Nov 2013 online edition by Valley Christian Magazine

November 2013

People Pleasing p12 When You Feel Like Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re

Not Enough p26

Forgiveness: The Only Way

Forward For A Family p18

JEEP RUBICON

NEW 2013

2 valleychristianmagazine.com November 2013

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What’s Inside? November 2013 Features

Vol. 3 / Issue 8 To submit story ideas, events, or comments: valleychristianmagazine@gmail.com

On The Cover

Sergio Sanchez Shares about the amazing Samaritan’s Purse ministry, Operation Christmas Child p.16

CONNECT WITH US: Twitter: @vcmagazine

28 Kids Talk about God

Why Do you like Thanksgiving?

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2013 Camp Report

32 Music Spotlight: Jesus Culture

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34 New Books

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36 Events

Book Review by Miguel Paredes

Eli Lara 956-451-0174

National Columnists VALLEY CA

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Stella Gallegos 956-854-1601

10 Greg Laurie

Some Thanksgiving Thoughts

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12 Lysa Terkeurst

Ronnie Guerra Vela 956-599-8036

People Pleasing

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Forgiveness the only way forward

Leila Bird 512-501-9471

26. Renee Swope

When you feel like you’re not enough

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18 James MacDonald

DR. DANIEL C.

38 Dave Ramsey

Valley Contributors 8 Jerrell Jobe Godwalkers

14 Milton Gonzalez

The Burning Bush Experience

24 Big Daddy Weave Concert Pics 22 Dr Lee

Ask Dave!

“It’s by the to be a par whether it baby deve through m

Right Where You Are

Valley Christian Magazine is a free monthly magazine published by

Valley Christian Magazine is a publication of Texas Christian Publications (a 501c3 organization). Texas Christian Publications reserves the right to edit, modify, revise, rewrite and reject editorial materials and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors, omissions or consequences arising from it. All correspondence to this publication becomes the property of Texas Christian Publications. Texas Christian Publications shall be held harmless indemnified against any third-party claims. Texas Christian Publications accepts no claims made by photographers, agents or contributors. Writers’ and columnists’ opinions are not necessarily those of Texas Christian Publications or its publishers. Advertisements appearing in Texas Christian Publications present only the viewpoint of the advertisers. We assume no responsibility for advertising claims made in this publication. Valley Christian Magazine is printed in the United States. Reproduction without the expressed written permissi on prohibited. Copyright 2011.

/ Printed in the USA.

Dr. Daniel C. Lee is excited Rio Grande Valley, providing women’s health. After comp residency at In His Image in a second residency in OB/G University. At his new office provides a full range of obs

Godwalkers by Jerrell Jobe

He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. -1 John 2:6 JERRELL JOBE

Jerrell is a teaching pastor at Palm Valley Church in Mission. He is married to Charissa and has three children : Micah (10), Naylah (8),and Avi (6).

hat comes to mind when you think of the word walk? If you’re like most people, you’re first thoughts probably have something to do with exercise. Some people walk because they were told they needed to by their doctor. Others walk to help tone up the muscles, or at least maintain some semblance of what used to be. However, it seems when most think of walking, or endeavor to start walking, the motivation is to lose weight. Questions like, “how long do I have to walk in order counteract the extra serving of desert I at last night?” If this describes you, you may find the following calorie facts interesting. For example, to burn off one plain M&M, you would need to walk the entire length of a football field. And, who eats just “one” M&M? On average, it would take one-hour and forty-three-minutes of walking to burn off a 540-calorie Big Mac. And, if you were to get that as a Super-Sized combo with Coke and fries, you’d need to walk for seven-hours. Think about that the next time you roll up to the drive-thru.

of coughing, my wife and I decided to take him to a chiropractor. As we walked into the patient room for our appointment and sat down, the doctor said, “How long has he been congested and coughing?” We hadn’t said a word as to why we were there, nor had our son coughed once since our arrival. I looked up at the doctor and simply said, “What’s that?” To which,

walking. During Bible times, people literally walked everywhere. When you entered a person’s house, one of the first things you would do is have your feet washed. Philosophers and religious teachers to the day would gather crowds as they walked from village to village. After listening, if the people liked what the teachers had to say, they would follow along behind them as the teacher walked on to the next village. In the Gospels, we see that Jesus was this type of walking teacher. Often, He would show up in a village an as crowds began to gather, He would teach. At times, He would single out an individual and simply say, “Come, follow Me.” These first disciples learned from Jesus as they walked along the roadside and ministered to people along the way. Jesus was a walking teacher, the disciples were walking learners, and their classroom was mobile in every sense of the word.

In Ancient times, walking was synonymous with who you were as a person. Your walk represented the way in which you lived your whole life. You got everywhere you went by walking. In

Believe it or not, there’s more to walking than simply burning calories and shedding a few pounds. When our son was about three-year’s old, he came down with a pretty severe cough. At first, we thought it was allergies or some type of cold. After lingering for some time, we finally took him to the doctor. They prescribed some medication, but the cough persisted well beyond the prescription. After several weeks

he responded, “We’ll he’s congested and been coughing right?” “Yes,” we answered. (I must admit this exchange was a little strange at first.) He then continue, “I could tell by the way he was walking... He’s out of alignment in an area that can cause congestion.” In short, he adjusted our son’s back and within a few days the cough was completely gone. I’ll never forget that sentence, “I could tell by the way he was walking.” The Bible doesn’t have a lot to say about losing weight, burning calories or even chiropractors for that matter, but interestingly, it does have quite a bit to say about

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Ancient times, walking was synonymous with who you were as a person. Your walk represented the way in which you lived your whole life. You got everywhere you went by walking. You walk to the store and to the courthouse. You walk to your neighbors and by the stranger. You walk to the place of worship and by the place of temptation. Thus, everywhere your feet lead you, the rest of you followed along. As such, walking spoke of the totality of your personhood. Given this cultural and historical backdrop, it becomes understandable that the predominant biblical metaphor for our relationship with God is that of walking. In fact, this metaphor runs throughout all of Scrip-

ture. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul utilizes the language and image of walking as the primary way of communicating what it means to live our life with Jesus. Paul uses the word walk twenty-two times throughout his writings. Six of those times are in the little Book of Ephesians alone. Paul says things like:

• • • •

walk in newness of life. –Romans 6:4

• •

walk in love, Ephesians 5:2

walk according to the Spirit. –Romans 8:4 walk as God’s masterpiece on the earth. –Ephesians 2:10 walk worthy of the calling with which you were called. –Ephesians 4:1 walk as children of light. –Ephesians 5:8 (Note: some of the newer translations use the word “live” instead of “walk.”)

In short, our relationship with Christ isn’t merely some private internalized set of beliefs, to which we ascribe. Rather, who we are in Christ, is authentically expressed in every arena of our lives. Everywhere our feet go, we go. And, everywhere we go, we go as if Christ were actually with us (because in reality, He is). Walking, in the Bible, is also a symbol of relationships, especially our relationship with God. This is apparent from the beginning of Scripture. You could say we were created to walk with God. Genesis 3:8, seems to indicate that each day God would actually spend time walking with Adam and Eve. Or, what about Enoch? It says, “Enoch walked God.” Some translations simply render this verse, “Enoch walked in close fellowship with God” (see Gen. 5:22-24). I don’t know about you, but that’s the kind of statement I want on my gravestone some day. Scripture also says, “Noah walked with God” (Gen. 6:9). To Abraham God said, “Walk before me” (Gen. 17:1). This is awesome! God said to Abraham, “I want you to walk before me face-to-face, as an intimate companion and friend.” No wonder Abraham was called “the friend of God” (James 2:23). The Old Testament Hebrew word that’s translated “walked” is halak. It speaks of intimacy, as two people living and walking handin-hand. When this concept is applied to our relationship with God, it dispels the false viewpoint of God as some sort of distant and detached Deity looking down on us from far above. Rather, halak conveys the truth that God is ever-present, regardless of the circumstance. God intends that our halak (our life journey) will be one of walking hand-in-hand with Him as our Creator. To walk with God, is to grow in our awareness of His present-nearness. It is to constantly communicate our thoughts, feelings and fears to Him. To walk with God is to pursue a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Him all the days of our life, in every arena of our life. HOW’S YOUR HALAK…? How would you describe your current walk with God?   Smooth flowing and free. Static. Staccato. Growing. Thriving. What does it look like for you to walk-with God at home, among your family members? How consciously aware are you of God’s present-nearness while at work or out running errands in the community?

