EDITOR’S NOTE contents Welcome to a new chapter in Western New York Christian publishing! For some time now you may have been enjoying our sister publication, THRiVE! Magazine. While THRiVE! is still available to paid subscribers and at retailers across Western New York, our feeling was that a publication like unite, better serves the Christian community. Let me explain. For some time now, THRiVE!’s content has been focused on engaging our outside community- attempting to reach those who may never come through the church doors. This after all, was and is our primary mission since we started THRiVE!- to reach Buffalo with the good news of Jesus Christ. Over time, our method has changed, but the mission remains the same. While we have been catering to, and reaching out to our community with THRiVE! by expanding distribution and offering subscriptions to various individuals and businesses, we knew there was a need for a publication speaking to the Church in Buffalo. The Christian community we have found is looking for a publication that is free, timely and engaging, with a mass appeal to the greater body of Christ in Western New York. Our advertisers want something that can quickly carry their message or advertisement for an event to a broad audience. So, unite was born. While the newsprint may not be as colorful as the glossy paper and rich colors of THRiVE!, we are now able to get the message of Christ out to his Church in Buffalo far more economically, and to a far larger audience. This allows us to better serve our partners and advertisers who have faithfully made this publication possible. So, thank you for reading and thank you for your support. Please share the news of THRiVE! and unite with your friends, and engage with us- send us your news, pictures, events, and let’s unite for the sake of Christ.
Cover photo by The MWS Group
4 Partners 5 Events Dr. Ron Burgio 10
7 News City Mission, Day to Pray, Fill Up and Collide, more... Delia Knox
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unite february/march 2011 www.unitemagazine.us PUBLISHER
Kyle Patterson kyle@thrivebuffalo.org Editor in Chief……...…………………….Kyle Patterson kyle@thrivebuffalo.org Operations Director…………………..Julianna Patterson Contributors……………………………..…
Al Warner Ben Tagg Ryan Kozey Robert Stearns Matt Brown
Photography………………….....Matt and Angela Brown Daniel F. Hutchens
Night to Worship.…Kyle Patterson
14 Columns Adoption
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The Power of One….Robert Stearns A Tipping Point………...Al Warner
17 Resource Review …Bender’s Parable Christian Store Photos
Kyle R. Patterson
FEB/MARCH 2011
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unite is published bi-monthly, December/January, February/March, April/May, June/July, August/September, October/November. The entire contents of unite is copyrighted by THRiVE! Media Group and may not be reproduced in any manner, either whole or part without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. Display advertising and rates may be obtained by emailing info@thrivebuffalo.org or calling (716)7711632.The publisher does not take responsibility for the accuracy or legitimacy of the advertising message or any aspect of the business operation or conduct of the advertisers in the paper. Advertisements placed in unite do not constitute an endorsement by the publisher.
PARTNERS CLARENCE CENTER UMC Pastors Chuck and Kim Smith 716-741-2410 www.thewayonline.net
PENTECOSTAL TEMPLE Pastor Matthew L. Brown 716-852-5502 www.pentecostaltemplechurch.com
ZION DOMINION GLOBAL MINISTRIES Pastor Roderick L. Hennings 716-250-7040 www.ziondominion.org
BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. Kevin L. Wright 716-688-8668 www.bethel-nab.org
THE CHAPEL AT CROSSPOINT Pastor Jerry Gillis 716-631-2636 www.thechapel.com
MY FATHER’S HOUSE Pastor Randall Smith 716-655-1389 www.myfathershouseministry.net
NORTHGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH Pastor Jon Hasselbeck www.northgatebuffalo.com
EAGLES’ WINGS MINISTRY Dr. Robert Stearns 716-759-1058 www.eagleswings.to
ELIM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Bishop Troy Bronner 716-832-7698 www.elim-world.org GRACE FELLOWSHIP Pastor Richard Giano 716-681-2059 www.gracefic.org
New Bethel Community Church Pastors William and Toni Clark 716-835-8300 www.newbethelonline.com
LOVEJOY GOSPEL CHURCH Pastor Ron and Judy Burgio 716-651-0400 www.lovejoy.org WESLEYAN CHURCH OF HAMBURG Pastor Greg McClain 716-649-6335 www.wchamburg.org
Become a partner, email kyle@thrivebuffalo.org for more info.
EVENTS FEBRUARY & MARCH 2011
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Third Friday– Monthly Coffee House & Open Mic will be held at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ located at 1475 Orchard Park Road, West Seneca. The event features great music and tasty food! Doors open at 7pm, featured performers from 7:30-8:30, open mic at 8:45.
2 Friends Tour. An iconic night of music with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith. Friday March 4 at 7:00pm at Auditorium Theatre located at 885 East Main St– Rochester NY 14605. For more information call Kingdom Bound at 800-461-4485 or visit www.kingdombound.org.
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Niagara ’10 Student Rally will take place March 5 at Evangel Assembly of God in Williamsville, NY. Over 200 students responded to the invitation to be a campus missionary at Niagara ‘10. A follow up Campus Ministry Rally / Niagara ‘10 Reunion will be hosted on March 5 at 6:00PM at Evangel.
Musicians, Come Sunday will perform at The Lighthouse Café in Lockport located at 555 Davison Rd. at 7:00PM.
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Coincidence Maybe concert with special guest, local musician Lauren Smith. 7-10PM. 175 Potomac Avenue, Buffalo. Open to the public. Cost is $5 at the door.
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Denis Cramer will be speaking at Love Joy Gospel Church for a night of prophetic ministry on February 25 at 7:00pm and then again on February 27 at 10am. Denis Cramer conducts a dynamic “School of Prophecy.” This premier three-level school has trained thousands of believers to be properly released into active prophetic ministry.
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Denver and the Mile High Orchestra is coming to Roberts Wesleyan College on February 26! Denver and the Mile High Orchestra is a horn driven pop band from Nashville, TN. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $19.50 Artist Circle and $18 at the door if available. Tickets are on sale now.
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The River Conference, March 3-5. The Eagles’ Wings Team will be ministering with other special guests at Love Joy Church. Hosted by Pastor Ron and Judy Burgio. Call 800-51-WINGS or visit www. eagleswings.to for more information. Spekers include Robert Stearns and Matthew Barnett among others.
