UNITE DEC/JAN 2012 by Kyle Patterson

unite

december/january 2012

One Region, One Church, One Mission www.unitemagazine.us

CHRISTMAS A Season Of Giving

pg. 11

SPLENDOR

A New EP from Christian Rainville pg. 11

LAUS PERENNIS Perpetual Prayer in Buffalo? pg. 12

EDITOR’S NOTE CONTENTS As the Christmas season approaches, amidst all the hustle and bustle and shopping and eating and celebrating take time this season to reflect on the miracle and holiness of the season. In the name of giving, let us not be deceived and led astray from simple and pure devotion to Christ as Paul warned the Corinthians. Our culture is so full of distraction and media saturation that it is so easy to get lost in it instead of His Presence. My prayer is that this Christmas would be overflowing with Him and that during this season our level of intimacy with God and communion with Him would so grow that everything we do would be as overflow. The Bible says in his presence is fullness of joy yet C.S. Lewis diagnosis our condition well we he wrote, “We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” I want to encourage you to quiet and still yourself before the Lord, reflect on his beauty and give him of yourself fully in intimacy and in service this season. As his love washes over you thank Him for the incredible lengths he was willing to go for us and there find all the pleasure your heart longs for.

Kyle R. Patterson

DEC./JAN. 2012

COVER PHOTO BY MATT BROWN

4 Partners

unite december/january 2012 www.unitemagazine.us PUBLISHER

5 Events Potter’s Hands

7 News Do Good, Julie Meyer, Buffalo Celebrates Israel, Eric Johns… Laus Perrenis

12 Cover Story Christmas. A Season for Giving… Ben Tagg

14 Columns Splendor

Celebrating Jesus….....Robert Stearns Giving Like God….Melody Barclay

Kyle Patterson kyle@thrivebuffalo.org Editor-in-Chief....…...……………………Kyle Patterson kyle@thrivebuffalo.org Operations Director…………………..Julianna Patterson Contributors………………………………….. Lou Perez Robert Stearns Lisa Littlewood Ben Tagg Melody Barclay Photographers… …………….....Matt and Angela Brown Troy Teague Bob Caple 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. Advertising rates may be obtained by emailing info@thrivebuffalo.org or by calling (716)809-0496.

PARTNERS GOLD PARTNERS ZION DOMINION GLOBAL MINISTRIES Pastor Roderick L. Hennings 716-250-7040 www.ziondominion.org ELIM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Bishop Troy Bronner 716-832-7698 www.elim-world.org THE TABERNACLE Bishop Tommy Reid 716-675-2888 www.thetab.org

BRONZE PARTNERS CLARENCE CENTER UMC Pastors Chuck and Kim Smith 716-741-2410 www.thewayonline.net THE CHAPEL AT CROSSPOINT Pastor Jerry Gillis 716-631-2636 www.thechapel.com GRACE FELLOWSHIP Pastor Linda Giano 716-681-2059 www.gracefic.org

SILVER PARTNERS

BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. Kevin L. Wright 716-688-8668 www.bethel-nab.org

LOVE JOY GOSPEL CHURCH Pastor Ron and Judy Burgio 716-651-0400 www.lovejoy.org

NORTHGATE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY Pastor Jon Hasselbeck 716-912-5477 www.northgatebuffalo.com

PENTECOSTAL TEMPLE Pastor Matthew L. Brown 716-852-5502 www.pentecostaltemplechurch.com

EAGLES’ WINGS Dr. Robert Stearns 716-759-1058 www.eagleswings.to

NEW BETHEL COMMUNITY CHURCH Pastors William and Toni Clark 716-835-8300 www.newbethelonline.com DESTINY CHRISTIAN CHURCH Pastors Lou and Louisa Perez 716-297-2656 www.destinychristianniagara.com NORTHEASTERN SEMINARY JP Anderson-Director of Admissions 1-800-777-4RWC www.nes.edu GLOBAL DOMINION INT’L ALLIANCES Dr. Melody Barclay 716-603-5436 drmelody2011@hotmail.com HOUSE OF WORSHIP Pastor Migdalia González 716-512-0794 www.cdaelshaddai.com

For more information or to become a partner email kyle@thrivebuffalo.org

EVENTS JANUARY 2012

DECEMBER 2011 Pilgrimage to Bethlehem takes place at Randall Baptist Church, December 1-3 from 6:30-8:30 nightly. The event is free and open to all. Join Randall Baptist for a guided walk through the story of Christmas.

"THE STORY OF CHRISTMAS" takes place December 9,10, 11 at The Chapel at Crosspoint featuring the epic drama of God coming down from Heaven and becoming one of us, the story of God's gift to the world, His only Son, Jesus. For it is He who is at the center of the Christmas story. This story of love from God's Word, The Bible, is beautifully told through the books of Matthew and Luke. Come be a part of this special presentation of "The Story of Christmas," hosted by The Chapel at Crosspoint, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Tabernacle in Orchard Park performs The Grinch December 11 at 10 and then again at 6. At The Tabernacle church! Yes, the sound will be Merry! Come one and come all! It will be merry! VERY! Every Who here in Who-ville likes Christmas a lot... so we must stop this Grinch from keeping his plot. No tickets are needed, this show is for free! All ages are welcome. Yes! Your whole family! Boxes of Love Outreach begins organized and spearheaded by the Buffalo Dream Center, but networking numerous churches together reaching out to the community and blessing 3000 families with food and gifts this Christmas. See BuffaloDreamCenter.org for more.

MercyMe is coming to the University at Buffalo’s Center for the Arts for their Christmas 2011 Tour, with special guest Bebo Norman. Don’t miss this incredible evening with one of Christian music’s finest groups! Tickets are on sale now at the Center for the Arts Box Office, at all Ticketmaster locations, ticketmaster.com

December 20th and 22nd Clarence Center United Methodist Church will be sharing the joy of the season and the love of our church as they offer gift wrapping services at the Transit Rd. Barnes and Noble from 2-6 p.m. both days and has two shifts (2-4 and 4 -6).

Holidays can be difficult when touched by family tragedy or other tragedy. Would a time of reflection and inspiration help? Why not consider a Blue Christmas/Longest Night service at Cleveland Drive Presbyterian 735 Cleveland Dr. Cheektowaga NY 14225?

Christmas Eve services are being held at many area churches with many not having Sunday services on Christmas day to observe the holiday with family. Check your churches specific website.

Niagara ’11 The Tabernacle is the 17th Annual Christmas Youth Conference hosted by Joshua Revolution and will take place this December 27-30 in Niagara Falls, NY. For more information and to request a free promotional pack visit our website or call 1.888.415.KIDS or visit online at www.joshuarevolution.org. Speakers include Reggie Dabbs, Hanna Ben-Haim, Bob Cornell and Loren Larson. Musicians at this year’s event include Laura-Lee Cascagnette, Mike Kim, Joseph & Grace Larson and Derek Levendusky.

