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Volume Volume 21, 21, Issue Issue 88
A Inc. Observer Inc. Osprey Observer from Osprey Publication from Free Publication A Free
August 2017
Joshuacord Begins Filming Documentary Christians In The Mirror By Amanda Boston
Inside:
Radio Station Wins Two Gabriel Awards Page 2
Bay Life Missions Teams Around The Globe
Page 3
Church Member Celebrates 90th Birthday Page 8
Columns: Newswire
Page 15
GraceNotes:
Page 17
Faith & Footprints
Page 18
Hooked On Books: Page 19
The Center for the Study of Global Christianity reported that an average of 90,000 Christians are martyred annually. Additionally, close to 215 million Christians are persecuted for their faith as indicated by Open Doors, a Christian advocacy group. While embedded in the Middle East, local resident and government employee Patrick Carberry witnessed firsthand the persecution of his Christian brethren. In response, he founded Joshuacord, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and raising awareness of the persecuted Christians worldwide. “Faith is dead without works,” said Carberry. “It’s not that I am working to gain anything. I am just trying to act on faith on what the Lord wants me to do.”
Since 2012, Carberry has been raising awareness and funds through the Joshua 1:9 Freedom 5K Race. The fifth annual race will take place on Saturday, November 18 at the Al Lopez Park in Tampa. Still, Carberry felt he could do more for suffering Christians. Six months ago, Carberry paired up with Film Director Jordan Allott, the founder of In Altum Productions and Senior Advisor to In Defense of Christians. The duo began filming Christians in the Mirror, an expository documentary that compares and contrasts the Persecuted
Church with the affluent Western Church in America. Allott recapped his recent trip to the Middle East. “In Iraq, I was able to film at the front lines around al-Nuri Mosque in West Mosul, the last bastion of ISIS fighters in Iraq. I went to a couple of different Christian refugee camps in Erbil and to Alqosh, which are dominantly Christian villages north of Mosul,” he said. Without harsh judgment, Carberry and Allott hope to shed light on the dark and desperate condition of the Persecuted Church. Allott continued, “I also visited three different Christian villages that have been destroyed by ISIS. In the churches, the jihadists shot
Continued on page 5
Chris Tomlin’s Good Good Father Tour Hits Tampa
By Amanda Boston
Chris Tomlin is a pillar in contemporary Christian music with 11 studio albums, a GRAMMY® Award to include eight other nominations, three Billboard Music Awards and 21 Dove Awards. Titled after his charttopping the Good Good Father, Tomlin is coming to Tampa’s USF Sun Dome on Saturday, November 4. The night of worship kicks off at 7 p.m. and includes special guest Matt Maher. Tomlin announced the upcoming tour a few days before Father’s Day and said, "It's incredible to see how the song Good Good Father has impacted people around the world. Every night as we begin to sing the song, there's no doubt of what it means to so many people.” The tour will traverse the country from October to November with 17 stops to include the welcomed stop in Tampa. Ticket prices range from $22 to $73 per person. The tour will feature many of Tomlin’s well-known worship songs as well as new songs from his latest album Never Lose Sight. Tomlin’s friend and fellow Christian artist Matt Maher will join him on tour. Maher is best known for his No. 1 single
Because He Lives (Amen). The five-time GRAMMY® nominee has also written songs for Tomlin as well as other Christian artists such as Crowder, Matt Redman and Third Day. Since the age of 10, Tomlin, a native of Texas, has been praising Jesus. During his college years, he connected with Pastor Louie Giglio, then the youth pastor at Baylor University. In the summer, Giglio held youth revival conferences with Tomlin as the music worship leader. This partnership transformed to a friendship and the conferences ultimately led to the Passion Movement, a series of conferences with thousands of young people gathering to worship. In 2001, Tomlin released his first commercial album with Giglio’s recording label sixstepsrecords. Today, Giglio is the pastor of the Passion City Church in Atlanta with Tomlin as one of its worship leaders. Tickets to the event are not expected to last and can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com, or you can call 1800-745-3000 to order by phone. The USF Sun Dome is located at 4202 East Fowler Ave. in Tampa.
Page 2 • christianvoicemonthly.com •August 2017
BreakPoint: A Student Ministry At Bell Shoals Baptist Church
By Amanda Boston
asserted, “I do it because it worked for me and made a huge difference in my life.” He further illustrated the value of a program where like-minded students can connect and support one another. Even so, the ministry is not limited to believing teens as it also provides a place for Christian students to bring their friends to learn more Photograph is courtesy of Lucas Reed
The Bell Shoals Baptist Student Ministry teaches middle and high school students from its congregation and community.
Pastor Matthew Angell from Bell Shoals Baptist Church invites students from grades 7 through 12 to BreakPoint—a Student Ministry held on Wednesday nights from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Point Student Building on the Brandon Campus. The fall kickoff is on Wednesday, August 16 and Photograph is courtesy of Lucas Reed will include a treat from the Kona Pastor Matthew Angell is shown baptizing Leif-Erik Hansen, a graduating senior, and one of the 16 stuIce Truck. dents baptized during summer camp. The stated purpose of the about Jesus and experience Christian ministry is "to lead students to a personal, community. growing relationship with Christ and for In an attempt to influence more them to desire to make Him known to youth, the Student Ministry is introducing others." Angell, the Student Ministry First Wednesday. “On the first Pastor, described a typical Wednesday Wednesday of each month, we will have night. "The evening begins with a fun something special for the students like game and worship with the band. We will Remy’s donuts or Jeremiah’s Italian Ice. have a relevant message geared toward It is free for all the students, and it’s a big middle and high school students followed night for them to invite their friends,” by small groups where they discuss the explained Angell. message," he said. The Student Ministry is a free proAngell’s roots run deep at Bell gram that runs weekly throughout the Shoals Baptist Church. He grew up in the year—with a short hiatus in July. Bell church and is a product of its Student Shoals Baptist Church is located at 2102 Ministry. Over the years, Angell has Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon. For informaserved on the church’s staff, and in tion, visit www.bellshoals.com, Facebook September, he assumed leadership over @ Bell Shoals Student Ministry on the Student Ministry. Facebook or Instagram bsbc_studentConcerning his latest role, Angell ministry.
