Connect Magazine - Summer 2009 by Trinity Fellowship Church

connect magazine / summer 2009

R O B AR RTS O P S MPS CA YOUNG LIONS SPORTS CAMP

May 26-29 Boys and Girls Grades: 1-6

VOLLEYBALL CAMP June 1-5 Grades: 6-8

FOOTBALL CAMP June 8-11 Grades: 4-9

GIRLS BASKETBALL CAMP June 8-11 Grades: 3-12

BOYS BASKETBALL CAMP June 15-18 Grades: 3-12

M FOR

7 5 0 77-1

T RMA

FO RE IN

TACT

ON ION C

S 2009 RIVE all of F E n S do /lssummer base 2009 C2HAY connect magazine leve e

Grad

contents | SUMMER 2009

04 06 07 08 10 22 24 30 44

C ONTRI BU T O R S C RED I T S S P EA K U P F ROM THE E D I T O R forwa rd VOL U NTEER effect H EL L O REVI EW S

O N TH E COV E R

39 12 VOI C E

32 CROSSING THE LINE

Homelessness, starvation and loneliness are things most of us will never experience, but thousands of children in Mexico face these situations every day. Travel across the border with Jeff and Patty Graham as they lay their lives on the line to bring hope to the suffering in Juarez.

Remember that dream – or disaster – vacation? Our readers share some unforgettable trips.

18 the

source

Take a backstage look at TEXAS, the musical drama, through the eyes of artistic director David Yirak.

26 co nversat io n s

Eleanor Murray radiates with enthusiasm for life and a solid faith that’s been put to the test.

39 S AVOR

Fresh ingredients and simple goodness infuse every recipe that Natalie Schlabs shares with us.

47 L I F EGROU P

S PO T LI G HT

Meet the leaders of a lifegroup that majors on love and laughter, and spreading it around.

14 WHERE I’M FROM

Stabbed, shot and left for dead, Marvin “Rambo” Wells miraculously survived and was given a second chance to clean up his act. But his life continued to spiral downward until a spunky woman from East L.A. finally got his attention.

20 SUMMER FUN FOR THE FAMILY

Are you wondering how to fill those long, lazy summer days without breaking the bank? We found some fun (and inexpensive) summer activities for the whole family! connect magazine / summer 2009

contributors | SPRING 2009

Blair Wilkinson

Bo Williams Mission minded. In the summer Bo longs for the outdoors with his family. Backpacks in tow, and a climb to the top of the mountains, he is truly in his element. You might find him right in the middle of the mission field, or bustling across the Oregon Redwoods with his wife Rosanne. Bo knows how to pack his summer with the things he loves – his family. pa ges 10

connect magazine / summer 2009

Absolute adrenaline. In the summer you will find Blair scaling the walls of Palo Duro Canyon, or taking random road trips across the country. In keeping with his love of all things new, Blair will be writing the next chapter in his life as he starts at the University of North Texas this fall. pages 1 6- 19

Natalie Schlabs Focused foodie. Who’s ever heard of researching the cuisine before taking a vacation? Natalie has been known to track down eateries off the beaten path and make sure she gets her fill, because this girl only dines with the locals. She contends you just don’t know the heart of the city until you know its food. pages 47- 50

E X C E L L E N C E I N E D U C AT I O N NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ACADEMIC PROGRAMS AND AWARD WINNING FACULTY

ARBOR CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Education for Life. Wisdom for Living.

connect magazine / summer 2009

5000 Hollywood Road • Amarillo, TX 79118 • 806.355.7207 • arborchristianacademy.org • Fully Accredited K-12

credits | SUMMER 2009 EX EC U T I V E PA S T O R O F CAR E & CONNE CTION

Cindy Rowley

R ES O U RC E D I S T RI B U T IONS MANAGE R

Glennys Viermann ED I T OR

Kelli Bullard A R T DIRE C T O R / GRA P HIC DE SIGN

Collier Vinson

PR O JEC T M ANA GE M E NT

Joshua McLemore C O PY W RI T E R

Broc Carter C O PY W RI T E R

Amanda Trafton G R A PH I C D E S I GN

Jeremy Henderson G R A PH I C D E S I GN

Alicia Flake PH OT O GRA P H Y

Kyle Trafton A D V ERT I S I N G S A L E S

Leroy Clifford

Advertising Information

For more information about advertising in future issues of Connect magazine, please email your questions to art@tfchurch.org, or call 677-1007.

Connect is a quarterly publication of Trinity Fellowship, 5000 Hollywood Road, Amarillo TX 79118. 806-355-8955. ÂŠCopyright 2009 Trinity Fellowship. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of the publisher.

Weekend Service Times S AT U R D AY @ 5: 15 P. M. S U N DAY @ 10: 45 A . M .

F OR M O RE I N F O RM AT ION VISIT

yourtrinity.org

speak up | WHAT YOU THOUGHT OF OUR LAST ISSUE

‘‘

I keep a copy in my car, at my home, and in my office. I meet new people all the time, and it is a great tool for reaching out in an informative way, especially for lifegroups.

You have us spoiled with all of the good articles in Connect magazine. We are always anxious for the new copy to come out. One of our favorite articles in the last edition was Life Swap with Pastor Marty and Casey McAdams. We talked about how it would benefit all of us to swap jobs or life situations with another person for a day or at least part of a day. We would probably appreciate each other more if we realized what the other person is going through or what their job entails. We have also passed on some Connect magazines to people who are not able to come to church so they can feel more connected. It is such a blessing. Keep up the good work. J o h n a nd Carolyn Davis

‘‘

life swap

inspirational people

something for everyone

We look forward every time to reading the new Connect magazine. It’s really great. Also, we love seeing the Trinity signs in people’s yards when we are out walking. It’s been a pleasure to discover so many Trinity friends right in our own neighborhood!

I really love the Connect magazine. In a church our size, it is great knowing all that is going on, even after being here for 20 years. With such variety in our congregation, there seems to be something for everyone. I keep a copy in my car, at my home, and in my office. I meet new people all the time, and it is a great tool for reaching out in an informative way, especially for lifegroups. The magazine has been good for my business. I’ve been advertising in it and feel it is good for my church family to know what kind of business we have in case there is a need. I think communication is the key to any great church, and Trinity just keeps getting better. It keeps us on the edge of ministry. Bless you for all the work you put into this project.

DAN AN D K AREN SUTL I EF

Sh errie L. Sl ay t o n

Once again, the spring issue of Connect magazine was awesome. I really look forward to the myriad of articles Connect represents. I love being informed about the different ministries at Trinity Fellowship and the variety of stories about inspirational people. Eli zabe th L ewis

hey neighbor

WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU. EMAIL US AT CONN ECT@TF CHURCH.ORG

connect magazine / summer 2009

from the editor | KELLI BULLARD they’ve done it for the past 17 years! They’re not looking for fanfare or accolades; they’re just quietly doing what they believe God has called them to do. I know there are plenty of others who serve in similar ways here in our community, and I’d love to hear their stories too. Please pass them along, if you know of any. In this issue of Connect magazine, we’ll take you across town and across the border to see real people in action, following the call of God on their lives. Since this is our summer issue, we’ve also compiled some fun ideas for you and your family – activities to fill those long, lazy summer days. Throw in a few delicious recipes, and you’re all set for this favorite time of year. As you flip through the pages that follow, I believe you’ll be inspired by the stories and features. But I’d like to ask you to consider taking it one step further. Just listen to your heart and see if the Lord is leading you to get involved in a ministry of compassion. There’s no doubt the needs are out there.

e could easily be one of my teenage son’s friends, with his wavy brown hair poking out from underneath a red ballcap. Our conversation lasted only two minutes, but I haven’t been able to get him out of my mind. I met Chris the Sunday afternoon I tagged along with Cari Roach and Betty Atkinson to deliver sack lunches to the homeless (see story on pg. 32). He had ridden his bicycle there, and it was his first time to come for lunch. A myriad of questions filled my mind: Is he really homeless? Where are his parents? How did he know they would be handing out sandwiches here today? All very good questions, but I’m sad to say I left without answers. I do know he got a good lunch that day, and somehow that makes me feel a little better. It’s inspiring to meet people like Cari and Betty – just two ordinary women who have taken on the extraordinary task of feeding the homeless of our city every Sunday. And

connect magazine / summer 2009

I emailed Cari the other day to follow up and ask if she had seen Chris on his bicycle again. She said no, but it was the first Sunday in a long time that they ran out of lunches (they turned away about 25 people). “It was heartbreaking,” she said. If you’re interested in making sack lunches for the homeless sometime, I’m sure these ladies would be thrilled to give them away. And if the Lord puts on your heart another cause to get involved in, I would love to hear about it. Just email and let me know: kellibullard@tfchurch.org. In the meantime, I’ll be praying about what God is leading me to do as well. I’m excited to hear your stories. And someday I hope to find out more about the curly-haired young man named Chris. I pray he’s in a place where he is loved and cared for. And has all the sandwiches he can eat.

connect magazine / summer 2009

forward | THERE'S ANOTHER WORLD OUT THERE

SOME

MOVIES

S T ICK

WI TH

YOU.

