The Beacon November Issue by The Beacon

THE SAN ANTONIO

N O V E M B E R 2018

Be A Light

November is National Orphan Month

Orphan Organization Motivates, Mobilizes Churches to Tackle Foster Care Crises This Christmas – 8 Ways To Multiply Your Gift

Read how you can bless the children in our Community. page 7 November 2018

Faith @Work – Investing Your Life or Spending It?

Local ministry brings faith into the Workplace. page 10

Reducing Seasonal Marital Stress

Transforming the community by supporting marriage. page 12

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Tell Your Story

She learned to listen and recognize God’s gentle voice and receive guidance. page 14 1

Matthew 5:16 “ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” King James Version (KJV)

Spread The Light W

elcome to the November edition of the Beacon, San Antonio’s only local monthly Christian publication! God is at work in our city, but it is difficult to see all He is doing through the current media reporting in our community. Enough bad news. We desire to spread the good news of non-profits and businesses that are making a difference in San Antonio so that you, our reader, can celebrate and even connect to these efforts in order to help shape the course of history in San Antonio. We hope you enjoy these articles. Please share this magazine with others. More importantly, as you read, we invite you to match your passion and gifting and join God in all He is doing through these amazing people in and around San Antonio. You will also see community minded businesses that have adopted these non-profit efforts to make this publication possible. We encourage you to thank them and do business with them as companies that care about the causes in our great city. Be A Light. Please visit our website regularly to read more stories and to learn about upcoming Christian events. We invite you to sign up for regular updates and breaking “good news” by becoming an online member of the Beacon. We are committed to making you aware of all God is doing and the people He has called to champion His great causes. God is indeed at work in our city! Join the movement. Are you aware of more non-profits or businesses that are making a difference in our city? Let’s share some light. Email us at info@sabeacon.com.

Visit Us Online

sabeacon.com

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INSIDE

NOVEMBER 2018

Thank you to our local businesses who have partnered with us on the following Good News Stories.

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Churches, Let’s Tackle The Foster Care Crisis.

November is National Orphan Month. What a better time to fulfill our Biblical call to care for the orphan. South Texas Alliance for Orphans is bridging the gap between the church community and the overburdened foster care system so that children in foster care can receive the help they desperately need.

This Christmas – 8 Ways To Multiply Your Gift.

Eight featured San Antonio ministries are committed to outreach events and sharing gifts with those who need to know they are not forgotten or alone. San Antonio Beacon’s ministry arm, Transformation, provides churches and individuals eight ways to multiply their Christmas giving to show Christ’s love and hope.

Faith @Work – Investing Your Life or Spending It?

For over 30 years, Biblical Leadership for Excellence (BLE) has helped and trained thousands from all walks of life in San Antonio and beyond learn to authentically integrate faith and the hope of the Gospel into their God-ordained every day workplaces.

Anonymous Partner

Reducing Seasonal Marital Stress.

The founder of the San Antonio Marriage Initiative, (SAMI) Carl Caton, isn’t a marriage therapist, nor does he run a counseling center; however, his ministry is quietly changing hearts across San Antonio.

November’s Tell Your Story

In November’s Tell Your Story article, read how one of God’s children learned to listen and recognize His gentle voice to her heart, receiving guidance uniquely fitted to her artistic gift and love of quilting.

PUBLISHER: The San Antonio Beacon PUBLISHERS: Claude Roberts, Duke Jonietz CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Amy Morgan, Inez Kirchner, Dana Michea Marquez THE BEACON OFFICE: 26231 Lost Creek Way, Boerne, Texas 78015 PHONE: (210) 316-8260 ONLINE: www.saBeacon.com PUBLISHED: Monthly (Lord help us!) MISSION STATEMENT: Our mission is to use cause related marketing to promote partnerships between businesses, non-profits, churches and schools by bringing awareness of the “good news” in our community in order to help change our city. November 2018

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NOVEMBER

IS NATIONAL

ORPHAN

MONTH

Hey Churches, Let’s Tackle The Foster Care Crisis W e CAN do t his!

BY AM Y M O R G AN WRIT E R

Almost five thousand kids (4975) reside in foster care throughout San Antonio – let the weight of that sink in – it’s not just a number. That’s equivalent to the student population of two 6A-high schools. Each single digit represents a child removed from his or her family due to a tragedy. Each a child with a name and a face, made in the image of God, who needs love, care and healing from trauma they’ve experienced. “Everybody hates that kids are hurt,” said Jennifer Smith, founder and executive director of South Texas Alliance for Orphans. “Forty percent of the homeless population, seventy-six percent of sex trafficked victims and thirty percent of the prison population come out of foster care. We have one of the highest teen pregnancy and suicide rates. If we want to solve all these really big buckets in society, we need to look upstream at what is happening to

