UPCOMING EVENTS | INSPIRATION | CHURCH LISTING | LOCAL SPOTLIGHT | YOUR SALVATION | CONTRIBUTORS
OVERFLOWMAG.COM | MARCH 2012
BORN TO
SMILE SmileFaith Foundation - helping people smile from the inside out
Eternally Cleansed
IS GOD YOUR CEO? A GIFT AT THE PERFECT TIME
He Will Never Leave Real People, True Stories, In Your Backyard
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March 2012 Love+Faith+Hope
CONTENTS EXPECTED 6 10 12 16 20 22 26 28 29 30
FROM THE EDITOR CONTRIBUTOR MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT SALVATION RESOURCES MAGNIFY HIM HIGHLIGHT MY ROCK EVENTS LOCAL CHURCHES
FEATURED
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Hope With Every Smile The story behind SmileFaith Foundation and how they help people smile again through dental care and life coaching, including the personal journey of Rosemarie, the foundation's first recipient and Special Ambassador.
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WHOSE BUSINESS IS IT?
10
DIRTY HANDPRINTS
18
GOOD COMPANY
22
HIDDEN TREASURE
Chapter One: A short story that follows the life of a young smallbusiness owner, Darla, who learns a valuable lesson about the management of her business.
We've all had smudged handprints of sin in our past, but through the sacrificial blood of God’s perfect Son, the grimy handprints of sin can be erased in our lives through Jesus Christ.
Learn why Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us, even when we mess up and sin.
An intriguing discovery in her parents' home allowed Debbie to share the story behind a thirty-yearold gift, given at the perfect time.
FROM FROM THE EDITOR EDITOR
facebook.com/overflowmagazine linkedin.com/company/overflow-magazine-of-tampa-bay
MARCH 2012, Issue 25 ____________________________________ Editor | Amie Cherp amie@overflowmag.com also their families. Check out the awesome story (on page 12) of this foundation and their first recipient, Rosemarie. It is remarkable how God even uses dental services to bring people closer to Jesus.
Dear Friends, This month Spring begins, which will bring some warmer weather and fun in the sun. I am looking forward to bringing my kids to the beach! My son has been asking to go for the last few months. He really enjoys playing in the sand, building castles and digging holes to play in. At home, since he doesn’t have the sand, he likes to go in the flower beds and play in the dirt. He digs holes and buries his toys in the soil. Obviously, he gets filthy, from head to toe. When he comes inside he leaves dirty handprints, that is, if I don’t catch him before washing him up! In Kerry Johnson’s article this month, read about how Jesus Christ removes all the “dirty handprints” from our spirit. If Jesus is not in your life, then make Him your Lord and Savior today and all those dirty handprints of sin will be erased forever. Visit our salvation section on page 16. Our cover this month features Rosemarie Glade of the SmithFaith Foundation. Before now, I had never heard of a ministry that gives help to individuals needing extensive dental services, while also providing life coaching and continuing emotional and spiritual support. SmithFaith is a great ministry helping people to smile from the inside out. They meet physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of their recipients and form lasting relationships with them. They help these recipients to smile again, which not only helps the individuals but
Recently, our Father God revealed to me to say aloud “Jesus Christ is my wisdom” before I go into a situation where I need His guidance (which I think is needed in every circumstance). This invites Jesus into the situation and gives Him the opportunity to give us wisdom anytime and anywhere. James 1:5 (NKJV) tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Each day, let’s ask God for wisdom and He will generously supply it, which enables us to face situations with confidence knowing He is there guiding us. His wisdom never runs out, so you can always come back for more. So no matter what you are going through, you have God to guide you. You simply have to ask Him and He will never disappoint you. Many times, we may not think to ask God for wisdom and help, especially at our jobs or our businesses. In “Whose Business Is It?” by Tommy Burrus, we learn of a young business owner who realizes she hasn’t included God in her business. Read chapter one of this captivating short story on page 8. I really enjoy these modern parables; let us know what you think on facebook (www.facebook.com/ overflowmagazine). Want to help us get to 1000 fans on facebook? Just Like us and spread the Word to others! I hope you have a Jesus-filled March! With Love in Him,
Amie Cherp
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Sales & Marketing | Chris Cherp chris@overflowmag.com Creative | Brady Wright brady@overflowmag.com Creative | Amanda Wright amanda@overflowmag.com Asst. Editor / Writer | Tommy Burrus Asst. Editor | Alexandra Corrick 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.
© 2009-2012 Eternal Holdings LLC. All rights reserved. Photo Credits: ©iStockphoto.com/mattjeacock, p. 2; ©iStockphoto.com/sborisov, p. 7; ©iStockphoto.com/esolla, p. 8; ©iStockphoto.com/ugurhan, p. 9; ©iStockphoto. com/jurden, p. 10; ©iStockphoto.com/Deejpilot, p. 11; ©iStockphoto.com/ebstock, p. 11; ©iStockphoto.com/ImagineGolf, p. 16; ©iStockphoto.com/pixdeluxe, p. 17; ©iStockphoto.com/redgoldwing, p. 18; ©OctoberBabyMovie.net, p. 20; ©iStockphoto. com/Dewitt, p. 22; ©iStockphoto.com/galinast, p. 26; ©iStockphoto.com/leonarth, p. 31.
WHOSE BUSINESS IS IT? CHAPTER ONE A SHORT STORY BY TOMMY BURRUS
I
didn't have to look at the caller ID to know who was calling. It was the upbeat ringtone I had reserved for my best friend, Lea. I really wasn't up to talking to anyone today, but I know Lea. If I didn't answer, she'd just continue to call or even drop by, so I accepted the call. "Darla, honey, what's wrong? You sound out of it,” Lea said. “I thought we were going to lunch today. I waited for you after the service, but I never saw you." Her sincerity and concern were evident. I've had some Christian friends who could have used the same words but weighted them with a tone of judgment. Judgment was not in Lea's vocabulary. I explained that I was having a rough morning and lunch had
completely slipped my mind. I tried to suggest that we get together another time when I could be better company, but Lea said she would bring lunch over. I had just managed to get changed when the doorbell rang. When I opened the door, I had to squint because of the bright sunny day glaring at me over my friend's shoulder. Lea came just beyond the doorway and wrapped me in a huge hug. I could feel the weight of the deli bags rustling on my back. My thoughtful friend had stopped at Such a Ham Delicatessen, my favorite place, and I didn't have the heart to tell her that my stomach was too clenched for me to even eat. That was all it took to open the floodgates of tears. Lea shepherded me into the kitchen and sat me in a chair. The next thing I knew, tissues and a cup of water were on the table in front of me, and my friend was seated next to me gently patting my back. The deli bags had been laid aside on the kitchen counter, forgotten for the moment. I searched for words to explain my situation, and I realized I hadn't been honest with myself, much less with Lea. I managed to blurt out, "I feel like such a failure," before I was racked again with sobs.