Beyo nd ent er ta i n ment va lue, some movies make an impressio n that

Such is the case with the award-winning “Slumdog Millionaire.” Though I don’t normally recommend movies, I will tell you that if you haven’t seen this one, it will stir something in you. It’s not an easy movie to watch. There is plenty of abusive violence and exploitation of innocent people, but it isn’t violence Hollywoodstyle. It is the real, everyday life of people. There is a global reality that we are isolated and mostly insulated from in Amarillo. There’s another world out there. le aves a lastin g imprin t.

B O W I LLI AM S

EXECU T I VE S EN I O R Pa s t or

‘‘

There is a global reality that we are isolated and mostly insulated from in Amarillo. There’s another world out there. .

‘‘

connect magazine / summer 2009

Philip Jenkins in his book, The Next Christendom, The Coming of Global Christianity paints a fascinating picture of geography in the present and for the next forty years. He explains the demographic and economic shifts and trends that will present a very different world by the year 2050. By then eight of the ten largest cities will be the result of new explosions of population growth —cities like Lagos, Jakarta, and Karachi. How many of us even know what nations those cities belong to? These new big cities will have extraordinary levels of poverty and human depravity. Jenkins issues the challenge that whoever gets there first will win the hearts of the people—Christianity or Islam. There is also a shift in the growth of Christianity in Africa and South America—places where the “church” looks and feels very different than what we are accustomed to. There is another world out there. What does that mean for us as a church, and what does that mean for me and you? We believe that ALL people have been created in God’s image, with great purpose and value, that Jesus died for all of us, and that God’s love for everyone compels us to make a difference not only in our own world, but in the world out there. This is what motivated Wayne and

Elaine MaGouirk to move to Managua, Nicaragua to build a school for 400 kids who live in or near the dumpground. It motivates Dane Welch, a local dentist and member of Trinity, to take several short-term mission trips every year to places like Ethiopia and Cambodia, primarily to rescue young women out of the sex-slave industry common in those countries. It is what motivated Jeff and Patty Graham to begin an orphanage in Juarez, Mexico (see story on pg. 40). It is what motivates many young people from our church every year to build homes in Juarez or take a street drama ministry to El Salvador. I believe everyone should take at least one mission trip somewhere, sometime in their life. It is such a life-changing experience, so the sooner the better. The problem with the “missionary” mindset is we think someone else should go. We should all have the “missional” mindset in which we all are sent. That doesn’t mean God is calling you to move to Africa, but begin thinking about some place outside of your normal, known world where you can make a difference and be a strategic world changer in a changing world. The other world out there can be across town in a different neighborhood, at a Bethesda outreach, a weekend trip to Juarez, or a week-long trip to Nicaragua. Opportunities abound all around us. We can also connect with the other world out there through sponsoring an orphan in Juarez, or a child in Oasis de Esperanza (Nicaragua). This year, look for the opportunities available for you to make a difference in the other world out there. Get involved. You will never regret it!

SMILES FOR LIFE BELL STREET

COULTER ROAD

34TH AVENUE

11 7201 West 34th Avenue • Amarillo, Texas 79109 • (p) 806.353.2113 • amachildrensdentistry.com connect magazine / summer 2009

voice | YOUR THOUGHTS AND VIEWS ON...

What is your

FAVORITE VACATION story? Vacation season is officially here. Before you embark on that dream trip, we wanted to share a few of our readers’ experiences. Maybe their stories will inspire you to go someplace new or try a different type of vacation. Or maybe you’ll just get a good laugh (we sure did).

he time I took my three kids and lab, Holland, to Palo Duro Canyon to camp out. I didn't have a clue about camping. However, we did spend the night and cooked out over a fire. I even had to cook my children’s clothes over the fire, because I forgot to bring them a change of clothes. My sons put up and slept in a tent, and Holland and I spent the night in the car. Lyn ette Herrin g

his past year, Cameron and I had a vision retreat in Dallas. While we were there, it was like God had orchestrated EVERYTHING about it...right down to us meeting one of our favorite basketball players while shopping at the Galleria. It was a very sweet time right before we had our baby girl. As h ley S mit h

very year my entire family (grandparent, aunts and uncles, cousins...anyone who can go) goes to Pagosa Springs for an entire week. There is no TV, no cell phones, and no computers — just Jesus, mountains, my family, wonder, fellowship and food. It's my most cherished week of every year with the best most blessed memories EVER!!! Christ y Heuston

connect magazine / summer 2009

group of us were in NY on our way to a show, and we heard that Michael Jordan was in town and staying across the street from us. I, like most people, was on alert, anticipating seeing him. We came across a group of people standing and waiting like they knew something was about to turn that next corner (they all looked really excited to be there, I must say). So anxiously, I asked this seemingly nice-looking lady what they were waiting on, and she turned to me with a look like I just slapped her across the face and said, “THE BUS.” Jen try M ay

ummer of 2005, two young girls (both widowed) and their children (all girls ranging in ages 18 months to 7 years), set out on a road trip, and I'm talking a loooooong one. We covered 7 states in 21 days and had some —ahem—adventures. Now, keep in mind I am a princess through and through—but was suckered into camping OUTDOORS!!! Not a pleasant experience for a princess. We set up the tents in the rain and I slept outside for three nights (and was peed on each night by my precious little girl 'cause she was too cold to get out of the tent to go potty!) After that, it was strictly hotels for me!

remember one time when we were driving to Illinois in our old brown truck. We were listening to music by Carman, and my dad was dancing while he was driving and going all over the road. All of a sudden, there was a cop behind us, and we got pulled over. The cop thought my dad had been drinking. My dad explained that he wasn’t drinking, just rocking out to Carman. The cop understood because he was a fan of Carman himself. He just told my dad to be careful, and he let us go. It was quite an adventure. L an ae Amdel

Pat t y Y ou ng

ast fall I went to Israel for 10 days! It was incredible to walk around in the footsteps of Christ from the Sea of Galilee to the Garden of Gethsemane to the empty tomb. It's definitely an experience I'll never forget!

ast year we had a very special vacation. We went to Alaska with a group of people from church. As beautiful as the land and scenery was, the best part of the trip was the friends we made. Good trip, GREAT FRIENDS. M elody Hill

Brandon Neely

connect magazine / summer 2009

806-236-6061

‘‘

Watching the kindness and tenderness on Rambo’s face you would never know that he once lived in the ways that he did.