these kids when they are little. There are ways to be involved.” That’s where the South Texas Alliance for Orphans comes in. The non-profit organization bridges the gap between the under-accessed church community, the overburdened local foster care system and community resources so children in foster care receive the help they desperately need. “Let’s fulfill the biblical call to care for the orphan,” Smith said. What more appropriate time to highlight this need than November – National Orphan Awareness Month. “All Christian churches are called to engage in this space on some level. The Church wanted to get involved – they just had no idea how,” Smith said. “We come in to break down the confusing system into a way to fulfill the call. There are dozens and dozens of ways for people to get involved, from cooking a meal, to babysitting, to writing a check, to opening your home.” Smith continued, “When we can’t

find mom and dad or restore a family, the Church needs to be the plan C,” she added. “These children cannot fall through the cracks. The state of Texas cannot be their parent.” South Texas Alliance for Orphans’ strategy to connect churches to the foster care crisis grew out of Smith’s own experience. She and her husband, Kyle, were busy with their fledgling careers and young biological family when she felt God’s unmistakable nudge. South Texas Alliance for Orphans is making a “ The real difference in our community in an area that is close to my heart. I am a grandmother raising a child who very well could have been placed in the foster care system. Other children are not so fortunate. The complex system of fostering is made much easier by Jennifer and her team. This results in children who are safe, happy and well cared for by the people engaged in serving these kids. This ministry is truly making a difference in solving the foster care crisis in our community.

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Dr. Dorinda Rolle, CEO Rolle and Associates

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Thank you to Rolle & Associates for making this story possible to share.

“I read a newspaper article about how a girl had to live through foster care and I thought, ‘Somebody should do something!’ I very vividly felt the Holy Spirit say, ‘You’re somebody, do something!’” The Holy Spirit continued to grow this desire in her heart and the Smiths started fostering in 2007. In 2009, a friend at their home church, Grace Point, approached her about starting a foster ministry with like-minded families. The Smiths now have four children – three daughters ages 14-11 and a six-year-old son – two are biological, and two they adopted out of foster care. They served as a foster family for eight years serving four children. “You learn a lot,” Smith said. “That’s what I get to hand off, how to be the best advocate for your kids. It is “ I don’t think like the Cliff that I’ve ever Notes of foster” met anyone who ing.For example, thought it is ok when they started fostering that kids are they felt very alone and isolatabused and ed. Their friends neglected.” and family – Jennifer Smith wanted to help Founder and Executive Director, but didn’t know South Texas Alliance for Orphans what to do or how to best support them. They didn’t have a support team to help lighten the load of fostering and thus struggled to meet all the demands of life with three small children, work and household needs. Their church was also not equipped or educated on the unique needs of children in foster care who have experienced trauma. She drew from experiences like these to create what became the South Texas Alliance for Orphans. Smith connected with First Presbyterian Church and subsequent board member Teresa McCaleb, who provided a monetary grant to launch the ministry just a little more than two years ago. “The series of ensuing events since have been nothing short of November 2018

First Presbyterian Church hosted a Parent’s Day Out for foster families giving them a well deserved break. Alliance team hosting the Babysitting Collaborative to ensure foster families have the support they need to serve children. To date 271 babysitters (up to 72 hours) have stepped up.

miraculous,” Smith said. Now the ministry supports 30 churches, with 15 more in early stages of commitments, and keeps a staff of five busy. “Our whole mission involves equipping and serving the Church as they engage in foster care, adoption and kinship ministry,” she said. “These kids have no money, no hope, no representation. We can be a very loud voice for children who have no voice,” she added. Alliance for Orphans has a threestep strategy to show churches needs and provide them with ways to get involved to help children heal. The strategy is to create a ministry composed of Core, Crowd and Community within each church. The first step – someone in leadership at a church or a church member who knows something about the foster community reaches out to the South Texas Alliance for Orphans for infor-

mation. “A speaker and resources are provided to host a Core event to see who in the church might be on the front lines,” she said. “Are there foster families who are drowning we don’t know about? Let’s make sure the childcare ministry is welcoming and can serve the needs of children in foster care. It’s taking care of the people who are already there.” The next step – Crowd, involves everyone in the church. The pastor will preach about God’s heart for the orphan. Alliance for Orphans and Smith facilitate an informational meeting to walk the congregation

Grace Point Church and the Alliance host yearly foster/ adopt informational meetings to help connect their church family with the many ways to serve children and families impacted by the foster care system.

C12 created and hosted the CONNECTED event to help struggling families connect with verified babysitters, experts and organizations in a fun, relaxed event.