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Dr. Daniel C. Lee is excited to be back in the Rio Grande Valley, providing exceptional care in women’s health. After completing a Family Practice residency at In His Image in 2004, Dr. Lee completed a second residency in OB/GYN at Oklahoma State University. At his new office in McAllen, Dr. Lee provides a full range of obstetric care, and has special expertise in minimally invasive gynecological surgery.

To make an appointment, call 855-VCC-APPT (855-822-2778) NEW MCALLEN OFFICE: 1309 East Nolana, Suite C McAllen, TX CLINIC HOURS: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Walk-ins are welcomed.

Everywhere your feet go, there you go. Is there a sense that God is going with you? This is God’s intention that we learn to intimately walk with Him hand-in-hand, at all times and in all places. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. -1 John 2:6

OB/GYN www.valleycareclinics.com/vcm November 2013 valleychristianmagazine.com 9

Some Thanksgiving Thoughts For You

Greg Laurie is Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif. He began his pastoral ministry at 19 by leading a Bible study of 30 people. Since then, God has transformed the small group into a church of 15,000 plus, one of the largest churches in America. For more, visit www.greglaurie.com. Used by permission from Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie, PO Box 4000 Riverside, CA 92514

— Greg Laurie

Thanksgiving, because there is not a lot of pressure to go out and buy things. You have to get food, of course. But apart from that, Thanksgiving is not about shopping. It is more about getting together with family and friends and doing what most people love to do, which is eat.

I really like

A traditional Thanksgiving meal at our home includes turkey, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes made fresh by my wife, gravy, green beans, sweet potatoes with a few melted marshmallows, and fresh cranberry sauce. Then we finish it off with pumpkin pie. Of course, after the meal, I vow that I will not be eating anything for days. But I am amazed that by about 6 p.m. that night, I am hungry again. Then it is time for a turkey sandwich, and I enjoy that as much as the main event. We can enjoy the food. We can enjoy our family. We can enjoy our fellowship. But the real purpose of Thanksgiving is to give thanks. It is a day to focus on giving thanks. Of course, that is easier said than done. Sometimes it is easy to give thanks. It is easy when things are going reasonably well, the bills are paid, we have a roof over our head and our health is good. But when times are hard, we don’t want to give thanks at all. But here is what the Bible says: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his love endures forever” (Psalm 106:1 NIV).

womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:21). How could Job do that? He was giving thanks to the Lord not just when things were going good, but because the Lord is good. Someone might say, “Well, what if my heart is not in it? Should I still give thanks?” Yes, you should. I don’t know how easy it was for Job to offer praise that day. I am sure it was a sacrifice. And many times when we offer our worship to God, it is just that: a sacrifice. Hebrews 13:15 says, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” The Bible not only commands us to give thanks regardless of circumstances, but it

Ten were healed, but only one came back, and he was as loud with his praise as he was with his request. This serves as a reminder that we should do the same.

Notice this verse does not say to give thanks to the Lord when you feel good. Rather, it says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.”

also tells us to verbally give thanks to God.

If God ceases to be good, then I suppose we can cease to give thanks. But since that will never happen, Scripture commands us to give thanks always.

It would be like a husband never telling his wife that he loves her. She needs to hear it from him. And of course, a husband needs to hear “I love you” from his wife, too.

Think about Job. Everything that could go wrong went wrong. In one day, he lost his seven sons and three daughters. It is really unimaginable. Yet we read that after all the calamity that befell him, he worshipped the Lord and said, “Naked I came from my mother’s

God knows all things. He knows whether we love him. However, he still asks for us to give him verbal praise. Far too often, we fail to give God what is due him. As Psalm 29:2 reminds us, “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness” (emphasis add-

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ed). It is rude not to say thank you. Children sometimes forget this. They take for granted everything their parents do for them. When you tell a child, “Remember to say thank you,” you are simply teaching him or her manners. Yet it seems that in our culture today, common courtesy is often lacking. When I hold a door open for someone, I don’t expect a lot. I don’t want them to hug me. (Not at all, really.) I don’t want a long, drawn-out conversation. Just a simple “thank you” would be nice. But sometimes we come up lacking in manners. The Bible tells us that when people failed to glorify God or to give him thanks, their foolish hearts became dark (see Romans 1:20–22). That can happen to us as well. We are so quick to cry out to God in our hour of need, but are we as quick to call out to him and offer thanks after he responds to our requests? We find a classic example of this in a New Testament account of 10 men with leprosy who came to Jesus and begged him to have mercy on them and heal them. So Jesus did. He told them to go and show themselves to the priest, and they would be healed. Then we read, “One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. …” (Luke 17:15– 16). Interestingly, the term used for “loud voice” originates from the same word as “megaphone.” Ten were healed, but only one came back, and he was as loud with his praise as he was with his request. This serves as a reminder that we should do the same. Copyright © 2013 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.

Jackson Ave. - McAllen

November 2013 valleychristianmagazine.com 11

People-Pleasing

Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times best selling author and speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith through following Jesus Christ. As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa has lead thousands over the past 15 years to help make their walk with God an invigorating journey. In the midst of her ministry, though, Lysa is a real, everyday woman who simply seeks to glorify God through her life and family.

By Lysa Terkeurst “Only let us live up to what we have already attained” Philippians 3:16 (NIV)

I will sometimes say yes when I really want to say no. And when I do say no, I sometimes worry about how much I’m disappointing that person. I would much rather write this blog in past tense. Like, “I used to struggle with this but I’ve really matured past it all. So, let me share how I bravely say no and never fret over that decision.” But this isn’t a past tense issue in my life.

Though I have gotten better, I still have quite a ways to go. When I wrote Unglued, I confessed how hard it is for me to be honest with some people. My tendency to just stuff and smile has at its root this desire to be liked. No matter how I want to spin what this is, I have to call it people-pleasing. It’s part of my DNA to love others. Love them and not disappoint them. But I have to realize, real love is honest. Real love cares enough about other people to say no when saying yes would build up a barrier in the relationship. Real love pursues authenticity rather than chasing acceptance. We must not confuse the command to love with the disease to please. So here’s how I’m challenging myself to break free from people-pleasing…I have to make peace with these realities: * I am going to disappoint someone. Every yes will cost me something. Every no

carries with it the potential for disappointment. Either I will disappoint this person by not meeting the full extent of their expectations, or I will disappoint my family by taking too much time from them. Do I wish I could say yes to everything and still keep my sanity? Yes! But I can’t. So here’s how I will say no: “Thank you for asking me. My heart says yes, yes, yes-but the reality of my time says no.” A good verse for this is Proverbs 29:25, “The

“Thank you for asking me. Let me check in with my family. If you haven’t heard back from me by the end of the week, please connect with me again. ” fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” * I must pause before giving immediate answers. Sometimes it might be realistic for me to say yes, but I’ve learned to let my yes sit for a spell. Pausing allows me to assess how much stress this will add into my life. The person asking me for this favor probably won’t be on the receiving end of my stress. It’s the people I love the most that will start getting my worst when I say yes to

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too many people. So, here’s how I will give myself time to make an honest assessment: “Thank you for asking me. Let me check in with my family. If you haven’t heard back from me by the end of the week, please connect with me again.” A good verse for this is found in Proverbs 31. Tucked between all the responsibilities she has is a verse that reveals her attitude. Proverbs 31:25 says, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” What this says to me is she doesn’t set her heart up to dread what lies ahead. * Make peace with the fact some people won’t like me. In an effort to keep my life balanced, I will have to say no to many things. If someone stops liking me for saying no they’ll eventually stop liking me even if I say yes right now. There are some people I won’t please no matter how much I give. And some people won’t stop liking me no matter how many times I say no. My true friends are in that second group and I love them for that. Here’s a great verse for this: “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man I would not be a servant of Christ,” (Galatians 1:10). Do you have some people-pleasing tendencies you know you need to work on?