A STORY OF GRACE WRI TT EN B Y B L AI R WI L KIN SO N

where i’m from | MARVIN WELLS A women stands behind the register of a local convenience store, anxiously watching a man across the room. As he approaches the counter, several questions begin to flood her mind. The scars on his face whisper tales of his past. Each wrinkle of skin uncovers another untold story. The cashier pauses, then finds the courage to utter the words, “May I help you?” The man smiles and says, “No, but I think I can help you.” The cashier looks into the man’s deep, ocean-

blue eyes and is given a sense of sincerity. There is kindness in his voice, as he offers, “May I buy you a coke, and may I pray with you?” She is caught off-guard, but still smiles and nods her head. “Yes,” she says, “I could use both.” The man prays for the cashier, then goes on to say, “One day I won’t be around to stop by and see you, but there is someone who loves you more than anyone else can, and He will never leave you or forsake you. His name is Jesus,

and you can talk to Him anytime you’d like.” A tear slowly rolls from the eye of the cashier and gently graces her cheek as she ponders the thought that she has encountered an angel. “What’s your name?” she asks. “My name is Rambo,” he replies, “and I’ll be back to see you from time to time.” He then leaves the cashier to her thoughts and heads out the door. She waves goodbye, her smile now stretching from ear to ear.

efore delighting himself in the task of blessing strangers with a simple prayer or word of encouragement, Marvin Wells (Rambo) spent his time herding cattle. This was something he loved and was good at. His natural courage and strength, accompanied by a fierce determination, soon earned him the name “Rambo.” Anytime a calf fell amongst the herd, Rambo would dress himself in shin guards, boots, overalls, and a helmet. He would open the trailer and make his way through the herd to get the calf back on its feet, a practice that was virtually unheard of. Countless times he would come out of the trailer banged up, but he wasn’t about to let the calf get trampled by the rest of the herd. He wasn’t afraid of losing the calf; he was afraid of being out the cost. Rambo had his conventional means for making a living, but he found that he excelled further in the non-conventional trades. As Rambo traveled endless miles in his truck to haul cattle from one area to another, he grew weary of the downtime. Sheer boredom fueled his restless addiction to methamphetamines, and his love of money was like pouring gasoline on the flame. He believed he could make a fortune selling meth, and he was right. He soon became one of the leading meth salesmen in West Texas, causing him to have enemies in groups like the Mexican Mafia.

connect magazine / summer 2009

After stopping alongside the road on a cold night in Wichita Falls, Rambo was attacked by men he believed to be from the Mexican Mafia. They slit both his wrists and almost cut through his main artery. A deep cut to the throat and along his jawbone nearly killed him. To make sure he would not survive the attack, they shot him in the back and left him for dead. Miraculously, Rambo was found by a gang of Harley riders, who rushed him to the hospital. It is only by the grace of God that he survived.

them to her place to watch a movie instead. Rambo wasn’t up for that idea at first, but he finally gave in. By this time Rambo was wasted and fell asleep on the couch, along with his little boy. Soon his son woke up and called for his dad, saying that his legs hurt. Rambo immediately jumped up and started to massage the boy’s legs. Elaine knew that there was a kind and decent man behind this rough exterior. Elaine drove them home and called Rambo to have breakfast the very next morning.

Rambo had been given another chance at life, but instead of embracing it he continued on a destructive path. One late night he had been drinking in a bar downtown, when a wad of money slipped out of his pocket and onto the floor. Paranoia set in. He picked up the wad of cash and headed for the door, followed by three men. Out of fear of being jumped again, Rambo beat up one of the men and chained him up to his pickup. He drove a few blocks, crippling the man for life. This led to Rambo’s next fate—a life behind bars.

The couple began to see each other more consistently and soon they fell in love. For their relationship to go further, Elaine had two conditions. Rambo had to attend church with her, and they would have to get married if they were going to continue seeing each other. She told Rambo that he could choose from any church in town, just as long as he went with her. The couple got married, and after visiting several churches they decided on Trinity Fellowship.

After serving time in prison, Rambo was miraculously released. It was at this time that he met a young woman from East Los Angeles. She wasn’t your average Texas girl. She had power. She had spunk. It was these daring attributes that attracted Rambo to her, so he asked her to attend a concert with him. She turned him down. She thought he was evil, and that was saying a lot where she came from. However, a few days later this young woman, Elaine, wanted to attend the Harley Party on 6th Street. Rambo was the only person she knew with a Harley, so she called him up and asked if she could go with him. He said yes, and the date was set. He brought his son along, and they had to wait several hours before Elaine finally showed up. Rambo was determined to take her for a ride on his brand new Harley. He had just bought the bike, which was in top condition, but he couldn’t get it started that night. Elaine laughs, saying that Rambo had a little too much to drink and that God spared their lives. She suggested that she could drive

After attending Trinity for a few years, Rambo and Elaine got involved in several areas of ministry. God has done a tremendous work in Rambo’s life. He has been clean for sixteen years, and he now takes delight in making others smile. Whether it’s a woman behind the counter of the local convenience store, an elderly woman needing work done around the house, or even a new visitor coming to Trinity for the first time, Rambo is there to share the love of Jesus. Watching the kindness and tenderness on Rambo’s face, you would never know that he once lived in the ways that he did. His life is a story of redemption. It is the very reason that God sent His Son to live among us, die on the cross, and come to life again. He did it so that Rambo could be with Him in heaven for all of eternity. He did it so that you could do the same. This is a story of grace. This is the story of God’s love for us. For everyone who has ever doubted God’s love for them, Rambo has a message to pass along: there is hope for you, no matter what you have done. He’s a living example.

EDITOR'S NOTE At the time Connect went to press, Rambo was hospitalized with complications arising from liver failure. Last year he was diagnosed with Hepatitis C and underwent chemotherapy. Now he is battling Stage 5 cirrhosis of the liver and is awaiting a liver transplant. To help raise money for medical expenses, Rambo’s friends and family plan to host a fall fundraiser event. A Bar-B-Q Dinner and Dance, along with a silent auction, are scheduled for September 12. To learn more about this event, go to rambosliver4life. org. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rambo and his family at this time; your prayers are greatly appreciated as well.

connect magazine / summer 2009

the source | INSIGHTS FROM SOMEONE IN THE KNOW

Graduate of Lubbock Christian University with a degree in theater education. Twenty-five years as Canyon High School theater teacher. Acted in, directed, and produced several plays, and did professional acting in the Country Squire Dinner Theater. Various acting and technical roles with TEXAS, the musical drama, the past 25 years. Qualifications:

connect magazine / summer 2009

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR David Yirak OF .

TEXAS (The musical drama...NOT the entire state.)

I wa s livi n g i n L ubbock and one of t he assistan t

and asked if I was interested in being part of TEXAS. I said, isn’t that a musical drama? He assured me that I would just be playing the narrator, Uncle Henry. Lo and behold, one day I got a call that they were going back to the original TEXAS, and they wanted me to direct. I have to tell you, I was completely shocked by the offer. It’s just a big job. direct ors c a lled me up

T he a r t is t ic direct or has t he overall vision for

What you do is hire good people around you, a choreographer, a music director, and within that realm, as the artistic director, you get these people to buy into your vision and to eventually put on the stage what you see in your head. the s h o w.

is to tell the story and give people a sense of pride in the Panhandle. To show who they are, where they came from, and what we’re about. I would s ay our over all vision for TE X AS

There’s a good six months’ worth of planning and script development and things that go into the show that people never see. It’s a lot of work. Audit ion s a c t u a lly start in Febru ary.

I turn the show over to stage management. I usually go out every night; I will sit up in the director’s box, or sometimes I will sit down close, or up on the light rail. I will make notes and I will work with the cast making minor adjustments. Once t h e reh e a rs al period is over w it h,

I think it’s lasted because we take advantage of the space -- that beautiful We a re i n our 47th ye ar of TE X AS.

canyon that God’s given us down there. We just have a nice comfortable atmosphere. It’s uplifting, and by the time the fireworks are going off at the end of it, you ought to be feeling good. We have horses and the American flag, we do a little bit of everything. We do everything but feed you mom’s apple pie. We had these new Roman candles and our pyrotechnic guy loaded them in upside down. The first one blew up and the whole line of them fell over towards the audience. It was the most surreal experience I have ever had, I was just sitting up on this rail and everyone was screaming: “ABORT ABORT ABORT!” On e n ig h t we sh ot th e fire works at th e audie nce.

We h ave h ad deer th at come down to th e mesa a nd

People always ask us: “How did you train those deer to come down?” The truth is, we are doing everything we can to get rid of them without hurting them. They spook the horses. try to become part of th e sh ow.

basically we start rehearsals at one and go ’til five; then come back at 6 and we’ll go to 11:30. That’s seven days a week for three weeks straight. On the day of the show, the actors sign in at 6:30 p.m. and then curtain’s at 8:30. After the show they do the greeting line out front, six nights a week. Durin g th e re h ears al period ,

is one of the hardest jobs I have. It’s not hard to do when you have a full house early in the season, but as the season rolls on you really do have to challenge them. M otivatin g th e actors

Th e drivin g th in g th at keeps all of us involved i n

is the people that we work with. We get to work with these creative young people that are so talented. When you love something like the theater, you just crave being around that. th eater

connect magazine / summer 2009

summer fun

FOR THE FAMILY (without breaking the bank)

HIGH NOON ON THE SQUARE

Potter County Courthouse lawn, 5th & Taylor Admissio n : F ree

On June 3, Center City kicks off its 15th season of High Noon on the Square with performers from the musical drama TEXAS. The free entertainment happens at noon every Wednesday through July, and features local artists ranging from classical to jazz and from symphony to ballet. Amarillo restaurants cater lunch for $6 per person. Bring a blanket or lawnchairs to enjoy this great outdoor event.