Sword of the Spirit Ministries hosts their annual New Year’s Eve service at 10pm with refreshments to follow. Sword of the Spirit is known for powerful meetings where you will experience the presence of the Lord through dynamic praise and worship and a cutting-edge word that will activate your faith. They are located at 300 Kensington Avenue in Buffalo.

Happy New Year from your friends at UNITE. Thanks for reading and please pass a copy along to

a friend!

Lovejoy Gospel Church begins a 21 Day yearly New Year’s fast.

Every Monday-Saturday Elim Christian Fellowship on 70 Chalmers Avenue in Buffalo hosts morning prayer and worship at 6:30AM. Elim Christian Fellowship has locations in Buffalo and Rochester led by Bishop Bronner.

R L Hennings Ministries presents “"It's A Matter of Dominion"“ Telecasts Worldwide Every Thursday 6:30 a.m. EST. Word Network and Radio broadcast on WUFO 1080am every Friday at 9:00am. The Advanced Business Connection proudly presents Trades of St. Gabe’s Wednesday January 11 from 4-9PM at 5271 Clinton Street in Elma. The event features networking opportunities, exhibitors and seminars from local businesses and leaders in the community. It’s an event dedicated to mobilizing and assisting individuals, local community and business.

A favorite of young and old alike, the endearing tale of a tragic young woman’s magical journey from mistreated house servant to happy-ever-after princess is brought vividly to life by the talented cast of the Roberts Wesleyan College-Community Theater January 13-22.

Informational meeting at Northeastern Seminary, Buffalo extension site, 6500 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, NY. Your invited for an introduction to master’s degree programs—for ordination, for expanded theological understanding, for effective lay leadership.

Father & Son Snow Overnight at Camp Hickory Hill, January 2021: Sledding, Outdoor Games, Indoor Games, Hot Chocolate, Great food, Worship and God’s Word, etc. Contact us at 716-631-3498 or www.CampHickoryHill.org. (Saturday only option available.)

Death by Chocolate is an evening of worship, hilarious laughter, door prizes and LOTS of chocolate with comedians, Bessie & Beulah. You've never seen an act quite like this one. When comedians Becky Baker and Katie Blackburn don their loud and hilariously unfashionable costumes they become Bessie and Beulah, two outrageously funny sisters that will leave you in stitches. Ladies! Come and be reminded that laughter truly is the best medicine! This is a free event with no registration required. Hosted at The Chapel.

The Elephant Room will be shown via simulcast at Journey Christian Church 3955 Mount Read Boulevard in Rochester on January 25th. The Elephant Room features blunt conversations between seven influential pastors who take differing approaches to ministry. No keynotes. No canned messages. These are “the conversations you never thought you’d hear.” All conversations are moderated by James MacDonald of Harvest Bible Chapel and Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church.

33 Miles and Todd Agnew will be performing three shows: Date: Jan. 26 in Endicott Date: Jan. 27 in Walworth Date: Jan. 28 in Milton, PA.

Freedom Ministries at Love Joy Church presents A Prayers That Heal the Heart weekend seminar. Visit www.lovejoy.org for more details.

Don’t see your event? email kyle@thrivebuffalo.org to get listed. Small fee applies. Space is limited.

Blogging Still Relevant For Moms & Writers

NEWS Area Christians Give Israel Offering of Love

(A Division of DaySpring). Mae, Heights and Adams met at a conference for “mom” bloggers in 2010. While they were inspired and encouraged by the event, the three women felt the need for a space in which Christian women interested in writing and blogging could come together. By the time they returned home, they were not just planning new blog posts, but an entirely new blogging conference (which they pulled off in just a few short months!). This year’s event boasted well known speakers such as New York Times acclaimed author Ann Voskamp (author of One Thousand Gifts) and Tsh Oxenreider, author of Organized Simplicity and founder of SimpleMom.Net a popular site with more than 35,000 followers. In addition to Voskamp and Oxenreider, attendees heard from a number of other women who have found a sphere of online influence through their own blogs (you can read more about the speakers here) and writing ventures. Despite the surprise of heavy snow outside, threatening to deter flights and trips home (and offering quite a shock to women from places like California and Texas) the atmosphere was warm, energetic and enthusiastic. The Relevant Conference, is a women’s conference for bloggers

who have a heart for Jesus. Not all of them blog about Him specifically but we all have Him as our common thread. We eat lots of chocolate and drink lots of coffee…...heaven!” And, in the words of the conference organizers, “Relevant is the proverbial comfy chair in which we meet, tell, listen, and love deeply for a weekend as our souls are refreshed and our mission renewed. October Snow in Harrisburg, PA ( photo taken by Cindy Spivey) Our goal at Relevant is to minister to the woman, the blogger, the story teller. We want to love you well, encourage you, and spur you on; we desire to see your soul refreshed among kindred spirits.” The organizers of Relevant are incredibly encouraged by the way the conference has transpired. “It’s been a wild ride,” said Mae. They are already beginning planning for next year’s event which they hope to host in a larger venue and be able to offer more tickets (only 200 were available this year), while still keeping to their desires to create an encouraging and intimate space. For more information check out their website at www.therelevantconference.com.

raise awareness for homelessness as well as raising support for Boxes of Love, an annual outreach that feeds and brings Christmas joy to over 3,000 families in the region. Johns, who pastors The Buffalo Dream Center, a inner city church that meets at The Buffalo Christian Center says he got the idea for Boxes of By Kyle Patterson Love while driving his ministry van around downtown and asking God how he could help inner city youth enjoy the Christmas season even though many can’t afford it. It was then that he knew that God spoke to him to live homeless, something that he didn’t know would attract almost every media outlet in Buffalo to cover the story causing awareness for what Johns was doing on behalf of the poor of Buffalo to spread near and far. The amount of coverage for Pastor Eric Johns (2nd from left) has spent one week every year for his ministry would help put Johns in the last 13 years living homeless and raising support to help the the center of the conversation around reaching Buffalo for Christ On any given night there are between 4,000and now Boxes of Love is one of the 7,000 homeless on the streets of Buffalo. Eric largest cross denominational inner Johns by his own choice is one of them every city and suburban church outreaches Thanksgiving for the last 13 years. The week in the area. “I think it is important of Thanksgiving, from Monday through Satto draw attention to not just homeurday he puts aside his earthly comforts and less people but people in need. lives on the streets, sleeps under bridges and When we have something and we finds food at various shelters helping to

can help I believe it is our duty and responsibility to do something,” said Johns who explained that ministry is about seeing a need and filling the need. Johns said shortly after completing his week on the streets that it was the generosity of strangers that touched his heart this year and blessed Johns and his team which included Pastor Pat Fleming of Amherst Church of the Nazarene. Some would recognize Johns from the news stories, some wouldn’t but either way Johns is happy getting the word out and seeing people respond. New this year for Johns was spending a (rainy) night in Niagara Falls, NY calling attention to problems facing not only Buffalo but also our neighbor to the north. The ministry now is focusing on their distribution center on Seneca Street in the Larkin District where Boxes of Love are being sent all over the community. The outreach attracts a network of churches with 15 distribution locations sharing the love of Christ and helping smaller churches reach out to their neighborhoods bringing hope and good news that Jesus saves.

