Sept/Oct 2017 Beacon

Reagan Football Team Helps Fight Hunger at Food Bank Read how a mighty Regan Football team moved and sorted an impressive 31,873 pounds of food, setting a new record. PG 4

Fallen 911 First Responders Memorialized in Tower Climb Local first responders participated in a special Memorial Climb honoring their brotherhood. PG 6

September / October 2017

Serving San Antonio and the Surrounding Communities Since 2001

Believe It Foundation Provides Opportunity for Physical Inclusivity Read the article on page 2

Local Football Long Snapper Named First Team U.S. Army All-American Karsten Battles, a local high school senior, is also one of two long snappers in the entire United States to earn the honor to play among high school football’s best of the best. PG 7

Big Brothers Big Sisters Changing Lives, One Relationship at a Time.

Meet Eric V, Lewis, Jr. who’s relationship with Big Brothers Big Sisters has shaped him into an impressive young man at a ripe age of 14 years old. PG 8

VOL.17 — NO. 9/10

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Grace House Receives $17,000 Gift from Local Organization The Sister Project Recognizes Works in Christ’s Name

BY AMY MORGAN

Believe It Foundation Provides Opportunity for Physical Inclusivity

BY AMY MORGAN

Since 2008, the Believe It Foundation has made a way for children with physical limitations to be included in activities alongside their typical peers. Andrew McAllister, a 31-year-old affected by cerebral palsy since his premature birth, started the non-profit to provide physically challenged children the opportunity to be included in normal childhood activities. The Believe It Foundation arranges for kids to attend Spurs games, UTSA football games, learn to snow ski, ride a bike and participate in the Endeavor Games – an athletic challenge in Oklahoma.

“I enjoyed these experiences and many more,” McAlister said, adding he wanted to share what meant so much to him.

“I felt I needed to break down the barriers so there was no awkwardness between the physically challenged and typical kids,” he said.

The foundation also partners with T Bar M Camps to allow children a life-changing experience as an independent camper.

McAllister remembers growing in self-confidence and independence during his time as a camper and counselor there.

“I got to T Bar M (at age 14) and was able to do water skiing and zip lines in a Christ-centered environment,” he said.

McAllister was a camper for two years, and then began work as staff. He was inspired to create a program so physically challenged kids could go to camp on a regular basis – a

program that has now celebrated its ninth year and sponsors 18 campers each summer.

One of the foundation’s first beneficiaries was 20-year-old Roger Copeland, now a college student at Angelo State University.

His mild cerebral “I was always palsy doesn’t detract his position as the kid stuck from student coaching inside while assistant with the s football team, my sister and school’ nor his aspirations to cousins were be a coach and athletic director. out playing,” “I was always the kid stuck inside while my sister and cousins were out playing,” Copeland said. Attending sports camp at T Bar M at age 12 was the “first time I was able to feel like a normal kid. The Believe It Foundation and T Bar M are very special to me and always will be.

“If it wasn’t for Believe It Foundation, I don’t know where I’d be today,” he added. “It helped me gain the trust that I could have independence.” Like McAllister, Copeland also transitioned from camper to staff and spent seven years associated with the camp.

Copeland also benefits from a college scholarship funded by the Believe It Foundation. He was awarded $2,500 a year for four years, as long as he maintains a 3.0 GPA, which he says can be challenging.

“It’s big deal to me and my family to

know I was able to renew that scholarship,” Copeland said.

Stories like Copeland’s keep McAllister motivated.

“My favorite thing is the kids, seeing them grow and the smiles on their faces,” he said. “I try to live my life in accordance with scripture. My goal is to serve people.”

The residents of Grace House, a faith-based transition home for women at risk, were delighted to receive a donation of $17,000 this summer from local funding organization the Sister Project.

The Sister Project is the inspiration of Debbie LeDoux, a former grant-writer at the Bexar County Justice Center. Six years ago she gathered a few friends, including Ellen Yarborough and Carrie Friesenhahn, and founded the non-profit group that invites 100 women to each give $1000. The subsequent sum of $100,000 is then awarded to three selected, deserving causes.

Each application was reviewed and vetted financially by the selection committee. Semi-finalists then were invited to send a day-in-the-life video before winners were chosen by vote. At April’s annual meeting new winners are

Please visit us at: sachristian.org

Debbie LeDoux, The Sister Project founder joins eight sisters and 11 women from Grace House at a tour and check presentation July 27.

