The Point Quarterly - Fall 2013 by The Woodlands Methodist Church

thewoodlandsumc.org // Fall 2013 // Missions Edition

MAGAZINE

Global and Local Missions

PASTOR’S MESSAGE Dr. Ed Robb, Senior Pastor Dear Friends, Welcome to the fall edition of The Point magazine, focusing on our church’s local and global missions. This is the third issue of The Point magazine to center on missions, and there’s a reason for that: the act of spreading the gospel — at home and abroad — is the heart of our church. This year, we wanted to take a different approach than we have in the past. We want to know what you will do. In this issue, you’ll find inspiring articles from members of The Woodlands UMC who have served those in need, both here at home and around the world, and we hope that you’ll read their stories and see that you, too, could give of yourselves in the many ways that they have:

Whether it’s leading a group of students with UM Army like Morgan Cole (Page 24);

Sharing the Gospel and the love of Christ to heal the wounds of heartbreak in a foreign country like Peter Bigler (Page 8);

Deciding to spend some time with families in Houston’s Third Ward with our newest missions partner, Generation One (Page 14);

Or through giving to our Missions Ministry so that we can continue to touch lives for Christ.

In 2 Corinthians 9:7 Paul writes, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give…” So, how will you fill in the blank when you say, “I will … ”? The way you answer that question will be the way in which you’ll help to build God’s Kingdom.

Your Pastor,

Ed Robb

THEPOINT MAGAZINE // FALL 2013

MISSIONS PAGE 5 // I Will...

COVER STORY, PAGE 6 Church Pew to World View: A Transformation of the Heart I’d thought I was doing enough. I attended Sunday services regularly. I sat in the corner of the Sanctuary, moving through the church with solemnity and feeling like I qualified as a “good Christian.”

PAGE 8 // Curing Ills and Healing Hearts in Honduras PAGE 10 // Special Report: Christian Roots Growing Deep In India PAGE 12 // Yes, I Will Serve PAGE 14 // Faith, Action and Transformation in Houston’s Third Ward PAGE 16 // Little Hands, Serving Hands: Teaching the ABC’s of Generosity PAGE 18 // Living Out Hebrews 13:16 at Mission 56 PAGE 22 // Less Is More At Mission San Antonio PAGE 24 // Students Sweat, Serve at UM Army PAGE 26 // Bringing Help and Hope to Modern-Day Slaves

IN EVERY ISSUE Planning Calendar, Pg 29 // New Members, Pg 30 // Births, Pg 30 // Deaths, Pg 31 // Foundation Gifts, Pg 31 Fill out both sides of this card and mail it to: Missions c/o The Woodlands United Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Dr., The Woodlands, TX 77380. Or drop the completed card in the offering plate during worship on Missions Sunday, October 13.

I will make a difference through the Missions Ministry of The Woodlands UMC and The Loft during 2014: I will Give. I will make my Pledge for Missions (reverse side) I will Pray. I will Pray for our Missionaries & Missions Ministry I will Serve. I am interested in serving in these areas: the homeless senior adults women in crisis those in prison the hungry

a seasonal ministry (Christmas, etc.) at-risk children families in need through construction/repair on a short-term mission team

Name

Email We'll update you with opportunities to serve throughout the year.

What will you do?

In 1 Peter 4:10, we’re told that each of us should use the gifts that we have to serve others. For some, that means dedicating our time. For others, our abilities. And for others still, that means making a donation. However we can, we are called to give of ourselves. So, what will you do?

As God enables me, I will support the outreach of our church by giving to our Missions Ministry the amount indicated on this card during the period of January 1 through December 31, 2014. [ ] $______

[ ] $500

[ ] Monthly

[ ] Weekly

[ ] $250

[ ] $100

[ ] $50

[ ] One-Time*

[ ] $25

Total Missions Pledge:

Please write “2014 Missions Pledge” in the memo line of your check. If you would like to contribute your pledge using a credit card, fill out the information below: Monthly credit card charges will occur on the 5th of each month, January – December 2014.

Check One:

[ ] Visa

[ ] Mastercard

[ ] American Express

Expiration Date:_______________________________

Credit Card Number:_________________________________ Signature:__________________________________________ *For a one-time credit card charge, circle one: CHARGE NOW or JANUARY 2014

Name: _________________________________________________________ Phone:___________________________ Zip:_______________ Address:_____________________________________________________________ City:__________________________ State: __________ The Woodlands United Methodist Chuch and The Loft • 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive • The Woodlands, Texas 77380 • thewoodlandsumc.org/missions

I will...

// by John Hull - Pastor of Missions

When I was a missionary in Mexico, a mission team came to serve from The Woodlands United Methodist Church. This group of faithful servants conducted a Vacation Bible School in the slums that surrounded our medical clinic. During the week, they presented a drama with team members and puppets, acting out the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand. The team member playing a disciple went up to the little boy and little girl puppets and asked if they had any food to share with the great mass of people who were there to hear Jesus. The little boy puppet said, “We have two fish and five small loaves that our mother sent for our lunch.” And the little girl puppet said, “This is only enough food for us; it will never be enough to feed others.” At this time, a 4-year-old boy sitting on the ground watching the story stood up. His name was Juanito. He lived in a small shack made of cardboard and scraps of wood. His parents and baby brother slept on the ground. They had no electricity or running water. They

had very little to eat. He wore tattered clothes. Juanito walked up to the man who was playing the disciple, reached into his pocket and pulled out two pesos. He put them into the man’s hand and in Spanish he said, “I want to help Jesus feed the people.” In his innocence and with a pure heart, he was willing to give all that he had to help Jesus. He was saying to God, “I will.” In Acts 1:8, Jesus says, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” He meant that we are to serve those around us, those in our state, those in our country and all those He created all over the world. Today, God still expects the same of you and me. He wants to know who is ready to answer that call by saying, “I will.” Ready to say I will do whatever I can to further the cause of Christ; I will be

who Jesus wants me to be, the kind of person He asks me to be; I will go, do and give so that others come to know Christ, so that I can help those in need, and so that I can relieve their suffering. For our Missions Conference this year, those two simple words, “I will,” are our theme. Jesus was a living example of what He wants us to be, and to follow in His example, you and I must say, “I will.” I will serve. I will care. I will show mercy. I will bless others. I will pray for those serving and those being served. I will tell others about Christ and, if I can’t go, I will support those who do. I will give, and in doing so, I will be an example to my children. I will help those in need. God is calling you. How will you answer Him? Whatever He asks, I hope your answer is “I will.” •

