thought about the beauty of the Body of Christ. I envisioned a multitude of faithfilled young believers crying out to our heavenly Father to intervene and miraculously suspend the natural laws. God heard and responded. I secured a car and like a small fish in the strong traffic currents of Los Angeles, I navigated the asphalt streams that led to the world-famous UCLA medical center. When I entered the towering lobby of the hospital, Jason spotted me and sprinted my way. He buried his face in my shoulder and a torrent of tears fell. In a few moments, the exhausted Dr. Gonzalez appeared. He described the arduous, 15 hour surgery. “Katherine lived but there was massive bleeding on her brain stem and it has been degraded. She took 85 units of blood and coded on the table several times. It was the largest AVM I have ever encountered. I had to remove a significant amount of her cerebellum. If she does survive, she will most probably be a quadriplegic and have far-reaching mental deficits. We did our best. The rest is in God’s hands.” The dark information proved hard to absorb. With dazed steps, Jason and I retreated to a prayer room adjacent to the lobby and plopped down on the floor with our backs supported by the wall. A large and comforting cross adorned the front of the small room. Jason sobbed uncontrollably for 15 minutes. We wept together. He took a deep breath and moaned, “How can this be happening? I don’t get it. Why, God? Please help us.” We prayed and begged God for His gracious intervention and suspension of the natural laws. When we emerged from the chapel, many of their friends assembled in the lobby to hear the latest news on Katherine’s condition. Jason and Katherine led River Region’s Journey
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their married, young adult Sunday School class and shepherded about 70 couples. The intercession of those believing Saints through an all-night prayer vigil provided the primary explanation for Katherine’s miraculous survival. We shared and prayed together before we went up to see Katherine for the first time after surgery. It was about 10 a.m. Jason, Katherine’s Mother, Kim Arnold, and I went up to the seventh floor to see what damage had been done to our treasure. When we walked into the room it was a shocking sight. I have made thousands of hospital visits but this one tore a gaping wound in my heart. Katherine’s body was surrounded by a web of tubes and wires connected to a maze of medical instruments. Her head looked inflated and some places were shaved and stapled. A long probe dropped down into her brain to measure and relieve intracranial pressure. Some blood streaks matted her long blond hair. Kim sank to the floor at the foot of her
precious daughter’s bed. Jason slumped to the ground as his knees buckled and he began to gently sob. We stared in silence and held hands. I prayed for the Lord to pour His mercy over Katherine and to help us. My intercession included asking for the caregivers to serve as angelic agents of healing along with providing us with wisdom, strength, and faith. We abandoned ourselves to God’s love and goodness. After a few minutes the nurse escorted us out. We left in slow-motion, stunned by the surreal experience of seeing our vivacious Katherine so deeply wounded. The day passed slowly with countless phone calls and impromptu prayer meetings as streams of visitors came to offer consolation and intercession. About 3 p.m., I was shocked to see my dear friend, Andy Birchfield, walk into the lobby. Andy is a top-flight attorney in Montgomery who had gone with me on a Gospelsharing Mission Expedition to India 10 28
days before Katherine’s stroke. I was overwhelmed at seeing him stride into the lobby like a rescuing agent in a disaster movie. Andy hugged me and Jason and said that God prompted him to clear his calendar for the next few days and come help us. He explained, “I’m representing all of the Body of Christ at First Baptist and I’m here to serve you in any way possible.” Even if I get Alzheimer’s, the memory of Andy coming to our rescue on that torturous day will never be erased. Andy’s immense gift of presence amplified one of my core values: We need Jesus and we need each other! Andy and I slipped away to go see Katherine and pray for her before we retreated to a nearby hotel for some rest. We walked up the seven flights of stairs that took us to the Neuro Intensive Care Unit. When we approached the desk which guarded the entrance, a nurse named Beverly Darby stepped forward and said, “Mr. Wolf, Katherine is responding to my verbal commands. Bring your son up here as soon as possible.” I protested, “Katherine is in a medically-induced coma. How can she respond to anything?” The nurse repeated her request and we flew down the stairs to get Jason. In moments we returned. Nurse Darby quickly took us to Katherine’s bedside. She spoke into Katherine’s left ear saying, “Katherine, your husband is here and he needs some hope, raise your hand again.” Several seconds passed. Katherine’s left hand slowly arose and she formed a “V” with her fingers. We were breathless and sank to our knees praising God. Lazarus had just stepped out of the tomb! Then Nurse Darby pulled the sheet away from Katherine’s feet and in compliance to her request, she slightly moved both legs. In that miraculous moment we knew Katherine was not brain-impaired and she was not a quadriplegic. The battle was not over, but just beginning. God spoke assurance to my spirit that Katherine would survive. Katherine spent 40 days in the NICU before going to another unit at UCLA designed to help severe stroke patients. She left UCLA after four months and transferred to a rehabilitation hospital 30 miles away in Pomona, California named Casa Colina. She stayed there for 18 months. We rented a house adjacent to the hospital. For a year Katherine was on a feeding tube because she could not swallow. For months she could barely speak and primarily spelled out messages on a letter board. One neurolo-