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Spirit FM 90.5 Receives Two Prestigious Gabriel Awards By Amanda Boston The 52nd annual Gabriel Awards waves in 1986. It is a ministry of the were recently held at Laval University Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg with in Quebec, Canada to honor works of the mission to spread the love and truth excellence in film, network, cable televi- of Jesus Christ. The station connects sion, radio and social media. Spirit FM with the community through current 90.5 is a local listener-supported Christian music, prayer, Bible teachChristian radio station based out of ings, radio personalities, contests and Tampa. The station received two events. John Morris, the station managawards: Radio Station of the Year and er, was thrilled with its third award for Community Awareness for Radio for its Radio Station of the Year. The station 10-24 Project that supports local law also holds this title for 2012 and 2014. enforcement. Morris also commented on station’s The Gabriel Awards are sponsored recognition for the 10-24 Project. He by the Catholic Academy of explained, “The 10-24 Project was in Communication Professionals whose response to the news between the citpurpose is to proclaim the Good News izenry and police departments and and support Catholic ministries. The how the relationships had been tenuawards recous in light ognize media of shootings for artistic and vioachievement lence.” For that enterthe past two tains as well years, the as nourishes radio station the human has rallied spirit. Award behind its recipients are local law selected from enforcement all over North officials by America and encouraging are comits listeners prised of to make both secular cards and Last October, Tampa Police Officers from District 3 and non-sec- snapped a photo for Spirit FM to show their appreciation write letters for the 10-24 Project. ular media. of appreciaAbby tion. The Brundage, from project is cleverSpirit FM’s The Big ly named after Big House Sheriff’s Office Morning Show, 10-24 code, attended the cerewhich means mony and accept‘send help quicked the awards on ly.' behalf of the staLast year, tion. "It was an the community honor to receive responded to the these awards, call with thouespecially after I sands of letters Spirit FM 90.5 received two prestigious was there to see all Gabriel Awards: Radio Station of the Year and of affirmation the wonderful things Community Awareness for Radio for its 10-24 pouring into the Project. that other news stastation. The next tions were doing both fiction and non10-24 Project will kick off in midfiction. At Spirit FM, we always remind September and conclude on Monday, ourselves that we are ministry first so to October 24 with the day dedicated to be recognized in that way was affirmapraying for law enforcement. tion for us," said Brundage. Other For more information on Spirit FM notable winners included CBS News for or the 10-24 Project, visit two segments of 60 Minutes and www.myspiritfm.com. For a complete National Geographic for its documenlisting of 2017 Gabriel Award winners, taries Before the Flood and The Story visit of God with Morgan Freeman. www.catholicacademy.org/page/gabrielSpirit FM 90.5 (WBVM) hit the airwinners.
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Page 3 • christianvoicemonthly.com • August 2017
Bay Life Church Deploys Missions Teams Around The Globe By Amanda Boston In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commissions His disciples to go and make disciples of all the nations. The mission statement of the Bay Life Church of Brandon closely echoes the verse Bay Life High School Students traveled to New York City to spread as does the the love of Jesus to Muslim and Hindu refugees. church’s actions. Bay Life Church has deployed more than 15 student and adult missions teams both locally and internationally this summer alone. Bay Life Communications Director Stephen Stough, his wife Wendy and a team of Bay Life students recently completed a unique missions trip to North Georgia. During the first week, the students Bay Life Students spent time in the Georgia Mountains hiked through the mountains developing leadership skills and then put those skills into practice by hosting a VBS in inner-city Atlanta. where they acquired leadership skills, studied Scripture gain combined with the experience and were discipled. The following of helping, witnessing, and reaching week, the students employed their out to people in need creates a selfnewfound skills to organize and host a lessness, poverty awareness and Vacation Bible School in inner city civic responsibility desperately needed Atlanta. in our students today,” said Stough. Stough expounded on the positive Another team of students disimpact and transformative effect that patched to New York City to minister to missions trips provide for the students. Muslim and Hindu refugees. Through “The skills and maturity the students English as a Second Language (ESL)
helped drive the students to connect… and see past language and cultural barriers.” She continued, “The students went from saying, 'they are so different from us' and truly thinking they could never relate or even communicate with them, to saying, ‘WOW’ they are just human." Other mission teams were sent to Village of Hope in Uganda, Pawleys Island in South Carolina and Bay Life Student Tommy Marasco spread the gospel Orlando. On an international to the immigrant population in New York City. level, Bay Life also sent teams to England, Honduras, Scotland and India. In addition to mission trips, Bay Life supported Tampa’s first Royal Family KIDS Camp, which provided a week of camp to foster children that have experienced abuse, neglect and abandonment. The church also hosted its annual Kidapalooza (VBS) where student teams organized and taught the love of Jesus to more than 800 children from Bay Life students traveled around New York by sub- the community. way meeting people and spreading the gospel. With its multiple missions trips and local outreaches, it is Classes, evangelistic youth programs to surmise that Bay Life Church safe and Bible distribution, the students is upholding Jesus’ mission—to go effectively witnessed to the refugees and make disciples to all the nations. despite the language barrier. For more information, please visit Teaya Brown-Stacker was one of www.baylife.org or call 661-3696. Bay the adult leaders who accompanied Life is located at 1017 Kingsway Rd. the students and observed, “It’s truly in Brandon. amazing to see how the love of Jesus
Page 4 • christianvoicemonthly.com •August 2017
Area Y’s Help Struggling Students Become Proficient In Reading With Summer Program
By Kathy L. Collins
Summer is starting this young. a fun time for They can get one children, but it is on one help. It also a time increases their fluwhen children ency, comprehenlose a significant sion and writing amount of readskills." ing readiness. Volunteers The problem is include teachers, especially proparents and high found for chilschool students. dren who strug- Bridging The Gap, a one on one reading enrichBridging The gle to read Gap is a program ment program started at Campo Y, has been so successful that a similar program has been throughout the of the Y's Social started at the North Brandon Y. school year. Responsibility It is for these reasons that last sumCommittee. Susan Prestige, owner of mer the Campo Y initiated "Bridging The Tutoring Club and chair of the Social Gap." This is a program free to members Responsibility Committee, donated the of the Y. Children in kindergarten through curriculum material used in Bridging The fifth grade spend one to two hours a Gap. week working one on one with a dedicatKavita Marballi with the Y said, ed volunteer. The children practice read"Children who struggle to read get one ing, writing and even learning Spanish. on one help. We ask the child's teacher Last summer's program was so suc- to send a letter outlining the areas they cessful, that it has been expanded to the need help." Marballi said, "I have had North Brandon Y this summer. parents tell me that because of this proThe program works thanks to kind gram, their child now loves to pick up a and generous volunteers such as Amber book and read." Brown, a second grade teacher at Than Htwe's son attends Bridging Mitchell Elementary. Brown said, "It is The Gap at the Campo Y. Htwe said, important for children to maintain their "My son is already reading at the first reading over the summer. Over the eight grade level. This program has helped get to 10-week summer break, many chilhim ready for school." dren slide back in their reading level. Children meet on Mondays and Even two days per week helps maintain Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. at the their level." Campo Y, and on Thursday and Friday Joan Solomon, a seventh and eighth from 12 to 1 p.m. at the North Brandon Y. grade reading teacher at Randall Middle If you would like to help by donating School, also volunteers with the protime or materials for this program, please gram. Solomon said, "It is really neat contact Marballi at 684-1371, ext. 1606. What you will find at Journey: • • • • • •
New Chapter Of Outdoors At Last Youth Adventure Organized In Plant City Outdoors At Last Youth Adventure (OALYA), is a national organization based out of North Carolina and established by Dale Dodson, who works hard to make a child’s wish come true. Whether it is a weekend of fishing or hunting, the members of OALYA do not rest until the child and family have their day in the woods or on the water. Most of the children served by the organization have disabilities or come from military families. Recently, a new chapter, Florida’s Youth At Heart, began in Plant City. The late Milton Varn of the Rocking V Ranch and better known as “Cowboy”, with his heart for children and the woods, felt a need to have a chapter in Plant City. The one and only mission of Outdoors At Last Youth Adventure is to make the outdoors possible for any young person no matter their ability. “It has been a blessing for me to be involved with such a wonderful organization that is about helping children and their families fulfill their dream,” said
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board member Tiffany Christie of the recently formed FYAHC. “I feel good about carrying on “Cowboy’s” dream,” she continued. Dale Dodson, President and founder of Outdoors At Last Youth Adventure said, “These children are special and need special care, but we do not focus on the disability because that would defeat the purpose.” Dodson continued, “They want to be looked at as just kids without having a disability.” Whether it is a hog, deer or turkey hunt, or a day out on the water to catch a prize trophy fish, FYAHC pays for the transportation, lodging, meals and the child goes home with a bag full of useful goodies and a life time of memories. The FYAHC will be holding its first annual banquet on Saturday, July 29 at the Plant City Elks Lodge. There will be a fifty-fifty raffle, drawings and an auction. All proceeds will go to the FYAHC to sponsor children with a dream. Seating is limited. For more information about the banquet or to make a donation, call Tiffany Christie at 650-1322 or Alyssa Brown at 480-1348. • Water, Fire, Smoke & Mold Remediation and Restoration • Residential & Commercial Buildings • 24/7 Emergency Service • Licensed and Insured • Trained and Certified Technicians • Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed • Locally Owned & Operated
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Christians In The Mirror...Continued From Page 1
W W W
.
