Valley Christian Magazine June Edition

Page 1

June 2012

Run for God p. 20

Harsh but necessary words p. 16

Desperate for Time? Overbooked?p.8

Daddy’s Girl p.32

God is Good... Even when Life is Bad p. 22 / 1 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

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MercyMe Concert Pi

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Volume 2 / Issue 3

Christian Torres Publisher

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Features

Features 11 – At Home with Pastor Nicholas Maddox 20 – Run For God 24 – Border Missions: Feeding The Body And The Spirit 26 – Photo Page: MercyMe concert 28 – Friends, fans and followers 34 – Moriah Peters, The Pena children: Letters to Dad 44 – What to read 46 – Thousand Foot Krutch 48 – Events/New Releases

On The Cover

26 - Celina Vanessa with Run For God Cover Photo by:

Janine Marie Photography 956-467-4113

National Columnists 16 22 36 40 50

– – – – –

Greg Laurie James MacDonald Joe Beam Luis Palau Dave Ramsey

Valley Contributors 8 – Christian Torres 14 – Henry Miller 18 – Jerrell Jobe 30 – Milton Gonzalez 32 – Dr. Theresa Valladares 38 – Abram Gomez 44 – Miguel Paredes

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Henry Miller Executive Editor Henry@valleychristianmagazine.com

Irma d’Santiago “morett” Designer

James Alexander Distribution

PHOTOGRAPHERS Janine Marie Photography Gabriela Romero CONNECT WITH US: Twitter: @vcmagazine @henry_vcmag To submit story ideas, events, or comments:

valleychristianmagazine@gmail.com

For Advertising contact: Ana Beicker 956-648-2511 Estella Gallegos 956-854-1601 Eli Lara 956-451-0174 Ronnie Vela 956-599-8063 Tax Deductible donations can be mailed to: Texas Christian Publications c/o Valley Christian Magazine 3827 North 10th Street, 301 McAllen, TX 78501 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 LQGHPQLÀHG DJDLQVW DQ\ WKLUG SDUW\ FODLPV 7H[DV &KULVtian 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 permission of the publisher is prohibited. Copyright 2011. Printed in the USA.

Desperate for Time?

By Christian Torres

Are you being distracted? Busy?

Yes we might be busy, but we must be intentional about our priorities.

Listen. Focus. For many of you who know me, you may be thinking that maybe I’m the last one who should be writing about this topic. Most of us operate at a near frantic pace. (hopefully it’s not just me) We barely have enough time in the day to get to half of the things on our todo-list. I’ve come to notice that it doesn’t matter what season of life you are in, there are just different kind of “busyness.â€? Kids‌so many things to go play with and do; Teens‌friends, texting, commenting on everybody’s instagram photos; Young Adult‌connecting with friends, dating, marriage, babies (whoa talk about a busy season); Mid-Life‌running your kids everywhere, working the corporate ladder, serving at church, did I mention running your kids everywhere?; Senior/Winter Texans‌.I’ve never seen retired people be as busy as they are!! My point is that we are all busy! And if you have read this far, it is only time before you get distracted! We can complain all day about our busy lives, but guess what? It’s not changing! Yes we can modify our schedules, take a vacation, get a sitter for the kids, but for the most part there’s enough noise in this world to utterly distract you. It’s when we get back from the vacations, full schedules, real life is when we REALLY need God in our lives‌wouldn’t you say? 0\ TXHVWLRQ LV KRZ FDQ \RX KHDU IURP *RG OHW DORQH Ă€QG WLPH WR VHHN Him in all our busyness?

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

God Spouse Family Work

When we forget to make God the priority in our schedule, we lose focus and can become overwhelmed. We can miss out on so many things when we exclude God from our schedule like: ‡ ‡ ‡

Hearing from God throughout the day -- He does try to speak to us throughout the day Developing a relationship with God -- Talking with Him can be like talking to your best friend. Growth -- Learning about God. Like how Jerrell writes (on p. 18) when you start getting to know God you want to know more.

‡

Peace -- When you are overwhelmed knowing that He is there during the hard times. <HV LW¡V GLIĂ€FXOW %XW LW LV QRW LPSRVVLEOH WR GLVFHUQ *RG¡V YRLFH LQ WKH midst of all the busyness around you. God speaks to us more than just during our quiet times, prayers and at church. He also seeks and speaks to us during our 9-5’s or if you’re like me‌5-9’s!

CHRISTIAN TORRES is a graduate of Baylor University. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in McAllen with their 3 daughters: Madeleine (12), Natalie (9), and Courtney (7). They are members of Palm Valley Church of Mission.

