Vol. 25| Iss. 2| February 2021
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LOVE FIRST BREAKS GROUND ON NEW BUILDING By Kelly Wise Valdes
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Columns: Grace Notes: Hooked On Books: Faith & Footprints: News From The Wire:
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The planning for the new church building at Love First Christian Center has been an ongoing passion for Lead Pastor Jomo Cousins. The groundbreaking ceremony was the first step in the church’s plan to expand to meet the growing needs of its congregation and the community. The new construction is the culmination of a fundraising effort that was faithful in spite of the pandemic during 2020. Faithful efforts combined with many years of planning, preparation and working to build support for the church expansion are finally coming to fruition. “The construction plan is 10-14 months,” said Cousins. “We are [adding] around 60,000 sq. ft. and it will be 3 stories tall.” The new building, which is designed to connect to the existing building, is expected to cost $7 million. This should allow attendance to double with a sanctuary that can seat 1,500 people. “We have been in fundraising mode for the last few years,” said
Love First Christian Center, located at 12847 Balm Riverview Rd. in Riverview, has broken ground on its new building that will double the capacity and includes a gymnasium that can host sporting events and youth programs.
Cousins. “We plan to have a strong year this year as people begin to see the evidence of their giving.” Love First Christian Center, located in Riverview, has grown rapidly in the past several years, leading to capacity issues that needed to be addressed. “We have been short on room for our children’s ministry and teen ministry. We have a growing and thriving teen ministry and STEM program that needs room to flourish.” Cousins also explained that before the pandemic stopped in-person worship, the church
had many Sundays where it had to turn people away because of its lack of room. “Our new facility with have a full gymnasium, our lobby will be tripled, our sanctuary will be doubled,” said Cousins. “We will also be able to increase out life classes. Our new gymnasium will be able to host sports events and youth programs.” Love First Christian Center is also resuming in-person services through RSVP. To learn more, RSVP for attendance or view online services, visit www.lfcc.tv. The church is located at 12847 Balm Riverview Rd. in Riverview.
WOMEN IN ROOFING CHAPTER HELPS LOCAL FORGOTTEN ANGELS By Libby Hopkins
The Tampa Chapter of National Women in Roofing’s holiday service project last December was to provide a roof replacement for one of the buildings on local charity Forgotten Angels’ property. The building that received the new roof is just one of the buildings that will be used to serve the many teens and young adults Forgotten Angels helps in the community. Forgotten Angels is a nonprofit focused on providing resources and support to the youth that are struggling to achieve housing, education and life skills. “I started this nonprofit for kids who have aged out of foster care,” Founder Cindy Tilley said. “Some of the kids come from rough homes, or simply need a helping hand. I strive to give these special individuals a place to feel like they belong, and to help them find their way.” Even though 2020 was a difficult year for all of us, this past year saw many successes for Forgotten Angels. “When most organizations are gauging success using dollars and cents, we use lives saved and lives changed for the better as our benchmark,” said Forgotten Angels’ executive director, David Tyler. “That said, we were able to
The service project this past December was to provide a roof replacement for one of the buildings on local charity Forgotten Angels’ property.
host well over 30 young men on the property, all for varying periods of time, many who are still residents. We successfully provided over 15,000 meals to our youth and countless meals to the homeless through our support of the Good Samaritan Inn. Many of our youth have graduated high school. Many are working full-time and eight of them have vehicles. All are doing much better than when they arrived here. Money has been extremely tight, but we are so grateful to all those who donated, volunteered or supported our mission with their experience, trades or sweat equity.”
The New Year holds many new goals for Forgotten Angels. “2021 will be not only a banner year for Forgotten Angels, we have already begun to grow in size,” Tyler said. “April 2021 will see the opening of the Adderly Home for Girls at Forgotten Angels, and we have already broken ground on our newest facility in Valrico. This new property will continue to house only young men, of which it will be the country’s first solar powered, self-sustaining tiny home community for aged-out youth. It will appropriately house both men and women. We look to partner with either Teco Electric or Tesla.” On Friday and Saturday, March 19 and 20, Forgotten Angels will host their first event of the year on their property in Valrico, which will be a motorcycle rally. “Considering that COVID-19 is still very much a problem, we will take every precaution to make sure that everyone is socially distanced, masked, have personal bottles of sanitizer for everyone and will be outdoors,” Tyler said. If you would like to learn more about Forgotten Angels, visit www.forgottenangelsflorida.org or call Tilley at 728-0461. Forgotten Angels is located at 3604 Little Stearns Rd. in Valrico.
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ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
February 2021
ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
Volume 25 | Issue 02
TRIUMPH OVER TRAGEDY FOR LOCAL MOTORCYCLE COMPANY By Kelly Wise Valdes
Jared Weems from Riverview is no bike, and Weems was holding one of those stranger to adversity. But, as Albert Ein- pictures. “I wanted to build the Triumph stein said, “In the middle of difficulty lies bike that Mann had painted,” said Weems. opportunity.” No one knows this better “The painting was than Weems. The 42-year-old is from a something of Mann’s fourth-generation vincreation—it wasn’t a tage motorcycle enbike that ever really thusiast family. He exexisted.” plained that the passion Weems was mofor all things involving tivated by his new vintage British motorgoal—a ground-up build cycles runs in his blood. of the 1952 Speed Twin Weems was born in Triumph from the Mann Tampa, but ultimately painting. Weems used he was raised for the this new purpose and majority of his life in his shop as a place of South Tennessee. After refuge and healing. His high school, he returned Photo By Erick Runyon Photography intention was to use his to the Tampa area and eventually joined savings to build the bike, take it to bike the Army in 2003. He proudly served his shows, then sell it to recover his costs. The country in Special Ops and spent a major- other good news is that Weems’ health ity of his military time parachuting from had stabilized, and he has now been seiairplanes. It was during this time that he zure-free for nearly three years. married his wife, Breanne, and they had Subsequently, his return to Riverview two children—a son, Austin, 13, and a also gave Weems the opportunity to join daughter, Adelaide, 11. the staff at The Chapel at FishHawk, curAfter the onset of some health issues, rently serving as the director of ministry Weems was medically discharged from and leading community-based life skills the Army in 2018 and moved to Riverview. classes. It was through this outreach that Unfortunately, his health issues proved to he met with Cindy Tilley, founder of Forbe serious and he was diagnosed with a gotten Angels, a nonprofit organization brain tumor that caused seizures. It was that focuses on helping children that have at this time that he hit a low point in aged out of the foster care system. Tilley his life. “I sold my motorcycles and was was looking for fundraising ideas to raise unsure where my life was headed,” said money to help build more tiny houses on Weems. a property for the foster children. During A pivotal moment took place when the meeting, Weems had an epiphany. friend came to visit and brought a painting “God’s voice said to me, ‘Give them the from a famous artist, David Mann. Mann’s motorcycle.’” The motorcycle is now being work mostly featured Harley Davidson raffled off to support Forgotten Angels. bikes and his paintings were published The raffle is underway until Friday, March regularly in Easyriders magazine for more 19. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased than 20 years. During his lifetime, Mann at www.weemsmotorco.com/raffle. Also, painted only two pictures of a Triumph visit www.weemsmotorco.com.