O S P R E Y O B S E R V E R
By Amanda Boston
out the faces on all the statues and paintings, but the churches remain standing defiantly. And as ISIS is pushed out, and Christians return, they will need our help to rebuild and feel secure again in the villages they have persisted in for centuries." Christians in the Mirror is a call to action for the Western Church to stand and support its persecuted Christian brothers and sisters. It is a reminder that the Body of Christ is comprised of all Christians everywhere—and if one part of
the Body suffers, then all members suffer. Carberry and Allott hope that Christians will take a long look in the mirror and ask, ‘Am I reflecting the attitudes and actions of Christ or is my reflection distorted?’ The film’s trailer is near completion, and Carberry estimates that the entire documentary will be finished by November 2017. For information, visit www.joshuacord.org and www.inaltumproductions.com.
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LOCAL CHRISTIAN NEWS Compiled by Michelle Colesanti For more information or to register, visit www.gainesvillebaptistchurch.com or call 352-378-8358.
Christian History Announces Its Latest Issue, Titled: The Catholic Reformation
Christian History Institute (CHI), publisher of Christian History magazine (CH), announces its latest issue, titled: The Catholic Reformation – Art, piety and the fight for renewal.The issue is the fourth and final in a series of four, commemorating the 500th anniversary of the start of the Reformation period, which began in October of 1517. This issue, #122, contains ten indepth articles that explore responses to the Reformation within the Catholic Church and two related Protestant movements (the Arminius challenge to Calvin’s reform movement and the Puritan’s movement in America). The issue brings to a conclusion the editor’s four-issue series commemorating the 500th anniversary of the European Reformation period, generally considered to have begun with the publication of Martin Luther’s 95 theses. The entire CH archive collection of 122 issues can be searched, along with books and study-guides, using the website’s robust search engine feature. The website, combined with a magazine subscription is offered at nocost as a study resource for the home & homeschoolers, church libraries, middle/high schools, as well as to colleges & universities. It is the mission of CHI donors and staff to make this resource as widely and freely available as possible (donations gratefully accepted). The following articles: Helping Souls, The Road Not Taken, Picturing Saints, The Persistent Council, A Renewed and Global Faith, Reasons of State, Defender of God’s Justice, Coming to America, Remaking the World and The Ecumenical Dilemma, can be accessed at www.christianhistoryinstitute.org/magazine/issue/catholi c-reformation/.
Dr. Thomas R. Snyder Presented With GSA Global Spiritual Icon Award By President Of India
Lamb of God Christian Center is announcing the return of its senior pastor, Dr. Tom Snyder, from a 14 day mission to India. Anchored by the “GSA – World Divine Congress” on
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June 23 and 24, Dr. Snyder and 13 of India’s religious leaders met to “Engage, Enhance, and Enlighten” in order to “Unite for World Peace and Harmony.” Dr. Snyder believes that no matter the religion, faith is a key to bringing peace to the World. In his opening remarks to the Congress, Dr. Snyder stated, “Much like there are good and bad children, everyone needs to feel love and be nurtured.” The next GSA World Divine Congress is scheduled for December 2017 in Tampa. Dr. Snyder’s mission also included visits to the Children’s Home of Hope in honor of their Founder’s Day. Children’s Home of Hope is an orphanage in Maduraval, Chennai serving 100 children some as young as five. The home is founded by Mrs. Lilly Prabhakar. Rev. Linda Snyder, associate pastor at Lamb of God who accompanied Dr. Snyder, said of the experience, “it is surprising how much love these children have considering the circumstances they live in; we all have something to learn from such caring hearts.” The pair also toured Sri Ramachandra University and their groundbreaking Telemedicine Centre as well as a culinary institute offering a three-year professional course. This was Dr. Snyder’s second mission to India. He had met with Mother
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Theresa on his previous excursion. During the final portion of their trip, Dr. and Rev. Snyder were blessed with the opportunity to represent Christianity with the honorable Shri Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Perhaps the most humbling experience of the mission was Dr. Snyder’s audience with the honorable Shri Pranab Mukherjee, President of India. On July 1, Dr. Snyder presented President Mukherjee with a Holy Bible; President Mukherjee presented Dr. Snyder with the GSA Global Spiritual Icon Award. Of the experience, Dr. Snyder expressed, “If our service can touch just one heart, the world will be a better place.”
I Still Do Couples Retreat In Orlando
Couples are invited to the fifth annual marriage retreat I Still Do in Orlando’s beautiful Caribe Royale Hotel. The retreat takes place from Friday, September 15 through Saturday, September 16. The cost is $175 per couple and includes accommodations, breakfast, class materials and sessions. Guest speakers include Dr. and Mrs. Shane and Joy Lewis from Somerville Baptist in Alabama. Registration and payment are due on Thursday, August 24.
On Friday, October 6, join contemporary Christian artist and GRAMMY® Nominee Matthew West with special guest Jordan Feliz at Victory Church in Lakeland. The concert kicks off at 7 p.m. General admission is $28 per person and $22 per person for groups of 10 or more. An early entry VIP ticket is available for $55 per person. The VIP ticket provides early entry at 5 p.m. for a Q&A session with the artists, a designated VIP seating area and a free tour item. Tickets can be purchased online at the Joy FM website florida.thejoyfm.com/events/boxoffice/matthew-west/ or ordered by phone at 855-223-1008. Victory Church is located at 1401 Griffin Rd. in Lakeland. Tour tickets are also available for venues at Bradenton, Largo and Ocala and can be found online at the Joy FM website.