Say “I will” at thewoodlandsumc.org/missions

Fall 2013

COVER STORY

Church Pew to World View: A Transformation of the Heart // by Todd Mathias - Guest Contributor

THEPOINT Magazine

Of the million reasons why I am lucky to be married to my wife, one is that she pushed me to get involved with missions. She told me that I needed to make new friends with men in the church and that I needed more in my life than a high-pressure job. I’d thought I was doing enough. I attended Sunday services regularly. I sat in the corner of the Sanctuary, moving through the church with solemnity and feeling like I qualified as a “good Christian.” I could not have been more wrong. Although I had travelled the world for business and pleasure, missions offered me a completely new purpose and a new perspective of the world. In the process, I became a small part of something much larger, and I grew closer to God. I tried to think of one moving experience that stood out from my most recent trip, but I couldn’t narrow it down to a single memory. So many life-changing moments have run through my head every day since. Like when I was moved to tears in a small church in Honduras. We spent the week living on a mountainside with children who play there among the dirt and trash. We worked with the kids, building a church and laying concrete for the floors of their homes. At the end of every day, every stitch of my clothing was dusty and dirty. But at church on Sunday morning, some young girls were there, dressed in beautiful, pure-white robes. They put on a dance as part of the service that was as moving as it was simple. For all of the violence and despair that was outside the walls of that church, the elegance of that simple routine was breathtaking, and I wept. Or when I met a boy while we were building the church earlier that week. In spite of the language barrier, we spent hours talking and laughing about soccer stars from around the world. He noticed a scar on my arm from an embarrassing accident I had falling from a golf cart. He showed me his scar from being shot by a gang during an

act of violence aimed at no one he had ever met. It was a humbling experience that shined a completely different light on the world that I live in — the world that we live in. I thought of how we met an Englishman on the side of the road who was aimlessly wandering the world, running from personal and family tragedy. We worked side by side with him for days, building a friendship, loving him as a brother and inviting him into our fraternity of men living in the light of Christ. I have never known a better chance to witness to someone who was lost, and I am happy to say our new friend accepted God’s invitation. He even stayed in Honduras after we left to build churches and help in that community. And of the time I spent with other men from our church, of how I got to know them. The quiet hours over coffee, the laughs at dinner, the time in thought and prayer were invaluable. I learned to love the other men on the trip as my brothers in Christ. A mission trip is not about the work. It is the people you meet, the men with whom you build a bond, the experiences that humble you. I can say with all sincerity and conviction that mission experiences open your eyes to a broader world, build relationships with people you grow to admire, and bring you closer to God. It really comes down to growing into the man you want to be, and I can say that I am a better man as a result of the time I spent in Honduras. I am a more humble businessman, a more compassionate father and a more dedicated husband. I cannot wait to go again. One day I hope to bring my two sons, to expose them to the world outside their immediate view and to give them the opportunity to see how God will use them for His glory. •

Quest Men’s ministry meets on Tuesdays and Sundays, and will be returning to Honduras this fall. Find out more at thewoodlandsumc.org/quest

Fall 2013

Curing Ills and Healing Hearts in Honduras // by Peter Bigler - Guest Contributor

THEPOINT Magazine

I will not forget that face, the face of the 85-year-old Honduran man wearing a cowboy hat, white button-up shirt and a bright green jacket. His visage wrinkled and weathered by decades of subsistence farming in the rugged mountains of Honduras. The teeth he had left decaying and few. His eyes red and tearful. His hands and voice trembling. As I interviewed this patient on the day of my 13th wedding anniversary, I learned that his wife of 64 years had passed away a mere four months before our encounter. He was not sleeping. He was not eating. He was

losing weight. This once stoic farmer was breaking down before my eyes. My mind ran through the formulary of free medication we had available in the pharmacy area. There was nothing that would help him sleep. Nothing to help him relax. Nothing to improve his appetite. I didn’t know what I could do to help calm his nerves and bring some healing to his bereavement. I tried to find the Honduran doctor serving with us for a cure, but I knew she could not provide any solution. As I thought about how to help him, I scanned the one room church in which we were working, the stone walls of which were constructed by hand by its pastor. I witnessed God’s hands and feet providing relief from months of severe dental pain, restoring vision for those who have not seen well for years with the gift of glasses, and telling children God’s message of love for them. Then I saw our new Honduran friends acting as translators and fellow members of The Woodlands UMC

hand in hand with locals, sharing the message of salvation that provides eternal life and healing, and I realized that was the remedy I was looking for. I turned to my patient and spoke with him about God being the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. We spoke of his wife being healed and waiting for him in heaven where they will be reunited. I prayed with him for peace, healing and God’s calming presence in his life. I prayed that I, too, would stay as dedicated to my wonderful wife as he had for 64 years, and that four months after God takes her home, that I, too, would miss her deeply. He got up from his chair and smiled. God provided the healing. The story of God’s love raining down on the people of Tegucigalpa, Honduras through His servants played out over four days. More than 1600 patients were seen in the medical area, receiving almost $16,000 in medications. Seven hundred Hondurans received new vision from new corrective lenses and sunglasses. Almost 300 were seen in

the dental area. Two families who were raising their children on dirt floors — and after a storm, muddy ones — received cement floors. Hundreds of children received the simple yet extravagant gift of having their hair washed. Most importantly, God’s redeeming message of forgiveness, salvation, and grace was shared with every Honduran who walked through the doors of those churches through the evangelism teams. We were able use our medicines to cure their ills, but He was able to use us to heal their hearts. And to Him be the glory. •