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"You are not a failure. You are a daughter of the King," Lea said. "That's the worst part. I feel like God has let me down as well," I said. I explained to my friend that my business was in trouble. I had always tried to be hopeful and have faith that God would bless my business, but I was faced with the grim truth that I had left a stable job to start up a business that would not survive. Even worse, how could I ever hope to find another job in this economy? What was I thinking? I know exactly what I was thinking: I was thinking that God was going to bless my business. I had prayed and asked God to allow the leasing agent to meet my terms for the space in the strip mall if it was His will for me to go into business for myself. When the lease was signed, I gave my notice at my job without a thought. Now I was on the hook for a lease and
"You know, the best business plan you could have is to give God control of your store and your life." for inventory that wasn't moving. Soon, my savings would be gone, and I would be bankrupt and facing foreclosure. Lea asked about my business plan, and I didn't know what to say. I don't know anything about business plans, and I was surprised that Lea did. I had no research. I did have a perfectly decorated store that no one visited. I had display cases and shelves filled with beautiful merchandise that no
one seemed to want, and I had a dream that reality was crushing to death. "Darla, you have a beautiful shop and a great location. You definitely have a flair for creativity, just like our Heavenly Father does, but God also has a plan. He organizes and arranges everything with precision. He can teach you how to do that also." I had never thought of my creativity coming from God, nor had I ever thought that He would be involved in my business. "What is God going to be? My bookkeeper?" My hand flew to my mouth as I realized what I said, but Lea gently took my hand away from my face, and smiled as she said, "Yes, and your managing partner as well." Lea began to tell me about someone named Mark who she knew from her Bible study group. "Lea, I don't need a date!" I wailed. "Darla, it's not like that. He is a business consultant, and he's helped a lot of businesses get on solid ground," she explained. "But what happened to God helping me?" I asked. Lea explained to me that God was helping by bringing the right people alongside to help, and then she said, "You know, the best business plan you could have is to give God control of your store and your life." "What do you mean? I've been saved, and I go to church. I missed today, but you know I go to church pretty often." "Darla, I love you. You know I do," Lea said. I felt the depth of her words in my very soul. She continued, "I just mean to say that it is easy for us to do things for God instead of with God. He doesn't just want us to check in with Him. God is able to take our sinful selves and make us righteous and holy. Surely, He is able to turn a business around." Lea was right. I had blamed God, but I never really had given God a chance to be involved. It wasn't fair of me to leave Him out of everything except the blame. With those thoughts, I felt the dead seed of hope begin to spread roots in my heart. And along with hope, my appetite returned. â– Want more? See the April issue for the next chapter. This story is fictional and just being used as a means to teach. The names, characters, places, businesses, and events were made up or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to real people, places, businesses, or events is completely coincidental.
CONTRIBUTOR
DIRTY HANDPRINTS BY KERRY JOHNSON
“IT'S
time to eat!" Usually the words brought my boys running toward the door, but they were engaged in a light saber battle with invisible foes on the other side of our yard. Calling out again, I leaned against the corner wall next to our lanai doors. Even though it had been a cloudy day, the sun managed to burst through with one final dazzling explosion of light. Bright rays of flame-lit gold shot across the yard and into our lanai, illuminating the corner wall I waited against. I glanced down and frowned. Up and down the corner were faint, child-sized handprints. The prints climbed the corner wall, evoking images of boys hanging from tree limbs and little fingers searching for bugs in wet dirt and grass. The handprints were large misshapen freckles on the light tan wall. How quickly things get dirty again. I need to clean those off. The entire inside of our house had been painted two years ago, and I could no longer ignore the marks, handprints, and scuffs that were appearing – side effects of having active, dirt-loving boys. Grabbing a couple wipes, I scrubbed at the handprints vigorously. With the powerful
rays of light guiding me, I began erasing the offending marks that had gripped the corner wall for too long. This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:5-9, NKJV, emphasis added) Each of our lives is smudged with the handprints of sin. Whether one believes in the Cross of Calvary and God’s inerrant Word or not doesn't change that truth. The marks are there, and they show the true condition of the spirit without Jesus...dark and broken. Because of the dirty handprints, we were far removed from God, who “is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” But praise the Lord for His amazing grace! Through the sacrificial blood of God’s perfect Son, the grimy handprints of sin are erased from the lives of believers. This happens when we place our faith in Jesus and His completed work on the cross.
In the devotional, My Utmost For His Highest, Oswald Chambers said, “The great miracle of the grace of God is that He forgives sin, and it is the death of Jesus Christ alone that enables the Divine nature [the pureness, wholeness, and light of God] to forgive and to remain true to itself in doing so…. The love of God means Calvary – nothing less!” (Day: November 19) I finished scrubbing the corner and breathed a sigh of relief. The searching sunlight showed no evidence of the dirty handprints. No one can come before the perfect Maker marred by the dark grime of this world. Only through faith in Jesus and with the forgiveness of our sin are we able to approach the throne of God with confidence, because our Savior thoroughly and lovingly wiped the dirty handprints from the wall of our spirit. God’s Word promises that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8, NKJV). When you place your faith in Him, Jesus provides forgiveness, hope, and peace far beyond what could ever be found in the world. If you would like to ask Jesus to be your Savior today, please go to the Salvation section on page 16 . “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” (John 1:29, NKJV) ■
“Through the sacrificial blood of God’s perfect Son, the grimy handprints of sin are erased from the lives of believers.”
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FEATURED
MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT
FROM LEFT: DR. MIKE, ROSEMARIE & TOM
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HOPE WITH BY AMANDA WRIGHT
EVERY SMILE H
ave you ever thought about how significant your smile is? It says something unique about you to the world, and it also affects the overall health of your body. A smile can paint a picture that is deceiving to onlookers. It can cause a lack of self-esteem and affect the job you get. Your smile can be a window to your past and a constant reminder of mistakes. How can a smile affect so much? Most of us take our smiles for granted. We’ve been blessed with the ability to obtain good oral health and keep our smiles intact. Our life circumstances haven’t erased our smiles from our faces. However, there are so many people out there who hide their faces when they laugh or cover their mouths when they talk. Strangers judge them before they get the chance to know them. They can’t afford dental care, so how can they change their situation? These people have overcome adversity and transformed their lives, but one thing is left missing – the smile that is unique to each of us. SmileFaith Foundation in New Port Richey exists to change just that.
BRIDGING THE GAP Tom Lane, founder and president of SmileFaith, and his wife, Chrissie, saw such a need during the course of everyday business while providing affordable dental plans to individuals, families, and businesses. Tom is the President of both Healthcare National Marketing, Inc., an insurance agency, and National Association for Medical & Dental, Inc., a nonprofit association. He has also been a pastor for over 45 years, including serving as a Navy Chaplin. Tom and Chrissie believe God gave them a vision through their business – a way in which they could help these individuals, who could not afford dental care, find their smile again. The agency was doing well, so they decided it could help fund a foundation that aids people who need extensive dental work to smile once more.
The tooth fairy got the foundation’s ball rolling as its very first recipient in July 2009. Yes, the tooth fairy – better known as Rosemarie Glade. Fresh out of rehab, living in a halfway house, and working a new job, Rosemarie dressed up and waved to drivers on behalf of the dental insurance agency while holding a sign that boasted of $5 co-pays. Things were looking up. She was earning visitation rights with her daughter, Lisa Rose, and her past was behind her. Or was it? “Ironically enough, I was a tooth fairy with rotten teeth,” Rosemarie said. A serious drug addiction had devastated her smile and served as a terrible souvenir for an unwanted trip down memory lane. “Every time I looked in the mirror, it was right there; it was very real,” Rosemarie said. She went to the dentist and left in tears with a $10,000 dental plan to fix her mistake. Tom, with the vision already planted in his heart, put Rosemarie on dental insurance, partnered with a dentist for discounts, and found grant money to help her bring the bill down to a manageable amount. Rosemarie got her smile back and SmileFaith Foundation was born.