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gist who graduated from Harvard told us with pessimism dripping from his sharp words that whatever progress a patient had made after six months was usually all you could expect them to regain after such a massive stroke. We immediately rejected that insensitive prognosis because people don’t have the final say. God has the final say. We were believing that our loving Lord would turn our midnight into His daylight in His time. We had to do our best and let King Jesus do the rest. We totally rejected the notion that Katherine would be a permanent prisoner of the stroke. One of the rehab nurses pulled me aside and said, “Pastor Wolf, your son is going to burn himself out. He is here constantly. Only 5% of the marriages survive after a young spouse suffers a traumatic brain injury. Why don’t you take him on a vacation so he can regroup.” That evening, I suggested to Jason that I could take the whole week off and we could travel to Yosemite National Park where he could take a break. After expressing appreciation, Jason told me, “Dad, Katherine doesn’t get a break from fighting this stroke so I am not going to take a break either. One day we will go to Yosemite together, but I am not going without her.” In that moment, I knew their marriage would survive because it was fortified by God’s presence and their unwaver-
ing commitment to be faithful to each other “in poverty or in wealth, in sickness or in health.” Katherine went to rehab every day and Jason accompanied her every step of the way. My son became my hero. Jason was a combination of Solomon, Samson and Jesus. He exhibited astonishing wisdom and strength wrapped in all the fruits of God’s Spirit. Jason’s relentless cheerleading and medical advocacy tremendously facilitated Katherine arduous climb up the muddy mountain of rehabilitation. After a long day of physical and occupational therapy, Jason would take Katherine and little James to a nearby park and help her do the tough work of taking more slow and painful steps because each step moved her further up the mountain of restoration. The Wolf and Arnold families worked together along with the beautiful body of Christ to support the rehabilitation process. Our beloved First Baptist Family provided thousand of dollars to fund travel expenses and generously gave their Pas-
tor many extra days of “vacation.” God made families and His Church to function as Good Samaritans who love each other by bearing one another’s burdens in our fallen world. Wise people make generous investments in their family, friends and church because those investments return immeasurable dividends in your darkest hours. After nearly two years, Katherine, Jason and James graduated from Casa Colina and moved to a little house in Culver City to be near their trusted medical team at UCLA. Jason still needed to pass the California Legal Bar Exam. Katherine had 11 more surgeries on the horizon, but they tackled their “new normal” with inspiring faith, hope and courage. Jason and Katherine decided to use their pain for Kingdom gain. It would have been tempting to withdraw into a hidden
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corner and privately nurse their wounds. Instead, they wrote a Christ-honoring, lifegiving book and formed a ministry entitled “Hope Heals.” The scriptural basis for their ministry rests on God’s affirmation in Hebrews 6 which promises, “the hope of Christ is the anchor of your soul.” While the enemy uses darts of discouragement to steal your energy, enthusiasm, vision and joy; God’s hope will heal your broken spirit and give you strength to press on in faith. God’s Word tells us about how satan stole everything from a good man named Job. But in faith Job declared, “I know my Redeemer lives!” (Job 19:25) In His time, God brought restoration to His wounded, faithful servant. Satan steals but God’s Hope heals! Eventually Katherine’s midnight gave way to God’s new dawn. Katherine regained her ability to swallow, talk and walk. Her brilliant mind somehow grew brighter. Her strong faith in Jesus accelerated to new heights through the excruciating exercise of climbing her mountains of pain and suffering. Jason and Katherine emulated the example of our suffering Savior by transforming their pain into Kingdom gain. Their ministry has gone viral. They have shared the love and light of Christ with countless friends. Last year alone, God opened the doors for them to speak to more than 200,000 people. Their message is simple and universal: God’s power is bigger than your problem. During your hardest days stay anchored to the unbreakable promise, “God causes all things to work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose…He predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son.” (Romans 8:28-29) As you navigate the challenging roads of this fallen world, be sure to take these three tried and true tools with you: 1. God’s Power is Bigger than your Problems. 2. We Need Jesus and We Need Each Other. 3. Transform Your Pain into Spiritual Gain. Stay anchored to the healing hope of Jesus because He guarantees, “In Me you have peace. In the world you have tribulation. Take courage for I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33) Jay Wolf is senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Montgomery. You may purchase a copy of Hope Heals, written by Katherine and Jay Wolf, by visiting the couple’s website at www. hopeheals.com.