To give or serve with medical missions in Honduras, contact John Hull at jhull@twumc.org

Fall 2013

Special Report: Christian Roots Growing Deep In India // by By Peter Pereira - Guest Contributor

Sabitha lives in Northern India where less than one percent of the population is Christian. As a child, she contracted polio, which left her crippled and stunted her growth. Today, she is less than four feet tall, but her faith in God is that of a giant. Sabitha first learned about Jesus from her brother, then together they started inviting others to their home to hear the Word. Soon, so many were coming that they split and had two “house churches.” Around this time, she attended an International Leadership Institute (ILI) conference for Christian leaders sponsored by The Woodlands UMC. At the conference, she received training in the skills, courage and unwavering faith needed to lead in one of the most difficult places in the world. God spoke to her during the training sessions and called her to church planting. Today, Sabitha has planted 29 house churches and credits her transformation from average believer to Christian leader to her ILI training. So, does leadership training make a difference? Ask Sabitha.

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Fifty people just like her are being discipled in our Church Planting Discipleship Movement (CPDM). The group gathers for training every three months, with a three-year curriculum planned. The first two events were held in March and June, and we have seen amazing testimonies. This program is sponsored by The Woodlands United Methodist Church through funding generated by your Imagine Campaign. It is making a huge difference in the pastors’ lives, as well as all who attend the house churches. Another example of how your church is touching lives for Christ is Pastor Alam who is a changed man. He was born a Muslim, and when he learned more about Isa (Jesus), he became a believer. He now plants churches and more. He believes that faith leads to good works, and he has started a small orphanage, taking in children who otherwise would not survive. Your church has provided support that he needs to help these children. Hope for Today Ministries is very appreciative of how The Woodlands UMC is touching lives for Christ:

Of the financial commitment your church made through the Imagine Campaign that made possible the establishment of the Church Planting Discipleship Movement; Of the mission teams you sent to work with the children, widows and those needing medical or spiritual healing; Of the teams you sent to teach the ILI’s Eight Core Values of Christianity; And of the financial sponsorship for several conferences each year for house church pastors and Christian leaders. Whether you are called to go, or to give or to pray for India, you are helping to make a real difference in our world. •

Join the team going to India next spring at thewoodlandsumc.org/missions

Whether you are called to go, or to give or to pray for India, you are helping to make a real difference in our world. Fall 2013

Yes, I Will Serve // by Susan Kent - Pastor of Local Missions

Are you living out your faith? Are you living out your calling? Those questions were posed to me when I was a teenager by one of my youth directors. At the time I was so young, most of the time I could barely figure out what I was doing from one week to the next. I couldn’t imagine that God would be able to use me in any significant way. I didn’t feel like I had enough to offer God. What did my youth minister expect from me? What did God expect from me? For a long time, not much changed. When I was in my 30s, those questions were still unanswered. Am I living out my faith? Am I living out my calling? As a mother of four children, I was doing great just keeping the family schedule together. What more could God expect from me? The questions persisted because I knew — and God knew — that I could do more. The truth is, we are all called to live out our faith, in word and deed. We are called to serve the world in the name of Christ. Not occasionally. Not sometimes. Always. God can and wants to use us all to make a difference in the world in a significant way, whether we are young and idealistic; middle-aged, juggling family and work; or advanced in years, reflecting back on our lives.

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You just have to say, “Yes, I will serve.” As a church, we have been blessed to be a blessing. We have been filled with gifts, talents, and resources in order to be the hands, feet and love of Christ to the world around us. We have more 50 local missions opportunities in which our church is already involved. These are ministries that came from the outpouring of someone’s life. We serve at-risk children, women in crisis, those who are homeless and hungry, those caught in human trafficking, those who are in prison and the families left behind, those with special needs, and senior adults. As a pastor, I see people of all ages and abilities open themselves up to God’s calling, see them live out their faith, see their lives transformed because they said, “Yes, I will serve,” to one of those opportunities. I love how N.T. Wright, a famous Christian writer, speaks about the way we live our lives. He says, “whatever fills you will spill out.” God has filled our lives with love, compassion and hope. We need to ask how we are pouring that out into the lives of others. You have been called to live out your faith, and you know how you should answer: Yes, I will serve. •

Saturday, October 12 is Serve It Up, our church-wide day of service. Find ways you can serve at thewoodlandsumc.org/serveitup

Fall 2013

Faith, Action and Transformation in Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Third Ward // by Andrew Miller - Staff Writer

THEPOINT Magazine

Peeking through the window, I could see the group of students huddled around a science experiment, all of them engaged, hanging on the teacher’s every word. Reluctantly I knocked, and a boy — a young man, I should say — broke away from the group and greeted me at the door. He reached out and firmly shook my hand and introduced himself. After telling him my name, he turned to his classmates and introduced me. In unison they all said hello, told me about how excited they were about learning, about their hope for their future, and how education and their faith would change their lives. I felt a little guilty for interrupting them, but the look on each child’s face showed how proud they were to share these things with me, to show me that they were going to succeed. This wasn’t at all what I expected from a classroom in the Third Ward. If I hadn’t seen it for myself, I’m not sure I would have believed it. I taught for a few years in an inner-city school; obviously something here at Generation One was different. “We’ve learned the transformation formula is ‘love x time = trust,’ From trust you can get to hope. From hope you can have faith. And with faith you can have action, which will transform you,” Mike Malkemes, the ministry’s director, had explained to me before I saw it in action in the classroom upstairs. Clearly, that formula has transformed the lives of these students, many of whom have parents who have been murdered, parents who are in prison, parents who have abandoned them. Slowly but surely, God is using Generation One, their academy and other community outreach ministries, to change lives in the Third Ward. And now He’s calling us to partner with Generation One in that mission.