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LONGTIME BRANDON RESIDENT’S CROCHET MINISTRY TOUCHES MANY By Amy Schechter
“Each of you should use whatever “This is my way of letting God know gift you have received to serve oth- I’m thankful for all the things He’s done ers.” For Helen Mulrennan Young, 1 Pe- for me. God gave me this gift, and I feel He would like me to ter 4:10 is truly how do this,” Young said, she lives her life. A smiling as she held a native of Brandon, pink blanket, the anYoung’s family origgel pattern becoming inally homesteaded visible. 160 acres and both Every day, Young Mulrennan Rd. and crochets for nearly the school now bears five hours, the camher family’s name. era roll on her phone She turns 98 in Febfull of blankets, hats ruary, yet she continand Afghans she’s ues to serve God by made and gifted to focusing on what she the community. She can do rather than creates lovies for the what she cannot. Alfire department to though she could not comfort children in venture out into the Helen Mulrennan Young, a Brandon community to read to resident, spends hours a day making need on their calls and hats for people sufferelementary students items to donate to the community. ing from hair loss due or work with the loto chemotherapy and cal Kiwanis Club as alopecia. There are so she had done in the many people who are past, she knew she inspired by Young’s could still make a big zest for live and dedifference. votion to service, but Young learned to Young give the glory crochet as a young all back to God: “If I girl, and although she can be an inspiration, put it aside to work it all comes from God. and raise her son, she I don’t take credit came back to her talfor anything. I feel so ent in her adult life. blessed.” As a faithful member The name ‘Helen’ comes from the of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brandon for over 20 years, her ministry Greek, meaning ‘torch,’ and Helen grew out of blankets she had made for Mulrennan Young definitely lights up a baby shower here or an Afghan for the lives of everyone with whom she a teen’s high school graduation there. comes in contact.
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Grace Notes Healed
February 2021
HOPE FOR JUSTICE: TEAMS RUN IN GASPARILLA CLASSIC
By Kelly Wise Valdes
By Debora Coty
I love studying Scripture in various translations and commentaries, unearthing every smidgeon of application to my own life, don’t you? Digging deeper beneath the surface of the words. Sort of like a Christian Indiana Jones. How about opening your Bible to Luke 18:35-43 and join me in excavating Jesus’ healing of a blind man? Key verse: “Your faith has made you well,” (Luke 18:43, NASB). *This story is recorded in three of the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark and Luke. *Jesus’ human element (according to Philippians 2:5-8, John 1:1 and Colossians 2:9, Jesus was simultaneously fully man and fully God) was likely quite emotional on this trip to Jerusalem, knowing he was about to die. He’d just tried enlightening his 12 disciples (verses 31-34)—his closest friends—but they didn’t get it. The heartache must have been staggering. *The blind man was a professional beggar, accustomed to being ignored. *He’d already heard about this mysterious healer, so when Jesus passed by, he hollered ceaselessly, refusing to remain invisible. How motivated am I? Do I keep praying or give up when the an-
swer I see isn’t forthcoming right away? *The broken man first asked for mercy, then healing. Even he knew which was most important. Do I? Especially when I’m acutely suffering? *Jesus’ own team told the guy to shut his face (verse 39). Why would anyone not want Jesus to show mercy to someone? Were they jealous? Compassionless? Or like me, squeezed dry by a too-tight schedule? *“Jesus stopped,” (verse 40). I LOVE this. Jesus allowed Himself to be interrupted. He wasn’t too busy, stressed or preoccupied to meet someone’s needs. Hmm. Then why am I? *When Jesus’ true power was revealed, the man made an instant decision to follow Him, glorifying God and sharing the incredible news with everyone he saw. The blind man not only saw the light, he saw the Christ. Whereas he had once believed about Jesus, now he believed in Jesus. And he told everyone. Oh, that you and I might be so bold. Prayer: Eye-Opening Lord, I, too, once was blind. But now I see. Help me act like it.
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More people are being bought and sold in human trafficking now than at any point in human history—over 40 million people worldwide. Hope for Justice is a nonprofit organization that trains people on how to spot the signs of human trafficking and how to respond. With offices in over 30 locations around the world, it focuses on the prevention, rescue, restoration and reform in human trafficking. Florida is consistently one of the top three states in the U.S. for trafficking cases, and the Tampa Bay area is one of the hotspots. David Lord, partnership manager at Hope for Justice, recently spoke at FishHawk Fellowship Church and knows firsthand the impact the local community can have. “From law enforcement to a local mom’s club, we know the power of awareness,” said Lord. “Many of our tips actually come from people we have trained.” Hope for Justice has professional investigators who are able to respond to a tip and conduct investigations worldwide to rescue someone from an exploitative situation. “We’ve rescued children as young as 3 months old to people in their mid70s,” said Lord. “We operate 11 lighthouses, what we call our residential centers, where children rescued from exploitative situation are provided an education, medical care, counseling,
housing and assistance to see their traffickers brought to justice.” When it is safe to do so, children are reunited with their families. Hope for Justice reached 102,803 children over 12 months. “Our team travels across the country speaking at churches, businesses and other organizations that want to join the fight against human trafficking,” said Lord. “FishHawk Fellowship Church was kind enough to allow us to preach to their church and will be sending hundreds of runners to be on our Running for Freedom team.” More than a decade ago, a small group of local people came together to raise awareness on the issue of human trafficking. This is when Running for Freedom was born. The group has grown and now has hundreds of participants. By creating a team as part of the Gasparilla Distance Classic, runners and walkers of all abilities—from a family pushing a stroller to someone running 40 miles—are able to take part. Each participant commits to raising $250, with 100 percent of the proceeds directly funding anti-trafficking work. According to Lord, volunteers are vital to the organization. “We are always looking for nurses, teachers and former law enforcement who can provide training to other frontline workers,” said Lord. “We need individuals who are willing to reach out to community leaders, businesses and churches to raise awareness and challenge more people to get informed and involved.” Lord invites more people, businesses, clinics, schools and police forces to join with Hope for Justice during Running for Freedom and as everyday advocates in the fight against human trafficking. For more information, visit www.hopeforjustice.org.
