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Vol. XXI, No. 2 • Park Cities Presbyterian Church (Presbyterian Church in America) • May 2010
He is risen!
”And you show
Resurrection Sunday, April 4, 2010
that you are a letter from Christ
Youth take break to serve
delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. —2 Corinthians 3:3
Following Jesus into the garden to pray
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Hearing a new call
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Getting it right the next time
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Shall we gather across the river? 8 10
Cokes, colleges, and big dreams in Atlanta 11 Game-changers bring humility, God’s glory 12
Whit and Will Mabus
Singing the Word into hearts and minds 6
Gabrielle White
of the living God,
Haiti through Amy’s eyes
Turning a holiday on its head
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Spring break is defined as one of those holidays where the busy and bedraggled find solace in maintaining seasonal bouts of personal pampering. I know that I’ve sought that mecca multiple times in my life and have always appreciated the relaxation and self-rejuvenation that typically applies. However, there is something to be said in regard to a spring break that gets turned on its head. Despite how many sun-splashed hours of self-fulfillment one experiences, there’s always that nagging question in the back of one’s mind: Could this have been greater? Most of us are familiar with Jim Elliot, the missionary whose desire to serve Christ led to his death. He once declared that, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” continued on page 2
Spring break
continued from page 1
Spring break can be one of those holidays devoted to the breakdown (all about taking) or building (all about giving) of character, especially for our youth. You may ask a teenager, “What do picture for yourself when you think of spring break?” If you ask the 34 students from PCPC who attended a five-day service project in Austin, you may hear a response that rings of the truth Jim Elliot wrote. On March 12–16, 19 middle school and 15 high school students traveled to our state capital and gave their service, joy, and time to others. We spent our first morning with an organization called Community New Start, where our youth group played various games in a poverty-stricken neighborhood. The children from this complex were adored and loved as our students reached out to them and exhibited the gospel through play and conversation. One PCPC eighth grader was overwhelmed with joy in reuniting with another boy he had met the year before. “It was cool to talk with him again and hear how his life had been. Last year we really
talked about God, so we picked up right where we had left off.” After hot dogs and hugs our students grabbed shovels and dug gardens for the community. I’ll never forget their faces as they stepped back to observe their work. To me, it looked like the beginning of God-inspired rejuvenation. Our trip was packed with moments like these. As a group, we attended Church Under the Bridge, a church targeting Austin’s homeless population. It is located just under an I-35 overpass. Our young people dispersed among this crowd and met real-life stories of rescue and hope. There was even a game of Hacky Sack that formed between our boys and their new comrades! When we piled back into the car to head for
lunch there was an earnest sense of understanding and thankfulness. “We are blessed to have what we have and to live where we live,” I heard a voice say from the back. The rest of the trip was incredible. From refreshing jumps into Hamilton Pool to hilarious assembly lines in the Austin Food Bank, the PCPC youth group grew in their service and love for the Lord. We spent a night singing together at Mount Bonnell, overlooking the lights of the city below. Praise and worship resonated throughout: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). ”Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37) Now how’s that for a spring break? —Mary Haberkorn Youth intern
New Start kids with Anna Brink and Mary Haberkorn (far right)
Middle and high school students at the state capitol in Austin
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Just before He walked into the ambush He knew was coming, Jesus took those He loved to a place where He and they could pray. He knew what awaited Him and them, and though the weekend would not end without horror and disillusion, still He prayed. In prayer He clung to His hope. In prayer He asked for the help of the Father to complete what He’d begun. On the night of Maunday Thursday, many in our body sought to follow in His footsteps as they took an hour or two to remember their hope and ask the Lord to do on earth as it is in heaven. For the church, the government, the world, for themselves—those who participated in the Prayer Vigil at the home of Nancy and David Burgher experienced a refreshing (and rapid) time of asking God to do what only He can do. Here’s a sprinkling of their experiences in their own words: We had a full house and the prayer time was wonderful. I think those in our body who missed this opportunity to corporately pray together are missing a real blessing. We had parents and children praying, and it was wonderful. We wouldn’t miss it. —Pat and Linda Moore
our church. Though I did mention the vigil to the women in my small group, I’m challenged to do a better job next time of really encouraging all of us to participate together. —Erin Claxton It was a special and holy time for us to pray for the Christian churches being persecuted around the world. We also prayed for our national and local government leaders. We felt it was a privilege to be together in the early morning hour to seek God’s wisdom, guidance, and blessing on those we prayed for. We also added those serving in the military. Nancy’s home was such a restful and lovely place to gather, and she was there to meet us at the door with a sweet smile and a hot cup of coffee. Thank you for organizing this event, and we hope more people can sign up next time. It was a truly wonderful way to begin our Easter weekend. —Melissa and Rick Owens