By Lisa Littlewood

By Kyle Patterson

Relevant Conference co-founders Sarah Mae, Jessica Heights and Dana Adams

Pastor Roderick Hennings hosted Buffalo Celebrates Israel! November 6 bringing together over 25 churches and ministries offering Christian love to Jews. Photo by Matt Brown

Christians and Jews may not agree on all aspects of faith but for at least one night they put aside th eir differences as a diverse collection of Christian churches, ministries and members of the Jewish community came together Sunday night for Buffalo Celebrates Israel!-- an annual event and time of honor, celebration and offering of love to the Jewish Community of Western New York. This year's event, the 2nd annual, was hosted at Zion Dominion Global Ministries in Amherst. Eagles' Wings and Executive Director Robert Stearns spearheaded the effort that brought together over 25 ministries to show love and support for the faith's roots--Israel. The event was hosted by Pastor Roderick Hennings of Zion Dominion Global Ministries and entertained numerous significant leaders from the Christian community, Jewish community and political leaders including The Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo and Executive Director Michael D. Wise, Congressman Brian Higgins, Council for Public Affairs at Consulate General of Israel in New York Gil Lainer, Rabbi Perry Netter of Temple Beth Tzedek in Amherst and Christian leaders including Pastor Tommy Reid, Roderick Hennings (host), Jerry Gillis and Pat Jones--pastors of significant Christian congregations in Western New York and many other great churches. The event, mostly celebratory with song, dance and drama also addressed some of the growing concerns for both the Jewish and Christian community including the growing threat of terrorism, Islam, Iran and secular humanism. Consul Gil Lainer reminded the gathering that Israel is the only nation in the Middle East that shares democratic values with the United States. Robert Stearns, who stunned the gathering with his solo of Israel's national anthem--Hatikv stated, "We are here on purpose and by divine appointment." Stearns stated three reasons why Christians need to stand in support of Israel, 1) Gratitude for our common faith roots 2) Repentant for past sins against the Jewish race 3) Similar rising threats against our faiths. Stearns also called upon Congressman Brian Higgins to take the message back to Washington. Brian Higgins (D-NY) commented on Israel's contribution to the world economy through various exports and technological innovations and contributions to the world, stating, "We must stand for Israel," and "A better way of life can't be accomplished through terrorism." Michael D. Price, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo commented, "Israel is about shared values between the United States and Israel. This is not a republican or democratic issue." A special love offering was taken raising over $10,000 for the poor in Israel. For more information on other pro-Israel events visit www.eagleswings.to

For a blogging and writing conference only two years young, The Relevant Conference, hosted at the Sheraton Hotel in Harrisburg, P.A. October 27th-29th, has made waves in a high energy, high intensity social media culture, as one of “the” conferences to attend for Christian women who are interested in writing and connecting through social media outlets. While this year’s gathering was only the second since its inception in October 2010, the event was completely sold out and carried a wait list of hundreds of women hoping to find tickets. Started by co-founders Sarah Mae, Jessica Heights and Dana Adams, the event has already attracted the attention and involvement of big name Christian sponsors such as Zondervan, Focus on the Family, Operation Christmas Child and (in)Courage

A Week On The Streets Helps Spread Boxes of Love To Thousands

Lisa Littlewood blogs about her adventures in writing and motherhood at www.littlewritermomma.com

NEWS Julie Meyer was the guest psalmist at Eagles’ Wings River Conference November 3-5 at Lovejoy Church. Meyer gave a strong word that God was calling his Church in our region to a new level of unity, confirming what many have been sensing. According to Meyer 2012 is a key year to begin walking out a united effort to win our region for Christ. Pastor Migdalia González and husband Wilfredo González gladly invite you to come worship our Lord and Savior together every Sunday at 12 noon at House of Worship EL-Shaddai. The church is a newly established church on Buffalo’s lower West side that has been open to the community for eight months. Worship services are offered in English and Spanish. Each week House of Worship conducts a community outreach event: Brothers United Working for Christ every Thursday, from 5-7 pm, where they provide a hot meal and clothes free of cost.

A group of over 350 from four area churches (Zion Dominion, The Chapel, City Church of Batavia, Eastern Hills Wesleyan) sporting lime green “Do Good” shirts converged on Eastern Hills Mall November 19 with a spontaneous performance to Lincoln Brewster’s “Glory to God”, then spread throughout the mall committing random acts of kindness in Jesus’ Name to mall shoppers. One act was handing out over 200 mall gift cards with the following message: “This season is all about giving. God gave us everything though His Son, Jesus. It makes us want to give, too. Pass this gift on, or use it and be blessed. Merry Christmas! From the Churches of WNY”. The flash mob was the official kick off to a Christmas initiative of the four participating churches called “Do Good”, which is promoting the simple message: Do something good for God this Christmas. The “Do Good” initiative is about empowering individuals and families to prayerfully look for natural ways to spread God’s love in their neighborhoods, workplaces and communities. This is also not an exclusive “club”, but an invitation to anyone to join forces with the Churches of WNY in Do Good’s mission: to transform WNY, one good deed at a time, in Jesus’ Name. Pastor Marty MacDonald of City Church in Batavia said, “What an incredible evening! To see multiple congregations come together for the purpose of serving humanity… I believe that we spread the Good News of Jesus tonight by “Doing good.’” The Joseph Business School kicks off their spring semester January 14 at New Creation Fellowship in Cheektowaga, NY. The school is for entrepreneurs and business people wanting to succeed in business God’s way and help fulfill their marketplace calling. For more details or to enroll visit www.jbsbuffalo.com.

Kelly

The Kelly Girls— Jill, Erin and Camryn released Hot Chocolate With God—a “tween” book from Camryn’s perspective.

Business Men’s Fellowship hosted a meeting this past October 14 looking to connect kingdom minded business people in the region. Plans are underway for further meetings in the near future. Race to the Finish is a TCT Kids movie production out of the ministry’s Orchard Park location. The movie premieres this coming February and Movie Release tackles a tough issue and one our community is working through—bullying.

Buffalo United kicked off their first annual event 11/11/11 at Resurrection Life in Cheektowaga. The event brought together a reported 17 churches for a passionate night of worship led by a team of young musicians.

Sources say the Billy Graham Evangelical Association is in process of making plans for a $1.5 million dollar crusade in Buffalo. Read more news at www.unitemagazine.us Have news to share? Email info@thrivebuffalo.org (space is limited, small fee applies)

INTERVIEW

QUESTIONS WITH >> Brother Robert Franciscan Monk Serving at City Mission. 31 years old, healed of deafness as a child.