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Volume 25 | Issue 02
VALRICO CONGREGATION FINDS A HOME
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O S P R E Y O B S E R V E R
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By Bob Zoellner
is a collection of fruit-bearing trees of varying sizes and stages which mutually benefit one another as they produce a harvest for the owner of The Grove.” The congregation desires to grow and mature alongside one another as they worship, serve, share and study the Word of God together. Gathering at 10 a.m. on Sundays in its new location at 1801 S. Miller Rd. in Valrico, the church has seen a lot of growth since November when it started meetJulie and Kurt Gebhards. Kurt is one of three elders and ing in person again. COVID-19 pastor of The Grove Bible Chapel Tampa. protocols are in place, with the A local congregation has been born proper level of precaution taken anew after COVID-19 forced it from its and offered to each person and family, rented facilities. depending on needs. The Grove Bible Chapel Tampa, meetThe congregation is led by Gebhards, ing weekly at Bloomingdale High School one of three men who serve the body as until March 2020 when it no longer elders. In addition, Dan Claassen, one of could use the facilities for services, be- the original members who helped plant came a strictly online forthe church, and mat for the next 34 weeks, Kevin Huggins, according to Pastor Kurt who serves as Gebhards. That was hard the youth pasfor a church which thrives tor, govern its on relationship, where “iron direction. The sharpens iron” and where Grove is “a todiscipleship is the foundatally autonotion for the church and its mous church mission. that is part “The Grove is here to grow of a greater and enhance the fellowship collective of of our people for the gospel churches who of Christ,” Gebhards said. are all commit“We’re here to help each Dan Claassen and Kevin Huggins, two of ted to plantother follow Christ better. It’s the elders serving The Grove Bible Chapel ing, multiplying about the glory of God and the Tampa. Claassen is a founding member and strengthenand Huggins serves as the youth pastor. ing people of God.” churches,” “The ministry of our church according to its are the life groups where discipleship website. takes place,” he added. “Discipleship is The building was previously occupied life on life trust being established over by Centerpoint Church, which moved the long term.” to 1720 S. St. Cloud Ave. in Valrico. The Originally called Harvest Bible Chapel Grove had almost purchased a different Tampa Bay when it launched in 2014, property, but connected with Centerthe church “rebranded, replanted and point and has been in the current locarelaunched for the pursuit of gospel,” tion since November and just recently taking on a new name in the process to closed on the property. more fully embrace the ministry’s direc“Centerpoint let us meet here until we tion. As stated on the church’s website owned it,” Gebhards said. “They were (https://thegrovetampa.org/), “a grove great. They’ve been really good to us.”
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BAPTIST Bay Life Church 1017 Kingsway Ave., Brandon (813) 661-3696 Bell Shoals Baptist - Brandon 2102 Bell Shoals Rd., Brandon (813) 689-4229 Congregación Hispana 2102 Bell Shoals Rd., Brandon (813) 689-4229 ext. 242 Bell Shoals Baptist - Apollo Beach 408 Apollo Beach Blvd., Apollo Beach (813) 641-2222 Bell Shoals Baptist - Palm River 5415 Palm River Rd.,Tampa (813) 621-2058 Bell Shoals Baptist - Riverview 9990 South Hwy 301, Suite 10024, Riverview (813) 689-4229 First Baptist Church of Brandon 216 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon (813) 689-1204 First Baptist Church of Bloomingdale 3303 Bloomingdale Ave.,Valrico (813) 689-3847 First Baptist Church of Gibsonton 9912 Indiana St., Gibsonton (813) 677-1301 First Baptist Church of Ruskin 820 College Ave. W., Ruskin (813) 645-6439 FishHawk Fellowship 15326 Fishhawk Blvd., Lithia, (813) 655-7431 Grace Baptist Church 2909 John Moore Rd., Brandon (813) 689-7190 Journey Church 415 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon (813) 699-8262 Shiloh Baptist Church 1104 Cason St., Plant City (813) 752-8345 CATHOLIC Nativity Catholic Church 705 E Brandon Blvd., Brandon (813) 681-4608 St. Anne Catholic Church 106 11th Ave. NE, Ruskin (813) 645-1714 St. Matthews Anglican Church 10701 Bloomingdale Avenue, Riverview 813-663-0334
St. Stephen Catholic Church 10118 Saint Stephen Circle, Riverview (813) 689-4900 CHURCH OF GOD Boyette Springs Church of God 12114 Boyette Rd., Riverview (813) 671-0086 Plant City Church of God 2103 Mud Lake Rd., Plant City (813) 752-4591 EPISCOPAL Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church 604 N. Valrico Rd., Valrico (813) 689-3130 LUTHERAN Apostles Lutheran Church 200 Kingsway Rd, Brandon (813) 689-2571 Immanuel Lutheran Church 2913 John Moore Rd., Brandon (813) 689-1787 Living Savior Lutheran Church 2650 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico (813) 681-2375 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Seffner 1310 South Kingsway Rd., Seffner (813) 689-3513 Grace Community United Methodist Church 5708 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Lithia (813) 661-8858 • info@mygraceumc.com New Hope United Methodist Church 120 N. Knights Ave., Brandon (813) 689-4161 Riverview First United Methodist Church 8002 US Hwy 301., Riverview www.riverviewflumc.org Ruskin United Methodist Church 105 4th Ave. NW, Ruskin (813) 645-1241 South Shore United Methodist Church 11525 Big Bend Rd., Riverview (813) 649-9462 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Calvary Chapel Brandon 1331 Kingsway Rd., Brandon (813) 681-5318 Centerpoint Church 1801 S. Miller Rd., Valrico (813) 689-1906 Grace Community Church 1425 N Valrico Rd., Valrico (813) 689-9781
February 2021
Harvest Bible Chapel Bloomingdale High School 813-699-0517 Love First Christian Center 12847 Balm Riverview Rd., Riverview 813-671-2009 River of Life Christian Center 6605 Krycul Ave, Riverview 813-677-4453 New Life Christian Church 401 S. Saint Cloud Ave, Valrico 813-548-2733 South Bay Church 13498 US 301 S., Riverview 813-677-0721 The Chapel at FishHawk 6026 Churchside Dr., Lithia 813-661-7105 The Crossing Church - Main Campus 10130 Tuscany Ridge Dr., Tampa, (813) 626-0783 The Crossing Church - SouthShore 2409 East College Ave., Ruskin (813) 626-0580 The Palms Church 207 New Hope Rd., Brandon (813) 841-9598 True Sanctuary 6528 US Hwy 301 S., Suite 114, Riverview (813) 319-5862 PENTECOSTAL Destiny Church 2322 11th Ave. SE, Ruskin (813) 645-3337 HighPoint Church of Brandon 2207 Lithia-Pinecrest Rd., Valrico/Brandon (813) 685-4827 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Brandon -PCUSA 121 Carver Ave., Brandon (813) 689-4597 Redeemer Church-PCA 12404 Boyette Rd., Riverview (813) 741-1776 Westminster Presbyterian Church PCA 402 E. Lumsden Rd., Brandon (813) 689-6541
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Volume 25 | Issue 02
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Pastor’s Corner Jomo Cousins, PhD
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James 5:16, Amplified Bible (AMP): Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]. This verse tells us that confession of sin leads to healing and restoration. Unconfessed sin creates barriers in our prayer lives with God. If you have unconfessed sin, this would be a great time to give it to God. 1 John 1:9 makes that clear. 1 John 1:9, Amplified Bible (AMP): If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose]. But there is another side to this verse. Sin leads to sickness and disease, and sickness and disease leads to death. Therefore, you don’t want to harbor any negative feelings towards others. Negativity is the breeding ground for sickness and un-
