Overflow 05 | May 2010 by Overflow Magazine

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OverflowMag.com May 2010

The story behind a

CHRIST CENTERED counseling center

10 loving gestures for MOM

The Lord’s Purpose

Prevailed Through A Teddy Bear

most important commandments

Real People, True Stories, In Your Backyard

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May 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

CONTENTS

Expected 06

From the Editor

Meet Overflow

Magnify Him

Ministry Spotlight

Contributors

Featured

Healthy Life

Salvation

Resources

My Rock

Events

32 34 Broken Spirits Renewed in Christ

An inspiring story of how one man was led to serve God through counseling

The Lesson of an Imperfect Mother

Motherhood is a wonderful blessing and a holy privilege

www.OverflowMag.com

The Parable of the Teddy Bear

How God’s divine plan came to pass in one woman’s life

10 Ways to Show Mom You Care on Mother’s Day

Love God, Love People Love means doing what God has commanded us. Since God loved us so much, shouldn’t we love one another?

On The Cover

FROM THE EDITOR arranged it. Praise God! He really knows how to get our attention. Our contest this month is for a pair of tickets to Joel Osteen’s “A Night of Hope.” Want to win? Submit a story of what God has done in your life and you will be entered into the drawing (see page 21). Tampa Bay needs to hear your stories! If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then please go to our salvation section (page 24). Giving your life to Jesus is the best decision you could ever make. Just know that God loves you, and He wants you to be His child. Dear Friends, I hope you have been enjoying the nice, warm weather that is finally here. This is an ideal time of year to take the family outside and spend time together. You could even have an outdoor picnic with your Mom for Mother’s Day. On page 32 you will find several other ideas on what to do for Mom on her special day. Featured this month on the cover is Chris Cambas from Tampa Bay Christian Counseling Center. “Broken Spirits Renewed in Christ” is a powerful story of a man whose broken spirit was healed by Jesus and who was led to serve the Lord through counseling. After reading this, you will surely be inspired. Amanda Wright’s article “Love God, Love People” on page 34 is a good reminder to love others no matter what they do to us and regardless of how we feel towards them. By loving others, we show our love for God. God loves us no matter what we do, shouldn’t we do the same? I encourage you to check out the featured Magnify Him Report, “The Parable of the Teddy Bear” on page 26. This story reminds us that nothing is impossible for God. The Lord sets things into motion long before we ever realize it. A series of events will take place, and in the end you know He is the only One who could have

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This May show some extra love to the special women in your life, not just on Mother’s Day but throughout the entire month. Have a happy Mother’s Day! In His Love,

Amie Cherp

Why Overflow? Our main purpose at Overflow Magazine is to glorify God and to share the good news of God’s marvelous works from the lives of people in our local community. By spreading this good news, we believe the material you rest your eyes on will show you that God is good and faithful to those who come to Him and believe on His Word through Jesus Christ. As a result, we believe that we will begin reaping the harvest of men’s and women’s souls who were in the dark, making disciples, and teaching all nations. (Matthew 28:19)

ofmag love+faith+hope

EDITOR

Amie Cherp amie@overflowmag.com

SALES & MARKETING Chris Cherp chris@overflowmag.com

CREATIVE

Brady Wright brady@overflowmag.com Amanda Wright amanda@overflowmag.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER Tommy Burrus

PHOTOGRAPHY

Stephen T Photography

HOW TO REACH US

27251 SR 54, Suite B14-605 Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 813.915.6700 Phone 813.463.0275 Fax www.OverflowMag.com

Magnify Submissions

magnify@overflowmag.com

General Info Inquiry

contact@overflowmag.com Overflow Magazine is published monthly by Eternal Holdings LLC, a Florida limited liability company, d/b/a Overflow Magazine. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced or copied in any form without prior written permission from a representative of Overflow Magazine. We cannot be held responsible for statements made by advertisers or contributing writers; however, we do make every effort to ensure the accuracy and truthfulness of the information we print. Overflow Magazine cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors made by advertisers and/or contributing writers. All images, photographs, e-mails and letters sent to Overflow Magazine will be allocated for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted rights to edit. Overflow Magazine is distributed free of charge to local supermarkets, churches, businesses, family events and other locations around the Tampa Bay area. For information on where to find Overflow Magazine or if you would like to become a distributor, please call 813-915-6700 or e-mail contact@ overflowmag.com.

Photo Credits: ©iStockphoto.com/achiartistul, p. 3; ©iStockphoto.com/Studio1One, p. 5, 22; ©iStockphoto.com/madisonwi, p. 5, 33; ©iStockphoto.com/Zhenikeyev, p. 20; ©iStockphoto.com/lisegagne, p. 32; ©iStockphoto.com/bc173, p. 38; ©iStockphoto.com/ asiseeit, p. 16; ©iStockphoto.com/calogero, p. 25; ©iStockphoto.com/merrymoonmary, p. 21; ©iStockphoto.com/DamirK, p. 18; ©iStockphoto.com/RichVintage, p. 19; ©iStockphoto.com/enjoynz, p. 29; ©iStockphoto.com/hidesy, p. 46; ©iStockphoto.com/ Sergy_Peterman, p. 43; ©iStockphoto.com/adl21, p. 5, 34.

Overflow

Ty Williamson, www.pixelsoftime.com

Meet

Many times in life we think we’re in control only to find out that’s the farthest thing from the truth. Overflow has learned that when we place our cares in God’s hands, it’s best not to take them back. When we cast our cares on God, it’s amazing how He works out everything so perfectly. The best part is there is no worry required. Glory to God! This past month Overflow was spotlighted on Tampa Bay’s Christian television program Bay Focus. Thank you Darlene Greenlee and Christian Television Network for allowing Overflow to be a part of your program and sharing with Tampa Bay about the magazine that God laid on our hearts. Overflow also wants to thank Oasis Pregnancy Center for allowing Overflow to be a part of their Praise & Worship Extravaganza that was held to raise awareness and financial support for Oasis Pregnancy Center. The event consisted of several local churches coming together and giving thanks and praise to our great God. Wow, what an experience, just a little foreshadowing of Heaven! A special thanks to all our readers who submitted the correct answer to last month’s Busch Gardens Ticket Contest. It’s nice to see so many Christians that know the great faith verse, Hebrews 11:1. Congratulations to Ferlia B., who won a pair of tickets to Busch Gardens! The prize for May’s contest is a pair of tickets to Joel Osteen’s “A Night of Hope” at the St. Pete Times Forum in the lower 100 section. See page 21 for more information. If you attend a church that is interested in being a point of distribution for Overflow Magazine, then please let us know at Contact@OverflowMag.com. As our local church section continues to grow we are launching another new section this month called “Behind the Pulpit.” This section will offer local pastors the platform to reach thousands of readers throughout Tampa Bay. So, if you are a pastor that would like the opportunity to share a message with the greater Tampa Bay area that God has placed on your heart, then please send it (600 - 800 words) to Amie@OverflowMag.com. Thank you to all that have helped Overflow become a growing success. Remember with God all things are possible. God Bless! With Love in Christ, Team Overflow May 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

MAGNIFY HIM SUBMITTED BY YOU!

Psalm 107:2 (NKJV)

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so....” A Miracle Unfolding It was the start of an ordinary January day and Annette was on her way to work. She didn’t realize the decision to help someone that day would change the rest of her life. Annette witnessed a car flip over on its roof traveling in the opposite direction, and she made the fateful choice to turn back and help. Single-handedly, Annette pulled the driver from his seat and out of the mangled car to where she believed was a place of safety. She dialed 911 on her cell phone and the next thing she remembered was regaining consciousness in Tampa General Hospital, disorientated and in excruciating pain. Along this 55 mph road, a passing truck had hit both Annette and the driver of the car. The impact threw her forty feet in the air, before landing on the hard concrete surface, causing multiple fractures and internal injuries. Annette’s only concern was for the driver of the vehicle that she had helped. Her first words before drifting back into unconsciousness were, “How is the other driver?” Truly a Good Samaritan’s heart was displayed here for all to see. Slowly but surely the task of calling family members was made to those home and abroad and a steady stream of visitors congregated in the hospital waiting rooms and at Annette’s bedside. Her whole body was bruised and swollen and it was a stark reminder of the pain and suffering Jesus must have endured on His journey to the Cross. The doctor’s main concern at that time was a floating splinter that had lodged itself in her spine which required an immediate surgical procedure. The operation lasted over seven hours and the floating splinter was successfully removed. However, the overall prognosis for Annette was not as positive. Family members were braced to expect that she would not walk again, and the information being conveyed gave an extremely bleak outlook. Thank God for doctors and their expertise, but praise God for His Healing Hands and the mighty power of prayer! Almost instantly a call for prayer was ignited across the

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nation and even across the globe. Requests for God’s healing intervention were made through churches, on Facebook, in person, and by every kind of internet medium available. Armies of prayer warriors were making intercession on Annette’s behalf and the Lord’s Angels went to work immediately. Constant bedside prayers and positive affirmations were extended each day which saw a marked improvement with every word spoken. Within a few weeks Annette’s bones were mending and the bruises were healing. The greatest progress was in her rekindled acknowledgement of God and the Holy Spirit. Her time in the hospital had offered her an opportunity to reflect and give thanks to God for sparing her life. It was apparent that she survived the horrific accident by the grace of God. God’s peace was resting on Annette as she faced the fact that her life had been jarred dramatically and irreversibly in a matter of seconds. This change would have an overwhelming impact on Annette for the rest of her life!