FISHING DERBY M a r t i n Ro a d Lake

cor n er of D a le St. and Mart in R d. Admissio n : F ree

Kids 16 and under, dig out your fishing pole and head to Martin Road Lake to join in the fun on Saturday, June 27, 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. The free fishing derby is an annual event sponsored by the City of Amarillo Parks and Recreation Department. Prizes will be awarded to the angler who catches the biggest, smallest, and ugliest fish. To learn more, call 378-9391.

connect magazine / summer 2009

Has the economic downturn caused you to rethink that summer vacation? Don’t worry, there are plenty of opportunities to have fun right here at home. Thankfully we live in a city that offers a variety of low-cost entertainment. We’ve put together a few ideas for your family that are very affordable.

AMARILLO ZOO

Th ompson Park, NE 24th an d Dumas H w y. Tuesday – Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admissio n : Free

Zippity Zoo Day, a discovery of animals, music and crafts from South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia, is June 13. Saturdays in July are Animal Play Days, involving tasty treats for the animals and a chance to meet the zookeeper. Don’t miss the brand new Herpetarium, filled with over 35 species of native and exotic reptiles and amphibians. To learn more, visit amarillozoo.org.

STARLIGHT THEATER Sam Houston Park

corn er of L in e Ave. an d Wester n Admissio n : Free

Grab your friends, a blanket and lawnchair and head to Sam Houston Park on Tuesday evenings for free musical performances by local entertainers. Taking the stage this summer are Just 2 Guys, the Southwest Cowboy Poets, Insufficient Funds, and lots more. The series kicks off Tuesday, June 2 at 7:00 p.m., and continues through August 18. Go to amarilloparks.org for a schedule.

WILDCAT BLUFF NATURE CENTER 2301 N . S oncy

11450 Park Road 5, Can yo n , Texas

Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Daily 8:00 a.m . to 10:00 p.m.

Admissio n : $ 3 adult s, $ 2 children

Admissio n : $4 per person

Stroll down a nature trail where you might spot a horned lizard crossing in front of you, a hawk circling overhead, or a quail’s nest hidden beneath a bush. Watch for wagon ruts left by early settlers traversing this branch of the historic Santa Fe Trail. Summer camps are also available; check out wildcatbluff.org.

DON HARRINGTON DISCOVERY CENTER

Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” this state park is the ideal place for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, exploring and climbing. Join a guided nature hike or try out one of the Bird Walks and Talks led by park staff. For a schedule, go to palodurocanyon.com.

1200 S t rei t

PANHANDLE PLAINS HISTORICAL MUSEUM 2503 F ourth Aven ue , Can yo n , Texa s

Tuesday- S at urday 9 :3 0 a.m. - 4 :3 0 p.m.

M ONDAY - SATURDAY 9:00 A.M . - 5:00 P. M .

SunDAY: 12:00 - 4:30 p.m.

SUNDAY 1:00 - 6:00 P.M .

Admissio n : $ 7 adult s, $ 5 children

Admissio n : $10 adults, $5 ch ildren

Come face-to-face with a living coral reef, giant freshwater fish, turtles, eels, and other fresh and saltwater animals in the aquaria. Journey to the planets and beyond as you surf through space and time in one of the Planetarium shows. Explore things that are round in the new Bounce exhibit.

Exhibits this summer include The Great Search for Energy, Athletics on the Golden Spread, and Belles of the Ball. On June 27, the museum will host Saturday in the Park, an event in Palo Duro Canyon State Park featuring guided hikes, biology walks, guest speakers, games, kids’ arts and crafts, and a barbeque lunch. To learn more, go to panhandleplains.org.

PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK

SPLASH AMARILLO 1415 S u n rise Drive

Monday-Saturday 12 - 7 p.m.; SunDAY 12 - 6 p.m. Admission: $17 (over 48") $14 (under 48")

Hop on the three-person tube and accelerate to over 20 miles per hour as you are propelled high up the walls of the Sidewinder “taco,” one of the extreme rides. If a slower pace is more your style, check out the lazy river or wave pool. There are 3 serpentine slides, 2 speed slides, plus Splash Adventure Island for the young ones.

WONDERLAND PARK 2601 Dumas Drive

7:00 - 10:00 P.M. | WEEKENDS 1:00 - 10:00 P.M. Ride Pass : F rom $15.95 to $21.95

This popular amusement park has some new surprises for 2009. Three brand new rides are opening: The Drop of Fear, a 200-foot-tall drop tower; The Hornet, their fourth roller coaster that boasts “a gentler ride”; the Fiesta Swing, a yo-yo ride that goes around and up and down. With 28 rides in all, Wonderland provides thrills for all ages.

connect magazine / summer 2009

Volunteer Spotlight

BRENDA TAYLOR

connect magazine / summer 2009

Who knew that being a volunteer was as easy as buying a can of beans? There are so many ways to get involved as a volunteer at Trinity and in the community. So much joy can be found, even in something as simple as dropping off a bag of salad on your way to work! Brenda Taylor’s story is just one of many that show the impact volunteering can have on your life. Brenda has been a volunteer with Loaves and Fishes, Trinity’s funeral meal ministry, for nineteen years and she is also involved with the K!DS ministry. T he G if t of Ga b

When I was first married with one child, I really wanted to learn how to cook. Loaves and Fishes used to have a ministry where they would cook and teach you recipes, so I joined. We all learned to cook, and it just kind of evolved from there. Then I became a caller because I like to talk so much! Now I get to call my ladies and see who can bring food that day. It’s really a team thing because if you don’t have time on certain days, you can say no, and I’ll call the next person until I get enough food. That way no one feels pressured to bring food every time. No C ooki n g Required!

When I first started cooking for Loaves and Fishes, I thought I was going to have to prepare a whole meal, but I didn’t because I got to be part of a team. You just do your little part and then we bring it all together to make the meal. That way you don’t have the stress of doing it all by yourself. Being a part of Loaves and Fishes is so easy; all you have to be able to do is drive a car and go pick up the green beans, salad, corn or whatever you’re bringing, and you can be a part of it. You don’t even have to cook it! You can even buy the box of mashed potatoes now; no cooking required. Even if you work fulltime, you can still bring the food the night before the funeral and put it in the kitchen, and then it’s there. You’ve been part of the team and helped bring joy to a hurting family.

F rom M ourn in g to Joy

God says that He will bring joy to the mourning. When you volunteer for Loaves and Fishes, you get to team with God to help bring people back to joy. You remember when you have gone to a funeral, the way people comforted your family and how meaningful that was. It’s nice to be able to give that comfort to other families. It’s wonderful to hear the testimonies of how people came to the Lord through the funerals. They might not have been going to church for years, but then they went to the family member’s funeral and they came back to the Lord because of the love that was shown to them, even though they were strangers. They saw the care that was taken in the funeral meals, and they just felt loved. They couldn’t believe that people who didn’t even know them would serve them a meal. Family Fun

In a big church like Trinity, it’s nice because there are lots of ministries to get involved in. For about ten years now our family has gone to Kids' Camp. We always take our whole family, and either the kids are participating in the camp, or they have become volunteers. You really get to know people at camp because you’re with them twenty-four hours a day! We have also worked in K!DS Sunday school for a very long time The people we work with are like family now because we have worked with them for so long. No Excuse

You can always come up with an excuse for not getting involved, but if you are going to be the hands and feet of Jesus, you’ve got to start somehow. You can start out small; and the more you do it, the more joy you’ll have in it. There are so many ministries in the church that you can become a part of, depending on your interest. Sometimes you may think you’re not interested in that ministry, but you become a part of it, and you really do enjoy it.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

To find out more about volunteering for Loaves and Fishes or other ministries, please call Trinity Fellowship at 355-8955.

connect magazine / summer 2009

effect | EXPRESSIONS OF CARE & COMPASSION

THE SANDWICH LADIES

A brisk breeze whips through the rows of plastic bags in the back of the Suburban, as Cari Roach grabs a handful and begins thrusting them into waiting hands. “Jesus loves you,” she calls out cheerfully to a disheveled man as he thanks her for the lunch. “Can I have an extra one for my wife?” he asks, then smiles a gap-toothed grin as she hands him another. Inside each of the 200 bags is a sack lunch—a sandwich, chips, dessert and a piece of fruit—and a salvation tract. Cari, her husband Kyle, and friend Betty Atkinson have delivered these lunches to the homeless in downtown Amarillo for the past 17 years. And they’ve never missed a single Sunday; if they are out of town, they get someone to deliver for them. “These people are hungry and they’re absolutely counting on us,” said Cari. “There’s no other agency in town that feeds on Sunday.”