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Who are you? Oftentimes we find ourselves in that same position - feelings of insecurity, awkwardness and incapable of fulfilling the call that God has placed upon our lives. We develop a twisted idea of what God is seeking from us. He is not seeking perfection, He is seeking availability. If we are willing He is able to use us in ways we never even dreamed, thought or imagined. He is the God that makes the impossible possible. The God that is able to take what the world has rejected and discarded and use it for His glory.

The Burning Bush Experience By Milton Gonzalez

Everyone has a specific time

in their life that they will remember for eternity. The summer of 2001 marks a significant milestone in my spiritual life. It was at 29 years of age that I reluctantly set foot in a non-denominational church for the very first time. My family and I had just moved to the Valley and against all odds and strong opposition from board members I had been hired to work as a teacher at a local Christian school. I was in fact, in the eyes of the world, the least likely to ever work at such a place. After five interviews and a plethora of “hard to understand” theological questions Cheri Sarver, the assistant principal, approached me and informed me that she would be leading the academy the following year and wanted me to be on her team. She looked at me straight in the eyes and said “my son, I will be praying for you”. I then reminded her that I was in fact not “saved” or “born again” and that I had no biblical knowledge whatsoever… to that she replied “but you will”... My employment came with one condition - I was to sit in Ms. Karen’s 4th grade Bible class and learn scripture with the rest of the children… a very humbling experience. So there I was two months into the school year on a Sunday morning standing outside the church asking myself “why am I here”. I hesitated but slowly walked inside hoping the preacher wouldn’t sound like the ones on t.v. The lead pastor greeted the congregation as he welcomed the guest speaker, Danny

Johnston. I had convinced myself that we would leave the place if the “preacher man” starting shouting, pointing the finger saying God has word for you or even

Are you willing to stop focusing on your weaknesses and zero in on His Strengths and Sovereignty?

Just as a potter places a shapeless lump of clay on a wheel molding and shaping it into something beautiful so does our heavenly Father as we become available to him. He is the potter and we are the clay. So the bush continues to burn and God replies to Moses’s two questions. In a nutshell God says (paraphrasing) “Moses this is not about who you are, this is about who I am and what I am able to do through you - you are not going alone for I go with you”. He then responds to his second question by saying “Moses, I AM WHO I AM”...enough said! He was saying to Moses I AM

dared to speak in King James version... And as fate would have it he did in fact all of the above. Frustrated, incredulous and upset I remained in my seat as I counted the minutes. After a brief moment I would find myself dumbfounded as he quoted scripture I had never heard before in my life. It almost seemed as though the message had been tailor-made for us. He addressed the trials we were facing at the point in our lives and offered the hope of Jesus. It was at that moment when I fell to my knees and repented before the Lord for my rebellion and invited Jesus into my life. A peace surpassing all understanding had enveloped me in my entirety. Things would never be the same again. After just two years I was approached by my pastor and was asked to consider shepherding the Spanish ministry at the church that saw me get saved. Just as Moses stood before the burning bush feeling incompetent as the Lord spoke and instructed him so did I. After hearing from God Moses asked God two direct questions Who am I Lord?

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Jehovah Jireh your provider, Jehovah Shalom your peace, Jehovah Ro’i your shepherd, Jehovah Tsidkenu your righteousness, Jehovah Maccaddeshcem your sanctifier, Elyon the Most High God, El Olam the Everlasting God and El Shaddai The God that is more than Enough! God is all that you will ever need. He is able if you are willing. Are you willing to stop focusing on your weaknesses and zero in on His strengths and Sovereignty? If so, get ready to be used in a mighty way for His glory. It’s time to let go and let God. Shalom, Milton

Milton Gonzalez Milton is the Principal of Covenant Christian Academy in McAllen and has a son David. He is married to Elena and they have a son Daniel.

November 2013 valleychristianmagazine.com 15

and base your purchases on that, fill as many shoe boxes as you can and pray that God save these children. Bing or Google: Operation Christmas Child for information

Sergio Sanchez You can hear Sergio on NEWS TALK 710 KURV. You may contact him at cell (956) 655 8876 or email Sergio@kurv.com Or find him at KURV an R Communications station 1201 N Jackson Rd, Suite 900, McAllen Texas 78501.

Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year... these holiday’s call up emotional memories of childhood trips to a ranch area outside Monterrey Mexico near China Nuevo León. My great grandpa lived there in squalor as a tenant farmer. He was surrounded by numerous families with small children who somehow scratched out an existence. As a boy I never realized how poor my great grandpa and his neighbors were. To me, sleeping on dirt floors in a porous wood shack covered with a straw roof with no utilities was the equivalent of camping out. My dad, without fail, would fill our family car in Houston with food staples, clothing, shoes, tools, candy and toys to bless the families who had so little to count in those orange orchards near Monterrey. These children were my playmates and friends and dad made sure i spent almost every holiday with them. He knew I would someday appreciate Christ’s blessings and hear His call to serve, to be His hands. Part of my father’s legacy was a simple lesson that was taught through example. Yet I’m amazed what only Christ can do. To transform a man like my dad, who as a boy was abandoned by his father, grew up in dire poverty in Mexico and yet was redeemed through Christ’s grace. He worked ceaselessly to be a loving responsible father, man, and servant. Years before we moved to Houston, as a boy growing up in Reynosa, I witnessed the poverty that surrounded us.

During regular walks to the grocery store with my mom, the sight of hungry, homeless, rag-clad, disheveled kids, many of them my age impressed me. On one occasion I remember giving a little boy a small Hot Wheels ambulance I was playing with as my mom and I encountered him panhandling with his mom. I still remember the boy’s surprise and happiness at receiving an unexpected gift. Today, I realize the stakes are eternal. Operation Christmas Child multiplies that experience a million fold but most importantly OCC boxes create a bridge to the ultimate gift - Christ Jesus. My wife and I look forward to being a part of Operation Christmas Child and sharing the packing and praying experience with our boys. All children need to know: “Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me” Psalms 27:10 Untold thousands of Christian missionaries from multiple denominations and theological disciplines have answered Gods call to physically pluck children from streets, open orphanages or establish missions in remote and hostile lands. They are counting on us to help. Please fill as many empty shoeboxes with toys, undergarments, toiletries, school supplies and/or candy. It’s simple, choose an age and gender

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Thanks to the generous folks at SAS Shoes in Brownsville and R Communications, we have been able to store THOUSANDS of empty shoeboxes --they just need to be filled with your love. If your company, club, school, parish or church would like to participate, please contact me. Call me at 956 655 8876 or email me sergio@kurv.com Get started now! National Collection Week will be Monday November 18 through Monday November 25. BT McAllen at 2001 Trenton will again be the Valley-wide collection point. Live your life for the audience of One! Merry Christmas and God Bless You! Sergio Sanchez

SHOE BOX

Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required.

Operation Christmas Child Quick Facts:

The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. National Collection Week: November 18-25 Drop Off Location: BT McAllen

BOY OR GIRL?

How to Pack a Shoe Box Gift

What is the mission of Operation Christmas Child?

