SEAT BELT LAW
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This project was supported by Subgrant #19-OP-M1-007 awarded by the Law Enforcement/Traffic Safety Division of ADECA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
VISIT: E S A LE P , N IO T A M R FOR MORE INFO tion/seatbelts.html en ev pr ry ju /in ov .g th al alabamapubliche
Volume 21, Issue 6
Feature Articles
SEPTEMBE R 20 1 9 Columns page 2
Publisher’s Note page 16
Jason Watson
Faith @ Work:
page 4
Katie Furr
John Schmidt, Centerpoint Fellowship Church
Prattville Christian Academy’s Upper School Principal shares how she draws near to God and stays focused on living for Him in her daily life. She also discusses the hardships facing today’s teens and what they need from the adults in their lives.
Pastor's Perspective page 14
Pondering the Journey Sam Whatley
page 18
The Intersection Bob Crittenden
page 24
Women Arising
page 20
Pastor Kemi Searcy
Backpack Ministry of Aldersgate UMC
page 30
Counselor’s Corner Kym Klass, Board of Directors, Samaritan Counseling Center
by Katie Blair
Discover a local ministry making sure undernourished school children have plenty of food over the weekend before coming back to classes each Monday. Your church may want to adopt a school too!
page 36
Dave $ays Dave Ramsey
In Every Issue
page 26
page 6
Becoming More Christian in Politics... Not Less
Books to Read page 8
Around Our Community page 16
Faith @ Work
by Scott Sauls
With an election year fast approaching, find out what Scripture says about how we should approach not only our vote, but how we honor those in authority. 1
page 32
Support Groups September 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 You’ve opened this copy of Journey magazine, NOW WHAT??? LIFE & DEATH hangs in the balance! This summer has brought a lot of sadness to our home because my 18-year-old daughter has had six friends commit suicide. Some she knew very well and others were just acquaintances. Regretfully, suicide is becoming all too familiar of a choice today. I’m not an expert in these matters so I don’t know why more people are choosing this path, but I have spoken to several people who’ve contemplated ending their life. Consistently the common themes they spoke of were • the Loss of Connection with people • and the Loss of Hope to go on with life I’ve never been in that dark place of contemplating suicide, but I can begin to understand the struggle of pain and loneliness when I imagine losing hope and connection. Those are two key factors in me facing each new day. They’re
Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@readjourneymagazine.com
Publisher
Jason Watson jason@readjourneymagazine.com
Associate Publisher Gena Hill
Research Editor Wendy McCollum
Contributing Writers Katie Blair Bob Crittenden Kym Klass Dave Ramsey John Schmidt Scott Sauls Kemi Searcy Dr. David Steele Sam Whatley
Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 702
Digital Manager Scott Davis
Ad Design
Tim Welch, Welch Designs
Distribution Manager
sources of purpose for us all. When we started Journey magazine more than 20 years ago, our tag line was “Sharing Hope, Building Community.” That’s what we’re still doing today. Every month we share the idea that man’s ultimate hope is found in Jesus Christ who rescues us from the death curse of our sinfulness and makes us blameless in Him, so that we can be restored back to the love of God our Father. God adopts us into His family and speaks purpose and meaning into our lives now and for eternity. Living under His authority is freeing and fills our hearts with joy unspeakable! Along with our relationship with God we are made co-heirs with Christ, and all of those who believe in His offer of new life. We find a deep connection as one body with many parts, building one another up and spurring each other on to the good works God has planned for us. If you’re struggling to go on in life and you feel alone, my prayer is that Journey magazine will remind you that there is Hope, and a community that wants to celebrate that Hope with you. That Hope is Jesus Christ and He wants to restore you to the ultimate love of God the Father. Death is real. Sadly, for some, it will only bring more pain and suffering. But, for all of those who have placed their faith in God’s plan of salvation through Jesus’ work... they can have life both now in the present and for eternity where there will be no more pain and suffering. Hope in Jesus Christ!
Charles Silliman
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.
River Region’s Journey
September 2019
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8800 Vaughn Road
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Christchurch invites you to join us on Sunday, September 22, 2019, at 2:00 pm for an afternoon concert featuring
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Montgomery Brassworks, central Alabama's premiere professional brass quintet, is comprised of music professors from various central Alabama institutions of higher education, playing trumpet, horn, trombone, and tuba. Please join us for this joyous concert! ADMISSION IS FREE! Please visit www.christchurchanglican.net for more information. 3
September 2019
River Region’s Journey
Pastor’s Perspective by John Schmidt, Centerpoint Fellowship Church
Lessons from Averett A little over a month ago my grandson, Averett, came into the world. And even though I’ve been a grandfather for only a few weeks the Lord has already used Averett’s arrival to teach me several important lessons.
Lesson #1: God expands our hearts so we can love more. When I found out that my oldest son and his wife were expecting a
baby I began to wonder if I had enough room in my heart to love a grandchild as much as I love my children. Once I held Averett in my arms, however, it became apparent to me that I didn’t need to worry. God is going to use this little boy to increase my capacity to love. As Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 3:12, “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.”
Lesson #2: I now understand what Solomon meant when he wrote, “Grandchildren are the crown of old men…” (Proverbs 17:6) My wife and I rushed to Atlanta as soon as we found out that our daughterin-law was in labor. I was so excited that I told everyone I met in the waiting room, the hospital cafeteria and even a repair man fixing an elevator that I was about to become a grandfather. But even though I may have been a little carried away in the moment, River Region’s Journey
September 2019
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no one acted like I was making too much of my circumstances. In fact, everyone I spoke to smiled and congratulated me as if I was about to be awarded a great prize. It was then that I began to realize my grandson is a tremendous gift from the Lord and he brings me great favor like a beautiful crown that I am honored to wear.
Lesson #3: I have gained a new appreciation of what it means to delight in someone. Every time my wife and I get a chance to see Averett we marvel at how quickly he grows and develops. We delight in seeing him, holding him and just being with him. And we delight in him not because of what he does for us, but simply because he is our grandson. My delight in Averett has caused me to ponder all over again the wonderful news that God delights in me. This is not because of anything I have done for him, but simply because he has adopted me into his family through Christ. As Paul said, “God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.” (Ephesians 1:5) If God has taught me all these things already I can’t wait to see how much He is going to teach me through Averett in the years ahead.