I found it to be an encouraging, rich time and was able to hear prayer requests that I had no idea about. —Brent Baker Our experience with the prayer vigil was greatly blessed. I think Tommy and I were able to delight in two sides of the coin. When we arrived around 7:45 am, the Burghers’ living room was packed. It was hard to find a seat! That in itself blessed me. The group at that point of the hour was obviously praying the printed requests. Doug Horn ended the hour reading Isaiah 53 in its entirety. Splendid! Our Father was smiling. Then at 8:00 am almost everyone cleared out, and Tommy, three others, and I had an equally rich time of prayer. It was more informal. We didn’t really refer to lists of requests but prayed as the Lord led. And as the Spirit often does, we gently bounced off each other’s prayers. The hour sped by. —Becky Bain
As our body continues to set aside extended times of prayer in subsequent vigils, we hope you’ll come and do as these have done—walking in His steps, in His hope, and in His work wrought through prayer. —Patrick Lafferty
I thought the event was well organized and that the small size of the prayer groups was perfect. The two hours I spent passed so quickly. —Dan Delph The prayer vigil is an uplifting, joyful experience that truly honors God and gives us an opportunity to pray with and for fellow believers in our congregation. —Dick Steele We took our kids—good call. Look forward to doing it again. —Lucy Higginbotham I really appreciate how well each hour was organized with specific prayer requests. Increased attendance was encouraging, too! I see this not only as a rich time of seeking the Lord together but also as a way the Lord can strengthen community within
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Marking Maundy Thursday with prayer
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Being Pushed or Pulled? Hearing a brand new call
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I still remember that Sunday morning, eight years ago, when Tom Neuhoff stood before the congregation and announced he sensed God calling him to set aside his law practice and become the headmaster at West Dallas Community School (WDCS). I pondered two questions: 1) What is it like to be unmistakably called? 2) If God called me, would I have the courage to respond? I couldn’t imagine either scenario. Little did I know that, eight years later, God would suddenly end my 27-year career at Verizon and I would live out exactly that crossroad. It began last fall when, in the midst of 65-hour weeks and an intense Fortune 100 corporate grind, I could no longer picture myself starting another fiscal year. I knew, down to my toes, it was time to go. But, I was so busy, I couldn’t contemplate alternatives—until the week of Thanksgiving when 20% of the executive team was “invited” to retire. I was done. But that same day, PCPC members John Bateman and Jim Harrison called to pray for me, and both mentioned that Tom Neuhoff had returned to his law practice, yet was still active on the board of WDCS. After a few weeks, I met Tom at the campus for a tour and a candid talk. I was doubly impressed with the school—and felt my heart stir. After decades of achieving and pushing, God inserted an
event that stopped me cold. Then, God began pulling in particular ways to create a growing call over the next two months. The providential confluence of timing, availability, finances, confirmation of my gifts and abilities, and past experience became clear. Fortune 100 telecommunications, preceded by three years as a public school teacher in inner-city Houston, suddenly made sense in the unfolding picture. My wife Beth, who had previously served in urban ministry and social work, was excited about us serving together. It was that same unmistakable call that Tom answered years ago. God provided all the courage I needed. My initial weeks as headmaster at West Dallas Community School have been some of the best of my life. I’ve gotten to see how the school instills both toughness and genuine love. The rigor forms good habits, discipline, and high standards—even
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among the youngest students. It bears fruit of confidence, poise, and critical thinking. In fact, 93% of our students score average and above average in reading compared to the national population—and 98% in math. Just this month, 100% of the eighth grade class was accepted into the finest magnet and private schools across Dallas (including Trinity Christian, Cambridge, Ursuline, Episcopal of Dallas, Hockaday, and St. Mark’s). The students are loved and treated as those who bear the image of God. They’re prayed for, by name, every day. The faculty is exceptionally qualified with mature faith. The volunteers, many from PCPC, have caught the same joy that nearly everyone finds in this place where God is so obviously present. All agree: the Lord’s hand is surely on the campus of West Dallas Community School. —Jay Hohfeler former PCPC member Jay and some of his students
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Eyes fixed on the perishable Where are our hearts in acts of mercy? This academic year, the elementaryage children engaged in two service projects designed to provide particular goods to those in need. In the fall, the children collected boxes of hot chocolate to add to the non-perishable goods boxed by PCPC to be distributed all over the city to ministries that serve the poor. This spring, the children collected various toiletries (soap, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes) to be delivered to the patrons of Union Gospel Mission and Center of Hope. The incentive for the children each time was extrinsic, including an ice cream sundae party in the fall for the grade level that brought the most hot chocolate and a candy buffet in the spring for the grade level that brought the most toiletries. Sugar motivates, so the thinking goes. But I hoped the children were motivated by greater reasons. Having been narrowly defeated by the third graders in the fall and missing out on the ice cream sundae event, I was determined not to let my fourth graders down this spring. So, I decided to spread the burden to the children’s neighborhoods. The fourth graders handed out notes to their neighbors indicating they were collecting soap through our church for Union Gospel Mission and Center of Hope and simply asked the neighbors to place the soap outside their front doors the following Saturday for collection.
Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory Well, the results were terrific, and the fourth graders won the victory and received the prize of the candy buffet. But was it a victory, really? In a sense, yes. But in a larger sense, not at all.
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What was the heart motivation behind it all? I was motivated by a sense of competition, not by a desire to serve the poor. Many of the children fed off of that and were similarly motivated by the desire to win and the desire to stuff their pockets with more candy than they could eat in a month. In fact, the result was horrible for my fourth- grade son. He hoarded his candy from his siblings, putting it out of their reach, almost treating it as an idol. His focus was on the candy, not on how he had contributed to the betterment of the lives of others in our city who need help or how the gospel was displayed through his service. So what could I have done differently as a teacher?
How to really win
First, I could have shared a little more in a note to the neighbors about our mission and why we are to serve. I could have quoted some scripture giving them the real reason for our service. Second, if we really wanted to provide as much as we could to Union Gospel Mission and Center of Hope, I would have shared the idea of getting the neighbors involved with the other classes. The more items all grades collected, the more people we could have served. Third, I could have focused more on the people who would be receiving the toiletries, their plight, and their need, rather than on our little potential jackpot of ice cream and candy. Fourth, I could have conveyed all these sentiments to the children in my classroom and pointed them in the direction of Christ and His service and self-sacrifice out of love for His people rather than out of love for self. As I have thought more about the people on the receiving end of our gifts in the fall and in the spring, I have thought about their lives and what it may have felt like in their hearts to receive a new toothbrush, new toothpaste, deodorant, and an
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”I was motivated by a sense of competition, not by a desire to serve the poor.” actual bar of soap. We take such things for granted. However, we would not have to go very long without them before realizing how precious and valuable they are. Thinking about the meaning of something that to us is so small but to them is so big makes me realize how I approached the entire project looking at how I could be successful rather than how I could help make someone else’s life a little better. For the patrons of Union Gospel Mission and Center of Hope, opening a simple Dopp kit full of items that make their lives a little better means a whole lot more than being able to open more candy that I really don’t need anyway and being able to have bragging rights over the other classes because my class found a way to beat them. Hopefully, next time, I’ll have different goals in mind, and I’ll think more about the recipient of the gifts we give than about what is in it for me. —Tom Neuhoff, Jr. Above, PCPC children on the Dopp kit assembly line add toothbrushes. PCPC WITNESS
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Singing the scriptures into hearts and lives
With the birth of their third CD, Christ Triumphant, the members of the Covenant Choir have put their recording journey behind them and have now begun a new and exciting journey of prayer, asking God to take His Word, through the psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs they have recorded, into the lives and hearts of many people in many places. To celebrate the CD release, singers and their families recently gathered for a celebration meal in Fellowship Hall. The first boxes of CDs were opened to enthusiastic applause. Recording singers were given a copy of the CD to give away. Many singers have chosen to give their comp CD to family members, teachers, neighbors, or friends who are not yet believers. Copies of Christ Triumphant have also been given to West Dallas Community School for use in each classroom. We are praying that these sung biblical truths reaching into new places will plant seeds that will one day bear Kingdom fruit, for His glory. Would you, our church family, pray with us to that end? Those who have already purchased a copy of Christ Triumphant in the PCPC Bookstore have discovered in the enclosed booklet wonderfully insightful words regarding our singing of the scriptures. In his writing, Colin Howland has thoughtfully encouraged each one of us to consider why it is our great privilege to sing God’s Word back to Him (see next page). —Lynda Fray
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Why should we sing the
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scriptures?
