UPCOMING EVENTS | INSPIRATION | CHURCH LISTINGS | LOCAL SPOTLIGHT | CONTRIBUTORS | MUSIC
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TRUE FREEDOM THROUGH JESUS
OVERFLOWMAG.COM | JULY 2012
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CONTENTS EXPECTED 6 8 14 16 20 24 25 26 28 30
FROM THE EDITOR MAGNIFY HIM SALVATION MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT CONTRIBUTOR RESOURCES MY ROCK HIGHLIGHT LOCAL CHURCHES EVENTS
FEATURED 8
IN CHRIST HE STANDS: THE TIMOTHY SMITH STORY
Leslie Shepherd brings us the powerful and moving story of Timothy Smith, a young man born without legs below his kneecaps. Learn about his inspiring transformation from a hurting teenager to a flourishing college graduate who found his identity in Jesus Christ.
THE FREEDOM OF REIGNING IN LIFE
20
BAD RECEPTION
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22
Our lives are transformed when we believe what the Word of Christ tells us. Through receiving His grace and gift of righteousness, we will have true freedom and begin to reign in life.
Bad reception happens on the radio and can sometimes occur in our faith. Find out what we can do if we experience spiritual bad reception in our lives.
LET FREEDOM RING
Does freedom still have the depth of meaning in 2012 that it had in 1776? As believers, let’s keep the link between faith and freedom that was first established by our Founding Fathers.
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Enabling the Hands and Feet of Jesus Jim Morgan shares his faith journey of pursuing God's calling on his life to establish Meet The Need and how this ministry has changed the face of local missions across the country.
FROM FROM THE EDITOR EDITOR
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JULY 2012, Issue 29 ____________________________________ Editor | Amie Cherp amie@overflowmag.com Sales & Marketing | Chris Cherp chris@overflowmag.com
Dear Friends, Backyard barbeques, swimming, family, friends, and fun are just some of the things that come to mind when I think of July. But, most of all, July brings freedom to my mind—not just the freedom that we experience in this great nation, but the ultimate freedom we receive through the One, Jesus Christ. In Chris Cherp’s article on page 12, learn how we can live in true freedom and reign in life. Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays because each year my whole family gathers together. This is a special time for all of us because my family members live in different states, and we only get together like this a couple times a year. We spend a week together; it is a time to catch up with one another, unwind, and have fun. With over twenty of us (just in my immediate family), it gets kind of hectic, especially with ten children in one house! However, we love it and long for these get-togethers. And as an added bonus, we get to celebrate the freedom we have in this country. The article, “Let Freedom Ring,” on page 22 reminds us of the link between our faith and freedom—the link in which our Founding Fathers established this nation. Have you ever asked, “What can I do with my talents to serve others in our community?” Jim Morgan, founder of Meet The Need, asked a very similar question and no one seemed to have an answer. Although, the Lord had an answer for Jim and led him to develop Meet The Need, an innovation for the twenty-first century church. This ministry and internet-based system connects the Church to the needs in our community. Find out more in this month’s cover story, “Enabling the Hands and Feet of Jesus,” on page 16.
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There have been times in my life when I’ve had trouble clearly hearing the still, small voice of our Lord, times when I’ve let the distractions of life cause interference. Most of us have been in this situation at one time or another. In Kerry Johnson’s article, “Bad Reception,” we are reminded that our Lord is always there; He hasn’t stopped communicating with us. We can go to His Word and press on in faith, knowing that if we continue to listen, we will hear His loving voice again. What reassurance we have in Jesus; He will never leave us or forsake us! Tim Smith is a young man of God who will inspire you and give you a renewed strength to stand up and be the Child of God that you, as a believer, are. I encourage you to read Tim’s story of triumph and of transformation from a hurting teenager to a successful college graduate (see page 8). Tim found his identity in Jesus Christ, and now, he is living in true freedom. Do you want to experience true freedom? Do you want freedom from any kind of bondage? Jesus Christ is the only One who can provide it. If you don’t know Him as your Savior, please visit our salvation section on page 14 and begin to live in liberty. We want to hear from our readers. What is your favorite Scripture and why? Let us know on Facebook. If you are interested in being in our My Rock section, please email us at contact@overflowmag.com. Also, if you are looking for the next chapter of the short story, please check back in the coming issues. Happy Independence Day! I hope you have a safe and happy holiday. With Love in Jesus,
Amie Cherp
Creative | Brady Wright brady@overflowmag.com Creative | Amanda Wright amanda@overflowmag.com Asst. Editor / 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 Submissions: magnify@overflowmag.com General Info Inquiry: contact@overflowmag.com Subscribe: Visit www.overflowmag.com and click the subscribe button on the homepage Event Submission: If you would like to add an upcoming event to our calendar, please submit the event name, date(s), time(s), location(s), & a short description of the event to: events@overflowmag.com Advertising and Distribution: If you are a business or church and think advertising to over 35,000 Christians is awesome, please contact: Chris Cherp | chris@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, written work, 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.
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MAGNIFY HIM SUBMITTED BY YOU!
IN CHRIST THE TIMOTHY SMITH STORY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LYNNETTE UNDERWOOD
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HE STANDS T
imothy Smith is different. Unfortunately for the stranger who stares at Tim’s prosthetic legs from a comfortable distance, or the acquaintance who politely speaks and quickly moves along, they will never experience the blessing of knowing exactly why he is different. The opportunity to write about Tim came my way at a time of reflection in my own life. Lately, I had allowed the noise and confusion of this world to become louder than the still, small voice of God. Immersing myself in Tim’s story seemed like the perfect diversion. My research began with a highly literary approach. I ‘googled’ him. Regarding the amount of information it produced, he later told me that he was surprised to be that newsworthy. “It is just another platform on which to give God the glory!” he said. My research about Tim did indeed reveal a young man who gives God the glory for every victory in his life. Born without legs below his kneecaps, Tim was portrayed as a heroic underdog beating the physical odds against him. Several articles covered his transformation from an angry, disabled teenager to the successful college student he had become since turning his life over to God. Family, friends, fellow students, and professors expressed their admiration for Tim and for his courage in the face of a daunting disability. These many supporters even rallied together to raise the money needed to provide Tim with state-of-the-art prosthetic legs. Even though I found each tribute to be an inspiration, I wondered about the struggle between the “before” and the “after” of his compelling story. “What moves someone to completely surrender free will in exchange for God’s will?” I pondered. “What finally brought Tim Smith to the end of himself?” A twenty-five year old graduate with a degree in church ministry from Trinity College of Florida, Tim was between graduation ceremonies and celebrations when we first spoke by phone. He agreed to meet me for an interview in spite of his busy plans, which included traveling to the Adirondack Mountains for summer employment as a Christian camp leader. Unsure of his limitations, I let him decide where we would meet. Also, unaware of my prejudgment, I assumed he would have a friend drive him.
