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HOW HIS CHRISTIAN FAITH ELEVATED HIM TO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AND WORLD TITLES

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CONTENTS »

ANNUAL 2018

NO.1

VOL.1

18

52 DEPARTMENTS 04 PUBLISHER’S LETTER 17 THE BIG PICTURE 18 AROUND THE WORLD

06

22

REJOICE

24

FROM THE PULPIT

COMMUNITY 39

27

WELLNESS

40 SUNDAY’S BEST

COVER STORY

PROMOTIONAL FEATURES

06 IN HIS CORNER

12

How Pro Boxer and Olympian, Antonio Vargas’ faith elevated his career

Antonio’s favorite scripture:

28 WHERE LOVE ABOUNDS

John 3:16 — For God so loved the world, that he gave hisonly begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

RE A DE R FE E D BACK We want to hear what you think of each issue and welcome your comments and suggestions at: john@sotomayormedia.com

Why website company, Ocoos, is best for your church or non-profit website

46 AROUND TOWN 52 BREAKING BREAD 57 IN YOUR WORDS

Habitat for Humanity of Marion County builds homes and communities ON THE COVER

FO L LOW U S O N facebook.com/Elevate.ASpiritualLivingMagazine/

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Pro Boxer and Olympian, Antonio Vargas Location: Full Line Studio Photographer: Conan Segrest

PHOTOS BY: CONAN SEGREST ; ROSS HELEN

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P U B L I S H E R ’S L E T T E R »

BY J O H N S OTO M AYO R

Through God, All Things Are Possible

“I stopped relying on myself – which was clearly the root of my trouble – and relied on something I could not see or feel. I relied on blind faith.”

]

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PHOTO BY: RALPH DEMILIO

I

In late November 2015, a knock on my apartment door at Market Street Lofts in downtown Leesburg by three Jehovah’s Witnesses, a man and two women, awoke me from a weekend of binge drinking. When I answered the door in a disheveled state, one woman smiled and handed me a pamphlet that read: “How do you view the future? Will our world … stay the same? Get worse? Get Better?” In my melancholy, morose state of mind, I shut the door without uttering a word. I merely surveyed the wreckage in my normally immaculate apartment, realizing in a few hours I would need to go to work, and that I would never last an hour let alone the day at my beloved job as a staff writer with the upscale local magazine in my present condition. How do I view our world? I am in hell.

Staying the same was bad enough. Getting worse was inconceivable. At the moment, so was the idea of getting better. Three days later, I lost that beloved job. The next day, on Thanksgiving Day, my brother picked me up to return me to Ocala. By the end of the holiday, my apartment was vacated, and I had left Leesburg in disgrace.

I stopped drinking and immediately landed a temporary contract job in publishing, with possibility of an unlimited duration. Although I have done my best, the job ended after four months through no fault of myself or my employer.

Overcome with disappointment, I lost focus and drank again. That, too, had happened often in the past. Everything began to change in early June 2016, when I heard a voice within that asked, how do I view the future? Will it stay the same?

Get worse? Or get better? It had to get better — but how? I then did something I had not tried in the past — I let go. I stopped relying on myself — which was clearly the root of my trouble — and relied on something I could not see or feel. I relied on blind faith.

Opportunity knocked again. This time, in the form of a patient and understanding man, who knew all too well what I have endured and assured me he knew a way out. I followed him. He led me through a new way of life whereby I placed my service to God above service to self. Service to God meant service to my fellow man before service to self. Upon acceptance of my new way of life, I have begun a new relationship with God, through whom — as this patient and understanding man assured me — all things are possible. Even the seemingly impossible.

God would demonstrate this power to do all things, even the impossible, during these critical early steps of recovery. Back in February 2008, while on

ELEVATE

»

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

a journalism assignment in Islamabad, Pakistan, covering the volatile Parliamentary Elections after the assassination of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, I reluctantly accepted the invitation to a haircut and shave by a relentless man in order to silence his unwavering insistence. Months later, a doctor informed me after a routine blood test that I had contracted Hepatitis C. Given I had been tested before my trip to Pakistan with negative results, I knew the exposure came from that trip, and research into contributing factors led me to complete assurance my exposure came from that razor blade. The doctor told me I was fortunate. They caught it early. I did not share his optimism. I was now the carrier of an incurable deadly disease. A death sentence that would cut my life short. I learned to go about my life, with some incredible moments few get to experience, but the knowledge of my condition kept me from ever completely enjoying any of it.

In 2014, news spread of a cure. For a moment, a glimmer of hope. But the cure was expensive. Through my beloved staff writer job in Leesburg, I acquired

FOR SPIRITUAL LIFE

Publisher/Executive Editor John Sotomayor EDITORIAL Copy Editor Nicole Gomez Contributing Writers Dr. Ellery Cave Michelle Clark Nicole Gomez Karla Grimsley Trisha Hiatt Crystal Jewell-Maksou Jarod Kintz Rosey Moreno-Jones Pastor Doris Patterson Pastor Joshua Sarmiento Jessica Thurow

insurance. But my insurance refused to pay for my treatment, despite the law that required them to do so. A class action lawsuit ended in a settlement that required my insurance to treat me. They still refused. Before 2016 would come to an end, God presented more people into my life that would come to my aid. The Hep C specialist at Ocala Gastroenterology worked with the pharmaceutical company in Tampa and two medical foundations to enroll me in a program that got me my Harvoni medication. By February 14, 2017, I was done with my treatment. A month earlier, the initial tests revealed the virus was wiped out of my system. I was on my way to being cured of the incurable. I saw clearly now what was happening. This was God at work, through the work of men. All glory goes to God. Everything I have experienced in life, both good and bad, has led me to this point. I am now the publisher and executive editor of the first faith-based, spiritual living magazine in North Central Florida. A role that I neither expected nor sought. I had earned a Bachelor’s degree

ART Creative Direction Joe DeLeon Graphic Designers Alex Sotomayor Ashley Burdshaw Amber Laudicina

in economics and political science, then studied law in Washington, D.C., seeking a prestigious life as an overpaid lawyer.

I never sought service to God or, really, service to others. I sought service to self.

I did not seek this calling; this calling sought me. God has asked this sinner to do his work. After a quarter century of denial, I have finally come to serve. God has a purpose for me. I believe that purpose is fulfillment of this publication, done by the least likely of servants. That is how he demonstrates his power. He had helped me overcome my adversity so that I may share his message. Truly, through God, all things are possible. How do I view the future? I see it as getting better.

John Sotomayor john@sotomayormedia.com

OUR MISSION Our Purpose is to Serve God, Help Others, and Grow Together

PHOTOGRAPHER Conan Segrest Contributing Photographers Amber Laudicina Demilio Photography A D M I N I S T R AT I O N Advertising Sales Director/Finance John Sotomayor Communications and Outreach Director Crystal Jewell-Maksou Social Media & Marketing Manager Tai DeMaris Business Consultants Frank Hennessey, Hennessey Arabian Riyan Rivero, Riyan PR and Marketing DISTRIBUTION John Sotomayor

Annual Edition 2018; Published Jan 2018 Sotomayor Media Creations LLC 352.571.0129

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Copyright All contents copyrighted 2018 by Sotomayor Media Creations LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or advertising content in any manner without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Unsolicited material will not be returned. Publisher reserves the right to approve or refuse any advertiser or contribution for any reason. Photographs are submitted by writers of each article who assume responsibility for usage approval.

Publisher is not responsible for advertisers’ claims or content of advertisements. “Paid Promotional Feature” or “Special Promotional Feature” denotes paid advertising features. The ideas and opinions contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of the publisher.

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COVER STORY

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IN HIS H

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PRO BOXER AND OLYMPIAN ANTONIO VARGAS SHARES HOW HIS CHRISTIAN FAITH ELEVATED HIM TO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AND WORLD TITLES Antonio Vargas takes a moment to pray at John 3:16 & 17 Gym, where he trains in Ocala.

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BY / / J O H N S O T O M AYO R P H O T O G R A P H Y BY / / C O N A N S E G R ES T

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E

xceeding all expectations, Antonio Vargas’ career as a boxer is storybook. A troubled youngster struggling with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Antonio overcame his adversity by learning to box. At age 9, he had immediate success, which escalated over the years. By 2014, he had achieved every junior boxing title, including the Silver Gloves. 2015, his first year boxing as an adult, was a banner year. It began with national championships at the Golden Gloves and culminated with gold at the Pan American Games. In 2016, Antonio achieved the pinnacle of international success: a shot at gold in the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“Going to the Olympics has been the highlight of my life,” said Antonio. “Being an Olympian is something that will stay with me forever.”

Humbly, Antonio gives all glory to God. “Growing up, I was aware of God, but I did not have a relationship with him,” Antonio said. “At 12, I begin to develop one. By 16, I made the decision Jesus is the way.”

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THE PRODIGY At an early age, Antonio was a bit of a troublemaker at school, due to ADHD. His teacher and principal in Houston, Texas, where Antonio was born, held a meeting with his parents and told them: “Your kid is out of control.” Antonio could never stay still. The school officials recommended his parents put him on medication to keep him calm. Antonio’s father agreed to the terms to

appease the school, but never put Antonio on medication that he felt would do more harm than good.

Instead, Antonio’s father decided to enroll his son, then 9, in boxing to keep him occupied and burn energy. At first, it was merely a fun activity for Antonio. He enjoyed the competition, and it kept him focused. Still at 9 he won his first championship belt at Ringside World, a four-day national com-

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petition held in Kansas City. That gave him the confidence and desire to pursue boxing as more than a hobby. He loved the thrill of winning tournaments.

At the age of 12, Antonio’s family moved to Kissimmee, FL. Like Jesus, at age 12 Antonio had a religious epiphany. Antonio’s family always believed in God, but they did not push religion on him. Antonio’s coach at the time, a devout Christian man who trained him

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from age 12 to 18, introduced Antonio to a deeper relationship with God. Under his coach’s guidance, Antonio studied the Bible. After experiencing who God is and how he works in our lives, Antonio wanted to learn more. Knowing that God gave his only son for our salvation led Antonio to his decision to serve God in everything he does.

AT AGE 16, Antonio accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and was baptized in Kissimmee by full immersion by Pastor Dave at Greater Harvest Christian Church. “From that point on, I knew my purpose was to use my talent in boxing to further glorify his message in everything I do,” Antonio said.

Applying Jesus’ message to all of his actions led Antonio down a solid, well-disciplined path, free from the pitfalls of life.

“I want to be pleasing to God before any man,” Antonio said regarding how he remains grounded and fights temptation.

“That is how I think in order to serve God wholeheartedly.”

To Antonio, living as Jesus taught — to love your neighbors as you love yourself — and thus giving his life to Christ has made the biggest impact on him.

“I have never done drugs or even smoked a cigarette,” Antonio said. “I don’t party. I have never lost my senses under the influence of any artificial substance. Giving my life to Christ keeps me disciplined and grounded.”

He channels all his energy toward the goal of improving his boxing. His daily goal is simply to be better than he was the day before.

One of the greatest contests a youthful boxer (age 8 – 15) can win is the Silver Gloves. If you win the Silver Gloves, you are on your way and catch the attention of major coaches. Antonio won back-to-back-to-back national titles in the Silver Gloves.

In 2015, Antonio was undefeated for the entire year. He held the number 1 rank as the 2015 national champion. He beat the top fighters in his weight class in the United States. Afterward, he won the state Golden Gloves, then advanced to the national Golden Gloves, which he also won.

To qualify for the 2015 Pan American Games, Antonio won gold in four different countries, beating the best boxers from Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica and Venezuela. In the Pan American Games, he fought another four countries: Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and Cuba in the semi-finals.

» “FROM THAT POINT ON, I KNEW MY PURPOSE WAS TO USE MY TALENT IN BOXING TO FURTHER GLORIFY HIS MESSAGE IN EVERYTHING I DO.”

Antonio won the Gold Medal in the 2015 Pan American Games, the pinnacle of his career thus far.

THE PROPHECY A vision by world champion boxer, Agami, foretold that one day up and coming world champion boxer, Antonio Vargas, would train with Tito Ocasio, owner of John 3:16 and 17 Boxing Club and Gym in Ocala.

He shared this vision with Tito, his coach, saying, “God told me to tell you, Tito, that you will start training Antonio.”

Tito refused to accept this prophecy, replying that Antonio, at the time the recent gold medalist at the Pan American Games, was training with Dalel. A week later, Dalel asked Tito to help train Antonio as a secondary coach. Tito had experience training up-and-comers to world status, whereas

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Antonio Vargas holds his 2015 Championship belt.