We can only love someone we know. Not only is this true, but the extent to which we love another is directly related to what (or how much) we know about them. Appearances may make us deeply interested in someone, but sight alone cannot take the place of words and actions of love, which are the true basis for relationship. To put it another way, something about a person needs to be revealed to us in order for us to love them; we can’t simply discover it for ourselves. In this sense, if we write a song about someone we love, we might say the words of that love song are also revealed to us. Each word of a love song is savored and precious insofar as it reflects the true nature of the relationship.
by His Son, whom He appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:1–3). Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know Me, Philip? Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” (John 14:9).
Such is true when we speak about a relationship with God. Much may be known about our Creator through what we can see, “for His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made” (Romans 1:20). However, the true nature of our relationship to Him is recorded for us in the pages of the Old and New Testaments, for through the words of scripture God has chosen to reveal to us His words and actions of love toward us. That love is specifically and supremely displayed through the person and life of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ: In this is love, not that we have loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:10) For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. (John 3:16–17) And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth…And from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. (John 1:14, 16) The Bible makes it clear that seeing, hearing, and knowing Jesus Christ is equal to seeing, hearing, and knowing God: ”Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us Left above, (l to r) front: Rebecca Howland, Julia Krog, Caroline Piper; back: Olivia Krog, Faith Jennings, Haley Piper, Victoria Restrepo, Jenna Tenpenny
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As God has chosen to reveal Himself and show His love for us through the words of the Bible, these words from the scripture, therefore, logically become the basis for the love songs which we sing to Him. The scriptures alone record the true nature of our relationship with God. Therefore, we sing of our love for God best when we sing His Word back to Him by faith. With this in mind, we may understand the importance of Paul’s exhortation to the Church that we should “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16). This recording is full of a variety of songs based on the scriptures, whether they are direct quotations, paraphrases, or theological summaries of a biblical doctrine. Each of them is suitable for use in group singing or for solo, in church or at home. They are here in the hope that the One of whom we sing will be revealed to you, and that you would make His love for you the song of your heart. —Colin Howland 7
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But If The Shoe Fits...
Right, Vicki McCormack, Charlotte Ball, and Laura Roberts strategize in the Center of Hope clothes closet.
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Last February 27, my friend Caroline La Rash and I participated in Beyond Ourselves along with many other members of PCPC’s young adult group. After a worship service at the church, our group headed off to east Dallas to work with Interfaith Housing Coalition. IHC uses a faith-based approach to help families with children transform their lives from poverty and homelessness to self-sufficiency. These families become beneficiaries of the many resources that IHC offers, including a furnished apartment, a work-appropriate wardrobe, children’s clothing, job search tools, and budgeting counseling. In return, the families commit to taking ownership of the foundational problems that influenced their current situation. The group of about 40 young adults was assigned different projects, ranging from mopping floors to fixing roofs to sorting furniture. Our particular group was given the task of sorting through countless bags of donation clothes. While IHC is blessed to receive so many clothing donations, they can keep only the clothes that look brand-new and fall under the categories of either professional attire or children’s clothing. As Caroline and I sorted through piles of clothing, we noticed that many of the items were really nice—not just good quality, but purchasedlast-seasonand-stillvery-cute nice. We came to realize that Interfaith had no use for them. Caroline and I had come prepared to sort through piles and piles of
old, worn, and stained clothing. We were not expecting to find brand-new Diane Von Furstenberg dresses, Trina Turk tops, or Theory jackets! Caroline even found a pair of adorable, brand-new Tory Burch gold sandals—exactly in her size! At that point we looked at each other for several moments before one of us said, “If IHC can’t use these, and if all of these items are going to Goodwill anyway…should we perhaps donate them…to our own closets?” Don’t worry, my friends! Those moments passed and we began to develop a better plan. As two gals who know how to work a good deal, we put our heads together and came up with an idea to exchange these generous donations for something that would really benefit Interfaith.We collected all of the new, designer-label clothing that IHC could not use and took it to Buffalo Exchange, a clothing resale shop on Greenville Avenue. We were not sure what kind of reaction we would get there and ended up being pleasantly surprised. The manager listened to what we were doing and eagerly sorted through the clothing with us, pricing each item and making purchase selections. They bought almost every single item (including those tempting Tory Burch sandals) and cut us a check to Interfaith for almost $650! Although the sum may not seem extravagant, this experience is an example of the many ways that God multiplies the efforts of those who help others. Little stories such as this one happened all over Dallas that day—a true testament to His hand at work through us. Beyond Ourselves was a wonderful way for Caroline and me to immerse ourselves in fellowship and service. We were changed by this experience and look forward to future opportunities that allow us to live for something greater than ourselves. —Katie Soderquist
Left, Dennis Roossien, on the ladder, and Keith Evans paint Mrs. Hattie’s house. PCPC WITNESS
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We asked staff members of some of our urban ministry partners to give us their perspectives on Beyond Ourselves:
What is the greatest highlight you experienced during Beyond Ourselves?