John Schmidt is the senior pastor of Centerpoint Fellowship Church. Visit them at www.centeringlives.com.
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September 2019
River Region’s Journey
God, Greed and the (Prosperity) Gospel
Maturity: Growing Up and Going On in the Christian Life
Costi W. Hinn (2019)
Sinclair B. Ferguson (2019)
False gospels must be confronted, as Paul addressed the Galatians who turned to the “gospel” of the Judaizers in the first-century.
In a style that Christians have grown fond of, Sinclair Ferguson gifts the church with Maturity: Growing Up and Going On in the Christian Life. Originally it was penned in 1980 and distributed with the title, Add to Your Faith, and in 1981 as Taking the Christian Life Seriously in the United States. To refer to this short work as a treasure would be an understatement as Dr. Ferguson presents the high points of the Christian life. The high points are set forth in five sections, namely, growing up, standing firm, facing difficulties, pressing on, and maturity. At the heart of Ferguson’s work is the Pauline mandate for Christ-followers to be mature in Christ: “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (Col. 1:28). Ferguson adds, “The mature Christian has been finely shaped by the Holy Spirit and has been ‘filled out’ in a character which showed the fruit of the Spirit. Mature Christians possess the qualities which only Jesus Christ can produce, because he alone has exhibited them perfectly. This is maturity.” As such, we are not only “bound to the example of Christ, we are under the lordship of Christ.” Each of the five sections assumes that readers desire to grow in Christian maturity. With the divine standard in place, the author carefully explains how maturity develops throughout the course of our lives. The various themes that emerge in these sections are deeply biblical and profoundly practical. Christians at all stages of maturity will benefit from Ferguson’s sound exegesis and practical application. Maturity: Growing Up and Going On in the Christian Life truly lives up to its calling and invites readers to press and continue the sanctification process that was initiated at the point of conversion. Highly recommended.
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel- not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:6-9, ESV).
Costi W. Hinn confronts the prosperity gospel in his latest book, God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel. Hinn clearly defines the poisonous effects of this pernicious movement: “The prosperity gospel is here to stay and is spanning the globe, doing damage to the true gospel of Jesus Christ. It is an evil that poses as a blessing but is truly a curse. It appears to be a loving extension of God’s goodness but is arguably the most hateful and abusive kind of false teaching plaguing the church today.” Hinn describes how he grew up and was groomed to serve alongside his famous uncle, Benny Hinn and how God revealed the diabolical underpinnings of the prosperity gospel, which led to his repentance, conversion, and departure from the movement. The author describes the origins of the prosperity gospel and the core elements with all of its trappings. He demonstrates from Scripture why prosperity teaching is abominable and warns readers to flee from its deadly influence. Hinn reveals ten reasons that the prosperity gospel is antithetical to Scripture. Costi Hinn does not shy away from controversy. But he also speaks the truth in love and his arguments are grounded in grace. God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel is sure to raise eyebrows. Hinn’s work is a labor of love that will serve the church well. And it will surely draw some people out of this false system and lead them to the truth. River Region’s Journey
September 2019
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an evening with
Bob Goff
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Best-Selling Author of Love Does
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Sept. 18 | 6pm
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September 2019
River Region’s Journey
Fo
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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September 2019
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FREE Funeral and Estate Planning Seminar
Thursday, September 19, 2:30pm. Did you know that for most Americans, a funeral is the third greatest expense, next to a home and automobile, and yet, the majority of Americans have made no plans whatsoever of this inevitable expenditure? Most individuals leave these final plans with grieving family members who are not in the right state of mind to make, within a matter of minutes or hours, very important decisions that have great financial and spiritual implications. The Senior Adult Ministry of FUMC Prattville is hosting a free program concerning important tasks that we should all have in order. Speakers will be the Reverend Dr. Karl Stegall and Attorney Bob Burton. After a Q&A session, refreshments will be served. Pre-registration is encouraged by calling 334.365.5977. Located in Pratt Hall.100 E. 4th St. at First UMC, Prattville.
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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.
Big Daddy Weave in Concert
Wednesday, September 18, at 7:00 pm Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Highway For more information, call 334-277-6300 or visit itickets.com.
Door of Hope Weekend Retreat
Friday, September 20, 2019 First Choice Women’s Medical Center in Montgomery will be having its Door of Hope Weekend Retreat, for women who have had an abortion, Friday through Sunday, September 20 through September 22. Meals and snacks will be provided. There is no charge to attend. Register by calling 334-260-8010 or emailing kkay@firstchoicewmc.com.
ACCEPT UNDERSTAND EMPOWER Abilities Sports & Classes PRATTVILLE YMCA • Adaptive Sports • Field of Dreams Baseball • Gymnastics Lessons • Sensory Santa • Swimming Lessons
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Call today for more information: (334) 365-8852 prattvilleymca.org
September 2019
River Region’s Journey
Seasons
Jason Crabb
Singles Conference for Young Adults
at First Assembly of God Church Sunday, September 15, at 10:00 am Doors open at 9:00 am First Assembly of God Church 135 Bell Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 For more information, call 334-277-2670.
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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Come Enjoy Fellowship, Music, Worship, and Encouraging lessons on following Christ! Date: September 27-28, 2019 Friday: 6:00 pm Fellowship, 7:00 pm Session Saturday: 8:00 am Coffee & Mingle, Sessions 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Location: Thelma Baptist Church, 810 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka AL 36092 Cost: $25 per person To Register: www.tlifeonline.com/seasons-singles-conference Information on Speakers and Schedule: www.facebook.com/seasonsconference For more information find us on Facebook @seasonsconference or email us at seasons4Him@gmail.com.
• Riding - English, Western, and Jumping • Swimming • Heated Pool • Ropes Course
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• Climbing Tower • Outdoor Nature Skills • Sports • Soccer • Basketball
winning, d r a w a n a n o t u Don’t miss o mp for your a c d e r te n e c tis r Ch mmer! daughter this Su On Top of Lookout Mountain in Historic Mentone, Alabama
Best of Parenting WINNER 10
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Susan & Larry Hooks, Owners & Directors Donna Bares, Assistant Director
800-882-0722 www.riverviewcamp.com
River Region’s Journey
September 2019
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• Beach Volleyball • Tennis • Canoeing • Golf • Archery • Gymnastics • Cheerleading • Dance • Chorus • Drama • Arts & Crafts • CIT Program • Campfires every night • Optional trips & more!