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Thank you to Rolle & Associates for making this story possible to share.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27 through the foster care system and introduce them to community organizations involved. “We make sure the whole church knows what’s going on and can see how their time talent and treasure can be used to serve families.” Now the church is ready to reach into the Community. Each church has a unique culture, Smith said. “We let the church be as creative as they want to be. They come up with phenomenal solutions to these community issues. Our goal is to be the spark and stoke it.” “One church hosts trauma trainings, another holds a parents’ night out for foster families, others a backpack drive for school supplies. Some people dive right in and decide to foster a child, others put their toe in the water first.” The South Texas Alliance for Orphans’ motto is “Until there is More than Enough.” Smith described more than enough as being more than

enough homes for everyone who needs one, more than enough support for the families, and more than enough for people on the front lines who serve. “When CPS removes a child, and they have five excellent families to choose from that have their support network already in place and a community equipped and ready to serve, when the support net is real tight, and nobody is falling through – that’s more than enough. Right now there are big gaping holes, and people are grasping at strings,” she added. “In five years, the South Texas Alliance for Orphans would like to be working with 100 churches,” Smith said. The number is significant because San Antonio – Region 8 – moves 1000 kids each year to other areas because foster homes are not available to them. When children leave, they are often separated from siblings and any healthy family or relationships. “We have to get to a point where we have a place for them here,” Smith said. “Every church should be able to pull off taking in 10 children on some level, and that would provide a place for those 1000 kids. A church is the place to find foster families, because caring for children is core to our beliefs. Plus, having local church community support is key for families to see it through” Until there is More than Enough… Isn’t that a worthy goal? Let’s get busy Church!

South Texas Alliance for Orphans To find more information or ways you can help, visit www.alliance4orphans.org or contact Jennifer Smith at info@alliance4orphans.org. Be A Light.

Alliance team trains CBC children’s staff and volunteers in trauma informed skills to meet the unique needs of children who have experienced trauma.

Invite. Invite Jennifer and her team to your church to learn more about how your congregation can help. Pray. Pray that this tragedy will end as many step into their biblical roles to care for orphans. Give. Consider a financial gift to further the efforts of the South Texas Alliance for Orphans. Visit www.alliance4orphans.org to learn more. Volunteer. Ask this ministry how you can help.

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am challenging churches and businesses, “ Ilarge and small, to get involved by partnering with and supporting the South Texas Alliance for Orphans. As a nonprofit professional, I know firsthand how your faithful financial support will encourage Jennifer and her team to have an even greater impact. Please join me in supporting this worthwhile cause. After all, we have a biblical mandate to do so.

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Dr. Dorinda Rolle, CEO Rolle and Associates.

STORY MADE

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Rolle and Associates was established in 1998 with a mission to strengthen organizations by building the capacity of individuals and the organization through training and consulting to help them to effectively achieve their goals. Dr. Rolle has the heart of a teacher who shares her knowledge and expertise from the academic, business, government and nonprofit arenas. She is a certified professional coach, a leadership and organizational development consultant and an adjunct professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Dr. Rolle has helped countless organizations and nonprofits achieve success. From startups to a large organizations, she has a heart for people and the missions they serve. She coaches executives, hosts several seminars and retreats throughout the year and is an expert in establishing and managing nonprofit organizations. Learn more at: www.rolleandassociates.com Email her at: dorinda@dorindarolle.com

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8WAYSTO MULTIPLYYOURGIFT This Christmas, Let’s Come Together To Bless Thousands in Our Community BY INEZ KIR CHNER WRITER

The San Antonio Beacon shares how a single donation can help eight ministries bless thousands of families throughout the city. From waking up bright and early on Christmas morning, to running out to the tree to see what Santa delivered,

Toys will be donated and purchased by these ministries to bring smiles to the children attending.

November 2018

children personify the spirit of the Christmas season: innocence, happiness and miracles. Your Christmas morning memory as a child might have been similar. However, this is a far cry from the memories hundreds of thousands of people in San Antonio will experience this year. According to data in the 2017 American Community Survey, 1-Year Estimates, of the 1.48 million people living in San Antonio, 17.3 percent, or more than 257,000 people, live below the poverty level. Of that total, more than 97,000 are children under the age of 18! Many of these children live in single-parent households in impoverished neighborhoods, surrounded by violence and drugs. It’s difficult for these families to afford to pay bills, put food on the table, and meet basic medical needs, and Christmas shopping is often left out of the budget. w w w.sa B e a c o n .c o m

Adding to the daily stress of providing for the family’s basic needs and safety, these parents often feel shame and deep disappointment, not being able to give their own children the excitement and joy so many other children experience during Christmas. We are fortunate to live in a community that has countless events believe there is a large portion of our city that lives “ Ipaycheck to paycheck. Often times, these families struggle to have enough to cover their basic necessities and provide for their families. What I love about Christian Assistance Ministry is that they provide the support for these families who may not be completely broke, but maybe just need some help that month. They’re like the emergency room of social services. You don’t always need one, but when you do, they’re there. This organization is a blessing to our city. Then include the other seven ministries and we all have the opportunity to touch our entire city!