Allen Stone, Union Gospel Mission It was wonderful to have someone help make sure the rooms are nice for the men and women. Much-needed help in the kitchen came just in time. It looked wonderful for the dedication service naming it the Herman Bulka Center.
Cindy Timmerman Exodus Ministries We were again overwhelmed with the response for the Beyond Ourselves workday here at Exodus. It was one of the largest groups we have ever had to come for a workday. So many men, women, and even teenagers were here giving their time and energy to improve so many different areas of the ministry. Damey and Matthew Coppedge, and their three oldest boys, Anthony, Cade, and Noel, gear up for some serious scrubbing.
Pat Stephenson Dallas Leadership Foundation Our highlight of the day was seeing PCPC members working alongside youth volunteer teams in three beautification projects in the neighborhood. It was wonderful seeing the completion of Mrs. Hattie Loving’s home after it was painted and beautiful flowers planted around her house. Mrs. Hattie lost her husband this fall and had been praying for the Lord to meet her needs, as she no longer has the strength to fix things. Mrs. Hattie is still in awe of the love her Father has for her and His provision. Anita Odom Thomas, Young Life West Dallas A highlight was when Ellen Flowers explained to the kids why families come to Interfaith, and how Interfaith works to help these families become self sufficient, that there are other kids who have needs greater than their own—that Interfaith teaches these families how to fish and get away from expecting that everyone should give them a free meal. Mona McCarty West Dallas Community School One of the greatest highlights was to see everyone react to the school after it had received such a deep cleaning inside and out. This year the event was so well organized and so much was accomplished. From the washing of the school bus to the cleaning of the classroom to the beautiful flowers, each and every project blessed everyone in the school.
How did this day impact your ministry?
Allen: Beyond Ourselves allowed much-needed projects to be accomplished. It was wonderful for our residents to see firsthand that people really care for them and are willing to come out to make their lives better. Volunteers impacted their lives by their presence and by their tangible gift of service. This day showered the homeless with love and acceptance, reinforcing the point that they are valuable and worthy of love.
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Cindy: This day gave us so much: improved safety for our residents, added beauty from God’s creation, more organized donations for better utilization, and a fully decorated apartment for a new resident. Wow! It’s amazing to see what can be done with an army of God’s saints from PCPC! Pat: This day proved to empower the neighborhood to care for others around them. When a group comes to work alongside individuals in the community it testifies that the group truly cares about the people, and not just about doing good deeds. One of the greatest results is that everyone walks away with new friends and a joint love for the Lord.
What impact did this make in the community?
Anita: Our students saw that the world is bigger than West Dallas, and there are people with needs greater than their own. They got a bigger picture of God’s mercy and grace as well as tangible proof that they need to give back and that they really can make a difference in the lives of others. In addition, our students worked shoulder-to-shoulder with PCPC members who come and serve them during the year and were welcomed and treated as members of the same team. It helped to break down some of the students’ insecurities about working cross-culturally with others, as they saw they are loved by those they have been taught to fear. Mona: At WDCS we talk about the order in God’s universe, that everything has a place and role in God’s plan, and that our duty is to care for what we are given. This day provided a great example to the students of taking care of everything we have. Parents often comment about how much cleaner our school is compared to others that they see. One of the students asked his teacher who cleaned the classroom. She told him that church members came and worked that weekend. The student raised his hand and asked, “Well should we go and help clean their church?” What a great tool to teach that we are here to help and serve one another. PCPC WITNESS
Georgia on my mind O West Dallas students dream big Over spring break, my wife Sarah and I had the pleasure of being a part of the volunteer team of eight adults who escorted 30 high school students from the West Dallas community on a college tour to Atlanta, Georgia.