— Opposite page: Antonio Vargas trains with the punching bag at 3:16 & 17 gym.

FUN FACTS

“I WILL REACH MANY PEOPLE THROUGH BOXING, SO THAT WILL BE MY PLATFORM TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL AND GOOD NEWS OF JESUS CHRIST.”

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE? John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

the next level Antonio says having a strong faith in God is the answer. “Going into the ring, fear is alleviated when I know I enter with God’s grace and protection,” Antonio said. “My faith gives me confidence I will persevere.”

USA Boxing wanted Antonio to retain amateur status for another four years and compete in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Antonio considered it, but competing in the Olympics requires a great deal of traveling and being away from home. He decided to go pro. He signed with Top Rank, the nation’s premiere fighter promotions company for boxing including all weight divisions and titles, in January 2017, then fought his professional debut in Palm Bay, Florida on February 25th against Jonathan De La Paz, where he won by a knockout in 1:48 minutes of the first round.

Antonio faces his future with the determination and grace of a confident man, wise beyond his 20 years.

“I will reach many people through boxing, so that will be my platform to spread the gospel and good news of Jesus Christ,” Antonio said. “God is opening new doors for me.”

WHO DO YOU RELATE TO MOST IN THE BIBLE? Paul – how Jesus came to him and turned his life around. How he served God.

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FAVORITE MUSICIAN? Kim Walker, worship singer

John 3:16 & 17 gym owner and boxing coach Tito Ocasio, Maxin Maysonet, assistant coach, Luis DosSantos, and Antonio Vargas pray before training.

»

Dalel had none. Tito took this as a sign. He believed that Agami’s prophecy was close.

Agami replied, “No, Tito. God told me that you will be his head coach.”

Again, Tito refused to accept this. Shortly after, an incident occurred between Dalel and Antonio, which led to the decision for Dalel to step aside as head coach and opened the door for Tito to step in. Everything was amicable, as Dalel is now Antonio’s father-in-law.

Antonio recently married Dalel’s daughter, Melodie, who also boxes and was the person who introduced Antonio to Dalel.

Tito began training Antonio in late 2016.

Agami’s vision had come true after all.

“Now I am with Tito, and he is a strong believer in Christ,” said Antonio. “We had the same vision — to become world champions, but with the main objective which was to give all glory to Christ.”

Antonio has known Tito since he was roughly 14. He sparred with Tito’s son, Jose.

Antonio knew of Tito’s reputation, having trained several world champions. “I know God led me to him, and I truly believe Tito can take me to the next level.”

To prepare mentally and spiritually for

»

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T

he mission to establish a community foundation that would serve as the centralized portal for philanthropic donation and a unified voice for all local non-profit entities was a bold one – so the website

had to be the very best. The Community Foundation of Ocala Marion County found that website provider in Ocoos, right under their noses.

— From left seated Xavier Vidot, Zack Ackerman, Frank Hennessey, Barbara Fitos, Rodger Polanco

“We were involved with Ocoos from the very beginning, when they were one of the first clients in the Power Plant Business Incubator,” said Barbara Fitos, Executive Director, Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County. Frank Hennessey, a retired hedge fund manager and founder of the Community Foundation, was very involved with the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce at that time, which managed the Power Plant, so Hennessey’s experience was called upon to facilitate the orchestration of the business incubator concept. He met Dr. Razdan, founder of Ocoos, through that affiliation.

“We discussed the dynamics of what they were doing, and we were fascinated by the whole approach,” said Fitos. “As they evolved the platform, Dr. Razdan said they were going to add a non-profit component, and asked if they would be interested to help him pilot that.”

The Community Foundation had a wonderful initial website design but as a start up, was open to improve-

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ment. The Ocoos non-profit model fit extremely well with the client profile they planned to attract.

“We started to explore that possibility and the more we talked, the more Frank [Hennessey] and I realized this was an absolute best fit for us,” said Fitos. “The idea of being able to create a viable working website that had all of the features that we would need in terms of the capability of highlighting and showcasing all of our products and service lines; being able to have the blog features, the back end features that are so secure — more so for our purposes than an open source Word Press product — caught our attention.”

In today’s tech-reliant society, every organization needs an efficient, all-purpose website, including churches and non-profits. A church or non-profit’s website is frequently the first place potential or current donors discover the organization’s ministry or service.

There are seven major reasons why your church or non-profit would benefit from an Ocoos website.

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BUILD AWARENESS

website can help you market non-profit events through email campaigns, or creating special pages on the website to promote the function.”

The Florida Horse Park website created by Ocoos is an excellent example of event marketing.

“They usually have a new event every week, and they use our calendar as well as the home page to advertise those events and draw people in,” said Zack Ackerman, senior Front End Developer.

You are well versed in your church’s or non-profit’s mission, but the public may not be. “A website allows people to learn about your cause, and hopefully, be moved to donate,” said Razdan.

“This means you need an online platform that spreads your message with well-written, SEO-friendly text, and compelling photos and images that hold the attention of folks casually surfing the web.”

“To be able to tell the non-profit story on a business platform — was intriguing,” said Fitos.

“In terms of telling the story of who we are, what we do, how clients can interact with us and how existing donors can interact with us … We are able to connect the people to the right parties, and that is all because of the ease of access.”

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT

DONOR MANAGEMENT

Collecting the contact information of donors is a top priority for non-profits. “A robust website allows you to collect valuable contact details from donors, such as names, phone numbers, and email addresses,” said Razdan. “Your donor management system allows you to easily access this information, sending targeted emails to donors, engaging them, building relationships, and ideally, growing donations.”

DONATE

EVENT MARKETING

Every non-profit manager knows special events and galas are essential to raising money. “The hours of work that go into planning such an event could be for naught if your event isn’t properly marketed to attract guests,” said Razdan. “Your

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DO IT YOURSELF (DIY) TOOLS:

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• Security: Example, the

Staying relevant in the increasingly competitive world of non-profits is challenging. “The successful non-profits keep themselves engaged in conversation with their counterparts, donors, and the public through social media channels like Facebook and Twitter,” said Razdan. “An online platform can help you manage your social media channels, helping you stay in close contact with the people who matter.”

“The blog piece was amazing, everything connects automatically,” said Fitos. “If I make a blog post, it automatically goes to our Twitter account, so we are making those inroads needed on social media to reach new people who follow us on our Twitter feed.”

If the church or non-profit does not utilize social media, Ocoos will set up the sites they wish to use. Ocoos does not create the content, but will manage the ads for the church or non-profit, and post content.

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Ultimately, non-profits depend upon donations for survival. A website that allows you to

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OTHER SATISFIED CLIENTS Ocoos has many other local church and non-profit clients,

utilizing various services.

Ascension Lutheran Church (Ocala): They wanted a website for awareness, along with a weekly Pastor’s sermon blog. Ocoos also created their logo.

Graphic design is an additional service.

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Church of God (Ocala): They desired live-streaming of their weekly church service, provided by Ocoos through an i-frame to imbed U-Stream.

Tone Up for TuneUps (Southfield, MI, near Detroit): Tone Up for Tune-Ups is a non-profit that organizes marathons to raise money for

people who need work done on their cars and cannot afford it. The non-profit organizes the marathons and people donate. The website is set up for marathon registration and an option to donate without running. There is also a sponsorship page. Of all the nonprofit clients, they use the Ocoos system.

accept donations online, making it easy for donors to offer their financial support, presents your non-profit an edge.

The Accelerate Ocala First Step Fund, an entrepreneur loan fund offered through the Community Foundation, seeks donations from the general community for those efforts. The program is facilitated by use of the website online donation system.

Youth Philanthropy in Action, is another wonderful Community Foundation grant program for middle school students. Non-profits with thermometer campaigns track goals on the Community Foundation website. Ocoos provides the platform that can manage this process so effectively and seamlessly for the Community Foundation by imbedding Flip Cause — the Paypal for nonprofits — through iframe.

“These days, an increasing number of people access the internet from mobile devices like smartphones or tablets,” said Razdan.

“This means your website should be optimized for mobile, and accepts donations via mobile devices, as well.”

CONCIERGE SERVICE

Rather than struggle using a DIY website builder or spend your budget hiring a web developer to create your site, you have the option to use an online platform builder designed especially for the non-profit sector, like Ocoos Websites for Non-Profits.

Ocoos offers a full-service concierge who works directly with your non-profit to build a

WHAT OCOOS WANTS TO DO IS BUILD A NETWORK COMMUNITY OF CHURCHES AND NON-PROFITS, SIMILAR TO FACEBOOK. ONCE THEY HAVE COLLECTED ENOUGH, OCOOS CAN INTERCONNECT THEM AND BUILD THAT NETWORK. site that meets your needs and goals — and integrates all of the features we’ve discussed.

Ocoos also offers a 24-hour, US-based support network, should you have questions or issues you need immediately handled.

“Having these back-end tools makes it so the client does not require Word Press wordplay then go to third party hosting to get widgets to have different check out options,” said Ackerman. “We have them as part of the system and integrated into the back end.”

Running your church or non-profit means you are busy handling your ministry, and do not have time to concern yourself with tech support. No need, as Ocoos handles all of your tech support for you. Plus, Ocoos offers adaptability in their services. If you can come up with it, they can provide it.

“Concierge Service with Ocoos is a Godsend for someone like me who is somewhat technologically challenged,” said Fitos. “If I get stuck or face a complex situation, the concierge service responds quickly and efficiently; with immediate feedback and results.”

BE CONNECTED

Ultimately, what Ocoos wants to do is build a

OCOOS IN A NUTSHELL We Build Your Website and Help Manage Operations Key Features: • Attractive website optimized for mobile platforms and search (SEO).

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•

• • •

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network community of churches and non-profits, similar to Facebook. Once they have collected enough, Ocoos can interconnect them and build that network.

“The Non-Profit Business Council is now affiliated with the Community Foundation, so we are now able to link all of them to our Non-Profit Resource Page through Ocoos,” said Fitos. “We were thus able to expand that network.”

SEEK (Search, Educate, Empower, Knowledge) is the Community Foundation’s latest service to non-profits. “Our attempt with SEEK is to inform the Ocala/Marion County community about the non-profit resources and the work being done in the non-profit community,” said Fitos. The intent by the Non-Profit Business Council was to effectively demonstrate the viability of the nonprofit community as an economic driver.

If a donor seeks a cause to support, the Community Foundation can showcase the array of non-profits on their website, which Ocoos has devised as a win/win, by being able to tell the story, and make those connections between non-profits and donors.

“Because they are an umbrella, they are able to advertise all the people they work with, and each one can have its own page,” said Ackerman. Each non-profit is listed on the Community Foundation website in a concise, user-friendly format, with links to their individual pages.

The fact that you have a very sophisticated and secure system at a very reasonable cost that provides this interconnected network, that is locally owned and locally supported, makes the difference.

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BIG PICTURE

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FROM THE PULPIT

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Istanbul

PHOTO BY SEQOYA

Istanbul the capital of Turkey, eastern tourist city

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ISTANBUL, TURKEY

A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY OF A DIFFERENT KIND P H O T O S A N D S T O R Y BY / / J O H N S O T O M AYO R

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I never imagined I’d have a Christian awakening in a Muslim country, but I did. You can, too. The spiritual sensation of this travel experience is so intense they should put a warning in the brochure.

Patmos, Greece Entrance to the Grotto of the Apocalypse — Kusadasi, Prayer Wall — Patmos, Greece Religious items before Grotto of the Apocalypse

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Some experiences cannot be adequately defined in a travel brochure, like the spiritual transformation one feels in the knowledge that you are literally walking along the same path traveled

by Christ’s disciples as they taught the gospel during the early days of Christianity.

Saint Peter, pinch me! This cannot be happening. But it was.

That was my experience as I heard the statement made by our guide while walking the dusty Arcadian Way of the ruins of Ephesus, which pulled my attention away from the amazingly well preserved Library of Celsus, an ancient landmark. She also mentioned that the Arcadian Way was traveled by Mark Antony and Cleopatra in 33 B.C., but that had less of an impact.

There are many similar locations throughout the Middle East and the Mediterranean, for sure, yet there was something extraordinary about this path. About Ephesus. An ancient Greek city on the coast of Ionia, the ruins Ephesus are located southwest of present-day Selcuk in the Izmir Province, Turkey. For starters, the ruins of Ephesus have the distinction, according to our guide, of being the only archaeological excavation site entirely restored and permitting visitors to walk through and experience what it would have been like to live there in ancient times.