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WNY Pray begins on Ash Wednesday, March 9, 2011 to Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011 . WNY Pray is a God initiative for a simple, concise, regional strategy to pray for—and possibly share Christ with—every person in our region. To receive a DVD of Pastor Jerry Gillis (The Chapel) and Pastor Pat Jones (Eastern Hills) asking for pastors and churches to partner together for 40-days of prayer PLUS all resource material in a downloadable format, or If you or your church would like more information, contact Patti Menig at 716-631-2636 x203. Art of hearing God Class March 10-12th hosted at 1st Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 467 William St. Buffalo 14206 Thursday night 6-9pm, Friday 9am9pm, Sat. 9am-9pm. To register go to streamsministries.com.
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Join Living Faith Ministries March 14-25 for an Israel short term mission trip with special guests Dutch Sheets and Robert Henderson. Cost is $3495
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Joshua Revolution is hosting a 14 day Inspirational tour of Israel from March 16-29. Cost is $3075 per person. Visit joshuarevolution.org for details. Don’t see your event, email kyle@thrivebuffalo.org to get listed. Space is limited. Advertisers receive priority listings.
EVENTS MARCH 2011
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Revive Women’s Conference will take place in Lima, NY March 18-19. A two day women’s conference, Revive is designed to help revitalize and redirect women into the God ordained destiny that was preordained for you. Replace lethargy with passion, despair with hope and regrets with action. To register visit www.bygraceministries.org Speakers include Sherrie Anderson, Jill Kelly, Cathi Brese Doebler, Kathryn Martin, and Jessica Wallace.
Celebrating 50 Years!
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Erin’s Amazing All-Star Heifer Farm Music Revue will be playing, Friday, March 18, 7-10pm Held at “Third Friday” - Coffee House & Open Mic at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ at 1475 Orchard Park Road in West Seneca NY 14224.
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Elijah’s Fire Band is playing at The Lighthouse Café in Lockport located at 555 Davison Rd.
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Accomplished singer/ songwriter, Scott Krippayne, is coming to Williamsville. Hosted at Randall Baptist Church, Krippayne is most noted for Gentle Revolution, where they explored larger musical territory, inspired by the innovation of bands like Switchfoot, Maroon 5 and pop icons like Sting and Billy Joel. Tickets are $7 if purchased in advance and $10 at the door. Tickets have been on sale since November 15.
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ManTime Men’s Conference will be held at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in downtown Buffalo March 25-26. ManTime builds men. These two days will give you the opportunity to powerfully experience God, understand your destiny and get a clearer picture of your role in the marketplace and in your home. You will glean from some of the most successful leaders in the region. During the ManTime conference, you will fellowship with other men and
form life-long friendships. Speakers include Dr. Gary Kellner, Bishop Tommy Reid, Dr. Ron Burgio, Superintendent Matthew L. Brown, and more. For more info visit www. mantimeconferences.com/
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Night To Honor Israel Rochester. 6:30pm at Bethel Christian Fellowship. 321 East Ave. Rochester, NY. For more information please contact Lori Sousa at 585-232-1136, ext 21 or visit online at www.nyscufi.org
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Holy Yoga takes place weekly at Renovation Church on Mondays at 9:30am and Tuesday evenings at 7:00pm (candle light class). The meeting will be in Renovation Station in the power zone room. The church is located at 567 Hertel Ave. in Buffalo. Holy Yoga is a donation based class and 10% will always go back to the church. Make some space in your life for God, and experience Him- heart, soul, mind and strength- as we do Holy Yoga together. Classes continue weekly, contact cheriec@holyyoga.net
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Worship at Buffalo will host a city wide worship offering to Jesus April 1st - April 21st. 21 different churches over 21 days releasing the sound of praise. Throughout Buffalo Churches will be hosting 2 hours of worship for one night of the 21 nights. We believe there is no better way to celebrate the Easter season than by worshiping the Lamb who was slain. View the full schedule at www. worshipatbuffalo.tumblr.com Email worshipatbuffalo@gmail.com to sign up your church or ministry location to host a night of worship. Opening night at the Tabernacle from 7-9.
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Thriving in a Stepfamily and The Smart Stepmom events with Laura Petherbridge will take place April 1 and 2 at The Chapel at Crosspoint. Laura Petherbridge serves couples and single adults with topics on spiritual growth, relationships, and marriage enhancement.
NEWS
Karl Eastlack Came Home. Karl Eastlack this past December made a stop in Western New York and visited his former congregation, Eastern Hills Wesleyan Church and closed the service in prayer.
Worship leaders, Benji and Jenna Cowart are making an EP of worship songs that were written with the people that make up the Church at Buffalo in mind. The songwriting portion of this project has already been accomplished. Benji and Jenna have partnered with writers in both Nashville and in Buffalo to write songs that were inspired by stories of God’s activity in the lives of the people in their church and in this region. The Cowart’s experience includes leading worship for various churches, camps, FCA events, and Beth Moore Living Proof conferences under the leadership of Travis Cottrell. Throughout the last ten years, they have served on staff as worship leaders in Florida, Las Vegas, and currently Buffalo, NY. Kingdom Bound Ministries, this summer, will celebrate its 25th year anniversary with four fantastic headliners in 2011: Newsboys on Sunday night, July 31, Casting Crowns on Monday night, Aug. 1, Skillet on Tuesday night, Aug. 2., and Chris Tomlin on Wednesday night, Aug. 3, to close out the festival. The festival expects to draw an estimated 50,000 worshippers this summer.
Author and speaker Jill Kelly will be one of the keynote speakers at Revive Women’s Conference this March 18-19 at Elim Gospel Church in Lima, NY. ByGrace Ministries is hosting the two day women’s conference that is designed to help revitalize and redirect women into the God ordained destiny that was preordained for them. Replace lethargy with passion, despair with hope and regrets with action. To register visit www. bygraceministries.org . Approximately 1500 people attended Niagara ’10 December 27-30 at the Conference Center in Niagara Falls, the annual youth conference hosted by Joshua Revolution and Mike Chorey. 481 people responded to the Gospel invitation given opening night by Reggie Dabbs. Over 200 students responded to become “Student Missionaries” at their schools. A follow up Campus Ministry Rally / Niagara ‘10 Reunion will be hosted on March 5 at 6:00PM at Evangel in Williamsville. Mike Chorey, Executive Director of Joshua Revolution and Niagara ’10 said, “Niagara ’10 was an event focused on bringing the message of the Cross to a lost world. Hundreds of students and leaders from over 75 churches answered that call at Niagara ’10. We are now receiving emails and letters from youth leaders who are testifying of the change that has taken place in their young people and how it is affecting the schools. Glory to God!”