Our dream was to to awaken their dreams by exposing them to the world of higher education and opening their eyes to see their God-given potential. We visited colleges and universities, historical landmarks, and other exciting cultural venues to expand their horizons. We also had a vision for their developing relationships with Christian leaders, building community with peers, sharing Christ with other students, and discipling them wherever they were in their Christian walk. For most of the students on the college tour, this was their first time to leave West Dallas, stay in a hotel, visit the
largest aquarium in the country, and hear from actual college students what they will need not only to get into college but also to finish well.
We had the opportunity to walk the grounds and learn about the rich history of five major colleges in the Atlanta area: Clark Atlanta, Morehouse, Spelman, Emory, and Georgia Tech. These prestigious colleges opened the eyes of our students historically, ethnically, and educationally. Having the opportunity to see the variety of majors and campus cultures allowed Mercy Street students to connect with college students who come from similar backgrounds. Mercy Street students were able to better envision themselves being a student at one of these college campuses or one that would offer similar opportunities. While in Atlanta, we also had the opportunity to tour the Coca-Cola museum and the CNN Center, and
to enjoy good eateries such as the famous Varsity. My personal treasures from this trip were the group discussions and oneon-one conversations throughout the bus ride, cabin time, and walks on the college campuses. The last night, Carlton Oby humbly shared his testimony and the direction God gives for our lives through His Word. I was encouraged and thankful for Carlton’s message and reminded that we are children of God and our lives are important to Him. ”’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11). Kudos to our team leaders, Carlton and his wonderful wife Danita, who did a fantastic job of recruiting West Dallas high school students, raising funds for the college tour, and planning the activities for the four jam-packed days of educational adventures. What a joy it was for all who created this opportunity to see the Lord orchestrate this once-in-alifetime college tour experience. Would you like to encourage a West Dallas child to dream big? Mercy Street needs mentors for West Dallas’s young people. Consider taking on the joy and challenge of being used by God in a story of rescue. If you are already a mentor, encourage your mentee to discover and use all the gifts God gives, the greatest being salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. —Sam Flores, Mercy Street Assistant Director of Development Top, Texas does not have the biggest of everything! Sam and Sarah Flores don the local hat of The Varsity, the world’s largest drive-in restaurant. Left, West Dallas students hear about college life and the doors it can open.
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FEBRUARY 2010
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On January 12, 2010, the world’s largest earthquake since 1970 struck Haiti, the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Among the nine million people who live there, 50% are illiterate, 10% of the children are slaves, 80% live below the poverty level of $100 a month, and over 66% have no job. About 80% claim Catholicism and 16% Protestantism as a religion, but nearly all of them mix voodoo and demonism into their practice. In late February I went to Haiti on a trip that had been planned back in October as a dental missions trip. It quickly became a relief mission to Canaan Orphanage, located 80 miles north of Port-au-Prince, and run by Sister Gladys, a nurse saved by Christ from a life of drug addiction to a life of mercy ministry and evangelism. The purpose of the orphanage is not necessarily to have all the kids adopted, but rather to raise them to be godly men and women who potentially go to the U.S. for college and then return to Haiti. Not only does it provide housing and an education for the kids; it also has a clinic on site that provides medical care to people from surrounding towns. Since the earthquake the staff has been distributing food to pastors and members of churches in need. After putting together bags of food, some of our team went to deliver the food to two towns: Léogâne and PetitGoâve. These towns were hit worse by the earthquake than Port-au-Prince but did not receive relief because they were on the outskirts of the capital. People there were in desperate need of food. We went to the churches (which were in rubble) and helped the pastors pass out food to their members. When we arrived in Léogâne there were over 100 people in line who had been waiting at least eight hours for our arrival. I was overwhelmed by the scene as God reminded me of Christ’s words spoken in Matthew 6:26: “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