Other excavation sites are not as extensively preserved and are inadmissible for visitors to walk through, only viewable from afar.

Secondly, Ephesus was an important center for early Christianity. Between 53 and 57 A.D.,

AROUND THE WORLD

DID YOU KNOW?

• Hagia Sophia was the largest church in the world for about

900 years.

• Istanbul is the only city in the world which is both in Europe and Asia geographicaly.

• Istanbul is one of the biggest cities in the world, with around

15

million population, which is more than

177

countries around the world.

Paul wrote the letter 1 Corinthians from Ephesus and preached within its Great Theater, the largest in history with a 24,000 seat capacity.

The Gospel of John may have been written in Ephesus between 90 and 100 A.D. My mind-blowing experience came about as a traveler with the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce, now known as the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP), in 2012. It was a Mediterranean cruise of Greece and Turkey that included Athens; the Greek islands Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete and Santorini; and the Turkish cities Istanbul, Izmir and Kusadasi. Like most cruises, this one was designed for a luxurious travel experience exploring historical landmarks and modern cultural centers. I thought I would delve into classical Greek history and get some face time with historic arts and artifacts. It did not occur to me there would be more, something deeper.

This cruise came with a personalized spiritual explosion so intense I returned home feeling touched by the Holy Spirit.

Although the travel experience began with a flight into Athens, Greece, my religious experience began as the cruise ship entered the port of Istanbul.

WHERE EAST MEETS WEST From the moment you glimpse the iconic Hagia Sophia’s soaring sixth-century cathedral dome — a symbol of Christianity for more than a thousand years since its construction by Byzantine emperor Justinian the Great — adjacent to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, built in 1616 and commonly known as the Blue Mosque, as the cruise ship enters the Great Horn, you sense the enormity and seeming complexity of two major religions sitting side by side where East meets West, in the only city in the world that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia.

The two share a common park, Sultanahmet Park, located on opposite sides of it. The Hagia Sophia has red walls and minarets. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is bright blue. Nearly 200 years before the construction of the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia was converted to a Muslim mosque when the Ottoman empire conquered Constantinople, as Istanbul was formerly known. In 1935, it was converted into a museum. In 2006, Pope Benedict XVI visited the Blue Mosque, only the second time in recorded history that a Christian pope has visited a Muslim place of worship. With two buildings, two religions, hundreds of years and one history, Pope Benedict said Turkey “will be a bridge of friendship and collaboration between East and West.”

I felt the same.

PATMOS REVEALED My religious experience continued upon arrival to the Greek island, Patmos. I am not alone.

The island is a significant Christian pilgrimage site. Its Cave of the Apocalypse is where Saint John the Theologian wrote the Book of Revelation, which actually mentions the island. The book’s introduction says John was in Patmos when he received and recorded a vision from Jesus. Within the Grotto, niches in the walls mark the ledges used as a desk by Saint John, and cracks in the rock were purportedly made by the voice of God. That is a tough act to follow. However, nothing is impossible with God. Which leads me back to where we began, in Ephesus, and adding Kusadasi.

KINDNESS IN KUSADASI After our guided walk in the ancient ruins of Ephesus, we took a bus ride through the colorful city of Kusadasi to Mount Koressos in Turkey.

Perched high above and overlooking the ancient city was the House of the Virgin Mary, a humble cottage now restored as a chapel, where it is believed that Mary, mother of Jesus, spent her final days in recluse, protected by the Apostle John. He kept her safe high atop the mountain, visiting her with food and supplies from the pagan city Ephesus below. He chose to preach Christianity there to convert those who believed in numerous Greek Gods. The House of the Virgin Mary has been officially sanctioned by the Vatican, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, and visited by three popes.

At the center of the chapel is an altar adorned with a large statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

A small room lies on the right, believed to be where the Virgin Mary slept.

Outside, a wishing wall has been constructed, called Meryemana. Visitors light candles and tie personal prayers on paper or fabric. At the time of my visit, my mother was ill with terminal cancer. I prayed to the Virgin Mary for her and tied my prayer message onto the wall. I purchased some holy water taken from a water fountain located just outside the house, believed to have miraculous powers of healing.

Upon return to Florida, I gave the bottle to my mother. She lived an additional year beyond what the doctors predicted, and beyond what they believed possible given her condition. I like to think the Virgin Mary heard my prayer and gave us another year to enjoy with her. It goes without saying that my religious experience visiting Istanbul, Patmos, Ephesus and Kusadasi was profound.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO ISTANBUL You Need a Visa Turkish customs require nationals from many countries to obtain visas to enter Turkey.

A Little Effort Goes a Long Way Turkish people are very friendly and if you think it would be a rewarding experience to get invited into a family home for Turkish coffee or tea, then learn a little of their langauge.

Carry Cash, in Different Currencies The easiest currencies to convert into Turkish Lira are US dollars and Euro and change offices offer the best rates. Always have a mixture of cash (in small denominations), an ATM card and major credit cards.

Cover Up Wherever you chose to travel to in Turkey, you should be aware of the proper dress etiquette.

Traditional Turkish Toilets Abound While many Turkish hotels, museums, restaurants, etc have western toilets, you‘ll definitely encounter a few squats as well.

Istanbul, The Blue Mosque — Kusadasi, Candles outside Mary’s Final Home — Ephesus, The Great Theater where apostle Paul preached — Ephesus, Library of Celsus

EDITOR’S NOTE

Elevate magazine seeks other travel stories with religious theme, including missionary trips. If you would like to share yours, or know someone whose story you would like to recommend, please contact the publisher/editor at j ohn@sotomayormedia.com.

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REJOICE

LOTUS

FLOWER POWER

H

BY / / N I C O L E G O M E Z

}

er eyes closed as she mentally prepared and praised God. Karen Simmons heard the welcoming applause, took a deep breath, and then took the stage. She was the keynote speaker on the topic: Woman on a Mission, Purpose-Driven Woman. Surveying the audience, she examined their faces, looking deep into their eyes to establish a connection. She could feel when someone wanted more from her. They had longing in their sullen eyes. Then the moment took her. She began to minister, first with words, then with song.

Karen had sung all her life, beginning with a mother’s conference in Buffalo, New York, at the tender age of 2. She learned early on that song connects with the soul. Her words and lyrics pushed upon the souls of her audience to move them out of the mental block prohibiting them from finding and fulfilling their purpose. Her message: Everyone has a purpose, even those who thought they were not worthy. Karen told stories from the Bible of women of ill repute who served God, then sang “To God Be the Glory” out loud.

Upon ending the final note, she surveyed the room and saw that her voice had broken through. Their eyes radiated hope.

Their lips curled into smiles. She smiled back. God had filled the room; His presence was unmistakable.

Karen Simmons began The Lotus Flower Experience to bring hope and empowerment through worship songs, her testimony and motivational speaking.

Like the lotus flower rises through muddy waters to emerge at sunrise, she says, each person can be renewed daily and fulfill potential they didn’t know they had. The ministry’s aim is to empower people stuck in broken cycles to push through,

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ELEVATE

with God’s strength, to new life.

She speaks confidently, sings joyfully and counsels professionally, but it took years in the cycle of abuse to become the empowered woman she is today.

Toxic relationships, low self-esteem, loss of identity and destructive lifestyles all require the change she seeks to inspire in others. Each of these she experienced herself and now pushes through each day.

MUDDY WATERS

Born in Titusville, she grew up in Alachua. A bright student, she stayed on the honor roll even after she started drinking liquor at 13.

Getting away with it made her feel cool. Later she started smoking marijuana, and at 21, an eleven-year addiction began with a joint she didn’t know had crack cocaine in it.

song.”

BLOOMING AT SUNRISE

In 2001, she became sick of the cycle. She was incarcerated again and scheduled to be released, but she had $50 in the commissary and knew that if she got out at that moment, she’d use it to relapse.

So she asked the judge to let her stay. He laughed, said he’d never had anyone ask to stay in jail before, and gave her fourteen more days.

Karen stayed and prayed for the strength to emerge as a new creature.

“If you strengthen me and rejuvenate my brain cells, I will go back and strengthen others,” she said. She asked God to make her crooked places straight and open the doors to sobriety and recovery.

Then she ran through those doors without looking back any more.

REJOICE

Beatrice Flagg, was ultimately her strongest influence and ally. Beatrice spent many hours working instead of at home.

“I felt like she was never there the way I wanted her to be,” Karen said. Bitterly, she thought that if her mother had been more available while she grew up, she might have learned to avoid the heartache of her experiences.

But when Karen reached the decision to leave addiction behind, she realized how much her mother’s determination and love of God had really done for her. Beatrice had worked every day, even if she was sick, to provide for her family, and now Karen pulled on the same determined strength to fight her own battle. When she asked for friendship and support, her mother was there for her.

Since its launch on March 28, 2016, the Lotus Flower Experience has engaged audienc-

Like the lotus flower rises through muddy waters to emerge at sunrise, she says, each person can be renewed daily and fulfill potential they didn’t know they had.

She became angry at God for the abuse she suffered growing up. But through it all, she says, she never forgot to pray. And even incarcerated, she kept singing.

“That was my outlet,” she said. “That was how I dealt with the hurt, the emotions, the resentment.” She found it brought comfort to others as well: other women in jail often asked her to sing them to sleep.

“I’m a big romancer to Him,” she says. Her favorite songs are “I Need Thee,” “To God Be the Glory,” “I Belong To You,” and “Nobody Like You, Lord.”

Today she incorporates them into Lotus Flower Experience engagements to touch more hearts.

“Where I might not be able to reach you with my words,” she says, “everybody will listen to a

“From 2001 to 2014, I became addicted to school,” she said. From Santa Fe College, and later Capella University, she earned two associates’ degrees in biomedical engineering technology and in psychology, a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in mental health counseling.

She works as a counselor at Phoenix House, in Citra, and Open Arms Village in Ocala. Both counseling and in The Lotus Flower Experience, she works to keep an open mindset, meet people where they are and not minimize their feelings.

“They’re yours to feel,” she says, “but the awesome part is that no feeling is final.”

Karen thanks several godly influences from her youth for helping her become the empowered woman she is today.

But despite conflicts, Karen’s mother,

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es throughout Marion County and at Karen’s Gainesville home church, The Community Praise Center.

Not limited to substance problems, The Lotus Flower Experience applies to virtually any situation in which life feels hopeless.

“It’s about life,” she says. “Surviving life. In anything we do, we’re starting from a humble beginning and we’re working our way up.”

Editor’s Note: Elevate magazine seeks ministry persons in the arts to profile. If you are an artist (visual, fine art, or performance), a singer/dancer, speaker, actor or writer and have a ministry, or know someone who does and you would like to recommend, please contact the publisher/editor at john@sotomayormedia.com.

FROM THE PULPIT

ELEVATE and failures, to enslave us to the point that we never enjoy the full Christian life that God has given us to enjoy.

We need to understand that God is far more interested in our future than He is in our past.

Some people think that God is stuck on their past. That all He wants to do is remind us of the things that we have done wrong. The future is where you’re going to spend the rest of your life. He says, “Forget about your past. Forget about the former things. Don’t think about it.

Look at the new thing I’m going to do.”

The good news is, God says, “I want you to have a fresh new start in life, I want you to have a new beginning, I want to do something new in your life.” Aren’t you glad that God wants to do something new in your life? Doesn’t it make you excited to know that God desires to give you a fresh start, a new beginning in life? You need to grasp and hold on to this promise of his word! “I’m doing something new. I’m making you new. Your dreams are new, your visions are new, your testimony is new, your blessing is new, and all this is for you because I give you a fresh start!”

BY / / PAS T O R J O S H UA S A R M I E N T O the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah reminds us to forget what has happened and look at what God IS going to do. Isaiah 43:18–19 (NCV) 18 The LORD says, “Forget what happened before, and do not think about the past.”

19 Look at the new thing I am going to do. It is already happening.

Don’t you see it? I will make a road in the desert and rivers in the dry land.

The Apostle Paul reminds us that we will not reach our goal until we forget the past and clearly focus on what is ahead. Philippians 3:12–14 (ERV) 12 I don’t mean that I am exactly what God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal. But I continue trying to reach it and make it mine. That’s what Christ Jesus wants me to do. It is the reason he made me his. 13 Brothers and sisters, I know that I still have a long way to go. But there is one thing I do: I forget what is in the past and try as hard as I can to reach the goal before me.

14 I keep running hard toward the finish line to get the prize that is mine because God has called me through Christ Jesus to life up there in heaven.