service on Saturday, October 12. But we can’t spend one Saturday in that community and say that it’s good enough, that we’ve done what God has called us to do. That’s not sufficient. That’s not the kind of time required for the formula to work. Become a mentor to one of their kids. Tutor a student at the academy. Teach a parenting class, a moneymanagement class, or a Bible study to their parents. Bring your family, and share a meal and fellowship with their families. Spend time in the Third Ward. Love the people you meet there. It won’t take long for you to see God working in that community. “You can’t skip the ‘love x time = trust,’ ” Mike said. “Without trust, you can’t hope. Once you can hope, it’s a short jump to faith, and once you’re there, then anything works.” •

To find ways to serve with Generation One in Houston’s Third Ward, contact Susan Kent at skent@twumc.org

We’ll be serving at Generation One for Serve It Up, our church-wide day of Fall 2013

Little Hands, Serving Hands: Teaching the ABC’s of Generosity // by Jennifer Sims - Director of Children’s Ministry

THEPOINT Magazine

It is never too early to teach a child how to care for others. From an early age, children are capable of showing empathy. They sense when someone is hurting. They know when things aren’t right. Think about the young child who kisses the “boo-boo” on the split seam of a favorite teddy bear. Or the sweet little hands that carefully carry the lady bug to safety on a fresh blade of grass. As the Church, we believe these are first signs of God’s gift of compassion. It’s a gift that is innate in each of us from our youngest days. One of two things happens as children grow older: they become more aware of the reward that comes with helping others because someone made sure they were given opportunities to serve; or they lose sight of the this gift because their priorities become misaligned. At The Woodlands UMC, offering every child an opportunity to serve is our priority. Our Early Childhood Ministry focuses on the very simple understanding that God loves everyone. We teach them that since God loves us, we too should love others. Praying for others becomes routine week after week. Often during craft time, children will

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it. — Proverbs 22:6

make one craft for themselves to take home and another that they are told will go to someone who is sick or in need. I’m always amazed at how much more carefully they work on the second craft than the first. The elementary years begin a transition toward experiencing the relational aspect of serving. Opportunities like Breakfast in the Park, where families prepare and serve breakfast to those in need and spend time together in worship and fellowship provide an environment where all differences are set aside. For a child it becomes tangible evidence that God created us all in His own image, and He loves all

of us equally. With their farewell highfives, children learn that serving is not about a “hand-out” but a “hand-up.” Like a rite of passage, our 5th and 6th graders enjoy certain freedoms and independence that come with this new stage in life. However, distractions easily take over with sports, school, friends and the pressures of growing up. Self-centeredness creeps in. Then more than ever, these young people need the constant reminder that God is at the center of their lives. Experiences like Mission 56 (Page 18) provide a powerful avenue for them to serve and make sacrifices. For all our children, God provides the first seeds of compassion. The responsibility for nurturing these seeds is ours as the Church and as parents. How awesome it is to see those seeds grow and extend into lives committed to offering justice, kindness and mercy to others — children growing into fully mature followers of Jesus Christ. •

Volunteer to serve with our Children’s Ministry at thewoodlandsumc.org/children

Fall 2013

Living Out Hebrews 13:16 at Mission 56 // by Sandra Huskey - Guest Contributor

“Don’t Forget!” I must have said those words dozens of times over two days in early July, sweating in the Texas heat.

“Don’t forget those in prison”; “Don’t forget your leaders”; “Don’t forget to praise God”; and “Don’t forget to do good. Don’t forget to share with others. God is pleased with those kinds of offerings.”

“Don’t forget to drink lots of water!” “Don’t forget to measure twice!” “Don’t forget to wear your safety goggles!” Those two words conjured up images in my mind of a string tied around a finger, a reminder not to forget something really important. Hebrews 13 is full of those kinds of string-around-your-finger reminders: “Don’t forget to welcome strangers”;

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That last reminder — from Hebrews 13:16 (NIRV) — was the theme verse for Mission 56, a collaborative missions project between Children’s Ministry and Local Missions started this year. Shortened to “Don’t forget to do good,” that verse served as a daily reminder for us to do things for others because our good works are pleasing to God. For Mission 56, our 5th and 6th grade students were teamed up with men from our church — many are members of a group of men who affectionately

Fall 2013

THEPOINT Magazine

call themselves “The Geezer Squad.” These men faithfully serve and build homes for Habitat for Humanity as well as doing year-round projects in the community.

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. — Hebrews 13:16

These men were designated as group leaders and were not what our students expected them to be — and our students were not what the leaders expected, either. It didn’t take long for our students and their

group leaders to bond, though; multigenerational relationships were quickly formed and created an opportunity for the Spirit of God to move. The group leaders guided our students through each stage of construction — the measuring, the cutting, and ultimately the assembly of picnic tables that converted into benches. These, along with hand-painted flowered pots, were carefully delivered to six families who are residents of Habitat for Humanity homes. When the tables were finished, our 5th and 6th graders wrote handwritten, personal messages to the recipients of their handiwork on the underside of each table, mostly in the form of scriptures. Most verses were what we had been reminding our students: “Don’t forget to do good.” Others were familiar and favorite verses, such as the fruit of the Spirit, and some were simple messages of love, like “God bless you and your family.”

Through patience and teamwork, the men from our church shared with our students, not only their woodworking wisdom, but a reminder that Jesus, too, was a carpenter who was taught by his earthly father. The group of adult leaders poured into the lives of the young to help develop a faith memory that will stick, and their work was a testament of what God can do when people gather in His name. And the experience is one I’m sure our 5th and 6th graders will never forget. •