REGISTER ONLINE TODAY! Choose from 1- and 2-week Sessions and Mother-Daughter Weekends!
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Beginnings: A Self Counsel Interactive Journal for Women Written by Biblical counselors Alex Kocher and Brenda Payne, this practical, six-week interactive journal is meant to help you find your place in God’s kingdom, teach you how to counsel your own heart and disciple other women to do the same! Each day, you encounter trials and temptations that entice you to pledge your allegiance to a rule and a kingdom other than God’s. Jesus ends his discourse on worry with a reminder to, “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” (Matt. 6:33) because He knows that the cares of this world make it so easy for us to forget what is of utmost importance, the kingdom of God. Alex Kocher and Brenda Payne (Montgomerian and former Montgomerian, respectively) are co-founders of Known Ministries. KNOWN inspires, equips and trains women to apply God’s word to be disciples and make disciples through the local church. Alex Kocher teaches, counsels, and mentors in order to see the kingdom of God advance through women who display the beauty of Christ. She currently works as the Women’s Director at Young Meadows Presbyterian Church and as a Certified Biblical Counselor. Although originally from the North, Alex moved to the South as fast as she could and received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, with certifications in Special Education from Furman University and a Master’s degree in School Psychometry from Troy University, Montgomery. She is a biblical counselor through Association of Certified Biblical Counselors, and she has also completed the Level One certificate from Christian Counseling and Education Foundation. Brenda is passionate about inspiring, equipping and training women in the personal ministry of the Word and problem solving discipleship. She was the first woman to be certified in the state of Alabama with the Association of Biblical Counselors where she ministered to women for more than 20 years. She is currently a “volunteer” for Jesus in her new hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee where she counsels and conducts lay counseling training. Brenda is completing her Master’s of Biblical Counseling from Faith Seminary with an emphasis on training and helping families of addicts. You may purchase Beginnings for individual use, small groups, or women’s Bible study at Amazon.com. For more information about Known Ministries visit knownministries.org.
Schedule your retirement review today. It’s been said that we spend more time planning vacations than planning for retirement. Schedule your retirement review so you can understand: • How much you’ll need to retire • If you are on track for your retirement goals • Which IRA is right for your retirement needs – Roth or traditional • The importance of asset allocation and how it can help as you work toward your long-term goals
Let’s set aside some time to make sure you are on track for the retirement you have envisioned. Sang Y Chung, AAMS®, CRPC® Financial Advisor
1951 Berry Chase Place Montgomery, AL 36117 334-271-9573
edwardjones.com Member SIPC
IRT-2735E-A EXP 31 JUL 2021 © 2019 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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September 2019
River Region’s Journey
Healthy Connections’ 15th Annual Relay for Health and Wellness Health
Mt. Gillard Missionary Baptist Church, 3323 Day Street, Montgomery, AL 36022 The 15th Annual Relay for Health and Wellness event on July 27th was a great success! This years’ holistic theme focused on working to reduce Alabama’s chronic disease rates. The committee was also strategic in inviting presenters who would inspire participants to recognize the link between physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. More than 300 participants from surrounding communities had the opportunity to partake in a complimentary healthy breakfast before visiting a variety of resource vendors and receive health screenings as well as spiritual knowledge. The children in attendance took advantage of story time, arts, and crafts and other supervised fun and games. They also received school uniform vouchers and backpacks filled with school supplies. Some other highlights included the Life South Blood drive, a mobile unit shopping experience, door prizes, and a take home healthy lunch. Verbena Baptist Church provided a wooden car painting/race activity that included a verbal story of running the race of life for Jesus. Powerful! The committee has monitored this event by distributing evaluations yearly. As a result, the data has revealed that participants have changed eating habits, lost weight, and incorporated more exercise into their daily routines. The event has also gained more support from faith-based community organizations and leaders. However, the committee is always interested in expanding the partnerships and building relationships to inspire others to live well on purpose! For more information, emailed choona.lang@yahoo.com.
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MEDICARE Open Enrollment October 15, 2019 – December 7, 2019
Have Questions?
FREE Help is Available Call SHIP
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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September 2019
River Region’s Journey
A Hunger for Hope My friend Silvana grew up in a secular suburb of Paris, France, where God’s name was seldom mentioned. Her atheist father taught her to look out for herself. He believed, “Man is the measure of all things.” Her mother sought comfort in the pleasures of a tavern. When the hopelessness of that pursuit overwhelmed her, she committed suicide. On her deathbed, she cursed God and each member of her family. Silvana was only ten when her mother died. She felt abandoned. The following is, in her own words, the story of how she went from a life of hopelessness to one of faith in Jesus Christ:
River Region’s Journey
September 2019
“When my mother died, my only concept of God was that of a harsh, vengeful God who demands absolute obedience and punishes disobedience. I did not know how to draw strength and comfort from God. I did not know about a personal God, who loved me so much He sent His Son to die that I might live. Shortly after my mother’s death, my father remarried, and we moved to an apartment building. However, Dad passed away within two years, leaving me, my brother, and my sister to live with a stepmother who did not want us. She filled my next two years with beatings, and verbal and emotional abuse. But God did not leave me there. In His providence He sent Jacques Lang, an evangelical French pastor, to live in the apartment next door. He told me about the eternal, unconditional love of God for me. For the first time I learned that I was special in God’s sight. Through the words of Psalm 139, I discovered that God knew me and loved me before I was formed in my mother’s womb. It left me speechless. Then I found out that God sent His Son to die a criminal’s death for me, although He had done nothing wrong. He did this for me! I finally belonged to Someone greater than all of life’s turmoil. In Psalm 68:5-6, I read that God is a “Father 14
to the fatherless’ and that ‘God gives the desolate a home to dwell in,’ (RSV). By the time I was fourteen, life had become so unbearable with my stepmother that I ran away from home. First, I lived in a half-way house. My basic needs were met, but I was lonely for love, acceptance, and the warmth of a family. Through God’s grace, an American missionary family heard about me and took me in. They became my foster parents and, eventually, my legal guardians. My earthly father had taught me to worry about tomorrow. He believed no one else would look after me. Through my missionary family, God taught me that I could trust Him and those who loved Him. He would take care of me. The love of God made me feel secure. When I read I John 4:18 I discovered: ‘There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear,’ (RSV). Because I felt an overwhelming gratefulness for all God had done for me, I wanted to serve Him always. I applied to a Bible College in South Carolina and was accepted. A Christian businessman paid my way and my entire tuition. But leaving my brother and sister behind with our stepmother was a very difficult decision. After receiving counsel from godly men, I realized I had to entrust their care to God and go to the United States. I met my future husband at college, and now we have two children and eight grandchildren. Receiving Christ as my Lord and Savior was the turning point in my life. He gave my life meaning and purpose. To God be the glory! Amen!”