Many of us have experienced many setbacks and failures throughout our lives. Sometimes we allow these mistakes, these setbacks

IN

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The “S” Stands for — STOP MAKING EXCUSES If you want a fresh new start in life, you have to stop making excuses for your failures.

You’ve got to stop blaming other people. You’ve got to stop seeing yourself as the victim of your circumstances. See yourself as God sees you!

He sees you as fearfully and wonderfully made with an ultimate end purpose in mind.

The “T” stands for — TAKE INVENTORY OF YOUR LIFE You need to take an inventory of your life.

That means you need to evaluate all your experiences. You need to look at what you have left after the failure. You need to take an inventory of your life experiences and learn from them. You determine if failure will be your friend or foe by the way you react to it.

You can choose to learn from it or choose to repeat it. If you learn from it, then it can be your friend. However, if you don’t learn from it, it becomes your foe.

PHOTO BY ROSSHELEN ;CONAN SEGREST

A FRESH NEW S.T.A.R.T.

See yourself as God sees you!

He sees you as fearfully and wonderfully made with an ultimate end purpose in mind.

I want to share with you a formula for starting over. I call it S.T.A.R.T. I hope you’ll remember this and pass it along to friends when they have failures. You may have had any kind of failure in the past, whether it was a financial, moral, or maybe relational failure, such as a failure in your marriage. You may have really blown it, and you may have made some decisions you’re so ashamed of you hope nobody ever finds out about. Regardless of the failure you’ve had in your life, here’s how you can start over.

ELEVATE There are four kinds of experiences that God uses to shape our lives.

1. He uses personal experiences: the family that you grew up in, the people you relate to.

God can use your personal experience with your husband or your wife. He uses personal experiences to shape you.

2. He uses vocational and educational experiences to shape you.

3. He uses spiritual experiences to shape you, like coming to church, going on a retreat or having a quiet time reading your Bible.

4. He uses painful experiences to shape you.

The “A” stands for — ACT IN FAITH This is the third step in getting a fresh new start: Act in faith. You have to launch out into new territory. The Bible says that the key to changing anything is faith.

If you want to change your circumstance, it takes faith.

If you want to change your personality, it takes faith.

If you want to change anything in your life, you have to have some faith.

Jesus says this in Matthew 9. “According to your faith it will be done to you.” That is a very simple statement, but it’s very powerful.

In order to start acting in faith that means you’ve got to stop having a pity party. You’ve got to stop feeling sorry for yourself. “Poor me! I’m such a victim. Life is unfair.” Some people will never act in faith because they have been paralyzed by the fear of past failures and mistakes. What we need to do is learn from the past, act in faith for the future, and look to God for guidance. How do you get rid of fear of failure? Faith. Faith is not so much the absence of fear as it is moving ahead in spite of your fear. Sometimes faith is doing the thing you fear the most. Stop worrying about what others say or think. Proverbs 29:25 states, “Being afraid of people can get you into trouble.” The Living Bible says, “Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust in God means safety.”

The “R” stands for — REFOCUS You need to refocus your thoughts if you want to change your life. If you want to get going again, if you want a fresh new start, you need to rethink the way you think. You need to change your mind about a number of issues. Proverbs 4:23 states “Be careful how you think. Your life is shaped by your thoughts.” The way you think determines

MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE

PHOTO BY CONAN SEGREST

S

For guidance, we turn to Daniel.

Daniel 1:8 But purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore, he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Daniel 5:12 Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.

the way you feel. And the way you feel determines the way you act. If you want to change your actions, just change the way you think and it will inevitably change the way you act. Romans 12:2 states, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” You have to stop thinking the same old thoughts. Which memories are you still rehearsing that keep you from having a fresh new start in life? The Bible says to let go. The more you hold on to that memory, the more you rehearse it, the more it continues to hurt you. It cannot hurt you without your permission.

The “T” stands for — TRUST Trust God to help you succeed. Depend on Him. We don’t need to depend on ourselves.

We’ve already proven that we can’t do it on our own. That’s why we’ve failed. Some people just don’t get it. They stumble and fall and then they get up and say, “I’ll just try harder!” Give God control of your life. Zechariah 4:6 states, “You will not succeed by your own strength or power but by My Spirit, says the Lord.” You can have a fresh new start with a new life as you begin this New Year. God says, “I don’t want you to turn over a new leaf. I’m going to give you a whole new life.”

Daniel served for 90 years in a foreign land that was hostile to God. Daniel made several choices. He purposed in his heart, he chose the right kind of friend, and thus, his choices enabled him to develop an excellent spirit.

BY / / PAS T O R D O R I S PAT T E R S O N ometimes we have excellence in ministry, but we need to have excellence in spirit. An excellent spirit is not a gift; it is developed when you make the right choices in life. We sometimes use spiritual terminology to create a religious camouflage for our own spiritual laziness.

Some folks have a gift or a special anointing, but God cannot use them. They think they can do anything they want.

FROM THE PULPIT

We must purpose in our hearts to be a spiritual person in this natural earth.

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How does Daniel’s story relate to us?

We are not to allow the spirit of the world to taint us or the appetites of our flesh to dominate us. We must purpose in our hearts to be a spiritual person in this natural earth. God protects those who stand up on the right principles. He watches over those who purpose in their hearts to do right.

In the end time, your social life will be extremely important. In these days, you’d better have chosen the right kind of friend. Divine relationship will be harder to hold on to than any other relationship you will have in your life.

Editor’s Note: Elevate magazine seeks other pastors, ministers or priests as columnists. If interested, or would like to recommend someone, please contact the publisher/editor at john@sotomayormedia.com.

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WELLNESS

OUTDOOR FAMILY FUN!

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Habitat for Humanity 4th Annual Strawberry Festival

SUNDAY’S BEST

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AROUND TOWN

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BREAKING BREAD HOW RONDO GOT HIS MOJO BACK

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PHOTO BY MARINA LEONIDOVNA

IN YOUR WORDS

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AROUND TOWN

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Where Abounds HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF MARION COUNTY Raising walls and communities - one home at a time.

BY / / T R I S H A H I AT T P H O T O S BY / / A M B E R L AU D I C I N A & DEMILIO PHOTOGRAPHY

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What happens when a homeless person is provided a home by a nonprofit such as Habitat for Humanity?

A lot.

A

house is more than just four walls. The moment the foundation is poured, the walls are raised, and the roof is constructed is the beginning of what will become a place where a family dwells, where children have memories, and where love can grow. It’s a place where laughter and tears occur, learning abounds, and hard work, sweat, and toil take place. A house is a shelter in the storm, a place of comfort and warmth, a place to feed the hungry, and a place to relax, laugh, love, be one’s self. Most of all, it’s a dwelling where individuals can ultimately flourish. A house is just a house while being built or if occupants don’t exist inside. It only becomes a home when and where love has the opportunity to abound.

In the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 7:24–27, Jesus told a parable that explained that a man who builds his house on a rock is wise, as the house will weather a storm, but a man who builds his house on the sand is foolish, as his house will collapse.

Proper foundations are necessary. The folks at Habitat for Humanity do everything in their might to provide a proper foundation for their future homeowners.

Without shelter, individuals are deprived of one of the most basic needs of humanity. One in four people worldwide live in conditions that harm health, safety, prosperity, and opportunities. Sleeping in a tent, under a bridge, in the forest, near a dumpster or any other

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undesirable place night after night with little to no food is unfathomable to 99.5 percent of the U.S. population.

What happens when a homeless person is provided a home by a nonprofit such as Habitat for Humanity? A lot. A lot of good

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

happens to that person. They have the ability to experience growth, the ability to thrive, and gradual development of character. Stability, confidence, security and steadfastness come from a person being granted one of the most basic human rights they deserve.

“Living in an affordable home allows folks to be their best,” said Elizabeth Chryst, Board Chair of Habitat for Humanity in Marion County, “and we want to eliminate the struggle of not having a home.”

Because children from lower income families tend to bounce from school to school, it’s hard for them to sustain good grades, and they become at risk for dropping out.

“Within the first year of a child moving into a home, the child’s grade increases one letter grade,” Chryst said. According to Habitat. com, a survey that took place in Denver comparing more than 400 Habitat Metro Denver families to the local average for similar demographic and economic groups, children raised in a Habitat home are twice as likely to go to college.

The Marion County Habitat for Humanity has been in existence for 26 years, and over that time, built 220 homes for over 2,000 Marion County residents. One of the most profitable fundraisers that aids in helping build a home is the Strawberry Festival. This past year, it was held on March 4, 2017 and every single dollar raised from the event is going directly to a “strawberry house.”

For volunteers, building a Habitat home creates a sense of purpose and unity and helps each of them to give back to the community. Each year more than two million Habitat volunteers build and raise awareness of the worldwide need for housing. In Marion County, over 1,000 volunteers are needed for the

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In Marion County, over 1,000 volunteers are needed for the annual Strawberry Festival.

annual Strawberry Festival, which has taken place in Ocala at the McPherson Complex for the last three years.

Being a sponsor for this event is a rewarding endeavor, as financial assistance is not just handed over. Sponsors can become involved in the process.

“Our sponsors are very important,” said Joanne Black, Development Director at Habitat for Humanity in Marion County. “All of the sponsors are called to be a part of the wall raising, including writing inspirational messages on the two-by-fours and meeting the future homeowners.”

The Strawberry Festival gets better each year. In 2017, a kids’ zone was added, along

with a Strawberry Jam 5K partnered with Marion County Children’s Alliance, a law enforcement versus Fire/EMS pie eating contest, an Elvis impersonator, and live music by One Flight Up. A car show returned at the 2017 festival as well as educational demonstrations with live bees. Also in 2017, organizers added a Salute to our Local Heroes providing medals to servicemen from each branch of the armed forces, members of the sheriff’s department and local police and fire departments as well as two Team USA Olympian Athletes.

As always, carnival rides, bounce houses, face painting and many vendors were on site.

Tons of juicy, plump strawberries, strawberry pancakes, strawberries and cream, chocolate

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covered strawberries, and many tasty food choices were available at the festival.

“If there is one concept we want to drive home about the festival, it’s that every single penny of profit goes to a home,” Senior Project Manager Jeff Ruttenberg said. “There are no administrative expenses.”

At Habitat for Humanity, love abounds.

Through every action taken, volunteers are committed to showing the love of Christ to future homeowners and providing them with the skill set needed for a solid foundation. Chryst shared a story that was profound to her.

“While building a house, volunteers break for lunch and before we eat, we stand in a circle and hold hands for prayer,” she said. “I noticed one of our future homeowners feeling a little weirded out and questionable about the whole God thing.” When the man became a homeowner, the next thing Chryst knew, he was not only praying with the group, he was in the middle of it leading the prayer. “This ministry works in powerful ways. A lot of the times we are the first introduction into the Christian life for many people, and it can be extremely life changing.”

It’s not just a home that Habitat provides.

From the moment a future homeowner is chosen, they are taught certain skills that will prepare them to succeed, such as hard work and dedication. Also provided are counseling and home management classes, which focus on things like budgeting, home maintenance, repair and safety.

Homeowners are chosen through several layers of qualification, including minimum credit score, housing ratio and debt to income ratio. It takes an average of 12 months with 25 hours of work each month to complete a home and the person’s required “sweat equity” hours.

When a Habitat home is built for a family in need, hope, encouragement and love generate, and the beginning of a solid foundation is born. A house becomes a home, and in that home, love has the opportunity to abound.

C O N TA C T I N F O R M AT I O N

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF MARION COUNTY, INC. 1321 SE 25th Loop Suite 103 Ocala, FL 34471 Mon - Fri 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

352.351.4663 habitatocala.org

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INTERFAITH EMERGENCY SERVICES BY / / K A R L A G R I M S E LY, C E O As Interfaith closed on the building formerly known as the Ocala Women’s Center and I entered for the first time in the summer of 2016, I was overwhelmed by this incredible feeling of redemption. God has redeemed the building for His purpose. Regardless of one’s views on abortion, this still rings true. God helped us to acquire a building in order to grow the ministry of healing the indigent and working poor in our community.

He is allowing us to take a building that was used for questionable acts and use it to provide help and healing in the name of Jesus. This is the same way he uses us! We are that building which houses questionable acts and thoughts, as none of us are without

PHOTO ILLUSRATION BY JOE DELEON

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Lately, this word keeps running through my mind over and over: Redemption.

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COMMUNITY

sin. And yet He still uses us for His glory to help others. In spite of our faults and failures, he takes what good we have to offer and redeems it for His purpose. This is my personal testimony. I was that vessel of sin and dishonor, yet God redeemed me and allowed me to work for Interfaith.