ON A MISSION TO SMILE AGAIN Tom’s desire to help people smile from the inside out became a reality. The foundation, according to Dr. Mike O’Carroll, Executive Director of SmileFaith, “exists to provide substantial dental care and counseling to the disadvantaged.” What became clear is that SmileFaith is not just concerned with smiles. They seek to build lasting relationships with recipients and help them navigate the trials of life before and after the dental work is complete. Tom brought on Dr. Mike in 2010 to help with this endeavor. As fate would have it, they graduated from the same seminary in North Carolina. Dr. Mike is an experienced counselor and pastor and has served as a missionary and church planter. Between the two of them, they can provide life coaching to the foundation’s recipients and facilitate the means to take care of their physical needs. Meeting the recipients’ needs both physically and emotionally opens the door to sharing Jesus Christ. Dr. Mike said, “It’s much like the same model Jesus used. He went around and met their physical needs and then He preached the Gospel. That’s what we need to do as Believers as well.” So, how do these physical needs get met? Through the foundation's Smile Again Program. A person with severe dental needs and financial difficulties can be nominated by family, friends,
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March 2012 Love+Faith+Hope
PRAISE REPORTS I would love to tell the world how great SmileFaith Foundation was on saving my life and giving me a chance to smile for the rest of my life. I think the best way to show and tell the world is to smile every day of the rest of my life and do everything I can do to help SmileFaith spread a word and smile around the world. Thank you so much SmileFaith for giving me a smile to share with the world!” -- SUSANNA KOZAK
recent article that indicated, “43 percent of people are putting dental off because of financial reasons and 78 million people will lose all of their teeth.” Unfortunately, losing teeth could be the least of the problems. The lack of dental care can cause an infection, which can turn into other serious issues down the road. Dr. Mike explained that most people can fight off these infections; however, those with a weaker immune system may see the infection spread to other parts of the body. The moral of the story is: stay on top of your oral health! Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day is great, but make sure you visit your dentist for a cleaning every six months. Tom said it could add 15 years to your life. Now doesn’t that make you smile?
Thank you SmileFaith for giving me back my life free of pain and for giving me so much more confidence. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to see my son grow up before all the infections took over!" -- MARIA SMITH
A TEAM EFFORT
co-workers, church members, or others in the community, but they cannot nominate themselves. Nominators are encouraged to stand with the person throughout the process and support them. Nominations must be received through an application, which should state the dental problems and the circumstances surrounding their financial issues. Dr. Mike shared that many of the nominees often have life issues that contribute to their situation, such as recovering from a drug addiction, abuse, accidents, or neglect of dental care due to homelessness and job loss. Tom said that SmileFaith is “looking for somebody who is really committed to change,” and for that reason, “if a person has been on drugs, they have to be [in recovery] for at least six months.” SmileFaith not only helps individuals rebuild their smile, but also helps people in emergency situations with pain and infection in their mouth. Many are unaware of the detrimental effects that neglected oral hygiene can have on the rest of the body. Too often, people ignore their teeth and gums because they cannot afford regular dentist visits. Tom said he read a
The team at SmileFaith reviews every application, and if a nominee appears to be someone that could be selected for the Smile Again Program, they are asked to bring in a treatment plan from a dentist. Tom said, “The average [dental plan] can be between $6,000 and $10,000.” Once a recipient is chosen for the program, SmileFaith gets to work locating and bringing together all of the resources necessary to get the treatment plan funded. The foundation provides grant money to the recipient and also accepts donations from the nominee’s supporters, which goes directly to their dental care. SmileFaith also offers free dental insurance to recipients and seeks out dental discounts with area dentists. “It’s a team effort,” Dr. Mike said. Every resource is exhausted to rebuild each and every smile, as well as requiring a small portion from the recipient. Dr. Mike explained, “We don’t ask for a lot, but we do ask for [something]. One thing we always say is we don’t give a handout; we give a hand up. So, we find that there is value in requiring the recipient to bring something to the table.” This encourages the recipient to take ownership of the process. Once the dental plan is completely funded, SmileFaith pays the dentist directly and the work on the recipient’s smile commences. The foundation has been blessed with many partner organizations that help make these new smiles possible, including many local dentists who provide discounts and donate their time. Dr. Mike said, "One of our main partners is Dentistry from the Heart in New Port Richey. The organization, founded by Dr. Vincent Monticciolo, offers one-day dental events all over the United States, providing fillings, extractions, and cleanings." Within the next month, SmileFaith is moving to its new headquarters in Port Richey. The new office will have more space and will be able to offer
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more opportunities to bless its recipients. The foundation will also lease office space to Dentistry from the Heart. The new building will be equipped with a modern, four-chair dental clinic. With this addition, SmileFaith will have the ability to partner with Dentistry from the Heart, and other local dental professionals, to bring onsite dental services for SmileFaith recipients. SmileFaith has also partnered with several other organizations in the community, including Volunteer Way, Salvation Army, Veteran's Administration, Homeless Coalition of Pasco County, and Pasco County Drug Treatment Court. Some of the foundation’s recipients were referred by these organizations, including one young woman named Heather, who overcame issues similar to Rosemarie’s. Heather beat a drug addiction and did everything the court system required of her. Unfortunately, due to her past habit, she had lost her smile. SmileFaith was able to walk her through the process and help Heather get her smile back. She was able to get a good job and transform her life. "It's amazing to be a part of," Rosemarie said, who joined the SmileFaith team and helps recipients throughout the process. There are many stories like Heather's, Dr. Mike shared. "We've come alongside of them and provided a smile and some life coaching."
SMILING FROM THE INSIDE OUT Life coaching is such an important part of the Smile Again Program. Many issues generally surround a nominee's need for reconstructive work on their teeth. The team at SmileFaith finds out what these life issues are and then
helps them find their way. Some of the recipients have needed assistance completing their GED, or they may be unemployed and having a tough time finding a job due to their smile, or lack thereof. Sometimes, "their selfesteem has plummeted because of their smile and the situation they're in," Dr. Mike said. The foundation will spend one-on-one time with the recipients and also link them up with community resources, such as Career Central, if they need help with resume writing and GED courses. SmileFaith understands that the dental problems are usually just at the forefront of deeper issues that need to be addressed. It's important to help these people find their confidence again and to rejoin society with the smile God meant for them to have. The idea is to hold every recipient's hand throughout the process, build a lasting relationship, and help steer them towards their goals. In addition, Dr. Mike said, "We do pray with them." Tom said that most are receptive to the message they have to share and they do talk with the recipients about their relationship with the Lord. "Everybody is welcome. This is not a church-sponsored program," Tom explained, but "we want to enhance a person's life in every way we can," and that includes sharing Jesus. The goal is to help every recipient smile from the inside out! And the relationship doesn't end when the dental work is complete. The foundation continues life coaching as needed. They check up on their recipients, and several of them come back to volunteer.
LIVES TRANSFORMED God is using SmileFaith to make a difference in the lives of people all across the Bay Area. One little girl suffered dental trauma when she was hit by an out-of-control vehicle; she was able to get her smile back through the help of the foundation. Some nominees needed to have dental infections cured before they could have life-saving surgeries performed. SmileFaith was able to step in and help many recipients so they could continue healing in other areas of their body. The foundation has helped over 100 people, who all have personal stories of transformation and healing.
Tom said that if they only ever helped one person, like Rosemarie, then it was all worth it. She continues to be a wonderful example of how this foundation can help change lives for the better. After she got her smile back, she continued to work for the insurance agency. Tom and his family shared their faith with Rosemarie. She was intrigued by their kindness and wanted what they had. "That was the biggest thing," Rosemarie said, "their encouragement and leading by example." On her lunch breaks, Tom's daughter Sherri, who is also the CEO of the insurance agency, would read the Bible with Rosemarie and answer her questions about the Lord. Eventually, with Jesus in her heart and her life getting back on track, Rosemarie was granted full custody of her daughter in February 2011. Rosemarie has found her calling. She serves as administrative assistant for the foundation, but Tom and Dr. Mike also lovingly refer to her as SmileFaith's "Poster Child" and "Special Ambassador." Rosemarie said, "SmileFaith has really taken off, and I get to pay it forward every day and walk with these people." She has compassion for those that have fallen on hard times like she once did. She is an ear to hear their stories and listen to them cry. "That's where prayer comes in a lot. We pray with these people and just encourage them," she said. Today, Rosemarie smiles confidently and has a radiance about her. "It started with just getting a smile, but then having my hand held all along the way, then led to the Lord and into faith," Rosemarie said. "It gave me hope. That's our motto: Hope with Every Smile."