Founder Debbie LeDoux, presents a donation from The Sister Project to Lee Ann Jackson, Executive Director of Grace House, a San Antonio faith-based transition home for women at risk.

revealed and the previous year’s top project presents their progress.

“Each year when we gather, we get one story of how our investment has paid off and three stories of opportunity for further kingdom investments. It really is a very a rewarding event,” LeDoux enthused.

Since 2011, The Sister Project has granted more than half a million dollars to almost 20 projects. In 2017, as most years, the top three winners represented both international and local groups.

Local Grace House was one of two runner’s up.

“We put a ton of prayers into this

and trust God will put the funds where they need to go,” LeDoux said.

LeDoux led eight sisters July 27 as they toured Grace House and delivered a check to eleven ladies who reside or work there. The group observed pictures of beloved family and friends, personal notes of encouragement, and even dried flowers from a past special occasion.

“Grace House was established to train, support and give hope to women following incarceration, or those in the midst of perilous lifestyles. The Grace House setting and training affords an opportunity for women to overcome the addictive and destructive lifestyles that have kept them from becoming productive citizens,” according to its website.

“The presence of the Holy Spirit was palatable while the sisters and the GH ladies ended with a time of worship and prayer. After exchanging stories and sharing tears, the sisters left with a feeling of gratitude that somehow they are a little better off for having spent a day at Grace House,” LeDoux said.

“The Sister Project seeks to shine the light of Christ by aiding, assisting and encouraging women in need through the combined gifts of 100 women.” For more information, go to www.thesisterproject.org.

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God’s Simple Plan of Salvation

BY FORD PORTER

My friend: I am asking you the most important question of your life. Your joy or your sorrow for all eternity depends upon your answer. The question is: Are you saved? It is not a question of how good you are, nor if you are a church member, but are you saved? Are you sure you will go to Heaven when you die?

PUBLISHER: Full Armor Foundation

Reagan High School football players celebrate another successful service project at the Food Bank

Reagan Football Helps Fight Hunger at Food Bank On June 22, more than 100 members of the Reagan Rattlers football team participated in one of their annual summer service projects. After a tough morning workout, varsity players together with members of the junior varsity and freshmen teams gathered donations of peanut butter and jelly and traveled to

the San Antonio Food Bank.

At the Food Bank’s warehouse, the Rattlers worked hard moving boxes and sorting food donations. In total, team members moved and sorted an impressive 31,873 pounds of food, setting a new record for Food Bank volunteers! This represents 25,498 meals for individuals

Members of the Reagan High School football team sort donations at the San Antonio Food Bank

served by the Food Bank. The team also donated over 400 pounds of peanut butter and jelly.

Working alongside the players were members of another local group, Singing Women of Texas, as well as coaches and parent volunteers. According to Head Coach John Hamilton, “We always talk to

the young men about being givers. It is better to give than to receive. The trip to the San Antonio Food Bank allows our young kids to interact with our older kids and come together for a common cause.

The parallels between Life and Athletics become more evident as these young men contribute off the fields of play. They need to know that the Reagan Athletic Program is bigger than just wins and losses. Helping and sacrificing for others is something that our kids embrace as they prepare to become the men they want to be. It was amazing this year to see our team fulfill the needs of others, alongside the Singing Women of Texas. Watching our players work hand in hand with complete strangers from all over the state was a cool experience. Those ladies loved their hometown football.”

The San Antonio Food Bank, whose slogan is “Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope,” serves 58,000 food insecure people each week. Their mission is to fight hunger in Southwest Texas through food distribution, programs, education, and advocacy.

CONTENT DIRECTORS: Claude Roberts COMMUNITY MANAGER: Blake Clifton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Amy Morgan THE BEACON OFFICE: P.O. Box 591490 San Antonio, Texas 78259 PH: (210) 614-8884 x2001 FAX: (210) 614-8885 ONLINE: www.saBeacon.com PUBLISHED: Monthly MISSION STATEMENT To deliver hope, inspiration and change through relevant articles from local and national writers, news sources, and Beacon staff. We strive to be recognized as the forum for family-oriented community events and activities, directories for area churches, schools, charities, businesses, and camps.

God says in order to go to Heaven, you must be born again. In John 3:7, Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Ye must be born again.”