forgiveness is the vehicle the enemy uses to keep you down. Understand that God sees all and knows all. If someone has done you wrong, God will handle it in His time. God tells us this in Romans 12:19, as He says, “vengeance is mine.” A defeated person has two things in common—unforgiveness and a lack of repentance. Believers, get rid of anything that is getting in the way of God hearing your prayers. James 5:16 also tells us that for the prayer to be powerful, it must have two ingredients: it must be persistent and heartfelt. This kind of prayer will be dynamic, meaning it has explosive power in it. Heartfelt prayer is simple praying with your heart in it. Persistent prayer is continuous; persevering prayer availeth much. “Availeth much” means much power is available when we can press in prayer. The caveat to this verse is a righteous man. Our prayers will be limited by our lifestyles. God can’t bless a mess. I believe this verse is where people get the statement, “Much prayer, much power. Little prayer, little power.” Except from: Prayer Life: The Conversation Page 289
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February 2021
AGAPE MOMS GROUP ENCOURAGES LOCAL MOMS TO #BRINGYOURMESS
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The Agape Moms group is a network of local moms who are seeking after faith and fellowship as they navigate motherhood together. It’s a safe place for moms to seek encouragement from other local moms for support and inspiration. Jessica Hundley is the Tampa Bay area director and leader of Agape Moms Valrico. Hundley has a special passion for connecting with other moms who may be struggling with their own motherhood journey. “Agape Moms means so much to me,” said Hundley. “We are a community of moms who support each other through the ups and downs of life, always pointing each other back to Jesus. Our name, ‘Agape,’ comes from Agape love, God’s unconditional love for us and the unconditional love we can have for each other in Jesus.” The group was launched nearly five years ago and has never stopped meeting. According to Hundley, it has been a balancing act trying to meet safely during COVID-19 while still providing the community and support system that so many moms need. “For a while, we switched to strictly virtual meetings,” said Hundley. “And then we did parking lot meetups, before gradually shifting back to our regular in person meetings.”
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Currently, there are more than 175 moms who are part of Agape Moms’ Facebook page, and more than 50 moms who attend one of the meetings on any given week. All meetings are free and all moms are welcome. The group uses the hashtag #bringyourmess. “It’s OK if you have spit up on your shirt and you haven’t slept or washed your hair, or if your toddler is screaming,” said Hundley. “Come as you are. We keep it real. We have all been there.” There is no signup to attend, but moms are encouraged to join the Agape Moms Tampa Bay Facebook page so they can see the events and keep updated on meeting times and locations. Regular meetings will be every Thursday at The Chapel at FishHawk located at 6026 Churchside Dr. in Lithia at 9:30 a.m., with childcare provided. There is another meeting held on Thursday evenings at 8 p.m. (child-free) at Panera, located at 3490 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. There is plenty of space and extra hand sanitizer and masks are available. Zoom meetings are held on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. for those not ready to meet in person. Visit www.AgapeMoms.online or follow the Facebook page. You can email AgapeMomsTampaBay@gmail.com.
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ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
Volume 25 | Issue 02
Page 9
The Greatest Of These Is Love
By Kelly Wise Valdes
As we enter February, you can’t help but notice the store shelves are bursting with chocolate candy heart boxes, cute teddy bears and everything red and pink. Bouquets of roses are sold on street corners, bakeries are filled with heart-sprinkled cupcakes and “I love you” balloons are everywhere. Yes, love is in the air. And quite honestly, we need to focus on more love right now. Love you neighbor. Love your coworkers. Love your customers. Love the unlovable. Where to start? If you’re like me, the best place to start practicing love is in your own home and your own relationship. Almost all relationships have room for improvement. Simple acts of love and kindness can go a long way with your partner. We can read countless books and listen to endless sermons about how to love like God, but we need to put it into practice. May God pour out his blessings on your relationship and may love overflow in your home. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins,” - 1 Peter 4:8.
I Will Love You Forever By Thomas Nelson Give a gift of love to the one you adore. Inside this beautiful book are practical and proven ways to enrich your marriage together. Meaningful Scripture verses and thoughtful reflections cover 12 facets of married love. This faith-based book comes with a red satin ribbon marker, complete with heart charm. It’s a tangible token of your commitment to each other and to your relationship as husband and wife.
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The Marriage Builder: Creating True 101 Ways to Build a Stronger, More Oneness to Transform Your Marriage Exciting Marriage By H. Norman Wright By Larry Crabb In The Marriage Builder, readers will learn that the deepest needs of human personality—security and significance— can only be partially be satisfied by a marriage partner. We need a spiritual faith and trust in God to guide us through difficult times. A discussion guide for couples allows readers to dig into the book and apply it to their own lives and marriages.
Written by a Christian marriage counselor, this book draws on years of counseling couples to provide insightful conversation starters. Readers will find innovative ideas to spark creativity, observations on romance to encourage intimacy, topics to strengthen your relationship, conversation starters to enhance communication and nonthreatening openings for sensitive topics.
ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
Page 10
BRIDGES DENTAL OPENS NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART OFFICE IN PRIME RIVER HILLS LOCATION By Michelle Caceres
Brad and Laura Bridges, owners of ued to remain top-notch. “My wife Dr. Bridges Dental, thought they were cra- Bridges’ care and skill as a dentist are zy for buying an office building during unsurpassed,” he said. the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. A testament to that is her being That decision turned out being the selected as Tampa Bay Magazine’s smartest thing they ever did. Top Dentist for 2020, her fourth year Six weeks after they closed on the earning the distinction. property, on June 30, 2020, a fire devDr. Bridgastated their es earned a dental practice degree in in Erindale Plabiomediza, where the cal science practice had from USF been in busiand reness for 27 ceived her years. DMD degree “The office from the Unialarm went off versity of Florbecause it deida’s College of tected motion,” Dentistry. Her said Brad. All staff includes looked quiet three full-time upon driving to hygienists and The staff at Bridges Dental is serving patients at its the office…un- new location at 4316 New River Hills Pkwy. in Valrico. three office astil he opened sistants. the door. “The smoke just rushed out,” Bridges Dental offers a variety of he said. “Our office was a total loss.” services, including crowns, root canal, That’s when the decision to purchase bridges, fillings, cosmetic dentistry, the new building was seen in a differ- veneers, teeth whitening and gum ent light. “Sometimes it’s better to be treatment using the latest technololucky than smart,” he joked. gy to make the patient experience as The 5,000-square-foot office is comfortable as possible. bright and airy, featuring 10 operatoBridges Dental’s new office, locatries and a new state-of-the-art equip- ed at 4316 New River Hills Pkwy, is ment. Windows in every room bring open Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 plenty of natural light to every room. p.m. The office is currently accepting “I think the new location only im- new patients; most dental PPOs are proves the patient experience,” said accepted. Brad. For more information about Bridges Even though the location has Dental, visit www.bridgesdental.com changed, the patient care has contin- or call 654-3399.
