Faith and Fame [Issue 13]

ISSUE 13 OLGA PARKERS JEWELRY | NEEDTOBREATHE WARNS ABOUT US ‘MONEY & FAME’ IN NEW SINGLE | WILL THEY KNOW US BY OUR LOVE?

LINEB ACKER FOR THE DENVER BR ONCOS

COREY NELSON “Football isn’t here forever…”

LIFE ON MISSION WITH GRAHAM GAMBLE

INTERVIEW WITH FASHION4JESUS FOUNDER

ANNA ESCOBAR

HOW FAR IS TOO FAR WHEN IT COMES TO DESIRING WEALTH?

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LET TER F R OM THE EXECUTIVE E DITOR

FEATURES

BY E NOMA OSAKUE

06 WILL THEY KNOW US BY OUR LOVE?

BY KIMBERLY LINARES

Every now and then, I catch myself daydreaming about what life would be like if I only had more. What if I could sing and silence a crowd? What if I could be like Ellen and make people’s dreams come true? What if I had more followers on Instagram and could encourage thousands? What if I had my own business and made millions? The list is endless. I could go on and on with these kinds of thoughts before my more rational side reminds the rest of me that there are more pressing matters in life than growing my sphere of influence.

In an odd, but comforting way, the Bible is filled with people who want to make a name for themselves. In fact, that’s one of the core tenants of the covenant God makes with Abraham, then Isaac, then Israel, and finally David. There is nothing new about wanting a great name in this life. In the same stroke, the Bible kindly relays the struggles, horrors, and pitfalls that the very men and women it esteems, fell prey to.

The lure of fame is strong, but it’s challenges are poorly understood. Fame is not inherently evil, neither is it naturally prone towards good. This issue, Faith and Fame, is to engage and confront our perspectives. Pastor Ryan Cook’s interview with Corey Nelson of the Denver Broncos is a uplifting reminder that God’s plan for us is the most important thing we can pursue. It’s also a sobering outlook on the path to fame. If you’re curious about the quality of Christian artists these days, musician Eric Velez gives us his take on NEEDTOBREATHE’s new single Money & Fame from their upcoming album Hard Love.

We, the MVMNT Team, hope the reflections from Pastor Kimberly Linares challenge your perspective of what it means to be love and to share love with your neighbors. We also hope Graham Gamble and Olga Gavriluk’s stories show you that the dreams and visions you have in your heart are pursuable. Everyday people just like you leave a mark on this world.

While working on this issue I have constantly been reminded of an event at my school. This past semester, a panel of The King’s College professors gave a lecture on Celebrity. They encouraged the audience to not seek fame for it’s own sake. I wholeheartedly agree with them. Our faith does matter when understanding notoriety and it should influence our aspiration for it. Our real challenge, when trying to leave our mark, is to keep The Right One on the throne.

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06 CELEBRITY SYNDROME IN WORSHIP: SHIFTING THE FOCUS

BY STEPHEN MILLER 07 INTRODUCING OLGA PARKERS JEWELRY

BY ENOMA OSAKUE 08 INTERVIEW WITH FASHION4JESUS FOUNDER, ANNA ESCOBAR

BY MARTHA VILLEGAS 09 A REVIEW OF NEEDTOBREATHE’S NEW SINGLE ‘MONEY & FAME’

BY ERIC VELEZ 10 COREY NELSON INTERVIEW

BY RYAN COOK 16 HOW TO CELEBRATE GOD AND COUNTRY ON THE 4TH OF JULY

BY TAMMY MOTT 17 FINANCIAL STABILITY V. LOVE OF MONEY: HOW FAR IS TOO FAR WHEN IT COMES TO DESIRING WEALTH?

BY ODONNA BASS 18 LIFE ON MISSION

BY GRAHAM GAMBLE

INSPIRING YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE AMABASSADORS OF HIS KINGDOM

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2016 @MVMNTMAG Editor In Chief TAZARRA BERRIEN

Issue Designer IYOWORKS

Managing Editor BLESSING OSAKUE

Contributing Editors KIMBERLEY HARRIS ZENOBIA PRESSLEY CEDRICK RICHARDSON

Executive Editor ENOMA OSAKUE Copy Editor DENISE TIPTON

Contributors BRIAN STEWART, CALEB BERRY, DAVID HUNT, ERIC VELEZ, GRAHAM GAMBLE , KIMBERLY LINARES, MARTHA VILLEGAS, ODONNA BASS, RYAN COOK, STEPHEN MILLER, SYERRA SANDFORD,TAMMY MOTT, TONI DUPREE, TRENT BICKHAM

Cover Photographer IYOWORKS

Inside Cover Photographer DAVID HUNT

Visit us online http://mvmntmag.com Follow Us On Social Media instagram.com/mvmntmag twitter.com/mvmntmag facebook.com/mvmntmag CREATIVES WANTED!!!

At MVMNT, we are always looking for students and young adult volunteers. We welcome writers, bloggers, graphic designers, print designers, photographers, videographers, webmasters and all creatives alike. If you are interested in joining the MVMNT Team, email Blessing Osakue bosakue[at]mvmntmag.com.

Submitting to the Cavalry Corner The Cavalry Corner is column for our readers. We are looking for readers who want to share their creative talents with the rest of the MVMNT family.

Submissions are art/literary in nature: poems, art work, photography, journals, etc. Contact us at write@mvmntmag.com to submit an article.

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Project Beautiful Me

Project Beautiful Me was founded by Candace Dixon Ford and was held at Willowridge High School on Saturday April 16, 2016. This is the 4th successful year the event has been put on. This event has been held in different areas and schools to better serve the need of the community. The purpose of the event is to provide disadvantaged girls with prom dresses, accompanying accessories, hair, and makeup with an opportunity to enjoy their high school prom. Prom initiative designed to help drive donations for prom dresses, special occasion wear, evening accessories; to help make it possible for local high school girls to enjoy their prom and to help with the costs of attending a once in a lifetime event.

On Saturday, April 16, 2016, Project Beautiful Me held its 4th annual event at Willowridge High School. Founded by Candace Dixon Ford, Project Beautiful Me is a prom initiative designed to help drive donations for prom dresses, special occasion/evening wear and accessories, and to assist with the costs of attending and to making it possible for local high school girls to enjoy their prom. This event has been held in different areas and schools to better serve the needs of the community and to provide disadvantage girls with prom dresses, accompanying accessories, and hair and makeup for their once in a lifetime event.

Brinson - UWMA 2: Black Canvas BRINSON’s 5th Studio Album proclaims that God can create beautiful redemption on anyone’s “Black Canvas”.

The GodChaserz CEO & Artist sets up his 5th solo project as an EP entitled “UWMA 2: Black Canvas.” This EP is the sequel to Brinson’s “Until We Meet Again” 4th studio album. The project continues with the theme of Christ’s redemption of a man’s life. With the help of God, true forgiveness and moving on is the beauty He creates from man’s darkest moments.

The album begins with “What They Saying” featuring T-stike.

Brinson gives a shadow of his song “Don’t Rap No More” in his disappointment with the climate of Christian Hip Hop. Brinson seeks to remind us that this should only be about the great commission.