PRAY for the child who will receive your special gift.

Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label shown below. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.

TOYS FILL WITH GIFTS

Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child.

Use the Gift Ideas List INCLUDE YOUR DONATION

Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online, or you can write a * check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation. It’s easy and convenient to give online. Go to www.samaritanspurse.org/occ. DROP OFF

2001 Trenton Road – McAllen

Place a rubber band around each shoe box and lid and drop off at the Collection Center nearest you in mid-November.

Ways To Get Involved:

For locations and dates, call 1-800-353-5949, or visit www.samaritanspurse.org/occ. You can also send your shoe box gift to: Samaritan’s Purse/Operation Christmas Child, 801 Bamboo Road, Boone, NC 28607

-Pack a Box for a Girl or Boy

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

HYGIENE ITEMS

toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

OTHER

Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

A PERSONAL NOTE

In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)

Do Not Include: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans

Mark the correct age category:

Contact:

2-4 Years Old

Shoe Box Labels

Sergio Sanchez

Email: sergio@kurv.com

small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.

suggested donation has increased due to higher shipping costs and expanded * The evangelistic outreach. This is the first increase since the project began 13 years ago.

-Pray for those giving and distributing

Call: 956 655 8876

Gift Ideas:

5-9 Years Old 10-14 Years Old Mark the correct age category:

2-4 Years Old 5-9 Years Old 10-14 Years Old October 2013 valleychristianmagazine.com 17

Forgiveness: The Only Way Forward for a Family

by James MacDonald

My Heart

goes out to the family that is in a downward spiral. You know what I mean. Whether they live in the same house or come from the same parents or worship at the same church, ‘families’ can fall into bad patterns that become very hard to break. Where every step forward is quickly met by two steps back. Where bad times and lonely times overwhelmingly outnumber the times of true joy. Where it seems like no matter how hard you try, the pain of failures past and the wounds of family conflict are just too close to the surface to get anything good going in a consistent way. Do you feel like that? Do you find it hard to believe that your family can really begin to work well, because your mind is filled with vivid pictures of times when it hasn’t? If so, you may have wondered to yourself, what exactly can turn the corner for my family? What can break the cycle of neglect, confrontation, injury, and withdrawal, followed by even greater neglect? If you’re wondering how to heal the past and get some forward momentum going, the answer is without a doubt, forgiveness! I know you’ve heard that word before, but don’t knock it until you have really tried it according to the principles of God’s Word. Forgiveness is much easier to say than to accomplish, yet it is a God-given mandate that brings incredible healing. Please remember, we are not the People for the American Way; we are not the Rotary Club; and we are not the John Birch Society. We are the followers of Jesus Christ, and our Lord has commanded us to stay busy in this matter of forgiveness. How about a quick review of Jesus’ teaching on the subject? Jesus on Forgiveness In Mark 11:25, Jesus said, “Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.” In Luke 6:37, He stated, “Forgive, and you will be forgiven”. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). Wow! Are you ready for that? Those are some pretty

significant statements. Where would you be if the Lord chose to forgive you as you forgive others? Somehow God is keeping track of the way that we forgive and the degree to which we forgive, and He is measuring His forgiveness back to us in the same portion. Yikes! But Jesus didn’t simply talk about forgiveness. He modeled it in His everyday life. From the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1–11) to His final words on the cross—“Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34)—Jesus was and is all about forgiveness. How about you? If you profess to be a follower of Jesus Christ, are you all about forgiveness? No doubt there are countless people who have injured you; they have said false things about you; they have wounded you with their actions and reactions. Maybe the hardship came from a supervisor at work, or a neighbor across the street, or a teacher in school, but regardless of where it came from, the fallout from unforgiveness is huge. It’s huge, and nowhere is this seen more clearly than in the home. So much of the anger and strife that exists in the family today is rooted in people’s unwillingness to forgive.

then make a choice to forgive them. Are you up for the challenge? In the past thirty years I have frequently faced the fact that the only way forward is forgiveness. Waiting for the person to figure it out has produced only silence and greater tension between us. Demanding that I be heard or heeded in a matter of injustice has only made things worse. Appealing to third parties for sympathy and affirmation of my just cause has taken me further into self-pity and self-justification (we are not without fault in most matters needing our forgiveness). The only thing, and I mean the ONLY thing that has promised and actually provided a way forward is forgiveness. Up, out of bitterness, on past regret and resentment, through the tangled mess of memories and specific moments where we were wronged—forgiveness is the only way to freedom.

Until they see their sin it remains between me and God, but in heartfelt recognition of my own need for grace I say: “You don’t owe me. You don’t have to come back or make it right, or even hear my offense. If you come to see it I will treat you with kindness, but if you never do I will think of you with appreciation where possible, or at least acceptance. I have been forDefining Forgiveness given much, and I choose to forgive you. I want to be really clear about what I You may have meant it for evil; God knows mean by forgiveness. It’s important for us your heart, and He meant it for good. He to be on the same page if we’re going to has used you in my life to show my faults, get anywhere, so here’s our working defi- grow my character and increase my faith. nition. Forgiveness is a decision to release I forgive you, I release you, and I am cultia person from the obligation that result- vating a heart of love toward you. I pray ed when they injured you. Imagine for a for God to bless you and encourage you moment that I and show you dumped a bowl Forgiveness is a decision to release a person from favor. I don’t of breakfast ce- the obligation that resulted when they injured you. need to be best real in my son’s friends, I’m not lap for no other reason than to aggravate ready to trust you completely or expose him. Of course that would be wrong, and myself again to your selfish conduct, but I as a result of my choice to injure my son, do forgive you. I won’t bring these matters there would be an existing obligation—in up to you, or to others, or with God’s help, a sense I would owe him. I did something to myself. I am walking out of this prison that was not right, and now I am in debt to of imagining you’re paying for what you him. Of course the matters that separate in have done, and I am not coming back. I families are much more serious than a ce- am rejoicing today that your sin is under real spill, but the silliness shows the simplic- the same Savior as mine and that you are ity of the choice we must make in matters no more undeserving of God’s forgiveness more severe. than I. I pray for the opportunity to relate My son would be faced with two choices: to you in a matter reflective of this deciEither he could become bitter and suf- sion. Tonight at dinner, tomorrow as the fer over the wrong done against him, or day begins, wherever and as often as our he could release me from the obligation paths may cross, I will see and speak to that resulted when I injured him. That is the you as God does to me, forgiven.” James MacDonald is founding essence of forgiveness—a decision to reand Senior Pastor at Harvest Bible lease a person from the obligation that reChapel in northwest Chicago. James’ teachings can be heard sulted when they injured you. on Walk in the Word, a daily My prayer is that, as you read this, God will reveal whom you need to forgive, the specifics of that forgiveness, and that you will

18 valleychristianmagazine.com November 2013

Listen to Walk in the Word locally

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Used by permission of Walk in the Word, Elgin, Ill., 61023. www.walkintheword.com by permission of Walk in the Word,Elgin, Ill., 61023.

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Like us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter @vcmag for more events in the RGV 20 valleychristianmagazine.com November 2013

They Were All Live In Concert at Palm Valley Church on Oct. 4Th

November 2013 valleychristianmagazine.com 21

DR. DANIEL C. LEE, OB/GYN

Right Where You Are baby developing or helping a woman

“It’s by the grace of God that I’m able to be a part of my patients’ lives, whether it’s watching the miracle of a through menopausal by Dr. Danielsymptoms.” C. Lee

“I don’t have to be overseas to experience the magnificent of God.toI be canback be right Dr. Daniel C. work Lee is excited in thehere in the Rio Grande Valley and seeexceptional God do mighty Rio Grande Valley, providing care inworks in the lives of my patients.“ women’s health. After completing a Family Practice residency at In His Image in 2004, Dr. Lee completed I remember the day vividly a second residency in OB/GYN at Oklahoma State office when a young, frightened, woman came into my Ob/Gyn desiring to end her pregnancy. “Beth” had been assaulted by University. At his new office in McAllen, Dr. Lee her boyfriend and was afraid for her life. It was hard to believe all provides a full range of obstetric care,ofand special I she had been through in the first few weeks her has pregnancy. did not preach at her or “cast any gynecological stones” about her decision. expertise in minimally invasive surgery.