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Palm Valley Church (DVW *ULIĂ€Q 3DUNZD\ 0LVVLRQ

956-585-3203 www.palmvalleychurch.com / 9 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Big event coming up?

Contact Embassy Suites Hotel for your next business meeting or social event. Let our professional staff assist you in planning and coordinating every detail. Business Meetings Political Fundraisers Weddings Baby & Bridal Showers

Company Seminars Birthday Celebrations Quincea単era Religious Events

956-686-3000 visit: mcallen.embassysuites.com / 10 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Pastor Nicholas Maddos with his niece Clemecia Duru, 2-year-old daughter Sanaa and wife Nikki

Bethel Life Church 1008 E. Pecan Blvd McAllen, TX 78501

Phone: (956) 307-9676 Service Time Sundays, 10:30 / 11 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR WIFE NIKKI?

WHERE IS NIKKI FROM? HOW ABOUT THE THIRD PART, COMMUNITY?

WAS THIS SOMETHING YOU WERE READY FOR?

WHAT WERE YOU THINKING AS A 24-YEAROLD PASTOR?

WHAT WAS IT LIKE GROWING UP IN DC?

WHAT’S THE CHURCH’S MISSION?

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DID ANYONE REPLACE YOUR DAD NOT BEING AROUND?

SAY TO CHILDREN WHAT THEY NEED TO DO FROM THE POINT OF SEPARATION?

WAS IT TOUGH WITHOUT HIM?

WHAT’S THE VISION OF THE CHURCH?

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Are You

Focused? By Henry Miller

I grew up incredibly competitive. I was blessed to have skills to perform at a fairly high level in basketball, tennis, volleyball and a few RWKHU VSRUWV HYHQ WKRXJK P\ ERG\ GRHVQ¡W UHĂ HFW WKDW WRGD\ Decades later I see some of those same gifts being passed on to my daughter Camilla. Her left-footed front-snap kick has not only helped her in karate, but also when it comes to blasting a shot on goal in soccer. Before each soccer game or karate lesson – even if it’s doing homework or playing guitar – we talk about gifts. The conversation goes something like this: “Chiquita, why do you play your hardest?â€? “Because God gave me these gifts and I should use them as good as I can.â€? “What does that do?â€? “It gives glory to God.â€? “Does it matter if you score a goal or win a tournament?â€? “No Papi, but if I use my gifts and play my hardest I’ll have opportunities.â€? Despite all these pep talks and preparations, she’s still 7 years old and there are going to be distractions. One time during a soccer PDWFK ZKHUH SDUHQWV GRQ¡W NHHS VFRUH &DPLOOD ZDV VWUHDNLQJ XS WKH Ă€HOG ZKHQ DQ RSSRVLQJ SOD\HU ZDV NQRFNHG GRZQ DQG VWDUWHG crying. She stopped in mid-stride, looked back and helped the girl over to her coach. Some of us joked at how she lost her focus. Of course, this is just sports. But we all know there’s one race worth winning – and that’s an eternal prize. But, just like the athletes who are so disciplined in their training, our salvation race takes a lot of work. And you must stay focused on that prize. It made me think of the time Peter wanted to climb out of a boat and walk on the water to Jesus. Jesus said come on out. Peter kept his eyes on the Lord and was walking on water. Then he looked around, lost focus and started to sink. We are instructed to do “run with endurance the race God set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus.â€? Looking back, it wasn’t Camilla who lost focus. It was us parents and fans who lost focus. This wasn’t the Olympics – it wasn’t even a junior high game. It was for 7-year-olds. This girl’s pain was greater than the game.

has been editing / writing for more than 25 years. He has been syndicated in more than 150 newstime to refocus. What papers and 60 radio stations. He is a graduate of Franciscan University and UTPA. He has a daughter, Camilla (7) / 14 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

This was Camilla’s opportunity to use another gift – compassion. She’s the one who stayed focused. It’s made me think since then - maybe it’s about for you?