Cari and Betty have become known as “The Sandwich Ladies,” and ironically their ministry got started because of a sandwich. At a picnic lunch for her nephew’s soccer team, Cari noticed a man sleeping beneath a tree at Ellwood Park, cradling a suitcase that clearly held all his possessions. Her 5-year-old nephew noticed too. “Aunt Cari, look at the bum,” he said, and Cari felt her heart begin to break. “That day the Lord showed me two things,” Cari said. “One, that we have taught our children to be prejudiced toward the homeless, and two, God created that man and loves him just as much as He loves us. That’s when I knew what the Lord was calling me to do.”

connect magazine / summer 2009

She laughs now when she tells about how she tiptoed over to where the man slept, dropped the picnic leftovers and ran away because she was afraid to talk to him. But it was a start. Soon a full-fledged ministry to the homeless was birthed, based on the scripture in Matthew 25 where Jesus gives the instruction to feed the hungry, “for whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me.” Cari admits she hasn’t always had a

tender heart toward the homeless. “Prior to [that day at Ellwood Park], I would see a homeless person, and I would roll down my window and taunt them. I’d tell them to get a job,” Cari said. “So only God can change a heart like that. He changed my heart completely and He gets the glory.” Now every Sunday they make the rounds, beginning at the downtown library, then heading over to Ellwood Park and the Day Labor place, and finishing at Tyler Street Resource Center, where the biggest crowd awaits. The lunches are prepared by groups from Hillside Christian Church, Westover Fellowship, and Kingswood Methodist. Others have pitched in over the years, and there’s a youth group from St. Stephen’s Methodist that’s recently joined the cause. But there’s one constant that never changes—the smiling faces of Cari and Betty as they share the love of God with the homeless community. “It’s something the Lord put on our hearts years ago, and we just keep at it,” they said.

HAPPY FEET

Last winter, Gladys Campbell was in a desperate situation. The floors of her home

were made out of wood and old particleboard; some of the boards even had nails protruding from them. It was a dangerous situation for her one-year-old great-grandson, who stayed with her quite often while his mother worked and went to school. Due to the poor condition of the floors, he always had to wear socks and shoes in the house. Right before Christmas, Johnny Mote and some members of his Trinity Fellowship lifegroup felt that God was calling them to install new carpet in Gladys’ home. She was thrilled and said it was “the best thing that could ever happen.” Now, not only can her great-grandson go barefoot in the house, but her electric bill went down $50 a month! Johnny’s lifegroup helps several families every year by fixing broken windows and doors, solving electric problems, and making other household repairs. Whenever they hear about a need through a pastor or Bethesda Outreach Center, they’re happy to help out. “We just feel like this is what God wants us to do,” Johnny said. Gladys says she feels very blessed by the group’s generosity. “Everyone at the church looks out for me; I feel so lucky to have such a large extended family,” she said.

connect magazine / summer 2009

Connect Magazine sits down with...

ELEANOR MURRAY O n a pril 1 2 , 2 0 0 7 ,

a powerful thunderstorm with 94mph winds raged through Amarillo. This storm wreaked havoc on New Light Ministriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; building, taking their roof and leaving them no place to have their church services. Today, church members and leaders have weathered the rebuilding process and are once again focused on having a positive impact within the community. Connect magazine caught up with Eleanor Murray, the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pastor, to learn more about her calling to reach out to families living in north Amarillo.

connect magazine / spring 2009

conversations | CONNECT MAGAZINE SITS DOWN WITH... Tell me the story of the roof being blown off your church. C:

I was up at the church with our stomp team. We knew the storm was coming, but we felt like it wasn’t a big thing. We heard a rumbling. Someone said they thought it was a tornado, so we ran down into our music room. The electricity went out so we had to use our cell phones as lights. We just began to pray. Then we just started singing and thought that maybe we should call 911. The police came and got us out, and when we walked outside, the roof was all over the place. The police and the news media were around asking me what I thought. All I could think was, what the enemy meant for bad God is going to turn around for good. I am so glad I kept that faith because that’s exactly what the Lord did. We could not have church here; it was completely ruined. Many people called and reached out to us. Believer’s Way called me; Trinity Fellowship and some others sent us some money. Cornerstone opened up their doors for us, and we met there for 18 months. The insurance came through, and we were blessed by companies that came out and helped us. They helped us get so many things we didn’t even know we could. This church building is completely new. Things we have needed for years we got all because that roof blew off. We got it all back and better. We got double for our trouble and triple for our tribulation! ELEANO R:

What did you learn from that experience? C:

I learned that God’s eyes are really running to and fro all over the land to prove Himself strong on our behalf. My faith grew more than you would ever know. To know that God is really real and He sees. When the righteous cry out, He really hears. It was just one little cry: “Lord, help.” He came. ELEANO R:

connect magazine / summer 2009

What people are you and New Light Ministries called to minister to? C:

Multicultural really. Even though I am in this community, we are trying to reach many people. We don’t really draw from one certain group of people; we are not telescopic in that area. We have the kind of ministry to be conducive to all types of people and not be tied to any certain denomination. We’re just in the area because this is the area that God placed us in when we started looking for a building. He planted us here, and we just feel like we are light of the city on a hill and we cannot be hidden. We have seen a lot of people come out of the prisons and now they are serving Jesus and helping us in the different areas of ministry. They have been delivered out of drugs and prostitution, and now know the Word of God. They will testify of what God has done. God has really put a unique group of people around us. Every kind of life of bondage you can think of, we have seen them be delivered from. E LE ANOR :

How did you get to Amarillo?

A church in Amarillo called my husband to pastor their church in 1985. They decided they didn’t want us because we had some doctrinal differences; we moved in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Lord led us to start New Light Ministry while we were on our way home (Houston). I mean we were leaving, on our way out of town. A guy came to our home and asked us to start teaching him biblical things. It all started from there. Our home got too small, so we decided to move to Carver Elementary, and just continue as long as people came. God said, “Minister to them.” After they were “saved,” we were just going to go back home. It grew to 75 and then it grew to 300 in a year. We just kept saying, as soon as we build it we can hand the church over to a pastor and we can just go on home. The Lord just never released us and kept showing E LE ANOR :

us the laborers were few. So, we just kept on going. We decided to look for a building, and we found this place, and the Lord basically gave it to us. We have been here 23 years.

What do you want people to see or think about your ministry? C:

I want them to see Jesus. That is my main goal. Even when I do invitations, I make it clear that I want them to come to Jesus. Confess with your mouth, believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, and today you can be saved. If you desire to be a part of this family, we would love you to be a part. The main focus is that God will give you pastors after His heart. If you receive Jesus while you’re here we will give you a letter and send it to your pastor. We want the sheep to be in the right fold. We aren’t trying to count numbers; we’re trying to make numbers count for the Kingdom. EL EAN OR:

What do you think God is doing at New Light? C:

God is changing lives, but we have a vision for a multi-purpose center. We also want to open our “whole-way” house. We want them to come out whole and not half way. We want to have a school called The School of Excellence. We also own about 20 acres on the backside of this property, and there we want to have housing for seniors, and a place for them to enjoy. We have a prison ministry and we have seen over 500 men come to Christ since we have been going out there. We just go out there and have church, but now they have their own instruments so they help us in worship. It’s really an experience to see that in the middle of a prison. EL EAN OR:

What’s your favorite part about being in the ministry? C:

[enormous smile] Praise and worship. That’s my favorite. It’s my heart. I love it. I have been singing since I was 5, but I was on my way back from a EL EAN OR:

NEW LIGHT MINISTRIES

conference, and the Lord spoke to me on the plane. He told me, “I have called you to teach my people what they are called to do for eternity.” I thought, What, Lord? Then I started to study about praise and worship, because this is what people are going to be doing for eternity. He trusted me to be one of the people that teaches His people how to worship. I think that’s just great! I have been writing some curriculum and studying some tapes about worship and listening to some teaching by Pastor Jimmy Evans. Worship just scratches my itch.