I listened intently and empathized with the turmoil she was going through. I explained that I would not be able to facilitate the termination of the pregnancy, but would be available to talk through things with her after she went through the termination procedure. I often pray with patients, but I did not pray with “Beth” that day. I knew that God could show his love despite my saying a prayer with her. I spent the next few days frequently praying that God would give her peace and direction.

To make an appointment, call 855-VCC-APPT (855-822-2778)

When I graduated from medical school in 2001, I believed that God was leading my wife, Sarah, and me into overseas medical missions. During my final year of medical school, I coordinated the largest student-led medical missions conference in the United States. Students from California to New Jersey flocked to Chicago for the conference. Medical missionaries from around the world came to share their experiences and encourage the students to join them in God’s work throughout the world.

spent the next three years at In His IMAGE Family PracNEW IMCALLEN OFFICE: tice Residency in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where many medical resi1309train EasttoNolana, C dents prepareSuite for overseas missions. It was an amazing McAllen, TXmedical training, surrounded by men and women three years of who planned to go overseas. During my residency, Sarah and I CLINIC HOURS: spent a month at Kudjip Nazarene Hospital in Papau New GuinMonday Friday,with 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. ea, where I -worked pioneer medical missionaries. After leaving that month, my passion to practice overseas was as strong as Walk-ins are welcomed. ever.

Yet despite my longing to be an overseas missionary, God began guiding my family away from that calling near the end of my training program. He began teaching me to find contentment in being on a mission with my life in my local community Stateside. I became increasingly aware of the numerous sick people in the U.S. who needed a physician to show them the love and grace of Jesus. I saw how young physicians in training needed to be encouraged and supported to go overseas as well. This led me to Harlingen to work as a faculty member at Valley Baptist Family Practice Residency. While there, I was able to help encourage two physicians to become long-term missionaries at the Kudjip Nazarene Hospital, where I had served a few years prior. I would frequently go with the residents to colonias along the border and across the border, where we would provide medical assistance to the local population. The Lord continued to teach me to be content with what he was doing in my life in the Rio Grande Valley. I began to realize that walking daily with Jesus is what truly brought peace and contentment to me in my medical practice, and it could be done overseas or right in the U.S. I needed that supernatural peace more than ever when I began to sense God leading our family back to four more years of residency training, this time in obstetrics and gynecology in Oklahoma. Now back in Texas, working as an Ob/Gyn, I am able to show God’s grace and hope to my patients. I am fortunate to take care of women through the joys of pregnancy and childbirth and the trials of battling cancer. Most recently my challenge was to show God’s love to a woman facing a decision to continue her pregnancy or terminate it for the safety of her life. Amazingly, a few days after “Beth” had left my office with the intention of terminating her pregnancy, she called to inform me that she had decided to continue the pregnancy. When I saw her in the office, she expressed how God had given her supernatural peace after she had left my office earlier that week. She felt assured that God would protect her and provide everything she needed for her pregnancy and her future. I sat there listening to “Beth,” amazed at God’s intervention in people’s lives. I don’t have to be overseas to experience the magnificent work of God. I can be right here in the Rio Grande Valley and see God do mighty works in the lives of my patients. Is your contentment based on waiting for God to move you out of the Valley, maybe Austin, San Antonio, or overseas? I would encourage you to walk with Jesus and let Him use you for His purposes and your greater good right where you are.

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SHORT-TERM TRIP. LONG-TERM IMPACT.

Merge International—Merge offers custom mission trips all over the world, anytime of year, for any age, with a variety of ministry options. Our goal is to encourage local churches and enhance local ministry around the world to further the kingdom of God, and to build crosscultural relationships and partnerships. Merge will prepare your team for international missions. Merge USA—Covenant churches partnering with Covenant churches in community ministry in order to encourage the local church and enhance what they are doing to serve and share Christ in their communities. Covenant churches and ministries across the country, both rural and urban are inviting your church to participate in what they are doing. Global Student Leadership—Merge provides an opportunity for US/ Canadian youth to develop as leaders in an international, cross-cultural setting. North American students will live, learn, and serve alongside youth from other nations, and work together to encourage and enhance local community ministry. For 15 to 19 year olds. Pre-planned trips—Let Merge plan you next missions trip! We offer pre-planned trips all over the world. You can register as an individual, couple, or family, and join others on a pre-planned trip. Leave the planning to us and just prepare yourself to share God’s amazing love in another part of the world.

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If you are interested in placing your Engagement announcement or getting your wedding spotlighted in the Valley Christian Wedding & Engagement Section, please contact Stella Gallegos. Email: stella@ valleychristianmagazine.com or call her at 956.854-1601

Introducing:

Wedding &

Engagements

VCM is excited to share with you our newest feature! Our new Wedding & Engagements will feature local couples not only sharing this exciting time in their lives but most importantly, sharing how God is at the center of their relationship. VCM believes in the example of a marriage pyramid. If you put God at the top, then as you get closer to God you get closer to your spouse (or spouse -to-be!).

Try our delectable truffles. We have 17 flavors to choose from and they can be packaged in individual boxes for the perfect wedding favor. Or try our strawberries dipped in 3 kinds of chocolate. We also offer bride and groom tuxedo decorating. We can deliver to your wedding site.

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When You Feel Like You’re Not Enough Renee Swope Renee Swope’s passion is to lead women to live confidently in Christ by showing them how to rely on and live in the power of God’s promises in their everyday lives. Renee Swope is a national conference speaker, co-host of Proverbs 31 Ministries’ international radio program and author of “A Confident Heart.” For more information about Renee and her ministry, visit www.ReneeSwope.com © 2013 by Renee Swope with Revell Publishing. All rights reserved.

But… {my heart whispered} there was more to it… “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 I knew in that moment if I was willing to die to myself and completely rely on Christ in Me I could experience resurrection power.

was completely blindsided. I’d been called into a meeting at my church with another women in leadership who was upset with me. She’d been upset with me for months, but I had just found out about it. Someone had told her I didn’t agree with the way she was leading. But that wasn’t at all what I’d said – months before – in a meeting with several other leaders. I had simply been asked my opinion about a situation and I shared my thoughts and they weren’t directly about her at all. And I was so sad that I was just being asked about it, several months later. I was hurt. She was hurt. We both volunteered countless hours in ministry, pouring our hearts and our lives into women in our church. All the while, we were on the same team and assumed we both fully supported one another. But now the trust we had built for years was coming unraveled. It was a mess. I was a mess. I was done. I decided I wasn’t strong enough. Wasn’t resilient enough. And I was exhausted from trying. That afternoon I went home and cried. Told God I was ready to call it quits. Laying my head down on my desk, I said I couldn’t do it anymore.