Over the two days, our students learned to be capable carpenters. Fall 2013

Less Is More At Mission San Antonio // by Jim Pendleton - Junior High Minister

THEPOINT Magazine

Each day the work teams not only repaired homes, but also took advantage of the moments to build relationships with the families. “Seeing my group and how much they were role models to the homeowners’ kids,” Tori Strickland said, another Student Ministry summer intern and leader on the trip, “[that] was one of my favorite parts of the trip.” As the week came to an end, the homes were safer and friendships were forged between our students and the families they helped. I couldn’t be more proud of our students who served so selflessly together, or more thankful for the leaders that sacrificed time off from work and away from their families to serve alongside our students. It was awesome to see such passion among our youth to serve, and to see them put Jesus in the spotlight instead of themselves. When our students let Him become more and made themselves become less, they were able to accomplish great things and impact the world around them for Jesus. • It’s not common for a 7th or 8th grader to want to give up a week of their summer to do manual labor. But in John 3:30 it says, “He must become greater; I must become less,” and the junior high students in our Rebelbase Student Ministry really took that to heart. In July, a crew of 48 people from our Rebelbase Student Ministry served in partnership with Blueprint Ministries, a non-profit organization in the heart of urban San Antonio that provides servant leadership training for youth and adults while restoring homes for elderly, disabled and lowincome residents. The work we did with Blueprint Ministries ensured that homes were made safe, warm and dry for elderly or disabled residents living at or below the poverty level. Our students and leaders spent the week doing construction repairs, drywalling projects, ceiling installation,

a little painting, and even replacing a roof. They put themselves out of their comfort zones to make a difference in the lives of others. They served without regard of accolades or any reward for the work being done. And they had a lot of fun doing it. “I loved how the students finished a roof project together and seeing them work hard as a team while having fun,” Paige Loukanis said, a Student Ministry summer intern and one of the leaders on the trip.

Find ways for your students to serve at rebelbaseonline.com

The temperatures were definitely hot during the week, but the cloud coverage and cool breeze made working on roofs and other projects a little easier. Tired bodies were renewed each morning to serve another day. The teams gave of themselves for others because they loved Jesus first. Because He became more, and they became less. Fall 2013

Students Sweat, Serve at UM Army // by Morgan Cole - Guest Contributor

I was 16 when I attended UM Army for the first time. For those who don’t know, UM Army is a summer mission trip that does service projects in cities around Texas. That year, we went to Silsbee, Texas, a small town about 100 miles northeast of Houston. I’ll never forget our first project on that trip. We were building a set of steps for the back of a house, and my job was to cut 2x6 lumber for the stair treads. About halfway through the first cut, the saw stopped. I looked down and realized I had cut straight through the saw’s power cord! Fortunately, my work team adult, Jim, was an electrician who had some electrical tools in his van. He grabbed them, spliced the cord back together, and we just went right on working. It was a small event, but I’ll never forget how it just rolled off Jim’s back. I was in awe of his ability to lead our group of high school students to complete projects which at first seemed impossible, and I was amazed that a grown man would want to spend

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a week of his hard-earned vacation time with high school students and serving others. His example has been one I’ve tried my best to imitate. This July, I completed my 11th trip with UM Army, going with our students to Bryan, Texas where we tackled a range of projects: building porches and a wheel chair ramp, installing gutters, and doing yardcleanup and beautiful landscaping at several sites. My favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13, which says, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength,” and I definitely saw that in action at the work sites in Bryan. During the heat of the day, we wanted to slow down, but seeing the joy that we gave to people and knowing we were there to share God’s love with them is how He gave our group the strength to keep going. That was especially clear at one of the larger sites we worked on for a woman named Dorothy and her 8-year-old son, Lebrawn. We installed new siding on

the front of their house, repaired some fascia boards and built two porches so they would have a little more outside living area. At Dorothy and Lebrawn’s house, we started every workday with a group prayer, often times led by Dorothy herself. She was extremely grateful for the work we were doing and spent all day loving on us. One day during lunch, Lebrawn grabbed his Bible and wanted to share a verse from the daily Bible study with us. Seeing an excited 8-year-old read from the Bible to a group of teenagers and adults was worth our whole week of hard work, all on its own. Every year I serve with UM Army, I realize again how powerful God is when He’s able to use a group of teenagers and a few adults to accomplish big things, and how His love is showered on the students and the people they’re serving. I’m already looking forward to serving again next year. •

Fall 2013

Bringing Help and Hope to Modern-Day Slaves // by Kelly Duhon, with Julie Waters and Susan Kent

It’s a problem that we’d probably all rather ignore. But whether we want to talk about it or not, the fact of the matter is that Houston is one of the human trafficking capitals of the United States. Men and women, boys and girls are turned into modern day slaves, not only for sex, but also for labor. People who are promised a good job, only to be locked in a home forced to clean and care for children without any way to contact their families, or coerced to work in landscape businesses, nail salons, housecleaning services and hotels. People who are trafficked are often right under our noses. It was a little over a year and a half ago when I was sitting in church and heard the pastor mention human trafficking. At the time, my husband and I had been leading a small group for a while and enjoyed it, but I’d felt this push that I was supposed to be doing something else. I had prayed and prayed for what seemed like forever that God would show me what he wanted me to do, and while sitting in that particular service and hearing the words “human trafficking,” I knew that God had revealed to me what I had been praying for.

THEPOINT Magazine

I started to research all about human trafficking, looking up different organizations that I could possibly join. Redeemed Ministries was one of them. I am not one to ever take things slowly, so I signed up for the first two-day workshop I could. I got involved with Redeemed Ministries by joining one of their Sparrow Nest Teams. When you become part of a team, you are assigned a route with different brothels. You and a couple others from your group go into these places and give the girls gift bags with every day necessities and other things depending on who made them. It was there in the “spas,” handing out gift bags, that I saw God working the most. Words can not describe how it feels to hold hands with a lady who is trapped in hell on earth, but stills pours out her prayer requests and squeezes your hand as if she didn’t want to ever let it go. I know that the women we visited were thankful for us. But I, too, am thankful for how God’s touched my life through this ministry. He’s been working in my heart by allowing me to help others who otherwise would be looked at as trash. When you help others that are

not in a place to help themselves, it completely changes your perspective about the things that challenge you in your own life. There are several dedicated organizations in Houston in addition to Redeemed Ministries, like Free the Captives, Love146, and Houston Rescue and Restore, who work with law enforcement and will go above and beyond to bring victims to safety. By supporting and serving with these organizations, we can show the men and women who are exploited and trapped that God loves them, and that we love them. We’re not going to rid Houston of human trafficking overnight, but the worst thing we can do is ignore the problem. •

To help end human trafficking in Houston, contact Susan Kent at skent@twumc.org

CB&I

PARKING GARAGE

Research Forest Dr.