February 2021
HOMESCHOOL GROUP PROVIDES CLASSICAL EDUCATION WITH CHARIS COOPERATIVE
By Bob Zoellner
Homeschooling has seen a steady have four children: Silas, Simeon, Lierise in proponents throughout the ren and Blaise. years, and the reasons for a nontra“I have been so blessed to be part ditional approach to education have of the team that dreamed and prayed grown as well. According to the Florida and has gotten to see the birth of this Department of Education’s statistics, group,” Drury added. “A year ago it over 106,000 students were homes- was just a lot of hopes and plans writchooled in the state for the 2019-20 ten on paper with two families comschool year. That’s a 25 percent jump mitted. Since then, the Lord has been in just five years. faithful to bring Many school together an districts nationamazing group of wide went to moms who serve some form of disone another and tanced learning our children with last year, with joy and humility. hybrid models Every single mom The Chapel in Mango, the site for the Charis continuing this serves a vital role Homeschool Cooperative. school year bein the life and cause of COVID-19 protocols. That has function of Charis.” surely swelled the ranks of students Similar in structure to Classical Conlearning at home, joining those tradi- versations, Charis works on an all-voltional homeschoolers who have opted unteer basis as moms serve in adminout of their local school systems. istration, teaching, the nursery and as For 12 families in the Brandon, Sef- room helpers. fner and Mango areas, this includes The group gathers for 14-week being a part of the Charis Homeschool stretches on Tuesdays in the spring and Cooperative, a ministry of Bay Life fall, most recently starting up again Church of Brandon. The co-op focus- after the holidays. For the rest of the es on a classical model of education, week, families concentrate on materiwhich highlights learning in language, al shared at the co-op and their own literature, history and memorization. curriculum, including trips and outings. Charis meets at The Chapel, a campus “We started homeschooling with a of Bay Life on Broadway Ave. in Man- desire to disciple our own children,” go. Charis simply means grace, or lov- Drury said. “We love being together. ing kindness in Greek. We love getting to choose where we “This is the first year for our co-op to focus in terms of each child’s educaexist,” said Brittany Drury, director of tion.” the co-op, who is in her seventh year For information on homeschooling of homeschooling her kids. She and her and Charis, Drury can be reached at husband, Shane, a pastor at Bay Life, chc@baylife.org.
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Volume 25 | Issue 02
Page 11
WWII Veteran Starts Every Day With VIP Table At Fred’s Market Restaurant
Iron Rock Insurance Company Has Strong Ties To The Riverview Community
By Marie Gilmore
By Libby Hopkins
Lisa Hast grew up in the Apollo Beach and Ruskin area and has been a Southern Hillsborough county resident her whole life. “I was here when there were only a few homes in Apollo Beach and Ruskin was mostly farmland,” Hast said. “I am married to my husband Jason, and we have three grown children. Branden McCorkle is a charter boat captain, my middle son Cameron Hast is a plumber and my baby girl Torie McCorkle works as an agent at Iron Rock. We have a two-yearold grandson named Carter. Jason and I live in the big town of Balm.” Hast is the owner of her family-owned and operated insurance company, Iron Rock Insurance in Apollo Beach. Iron Rock is a new company. “We opened shop in June of 2020,” Hast said. “I was with a family business for 37 years and the time had come for me to do something different. Jason and I were all over the board with it from selling our home and moving to Podunk GA, to going corporate America. The opportunity arose to open Iron Rock and we took it.” Iron Rock Insurance primarily focus on personal lines insurance. “Houses, cars, boats, flood, golf cart, recreational vehicles, we are blessed that we have some of the best players in insurance carriers,” Hast said. “We are able to make comparisons to current coverage, shop around a customer’s current coverage to see if we can find a better policy with equal or better coverage for a similar or better price.”
Lisa Hast grew up in the Apollo Beach and Ruskin area and has been a South Hillsborough county resident her whole life. She is the owner of Rock Insurance Company in Apollo Beach.
If you ask Hast what makes her business different from other insurance companies in the area, she will tell you that her business is community-focused. “We are different in the fact that as a family business we have history in the area,” Hast said. “Our office décor is all old school Apollo Beach photos and memorabilia. I know the history of the area and have been here for 50 years. I have seen this area grow and thrive. We take what we do very personal. Our customers are like family to us. I love what I do because this is my hometown. I see folks that I have known my entire life, or people I went to high school with, or that my kids grew up and what is fun too is we have my Boston Terrier Rimy as a part of the office; she comes to the office every day. Folks bring her treats or just come to love on her.” If you would like to learn more about the services offered at Iron Rock Insurance, you can visit their website at www. ironrockins.com or call Hast at 213-9600. The office is located at 1312 Apollo Beach Blvd Suite O in Apollo Beach.
assigned to a special IBM program to learn ‘machines.’ These machines led to him becoming a computer engineer, and after leaving the Air Force, Mellon and his young family moved to California to work for a major insurance company for 25 years. After moving to Florida with his wife and three kids in 1975, Mellon offered his services to the City of Tampa and helped WWII Army veteran Hollis ‘Hal’ Mellon (center) stands with infrastructure plans until his with longtime friend and Air Force veteran Michael Mor- formal retirement in 1988. gan at Fred’s Market Restaurant in Riverview. Since then, the spry and enIf you find yourself having breakfast ergetic veteran lives alone in his at the Fred’s Market Restaurant in River- home, he mows his own 3-acre lawn and view on any given morning, you may be in loves spending time chatting over the the presence of a WWII hero. Longtime breakfast table at Fred’s. When asked Riverview resident and 96-year-old Army about the secret to his longevity, Mellon and Air Force veteran Hollis Mellon has his said, “I do believe that hard concentration own reserved table and his photo on the can help lead to a good life,” and added table cards promoting military discounts that he reads the Cadillac Modern Encyat the restaurant. clopedia regularly. For six years, Mellon, and sometimes He works on his genealogy and recentfriends and family and even his wife of ly bought himself a new iWatch because 69 years, Doris, when she was still alive, he loves technology. He also has as an would eat breakfast at 8 a.m. daily and antique violin and even his own Pac-Man most dinners as well at about 4 p.m. arcade game. Mellon was born and raised the youngMellon has become such a fixture at est of a ‘handful’ of kids—about five—on Fred’s that he was invited to matriarch a cow farm in Indiana. He joined the Army Evelyn Johnson’s birthday party last year, in 1944 and landed at Normandy as part and in August, the restaurant hosts his of the 5th Infantry in 1945. He still car- birthday party each year. ries a souvenir from the war—a piece of Of his 45 years in Riverview, Mellon said shrapnel in his hip, which also earned him the traffic sure has changed and for the a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. future, he’d like to keep mowing his yard After returning home from the war, and playing eight ball on his billiards table work was hard to find, so Mellon enlisted with friends. in the Air Force and served 3 more years Swing by Fred’s Market Riverview some and was identified through skills tests to morning at 6501 U.S. Hwy 301 S. and be ‘pretty smart,’ and so, by 1950, he was thank Hollis for his service.