“Angels in the Sky” Submitted by: Hope McClure

As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months Annette continued to make great progress and regained both feeling and mobility in her arms. There has been little change in her legs, at the moment, but God is good and hears our prayers. We firmly believe in the value of prayer and stand on His Word for a complete recovery. Each new day brings great new hope and a promise of absolute healing in the Name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Annette continues to improve and encourages those around her with a positive, uplifting, and Christ-like perspective on life - reflecting God’s shining light. This outlook, coupled with her strength and utmost determination has brought her to the place where the miracle of God’s love unfolds every day! >>> Stephanie Cherry, VLC

Visit www.OverflowMag.com to SUBMIT your testimony and tell your community what God has done in your life. Divine Intervention One Friday night my husband and I were going to pick up my grandbaby at the bowling alley. My husband, Carl, had recently undergone open heart surgery. He told me he was having trouble breathing. We picked up my granddaughter and I looked over at him and saw that he was turning blue from head to toe. As I began to drive off, my car started stalling. It would stop and go, stop and go...we were in a bad neighborhood at 8pm. Finally our car wouldn’t go any further. We were in front of a beauty shop. A policeman had just pulled someone over for speeding and he came over to our car and asked if we needed help. I told him that my husband couldn’t breathe. He took one look at Carl and called an ambulance. In the meantime while waiting for the ambulance, we called a tow truck to pick up the car. The tow truck driver told me that I was in a bad spot and needed to move the car to get it on his truck. I told him that my car would not start. He walked over to the car, started it right up, and moved it to get the car on his truck. We called my daughter to come get us and we followed my husband in the ambulance to the hospital. We found out that Carl had fluid around his heart and would have died had we gone home. The next day I went to inquire about my car and there was nothing wrong with it. Carl was in the hospital for 2 weeks with double pneumonia and fluid around his heart. God knew that if we had gone home, Carl wouldn’t have gone to the hospital. God saved my husband’s life. I am so thankful for what God did for our family and continues to do! >>> GT, Temple Terrace

“Sunrise Mirror” Submitted by: Hope McClure

Give & It Will Be Given to You

God Heals

Last year the Lord impressed on my husband’s heart to give a large sum of money to an individual. He asked me to pray about it and tell him what I thought. He wanted agreement with me before anything was done. I was astonished at first. In the past we have given to individuals as the Lord led, but nothing like this. I prayed about it and got no immediate answer. Months went by before I finally received confirmation that we were indeed supposed to give that amount to that person. We gave the money in agreement with love and joy, and shortly after the Lord blessed us with twice what we had given. “If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving––large or small––it will be used to measure what is given back to you” (Luke 6:38, NLT). Trust and believe God; His Word is true. Praise God! >>> KD, Lakewood

I want to magnify our Lord Jesus Christ for His healing power. Last year I learned that one of my aunts had a serious type of cancer. The doctor’s report pronounced that her life was over. Basically, the doctor told my aunt, “Go home and prepare to die.” The doctor had no faith or vision of what God can do. However, God had other plans. The Holy Spirit led me to write a letter to my aunt. In the letter I asked if I could pray for her healing and claim that by Jesus’ stripes she was already cancer free (see Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24). I spelled out God’s promises for healing in the letter. I also gave her scriptures to stand on and healing confessions to help build her faith. My mom, a retired nurse and believer, knew where she needed to go for help – The Mayo Clinic. God led my aunt to the right doctors who knew what to do. Prayers were answered. Last November I was able to travel to see my aunt in Minnesota. She is a quiet person, but in front of all our family she thanked me for the letter and expressed it meant the world to her. She was able to overcome her sickness with the Lord’s help and is cancer free today. Even my uncle, a skeptic, has had his outlook change. Jesus has already conquered all sickness and disease. Nothing is too hard for our God! >>> MD May 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

FEATURED

MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT

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BROKEN

SPIRITS

An inspiring story of how one man was led to serve God through counseling

RENEWED in

CHRIST

>>> BY AMANDA WRIGHT

“The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but as for a broken spirit who can bear it?” (Proverbs 18:14, NASB)

his scripture appears on every page of Tampa Bay Christian Counseling Center’s website. After sitting down with the director, Chris Cambas, I believe this scripture is precisely the reason why he founded the center. In Proverbs 18:14 a “broken spirit” implies emotional pain, anguish, and a loss of inner strength. “Sickness” refers to physical ailments. Most people can deal with physical sickness, but very few can cope with depression on their own.

The mission of Tampa Bay Christian Counseling Center (TBCCC) is “to renew the mind through a relationship with Jesus Christ.” The people who walk through those doors no longer have to cope with their broken spirits alone – they learn that Jesus Christ will walk with them.

TBCCC You might expect a cold environment, something similar to a doctor’s office, when thinking of a counseling center, but the minute you enter TBCCC peace and comfort overtake you. This comforting environment continues into Chris Cambas’ office with a

May 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

“living room” type setup. You immediately notice the rows and rows of books - 90% of them - all about God. His worn Bible sat on the table in front of his chair. It’s clear; this center is much more concerned with their clients coming to know Jesus than what the world has to say about mental health and relational disorders. Sure, he has certifications and degrees hanging on the wall, but Chris Cambas knows The Healer of broken spirits is Jesus Christ.

Rescued from Destruction After spending just a few moments with Chris, his sweet spirit makes you feel right at home. Growing up, Chris lived with his mom, brother, and grandparents. “I never knew my dad,” he explained. His grandfather was in the transportation business and moved their family to Florida when he was 10 years old. He described his grandfather as “a great businessman, but a chronic alcoholic.” Being exposed to this environment led Chris to start drinking and doing drugs at around the age of 13. He went on to explain that by 15 years old he was heavily into drugs and went through two rehabilitation centers. “None of it worked,” Chris revealed. Throughout his struggles, Chris explained, “There was one constant in my life…my grandmother. Every ounce of her life was poured out showing love to me and telling me about the Lord.” She prayed every night; “I could always hear her and I’ve never forgotten it.” She had been sick with heart problems, which was yet another ordeal Chris didn’t want to face. So one night he went out, as he had so many nights before, to find the next high. Two events took place that night that would change his life forever.

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He met up with his friends and went through the usual motions – drink, smoke, snort cocaine, do some crystal meth, pop pills, and forget everything. The guy he was hanging out with was shooting up and Chris wanted to try it. His friend responded, “I’m not going to let you do this man. I’m not giving you my needles. No way; it’s just way too addictive.” Chris went on to explain, “He [his friend] said no that night, and today he is dead from AIDS.” There is no doubt that God was answering the nightly prayers of his grandmother. After Chris got home in the early morning hours he revealed, “I heard my grandmother get up and go to the bathroom. I just sensed something was up and I went and knocked

on the door, ‘Nana, are you alright?’ She opened the door with a real strained look on her face, kind of disgusted with me too, and said, ‘Go on back to bed.’” Then an hour later he heard a gasp; she had a massive heart attack and died five days later. Chris said, “I was thinking, ‘Here is the only person that I ever really knew true love from and the last time she saw me I was stoned.’ That created an enormous conflict in me.” Chris was in immense pain from the loss of his grandmother and tried to numb his sorrow with more drugs. He went home one night after an all day bender feeling “broken, busted, and disgusted” with himself. He laid down on the bed and prayed, “God, if you are real, I mean really real, let me know.”

the recovery should have only taken six weeks, but it took a year to recover from the complications of the surgery. Chris had trouble focusing and reading during his recovery. He couldn’t read anything except for one book. He shared, “It was the Bible. I couldn’t even read a paragraph in the newspaper, but if I opened the Bible, I could read and read and stay focused.”

that [success] I just felt that God wanted me to do other things....” Chris told his wife that he was going to sell the companies and serve God. She said, “What does that mean?” Chris answered, “I don’t really know what that means, but I am going to trust

He has stared death in the face more than once. He has overcome addiction, tragedy, and sickness through Jesus Christ.

Years later Chris had more heart issues, but this time when he went in for a corrective procedure, he felt much more at peace than before because he trusted God to take care of him. The procedure only took an hour and everything went well. Then in December of 2007, he was still feeling like something wasn’t quite right with his heart. The doctors did another EP study, as they had in previous years. Chris remembers, “I didn’t have any fear [this time]”; he had complete trust in God. Chris discovered that throughout the time he was sick, he went from “complete fear to complete peace.” He explained, “I only found that peace by being completely dependant on God.” An amazing thing – the doctors didn’t find anything; “I have never had one problem with my heart since – just completely healed.” Chris said at that moment he felt a physical change in his body and it was very real to him. He started seeking God fervently by praying and reading the Bible over and over again. He knew the neighbors across the street were a strong Christian family, so he went to church with them. God continued to minister to Chris’ heart; he was saved, baptized, and walked away from drugs permanently by the age of 20.