Buffalo City Mission kicks off its Hungerhunt.com website this Febrauary. HungerHunt.com and Buffalo City Mission kicks off its 28 days of fundraising and homelessness awareness with great prizes and trivia. Learn about the fight against poverty and win prizes at hungerhunt.com Elim Buffalo Campus Spring Semester kicked off this January with classes including Basic Christian Counseling Level II C with Rev. Paul Markell, Sin, Christ, Salvation with Rev. Debbie Griesbaum, Worldwide Perspectives/Missions with Rev. Harry Vellekoop and Old Testament Survey with Rev. Paul Edwards.
Cramer
Love Joy to Host Prophetic Conference. Dennis Cramer will be at Love Joy Church in Lancaster this February for prophetic services, February 25-26. Cramer has authored five insightful books - four of which have been published internationally. He also conducts a dynamic “School of Prophecy.” This premier three-level school has trained thousands of believers to be properly released into active prophetic ministry in their local church.
National Day of Prayer is set for May 5 this year including “Prayer in the Square” downtown outside Buffalo City Hall from 12-1PM and “Concert of Prayer Rally” at UB North Student Union (date still being determined at time of print.) A great way to join with believers across our region! A Week With the Homeless. Pastor Eric Johns spent a week living on the streets with the homeless this past November hoping to raise awareness of poverty in Buffalo. He was joined for a couple of nights by Steps Ministry Director Ben Tagg. Buffalo City Mission finished 2010 strong with $1.84 million. The Buffalo City Mission announced that the goal for its annual “One Mission, One Hope” fall campaign was exceeded. Over $1.84 Million dollars has been raised due to the generosity of the community. These critical funds will help sustain programs and services for the region’s homeless. “Each year, we ask for the communities help in raising the money we need to serve thousands of men, women and children who come through the Mission’s doors for food, shelter and clothing,” said Executive Director, Stuart Harper. “This year alone, the Mission saw an increase of 17 percent in the demand of our services in relations to food, clothing and groceries. Since the need continues to rise dramatically—so does the need for more services.”
McLeod
Fill Up and Collide. Just Joy Women’s Ministry this January has launched a new study titled, Fill Up and Collide, a study of the book of Colossians and Philippians. According to Just Joy, the study will cause women to, “Wiggle in your convictions, recharge your goals and deepen your desires.” The study, led by speaker and author, Carol McLeod is every Tuesday night in West Seneca. For more details visit, www.justjoyministries.org.
New Year’s Resolution The Barna Group conducted a study on American’s New Year’s Resolution and found, according to David Kinnaman, President of the Barna Group, “Only 9 out of more than 1,000 survey respondents – that’s not quite one percent – mentioned that one of their objectives for next year was getting closer to God in some way. Even in the rare instance when people mention spiritual goals, it is often about activity undertaken for God, rather than a personal pursuit of God or an experience with God.” Robert Stearns Releases a New Book. Eagles’ Wings Director Robert Stearns has released a new book co-authored with Chuck Pierce and Larry Kreider. The authors have identified 12 issues that the church is currently facing. Through exciting personal experiences and hands-on research you’ll learn about these significant trends and how they influence the church both positively and negatively. The River is Flowing in Buffalo. Matthew Barnett, co-founder of the Dream Center in Los Angeles, CA and son of Pastor Tommy Barnett, will be in town this coming March for Eagles Wings’ River Conference. Other speakers include Al and Deb Warner, host Robert Stearns, Aimee Reid-Sych and Larry Keefauver.
Brown
ManTime Conference Set for Adam’s Mark Hotel. March 25-26 are the dates for a men’s conference with speakers including Matthew L. Brown, Tommy Reid, Mike Cavanaugh, Ron Burgio, Allan Houston, Tony Hooper and others. This new two day conference promises to give you the opportunity to powerfully experience God, understand your destiny and get a clearer picture of your role in the marketplace and in your home.
Have news to share? Email info@thrivebuffalo.org
February/March 2011
www.unitemagazine.us
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PICTURES By Matt Brown
The Story of Christmas at The Chapel at Crosspoint.
Bishop Levy and Lady Delia Knox shares at The Tabernacle in Orchard Park. Photo by Dan Hutchens
The Chapel at Crosspoint celebrated Christmas with their annual performance, The Story of Christmas. The performance also aired on Channel 7 at 11:30 PM on Christmas Eve and on Channel 4 at noon on Christmas Day.
Eastern Hills Wesleyan’s Christmas Eve Service
The Story of Christmas at The Chapel at Crosspoint.
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February/March 2011
City Church of Batavia celebrates Christmas with their play, A FUN and DysFUNctional Family Christmas.
Eastern Hills Wesleyan’s Christmas Eve Service Submit your pictures by emailing info@thrivebuffalo.org
PEOPLE
Dr. Ron Burgio: A Leader’s Leader By Kyle Patterson
It was the year 1971 when Ron Burgio was serving as a medic in the army at Ft. Mead, MD when he committed his life to Christ. Through the witness of a couple of friends, Burgio made the decision that would forever alter his life and immediately felt a call to ministry. What he didn’t know was how God would use his passion for Christ to influence thousands around the world. Forsaking the acceptance letter he had received from Duke University, Burgio choose the road less traveled and went to a small Bible school, Elim Bible Institute in Lima, NY. But Burgio never looked back, and like Robert Frost, it has made all the difference for him. Shortly after finishing school at Elim and then Roberts Wesleyan College, Burgio felt the call to return to Buffalo, as Co-Pastor of Williamsville Christian Fellowship, a church that meets on Saturday nights. It was during this time that Burgio began developing a love and 10 www.unitemagazine.us
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passion for reaching Buffalo. While his services were held on Saturday nights at Williamsville Christian Fellowship, Burgio found himself praying and interceding for other churches and pastors on Sunday mornings. This, Burgio explained, grew into a passion to partner with other churches, and he formed a habit of praying for other churches every Sunday morning, first in his quiet time, now a tradition that continues to this day where he currently pastors–Love Joy Church in Lancaster, NY. Attend Love Joy, where Burgio now presides as Lead Pastor, and you’ll see that the habit God formed in him in the early days of ministry is still something he practices. He has his whole congregation, some 500 members and adher“I think that Buffalo join him praying for ministries, churches, and Western New York ents and business people that may have nothing are at the precipice of to do with Love Joy, but play a role in what he describes as the bigger picture– reaching a great move of God. our region for Christ. This type of mindset, Whenever things Burgio explains, is something God impressed on him back in the day of small beginnings and begin to look bleak, something he continued when he took over as God is then able to lead Pastor of Love Joy Church back in 1984. move and I think he is “I still remember it, the first Sunday (at Love Joy back when it was located at Clinton and getting ready to Bailey) I was up for early morning prayer, I move.” was on my knees and the Lord spoke to me out of the blue and said, ‘Ron, will you continue to pray for your friends in the city?’ And I chuckled because I felt the Lord was saying to me, “Are you going to view other churches as competition now or will you pray for them,” and I made a commitment that day to pray for them,” explained Burgio. Shortly after that, the Lord spoke a second time to Burgio, this time in a vision of a Buffalo street map, “I actually saw this in a vision, gazing at it I began to see homes and then people walking around on the streets of Buffalo and the Lord spoke and said, ‘Ron, let us work together to win Buffalo for Christ,”’ and when he said that, I knew he didn’t mean just me, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I knew he meant me and all the other churches in the city. He said again, ‘Ron, you used to pray for them, now you are one of them.’” Through the years, Burgio has never taken his eyes off of his call of working together to win Buffalo for Christ. His close ties to Bishop Tommy Reid at The Tabernacle in Orchard Park, along with his friendship with Dr. Robert Stearns of Eagles’ Wings, and Al and Deb Warner of Set Free Inc. among many others, keep his finger on the pulse of the spiritual awakening he believes is coming to our region. Love Joy is also a frequent conference host to Eagles’ Wings River Conferences, held twice a year in Western New York. Additionally, Burgio has opened up Love Joy in the past for monthly all night prayer gatherings, something he, Stearns and Al and Deb Warner, have been pioneering in Western New York for years. While unity for unity’s sake doesn’t amount to much, Burgio is passionate about reaching Western New York for Christ and taking action on that, going so far as bringing into town Tommy Zito Ministries, a Miami, Florida based evangelism ministry that served as a catalyst to get his church involved in active street evangelism resulting in over 2,500 people giving their lives to Christ through the ministry at Love Joy since 2006. Additionally, Love Joy has a strong outreach to the campus of UB through a ministry called BASIC (Brothers and Sisters in Christ) reaching out to students weekly. Burgio and his wife Rev. Judy Burgio, parents of four grown children, serve full time together in ministry at Love Joy with their son Jonathon, a full time college campus minister and frequent speaker at youth events. Dr. Burgio is frankly, a leader of leaders. His vision for Love Joy is to advance the Kingdom of God in Western New York by changing lives to follow Christ. Burgio’s goal is to raise up leaders and workers to do the work of the ministry. Dr. Burgio along with his leadership team supervises a team of lay leaders who direct the ministries of the church. Since taking over as Lead Pastor of Love Joy in 1984 the church has grown from a weekly attendance of 25 to over 500. Along with other key pastors in the city of Buffalo, he gives visionary leadership to the region. He and his congregation support missionary families and organizations around the world, both in prayer and in finances, and he often travels to minister to missionaries, pastors, leaders and churches. Besides ministering in various cities in the United States and Canada, he has traveled to eleven countries in Asia, Central America, Africa and the Middle East. He is the author of Living in the Spirit of Revival. Burgio is ordained through Elim Fellowship and has a Doctorate of Ministry from the School of Bible Theology. Dr. Burgio also serves as the President of Elim Fellowship, an association of a thousand pastors, ministers, missionaries, and over two hundred affiliated churches. Aside from ministry Burgio enjoys time with his family, sports, and the history channel, something he jokingly says is what he is getting his next degree in. Find out more about his ministry at www.lovejoy.org or better yet, stop by on a Sunday morning.
COVER STORY
Music:
An Iconic Night of Worship with Michael W. and Amy Grant.
By Kyle Patterson
Mention the names Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant in any Christian circle and chances are you will get a raving response. The two arguably put Christian music on the map and in many ways pioneered modern Christian worship and music we hear today. Amy Grant’s career spans over 25 years and stretches from her roots in Gospel music into an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality and philanthropist. Grant has sold more than 30 million albums and won six Grammys ®in multiple categories, beginning with the platinum selling Age to Age in 1982. She also has six #1 hits, including “Baby, Baby,” and “Every Heartbeat” and is one of only two Christian artists to be awarded a star on the legendary Walk of Fame in Hollywood. Smith, to his credit has 44 GMA Dove Awards, three Grammys and more than 15 million in sales, Michael W. Smith has created an unparalleled musical legacy. Some would say he pioneered the Christian music genre itself, having become the most recognized and respected ambassador for faith infused music world wide. So what happens when you bring the two
together for what is being called an iconic night of music at Auditorium Theater in Rochester, NY? Find out March 4.The 2 Friends Tour is making its way to Western New York on that very special night, sponsored by Kingdom Bound Ministries. Tickets range from $42.50 to $77.50. The two first toured together in 1982 on Grant’s Age to Age Tour. Her Age to Age album was exploding up the Christian music charts, thanks to hits like “El Shaddai” and “Sing Your Praise To The Lord.” Smith toured as Grant’s keyboard player and opening act, supporting his debut release, Project, which generated instant classics like “Great Is The Lord” and “Friends.” They toured together on and off through the rest of that decade, culminating in the record-setting “Lead Me On” tour. They have continued to collaborate together musically over the years. “I’ve always said I wouldn’t be where I am without Amy Grant,” Smith says. “When Amy hired me to play keyboards for her, I never could have anticipated where it would take me. This many years later, to get to tour together again is just awesome. When I think about set lists and what we might do together, the question isn’t, ‘Where do we start?’ The question is, ‘Where do we stop?’ This will be a fun night with a lot of great memories.” “That first decade we toured together was really pretty amazing,” Grant adds. “There’s a nostalgia element that comes with having worked with someone solidly for so long and I’m ecstatic about hitting the road with Michael again. We will share the stage and participate in each other’s sets. But no kidding, I will have just as much fun sitting on the side of the stage and watching him. It will be like old times.” Both artists will perform music from their vast catalog of fan favorites, along with selections from their current chart-topping albums: Grant’s Somewhere Down The Road (March 2010), and Smith’s brand new project, Wonder (Sept. 2010).