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“Applause” reigns in next featuring GodChaserz newest artist Oatmeal standing firm that the ‘Applause’ of men is what we should not live for. Brinson reveals his fight for and with forgiving, within on the song “Grudges”. The haunting production gives the backdrop to his confessions God. The Ep takes an uplifting turn with vocals from Gospel sensation Uncle Reece on Still Alive: No One Greater. Brinson tells his struggle with suicide and how the power of calling on Jesus saved him from depression.

In the GodChaserz fashion Black Canvas ends with a sinner’s prayer, compelling listeners to come to the cross.

UWMA 2: Black Canvas Ep drops Friday, June 3rd and will be available through syntax Distribution only on iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play.

Download on Itunes: http://bit.ly/blkCanUWMA IG: godchaserz

Photographer: David Hunt @davidthehunt Model: Markus Hoyte

Soaking It In Where destinations turn into expectations When desires become achievements What I think becomes what you believe in How the necessary steps made time fly Why my dreams became memories When the impossible became the optional I don’t question what was hypothetical The mystery of building what’s already constructed Creating an overflow inside a famine Everyone is around the sun and I These moments are lasting a lifetime My magazines are filled with my photo albums What comes around will never go back Being born in the middle of life The roots of life sprouted the tree of wealth Every exit becomes another entrance!

Submitted by Brian Stewart

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W I LL T H E Y KNOW US BY O U R LO V E ?

By Kimberly Linares I’ve come to realize the word Christian or Church tend to turn the world away. I’ve asked myself why is that? I truly believe that well meaning people (Christians) have made it confusing.

C E L E B R I T Y S YN D R O M E I N WORSHIP: SHIFTING THE FOCUS

By Stephen Miller

If a pastor/minister gives a Word on prosperity, then all of a sudden he’s called a “prosperity preacher” and that’s “wrong” the Word clearly says: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” - Luke 6:38 If the Word is given to turn from sin, then the minister is “hateful and condemning” but the Word clearly says: “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” - 2 Chronicles 7:14 If the message of “love” is given, then the pastor/minister is just “sugar coating” the Word...the Word clearly says: “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” - 1 John 4:7-8 And the list can go on and on... we that call ourselves Christians, need to STOP condemning one another, because every time you post your opinion about how God’s people are not doing a good enough job, you in turn are confusing and turning people away from the gospel...We need to stand together as believers and join together regardless of what church you go to. We are all ONE body.

So now I urge you to Love. “A new command I give you: Love one another.

As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”John 13:34-35 without judging: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

- Romans 3:23-24 Mark and Kimberly Linares are the senior pastors of Living Faith Family Worship Center.

I began leading worship right around the time the modern worship movement really began to take off. It was like an explosive revolution of musical exploration that took “Church music” to an entirely new generation that was bored, disillusioned, or turned off by it.

Here was this opportunity for the church to begin singing the deep truths of God in musical mediums they enjoyed and connected with on an emotional level.

The problem with this was that it became less and less about the quality of the content, and more and more about the quality of the musical and emotional experience. In many cases, sentimentalism replaced good doctrine and talent replaced character. The allure of the stage – and all the applause and affirmation that came along with it – drew a crowd of new leaders who were formerly disinterested in ministry. Not content to be servants, they wanted to be celebrities, and this was an opportunity to make it.

Perhaps this sounds harsh, but this was my story.

Sure I could mask it with all the right churchy, spiritual words. I could tell myself all day long that this wasn’t for my glory, but for God’s glory. That I was working to build God’s kingdom, not my own.

That I was not striving to make MY name famous, but to make HIS name famous. But it was all justifying the real truth that in a world who loves to exalt talented people into “idols”, I was addicted to the intoxicating aroma of approval.

The problem is that when we do this, we are trying to create an identity for ourselves and find our

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worth in things that were never designed to give it.

I could never create or earn a greater identity than I have been given as one who is created in the image of God, purchased by the blood of Christ, adopted into his family, filled with his Spirit and sent on his mission. I am already fully known and fully loved by the one who matters most.

Until we surrender to our true identity in Christ, we will never be able to truly lead and love people, because we will always be trying to get something out of them. If you are longing for approval from those you are supposed to be shepherding, you will never be able to serve them properly. Your church will suffer, as will your worship.

How is it possible to point people to Jesus when you are really hoping they are looking at you? How do you help people make much of Jesus, when you are secretly hoping they will make much of you?

Worship is not about us. It’s about Jesus. He must increase. We must decrease.

And the wonder of it all is that as we decrease and begin to reflect the glory of the infinitely glorious One, he will use us more than we ever thought possible. Because he is the only one worthy of the Spotlight, when we use our leadership to point to him and get out of the way, he will shine the light of his glory on the people we are leading. He will do what only he can do. He will take hearts of stone and make them flesh. He will transform lives and heal marriages. He will mend the broken. He will seek and save the lost.

He will be exalted.

FASHION

INTRODUCING OLGA PARKERS JEWELRY

By Enoma Osakue Many people admire models for their dazzling beauty, gorgeous hair, or impeccable posture. Add to the list for this young lady, launching her own high fashion jewelry brand in her mid-twenties. From a young age Olga Gavriluk, the founder, designer and model behind Olga Parkers Jewelry, had an entrepreneurial spirit.

While launching Olga Parkers Jewelry she decided to incorporate her luxury design training, modeling experience and fashion aesthetics to create a platform where luxury jewelry meets editorial fashion content.

She finds that, “Fashion is a message and everyone is communicating.” Her jewelry exists to give people an aesthetic they can feel accepted by and identify with. She wants to instill positivity in the men and women that wear her line, and empower them.

Her passion for jewelry making, grew from an internship she had while in college.

While working for a jewelry designer she got to experience first-hand the jewelry designing and merchandising process. She worked her way up from the bottom, growing in her responsibilities and learning the craft. With the skills she learned from multiple internships, she grew a hunger to create something of her own, dabbling in design and studying other luxury design brands.

The idea for Olga’s unique line of jewelry came out of personal necessity. After deciding upon the perfect dress to wear on her birthday, she struggled to find a set of jewelry that would complete the look. She began to envision a dark beaded necklace with tassels. After watching jewelry tutorial videos and sketching various designs, she reached out to some

connections and purchased the elegant and premier hematite beads that comprise much of her work today. She found that her friends and co-workers loved the design. Their praise inspired her to consider making an entire collection.

Olga’s advice for our readers who dream of starting a business one day?

“Have a Dream you are passionate about. If there is something you can’t stop thinking about, go after it! Then, work on a plan. Come up with an optimistic but achievable plan. When we aspire for our dreams we won’t always achieve them, but realistic plans give way to more success. You have to push yourself and you have to stay inspired”, she says.

Nothing comes from nothing, and great brands are not launched overnight. Olga has worked incredibly hard to bring her line to where it is today.

She has personally shot the product photos, modeled the pieces, and organized the brand’s campaign photoshoots.

When starting out Olga took very clear steps.

She designed a product and gave it a test. The initial feedback from her first designed tassel necklace helped her know what might sell. Then she collaborated with photographers, setting up photoshoots and taking on the role of model and brand ambassador. She built a website to sell her products and to market them. But she didn’t stop there, for more exposure she entered into accessory design contests. They challenged her to get better at her craft and make more friends in her industry.