SUPPORT MORE SMILES Dr. Mike shared that the number one way to help SmileFaith is through prayer. Pray that SmileFaith continues to reach out and touch people's lives for Jesus Christ. Pray that the foundation has wisdom to continue in God's guidance. The second way you can help is to give financially. Reconstructing smiles is an expensive undertaking, and with 200 people on the waiting list, SmileFaith can use donations of any amount to continue their mission. You can give online, mail in a check, or set up an automatic bank draft each month. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all donations are tax-deductible. The third way SmileFaith can use your help is through volunteering. The foundation holds fundraising events throughout the year and will need the assistance of volunteers. Lastly, the team at SmileFaith asks that you be on the lookout for people to nominate for the program and support throughout the process. Whether a person has experienced the excruciating pain of a tooth ache, had their two front teeth knocked out by an accident, or lost their teeth due to excessive drug use, we can all understand just how important our smiles are to our daily lives. We can be smiling on the inside, but we may be lacking the confidence and self-worth to spread that smile across our faces. Overflow encourages you to find a way to support this wonderful foundation and help more recipients get their smiles back and in turn, have hope for a brighter future. Glory! ■
For more information on donating, volunteering, or nominating someone, please call 727-807-7958, e-mail info@smilefaith.com, visit their website at www.SmileFaith.com, or stop by the new office at 8125 U.S. 19 in Port Richey.
Don't miss SmileFaith's Fundraising Garage Sale! It will be held on March 24th from 8am-2pm at 5211 US Hwy 19 at the Wells Fargo Bank building. Any donations for this sale are welcome. Please contact Rosemarie for more info: 727-807-7958.
I can't believe how quick you were able to assist; I now have a good looking smile that I have not had in forty years. The last few years have been rough. I lost my job, my wife got cancer, and I have not had anything to smile about. Thanks to SmileFaith Foundation; you do make a difference in the lives of others. With my new dentures, I feel good about myself. I wouldn't have my smile without you! I have been blessed by the Lord and your foundation. I pray God blesses all of you at SmileFaith Foundation!” -- MIKE SASKA I feel with having my new smile I am now able to find a better job and I am no longer in pain and sick all the time. My home life is so much better. I can now sit at the dinner table with my family, and [we] eat together. [This is wonderful] since my family is most important to me!” -- THOMAS GILCHRIST SmileFaith has given me a chance to be a part of society and of life. I now have the freedom to be myself. I am able to share with others, and I can talk to people without feeling insecure about my teeth." -- CHARLIE WILEY
SALVATION
ONE THING IS NEEDED
W
hether you realize it or not, you are special to Jesus and He loves you personally. If you're trying to figure out how Jesus, who walked the earth spotless and sinless, could take your place and love you so much, then you need to understand the person of Christ first. You may be wondering why He would even want to take the place for the punishment of your sins. In Matthew 20:28, the Bible says, "the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" (NKJV). The purpose for God's Son coming into this world was to be the ultimate sacrifice for all. He came to give of Himself in the greatest way because of His immense love for you. How can we, who are human and make mistakes, please the Lord? Only one thing is needed—draw from Jesus. Mary drew from Jesus when He was a guest for dinner and Martha, Mary's sister, got very upset about Mary sitting at Jesus' feet drawing from Him and not helping her prepare the dinner. It was at this moment that Jesus shared with Martha that only one thing is needed (Luke 10:41-42). Mediate on His awesome love for you and everything else will fall into place. The past will melt away and you will be rejuvenated by Christ. Jesus took our sins on the Cross so that we could be made righteous before Almighty God. He was rejected so we could be accepted. Jesus gave His life for us. He loves to give to us and it brings Him pleasure. So what should we do? Accept Jesus as our Lord, bask in His love for us, and draw from Him. In Psalm 116:12, David said, "What shall I render to the LORD For all His benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, And call upon the name of the LORD" (NKJV).
SALVATION
Take up your cup of salvation and say this prayer aloud: 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!
GOOD COMPANY BY CHRIS CHERP
"He is with us, especially when we are at our lowest points in life."
It
is written, "…I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5, NKJV). What comfort there is in these powerful words. Jesus is actually telling us that He will never leave us, but many times we still feel so alone, especially when we mess up and sin. Too often, Christians believe we are separated from our Lord and Savior when we mess up, but that is a lie from the devil.
GOD'S SPIRIT After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, He told His disciples, “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven” (Luke 24:49, NLT). For a period of time, under the law, the Holy Spirit would only be with someone while they were in complete obedience. When they messed up He would leave. Now, however, we are under a new
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covenant because of the shedding of Jesus’ blood. This new covenant is a promise that He will never leave us. Everyone who makes Jesus the Lord of their life has the Holy Spirit living on the inside of them. That is the Spirit of Jesus Himself, and it is only possible through the cross. He is with us to help us, guide us (John 14:26), and give us the power to do miracles just as He did while on earth. In fact, He promised that we would do even greater works than He did! “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12, NIV). We have the Holy Spirit to help us accomplish great things and overcome all the challenges that we will face while on earth.
ETERNALLY CLEANSED BY THE BLOOD Having the ever presence of God in our lives is only possible through Jesus. When we make Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, we are immediately and continually cleansed of all sin—past, present, and future—by His blood. “But if we are living in the light of God’s presence, just as Christ is, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, His
Son, cleanses us from every sin” (1 John 1:7, NLT). Because we are now living in Christ, we are made righteous. In other words, we are placed in right standing with our Father God through Jesus and His completed work, not by our works or efforts. It is through the revelation that we are continually cleansed with the precious blood of Jesus that allows us to be victorious in every area of our lives. When Jesus said, “It is finished” (John 19:30), He meant that He has completed the work to cleanse all sin from those who believe on Him. Jesus did not mean that only His part was finished, and now we need to do our part through works. No! Jesus’ work at the cross for our salvation (deliverance in all areas) is perfect and complete. This is the only way the Holy Spirit can dwell in us and why He will never leave us, because we are eternally cleansed, not just until our next mistake.
PERFECT SACRIFICE
should be thrown by him who has no sin. “When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, ‘Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more’” (John 8:10-11, NKJV). Jesus was the only one who was qualified to condemn her but He chose not to. This is one of many stories we see in the Bible that makes it clear Jesus walked this earth in the grace and mercy of God, loving the very sinners He was going to die for. God is not
FAITH IN JESUS Let me make one thing very clear: I am not advocating sin. But, we all end up sinning at some time or another because we all have flesh. When we understand it's through Jesus' grace that we are forever in right standing with
“As believers, we are never alone but are continually in good company with Jesus because He paid the price once and for all.”
Jesus was born to be the perfect sacrifice for man's sin. If you look at all the animal sacrifices that were made for sin prior to Jesus' death, you will see they were always consumed completely, leaving only a pile of ash. However, Jesus was the One and Only sacrifice that was greater than the judgment. After receiving the total judgment from God for all sin, Jesus was still present and able to say, “It is finished.” God has already exhausted His judgment for sin in the body of Jesus. In order to walk in the freedom of what Jesus has done, it is so important to remember, “It is finished!” I can’t repeat that enough. Everyone who believes Jesus was the perfect sacrifice for sin is in right standing with God forever.
an angry God who wants to punish us for our mistakes, nor is He a God who wants to teach or guide His children through condemnation. We see this clearly through the actions of Jesus. Remember, Jesus said, “…He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’” (John 14:9, NKJV). When we are Christ conscious, we are continuously painting a refreshing portrait of God’s intimate love for His children. Praise God, we have a new and improved covenant through Jesus (Hebrews 7:22). In dark times, we must remain Christ conscious, knowing He is always with us—even when others condemn us.