I could walk away from God’s calling on my life or I could allow Jesus to live HIS life through me. I could die to my desire to protect myself from getting hurt again and choose to tap into His power by relying on the strength of His Spirit in me . I wasn’t enough … wasn’t strong enough, resilient enough, or humble enough. But Christ in me was more than enough. In my P31 devotion today, I talked about how we can turn away from our feelings of defeat and doubt by living in the Light of God’s Truth. And here is one of the most important truths: Jesus did not die on the cross just to get us out of hell and into heaven. He died on the cross to get Himself out of heaven and into us! That is resurrection life – and the very place where we get our enough! If you have been crucified with Christ, you no longer live, but Christ lives in you!! The life you now live in the body, you can choose to live by faith in the Son of God, who loved you and gave himself for you.” When you feel inadequate, remember God says: You are CHOSEN. “‘You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘and my servant whom I have chosen, so

26 valleychristianmagazine.com November 2013

that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he’” (Isa. 43:10). When you feel afraid, remember God says: You are REDEEMED. “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isa. 43:1). When you feel unloved, God says: You are LOVED. “You are precious and honored in my sight, and . . . I love you” (Isa. 43:4). When you feel forgotten, God says: You are REMEMBERED. “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isa. 49:16). When you feel insecure, God says: You are SECURE. “Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders” (Deut. 33:12). When you feel unable or unstable, God says: You are ABLE. “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights” (Hab. 3:19). When you feel worthless, God says: You are CALLED. “You are a chosen [woman], a royal [priest], a holy [daughter], God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Pet. 2:9).

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Why Do You Like Thanksgiving? By Carey Kinsolving & Friends

uthor Lowell Streiker once asked his 4-year-old grandson how he liked his Thanksgiving dinner. “I didn’t like the turkey much, but I sure loved the bread it ate,” he replied. I suspect Grandmother Streiker had something to do with the bread the turkey ate. I don’t know how she does it, but my grandmother always picks a turkey that ate cornbread. Lacy, age 11, has a grandmother who goes above and beyond the call of duty: “We all get to pick one thing for my grandmother to cook.” Lacy, I hope your grandmother gets to pick a few people to wash the dishes. “I like Thanksgiving because I’m off from school, and I don’t have to eat supper because I stuff myself at lunch,” says K.F., 10. It’s true that turkeys aren’t the only creatures who get stuffed on Thanksgiving, but let’s not forget the holiday’s original purpose, says Michael, 9: “The Pilgrims wanted to have a feast, and the Indians were very nice.” The Pilgrims landed at Plymouth in December of 1620. By early fall, about half of the original 102 who sailed on the Mayflower had died. The remaining colonists decided to celebrate their survival with a feast that lasted three days. Their guests were 91 Indians who taught them how to survive in their new environment. The Pilgrims believed God enabled them to endure by providing help through an Indian named Squanto. You can imagine their astonishment when he walked into their camp and said in perfect English,

“My name is Squanto.” As a boy, Squanto had been kidnapped and taken to England, where he studied English for three years. Later, he was sold into slavery but was purchased and freed by Christians. At the first Thanksgiving, Governor William Bradford thanked God for his bounty, protection and providence in “bringing to us the Indian Squanto, your own special instrument to save us from hunger and to help us to establish our colony in this new land.” “Thanksgiving has two good words,” says Hollie, 9. “They are ‘thanks’ and ‘giving,’ and that’s what we need to do -- thank others and be giving. Those are two things my mom taught me.” Hollie, your mom has taught you well. You’re following the example of the Pilgrims. But let’s not forget Dad. Adrienne, 9, is fortunate to have a father who’s not ashamed to offer thanks to God: “I like when my dad prays before we eat. I don’t know why, but I just do.”

Jesus healed 10 leapers, but only one returned to thank him. Read the story in Luke 17:11-19. Art by Jessica Markwood, 6.

Matthew Henry, a Christian Bible scholar who lived in the 17th century, learned to obey the biblical command to “in everything give thanks.” After being robbed, he wrote: “Let me be thankful first, because I was never robbed before; second, because although they took my purse, they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.” Now that’s what I call thanksgiving! Think about this: If God is in control of my life, I can thank him for whatever he allows to come into my life. Remember this truth: “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (I Thessalonians 5:18). Ask this question: What are you grateful for today?

Smart dads with young children are always aware that little eyes are watching. When dads set an example by honoring and thanking God for his goodness and provision, their children usually follow. Tori, 6, is already following the example of godly parents: “I like Thanksgiving because I get to eat chicken and my mama is with me and my daddy is with me. I get to see my cousins. I get to be with God because I say the blessings.” Tori, you might have the wrong bird, but you’ve definitely got the right company.

28 valleychristianmagazine.com November 2013

Carey Kinsolving’s Kids Talk About God syndicated column is distributed by Creators Syndicate. KidsTalkAboutGod.org features a Bible-lesson archive of all columns. Kinsolving is the co-founder of the RGV Children’s Arts Festival. Now through Dec. 20, children may answer and illustrate one to five questions about heaven. The best festival entries will be published in an online book. One Valley child will win a vacation for his or her family to the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch in Parshall, Colorado. For details, go to www. KidsTalkAboutGod.org and click on Colton Hughes and his horse!

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A Note From Nathan...

Nathan Jones

Mulit-Area Director Fellowship of Christian Athletes njones@fca.org

What a fantastic “Fields of Faith” we just had all over South Texas on October 9th… 11 locations and approximately 10,000 in attendance. The Gospel was heard by many, but, more importantly, many responded to God as He spoke to our hearts. What a beautiful site to see thousands of students praying with their friends as God did a mighty work. Thank you to everyone who volunteered, financially supported, brought a friend, or just plain showed up. Just like with any Great Team, the victory is won when everyone does their part. That’s one of the things I love about FCA… so many give, each in their own unique way, and everyone wins. To God be the Glory!!! The Best Is Yet To Come… I love you all,,

Nathan Jones

FCA Vision To see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of athletes and coaches. FCA Mission To present to athletes and coaches and all whom they influence the challenge and ad-

venture of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relation-ships and in the fellowship of the church.

FCA Core Values Our relationships 30 valleychristianmagazine.com November 2013will demonstrate steadfast commitment to Jesus Christ and His Word through Integrity, Service, Teamwork and Excellence.

S p o r t S • t e a m • L e a d e r S h i p • p o w e r • C o a C h e S • pa r t n e r S h i p • i n t e r n at i o n a L

2011 CAMP MINISTRY REPORT 2013 CAmp reporT

The heart of every champion is RELENTLESS.

2013 quick camp stats • • • • • •

Number of Camps: 429 Attendance: 59,752 First-Time Commitments To Christ: 5,002 Recommitments to Christ: 7,120 States with Camps: 38 Countries with Camps: 25

“my new life in christ has me playing better than ever before. the best feeling is knowing that no matter what, He has a place in His kingdom for me.” – FCA Camper

The 2013 FCA Camp season was all about living and playing with fierce persistence and unyielding determination in both sport and faith. it was a record-breaking year with a total attendance of 59,752 at 429 FCA Camps across America and the world. many lives were impacted and transformed by outstanding competition and spiritual growth during FCA’s fifty-seventh camp season. this year’s theme, reLentLeSS, was based on hebrews 10:39 and challenged campers to relentlessly pursue God and their sport with a desperate, determined heart. Just as God’s love for us and his pursuit of us are relentless, so is his plan for an abundant and eternal life in Jesus Christ. This life-changing impact has been the main focus of FCa Camp since the first camp in 1956. in 2013 alone, over 5,000 coaches and athletes made first-time commitments to Christ.

FCA CAmps are a time of “inspiration and perspiration” for athletes and coaches. Competitors who want to reach their potential through comprehensive athletic, spiritual and leadership training attend FCA Camp. The seven types of camps are: Sports Camp, Leadership Camp, Coaches Camp, Power/Youth Sports Camp, Team Camp, Partnership Camp and International Camp..