Isaiah 61 says it perfectly: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”

When I think of all the many times I failed God, the fact that he would still use me in this capacity to help those in need is beyond my understanding. That same feeling overwhelmed me the first time I walked into the Interfaith Emergency Services Center for Life. This is a perfect picture of redemption. We are now providing free medical care and will soon add dental, vision, legal and mental health services.

There is still opportunity for those who want to get involved! We will need volunteers to help us in the reception area and medical providers to assist in the clinics. And, of course, we will continue to need financial support to keep the lights on. This venture has been a walk of faith from the beginning, and we know that God will continue to provide through faithful stewards who have been blessed with the ability to give. Please consider if you are one of those people.

On Friday, Aug. 5, 2016, we hosted a ribbon cutting and community prayer to dedicate the building to helping the people of Marion County. I want to thank those who contributed so that we could make this purchase. May God bless you abundantly!

Editor’s Note: Have a community story to share? Please contact the publisher/editor at john@sotomayormedia.com.

COMMUNITY

B E FO R E

AFTER

A mission to be a light and to reach out with helping hands

Helping Hands and Faithful Steps f we were to contemplate all our hands do in a day, how much would we find truly made a difference?

How far would you step out in faith to see the completion of a good work? It’s questions like these that led the hearts of a few willing individuals to found Helping Hands, a not-for-profit in Wildwood that builds stable homes for needy families.

The organization, run mostly by residents of the Villages, has recently celebrated its 10th year and its 25th home construction project. The group starts by seeking the neediest in the community and then handles all the details of building them a safe and comfortable home. Twenty-five to 30 families apply for the Helping Hands Home projects each year, and after several in-depth committee discussions, the group is able to pick two.

With a mission to be a light and to reach out with helping hands, they have built a successful charity which has fostered close relationships with local businesses, partnered with Kid Central to establish the Wildwood Family Resource Center, and branched out into a Bargains and Blessings resale shop which helps fund continued work in their community.

To Gene Barton, the organization’s chairman and founding member, it seems as though the helping hands won’t stop multiplying. Currently they employ 300 volunteers for all its

“WE WENT OUT, AND WHEN WE SAW THE HOUSE WE THOUGHT, THERE’S NO WAY!’ WE ALMOST GAVE UP.”

projects and endeavors. But when they began in 2007, they were just 12 Bible study goers charged with what Gene calls “stepping out of the boat.”

The faithful group decided their ‘stepping out’ would be to do bit of minor repairs for some folks who did not have the money or time to do it themselves. But as he often does, God had other plans. After soliciting the Habitat for Humanity director for candidates, they settled on a family of five: a single mother, three children and a grandmother.

The mother worked nonstop to support the family, while the grandmother, though illiterate, stayed home to care for the kids.

“She worked at Winn-Dixie for a full day and then she went straight to work at Kentucky Fried Chicken,” says Gene, remembering what led them to help this family. “We looked at the situation, how the house looked, and knew that was it.”

But the need was greater than the group anticipated. “We went out, and when we saw the house we thought, ‘there’s no way!’ We almost gave up,” Gene recalls. “We then decided to tackle whatever we could.” Not putting their own limitations on what they could do, but committing to let God lead, the team concluded that the habitation was unfit and had it demolished.

To rebuild from scratch, they went to their church for help.

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PHOTOS BY CONAN SEGREST

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BY / / M I C H E L L E L . C L A R K

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A collection was taken up at New Covenant Methodist Church to get the process started. Each of the Bible study members also pledged an amount towards the goal. Then some unlikely divine intervention sealed the deal.

“About that time after the tornadoes came through here,” says Gene, “we had people here in the Villages offering all kinds of stuff.

So we used what could use for the first house, but then we had so much left over!” The group held a rummage sale, which raised further funds for the cause. So, through the generosity of its members and the community, the 12 were able to purchase a mobile home which they remodeled and placed on the lot.

The family moved in that April.

But one good deed and done was not enough. There was something else written for these faithful few.

“The plan was to do the first house and be done!” Gene readily admits, but $6,280 was left in the project account afterwards. “Eighty dollars more than we started with,” he adds with a chuckle. “God said, ‘We ain’t done.’”

Helping Hands continues to serve new families every year, but also maintain relationships with people they’ve helped. Each of the home project recipients are assigned mentors who stay with them. They provide courses in family finance, have barbecues, and share life. And throughout the year they have events to raise money for more good work: a pancake breakfast in February, a golf tournament in April, and a Christmas concert, among many others.

Helping Hands has grown to be a multifaceted organization making a lasting impact on its surrounding

community. It is doing grand things for lives in need, but it has also pushed people to act on their faith.

Apostle Paul says in Galatians that we are called to freedom as Christians, and we are to use that freedom to serve one another; this is what Vineyard founder John Wimber called “Doing the Stuff.”

Martin Luther King, Jr., left us with this: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is ‘What are you doing for others?’” Great people of faith, who have made a true difference, have taken seriously Christ’s charge to love one another and to “step out of the boat.”

The organization was awarded the Champion’s Hope Award from the Governor’s office last December. Gene wants their accomplishments to help other communities begin programs like those Helping Hands has brought to Wildwood.

With the proceeds from the Bargains and Blessings store, they help other local charities get started.

But because they are limited to about a 10-mile radius from The Villages, Gene has been campaigning for churches and communities to develop their own “out of the boat” organizations. “It’s so hard to get started,” he admits, “but we step out of that boat!”

He finds humor in the honest truth that they didn’t know what exactly they were doing, but Gene wants others to know that’s okay when you’re letting God lead.

“People step back and say, ‘Oh, we can’t do anything like that,’ and we would have said the same thing if they would have came to us in the first place, but going into it, we didn’t worry about the end result.

We just took one step at a time, and each step we took opened more paths.”

Editor’s Note: Have a community story to share? Please contact the publisher/editor at john@sotomayormedia.com.

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COMMUNITY

DID YOU KNOW? The book God’s Helping Hands was written about the Helping Hands journey. it is available on Amazon or from the office at 352-750-4529.

Rick Warren’s “Better Together” was the Bible study that spurred the group to form Helping Hands.

Volunteer opportunities are always available helping at the store and on construction sites, providing lunches, mentoring, administrative work, and so on.

To get involved please contact Jill Beck at jbeck@ newcovenantumc-fl. org or Gary Search at search05@ yahoo.com

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Dr Cave with Arnos

ALTERNATIVE MENTAL HEALTH SOLUTION In Times Ministry shares awareness on the Arno Profile System, a new alternative treatment for mental health issues.

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AN EVOLVING SOLUTION AND ALTERNATIVE In Times Ministry exists to help those who turn to us face life challenges by renewing their minds. We provide knowledge and hope for those serious about understanding their emotional blueprints.

During the early establishment of Christianity, the church was solely responsible for the mental health status of its parishioners.

Secular humanists believed the Christian community was not qualified to address its members’ mental health needs, and the Christian

gram. Let me be blunt about this experience: I thought the questionnaire was uninspiring and useless, with questions seeming unrelated to anything important.

However, when I received the report in the mail some weeks later, I was amazed and astonished at the ability of this new technology. Its results and accuracy were mind-boggling and a bit screwy for the small commitment of time and energy the questionnaire took. The report’s narrative summary seemed to have somehow shone light into the dark and unexplored inside of my conscience and pinpointed, decoded and narrated perceptible thoughts that no one except God himself could possible know. Such intrusion, accuracy and clarity simply amazed me, to say the least.

THE SEMINARY’S ROLE The therapeutic counseling techniques taught in most seminaries and widely used by clergy have focused on client-centered therapy. Most seminaries accept this method because it appears to offer pastors a non-technical opportunity to approach members, a person-friendly alternative where missing or inaccurate information could do the least damage.

THE ACTIVATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY This new technology not only reveals the invisible, it reduces the gap between emotions and behavioral tendencies. It offers a viable alternative for those interested in significant change by putting emotional tendencies and inclinations that cause emotional gridlock out in the open.

But hear this: receiving this new technology not only provided us a heads-up advantage for our spiritual guidance program, it also increased our pace toward a better understanding of the cognitive resources present within everyone.

This technological update has changed how we view behavior. The Arno Profile System tool has redefined behavior as a whole and is paving the way to a much better response to the phenomenon of human emotion.

Amid this paradigm shift, we are developing a brand of guidance that is sensitive to equalizing emotional function and behavior expressions with remarkable precision.

As we continue to simplify our guidance process, each participant is provided direct access to his or her own emotional blueprint in a simple, unique and effective way.

We are not attempting to reinvent the wheels of guidance, but rather develop a specific path that leads the way toward understanding temperament and how it impacts the quality of one’s life.

PARADIGM SHIFT In early 2008 I was required to experience the Arno Profile System as part of my Ph.D. pro-

Editor’s Note: Elevate magazine seeks other medical professionals as columnists. If interested, or know someone you would like to recommend, please contact the publisher/editor at john@sotomayormedia.com.

BY / / D R . E L L E R Y D . CAV E , S R .

Human problems are not always caused by sin. In fact, many of today’s problems are results of the complicated, fast-paced world in which we live — a world that threatens man’s emotional stability.

Our goal is to come alongside followers of God’s word and help each of them reach their full potential.

Problems of the past remain unsolved and are becoming worse: rates of divorce, sexual abuse and violence in the home are skyrocketing. Suicide, alcohol and drug abuse have become commonplace, and stress-induced heart disease has become one of the nation’s biggest killers. The church is threatened by carnality, and solutions from outside it remains ineffective.

WELLNESS

community seemed to embrace the idea that it very well may not be properly equipped for addressing human problems like depression, anxiety and abnormal stress.

Although this perception may not be as prevalent as it was, no doubt a remnant still existed as recently as 2015. Therefore it is my understanding that the Christian community must be fully awakened to the fundamental application of the basic principles of psychology, which otherwise will cripple the body from within. No one is better qualified to counsel the Church than those who know and understand man’s unique position in the plan of creation. The Christian community tried adopting therapeutic methods developed by the secular community but found this approach substandard at best.

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SUNDAY’S BEST

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FAITHFUL

FASHIONISTA P H O T O G R A P H Y BY / / C O N A N S E G R ES T

ELEVATE MAGAZINE PRESENTS SOME OF OUR LOCAL FASHIONFORWARD FAITHFUL IN THIS FASHION EDITORIAL, ALONG WITH FUN AND FITTING Q&A SO YOU MAY GET TO KNOW THEM BETTER.

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LOCATION:

QUEEN OF PEACE

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SUNDAY’S BEST

Where I Worship: The Good Samaritan Ministries

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JAMIE HIRSCH Age 30 Marketing Consultant MarketXP

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TANYA WALKER Age 40 Business Consultant U.N.I.T.Y Group Services Inc. and Daystar Radio 89.5FM

About Me: I always look for the good in others, even if it’s not apparent.

Ministry(ies): The Good Samaritan Ministries Charity(ies): U.N.I.T.Y Group Services Inc. The Person in the Bible I Relate to Most: I relate to Jeremiah the most, because I am always warning the people, but they refuse to listen.

Favorite Scripture: Daniel 7:9, because the Ancient of days was in power and all other thrones were destroyed.

Favorite Story in the Bible: My favorite story in the bible is “The Flood” because it depicts the destruction of all evil.

Aside from the Bible, my Favorite Book: “The Art of War”

My Playlist Includes: Earth Wind and Fire, and Sam Cooke My All-Time Favorite Movies: “Knowing”, “The Day the Earth Stood Still” and “2012” Greatest Accomplishment: Aside from my children, running a successful business Most Serene Location in Marion County: My home A Cause I Would Run a Marathon For: I would run a marathon to see wicked people change their ways.

Personal Life-Changing Revelation: The revelation that changed my life was when I learned the truth.

Heaven on Earth is: Finding the Messiah and him accepting me What I pray for most: The destruction of all Anti-Christs and false Prophets.

I would trade all my worldly possession for: I would trade all of my worldly possessions to be back in Heaven with YAHWEH.

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SUNDAY’S BEST

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Where I Worship: Meadowbrook About me: I am a Christian business owner, acclaimed author, instructor and marketing professional.

Ministry(ies): Joel Olsteen, Agape Charity(ies): Children’s Home Society, American Veterans, Pace Center for Girls The person in the Bible I relate to most: Jesus Favorite Scripture: Ephesians 3:20 Favorite Story in the Bible: King David Aside from the Bible, my favorite book: Course in Miracles My playlist includes: Madonna, Bee Gees, Moby, Sting My all-time favorite movie: Norbit Proudest moment: My parents saying they were proud of me.