CHRIST CONSCIOUS
I know it's hard to grasp the idea that God forgives us of even our future sins, but think about this for a moment: how old were we when Jesus bore our sins on the cross? That’s right; we were approximately minus 2000 years old. We were not even a twinkle in our great grandparent's eyes. So, if Jesus completed His work well before you and I were ever born, then why is it so challenging for us to believe that we are forgiven once and for all when we make Jesus our Lord and Savior? “He does not need to offer sacrifices every day like the other high priests. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when He sacrificed Himself on the cross” (Hebrews 7:27, NLT). Again, in Hebrews 10:10 (MSG) it says, “[God's] way--by which we are made fit for God by the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus.” By the one
So what happens when we sin? Is God shocked by our actions or thoughts? Is He totally disgusted with us to the point where He turns His back on us? Does He condemn us for our weaknesses through guilt? That’s exactly what the devil would like for us to think. But, the answer is “no.” When we think God is upset with us, we are being sin conscious and not Christ conscious. Sin conscious means to focus on our sins and our actions that don’t meet up with the high standards of God. This results in guilt and places us under condemnation, making us feel like we are separated from God. When we focus on what we have done instead of Whose we are, condemnation creeps in. “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1, NLT). Think of the story about the woman caught in the act of adultery found in John 8. She was brought before Jesus, and He was asked if she should be stoned like the law commands. In so many words, Jesus replied by saying that the first stone
sacrifice Jesus made, all who believe in Him are washed clean and placed in the presence of God forever.
ONCE FOR ALL
our Father God, we will lose the desire to sin. “...But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more" (Romans 5:20, NKJV). The next time we fall short or are faced with a habit we are trying to break, let's not look to ourselves. Instead, let's have faith in Jesus and what He has already done for us at the cross. This is living a lifestyle of righteousness by faith just like our forefather Abraham did. “It is clear, then, that God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was not based on obedience to God’s law, but on the new relationship with God that comes by faith” (Romans 4:13, NLT). From this belief comes the sweet revelation that Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us— even when we mess up and sin. He is with us, especially when we are at our lowest points in life. It’s important to daily remind ourselves aloud of the promise God gave us through Jesus. We are in a good relationship with Him by faith and not by what we do. When we practice this in our lives, we can begin living life as God intended, more abundantly. As believers, we are never alone but are continually in good company with Jesus because He paid the price once and for all. Glory! ■
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March 2012 Love+Faith+Hope
MAGNIFY RESOURCES HIM SUBMITTED FOR YOUR SPIRIT BY YOU!
OCTOBER BABY W
ho would have ever thought that abortion and survivor could be used in the same sentence? Well, in the film October Baby, it is. "October Baby is a life-affirming film," said actress Shari Rigby. The movie has a great message that says, "Every life is beautiful." This film will not only resonate with those who have been adopted, have adopted a child, help others adopt, work with foster children, or have experienced an abortion, but also move anyone who believes in the sanctity of life. Through this touching storyline, viewers will find romance, drama, humor, and an overall positive message. Leading actress Rachel Hendrix plays a young woman named Hannah, who has a series of unexplained medical issues. She learns that her issues are the result of a difficult birth, and later finds out she was adopted after a failed abortion attempt by her birth mother. She turns to her oldest friend, Jason (played by Jason Burkey), for comfort and support. The movie follows Hannah's journey of searching for her birth mother, discovering her past, and coping with those realities. Overflow had the opportunity to interview Shari Rigby, who plays Hannah's birth mother in October Baby. Shari expressed how God placed her in this role and used this film to help heal her from the pain of a past abortion. She said, of receiving the script, "It was really
“You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” (Psalm 139:16, NLT)
partnered up with October Baby to reach powerful for me to be reading a script that pretty much parallels out to post-abortion woman. Shari said my life 20 years ago." Shari knew God was about to take her on that after this film hits the theaters, there a healing journey of her own through preparing for, filming, and will be a "huge wave of people that are watching October Baby on the big screen. going to look for a way to share their As she prepared for the movie, Shari revealed that she secret and be released from this burden." prayed about how God would use her in this role and how it would “Surrendering the Secret – Healing the be portrayed to viewers. "The Lord just started speaking to my Heartbreak of Abortion” is a Bible study heart and really showing me forgiveness," Shari said. She knew written and developed by Pat Layton over it was time to share her own story. In the film, Shari's character a course of 25 years. It is the perfect (Cindy Hastings) is confronted by Hannah, who came to ultimately resource for people to seek out after they forgive her. In possibly the most emotional scene of the movie, see this film and use throughout their Hannah leaves Cindy a piece of paper on her desk with the words healing process. "I forgive you" written across it. Shari explained that she has done Shari shared that the emotion you see on screen is real and many Bible studies over the years, but honest. God had given her a vision of the little girl she aborted. “Surrendering the Secret” hit so close to During the scene when Hannah (Rachel Hendrix, a young woman home for her. "[The study] digs deep into who resembles Shari) came in, she imagined looking into the your soul because it asks a lot of questions eyes of her own daughter. After reading those words on that [about your past] that you have to really bring paper, "that was the moment where God said, ‘I forgive you. It's back to the surface again," Shari said. You over. It's done,’” Shari said, and she sobbed uncontrollably long can learn more about this ministry at www. after the take was over. Shari had not received the full revelation SurrenderingTheSecret.com and more about that she was forgiven until that moment. the film at www.OctoberBabyMovie.net. "I think [this film] is going to heal a lot of men and women, On March 23, 2012, we encourage you and it’s going to start a society talking," Shari said. She talked to gather as many friends and family as you about how the deceiver uses the secret of abortion to try and can and go see this movie. In the words of hold people captive with the lies and fear that others will judge Shari, “[You won’t] walk out the same as you them. "What I love about the way the Erwins did this film, being where when you walked in." ■ the incredible story tellers that they are, is in a way that is not judgmental. It's about grace and forgiveness," Shari explained. This movie will allow people to surrender the secret of abortion and heal. Pat Layton and her ministry, Healing the Heartbreak of Abortion Surrendering the Secret, has
POST-ABORTION HEALING SURRENDERING THE SECRET www.surrenderingthesecret.com
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MAGNIFY HIM SUBMITTED BY YOU!