From Fear to Peace Chris began having some heart issues that frightened him. In 1996, when he was 31 years old, he went in for open heart surgery. He recalls, “I remember being wheeled in and I was crying. I told the doctor, ‘I just want to live.’” He explained

It is no wonder that Chris is able to relate to the people he counsels on such deep levels. He has stared death in the face more than once. He has overcome addiction, tragedy, and sickness through Jesus Christ. He shared, “When we take God at His Word, our lives change and we begin to see Him work very visibly.”

Meant to Serve God Chris worked for the family taxi cab company that he help build to over 400 cars in Clearwater, until it was sold to a larger corporation in 1998. He worked for that company, traveling the country, for two years before he decided to go back into private business. He built a successful taxi cab business again . Chris explained, “In all

Him and He will take care of me.” He had no plan as to what he was going to do next; He simply trusted God to lead him. Now that is true faith! Soon the Lord led Chris to enroll at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary for a Master’s in Christian Studies. About half way through his schooling, acquaintances started reaching out to him. “They would say, ‘Can you meet me? I’ve got something I really need to talk about.’ They would tell me about these problems in their life and ask me what I thought,” he explained. Chris realized he was being called into counseling and decided to enroll for another Master’s at Liberty University in professional counseling. As Chris was completing his counseling courses, he started thinking about what a counseling center would entail. He “wanted Jesus Christ at the center of it and wanted to counsel straight out of the Bible, as opposed to using a whole lot of secular modalities.” When Chris finished his seminary degree he became an ordained Southern Baptist Pastor and the very next day (July 2, 2007) he opened TBCCC. Six months later Chris May 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

graduated from Liberty University, and shortly after he became a Florida registered intern in Mental Health Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy.

What is “Christian” Counseling? “Go to the Cross to get help; that’s where we are made whole,” Chris stated. He expounded that Christian counseling means asking, “What’s going on in your life?” and looking to the Bible to “see what God has to say about it.” Chris focuses on what God says and brings truth to the counseling sessions. He explained, “We need real truth and we find truth in one place and one place only - that’s the Word of God.” For Chris, Christian counseling is not limited to just reading the Bible. Yes, the answer is in the Bible, but how do you make that answer work for you? You must activate the Word of God by being a doer of the Word. James 1:22 (NKJV) says, “Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Chris helps people step out in faith and live it. He also

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helps people come to know Jesus Christ in a much more personal way: “They end up here very broken and without peace because they don’t know the true Peace Giver. We try to simply introduce them to The One who gives ultimate peace and abundant life.”

You must activate the Word of God by being a doer of the Word.

What makes this counseling center different from others? Chris answered, “We consistently keep Jesus Christ at the center. We open up the Bible and speak to people directly from God’s Word and that brings about change.” God said His Word will not return void (see Isaiah 55:11) and that is what makes the difference.

Counseling for a Goal “Counseling doesn’t have to be a negative experience; it can be a very positive experience. It’s like training – if you want to get in great shape, you have to exercise – this is the same thing. Let’s find out the things that are hampering our relationships and keeping us from really drawing closer to Christ.” Philippians 2:12 (NET) says, “…continue working out your salvation with awe and reverence.” In other words, as Chris explained it, “We want to continue to grow in Christlikeness. We want to bring all aspects of who we are – spirit, soul, and body – into conformity with Christ.” Chris clarified that counseling is not just random talking with your therapist each week with no end

“He has made everything beautiful in its time....” (Ecclesiastes 3:11, NIV) in sight. “Counseling has a beginning, a middle, and an end. We have a plan [to find out the issues] and work towards becoming more Christ-like.” “He has made everything beautiful in its time…” (Ecclesiastes 3:11, NIV). Chris explained that he often uses this verse to help people let go of their past. He helps people reach forgiveness through Jesus Christ. When we trust in the Lord, He will take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it into something good, something beautiful even. TBCCC offers individual counseling to adults, adolescents, and children “who are enduring a multitude of struggles in their lives.” They “believe Jesus Christ presents answers for all life’s difficulties.” The center also counsels couples to help facilitate “reconciliation and/or greater intimacy based on the Word of God.” Chris smiled and said, “I tell my wife, ‘Every five years we are going in for a little tune up.’” It is important to keep marriage strong and firmly grounded in God’s Word. TBCCC offers the Prepare/Enrich pre-martial and marital assessments to help couples strengthen their spiritual and emotional connection before and during marriage. The center also performs several other assessments.

The Vision for TBCCC Chris shared the vision for TBCCC by immediately quoting Romans 12:2 (NKJV): “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” He went on to explain, “The vision for this center is to continue bringing Christcentered counseling to anybody God brings through these doors. We want to expand out into S.A.f.E. (Sex and Family Education) where we’ll bring [the teaching] of abstinence to schools and churches.” Chris also talked about wanting to help people with sexual additions and brokenness. He shared, “We want to bring in a medical doctor a couple times per week to minister to people’s bodies as well. We want TBCCC to be a place where people can come and have the entirety of who they are ministered to – spirit, soul and body.”

God at the Forefront When asked what scriptures Chris stands on for success in his life, he paused and thought for a moment before he said, “I have over 400 scriptures marked in my Bible…but what most impacts me is [the chapter of] Deuteronomy 28 on blessings and curses.” Deuteronomy 28:2 (NET) says, “All these blessings will come to you in abundance if you obey the Lord your God,” and the Word goes on to explain the blessings you will enjoy when you are obedient to God. Chris revealed, “That moves me like no other and really sticks in my heart. It motivates me to show people there is a much better way [to live].”

Chris also shared some advice, “It’s critical if you want to have a life well lived to get up in the morning and be on your knees in prayer; read God’s Word before you do anything. Don’t get caught up in the day. Take breaks throughout the day and open up the Word of God. Even if you just get to read a Psalm. At night, be on your knees in prayer; read God’s Word. What you go to sleep with, you will wake up with. An absolute essential for life is the in-depth study of God’s Word on a daily basis.…I don’t want you to just read it; I want you to study it, [and] commune with Him.” Lastly, Chris was asked to pass on one piece of advice to other brothers and sisters in Christ involved in business and/or ministry. Chris simply said, “Seek Jesus, He is your only hope.” He went on to say that if we want to serve God, then we need to really get to know Him. Chris further revealed that we can do this by educating ourselves on the Word of God. “It will change your life.” Glory! For more information on Tampa Bay Christian Counseling Center please visit their website at www.tbccc.org or contact Chris Cambas at (813)964-5511.

May 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

CONTRIBUTORS FINANCE

Trusting GOD to Supply >>> BY TIM DAIGNEAULT

1 Peter 2:11-12 (NLT)

“Dear brothers and sisters, you are foreigners and aliens here. So I warn you to keep away from evil desires because they fight against your very souls. Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when He comes to judge the world.”

ow can we live “good lives” with our finances and be set apart from nonbelievers? One way we can show our faith through finances is by being grateful for what we have and trusting God to provide the rest. God can use every circumstance we face to bring Him glory, if we only trust Him. Last month I shared with you that everything is God’s. So if everything we have is a gift from God shouldn’t we be grateful and content with that? Sometimes we can look at material things and have such a desire to have them now, but that can be dangerous. Like any good father, God wants us to have the desires of our hearts but we need to learn to rely on Him to supply them (see Psalm 37:4) and not obtain them through greediness. We need to realize that happiness can’t be found in material items. True satisfaction and joy comes from serving and obeying God, and by seeking first His Kingdom and righteousness, these things we desire will be added to us.

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In the following verse Paul describes the futility in chasing after riches and how the love of money causes destruction. 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV): “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” This may seem intimidating, but what we need to remember is that God gives us strength and as we mature spiritually our desires will shift to God’s desires. Showing restraint and thankfulness shows maturity. It also shows a willingness to surrender and serve our great, generous Father! God desires for us, His body of believers, to graciously give to our community acting as His hands and feet. So, when you are tempted to purchase that enticing “something you don’t really need,” instead sow that money into wherever the Lord leads you. It will bless someone and you in the process! Trusting God to provide for all your needs and desires will be the greatest freedom you’ll ever know.

*This disclaimer only refers to financial advice: The opinions expressed are those of Timothy Daigneault Financial Advisor as of 03/08/2010 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. Email: tdaigneault@investorscapital.com, (813) 532-3611, www.timdaigneault.com, Securities offered through Investors Capital Corporation, Member FINRA/SIPC, Branch Office: 26 Meadow Lane, Cumberland Center, ME 04021, (207) 829-4673, Advisory Services offered through Investors Capital Advisory Services.