Running a marathon without stopping.

Greatest Accomplishment: My book, “Break Up or Break Through: 7 Steps to Getting Over a Break Up” Most Serene Location in Marion County: Shalom Park A cause I would run a marathon for: Equality for women in the workplace Personal life-changing revelation: Developing a closer relationship with God has guided through difficult times.

Outside of family, the person in our community I most admire: Manal Fakhoury Heaven on Earth is: Witnessing Gods beauty in nature.

What I pray for most: Wisdom and Knowledge I would trade all my worldly possession for: Happiness

Where I Worship: Crossroads COG About Me: I am a native of the Bronx, NYC. I am the following: An Ordained Bishop with The Church of God in Cleveland TN; currently the Clinical Director of The Heart of Florida Youth Ranch in Citra, Florida, and Founder of Ignite Community Counseling and Resource Center, Ocala, ministering and working with hurting youth, children and families; the founder of IGNITE ministries; a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with the State of Florida; a Master’s Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP), Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and (CTT) Certified Trauma Therapist; a National Certified Counselor and Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, as well as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and National Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor; and also a CSAT (Certified Sex Addiction Therapist) Candidate.

Ministry(ies): Ignite Community Counseling Center, IGNITE ministries; Heart of Florida Youth Ranch; Crossroads Church of God; Kingdom Revival Church; One Blood Ministries; John 3:16 boxing gym; Karate for Christ Charity(ies): Heart of Florida Youth Ranch; Boys and Girls Club; IGNITE; Arnette House; Salvation Army; Broadway Outreach; Crossroads Thrift Store; Operation Compassion; Wings of Faith Thrift Store; Interfaith Ministries; Kimberly Centers The Person in the Bible I Relate to Most: Joshua. The Lord has commanded me to be of good courage! I have served and will continue to serve in supportive roles and leadership

roles. “Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you… No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live... For I will be with you as I was with Moses.”

Favorite Scripture: Phil. 4:13 Favorite Story in the Bible: After the Resurrection; David and

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help the hurting and underprivileged. I ran the Kimberly Centers 5K in April.

Outside of Family, the Person in Our Community I Most Admire: Senator Dennis Baxley. He sat with me when he did not know, as I was new to this community, gave me Godly ad-

JOSHUA LUIS SARMIENTO Age 40

Minister/Therapist Ignite Community Counseling and Resource Center/Heart of Florida Youth Ranch

Goliath by far! Growing up, that’s been my story.

Aside from the Bible, my Favorite Book: “In a Pit with a Lion on A Snowy Day” Proudest Moment: After giving my life to Christ as my savior; marrying my wife and my son being born.

Most Serene Location in Marion County: Sholom Park (I am a simple guy). Any place with a peaceful setting.

A Cause I Would Run a Marathon For: Children who are being abused. I have a passion to

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vice, hugged me, and prayed with me. I’ll never forget that moment and him. I still go to him for advice.

Heaven on Earth is: The Body of Christ living in love with one another, worshiping and serving together regardless of culture, race and denominations as we meet as many needs as possible, being the hands and feet of Jesus and taking the gospel to all people in love. Serving God and one another in God’s love.

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SUNDAY’S BEST

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CLIFFORD LARA Age 54 Missionary

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My Playlist Includes: Dwell, Give Me You, You Deserve It

DORIS PATTERSON Age 66 Minister Rehoboth of Fire International Ministries Inc.

About Me: I am Kingdom minded and love people.

Ministry(ies): Teacher, Preacher, Apostle, Psalmist The Person in the Bible I Relate to Most: Jesus Favorite Scripture: Psalm 19 Favorite Story in the Bible: Deborah Aside from the Bible, my Favorite Book: “I Came to Set the Captives Free” My All-Time Favorite

Movie: War Room Proudest Moment: When the ministry started coming forth Greatest Accomplishment: Going back to college — Ohio Christian University Most Serene Location in Marion County: The lake or park, somewhere close to water A Cause I Would Run a Marathon For: Better health

Personal Life-Changing Revelation: When I realized after much trial and tribulation that Heaven and Hell are real What I Pray for Most: The nation and our government I Would Trade All My Worldly Possessions For: Being able to bless someone else, knowing that the Lord will give it all back and making Heaven my home.

Where I Worship: I’m a new resident in Ocala, and I’m currently searching for a church home. Prior to moving here my church was in Orlando. Focal Point Church an amazing church under Pastor Mark Daniels.

About me: I’m married to a wonderful woman Rebecca. We have nine children, 20 grandchildren with one on the way. We have been in full time ministry since 1992. Our heart is to see the church united in Christ and working to disciple regions.

Ministry(ies): We have worked with President and founder of Brothers at Work. Twelve years we served to disciple, teach a trade, and produces business with men released from prison. We also served as Executive Director of Chicago Teen Challenge, as well as several other positions for five years. This was an adult men’s ministry to come out of life controlling problems such as drugs. We currently serve as Mission Directors

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for CITY PLAN out of Tampa and World Trumpet Mission in Uganda Africa. I also serve as Vice President on the board for Faith and Justice in Ocala Florida.

The person in the Bible I relate to most: Moses; he is not a perfect man, nor feels adequate to do all God has before him.That is I but thank God for His instruction and patients.

Favorite Scripture: 1 Thes. 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Favorite Story in the Bible: David over coming Goliath.

Aside from the Bible, my favorite book: Prayer Altars A Strategy Changing Nations My favorite song: is The Old Rugged Cross.

My all-time favorite movie: Forrest Gump Proudest moment: When I hold a child born in my family for the first time and I get to pray over the life.

A cause I would run a marathon for: To bring awareness of the need for unity in such a diverse world.

Personal life-changing revelation: Watching the birth of my children, and knowing now that God some saw fit to bless meas He has.

Heaven on Earth is: Meant to influence each other.

What I pray for most: That the manifestation of the Kingdom of Christ would increase in our nation.

I would trade all my worldly possession for: The pearl of my life is to see prayer increase across our nation that would be bound in a love to know our God.

Editor’s Note: Elevate magazine seeks ministers, pastors, priests, and other clergy, as well as parishioners of note to include in our Sunday’s Best fashion editorials.

If you would like to be included, or know someone you would like to recommend, please contact the publisher/editor at john@sotomayormedia.com.

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AROUND TOWN

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OCALA UNITED PRESENTS

Citywide CONCERT 3.5.17

P H O T O S BY / / C R A I G L OV E LY

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AROUND TOWN

THOUSANDS OF OCALA/ MARION COUNTY MIDDLE, HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE YOUTH ATTENDED THE FIRST-EVER OCALA UNITED YOUTH MINISTRIES OUTDOOR CITYWIDE PRAISE AND WORSHIP CONCERT, HELD AT BOOSTER STADIUM IN SOUTHEAST OCALA. THE EVENT WAS ORGANIZED BY 29-YEAR-OLD PASTOR MATT OVERFELT, THE FOUNDER OF OCALA UNITED, AN INDEPENDENT MINISTRY THAT WORKS WITH SEVERAL CHURCHES AROUND TOWN. ACCORDING TO OVERFELT, OCALA UNITED REACHES OUT WITH POSITIVE MESSAGES OF CHRISTIAN LIVING TO STUDENTS IN MARION COUNTY’S 22 PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND LOCAL COLLEGES, INCLUDING THE COLLEGE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA IN OCALA, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA IN GAINESVILLE, AND UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA IN JACKSONVILLE, AMONG OTHERS. Editor’s Note: To include your event in our coverage, please contact the publisher/editor at john@sotomayormedia.com.

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AROUND TOWN CITYWIDE

To learn more about Ocala United and other events go to: Elevatemagazine.us

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AROUND TOWN

Habitat for Humanity

4th

P H O T O S BY / / A M B E R L AU D I C I N A

ANNUAL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Howdy Partner!

I look great in these duds.

Yeehaw!

Elvis Impersonator Cote Deonath

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housands of revelers enjoyed the festivities of the signature event for Habitat for Humanity Marion County – the 4th annual Strawberry Festival, held at the McPherson Government Complex. Steadily growing over the years, in 2017 the Festival included live music from One Flight Up, bike stunts, a car show, a tribute to local heroes. More than 220 vendors, food, and of course – strawberries.

Local law enforcement were good sports with the traditional strawberry pie eating contest.

All proceeds went to Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, Inc, which, according to their website, is “part of a global non-profit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities and hope.”

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AROUND TOWN

Hank Whittier, Chairman Carl Zalak , County Commissioner Gary Skogsbergh Sr., Exec Director

Antonio Vargas, Sheriff Billy Woods, Tito Ocasio

Abby Regnier Millennium Realty

One Flight Up Ava Hudge, age 9

Goldwing Road Riders Association ChapterFL-1-F2 Chapter Director Mike Sadlon

Napoleon the Pug of QuickMed Care

Ratcliff of the US Coast Guard

Heidi Howard Retired Veteran, Army Service Dog Bear

Editor’s Note: To include your event in our coverage, please contact the publisher/editor at john@sotomayormedia.com.

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BREAKING BREAD

HOW RONDO GOT HIS

Mojo Back BY / / J O H N S O T O M AYO R

P H O T O G R A P H Y BY / / C O N A N S E G R ES T

Mojo Grill & Catering owner Rondo Fernandez opens up about redemption and redirection under his newfound faith in Christ

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BREAKING BREAD

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pon arrival to any of the three Mojo Grill & Catering restaurants around town, it is evident music had a big impact on the owner, Ron “Rondo” Fernandez. Particularly New Orleans jazz and blues. Memorabilia decorate the entire venue, complete with life-size replicas of Elvis and the infamous Blues Brothers and an upside-down drum set hanging from the ceiling.

The impact of New Orleans is evident on the menu, as is his Cuban-American heritage.

The menu is peppered with delicious Louisiana and Cuban cuisine such as Chicken & Sausage Gumbo (a Louisiana favorite), Louisiana Crawfish Boil (crawfish simmered and spicy), Mahi Louisiana (Blackened Mahi topped with shrimp, mushrooms, onions and tomatoes in Cajun Alfredo sauce over pasta), the Crazy Cuban sandwich (considered the best in town) and Rondo’s Famous Cuban Pork Dinner, “The Pepin,” Rondo’s famous tender pulled pork marinated in his secret Mojo sauce, topped with sautéed onions and served with black beans and rice and sweet plantains.

Other menu items pay homage to jazz and blues with musical names such as the Bongo Burger, the Soprano Burger, the Rhythm and Blue Burger, blackened and topped with melted blue cheese, and the Louie Louie Cheese Burger, named after Rondo’s brother while also an homage to the classic American rhythm and blues song written by Richard Perry in 1955 that became a 1963 hit by The Kingsmen.

What is less evident, unless you know of Rondo’s countless good deeds, particularly for the less fortunate, is Rondo’s reform due to religion. Like his idols, Elvis and John Belushi of The Blues Brothers, Rondo was a bit of a rebel.

Unlike his idols, Rondo did not succumb to the same fate. He gives all glory to God for turning him from the rocky road of rebellion toward a path of redemption. He shares his story candidly and his service freely, a combination that often turns around the lives of countless others.

Rondo’s Roots

Rondo’s parents immigrated from Cuba. He was raised in Miami until 1990. He arrived at a place in the Ocala National Forest called the Big Scrub, which he readily admits was a major culture shock.

He attended Lake Weir High School but didn’t graduate. He spent his entire life in the restau-

“I knew this was what I wanted to do, and it is the only thing I know how to do, really.”

rant business. His mother was always in the restaurant business. Instead of hiring a babysitter, she would take Rondo to work with her.

“She would leave me in the dry storage closet, and I’d come out and start busing people’s tables with table visits at 5 or 6 years old,” Rondo remembered fondly. “That’s how I started and developed a passion for it. I love the interaction with people and that every day is different.”

Rondo loves working indoors, working with his hands and with food. “I knew this was what I wanted to do, and it is the only thing I know how to do, really,” he said.

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The recipes are experience recipes: the combination of all of his experience from the different restaurants that he worked at and things he loves.

Rondo’s was his first restaurant as an entrepreneur, directly after a serving job. He opened it in 2005 on State Road 40. The second location opened in 2007 across State Road 200 from the Paddock Mall. He added catering. The two restaurants had the same modern Blues theme Mojo Grill has now. Rondo’s was very successful.

“Then I lost both restaurants,” Rondo said.

Reckless living caught up with him.

“Anyone can Google search it,” Rondo said matter-of-factly. “It is pretty much public information. I allowed a certain culture in my restaurants, I lost focus on what was important, so it turned more into a bar than a restaurant.