Smith, who recently released his new album, Wonder, has influenced millions with three of the most impactful worship recordings in the past decade (Worship, Worship Again and A New Hallelujah). While still leaning heavily on themes of awe and inspiration, Wonder gives worship hands and feet, and shows how faith becomes reality when God’s people recognize their humanity and reach out to their community. Interestingly, Smith has been focusing on going beyond his music and reaching out to those in need. Through his partnership with Compassion International and Rocketown, a Nashville based club for teens that he founded, Smith is putting legs to his ideals. “We can sing worship songs ‘til we’re blue, but if we’re not looking after people who are struggling, looking after orphans, if we’re not helping those in need, I don’t think we can say we’re fully living out our faith,” notes Smith. “I’m encouraged every day by our youth,” adds Smith, “I see a wave of this next generation of young people who have a good handle on this idea. For example, instead of going and partying for spring break, they’re down in Guatemala for the week helping and serving people. That’s lifestyle worship.” While still acknowledging God’s absolute authority, Smith, in his album Wonder, delves deeply into the hardship and hope, confusion and confidence, desperation and dedication that come with life on earth. He connects with a broken, out-of-control spirit in “Run to You”; acknowledges the real-world hardships of the Country’s current economic situation in “I’ll Wait for You”; and—in a raw and transparent lyrical and vocal outpouring—addresses abuse and teen bullying in “Leave.” “There can be hope in the midst of sadness, hope in the midst of losing your job, hope in the midst of losing your home in a flood,” he says. “I know it’s easier to say than to walk out but I have to believe that out of tragedy there’s something wonderful that God wants to do in the midst of all that.” Grant on the other hand returns with her first album of all new music in 7 years, Somewhere Down the Road. She could easily rest on her considerable laurels, but the dawning of a new decade finds her as passionate as ever. “It’s all about the idea,” she says. “I love the song ‘Better Than A Hallelujah.’ I love the opportunity to get to do a song with my daughter. I love the concept of Somewhere Down the Road. I am personally moved by the concept of our journey through life and because of all the years that have come before, I find myself in a unique and somewhat rare position to be able to sing about that journey, and that’s an opportunity I don’t want to miss.” The Auditorium Theatre in Rochester will be hosting the event and is home to a full season of touring Broadway shows, the M&T Bank Broadway Season. The Auditorium Theatre also hosts a number of live concerts, comedy and dramatic events throughout the year and is used by local performing groups for recitals and other presentations. According to The Broadway League, the estimated economic impact of RBTL events on the Rochester community over the past three years is more than $90 million. Founded in 1957 as an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization, RBTL has grown into Rochester’s premier venue management and service organization for the performing arts and entertainment, in addition to presenting the best in touring Broadway shows. The RBTL seats 2,464. Reserve your spot and order tickets at ticketmaster.com or in person at the theatre, 885 East Main St, Rochester, NY 14605.
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FEATURE STORY
“Great Joy In That City”
By Revs. Al and Deb Warner
“Buffalo native celebrates miracle!” So read the headline of the Buffalo News on October 22, 2010. Let that sink in for a minute my friend. The words “Buffalo” and “miracle” in the same breath. This is not a reference to a fabulous football play by the Bills nor a spectacular hockey play by the Sabres, but rather a miracle of the divine kind. Local news reporter Lorey Schultz (WIVB Channel 4) headlined her report “Woman walks after decades in wheelchair.” If you watched the WNY news coverage of Delia Knox on October 21 and 22, you may have been intrigued, excited, skeptical, or a little of all three. As Paul Harvey loved to say, “This is the rest of the story.” Delia Knox is a gospel singer, and a frequent guest on Christian television and radio. Most importantly to us, she is a Buffalo native. She is the daughter of Pastors Jose and Emilia Roman, Jersey Street, Buffalo, and identical twin sister of Enid McGinnis. On Christmas Eve, 1987, at 25 years of age, an automobile accident left Delia paralyzed from the waist down. But even in a wheelchair, she was determined she would not be slowed down. Her passion was to serve God with her whole being. No wheelchair could keep her from that. As Delia said, “I don’t allow this wheelchair to control me, I control it!” “If my pillow could speak, it would say, ”God has been good to me!” These were the words Delia sang many times while ‘dancing’ in her wheelchair. Nine years ago, Delia married Bishop Levy Knox, and moved to minister with him at the Living Word Christian Center in Mobile, Alabama. On August 27, 2010, Bishop and Delia attended special meetings at the Mobile Convention Center hosted by Rev. John Kilpatrick. Delia did not know it, but this would be her red-letter day. The Knox’s were about to leave the meeting when a mother brought her sick baby forward for prayer. Miraculously, as Delia prayed with compassion for the baby she began to have sensation in her own legs. Evangelist Nathan Morris laid hands on Delia, and prayed fervently. Eyewitness Dr. Larry Martin told us, “Evangelist Nathan Morris had the faith and boldness to call Delia forward and pray for her, and the entire congregation interceded for probably an hour with the most passion I have ever witnessed in my life! Three elements came together: Delia’s faith, Nathan’s persistence, and the congregation’s intercession. Nathan was willing to be embarrassed to see a miracle!” Muscles that had not been used in 22 years began to come alive. God had heard the daily prayers of Delia, her godly mother, the evangelist, the congregation and so many others. Faltering at first, Delia slowly rose from her wheelchair and walked!!! When her mother was asked, “Were you surprised?” she answered, “No, Continued on page 16
Photos: Bishop Levy and Delia Knox arrive at the Buffalo airport last October to be greeted by long time pastor and spiritual father and mother, Bishop Tommy and Wanda Reid and twin sister Enid McGinnis. 12 www.unitemagazine.us
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Worship April 1st - April 21st
@ Buffalo
A city wide worship offering to Jesus. 21 different churches over 21 days releasing the sound of praise. Where: Throughout WESTERN NEW YORK Churches will be hosting 2 hours of worship for one night of the 21 nights. We believe there is no better way to celebrate the Easter season than by worshiping the Lamb who was slain. View the full schedule at www.worshipatbuffalo.tumblr.com Email worshipatbuffalo@gmail.com or call KATHy cole at 627-5402 to sign up your church or ministry location to host a night of worship. JOIN us opening night at the tabernacle in orcharD park from 7-9pm.