CONTRIBUTORS BUSINESS

What is a Faith-Based Business? >>> BY JOHN FAULKNER

sk a random group of people, “What is a faith-based business?” and more often than not, they will start with a list of core Christian principles. Honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct always lead the list. You can usually count on someone bringing up the golden rule when it comes to fairness: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…” (Matthew 7:12, NIV). While these traits are characteristics of a faith-based business, they are also the foundation of some secular businesses. As Christians we should consider these traits as a given, not as the things that separate us from our secular counterparts. The difference for Christian businesses should be the knowledge that we are not the owners of “our” business, just merely stewards of God’s business. Understanding that concept is essential to understanding this one: The owner (God) expects a lot out of us! Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) tells us, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” This scripture should bolster the confidence of any Christian business person who takes their skills to the market place on a daily basis. Now let’s try defining a “faith-based business” again but this time using Ephesians 2:10 as a guide: “We have been positioned in the market place on purpose with great skill, passion, and experience given by God to accomplish a Kingdom cause.” It sure is nice to know that in today’s tough economy God has a plan for us to not only survive but thrive! While we might be judged by others on the strength of our balance sheet, there will come a day when our efforts will be measured against the resources we were given and whether or not we fulfilled the purpose that God planned for our lives. When standing before Jesus don’t you want to hear, “Well done good and faithful servant?” John Faulkner is the founder and President of Cornerstone Solutions Group, a multi-dimensional company with over 220 employees that has prospered for over two decades. www.CornerstoneSolutionsGroup.com

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1st Annual Golf Tournament Saturday, June 19, 2010

Plantation Palms Golf Club Land O’ Lakes 4 Person Scramble 12:00pm - Registration/Check In 1:00pm - Shotgun Start 5:30pm - Dinner & Awards Foursome - $340 Individual - $85

**Sponsorship opportunities available

100% of proceeds benefit:

“We will glorify God by being a witness for life, promoting purity, protecting the unborn and offering support to families.”

Price includes golf, cart, dinner, prizes and much more! Golf Day Includes: Longest Drive Closest to Pin Putting Contest Awards to Top 3 Teams Door Prizes

For More Info | www.HeartsForOasis.org | 813-406-4965

BEHIND THE PULPIT LOCAL PASTOR’S VOICE

Feeding The Homeless... Physically & Spiritually >>> BY PASTOR TOM ATCHISON

he homeless need a hand up, not a hand out! A great way to help the homeless is by feeding them, but we must understand the real reason behind it. The main purpose is to reach the homeless with the Gospel and help get them off the street. This can be done through providing services such as obtaining ID’s, which can help them find a job. Other examples are providing clean clothing, toiletries, and the ability to contact a family member. You need to have a strategic plan of action to really help the homeless! The Gospel must be shared and real needs met. Here are some suggestions:

1 2 3

They need to see real love and compassionate care. Most of the homeless have been so exploited that they don’t trust anyone. This takes time. Regularly scheduled feedings are most effective. This gives you a chance to build relationships instead of one-time meetings. They need to get saved and have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Number one is prerequisite to number two. Most homeless do not respond well to “in your face” evangelism and preaching. Sitting on a curb sharing a meal and talking about their needs and ideas go a lot further in softening their hearts so they can be reached by the Gospel. A plan of action must be made to help them get housing and income to be self-sustaining. Telling someone “Jesus loves you” and then leaving does little to accomplish this. The homeless have real needs that must be met, so the focus must be on what they can’t do for themselves.

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4 5

They need to have addiction and mental health problems dealt with. If you can’t deal with this yourself, then they need to be referred to programs that deal with these issues. Help them find a church they can develop a relationship with and grow in the Word. Until they get stable they may need support and encouragement to get to church. You might have to call them and even transport them until they are able to do it themselves.

Helping the homeless effectively can seem overwhelming. Don’t let this scare you off. There are too many needs out there that call for your love and care. To be most effective you must not be an island, but must learn to collaborate with other ministries. If you’re just starting out, help some other established outreach first and learn where you fit in best. Remember it’s not about you, your church, or ministry, it’s about the Kingdom of God and carrying out His work in this world! Dr. Tom Atchison is Pastor of New Life Pentecostal Church of God and President of New Beginnings of Tampa, Inc. This ministry is a faithbased recovery program for addiction, homelessness and other life challenges. Founded in 2000, this unique recovery program succeeds by incorporating established clinical approaches with the spiritual dynamic that only the Lord can provide to change scarred lives.

HEALTHY LIFE

Doing Our Part

hose of us who value the Word of God can sometimes veer off the road when it comes to standing on scripture and getting results. Yes it is very important to believe what the Word of God says and to speak or meditate on it daily. However, there is a physical side that is parallel to the spiritual side of believing. We must also do what the Word of God says to activate it in our lives. When we begin to do our part physically and spiritually, we will see the success in those areas of our lives. Below are a couple examples that can shed some light and help move us in the right direction.

Material Needs “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19, NKJV). This scripture promises that God will in fact supply all our needs! However, we have a part to play. We can’t expect all our needs to be supplied if we sit on the couch all day watching television

and never pursue a job or whatever it is that the Lord has called us to do. Effort is required on our part to activate the Living Word in our lives.

Physical Needs “Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:5, NKJV). Even though junk food tastes good that doesn’t mean we can live on it alone and expect our youth to be renewed. We actually have to put things in our mouths that are good for our bodies. It’s important to be doers of the Word in order for us to see God’s Word manifest in our lives. Whether it’s material, physical, or even spiritual needs, the scriptures we find to stand on in faith must be activated by our actions. Be a doer of the Word and watch great things take place in your life.

May 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

The Lesson of an Imperfect Mother >>> BY TOMMY BURRUS

arenting isn’t easy, but why should we expect anything that begins with labor to be easy? I knew a lot more about parenting until I had children. I have often wished my children came with a manual; one with at least a chapter dedicated to things they stick up their noses. However, even if there was a manual, no one would ever believe half of it. Some things you just have to experience to understand. Motherhood is a wonderful blessing and a holy privilege. Psalm 127:3 (NLT) tells us, “Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from Him.” Motherhood is

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also a great challenge. Mothers juggle many responsibilities. It is no wonder that women are more adept at multi-tasking than men are. A mother confided in me the other day that she was in a difficult situation. Her child was sick, and she made the decision to stay home from work to tend to her sick child. This mother told me that whatever choice she made, she always felt guilty. I have listened to other women who have shared concerns that they were not good enough mothers to their children. These women blamed themselves for circumstances that their children faced or choices that their children made.

Such feelings do not come from God. It is Satan that wants to demoralize you. If you genuinely have fault, confess that fault and seek forgiveness from God and your child so you can find peace. Worrying over things that can’t be changed isn’t helpful. If you are struggling with feelings of inferiority, may I encourage you to cut yourself some slack? No, you aren’t perfect, but then, no other mother has ever been. Eve came the closest, but she too was imperfect by the time she gave birth. Imagine what it must have been like for Mary. She was given the responsibility to raise the Son of God. Was Mary

When they realized they had left Him behind in Jerusalem, they were worried. (Most parents have experienced this in smaller doses.) They returned to Jerusalem and Mary scolded Jesus for putting them through that. “And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49, NKJV). Jesus nevertheless returned with his parents in willing submission to their authority.

need your guidance and wisdom as well as a role model for faith and integrity. I have been blessed with a godly, yet imperfect mother. Despite her humanness, she took us to church and led the family

“Your children don’t need a perfect mother; they need the mother God gave them.”

Not even Mary had all the answers. When Gabriel announced that she had been chosen, she asked for more information. When the shepherds came to experience what the angels promised, the Bible tells us that “Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19, KJV). She studied the details and facts that were available to her, but she still didn’t have all the answers. As a mother, Mary experienced tremendous distress. When Joseph and Mary took the infant Jesus to present Him at the Temple in Jerusalem, Simeon told Mary that a sword would pierce her soul as well (Luke 2:35). Simeon was speaking prophetically about Jesus’ Crucifixion and how devastating that would be to her as His mother.

blessed? Yes. Did she find favor with God? Absolutely. Was she highly exalted? Again, affirmative. Was Mary perfect? No. This is not to take anything away from Mary. She is a great example and role model, but she was human like other moms. She took on a mission in obedience to God that involved a great deal of sacrifice. Mary’s maternal instincts were even sometimes off. Consider Luke 2:41-50 when Jesus was twelve years old. Joseph and Mary took Jesus to Jerusalem for the Passover every year. This particular year, they headed home expecting that Jesus was nearby with extended family members.