In the Bible, God gives us the plan of how to be born again which means to be saved. His plan is simple! You can be saved today. How? First, my friend, you must realise you are a sinner. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

Because you are a sinner, you are condemned to die. “For the wages [payment] of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

This includes eternal separation from God in Hell. “... it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

But God loved you so much he gave his only begotten Son, Jesus, to bear your sin and die in your place. “For he hath made him [ Jesus, who knew no sin] to be sin for us ... that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Jesus had to shed his blood and die.

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood” (Leviticus 17:11) “... without shedding of blood is no remission [pardon]” (Hebrews 9:22).

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Although we cannot understand how, God said my sins and your sins were laid upon Jesus and he died in our place. He became our substitute. It is true. God cannot lie.

My friend, “God ... now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30).

This repentance is a change of mind that agrees with God that one is a sinner, and also agrees with what Jesus did for us on the cross.

In Acts 16:30-31, the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas: “... Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on

the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved... .”

Simply believe on him as the one who bore your sin, died in your place, was buried, and whom God resurrected.

His resurrection powerfully assures that the believer can claim everlasting life when Jesus is received as Saviour.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” ( John 1:12).

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

Whosoever includes you. Shall be saved means not maybe, nor can, but shall be saved.

Surely, you realise you are a sinner.

Right now, wherever you are, repenting, lift your heart to God in prayer.

In Luke 18:13, a sinner prayed: “God be merciful to me a sinner.”

Just pray: “Oh, God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus was my substitute when he died on the cross. I believe his shed blood, death, burial, and resurrection were for me. I now receive him as my Saviour. I thank you for the forgiveness of my sins, the gift of salvation and everlasting life, because of your merciful grace. Amen.”

Just take God at his word and claim his salvation by faith. Believe, and you will be saved. No church, no lodge, no good works can save you. Remember, God does the saving. All of it!

God’s simple plan of salvation is: You are a sinner. Therefore, unless you believe on Jesus who died in your place, you will spend eternity in Hell. If you believe on him as your crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, you receive forgiveness for all of your sins and his gift of eternal salvation by faith.

You say, “Surely, it cannot be that simple.” Yes, that simple! It is scriptural. It is God’s plan. My friend, believe on Jesus and receive him as Saviour today.

If his plan is not perfectly clear, read this tract over and over, without laying it down until you understand it. Your soul is worth more than all the world.

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).

Be sure you are saved. If you lose your soul, you miss Heaven and lose all. Please!

Let God save you this very moment.

God’s power will save you, keep you saved and enable you to live a victorious Christian life. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Do not trust your feelings. They change. Stand on God’s promises. They never change. After you are saved, there are three things to practise daily for spiritual growth: Pray, you talk to God. Read your Bible, God talks to you. Witness, you talk for God. You should be baptised in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ, as a public testimony of your salvation, and then unite with a Bible-believing church without delay. “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord ...” (2 Timothy 1:8).

“Whosoever therefore shall confess [testify of ] me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32).

Additional Helpful Verses: John 3:16, 1 Peter 2:24 Isaiah 53:6, James 1:15, Romans 10:9-10 Ephesians 2:8-9, Proverbs 27:1 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, John 10:27-31, 1 John 5:13 If you are saved through reading this article, send us word so we may rejoice with you. Editor@saBeacon.com

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Fallen 911 First Responders Memorialized in Anniversary Tower Climb A special memorial climb.

Honored our brotherhood.

Remembered our fallen.

firefighters, followed by other first responders and civilians, entered the tower to climb.

This physical climb was a grueling feat and a fitting honor and tribute to their brethren.

Volunteers lead the SA110, which is

completely supported by community and participant donations and sponsorships.

Any additional proceeds benefited the Association Of Memorial Stair Climbs.

“It is an honor to be able to help give

back to an organization that helps to continually ensure our fallen are not forgotten,” Solinski said.

BY AMY MORGAN

September 11, 2001, was a watershed day, one that will not be forgotten by any who witnessed its events. Many brave men and women sacrificed their lives in service to others. To commemorate those who were lost, local first responders will gathered on the anniversary to participate in a memorial climb. They climbed the stairs of San Antonio’s Tower of The Americas not once, but twice, to reach and exceed the 110 floors of the World Trade Center in which the heroes perished.

There is a reason the tribute event was not a 5k, a bike ride, or any other type of event, according to Dawn Solinski, Founder/Director of San Antonio 110 9/11 Memorial Climb. Participants climb 110 floors to pay tribute to the climb that 343 fallen firefighters made at the cost of their lives.