Let us drop you off at the door.

Off-site parking and shuttle service running Sundays from 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Lake Front Cir.

FAMILY LIFE CENTER

SHUTTLE ROUTES THE LOFT

GREEN ROUTE The Loft TO CB&I Parking Garage

ADDITIONAL PARKING

Gro gan ’s M ill R d.

MAIN BUILDING

SOUTH LOT

ORANGE ROUTE Main Building (Fountain Entrance) TO CB&I Parking Garage

RED ROUTE Main Building (N. Entrance) TO The Loft BLUE ROUTE Main Building (S. Entrance) TO South Parking Lot

Lak eW oodl ands D r.

2200 Lake Woodlands Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

281.297.5900

thewoodlandsumc.org Fall 2013 | 27

Church News

WELCOME NEW STAFF We’re excited to have each of these new members on our staff, and we look forward to seeing how God will work through them here at The Woodlands UMC.

Shawn Gray and Elizabeth Walker became co-directors of the Recreation Ministry on August 1.

Shawn Gray

Shawn is a graduate of Northwest University in the greater-Seattle area where he studied elementary education and environmental science. He has worked as a coach and a child development instructor since 2005. In 2011, he became the director of youth sports and child development at a multi-sport facility. Shawn has served as a volunteer in many different facets of ministry since 2003, primarily working with students in youth ministry. He has been a part of The Woodlands United Methodist Church since 2009.

Elizabeth is an alumna of the University of Texas at San Antonio with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in exercise physiology and sports performance. She served as the secretary of the Recreation Advisory Council for UTSA and worked with a professor testing athletes at the Olympic Training Center in Boulder, Colorado. She maintains membership with the Institutional Review Board for Research and Design, as well as the American College of Sports Medicine, where she hopes to publish articles in the exercise science field. Elizabeth is a passionate individual with a love for the Lord, people, health and sports. Elizabeth Walker

Ben Morrow was hired as Director of Food Services and was highly recommended by our former chef, Stephen Gasaway. Ben received his undergraduate degree in hotel and restaurant management from the Conrad Hilton College at the University of Houston, and his MBA from Cappella University. Most recently, he served as a divisional director of culinary services for Atria Senior Living, a national company headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. Ben and his wife, Athena, have two sons, Alexander and Asher. Ben Morrow

Dori Barber

THEPOINT Magazine

Dori Barber took over the role of Director of Women’s Ministry on September 15. Dori, of course, is not new to our staff — she’s been in charge of drama at The Loft since 2007 — but she’ll now be overseeing our ministries for women, as well. Dori is a graduate of Southwestern University where she studied drama and Christian education. She’s been involved in the United Methodist Church all her life, serving in education, evangelism, youth, children’s and women’s ministries. Dori and her husband, Keith, have been faithful members of our church for the past 11 years and have three children: Claire, who is a student at Texas A&M University, and Caleb and Joshua, who are in high school.

Church News

Church Planning Calendar For a complete listing of times, locations and additional events visit: thewoodlandsumc.org/calendar

OCTOBER

4 | Parent’s Night Out

6 | Pick-Up With the Pastor: Men’s Basketball

8 | Coed Volleyball Season Starts

10 | Men’s Flag Football Season Starts

12 | Serve It Up: Church-Wide Day of Service

13 | Missions Sunday

18 – 19 | Rebelbase Student Ministry Wild Weekend

NOVEMBER

3 | Decision Sunday

14 – 17 | Honduras Mission Trip

15 | My Single Mom Night with Rev. Jessica LaGrone

23 | 33rd Annual Craft Circle Auction and Dinner

28 | Thanksgiving Day

DECEMBER

9 | Children’s Christmas Story Time 14 – 15 | Christmas Musical

23 | Christmas Dinner Pick-Up

24 | Christmas Eve

25 | Christmas

31 | New Year’s Eve

Fall 2013

Church News

This information removed for online viewing.

THEPOINT Magazine

Church News

THE WOODLANDS UMC FOUNDATION GIFTS April 1 – July 31, 2013 Establishment of The TWUMC Missions Endowment Fund Tony Benedetto and Gayle Storey

In Memory of our parents, Chuck Collins and Deck and Gloria Roberts Nolan and Tarrol Roberts

Establishment of The Woodlands Methodist School Scholarship Endowment Fund Kim and Sally Bacon Bruce and Karen Northcutt Justin and Laurie Shults

In Memory of Carolyn Crawmer Manning and Franka Correia Jean Hickey Jack and Edith Lahey Bonnie Phillips Dorothy Spence John, Denise and Alex Whetsell

In Memory of Peter Anderson, husband of DeeAnn Anderson Greg Gammon Arla Gammon Prochaska In Memory of Tommy Ault, husband of Norma Ault, designated for The TWUMC Missions Endowment Fund Norma Ault In Memory of Hedley Belbin, father of Evelyn Schilling, designated for The TWUMC Missions Endowment Fund Kim and Sally Bacon Steve and Becky Hamrick Greg and Jane Jordan The Perspectives Class The Woodlands United Methodist Church In memory of Lori Bethea, daughter of Jane Bethea John and Marcelle Rogers In Memory of Maureen Brady, mother of Roger Brady, designated for The TWUMC Missions Endowment Fund Kim and Sally Bacon Steve and Becky Hamrick Greg and Jane Jordan Kyle and Sherry Lewallen Steve and Kim Wingerson In Honor of Dawson Coleman’s Confirmation, son of Keith and Bronya Coleman Keith and Bronya Coleman

In Memory of Paul Davis, husband of Suellen Davis, designated for The Society of St. Stephen Endowment Fund David and Barbara Casmay Jeff and Robben Cunningham Brian and Barbara Egan Richard and Barbara Fulmer Harlan and Marie Hartman Neil and Phyllis Johnson Susan Lucas Ken and Joyce Nesmith Richard and Gladys Smallwood Clarence Thompson In Memory of Luc DeVeau, son of David and Melissa DeVeau, designated for The Luc William DeVeau Endowment Fund Chris and Julie Meenan In Memory of Margaret Douglas, mother of Janet Downing Emptying Nest Class Peter and Elaine Poulsen In Honor of William Angus Durham’s Baptism, son of Charles and Kimberly Durham Anonymous Donor In Memory of Sally Edmondson Ronald and Nancy Cambron Ken and Joyce Nesmith Clarence Thompson

This information removed for online viewing.