The day of our meeting, Tim arrived just as I approached the entrance to the restaurant. I was the one carrying a large pad and a fist full of pencils. He was the one gingerly climbing out of the driver’s side of a sporty red car and walking toward me with a broad smile and an outstretched hand. After we introduced ourselves, he expressed surprise over my paper and pencils. “The other interviews I’ve done involved a lot of equipment, like recorders,” he said with a smirk. Mumbling something about my old school preferences, I kept my surprise over his driving and walking to myself. We found a quiet corner in which to talk, and over steaming cups of coffee, Tim continued to surprise me. “Everything I was looking for in this world, I have found in Christ,” he immediately said. Drawn to his unabashed love for Jesus like a lost, cold hiker to a campfire, I abandoned my list of questions about his disability and upbringing. “What do you think is the difference between
BY LESLIE SHEPHERD
believing in Jesus and having a personal relationship with Him?” I bluntly said. Tim’s answer made the noise in the room go quiet to my ears and brought my own understanding of God to the surface. “People are comforted by aspects of Jesus,” he said. “However, the Son of God who asks us to give up our lives and follow Him is not the Jesus most people are willing to embrace.” Tim brought our conversation back to his disability and upbringing. “I was raised by Christian parents, and church was ingrained in me,” he said.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
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“But, I had no understanding of going through life with God’s help and love.” He shared that as a child growing up in Hopatcong, New Jersey, he was not hindered by his disability. “I did not know what it was like to have legs, so it never occurred to me to be limited by not having them,” he recalled. Fitted for prosthetic legs at a young age, he wore them only as a means of being taller. “When I wanted to climb trees or play baseball, I just took them off and freely moved around.” Tim’s life today is comparable to his carefree childhood. He is often inclined to make light of his disability, leaving his prosthetic legs in an elevator or sticking them out of the trunk of a car. Tim’s innocent perspective began to change around his preteen years. By the time he reached high school, he was an angry young man. “I thought of God as cruel and punishing,” he said. “Why else would He allow me to be born this way?” Stuffing his anger and pain down deep, he worked tirelessly at fitting in. “I wanted to please people so they would accept me,” he said. “If I made someone laugh or smile, I felt liked. If someone was distant or annoyed, I felt like a complete failure.” He had no concept of himself outside of other people’s ever-changing view of him. Eventually, Tim found an outlet for his athletic skills and
excelled as a member of his high school’s wrestling team. “But, once the season ended, so did the friendships,” he recalled. “Nobody wanted to hang out with the kid with no legs.” Pain followed him into his first year at a local junior college, and his isolation and rage grew. Remarkably, Tim still showed up at church and was drawn to the new pastor, who befriended him. The pastor refused to back down from Tim’s anger or his many questions. “We had long talks about overcoming bitterness and trusting in God,” Tim said. Finally, one Saturday evening he reached a breaking point. “I felt completely consumed by hopelessness,” he said. “My rage toward God was so profound that I actually challenged Him to give me some kind of hope.” After nearly thirty minutes of speed writing to keep pace with his enthusiasm, something besides investing in a tape recorder dawned on me. I interrupted his animated display of brokenness while his hands were in midair. “Wait just a minute! Were you in physical pain? Do your legs cause you physical pain, now?” I asked. Dropping his hands into his lap, he shrugged and said, “No. Not at all.” My question was answered. Tim did not relinquish control of his life because of the physical pain of an imperfect body. He was brought literally to his knees by self-doubt, a persistent ache, and growing desperation. All of which had morphed into an unbearable emotional and spiritual pain. Tim continued his story with the dawning of an ordinary Sunday morning. Reluctantly, he made his way to church. His pastor preached from John 9 in which Jesus explained that the man born blind was not being punished. Instead, the words of Jesus revealed that this happened to the blind man so that the works of God might be displayed in him. “A blind man made to see?” Tim pondered. “Jesus revolutionized that man’s life!” Tim considered his own disability from a new perspective. “I was overcome with regret and shame,” he said. He recalled thinking, “What have I done?” God answered Tim’s plea for hope by enabling him to “see.” What were once empty words became truth for Tim, and a distant God became his Heavenly Father. Tim trusted Jesus as his Savior that Sunday morning and relinquished the exhausting task of proving his worth. “My identity is in Christ, just as I am,” he said. “He wants my life and for me to honor Him with it!” In the months that followed, Tim compared his life to the biblical story of the crippled man lying by the pool of Bethesda in hopes of being healed by its stirring waters. In John 5 we are told that Jesus arrived at the pool and asked the man, “Do you want to be made whole?” After the man
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replied, “Yes,” Jesus told him to “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” Tim recognized the Spirit of God challenging him to move in new directions. No longer distracted by outward confusion or the inner noise of self-doubt, he focused his energies on studying the Bible. In the Fall of 2008, he enrolled in Trinity College of Florida. “Looking back now, I see evidence of God’s grace and love throughout my life,” he said with amazement. Tim was also humbled by the many people who had pointed him along the right path. “Because of my anger, I was unable to love them the way they loved me,” he said. “But, God redeemed those relationships.” He described one friendship that survived those difficult years. “Dan and I became friends out of shared pain,” he recalled. Eventually, Dan found his way to the healing love of God and joined Tim at Trinity. “Today, our friendship is defined by a shared love for God.” Tim sums up his years at Trinity as a remarkable growing experience, especially in his understanding of the Word of God. “Sin is the problem…and Jesus is the answer to it,” he said. “That is the Bible in a nutshell, and from there it just explodes!” Also, the young man who claims he could not “buy a friend in high school” enjoyed his final year at Trinity College as Student Government President, Captain of the Intramural Softball team, and the proud instigator of the campus’s frenzy over Ultimate Frisbee. “Each opportunity has been an honor and a blessing,” he said. Regarding the future, Tim plans to return to Florida at the end of the summer and prepare for work in ministry. “Through sports, I want to introduce disabled individuals to the hope that I have found in Christ,” he said. “Perhaps, God plans to use this article to connect me with an employer,” he mused. Then another thought occurred to him. “Hey, maybe He will even use it to catch the attention of a single young woman,” he said with a big grin. “She should be totally in love with God, enjoy sports, and have a great sense of humor!” With a laugh, I confirmed, “Tim, I have no doubt that God will use your story in a powerful way!” God certainly used Tim’s story to bless my life with renewed strength. Our time together revealed so much more than a young man beating the physical odds against him. Tim is an intentional servant of God determined to be victorious over mental, spiritual, and emotional struggles. He embodies the difference between believing in Jesus and having a personal relationship with Him. He is the difference between occasionally feeling the presence of God and knowing that the Creator of the universe, who through Christ our Savior, desires His children to come into His presence. In spite of his physical “difference,” or perhaps because of it, Timothy Smith is different because he boldly chooses to be different. ■
The Freedom of
REIGNING IN LIFE
BY CHRIS CHERP
"For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:17, NKJV).