You can view the entire Olga Parkers Jewelry collection of tassel necklaces, wrap bracelets and stack rings online at www.olgaparkers.com.

Photo Credit: Victor Medina-San Andres MVMNTMAG.COM 7

go out of style. Everytime I hear Fashion for Jesus it holds me accountable to remind me why I’m doing this in the first place. It all points back to Christ.

Fashion comes and goes but the love of Christ Jesus will be here forever.

WHY THIS EVENT AND WHY NOW? I want to invest in the education of the youth.

I want to invest in today’s younger generation.

They are tomorrow’s America. If we invest in them now, they can become great women and men of tomorrow. It is really more about uniting together and showing love to the youth.

WHEN DID YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH FASHION? I never really fell in love with fashion, I simply started creating T-shirts. I started finding out about so many Christian designers. My thought was “Why not unite and do a faith expo where anyone can feel

FASHION

welcome?” I decided to dare to dream so big that I

INTERVIEW WITH FASHION4JESUS FOUNDER ANNA ESCOBAR

would be able to say it didn’t just happen because of me, it happened because of HIM. The impossible becomes possible when God is your center.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH FROM THIS EVENT?

By Martha Villegas Anna Escobar is the founder of Majestic Roar, a non-profit organization dedicated to reaching the youth of America through the fashion industry. This year Majestic Roar will host its first Fashion 4 Jesus Runway / Expo in Houston, Texas.

I want to open the doors to start investing in the lives of youth. I want this event to be the foundation to be able to speak to youth. I want to accomplish 3 things: (1) Share the love of Christ. (2) To help them

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF, YOUR BACKGROUND AND HOW YOU CAME TO KNOW JESUS? I was born and raised catholic. At age 16 I got pregnant and got kicked out of my house. The way people, even my family, treated me marked me for a long time. When I had my child I had a reason to fight, a reason to live. I was a little girl inside saying please love me, and no one could see it. No one would take the time to ask me how I was really doing. All I wanted was someone to be there for me.

Sometimes people tell you they are there for you, but they are not, not in the spiritual sense. My older sister always prayed for me. She believed in me. At age 24 I finally met Christ. I was tired and frustrated.

I finally gave up and surrendered.

The holy spirit showed up and for the first time, I felt genuine love. It was as if Christ grabbed me from quicksand, washed me and cleansed me and didn’t ask a question, but took me in. It took me 10 years to understand what His love really was. We have been given watered down love. There is a peace and a love that people are so thirsty for. If we were to let our walls down, I really believe that the world would not be such a broken world.

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WHY FASHION FOR JESUS? I’ve been designing T-shirts for 5 years. I realized

in their education. (3) Find out how we can invest in making dreams come true.

kids in general don’t tend to even open the Bible. I

I want to give people hope, to give them the

felt in my spirit and in a conversation with the Lord

belief back in themselves and guide them on finding

that it was time to put the message of God’s love

out who they are. You might lose your identity when

on a shirt. You know how we sometimes might tell

things happen in your life. It is time to break the

ourselves God- give me a sign! Well that t-shirt

curse of the “hurting people,” hurt people. We are

could be that sign.

here to encourage one another. Scripture says, there

I realized there’s not a market for Christian

is life and death in the tongue. Choose love.

designers. Due to lack of finding a place for Christian

As Believers we need to be held accountable for

designers to exhibit their work, I had the idea of this

how we make others feel. Don’t be a block in the

event. I had a conversation with Him and He said to

road for someone else to fall. We are not created to

do it! After some time he started opening doors. For

be fearful. I can’t tell you how many times, “Do not

2 years it has been a process. The fashion industry

fear” is said in the Word of God.

impacts our children so much. They look at media

We are a generation that has been trained to

they are constantly being fed how they should look,

rely too much on technology. We expect Google

what beauty looks like through social channels, tv

to find the answer to everything. We have such a

and movies. Sometimes we might not think that

powerful machine in our heads and we need to use

faith has any impact. I want to give people hope and

it. The answers are in our heart character, and our

to believe in themselves no matter how messed up

perspective. I want to get youth back into character.

you think your life is, you can start again!

It will change their lives.

WHAT INSPIRED THE NAME? For me it symbolizes a fashion that will never

Visit Anna online at http://fashion4jesus.com.

STUDENT LIFE

SUPPLIES ON A DIME

By Syerra Sandford Although summer is quickly approaching, it is never too soon to begin thinking about ways to save money on school supplies and shopping for the new school year.

Here are a few tips to help you save on back to school shopping and supplies: 1. Spring cleaning, is one way to save. By rounding up new or lightly used supplies that you already own and making list of things you need is an excellent way to avoid shopping for things you already have.

2. Shopping at garage sales and thrift stores are very helpful for finding unique items at a fraction of the cost.

3. Clipping coupons is another awesome way the save money on back to school items.

4. Buying supplies during the sales tax holiday is yet, another way to save. Prepare to shop during the first week of August.

5. End of summer sales come in handy for those kids growing faster than your wallet, or those kids that just want some new stuff.

6. Buying in bulk, is a great way to get what you want and have some extra because you can never have too much paper or too many pencils or pens.

These are just a few tips for saving on school supplies and back to school outfits and accessories.

After all, being prepared for class is always a good look on you and allows you the time to focus on what’s most important...Learning.

MUSIC

A REVIEW OF NEEDTOBREATHE’S NEW SINGLE ‘MONEY & FAME’

By Eric Velez

NEEDTOBREATHE’s single “Money & Fame” from their upcoming sixth studio album Hard Love confronts us with a warning about the dangers of success. Fame and success have always been glamorized, but in the age of instant TV pop-stars and viral videos, they have never seemed easier to achieve. NEEDTOBREATHE addresses this issue in “Money & Fame” with a call for us “young guns” to learn from their mistakes.

NEEDTOBREATHE knows about success. Among their many gospel music awards including 3 Dove Awards and reaching number three on the Billboard charts with their album “Rivers in the Wasteland,” their latest Grammy nomination for their song “Multiplied” solidified their prominence in the Christian and Indie rock scene. We can trust that when Bear Rhinehart sings about money and fame, he knows what he’s talking about.

The song begins with a swell of vintage-sounding strings, guitars and brass followed by a punch of hip-hop drums along with a loud horn section. In a distorted and aggressive voice, Rhinehart begins “I was sleeping with a loaded gun / I was scared of all the things I’d done / Yeah I know I’m not the only.” Then a choir enters to support Rhinehart’s claim that “It’s alright, it’s alright now.” Now whether he is speaking lyrically or metaphorically, Rhinehart sets up from the beginning the very present danger of money and fame. He continues to use his lyrics in this song as a kind of confession of regrets he had with his increasing fame. He admits “I did some things that I regret / I was thinking I was fortunate / you never know until you’re offered it / but everybody’s got a price I guess.” Rhinehart wants us to know the truth behind his success, and what hides there is regret and compromise.

It is in the chorus that we see Rhinehart’s main idea: “money and fame bring a man to shame, ain’t no doubt about it.”