Church News

THE WOODLANDS UMC FOUNDATION GIFTS April 1 – July 31, 2013 In Memory of Lynda Frank, wife of Jay Frank, designated for The Lynda Whitley Frank Endowment Fund Sally and Kim Bacon Jay, Whitley and Joshua Frank Calvin Mears In Honor of Grayson Giacona’s Baptism, son of Vince and Susan Giacona Anonymous Donor In Memory of Freda Harris, mother of Jeff Harris Kim and Sally Bacon Steve and Becky Hamrick Greg and Jane Jordan Tom and Marilyn Sumner In Memory of Craig Hensley, husband of Christine Hensley Christine Hensley and Family Ken and Joyce Nesmith In Honor of Greg Jordan’s Retirement, designated for The TWUMC Missions Endowment Fund Kim and Sally Bacon Steve and Becky Hamrick Waylan and Karen West In Honor of the birth of our granddaughter, Shierry Doe Lance Laugharn Gary and Tami Laugharn In Memory of Jim Laugharn, father of Gary Laugharn on Father’s Day Gary and Tami Laugharn In Memory of our Mothers on Mother’s Day - Pat Laugharn and Goldie Shierry Gary and Tami Laugharn In Memory of Pat Laugharn, mother of Gary Laugharn Dan and Vicky Shelledy In Honor of Meritt Mahoney’s confirmation, daughter of Kelly and Coco Mahoney, designated for The Woodlands Methodist School Scholarship Endowment Fund Glenn and Judy Smith

THEPOINT Magazine

In Honor of Adelyn McQuain’s baptism, daughter of Jerrod and Erin McQuain Kevin and Debra McQuain In Memory of Katherine Morton, wife of Jack Morton Dave and Betty Kay Anderson Anonymous Richard and Barbara Fulmer Suzanne Gager Jeff and Aletha Harris Fred and Rebecca Haston George and Sally Holtin Joe and Fanelle Laughlin Ken and Joyce Nesmith Stanley and Nancy Reiners Clifton and Mary Satterfield Clarence Thompson In Honor of Dave and Dee Megee Pete and Marjorie Petersen In Memory of Beth Neikirk, wife of Jim Neikirk, designated for The Elizabeth Seibert Neikirk Endowment Fund Mark and Vanessa Amelunke Anonymous Donors Richard and Heather Avant Kim and Sally Bacon Bob and Carol Bailie Tim and Lisa Blanchard James C. Bodenheimer III Roger and Staci Brady Jonathan and Jennifer Breazeale Brookstone Construction Managers/ General Contractors Billy and Sheri Brown Belton Byrd and Diane Bass Children of The Woodlands Advisory Board Bill and Kathy Cole Lynn and Janet Copeland Paul and Susan Cravey William Deubner Peter and Patricia Eckdahl John and Nancy Evans Curtis and Pamela Frasier Sergio Garcia Doug and Geni Garrison Geoffrey and Hollye Gavin David and Carla George Rick and Mary Gilger Lee and Martha Haag Steve and Becky Hamrick

Mark and Bonnie Hanley Jeff and Aletha Harris Frank and Teresa Henry Greg and Stephanie Hester ISS Facility Services Chuck and Dani Johnson Earl and Pat Johnson Randy and Amy Jones Randy and Carolyn Jones Greg and Jane Jordan Stephen and Leann Kesinger Cynthia Knox John and Louise Kramer Gary and Tami Laugharn Steve and LaDonna Lesikar Kyle and Sherry Lewallen George and Dianne Lindahl Gary and Jan Lyons Don and Kay Meador Bob and Avalyn Naugle Jim Neikirk Bill and Mickey Nelson Chris and Liz Ogburn Oxford Learning PEO Chapter HX Norm and Mary Parrish Ralph and Julie Pauls Norm and Jan Phillips George and Pam Pollard Richard and Angie Pratt Revenew International, LLC James H. Richards Regina Roat Susan Robb Rob and Chris Robbins Scott and Carol Rogers Evelyn Schilling Robert and Julie Steele Robin Susman Paula Thompson Bryan and Sharee Valencia John and Susan Wilder Ron and Katherine Wilson Tommy and Marsha Williams In Honor of the Baptism of Elle Victory Poelma, daughter of Randall and Holley Poelma Betty Pugh In Memory of Ray Reed, father of Julia Bowden Doris Miller In Memory of Louis Tuck Renz, father of Tristan Renz Charles Lloyd In Honor of Rev. Cliff Ritter and his Ordination as an Elder Kim and Sally Bacon

Church News

In Honor of Ed Shierry, father of Tami Laugharn on Father’s Day Gary and Tami Laugharn In Memory of Goldie Shierry, mother of Tami Laugharn Dan and Vicky Shelledy In Memory of John Scott, son of Bill and Barbara Scott Nueve Quest Men’s Small Group In Memory of Bob Snow, son of Bill and JoAnne Snow Ken and Joyce Nesmith Clarence Thompson In Honor of John Staton, Confirmation Leader Keith, Bronya and Dawson Coleman In Memory of Sarah Thompson, wife of Clarence Thompson Tom and Gail Thompson Tyler In Honor of Wanda Williams’ Birthday Kevin and Debra McQuain Foundation Unrestricted Anonymous Kim and Sally Bacon Terry and Barbara Cargill JP Morgan Chase Employee Engagement and Volunteerism – Terry Cargill Nick and Heather Henley Daniel and Whitney Sexton Lehmann Network for Good – Michael Ryan Charles and Rebecca Shirley Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign - Christine Schoppe Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign - Jennifer Schoppe JP Morgan Chase Employee Engagement and Volunteerism – Linda Swanson Vern and Judy Vincent