”

Hunter Woolfolk, Co-President DOCUmation

Thank you DOCUmation for making this story possible to share.

and efforts dedicated to filling this need and doing God’s work during the Christmas The three wise men season. Collaboration is a central relied only on their value of the San beliefs, and divine Antonio Beacon intervention, to lead and we are seeking to multiply our them to the family efforts. The Beacon that night and is providing a path worship Jesus, the for the community promised King. They to make a single monetary donation brought sacrificial gifts that had deep to its charitable arm, Transformameaning. In the tion, which will same way, your simultaneously sacrificial giving to benefit several causes throughout these causes will the city. have deep meaning The Beacon is for the families that joining forces with the outreach are being served. efforts of eight local ministries to bless families across San Antonio with a traditional Christmas experience, complete with a warm meal and presents. “Many of these families will have a limited Christmas, if any at all, and these may be the only presents they receive this year,” said Bill Morgan, of Moment of Truth Ministries. “We want to give these kids dignity and bless them with acts of kindness,” a handful of organizations that I hold dear. “T Ihamere arepassionate about organizations that provide for our children in San Antonio, because they are the most defenseless members of our society. No matter what situation a family may be in, or how they got there, the child didn’t ask for any of it. CAM helps to support those families who are desperately trying to support their families, but just need a bit more help doing it. This is true of all eight ministries represented in this article. A quote that has always stuck with me is from Pastor Ed Newton at Community Bible Church who says “the only time we look down on someone is to help them up. I believe each of these ministries is doing just that, helping them up.

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said Mark Lugo, of Mark Lugo Ministries. When speaking with the ministries, they underscored treating these people with respect, reassuring them that they are not forgotten, they are not alone, and there is an entire community that loves them. “This isn’t about being judgmental, it’s about being hopeful,” said Warren Beamer of The Dream Center. All donations made through the Beacon will be divided evenly among the eight ministries. As Christians, we know presents are not the meaning of the season, but what these events and gifts can represent for these children and their parents are that of hope, faith and especially love. It is an opportunity to allow these families to put their burdens aside if just for a day. A reminder of gifts carrying higher meaning is illustrated in the Book of Matthew with the story of Jesus’ birth and his visit from the three wise men. Jesus was also born to humble parents and modest surroundings, covered only in cloths in a manger. However, three highly regarded wise men, having heard of a great prophecy, traveled a long distance to bless the child who was “born King of the Jews.” Their reverence was demonstrated

“ They are not forgotten, they are not alone, and that there is an entire community that loves them.”

in the gifts they bestowed on the child. One gave gold, or the metal of the kings, recognizing Jesus as the King of Kings. Another gave incense, often used in church worship, acknowledging Jesus’ future priestly teachings. And lastly, Jesus was given myrrh, which was used for embalming; perhaps signifying the profound and necessary suffering Jesus would endure at the end of his life. The three wise men relied only on their beliefs and divine intervention to lead them to the family that night and worship Jesus, the promised King. They brought sacrificial gifts that had deep meaning. In the same way, your sacrificial giving to these causes will have deep meaning for the families that are being served. Similarly, none of us know the complete circumstances or the intended paths God has for the families we will bless this year. Perhaps they lost their way, or are stuck in a cycle of drugs, abuse or poverty they feel they cannot break. Our only duty is to give in a way that will increase their faith in Christ and help advance them on a journey to meet Him and live in His grace.

Your single financial gift will be multiplied and touch our entire city as it is shared with these eight ministries: 1

The Dream Center www.sadreamcenter.org

Westside. On Dec. 22, the Dream Center will host its annual Christmas event, blessing 1,500 people with toys, dinner and fellowship. Donations will also impact the ministry’s daily mission to provide “survival bags” including basic toiletries, clothes, diapers, groceries and meals to those in need.

Last Chance Ministries www.last-chance-ministries.org

Westside. On Dec. 15, Last Chance Ministries will host its 12th Annual Christmas Toy Giveaway. An official part of SA300, the event will provide entertainment, food and gifts for more than 2,500 people.

Preston Woolfolk, Co-President DOCUmation

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Thank you DOCUmation for making this story possible to share.

Moment of Truth Ministries www.momentoftruthministries.org

Eastside. The 11th year of the “Happy Birthday, Jesus” celebration will take place on Dec. 15 to give more than 125 kids gifts, food and Christmas activities. Donations will also be used towards the ministry’s adoption of 22 families, in which they provide basic household needs, home repairs and remodels.

Mark Lugo Ministries

www.marklugoministries.org

Southside and Surrounding Area. On Dec. 8, the ministry is partnering with the city of Somerset to transform the Somerset High School football field into a “winter wonderland” for more than 1,000 kids and teenagers from Somerset, Devine, Lytle, Poteet and Von Ormy. Donations will also help the ministry distribute clothing and shoes and provide care services for senior citizens in the region.

Agora Ministries www.agoraministries.com

Westside. Agora will be hosting its annual Christmas on Campus, in which the ministry partners with local schools to provide toys to each student. Proceeds will also benefit the ministry’s Christmas Family Adoptions, where volunteers can be paired to present an entire family with presents.

Victory Outreach www.vosa.us

Southside/Eastside. On Dec. 8, the Victory Outreach Twilight Treasures Christmas Rally will be held to reach and minister to women of the night and their families. In conjunction with the church’s ministry, Genevieve’s Purses, the event will distribute feminine products, toys and a turkey dinner. Donations will help the ongoing efforts to distribute purses containing basic necessities to the homeless, and help these women transition off the streets.