That’s Silvana’s story. It’s a story of God’s loving rescue of a girl who was abandoned and abused. Your story may be less dramatic, but is it really different? If you have ever felt afraid, abandoned, abused, or just unwanted, you may be hurting, too, perhaps behind a mask. If so, remember God was thinking about you before you were born. He cares for each of us. So, turn to Him and give Him your deepest cares, even those you may be ashamed to admit.
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Sometimes you don’t need a urologist or a gynecologist. You need both.
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Introducing Dr. Aggarwal, the only fellowship trained and dual board certified FPMRS urogynecologist in the region. In addition to being a urologist, Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal is the first and only
fellowship-trained urogynecologist in Central Alabama. Dr. Aggarwal focuses on
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disorders of the female pelvic floor such as pelvic organ prolapse (bulging out of the uterus and/or vagina), urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence and constipation. He
specializes in ‘non mesh‘/natural tissue techniques for treatment of these conditions. Himanshu Aggarwal, MD, MS, FPMRS Chief of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Urology Director of Comprehensive Pelvic Floor Center
Dr. Aggarwal is a skilled robotic surgeon as well as an empathetic physician offering the best personalized patient care for your most personal health issues. He is currently accepting new patients at The Jackson Clinic.
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Call (334)-293-8273 to schedule an appointment or visit urogynecologyatjackson.com for more information. 15
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September 2019
River Region’s Journey
RR wo did Do fut
is critical. If we ask the Lord to use us as his servants, and if we are willing to be obedient and go where he is sending us on a daily basis, he will be faithful to lead and we can take peace in that journey. RRJ: In your opinion, is it harder to be a tween/teenager today than it was in past generations?
RRJ: In our jobs, we can become the hands and feet of God. Katie, how can you use your position as the upper school principal at PCA to become His hands and feet? Katie: We have students from all different walks of life at PCA. Some know the Lord and some do not. It is important that we expose our students to Truth as much as possible in every area they are involved with, so that they have that as part of their foundation in high school. I think we all have to look at our positions, no matter what we do, as being service-oriented. Who am I serving or serving with today? Starting the day in prayer, asking God to open our eyes to who he needs us to serve and how we need to serve, River Region’s Journey
September 2019
Katie: There is a lot of information currently out about this generation of students, Generation Z. They were born post 9/11 and many were young children during stressful economic times for the U.S. The reality they have known is school shootings and technology that exposes them to more images and information than is healthy for their minds. Addiction is much more prevalent in their families and friend groups. Yes, I do believe it is a very difficult time to be a youth. There is a raw courage that we are seeing in these students because of what they are exposed to on a daily basis. These children look to see how adults react to situations to determine if they truly believe in what they are teaching. This holds us as their mentors accountable to living out our lives in faith. Once they see a true follower of Christ respond to a difficult situation with faith, they accept that we truly believe what we profess. It is then that they are much more open to turning to Christ in the challenging world in which they live. RRJ: You were raised in a Christian home. At what age did you begin developing your own personal relationship with the Lord? Katie: When I was a young child, a cousin I was very close to passed away suddenly. It was through that grief that I learned to turn to the Lord for comfort and help. Once I started college I under16
stood what it meant to live out my life in faith with the Lord. I realized that it had to be a daily decision, that what I wanted did not always line up with the life God called me to live. I learned that I had to be very intentional in choosing his plan for the day and his calling for my life. RRJ: Beyond your parents, is there a particular person in your life that has influenced your faith in God? Katie: Yes, Randal Myers was my college minister. He truly challenged me to look closely at what I believed about living a life for God and the importance of giving all areas of my life for his Kingdom. RRJ: How important is our role as Christians to encourage others to live their best for the Lord? Katie: We are his ambassadors on this earth. He has given us the command to “encourage one another daily” (from Hebrews 3:13). If we choose not to build up those around us, he will choose someone else. This world is not our home and it is difficult. He uses incredible power through us to show his love; I believe that love sustains us on this Earth and makes life worth living. RRJ: Why do you believe it’s important to get connected with a church and use your talents there? Katie: For me, my church is my spiritual family unit that helps to provide the spiritual nourishment needed for this journey. It is similar to your own family units at home; the more you give to those relationships the richer they are and the more your family is able to thrive. When we use the talents God gives us to build one another up in a church home, we strengthen each other for the lives he has called us to live.
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RRJ: Katie, you have a heart for mission work in and out of the community. Where did your heart for mission work begin? Do you see more mission work in your future?
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Katie: When I was young, my parents hosted a missionary family who served in Argentina while they were on furlough in the U.S. It was a fun time for our family, we loved hearing their stories and spending time with their children. It really opened our eyes about sacrificial service. I really enjoy being involved with different mission work in and out of the community. There is always an area to serve in the community, Christ calls us to serve those in need and He blesses you incredibly when you answer that calling. I do believe we should view anything we do as his mission. He has placed us here and He has a job for us to do. Staying in that mindset is an important part of choosing to live for Him. I love the adventure of serving outside of the community as well. My eyes are always opened to ways I can better serve my own community once I return. I also love the relationships that are deepened while serving on a mission trip.
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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?
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Katie: It is important for me to start the day with prayer and meditation on Scripture. This helps me gain a healthy perspective and provides the opportunity for me to be intentional about giving the day to the Lord. Being involved with a church family is very important. They provide accountability and encouragement. Seeking out someone at your job who believes in Christ and being open with them about wanting to live out your faith at the work place is very beneficial as well. Signing up for scripture reminders through a Bible app is a great way to be reminded of your calling throughout the day. Incorporating a family devotional in the evening is an intentional way to focus on Christ in your home. Katie Furr has been married to Jason for 17 years. They have a daughter, Shelby (15).