COLUMNS
The Power of One
BY ROBERT STEARNS
Men and women throughout history and today have chosen to make a difference in their world - both for good and for evil. Have you ever thought about how the monumental events of history are inextricably linked with the names, faces, and life stories of commonplace, flesh-and-blood people? No one can tell their children the story of the American Revolution without mentioning the name of Paul Revere. It’s impossible to remember the events of 9/11 without envisioning the passport photos of the 19 hijackers who flew the planes into the Twin Towers that Tuesday morning in New York City. Here in Buffalo, as we seek the good of our city, one individual life matters. One individual’s choice makes a difference. For better or worse, history really does change because regular, everyday people – mothers, fathers, workers, teachers, grandparents – make decisions to use the resources they have been given to effect change in the world around them. The doors of history hinge on the extraordinary decisions of ordinary people. Tiny Spark, Great Fire We all think of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as the towering prophetic leader of the civil rights movement. A powerful, well-educated orator, he had the charisma to lead perhaps the most massive social justice movement in our nation’s history. But don’t forget that it is Rosa Parks who is nationally recognized as the mother of the modern-day civil rights movement in the U.S. Born the daughter of a carpenter and a teacher, Rosa grew up to also become a teacher and married Raymond Parks, a barber. Together, they worked behind the scenes through organizations to improve the conditions of their people. Rosa Parks’ refusal to surrender her seat to a white male passenger on a Montgomery bus in 1955 triggered a wave of protests that reverberated throughout the country. The simple, courageous act of a commonplace schoolteacher changed America, its view of African Americans, and redirected the course of world events. One Life We tend to think of the lives of those we read about in Scripture as being static; forgetting that they were as real and troubled and complex and flawed as you and I are today. The biblical Esther is one such character whose life has captured my attention in recent years. We’re apt to focus on the fairy-tale aspects of Esther’s story, neglecting to notice the glaring pain and turmoil that marked this young girl’s life. Esther had three ‘strikes’ against her, which had the potential to make her life difficult, at best, and quite painful, at worst. Firstly, Esther was an orphan. Secondly, she was a woman in a man’s world, and last but certainly not least, she was a Jew - three strikes against her in the Persian world of 500 B.C. Yet somehow, in a twist of fate that could only be attributed to God, this disadvantaged youth rose to the highest echelons of world power, poised to save her people from complete annihilation at the hands of their enemies. Esther, like us, was on a journey. When she first learned of what was facing her people, she responded in a selfish and cowardly way. But thanks to her Uncle Mordecai who laid the situation out plainly before her, something clicked into gear for Esther, and she recognized that she was part of a much greater plan, a much greater story. She gave up her excuses and determined that, even though she was a nobody, she was a nobody who was going to do something. Your Life So, what are your excuses? Are you too old? Too young? Too poor? Too rich? Too ordinary? Too average to do anything that could make a difference in this world? Whether or not we are making what we feel is a huge difference in the world around us, we are contributing to the state of the whole either by what we choose to do or choose not to do. We are either part of the audience or part of the cast; part of the crowd or part of the force. God, today – here in Buffalo – is looking for one life to make a difference in a world ever facing greater and greater challenges. He is looking for one life that He can work through to chart the course for His eternal plan, and through which He can show that He is still on the throne. Esther’s (the orphan queen) was one such life. Why not yours?
Robert Stearns is the founder and executive director of Eagles’ Wings, an international relational network of believers, churches, and ministries committed to the lifestyle of biblical spirituality, the unity of the Body of Christ, and God’s enduring covenant with Israel. Robert also serves as co-chairman of the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem, and is the Publisher of KAIROS Magazine.
A Tipping Point?
BY REVS. AL AND DEB WARNER
As you read this, the events of Saturday, August 14 may have begun to dim for some of you. That morning eight people were shot at a Buffalo restaurant, with four dying from their wounds. All four who died were African Americans. The national news called it the ‘Buffalo massacre.’ As we sat through the funeral services of 3 of the 4 victims, I asked the question that has been asked countless times, “Lord, what is Your Word to the grief stricken families, churches, neighborhoods, and to our region?” In a season of violence and death, it is far easier to recognize the hand of the enemy than the hand of the Lord. Pat answers do not work during such times. When Jesus came to the funeral of his friend Lazarus, He internalized the grief around Him and wept, even though He was about to accomplish His greatest miracle to date – the resurrection of Lazarus. In order to hear God’s voice, it is important to ‘weep with those who weep.’ (Rom. 12:15 NLT) The compassion of Christ came even closer as I reflected that the caskets held 32-year-old Tiffany Wilhite, 27-year-old Tia McNeil, and 26-year-old Willie McCaa. (We were not able to attend the service for 30-year-old Danyell Mackin.) These ages are too close to my own sons who are in their twenties. As the tears begin to dry, what might God be saying?
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First, this is not only Buffalo’s battle, but a regional battle, a call to arms! In Numbers 32, God declares that when one tribe of Israel is at war, ALL tribes of Israel are at war. No tribe could enjoy peace in their land while their brothers and sisters continued in conflict. It is too easy to act as though murders in Buffalo are not my problem if I live outside the city. The enemy loves to pick us off one tribe at a time. I believe that if the tribe/church of Buffalo is at war, then the tribe/church of Amherst is at war, the tribe/church of Orchard Park is at war, etc. Second, Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Is the compassion of Christ filling your heart as you pray for Buffalo? ‘You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.’ (Luke 6:36 NLT) Compassion can be uncomfortable because it often requires me to get involved. What will you do if you pray for God to make a difference in Buffalo, and if He replies that you are the answer? Third, some of the leaders and pastors in Buffalo are weary. They have buried too many of our precious young people in the last few years. Exodus 17:10-13 (The Message) It turned out that whenever Moses raised his hands, Israel was winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, Amalek was winning. But Moses’ hands got tired. So they got a stone and set it under him. He sat on it and Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on each side. So his hands remained steady until the sun went down. Joshua defeated Amalek and its army in battle. God is calling us to strengthen our brother’s and sister’s arms. This includes: *prayers of protection for those who are on the front lines *prayer for godly wisdom and strategy for our leaders *prayer for blessing and life to triumph over curse and death *prayer for concrete signs of hope, including improved housing, education, job creation God announces that He has ‘…plans to give you hope and a future.’ (Jer. 29:11b NIV) Agree with God! Last, could this horrible tragedy become a tipping point, a rallying cry that awakens our region and causes us collectively to say, ‘No more. Not on my watch.’ During the funeral service at True Bethel Baptist Church, Pastor Pridgen spontaneously raised an offering of $20,000 to act as a reward for the conviction of the killer(s). At the conclusion of the service, Pastor Pridgen gave an invitation for young men and young women to come forward and begin a new spiritual journey. The front of the sanctuary was filled. These are sacred moments. As you read and reflect on this, what will your response be? Jeremiah 29:7 (NIV) “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Revs. Al & Deb Warner are the founders and executive directors of Set Free, Inc., a networking ministry connecting business, governmental and church leaders to build relationships as agents of change for personal, economic and societal transformation. To view clips of these moves, as well as to track the unfolding prophetic destiny of Buffalo/Niagara, check out www.setfreeinc.org