W
hen Romans 5:17 is first read, it sounds as though every Christian should be reigning in life. The Greek word here for reign is basileuo, which means “to be king, to exercise kingly power, to reign, or to exercise the highest influence, to control.”1 In other words, one who reigns has power and control in life; they have freedom. One could interpret this verse to mean that from the moment someone makes Jesus their Lord, they will experience and exercise power and control in all areas of life. They would have freedom over all bondage. Unfortunately, there are many Christians who are not experiencing freedom in all areas of their lives. Hence the question: If we receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness when we accept Jesus as our
Lord and Savior, then why aren’t more Christians reigning in life? The key to “reigning in life” in Romans 5:17 is found in the word receive. The Greek word for receive in this verse is lambano, which means “to take.”2 You may say, “Okay, there's really nothing surprising about the words lambano and receive essentially meaning the same thing in both languages. That's a fair assumption, but let's see what happens when we let the Bible interpret the Bible. In Matthew 21, Mark 12, and Luke 20, Jesus tells "The Parable of the Tenants," which is a story about a man who planted
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a vineyard. He leased it out to some vinedressers while he went on a long journey. When harvest time came, he sent a servant to the vinedressers to collect his portion of the crop. Instead of the vinedressers giving the servant the owner's portion, it says in Mark 12:3 (MSG), "They grabbed him, beat him up, and sent him off empty-handed." Let's take a moment to visualize what the altercation must have looked like when the vinedressers grabbed the servant and beat him up. First, I am sure we can all agree that the vinedressers probably didn't wait patiently with open arms for the servant to come to them. It most likely started with a short chase once the servant perceived the evil intentions of the vinedressers. Next, the chase would have been quickly ended by the violent grabbing of the servant's shirt or legs—similar to a tackle made in football. The surprising thing is that the word grabbed used in Mark 12:3 is the same Greek word lambano that is used in Romans 5:17. Now this sheds some new light on the context of the word receive in Romans 5:17, which is the key to reigning in life through Jesus Christ. Instead of waiting patiently with open arms for God to shower us with His “abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness,” we need to grab (or take) these things with a bold and aggressive faith. So what is the best way to boldly and aggressively execute our faith? It begins with reminding ourselves
aloud, throughout the day, what the Word of Christ says. "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17, NASB). When this is done, our mind will focus away from our problems and onto the answer – Jesus and His living Word. From reading Romans 5:17, it's obvious that our Heavenly Father's heart is to see His children reign in life. The more time we spend dwelling on His Word, the more we will move toward having assured faith in what our Father has promised us. Consequently, we will persevere and see God’s Word come to pass in our lives. We will begin to live in freedom. Whether it's a bad habit we are trying to kick, a sickness we're trying to overcome, or a financial need we are trying to fulfill for our families, we must not give up! If we are to reign in life, we must look to Jesus and actively receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness. People's lives are transformed by Jesus. When we believe we are righteous and under His grace, we will experience the freedom of reigning in life. Yet, it's very easy to get discouraged from listening to or reading all the negative news in this world. If we were to keep our eyes and ears on the reports of the world, before long, we would believe that we are subject to those reports, causing bondage in our lives. However, the Redeemed are not subject to these bad reports. "They [Christ-followers] are not of the world, just as I am not of the world" (John 17:16, NKJV). That's why it's so important to keep Christ's Word in our mouths, continually reminding ourselves what God has promised us here on earth. When we remind ourselves of all the benefits we have in Christ, we are executing aggressive and bold faith. We must simply grab hold of what the Bible promises us and not let go, regardless of what the world might say about the subject. Jesus has finished all the work on the cross, and all power is in His blood. We just have to receive it by faith. Why not give it a shot? Let’s daily remind ourselves that we are eternally righteous and continuously receiving His grace. Before we know it, we will be exhibiting power, influence, and freedom in all areas of our lives. As a result of this freedom, we will be gracious toward others and receive favor in all areas. When we grab hold of the never-ending supply of grace and righteousness that Jesus provided us, we will reign in life and experience true freedom. Glory! ■ 1 2
http://classic.net.bible.org/strong.php?id=936 http://classic.net.bible.org/strong.php?id=2983
MAGNIFY HIM SUBMITTED SALVATION BY YOU!
LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS SALVATION PRAYER
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36, NIV)
T
he month of July brings the idea of freedom to the forefront of our minds. As a country, we celebrate Independence Day on the fourth of July as the day the United States claimed freedom from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence preamble states: "We hold these truths to be selfevident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." Our Founding Fathers understood the importance of these three things. Even more so, our Heavenly Father understands the importance of these "rights." In fact, it was Him who gave us life, and it was Him who made a way for our liberty, and it is Him who desires above all else that we find happiness. You might be someone that struggles with the idea of liberty and happiness because there are things in your life that are holding you back.
You are free in this country, but do you feel true freedom in your heart? It's important to understand that our Heavenly Father gave you life simply because He loves you and wants to be in a relationship with you. Through Adam, sin caused separation between God and man. God had a plan, though, to give us freedom from the bondages of this world. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ. John 8:36 tells us that “if the Son (Jesus) sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Jesus can set you free—free from worries, free from past mistakes, free from sin, free from guilt, free from oppression, free from addiction, and free from anything else that is holding you back from your pursuit of happiness. You can find life, freedom, and joy in Christ if you accept Him in your heart and make Him your Lord and Savior. True freedom comes only through Christ Jesus, our Savior! ■
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Father God, I come before You in the Name of Jesus. Your Word says that “whoever calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21, NKJV) and “that 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” (Romans 10:9, NKJV). Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me. It is because of Your love that You don't want me to be condemned and punished for my sins. Thank You for sending Your beloved Son, Jesus, to die for me on the cross. Jesus took my sins, penalties, and all my curses and in return gave me His blessing, righteousness, and favor. He got what I deserved so I can receive what He deserves – all good things! Jesus' blood washes me clean from every sin (past, present, and future). On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead and conquered death. Father, I thank You that when You look at me, You choose to no longer remember my sins and that You see me in all the beauty and righteousness of Jesus. Holy Spirit, fill me to overflowing and lead me through this life – thank You, Father. In Jesus' Name, Amen!
FEATURED MAGNIFY HIM MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT SUBMITTED BY YOU!
ENABLING THE HANDS AND FEET OF JESUS An Innovation for the 21st Century Church BY AMANDA WRIGHT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: STEPHEN THERIAULT stephen.theriault.photo@gmail.com
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This isn't just another story about a person using his God-given talents to glorify Christ. It’s also an expedition through innovation that has changed the face of local missions in Tampa and beyond. It's a journey of faith, of discerning God's leadings, and of following the path that leads to Kingdom building. Jim Morgan's story brings to the forefront the age-old battle between this world and God's heavenly realm. It’s the clash between the nature of human efforts to gain success in a money-driven world and the soul-harvesting, loving, and service-oriented nature of Christ.
L
ike all of us do at some point in our lives, Jim was faced with a choice that would impact his future forever. He had to choose between continuing on a lucrative path in the business world and traveling a different path towards starting a new ministry that the Church desperately needed. From a worldly perspective, the ministry direction would be fraught with uncertainties, while the business position could ensure a financially-secure future. However, from a spiritual perspective, the ministry could produce a content heart and a fulfillment of God’s calling on his life. Jim knew he had a ministry idea that would impact the world for Jesus in a huge way, and he knew that God had tasked him with carrying it out. The words of the Apostle Paul sum up the choice Jim made perfectly: “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24, NIV). He knew of a way to help the Church show the Gospel of God’s grace by being the hands and feet of Christ.
Discovering the Disconnect Jim Morgan, founder and executive director of Meet The Need, grew up believing that his life’s purpose was to get a great education, obtain a great job, conquer the business world, and get ahead. This was his definition of success, and for many years, it was the course he ran. Jim received an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago and spent most of his young adulthood as an investment banker, a management
consultant to Fortune 500 companies, and an eBusiness strategist to Internet companies during the dot-com boom. The beautiful thing about God is that (even though He gives us free will to make our own choices in life) He is always there guiding, directing, grooming, and teaching us, even when we don’t know it. Then, when the time is right, He just might turn our world upside down. This was true for Jim. In his early thirties, he felt a void in his heart and thought, “There has to be more to life than just getting ahead, making money, and getting the world’s accolades.” Jim shared, “I was not content with that....It felt totally empty to me.” He found his way back to God and knew he wanted to serve the Lord. Jim approached his church and explained that he wanted to serve on the weekend. He told them what his skills were and asked how he could help. The response: in the church nursery, as an usher, or as a greeter. These are wonderful ways to serve the Lord, but it just wasn’t where Jim’s heart was. He pressed them further, “Well, I mean the community and the poor – outside the four walls.” There were outreach events a few times a year, but they were planned for many months away. Jim said that he wanted to help now, but they replied, “I don’t know what to tell you.” “It was a huge shock to me,” Jim said. He realized there was a vast disconnect. “[The church] just didn’t know the needs in the community.” After further research, Jim found out that this situation was common among the Church as a whole. He made it clear that the problem wasn’t that the Church didn’t care or didn’t want to do more, because they did. So how did this situation develop? Over the last few decades, Jim explained, “the Church gradually lost touch with the ministries in the community [and] it [became] more about occasional service events.”