But I learned from that mistake. It was a turning point for me.”

That moment, which he described as “rock bottom,” helped Rondo realize that was not who he wanted to be and bring his life around. He was even let go as coach of his son’s football league. “That knocked me down to my knees,” Rondo said. His mistake led to his ministry.

Turn A-Rondo

Having thought he lost everything, he turned to what really was important to him, which was his family. He admits he did not have faith at that time: “I was not a Christian at the time.”

He realized he needed to get his life together for the sake of his five family members: his wife, Toby, and four kids, Ronnie, Amber, Cane, and Soriana. He went back to serving tables, which he described as a “very humbling experience.” He went back to catering, of which

nine out of 10 were done for free.

In 2009, a friend who believed in him lent Rondo enough money to open Mojo Grill. Rondo recalls that ironically, this friend was the kind of person who detracted him from a belief in God. He described this friend as a “God fearing man” who maintained his faith despite losing a son to an accident. Rondo could not comprehend how a loving God could take the son of a faithful, devoted Christian.

Rondo seized the opportunity and worked hard, committed to not repeating the same mistakes. In 2013, he and a manager were arguing about faith and Christianity. The manager told Rondo he believed in God “just in case.” If he was right, then he would be in heaven seated

by God. If he was wrong, then at least he lived a good life. That was good enough to Rondo at the time, so he began a superficial relationship with God — just in case.

Rondo’s greatest eye-opener was becoming reacquainted with a former friend. Together, the two once frequently partied to the extreme.

According to Rondo, the friend went “off the deep end,” so much so that Rondo had mourned

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him as if he was actually gone. When Rondo saw him again, the friend was remarkably different.

He had a “glow about him.”

He looked great and his family life was secure. Rondo asked him what he was doing now. The friend replied he was now the pastor of a church. “There was no way this guy was the pastor of a church,” Rondo laughingly recalled.

Rondo mocked him a bit, until tragedy struck the Fernandez family. This friend was the one who was at Rondo’s side through it all. “He didn’t share the gospel with me,” Rondo said, “but I could see the promise and the peace that he had.”

Rondo began attending that friend’s church.

Rondo began to notice the effect on his kids.

They were no longer fighting in the back seat of the car. They were opening up doors for people.

They were listening to Rondo and Toby. “Our Sundays were just — better,” he said.

Maybe it was simply because they spent the day as a family, or maybe it was because Rondo did not wake up hung over, knowing he had to be at church service. Maybe it was a combination of both. Maybe it was more.

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“I didn’t believe in Christ yet,” Rondo recalled, “but I began to open my heart.”

Rondo began living his life by the credo: What Would Jesus Do? Under any circumstance, Rondo would ask himself, “What would Jesus do?” For eight months, Rondo lived a life as a Christian. Up to that point, thought he had already ruined his life. He thought he would turn it around for his wife and kids so that their quality of life would improve.

He had no idea what God really had planned for him.

He thought he had done enough, having earned enough “Christian points” to go out with his friends and, as he called it, “blow the carbon out — so to speak.”

That Sunday, Rondo and his friends got hammered. When he returned home, his 10-year-old son, who had never seen Rondo drunk before, asked him what was wrong. The next morning, Rondo awoke feeling ashamed. His former self would have felt he earned it. He did not feel that way anymore.

He attended church that day, and approached the altar — an action he had never taken before.

At 39 years old, Rondo knelt at the altar and asked God to show him how to be a man. “That was when I gave my heart to God.” “My life is not perfect by any means, but I know that He is perfect, and he has a perfect plan for me,” Rondo said with absolution in his voice.

So it began.

Mojo Grill 2.0

Rondo affirms that his restaurant family has always been community-oriented, even before he became a Christian. However, their commitment reached an entirely higher level once God entered their lives.

“Our service work reached ‘2.0’ status,” Rondo joked.

“I was no longer just operating a restaurant,” Rondo said. “I was operating something that could potentially be a huge blessing to others.”

To him, it was no longer about the restaurant.

It was about providing for people, whether by providing a place where people go to forget about their problems or providing much of their blessings to touch others. The more they did so, the more the community rallied around them.

Often, like on the day of our interview, there were stacks of donations. “My office is full of

RONDO’S ROUND UP Other top ministries supported by Rondo and Mojo Grill include: • Interfaith Emergency Services “Feed the Kids” Backpack Program — over $13,000 in personal checks toward the program • Kid Central • Homeless Youth Council of the Marion • County School Board System • Kimberly Centers • Sports scholarships for underprivileged youth

BREAKFAST BIBLE STUDY AT MOJO GRILL 200 LLC Every second and fourth Wednesday of the month Mojo Grill 200 LLC, located at 2015 SW 17th St. in Ocala, holds a free community-based breakfast Bible Study from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

feminine hygiene products and other sundry items to be dispersed to those who need them,” Rondo said.

Their charity has had an unexpected ripple effect. People who have never considered attending church were suddenly drawn to it. Rondo’s redemption became a revelation for others to emulate, much like Rondo did when his friend with a past turned up as a pastor.

It was important to Rondo to reach out to those who felt the most abandoned by God, so were the most at risk. Rondo credits their handson, everyday man approach of their work as the key difference from more structured church programs’ efforts.

“People relate to us,” Rondo said. Those who turn their lives around repeat the action. “When others ask them ‘Why are you helping me?’ they share what God has done for them.”

One of Rondo’s driving verses is Luke 12:48, which states, “For those who have been given much, much is to be expected.”

To Rondo, this means that God expects Rondo to do more with than just feed people with the restaurant he has given him.

Rondo has the scripture tattooed on his leg as a reminder.

“The Bible calls us to provide for others,”

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Rondo said. “That is what we aim to do at Mojo Grill: to become a beacon of hope. I am very transparent with my story, because I know there are countless thousands of others who have gone or will undergo those same battles I have with drugs and/or alcohol. I want to let others know they can empower themselves to change.”

Rondo is currently active with youth ministry.

He wants young people to know that they do not have to become an alcoholic just because their father was an alcoholic or become a drug addict because they grew up in a drug-infested neighborhood or household.

“Family cycles can be broken,” Rondo said.

“We are involved in many good projects in this community to help create that change.”

By his own admission, there is not a single youth ministry program in Marion County he and Mojo Grill are not involved in. “If there is,” Rondo clarified, “then I haven’t heard about it — yet.”

That determination defines him. He and his restaurant are no longer called to feed people’s bodies. Rondo and Mojo Grill are called to feed their souls.

Feed the Need

Among the top ministries Rondo is currently heavily involved in is Feed the Need, a Christian restaurant-based council he founded. There are 5,000 homeless school-aged kids in Marion County. “That keeps me up at night,” Rondo said. “I want to accomplish two goals with Feed the Need: raise awareness of the coalition of restaurants engaged in the battle to reduce those numbers, so that we rally around one another, and provide the services needed for successful fundraisers and dramatically reduce youth homelessness.”

C O N TA C T I N F O R M AT I O N

THE MOJO GRILL 200 LLC OCALA 2015 SW 17th St, Ocala, FL 34471 352.369.6656 THE MOJO GRILL & CATERING CO. OF EAST OCALA 4620 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470 352.291.6656 THE MOJO GRILL & CATERING CO. OF BELLEVIEW 4496 SE 100th St, Belleview, FL 34420 352.307.6656 Editor’s Note: To inquire how you can have your restaurant story told, please contact the publisher/editor at john@sotomayormedia.com.

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MORE THAN YOU CAN HANDLE BY / / M I C H E L L E C L A R K a younger believer, though not young in the faith, I’ve had an uneven relationship with old religious adages. Because of my upbringing, I’ve grown in the light of some life-affirming teaching, but I’ve also seen the shadow cast by human interpretation.

I think young believers and young people in general have learned to be wary of cover-all answers, those sayings that offer a simple answer to a myriad of complex situations. We wince when we hear things like, “The Lord helps those who help themselves,” and the one I’ve wrestled with most in adulthood: “You’ll never have more than you can handle.”

I get miffed sometimes at these exchanges because they seem to band-aid issues in the name of Christianity. Christ is not a band-aid, though; He’s something far more potent, the cure for a deadly disease of sin. And to nonbelievers looking for something real, these adages stick out like a sore thumb.

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Address each situation in all of its complexities with the appropriate weight.

Bring it to the Word and walk through it with them.

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IN YOUR WORDS The salvation story proves that people cannot truly “help themselves.” We need Christ. My life has proved this, too. There have been times when I’ve done absolutely all I could and still just couldn’t help myself and meet my own need. I often feel stuck, even with all my hard work.

I think God laughs when we say “I can help myself,” or “I can handle it on my own.” Because the truth is, we can’t! That’s his job. It’s our job to rely on him. These well-meaning sayings often promote self-sufficiency to a people who should be accepting the truth of utter dependency.

Sometimes it takes our helplessness for Christ to reach us.

Unfortunately, I’ve heard these phrases used to lecture and shame more often than to comfort, as I’m sure they were designed to do. I’ve seen it used harshly to pin down the helpless as lazy, and to breeze over a hurting person’s circumstance so the individual offering it up doesn’t have to truly address that there is a need and maybe meet it!

What does the Word really say, then? Scripture does say to stand when you’ve done all you can do. It says your help comes from the Lord.

A life of faith is far from the path of prosperity some paint it to be; it’s full of trial and sacrifice, but also joy. And at times, you will have more than you alone can handle. It’s Christ, in every situation, who makes it manageable. Pastor Chuck Swindoll so eloquently gets to what I’m trying to say: “Good intentions and earnest effort are not enough. Only Jesus can make an otherwise futile life productive.”

So, the longer I hold on to my faith, the more these man-made dictums fall away. Not much about our faith is truly simple, but because we can’t fathom the depths of our God or the miraculous workings of his plans, I see why we cling to phrases that help us through. Instead, we ought to cling to Christ alone and do our best to accept that there will be things we won’t understand.

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12.

What I’d like to charge people to do is not be so quick with these ready-made answers when they encounter another believer in the midst of pain, trial, or helplessness. Instead, get to know the person and their challenge. Address each situation in all of its complexities with the appropriate weight. Bring it to the Word and walk through it with them.

Michelle Clark received a Bachelor of Arts from Flagler College, and a Masters in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University.

She has worked as a journalist, librarian, and seamstress. Her interests are vast, but are centered around the arts and theology. She also doesn’t mind if you call her a hipster, as long as you serve it up with a cafe con leche.

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BREAKING THE BLANK STARE BY / / T R I S H A H I AT T hile just being a parent is tough enough, being a Christian parent in today’s culture is even tougher. As amazing as it is, technology unfortunately doesn’t make certain aspects of parenting any easier. Some of the best things we can do as Christian parents are setting clear boundaries in regards to technology usage, being good examples, and teaching our children what really matters.

Growing up on a horse farm, I grew to appreciate land and wide, open spaces of God’s green goodness. Climbing trees, riding bikes for hours and, most importantly, using my imagination were part of my everyday life. It’s disheartening that this lifestyle has been slowly squandered away in today’s society and been replaced with smart phones, video games, and social media. Keep in mind that this is highly addictive. Digital addiction is a real thing.

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Setting Clear Boundaries When it comes to playing with my phone or tablet, my son knows it is a rare treat, and I mean rare. When a child is given a device, they usually are entranced and seem to have a blank stare. So much brain development is going on in a very young child; when we give her a phone often, the parent/child relationship can be altered because she doesn’t have the opportunity to focus on deeply personal relationships.

Jesus wants nothing more than for us to focus our lives on loving him first and foremost and loving others. We can’t love others without actively trying to build our relationships. We can’t build healthy relationships if we are constantly staring at a screen.

If your child must have a phone or a tablet, clear boundaries need to be established. Choose an age when he or she can receive the device and choose an amount of time that your child can be on it.

Stick to it. Be sure to track what activities your child does with the device by backing up the phone’s content to your own computer. If you do this, you will be aware of what calls and texts your child is making and which apps are being used. Tablets have parental control settings, so make sure you utilize those, too.

Most importantly, we need to teach our children what really matters by focusing our homes on Christ.

If we have Christcentered homes, everything else will fall into place.

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IN YOUR WORDS Setting a Good Example “Monkey see, monkey do” is a very appropriate adage when it comes to parenting. Our children are watching and looking up to us.

Parents are the epicenter of a young child’s universe. We need to not only watch our words and our tone of voice, but also be cognizant of our actions. Setting a good example when it comes to technology means putting limits on how much we parents use it.