Local firefighters personally carried a tag with the identifying name and photo of each one of the 343 fallen firefighters who went into the WTC towers and climbed to save others. Other law enforcement officers did likewise to memorialize the 70 police officers and 9 EMS personnel lost.

“We will complete these climbs for them, and their tag will be placed on an accountability board when finished,” Solinski said.

The San Antonio 110 is one of the largest 9/11 Memorial Climbs in the country.

“SA110 is special as it was open to the public, for friends and family to come and pay respect to the losses of 9/11, while still keeping true to the 110 purpose for our brotherhood,” she added. SA110 also honors recent Firefighter LODD (Line Of Duty Deaths) during the opening ceremony.

Last year Casey Turk, Danny Vera, and Todd “Woody” Woodcock were recognized with moments of silence, and badges were placed on the honor board for them. This year SAFD’s Scott Deem will be memorialized.

In the past, the climb has attracted approximately 500 first responders and encompassed at least 50 different agencies, Solinski said.

Check in began at 6 – 7:20 a.m., after which a solemn memorial was held before climbing, to dedicate the climb to those who perished. At 8:46 a.m., the time of the first tower strike, bells will be tolled and the

Karsten Battles, Johnson High School football captain. First snap of the 2016 football season.

Karsten Battles Named First Team U.S. Army All-American

BY AMY MORGAN

At the San Antonio 110 9/11 Memorial Climb, participants, including many first responders, climb 110 floors to pay tribute to their brethren who were lost on Sept. 11, 2001.

Football specialty players such as long snappers often fly under the radar. In addition to playing a crucial role on their high school teams, they go above and beyond to finely tune their skills. They travel across the state and nation to attend camps and events with high levels of coaching to learn and obtain experience. Their hope: to be an asset to their school team, to prepare for the next level of play and to catch the eye of college coaches.

Karsten Battles, a senior at Claudia Taylor “Ladybird” Johnson High School in San Antonio’s far North suburbs, has moved a step closer to achieving this goal.

On July 8, 2017, he traveled to Rock Hill, South Carolina, to compete at the FBU camp, where he earned a spot as a U.S. Army All American. This means he will start for the West Team as the long snapper at the U.S. Army All American Bowl, held in

the Alamodome in downtown San Antonio January 6, 2018.

He is one of two long snappers in the entire United States to earn this honor to play among high school football’s best of the best. In Battles’ words, “this is the All-Star bowl game for high school.” Battles earned the invitation to FBU’s Specialist Showcase by excelling/dominating, demonstrating his athletic abilities at the Rubio Long Snapping Vegas Event in January of this year. Not only were coaches grading him during agility and blocking drills, he had to long snap while surrounded by a crowd of people clustered claustrophobically close both to him and his target.

“I love competition,” Battles said.

“Pressure doesn’t affect me; I don’t feel it, which is good, because when I am in the game, I’m there to make sure everything’s going smoothly in the highest pressure situation possible.”

The 6’1” 245-pound 18-year-old also plays on his high school offensive line. He was named 2016 26-6A First Team All-District Special Teams MVP and Honorable Mention Offense-Line. He was ranked number one long-snapper in Texas and best in the Southwest United States by region for the class of 2018. In addition Battles was one of the Semi-Finalists for the Chris Rubio High School Long Snapper Award for 2016.

In May, Battles was awarded the designation of 5 Star Athlete and on July 19 was selected as one of the Top 12 Long Snappers at Rubio’s invitation-only Top 12 Camp in Tampa, Florida.

“Karsten is a returning starter for Johnson and will play left tackle, as well as handle all deep snapping duties,” said Bruce Gillespie, offensive line and deep snapping coach for Johnson.

“He has traveled the nation, gaining top status as one of the best snappers in his age

group. Karsten is an intelligent and hardworking student athlete, who devotes many hours to be the best. He was 100% on all his snaps for punt and field goals last year. He also lends his knowledge to future snappers at local camps for upcoming prospects. We look forward to his leadership at tackle as well as deep snapper for the 2017 season.”

Teammate and JHS quarterback John Guerra had words of praise for Battles. “I love Karsten’s snaps because they are near perfect,” he said. “I can always count on Karsten to get the ball to me fast and with the laces in the perfect spot. And he has great character. Every team needs to be comprised of guys like Karsten.”