1) When did you first feel called to the monastic life and the greatest blessing and hardest challenge of walking out this life of devotion? I first felt called soon after receiving the healing (of deafness) in my childhood. It did not come into full fruition until later in my life, however since my childhood I had interacted with lay and full religious clergy and monastics. The greatest blessing, is knowing the truth and being able to discern the situations I am presented with. Thanks to the guidance of the Holy Ghost, I have been saved from much pain and suffering and granted insight and wisdom, especially in situations that would leave someone hurt, let alone traumatized. The hardest challenge of this walk is to accept the fact that I know very little, and consistently take up the posture of a student, always in the presence of the Master. Once one experience is completed, the time to move forward to a new challenge always opens. 2) When you were 5 years old a priest prayed and God restored your hearing, can you talk about how that impacted your devotion to Christ? This had a tremendous impact on my relation to both Christ and the world as I experienced it. I can recall to mind the experiences that Augustine had expressed in his confessions relating to escaping the pollutions of the world in his youth. For me, having been deaf, allowed me to have a childhood of profound silence and stillness, that actually became disrupted by the receipt of hearing. This however enhanced my relationship with Christ, because since then I have ever sought to re-attain that state of stillness and quiet relationship with him, thus allowing me to perceive those things in our day-to-day life that are opposed to accessing that spirit of peace. 3) Your serving in Buffalo at the City Mission right now, what is happening there and how long do you intend to be a part of the community here? During my time with the Buffalo City Mission, a multitude of events are occurring. First and foremost, we are not just building converts in their knowledge and relationship with Christ, but also winning souls over through the witness of those who are faithful servants. 4) What other ministry assignments are you working on? Currently, we are coordinating the creation of ministerial operations that will provide services to the underserved, as well as other prosperity ministries. This may include a brand new wing of ministry that will be called “Shelter of the Most High” which will be the core of the ministerial formation. Additionally, having successfully completed this establishment, we will be further able to interconnect with other Christian networks locally, regionally & beyond. This will be especially helpful to connecting missions abroad and locally, thus being able to be better beneficiaries to the men and women served by such. 5) Can you talk about your prayer life? My prayer life is quite militant, yet all Christians can engage in such. Besides general prayer, there is a universal book called the Book of Christian Prayer that has a syllabus for almost every denomination out there. Furthermore, it is a psalter, and both lay and clerical can partake in such. This benefits both our immediate surroundings, as well the body of Christ at large. We also partake in many online prayer circles and request operations, and in the future we could possibly produce a list of such activities and locations. Lastly, we hope to continue to build Buffalo in and through prayer.

PICTURES

Jill Kelly at Bender’s signing the Kelly girl’s new book, “Hot Chocolate with God”. Photo by Bob Caple

Buffalo Bills Night Out was hosted at The Buffalo Christian Center by Athletes in Action. A reported 65 people received Christ. . Photo by Troy Teague

Corey Coogan of Elmwood Drive led a team of worshippers at Buffalo United’s Rise event 11/11/11 Photo by Matt Brown

Hearts for the Homeless feeds the poor every week and operates a thrift store on Buffalo’s West Side. Photo by Matt Brown

$10,700 was raised on behalf of the poor in Israel at Buffalo Celebrates Israel event hosted by Zion Dominion Global Ministries. Over 25 churches and ministries came together November 6 at Zion Dominion Global Ministries to bless, honor and celebrate the nation of Israel and to show Christian love and support for the nation that gave birth to the Christian faith. Photo by Matt Brown 8 www.unitemagazine.us

December/January 2012

Marty MacDonald, Roderick Hennings, Jerry Gillis and Pat Jones are On The Road To Christmas this year by sharing their Sunday morning pulpit, each rotating and speaking at one another’s church along with their worship teams.

Christian comedian Mark Lowry speaking on October 27 at The Chapel at Crosspoint. Photo by Bob Caple Submit your pictures by emailing info@thrivebuffalo.org

PEOPLE

Dave Budz: Potter’s Hands

By Lisa Littlewood

In 2005 the story of a hard-pressed local man on the outskirts of Buffalo made its way through church prayer lines and into the heart of a younger, more fortunate man from the town of Lockport. The story went like this—Stephen Curtis* had fallen on hard times. He was a diabetic with mounting medical issues, who lived in small house just outside of Buffalo with his wife, and several of his children—two of whom were school aged and another, older, living upstairs with their own children. While all of the details were not fully clear, what was clear was that Curtis’ diabetes and related health issues reached a point in which he was unable to work, pay for crucial prescriptions, or make rent on his house. Much of what filled the house was rented and on the verge of being taken away, and family members, including Curtis’ elementary aged daughter, were sleeping on mattresses on the floor (Curtis and his wife also slept on a makeshift bed made from scrap boards and bricks). When things seemed like they couldn’t get any worse Curtis received the devastating news that his teenage son had drowned in the Black Rock River. Curtis, heartbroken, did not have enough money pay for a funeral. Dave Budz, the young Lockport man, heard Curtis’

story through a prayer update that he received via email from his home church each week and was compelled to action. “I see this email,” said Budz, “and that was the day that God spoke to me very, very clearly. How can I sit there in this nice, average American home and attend church each week, but not do anything? We often pray, but don’t do anything about it.” Budz called more than a dozen colleagues and friends, shared the story and started asking the question ‘What can we do?’ The group started collecting donations from anyone who would give them—one friend had donations coming from friends and family as far away as North Carolina, while another, a school teacher, received donations of clothing and housewares from families in his school. The group collected several beds, major appliances (including a microwave, refrigerator, washer and dryer), and other small household items to be delivered to the family. One friend offered the use of their large box truck for pickups and deliveries, and two generous church members stepped forward and offered a combined $1,500 to help the family. Having taken in all of these donations without ever having met Curtis or visiting his house there was some hesitation that what they had to offer might not be exactly what the family needed or could use. As it turns out all fears were quelled within minutes of their arriving—the coincidences could not have been more evident. The group had the exact number of beds for each person in the house, including a girl’s dresser and mirror perfect for Curtis’ young daughter (who was around 8 at the time), and a donated television turned out to be just the right size for an empty entertainment center in the living room. “Everything was exactly what they needed,” said Budz, “And to see the look on his daughter’s face when she ran into her room and saw a bed and a dresser with a mirror—it was really great. ” The Curtis family was incredibly moved by the acts of people they had never met prior to that day. Stephen was able to pay for his son’s funeral with the money that was donated and was also able to restart his medication, which allowed him to eventually go back to work.