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Continued from page 12 I was expecting this day to happen for 22 years!” Pastor Tommy Reid, Full Gospel Tabernacle, Orchard Park gave us a sense of the prayers that led to Delia’s healing. Several years ago, Rev. Aimee Reid-Sych, best friend of Delia, had a vision in which she saw Delia seated in her wheelchair on the crest of a world globe. Suddenly, with the eyes of the whole world seeing the intervention of God in Delia’s life, Delia emerged from that wheelchair and began to walk. It was as if God had placed this young woman of God in a position where the entire world would view the miracle as she took her first steps. And now, the miracle has happened and the world did see the actual moment when she took her first steps. The world saw as Delia’s healing became an international sensation on the Internet, with over 400,000 hits on YouTube as of November. The video clip has been shown in hundreds of churches and homes as far away as Amsterdam. Is there a common response when this video clip is shown? HOPE is rekindled. Faith is released. Tears of joy are typically present. For those of us who live in Buffalo, those of us who have known Delia up-close and personal, for those of us who have helped lift her wheelchair on to platforms – Thursday, October 21st was Delia’s time to come home to Buffalo. As we drove to Delia’s parents home on Jersey Street, among the lawn signs for every political leader imaginable were lawn signs that were of a radically different flavor: Walkin’ Home Delia “And there was much joy in the city’ Acts 8:8
The assembled crowd eagerly waited to celebrate Delia walking up the steps into her parent’s waiting arms. We were not disappointed. We saw with our own eyes what we had only seen on video. Delia walked as we wept with joy. Gloria Dios! Praise God! There was not a dry eye to be seen. This was not the first time joy came to this neighborhood. November, 2009, just 3 minutes away, God answered another woman’s prayer – Delores Powell of Home Makeover fame. Delores was struggling to care for her family in impossible conditions, and cried out to God for help. Her prayer was not just for herself, but included compassion for her fellow neighbors. God sent Extreme Makeover as a catalyst. Thousands volunteered to transform not just the Powell home, but the surrounding neighborhood with 29 homes impacted, including new roofs, porches, painting, 109 trees planted, sidewalks poured, and 3 new parks built. As Jim McGinnis (Full Gospel Tabernacle) said, “There was a door God placed in front of us. I believe when we walked through that door, God poured out His blessings. He poured out and showed us what the Church is supposed to do in the City of Buffalo.” But God was not done with Delia in our city yet. Friday, October 22nd, Bishop Levi and Delia returned to Delia’s home church, the Full Gospel Tabernacle under the leadership of Pastor Tommy Reid. Everyone was invited to come and see Delia in person. The sanctuary was packed, and the air was electric. Pastors from all over the city – Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, Asians – came and brought their congregations. Multi-race, multi-denomination, sounds more like Heaven than Buffalo -- all waiting with great anticipation to personally see Delia walking for themselves. The video of Delia’s healing from August 27th was shown.
Photos Below: Bishop Levy and Delia Knox arrive at the home of Delia’s mother where she grew up on Buffalo’s West Side.
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Finally, Delia came walking out in her high heels! The crowd spontaneously rose to their feet with praises to God for His amazing miracle! As Delia ministered, people came out of wheelchairs, deaf ears were opened, a man with 8 screws and metal rods in his back was instantaneously healed and began to touch his toes and dance across the platform. Glory to God!!! What is the meaning of this miracle? Pastor Tommy Reid had some thoughts: “This miracle signifies that God is about to visit his world in unprecedented power again. I believe we are about to experience God and His miraculous intervention as we have never experienced God before. We have seen an unbelievable miracle, but most of all WE HAVE SEEN JESUS! ...I am believing and I know nothing will ever be the same again.” Is there a larger picture for Buffalo? Could it be that as Delia came out of her wheelchair after decades of being crippled that God is about to call our crippled City of Buffalo out of decades of hopelessness and helplessness? Could this be bigger than we yet know? Those of us who were there will never forget the moment our faith became sight. This is a move of compassion! “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” Matt. 14:14 So if your pillow could speak, what would it say? Delia Knox’s pillow says, “GOD
HAS BEEN
GOOD TO ME!” Delores Powell’s pillow says, “GOD HAS BEEN GOOD TO ME!“ My pillow is shouting from the rooftop, “GOD HAS BEEN GOOD TO ME!“ Listen, I think I hear your pillow speaking even now, “GOD HAS BEEN GOOD TO ME!“
RESOURCE REVIEW
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Whether we realize it or not, each of us was created for a great cause— and we will never be truly fulfilled until we find and pursue it. Matthew Barnett discovered his great cause when he relinquished his dream of building a big, successful church and began listening for God’s dream for his life. Sensing that God was calling him to serve the poor and powerless of Los Angeles, Matthew founded the Dream Center, a beacon of hope for homeless families, drug addicts, abused women and children, victims of human trafficking, teen runaways, gang members, and many others whose lives were filled with brokenness. If you are hungry for a life full of passion instead of apathy; if you are ready to use your specific gifts and abilities to make a mark on the world; if you need to be reminded that God loves you and has a plan for your life—The Cause Within You is the book that can change everything. Through his own story and the stories of others whose lives have been transformed, Matthew Barnett will lead you to the cause of your lifetime. Abby Johnson quit her job in October 2009. That simple act became a national news story because Abby was director of a Planned Parenthood clinic in Texas who, not long after assisting in an actual abortion procedure for the first time, cross the line to join the Coalition for Life. What happened in that clinic to cause this Planned Parenthood leader and Employee of the Year to take such drastic action? And how did Planned Parenthood react to her abrupt departure? Join Abby as she reveals her full story for the first time in Unplanned: A heart-stopping personal drama of life-and-death encounters, a courtroom battle, and spiritual transformation. Abby’s unique vantage point from both sides of the abortion clinic property line shines light and compassion into the political controversy that surrounds this issue. For anyone who cares about the life-versus-rights debate and helping women who face crisis pregnancies, Unplanned is a must-read. Every thought you have creates or reinforces already-created negative or positive beliefs in your heart. These beliefs are the main controllers of our thoughts, words, and actions, which in turn form our emotions. The key to having a high-quality life is to create beliefs within your heart that control your behavior. In this interactive 12-week companion workbook to the Guarding Your Child’s Heart DVD series, Dr. Gary Smalley presents how-to steps, engaging questions, practical exercises, and fun activities to help the whole family memorize and meditate on key Scriptures.
Boone Drake has it made. He’s a young cop rising rapidly through the ranks of the Chicago Police Department. He has a beautiful wife and a young son, a nice starter house, a great partner, and a career plan that should land him in the Organized Crime Division within five years. Everything is going right. Until everything goes horribly, terribly wrong. His personal life destroyed and his career and future in jeopardy, Boone buries himself in guilt and bitterness as his life spirals out of control. But when he comes face-to-face with the most vicious gang leader Chicago has seen in decades, he begins to realize that God is a God of second chances and can change the hardest heart . . . and forgive the worst of crimes. A thought-provoking police thriller from New York Times bestselling author Jerry B. Jenkins.