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ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
Page 12
Phoenix House Still Helps Those In Need During The Pandemic
By Libby Hopkins
Phoenix House Florida’s Chief Operating Officer, Dayle vanderWerff, and the rest of the staff remained dedicated to their mission of healing individuals, families and communities challenged by substance use disorders and related mental health conditions during the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
Phoenix House Florida (PHFL) is a local nonprofit organization that has been serving the Tampa Bay area for 30 years. It delivers the highest quality of care with professionalism and respect. It prides itself on providing outstanding and accessible treatment to adults and teens. Like most healthcare companies, Phoenix House Florida faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We remained dedicated to our mission of healing individuals, families and communities challenged by substance use disorders and related mental health conditions,” said PHFL’s Chief Operating Officer, Dayle vanderWerff. “We were faced with halting admissions for a short time so that we could shift our focus and take proactive steps to ensure the safety of our patients
and staff by following all established CDC and Department of Health guidelines. Then we went above and beyond to take measures necessary in both of our programs to follow all of the proper CDC and Department of Health policies in protecting the health and safety of patients, families and staff, including PPE, social distancing, COVID screening and regular professional cleaning of spaces.” PHFL also moved to a telehealth platform to help its clients. “We have been able to shift to telehealth as appropriate and available in our adult and adolescent outpatient program in Brandon,” vanderWerff said. “We are offering in-person assessments at Brandon and are fully open for admissions at our residential program in Citra. We follow a quarantine protocol upon admission to residential to ensure the utmost safety of our patients and staff.” PHFL wants the community to know that it is here to help during these challenging times. “We have been up and down in our need for services with the challenges of the pandemic, but have remained consistent in our dedication to serving all we are able to during these difficult times,” vanderWerff said. “PHFL is excited for 2021 and beyond to be able to move past the pandemic and be here in our community for years to come to provide the much-needed substance use treatment services that are still such a huge and growing concern across the state of Florida.” If you would like to learn more about Phoenix House Florida and the services it offers, visit www.phoenixfl.org or call 881-1000. PHFL is located at 510 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. 301 in Brandon.
February 2021
Medi-Weightloss Moves To Telemedicine During The Pandemic By Libby Hopkins The recent COVID-19 pandemic with its time at home and stress eating may have caused some people to put on some extra pounds known as the COVID-15 and allowed others more time to focus on their health. “We had the best fall-winter season we’ve ever had,” said Medi-Weightloss of Lutz Owner Gerri Willett. “Our best time for new clients is now through April. Last year at this time wasn’t that great.” Because of the pandemic, Medi-Weightloss now offers telemedicine sessions. “Even with offering telemedicine sessions, some of our clients still like to come in for their session,” Willett said. “I feel our clients have felt very comfortable with everything we’ve done to ensure their safety.” Medi-Weightloss was developed by physicians, registered dietitians and health professionals in the area of weight loss to help its clients control their calories and carbohydrate intake while eating the optimum amount of protein to preserve muscle mass. The Medi-Weightloss Program is evidence-based to result in a successful lifestyle change. When administering the treatment, Medi-Weightloss healthcare providers take each patient’s unique health profile into account, which is what makes them a program that works for their clients. “Our amazing
success over the past 16 years is due in large part to our clients entrusting us with their care and the care of their friends and family. We are extremely proud and thankful that more than half of new patients are based on referrals,” said Medi-Weightloss Founder Edward Kaloust. The program is based on weekly visits where patients get a body composition analysis and a complete medical exam, including blood panel and EKG. “We educate our patients about nutrition and fitness,” Willet said. “We are a physician-supervised weight loss program where we offer a balance of education, appetite management and exercise activity to lose weight. We teach our clients strategies to keep weight off using real food. This is not a quick fix, our program is a lifestyle change.” Both Medi-Weightloss locations in Brandon and in Lutz have been a part of the Tampa community for 16 years. “We are extremely proud to serve our community for 16 years,” Willet said. “We want to let the community know we are here for them even during the pandemic.” If you would like to learn more about the Medi-Weightloss Program, visit www.mediweightloss.com or call the Brandon office at 654-1110. The Brandon office is located at 203 W. Bloomingdale Ave.
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Volume 25 | Issue 02
ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
Page 13
ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
Page 14
February 2021
KIDS UNPLUGGED GETS KIDS MOVING AT CAMPO FAMILY YMCA First through fifth grade students enrolled in e-learning can take a break from their studies and join Kids Unplugged at Campo Family YMCA in Valrico. The new monthly fitness program is instructor-led as it offers an opportunity for those students to participate in a wide variety of activities, such as fitness classes, sports, team building, games and more, which begins in the Youth playing outdoors. first week of February and runs through the end of May. COVID-19 safety measures will also be implemented. Lauren Brun, senior aquatics director at Campo Family YMCA, explained how Kids Unplugged came into fruition. “We see and hear the need for our e-learning students to have some social interaction with kids their age and also to get them moving in a safe and clean environment,” Brun said. To allow proper social distancing, the program is limited to 12 participants. Every week, activities will change. Many of the activities will be conducted outside. Indoor rooms are available for activities strictly designated to indoors or if there is inclement weather. Campo Family YMCA abides by the local and state guidelines
By Tatiana Ortiz
through requiring masks to be worn in all common areas of its facility and doing frequent cleaning and sanitizing. Hand sanitizer can also be found throughout the facility. Kids Unplugged is for members only. It meets on Wednesday and Thursday from 2:45-3:45 p.m. Those interested can register their kids for once or twice a week. It costs $40 a month for one day a week and $60 a month for twice a week. Kaliegh Hincman, senior program director at Campo Family YMCA, stated how the participants will benefit with Kids Unplugged. “One of the missions of the YMCA is to support and serve the community,” Hincman said. “To add, they will be able to unplug from e-learning , play sports, get involved in different activities and socialize in person, all while practicing social distancing.” For more information, visit https:// www.tampaymca.org. Register online at https://bit.ly/38hrL1x or at the Welcome Center. Campo Family YMCA is located at 3414 Culbreath Rd. in Valrico. Call 6841371.