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Healing For Victims of Domestic Violence Imagine yourself as a young child hiding in a room. Inside this room is you and your two-year-old sibling. Your heart is racing, and your thoughts are erratic. The only feeling you have is fear and the only rational thought you have is to keep your sibling from noticing what is happening. Outside the room is the sounds of yelling and banging. You know it is happening again. You know your parents are fighting, but this time something seems different. It is a sound you have not heard before...the sound of someone dying. This was one of my personal experiences with domestic violence. The impact of domestic violence in my life has caused many difficulties. Some common symptoms that children may experience are anxiety, depression, impulsivity, difficulty concentrating, running away, and self-destructive behavior. It is important to remember that this is just one experience and it does not come close to covering the entire experience of domestic violence. The experience of domestic violence does not discriminate against race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. It can happen anywhere. Most domestic violence incidents are not reported. There are many reasons for this, but the main facet of domestic violence is the control the perpetrators have on their victims. Domestic violence is pattern of behaviors used by an intimate partner over the other that are coercive and
• Controlling who the victim sees, where they go, or what they do • Telling the victim that they can never do anything right • Destroying the victim’s property • Using physical force or weapons against you • Blaming you for the abuse • Forcing or manipulating you into to having sex or performing sexual acts • Controlling all money used by the victim • Threatening to take the children away October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. How prevalent is this issue? According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), an average of 20,000 calls to the nationwide domestic violence hotlines happens daily. Every minute, 24 people become victims of domestic violence (rape, physical violence, and stalking) as reported by The National Domestic Violence Hotline. Out of the parents or caregivers that are victims of domestic violence, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that approximately 3.3 to 10 million children become victims by being exposed to violence in the household. What can we do to help? Be mindful of warning signs, do not be afraid to ask if they are being abused, be a source of support, and most importantly be patient. There are many invisible barriers that are in place that could make a victim feeling powerless to leave. Do not give up on them. Is healing possible? Based on my clinical and personal experience, I do 31
believe healing is possible. I have the privilege of helping others who have experienced trauma because of my own healing. The journey towards healing is different for every survivor while they create a new sense of safety. The first and hardest step of the journey is accepting help from others through contacting confidential helplines or meeting with a trauma focused therapist. Domestic violence is still sadly common even among “Christians” and in the church. Abusers use the Bible wrongly to justify their authority and control over their victims. We cannot claim to be serious about family values, the sanctity of life, and marriage while allowing fear and terror to reign in our homes. We must work hard to protect those being abused in their homes. If you find yourself in a compromising situation and are afraid in your own home, please reach out for help. It is hard because there are mixed feelings for the perpetrator. Please know that you are not helping your perpetrator by protecting and covering up for them. Their freedom is only possible if the truth is revealed. Your freedom is only possible if the truth is revealed. This is a horrific position to be in, but please reach out to someone for help. You may call the Samaritan Counseling Center to begin this conversation at (334) 262-7787. If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. For anonymous, confidential help, 24/7, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). Kaila McCarthy is an associate licensed marriage and family therapist under the supervision of Dr. Jessica Gibbe-Fernandez. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Alabama. Also, she is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in human sexuality with a focus in sex therapy at Widener University. Kaila’s specific areas of passion include: sexual relationships, survivors of sexual trauma, and the LGBTQ+ community. She has over two years’ experience of working with a variety of individuals, couples, families, and children (ages 2 and up) from diverse backgrounds.