After School Care Program Available At Covenant Family Christian Academy
The Covenant Family Christian Academy is now offering an After School Care Program on Monday to Friday from 3-6 p.m. Services offered will be homework assistance, snacks, tutoring and Financial Literacy for Kids Accreditation; National Accreditation for Christian Education. The school’s director is Dr. Reba Haley. For more information, email Cfc4hope@gmail.com or call 3703421. An application can be obtained on the website at www.cfctampabay.com. Covenant Family Christian Academy is located at 6323 US Hwy. 301 S. in Riverview.
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Page 7 • christianvoicemonthly.com • August 2017
The Piecemakers Guild Shares Warmth To Community Through Quilting
Topgolf Tourney Seeks Participants To Help Raise Money For Attack Survivor
The last thing most time to go outside the borpeople in Florida’s July ders of America and heat would be thinking donated quilts to an about are quilts for orphanage in Kenya. warmth. But not the Humbly, Klein noted, Piecemakers Quilt Guild of “Those quilts were made Brandon who are hard at with fabrics from Africa work making quilts. with original patterns Candance Klein, designed by members.” President of the “The Audrey Gantous Piecemakers Quilt Guild of Christmas Stocking Project Brandon, said, “From the donates over 100 filled very beginning the Guild stockings each year to the has had a tradition of Hillsborough County charitable donations, Sheriff’s beginning with quiltDepartment,” ed ornaments for the explained Klein. Festival of Trees.” They are handed The Guild was out by the officers to founded in children whom may September 1989 by otherwise not Claudia Ingram with The Piecemakers Guild of Brandon made receive anything or quilts to be sent to the Flying Kites only 25 ladies. The very little for Orphanage in Kenya. The stockings are Christmas. Guild is now 130 donated to the Hillsborough County members strong. This wonderful Sheriff's Department to be handed out. “The first donagroup of ladies are tion of quilts was in 1992 to the victims of always ever ready, graciously willing and Hurricane Andrew,” explained Klein. with big hearts able to share quilting inforSince then, every year the members of mation and skill to those who are willing the Guild decide on what charities to to learn and then in turn pass their knowldonate to for the year. Past recipients edge on. This is steeped in their Guild’s have been A Kid’s Place, Joshua House, mission, along with promoting interest, Brandon Regional Hospital Neonatal appreciation and education in quilting. Intensive Care Unit and Quilts of Valor. They also carry out high standards of Members from smaller groups within design and technique in each quilt that is the Guild, called “Bee” groups, craft and crafted. donate quilts to the local dialysis center. The Guild meets on the second They also give “Fidget Quilts” to Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Alzheimer’s and autism patients. First United Methodist Church, located at Last year, the ladies decided it was 120 Knights Ave. in Brandon.
Enjoy a fun locomotor exercises to recollect summer night at the act of walking again. To furthe Second ther accomplish this goal, she Annual Hope also executes a number of differClassic, a benefit ent strengthening and balance for Bloomingdale exercises. Library Attack “Throughout Queena's time Survivor Queena, at Stay in Step, it has been an which will be incredible experience being able held on Sunday, to see how much she's excelled August 6 from 5-9 from her therap.m. at Topgolf py. The strides Tampa, 10690 she has taken Palm River Rd. have been an Participants will inspiration to all enjoy an allof us. The Stay American buffet, in Step staff is private cash bar, extremely excitLibrary attack survivor Queena relies on 50/50 raffle, silent community ed to see what generosity to help fund her physical auction, and of Queena will be therapy that insurance won’t cover. course golf. able to accomplish in the near future,” Money raised will be donated to the said Mike Lopez, Stay in Step Trainer family to help pay for ongoing medical, Technician. therapy, and homecare Queena’s sister, Anna Donato, expenses. Players hit golf balls containing has started a 501c3 non-profit organizacomputer microchips that track each tion called Hope Heals The Brain Inc. in shot’s accuracy and distance while also hopes to continue raising funds and awarding points for hitting targets on the awareness for families and individuals outfield. The venue offers an upscale, affected by traumatic brain injury in the laid-back experience with an impressive Central Florida region. food and drink menu. To register online and pay by credit For the last nine years, Queena has card, visit thehopeclassic.eventbrite.com. relied on the generosity of the community To register by mail and pay by check, to fund her continuous physical and occu- visit joinqueena.com/fundraisers/ to downpational therapy sessions. load the form. The registration deadline Stay in Step Spinal Cord Injury is Monday, July 25. The costs Recovery Center provides a very special, are: Sixsome $400; Individual $75; hands-on and effective variation of physiSpectator/Dinner Only $30. Contact cal therapy where Queena has made Donato at avdonato1@gmail.com or 956great strides. She performs a variety of 3822.
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Page 8 • christianvoicemonthly.com •August 2017
Church Celebrates The Life And Service Of A Founding Member
By Amanda Boston
troop’s Scoutmaster and guided several boys to the rank of Eagle Scout—the highest honor in Scouting with only five percent achieving the rank. Even with the long stretches spent at sea, Berger always made time for family, the church and helping others. In 2005, he was presented with the Soaring Eagle Distinguished Citizen Award for his extraordinary service to the Boy Scouts. Photo Courtesy of Elizabeth A. Latshaw Godfrey said, “Daddy Troop 109 attended the ceremony to honor Don Berger's always makes time for peowork with the Scouts. From left to right: Brian Jones (Eagle Scout), Bob Jones (former Scout Committee ple. Many Boy Scouts who Member), Jeremy Rudacille (current Assistant are now grown men in their Scoutmaster) and Don Berger (former Scoutmaster) 30s and 40s stop by to talk On Sunday, July 16, the congregants to daddy and thank him.” of Holy Innocent’s Episcopal Church and Berger’s love for God, country, the Boy Scout Troop 109 paid a special tribU.S. Merchant Marines and people conute to one of its founding members with a tinues today with his volunteer work as a birthday and life celebration. Don Berger docent aboard the SS American Victory celebrated his 90th birthday and 60 years of worshipping and attendance at the church. Berger has been a Seffner resident since 1939. He and his mother Emily Gilchrist were instrumental in the founding of the Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church. The first worship service was held on January 1, 1957, with 30 people in attendance. Among the 30 were Berger, his wife Lillian, his mother, and though they were not counted in the regPhoto Courtesy of Elizabeth A. Latshaw istry, the two Berger children celebrated with his daughter Karen Godfrey and Berger Karen and Joseph. his great-granddaughter Savannah Berger during his At the age of 16 and celebration of life ceremony at Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church. during World War II, Berger joined the U.S. Merchant Marines. After Ship. The War World II ship was presix months of training, he boarded his first served as a museum ship and is docked Merchant Marine Ship as a radio officer. in the port of Tampa. He served in the Korean War, the Happy Birthday and God Bless You, Vietnam War and the Gulf War. Berger’s Don Berger. Your life truly epitomizes and daughter Karen Godfrey said, “During the upholds the Boy Scout Oath. “On my Gulf War, they needed people who were honor I will do my best to do my duty to proficient in Morse code. Daddy was God and my country, to obey called back to serve and was on the the Scout Law; to help other people at all USNS Comfort. He was in hog heaven to times; to keep myself physically strong, be on a real Navy ship.” mentally awake, and morally straight.” Through the years, Berger not only For information on the church, visit served his country but also served the hiepiscopal.org or call 689-3130. For community with the Boy Scouts of information on Troop 109, visit America. He helped establish Boy Scout www.bsatroop109.org. Holy Innocents' Troop 109 at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Episcopal Church is located at 604 N. Church. For 25 years, Berger was the Valrico Rd. in Valrico.