HIDDEN TREASURE BY DEBBIE KRUTSINGER
T
he large, four bedroom, vacant Victorian farmhouse with fifty or more years of collections and love was full of unknown treasures; treasures that brought life, love, renewed hope, and much joy. In my late parents’ home was a bookshelf full of spider webs and dust where I found a beautiful, maroon, leather Bible with gold leaf pages. A name was inscribed in gold on the outside, “Ruby." She was a dear friend and neighbor of ours. Inside the Bible, my parents had inscribed a heartfelt thank you
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message to their dear friend. The message was dated December 13, 1979. I discovered this in July 2010. This dear woman of God, Ruby, had moved to her heavenly home some years ago. After reminiscing about many sweet memories of her and my mother at church, I began to question why my parents never gave her this beautiful gift. Maybe she passed away before they could give it to her. All I knew was that I must give it to her family. I was hot, dirty, and a mess from cleaning out my parents’ home all morning. The kind of mess you don’t want even your closest friends to see you in, but the urgency to get this Bible to her family would not leave me. Her daughter is still our neighbor after all these years. I immediately drove to her house and apologized for my unexpected visit. I explained that I had something special for her family. She welcomed me in. I began by telling her how I could not explain the urgency I felt to give her this gift. I explained that while cleaning out a bookshelf at my parent’s home, I found this beautiful Bible my mother had gotten for her mother. I opened it to the page with her mother’s name and the message from my mother and father. We read it together: “Presented to Ms. Ruby in appreciation of your friendship. Thank you for being such a sweet blessing to our family.” How precious. What a beautiful expensive gift, never to be given. My parents didn’t have much money. I knew it must have been a sacrifice for them to buy such a generous gift. My father would often say, “We’re not rich in money, but we’re rich in love.” They loved Ms. Ruby
“The gift would bring renewed hope and faith at just the right time for a grandson whose grandmother had prayed many years earlier.” and wanted to give back to her a small portion of what she had shared with them. I asked my neighbor in what year her mother had died, and she replied, “1986.” 1986? The message was written in 1979. Seven years had gone by. What a mystery! Did my mother misplace the Bible? Did she get caught up in the spirit and busyness of Christmas and forget her friend’s gift? Did she not see Ms. Ruby after she purchased it? So many questions left unanswered. Mother was notorious for putting things up in a safe place and forgetting where that safe place was when she needed it. We finally decided we might never know why my mother did not give her dear friend this beautiful Bible. My neighbor wondered what she should do with the Bible. I told her to pray about it, and God would show her who in her family needed or wanted that Bible. All I knew was that it belonged to them. I couldn’t explain why our mothers never exchanged this gift, but I know nothing is ever wasted if it is from the Lord. Before I left, she asked me to pray for her 35-year-old nephew, Monroe, who was having quadruple bypass surgery on Thursday. I asked her if I could pray for him right then. While we prayed, we felt
the presence of the Lord, and we rejoiced, knowing that God had heard our prayer. Monroe is a diabetic and has undergone transplants and many trials for a man of such young age. He has remained strong in faith, yet fearful and weary of the battle he fights. A couple summers ago, while attending youth camp with his daughter, the Lord gave him Philippians 1:21 in a message through the youth pastor: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (NKJV). He immediately received peace; he was renewed and strengthened by the Word of God. Monroe’s mother continued to stand firm like the “Oaks of Righteousness.” She is full of faith and resolve, knowing that God is good and His grace is sufficient. She fully trusts God for Monroe’s wellbeing. Monroe’s daddy was exhausted from experiencing a string of defeats with one battle after the other. The day before Monroe’s scheduled surgery, I found an envelope on my car windshield. Curiously, I opened it to find a letter that humbled me. It read: The Bible you brought was a precious gift to our family, and at this time, as we are facing Monroe’s bypass operation Thursday. My brother was angry, very scared, and upset. I told him about the Bible and told him it was almost like we were hearing from Mama. He said he wanted the Bible, so I took it to him that very night. Sunday, my brother rededicated his life and means to be a better man. I truly believe God, in His precious way, sent that Bible to us through your mother and daddy and you at this time to encourage us not to give up our faith and to trust God. Thank you! I love you very much. I remember asking you for specific prayer after my operation a few years ago. Our family asks for your prayers on Thursday. Thanks again! When I read the letter from my dear friend, I was humbled and cried with joy. Isaiah 55:11 came to my mind. It reads, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (KJV). I know Monroe’s grandmother and my mother were dancing with the angels as they witnessed this event. Thirty-one years had quickly sped by since that gift had been purchased for one dear friend from another. It was destined for a Divine delivery to bring glory to God and teach us that nothing is ever wasted. The gift would bring renewed hope and faith at just the right time for a grandson whose grandmother had prayed many years earlier. God’s Word was accomplishing “that
which He pleased” and would prosper Monroe and his family in the days to come. I was unable to go to the hospital for Monroe’s surgery, but I’m told there must have been one hundred friends in the waiting room cheering him on. There were grown men on their knees praying for his healing. I, too, was praying and thanking God for a successful surgery with a speedy recovery. I am pleased to report that Monroe’s surgery went very well. The doctor told his family he had a strong heart and would be put on the transplant list in a few weeks. God heard, and God answered. The hidden treasure is now exposed through Monroe and his father, men with a heart after God. I’m so thankful my mother never gave that beautiful gift to her friend. It was meant for such a time as this.
UPDATE ON MONROE: Over a year later, Monroe received a pancreas and kidney transplant. However, due to complications, the pancreas had to be removed. I asked Monroe to share how he felt about the pancreas failure. He said, “No words can adequately express the gratitude and sorrow I have for the family whose young life was taken for me to have such great gain for their tragic loss. We pray for God to comfort them. As for me, my family and I fully trust God and know His plan is best. We are very grateful for all He has done; if I had to lose something, I’m glad it was the pancreas.” Monroe’s life verse today is Luke 12:7 (KJV): “But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore; ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Monroe would like you to know that if anyone in his family will have a crown in heaven it’s going to be his mama, who is always there for him. Please pray for Monroe and his family. If you would like to contact Monroe, you can email him at monroe_74@hotmail.com. ■
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March 2012 Love+Faith+Hope
F
or most, music is a big part of daily life. We listen to music on the radio, CD's, MP3 Players, cell phones, the internet, and at live performances. It's so readily available and interwoven into our culture. The Christian music platform is growing and some of the best music out there sings praises to our Lord and glorifies God with Biblically-inspired lyrics. Throughout the book of Psalms, there is a common theme: singing, praising, and worshiping. The Lord loves to hear our songs of praise to His Holy Name. Music is an important element in our walk with Christ. When we sing songs that praise and glorify God, it lifts our spirits, draws us closer to Jesus, and brings us joy. God is moving in a big way throughout the music community in Tampa Bay. Raw
"Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, praise His name; proclaim His Salvation day after day." Psalm 96:1-2 (NIV) talent is rampant among the Church body and more opportunities to share their love for Christ are popping up all over the city. One special place is Organic Life Coffeehouse & Bakery in Lutz, where you can find live Christian music three times a week. Did you read the February issue of Overflow? Check it out online at www.OverflowMag.com, and learn more about this inspiring coffee shop that will be hosting the inaugural Organic Life Music Fest on March 31st from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Come out for some family fun, games, and food. Sing praises to the Lord with these gifted musicians throughout the day at this awesome outdoor event. It's FREE and
there will be local vendors too. Several large music festivals happen every year in Central Florida; let's come together to support our local community of Christian businesses and musicians and help make this event a success! For more information on the Music Fest, contact the Organic Life Coffeehouse & Bakery at 813-527-6911 or go to www.OrganicLifeCoffee.com. If you're interested in a booth, contact Rosco at info@organiclifecoffee.com.
HIGHLIGHT
STEPPING OUT ON FAITH W BY ANNE CHILDERS
hen Charlene Rogers (Ierna) graduated from Land O’ Lakes High School, she had a clear vision of where she wanted to go, both for college and in life. Growing up in the Land O’ Lakes/Lutz area, she attended church several times a week, enjoyed Awanas, and always participated in vacation Bible school. She felt God’s presence and prayed daily about the events in her life. She earned a softball scholarship to Webber International University in Babson Park and studied marketing and advertising. Webber was an excellent school and still close to home, family, and friends. During one trip home, Charlene reconnected with Ronald Ierna and began a friendship that deepened into love. The couple married in early 2000. Charlene had an excellent position as a Corporate Recruiter for the food and beverage industry. Ron had chosen heating and air conditioning as a trade. He learned from the bottom up, excelled at every level, and advanced to field sales.