The Big Idea As a business consultant, part of Jim’s job was problem solving and strategizing. Where do you even start to solve the issue of disconnect between the needs of the community and the Church? Jim found that the real root of the problem was communication. “Ministries across the country inform churches [of] their needs through paperwork, e-mails, phone calls, and newsletters. How can churches be expected to take those e-mails, phone calls, and newsletters and tell the church members? The pulpit and the church bulletin are not very effective for sharing all those opportunities to serve in the community,” Jim said. Jim explained, “There has been no innovation [for communicating and meeting needs] in local missions in [the last] 40 years.” In reality, how are the pastor and the church staff going to effectively run their church, go out and survey the city, learn the needs of the community and local ministries, communicate those needs to their church congregation, and then organize volunteers and outreach efforts? How can we put
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JIM MORGAN WITH HIS WIFE, CLAUDINE, AND THEIR SON, JAMIE
this burden on the pastors and the church staffs alone? There has got to be a better way. Jim made it his personal project to solve this problem and the bridge the gap. In 2000, during a drive home after a business trip, Jim recalled, “I was thinking about how to use the internet for more than just making money.” He thought, “If you can shop online for what you want to buy, why can’t you ‘shop’ for somebody who needs what you want to give away or what you can do?” That was it – the big idea to build the much needed bridge between believers and local missions.
“I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24, NIV).
The Pilot System Two years later, Jim took the plan to the next level. He developed a computer-based system, initially called God Will, that would act as the connector between the Church, the community, and local ministries. The system was piloted at five different Tampa churches and the response was really good. In 2003, the ministry was taking shape and Jim said, “I began to get more convicted about my life….I really didn't feel content in going on with the fast track [in the business world], just to live for money." He'd only been married three years and had vowed to be a good husband, but in his current position, he was out of town five to six days a week. The fast track just wasn't lining up with his heart. Jim felt the call of God on his life, and he knew he had to make a change. After much time in prayer, Jim decided to shift his priorities. He scaled back his consulting work considerably and only worked locally so he could pursue the ministry and spend more time with his wife. The core focus of the ministry reflected Jim's compassion for others. He wanted to show the Church that they are the hands and feet of Christ, and he desired to
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simplify the process to allow the Church to become more involved. Jim explained it like this: "Let's actually go out and meet families to bless them, be with them, pray with them, and share the Gospel with them in a very powerful way by taking time out to meet their needs." With this vision, the ministry needed a name change, and in 2005 it became Meet The Need. "The initial concept of being family centric – meeting needs in the community and [church] members helping families – expanded as time went on," Jim said.
Reconnecting Developing the Meet The Need system was a long, arduous, and costly process as the ministry continued testing the system's capabilities. Jim said, "We've evolved as time went on, and we heard feedback over the course of years of focus groups, design sessions, and beta tests. [It involved] years of building
something, putting it out there, learning from it, scrapping it, and starting over again…then more feedback, more focus groups, rebuild, and redesign." In the beginning, Jim and his wife were the primary funders of the ministry. Then in 2008, God stepped in. Jim explained, "Individuals began getting involved in giving. Some have been very generous. God introduces you to the right people at the perfect time." The Lord made a way for Jim to quit consulting work all together, work for the ministry full time, and maintain his family’s financial security. The Meet The Need system went live in 2010, helping churches and ministries connect. Jim gave an example of a 12,000-member church that they helped. This large congregation did an outreach day within their own church. The pastor instructed all the members who were in need of something to go to the back of the church and write their need on an index card. Then, after the cards were organized, the pastor asked the remaining congregants to pick a card to fulfill a need of their brothers and sisters in Christ. It was a wonderful thing, "except they had 800 cards unclaimed and unmet," Jim said. Meet The Need was able to set up their system on the church's website so that they could communicate those 800 needs to their
congregants. "The point here is, even inside the church, we don't know what the needs are," Jim said.
Reaching Out For Christ Last year, Meet The Need went live in five more cities to replicate what was done in Tampa. This year they began their national launch adding cities in 29 states and partnering with many of the largest ministries and churches in the country. The system has received wonderful responses from the marketplace, with organizations saying, "Where has this been?" Jim said, "We're the only people in the United States doing it. We’ve spent [a lot] in 10 years to figure out how to reconnect the Body of Christ in cities and get them outside the four walls. No one has [implemented] a technology solution to put all of [the needs] on the same platform to connect and mobilize communities." Meet The Need has removed the communication barrier and created an organized, central place to rally the Church in loving acts of service. This ministry has been so important to Jim because it was an answer to his question: "What can I do?" He knew there were so many other people out there asking the same question. Jim reflected back on Scripture. "Jesus relied on helping people and serving people with compassion as the means to open the door to share the Gospel," Jim said. This ministry is about more than service—it's about showing Christ through our actions and displaying the loving nature of our Heavenly Father. Jim went on to say, "Jesus fulfilled needs first and then He said who He was. We've got to get back to a position where the Church is more integral in meeting people where they are." That is the sentiment of many churches and ministries across the country, so Meet The Need is helping to unify the Church in a huge way. In Tampa alone, Jim explained that more than 50 percent of all the giving activities that took place during the 2011 Holiday Season happened through the Meet The Need system. This included meal packing events, holiday tents, toy drives, food drives, and volunteer activities, among other things. Metropolitan Ministries, Habitat for Humanity, Toys for Tots, Feed the Bay, The Crossing Church, Idlewild, and Van Dyke Church are just a handful of organizations that are already on board with the system.
can use the software to manage all ministry, missions, and benevolence activities with ease. The best part is it’s free! Meet The Need doesn’t want to exchange money for the software system. If a church or ministry believes in what Meet The Need is trying to accomplish on a national level, then they are encouraged to donate to support the cause. God has taken care of Jim and his ministry staff for the last 10 years, and He will continue to do so. Consequently, there is no financial pressure placed on any organization that needs this tool to help them better serve their community or communicate their needs to others. Each ministry or organization that implements Meet The Need with their own website has control over what needs are entered (from goods and services to volunteers), who has authorization to access the system, and what ministry partners they connect with. Jim said, “It becomes their own system – it’s like a box of software, but really, it’s easier than that.” For instance, Jim explained that when a need is posted by Habitat for Humanity, thousands of people in Tampa receive e-mails through Meet The Need’s system. The e-mail explains that Habitat has posted new needs and the e-mail looks as though it is coming directly from Habitat. A link in the e-mail directs the user to Habitat’s website.