The road to long snapping success is a family commitment, requiring a huge investment in time and resources. In the past 16 months since he began training with Continued on page 14

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BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

Changing Lives, One Relationship at a Time

BY AMY MORGAN

One thousand children are waiting to be matched with a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of South Texas. Some will remain on the list for years. 14-year-old Eric V. Lewis, Jr. was once among that number. Registered at age 5 by his single mother, Scharlena, he waited four years until he was paired with his mentor, Marcus Green, in a relationship that continues to this day.

“You don’t plan to be divorced. The child didn’t ask to be involved in that,” Scharlena said. “We want our children’s lives to be as normal and happy as possible. If they don’t have a father in their life, it is important to have another man they can trust and respect.”

BBBS has been invaluable to the Lewis family, she said. And Eric has thrived, not just in his time spent with his mentor, but also because of his relationship with others in the organization, including CEO Denise Barkhurst and COO Armen Babajanian. Eric was selected to serve as spokes Little for BBBS– and in that role appears throughout San Antonio, at donation presentations, recruitment events, even television or radio commercials. Eric is well spoken and mature beyond his years. Anyone acquainted with him cannot help but be impressed.

For the past three years, Eric has also served on the organization’s board providing input from a Little’s, and a teen’s, perspective. Recently BBBS held its main fundraising campaign, Bowl for Kids Sake, which Eric said grossed $113,000. Its success inspired him to suggest expanding the event to high school groups.

Eric has high praise for his Big Brother, “Marcus and I have been partnered for six years. We go all over town and try to get together once a month. He is a positive influence in my life. He talks to me about values and life issues – and then we eat chicken wings and watch college football.”

Eric claims the Oregon Ducks as his favorite team.

“They (BBBS) took an interest in my son and were there for us,” Scharlena added.

“There is no greater joy in this world that to know your child is safe and happy.”

She serves on the parent advisory council, acclimating those new or prospective. Safety is a top priority for the organization, she stressed.

“They take the time to do reference checks, background checks, finger prints,

Johnson HS PTSA Smart Driving Club wants to remind you to never drive distracted Summer is over. School is back in full swing, and the Johnson HS PTSA Smart Driving Club wants to remind you to never drive distracted. It is always important to keep your eyes on the road and not on your phone. Club students helped get that message out even over the summer months.

Big Brother Marcus Green and his Little, Eric Lewis, enjoyed watching a UTSA Roadrunner Football game vs Southern University together in September.

credit,” she said. “It is important to them that your child will be safe and have someone mentor them in a one-on-one relationship in a positive way.”

She also mentioned the Magic While You Wait activities, group trips to laser tag, Spurs games or miniature golf, which are planned by BBBS of South Texas for those children on the wait list. “It’s a good consolation while your child is waiting for their mentor – it lets your child participate in activities you would not be able to afford to give them a taste of what its like, and it helps them know they have not been forgotten while they wait.”

In his spare time, Eric, a freshman at MacArthur High School, swims competitively on the school’s swim team and

through Alamo Area Aquatics Club. He hopes to qualify as an Olympic swimmer someday, he said. He also is very active in his church, Bethany Missionary Baptist, where he manages all the audiovisual tools for the service and preaches to community youth.

“I have gotten more than I can ever possibly give because of the joy they bring to my son,” Scharlena said. “I recommend BBBS for any single parent. I could not imagine what our life would be without them.” She encourages potential volunteers or donors to contact Bigmentor.org or call 225-6322.

“You don’t have to have a lot of money or do a lot of things. Children just want to know that you care,” she said.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas’ Bowl For Kids Sake raises funds for the non-profit’s programs benefitting thousands of children.

A banner with the message “Eyes on the Road and Not on your Phone” was displayed in three different locations during the months of May through August with the hope the community would be reminded to never drive distracted.

Club students worked with District 9 and 10 council members in April to secure funds to hang the banner in three different locations. Dixie Flag helped driving club students develop the banner last year. The banner was able to be reused this summer.

The city of San Antonio currently has a no cell usage while driving city ordinance, but this ordinance may be preempted by Governor Abbott during the special legislation session. A statewide law was passed at the end of May during the 85th legislative session, but this law only applies to texting while driving.

The JHS PTSA Smart Driving Club will continue its mission to remind and educate the Jaguar campus and the community of the dangers of driving distracted. Our club students believe it is never safe to be on your phone or distracted while driving.

Please help support this mission and keep your eyes on the road and not on your phone.

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Relief, Recovery and Restoration from Hurricane Harvey San Antonio Pitches In

BY AMY MORGAN

“They, too, will ask, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or as a stranger or in need of clothes or sick or in prison and didn’t help you?’