After baby Emma joined the family in 2001, Charlene left her lucrative job to become a full-time wife and mother. At home, with extra time on her hands, Charlene soon became a “go-to” person. Family, friends, and acquaintances knew what Ron Ierna did for a living, and with no heating and air conditioning resources in the area, Charlene’s phone began to ring. She began booking Ron side jobs in the evenings and on weekends. The demand for his expertise grew right along with Charlene’s dreams. She joined the local Chamber of Commerce and began to promote Ierna’s Heating & Cooling, telling Ron, “We can do this; God has put us in the right place at the right time.” During this period, Charlene prayed and remained focused. “Hindsight is 20/20. There were so many reasons we should have failed, but I didn’t know that,” she said. On separate occasions, Ron and Charlene acquired three closing air conditioning companies, instantly growing their business. By 2002
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Ierna’s added four more technicians, and in 2003 they leased an office on Highway 41. Almost a decade later, Ierna’s employs a staff of 33 with a fleet of 19 trucks, servicing five counties. They provide sales, service, and installation for all heating and air conditioning systems for residential, commercial, and new construction. Ierna’s technicians are also certified and trained in sanitization, duct cleaning, and air purification systems. Besides providing superior products and customer service, Ierna’s is dedicated to giving back to the community. The company donates to local schools, youth programs, women’s groups, and nonprofits. Ierna’s is active in three local chambers and sponsors Lowry Park Zoo, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, The Spring, Meals on Wheels, and Women-N-Charge, plus numerous other events and programs. Ierna’s consistently wins awards and recognition with the community and HVAC manufacturers. The office walls are covered with plaques and certificates for Central Pasco Chamber Business of the Year, Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, Small Business of the Year, Carrollwood A/C Contractor of the Year, Indoor Air Quality and Puron Award, and the Prestigious Bryant Medal of Excellence for multiple years, among others. “The hard work and dedication of the entire Ierna’s team is what makes our company stand out at this level,” stated Charlene. In April, Ierna’s will move just south of their present location in order to better serve their customer base and provide additional space for employees. “I pray every day for our family, our employees, and our customers,” said Charlene. To learn more about Ierna’s Heating and Cooling, go to www.IernaAir.com, call (813) 9486355, or visit Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, or LinkedIn. ■
MY ROCK
SCRIPTURES I STAND ON
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” This scripture reminds me of how much we should be totally dependent on God and not ourselves. My thoughts and emotions, most times, lead me into making wrong decisions. But when I trust God, and have the faith enough to believe He will do exactly what He said He would do in His Word, I am led into making the right decision. It works every time. I am not dependent on what I think, or feel, so I trust what He says.
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.
EVENTS
MARCH/APRIL
MARCH 1-4
Team Impact First Baptist Church of Temple Terrace 10002 N. 56th St., Temple Terrace 813-988-1138, www.team-impact.com *Team Impact is world class athletes who use feats of strength to share a message of hope 7pm
1-11 Florida Strawberry Festival 303 N. Lemon St., Plant City 813-752-9194 www.flstrawberryfestival.com *Adults $8, Youth (6-12) $4 Daily 10am-10pm
3
Presented by Theresa Moore Unity of Tampa Church Fellowship Hall 3302 W. Horatio St., Tampa RSVP: 813-884-2786 or martreel@aol.com 6:30pm, Cost: Love Offering
10
13
13
New Tampa Women's Prayer Connection
17
Gus' Sportin' Clay Challenge & Family Fun Event
9
9-10
20
New Tampa Women's Connection Luncheon
23
2012 Chasco Fiesta with Mark Schultz
TobyMac Concert Florida Strawberry Festival 303 N. Lemon St., Plant City 813-752-9194 www.flstrawberryfestival.com *Tickets $20-$25 7:30pm
Steven Curtis Chapman's Songs & Stories Tour With Andrew Peterson & Josh Wilson Friday: Countryside Christian Center 1850 N. McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater Saturday: Victory Church 1401 Griffin Rd., Lakeland www.thejoyfm.com 7pm (Fri.), 6:30pm (Sat.)
Bob Evans, 16314 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa Contact Becky for more info: 813-961-2810 9am
24-25 Feed the Bay
All Publix & Advanced Auto Parts Stores in Hillsborough County have Collection Boxes www.feedthebay.org *Buy extra groceries to help fill the shelves of local food pantries ALL DAY EVENT
30-31 The Burn 24/7 Tampa Live Music, Prayer & Worship Organic Life Coffeehouse & Bakery 1900 Oak Grove Blvd., Lutz 813-527-6911, www.organiclifecoffee.com 11am (Fri.) through 11am (Sat.), FREE
31
Organic Life Music Festival Featuring Jeremy Vanderloop Organic Life Coffeehouse & Bakery 1900 Oak Grove Blvd., Lutz 813-527-6911, info@organiclifecoffee.com www.organiclifecoffee.com *Family Friendly Event: Vendors, Food & Games 11am-9pm, FREE
ADD YOUR EVENT 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:
Tampa Palms Country Club 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd., Tampa Contact Becky for more info: 813-961-2810 11am-1pm, $15
events@overflowmag.com
Deadlines are the 15th* of each month *Space is limited
Sims Park, New Port Richey www.chascofiesta.net 6pm-10pm, FREE
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Cub Scouts: Webelos Showman Activity Badge Workshop
Music Showcase 402 Oakfield Dr., Brandon www.faopa.org, 813-490-2787 10-12:30pm, $12/person
Hosted by Family Ministries of Florida Tampa Bay Sporting Clays 10514 Ehrens Cutoff, Land O' Lakes www.familyministriesfl.org *Live Music, Kid Korral Fun Zone, Food 9am
5, 12, Faith Based Foster Parent Training 19, 26 MAPP Course Idlewild Baptist Church 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., Lutz RSVP: 813-386-1838 or josie@4kidsoftampa.com 6:30pm-9:30pm
13th Annual Baby Share Hosted by MOPS & VLC 6224 Old Pasco Rd., Wesley Chapel 813-973-2230, vlcmops@yahoo.com *FREE baby shower for women in need 9:30am-1pm (See ad on page 31)
12 Month Entrepreneur Mentoring Program 808 E. Okaloosa Ave., Tampa entrepreneurcoaching@yahoo.com 813-527-5491 7-9pm, $15 at the door
Turn Your Passion Into Income Seminar
24
808 E. Okaloosa Ave., Tampa entrepreneurcoaching@yahoo.com 813-527-5491 9-11am, $15 at the door
TACE Spring Concert Mixer Featuring VaShawn Mitchell & The Broken Central Tampa Baptist Church 2923 N. Tampa St., Tampa 813-664-1419, tacetampa@yahoo.com 6:30pm, $17 (in advance) - $20 (at the door)
5
9, 30 Introduction to Ballroom Dance Class & Practice Party
UPGRADE YOUR EVENT
Fundraising Garage Sale Benefiting SmileFaith Foundation
WANT YOUR EVENT TO STAND OUT?
Run an ad with Overflow to promote your event and help spread the Word of God!