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Page 9 • christianvoicemonthly.com • August 2017
Sip Tea At Fundraiser Party To Support The St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
BRANDON CATARACT CENTER AND EYE CLINIC
By Amanda Boston
Attention ing assistance ladies and little to those in ladies—you need through a are cordially food pantry and invited to a financial assisLadies Tea and tance. Kathie Fashion Show Huff is the prespresented by ident of the the Society of food pantry and St. Vincent de said, “We are Paul. The grateful to the annual food ladies who pantry organize this fundraiser will The Tea Party provides fun, fellowship and food as it tasty fundraiser raises money to support a noble cause. be held on for our ministry. Saturday, September 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 Each month, we assist about 140 families p.m. in the Family Life Center of St. with food and spend about $3000 to pay Stephen Catholic Church. rent and utilities and make food purchasTea attendees can sip on tasty teas es.” and dine on homemade sandwiches, The Tea and Fashion Fundraiser is scones and desserts while supporting a the only fundraiser for the food pantry, worthy cause. Ladies will design and dec- and most of the funds are contributed orate headbands and then parade through generous parishioners. However, around modeling their creations. The due to the parish’s recent expansion, Huff women’s clothing store Dress Barn will is thrilled to open up the Tea to more also add to the entertainment with a fash- ladies in the community. ion show. The event needs volunteers to host a The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is table of eight, which will include decorata nonprofit Catholic organization inspired ing a themed table with personal dishes by gospel values and operated by volunor with fanciful paper products. Ladies teers. The organization is divided up into can invite friends to their table or join the ‘Conferences’ throughout the world and is fun at someone else’s table. The cost is typically based out of a church, school, only $16 per person with all the proceeds hospital or community center. The misgoing toward the St. Vincent de Paul sion of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Ministry. is to serve those in need and promote For information or reservations, spiritual growth for the men and women please contact Arlene at 284-5884 or who serve. arstein@outlook.com. For information on The St. Stephen Catholic Parish in the St. Stephen conference and food Riverview hosts a local conference offerpantry, visit svdp@ststephencatholic.org.
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Page 10 • christianvoicemonthly.com •August 2017
Hooked On Christian Books
It’s The Most Wonderful Time of Year – Back To School By Kelly Wise Valdes
How could summer be drawing to a close so soon? This is often the sentiment of most students when parents are frantically searching for all the items on the back-to-school lists. Whether your child is leaving for college, starting high school or middle school, or even entering into the school system for the very first time – the transition can be difficult. As Christians, students may find it difficult to avoid temptation and remain steadfast in their faith when faced with a new school year. As a parent, we can provide the solid foundation they will need in order to grow spiritually throughout the entire school year.
Ready. Set. Next. By: Chuck Bomar As students leave for college for the first time, they face many questions they're afraid to ask, insecurities they may be unwilling to examine, and freedoms they're unsure how to handle. This book will help students spiritually prepare for college - critical years that may have a lifetime effect on their faith and relationships. This engaging, book explores the fears and excitement of approaching this transition and offers a framework for a student to come back to as he or she enters these years.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DIRECTORY Learn more about how to
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Being a Girl Who Leads: Becoming a Leader by Following Christ By: Shannon Kubiak Primicerio Are you afraid to be different? How often do you follow everyone else just so they don't think you're weird or an outsider? What happens when you find yourself at the big end-of-the-year party and you're challenged do something wrong? At what point do you walk away? This book challenges the reader to be a Christian who stands-up for what is righteous and create positivity that is contagious to others.
Making Faith Your Priority (Freshman) By: Lars Rood This 30-day devotional for high school students offers helpful guidance on dealing with and understanding yourself and others as you grow in your faith. Each devotion includes a Think About section, What the World Thinks, an Act section that encourages you to apply key truths in the devotion, and a Read section for further study. This is a must-read for Christian students entering high school.
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99 Thoughts for Junior Highers By: Brooklyn Lindsey, Mark Oestreicher Junior high truly is a season of ups and downs, of possibilities and confusion, of amazing memories and embarrassing moments. To get through it all, young teenagers sometimes just need a little help-or 99 bite-sized bits of help. Students will explore nuggets of rich wisdom, including all the changes they're experiencing, figuring out what they believe, where God and church fit into the picture, how to best interact with friends and deciding what really matters most in life.
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Page 11 • christianvoicemonthly.com • August 2017
Simon The Zealot Continues Remains MysteriouslyByAbsent Kelly Wise Valdes
Simon Zelotes is the eleventh apostle, and was reported hand-chosen by the well-known disciple, Simon Peter. Although Simon is touring the community with Jesus, very little is currently known about him and he has successfully avoided the limelight and media coverage that follows the teaching of Jesus. His former neighbor, Josiah of Capernaum, says that the 28-year-old Simon was “an able man of good ancestry and lived with his family at Capernaum.” Another former co-worker, Jonas of Galilee said, “He was a fiery agitator and was also a man who spoke much without thinking. He had been a merchant in Capernaum before he joined the 12 disciples.” To confuse things further, there has been speculation in the community whether Simon was a former member of the radical Zealot party or whether he is referred to as a zealot because of his religious zeal. Many in the community are speculating that Jesus may have chosen Simon, a member of the tax-hating, Roman-hating zealots, to counterbalance Disciple Matthew, a former tax collector and employee of the Roman empire. Jesus may be using these two opposite disciples to demonstrate
that his kingdom reaches out to people in all walks of life. Simon’s current position in the Disciple group is to plan the extra-curricular activities when they are not preaching and working for Jesus. It has been reported that although he remains elusive from the limelight that many of the other Disciples are accustomed to, Simon is a very efficient organizer of the play life and recreational activities of the twelve. The mysterious Simon Zelotes is just another example of how Jesus is not afraid to identify himself with business men, laboring men, optimists, pessimists, philosophers, skeptics, politicians, patriots and zealots. ********************** Jesus inspired 12 ordinary men to leave their old lives behind and become followers of Him. Among these new followers were fishermen, a tax collector and a revolutionary. The Gospels record the failings, struggles and doubts of these twelve men who followed Jesus. This series will document one of the disciples each month in a fun way in order to learn more about how God turned each man from ordinary to extraordinary.