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Moon Shots The recent awareness of the 50th anniversary of the first landing of astronauts on the moon can give us a chance to explore faith connections to the moon and those who landed on it. We are aware of Neil Armstrong, the first man to step on the lunar surface. What occurred some 25 years later in his life bears incredible significance. A Townhall. com column by Jonathan Feldstein reports: When Armstrong visited Israel in 1994 he was brought to a place in the Old City of Jerusalem and asked Meir Ben-Dov, his host and noted archeologist, if Jesus himself actually would have walked there. “I told him, ‘Look, Jesus was a Jew,’” recalled Ben-Dov. “These are the steps that lead to the Temple, so he must have walked here many times.” He asked Ben-Dov if those were the original steps, which he answered in the affirmative. Armstrong stated, “I have to tell you...I am more excited stepping on these stones than I was stepping on the moon.” That certainly puts things in perspective, doesn’t it? A man who will be known forever as the first man to walk on the moon recognized the weight of walking in the footsteps of Jesus. Armstrong’s colleague, Buzz Aldrin, had a holy moment on the surface of the moon, celebrating Holy Communion and reading Scripture. FoxNews.com reported from a 1970 piece in Guideposts magazine: “I wondered if it might be possible to take communion on the moon,” Aldrin recalled a year after the mission, “symbolizing the thought that God was revealing Himself there, too, as man reached out into the universe. For there are many of us in the NASA program who do trust that what we are doing is part of God’s eternal plan for man.” The Communion practice was done during a radio blackout, due to a lawsuit River Region’s Journey
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that noted atheist Madalyn Murray O’Hair had filed against NASA after the Apollo 8 astronauts read the first 10 chapters of Genesis from space. When the lawsuit was filed, a group called the Apollo Prayer League swung into action. ReligionNews. com reports that: The League eventually accrued more than 8 million signatures and letters championing the religious freedom of astronauts, according to Wired. The group was formed years earlier by NASA’s then-chaplain, a scientist and Presbyterian minister named John Maxwell Stout, and his wife, Helen, in the wake of the Apollo 1 fire that killed three astronauts. The final wishes of one of the felled astronauts, Ed White II, included putting a Bible on the moon, a mission Stout took up in his honor. White’s wish eventually came true, thanks to the Prayer League, which made microfilm versions of the Bible. Religion News reports that it took several attempts to get them to the moon: the singular microfilm Bible ended up on the wrong module in Apollo 12 and Apollo 13’s microfilm Bible, said to have been presented by thenRepresentative George H.W. Bush, never made it due to the mission’s malfunction. Astronaut Edgar Mitchell took 100 microfilm Bibles to the surface of the moon during Apollo 14, then brought them back to earth. Those Bibles have become quite valuable and have been the source of dispute. For instance, a Tulsa, OK woman 18
named Carol Mersch ended up with 10 of them after a bidding war with the state of Texas, according to the Tulsa World. Mersch donated one to the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC. And, we recognize that the moon gives testimony to God our Creator. Danny Faulkner of Answers in Genesis writes…
…most moons orbit their planet’s equator, but not the Earth’s moon. Our moon is the only one that orbits close to the ecliptic—the plane of the planet’s orbit around the sun. This orbit, along with the moon’s uniquely high mass relative to the earth, stabilizes the Earth’s rotation axis at 23.5 degrees. Without this stabilizing influence, the Earth would wobble erratically, wreaking havoc on our seasons. Instead, we have regular seasons by God’s wise design. We can acknowledge that space travel is a testimony to mankind’s knowledge, which in and of itself is a gift from God. Space itself is a testimony to God’s greatness. The Bible says that the heavens declare the glory of God, and the moon is actually a significant part of creation, made by God on the fourth day of creation. In their own ways, Armstrong and Aldrin recognized that there were more important things than just travelling through space. That can remind us of the priorities of our own lives - we can be challenged to put God first and allow His knowledge to guide and influence our understanding. We all have gifts and abilities, and it’s so important that we recognize that these are tools given to us through which we glorify God.
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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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We believe that God is one God. The one God has three persons: the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Just as God is one, so also, all believers are to be one. We believe in the unity and fellowship of all those that have faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We are one in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, His Body, which is composed of all men, living and dead, who have been joined to Him through saving faith. *All editorial content published needs to be in agreement with our Statement of Faith
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As the school bell rings welcoming children to classrooms all around the River Region, a local ministry is making sure that weekend hunger is not part of students’ lives. The Backpack Ministry, which operates out of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Montgomery, aims to serve students in grades K-5 who have been identified as at risk by school administrators for undernourishment during the weekends, when school breakfasts and lunches aren’t being served. River Region’s Journey
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“Students just don’t perform at optimum levels when they are hungry,” explained Elaine Britt (pictured), who serves as one of the ministry’s three coordinators. “None of us feels great when our stomachs are rumbling. Imagine what that would feel like as a child, for a whole weekend.” The ministry works closely with schools to identify which students may be at risk for hunger over the course of the weekend. “The teachers turn in a list of students to the principal and the church is given a number count of students with such needs, and then plans accordingly. If the church cannot meet the need, the school may partner with more than one church or organization,” said Britt. Britt, who oversees the purchasing and packing of the supplies, explains that through careful shopping with close attention to sales and seasonal promotions, as well as donations from church members and the community, the ministry is able to provide two breakfasts, two lunches and two snacks for each child who is served. The bags are then delivered to the school on Thursdays, in time for the weekend. “We make every effort to provide the child with a variety of food that would feed them over the course of a weekend, until
they can get back in school. It is our goal to help meet the nutritional needs of the children so they can keep up the energy needed to learn and grow in the academic setting. We want them to come to school on Monday with the same energy levels they left with on Friday,” said Britt. The ministry also makes every effort to be as discreet as possible so that the children and families do not feel singled out. “The food items are double bagged in plastic grocery sacks and then the bags are taken home in the child’s backpack, hence the name of the ministry,” Britt said. Aldersgate has been participating in the Backpack Ministry since 2014 when two former Montgomery residents and church members, Ted and Joetta Davis, introduced the idea to the community and members of Aldersgate. Susan Hargrave, who serves as one of the minis-