Jesus received great encouragement from his mother. Mary’s urging prompted Jesus to perform His very first miracle. She believed in her Son. Without having seen Him do a single miracle, she just knew Jesus was the solution to the dilemma faced by the young couple of Cana. Mary did as good a job as she could. She was a godly woman placed in a difficult situation in order to do the will of God. The humility and awe she expressed in Luke 1:46-55 gives us an insight into her character and her relationship with God. Parents have the responsibility to bring their children up in the ways of the Lord. John Wesley said, “I learned more about Christianity from my mother than from all the theologians in England.” Your children

devotions. She explained salvation to me and led me to saving faith. I still rely on her experience and insight. I thank God for her. My children are also blessed with a great mother, who is not perfect. She spends time with them and monitors their entertainment, friendships, activities, academics, and chores while encouraging them. She looks for ways to help them grow in the Lord. She is a godly woman and I thank God for her as well. Our children are growing up in a difficult time. They need to have God’s love demonstrated by human parents. At some stages in their development, children can have difficulty receiving and returning love, but parents need to be consistent in expressing it. Your children don’t need a perfect mother; they need the mother God gave them. Just as He chose Mary for His Son, God chose you to be the parent of your children. Like Mary, you will need to lean on God for His wisdom and direction. Nothing can replace a mother and you are a very special person in the lives of your children. Have a happy Mother’s Day! Glory! Tommy Burrus has been the pastor of the First Thonotosassa Missionary Baptist Church (www. thonotosassabaptist.org) since September of 1993. He earned a Masters of Science in Religious Education from Florida Baptist College and Seminary. He and his wife, Nancy, have been married for 17 years and have two daughters.

May 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

SALVATION

You’re not alone. In the Word of God (the Bible), God says He will never leave you nor forsake you. No matter what you’re experiencing in life now or even what you may have done in the past, God loves you and wants you to be His child so He can take care of you - forever. If you have an empty feeling that can’t be filled by anything that you’ve tried (alcohol, drugs, sex, food...) then please let me introduce you to the only thing that can fill that void, Jesus Christ. If you want to invite Jesus into your life then say this prayer out loud in faith: Father God, I come before you in the Name of Jesus. Your Word says, “Whosoever shall call on the Name of the Lord shall be saved” and “if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:9). Father God, I believe your Word is truth and I stand on it now. Please forgive me for all my sins and unrighteousness. Today I make Jesus my Lord and Savior and I believe God raised Him from the dead, and He is seated at the right hand of the Father in Heaven. Father I ask that you fill me with your Holy Spirit to guide and teach me as I walk this earth and grow spiritually (Luke 11:13; Luke 12:12). I thank You for making a place for me in Your Kingdom, please guide me in the direction that will eternally please You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” Ephesians 1:7 (NKJV)

MAGNIFY HIM SUBMITTED BY YOU!

THE PARABLE OF THE TEDDY BEAR >>> BY ABIGAIL NAIRNSEY

“This is the story of how I came to know Christ and started to make HIM the center of my life. It is an amazing story and even more amazing when you realize that I was not just a nonbeliever, but an anti-Christian at the time that this happened. The story is written by my daughter Abigail, who was about 15 years old when it happened. Abigail became an FBI SSA and now lives with her husband and baby son in Houston.” -- Jackie Sayles

chauffeuring happened to be the normal scenario. Of course, my mother and I went through the regular routine: I invited her to come to church with me, she responded as usual with “work this” or “busy that.” I didn’t actually wait for a reply as I was already thinking of my next question: “When would she pick me up?” This Sunday wasn’t much different. She was showing property to someone and would try to come back for me around noon. We left it at that.

t was a typical Sunday morning. My mother was driving me to Wellington High School where New Community Church held their services. I was fifteen and only had a driver’s permit so this

We were both caught up in our own thoughts when her phone rang for the millionth time that morning and she gave me that apologetic smile as she dug into her bag for the ringing priority. I shifted my gaze out of

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“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21, NIV)

Now, you must understand something: Growing up, my family was never what you would call “church going.” Actually I never attended a single service until my eighth grade year, and as my mother has since told me, she hadn’t been to church for over thirty-five years. So this opening in my mother’s busy schedule was a rather convenient snatch of serendipity for me and a rather disturbing inconvenience for her. There was no getting out of this predicament! I didn’t need to say a word, my satisfied smile said it all and I just directed my mother to a parking spot. We got out and headed towards the entrance of the high school. There were the usual greeters and friendly faces, and I still wore that wall-to-wall smile as I lead my entrapped mother into the “little theater” where the service took place. When we arrived at the theater doors, being the comforting daughter that I’m NOT, I decided to join my friends sitting to the right in the theater. I left my poor mother standing at the entrance by herself! It seemed like the best thing for me to do at the time. Looking back, of course, I see that such a move was cruel and unusual punishment for a new visitor to a church. My deserted mother, however, happened to see a familiar face in the crowd. Wanda Smith, fellow real-estate agent and charter member of our friendly congregation, invited my mother to sit with her during the service. The lights were dimmed and the service started promptly. This particular service started with what we called a “Focus Speaker.” Beth Blackwood had been asked to speak on how God had touched her life that past week. Having a Focus Speaker was not a new thing at all. Typically, a member of the church spoke every couple of weeks or so. It was a great way to see God working in our everyday lives and situations.

the right hand window and casually listened in on her conversation. The radio station was on a commercial break anyway. “Hello! This is Jackie. How may I help you?” Her English accent is always strongest at the beginning of her conversations, and this one was no exception. She listened intently and then the smile in her voice dropped and her tone dampened. The unexpected had happened as her clients had canceled their appointment. As I overheard this change of events, a triumphant smile spread across my face. I looked at my mother at the exact moment she looked at me as she realized she now had no excuse for skipping the church service.

Well, Beth began by telling us how she had been reading a parenting guide that emphasized how to reward and discipline children by using a consistent and immediate “strict mental mommy process.” She then described a typical day in her hectic life – and specifically one that had occurred the week before. On this particular day, her child was sick with a violent flu and she and two of her four children, an infant and a toddler, were at the pharmacy picking up a prescription to fight the infection. Needless to say, the situation at the pharmacy was hectic. As Beth was at the register trying to find her wallet in her bag, holding on to the sick baby, and keeping an eye on her wondering toddler, the infant threw up into her bag and all over the counter causing a distressful scene. In the midst of the clean up, the toddler had found a little teddy bear on display at the front of the store and had asked her preoccupied mother if she could have it. Beth, “parenting guide mental procedure” at the top of her thoughts, went through the suggested process of weighing the toddler’s good deeds with her bad deeds of the day. She combined this with the reactions of what the other children would think and feel. After running all of these thoughts through her mommy computer, she came up with the simple answer of, “No.”

May 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

Being caught up with the present clean-up situation, Beth didn’t expound on the answer anymore than this two-letter response. And the toddler, probably sensing her mother’s deep distress, just replaced the small toy without a word of complaint or protest. After the mess was taken care of and the prescription paid for, it was on to the rest of her busy itinerary. While exiting the door at the front of the pharmacy, Beth was approached by a friendly stranger who was carrying a little paper bag. The stranger introduced herself and explained that she had witnessed the whole drama at the pharmacy and had been very impressed with the little toddler’s self-discipline and obedience to her mother. The stranger gave the bag to Beth and said that it was for the toddler “because sometimes you need to reward a little girl, just for being a little girl.” Inside the bag was the little teddy bear that the toddler had found in the display at the front of the store. This whole situation had stunned Beth and as she concluded her Focus that morning in church, she told us that this gift from a complete stranger reminded her that this is how God loves all of us. He loves us for just being us and he doesn’t compute our good deeds and our bad deeds and what others will think in order to reward us. As Beth walked off the stage, I looked around the theater and saw that we were all, even my mother, touched by her story. As the service continued and we listened to the message, I kept an eye on my mother to see her reaction. She seemed distracted and upset, and I didn’t understand what was wrong. Actually, I started to feel guilty about not sitting with her and wondered who was beside her. At the end of the service, we filed out. Now truly upset, I searched for my mother to apologize for leaving her and wanting desperately to introduce her to my friends. When I finally found

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her, she was a wreck. “What’s wrong, Mom? What can I do?” Tears streamed down her face as she raised her head and sobbed, “I am the Teddy Bear Lady.” It took me a couple of seconds to comprehend what she had just said. The enormity of the situation had to sink in, and I was still struggling to understand it. My mother hadn’t been to church for over thirty years and my immediate realization was that without dozens of circumstances falling into the pattern at the right time, she would not have been at church this day either. There were far too many factors in the “mix” to be considered mere coincidences. Being an ardent follower of left brain thinking and attitude, I know I’d have had a hard time believing this story if it hadn’t happened in front of my very eyes. I feel my mother was the perfect recipient of such a miracle, but the particular way it happened is mind boggling to those of us who witnessed it. With such an introduction, who could possibly doubt that God had His hand in her life? So it is not surprising that my mother continued to attend New Community Church from that remarkable day on. She soon started to understand that a relationship with Jesus is the only way to live one’s life. Mother rapidly became a sheep in Jesus’ flock and she continues to follow the light of His Path each day. This, my friends, was the beginning of Jackie Sayle’s walk with God. This testimony was submitted by Jackie Sayles and written by her daughter Abigail. Jackie owns Miracles & Maggie’s Tea Room located at 10335 Cross Creek Blvd, Ste H (New Tampa) www.ExperienceMiracles.com If you have a testimony (big or small), please visit www.OverflowMag.com and submit it today!