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Page 12 • christianvoicemonthly.com •August 2017
Edwards Returns As Emcee For Foundation Evening Of Hope
Dress to Dance at
By Liz Brewer
Have you ever underwriter this wonexperienced an act of derful event. kindness that made Individual tickets you want to do help are $75/pp and someone else but include a strolling weren’t sure how to wine and food festival find the needs? Have made up of local you ever attended an restaurants, caterers event where you and bakers, along were so touched by with fine wines and Board of Director, Title Sponsor & CEO cocktails from local its mission that you of Brandon Regional Hospital, Bland wanted to be a part Eng and his wife Erika and Aaron and wine and spirit venNatalia Diaz, Marketing Director for of the work of that dors and a silent aucorganization so you, Brandon Regional Hospital enjoying the tion. There will be live 2016 Evening of Hope. too, can make an jazz music and new impact in this world? The Greater to this year’s event will be craft beer tastBrandon Community Foundation invites ings as well as an after dinner dessert, you to be a part of their Foundation Angel coffee and cordials following the Program which is made up of unsung evening’s program. heroes doing great things and making an Channel 8’s Daytime Host, Cyndi impact on families affected by a lifeEdwards will be returning once again as threatening disease or a catastrophic our Emcee for this year’s event along event. with local dignitaries and community leadYou are invited to save the date for ers. The Foundation is also securing a Friday, November 3 for the Brandon special guest speaker to be announced, Foundation’s 12th Annual “Evening of who will bring his high energy message Hope” where you will hear amazing testifilled with touching moments, humor, and monials and see the great work being insights about developing empowering done by every day heroes right here in relationships through generosity, trust, our community. and authenticity. Guests will leave with a We are excited to welcome Brandon renewed sense of hope for the future and Regional Hospital & The Physicians of belief that their efforts can make an Brandon Regional Hospital, CenterState impact. They will find themselves more inBank, Banter Law Group and Winthrop touch with their own capacity for “everyTown Center & Millennium Centre as this day leadership” and equipped to inspire it year’s sponsors. We have a variety of in others. sponsorship levels available which For info, visit BrandonFoundation.org include tickets, tables and advertising for or call Liz Brewer at 689-6889. This will our local businesses who wish to help be one event you will not want to miss.
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Page 13 • christianvoicemonthly.com • August 2017
Area Church Directory
BAPTIST Bay Life Church 1017 Kingsway Ave, Brandon (813) 661-3696 Bell Shoals Baptist Church 2102 Bell Shoals Rd, Brandon (813) 689-4229 Bell Shoals - Apollo Beach Campus 6414 Golf and Sea Blvd, Apollo Beach (813) 641-2222 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 W. College, Ruskin (813) 645-6439 FishHawk Fellowship 15326 Fishhawk Blvd, Lithia, (813) 655-7431 Grace Baptist Temple 2909 John Moore Rd. Brandon (813) 689-7190 Journey Church 1310 John Moore Road, Brandon (813) 699-8262 Shiloh Baptist Church 1104 Cason St. Plant City (813) 752-8345 South Bay Baptist Church 13498 US 301 So. Riverview 813-677-0721 CATHOLIC Nativity Catholic Church 705 E Brandon Blvd, Brandon (813) 681-4608
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St. Anne Catholic Church 106 11th Ave. N.E Ruskin (813) 645-1714 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 EPISCOPAL Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church 604 N. Valrico Rd, Valrico (813) 689-3130 LUTHERAN 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 New Hope United Methodist Church 120 N. Knights Ave., Brandon (813) 689-4161 Riverview First United Methodist Church 8002 US Hwy 301 South, Riverview www.riverviewflumc.org Ruskin United Methodist Church 105 4th Ave. NW Ruskin (813) 645-1241 South Shore United Methodist Church 11525 Big Bend Road, Riverview (813) 649-9462
PAINTER
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NON-DENOMINATIONAL Destiny Church 2322 11th Ave Se, Ruskin (813) 645-3337 Grace Community Church 1425 N Valrico Rd, Valrico (813) 689-9781 Harvest Bible Chapel Bloomingdale High School 813-699-0517 Life Church at FishHawk 6420 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Lithia (813) 681-6503 Love First Christian Center 12847 Balm Riverview Rd, Riverview 813-671-2009 The Crossing Church - Main Campus 10130 Tuscany Ridge Drive, Tampa, (813) 626-0783 The Crossing Church - SouthShore 3058 East College Ave, Ruskin (813) 626-0580 The Palms Church 207 New Hope Road, Brandon (813) 841-9598 True Sanctuary 6528 US Hwy 301 S, Suite 114, Riverview (813) 319-5862 PENTECOSTAL HighPoint Church of Brandon 2207 Lithia-Pinecrest Rd, Valrico/Brandon (813) 685-4827 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Brandon -PCUSA 121 Carver Avenue, Brandon (813) 689-4597 Redeemer Church-PCA 12404 Boyette Rd., Riverview (813) 741-1776 Westminster Presbyterian Church PCA 402 E. Lumsden Road, Brandon (813) 689-6541
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Page 14 • christianvoicemonthly.com •August 2017
TOPSoccer Gives Special Needs Kids A Chance To Play Soccer
By Brittany Wallace
When asked about his greatest satisfaction from TOPSoccer Muzyk said, “The opportunity for mental and physically challenged kids to enjoy the sport of soccer.” TOPSoccer is for boys and girls ages 5 and up with disabilities. It is a relaxed program, meaning no practices, no keeping score, and no team standings. It is all about the fun of the game. This program is corporately and individually sponsored, so there is no cost to the parent. The kids enjoying at day out in the sun playing The West Florida Flames Soccer soccer at a session of TOPSoccer. League (WFFSL) allows the proTOPSoccer in Brandon is a fall program in its clubhouse and on the fields. gram allowing young athletes with mental They are the recreational parent club that or physical disabilities to train and play TOPSoccer operates under. soccer. This TOPSoccer program has All are eagerly welcome to been recognized as both the 2010 and TOPSoccer, including volunteer coaches, 2015 TOPSoccer Program of the year, by and high school students interested in the Florida Youth Soccer Association. community service. To volunteer, go to The organization is proud about this, but one of the registrations for more informathe program goes deeper than the tion. awards. This season of TOPSoccer will start The Brandon program was estabSeptember 9 at 9 a.m. and run through lished in 1998 by Ken Muzyk, Frank November 18 at the WFFSL field. Figari, Al Snaider, and Fred Englehardt Registrations will take place on Friday, who were previously on the Board of August 11, 18, and 25 from 6-8 p.m., Directors for Brandon Area Youth Soccer Saturday, August 12, 19 and 26 from 9-11 League. They organized groups for boys a.m. at the WFFSL clubhouse located at and girls as well as a coed group, but did 3104 S Kings Ave. in Brandon. At regisnot have a group for children with disabilitration all players must show a copy of ties. Not wanting those children to feel left their IEP. out, they started the local TOPSoccer. For information, email Fred The goal is to make young athletes with Englehardt at brandontops@aol.com, and disabilities feel valued and successful in on Facebook at Florida Youth Soccer and also US Youth www.facebook.com/BrandonTOPSoccer. Soccer. Dr. Amir Boules
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Page 15 • christianvoicemonthly.com • August 2017
Hot Off The Christian News Wire
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Sharefaith Announces 2017 Top Universities And Schools For Worship Ministry
Sharefaith, award-winning creator of easy, affordable church tools to engage and grow members, announced it's annual list of the Top 20 Best Universities & Schools for Worship Ministry, is available now in its Sharefaith Online Magazine. Looking at five distinct points to analyze what schools made the list, Sharefaith was able to include both large and small universities and schools. The criteria included reputation, facilities, faculty, location and offerings. Schools on the list include seminaries like Baylor University, Dallas Baptist University, Colorado Christian University, Liberty University, Southwestern Baptist
Theology Seminary and Fuller Theological Seminary, which offers a Master of Divinity degree with a worship emphasis. For more information, visit www.sharefaith.com.