Budz credits every last coincidental detail to the supernatural. “God poured it on in this first experience to make sure something like this would grow,” he said. “It was such a contagious feeling, helping this family. I realized ‘this has got to be done—we’ve got to do more of this from now on.’ What started as a prayer request from a stranger turned out to be the inspiration for something much larger. Through conversations and planning with like-minded and

inspired individuals at Dave’s church, a new service group, or ministry, was formed in the months that followed—The Potter’s Hands ministry currently has over 240 volunteer members (across several area churches), completes 20+ projects a year, and operates a 2,500 square foot storage facility to house ongoing donations for people in desperate and needy situations. Those who have served with The Potter’s Hands will be quick to tell you that it is not just the lives of the people being served that are changed—those who are doing the serving find themselves just as encouraged, moved and inspired to help others more often with each task that they do. As Jim Phipps, a retired marine and one of the ministries co-coordinators puts it, “God puts us where he wants to put us so that we can learn what he wants us to learn.” The ministry bases it’s work on a piece of biblical instruction offered in the book of Matthew. “In the same way, let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven.” Phipps can attest to that fact adding that one of his favorite aspects of the work is when someone asks him “Why are you here today? Why would you take your time to do this?” giving him an opportunity to share his faith story with those he is helping. While part A of the Potter’s Hands Ministry may be to provide to those in need, part B, and really what it is all about, is that those being helped would see the light of Christ in the works being done and be moved spiritually in their own lives. “Anyone can go and do the deeds that we do,” says Budz, “but the deeds are just a vehicle to share the love of Jesus. I was such a selfish Christian before this experience—just living my own life and simply praying for others. I had never experienced the feeling of walking side by side with Jesus and doing work with him. It is a contagious feeling.” Construction projects completed by The Potter’s Hands ministry have ranged from building picnic tables at Broadway Hope Ministry, to more complicated endeavors such as joining with Habitat For Humanity to build a “House in a Box” which was shipped to a family in Alabama after Hurricane Katrina. A number of churches in the greater Buffalo area have also benefitted from The Potter’s Hand’s volunteers. Projects have included work on a youth center at the Victory Assembly of God in Buffalo (the church plans to use the center to help reach inner city youth), assistance with remodeling at North Tonawanda Abundant Life Church, helping to build a stage in the sanctuary at Renovation Church in Buffalo, and assistance in painting the inside of Wheatfield Neighborhood Church. While The Potter’s Hands has strict criteria and an extensive application process for the work they agree to take on, they are open to serving people and organizations from any church and in every community. “Our criteria is strict so that we never abuse the donations of time and talents freely given by the members of The Potter’s Hands,” says Budz. “Projects come primarily through word of mouth. We have been around for six years and are certainly not short on projects.” “The possibilities are endless if the body of Christ would all be obedient,” he said, “A completed project means that someone has had the opportunity or will have the opportunity to hear and see the gospel of Jesus. When we help someone in need and they, in turn, praise God, then we have been used by Him and that is an unexplainable feeling.” *Stephen Curtis is a name used to protect the man’s identity

December/January 2012

www.unitemagazine.us

MUSIC: “SPLENDOR” WITH

FEATURES

Christmas:A Season for Giving.

CHRISTIAN RAINVILLE

By Kyle Patterson

Displaying Christ to the World

By Ben Tagg

The other day I was talking to a friend of mine who is a pastor. I was shocked to hear that he and his church DON’T CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS! Maybe it’s because I’m from England, but I’d never heard of Christians not celebrating Christmas. Yes, the date of Christmas may not be the actual birth date of Christ. Yes, we are always battling with a culture of consumerism which has turned Christmas into a money machine, however, Christmas is the most incredible opportunity there is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. For some people it is one of two times a year that they will set foot in a church. For some people it is the only time they will

CHARITY: SERVING THE LEAST

OF THESE FOR OVER 20 YEARS. For over 20 years Hearts for the Homeless has led faithful outreach to the poor of Buffalo led by Ron Calandra and his wife, Peg, who have been with Hearts since its inception. Annually, the ministry reaches thousands of homeless and poor through their Mobile Soup Kitchen and helps meet the needs of the West side community through Hearts Thrift Shop. In 2010 alone more than 12,472 people were served. The team includes five dedicated Mobile Crew Teams made up of 26 adult volunteers (including an 80 year old woman who has worked with them for over 15 years), each committed long term to one night per week. Thanks to their faithful service they make the outreach possible. Many other long term committed volunteers including some youth go out

listen to a song with a Christian theme. This Christmas myself and a few other Christians have been given a unique opportunity. It all started when we began to volunteer one day a week with the after school program at our local community center. After doing this for a few months, being very open about our faith in Jesus Christ, the directors of the center came to us with a request. They wanted to know if we would teach their kids about Jesus and the real meaning of Christmas. We naturally wanted to know why and our good friend who works at the center explained. She had announced a question to the kids, “Who knows whose birthday is coming up soon?” and was shocked by the response “SANTA CLAUS!” She concluded that the kids need to be taught about who Jesus is and what the Bible says. She couldn’t think of anyone better to teach than us at Steps Ministry. What an opportunity! Think about YOUR community, YOUR neighbors, YOUR family members. They NEED to hear about the truth of Christ. God is waiting for you to be available to him. Many claim that it’s all irrelevant and they don’t need God or Jesus or Church. But deep down there is a longing in the heart of every man and woman for the Jesus of Christmas. These kids in South Buffalo are going to hear about Him, all because we made ourselves available to God. (Matt. 5:13) I’m sure God could find a better person to do this than me, but He’s only able to work through those who make themselves available to Him. I’m sure that teenage Mary could have told the angel a whole bunch of excuses why she couldn’t be God’s mother, but she didn’t! Instead she said, “I'm the Lord's maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say.” (Luke 1:38 The Message). Are you available to God this Christmas? Ben Tagg is Director of Steps Ministry in South Buffalo.

in tandem with adult supervision. Some need to put in community service, some have caught Hearts’ mission and want to serve on a regular basis. Hearts relies heavily on the generosity of individuals, churches, and local organizations for its funding. While they do receive some matching donations from company employee giving programs at companies like Praxair, Liberty Mutual Foundation and the United Way, support at Christmas time from people who believe in the mission is always welcome. Hearts' Mobile Soup Kitchen (an RV where they serve prepared meals, with a clothing pantry on board) has one stop— the Buffalo and Erie County Library, downtown Washington and Ellicott St., where they park under the overpass connecting the two library buildings. “Although we do not ask where the people are coming from, as we get to know the "regulars" we know that the homeless are dispersed throughout the city, live under city bridges and nooks and niches where they are shielded from cold weather and wind; and the poor

"I want God's heart to be felt through the lyrics and music. I want listeners to know that he is a great God, a creative God, a merciful and gracious God, a loving God, a sovereign God, and a jealous God in that he longs for our attention and servant hood. I want His attributes to be portrayed through my music," explains Christian Rainville who recently released a three song EP this past September (EP stands for Extended Play a CD that contain more than one single, and less then 8 tracks), titled “Splendor” containing Rainville's songs, “Lift You Up 2011,” “Splendor,” and “What Would I Say.” The EP is a sample of what's to come when next summer Rainville plans to release a full length recording, “My goal was to make a sampler of what the full length album would be like. I also did not want it to be perfect. That sounds weird, even to my own ears, but I wanted the full album to be better than the sample,” explained Rainville. “’What Would I Say?’ was written in a half hour and is a bit more soulful. The title track “Splendor” was literally birthed out of the birth of my son Isaac. (Continued page 12) families that have residences come from all over including the West Side, Riverside, and Downtown,” explained Ron Calandra. For Calandra it’s knowing that he made a difference that makes it all worth it, “Knowing that when we go out and feed people at night they won’t be going to bed hungry is the most rewarding part of the ministry,” he explained. Yet the ministry is not without its challenges, Calandra said resources are always a challenge, yet God continues his faithfulness, “Having enough resources to lift more people out of their pit and improve their quality of life – that would be permanent and having more resources to impact more lives in bigger ways like getting someone a car – we helped a young woman get a car by which she was able to go back to school for nursing and succeed; we watched the hand of God move in her situation. —By Kyle Patterson with Ron Calandra