NEEDTOBREATHE’s target with this cautionary song is young people. This is evident in the first line of the chorus: “What do you kids want to know about now?” There is a good reason for this. According to a research study of teens

by Barna Group Inc., 1-in-4 millennials believe they will be famous by the age of 25. Fame is a very real desire among young people and NEEDTOBREATHE understands this. So they write to us—the ones with stars in our eyes—with the goal of breaking the illusion we may have that money and fame bring fulfillment. Rhinehart uses his experience as an example to show us that success is not all it’s built up to be.

One of the most intriguing lines in the song is in the second half of the chorus, where Rhinehart confesses “I reached the bottom from the top somehow.” What makes this line stand out is how it confronts us with dueling ideas.

On the one hand, we understand as Christians that money and fame will never be able to satisfy us. Yet on the other hand, making it to the top has got to feel pretty good. Yet, Rhinehart describes being on top as reaching the bottom. It feels like a concept we understand in theory, but might not believe in practice. Why else would a fourth of young people crave the limelight? How do we explain our desire for money and fame along with our understanding that it will never satisfy, or even leave us worse off?

Perhaps success really is not all it’s built up to be. Perhaps reaching the top really does cause us to hit the bottom.

Perhaps enough of us have been swayed by the siren song of fame and fortune that a song like “Money & Fame” is the wake up call we need.

NEEDTOBREATHE’s upcoming studio album Hard Love is expected to release July 15, 2016.

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SPORTS AND FAITH WITH

COREY NELSON

By Ryan Cook

It’s the Fall of 2013. The Oklahoma Sooners are 4-0 following a big win against Notre Dame. Senior linebacker, Corey Nelson, is second on the team in tackles and had returned an interception for a touchdown against the Irish. Quite a stand-out memory in the famed Irish stadium in South Bend.

He had played in 45 games for the Sooners over his career, and as he put on his pads for his 46th game against the TCU Horned Frogs, Corey had no idea his life was about to take an unexpected twist. On that Saturday in Norman, OK, while Corey was making a routine play he tore his pectoral muscle in his chest. By Sunday the doctors confirmed the worst. Though OU won the game against TCU, Corey knew he would miss the next week’s rivalry game against the Texas Longhorns back in his home town of Dallas. Worse yet – Corey Nelson would never play another down of football for the Sooners – and possibly never suit up again to play the game he loved.

Tests of faith and perseverance come in all shapes and sizes. They often strike us when we least expect them. A season-ending injury was the last thing Corey expected, but God was not taken by surprise. One of his favorite verses is Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

I​ n this issue we’re talking about your faith, football, and in addition, being a husband and a new dad. There seems to be a lot of different roles to balance. The popular question everyone wants to know is, what’s Peyton Manning like? [[Laughter]] I kind of get asked that a lot. ​Just joking. I know.

No, but he is a great guy. Class act. You look at a person and you want to know a leader or how to become a person that people can look up to. He is the symbol of that. He is a great guy. A lot of people think that Peyton Manning is serious, but he is really funny. He has a dry sense of humor, and it’s hilarious! When we were in the Super Bowl, the day before the game, he had like a whole slide show for us and he made it funny. It was supposed to be

“FOOTBALL ISN’T HERE FOREVER…”

and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

In the days, weeks, and months ahead, Corey would dive deeper than he ever had into his faith and trust in God. He would lay aside his attempts to understand ‘Why this happened’ and instead focus on the God who is in control of all things. He had surrounded himself with strong Christian brothers who would encourage him in the journey ahead.

6 months after his football career at OU was cut short, Corey Nelson would be drafted in the 7th round by the Denver Broncos. Just 2 years later Corey would be raising the Lombardi Trophy alongside future Hall of Fame Quarterback Peyton Manning as the world champions of Super Bowl 50.

This is just a small part of the great story God is authoring in Corey Nelson. He would be quick to tell you that his faith in Jesus Christ is first above all things. He is also now a loving husband and a devoted father to his infant daughter. ‘Man of Faith’ ‘Husband’ ‘Father’ – winning a Super Bowl is amazing, but these are the titles that truly matter.

What follows is an interview with Corey as we get to know this flower of Jesus who happens to play football.

serious, but [Manning] and DeMarcus Ware made it funny. He is a real laid back, down to earth individual who knows how to lead, who knows how to take care of business. That’s the type of guy he is. ​ hat’s really cool. I was half joking there T but that’s so interesting. Let’s dig back for a second. So a Texas son chooses to go to OU. What was the motivation there?

It was all about being close to home and just doing what my dad wanted me to do. He wanted his sons to go to Oklahoma.

So that was the thing that was stuck in the back of my mind. During that whole process and even the day before signing day, I was actually committed to Texas A&M. I had been committed to them for about a year and a half. Then the day before signing day, I actually de-committed and chose OU, which unfortunately was a bummer for them.

But the reason I chose OU was because [of] Brent Venables, who is the defensive coordinator at Clemson now. He kind of

“ IT JUST SHOWS YOU HOW GOD’S HAND IS ON YOUR LIFE, NO MATTER WHAT.” laid the foundation for my life. He told me if I wanted to pursue football, “this is the route that you need to take and this is how we will help you. If you want to pursue a degree, this is the route that I will help you with and I am going to show you how to take off. If you want to do both, I’ll show you how to do both.” I really liked that. He was a hands-on coach and he always kept his word and everything that he said was genuine. During that time, A&M didn’t have a defensive coordinator or a linebacker’s coach and that was a deal breaker.

I didn’t want to go in there and meet the new defensive coordinator or the new linebacker’s coach to find that I may not like the guy or he may not like my style of play. That’s what made me de-commit and choose Oklahoma. ​I totally get it. I tell you, Deuce is a good MVMNTMAG.COM 11

JORDAN NELSON Favorite Scripture My favorite scripture is Joshua 1:5, “No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.”

Why is Joshua 1:5 your favorite verse?

There are so many people who come after myself, my husband, our marriage, our finances, and so many other things. People who might out have “good motives” on the outside, but their interior is all jacked up. I feel like this verse is God reminding me that even when people or things try and bring me down or cause negativity in my life, he will be there with me. Whether it’s a financial advisor, fake friend, etc. God will always be there. That gives me SO much peace! It has become a verse that I love to meditate on!

What is a misconception you face regularly?

The number one misconception I believe that people have about me being the wife of an athlete is that they think we live these perfect, glamorous lives with no struggles or goals in life other than to “live off” of our spouses. That’s not true at all. In fact, I have so many things outside of my husband that I am working on. On top of that, I face daily struggles and issues as well. I believe that my faith and love for the Lord have allowed some people and hopefully others in the future to see these misconceptions.

I believe in being transparent with people when it comes to not only my issues, but also my faith. I don’t ever want to seem like a “perfect Christian” because there is no such thing. I would much rather people are able to relate to me instead of shying away from me. I pray that I can continue to use the life God has blessed me with as a platform to bring women from all backgrounds together for the glory of him.

COLLEGE ATHLETES! We want to know your story. Email us at write@mvmntmag.com.

guy. Great coach. They got a great program there. So you are having success, you are starting, you are playing well, and then senior year, you get this peck injury and you miss the rest of your season.