Get Involved So what are the ways we can help further the mission of Meet The Need? First and foremost, tell your pastor, church staff, and the ministry or charity you donate to or volunteer for about Meet The Need. They can find out everything they need to know about the internet-based system at www.meettheneed.org, where there is plenty of information, videos, and webinars. Organizations can register, set up the system, train, and start using the service anytime. Businesses can get involved, too. Jim explained, “Companies can’t post needs, but they can plug in.” The system can be used on a company’s website to show their employees some opportunities in the community to go out and serve together. Another great way to help continue to bring this wonderful innovation across the country is to donate financially. Meet The Need is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all donations are tax deductible. You can make a secure donation online at their website. For more information about Meet The Need, please visit their website, call 813-527-0222, or e-mail info@meettheneed.org. As members of the Church, we are so thankful that Jim followed God’s path and is showing the Church how we can stay connected with our community and other ministries in the 21st century. His journey is nothing short of amazing. Just look at what God can do when you say, “Yes,” to His calling. Jim said, “I hope my story inspires somebody to think about what God is doing in their life and think about what role He has for them. He is equipping all of us individually in the world with skills and talents to be used for His glory!” Go and be the hands and feet of Christ wherever the Spirit leads you! Glory! ■
Behind The Scenes The system is so clever, but very user-friendly at the same time. One of the smartest things about this system (for the organizations that implement it) is the fact that it's behind the scenes. Jim said that it's a private-labeled connection system that takes the posted needs of a ministry and instantly communicates those needs to their partner churches, volunteers, or donors. Users run Meet The Need's search engine, software, and database through their own website – meaning the needs appear directly on the organization's website. Churches and ministries MEET THE NEED STAFF BY BIVENS PHOTOGRAPHY
CONTRIBUTOR
BAD RECEPTION I
remember the day my hubby handed me my new Droid phone. I looked at him blankly, wondering why he was handing me a glorified calculator and how in the world this gadget would fit into my hand, purse, and life. I’m an old-fashioned girl with a technology allergy that flares up around digital devices. I do well enough around computers, but that’s about it. In time, I got used to speaking into my calculator-phone, and I’ve come to realize how important a tool it can be for communication. When it comes to music, however, I’m still i-less—no iPad, iPod, or iTouch (though I do have iDrops, if anyone needs them). Instead, I get in my truck and turn on the radio to my favorite station, the Joy FM. Simple. Sometimes I even play—gasp—CDs, and sometimes I enjoy just the sound of wind blowing through my windows as I drive. But lately, I’ve noticed something odd with my radio station reception. When I drive out of our neighborhood each morning and pull up to a certain stoplight, the radio station reception blanks out. Instead of music, the steady sound of static fills my truck. It’s frustrating. Why can’t I hear anything? Why does it happen in this exact spot? Logically, I know it’s caused by some kind of signal interference and that the station is still playing music. The moment I press on the accelerator and drive away from that spot I hear the music playing again. However, it’s still frustrating, and I’m always eager to pass quickly through that intersection.
BY KERRY JOHNSON
I just have to remind myself that if I continue listening, I will hear the music again. At times, we may face similar situations in our faith. Beautiful, spiritual music can be interrupted by lonely, uncertain silence where we do not clearly hear the melody of our Savior’s voice. Our soul feels lost and confused. Yet, we can rest assured that our heavenly reception isn’t gone, and His transmission hasn’t stopped. Our
through God’s Word and the promises found within. Press on in faith, knowing that Jesus is always there and that if you continue to listen, you will hear His loving voice again. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8, NKJV). In my truck each morning, I remember that the silence won’t
“We can rest assured that our heavenly reception isn’t gone, and His transmission hasn’t stopped. Our Savior is not far away; He is near, just as His Word promises.” Savior is not far away; He is near, just as His Word promises. After all, the most important piece of ‘technology’ we can cling to during times of spiritual bad reception is God’s Word. From Abram to Jonah, the Bible details periods of bad reception for God’s people—periods that lasted for days, weeks, months, and even years. I suspect that Jonah had spiritual bad reception when in the belly of the fish, yet God heard his desperate prayer. “When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; And my prayer went up to You, Into Your holy temple” (Jonah 2:7, NKJV). The Lord delivered Jonah from the fish, and for you and I, His Word promises that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Don’t stop praying and trusting the Lord when you experience bad reception. Strengthen your faith
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last forever. The music will play again. When the light changes and I head through the intersection, the beautiful music comes back on, clear and strong. “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10, NKJV). Heavenly Father, we’re not promised an earthly life free from challenges, but we are promised peace, strength, and grace through Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your Son. He’s our strong tower and our refuge, even during times of silence and confusion. Grow our faith as we learn to trust You more. We love You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ■
CONTRIBUTOR
LET FREEDOM RING “L BY PASTOR ED RUSSO
et freedom ring” is one of the most widely used and widely known phrases uttered by Americans. It has been used by political, religious, and military leaders all across our nation for over a hundred years. It has been plastered on banners and has been used in speeches by politicians seeking office. “Let freedom ring!” We love to shout it and tout it, but does freedom still have the depth of meaning in 2012 that it had in 1776? Or has the sound of freedom become dull and distant to us as a nation? Having been born and raised in the city of Philadelphia, known as the “birthplace of freedom," I possess a somewhat sensitive ear to the sound of freedom. One of my favorite fieldtrips each spring was our class trip to the city, where I got to visit the Liberty Bell. It is one of the most recognized symbols of freedom in the entire world. It rang out in 1774 when it summoned the First Continental Congress together. It also rang out for the Battle of Lexington and Concord in 1775. However, the most notable ringing of the Bell occurred on July 8, 1776 (according to tradition), when it called the citizens together for the reading of the most valuable document ever written next to the Bible, the Declaration of Independence. The Liberty Bell rang for the very last time in February of 1846, when it received a very serious crack—the famous and final crack—which put it completely out of tune. Probably one of the most significant features of the Liberty Bell is the Bible verse inscribed upon it: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof” (Leviticus 25:10, KJV). An honest and thorough study of our early American history will disclose the fact that faith in God is linked to our freedom as a nation. Our faith-filled Founding Fathers evidently possessed a deep-rooted conviction that faith and freedom were inseparable. There is bountiful evidence that our nation was founded upon a commitment to God and the principles of the Bible. In his first presidential address to congress, George Washington emphasized the significant role God played in the establishment of our nation. He said: No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of the United States. Every step, by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been distinguished
22 OverflowMag.com July 2012
by some token of providential agency.…We ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven cannot be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained.1 One of President George Washington’s first official acts was his Thanksgiving Proclamation that reads: "Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly implore His protection and favor…."2 It seems evident that President George Washington was calling our nation to be thankful to Almighty God. John Adams, second President of the United States, once said: We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry would break
the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution is designed only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for any other. Additionally, Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, said, “The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time." Our forefathers came to this country and carved from its wilderness the greatest nation in the world. With a gun in one hand and a Bible in the other, they stood through the years against seemingly insurmountable odds. In so doing, they passed on to us the greatest amount of freedom of any nation on earth. In recognition of their efforts and sacrifice, let’s keep the sound of freedom alive in our generation. Let’s maintain the link between faith and freedom so that generations to come may likewise proclaim, “Let Freedom Ring.” ■ Pastor Ed Russo is the co-founder and lead pastor of Victorious Life Church (VLC) in Wesley Chapel. Pastor Ed and his wife, Janis, established the church in 1987. VLC has become a three-campus ministry, with five international campuses. 1 Nancy Leigh DeMoss, ed., The Rebirth of America. (Palm Beach: Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986), 32. 2
Ibid.
RESOURCES FOR YOUR SPIRIT
2 CORINTHIANS 3:17 (NIV) "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
LISTEN
WATCH
THE MIGHTY MACS An Inspiring True Story
■ Find it at: www.themightymacs.com "The Mighty Macs is based on the incredible true story of the 1971-72 Immaculata College team that started in obscurity but became the original Cinderella story in women's basketball. This team of pioneers went from barely making that inaugural tournament to the first dynasty in their game. And Cathy Rush, the woman that was ahead of her time, became immortalized when she was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame." Overflow Viewer Opinion: This wonderful movie is a story of triumph in a situation where most would assume failure was inevitable. The school was in dire financial straits and had no athletic department to speak of. The Monsignor in the film said, "It will take an act of God to save this school," and the Mother Superior replied, "That's what I've been praying for." God answered her prayer with one strong female coach. It took just one person to believe that the women at this tiny Catholic college were more than housewives-in-the-making. Coach Rush put hope in their hearts and showed them that no matter what their life circumstances were, they could be winners. It's more than the classic underdog story – it's charming, uplifting, funny, and even inspiring.