3rd Annual

Charity Golf Tournament Hosted by: Booz | Allen | Hamilton

June 4, 2010 Player check in: 10:00am Shotgun start: 1:00pm

Bay Palms Golf Complex MacDill AFB

To benefit:

Founded in 1981 to serve pregnant and parenting women in crisis - empowering women to break the the cycles of poverty and abuse and create promising lives.

813-875-2024 | www.AlphaHouseofTampa.org

RESOURCES FOR YOUR SPIRIT

Proverbs 18:15 (NIV) “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.”

It is vital to our spirituality that we continually renew our minds with the Word of God and meditate on His Word. Our Bibles are the most important resource we have to accomplish spiritual growth; however, we do believe in the importance of feeding our spirits with edifying books, sermons, and music that will build us up and keep Jesus Christ at the forefronts of our daily lives. Each month we will share impactful books, CDs (old and new), and even websites that are inspirational and foster stronger relationships with our Father.

The Prayer of Jabez

Breaking Through to the Blessed Life

Bruce Wilkinson

“Are you ready to reach for the extraordinary? To ask God for the abundant blessings He longs to give you? Discover how the remarkable prayer of a little-known Bible hero can release God’s favor, power, and protection. You’ll see how one daily prayer can help you leave the past behind - and break through to the life you were meant to live.”

Find it at:

www.TheJabezPrayer.com

The Name of JESUS Kenneth E. Hagin

“It’s the most important name you’ll ever hear. What sets this Name apart from all others? The Name of Jesus answers this crucial question in convincing and thorough detail. Whether you’re a Christian or not, whether you know a lot about the Name of Jesus or just a little this book will give you critical insight into the power God has invested in this Name.”

Find it at:

www.Rhema.org

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C28 Christian Stores “C28 is a Christian retail store chain, offering an alternative to the mainstream mall stores. The Christian clothing, music, jewelry and accessories reflect a clean and positive Christian lifestyle. C28 stands for Colossians 2:8, Not Of This World (NOTW), and all about Jesus!” In addition to shopping, you’ll find daily scriptures, a prayer board, stories about how God has touched lives, forums and more on this site.

Find it at: www.C28.com

Joel Osteen Ministries

Pieces of a Real Heart Sanctus Real

www.sanctusreal.com

“This ministry is committed to helping people from all walks of life experience the unconditional love and unending hope found only in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” This website offers podcasts, live services, Joel & Victoria’s blog, downloads, book store, Today’s Word, Thoughts on God, Life, Marriage and so much more. This inspirational ministry offers daily messages to feed your spirit.

New World Son

Find it at: www.JoelOsteen.com

New World Son www.newworldson.com

No Greater Love

by Coram Deo Studios & Lionsgate Rated PG - Approx. 108 minutes Jeff and Heather were best friends from childhood and married by 22. After the birth of their child, Heather fell into deep depression. Desperately lost, she abandoned her husband and her infant son and disappeared. Ten years later, Jeff is now ready to move on, but Heather reappears in the most peculiar place. “No Greater Love is a beautiful depiction of how loving God and loving others can bring the unlovable to Christ. The church reaches out in love and

with truthful correction. It’s a visible reminder that God is in control and His love is compelling.”

Over and Underneath Tenth Avenue North www.tenthavenuenorth.com

Find it at: www.NoGreaterLoveTheMovie.com May 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

10 Ways to Show Mom You Care on Mother’s Day 1. Handmade Card

3. Clean-Up Coupon Book

4. Mom’s Day

Handmade gifts are always a keepsake that moms treasure, so pull out those craft supplies and get busy! At a craft store, such as Michaels, you can find blank cards along with many items to decorate the card, including mom-themed scrapbook pages and stickers. You can also fold a piece of construction paper or cardstock to use as your card.

Mom is always cleaning up behind us and sometimes we forget just how much she does. This year give back to her with a special book of promises to help! Start with any kind of paper (scrapbook paper, cardstock, or construction paper) and cut it into 7-10 (or as many as desired) 2” x 4” rectangles. Save two pieces for the front and back cover.

Mom is always taking us places. How about we take mom out for the day! You could go to the beach, take her bowling, see a movie of her choice, visit MOSI, The Florida Aquarium, or the Lowry Park Zoo (Mom gets in free on Mother’s Day). You could even drop her off at the spa to get a massage or a facial that will rejuvenate her for the rest of the day!

2. Breakfast in Bed

Write in the promises (such as Take Out Garbage, Clean Bathroom, and Do Dishes) and decorate each coupon with foam stickers, glitter, markers, or anything else you like to craft with. Next, punch two holes on the left side of each coupon (make sure to line up the holes together). You can put them together with gold fasteners, ribbon, or staples.

5. Bouquet of Photo Flowers

Remember all those days you weren’t feeling good and mom waited on you hand and foot? Well it’s her turn to be served in bed! Put a tray together, including breakfast, juice, and a fresh cut flower from the garden to complete the gesture. Check out the quiche recipe on page 38.

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This is one craft project all will enjoy making and Mom will cherish. Not to mention, these flowers will never wilt! First you will need to pick out individual photos of all the children (at least 5). Cut the photos into circles or hearts to be used as the center of the flower. Use cardstock or

construction paper to cut out simple flower shapes. Next, glue the individual faces from each photo on to the center of the flower. Take a patterned piece of paper (such as scrapbook paper) and glue the flower with the picture on the paper. Cut about half an inch around the flower to give it a border with the patterned paper. Take green pipe cleaners or chenille stems and tape them to the back of the flowers. You may want to trim the ends of the stems to the length you want, depending on the vase you will be putting the flowers in. Fill the vase with some paper grass and put in the flowers!

6. Scavenger Hunt Play this game just for Mom. Leave her clever clues (written out on decorated pieces of paper) all around the house. Each clue should lead her to the hiding place of the next clue, which will eventually lead to Mom’s prize. Her prize could be her favorite treat, the bouquet of photo flowers, or even a gift card to her favorite restaurant.

7. Sweet Delights

9. Peace and Quiet Sometimes Mom just needs a little time alone. This Mother’s Day you can assemble a basket with some of her favorite things and have her go off to a quiet corner of the house or set up a picnic outside with a blanket under the trees. Try including her favorite book or magazine, a special treat, some snacks, and a nice cold drink. Send her off to her picnic for one and try to give her some peace and quiet…for at least an hour!

10. Recipe Holder Lots of moms like to cook and save recipes that their family enjoys. Why not make her a special card holder or book to hold all those family favorites? For the card holder, start with an envelope box, a tissue box, or a shoe box. Trim the top flaps off of the box (if using envelope or tissue box). Next you will need pretty paper or felt to cover the inside and outside of the box (use glue to adhere it). Be sure to cover

the seams with additional paper or felt. Print out the words “Mom’s Recipe Holder” onto cardstock and glue it on the front. Then, decorate the box with foam stickers and other fun decorations. Another great idea is to make Mom a recipe holder book. Purchase a three ring binder with clear sleeves in the front and back or a scrapbook with blank pages and sleeves. Buy decorative or patterned paper to insert in the front and back of the 3 ring binder. On a white sheet of paper write or type out, “Mom’s Recipe Book.” Cut it out and glue it to the decorative paper in the front of the binder or scrapbook. Get plastic sleeves that are three hole punched for her to insert her recipe clippings and papers. You could even gather the recipes for her and glue them onto decorative paper and insert them into the sleeves in the binder or scrapbook. Find stickers that correlate with a cookbook theme and decorate the pages. Make sure to leave plenty of open pages for Mom to later add her favorite new recipes!

Make Mom something yummy! Try baking cookies, brownies, or even cupcakes for Mom to enjoy on her special day. Not allowed to use the oven? No problem! Check out the No Bake Oreo Peanut Butter Dessert on page 39.

8. Photo Story Book You don’t have to be a professional scrapbooker to do this project for Mom. We all know how much Mom adores the photos of us. So make her a book she will always keep! You can find tons of choices, including preassembled books and scrapbooks with blank pages, at your local craft store. Gather all your family photos and come up with a quick story about Mom and you. Use all your favorite craft supplies to decorate each page with the photos. No time to scrapbook? No problem! Try uploading your pictures to the web. There are websites that you can choose the layout of each page and add captions. Once completed, you have a hardbound book in about a week. Try: www.kodakgallery.com, www.snapfish.com, www.storiesbyeveryone.com, or www.shutterfly.com.

May 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

Love God, Love People THE TWO GREATEST COMMANDMENTS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT >>> BY AMANDA WRIGHT

n the New Testament, Jesus spoke of the two greatest commandments we are to live by, which all the other commandments are based on: “…‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37-39, NIV). In essence: love God, love people.

What is Love?

Let’s first determine, what is this “love” mentioned in these commandments? In our English language today, the word “love” is loosely used. It has several meanings but is

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most often used to describe a feeling toward someone or something. “Oh, I love my new car” or “I used to be in love with Johnny.” This isn’t real love. The love that is spoken of in these great commandments is the God kind of love, real love. It is unconditional love, the kind of love that is described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV): “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails….” This Godly love does no harm, no hurt, and no evil to anyone. This love is an action not a

feeling. So, we show our love for God and for others through our actions.