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try’s coordinators said that while the idea of a food ministry has been around for some time, it was the vision of these two members that got the ball rolling and the ministry off the ground at Aldersgate. Currently, Aldersgate serves the children of Chisholm Elementary school each week during the school year. Serving the children throughout the school year requires hundreds of pounds of food, and many hands to coordinate the packing and delivery efforts. Each week, Britt and Hargrave, along with fellow coordinator Kate Evans and other volunteers, can be found near the neat rows of black metal cabinets, tucked away in a hallway, sorting the individual servings of food and dividing them by category. Other area churches have started similar ministries all aimed at helping children receive adequate nutrition to keep up with the demands of area schools. While Aldersgate’s Backpack Ministry serves
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Chisholm, there are many other churches that serve children in schools throughout the region. “We are just one of several churches who believes that by partnering with the community, we can help to improve the lives of children and their families,” said Hargrave. Recently, the ministry was honored for their work within the community at the Montgomery Public Schools Community Partners’ Awards presentation in May. But it is not awards or recognition that keeps the ministry going. It’s the knowledge that the work done is a blessing to those in need. Britt recounted a story shared with her about a mother whose children had received bags each week from the ministry. “The mother said she didn’t know what they would do without them and how much they had helped. God does offer guidance and reassurance in all that we do,” Britt said. Packing is done monthly by volunteers at what is lovingly called a “Packing Party”. Volunteers enter a room organized with tables and the individual servings of food. Following the carefully written instructions on each table, volunteers travel around the room, filling up their bags and then deposit them for
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weekly delivery that is handled by more volunteers. “We have found that this is the easiest way to accomplish the packing process by holding the packing parties,” said Britt. “All are welcome to come to a packing party.” The ministry has a spot for anyone who is willing to serve. And there is always room for more. “We have a team of shoppers and deliverers, but we could always use more willing hands and giving hearts.” said Hargrave. If you would like to get involved in packing, shopping, or delivering for the Backpack Ministry, please contact Aldersgate United Methodist Church at 272-6152 or you may visit the church’s website at www.aldersgateumc.org. If your church would like to start its own Backpack Ministry for a local school, contact Aldersgate. They will be happy to help you church family get started supporting underfed students in the River Region. Katie Blair is a graduate of Auburn University in Montgomery with a degree in Elementary Education. She currently serves as the Director of Children’s Ministries for Aldersgate United Methodist Church. She is a freelance writer and blogger who writes about family life. She resides in Montgomery, Alabama with her husband, two children, and their dog, Rosie.
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Want to help? The Backpack Ministry needs the following unexpired individual serving sized items. Items may be dropped off at Aldersgate United Methodist Church at 6610 Vaughn Road in the Backpack Ministry donation bins. - Instant oatmeal packets - Instant grits packets - Whole grain fruit bars, granola bars - Vienna sausage in individual (4 or 6 oz cans) - Macaroni and cheese in individual cups - Ramen Noodles and similar items - Canned spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, spaghetti rings - Fruit cups, applesauce cups, pudding cups - Snack cracker packets (like cheese filled and peanut butter filled) - Cookies - Chips, cheez its, goldfish - Fruit snacks, fruit roll ups - Individual veggie cups (corn, green beans, peas and carrots, carrots, peas)
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3
Self-Made Glass Ceiling Patricia’s boss appreciated her hard work, but he said that she could never be considered for a leadership position because of her gender. Lorelie’s boss told her that since she was married, he wouldn’t have to pay her as much as he would a man, since she had her husband to support her. Bianca applied for a position appropriate to her education and experience, but was blackballed because she had a simple reading disability. These are true stories and, as Christians, we are appalled at the discrimination. Yet, these all occurred in local churches! The above situations are actually examples of “hard ceilings,” those that are superimposed upon someone due to their gender, race, etc. by someone else. But think about Patricia, Lorelie, and Bianca. Do you think they might just have believed some of the words spoken by those in leadership and allowed it to create a barrier in their minds, a “glass ceiling” they thought they would never break? The myths that were purported by those in authority to the three women can be exploded. Success can be realized. We need to understand how we subterfuge our dreams and achievement by the self talk we entertain. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8 KJV) River Region’s Journey
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This scripture does not condone a Pollyanna mindset where we are not engaged in a reality check. But it does make a dent in the negatives we speak to our minds once we have been told we need to just appreciate what we have got and not go after what we have been promised. “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28 NIV)
Women often stay on the “sticky floor” and don’t even try to climb their personal ladder of success because of experiences like the ladies above. When I refer to the word “success,” I am speaking not just of career or marketplace success. I am also talking about relational success, ministry success, family success, and so on. The Lord desires for His people to be the models for the world to want to emulate. Look at what the Lord says about one highly discriminated group, the Jews, “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’” (Zechariah 8:23 NIV) God is with you…tuck those words in your heart. There are many examples of women in the Bible who broke through their glass ceilings. Remember society in their day most often considered these women as chattel and their primary goal was to procreate. Think about the ramifications if they hadn’t broken through their mental and societal obstacles. Here are but a few: 24
• Deborah would not have led Israel to victory. • Ruth would not have been part of the Messianic lineage. • Mary would not have become the mother of Jesus. • Esther would have allowed an entire generation to die. What can you do to break through any glass obstacles you have allowed to hold you back? Be sure to first take your issues to God in prayer. Ask Him to open your heart to His perspective on each situation and affirm where He wants you currently and where He wants you to go. Here are some other ways to create momentum: • Find a mentor who is levels ahead of you in the area you want to find success. • Don’t fear what others will say about you when you break through the ceiling. • Don’t apologize for the dreams the Lord has given to you. • Turn your frustration into meaningful action. • Build a network of people who can encourage and push you forward. The three ladies mentioned in the opening paragraph all overcame the situations they faced at varying intervals of time, based on how their myths warped their thought lives. But eventually Patricia became a regional Christian leader, Lorelie received increases in pay over a period of 3 years of 300%, and Bianca got her doctorate and ministers to women in her city. Remember, as you negotiate your glass ceiling, you will face disappointments, negative people, challenges, and outright spiritual warfare. But be a Mary, a Deborah, or an Esther. Be ready. Have your scriptures and promises ready. Aim high. Fire true and sure. The ceiling will fall.