Winning the spiritual battle for Haiti God is a work amidst the devastation Overwhelming loss immorality because very few men and I was unprepared for the devastation women understand how to build a in these towns. The news could not relationship on love. It also makes the have adequately described it. Practiconcept of a God of love difficult for cally every structure is in rubble on children to understand. However, the both sides of the roads. Schools, marchildren that do get it really get it, and kets, homes, government building, it transforms the way they view their and churches are flattened. The stench lives. is unreal, and most roads are barely drivable. Tent cities consume every open space and even the medians of busy streets. We walked through a tent city in Léogâne where thousands of people are in a small space with makeshift tents made from sheets, tarps, and some wood. What is left of all of their possessions is crammed into their tiny space. Children are literally wandering the streets; many of their parents did not survive. Churches (where many people would run during tragedy) are in rubble, with very few pastors surviving the quake. The needs PCPC member Hannah Sparks and Amy surrounded are simply overwhelming. by loving girls at Canaan Orphanage However, be assured that the gospel is shining brightOne night I was asking two little girls ly. A country built on voodism and about their life dreams and favorite witchcraft since its origin is realizing Bible stories. Sinsia said that her favorits need for the living God. And those ite was the story of Joseph, and then who know Christ are living out the she proceeded to tell me the whole gospel in what we would deem radistory by memory and even continued cal ways. on to the book of Exodus! She loved Joseph because she saw how God used Throughout the week we spent time the hard things in Joseph’s life for his with the 96 kids at Canaan Orphangood, and she knew that was what age, who range in age from 4 weeks God would do in her life. Her faith old to 18 years old. They have been humbled me greatly. steeped in rejection and abandonment, and they have a deep longing God is working in the hearts of many for someone to love them. They are in Haiti. He has a plan for them and loved well at the orphanage, but it can wants them to know the truth of the do only so much with so many chilgospel. I’m humbled and so thankdren. And within Haitian culture, a ful that what seems overwhelming to mom is considered a good mom if she me is not overwhelming to God. He provides for her kids, not if she nuris redeeming this country and these tures and loves them (like in America). people. This not only leads to kids not being —Amy Westervelt loved; it also leads to rampant sexual youth intern
MAY 2010
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PCPC WITNESS
The hard, rewarding journey from humiliation to humility
pcpc Vol. XXI, No. 2 • MAY 2010 Park Cities Presbyterian Church 4124 Oak Lawn Avenue Dallas, Texas 75219 www.pcpc.org
Periodical Postage Paid at Dallas, Texas
Examining our motives and priorities in the workplace
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suffered a major stroke, which could have been serious game-changer. But the change it brought instead was an opportunity for John and his wife Dianne to claim God’s love and understand that their blessings were in Christ—not in circumstances.
The March WorkPlace Ministries breakfast was a spiritually enriching time for all who attended. John Hawkins, PCPC elder and 25-year veteran of the Dallas area homebuilding industry, shared highs and lows of his spiritual journey and how his faith and work mix and affect his role today as president of Hawkins-Welwood Homes. When describing his work, John says, “I’m called to serve Christ— and by the way, we build homes.” Although his company is one of the most successful builders of luxury homes in the Metroplex, John’s road has not been a smooth one. His commitment to Christ has been hammered out on the anvil of personal as well as business adversity. Defining moments of John’s faith include when he learned “the difference between broke and broke-broke” in the mid-1980s. Then, in 1983, God led him to a men’s study group where he began to understand that his work matters to God and should be done for God’s glory. He says this was a game-changer for him. “I’ve always been driven, but that’s when I knew I was called.” In 1994, a tragic accident in the Welwood family catapulted John into leadership of the company—before he was ready, in John’s estimation. But under his leadership business grew, and the Hawkins-Welwood partnership was formed. In 2002, at age 45, he
“Our humiliation is often necessary for our own good and is small compared to the humiliation that Christ suffered for us.”
John recovered fully from the stroke and shared how he felt at the beginning of 2006. “Texas had won the Rose Bowl, and I just knew it was going to be a perfect year.” Instead, he says, it was the beginning of the most difficult four years of his life. He lost a dear friend, Dianne was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, the housing market went south, banks called loans, and he faced the possibility of having to close his business. All this brought John to a feeling of deep humiliation, but he says it was a gift from God. He explained how humiliation brings humility by helping us see what’s out of order in our lives. “Stress reveals your idols, and wrong idols were eating me up inside. Tim Keller’s book Counterfeit Gods really helped me identify misplaced priorities. The only person who ever sought out humiliation was Jesus. Second Corinthians 5:21 says, ”God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” Our humiliation is often necessary for our own good and is small compared to the humiliation that Christ suffered for us.“ —Bill Peel