The World’s First-Ever Christian Soap Opera To Launch Soon
Faith-based films have been increasingly prevalent over the past few years, and now it seems there is an emergence of Christianthemed TV shows as well. Pure Flix Digital, a faithbased entertainment company, recently announced that it would be releasing what might be the world’s first-ever Christian soap opera this fall titled, Hilton Head Island.
And with actors like Donna Mills, Michael Swan and Antonio Sabato Jr. signing on, it’s sure to be a fascinating project. The show will focus on faithbased and engaging stories, noting that the sexual and other adult themes that soap operas have become known for don’t need to be included in order for a program in that format to be successful. Producers of the show believe there’s an “entry for more typical prayer life or Christian aspect flowing” into a show like Hilton Head Island. For more infomation on Pureflix Christian programming, visit www.pureflix.com.
Reba McEntire Inspires With Gospel Album
Reba McEntire is at her absolute best in this powerful single from her gospel album Sing It Now: Songs Of Faith & Hope. More than four decades into her
Country Music Hall of Fame career, McEntire has released her first-ever gospel album in 2017. Sing It Now: Songs of Faith and Hope is a twodisc collection of 20 songs – 10 classic hymns and 10 contemporary spirituals. The singer says that she always wanted to record such a faith-based project, but simply never had the opportunity. Her album features favorites like I'll Fly Away, performed with McEntire's mother and two sisters, and Softly and Tenderly with Trisha Yearwood and Kelly Clarkson. One of the most moving tracks on the album is Back to God. McEntire admits that her faith is an ever-changing entity. "You ebb and flow [in] your relationship with God. Sometimes in your life, in your years, you're real close, and then you kind of get away from him. He's there but not that daily communication, and here you come back," she said. For more information, visit iTunes or www.amazon.com/music.
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Page 16 • christianvoicemonthly.com •August 2017
Area 5 School Superintendent Sherrie Sikes Retires After 43 Years Of Service After 43 years working in the Hillsborough County Public Schools, Sherrie Sikes will retire as Hillsborough County School’s Area 5 Superintendent. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, but raised in Brandon, Sikes is a friendly woman who is passionate about children and the schools she has grown to love. Sikes is a product of the Hillsborough County Schools having attended Mitchell Yates, Horace Mann Middle School and Brandon High School, where she graduated in the class of 1970. She then went on to attend the University of Tampa (UT) and received her Bachelor’s degree. While attending UT, she was Miss University of Tampa and captain of the cheerleading squad for three years. She went back to college two more times in her career to get her Masters in Guidance, and then a degree in Administration. Sikes career is expansive and commendable. She started as a Physical Education teacher at Brandon High where she won the Teacher of the Year award. She then went on to be a guidance counselor at Plant City High School. When both Bloomingdale and Durant High Schools opened, she was part of each school’s inaugural staff. She was the chair of the Guidance Department and Assistant Principal at Bloomingdale High School. At Durant High School she was the Assistant Principal of Curriculum and eventually Principal. Sikes headed downtown to take
By Brittany Wallace
the General Director of Secondary Education position, but then moved back to become the Superintendent of Area 5. Sikes stayed active in each of the schools she served. This year alone, she made over 400 visits to her schools visiting with the teachers and students. A student’s hug could make her day. When asked if there was a moment in her career that stood out she replied, “Yes, at Durant High School when I was the APC Assistant Principal of Curriculum, we beat every high school in the county with the highest HSCT scores.” When asked her thoughts on retirement, she said, “It’s exciting, but sad leaving the students, teachers,
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Top left: Sherrie on the left with one of her principal Sue Burkett at Bloomingdale high school graduation in 2015. Top right: Sherrie on the right with her father and mother Don and Mary Fritz, with her younger siblings to the left Patti Gerdich, Carol Gerdich, and Ronnie Fritz. Right: Sherrie and her husband Dan Sikes sharing a moment with their grandughter Zie.
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secretaries, bus drivers, custodians.” Not only has she enjoyed a successful career, Sikes is married to Dan and has two lovely daughters. According to Sikes, her oldest daugh-
ter Krista and youngest daughter Julie are the best gift she has received. She also has beautiful granddaughter Zie, who is Julie’s daughter, that she loves very much. Sikes had nonstop praise for all the amazing staff in her schools, in particular her principals. She said her faith in God has led her through life, and will continue to
Her future endeavors will include travel, running, which is one her hobbies, and spending time with her family, especially her precious granddaughter Zie. For info on Hills. County Schools, visit http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/. Sikes wants to thank the Osprey Observer for its coverage and positive news reporting of the local schools that she served while Superintendent of Area 5.
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Page 17 • christianvoicemonthly.com • August 2017
Grace Notes By Debora Coty I was six years old, living in Starke, a town so small we had to drive to Gainesville to shop. On this particular preChristmas Saturday, my parents had packed my older sister and me into our station wagon for a much anticipated foray to J.M. Fields. The sun was setting as we entered the enormous department store, and Christmas shoppers packed every square inch. Mama grabbed a cart and off we went. At first, I had no trouble staying right behind Mama’s tweed car coat as I’d been warned repeatedly to do, but when we ventured near the toy department, I crashed and burned. The next time I looked up, Mama’s coat had been replaced by the jackets of dozens of strangers, swarming the aisle like bees. In my six-year-old mind, I realized it would be impossible to find my family in all this hullabaloo; my best bet was to go back to the beginning. So I made my way through the throngs back to the front of the store, followed a rotund man out the big glass doors and into the vast parking lot, where I located our car, climbed up on the hood, and sat there alone in the gathering darkness. They can’t leave without me, I reasoned. I was not frightened. I didn’t feel lost. I knew where I was: safe on my own car. It was simply a matter of time until my family finished their shopping and returned for the ride home. Of course, unbeknownst to me, my poor hysterical parents were
Found
combing the store, the loudspeaker blaring for little lost Debbie to come to the service desk. At last, a little gray-haired grandmother, hearing the loudspeaker announcement, remembered the little girl she’d seen in the parking lot and reported my whereabouts. Was I ever surprised when an entire posse of panicked people suddenly burst through the doors, running through the parking lot in my direction; my parents leading the pack. Sort of how Jesus must’ve felt when his vastly relieved mother gently rebuked him at the temple after he’d finally been found, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you” (Luke 2:48-49). The calm reply of a confidant child who knew where his true home was: “Why were you searching for me?” … “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” You know, we’re never really lost. Even when we can’t find our way, there always is one. No reason to panic. Or give up hope. We simply need to go back to the beginning of our faith … into the waiting arms of Papa God. Where the lost are always found.