Love the Lord

We are to love God with all our heart, spirit, and mind. But how do we show our love for Him? One of the ways we show our love for God is by obeying His commandments. It is that simple! We just have to do what God commands us to do and we will be demonstrating our love for Him.

Our Neighbor

In order to fully understand the second of the greatest commandments, we need to establish who our neighbor is. Our neighbor

“Love means doing what God has commanded us, and He has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning.” (2 John 1:6, NLT) is not just who lives next door to us or down our street. The “neighbor” Jesus is referring to is anyone who we come into contact with. It could be the cashier at the grocery store, the homeless person on the side of the road, or the person who sits next to us at church. How do we love our neighbor? First, we must love ourselves. Most of us love ourselves and treat ourselves great. So, this is good news for our neighbors since we are supposed to love them like we love ourselves! However, for those who don’t love themselves they will have to first learn to love themselves before they can love others. Second, as we have already established, we love our neighbors through our actions. As we read in 1 Corinthians 13, we show our love for others by being patient with them, by being kind, by not being rude, by keeping no record of wrongs…. The best way to show love for our neighbor is through giving - giving our time, giving our talents, giving an encouraging word, giving material items, etc. The greatest expression of love is giving. God demonstrated this by giving what was most precious to Him, His only begotten Son.

God’s Love for Us

God showed His love for us by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, NKJV). We love God because He first loved us by giving us life through Jesus Christ. We can never repay God for His tremendous sacrifice. However, what we can do is love Him by obeying His commandments and He has commanded us to love one another. Since God loved us so much, shouldn’t we love one another? “If a man says, I have love for God, and has hate for his brother, his words are false: for how

is the man who has no love for his brother whom he has seen, able to have love for God whom he has not seen?” (1 John 4:20, BBE) The next verse goes on to say that God commands everyone who loves Him to also love their brother. We must love others! If we are not loving others, then we are not loving God. We are to love one another just as God has loved us (John 15:12). If God can love sinners, how can we not love our neighbor? If God can forgive us, how can we not forgive those who have harmed us? It is important as Christians that we look inside ourselves and really examine our actions and ask ourselves the hard question: are we loving others as God loves us? Whether we realize it or not, we are ambassadors for Christ. Others are watching how we react and respond to everyday situations. It can be easy to lose our temper, to snap at someone, or allow a bad mood to overtake us. It is the enemy’s plan to make us appear as hypocrites to unbelievers, but we must stand strong in the face of adversity and overcome these feelings. We are able to do this with God’s love. When we made Jesus our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit came to dwell within us and the love of God was poured out in our hearts (Romans 5:5). God lives in us and God is Love! We are full of God’s love. “… Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:16, NIV). The Holy Spirit inside of us enables us to love others unconditionally. Thank God for the Holy Spirit because we could not do it on our own.

Nothing Works Without Love

In Colossians 3:12-14, the Bible says that as God’s children we must show compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience toward one another. The Word goes on to

say that we must forgive others as the Lord has forgiven us. Above all of these things, we must love because love binds all these virtues together in perfect unity. As Gloria Copeland says, “There is nothing absolutely nothing - that is more important than learning to love. Every other spiritual force derives its action from love.” With love we can never fail, but without love nothing works. If we don’t have love, then the gifts of the Spirit, faith, and giving will not matter (see 1 Corinthians 13:1-3). When we walk in love we allow God to work on our behalf and we keep the blessing around us. Loving others and honoring them also keeps us humble before the Lord and puts us in a position to receive His grace and live empowered by His truth. Show your love for God by following His Word, for God’s Word is truth, and the truth will set you free.

Love Inspite of How You Feel

We must remember that the God kind of love is not a feeling; it is an action. We don’t have to feel warm and fuzzy toward someone to love them. We must learn to love in spite of how we feel. Even when we do not feel like doing it, God’s love in us enables us to treat people like we love them. We can act like we love someone because it is what God wants us to do and we have decided to by faith. We can all attest to a time where someone has hurt us and we want to hurt them back or quit showing that person love. However, we are called to overcome these feelings and demonstrate how much God loves that person, just as He loves us. If we look again at 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV), we are reminded that “Love is patient, love is kind... it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always

May 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails….” Let’s think about this for a moment: God is Love, so we can replace the word “Love” with “God” in these scriptures and read it again. God is patient, God is kind…God is not easily angered, God keeps no record of wrongs, etc. This gives us some insight to God’s nature. We are all capable of making a mistake, yet when we do, God still loves us. When we repent and ask for forgiveness God chooses not to remember that mistake again (see Isaiah 43:25). If God can so easily wipe away our mistakes from His memory and love us anyway, shouldn’t we be quick to act as He does by truly forgiving

the mistakes others have made and love them unconditionally? The answer is yes. We can do this because love keeps no record of wrongs! Another wonderful way to read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 is this: I am patient, I am kind. I do not envy, I do not boast, I am not proud. I am not rude or self-seeking. I am not easily angered and I keep no record of wrongs…. These words will sink into your heart and soul as you continually meditate on them. They will rise out your heart when someone wrongs you and next time, you will be prepared to love them in spite of how you feel.

Practical Ways to Show God’s Love 1. Pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru line 2. Buy someone’s meal at a restaurant 3. Give money to someone in need 4. Donate items to a local shelter 5. Hand out water for free on a hot day 6. Offer your talents to someone in need 7. Give an unexpected gift to someone 8. Mow your neighbor’s lawn 9. Bake something for someone 10. Open the door for the person behind you & hold it 11. Let someone go before you in line at the grocery store 12. Help someone in need 13. Give an encouraging word to someone 14. Show kindness to drivers on the road 15. Volunteer at a not-for-profit organization/church 16. Babysit for someone for free 17. Clean someone’s home for free 18. Cook a meal for someone 19. Give a book that inspires you to someone else

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As Unto Christ

Treating others with love and respect shows that you honor God. Jesus said in Matthew 25:40 (NLT): “I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” In other words, how we treat one another is how we treat Jesus. WE MUST WALK IN LOVE! Don’t we want the One who made us to know we love Him? Jesus is the greatest teacher and we should learn our loving ways from His ministry, through His Word, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus helped the poor and dined with sinners. Jesus showed God’s love to people who were broken with despair and forgotten by their people. God’s love in us, prompts us to give of ourselves and to be kind and compassionate to people. But let’s face it, it’s easier to love your family and your friends than your enemy, and it’s sometimes inconvenient to love a stranger or even a neighbor. What better way to show the world God’s love than to go out of our way to be kind, helpful, and compassionate to others, especially to those who don’t love us back. Imagine what the world would be like if every person did one kind act for someone else every day? These acts of kindness would win souls for the Kingdom of God. “…Your godly lives will speak to them better than any words. They will be won over” (1 Peter 3:1, NLT). Loving others shows more than our words ever could to unbelievers. Our actions speak louder than our words. People should notice the love and kindness in us and Christ-like qualities should radiate from us. Ultimately, people will see the difference Christ has made in our lives. They will want what we have. God’s love will lead people to repentance. Joel Osteen often says, “Be an example of God’s love so you can effectively win others to Him.” Ask the Lord to help you display His characteristics of love and goodness in your life, so you can unconditionally love those around you and in turn lead unbelievers to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Love never fails so let your light of love shine! The world identifies Christians by their love, so let’s be a pure reflection of God’s love! GLORY!

RECIPES

Spinach-Bacon Quiche Submitted by Charles Christmas, Riverview

Ingredients: 5 eggs 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 1/3 cup minced onions salt and pepper to taste 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 package frozen chopped spinach (thaw and drain) 1 cup of cooked crumbled bacon 1 (9-inch) deep dish unbaked pie shell *You can use any combination of veggie/meat that you like (e.g., broccoli & ham or spinach & mushroom)

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 2. Hand beat eggs in mixing bowl 3. Add cream, salt, and pepper to eggs and whisk together 4. Add remaining ingredients 5. Pour into an unbaked 9-inch deep pie crust 6. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the top is golden brown

38 OverflowMag.com May 2010

If you have a recipe you’d like to share, go to www.OverflowMag.com to submit yours today!

No Bake Ingredients:

Oreo Peanut Butter Dessert Adapted from www.divinedinnerparty.com

20 Oreo cookies, divided 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 2 containers (8 oz each) frozen whipped topping 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, divided 1 cup milk 1 package (4 oz) chocolate instant pudding mix

Kid-friendly recipe to make for Mom on Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day

Directions: 1. Crush 16 Oreos in a food processor or in a plastic resealable bag, until coarse crumbs 2. Combine Oreo crumbs and melted butter in an ungreased 9-inch square pan and press into bottom of pan 3. Combine cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, and peanut butter in a large mixing bowl 4. Beat mixture on medium speed until smooth 5. Fold in one container frozen whipped topping 6. Spread filling over Oreo crust 7. In a separate mixing bowl combine milk, remaining powered sugar, and pudding mix 8. Beat on medium-low speed for 2 to 3 minutes 9. Gently fold in second container frozen whipped topping 10. Spread mixture over peanut butter filling 11. Crush remaining 4 Oreos in a food processor or in a plastic resealable bag, until coarse crumbs 12. Sprinkle Oreo crumbs over top 13. Cover and refrigerate for at least three hours before serving

MY ROCK

SCRIPTURES I STAND ON

Revelation 4:11 (NKJV) “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” Wow! He is worthy of all things. He has a purpose for me and if He didn’t, I wouldn’t be here today. Age 11

Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you mighty things, which you do not know.â&#x20AC;? This was one of my first memory verses. It reminds me that God is passionate about a relationship with me. He calls me to pray to Him and He says He will answer! And He does time after time!