5211 US Hwy 19, New Port Richey 727-807-7958 *Donations for sale are welcome 8am-2pm
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO: 813.915.6700 or events@overflowmag.com
APRIL 2, 9, 16, Faith Based Foster Parent Training 23, 30 MAPP Course
27
Idlewild Baptist Church 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., Lutz RSVP: 813-386-1838 or josie@4kidsoftampa.com 6:30pm-9:30pm
13
Agape Art Showcase Christ CP Church 19501 Holly Lane, Lutz 813-909-9789 www.christchurchlutz.org *A celebration of the unconditional nature of God's love through the gifts bestowed upon the artisits in our community 7pm
27-28 The Burn 24/7 Tampa Live Music, Prayer & Worship
Girls Night Live with Mandisa & Laura Story Countryside Christian Center 1850 N. McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater 866-440-7880, www.thejoyfm.com *$23 (General Admission) 7pm
25
Faith Based Foster Parent Training MAPP Course
South Tampa Fellowship 5101 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa RSVP: 813-386-1838 or josie@4kidsoftampa.com *Orientation on April 11, 6:30pm-8pm 6:30pm-9:30pm
Organic Life Coffeehouse & Bakery 1900 Oak Grove Blvd., Lutz 813-527-6911, www.organiclifecoffee.com 11am (Fri.) through 11am (Sat.), FREE
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Oasis 3rd Annual Golf Tournament The Groves Golf & Country Club 7924 Melogold Circle, Land O'Lakes 813-406-4965, www.heartsforoasis.org Foursome: $300, Individual: $75 *Includes golf, cart, BBQ Sponsorship opportunities available 7:30 (Registration), 8:30am (Shotgun Start), 12:30pm (Lunch/Awards)
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March 2012 Love+Faith+Hope
LOCAL CHURCH SERVICES Agape Faith Fellowship Church
9331 E. Adamo Dr., #A, Tampa, 33619 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
Branch of Christ Ministries
27223 SR 56, Wesley Chapel, 33544 813-435-1469 Sun., 10am
Christ Apostolic Church Tampa
10620 Henderson Rd., Tampa, 33625 813-899-2464, www.cactampa.org Sun., 9am (Bible Study), 10am (Worship)
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
Christian Family Church
Meeting at The Italian Club 1731 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, 33605 813-802-8736, www.cfctampa.org Sun., 10:30am
Countryside Baptist Church
13422 Sydney Road, Dover, 33527 813-571-8200, www.countrysidebaptistchurch.net Sun., 9:30am (Bible Study), 10:45am (Worship Service), & 6pm, Wed., 7pm
CrossRoads Community United Methodist Church
26211 County Line Rd., Wesley Chapel, 33544 813-907-5815, www.crossroadsum.com Sun., 9am (Traditional Worship) & 10:30am (Contemporary Worship)
Dwelling Place
410 County Line Rd. W., Lutz, 33548 813-949-1912, www.thedwellingplace.us Sun., 10:30am & 2pm (Spanish Service) Wed., 7pm
E_Life Chapel
Grace Family Church
Epistle of Christ Ministries
Grace Outreach Ministries
3806 N. 12th St., Tampa, 33603 813-924-6553, www.elifechapel.com Sun., 10:30am
Meeting at Ramada Inn 11714 Morris Bridge Rd., Tampa, 33617 813-785-4519, www.epistleofchrist.org Sun., 10am (except 1st Sun.), Mon., 7pm (after 1st Sun.)
Extraordinary Life Church 5808 Lynn Rd., Tampa, 33624 813-610-6554
www.myextraordinarylifechurch.com
Sun., 9:45am
Faith Life Church
4902 East Busch Blvd., Tampa, 33617 813-910-7336, www.flctampa.org Sun., 9:30 & 11am, Wed., 7pm Thurs., 7pm (Healing School)
Faith Family Worship Center
14514 Del Valle Rd., Tampa, 33625 813-920-3685, www.ffwc.org Sun., 10:30am & 6pm, Wed., 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
5101 Van Dyke Rd., Lutz, 33558 813-265-4151, www.GFConline.com Sat., 5 & 7pm, Sun., 9:30am & 11:45am 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
Keystone Community Church
21010 SR 54, Lutz, 33558 813-962-4522, www.keystonecommunity.org Sunday School, 9:30am Sunday Worship, 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, 33609 813-770-LIFE, www.legacyfam.com Sat., 6pm
First Baptist of New Tampa
Life Changing International Church
First Reformed Church of Tampa
Light Christian Ministries
28125 County Line Rd., Wesley Chapel, 33543 813-907-1685, www.fbcnewtampa.org Sun., 9:15am, 10:30am, & 6pm
8283 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, 33615 813-886-6210, www.frctampa.org Sun., 9:30am (Contemporary), 11am (Traditional)
First Thonotosassa Missionary Baptist Church
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
2106 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico, 33594 813-653-9358, www.lifechangingintlministry.com Sun., 1:45pm Celebration Service Mon., Wed. & Fri., 7:30pm
730 W. Robertson St., Brandon, 33511 813-458-6252, www.lightcm.org Sun., 10am, Tues.& 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 813-244-4355 Sun., 3pm-5pm, Wed., 7pm
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, Fri. Prayer, 7pm (2nd & 4th Fri.)
NorthBridge Church
2025 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel, 33543 (Meeting at John Long Middle School) 813-319-4588, www.northbridgechurch.info Sun., 10am
Oasis World Outreach
35636 SR 54 West, Zephyrhills, 33541 813-782-2888, www.oasisworldoutreach.org Sun., 10am, Wed., 7pm
Open Arms Church of Ybor City
1314 E. 18th Ave., Tampa, 33605 813-248-2595, www.openarmschurch.org Sun., 10:30am, Wed., 7pm
Palma Ceia United Methodist Church 3723 W. Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa, 33629 813-837-1541, www.palmaceiaumc.org Sun., 8:30am, 9:15am, & 10:30am
Pathway to Peace Christian Church 5808 Lynn Rd., Tampa, 33624 813-908-0893 Bilingual-Spanish Services Sun., 10am, Tues. & Fri., 7:30pm
Real Life Church
6821 W. Waters Ave., Tampa, 33634 813-243-2333, www.thereallifechurch.com Sun., 8:30am (Bible Study), 10am (Worship)
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
Revival Worship Church
9270 Bay Plaza Blvd., Suite 600, Tampa, 33619 813-621-8886, www.revivalworshipchurch.com Sun., 10:30am & 6pm, Wed., 7pm
River of Life
410 Chapman Rd. East, Lutz, 33549 813-949-9931, www.riveroflife-lutz.org Sun., 10am, Wed., 7pm
Shoresh David Messianic Synagogue
33425 SR 54, Wesley Chapel, 33543 813-831-5673, www.shoreshdavid.org Fri., 7pm
St. James House of Prayer Episcopal Church
2708 N. Central Ave., Tampa, 33602 813-223-6090, www.sjhoptpa.org Sun., 9am (Traditional), 11:30am (Contemporary)
St. James Methodist Church
16202 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa, 33647 813-971-4790, www.stjamestampa.org Sun., 9:30am (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
Torre Fuerte Tampa
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
Trinity Church of Wesley Chapel
33425 SR 54, Wesley Chapel, 33543 813-788-2898, www.trinitychurchnow.com Sun., 10:15am (Traditional), 12:34pm (Contemporary)
Trinity Presbyterian Church
14925 North Boulevard, Tampa, 33616 813-961-5836, www.trinitytampa.com Sun., 9:30am, 11am (Bible Classes), 6pm (2nd & 4th Sun.), 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
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: 813-915-6700 or Contact@OverflowMag.com
13th Annual
Baby Share Hosted by MOPS & Victorious Life Church
March 13 9:30am-1pm
6224 Old Pasco Rd. Wesley Chapel
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
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
Without Walls Intl. Church
3860 W. Columbus Dr., Tampa, 33607 813-879-4673, www.withoutwalls.org Sun., 9am, 11am, 3pm (Spanish) Thurs., 7pm
Zephyrhills First Assembly
36322 SR 54, Zephyrhills, 33541 813-788-3490, www.zephyrhillsfirst.com Sun., 10am, Wed., 7pm
Free Baby Shower for Women in Need Registration is Required
Donations & Volunteers Needed For More Info:
813.973.2230 vlcmops@yahoo.com