What would you say to someone going through a tough time? C:

I would say most of our struggles are the wilderness mentioned in Deuteronomy 18:2. The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness. In the Old Testament the Israelites were led into it, and there were four things they had to encounter. ELEAN O R:

It was to humble them, to test them, to see where their hearts were, and see if they could keep His commandments. So, I believe when you go through your wilderness it’s your test to see what you’re made of, to see if He can trust you. You know, if He can’t trust you in the little wilderness things, how can He trust you with big things? When He tests you, usually when you pass, you move on out of that, you walk into your ministry. Look at Jesus; He went into the wilderness and came out and into His ministry. I would just encourage people to just pass your test, so that you can go on to the next level. It’s only a test, so just be encouraged that something big is coming!

With all of your accomplishments, you must have had a solid foundation. C:

My mother played the piano for churches; that’s all I have ever known. I was E LE ANOR :

in church my whole life. When I became grown I said, you know what, I am never going to church again. We had to be at the brotherhood meeting, choir rehearsal, we were at everything. I made up my mind I wasn’t going to church anymore. In 1978 the Lord really saved me. My pastor at the time preached on the threefold of being saved. The first is to know it, the second is to believe it, and the third is to accept Jesus Christ. I could always say I went to church; I knew God. When they asked if I died today, that’s when I couldn’t answer. That’s when I knew it; I needed it, not just in my head, but I needed to know it in my heart. The Holy Spirit came in and I KNEW He was in me. It’s a relationship, not just knowing. “You don’t know me like that!” That’s what He was saying to me. You got to know Him like that. I may just do a sermon about that. I just might.

Once a brokendown bowling alley, the New Light Ministries' building at 1001 NE 24th is a hub of ministry to families in northeast Amarillo. The renovation began with a sanctuary for 50 people. Bowling lanes became aisles separating the rows of luxurious purple chairs in the new worship center, and the former smoking section now welcomes hundreds of morning worshippers. It’s a church with a mission to reach out and change lives.

connect magazine / summer 2009

hello | AN INTRODUCTION TO TRINITY STAFF

MOLLY LONGCOR Associ at e Pa s t or o F w orship

Background

Favorites

Bests

B orn

B ook

B est a dvice I ’ve

August 28, 1985 Amarillo, TX Family

Single…. Steve (dad), Ronna (mom), Myles (bro), Lauren (sis) E DUCATI ON

Texas Tech Fashion Design, WTAMU Art….3.5 years total. No degree though. Salvation

3rd Grade church camp On my playlist

Wh at fascin ates me

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Misty Edwards, Rita Springer, Jesus Culture, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Graham Cooke

Love. Love. Love. Love is all you need.

How God uses the part of our lives that we think are totally broken and makes them the very tool through which He ministers through you. How He uses sight, sound, taste, light, color, and creativity to speak to us.

Redeeming Love

gotten

Person

Lisa Bevere

In God’s economy, the best way up is down.

F ood

L ife mo tto

M usical Ar tis t

Th ree people I

Spicy, flaming hot kind of spicy food Alison Krauss TV Sh ow

American Idol

Love. Love. Love. Love is all you need. would like t o h ave di n n er wi t h

The loveseat by my living room window. The light shines directly on me when the sun comes up each day. I think that God planned that out just for me so that I can feel His warmth early in the morning.

Esther. I want to know the progressive thoughts that she had in her journey from commoner to queen. George and Laura Bush. I believe that it is the hardest job in the world to run a country. I have the utmost respect and I would like to know how they remained strong under such pressing times. Beth Moore. I want to hear her ENTIRE testimony and soak in her wisdom.

Sports team

Int erest i n g fa ct

M ovie

Sleepless in Seattle Ac tor

Luke Wilson Ac tress

Audrey Hepburn Place to Pray

Cowboys

about me

I once broke my finger playing a game of kickball in college and had to have reconstructive surgery and 9 weeks of physical therapy. Heroes

My parents — They have overcome every obstacle that has come in their path and forcefully fight for their marriage.

connect magazine / summer 2009

ALEJANDRO RODARTE Pa s tor of Tri n i t y fellow ship church en español

Background

Favorites

Bests

B orn

B ook

B est a dvice I h ave

Family

Person

The Wifey, Ms. Hilda (of course)

“Keep your eyes on Jesus. Man will fail you; Christ never will!”

F ood

L ife mo tt o

El Paso, TX Married to the exciting Ms. Hilda. Have 2 hip daughters; Alejandra and Angel Education

Christian Faith Bible Institute and Amarillo College Hobbies

Reading, Dancing, Collecting WWII Knives, WWII Coins and WWII Stamps Salvation

July 15, 1986 in a service at a Corpus Christi youth rally

‘‘

On my playlist

Journey, U2, P.O.D., DCTalk and Disco Hits

I was a Spanish Disc Jockey for 10 years and taught Mexican Folkloric Dancing for 10 years.

Wh at fascin ates me

History, Nature and Laughter

Lord of the Flies

Sushi

M usical artis t

Carman

TV Sh ow

The George Lopez Show M ovie

Citizen Kane Ac tor

Harrison Ford Ac tress

Meg Ryan Place to pray

My living room and home office Sports team

How ’bout them Cowboys!!!

gotten

“Happy Wife, Happy Life” Th ree people I would like t o h ave di n n er w i t h

My great-great grandfather, Jesus, and my great-great grandchild Int erest in g fa ct about me

Spanish Radio DiscJockey for 10 years and taught Mexican Folkloric Dancing for 10 years Heroes

Ravi Zacharias (apologist/ teacher), Chuck Missler (apologist/ teacher), my dad, and Peter Parker aka “Spiderman”

connect magazine / summer 2009

‘‘

CROSSING THE

WR I TTEN BY A MA NDA T RA F TON

here is a chill in the air on this dark night in Juarez, Mexico. Jeff and Patty Graham are sitting in a service at Carlos Chadida, a church they built on an old dump-ground. As the evening and the service wind down, they step out of the building and onto the dirt roads outside. Suddenly someone notices several gang members gathering around. A quick wave of fear sweeps over the people, but Jeff is filled with love and compassion. He takes a deep breath as they begin to walk towards him. It is obvious from the light in her eyes and the excitement in her voice that Patty loves to share this story. “It was kind of like a Paul experience. The Holy Spirit came on him, and he just went out there and just started witnessing to them, and they started gathering around. They were being slain in the Sprit, falling as if dead in the dirt. Their friends thought that they had died. I mean, it scared them,” Patty said. Jeff told them that the things they were messing with were the power of the devil, but that God had greater power and it could change them that night. He asked if they died that night, if they got shot or stabbed, where would they go? “I don’t know,” was the answer; they hadn’t even thought about that. So Jeff started sharing about Jesus with them. “Jeff drew a line in the sand with his boot and he said, ‘If you guys want Jesus, then you step over here on this side of the line.’ These guys just kind of started looking around, and they started stepping over the line. It was absolutely incredible,” Patty said.

‘‘

We’re not building something that’s going to end when we’re too old to do it anymore.