November 2013 valleychristianmagazine.com 31

When Jesus prayed his now famous prayer, not only was he the conduit for God’s kingdom on earth in that moment, but he kicked wide the door of heaven to invade our space from that moment on. His Kingdom. Right now. Such a world-shaking concept.

n October 15th, Bryan and Katie Torwalt released their much-anticipated sophomore album, Kingdom Come, a collection of modern worship anthems steeped in full surrender to the wondrous will of God today... and forever. As part of Sacramento, California-based Jesus Culture, an international ministry that reaches out to youth with their music, holding conferences and events all over the world, the Torwalts exemplify what the movement is all about: young revivalists who, through creative expression, lead others to encounter the power and presence of God in worship. To date, the Jesus Culture Band has recorded nine albums and released a total of 19 projects on their music label, including Kingdom Come.

would invade this little space of earth.” Building on the simple, folk-tinged influence of their debut, 2011’s Heaven On Earth, the Torwalts have created a multi-layered, ethereal mix of 11 original songs written specifically for corporate worship. “One of the things I love about Bryan and Katie is their passion to write songs that usher in the presence of God,” says Jeremy Edwardson, who produced both Torwalt records for Jesus Culture Music. “They aren’t interested in entertaining people. They seek a deeper place in worship, and I love taking part in that vision and journey.” “Kingdom Come carries a very powerful and weighty sound throughout,” Jeremy continues. “It felt natural to go there as the songs unfolded considering the lyric content, to take the

Other standouts include the gospel-influenced “Worthy King,” featuring Kim Walker-Smith, “I Will Trust You,” a song of hope specifically for ‘the valley of the shadow of death’ and “It Was Finished.”

“Our perspective on worship is that, no matter what, we want to follow the Holy Spirit and leave room for him to do what he wants to do,” says Bryan, who picked up a guitar at age 16 and began leading worship in his youth group. “It’s really all about people who are hungry for his presence, desperate for a move of God.” For Katie, a preacher’s daughter who started singing in church at the age of three and leading worship as a pre-teen, being part of Jesus Culture has been a life-changing shift in understanding. “We weren’t raised to look at worship as full access to Jesus all the time. There was always some pressure to get to a place in worship to take a congregation somewhere. But we’ve learned that we start out having full access to Jesus, being seated with Christ.” That total access to Jesus—completely known, completely accepted, completely free—in worship and in every aspect of life, provides the undercurrent of Kingdom Come, which again draws inspiration from The Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6. “We’re constantly inspired by where God leads us in scripture and by time spent with the Lord out in nature. We’re always trying to grow in our experience of the word of God. ...In terms of songwriting and our message,” Bryan says, “it’s definitely an extension of Here On Earth. Both albums pull out a little chunk of the Lord’s Prayer, and the hope and prayer that God’s kingdom

1. Matt Maher

Featuring Audrey Assad Lord, I Need You CD: All The People Said Amen

It was finished on that day / Death was beaten, all darkness was slain / All his passion poured out like rain upon the earth... Hallelujah...

production further to enhance the emotion and power of the lyric. The result for me is very moving as it’s the same congregational lyric/ melody you’d expect from Bryan and Katie, with a very dynamic, epic sound.” Thematically contrasting light and darkness, Kingdom Come opens declaring the greatness of God in “He Is the Light,” inviting him to rule in “King of All the Earth.” “Weight of Glory,” inspired by a C.S. Lewis work by the same name, and “When You Walk Into the Room,” sing out the power revealed when God shows up in worship. Let the weight of your glory come and settle on us now We stand in awe for you are holy and your kindness overwhelms Be lifted up you heavenly gates, Be opened wide you ancient doors... “We’re really bold with some of our lyrics,” Katie

2. Love & The Outcome He Is With Us CD: Love & The Outcome

says, ‘but those things really come out of our hearts—freedom and healing and transformation that happens during worship... Seeing people declaring the truth of God together over our church, over our city, seeing the supernatural, crazy stuff God is doing in worship, seeing people free and filled with hope... It’s been life-changing for us. If anything, it’s made us even hungrier for those things. More aware of our need for His presence everyday.” “Shores,” offered online as a free track prior to the album’s official release, represents the sonic shift, but more importantly, it underscores the idea of freedom that results from surrender. “It started out as a completely different song,” says Katie, whose unique pop sensibilities carry the melody, “but ultimately it’s about what happens when we encounter the love of God, the freedom that takes over, freedom from oppression, sickness, depression... it’s a song of releasing those things and declaring hope, a full surrender to freedom.”

3. Big Daddy Weave

– The Only Name (Yours Will Be) CD: Love Come To Life

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“There’s so much victory and triumph in singing about Christ’s resurrection,” Katie says of this Easter and beyond song, “and I love songs that tell a story. When we were recording it, we were reliving the story of Pentecost, bringing all those elements together...” “Burn,” the album closer, is a transparent, intimate invitation, Bryan says. “A prayer, more than anything, for God to come and take control, to burn in my spirit, burn in my soul... something about the simplicity felt right and natural, a simple invitation for God to come.” Ultimately, Bryan and Katie agree, Kingdom Come carries with it the hope that people experience a fresh encounter with God. “It’s such an incredible gift to be able to lead people in worship,” Bryan says, “and we believe God inhabits the praise of his people and that in times of worship, we can experience his presence in a tangible way. We want that for people as they sing these songs, to see another facet of who God is, to experience his love for them in a new way.”

4. Matthew West Hello my name is CD: Into The Light

5. Hawk Nelson

Featuring Bart Millard Words CD: Made

6. Building 429 We Won’t Be Shaken CD: We Won’t Be Shaken

7. Mandisa Overcome CD: Overcome

8. Aaron Shust

God of Brilliant Lights CD: Morning Rises

9.Toby Mac Speak Life CD: Eye On It

November 2013 valleychristianmagazine.com 33

Today

Old Testament

Each unit is broken up into three sections: Original Meaning, Bridging Contexts, and Contemporary Significance.

The Original Meaning section considers the OT is an ancient Hebrew text originally written to an ancient Hebrew audience. An aerial view is nothing like a ground The Hebrews adopted many genres and styles of literature that view. The big picture puts a ground view were not distinctively Hebrew. Walton and Hill describe the simiin context. larities of the Hebrew Scriptures with other Ancient Near Eastern cultures. They also provide historical background along with Studying individual verses or passages photographs that provide insight to the locations and culture. can be like using a ground view to underThe next section “is called ‘Bridging Contexts’ because it seeks stand a Biblical text. You can see everything well, and have a good understand- to build a bridge between the original audience and today’s audience.” It helps to understand the ancient text as a timeless ing. But having overall context of a Biblical book in its historical message for all generations. God does not change, and neither context and genre can broaden and enrich the meaning of a does the general meaning and message to His people. Bible passage. This is especially true for the Old Testament (OT), John H. Walton and Andrew E. Hill Zondervan

which is far removed from our contemporary American life and context.

Old Testament Today (OTT) is a great book to help anybody get a better understanding of the OT. John Walton and Andrew Hill walk through the OT by sections instead of covering each book of the OT individually. The book divides the OT books into:

• • • • •

Pentateuch Historical Literature

We often jump to the topic of cntemporary significance without considering the original meaning to bridge the contexts. With the New Testament, it is easier to make applications of the text. The OT is not always as straight forward to draw applications. Old Testament Today is not a book you read from beginning to end; it is a great resource for anybody interested getting more out of the OT. Granted, you don’t need this resource to hear from God, but it doesn’t hurt.

Prophets Wisdom Literature, and Psalms.

The Gospel costs nothing. You can’t earn it or buy it.

Our modern world is constantly changing, and the Contemporary Significance section can help answer the question “What does that text mean to me?” Also, it may be helpful to figure out how to apply the truths of the OT.

ALl In

Mark Batterson

It can only be received as a free gift compliments of God’s grace.