Man, it actually did snap with the peck, because I didn’t know what my future was gonna hold. It’s weird, because during my time at Oklahoma, I didn’t play that much.

I played special teams my freshman year. My sophomore year, I actually started and I made plays. I was the linebacker with the second most sacks in school history. I thought that was cool. In my junior year, we had a whole new defense staff coming in and they changed the whole defensive scheme. It was all built around safeties, so I didn’t play that much my junior year. That kind of got me down but then in my senior year, they kind of knew that they had to do things differently. I started playing a lot more and making plays and then - the injury comes.

During my junior year and senior years, those were moments where my faith was tested. For me to go through what I went through my junior year – not playing as much – it prepared me for what was gonna happen my senior year. It showed me that football isn’t here forever, but the Lord will always be there forever. He will have my back no matter what I go through. He also showed me that whatever he has planned for me, is for me. He says in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you”, and I just linked on to that.

It was a tough time. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my future. I even questioned God. I was upset at times because I was having a phenomenal season.

I was leading in August in defense. I was the captain. I was making picks, PBU’s, fumbles, I was getting everything and then that happened. So I questioned God as to why he would take that away from me. But he showed me that... to let me know that no matter what I go through or what happens in my life he has plans for me. Being the in NFL was a dream of mine. He still showed me, “It’s still a dream of yours. I am just taking you a different route so that you can grow even closer to me and so that you can confide in me more.” So that’s what I did.

In about three months, I recovered. It was phenomenal. I call it spiritual healing because during that time, I was in Miami training. I really focused on God. It was just me, God, and football. Every day, I would meditate. Every day I made a conscious effort to spend time with the Lord and I could feel his presence. I felt [that] it allowed me to recover so much faster.

My trainers, they all told me that I wasn’t going to be able to run 40. I wasn’t going to be able to do bench press because of my peck. They told me all this stuff I couldn’t do, but the Lord showed me everything that I could do if I just continued to believe in him. So that’s what I did. I ended up running my 40 and bench pressing 27 times on the bench press. After that, I didn’t know what my future would hold. The Lord allowed me to get drafted.

There was one agent, Kelly Masters, who took a chance on me. During that time when I was injured, no agents talked to me, I had nothing. But she came to me, and the Lord told her to take a shot on me. The Lord told her to actually pay for my training!

She was obedient and then some. It allowed me to be where I am now, to be a super bowl champion, all of that was God’s doing. It’s just amazing to be able to go from the lowest of the lows to where you are now. It just shows you how God’s hand is on your life, no matter what. Even though I went through that injury, even though I went through all that stuff through college, God’s hand was over my life. ​ ow much did going through your injury and rehab prepare you for life in the H league and the different things that you have experienced in the last three years?

It prepared me for a lot. It showed me that we can’t confide in man. We can’t confide in things of the world. [The] one thing that will be able to satisfy us is the Lord.

I learned that when I was with the Broncos in my rookie season. I really struggled with

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trying to please the coaches and trying to make everyone happy. God showed me you can’t make everyone happy.

Even though I was messing up on plays left and right, thinking that they were gonna cut me, God still assured me that what he has for me is for me.

No one can take that away. After my rookie season, after that struggle, the next year, I went to the super bowl. I am on the team. I am actually playing. I have built confidence. God’s hand over my life has prepared me for where I am now. He is continuing to teach me things through football, to teach me things through life. ​ ould you walk us through becoming a C Christian, like the story of when you give your heart to Jesus? What happened there?

My granddad is actually a pastor. Growing up I was always in a church home. I was probably about six or seven when I gave my life to Christ, but I didn’t know what that really meant. So when I actually built a relationship with the Lord, I was in college. When I was struggling my sophomore year, still trying to figure out who I was as an individual, I reached a point in my life where I was so depressed about school and life, I didn’t want to do it all.

During those moments, I found God. I went to him and He answered me. I feel like that was when the foundation of my relationship with Christ began.

That was when I started to understand his gifts, his love, his grace, and the mercy he has for us. Because before that time, I was making bad mistakes. I knew what right and wrong was, but I was still making bad mistakes that I shouldn’t have been making. Once I found out who Christ was, and I built my relationship with him, everything became so much clearer. I knew that I can be a good person. I know we are imperfect, but I can still be a good person. I can still do things that I want to do and that he called me to do. That was when I felt my belief in Christ was strengthened. That was when it became a foundation, when I was a college sophomore. ​ ou’ve struggled a lot in life; through college, Y with your injury, trying to make the league, and since getting there. Who did you have during these times? What were some of the things that you were hearing?

It started in college. We actually had a Bible study in my apartment and we would do Bible study every Thursday. That started my sophomore year, me and my roommates, we kind of got together with this barber named Jack Walker who

cut our hair and would talk about the Lord, and so [Thursdays] ended up turning into devotion and Bible study. That was a key foundation for me. That was what really kept me afloat through those years and through those struggles, having that Bible study. We did it all the way up to my senior year.

We had athletes, non-athletes, we had females there, and we just become a group. ​That’s great.

It was amazing. Those guys were my foundation then. Also the pastor I had met in Oklahoma, he’s still in my life. He actually helped me get through my rookie season and was there for me when I was down. If I ever had questions or doubt, he was an anchor for me. My wife, her mom was so in tune with the Lord and she is so spiritually gifted. She was a key anchor in my life too. She was always there for me whenever I was going through something. God would use her and speak to her.

She would call me and tell me exactly how I was feeling. They would pray, and she would give me steps of what I needed to do in order to get better, to continue to grow. Those are the people that have allowed me to [get to] where I am. They are kind of the anchors of my faith, through college and now. ​ hat’s great! You’re married and now have a T little four month old girl. Congratulations! So

“…BUT THE LORD WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOREVER. HE WILL HAVE MY BACK, NO MATTER WHAT I GO THROUGH.” how are you balancing being a man of God, being a football player in NFL, and being a husband and a father? That’s a lot more hats to juggle. How are you doing with that?

It’s not easy but it is going well. I say that because my wife does a phenomenal job of being my support system. She does a great job of watching over the baby, watching over the household while I am gone, and makes it a lot easier. As the head of the house, I put God first. He allows us to be stable. Being able to lean on him in tough times, that’s what helped us get to where we are. We also have our families, who pitch in and help us take care of the baby when we are tired or whenever she needs a break. It hasn’t been easy but with Lord on our side, it makes things so much easier. You see things in a more positive light, you know? When she says, “Honey, go make the bottle,” you know, this is my job now. It is my responsibility it’s what

DJ SUPERSTAR @IAMDJSUPASTAR

www.deejaysupastar.com Favorite Scripture Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1

Why is Hebrews 11:1 your favorite?

Everyday every part of who I am and what I do is a step of faith. Starting my own SupaSpin Academy was one of the biggest tests of my faith. Sometimes we think we can do it on our own but I am always reminded that we need faith.

How do you spiritually keep yourself balanced since you constantly spin on the radio for 97.9 The Beat, and are required to listen to a vast array of music and artist as part of your daily occupational duties?