He will answer them, ‘I can guarantee this truth: Whatever you failed to do for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you failed to do for me.’” Matthew 25:44-45 San Antonio has flipped this verse on its head in the past weeks since Hurricane Harvey knocked our San Antonio’s door, but did not come in. Shaking our heads in disbelief, grateful to be spared flooding and damage, San Antonians have jumped to help our neighbors in Houston, the Gulf and South Texas. It seems every business, school or church has taken a collection, gathered donations of non-perishable goods and gift cards, or rounded up volunteers to begin the process of cleaning and restoring those to our east and south.

I was one of thousands who felt compelled to do something. I wanted to be the hands and feet of Jesus with my own personal hands and feet. Thankfully, my young adult sons felt the same. The 18-yearold and I spent a Saturday afternoon sorting and packing goods into several tractor-trailers at a warehouse organized by Keller Williams Realty. Employees creatively used social media to recruit volunteers and solicit donations. A cheer rang out among the workers as we watched the last trailer of cargo leave and surveyed the floor empty where once it had been full.

The next weekend, I traveled to Houston, where I was able to witness the end result of similarly donated goods. Southwire Company collected items at its headquarters in Georgia, eventually filling 12 18-wheelers in its trip west across IH 10.

Once they arrived at Crosspoint Church in hard-hit Bellaire, volunteers from the community, including employees of J.D. Martin and my 20-year-old, unpacked and organized mountains of diapers, wipes, formula, cleaning supplies, food, hygiene products and the most precious of all commodities, water.

People desperate for what we had to offer waited for hours in a line snaking miles, beginning at 6 a.m. We counted 3,000 cars the first day. We gave up counting the second – just kept passing out supplies until there was nothing left.

I felt the weight of the reality of Jesus’

words about helping others as I recognized the presence of the Holy Spirit magnifying every gift.

It wasn’t just all about the goods, however needed they may be. Many people are overwhelmed by the physical tasks of cleaning debris, and tearing out sodden interiors and building materials. Just a few blocks away from the Baptist church where we were busily distributing donations, citizens were salvaging whatever they could of their houses. It was humbling and sad to see pile after pile of furniture and dry wall, cabinets and flooring irreparably ruined by flood. The smell of mold and decay hung heavily in the air.

Teams from Samaritan’s Purse were in Houston to provide manpower almost immediately I drove by one of their semitrucks parked in a church parking lot near Katy on IH 10.

Church Unlimited San Antonio felt especially compelled to help because its main campus is headquartered in Corpus Christi, with satellite branches throughout South Texas. Volunteers “literally gridded the cities of Rockport, Aransas Pass and Port Aransas,” Pastor Bil Cornelius said. “We said, ‘Let’s go help get people get through the debris and help them rebuild their lives.’”

The Rio Texas Chapter of the United Methodist Church sent early response teams – volunteers who have completed its disaster relief training – to the Coastal Bend within days. Community Bible Church partnering with Faith Outreach Center and My Church, opened its sanctuary for Red Cross Volunteer training.

“This is the time that the body of Christ has a unique opportunity to create an optic that the whole world can see,” said Pastor Charles E. Flowers of the Faith Outreach Center. “All over the city, we’re coming together to be released to help serve the suffering. I know many of you have been looking for an opportunity to do that.”

Pastor John Valenzuela of My Church echoed, “We’re all asking our congregations to go get your friends and come in and be

the army we are called to be. Let’s go invade this area with the love of Jesus and show what we can do when we all become one.”

Pastor Ed Newton of CBC said, “It is tragedy that brings us together and allows us to understand we can do more together than apart. It is the capital C church.”

And anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name, just because you belong to me, will surely be rewarded. Mark 9:41

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October is Pastor Appreciation Month!

Thank You Pastor, We want to say thank you, for how you walk in truth, the hours you gladly give, sharing God’s Word.

AM 630 The Word would like to especially thank all of our local Pastoral Programmers for the tireless work they do throughout the year.

W E E K D AY S AT 1 0 : 0 0 A M ON AM 630 THE WORD

W I T H DAV I D J E R E M I A H OCTOBER MINISTRY OF THE MONTH LEARN MORE AT AM630THEWORD.COM

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Program Guide Christian Teaching & Talk Seven Days a Week

MONDAY - FRIDAY

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A Phoenix Risen from the Ashes Continued from previous page

friends investing in your community. It reminds you it isn’t about individual local churches, it is about the body of Christ,” Harris said.