8 WAYS TO

M U LT I P LY A CHRISTMAS

BLESSING Our Goal is to raise $40,000 Because these ministries are preparing now for these outreach efforts, please send your donation no later than Friday, Nov. 23, 2018. Thank you for your generosity! Go to: saBeacon.com/ChristmasGifts

to Multiply Your Gift Today!

www.hisbridgebuilders-sa.org Citywide outreach events will include live music and worship.

CAM Christmas Shop www.christianassistanceministry.org

The Christian Assistance Ministry Toy Drive will support our Christmas Store, which will provide an emergency, FREE shopping experience for families facing a serious financial crisis. Join us in sharing the joy of the season and providing an incredible Christmas for more than 800 children by donating new toys or hosting a toy drive at your home, work, or church! Donations requested by Dec. 8. November 2018

The gospel will be presented to those attending these important outreach events.

Be a Light Join Together and Give. Got a Church Group, Sunday School Class, or even a Business? Collect donations and give as a church, business or other organization. Consider a Personal or Family Gift. Pray about what God would have you or your family do this Christmas to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Volunteer. Many of these events need help before, during and after with a variety of tasks and responsibilities. Please contact the ministry directly to see how you can help. The Beacon Citywide Christmas Giving Opportunity www.sabeacon.com 210-3168260 info@sabeacon.com. All gifts will go to our non-profit arm, Transformation, and are tax-deductible. Source: 2017 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates

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Merry Christmas To You & Yours!

HIS Bridge Builders

Westside. On Dec. 19, the ministry’s San Antonio Christmas Block Party will share the Gospel, and provide gifts, food, clothes, medical services, and games and activities to more than 200 children.

A big thank you to these ministries for being the hands and feet of Jesus. And thank you in advance for helping to bring the meaning of Christmas to so many in our community! Our Goal is to raise $40,000. How you can help: Give once and help eight ministries! Multiply your financial giving by donating through the San Antonio Beacon at www.sabeacon.com. All donations will be distributed evenly among the eight featured ministries.

DOCUmation provides IT, print and software solutions to businesses and nonprofits throughout Texas. As a company that values character, community and customer, o ur purpose is to provide service that actually serves, not just us, but our community. We believe that giving back is not only what we’re called to do, but it is also what we are able to do. It creates a ripple that can reach places you never thought possible. Every time we partner with a nonprofit or organization, we uphold our commitment to leave our community better than when we started. Each year, DOCUmation proudly supports nonprofits throughout our community. When you partner with us, you support them too. DOCUmation www.mation.com ph: 210.341.4431 info@mation.com

Santa Claus makes an appearance at one of last year’s events.

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Are You Investing Your Life or Spending It? BY INEZ KIR CHNER WRITER

Are you experiencing the greater meaning and purpose in your work that God intends for you? If not, Biblical Leadership for Excellence can help. Approximately a million people head to work each morning in San Antonio, and it’s the mission of Biblical Leadership for Excellence marketplace ministry (BLE) to bring Christ to their workplaces. BLE provides faith-based curriculum teaching anyone, from car mechanics to BLE sincerely appreciates and CEOs, how to values all the workplace integrate faith partners, individuals and volun- into their teers who have partnered with work. “For us and allowed us to serve most people, thousands of work is the people for place where we more than spend most of 30 years. our time, and it’s also the most disconJoe Carroll Executive Director nected from

“

Biblical Leadership for Excellence

the Gospel,” explained BLE Executive Director Joe Carroll. “We want to help people find integration.” In 1985, the ministry’s founders formed BLE to establish a structured way to unite faith with work, and make their jobs mean more than just a paycheck. “We as Christians should be setting the tone for others in all areas of our lives,” said Carroll. “But, when it comes to work and faith, people feel lost.” The group found most people’s experiences of workplace ministry have been legalistic, awkward, or inauthentic. As a result, work and faith almost becomes synonymous with ‘separation of church and state,’ or a compartmentalized life. Work and family are the two largest areas of success or failure in one’s life. While there are countless resources for growing in faith as a family, BLE saw a need to extend that support to the workplace. “We want people to know they can have a dynamic, spiritual experience with God at their work,” said Carroll. BLE focuses on instilling a sense of security and identity in Christians at work, so they feel empowered and encouraged to be fully alive for Christ in their work. “Working Christians can have just as much authority and conviction going into w w w.sa B e a c o n .c o m

work as their pastor does at the pulpit.” The BLE curriculum has 7 core courses studies covering a variety of topics including redefining success, contentment, retirement and legacy. With followers as far-reaching as New Zealand, anyone interested in the BLE curriculum can download materials from www.BLEonline.org, at no charge. Participants can join BLE-led groups, host groups at their work with training support from BLE, or request personal mentoring. The F.O.R.G.E., Full of Reverence Grace and Evangelism, group is also available for business owners, executives and CEOs. The ministry also holds a monthly “Kingdom Connection” breakfast every second Wednesday of the month, which provides fellowship, and features real stories and testimonies of

Steve Stoner encouraging and praying for another person in the workplace

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Thank you to an Anonymous Partner for making this story possible to share.