‘‘

connect magazine / summer 2009

From the way they talk about Juarez, it seems like Jeff and Patty have been going to Mexico their whole lives, but it wasn’t until about seven years ago when a friend invited them on a crusade that they first traveled across the border. Patty laughed as she explained how they “never had any desire” to be missionaries, but after one visit to Juarez, they knew that God was calling them there. “I think that a lot of people in general probably feel that way until they go,” Jeff said as he took a sip of his coffee. It has now been seven years since the Grahams first visited this border town and began Streams of Water Ministries. It started out small but powerful: giving away food and clothing, preaching the gospel, and leading people to the Lord. Now Jeff and Patty regularly take groups on 4-day mission trips to Juarez. In addition to their mission trips, they have also helped to start several open-air churches around the city, and in 2007 the Lord told them to build an orphanage, which should be completed this June. “Right now there is just a really big need in Juarez,” Jeff explained. He said that he had recently talked to a woman from the government who said there were 40,000 children in Juarez who were homeless or close to being homeless. “I was amazed at how many families and kids are just on the streets because the economy there is ten times worse than ours right now.” Jeff explained that many of the factories in the border towns have shut down, so it is a lot harder to find work. People don’t have money for food, medicine, utilities, or any of their basic needs. “The situation has gone from bad to even worse, just in the last month. So many times you feel overwhelmed because there are just needs everywhere, but we know that the Lord has told us, just help the one that I put in front of you each time,” he said. One way Jeff and Patty are able to help so many people is through their friendship with Pastor Hector Ibbarra. They went to his church the first time they were in Mexico, and from that day they began to develop a deep friendship with him. “We just fell in love with him and he fell in love with us, and now his family is our family and our family is his family,” Patty explained. Jeff and Patty don’t speak very much Spanish and Pastor Hector doesn’t speak English, but even through this language barrier God has formed an incredible bond between them. Their relationship with Pastor Hector is crucial to their ministry because it allows them to come back to Amarillo and make the preparations here to take groups to Juarez. Patty continued, “What we have always told him is we don’t want to come down here and change what you’re doing. We just want to come down here and help you, come alongside you, and help you do what God’s calling you to do here.” The Grahams regularly attend Pastor Hector’s flourishing church, which is packed with so many people there is standing room only. His church could easily double its size in about three months. People just don’t come if they’re late

‘‘

Right now there is just a really big need in Juarez

‘‘

because they know they won’t get a seat. Visiting another country always involves risks. There will always be concerns about diseases, such as the recent swine flu outbreak. Many people also worry about violence and crime in areas like Juarez. But according to Jeff “if we really believe the Bible, we have nothing to fear.” Jeff confidently quoted the verse in Mark 16:18, which says, “They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them.” The Grahams fully believe that God will protect them in any and every situation. “I’ve been stopped by the police a lot and been approached by a lot of gang members, but never have really feared anything,” explained Jeff. There is a gang right by where they are building the orphanage. When Jeff is in Juarez he will hire these gang members to work for him, and through this he has become their friend. “A lot of people think they’re high-risk and not worth it. I’m ready to take those risks,” he said. Surprisingly, Jeff and Patty have seen very little violence in Juarez. They have only seen physical violence one time. Two men were arguing over the electrical line, and that was several years ago. Unfortunately many people who do ministry in the city are leaving because of the crime, but this is when the people of Juarez need help the most. Jeff explained that what pushes them to keep going back to Juarez is “the love that we have for the people there.” Patty reached up to wipe the tears from her eyes, as Jeff explained what keeps them going. “The love I have for Pastor Hector and his family, and the need of the kids that we see. There are several hundred kids in this area that probably would qualify to go in the orphanage.” The Grahams will keep going to Juarez as long as they can, and after they are unable to go they will pass their ministry onto the next generation. “We’re not building something that’s going to end when we’re too old to do it anymore. We want to raise our children to go ahead and whoever else wants to come along and take it.” Jeff and Patty understand that not everyone has the desire to go to Juarez on a mission trip, but there are several other ways to support their ministry. The first way is by sponsoring someone else to go on a mission trip. There are many people who have the desire to go, but do not have the finances. They also need help boxing up the food at the final meetings before they take a team to Juarez. Anybody is welcome to come to these meetings and help. Another huge way to help is by sponsoring a child to live in the orphanage through their Rescue a Child project. It will cost about $2400 a year to support a child to live in the orphanage, but any amount can be given. This is an incredible opportunity to give a child a new life. These children will receive a good education, have a loving family from Juarez to take care of them, and most importantly will have the opportunity to grow up learning about Christ.

If you would like to join Jeff and Patty on a mission trip to Juarez, then check out these upcoming dates:

June 26-29 Mercy Trip

Door-to-door ministry, handing out food, and evangelism September 4-7 Medical/Dental

Setting up small clinics and meeting the physical needs of the people October 2-5 Construction

Building projects that range from completion of the orphanage to smaller projects for families Oct 30 – Nov 2 Mercy Trip

Door-to-door ministry, handing out food, and evangelism To register for one of these trips contact Trinity Fellowship’s Missions Department at 806-383-6990.

‘‘

There are 40,000 children in Juarez who are homeless or close to being homeless.

‘‘

Has your heart been stirred for the orphans in Juarez? You can make a difference by sponsoring a child, either individually or as a group. A lot of people have asked the Grahams why they don’t take up an offering when they are preaching in the churches down there, and their response is just another reflection of their humility. “We’re not there to get their money; we’ve never wanted to do that. We’re not there to get, we’re there to give, and I think God honors that. We will just never do that, we’ll never ask for anything,” Patty said. For someone who’s never been on a mission trip, there are several reasons to consider going: To “get out of your comfort zone. To make you aware of what’s going on in other nations. Also the Bible says that we’re supposed to minister to the less fortunate, the orphans and the widows. The Bible says in James 1:27 that it’s an undefiled religion if we minister to the widows and the orphans, and that’s what we do. Why not go and experience that?” Jeff said. Jeff and Patty have had many incredible experiences in Juarez, but they have truly just begun to experience what the Lord is doing there. Now they are asking, “Who will join with us?” Like when Jeff drew a line in the sand and asked those young men to make a courageous decision to follow Jesus, they are now asking people to boldly step out and help them reach the people of Juarez, Mexico.

RESCUE A CHILD

For $30 a month, you can: • Provide a child’s basic needs for a home, school, medical care, clothes and food • Help a child experience God’s love • Receive stories and updates on the child you sponsor • Have the opportunity to meet the child by taking a trip to Juarez

For more information call 806-352-6611 or visit www.streamsofwater.org.

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connect magazine / summer 2009

GARDEN VARIETY WRI TT EN B Y NATAL I E SC H LA BS

My love for fresh foods dates back to my early childhood, where I grew up just enough outside the city (of Hereford) to make it feel a little country. My grandparents

lived right down from the house where I grew up and had a garden full of fresh vegetables every summer. They would always send us home with

multiple sacks full of corn so sweet you would think it had sugar, juicy tomatoes so red we wanted to add them to every dish just for their color, and squash and zucchini so perfectly ripened that we barely added anything to them. Most of our meals in the summer consisted of these delicious veggies along with my dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grilled meat soaked

connect magazine / summer 2009

savor | FLAVOR BETWEEN FRIENDS in homemade marinade, followed by some mouth-watering dessert prepared by my mom. There seems to be no end to what I can learn about cooking. There are so many cuisines and methods I haven’t even begun to tap into, but regardless of what I want to learn, I’ll never get away from the foods that I grew up on. These are the foods I crave, the foods I love—simply grilled chicken or pork, a side of steamed squash with Parmesan, boiled and seasoned new potatoes, and finishing with sweet, juicy peaches. This is home for me, healthy and satisfying. One of my favorite things about true Italian cooking is that even traditional recipes vary depending on region and what is in season. They don’t limit a recipe to a particular ingredient and unlike Italian food in America, they don’t mask perfectly good ingredients with heavy sauces or dressings. Food is left to its own simple beauty, as it should be. Warm months for me are all about taking advantage of fresh foods that are in season. There is no need to complicate a dish when it’s so full of natural flavor. Buying according to what is in season is one of the biggest ways to make the most out of what you’re cooking. This depends entirely on where you live and what time of year it is. I recommend doing a little research before you prepare your grocery list. Freshrightnow.com is a good source for this. Great ingredients are what it’s all about. Renowned Chef Mario Batali says, “Once you’ve put your groceries in your car, the quality of your dinner has been decided.” You don’t have to be an experienced chef to prepare healthy, delicious meals. You just need to know what the pros know—that a dish is only as good as the ingredients you’re using to make it. So stop relying on sauces and dressings, but rather do a little research and figure out what’s in season. And if you’re ever in Hereford, stop by and I’ll show you what I’m talking about.

connect magazine / summer 2009

ABOUT THE CHEF

Natalie Schlabs is the chef for Press Café, inside Trinity Fellowship Church. If you haven’t tasted one of her delicious sandwiches, soups or salads, you’re in for a real treat! Lunch is served at Press from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Bring a friend and try one of the specialties of the week. You can check out the menu at yourtrinity.org.