MY ROCK

SCRIPTURES I STAND ON

Revelation 22:12-13 (NASB) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.â&#x20AC;? It says to me that Jesus is coming again real soon.

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813-996-5515 May 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

EVENTS MAY

1-16

1, 8, 15

Godspell

7, 8, 14, 15

The Broadway show based on the Gospel according to Matthew David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, 33602 813-229-7827 Tues.-Fri., 7:30pm, Sat.-Sun., 2pm & 7:30pm

44 OverflowMag.com May 2010

Broadway presented by DeArmon Cast University Area Community Center 14013 N. 22nd St., Tampa, 33613 www.dearmoncast.com Tickets $5.00 7pm (also 11am show on May 8)

Amplified Fundraiser Concert benefiting Mustard Tree Productions

A new non-profit organization whose mission is to use media & music to spread the message Victory Church 1401 Griffin Rd., Lakeland 863-665-7700 www.mustardtreeproductions.com 7pm-10pm

Glory at the Gardens at Busch Gardens

Festival of Live Music & Fellowship 10165 N McKinley Dr. Tampa, 33612 888-800-5447 1st: Matthew West, Brandon Heath & Jonny Diaz 8th: Skillet & Building 429 15th: Kirk Franklin & Mandisa 4pm - Concerts included with park admission

Fiddler on the Roof

2nd Annual Pastors & Counselors Luncheon Presented by New Hearts Outreach Guest Speaker Dr. Nancy Heche South Tampa Fellowship 5101 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa 33611 www.nhotampa.org 11:30am-1pm

The Little Mermaid

20-30

Mary Poppins

21-23

Pneuma Holy Spirit Art Show

Mother-Daughter Day of Reflection The Franciscan Center 3010 North Perry Ave., Tampa 813-229-2695 www.franciscancentertampa.org 9:30am-2pm

Among The Thirsty Concert

Countryside Christian Center 1850 N. McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater 727-799-1618 6:30pm

Metropolitan Ministries’ Annual Bridge Builders Benefit: Behind the Blind Side

Live appearance by Leigh Anne & Collins Tuohy (adoptive mother & sister of Michael Oher) will share their extraordinary story David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts Carol Morsani Hall 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813-229-7827; www.metromin.org 8pm

Presented by Patel Conservatory Youth Ballet David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, 33602 813-229-7827 7:30pm

The Disney Broadway show David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, 33602 813-229-7827 Tues.-Thurs., 7:30pm, Fri., 8pm, Sat., 2pm & 8pm, Sun., 1pm & 6:30pm

A celebration of the power of the Holy Spirit through the gifts of artists Christ CP Church 9510 Holly Lane, Lutz 33548 www.christchurchlutz.org Fri., 7-9pm, Sat., 9am-12pm, Sun., 2-5pm

Walk for Lupus Presented by The Lupus Foundation Tropicana Field 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg www.lupusflorida.com 9am - 12pm

May 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

EVENTS

If you would like to add an upcoming event to our calendar, please submit the event name, date(s), time(s), location(s), and a short description of the event to: events@overflowmag.com Deadlines are the 15th of each month

JUNE

1-6

Mary Poppins

The Broadway show produced by Disney & Cameron Mackintosh David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, 33602 Tues.-Thurs., 7:30pm, Fri., 8pm, Sat., 2pm & 8pm, Sun., 1pm & 6:30pm

Fame - The Musical

Presented by Patel Conservatory Youth Theater David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, 33602 813-229-7827 7:30pm

Chonda Pierce (Christian Comedian) 11

Did I Say That Out Loud Tour Victory Church 1401 Griffin Rd., Lakeland 863-665-7700 7:30pm Countryside Christian Center 1850 N. McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater 727-799-1618 7:30pm

18-19

Absolute Youth Conference & Concert with Phil Wickham & Leeland

A gathering of middle and high school students united to worship Jesus Christ Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg 8900 U.S. Hwy 19 N., Pinellas Park 727-577-7705

Go Fish Guys in Concert

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christian Group Grace Lutheran Church & School 4301 16th Street N., St. Pete 727-452-6779; www.gofishguys.com 6:30-8:30pm

21-25

SonPower 2010

Led by Chad Hambrick, Among The Thirsty and Dennis & Nan Allen Week for student choirs to rehearse, study the Bible, worship, participate in missions, and live recording sessions

Doubletree Hotel 5780 Major Blvd., Orlando wwww.lifeway.com 800-254-2022

LOCAL CHURCH SERVICES Branch of Christ Ministries 2211 Ashley Oaks Circle, Wesley Chapel, 33544 813-435-1469 Sun., 10am

Bridgeway Church

Meet at the New Tampa YMCA 16221 Comptin Dr. Tampa, 33647 813-907-1313 www.bridgeway.tv Sun., 10am

Christ CP Church

19501 Holly Lane Lutz, 33548 813-909-9789 www.christchurchlutz.org Sun., 10:30am

Church of the Lakes

2530 Wilson Rd. Land O’ Lakes, 34638 813-948-4358 www.churchofthelakesepc.org Sun., 9:15am & 10:30am

Dwelling Place

410 County Line Rd. W Lutz, 33548 813-949-1912 www.thedwellingplace.us Sun., 8:30am & 10:30am 2pm Spanish Service

Faith Life Church

4902 East Busch Blvd. Tampa, 33617 813-910-7336 www.flctampa.org Sun., 9am, 10:40am, Wed., 7pm Thurs., 7pm (Healing School)

Family Worship Center 1350 E. Main St. Lakeland, 33801 863-687-8827 www.fwclakeland.org Sun., 9am, 11am & 6pm

First Baptist of New Tampa 28125 County Line Rd. Wesley Chapel, 33543 813-907-1685 www.fbcnewtampa.org Sun., 9:15am, 10:30am, & 6pm

First Thonotosassa Missionary Baptist Church 10650 McIntosh Rd. Thonotosassa, 33592 813-986-4756 www.thonotosassabaptist.org Sun., 9:45 am, 11am & 6pm Wed., 7pm

Gateway Christian Center Assembly

14200 North Central Avenue Tampa, 33613 813-961-4692 Sun., 9:45am, 10:45am & 6pm Wed., 7pm

Heritage Christian Center 21418 Carson Drive Land O’ Lakes, 34639 813-909-4080 www.yesheritage.com Sun., 9am & 11am, Wed., 7pm

Myrtle Lake Baptist Church 2017 Reigler Road Land O’Lakes, 34639 813-949-5516 www.myrtlelake.org Sun., 10:30am & 6pm

New Birth of Faith Fellowship Church

1725 E. Fowler Ave. Tampa, 33612 813-972-0101 www.newbirthoffaith.org Sun., 10am, Thurs., 7pm

New Life Church

1611 E. Bougainvillea Tampa, 33612 813-244-4355 Sun., 10am & 6:30pm Wed., 6:30pm

If you would like to learn more about how your church can be listed in this section and become a point of distribution, please contact us: 813-915-6700 or contact@overflowmag.com

Onething Prayer Center

777 W. Lumsden Rd. Brandon, 33511 813-500-9411 www.onethingprayer.com *See website for various church, worship, and prayer service times

River of Life

410 Chapman Rd. East Lutz, FL 33549 813-949-9931 www.riveroflife-lutz.org Sun., 10am, Wed., 7pm

South Tampa Fellowship Ballast Point Campus 5101 Bayshore Blvd. Tampa, 33611 813-251-1515 Sun., 9am & 10:30am

St. James Methodist Church 16202 Bruce B Downs Blvd. Tampa, 33647 813-971-4790 www.stjamestampa.org Sun., 9am (Traditional), 11am & 12:30pm (Contemporary)

Tampa Covenant Church

13320 Lake Magdalene Blvd. Tampa, 33618 813-968-2979 www.tampacovenantchurch.org Sun., 9:30am, Wed., 7pm

Victorious Life Church

6224 Old Pasco Rd. Wesley Chapel, 33544 813-973-2230 www.victoriouslifechurch.com Sun., 9am, 10:40am & 6pm Wed., 7pm

Waters’ Edge Church

7834 Boyette Road Wesley Chapel, 33545 813-994-5000 www.connectingfaith.com Sun., 11am, Wed., Kids - 6:30pm Adults - 7pm

May 2010 Love+Faith+Hope