Grace Point recently used their experience to pay it forward, offering assistance to Grace Community Baptist Church of Fannett, a small community outside of Beaumont. More than a quarter of the community was affected by Hurricane

Harvey, Cappadonna said, and Grace and Grace Point jumped in to help.

“They’d bring people evacuated from their homes to Grace. We’re feeding, housing, and helping them rebuild. The church still is housing people in their children’s building,” she said. A silver lining, the church’s reputation in the community has blossomed.

“People know if they need help, call Grace; they’ll help you,” she added. “That’s a

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

ALL ABOUT EYES

by MONICA ALLISON, OD

Why we do what we do–the Vision Source Experience.

Grace Point Church – A Phoenix Risen from the Ashes

BY AMY MORGAN

God works all things for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose. — Romans 8:28 Father’s Day evening 2016, Grace Point Church, 9650 Huebner Road, caught on fire.

A spark from one of the nearly 30-year-old air conditioning units ultimately consumed the worship center, adjoining offices and children’s area and rendered their contents unusable. The destruction produced a scene eerily similar to that experienced across Texas in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey a year later.

Despite the destruction, the staff and congregation vowed, ”We Won’t Back Down,”’ and began a 15-month journey of

rebuilding that culminated in the grand opening of the new worship center Sunday, Oct. 10.

Senior Pastor Jeff Harris and Executive Pastor Jamye Cappadonna share lessons of hope learned from Grace Point’s recovery and restoration.

“ You get to a place of numbness where you realize you cannot do one more thing in your own power and strength to move things along,”

Grace Point Church with a personal donation of several thousands of dollars to help outfit the new facility, Harris said.

“They wanted to give back to our church because the restoration project had been such a blessing to them,” Harris said. “From our perspective, they are the blessing.”

Trust God with the big and little things

“Space is nice; it is not a necessity,” Harris said, describing the office structure of the old building as a maze.

“We joked the building was held together by duct tape and baling wire. The new building includes an open concept office space to provide room for collaboration; new children’s rooms; and upgraded technology and sound systems.

Harris tells of God’s provision of a Christian contractor, Pat McGrath of Belfor Construction, who not only coordinated rebuilding, but partnered with the church in prayer. On Oct. 3, the company presented

Join with others in the body of Christ

People are looking for hope in tragedy and a way to hold on when circumstances are bad and out of control, Harris said.

“You get to a place of numbness where you realize you cannot do one more thing in your own power and strength to move things along,” he added. “That’s where we have to trust God has a purpose for whatever he allows, and that he is enough.

“Without hope, I don’t know how you’d get through.”

Actively look for God’s blessings

Harris credits many in the community for their substantive, tangible help.

“We were overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of support from churches and other organizations that generously gave or loaned what we needed to continue our ministry,” he added.

Innumerable financial gifts, large and small, poured in from all over. With them came encouraging notes, prayers, and Bible verses to bolster their faith.

“It is very humbling when you see Continued on next page

People who haven’t been to the eye doctor in many years always comment on “how things have changed!” Things have changed at our office because we pride ourselves on being current and providing the best care to our patients. I wanted to take a minute to describe some of our technology and why we do what we do.

The Optomap is a device that takes a wide view image of the back of the eye without needing dilation drops. It can point us to areas we need to focus on when we do dilate the eyes, or look in with other means and it’s a great document of how healthy your eyes are on the day of your visit. We have found retinal tears, holes, hemorrhages, and even cancer in our patients’ eyes using this technology. We like to have Optomap images of all of our patients.

The next instrument is the OCT. It is one of the earliest detectors of glaucoma and macular degeneration as it measures the nerve fiber layer of the eye and compares it to normative data. The nerve fiber layer becomes damaged in glaucoma and macular degeneration. We can catch disease processes much faster with this instrument and treat it before any sight is affected. We run the screening test as a courtesy on all patients 40 and up.

Next in line is our FDT visual field. This

Monica Allison, O.D. Lindsey Denison, O.D. Kim Ip, O.D. Victoria Perez, OD Joshua Martin, OD

instrument provides a measurement of your peripheral vision and we have detected quite a few brain tumors just from subtle results on this exam. All of our patients receive this screening.