COURAGEOUS
Soundtrack www.CourageousTheMovie.com
BIG DADDY WEAVE
Love Come to Life www.BigDaddyWeave.com
READ
BRACE FOR IMPACT Miracle on the Hudson Survivors Share Their Stories of Near Death and Hope for New Life
■ Find it at: braceforimpact.hcibooks.com
By Dorothy Firman & Kevin Quirk "'Brace for impact.' Three simple words that proclaimed to all 150 passengers on board US Airways Flight 1549 on that cold, crisp New York afternoon of January 15, 2009, that their plane was about to go down in the icy Hudson River. Three simple words that churned up their fear that the next two minutes would be their final moments on earth and spurred their most heartfelt, spontaneous prayers. We all know about the stunning tale of survival against all odds that followed. But there is a different, more meaningful, and more timely story that has yet to be fully told. What happened to these passengers when they went home to their families, their homes, their jobs, and everything else familiar but somehow not the same? What has been the real impact, not of a disastrous crash but of a gift of a 'new' life? What can any of us learn from the honest and open sharing of ordinary people who came back from the brink of death?"
24 OverflowMag.com July 2012
JEREMY CAMP
I Still Believe: The Number Ones Collection www.JeremyCamp.com
PAUL BALOCHE The Same Love
www.LeadWorship.com
MY ROCK
SCRIPTURES I STAND ON
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This is my favorite Bible verse because it tells me that our Father God is with me all the time. Regardless of the situation that I might be faced with, He will always be by my side to carry me through it. This verse gives me the strength that I need during trials and during moments of weakness. It means so much to me that I wrote a song inspired by it recently.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ROLSON RAGBIR
Have a favorite Scripture that you stand on? We are always looking for new people to share what God’s Word means to them. Let us know and we’ll photograph you! E-mail us at contact@overflowmag.com.
25
July 2012 Love+Faith+Hope
HIGHLIGHT
SEEKING WISE COUNSEL “Plans fail for lack of counsel.” (Proverbs 15:22a, NIV)
S
nyder Financial Group, Inc. occupies an unassuming vintage home in the Old Hyde Park section of Tampa. The charming blue and white cottage is inviting, but it is the knowledge, expertise, and adherence to God’s principles found inside that is most impressive. Snyder Financial Group is a full-service wealth management firm, specializing in creating financial strategies that allow clients to pursue their goals and dreams (www.sfgtampa.com). Bruce Snyder founded the group in Brandon, Florida, in 1985, but the real origins of his company stretch back more than half a century and half way across the nation. Bruce Snyder was born in Indiana, the second of ten children. His grandfather was a pastor, and Christian principles were always a part of his family’s culture. Every summer, Bruce’s grandmother would come to help his parents with the needs of an ever-growing family. She always brought the joy of serving Christ along with games, songs, and extra positive attention. When Bruce graduated from high school, his grandmother presented him with the Book of Psalms and a letter reminding him of what would become his favorite scripture: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
BY ANNE CHILDERS
and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33, KJV). After taking some college courses, Bruce found a position in the manufacturing and engineering field. He liked the security it provided him and his family, but there wasn’t much else about the job that ignited Bruce’s passion for helping others. He satisfied that desire by volunteering at his local church, which ultimately brought about a life-changing decision. Through his church-based volunteer work, Bruce met a well-established life insurance agent and was offered a position in sales. It would take a leap of faith to leave a secure salary for a commission only position that required three years of training. Bruce took that leap and never looked back. After 11 years of working and learning the insurance and financial industry, Bruce opened his own office and completed all educational requirements to become a Certified Financial Planner™. Snyder Financial Group, Inc. was founded on Christian values and, still today, their vision is to help others achieve a better future. Using financial planning as the core, the team at Snyder Financial Group strives to create a road map for success and security based on each individual client’s needs. For over 25 years, Snyder Financial Group has been “helping clients make smart financial decisions.” In 2001, Bruce’s son, Donald Snyder, joined the group as a partner. Don’s plans were initially focused on international business after completing an undergraduate degree at
26 OverflowMag.com July 2012
Stetson and an M.B.A. from Nova Southeastern University. He worked for several years as an internal consultant before “God orchestrated a move to the family business.” Father and son both enjoy the freedom that working independently allows. Advice is client-driven, not sales-driven, and always based on Biblical principles. Bruce and Don work objectively as they pursue the best possible strategies for their clients, believing that seeking wise counsel goes both ways. They focus on areas such as cash flow, tax assessment, and estate and retirement planning. Additionally, a complimentary “second-opinion” service is available to review one’s financial household, which may include: 401(k) and IRA analysis, an introduction to values-based investing, and charitable or tax planning education. Both Bruce and Don are Qualified Kingdom Advisors and teach their clients to look beyond just the numbers to overall goals, while applying the principles of good stewardship. Bruce and Don not only teach these principles, but also endeavor to live out these principles themselves. They also give back to the community through personal involvement with local chambers, the Red Cross, Rotary Clubs, and church and ministry programs. To learn more about this dynamic group, visit them online at www.sfgtampa.com or call 813-251-9095. Seeking wise counsel is only a phone call away. Schedule a complimentary secondopinion review of your finances and retirement plans with experts grounded in Biblical principles. See Snyder Financial Group’s ad on page 13. ■
LOCAL CHURCH SERVICES Agape Faith Fellowship Church
6805 U.S. Hwy 301 S., Riverview, 33578 813-571-9314, www.agapefaithfc.org Sun., 10:30am
Alafia Baptist Church
222 Alafia Baptist Church Rd., Lithia, 33547 813-634-8845 Sun., 9:45am, 11am, & 6pm, Wed., 7pm
Anointed Word Church
1709 St. Joseph St., Tampa, 33607 813-254-5271, www.anointedwordchurch.com Sun., 10:30am, Wed., 7pm
Atonement Lutheran Church
29617 SR 54, Wesley Chapel, 33543 813-973-2211, www.be-at-1.org Sun., 10am
Bell Shoals Baptist Church
2102 Bell Shoals Rd., Brandon, 33511 813-689-4229, www.bellshoals.com Sun., 9:15am & 11am, Wed., 7pm
Bethel Church
1510 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, 33603 813-238-2348, www.betheltampa.org Sun., 10:10am, Wed., 7pm
Branch of Christ Ministries
27223 SR 56, Wesley Chapel, 33544 813-435-1469 Sun., 10am
Candlewood Community Church
21418 Carson Dr., Land O' Lakes, 34639 813-956-1541, www.candlewoodfl.org Sun., 10:30am
Centerpointe Community Church
8610 Temple Terrace Hwy, Tampa, 33637 813-988-3557, www.centerpointecommunity.com Sun., 10am
Christ Apostolic Church Tampa 10620 Henderson Rd., Tampa, 33625 813-899-2464, www.cactampa.org Sun., 9am & 10am
Christ CP Church
19501 Holly Lane, Lutz, 33548 813-909-9789, www.christchurchlutz.org Sun., 10:30am
Christian Family Church
Meeting at The Italian Club 1731 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, 33605 813-802-8736, www.cfctampa.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
Cornerstone Presbyterian Church
First Reformed Church of Tampa
Countryside Baptist Church
First Thonotosassa Missionary Baptist Church
17520 Marsh Road, Lutz, 33558 813-962-3584, www.cpclutz.org Sun., 9:30am & 11am, Wed., 7pm