FEATURE ARTICLE

(Continued from page 11)

“Laus Perrenis.” Can Perpetual Prayer Exist in Buffalo? By Kyle Patterson and Chris Hoisington “Laus Perrenis” is a latin term for perpetual prayer, a practice that has existed since King David introduced it thousands of years ago when he appointed 288 singers and 4,000 musicians “to make petition, to give thanks and to praise the Lord” day and night (1 Chr. 15:1–17:27). Although the tabernacle was replaced by a temple, the Davidic order of worship was embraced and reinstituted by seven subsequent leaders in On Earth As It Is In Heaven the history of Israel and Judah. Each time this order of worship was reintroduced, spiritual breakthrough, deliverance and military victory followed. Solomon instructed that worship in the temple should be in accordance with the Davidic order (2 Chr. 8:14–15). Jehoshaphat defeated Moab and Ammon by setting singers up in accordance with the Davidic order: singers at the front of the army singing the Great Hallel. Jehoshaphat, Joash, Hezekiah, Josiah, Ezra, Nehemiah all continued the practice at times during their life. Historians have also speculated that around the time of Jesus, in their search to find communion with God, the Essenes of the Judean wilderness reinstituted Davidic worship as part of their life of prayer and fasting. It is with this inspiration that believers have again started discussions and plans for a house of worship like this in our city. After all according to the team, perpetual prayer is not just a fancy idea but a biblical one*. The concept is to create a place of encounter with the Living God. A place of witness to the community of Christian unity

and a place where united prayer can add fuel to the Mission of God in our region. A place where believers can gather at any time and immediately be in the presence of the Lord with other believers of all denominations and a place that represents the diversity yet unity of the One Church in our region. That is the thought behind The Prayer Collective, a collaboration of musicians, singers and intercessors working together to offer Jesus "laus perennis" in the Elmwood Village. The planned kickoff is March 2012 at Lafayette Presbyterian Church (875 Elmwood Avenue at the corner of Elmwood and Lafayette) though the ministry is not directly affiliated with any one church, rather it seeks to unite and be a Church at Buffalo project. The plan is to create a synergy between prayer, worship and outreaches together helping to usher in a great awakening and revival in our city. Historically extended prayer has been linked to great missions efforts*, and co-founders Chris Hoisington (Brothers McClurg) and Kyle Patterson (UNITE Editor) are hoping this effort will lead to the same. The goal is to organize a collective effort of many churches and ministries taking their place at the “wall” of prayer and worship. Kyle Patterson explains, “The Prayer Collective is a modern day example of what we see in the book of Nehemiah when the city came together to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. Everyone did their part and they achieved this incredible feat. Similarly The Prayer Collective invites churches and ministries to take a two hour timeslot each week to contribute to a spiritual wall of intercession rebuilding our city on a foundation of prayer and worship.”

THE PRAYER COLLECTIVE

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* See Acts 15:16, Isaiah 62:6,1 Thessalonians 5:17 ** See Hernhut/Count Zinzendorf, Germany 1727

December/January 2012

“Splendor” is a new EP released by Christian Rainville containing three of his original songs with a full length album due out in the summer of 2012

I recorded his heart beat at his last ultrasound, and as I was listening to it, I started playing a chord progression while the lyrics started flowing like a river. That track is a more contemporary Christian sound, or even a New Country sound.” The EP was recorded right at the Tabernacle where Rainville leads worship. Song writing and worship are an overflow of his passion to lead people into worship, something that stirs his heart every time he plays, “I love the whole spectrum of what worship does...from dancing and shouting with huge smiles on their faces to the reflective moments to the "digging deeper" more sovereign moments. Just last Sunday, I saw a father and a young son on their knees together praying, and I just lost it mid-song. Moments like those are what touch the heart of God.” Rainville, who began writing music nearly ten years ago took it to the next level and began writing much more often in 2008 after together with the rest of the Tabernacle worship team (along with the direction of producer and band member of Blues Counsel Tony Hooper), they recorded the live album “Release the Sound.” This proved to be a tipping point in Rainville's work and he went to work shortly after and ended up with an album worth of songs with half of them being congregational worship songs and the other half being reflective, or storytelling songs. “Splendor” gives us a glimpse into Rainville's heart and passion for worship and hopefully and ultimately leads us to the place of glimpsing into the heart God as Rainville leads us to the place of quietness and stillness. From the sound of it, there may be many more to come in the not so distant future. Readers can listen online at: www.reverbnation.com/onecallchristianrainville www.facebook.com/pages/One-Call-CJPR-Music

CHUCK SWINDOLL

COLUMNS

CELEBRATING JESUS IN 2012 As we approach this time of the year when the festivities of the Holiday Season BY DR. ROBERT STEARNS come upon us once again, it is a joyous time to remember what our Savior did for us in coming to this earth, to a literal place called Israel – to Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Jerusalem – over 2,000 years ago. As we recently entered the season of the Holy Days on the Hebrew, Biblical calendar (beginning with the New Year Rosh Hashanah), I felt the Lord impressing a word on my heart… I pray it is an encouragement to you. May it serve as a reminder that this season ahead of us is all about Jesus and His coming to the world. Jesus Christ wasn’t just the answer a couple millennia ago – He is the answer now for a world that is lost in darkness. Though many may try to hide the light of God’s truth, saying that truth is only relative and is merely the sum total of any person’s particular viewpoint or spin on the world, we know that Truth exists and it is found in the person of Jesus Christ. When we celebrate Christmas, we celebrate the Christ who came near to us when we were lost in the sea of our own sinfulness. Many times these days we hear that it is not politically or socially correct to talk about why we celebrate Christmas. But I am here to tell you today that a remnant that knows God’s truth is arising in the land…

A Remnant is Rising in the Land. Unseen, unrecognized, they know Whose they are and have died to this present world's ambitions. They want nothing of a consumer Christianity, where God exists for their earthly pleasure. They have caught a whiff of Heaven’s fragrant food, and just the smell has satisfied them more than the sweetest delicacies of this passing age, and motivates them to remember that they are just passing through.

A Remnant is Rising in the Land. They will not be bought or sold with position or money. They are remembering why they “got into this” in the first place – for the Lamb. For Jesus Christ's honor, for the sake of His worthy name. Their backbones are being steeled in the furnace of affliction, and purified of contemporary dross. They are old-school, hard-core Jesus freaks, and they are not apologizing for it. The remnant is not ashamed!