And then we have the Oculus. The Oculus can provide a scan of the shape of the front of the eye for all of our contact lens patients and it also performs a dry eye screening for all of our patients. It is also an excellent camera that is used for documenting eye disease or a difficult contact lens fit. We are one of the only providers in the area that have this technology. If further assessment is needed for dry eye, there is an extensive range of tests this instrument can also perform. Dry eye has many different causes and it is important to treat the correct underlying component and we can do this better with this new technology.

We gather a lot of information throughout the process of our eye exams. We are confident we are giving our patients the best care and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We can be reached at 495-9020 or at www.visionsource-stoneoak.com if you would like to have the Vision Source Experience for you or your family. And remember, we are at the NEW location of 810 Knights Cross, ste 101.

Call 210-495-9020 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

great way for the church to be known.”

Cappadonna was able to encourage others with Grace Point’s story. “You just have trust that God’s got this. He’s working on our behalf in ways we can’t see,” she said.

“I love to tell the story of God’s goodness

in all of this despite the headaches,” Harris echoed. “He’s whispered to us all along the way: He’s got this, and He’s good. I wouldn’t wish it on anybody, but I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Words of hope despite devastation.

Contributions from the Body of Christ The Grace Point staff, elders, and congregation are immensely grateful for every act of kindness and generosity that sustained us on the long road to rebuild. The following is an excerpt of a list published in Grace Point Church’s recent newsletter.

Concordia Lutheran Church allowed us office space on their campus, loaned and set up AV production equipment.

Oak Hills Church loaned 11 laptop computers.

Castle Hills Church helped navigate the reconstruction process, sharing from their own experience, and donated baby equipment.

Mission Church loaned a portable children’s classroom.

Providence Place offered the use of their gym.

Dance Elan Studio offered the use of meeting space.

Daily Bread Ministries provided storage space for our cleaned building contents.

Life Point Church hosted Global Leadership Summit team meetings.

The San Antonio Area Foundation gave an emergency grant for a portable office building.

A Church in Colorado donated 600 new chairs for our Worship Center. forand August 2016Boerne all offered CrossbridgeProposed Community Advertisement Church, Cibolo Creek First Baptist tangible help.

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Cutlines: Karsten Battles, Johnson High School football long snapper, with Chris Rubio, president and owner of Rubio Long Snapping, earned his spot this summer as a U.S. Army All American. He will start as the West Team’s long snapper at the U.S. Army All American Bowl, held in the Alamodome in downtown San Antonio January 6, 2018.

Continued from page 7

he chooses will include admission to the national coach Chris Rubio, president and school’s college of engineering. owner of Rubio Long Snapping, Battles and Long snappers don’t get the spotlight. at least one family member have attended “Everyone just assumes we are going to lessons and camps from Florida to Idaho. do it right,” Battles said. “If a long snapper Each camp offers the finest instruction and has seven good snaps and challenges among the top “ I f a long snapper one bad one – he’s fired, and competitors in the nation. everyone hates him. If I mess Friends who had successful has seven good up, more than likely, the long-snapping experience other team scores. If a snaps and one bad recommended Rubio, quarterback has seven touchbecause he’s built his long one – he’s fired, and downs and one interception snapping instruction to be the best in the world. He everyone hates him. – he’s a hero.”

Battles gives the glory for designed ranking and trainIf I mess up, more his success to God. His faith ing systems and is the “go-to is an important part of his man when a college coach than likely, the strength, he said. He has needs a long snapper,” inscribed Psalms 16:8 on other team scores. according to his website. In everything from his letter 2017 alone, more than 150 If a quarterback has jacket to his baseball hats. “I long snappers who have know the Lord is always with gone through Rubio’s system seven touchdowns me, I will not be shaken, for are committed to colleges. and one intercephe is right beside me.”

He also works with NFL His steadfast character professionals. tion – he’s a hero.” and attitude of service are the Since beginning to train reasons the JHS football with Rubio, Battles’ snapping coaches selected him to attend NEISD technique has been on fire. June 30, he set a leadership camp this summer. He said he national RSI speed and accuracy record of takes this responsibility seriously.

86.91, blowing away the previous record of “I’m extremely determined to be the 65.22. RSI is a measure designed to quantify best at whatever I’m doing, ” Battles said. “I a long snapper’s skill level. have a hard work ethic.

I always strive to be Battles’s dream is a D1 college scholarbetter and to make the team better. ” ship (offers pending) where he can long “His work ethic is beyond belief, and he snap. Oh, and don’t overlook his plans to deserves to be called an All American,” major in mechanical engineering – the offer Guerra added.

Call (210) 653-2800 today to reserve your child’s place.

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