Book Review by

It doesn’t cost anything, but it demands everything. It demands that we go “all in,” a term that simply means placing all that you have into God’s hands. Pushing it all in. And that’s where we get stuck---spiritual no man’s land. We’re afraid that if we go all in that we might miss out on what this life has to offer. It’s not true. The only thing you’ll miss out on is everything God has to offer. And the good news is this: if you don’t hold out on God, God won’t hold out on you. Readers will find Batterson’s writing filled with his customary vivid, contemporary illustrations as well as biblical characters like Shamgar and Elisha and Jonathan and . . . Judas.  No one has ever sacrificed anything for God. If you always get back more than you gave up, have you sacrificed anything at all? The eternal reward always outweighs the temporal sacrifice. At the end of the day, our greatest regret will be whatever we didn’t give back to God. What we didn’t push

34 valleychristianmagazine.com November 2013

Miguel Paredes Is a teacher at Edinburg North and earned his Masters in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. He is married to Brenda and has four children: Diego (10), Karla and Andrea (7), and Charis (3).

back across the table to Him. Eternity will reveal that holding out is losing out.  The message of All In is simple: if Jesus is not Lord of all then Jesus is not Lord at all. It’s all or nothing. It’s now or never. Kneeling at the foot of cross of Christ and surrendering to His Lordship is a radical act of dethroning yourself and enthroning Christ as King. It’s also an act of disowning yourself. Nothing belongs to you. Not even you. Batterson writes, for many years, I thought I was following Jesus. I wasn’t. I had invited Jesus to follow me. I call it inverted Christianity. And it’s a subtle form of selfishness that masquerades as spirituality. That’s when I sold out and bought in. When did we start believing that the gospel is an insurance plan? It’s a daring plan. Jesus did not die just to keep us safe. He died to make us dangerous.”

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Dec. 1-31 Festival of Lights Hidalgo, TX

Saturday, Nov 9

November 9th

Colonial Holiday

Covenant Christian Academy

Battle of the Bands

Trinity Worship Center, Pharr

Nov 17th

Market Square Extravaganza Dec 5-8 9a-4p Holy Spirit Parish Dias Festivos Marketplace Junior League of McAllen McAllen Convention Center

Nov 22nd

Nov 9th

Shop ‘Till You Drop MOPS 4th Annual Community Market

A Touch of Frost Valley Symphony Orchestra Courtyard Praise 8pm @ 12th & Austin Ave Mcallen Civic Center

Nov. 1 & Dec 6

BT Mcallen

Courtyard of Praise

First Presbyterian Church Mcallen

Courtyard Praise @ 12th & Austin Ave Feature Band:

Feature Band:

United For Christ

A.C. and Good News

Friday, November 1st

Friday, December 6th

8:00pm

Date: Time:

If you are a local band or singer and would like to participate, email us your contact information along with an audition CD/DVD to: rkordway@hotmail.com

36 valleychristianmagazine.com November 2013

Date: Time:

First Presbyterian Church Downtown McAllen Location at 12th & Austin Ave.

November 2013 valleychristianmagazine.com 37

As k

Dave

Ramsey For more financial help please visit: www.daveramsey.com Dave Ramsey is a personal money-management expert and extremely popular national radio personality. His three New York Times best-selling books—Financial Peace, More Than Enough and The Total Money Makeover—have sold more than 6 million copies combined. His latest book, EntreLeadership: 20 Years of Practical Business Wisdom from the Trenches, released in September 2011.

Better Car, Better Gas Mileage?

Lumping It

Dear Dave,

Is it a good idea to sell your car in order to get one that gets better gas mileage?

I have $400 in debt on a credit card, and I haven’t made a payment on it in about two years. The debt has been sold several times, and now the amount they’re asking for is over $1,000. I’d like to work something out, but how do I know the collection company that is calling me now is legitimate?

Trey Dear Trey, Only if the other car is really cheap, or cheaper than the one you’re selling. I think it’s funny when people run out and upgrade on their $7,000 car to buy a $30,000 Prius to save gas. Think about it. That’s an extra expenditure of $23,000 to save gas. Where are you planning on driving, to the moon? Actually saving money is a much better plan than some of the ideas people dream up in the name of saving money. When it comes to things like this, you need to sit down and do the math. Crunch some hard, cold figures and see what happens. “Well, if we got this kind of gas mileage, instead of what we’re getting now, how much money would we save?” But if you spend $5,000 more to save $50 it will take forever to get back the money you’ve already spent.

Lorenzo Dear Lorenzo, It’s normal for a debt this old to have been sold a few times. My guess is the company that’s calling you is legit, and they probably bought the debt for pennies on the dollar. Whatever you do, don’t set up a payment arrangement. They’re asking for over $1,000 because they’ve added stuff like late charges and interest. Let’s go back to the original amount of $400 and see if they’ll accept a one-time, cash payment to settle things. Make sure you get it in writing if they accept and don’t give them a dime until after you get the written agreement. Then, once you have the agreement, send them $400. Do not, under any circumstances, give them electronic access to your checking account.

Actually saving money is a much better plan than some of the ideas people dream up in the name of saving money.

Getting better gas mileage is good thing, but I wouldn’t recommend spending any more than the value of the car you’re currently driving to make it happen. Moving down in car but up in mileage is a great plan. If you do that, you’ll really start making headway with your money. This kind of scenario is a simple math thing, Trey. The problem is lots of times people’s emotions get caught up in stuff, and next thing you know they think they have a real reason to buy an expensive, new piece of automotive technology. I call that car fever, and it’ll wreck your finances in a hurry! —Dave

38 valleychristianmagazine.com November 2013

You’ve waited a long time to take care of this, and in the process you’ve made things more difficult. I’m glad you’ve decided to clean up your mess, though. Late is better than never, Lorenzo. Just remember, you’re still responsible for debts you incur—even if the company you originally borrowed from has sold it to someone else! —Dave

Raul “Rudy” Rodriguez

attorney at law Some historians may argue that among the greatest restoration stories of mankind are the European Renaissance or perhaps the post-World War II era. The cultural movement known as the European Renaissance roughly took place during the 14th through 17th centuries. This moment in history saw the face of Europe evolve with respect to its arts, architecture and long held science tenets. It also saw a rediscovery of the Greco-Roman classical knowledge and a rebirth of the study of Latin and vernacular languages. It served as a bridge between the Middle Ages and the Modern Era. Closer to home, America saw its restoration take place in the years that followed World War II. During this era, couples who could not afford families during the Great Depression made up for lost time. The mood in America suddenly became optimistic. At that time, the unemployment rate of the Great Depression dropped dramatically and the economy improved substantially. The G.I. Bill empowered many honorable service members to finish high school and attend college. As their skills were improved, so was the financial well-being of their families. But, without a doubt the greatest restoration that can take place is when a person does as Romans 10:9 instructs us to do. Romans 10:9 says: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” The message is simple: invite Christ into your heart and make him your personal Lord and Savior. At that time, your restoration will be complete. Next He will do as Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” As you seek and strive to honor God with your life, He will reward you by allowing you to take on His characteristics. Hosea 14:4 says, “I will bring my people back to me. I will love them with all my heart; No longer am I angry with them.” I pray that you will invite Christ into your heart and allow Him to restore you! At my office, I also want to be part of your restoration plan, albeit in a different way. I pray that God will use me for His honor and glory in helping me address your needs. If you have been involved in an auto accident and/or other serious injury or if you have lost a loved one as a result of someone’s negligence, I will do my best to restore some sense of normality to your life. I will also help you in matters involving family law, criminal law and real estate and will issues. As always, I bear in mind that in honoring God with the way I handle my business relationships I will be honoring you my esteemed client.

Raul “Rudy” Rodriguez

www.raulrudyrodriguezlaw.com Phone: 956.380.1421 / Toll Free: 877.480.1421 www.raulrudyrodriguezlaw.com Fax: 956.380.2920 / Mobile: 956.655.5455

Phone: 956.380.1421 / Toll Free: / Fax: 956.380.2920 / Mobile: 956.655.5455 511 W. University / Edinburg, TX877.480.1421 78539 e-mail: anointed511@gmail.com 511 W. University / Edinburg, TX 78539 / e-mail: rrodlaw@hotmail.com 40 valleychristianmagazine.com November 2013