Phil Tolbert and Joe Carroll sharing BLE at Faith & Work Summit in Dallas

people who share compelling ways they’ve encountered God in their work. While BLE currently operates primarily on word of mouth, the group is continually making strategic community alliances with companies, churches and other organizations to expand their reach, and is working on developing new content for more studies. Learning to authentically integrate faith into work can be uncomfortable and difficult. This is where BLE can help. The BLE team is helping people change the way they think about work; not viewing work as a curse, but as a divine institution, like family and government, and as a reflection of God. BLE helps people discover meaning in the everyday, mundane tasks, and that there is dignity and value in work. “We are merely a dot in the space of time, and God allows us to have meaning in that dot, and have an impact even after we’re gone,” Carroll illustrated. A success story and testimony of the

Monthly Kingdom Connection Breakfast meets 2nd Wednesday of each month and features compelling ‘faith at work’ stories.

BLE comes from Doug Heintz, who has been part of the ministry for 30 years. As a business owner, he originally got involved by offering the studies to his employees, customers, and later opening his facilities to other companies or individuals who wanted to host their own studies. “Shortly after, I was out in the community talking to other businesses trying to raise awareness,” said Heintz. As Doug’s role expanded over the years, he served on the BLE Board of Directors, and was later offered an opportunity to lead a BLE study at Hallmark University. This new collaborative venture between Hallmark and BLE led into a new unforeseen career opportunity for Doug. Hallmark University had begun offering an optional ministry component to its students and Doug was tasked with facilitating their BLE study groups. Nine months into teaching the BLE curriculum, Doug was asked to be the university’s on-site chaplain, which evolved into his role today as senior director of student life and development. Still acting as a chaplain, Heintz also manages worship events, prayer meetings and helps to provide transportation, housing, childcare, food and other resources to students in need. His team has also expanded to three more BLE facilitators. Doug’s original study group still meets weekly, and several Hallmark graduates have taken the BLE study with them to their new jobs. “BLE has impacted me personally, as well as my family,” said Heintz. “It also confirmed to me that I’m the same person at work, as I am at church, as I am on Friday night – you’re abiding for Christ regardless of where you are, and I’m excited to share what that looks like.” Carroll encourages Doug Heintz anyone called to start a study of their own, even if they’re nervous, “No one expects you to be perfect. In fact, most of your impact will come from your authenticity, and humility in owning up to your imperfections, which is much more powerful.”

How to get involved and support BLE: Get trained as a study leader. BLE is in need of workplace Christians who want to learn how to start new groups in their workplace! Become a servant of Christ and a champion for His cause at your workplace, or as a facilitator for other groups. No experience is required. BLE offers training, materials and guidance to get you started. Contact joe@bleonline.org Donate at www.BLEonline.org. Help BLE keep its curriculum free and available to anyone who is called to discipleship. Join a group study or attend a monthly Kingdom Connections breakfast, every second Wednesday of the month to hear from others sharing their experience in walking in faith at work. If you’re feeling frustrated or want to experience greater purpose in your work, contact the BLE to learn how you can honor God through your work and become, as one BLE participant described it, “a fully-funded missionary, paid to serve others.” BLE www.bleonline.org 210.422.6891 info@bleonline.org PO Box 781148 San Antonio, TX 78278 Be a Light Get Involved. See the article for ways you can participate in and with BLE. Contact BLE to locate a group that you can join. Become a Financial Partner. BLE relies on the ongoing support of generous donors. Please consider joining BLE as a financial partner. Pray. Pray you will take the Kingdom of God to your workplace. Pray BLE will continue to grow and take their message to companies across the world. STORY MADE

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Anonymous Partner Thank you Lord, for this Anonymous Partner who generously gave to BLE so that we could feature this article in our November issue. With this generous gift we are able to help raise awareness for BLE and all they do to help spread the Good News in the workplace.

BLE group studying “Experiencing God in Your Work”

November 2018

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Reducing Seasonal Marital Stress San Antonio Marriage Initiative Equips Leaders BY AM Y M O R G AN WRITER

The founder of San Antonio Marriage Initiative, (SAMI) Carl Caton, isn’t a marriage therapist, nor does he run a counseling center; however, his ministry is quietly changing hearts across San Antonio – aiming I have served with Carl Caton, to transform the the leader of the San Antonio community by Marriage Initiative, for the past supporting several years. He is one of the marriage. brightest, most gifted, and spiri“Marriage is tually mature leaders I’ve ever contagious, ” had the privilege to work with. Caton said. He and his wife have an extraor“When the norm dinarily healthy relationship, and is ‘the grass is he has a deep desire for every greener if you marriage to be strengthened or water it,’ it restored. The SA Marriage Initiachanges the tive supports the role players on culture of the city. the front lines who champion We want to bring biblical marriage a sense of hope. to make an The divorce rate eternal in San Antonio impact on the has dropped 23 families in our percent in the community. past nine years.” Scott Barr, Steward of And lest the Southwest Exteriors decline be The Look You Love Coming Home To