If you have questions about giving a donation to The Woodlands United Methodist Church Foundation or would like to discuss further how you can leave a legacy gift to The Foundation in your will or estate plan, please contact Sally Bacon at 281.466.8618 or sbacon@twumc.org

Foundation Receives Missions Endowment Gayle Storey and her husband, Tony Benedetto, recently established The Woodlands UMC Missions Endowment Fund to ensure that financial support for missions — both local and global — will always be available to fulfill our mission to reach others for Christ. This significant donation to The Woodlands UMC Foundation is the third such gift from the couple. They established an endowment for Society of St. Stephen earlier this year, and an endowment for youth missions in 2012. “The impact of this endowment fund will continue to grow through earnings and additional gifts from other believers who have a passion for missions,” says Sally Bacon, executive director of the foundation. The fund will supplement the generous contributions given toward missions through Faith Promise pledges and represents a huge jump start to building a lasting legacy dedicated to missions.

Designate a gift for the Missions Endowment Fund. Contact Sally Bacon at sbacon@twumc.org or 281.466.8618

Fall 2013

The Point MAGAZINE

briefly stated

The Point Magazine is published three times a year by The Woodlands United Methodist Church Edmund Robb III Senior Pastor Mike Sims Editor-In-Chief Communications Director Web design concepts subject to change.

New Church Websites The communications team is redesigning the church’s websites this fall. The main church site (thewoodlandsumc.org) is being completely rebuilt to attract newcomers and make information easier to find. It will feature photos and videos from worship, community life, missions and other areas of church ministry at The Woodlands UMC. New websites for Rebelbase Student Ministry (rebelbaseonline.com) and the Loft worship community (loftchurch.com) are also launching this fall.

Get Social Traditional Worship Community Follow up each week with reactions to the message and receive timely reminders of upcoming events. fb.com/thewoodlandsumc @thewoodlandsumc

Loft Worship Community Add your tweets to the conversation featured in the Loft Alley each week with hashtag #loftchurch, and chat with pastors Andy Nixon and David Dorn during the “Ask Me Anything” Q&A every Tuesday at noon. fb.com/loftchurch @loftchurch

Harvest Worship Community Follow for Harvest Worship updates and thoughts from pastor Mark Sorensen.

Scott Brinkmeyer Art Director Shawn Maddock Interactive Director Michelle “Micki” Mensio Traffic Manager Andrew Miller Writer / Copy Editor Sally Bacon Proof Reader Contributing Writers: Peter Bigler Morgan Cole Kelly Duhon John Hull Sandra Huskey Susan Kent Todd Mathias Jim Pendleton Peter Pereira Ed Robb Jennifer Sims Mike Sims Julie Waters

@harvesttwumc

Worship Online Join us for worship no matter where life finds you. Three of our worship services are streamed live online every Sunday morning with rebroadcasts throughout the week. Visit watch.thewoodlandsumc.org to worship online during: 11:00 a.m. Traditional, 9:29 a.m. Loft AND starting this fall, 9:15 a.m. Harvest Live streaming available on iPhone, iPad & Android mobile devices. All listings are Central Time, UTC -0600. (UTC - 0500 during U.S. daylight saving time: the second Sunday of March through the first Sunday of November.)

THEPOINT Magazine

Photo Credits: Blueprint Ministries Morgan Cole Patrick Fore Julie Hopper Grace Ono Mike Sims Ben Wyman Our Mission: Win People To Jesus Christ Disciple Them In Faith Help Those In Need

FINAL

WORD

my first time to serve // by Mike Sims - Communications Director

Growing up in San Antonio always meant feasting on tamales, Mexican rice and pinto beans on Christmas Eve. It was as much a family tradition as going to church, singing carols and unwrapping presents. My mother would start preparing our Christmas Eve meal days ahead of time, and each member of my family took turns helping to wash, chop and stir together ingredients. What this meal lacked in formality was made-up for in comfort and taste because it was prepared from scratch and with lots of love. (And lots of guacamole!) One year we cooked the traditional meal for our extended family members coming to visit, but they canceled at the last minute, leaving us with a lot of extra food. Instead of wasting it, we packed it up in a large foil pan and drove downtown, hoping to find someone who needed a hot meal. A golden sunset gave way to frigid winter dusk, and soon we found a group of homeless men crouching under the Josephine Street Bridge. I remember them staring out at us from under sleeping bags and plastic tarps as our car pulled up next to the curb. Their suspicious looks turned hopeful when my mother cranked down the window and explained what we had for them. I was elected delivery boy, so I reluctantly got out of the car and made my way toward the men with warm helpings of our family feast. As I moved closer to them, the uneasiness inside me turned to a deeply humbling satisfaction that is still hard to understand or describe, the feeling of warmth and joy that comes from helping someone in need. I will never forget the look of gratitude on their worn faces as I made eye contact with the men when I handed them the pan and said, “Merry Christmas.” This is one of the most vivid memories of my childhood. Tears well up every time I recall it — just as they are now — maybe because it’s my earliest memory of serving someone in need. And on Christmas Eve! I have no idea what happened after that food delivery, what my dad’s sermon was about or what gifts I unwrapped. All I remember was standing under that bridge offering hope to strangers. I’ve repeated similar exchanges over the years, handing out blankets, food and tennis shoes. With each kind deed the same warmth and satisfaction returns, and I am reminded how blessed I am to be in a position to help. To be able to say, “I will go” and “I will give.” Opportunities are everywhere. • Follow Mike online: fb.com/mike.s.sims @simsmike

Fall 2013

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2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281.297.5900 thewoodlandsumc.org

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