A Remnant is Rising in the Land. They are blood-bought, and fiercely committed to the Word – the Logos and the Rhema. Something within them stirs because they know they are here on a kairos assignment. They realize that they may have forgotten that for a moment, been diverted off the path for some years, but like soldiers who remember drills from long ago, they are coming to attention and position and awareness. They are here on purpose. They are necessary to Heaven’s narrative. They are not bystanders. They are the players on the stage of His-story.

A Remnant is Rising in the Land. This army is realizing they never should have eaten Babylon’s food in the first place, even if it was served in halls decorated to look like a cheap imitation of Zion. They would rather be pilgrims than settle. They would rather be fools for Christ than wise in the world's eyes. They would rather be known in Heaven and feared in Hell than recognized on earth. Whatever happens to them in the world really doesn't matter. They have locked gazes with the Lamb’s eyes, and locked step with the cadence of Heaven’s march. His remnant understand that this is the Final Act and there is no turning back now.

A Remnant is Rising in the Land. They are nowhere to be seen and everywhere to be found. There are very few of them chosen, and a great host of them who will emerge. It’s going to be very, very intense, for the sword they carry is stained with the blood of their lesser desires and their crucified carnality. They’ve had their battles, faced their own personal Valleys of Decision, and made their choice. I have Decided. To Follow Jesus. No Turning Back. We have decided. Have you decided? Ready or not, here they come. In the hustle and bustle – and even more importantly, in the age of widespread moral relativism that we live in – let’s remember that this season really is all about Jesus. Only His Name has the power to save… He is the reason that we celebrate. 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’s ministry flows out of deep passion for Jesus characterized by a distinct prophetic edge. He has ministered in 30 nations around the world and maintains a significant burden for the Eastern United States and Israel. Robert also serves as co-chairman of the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem, and Publisher of KAIROS Magazine. Robert and his three sons live in New York, and spend a great deal of time in Jerusalem, Israel.

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Giving Like God You probably have heard talk about living like God, loving like God or forgiving like God. But what about giving like God?

BY DR. MELODY BARCLAY

John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, That whosoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” While we could never really comprehend God's unending, unfailing and immeasurable love for us, we can understand that He gave to us out of love. God gave His very best to us because of His love for us. It only behooves us to give our very best to Him. As Jesus Christ was a sacrifice for our sins, sickness, and eternal life, even so there are times when we need to make sacrifices for the work of the ministry and for the sake or needs of others. GIVING OUT OF LOVE In the early hours of the morning some years ago, I heard in my sleep emphatically, “God loves a cheerful giver.” Waking up, I asked the Lord “Lord why do you love a cheerful giver?” The Lord responded saying “Because a cheerful giver gives like I gave my Son Jesus. He gives willingly and sacrificially.” My giving then took on a new meaning, and became motivated by my love for God. I wanted to show Him a willingness in my giving, and made sacrifices in my giving that I might be loved by Him as a “cheerful giver.” Giving is one of the greatest acts of love towards God besides obedience to Him. As the Christmas season is approaching, many will be making sacrifices to buy gifts, decorate their home and holiday festivities, despite the world’s economy, unemployment, etc. But there is one type of giving and one type of sacrifice that will capture the heart and attention of God. And not only will it capture the heart and attention of God, but it will result in you being rewarded, blessed, and reaping in innumerable ways in multiplied measure. Maybe you may feel that you only have a little or not enough to give. Well there is a story about the widow who only had a mite, which was less than a penny's worth. She gave her last or all that she had, and the Lord took notice of her, as having given more than all who had given out of their abundance. (Mark 12:43) Giving out of your lack or giving out of your need is a sure sign of your faith in God and that you trust Him to give you provision for your greater needs. God will give you a return and harvest for your sacrificial seed, that will come by the favor and supernatural working of God in your life. Open your hand to give, that it may be open for you to receive. Luke 6:38 says “Give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down shaken together and running over shall men give unto your bosom. For with the same measure that you give, it will be given back unto you.” GIVING FOR KINGDOM PURPOSES

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When you give and sow into the kingdom of God financially, you help ministries to help and serve others. Whether it's getting the gospel to the masses, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, providing shelter for the homeless, helping to dig wells for clean water or providing medical services to the sick, it all takes money to provide this kind of help or services. God's word plainly tells us to love in deed and in truth. To say that we love and not give is not loving in deed and not loving in truth. “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” (I John 3:18) Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:31-45, that when we feed the hungry, take in the stranger, clothe the naked and visit those who are sick or imprisoned, we do it as unto Him, and we shall inherit the kingdom prepared for us from the foundation of the world. So when we give, we really give unto Him.

Dr. Melody Barclay is an author and founder of the Kingdom Institute offering training & courses on leadership, ministry, for laity, youth leaders & youth ministry, and worship ministry. Special curriculum and books are also available for group ministries and/or bible studies. She also conducts numerous seminars on topics including worship, intimacy with God, marriage and single life.

RESOURCE REVIEW

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In Beautiful Outlaw, John Eldredge removes the religious varnish to help readers discover stunning new insights into the personality of Jesus. Jesus was accused of breaking the law, keeping bad company and heavy drinking. Of being the devil himself. He was so compelling and dangerous they had to kill him. But others loved him passionately. He had a sense of humor. His generosity was scandalous. His anger made enemies tremble. He'd say the most outrageous things. He was definitely not the Jesus of the stained glass. In the author's winsome, narrative approach, he breaks Jesus out of the typical stereotypes. By uncovering the real Jesus, readers are welcomed into the rich emotional life of Christ. Eldredge goes on to show readers how they can experience this Jesus in their lives every day. Beautiful Outlaw will quicken readers' worship, and deepen their intimacy with our incomparable Lord and Savior. "THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD" IS MORE THAN JUST A CLICHÉ. God goes to great lengths to rescue lost and hurting people. That is what The Story is all about—the story of the Bible, God’s great love affair with humanity. Condensed into 31 accessible chapters, The Story sweeps you into the unfolding progression of Bible characters and events from Genesis to Revelation. Using the clear, accessible text of the NIV Bible, it allows the stories, poems, and teachings of the Bible to read like a novel. And like any good story, The Story is filled with intrigue, drama, conflict, romance, and redemption—and this story’s true! From the foreword by Max Lucado and Randy Frazee: “This book tells the grandest, most compelling story of all time: the story of a true God who loves his children, who established for them a way of salvation and provided a route to eternity. Each story in these 31 chapters reveals the God of grace—the God who speaks; the God who acts; the God who listens; the God whose love for his people culminated in his sacrifice of Jesus, his only Son, to atone for the sins of humanity.” Pastor Francis Chan offers a compelling invitation to understand, embrace, and follow the Holy Spirit’s direction in our lives. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We pray in the name of all three, but how often do we live with an awareness of only the first two? As Jesus ascended into heaven, He promised to send the Holy Spirit—the Helper—so that we could be true and living witnesses for Christ. Unfortunately, today’s church has admired the gift but neglected to open it. Francis Chan rips away paper and bows to get at the true source of the church’s power—the Holy Spirit. Chan contends that we’ve ignored the Spirit for far too long, and we are reaping the disastrous results. Thorough scriptural support and compelling narrative form Chan’s invitation to stop and remember the One we’ve forgotten, the Spirit of God.