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attributed to fewer people marrying, he added that the marriage rate in San Antonio is increasing – with 2017 an all-time high for marriages. “I am passionate about marriage,” said Caton, who has been married to his high school sweetheart for 35 years. “We’ve met so many couples who have seen incredible breakthroughs in their marriage,” their experiences led Caton to form SAMI and gives him words of wisdom when stresses of the holiday season stretch some marriages to the breaking point. The day kids return to school in January is the number one day people make that first call to pursue divorce. “It really breaks my heart,” Caton said. Couples on the edge see the holidays as a make or break it point. Unmet expectations and challenges of the season magnify underlying struggles. Many hold out until after Christmas, and they – often the woman – have just had it. Divorce filings begin filing in January, and the divorce rate peaks in March every year. Caton noted several areas of tension and provided ideas to counter the pressure. Overspending can lead to arguments, debt and buyer’s remorse, with finances becoming a big issue come January. Caton recommended w w w.sa B e a c o n .c o m

talking through expectations of gift giving in advance. “ What’s good for Others struggle with marriage is family conflict. Communication and ultimately good for agreeing on healthy our community. boundaries help, he It’s not important said, and mentioned Henry Cloud’s Boundaries that you think alike book as a resource. as much as you “It’s not important think together.” that you think alike as much as you think Carl Caton, founder - SAMI together,” he said. “Everyone has different ideas about Christmas traditions.” Making time for physical and emotional intimacy between spouses can go a long way toward staying connected during the holidays. “Let’s be intentional this holiday season to look at our calendar and make some extra room for our marriage so we are not so stressed,” he said. “Let’s change some habits so we are not glued to our phones and devices. We can resolve to rely less on social media and watch a few fewer sports games. Then put things on the calendar that are enriching to the relationship, so you can enjoy your marriage during the holiday season. N ove m b e r 2 0 1 8

Thank you to Southwest Exteriors for making this story possible to share.

“Kelli and I have a tradition of going down to the River Walk and watching the lights. Invest in time reconnecting as a couple rather than letting the busyness and expectations wipe out your relationship.” Another tip - celebrate your marriage in the company of others – tell the kids, friends - what makes your spouse special to you. And lastly, make a January resolution to draw closer as a family and as a couple. Brush up on conflict resolution skills and good, clear communication – two areas in which SAMI offers plenty of assistance. The Christian, volunteer, community-based organization serves as a resource, training leaders on the front lines of preserving marriages, whether it be couples who walk alongside others, pastors, counselors, lawyers who want to help clients keep marriages rather than dissolve them, and particularly church marriage ministries. All find trusted wisdom and support through SAMI, which offers the kingdom return on investment. “ IThelookSanat Antonio Marriage Initiative provides excellent resources, support, and training on a modest budget to anyone who wants to connect and collaborate to build healthy marriages. The number of marriages that are positively impacted is very impressive. It is clearly God’s design for people to work together in a way that glorifies God and brings people to God. I am privileged to partner with this ministry to transform lives, which will lead to transformed families that will in turn transform our community. I encourage all of us to use what God has blessed us with to invest into His kingdom.

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Scott Barr, Steward of Southwest Exteriors The Look You Love Coming Home To

November 2018

emails, videos, graphics, communication tools, events, date-nights away, and conferences to help foster marriage. And what’s good for marriage is ultimately good for our community. “The greatest way to prevent many social problems is to strengthen marriages,” Caton said. “Most donors give to the downstream effects of the breakdown of the family, but the most effective and least expensive way to get the best results is to keep the marriage intact.” “Children from fatherless homes are 4.6 times more likely to commit suicide, 24.3 times more likely to run away, 10.8 times more likely to commit rape, 6.6 times more likely to become teen-aged mothers, and 15.3 times more likely to end up in prison while a teenager,” he quoted. “Ten years ago we began to meet with leaders around the community. In the first three years I spoke with 270 people from 75 churches in San Antonio to ask what they were doing to strengthen marriages. I brought them together to share best practices. Since then we’ve met with more than 1000 people in our community who are Raul and Karen Benitez passionate about helping marriages,” Caton said. “We like to put the emphasis on the real champions – the people who are in the trenches. Raul and Karen Benitez are an ordinary couple with a heart for serving military marriages in Military City USA. They organize events like date nights, pre-marital training, small groups. They’ve taken the challenges in their own marriage and used them to serve. A lot of couples find their greatest area of pain can turn into their greater joy when God begins to use them to help others.” On the horizon, in January 2019, Wayside Chapel will host a conference featuring best-selling author of The Five Love Languages, Gary Chapman. Visit samarriage.org for more information. Let’s commit ourselves to love this w w w.sa B e a c o n .c o m

holiday season. Let’s receive patience (a gift of the Spirit) and apply it to our marriage. Let’s stay together and fight for our families. May this Thanksgiving and Christmas be a time of great joy for you and your spouse. San Antonio Marriage Initiative

www.samarriage.org 210.651.5050 23995 Bat Cave Rd., Suite 150, SAT 78266

Be a Light. Visit the ministry website. Get ideas and help to keep your marriage in tip top shape. Sign up for the SAMI newsletter. Attend. Register to attend one of the many events the Marriage Initiative hosts throughout the year. Volunteer. Ask how you can become an advocate for marriages in your church. Pray. Pray for the ministry to continue to thrive and reduce the divorce rate in our community. Give. The Marriage Initiative invites you to partner with them financially so even more marriages can be impacted in our community. STORY MADE