When having quality time with our children, whatever it may be, we need to give our undivided attention to our little ones, not only for their own good, but also for ours. Simon Sinek said in his recent talk, titled The Millennial Question: “If you’re sitting in a meeting with people you are supposed to be listening to and speaking to, and you put your phone on the table, that sends a subconscious message to the room that ‘you’re just not that important to me.’” Remember that our children are watching and wondering what on that screen could be more important than their little hearts. Try to give at least 30 minutes a few times a day of quality time to your child(ren) without a phone or screen present.

In addition to spending technology-free quality time, our family rule is to not have our phones out at dinner, and that is a rule that this momma is not willing to compromise.

Teaching What Really Matters Most importantly, we need to teach our children what really matters by focusing our homes on Christ. If we have Christ-centered homes, everything else will fall into place. Praying together, spending time in God’s word, being part of a church body, serving others, showing thankfulness on a daily basis and giving to others are a few ways we can make sure Jesus is number one in our homes.

Allowing our children ample time every day to play outside, be creative, and use their imaginations is imperative to their development. What really matters is that we are keeping Christ our first priority in our homes, sharing that love with others and developing strong bonds with each other. Let’s give our kids opportunities to run through wide, open spaces of God’s green goodness as much as they possibly can, because their childhood will be over in the blink of an eye.

Trisha Hiatt is a third-generation Ocalan who is a Christ follower, wife, and mom. Trisha was a Kindergarten teacher at Redeemer Christian School for seven years and at Victory Academy for three. She loved teaching, but the Lord opened the doors for her to write from home which ended up being ideal as she is able to stay home with her two-year-old son, Sutton. She thoroughly enjoys writing and has been honing her craft for four years working with Best Version Media as the Content Coordinator for three Citrus County neighborhood publications.

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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF JAROD KINTZ BY / / J A R O D K I N T Z re you stressing out about money and looking for a Job? Try the one in the Bible.

Job lost everything he had just to show us that God’s in control.

The story of Job is both tragic and triumphant. Job was a pious man who revered God, and in return was blessed by God. Satan wanted to tempt God, to see if Job loved God only because God provided a good life for him. So he challenged God to see what Job would do if misfortune befell him.

With God’s blessing, Satan was given free rein to do anything he wanted to Job so long as Job’s life wasn’t taken. So Satan took everything else.

Literally. He took his livestock, his children, his wife, and his health.

And through it all (with a minor bit of foolishness at the end, for which God rebuked Job’s lack of understanding), Job remained faithful to God. Contrast this epic story with me. Satan couldn’t possibly take my wealth, children, or wife away from me — only because I don’t have those things. But I do have a cat.

It seems trivial, but when a cat is all you have in this world, you tend to place an inordinate amount of value on it. Plus, The Sweetness is The World’s Cuddliest Cat. I’m just waiting on Guinness Book of World Records to reply to me with an official verification of that, and the accompanying certificate so I can frame it and show it off to my friends.

Anyway, the other day, after stealthily waiting for the opportune

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Falling to the ground, I cried out to God, demanding to know why I had been chosen for such a cruel punishment.

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IN YOUR WORDS moment, The Sweetness managed to push open the back door and went out into the world.

When I woke up and discovered he was missing, I did what any mother would do: I began shrieking, crying and flailing my arms.

Then my inner Angela Lansbury kicked in, and I began to think like a mystery novel writer, taking deeper breaths as I scanned my environment.

After my chest expanded and contracted a few times, my vision switched back from black and white to Technicolor.

I quickly ruled out the possibility that The Sweetness had hailed an Uber to the airport to seek fame and fortune in Los Angeles, which led me to conclude that he was probably responding to a nobler cause and was trying to assist The Donald in draining The Swamp.

At that moment, my breathing quickened, because The Swamp, at least to The Sweetness, is full of lizards, alligators, snakes, and other Reptilian Creatures with slimy political connections.

The Swamp is a retention pond.

Sprinting to the wilderness of the pond in a way that would make Roger Bannister proud — but Roger Bannister as an old man in a wheelchair, not the Roger Bannister as a young man who first broke the four-minute mile mark — I reached The Swamp to see Total Stillness.

Everything was still — except my heart.

The smell of pine and sulfur filled my nostrils, and I recalled reading that Lucifer reeks of sulfur.

My mind reeled as I gazed into the murky water and observed that it looked like a black mirror.

My heart trembled as if I were at the portal to the Abyss.

Falling to the ground, I cried out to God, demanding to know why I had been chosen for such a cruel punishment. What offense had I committed to deserve such torment?

Little did I know how little I knew, because at the same moment I was on my knees in muck and mud, The Sweetness was patiently waiting at my back door for me to stop panicking and generally looking ridiculous so I could come back and let him in to eat. The boy was hungry!

Looking back, I think that whole ordeal was a Test from God. You might think I failed, and most professors would agree.

But no matter what my actual score on that test was, I learned a valuable lesson: No matter what happens, God’s in control.

Jarod Kintz is a prolific author of humorous books such as “This Book is Not For Sale,” “This Book Has No Title,” “It Occurred To Me,” ‘I Should Have Renamed This,” “Six Foot and Some Change: A Chronicle,” and several more.

IN YOUR WORDS

ADOPTION BENEFITS EVERYONE BY / / R O S E Y M O R E N O - J O N ES ver the summer of 2016, Americans were glued to their TVs watching the amazing talent and grace with which our Women’s Gymnastics Team dominated the 2016 Olympics. The “Final Five” seem to have all of us, and indeed much of the world, mesmerized with their spirit, their spunk and their hopes for gold!

One young lady has emerged at the forefront of this team because of her leadership qualities and God-given gymnastic abilities. Considered the greatest female gymnast of all time, Simone Biles lights up the screen with her smile and the sparkle in her eyes. What a “national treasure” she is for America — especially after a summer fraught with racial tension and political discourse.

Simone rises to the top and reminds us all that with hope, anything is possible!

Born to a mother who was unable to care for her children because of debilitating drug and alcohol abuse, Simone and her brother and sisters were placed in foster care. It is an all too familiar story for those of us working in child welfare, but a couple of guardian angels stepped into her story. Her grandparents, Ron and Nellie Biles, assumed custody of the children, and by the time

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Jeremiah 29:11 “… for I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.”

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Simone was 6 years old, they had adopted her and her younger sister. Her older brother and sister were adopted by Ron’s sister. Thank God for a family who realized that taking care of these children and wrapping them in arms of love and hope was just what they needed.

As we work with children in foster care every day at Kids Central, too often we see children age out of foster care without an opportunity to find permanency. When these children have a chance to be adopted, whether by biological family members, foster parents or other interested families, everything seems to change for them.

As I often tell families considering the world of fostering and adopting: You have a chance to offer these children a promise not to harm them, but to love them and give them hope and a future. For many of them, no one has ever offered that before. This comes straight from God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11 — “plans to prosper us and not to harm us.”

In 2003, the year Simone was adopted, she made her first field trip to a gymnastic studio, and the rest is history, all because two people gave her hope and a future. That, combined with love and the security that comes from knowing you have a “forever family,” has helped this young lady achieve something few can even imagine. What a joy it is to watch her blossom and see the potential that she realized and went for with those parents behind her, supporting all the way.

Jody Landers once said, “A child born to another woman calls me Mom. The depth of the tragedy and the magnitude of the privilege are not lost on me.” The greatest blessings I have been gifted with by God call me Mom and Nonna, and my heart bursts.

I am sure that Ron and Nellie Biles feel that same emotion each time they watch their beautiful daughter charm the whole world!

God bless them for hearing His call and knowing that He would qualify them to answer it.

He may be calling you as well. What will you say? The opportunity to be the bearer of “hope and a future” is right there beckoning at you.

Think about it.

As for Simone Biles, I am simply in love with her and what she and her teammates along with so many other American athletes have shown us during these Olympics. Simone and I even have a couple of things in common. We share our birthday of March 14, though I am a mere 38 years older than her. And… we both think Zac Efron is “the bomb”!

Rosey Moreno-Jones is a Foster/Adoption Recruiter at Foster Parent Recruitment — Kids Central, Inc.

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REACHING UP FOR A BETTER CHANCE BY / / J ES S I CA T H U R OW or a family who is barely making ends meet every month, getting through each day can be burdensome. You have to know which charities can help you fill your needs.

They then have to have access to available resources for you. And even when you find the charity that can help you, you are sometimes met by people who want you to complete a ton of forms, when all you want is some food, clothing or even some help with your electric bill so that you can keep the lights on for your children.

Having been a caregiver to my four nieces and nephews, who made my family total nine people, I know what it’s like to have limited knowledge of and access to needed resources. While my husband and I tried hard to make life work the best we could, our greatest need was food. There never seemed to be enough to feed this extraordinarily large family. Fortunately, we were eventually connected to an agency called “Reaching Up,” where I discovered not only that we qualified for weekly food donations, but also that I could receive emotional support from the people who ran the program.

The time I first met Ms. Pat, the Program Administrator for Reaching Up, was fantastic! I did not have to complete a bunch

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“People should know that regardless of what they are going through, they still have an ability to affect the world in a really awesome way.”

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IN YOUR WORDS of forms — just one. I was also met with the most warmth I have ever experienced in my life. I was met by someone who accepted me and understood that our family was at a very difficult point in our lives and needed some help. I wasn’t made to feel like I was worthless for being in this position; I was reminded that I was still valuable.

The weekly food donations helped our family immensely. We continually received a variety of high-quality frozen meats and vegetables, fresh fruits and vegetables, boxed foods, pastries, breads, snacks, drinks and pastas. Finally, after a few months of receiving food donations from Reaching Up, we were actually able to offset our expenses enough to stabilize financially.

The emotional support that Reaching Up offered was, simply put, divine. Enduring the trauma of living in poverty while raising seven children is exhausting. I was allowed to share my worries, concerns, doubts and fears without once having to consider whether I was being judged. I was offered guidance, love and compassion, all while, unbeknownst to me at the time, being built to become a stronger, healthier and more improved version of myself.

For an agency to recognize that poverty is a condition and not a status in the hierarchy of humanity, and that it can be improved through the dedication of others, speaks loudly about the people who run the organization. When human beings are valued over statistics and compassion is offered freely to all, the possibilities to affect positive change are endless.

I know that our family is neither the first nor the last that will ever experience the suffering of living in poverty. It is with great hope that I share my story about Reaching Up, because people in similar situations should know that they are respected, valued and important.

People should know that regardless of what they are going through, they still have an ability to affect the world in a really awesome way — even if it’s by affecting one life at a time.

I hope that if you, or someone you know, needs a helping hand that works with you to build you up and out of poverty, you will seek the kindness that exists within the Reaching Up program. They focus on more than just food; they focus on people.

For information about Reaching Up and the services they provide, please contact Program Administrator Patricia Passeretti at 352-5479696 or visit their website at www.reachingupocala.com.

Jessica Thurow A strong advocate for positively affecting the lives of others, Jessica Thurow volunteers for Xtreme Soulutions, Kids Central, the Florida Department of Corrections, and the Bridges Project of Ocala/Marion County. In addition, she is the founder and executive director of Gateway4Hope.

IN YOUR WORDS

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THIS LOVE

you. This Love breaks every chain the world will ever have on you. This Love makes you confident, secure, courageous, humble, and most grateful for all things. We all need more of this Love. I encourage you today to just call on this Love, and more of it. May this Love overtake so that you will never be the same.

1 John 4; 16 (NKJV) — And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. he love of God is from everlasting to everlasting. When we believe and take a step of faith into the unsearchable arms of the Father, His door opens and never closes again. His love embraces us and reveals to us a completeness that is unexplainable. My perception of love was once based on either people, places, things, or it was conditional for the most part. In the natural mind, it is impossible to grasp. When we step into this Love, we find forgiveness. This Love has offered Himself just for you. This Love will give beauty for ashes. This love will fight your battles. This Love never fails you. This Love takes you in and lifts you up. This Love gives you a joy that no one can give

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I encourage you today to just call on this Love, and more of it.

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Prayer: Thank you, Father, for being love, the love I have never known. I’m speechless when in the midst of your perfect love. Pour out Your love on me like never before today. I want to experience You to the fullest and be able to share this Love with everyone you bring my way. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

(John 3; 16, 1 Corinthians 13, Song of Songs 8; 4–8) Crystal Jewell-Maksou is a contributing writer for Daughters of King International Ministries. She is part of Ocala Business Leaders Association, Faith and Justice Coalition, Phoenix House Alumni, Christian 12-Step, and several other community based outreaches.

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BY / / C R YS TA L J E W E L L - M A K S O U