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ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
Volume 25 | Issue 02
FAITH & FOOTPRINTS
Page 15
By Kelly Wise Valdes
The Chatlos Memorial Chapel - Asheville, NC The Chatlos Memorial Chapel, located in Asheville, North Carolina, was the vision of Reverend Billy Graham after the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) purchased the property in 1972. The chapel was built and opened to the public in 1988 in Ashville. The construction of the project was made possible by a generous gift from the William Chatlos Foundation in Florida. The Chatlos Memorial Chapel demonstrates the simplicity and elegance of a traditional North Carolina mountain chapel. With vast mountain views from the chapel through forest trees, the building was constructed perpendicular to the inclined landscape on a 3,500-acre site. The steeple soars 80 feet above the roofline and can be seen for miles. Inside, the pews are more than 220 years old and were originally from the Royal School for the Blind founded in London in 1799. The wooden pulpit is from the Church of England and is believed to be between 200-400 years old. The chapel is 4 stories tall with a visitor’s center on level one, a mini museum on level two and the chapel on level three. Above the chapel in the base of the steeple is a prayer room designed by Ruth Graham. The prayer table
has a lighted globe to remind visitors to be in prayer for evangelism around the world as it is being carried out by God’s people. Volunteers are available to pray with visitors. The mini museum on the second floor serves as a tribute to Rev. Graham and his long worldwide ministry. In the museum are many photographs of Rev. Graham’s ministries as well as paintings and enclosed models of the Graham home and library. In 2016, Ruth’s Prayer Garden was cultivated and officially dedicated outside of the chapel. With more than 150 plant varieties in the garden, it’s a peaceful place for prayer and reflection. The Chatlos Memorial Chapel offers a place of prayer for those seeking the peace of God. Volunteers provide guided tours for anyone wanting to know more about the chapel and the life and ministry of Rev. Graham. The chapel is located at 1 Porters Cove Rd. in Asheville. For more information, visit www.thecove.org.
Live Like You Mean It ...
We All Need A Little Mercy Now “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” - Titus 3:3-5 Yesterday, reading one more disturbing story from the week’s political news, a song came to mind that a friend shared with me. It’s called “Mercy Now,” written by folk artist Mary Gauthier. The words feel so on point for right now that I had to find the
chords, grab my guitar and connect with the soul of it. There’s reading the words, there’s listening, there’s letting something wash over you, and then—for me—literally entering into a song. Playing and singing helps me experience the meaning at another level. What interests me today is the idea of mercy. Mercy is about allowing grace and forgiveness to flow into you, flow through you and enter into someone else’s life. We need mercy today as a nation. And we need mercy as individuals too. Because it is our collective minis-
try of grace and reconciliation—person-to-person—that is required for healing. This is how I am praying: “Lord God, please show me what it means to experience mercy in my own broken soul.” Lord, I confess that I need some mercy now, and I need to offer mercy to my community.” “Lord, what can I do to be a more effective instrument of your peace?” “Lord, whose life can I touch with grace?” “Lord, let mercy flow through me and into my neighbor, my community, my political opponent, my enemy.”
By Derek Maul
The Bible tells us that we experience salvation not because of the righteous things we have done, not because we deserve it, but because of God’s great mercy. So, let’s stop believing ourselves to be more deserving than others; instead, let’s get on our knees together and pray God’s mercy on one another. Grace received; grace extended. Derek Maul has written for many news outlets, including the Tampa Tribune, The United Methodist News Service, All Pro Dad, FOCUS Magazine, Newsweek, USA Today, The Christian Science Monitor, Presbyterians Today, Guideposts, Chicken Soup for the Soul and many other publications. Read Derek Maul’s daily blog posts at www.derekmaul.wordpress.com
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ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
February 2021
HOT OFF THE CHRISTIAN NEWS WIRE
By Kelly Wise Valdes
‘It’s Long Past Time For A Christian Revival’ In America, Tony Dungy & Benjamin Watson Say
believed he would be easy to manipulate. Instead, Mr. Smith ends up making some significant changes that help root out corruption. For more information, visit www.pureflix.com.
BLESS Foundation Raises $1 Million To End Human Trafficking, Feed The Hungry & More
God’s Not Dead 4 Is Set To Start Filming In January
The third sequel to God’s Not Dead, an apologetics film written to show the proof of God’s existence in a cinematic format, will begin filming in January. God’s Not Dead 4 is inspired by the 1946 Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life and the 1939 comedy-drama Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. God’s Not Dead 4 will be set in Arkansas in the early 1990s and tell the story of “the most beloved pastor in the galaxy.” The film was originally supposed to be filmed in Oklahoma in March 2020; however, due to Coronavirus restrictions, the film date was pushed back. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a comedy-drama about a naive local politician who goes to Washington D.C. to take the place of one of his state’s U.S. senators. Mr. Smith was chosen because people
A virtual concert held by The BLESS Foundation raised $1 million for five different Christian organizations whose goals range from housing orphans to ending human trafficking and feeding the hungry. The concert featured Shane & Shane, the African Children’s Choir and Drew Womack. Additionally, Tim Tebow held a live interview. The concert was originally scheduled to take place in Austin, Texas, but lockdown restrictions forced it to go virtual instead. The concert, called Light the World, helped fund five organizations, including Justice Ventures International, one of the organizations on the frontlines of fighting human trafficking. Justice Ventures International recently rescued 34 children from child slavery. The children were found working in appalling conditions, crammed into tiny, dilapidated rooms. Some, as young as 12 years old, were made to work for 14-16 hours a day. The BLESS Foundation works “to protect vulnerable children, fight human trafficking, mobilize cross-cultural
workers, advance the Gospel and supply life-sustaining resources globally.” For more information, visit www.bless.world.
For KING & COUNTRY’s Luke Smallbone Welcomes A New Baby
For KING & COUNTRY member Luke Smallbone just announced the birth of his daughter. The baby is named Evie Joy, and according to Luke’s wife, Courtney, it means “to breathe, living, life.” Smallbone and his wife originally announced they were pregnant on their 10th wedding anniversary, where they went in depth about the miscarriage they had previously, and were happy they were pregnant again. Smallbone started for KING & COUNTRY with his brother, Joel. The duo are known for multiple Christian singles, but their most notable is perhaps their collab with Dolly Parton titled “God Only Knows.” The song won a GRAMMY for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance and Song and highlights the struggles people face “only God knows.”