13422 Sydney Road, Dover, 33527 813-571-8200, www.countrysidebaptistchurch.net Sun., 9:30am, 10:45am & 6pm, Wed., 7pm
CrossRoads Community United Methodist Church
26211 County Line Rd., Wesley Chapel, 33544 813-907-5815, www.crossroadsum.com Sun., 9am & 10:30am
Deliverance Christian Connection Ministry 2130 W. Brandon Blvd., Ste. 203, Brandon, 33511 813-401-7223, www.dccministry.org Sun., 10am, Wed., 7pm, Sat., 9am
Dwelling Place
410 County Line Rd. W., Lutz, 33548 813-949-1912, www.thedwellingplace.us Sun., 10:30am & 2pm (Spanish), Wed., 7pm
E_Life Chapel
3806 N. 12th St., Tampa, 33603 813-924-6553, www.elifechapel.com Sun., 10:30am
Epistle of Christ Ministries
610 W. Waters Ave., Tampa, 33604 813-785-4519, www.epistleofchrist.org Sun., 9:45am, Thurs., 7pm
Extraordinary Life Church 5808 Lynn Rd., Tampa, 33624 813-610-6554
www.myextraordinarylifechurch.com
Sun., 9:45am, 12:30pm (Spanish)
Faith Family Worship Center
14514 Del Valle Rd., Tampa, 33625 813-920-3685, www.ffwc.org Sun., 10:30am & 6pm, Wed., 7pm
Faith Life Church
4902 East Busch Blvd., Tampa, 33617 813-910-7336, www.flctampa.org Sun., 9:30 & 11am, Wed. & Thurs., 7pm
Family Harvest Worship Church Meeting at Hunters Green Elementary 9202 Highland Oak Dr., Tampa, 33647 813-973-FHWC, www.fhwc.net Sun., 10am
First Baptist Church of College Hill 3838 North 29th St., Tampa, 33610 813-248-6600, www.fbcch.org Sun., 7:30am, 10am, & 12pm
First Baptist of New Tampa
28125 County Line Rd., Wesley Chapel, 33543 813-907-1685, www.fbcnewtampa.org Sun., 9:15am, 10:30am, & 6pm
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8283 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, 33615 813-886-6210, www.frctampa.org Sun., 9:30am & 11am
10650 McIntosh Rd., Thonotosassa, 33592 813-986-4756, www.thonotosassabaptist.org Sun., 9:45 am, 11am & 6pm, Wed., 7pm
Floodgates Community Church
Meeting at Bartels Middle School 9020 Imperial Oaks Blvd., Tampa, 33647 813-406-1971, www.floodgateschurch.org Sun., 10:30am
Gateway Christian Center Assembly of God
14200 North Central Ave., Tampa, 33613 813-961-4692, www.gatewaytampa.net Sun., 9:45am, 10:45am & 6pm, Wed., 7pm
Grace Family Church
5101 Van Dyke Rd., Lutz, 33558 813-265-4151, www.GFConline.com Sat., 5 & 7pm, Sun., 9:30am & 11:45am
Grace Outreach Ministries
1900 Oak Grove Blvd., Lutz, 33559 813-316-6606 Sun., 10:30am
Grow Life Church
Meeting at Veterans Elementary School 26940 Progress Pkwy., Wesley Chapel, 33544 813-406-8963, www.growlifechurch.com Sun., 9:30am & 11:15am
Heritage Church
1854 Oak Grove Blvd., Lutz, 33559 813-909-4080, www.yesheritage.com Sun., 10am, Wed., 7pm
House of Prayer Church
6305 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, 33610 813-994-5694, www.houseofprayerchurch.org Sun., 10:30am, Wed., 7pm
JTB Ministries/The Daily Word
38621 Calvin Ave., Zephyrhills, 33542 813-285-1846, www.jtbministries.com Sat., 6pm
Keystone Community Church
21010 SR 54, Lutz, 33558 813-962-4522, www.keystonecommunity.org Sun., 9:30am & 10:30am
Kingdom Worship Center
1102 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, 33612 813-443-5720, www.kwctoday.com Sun., 10am, Thurs., 7pm
Legacy Church
2702 Causeway Center Dr., Tampa, 33619 813-770-LIFE, www.legacyfam.com Sat., 6pm
Torre Fuerte Tampa
Life Changing International Church
Open Arms Church of Ybor City
Light Christian Ministries
Palma Ceia United Methodist Church
2106 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico, 33594 813-653-9358, www.lifechangingintlministry.com Sun., 1:45pm, Mon., Wed. & Fri., 7:30pm
730 W. Robertson St., Brandon, 33511 813-458-6252, www.lightcm.org Sun., 10am, Tues.& Wed., 7pm
Manhattan Baptist Church
4300 South Manhattan Ave., Tampa, 33611 813-831-1951, www.manhattanbaptist.org Sun., 9:30am, 10:45am, & 6pm, Wed., 7pm
Myrtle Lake Baptist Church
2017 Reigler Rd., 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 813-971-6961 Sun., 9am, 11am, & 6:30pm, Wed., 6:30pm
New Millennium Community Church
4810 E. Busch Blvd., Suite I, Tampa, 33617 813-381-5463, www.newmillenniumchurch.org Sun., 8:30am & 11am, Wed., 7:30pm
New Wine Outreach Ministry
6213 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, 33610 813-443-4503 Sun., 11am, Wed., 7:30pm, 2nd & 4th Fri., 7pm
NorthBridge Church
Meeting at John Long Middle School 2025 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel, 33543 813-319-4588, www.northbridgechurch.info Sun., 10am
North Pointe Church
2427 Old Cypress Creek Rd., Land O' Lakes, 34639 813-545-9420, www.thenpc.org Sun., 9:15 am & 11am
Northwest Tampa Church of God 5131 Gunn Highway, Tampa, 33624 813-961-7278, www.nwtcog.cc Sun., 10:30am, Wed., 7pm
Oakwood Community Church
11209 Casey Rd., Tampa, 33618 813-969-2303, www.oakwoodfl.org Sun., 10:30am
Oasis World Outreach
35636 SR 54 West, Zephyrhills, 33541 813-782-2888, www.oasisworldoutreach.org Sun., 10am, Wed., 7pm
1314 E. 18th Ave., Tampa, 33605 813-248-2595, www.openarmschurch.org Sun., 10:30am, Wed., 7pm 3723 W. Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa, 33629 813-837-1541, www.palmaceiaumc.org Sun., 8:30am, 9:15am, & 10:30am
Meeting at Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church 19911 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa, 33647 813-410-7220, Spanish Services Sat., 7pm
Trinity Alliance Church
2577 Keystone Rd., Tarpon Springs, 34688 727-943-8286, www.trinityalliancetarpon.com Sun., 10:15am
Real Life Church
6821 W. Waters Ave., Tampa, 33634 813-243-2333, www.thereallifechurch.com Sun., 8:30am & 10am
Reality Church Tampa
1000 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 33602 813-228-8700, www.realitychurchtampa.com Sun., 10am
Remix Church
Meeting at South Brandon Worship Center 4929 Bell Shoals Rd., Valrico, 33596 813-661-2273, www.theremixchurch.org Sun., 5pm
Trinity Church of Wesley Chapel
33425 SR 54, Wesley Chapel, 33543 813-788-2898, www.trinitychurchnow.com Sun., 10:15am & 12:34pm
Trinity Presbyterian Church
14925 North Boulevard, Tampa, 33616 813-961-5836, www.trinitytampa.com Sun., 9:30am, 11am & 6pm, Wed., 6:15pm
Victorious Life Church
6224 Old Pasco Rd., Wesley Chapel, 33544 813-973-2230, www.victoriouslifechurch.com Sun., 9am, 10:40am & 6pm, Wed., 7pm
Revival Worship Church
9270 Bay Plaza Blvd., Suite 600, Tampa, 33619 813-621-8886, www.revivalworshipchurch.com Sun., 10:30am, Wed., 7pm, Fri., 7pm
River of Life
410 Chapman Rd. East, Lutz, 33549 813-949-9931, www.riveroflife-lutz.org Sun., 10am, Wed., 7pm
Vida Community Church
Meeting at The Dwelling Place 410 W. County Line Rd., Lutz, 33558 813-810-0863, www.vidacommunitychurch.org Bilingual-Spanish Services Sun., 2pm, Thurs., 7pm
Water’s Edge Church
Shoresh David Messianic Synagogues 813-831-5673, www.shoreshdavid.org Tampa: 4320 Bay to Bay Blvd., 33269 Fri., 7:30pm, Sat., 11am, Tues., 6pm Wesley Chapel: 33425 SR 54, 33543 Fri., 7:30pm Brandon: 4929 Bell Shoals Rd., 33596 Fri., 7:30pm
30200 Overpass Rd., Wesley Chapel, 33545 813-994-5000, www.connectingfaith.com Sun., 11am, Wed., Kids 6:30pm, Adults 7pm
Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church
6100 Memorial Highway, Tampa, 33615 813-886-2536, www.wesleymemorial.net Sun., 9am & 11:15am, Wed., 6:30pm
St. James House of Prayer Episcopal Church
Without Walls Intl. Church
St. James Methodist Church
Zephyrhills First Assembly
3860 W. Columbus Dr., Tampa, 33607 813-879-4673, www.withoutwalls.org Sun., 9am & 11am, Wed., 7pm
2708 N. Central Ave., Tampa, 33602 813-223-6090, www.sjhoptpa.org Sun., 9am & 11:30am 16202 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa, 33647 813-971-4790, www.stjamestampa.org Sun., 9:30am, 11am & 12:30pm
36322 SR 54, Zephyrhills, 33541 813-788-3490, www.zephyrhillsfirst.com Sun., 10am, Wed., 7pm
Tampa Covenant Church
13320 Lake Magdalene Blvd., Tampa, 33618 813-968-2979, www.tampacovenantchurch.org Sun., 9:30am, Wed., 7pm
Terrace Palms Community Church 9620 Davis Rd., Tampa, 33637 813-985-9279, www.terracepalms.org Sun., 9am & 10:30am, Wed., 7pm
The Gathering: A Wesleyan Church
813-767-7624, www.thegatheringwc.com Call for Summer Service Times
ADD YOUR CHURCH 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: Contact@OverflowMag.com
29
July 2012 Love+Faith+Hope
EVENTS JULY/AUGUST
JULY 1
1-7
3
Celebrate America!