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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 Christ-centered 12-step program. Call 264-4949. Location: Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays. 272.2190. Alanon meets at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.
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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 for more information.
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Location: Journey Church, 435 Sheila Blvd, Prattville Celebrate Recovery - Christcentered 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. Using the steps and Bible we help build self-esteem, responsible behavior, the making of amends for our destructive actions, and to fill the void in our hearts in a loving relationship with God. 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
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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.
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 Memorial UMC, 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 495-6350 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 467-4578 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 UMC, 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 Memorial UMC, 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
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Room 405B. Child care is available. Contact Kathy Cooper at 2415125 for information. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Divorce Care meets each Tuesday from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Come to the Library area. This group will provide support & guidance to assist you in working through the issues, pain & pressures surrounding divorce. Call 495-6350 or e-mail jan@frazerumc.org.
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 334-399-6918. For information about counseling services or to request a guest speaker please call the Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling at 334-277-5100.
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Grief Location: Cornerstone Christian Church, 301 Dalraida Road River Region Survivors of Suicide meets on the second and fourth Thursday of every month (excluding holidays) from 6:30-8:00 PM. This is an open group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide and welcomes anyone regardless of their religious beliefs. Contact Cheryl Vinson at riverregionsos@gmail.com with questions or for more information. Location: Eastmont Baptist, 4505 Atlanta Hwy. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child meeting first Tuesdays at 7 pm. Call (334) 284-2721 for info. Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth St, Prattville Grief Share, Wednesday evenings at 6 pm in the church parlor. Led by Michael Beatty. Call 3655977. Location: Frazer UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Grief Recovery Support Group meets Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., Rm 3105. Call 495-6350 for more info. Location: Grace Baptist Church, 304 Old Montgomery Highway, Wetumpka Mourning to Morning is a Christian growth group
for mothers who have lost a child, from before birth through adulthood. Meets the last Thursday night of each month. For info, contact Alice Scarborough (334) 462-4775 or Gwen Ellis (334) 567-8754 or e-mail mourningtomorning@gmail. com. Join us on Facebook. Location: Millbrook FUMC, 3350 Edgewood Rd Grief Share meets Sundays from 5-7 p.m. For more information or to sign up, please call the church office at 285-4114 or email churchoffice@ mfumc.org. Location: Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 E. Washington Street Grief support group meets every Monday at 6:00 P.M- 7:00 P.M. For additional information, please contact Alice Glover at (334)281-2754.
Mental Health Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Mental Health - NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) meets 2nd Monday of each month from 6:30 – 8:30 pm in Room 7205. Group provides understanding, education & information to family members & friends of those who suffer mental illness, Call Pat Cobb at 334-2798331 for more info. NAMI Connection Support Group for individuals with mental illness meets every Thursday evening, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, room 3104. Call Pat Cobb at 334-279-8331 for more information.
Parenting Location: First Baptist Prattville, 138 S. Washington Moms LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) meets twice monthly from 8:30 - 11:45 am in the chapel at the Church from Aug - May. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guest, special guest speakers and a lot of fun!! Cost is $5 per meeting. For moms of all stages and ages of life. Childcare provided by reservation. Call April Scott at 828-446-6666. Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is a place you can share a good meal, make new friends, and find encouragement as you face the everyday challenges of raising your little ones. We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Meetings are every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Frazer mom2mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of ages birth to 5 at Frazer UMC to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. Email Mom2mom@ frazerumc.org for more information.