I constantly listen to scripture and a lot of Joel Osteen while I drive and any other chance I get. Faith based music is very familiar to me, since I actually started off as a DJ for churches.

Who is your favorite Christian artist?

Travis Greene @TravisGreeneTV

Who is your favorite local Hip Hop Christian artist?

I have a few but I would have to say Justified @iamjustified1 and II Crunk4Jesus@ IICrunk4Jesus

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I have to do. Doing that on top of football, we kind of just make it happen. ​ et’s talk about in the locker room with the L team. Is it hard to live out your faith? How challenging is it to be a witness? Also, are there other guys of faith on the Broncos team? Do you guys have anything else in common?

Man, it’s tough, real tough. You have a lot of guys who have different beliefs, who do different things and it can be tough. The one thing that sticks with me is being able to find someone that’s trying to live like me, that’s trying to live for the Lord. That’s what helps me.

That’s what allows me to be able to get through the things in the locker room. Because, you hear so much crazy stuff. The one thing that will help you or that allow you to become stable in that atmosphere is being able to find someone who is walking the same walk that you are.

Also the ability to go to the chapels and Bible studies that we have. We do have Bible study and we do have chapels. There are quite a few guys that go. Being able to talk to them and to know that you are not alone in a situation, it helps you get through those things that go on in a locker room. Another thing that really helps as well, the NFL has this thing called PAO and its Pro Athletes Outreach. It’s a Christian based organization and they have events every year. They have like a couple’s resort or Christian’s resort where you go and study the word, listen to Christian music, and praise God. They have sessions where we talk about relationships, families, and finances.

That’s a great thing to go to as well. That allows me to get through some of these locker-room situations because you know that you aren’t alone. There are organizations that you can lean on. ​ hat’s very cool. Who would you say T has been kind of that one guy or several guys on the team that you have been able to connect with and model yourself alongside?

There is really one guy that I hang out with.

His name is Todd Davis and he is linebacker as well. His dad is a pastor in California. Man, just being able to talk to him, our spirits just clicked together. We will hang out with each other whenever time permits and we kind of hang around each other when everything in the locker room can become crazy.

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​ ou mentioned Jeremiah 29:11 earlier. Is Y that kind of theme verse for you? Do you have other verses that are big ones for you and your family?

praise him through all the good times, through all the bad times, through all the ups and downs. Continue to trust in God. Continue to put him first in everything that you do.

Yeah, I live by three verses that I really take to heart. There was Jeremiah 29:11. Then there is Proverbs 3:5-6 that says, “trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your path.” That one and then Matthew 6:33. It says, “seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all his these things will be added onto you.”

The next verse (24) talks about not worrying about tomorrow but focusing on the day that’s at hand. I live by those scriptures. Those are the key ones that I take with me throughout my life because those were pivotal scriptures that I had to use or lean on during dire moments in my life.

The second thing I would tell them is to embrace their dreams, embrace what it is you want to do. Don’t let anything deter you from what you want to be. Don’t let anything deter you from how great you want to become in life. Just know that anything is possible. Just believe in God and believe in yourself and anything is possible. When it comes to being who you wish to be, The sky is the limit If you have hard work, dedication, prayer, and belief in yourself and God, then you can do whatever it is that you desire to do in life. That’s what I would say. And just have fun with life. It’s all about persevering and enjoying the good times and enjoying the moments that life brings forth to you.

​ hat was it like, NFL playoffs, the Super W Bowl? I mean it’s such a rare experience.

Very few get to experience that.

I​ f you had to do it all over again, what’s one thing that you would change?

“JUST BELIEVE IN GOD AND BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.” During the playoffs I was kind of ready for the season to end. I was tired. ​16 games man. It’s a long time.

It was tough. Those first two games were pretty tough because I was kind of ready to go. At the same time, it was an amazing experience to watch history be made with this team. The last game was memorable. I will never forget it. I made four tackles in that game and felt like I was on top of the world because that was the biggest game of my entire life. I’ll never forget it. I’ll never forget the way I felt, the championship, that confetti falling, and the trophy. It was amazing. ​ hat’s great. Fantastic. So there is a young T Corey Nelson. He is kid who is 13, 14 or 15. He has got dreams of playing in the League one day. What do you say now to a young man who is just starting? What advice would you give him in order to get to where you are right now?

The first thing is to trust the Lord. Trust in the Lord no matter what, with all your heart, and with everything that you do. Continue to

One thing? Do I have to? Because I would do it the exact same way.

I​ s there is something that you could go back and speak to yourself, going into your senior year of high school? One thing that you could give yourself a piece of advice about, something to do differently?

I would say be myself and trust in my own ability. Trust a little more in my own confidence and skills that the Lord has blessed me with academically and athletically. If I can go back and do that, I would do that. I would tell myself to have confidence in myself. ​ his has been awesome. I appreciate your T time and you answering my questions. I am excited for you guys, the future, and for your wife and your baby.

Thank you. I appreciate it.

D O N ’ T LE T YO U R S U M M E R B R E A K R U LE O V E R YO U , O W N I T !

By Trent Bickham Taking a break is important. It’s so important that God Himself rested for an entire day after a long eventful week of creation (Gen. 2:2). It’s quite important to note that He did not lie in bed all day playing on His phone. He, in fact, blessed the day and called it Holy, and actively enjoyed the fruits of His labor throughout that day. There’s a big difference between taking a break (resting) and doing nothing (laziness).

#dabondadevil

by II Crunk 4 Jesus

Released June 1, 2016 Listen now on iTunes, Googleplay and Spotify

It’s hard to beat a summer break. You’ve got three months of no school, no homework, and no major obligations. Except for mom and dad, you are essentially your own boss for three beautiful months.

But if you don’t have a plan, your summer break will rule over you until it’s time to go back to school. You’ll find that instead of taking a break, you will have slept your entire summer away like a teenage Rip Van Winkle.

It’s easy to not think of making a plan with the prospect of video games and Netflix, late nights and even later mornings, and raiding the fridge just about any time you please. But this approach to a summer break is only satisfying for a short time. Soon you become almost zombified into a routine of laziness, trying to convince yourself that you’re having a great summer. You won’t remember the last time you read your Bible. Your prayer life fades into non-existence.

Almost all of the sudden, you “don’t really feel like going to church this week.” Your rest has turned into idleness, your break into laziness.

Don’t let this happen again this summer. Don’t let your summer break rule over you; instead you own your summer break! Laziness is seeking someone to devour, so be confident in Christ and stand up and fight it!

The only way that you can beat it is to have a plan or goals for this summer. Maybe you need to write a list of places to go or people to see each week during this break. Or perhaps you want to read through the New Testament or even the entire Bible in just ninety days (about three months). Ask God to place on your heart the plan or goals that He has for you this summer.

Give God your summer and watch Him bless it; watch Him give you a summer like you’ve never had before. Determine in your heart that you will be different; that you refuse to give away this time of rest that God has blessed you with. Allow God to make this summer unforgettable, allow Him to make this summer a summer to remember.

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RAQUEL “DA TRUTH” SEGURA IG @RAQDATRUTH

Favorite Scripture

HOW TO CELEBRATE GOD AND COUNTRY ON THE 4TH OF JULY

By Tammy Mott

Why is Proverbs 3:5-6 your favorite?