Saying it’s “long past time for a Christian revival” in America, Tony Dungy and Benjamin Watson are calling on believers to read through the Bible, pray more and return to their home churches in 2021. Dungy, a former NFL coach and a current football analyst on NBC, and Watson, a former NFL player and a current speaker and parenthood advocate, cowrote a column in Sports Spectrum that urges the American church to “clean up our doorstep” in order to “witness to nonbelievers.” Dungy and Watson issue five challenges for Christians: read the entire Bible in 2021, pray, repent, return to church and give tithes and offerings. Dungy and Watson are co-hosting a
faith-based, football-themed ‘Football Sunday’ streaming special in February that churches often use in conjunction with Super Bowl Sunday. For more information, visit www.sportsspectrum. com.
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ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
Volume 25 | Issue 02
Page 17
Grace Cheerleading Program Has Tremendous Showing At FCC Nationals
The GCS Impact Mini squad won first place at FCC Nationals.
The Impact Minis competed at FCC Nationals for the first time ever.
The Grace Christian School (GCS) cheerleading program had an exceptional year. Three of the school’s squads competed and placed at the Fellowship of Christian Cheerleaders (FCC) Nationals in Orlando on January 1-2. The Impact Mini squad (K-2nd grade) competed at FCC Nationals for the first time ever, winning first place, and the Varsity team took home first place as well. The Elementary Impact squad finished in third place. The Impact Mini squad is led by Head Coach Ruth Scott. The cheerleaders include Khaleesi Newton, Shaylen Lowman, Scarlett Letourneau and Savannah Symonds. Scott’s daughter, Audrey, who is on the Elementary Impact team, took home first place in the individual competition at nationals as well. Scott believes that her team was able to
focus, execute and have success because they started each practice with devotional time, reading Scripture and relating it to their daily lives. It helped keep things in perspective for them. “The theme this year was learning how to be a champion,” said Scott. “Everything that we do, as long as we give God the glory, as long as we do it to honor Him, then honor will come to us. ‘Can’t’ was not in our vocabulary, the girls kept telling themselves that ‘I can and I will.’” The three GCS teams competed in two tournaments this season, first in regionals in November. The regional competition was hosted for the first time ever by Grace Christian School due to COVID-19. The Minis won first place, Elementary won second place and Varsity won first place. The Varsity team has had a lot of success over the years, and this year was no
Taylor Opalka (left) celebrates with Ruth Scott after receiving an award.
different. They took home first place at the FCC Nationals again. The team is led by Head Coach Ronda Opalka. The roster of cheerleaders includes senior Taylor Opalka, junior Adriana Valdez, freshman Gracie Gurrea, eighth grader Lexie Pennell, eighth grader Kristin Johnson and seventh grader Adrienne Campbell. Ronda said that her team bonded well this season as a sisterhood, having a safe atmosphere to have open dialect in a positive way with constructive feedback so that the team could be the best that it could be. The team would pray together in mid-practice if things weren’t going well. “I’m proud of this team,” said Ronda. “What an amazing job and accomplishment that they had to pull together with several inexperienced girls and several major setbacks. The girls just did a tremendous job pulling through.”
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The Varsity team won first place at FCC Nationals in Orlando
Team captain Taylor Opalka was the only senior on Varsity. She was also an assistant coach, helping out Scott and her Mini team. During her time at GCS, she won four FCC National titles and a regional title. Taylor was also an FCC Scholar Recipient and was recognize at FCC Nationals for doing community service and being an excellent student-athlete. “It was a great way to end my senior year as a cheerleader,” said Taylor. “It meant a lot having everyone come together, winning as a team, not just individuals. It was an overwhelming feeling of joy.” Taylor plans on going to Empire Beauty School to become a cosmetologist and hairdresser after she graduates from GCS. She also has a passion for coaching, and has expressed a desire to help out at as an assistant varsity coach at GCS next season. Photos Courtesy of Grace Christian
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Page 18
Did You Know? Patron Saint For 50 States
Alabama – Our Lady Of The Gulf
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Catholic believers pray for the intercession of the saints in heaven so that they may pray for us on our behalf. Saints are able to intercede on our behalf, as John reveals in the Book of Revelation that the saints in heaven offer up to God the prayers of those on Earth. Patron saints are recognized as the heavenly advocates and special intercessors for many things, even states. If you want to ask for the special intercession on behalf of your state, do you know who to pray to? The patron saint of Alabama is Our Lady of the Gulf. The patron saint name of Our Lady of the Gulf also serves as the title for the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Virgin Mary is guided by the example of her perfect obedience to the Word of God, with the hopes that all followers strive to live by faith, hope and love as disciples of the Lord. Our Lady of the Gulf is revered as the primary saint at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church, located in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The history of the church dates back to 1948, when there were few Catholics located in the Gulf Shores, yet those Catholics wanted to gather to celebrate Sunday Mass as a congregation. To celebrate Mass without a church was an issue, so it was decided to conduct Mass
at Romeo’s Italian Restaurant, and confessions were heard in the priest’s car. The small group grew and began meeting at ‘The Little Casino’—a small, wooden hotel. The congregants soon realized their need for a permanent place to worship. Land was donated by a local realtor and the original church was constructed for only $19,000 in 1952. In September 1979, Hurricane Frederick devastated Gulf Shores, but the church stood unharmed. Many believe it was due to their prayers to their saint— Our Lady of the Gulf. As the community surrounding began to rebuild, the church continued to grow and began the building fund for a larger sanctuary. But Hurricane Frederick wasn’t the only devasting hurricane to threaten the church. Our Lady of the Gulf’s history includes surviving Hurricanes Frederick in 1979, Ivan in 2004 and Katrina in 2005. The congregants continue to seek intercession for protection and provision from their patron saint, Our Lady of the Gulf. For more information, visit www.olgal. org.
February 2021
Kid’s Crafts God Is Love
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Time Needed: 20 minutes Materials Needed: • Paper plate • Pink and red construction paper • Scissors • Bible • Pen • Glue stick
In the month of February, we celebrate the day of love – Valentine’s Day. The Bible teaches us a lot about love. Jesus spoke often about how God loves us and how we should love our neighbor as ourselves. There may be times when we are mad or sad and we don’t feel very loving. Maybe you had a fight with your brother or sister or maybe you got in trouble for not cleaning your room. No matter what has happened that day, you can always remember that God loves us. In fact, God loves us so much that he will always be with us, even when we don’t feel very lovable. There is a chapter in the Bible that tells us what real love is in 1 Corinthians 13; 4-8, “4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrong-doing but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends.”
Procedure: • Cut out 15 hearts from construction paper. • On each heart, write what love is from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. • Cut out a cross that measures 4 inches x 1/2 inches. • Write “1 Corinthians 13” on the arm piece. You will want the ‘o’ in the center so you can spell the word “Love” going down the cross. • Glue the bottom point of the hearts to the rim of the paper plate. Fourteen hearts will fit around the rim. Some will overlap. • Glue the cross to the center of the paper plate. • Glue the last heart above the cross.
Volume 25 | Issue 02
ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
Page 19
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February 2021