Chocolate Raspberry Bars

Baked Salmon and Vegetables

White Wine and Mint Fruit Salad

connect magazine / summer 2009

savor | FLAVOR BETWEEN FRIENDS

Chocolate Raspberry Bars: 1 1/2 CUPS flour 1 CUPS firmly packed light brown sugar 1 tEASPOON baking powder a pinch of salt 1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest 1 cup (two sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1 1/2 CUP quick-cooking oats 1/2 CUP coconut 1/2 CUP chopped toasted pecans 1 jar seeded raspberry jam

Mix flour, brown sugar, salt, lemon zest and baking powder in large bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add oats, coconut and pecans; mix well.

Sprinkle with chocolate pieces. Spoon jam over top. Sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture.

Bake 25-30 minutes at 350 Press half of mixture onto degrees until golden brown. bottom of greased 13x9in baking pan.

5 Squares semi-sweet baking chocolate, coarsely chopped

Baked Salmon and Vegetables: 4 (5 ounces each) salmon fillets 4 squares of Foil big enough to completely cover individual salmon 1 zucchini and 1 yellow squash, sliced into 1/3 inch rounds 2 teaspoons plus 3 tablespoons olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper 3 tomatoes, chopped, or 1 (14-ounce) can chopped tomatoes, drained 2 chopped shallots 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1/2) 1 1/2 teaspoonS fresh or dried oregano 1 1/2 teaspoonS fresh or dried thyme

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. in a medium bowl, toss zucchini and squash rounds with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Set aside. Sprinkle salmon with 2 teaspoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, stir the tomatoes, shallots, 2 tablespoons of oil, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper. Place salmon fillet, oiled side down, on top of a sheet of foil. Wrap the ends of the foil to form a spiral shape. Spoon the tomato mixture over the salmon. Add the sliced squash

and zucchini. Fold the sides of the foil over the fish, tomato mixture, and veggies, covering completely; seal the packets closed. Place the foil packet on a heavy large baking sheet. Repeat until all of the salmon have been individually wrapped in foil and placed on the baking sheet. Bake until the salmon is just cooked through, about 25 minutes. Using a large metal spatula, transfer the foil packets to plates with the salmon side up and serve.

White Wine and Mint Fruit Salad: 1 1/4 cups dry white wine (not cooking wine!) 1/3 cup sugar 1/2 ripe pineapple halved, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 1 basket (8-ounce) fresh strawberries, quartered 1 cup seedless green grapes, halved lengthwise 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves

connect magazine / summer 2009

Bring the wine and sugar to a Transfer the fruit mixture to boil in a small saucepan, stirring a wide jar with a tight-fitting until the sugar is dissolved. Boil lid. Keep chilled. for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Chop and combine the pineapple, strawberries, grapes, and mint in a large bowl. Pour the warm wine mixture over; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until cold, stirring occasionally, at least 2 hours.

connect magazine / summer 2009 connect magazine / summer 2009

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Reviews

MUSIC & BOOK Kristene Mueller Those Who Dream ÂŠ 2008 Jesus Culture Music Singer/songwriter Kristene Mueller has devoted her life to spending time with God in the unseen place. Her passionate worship inspires believers of all ages to pursue the heart of God in a deeper way. Kristene is a featured worship leader at Jesus Culture Conferences, The Call, and God TV. She has also been a worship leader with Justice House of Prayer in San Francisco, CA for many years.

Kari Jobe Kari Jobe ÂŠ 2009 Integrity Media, Inc. For over 13 years, Kari Jobe has been involved with worship groups that have ministered around the world. In April 2006, she took a position as a Worship Pastor at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, where she serves on a regular basis. As a singer/ songwriter Kari has written impactful worship songs that congregations sing weekly. She had the opportunity to write along with the likes of Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, and Paul Baloche for this project. The beauty in her lyrics matches the softness her voice brings to each song. This album shows a new dimension of her talent while keeping the focus on worshipping God.

connect magazine / summer 2009

ESV Study Bible Crossway Bibles The English Standard Version (ESV) Bible is a new, essentially literal Bible translation that combines word-for-word precision and accuracy with literary excellence, beauty, and depth of meaning. The ESV Study Bible was created to help people understand the Bible in a deeper way—to understand the timeless truth of God's Word as a powerful, compelling, life-changing reality. To accomplish this, the ESV Study Bible combines the best and most recent evangelical Christian scholarship with the highly regarded ESV Bible text. The result is the most comprehensive study Bible ever published—with 2,752 pages of Bible resources including new study notes, maps, illustrations, charts, timelines, articles and introductions.

The Noticer Sometimes All a Person Needs is a Little Perspective Andy Andrews Do you ever wish that in the midst of your most dire moments someone would come alongside you and give a godly perspective in a loving and kind way? This is the scenario that Andy Andrews creates in The Noticer. At the exact moment when a person needs to see things through a new light, a mysterious old man named Jones shows up to offer insight. In a variety of different situations, from the loss of a loved one to a couple on the brink of divorce, this wise old man offers friendship and counsel. Andrews, best-selling author of The Traveler’s Gift, uses his storyteller’s gift effectively in this unique blend of fiction, allegory and inspiration.

Walking With God Talk to Him. Hear from Him. Really. John Eldredge Do you ever wonder if you really hear God? Do you wonder if He really hears you? Even John Eldredge, author of Wild at Heart and Captivating, had the same questions and through this journey came to some amazing realizations. It all begins with the understanding that at the center of every one of us is a God-given desire for fellowship. The very reason we were created is to find that community with God. In Walking with God we see how there are different spiritual seasons that are designed to drive us closer to that fellowship. Every season has a distinct purpose, and when we seek long enough we will find God at the center of it all.

connect magazine / summer 2009

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Lifegroup Spotlight

SEEKERS M ee ts: WEDNESDAY N IG HTS AT 7 L eaderS: Scott an d Sh ari Wit t l a ke

Together Times Ten

When Scott and Shari moved to Amarillo 15 years ago, they didn’t know a soul. They struck up friendships with some couples in their Sunday school class, which later evolved into a lifegroup. Now, ten years later, they’ve become like family.

“We’ve helped each other move, taken care baskets when someone’s in the hospital; we always have a prayer list going out by email or phone,” Shari said. “We have the kind of friendships that you know you can depend on each other.”

connect magazine / summer 2009

S L ?

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lifegroup spotlight | SEEKERS No Hesitation

In a small group atmosphere, members don’t hesitate to ask their friends to pray for them. Sometimes it’s about financial problems, marriage issues, or health concerns. One wife asked for prayer for her husband who was serving in Afghanistan, and the group prayed for his safety and her peace of mind. “In lifegroup, we’ve got all the time in the world,” Shari said. “We’re so close that sometimes you don’t even have to tell somebody about your need. You just pick up on things quickly when you know each other so well. So we just pray.” Come On I n

A N EW V I E W

They love to do book studies, and have tackled topics like fasting, authority, purpose and marriage by authors like Jentezen Franklin, John Bevere, Rick Warren and Jimmy Evans. Currently they are studying Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Hearing each other’s different viewpoints “awakens something in you,” according to Shari. Their discussions bring out varying opinions on

the subject they’re reading about, and it challenges the members to dig deeper in their study. Out and About

Once a month, they plan an outreach project. They’ve done everything from participating in the Bethesda Thanksgiving or Back-toSchool Outreach to collecting and donating 100 pairs of mittens and hats to the Downtown Women’s Center. Shari teaches first grade at Lamar Elementary

School, where many African refugee children attend. The lifegroup decided to reach out to these families by serving them ice cream. They pulled up to the apartment complex near Lamar Elementary School with 250 ice cream cups packed in coolers, and began handing them out. “They cleaned us out real fast,” Shari said, “and even though we didn’t speak the same language, I think they saw the love of God by our actions.”

On Wednesday nights, their doors are always open to guests, and this diverse group works extra hard to make sure everyone feels comfortable. Married couples, dating couples, blended families, widows and singles have all found their place in the Seekers group, and all ages are welcome.

WHO'S THE GROUP FOR?

"This group is perfect for someone who's full of fun and laughter. To sum up our group in three words, I'd say Love, Laughter, and the Lord."

to learn more about this lifegroup and others available through Trinity Fellowship, check out the lifegroup directory in this issue of Connect magazine. Or go online to yourtrinity.org to see the latest listing of groups. connect magazine / summer 2009