Bell Shoals Baptist Church 2102 Bell Shoals Rd., Brandon 813-689-4229 *Blue Grass Band, Barbershop Quartet, classic cars, games, contests, & food 4:30pm-8:30pm
Red, White & Zoo Week
Lowry Park Zoo 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa 813-935-8552 www.lowryparkzoo.com *FREE admission for military and up to 3 direct dependants with military ID 9:30am-5pm, open until 8pm on the 7th
$2 Entry at Glazer Children's Museum
12 & 26 The Daughters of Christ - FL Chapter
Teleconference every 2nd & 4th Thursday Dial: 712-432-3100, Code: 238638 Info: 813-447-5017 or dsocflorida@gmail.com "We are a Love-driven, Christ-centered & Ministry-focused Society of Kingdom Sisters" 9pm
13 & 27 Introduction to Ballroom Dance Class & Practice Party
Presented by Theresa Moore Unity of Tampa Church Fellowship Hall 3302 W. Horatio St., Tampa RSVP: 813-417-3722 or martreel@aol.com 6:30pm, $5
14
110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa 813-443-3861 www.glazermuseum.org 2pm-7pm
3 & 17 National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMI Support Group
14
Branch of Christ Ministries 27223 SR 56, Wesley Chapel For more info: 813-918-3205 *For friends, family members & caregivers of a person with a mental health issue 7pm-8:30pm
10
New Tampa Women's Prayer Connection Bob Evans, 16314 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa Contact Becky for more info: 813-961-2810 9am-10am
1st Annual Daily Word Golf Tournament
16-20 Adventures on Promise Island VBS Ages 5 - 5th Grade
Heritage Church 1854 Oak Grove Blvd., Lutz 813-909-4080 www.yesheritage.com *Games, crafts, snacks, live worship 9am-12pm, $5 per child
17
New Tampa Women's Connection Luncheon Karen & Joe Senkovich, Extreme Home Makeover Tampa Palms Country Club 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd., Tampa Reservations: 352-458-3267 or dayoung3@verizon.net 11am-1pm, $17
Links of Lake Bernadette Golf Course 5430 Golf Links Blvd., Zephyrhills For more info: 813-285-1846 www.jtbministries.com *To benefit JTB Ministries 9am, $50 per player (includes lunch)
22
The Demi Lobo Most Talented Competition Calling All Talented Kids under 12
30
Music Showcase 402 Oakfield Dr., Brandon 813-685-5998 www.musicshowcaseonline.com *$10,000 Grand Prize 11:30am-3pm, $25 Registration Fee
$5 Zoo Day
Lowry Park Zoo 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa 813-935-8552 www.lowryparkzoo.com 9:30am-5pm
Eddie James Night of Worship
Bethel Church 1510 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa www.ejworship.org For more info: 813-931-1252 7pm, Free Will Offering
ADD YOUR EVENT
16-20 VBS 2012 - Amazing Wonders Aviation Bell Shoals Baptist Church 2102 Bell Shoals Rd., Brandon 813-689-4229 8:45am-12pm
If you would like to add an upcoming event to our calendar, please submit the event name, date(s), time(s), location(s), & a short description of the event to:
events@overflowmag.com
Deadlines are the 15th* of each month *Space is limited
AUGUST 2-5
4
MEGA Sport Camp: Beyond the Gold VBS
Vida Community Church 410 W. County Line Rd., Lutz 813-474-6376 www.vidacc.org 9am-12pm
A Red Carpet Event at the "I Am Not Ashamed" Youth Conference
Presented by New Wine Outreach Ministry East Chelsea Street Church 7225 E. Chelsea St., Tampa For more info: 813-443-4503 *For Ages 12-21/Formal Attire Required **Music, Food, Photo Ops, Fashion Show 6pm-10pm, $20 (at the door)
7 & 21 National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMI Support Group
Branch of Christ Ministries 27223 SR 56, Wesley Chapel For more info: 813-918-3205 *For friends, family members & caregivers of a person with a mental health issue 7pm-8:30pm
9-11
Flight Like a Girl Women's Conference with Martha Munizzi & Lisa Bevere
Faith Assembly 2008 N. Goldenrod Rd., Orlando 407-834-5620 www.marthamunizzi.com 5:30pm (Thurs.), 8:30am (Fri.), & 9:30am (Sat.), $79
10-11 "Treasured" A Weekend Event for Teen Girls
By Southeast Region Open Bible Ministries Hope Church 7100 142nd Ave., Largo 727-459-7679, jeannerodgers315@gmail.com www.openbible-se.org *Speaker: Mayra Gomez of Model4Jesus 3pm (Fri.) & 10am (Sat.), $25
10 & 24 Introduction to Ballroom Dance Class & Practice Party
30 OverflowMag.com July 2012
Presented by Theresa Moore Unity of Tampa Church Fellowship Hall 3302 W. Horatio St., Tampa RSVP: 813-417-3722 or martreel@aol.com 6:30pm, $5
11
TACE Summer Concert Mixer with Kim Burrell, God's Chozen, GC3 & Kaci Stewart Center for Manifestation 3102 East Lake Avenue, Tampa 813-664-1419 www.taceentertainment.com 6pm, $15
17
Sidewalk Prophets Concert
River of Life Christian Center 6605 Krycul Ave., Riverview 813-677-4453 www.riveroflifechristiancenter.org 7:30pm, $16 (general admission)
27-30 Feeding Children Everywhere: Project 3 Packaging 3 Million Meals for Children in the U.S. KForce Headquarters 1001 E. Palm Ave., Tampa www.feedingchildreneverywhere.com *Six one hour shifts per day 8:15am-6pm