Debora M. Coty is an inspirational speaker and award-winning author of over 100 articles and 13 books, including Fear, Faith, and a Fistful of Chocolate, More Beauty, Less Beast, and Too Blessed to Be Stressed. Debora also teaches writing workshops. Visit www.DeboraCoty.com
South Brandon 2010 Bloomingdale Ave Brandon (813) 571-0569 Lake Brandon Village 11325 Causeway Blvd Brandon (813) 655-1237 Hours: 6am - 10pm
Live Like You Mean It The Garden Hurts, and then the Garden Heals By Derek Maul For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. – Isaiah 61:11 So, despite all the heat (we’ve seen temperatures in the low 90’s fairly consistently over the past couple of weeks), and the relentless pain of an uncooperative back, my wife logged in more than a few hours of yard work this weekend. The gardening hurt a lot, yes, but then it hurts more – Rebekah says – to miss out on the dirt under her fingernails, and the smell of the good soil, and the feel of the earth in her hands as she pulls weeds and puts in new bedding plants. Some of my photographs may suggest otherwise, but we really don’t have a ton of space around our home here in North Carolina. There are times – like last week when we visited our daughter and her family in their new apartment – when Rebekah and I can see the benefits of living quite happily without any yard at all. But there’s something about taking care of a garden that is, quite simply, good for
the soul. Lord knows there are enough responsibilities in our lives without mowing, and digging, and planting, and weeding; but in many respects all those things feed us in ways a good therapist would likely charge an arm and a leg for, yet never come close to achieving such a result. So Sunday morning, heading into church for worship, I couldn’t help but think of our Creator, who willingly toils in the garden of this world to provide us with nurture, and spiritual nourishment, and – constantly – new and restored life. We are refreshed by the Living Water, so graciously given; and we are fed by the Bread of Life, so generously provided. And we flourish, and we grow, and we are humbled, and we give thanks. In gratitude – DEREK 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
Phil & Michelle Colesanti visiting the working windmills at Museummolen Schermerhorn inThe Netherlands.
Michelle with Alicia Martin (past Osprey Observer staff member - now living in England) at Shakespeare’s birth home in Stratford on Avon, UK.
One of the stops on a recent Rhine River cruise, Strasbourg is in the Alsace region of northeastern France.
Page 18 • christianvoicemonthly.com •August 2017
By Kelly Wise Valdes The Church of the Holy Spirit is the most famous church in Heidelberg, Germany. It is located in the center of the market place, not far from the Heidelberg Castle. The Church dominates the skyline of Heidelberg’s old historic center. The outside displays large, Gothic-style stained-glass windows and the inside tower allows Photo by Michelle Colesanti expansive city panoramas. It is The Church of the Holy Spirit is is located in the one of only a few city landmarks center of the market place, not far from the to have never been destroyed by Heidelberg Castle and is one of the oldest and treasured landmarks in Heidelberg, Germany. wars and bombing raids. The Church of the Holy Catholics and Protestants used the Spirit is first mentioned in a manuscript Church of the Holy Spirit, even simulfrom 1239. In 1398, the foundations of taneously. At one point, a partition the current late Gothic church were built was inserted so that both congregaon the site that had been erected in the tions could hold church services withplace of an even older church. It is out any mutual disturbance. In 1936, believed that the current church is the the separating wall was removed and third church building on the site. the church is now exclusively Arnold Rype, who was also mayor of Protestant. Heidelberg, was considered the master The Church of the Holy Spirit is builder. In those days, the term "master open daily and has free admission. builder" referred not to the architect but For a small fee, visitors can access the financial coordinator. The constructhe tower to see spectacular views of tion lasted for more than 150 years. The the Heidelberg. Guided tours in choir area was dedicated in 1411 and the German take place on the first nave was finished in 1441. Construction Sunday of the month from March to was interrupted until 1508 and the tower October. Organ concerts are perwas finished in 1544. Then, in 1709, after formed from Sunday to Friday the French had set the church on fire dur- between June and September. ing the War of the Palatinian Succession, For information, visit www.tripadit was rebuilt. visor.com and search Church of the Throughout its long history, both Holy Spirit Heidelberg.
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Page 19 • christianvoicemonthly.com • August 2017
Playing For Charity At Annual Knights Of Columbia Golf Classic
By Joyce Bliss
The Knights of Columbus Golf Classic Mother Seton Council #6724 is preparing for its fourth annual charitable round of golf. Even the sweltering heat and afternoon showers will not stray these dedicated golfers from this annual fundraising event, which will take place on Saturday, September 23 at The Bloomingdale Golfer’s Club. “The proceeds will be used for charitable events throughout the year,” explained Neil Waid, Warden of the Counsel. “Charitable organizations such as Citizens with Disabilities, Lopez School of Exceptional Students, the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital and Haley House along with various other local organizations are on the club’s list of recipients,” he continued. “Donations to support the homeless veterans and veterans’ families in need are also an organization that we help support,” said Waid. Tee off time will be promptly at 9 a.m. The fee includes a golf cart, range balls, beverages, breakfast sandwiches and lunch. Registration time will be from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. To add to the excitement for the day there will be a four-person
scramble. This year’s fees will be $95 for singles and $380 for a foursome. The winner of the Early Bird entry for a foursome will play for free. Registration for the Early Bird entry fee for a foursome is Friday, September 1. There will be prizes for first, second and third places along with the longest drive and closest to the pin. This year’s contests will include the hole-in-one contest with an award of $10,000 going to the firstplace winner and a golf vacation package to three more winners. There will be additional fundraising opportunities with a silent auction, a 50/50 contest and a raffle. “The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal organization,” Waid explained. This selfless organization believes in and supports the true meaning of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. You may also register and pay online with PayPal at KofCBrandon.com or you can mail payment with registration form to Mother Seton Council #6724, Post Office Box 1327, Brandon, Florida 33511.. For more information contact Tim Kasprzyk at tsoc48@msn.com.
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Page 20 • christianvoicemonthly.com •August 2017