Independence Day is a great time to remind us

look for help is Pinterest. Say you’ve planned the

of God’s provision and grace, by giving us a land

meal, but would like a nice tablescape for guests to

that was founded on His design. Our forefathers

enjoy. Ideas abound, from making your own napkin

were led by God to express, in writing, the desires

rings and placemats to creating centerpieces for

they had in establishing our land for governing.

the occasion.

Our country has been blessed beyond measure, and the gathering of those we know and love add to the enjoyment of our patriotic celebrations.

When honoring our country, we can also honor God in how we choose to celebrate. Showing your love for your country can be anything from doing a good deed for an elderly neighbor to planning a day of outdoor beautification like picking up trash, cleaning up the beach or planting flowers.

Whether

planning

a

small

gathering

In our family, celebrating always includes food. of caring and sharing a basic need. Summer meals are filled with fresh and exciting new tastes. All the flavors that have been missed during the winter months are now available again in abundance.

While walking into the grocery store this week, a large pallet of watermelons were arranged at the front door that couldn’t be missed. They were a

or

signal that the warm weather season has arrived, and so now has all the fun. It’s time to get out from

of celebrating is to think of the guests that will be

behind the computer and away from the mall and

attending. You can show your guests how special

get outdoors for some time with friends and family.

they are to you by planning your party with them in mind. One way is to consider dietary needs or restrictions when planning the menu. Include options for each guest on the menu. Another fun way is to create a theme that emphasises the celebration. Sharing hospitality doesn’t have to break the bank, but it should involve creativity. There are always new ideas that you can incorporate to create your special signature. A favorite place to

There was time in my life where I got derailed and went astray. I was trying to do my own thing and pushed God aside. I lost my first son and completely broke down. God directed my path. My passion is poetry and He has used this to allow me to help others on their paths.

I have been able to be a light for young teen girls as well as my teammates.

Food is a language of love for us. It’s an expression

entertaining a large group, the most important part

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Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6

It’s time to get out the red, white, and blue, throw on some flip flops, enjoy the sun, and celebrate life.

Plan a great meal, have a surprise or two up your sleeve, and hug friends and family as you celebrate the blessings of God.

What does it mean to you when you say “I will spit my truth?”

It allows me to share those things about myself that are ugly, that come from some of my darkest places. These are things I used to hide or be ashamed about sharing. I can boldly share the truth knowing that it helps others to heal. By God’s grace, I have received beauty for ashes. As I grow in Christ, I no longer have to hide behind the truth.

Truth is my everyday life.

How do you keep yourself in check?

By reminding myself that God is my strength and my defense. I have recently retired from the Texas Lady Jaguars where I played running back and half back which is one of the most dangerous positions on the field. I make a conscious effort to take Him on and off the field.

WHEN HONORING YOUR FATHER DOESN’T COME EASY

By Caleb Berry

FINANCIAL STABILITY V. LOVE OF MONEY: HOW FAR IS TOO FAR WHEN IT COMES TO DESIRING WEALTH?

By Odonna Bass The love of money can often disguise itself in good intentions. So, how do we achieve financial security without being consumed by the amount of zeroes in our bank accounts?

was at the end of my career, in the middle of wedding planning, and at the beginning of an unmanageable medical condition that made working for an income nearly impossible.

I first asked myself this question some eight years ago. I was in my early twenties and had a successful career as an Army Officer. I knew that the sky was the limit, the world was my oyster, and I was destined to be successful by every definition of the word. I actively participated in the management of my wealth by ritualistically devoting my Saturday mornings to the checks and balances of my monthly income and expenses; I maxed out my monthly IRA and money market contributions, as well as my personal savings; and ensured that my emergency fund never fell below a particular dollar amount.

Never had I needed God to order my steps than in that season of my life. Looking back, I realize everything happened as He planned.

After losing what I believed to be my financial livelihood, what I gained was this, and I share it with you now:

It wasn’t long, before watching my money “grow” became a bit of a hobby. But still, I was dissatisfied (read Ecclesiastes 5:10). Even when I set financial goals and achieved them, it wasn’t grounds for celebration, but rather, a reassessment—did I set the bar too low? The scariest part of all, was that I was single—no husband, no kids, and virtually no debt! What money-hungry monster would I become once I had a purpose; a good intention?

Now, before you think the worst of me, understand that this was learned behavior that I developed over the course of my entire life. Growing up, my Dad always preached the concept of “paying yourself first.” While this was sound advice, I had forgotten to include my faith—I forgot to conduct internal checks and balances to ensure that my focus aligned with His purpose. It wasn’t until 2013—after an unexpected medical separation from the Army—when I was forced to do just that.

I’m sure you’re thinking that after so much saving, I couldn’t possibly have been worried, but you’re mistaken. In fact, I would argue that those who obsess about money worry more. I

Understand the importance of conducting your business in line with His purpose, pray and talk to God, and have vision enough to activate what He has provisioned for you. I encourage you all to read Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad Poor Dad and Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life, consecutively and in that order. The intent is to feel inspired to build your financial wealth, then refocus our drive to God’s kingdom-building.

Never act upon a feeling until it rests and abides within you. Just before deploying, I stepped out on faith and purchased an investment property. I had many nay-sayers telling me that I was making a huge mistake— “You don’t know the area.” “You’re going to be deployed; who will manage it?” “You’re being selfish and risky.” All I could respond with was that I had prayed about it and that it was a part of God’s plan for me. With that peace of mind, I purchased the property. Three months later, I started medical separation and to this day, the property provides me a source of income.

Lastly, do not bind yourself to the worldly definition of wealth and success for it will have you believe that the only measure of the two is the accumulation of money. But rather, live out God’s divine purpose for your life, because this is the essence of wealth.

And by doing so, all you do will succeed (read Philippians 4:11-13).

“Honor your Father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you,” they said. Yes, I know the bible says this too, but you don’t know my dad. My mom is great, I love her so much and I couldn’t complain at all, but my dad? That’s a whole different story.

Ever since we moved here to Polk County, things seem to have gone down hill with him and I don’t know why. He’s angry all the time and it’s over stupid stuff, he patronizes me, tells me to stop doing what I am passionate about and then says, “That’s not from the Lord”. Really? People continue to tell me I need to honor someone like that. No, he doesn’t deserve it and I’m definitely not going to give that respect to him.

Those were my thoughts from the age of 10 to 21 years old. Now as a 25 year old man, things have changed; and when I say “things”, I mean my mindset.

Honor is defined as high respect, but the question remains, “how do you honor a father that is hard to honor?”. My father has upset me and let me down on so many different occasions and still does at times, but the difference is, I now evaluate my own life and concerns with my walk with Christ when I have those moments. Our pride holds us back from showing our earthly fathers that grace and mercy that WE so desperately need from our heavenly father. Most of the time when someone is disrespecting us, belittling us, not there for us, etc., we tend to say things like “they don’t deserve my respect” or “they don’t deserve my honor”, and you’re right, they might not, but let’s talk about the things you deserve. Nothing.