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by Scott Sauls
If you’re on social media or are watching the news for more than twelve seconds, you’re sure to spot some sort of rant about a political figure. It has become our habit to mock and insult those authority figures we disagree with. While we can (and should) feel strongly about different political and social issues, as Christians, we’re called to respond to authority with respect. Rather than bucking the system, sticking it to the man, insulting, or despairing, Christians are taught in the Bible to respond to authority with honor. This starts with honoring God, who holds authority over the whole universe, including every earthly kingdom. One of the chief ways we honor God is in how we respond to those He has put in authority over us. Whether we agree or disagree with our authorities, showing honor and respect is presented in the Bible as a non-negotiable. In showing honor and respect, we also honor and respect God, who, in His own wisdom and for His own purposes, ordains who will lead and who will follow. The Bible also says Christians should honor, respect, pray for and obey authorities in positions of government. This can be challenging for us, especially during a heated political season like the one that is ramping up right now. And yet, because politics are so heated, the season we are in presents Christians with a unique opportunity to live counter-culturally to the typical partisan spin and vitriol. River Region’s Journey
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Biblically, Christians have a civic duty to honor their national, state and local officials. As long we aren’t being coerced to sin against God, following Jesus includes submitting to and praying for all of our public authorities. When this happens, citizens of God’s kingdom will be known as the most refreshing citizens of earthly kingdoms, no matter who is in charge. This was true in biblical times, and it can be true now. New Testament Christians were routinely marginalized, persecuted and even put to death by the Roman state. Even in this climate, honoring, respecting, cooperating with and praying for Roman officials was part of being a disciple. The Apostle Peter, who would later be executed by Rome for his Christian faith, said that in all circumstances, Christians must honor the king (1 Peter 2:17). The Apostle Paul, who would also be martyred by decree of the Roman Caesar, said every Christian must submit to and pray for governing authorities (Romans 13:1). In today’s political climate, it is hard to find Christians who embrace this line of thinking. Instead, many have been drawn into partisan spin and rhetoric. In so doing, these well-intended but misguided Christians have become more like the world than like Jesus.
Here are a few thoughts about how we can retreat from the spin and rhetoric, and instead return to more of a New Testament approach:
1. Don’t Label or Smear; Instead, Humble Yourself.
Right-leaning Christians fall prey to dishonoring our last president. He identified as Christian, yet was labeled as patently anti-Christian. He identified as a social Democrat, yet got labeled as a Socialist. He claimed to champion the poor and underserved, yet got labeled as a crook who takes “other people’s money” and uses it to enable laziness. Similarly, left-leaning Christians have shown disrespect to the president before him. Words like “Murica” and “Strategery” became part of the American lexicon, but not for honoring reasons. Rather, such words were used to belittle, embarrass and caricature this president and Yale graduate as a bumbling idiot. Left-leaning Christians can also engage in inflammatory and unfair rhetoric that labels right-leaning authorities as anti-poor, anti-woman, anti-immigrant and so on. Christians on both the left and the right have expressed concern about the gross character flaws, and some of the policies,
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of our current President as well. This is fine and appropriate, unless of course concerns give way to name-calling and personal insults. Not even the young man David, when King Saul sought personally to destroy him, fell into this trap. Although David had two opportunities to finish Saul off, he would not assassinate him, either in his person or his character. In his own words, he dared not harm “the Lord’s anointed.” Right, left, or neither, we should address the logs in our own eye before we presume to address the specks in someone else’s.
2. Show Respect for Authorities with Whom You Disagree.
Examples fill the Scriptures. In spite of being put in prison for crimes he didn’t commit, Joseph treated Pharaoh and the Egyptian guards with honor. Daniel and his three friends spoke respectfully to Babylon’s evil King Nebuchadnezzar. David blessed and prayed for King Saul, as I mention above. When David had the opportunity to destroy Saul, he resisted the temptation. Instead, he entrusted himself, and the ways that king Saul had injured him, to God who judges justly. David wouldn’t even speak negatively about Saul. Why? Because God, for reasons only God knew, wanted Saul to be king for
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a time. Out of respect for God, David gave respect to Saul. These are great models for us to consider as we engage political discussions, and as we think about how to relate to authorities we don’t agree with.
3. Engage the Political Process in a Grown-Up, Non-Judgmental Way.
Amid a heated political campaign in 1774, John Wesley wrote the following in his Journal: “I met those of our society who had votes in the ensuing election, and advised them: 1. To vote … for the person they judged most worthy, 2. To speak no evil of the person they voted against, and 3. To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side.” Another thing you can do is organize. With the rise of Facebook groups and hashtag movements, there is no shortage of opportunity to engage in causes you believe in. But activism that’s limited to social media, or “slacktivism,” isn’t enough. If you really want to make a difference, you need to also figure out how you are going to donate your
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time, financial contributions, and professional skills to leave the world better and, so far as it depends on you, make government intervention and involvement less necessary.
walls, Jesus breaks down dividing walls and prays that His followers—from the political left and the political right—will live as one. In this, we show the world that we are His disciples.
4. Remember Jesus’ Kingdom is Not of This World.
5. Ask Yourself the Most Important Question.
Jesus came to fulfill every part of Scripture. Not one word of God’s just and true law will go unfulfilled by Jesus. How conservative of Him. And yet, as Jesus demonstrates, the more conservative we are in our beliefs about Scripture, the more liberal we will be in the ways we love. Jesus fulfilled the law by feeding the hungry, identifying with the poor, empowering women, reaching out crossculturally (as a white, English speaking man in North America, I’m especially thankful for this), and welcoming and eating with sinners. How progressive of Him. And get this: Jesus brought Simon, an anti-government Zealot, and Matthew, a government employee, into his group of disciples. Of the four Gospel writers, Matthew alone points out this fact, signaling that loyalties to Jesus transcend all other loyalties, including political ones. Even Simon and Matthew, two people on polar opposite political extremes, were able to live and love in community together. Why? Because instead of creating dividing
In consideration of Matthew and Simon living in community together under Jesus, we should wrestle with the following question: For whom do I feel greater affection, and with whom to I feel most kindred? 1. People who agree my politics but don’t share my faith? Or … 2. People who share my faith but don’t agree with my politics? If it’s the first instead of the second, we are rendering unto Caesar what belongs to God. And that can’t be a good thing. The way we answer this question will, in many ways, determine what kind of honor— or what kind of dishonor—we will give to those in authority over us. It will also reveal whom and what it is that we truly follow. Will we be disciples of a partisan platform, or will we be disciples of Jesus, who is King of kings and whose kingdom is not of this world? Scott Sauls is an author, blogger and pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN.