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For years, orphan Hailee Annigan was just a ragamuffin, roaming the Cincinnati streets trying to keep food in the mouths of her two younger brothers and herself. This often meant thieving, which landed her in the Sanctuary of Hope, a home for delinquent youngsters. There, her life changed, thanks to her patient, loving teachers. Now, at eighteen, she pursues a dream to become a teacher herself and bravely accepts a position in Montana. She still has faith that she'll find her brothers again someday, but for now, she's ready to put the past behind her. .

DVD

"Jesus Culture Awakening: Live From Chicago" reveals the significance that took place at Jesus Culture's first arena gathering. A generation was marked by the power and presence of God during this 3-day event as believers joined together to passionately worship Jesus. As a ministry, Jesus Culture wanted to capture the sound of a generation giving themselves wholeheartedly to Jesus. Former Sixpence None the Richer vocalist Leigh Nash offers an exceptional set of classic hymns, re-written with fresh new melodies and modern arrangements. Hymns and Sacred Songs includes "Blessed Redeemer," "Be Still My Soul," "Power of The Cross," and more.

The latest release from Newsboys, their first worship album since 2004 features 3 original worship songs including The King Is Coming and Here We Stand plus 9 new covers like Your Love Never Fails.

Most of us know Billy Graham as the self-assured and charismatic preacher who became one of the most important figures of 20th Century Christianity. Now, with the release of Billy: The Early Years, we meet Billy as the earnest promising young man at the crossroads of faith and doubt, ultimately facing the moment of decision that launched one of history's most powerful evangelistic careers.

Love Begins is the story of Clark Davis falling in love with his wife, Ellen. Clark and his best friend are passing through Trinity on their way to collect their fortune of gold in the West. Working on a run-down farm, Clark meets the sassy Ellen and her sister. Their father has recently passed away and the farm is too much for the two of them. Clark slowly begins to fall in love with Ellen. Will he give up his dreams of gold in the West or settle down on the farm with Ellen? Watch to find out.

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 October/November 2011

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FINAL THOUGHT

Mission:

Gratitude—The Only Cure for Resentment By Lou Perez The holidays can cause us to reflect on how we feel about life, family, God, and even ourselves. In these moments of contemplation, we sometimes discover that we are not grateful at all, but resentful. Resentment - How subtly it comes at you! How you can wake up one day and find yourself in its deadly grip. More than often, life attacks us, not directly, but on our flanks – and its preferred weapon is resentment. No one wakes up one day and says, “I will be resentful”. Resentment creeps upon you like a morning fog. You slowly awaken to the faint realization that you are harboring something against a person, God, or at the hand in life that you’ve been dealt. According to The Free On-line Dictionary, to RESENT is to be bitter about, dislike, object to, grudge, begrudge, take exception to, be offended by, be angry about, or take offense at. The danger of resentment is that it throws up a roadblock to our ability to be thankful “in all things”. Thankfulness is the ultimate antidote to resentment. It is the celebration that turns the bitter gall of life into something sweet. When we choose to resent, we become stuck in our journey, unable to grow or progress as every day becomes a veritable “Groundhog Day”. When we are resentful, we inadvertently slam the door to hope, potential or even the ability to receive, instead choosing indignation. Resentment has also played a large part in people’s inability to connect to local church bodies and ministries in our region. The resentful are disenchanted as they go from place to place never finding the ever elusive “greener grass” that only gratitude can bring. When a person becomes resentful, they stop growing personally. Because of their skewed outlook, they relate to people in a manner that is unhealthy. As the saying goes, “To the man with Limburger cheese in his mustache, the whole world stinks”. In short, resentment hijacks from us anything that resembles vitality and life. Resentment can come from failed expectations, rejection or hope deferred - maybe even from having been used, abused, or discarded. However resentment came to us, in God’s culture, it is unacceptable and incompatible with walking “worthy of our calling”. 18 www.unitemagazine.us

December/January 2012

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called. Ephesians 4:1 Thankfully, God has made a way for the resentful to live out Ephesians 4:1. It is the way of GRATITUDE. Gratitude is more than a choice, but a relentless outlook that sees God’s hand working in everything. It sports the unconventional notion that everything you go through isn’t lost, but can be recycled for God’s glory. Gratitude refuses the secular view that life is a series of random events. The journey from bitterness to thankfulness is described by Henry Nouwen this way: “We ought to move from resenting the fact that we were not chosen, not honored, not loved or treated well, to a newfound gratitude for what we have been given, even a gratitude for the valuable lessons we learned from ill treatment. “ These kinds of words are like barbs to the indignant heart. I know because I have been there. In our crossness, the last thing we care to hear is “Give it up” - but that is exactly what gratitude demands. Gratitude is more than a single act, but a mindset and culture that is embraced as we navigate the gauntlet of life. Gratitude is far more powerful than resentment because through God’s grace, it finds a way to convert pain into a force for healing in the world. Gratitude fueled the faith of

the martyrs, making them “more than conquerors”. Gratitude animates the "breakthrough" mindset that refuses to be defined by pain and tragedy. Gratitude frames in a godly world view by which we can interpret our experiences. Oswald Chambers spoke of letting God give you the lens to see life through. He called it "holy disillusionment". Gratitude helps us detox from the false illusion that “my life should have looked a certain way”. At the end of resentment is nothing but spiritual exhaustion and burnout, because it’s always more difficult to hold on to something than to let it go. It’s easier to save a drowning man who gives up than one who is grasping at his rescuer. So the question is: If you are in that dark abyss called resentment, will you let God save you by letting go? I want to be like Joseph in the Bible, who after many years of confinement, betrayal, and false accusations, refused resentment, and because of it, saw the hand of God working in the darkest places. Joseph named his two sons according to his spiritual journey of finding hope in hardship. Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh. "For,"he said, "God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s house."The name of the second he called Ephraim, "For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction".

“Gratitude is more than a

choice,

but a

r e l e n t l e s s

o u t l o o k

ThaT sees god’s Genesis 41: 51-52 ESV Joseph saw Manassah as letting go of the past, and Ephraim as being fruitful in the hard places of life. These holidays as you look at your life, do you only see the negative things that happened, or do you see your Manassah and your Ephraim? Lou and Louisa Perez both grew up in New York City and met in the first Church Lou pastored in Schenectady, NY. In 1999 they started Destiny Christian Church in Niagara Falls with the vision of taking Church outside the four walls. Visit their website at www.destinychristianniagara.com.

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