God shows us grace and mercy when we least deserve it and God calls us, on so many occasions, to reflect Christ in our actions (1 John 2:6). This thought helped me to change the way I see and respond to my father. It’s crazy how it can work out sometimes, because when I changed my thoughts, my actions and responses also changed. Slowly but surely, the change in my actions and response began to have an effect on how my father treated me, and how he acted in general. Another thing I did was, I began to share with him what I actually appreciated him for and left it at that. My mom wasn’t the only one wiping my little behind when I was a baby; she wasn’t the only one driving me to my baseball and soccer practices; when I needed some money he was there at times.

My Father and I are doing a lot better, but we still have plenty of work to do. It won’t be easy, but it is so worth it. Remember the grace and mercy God shows you as Father’s Day is coming and not only Father’s Day, but everyday.

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MISSIONS

LIFE ON MISSION WITH GRAHAM GAMBLE

By Graham Gamble WHEN WERE YOU CALLED TO BE A MISSIONARY? Ever since I started following Christ in ninth grade, and I read Jesus’ command to “go into all the world and make disciples” I felt compelled to tell everyone!

The Gospel is such awesome news, and everyone needs to hear it! I’ve been doing that formally through my nonprofit organization, Adventure Sports Ministry, here in Houston for around nine years.

WHAT ARE THE MISCONCEPTIONS YOU FACE AS AN AMERICAN? DO THESE MISCONCEPTIONS CAUSE ANY INITIAL HURDLES IN COMMUNICATION? This is not really a misconception, but it may surprise you a bit until you get used to it: In comparison to many people overseas, we Americans are incredibly rich. They live on $50-$150 per month. We often make that in one day! They are aware of this, so sometimes that has an impact on the relationships. It’s the same as if Donald Trump came to visit us. Sometimes they don’t hesitate to ask for help. And because of how God has blessed us, we should not hold back.

WHAT MINISTRY MOMENT HAPPENED ON A TRIP THAT YOU CAN NEVER FORGET?

WHAT TRIP HAD THE MOST INTERESTING FOOD? I really enjoyed eating something called FuFu in Liberia.

HOW HAS LIVING LIFE ‘ON-MISSION’ IMPACTED YOUR LIFE PHYSICALLY AND

There are so many awesome moments, but one that stands out is waking up one morning at our missionary compound on the beach in Liberia, Africa.

I went out for a walk on the beach and met six young men who were cleaning up the beach and cutting down coconuts from the palm trees. Because of my different skin color, they were immediately interested and came over to talk. Five of them prayed to receive Christ right there on that beach in Liberia as I presented the gospel to them through a simple tract!

RELATIONALLY? When I return from Liberia and India, I was so moved by how rich we are and how much we have here in America compared to how much of the world lives.

My wife and I started figuring out ways to downsize and send money overseas. Just by canceling our cable TV subscription, we were able to get 12 children off the street and into a private Christian school in Liberia Africa. It only cost $100 per year for tuition there. Some of those kids were making two dollars per day breaking rocks with a hammer for construction companies. Others would become prostitutes or drug dealers if no one had gotten them off the street.

HOW HAS MISSIONS IMPACTED YOUR LIFE SPIRITUALLY? Wow! Doing missions has brought an amazing new reality, vibrancy and excitement to my spiritual life. I feel much more alive now. I can’t wait to get up in the morning and see what God has for me next.

Back when all I did as a Christian was go to church, I felt like something was missing, like my spiritual life wasn’t complete. That is not the case anymore. This is confirmed in James 2, which says “faith without works is dead”.

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WHERE WOULD LIKE TO RETURN (NOT NECESSARILY FOR MISSIONS; CITY AND COUNTRY)?

I would like to return to Santiago, Cuba because of the 1959 US trade embargo. Visiting the country is like visiting a museum. The cars on the streets and many other things there are from the 1950s. They have such cool little shops and places to visit.

IF YOU HAD A MILLION DOLLARS TO SPEND ON ANY ONE MISSION WHERE WOULD IT BE AND HOW WOULD YOU SPEND IT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? Because I have already seen it working so well, I would spend the money by visiting as many countries as possible, training leaders to train others with tools such as gospel tracts, and our 360 Accelerated Spiritual Growth Program, which focuses on how to grow in your faith, and how to share the gospel with others.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A TEENAGER CONSIDERING THE MISSION FIELD?

DO YOU HAVE A ROUTINE YOU FOLLOW BEFORE AND AFTER A TRIP (PREPPING, REFLECTION, ETC)?

I try to pray all night several times before a trip. I pray for every aspect of the trip, for all the people that I will be meeting there, the leaders, the people I will be meeting along the way in airports and hotels, etc. I ask the Holy Spirit to fill me with His guidance and His wisdom on what to say. And I ask Him to bring me all kinds of opportunities to share them with others.

It’s amazing how He answers this prayer and provides easy opportunities.

(1) PRAYER - The absolute most important thing you need to focus on is prayer. That is what transformed my life and brought spiritual multiplication that I had never seen before. (2) DREAM BIG! - Take whatever your current vision is and multiply it by 100, 1000, 100,000. PRAY FOR THAT! (3) REMEMBER HOW BIG GOD IS! - Remember that He merely spoke and the entire universe came into existence. The Bible describes Him sitting on His throne with 100 million angels all bowing down hiding their faces from the power of His glory, and all they can say is holy, holy, holy! (4) READ WORLD CHANGER BOOKS - Read as many books as you can about great missionaries and world changers. They will inspire you! Books like Bruchko, Peace Child, Crazy Love by Francis Chan and Radical by David Platt.They will inspire you! (5) BASIC TOOLS - Learn basic tools you can use to train others to train others to share the gospel and grow in their faith.

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To host a conference email us at conference@m101ministry.org

Book Makeover 101 Ministry for student chapel services and school assemblies

MakeOver101 CONFERENCE The Makeover 101 Conference is an attempt to makeover the world, one girl at a time, from the inside out. The conference is filled with games, music, make-up sessions and a fantastic runway show. Our speakers explore all aspects including spiritual makeovers, while our breakout sessions guide girls through physical makeovers.

The girls were invited to attend the conference from local areas, as well as inner city Houston. We believe that God wants to change our world and He can use teen girls to start the revolution. We challenge girls to have a foundation based on Christ and to give up their baggage acquired from

their life choices. We teach girls that God created us in His image, therefore we are already beautiful. We must live a life of true beauty reflecting God’s image by following His Word.

Our speakers hosted a “talk show” in which the girls actively participated in and had their questions answered from a Godly perspective. We know that in today’s society, answers to questions are only a click away. Whether or not the answers are of God is our main concern. Our speakers who are also youth leaders and pastors are able to elaborate on topics the girls provide with Christian-based answers.

Give online Visit m101ministry.org/donate

Contact Us Contact Makeover 101 directly about your donation.

Call 281-619-0882 or email mvmntmag@m101ministry.org.

MVMNTMAG.COM 19

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Prepare to make a difference in the world. Evangel will help equip you with the knowledge and training you’ll need. From the classroom (100% of education majors get employed within four months), to the operating room (94% of biology majors are accepted into medical school), you’ll step into your career with confidence.

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