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Erasing the Stigma Surrounding Suicide By Kym Klass, Samaritan Counseling Center Board of Directors
The signs were there. The depression, the attempts, the therapy, the sadness. We saw firsthand what my sister faced with her depression, and we did everything we could to help and save her. We held her hand, took all her calls, we bought her medications when she couldn’t afford them. We soothed the tears. We were joyous in the smallest of victories, we were encouraging when she ventured down new paths. We lifted her up in support. But we lost her on October 31, 2015. She was 29. And with it, we lost hope, our faith, our own will to live. And with everything replaced by the stigma surrounding suicide, we were silenced. Our outreach was minimal. The fear of people judging her – and of a truth even we couldn’t grasp – was strong. September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death of U.S. adults, with 129 people dying by suicide every day, or over 47,000 annually, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. River Region’s Journey
September 2019
I don’t want my sister known as a statistic. She was vibrant, and demanded attention in a room because of that. She opened her arms and heart to family, friends, strangers. But she also was in a lot of pain. And when the severity of her pain surfaced following a suicide attempt, we surrounded her even more. Cradled her, even more, with our support and love. Bonded with her. And we lost her. And the stigma attached to suicide reared high above us. Nobody saw what we experienced; they only knew what she did. There was only some understanding that her pain was that raw, that real, that difficult to live through. For every suicide, there are six to eight individuals affected in their daily lives, and as many as 28, according to the National Institutes of Health. My family is a part of that statistic. My sister left behind a father, two sisters, a husband, and her young daughter. She left behind best friends. She left our hearts broken, our faith rocked. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 That verse must have been recited to me a dozen times in the first week following my sister’s death. First, through a phone call from my pastor at Centerpoint Church. Then, in messages. In a text while I was out on a run. In cards. Through prayer. For seven days after my sister died, I didn’t pray at all. It was the first time in my adult life I remember not praying and pushing God so far away that I was left feeling empty and void. It was fitting. I wanted nothing to do with a God I felt couldn’t save my sister. It was only through counseling with my pastor John Schmidt that I began 30
finding hope again. It was through the quietest “I’m sorry” I managed to whisper in prayer while standing in my kitchen one night. It was through the small prayer victories: first, praying for my sister’s husband and daughter, then for my father. Prayer is exhausting when you’re fighting hard against God, and it took a long while to allow the comfort He can always provide back into my heart. Suicide is a different death to experience. We lost my mother to breast cancer in 1988 and my brother from a hiking accident in 1985, and I never remembering feeling what I felt after my sister died. I never remember feeling such pain and hurt, such isolation and stigma all rolled into one. I never felt alone. That’s what suicide can do. We need to work hard to erase the stigma surrounding suicide, mental health, and mental illnesses. We need to remember there are families battling the unimaginable – what some are afraid to talk about. Sometimes, they just need to know they’re heard. Sometimes, that 29-year-old just needs to know you care. And her family, and thousands of others just like them, need to know they can start to break down barriers surrounding the stigma they often face.
Kym Klass is the author of “One More Day: a powerful true story of suicide, loss, and a woman’s newfound faith,” published by Hilltop30 Publishing Group. She serves on the Samaritan Counseling Center board of directors, and also the state board of the National Alliance of Mental Illness. She has a BA degree in Communication/Print Journalism and a minor in Psychology from Southwest Texas State University. She is a 20-year veteran newspaper reporter, having covered health and wellness in the River Region for a decade. She can be reached at kymklass@gmail.com. Her website is www.kymklass.com.
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September 2019
River Region’s Journey
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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.
River Region’s Journey
September 2019
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. Also, Divorce for Kids is available. 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.
September 2019
River Region’s Journey
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 334-279-8331 for more info. NAMI Connection Support Group for individuals with mental illness meets every Thursday evening, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, room 3104. Call Braxton Benefield at 205-937-4848 or 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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September 2019
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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
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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, 6 000 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
September 2019
River Region’s Journey
Kids & Money Q. We’ve followed your advice and put our kids on commissions instead of allowances. The problem is our 8-year-old. He never buys anything, and he seems to be very frugal by nature. Do you have any advice for teaching him it is okay to spend money sometimes?
of work and disciplined saving. You might urge him to pick out something he really wants, and help him make a plan to save enough money to buy that item. Once he has enough money for the purchase, turn it into a celebration of reaching that goal. There are three things you can do with money—spend it, save it, and give it to others. Focusing too much, or too little, on any of these is not financially or spiritually healthy.
A. You’re ab-
solutely right for wanting to teach him wise spending habits. Each of us has the personality of being either a saver or a spender. As parents, we should help our kids grow in areas where they have weaknesses, and find ways to enhance their strengths. Give him praise for being such a good saver, but gently encourage him to spend a little, too. Spending is one of the rewards
River Region’s Journey
September 2019
Getting Motivated Q. My wife is so charged up after reading your books, and now she is determined to get us out of debt. I know this is good idea, but I just don’t have the passion for it she does. There are also some things I really don’t want to give up. Do you have some suggestions for getting motivated?
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A. Goals and dreams always have a better chance of coming true if you have a written game plan. Sit down with your wife at the beginning of each month, and help her do a written budget. Give every dollar a name on paper before you spend anything. Contrary to popular belief, doing a budget is not torture. It’s also not just a math exercise. It’s an opportunity for you both to have input on what you want to accomplish in life and how to make it happen. After two people are married they become “as one.” And that’s how decisions should be made in a marriage—facing all the problems, dreams, and fears together. Once you sit down and do a budget, I think you’ll see where you can cut back and make things happen that you thought were impossible before. You may have to give up a few things for a little while, but when you see how quickly you can get ahead by making your money behave, I’ve got a feeling you’ll get excited about the possibilities!
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