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Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. Single Moms Support Group, Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in classroom 118. For information call 277-5800. Location: Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Road Single Moms’ Care and Support Group meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:15 - 8:00 PM. December meeting will be on the 11th. Free snack supper provided to moms and children. Child care for infants -16 years. Call 272-3174. Location: Redland Baptist, 1266 Dozier Rd, Wetumpka A MOPS group will be held 1st and 3rd Tuesday’s of every month during the school year, and has scheduled play dates and moms nights out through the summer and beyond. While moms are in a MOPS meeting, their children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program. Email Denise Braswell at deniseorscott@yahoo.com. Location: St.James UMC, 9045 Vauhgn Road Moms in Prayer International: This is a Christ centered interdenominational prayer ministry made up of moms, grandmothers, aunts or any woman who wants to gathers to pray for their children and schools. Meets every Sunday afternoon from 3:004:00. Call Annette Jones for more information on joining us or training to start your own group. 850529-4730 or email Montgomerymipac@gmail.com
Physical Challenges Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Road Visually Impaired Support Group – Meets monthly on second Thursday 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. The group is called Outward Sight - Inward Vision and is for those with vision loss and their caregivers. Our mission is to assist those experiencing vision loss to maintain their independence. Call 272-6152. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Parkinson’s Support meets 4th Thursdays at 6 pm in Room 8114. Call 495-6350 for more info. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Ostomy Support meets every other month on the 2nd Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in room 3101. In 2018: Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct., Dec. Call 495-6350 for more info. Location: Vaughn Park Church, 3800 Vaughn Rd. Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group meets 2nd Friday of each month from 6:308 PM. We have activities, speakers and special events throughout the year for the parents, siblings and children with Down Syndrome. Childcare is provided. Please visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com or our Facebook page (MADSOG) for information. Please contact MADSOG at montgomeryareadownsyndrome@gmail.com.
Send support group info to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com 35
October 2019
River Region’s Journey
Transfer My Credit Card Debt? Q. I’ve got about $3,000 in credit card debt. Would it be a good idea to transfer the balance from my credit card to another one that has a much lower interest rate?
A. A lower interest rate will help you save a little money in the short-term, but the drawback is it can also make you feel like you’ve addressed your problem with debt when you really haven’t. You’ve got to change the behavior and the mindset that put you in that situation in the first place. I discovered long ago that personal finance is only about 20 percent head knowledge and 80 percent behavior. Emotion is a key element to getting out of debt and staying out of debt. You’ve got to get really mad at debt, the impact it has on your financial life, and attack it with a vengeance. Think about how many times debt has been a negative influence on your life. My guess
River Region’s Journey
October 2019
is there were many occasions in the past when you could have done great stuff—I’m talking about meaningful, important things— if you hadn’t had to send a bunch of money to those bozos at the credit card company every month. How about this? First, cut up your credit card and close the account. Then, sell some stuff and take a part-time job nights or weekends for just a little while. You could wipe out all your debt in less than a year by doing that and starting to live on a strict, written, monthly budget. If you don’t get mad about it and take a stand against debt, and become determined you’re never going to fall into that trap again, you’re liable to find yourself back in the same situation or worse!
Micro Investing Apps? Q. What is your opinion on micro investing apps like Acorns and Betterment? Are these
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good vehicles for building wealth in the long term, and are there any major drawbacks to these types of services?
A. I’m not saying there’s anything really
wrong with Acorns or Betterment, but they do different things. Acorns is more of an invest pennies, round-up kind of program, where Betterment is kind of a robo-investing deal. Here’s the thing. Micro investing is going to create micro wealth. And the big downside is you’re going to feel like you did something important. The way you end up with money is by investing money. The way you end up with more money is by investing more money. You can argue all you want that using things like these create extra money. Yeah, but not really. The returns are still micro. An app doesn’t make two dollars turn into twenty dollars. It’s okay to use apps like that. I’m not mad at them, and I don’t think they’re a rip-off or anything like that. What worries me about these kinds of things, in an investing sense, is they give the illusion that you’ve done something significant with your money.