UNITED’s newest album AFTERMATH is a thoughtful collaboration that reflects every season of life. Songs that come from deep places, the highs and lows of the Christian journey. Releases February 15.
Thematically, Leaving Eden’s opener and title track speaks to a new awareness in Brandon’s life that the problems of the world exist in part because of the knowledge of good and evil. However, even amidst innocence being slowly chipped away, Heath believes the world can be changed, even if it’s just one decision at a time.
Josh Wilson returns with his highly anticipated new studio album, See You. See You features songs that are sure to inspire and challenge fellow believers. Much like Josh’s previous hit singles “Savior, Please” and “Before The Morning,” See You delivers songs like “I Refuse” and “Fall Apart” that are refreshingly honest and emotional while also lyrically and spiritually profound. Rising Stars, a peepy, teenage music film in the style of High School Musical, but with heart. The film features performances by veteran actors, Fisher Stevens, Barry Corbin and Catherine Mary Stewart . They are joined by a talented group of upand-coming young actor/musicians. Rising Stars also features a dramatic performance by Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum-selling Contemporary Christian recording artist, Rebecca St. James. Releases mid-February. It’s Easter time in Crisper County and cable news reporter Marlee Meade (Petunia Rhubarb) is hunting for a way to help others. On a tip that the old town theater will be shut down, Marlee cooks up a plan to save the stage and make a difference through the power of musical theater. Marlee discover the true meaning of Easter and what helping others is really all about. Releases March 5.
All Books, Bibles, Music, Gifts, and Stationery are available at: Bender’s Parable Christian Store, located at 8550 Sheridan Drive in Williamsville, NY. Open Monday-Friday from 10:00am-9:00pm; Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm. Shop online at: www.shopBenders.com February/March 2011
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FINAL THOUGHT
Adoption:
Spiritual and Sociological Implications, With Repeated Opportunity to See the Gospel By Ryan S Kozey, PhD. My current position of employment situates me in a diverse spectrum of demographies and socio-economic statuses. I’m involved in trying to help churches work together through partnership and planting, seeking to give every man, woman, and child a repeated opportunity to hear, see, and experience the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, our desire is the saturation of the Gospel into every livable area of a designated geography. For this particular article, I want to focus on the statement of the repeated opportunity to see the Gospel. The experience I’ll share next takes me to my hometown of Garfield Heights, Ohio also known as blue collar, Southeast Cleveland. Most men there, when I was young, worked in some form of manufacturing, most predominantly, the steel mills of Cleveland. It’s not exactly a pretty part of town anymore, unless you like smoke stacks and impoverished neighborhoods. In fact, socio-economically, to say that it has fallen on hard times is an understatement. A local talk-show host references that part of town and encourages people to be “packing” when they go, for protection of course. Within Garfield Heights though, there is a family worth meeting. Dave and Carole are an unassuming couple. If one were to simply pass them on the street, you would be inclined to walk on without comment. But Dave and Carole aren’t simply a couple. They make up the Brunelle family, and I promise you, if you were to pass them on the street, it would merit a comment or two. Eight children. Three biological. Five adopted with high needs (and allow me to clarify high needs: two born addicted to either heroin or methadone; one born with another addiction, holes in their heart and hyperthyroid antibodies from mom; one born with severe in-utero brain trauma; one born profoundly retarded with cerebral palsy). Some Caucasian. Some African-American. The first time I saw a family photo of the Brunelles, I couldn’t help but ask the question, “Could someone tell me more about this family?” I saw the photo on the fridge of a friend of mine, when I was finishing up college in Bowling Green, OH. It would be years before I actually met them in person. Here’s what I’ve come to 18 www.unitemagazine.us
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know… Dave and Carole have a heart for kids. I have come to know that such a heart has been developed by their love for Christ. As Christ has developed their heart, bringing five, high needs children into the home strikes a chord similar to James 1:27 (“…caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you”; NLT). It is not perfect, and it certainly is not easy. About a year ago, Dave was up in Buffalo, visiting. As we sat in Pearl Street Grill and Brewery on a snowy, windy Buffalo evening, I asked him how life was going. He talked about some difficulty with one of their adopted sons. As he began telling the story, his heart was heavy, and his eyes welled up with tears as he shared the struggle associated with his son. The situation was taking a heavy toll on his family. As I reflected back on that time, I recall that physically, Dave looked beat, likely lacking in sleep. He was emotionally spent. His family was in counseling, trying to figure out what to do and how to do it best. I am blown away by something profound to me in all of this—in terms of options, they didn’t “have” to do this. The pain, the toil, the difficulty of bringing up a hybrid family of biological and adopted, high needs children—Dave and Carole didn’t have to approach child services and make a home for these children. But they did. I’m not implying that everyone should simply run out and do what Dave and Carole have done. But there are some that will read this, whose heart is bent in this direction. And if you are one of these people, consider what Dave’s close friend Mike has challenged me with: “When I look at Dave and Carole’s kids, I can’t help but think of where these kids would be without this family.”
The Brunelle family is continually present with the Gospel. Wherever they go, the story of the willingness of a couple to love those without a home and without a family screams to all who are willing to see and listen. Their family is one that has been filled with trials throughout the years, due to their willingness to put their “YES” on the table. And as they have done that, they have envisioned a community with the representation of the Gospel message of Christ. As I have been eye-witness to Dave and Carole’s life, I am moved to consider what the impact of communities would be, both spiritually and sociologically, if more of us were willing to do the hard things that this family does. Their story does demonstrate the harsh reality of the cost of following Christ, make no mistake about it. But with it, the story is fertile ground for the Gospel to any and all who will listen. You see, Dave and Carole make ready their opportunity for proclamation as the Holy Spirit moves in them to do so. The decision to bring these children into their family is one that wasn’t simply the cool thing to do. It is based on the doctrine of changed lives. God changed Dave and Carole’s life through Christ. That moment for each of them set the stage for what would happen, decision after decision, until they draw their last breath. It so happens that this was what God moved in their hearts to do.
And what is so profoundly challenging to me is that they got off the sidelines, put skin in the game, and did one of the most unthinkable things to many—they decided to allow for their life to be inconvenienced by the Gospel. It is messy. It is organic. It is real. It is an active demonstration of seeing the Gospel in action on repeated occasions.
Ryan Kozey, PhD is the Director of Strategic Initiatives for The Renovation Network. In addition, he is an adjunct professor of Organizational Communication for Canisius College. He and his wife and children reside here in Buffalo, NY.