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Scott Barr is committed to building a team that delivers “The Ultimate Client Experience” on each and every project. His first job in the home improvement industry was when he was 13 years old, and he has been with Southwest Exteriors since 1990. While exceeding our clients’ expectations, Scott is also continuously working on developing a team of leaders who are challenged and excited about their work. When asked what he enjoys the most about his position as the Steward of Southwest Exteriors, he said, “Hearing from clients that have become raving fans of our company because of our commitment to client satisfaction before, during, and after their projects.” Scott’s desire is for the business to be a ministry that glorifies God, and he wants to continue to support other ministries by building a successful business.

Southwest Exteriors www.SouthwestExteriors.com Phone: 210.828.5555 2430 Freedom Dr., San Antonio, TX 78217

Mention the Beacon and receive 15% off all windows, siding, and concrete flooring projects

“Tell Your Story” The day my friend Chardell invited me to the Bulverde Quilt Group (www.quiltgroup. bulverdeumc.com), I had no idea of the journey God was about to take me on. When they

announced a Color Pencil quilt challenge I felt the Lord say, “I want you to do this, I have something I want to give you.” I silently fought the idea and then finally said “OK”. The colors I drew were Red and Blue. The design was still unknown and so it began. The word LOVED kept echoing in my thoughts. God was making this so clear — a simple block with “Loved” in the center. The block came together nicely, and I was done, so I thought. The next evening my granddaughter was quoting John 3:16. Then it hit me. That is the “Loved” that this quilt message was pointing to. So, I added this scripture to the quilt. Finally, I thought, this quilt was done. The next morning in my quiet time, Genesis 2:7 took my mind back to the quilt. The heartbeat of mankind was the next step to this quilt. “… man became a living being.” I knew God was the creative director of this quilt from the beginning, but excitement was filling me as He slowly led me in Elsa Ezell what to do. I just had to be still and listen. The following morning, I was still spending time in Genesis, “…they took and ate.” Death/sin was now woven in to mankind. A bold, dark separator shows how distant they felt from God.

Our Pastor, Kirk Freeman often encourages us to pray an “include me” prayer. Asking God to include us in His work, to be still and listen, to journal what is bubbling up inside (in this case I quilted), and to confirm what we hear against scripture. God speaks to His people, we just need to be still and listen. For years Quilters have always made quilts to express their love for their families. This quilt is God’s declaration of love over me and you. The name of this quilt is “You are LOVED by God.” STORY MADE

However, the white boundary surrounding the darkness represents that God is still ever present, never leaving us. The next few weeks fell silent. I was sure God had more, so I waited. John 1:12-13 was declaring “those who receive him, are given the right to be called His children.” With great joy, I recreated another dark strip. Only this time, it was flooded with hearts — representing those being born again in Jesus’ name! Now my husband and I together waited eagerly to see how God would close out this quilt. It was on a Sunday morning. CrossBridge Community Church’s Pastor was preaching and quoted John 15:9, “As the Father loved me, so I have loved you, abide in my love.” I looked over at my husband and said that is it. The final step. God’s declaration of Love!

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AM 630 The Word, KSLR is pleased to partner with the Beacon in this monthly special section called “Tell Your Story”. AM 630 The Word KSLR is your source for equipping, teaching and inspiring your walk with Christ. Please visit our website at am630theword.com to view our program guide for local and national Christian teaching talk programs. We are here to help listeners expand their relationship with Jesus Christ. We partner with San Antonio churches and ministries to bring quality teaching to listeners in our huge listening area. We can work with your church, ministry or business to expand your reach to this important Christian market. Please visit am630theword.com or contact us to learn more. AM 630 The Word – KSLR am630theword.com 9601 McAllister Freeway, Suite 1200 San Antonio, TX 78216 210.344.8481

Real Christmas Music Starts Thanksgiving Night.

We are playing ‘Real Christmas Music’ beginning Thanksgiving night all the way through Dec. 26th. Go to your App Store and download TheFishSanAntonio.com or get on Alexa by asking to play TheFishSanAntonio.com or on your computer/ tablet/smart phone. Great to play in the office. w w w.sa B e a c o n .c o m N ove m b e r 2 0 1 8

Anonymous Partner

We at The Beacon, are touched by the number of businesses in our community supporting non-profits. These causes are making an eternal difference in the lives of so many in our city. We encourage you to thank and support the businesses represented in this issue of The Beacon. When you do business with them, you too are a difference-maker in our community! Be A Light. For more information on how you can be recognized as a community-minded company please contact us at info@sabeacon.com.

November 2018

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