HENRY MILLER

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Harsh but necessary words By GREG LAURIE

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate DQG GLIĂ€FXOW LV WKH ZD\ ZKLFK OHDGV WR OLIH DQG WKHUH DUH IHZ ZKR Ă€QG LW Âľ 0DWWKHZ

A person cannot fully appreciate the message of the gospel until they fully understand how desperate their situation is. If we present Jesus Christ as a mere additive to a person’s life, then we are missing the point. The message of the gospel is not, “Become a Christian, because you will have a happier life and your teeth will be whiter.â€? Jesus is far more than someone who merely enhances our lives. Jesus saves us from eternal separation from God. And that is the situation of every person. So we have to broach the subject of sin. Yet we are afraid to do this sometimes. When he preached at Pentecost, the apostle Peter called sin just what it is: sin. So if something is a sin, we need to say it is a sin, because we do not want a person to be separated from God and end up in hell. And yes, there is a hell. No one in the Bible talked more about hell than Jesus. That may come as a shock to some: Well, I thought Jesus was all about loving us - and He talked about hell? Yes. Why? Because He is all about loving us, and as God, He knows the horrors of it. The last thing He wants is for anyone made in His image to spend eternity separated from Him. Jesus said, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate DQG GLIĂ€FXOW LV WKH ZD\ ZKLFK OHDGV WR OLIH DQG WKHUH DUH IHZ ZKR Ă€QG LWÂľ 0DWWKHZ 7:13-14). Just as there is an eternal heaven, there is also an eternal hell. You can’t have one without the other.

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 SHUPLVVLRQ IURP +DUYHVW 0LQLVWULHV ZLWK *UHJ /DXULH 3 2 %R[ 5LYHUVLGH Calif., 92514. All rights reserved. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotaWLRQV DUH WDNHQ IURP WKH +RO\ %LEOH 1HZ /LYLQJ 7UDQVODWLRQ FRS\ULJKW ‹

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5HĂ HFWLRQV from the Life

of a

‡ How’s your training been lately? ‡ Is it marked by consistency? Or, ‡ Are spiritual practices like talking to God, meditating on Scripture, learning and worshipping with others at church somewhat sporadic? ‡ Are there particular rhythms of engaging God that you need to become more intentional about? What are they? Where will you start? Who will journey with you?

I am a runner.

Consistency is foundationally imperative.

I love running.

Kinesiology (the study of human movement), teaches us that muscle memory is developed during the daily sessions. During my college years, as I was running Cross Country, I discovered WKDW , FRXOG WHOO KRZ ORQJ , KDG EHHQ UXQQLQJ ZLWKRXW ORRNLQJ DW my stopwatch. With great accuracy, I could tell how long, how far and at what pace I had been averaging while on a run. 6HYHUDO WHDPPDWHV DQG , XVHG WR PDNH D JDPH RI WKLV GXULQJ SUDFWLFH :H ZRXOG SHULRGLFDOO\ DVN ´KRZ ORQJ KDYH ZH EHHQ UXQQLQJ"¾ DQG EHIRUH DQRWKHU ZRXOG ORRN DW WKHLU VWRSZDWFK HDFK RI XV ZRXOG JLYH DQ DQVZHU 6RPHRQH ZRXOG WKHQ FKHFN their stopwatch and see who was the closest. During the heat of training, several of us could usually get within sixty-seconds RI WKH DFWXDO WLPH +RZ" 2XU ERGLHV EHJDQ WR GHYHORS ZKDW VSRUWV SV\FKRORJLVW FDOO ´PXVFOH PHPRU\ ¾ 0\ PXVFOHV FRXOG VLPSO\ ´IHHO¾ WKH SDFH ZH ZHUH UXQQLQJ , KDG WLPHG P\VHOI DW various paces so many times that my muscles learned what YDULRXV SDFHV IHOW OLNH 6XFK VHQVLWLYLW\ GHYHORSV DV D QDWXUDO E\product of intentional daily training.

,Q IDFW , Ă€QG JUHDW MR\ LQ ULVLQJ MXVW EHIRUH GDZQ ODFLQJ XS P\ VKRHV VWUDSSLQJ RQ P\ ZDWFK DQG KHDGLQJ RXW P\ EDFN GRRU WR FRYHU VHYHUDO PLOHV EHIRUH DQ\RQH HOVH LQ WKH KRXVH DZDNHV Foggy mist still hovering in the air, dew on the ground, the blowing of a cool breeze, the swaying of palms branches, this is my idea of a beautiful morning. 2QFH RQ WKH URDG , HQMR\ WKH FKDOOHQJH RI SXVKLQJ P\ ERG\ beyond the limits of what my mind presently conceives as possible. Something happens when I intentionally engage in a training regimen. It has a way on bringing focus and clarity to every other area of my life: spiritual, emotional, physical, relational, as well as vocational. Beyond the daily training runs, I relish in the moments during a race when there’s a culmination of all that these collective training runs have served to develop within. All these miles of pounding the pavement and blazing trails proYLGH PRUH WKDQ PHUHO\ D MXVWLĂ€HG UDWLRQDOH IRU P\ ZLIH WR VHH P\ need to buy more shoes. These miles and miles have taught me a few things, quite a bit actually. It’s taught me about the sigQLĂ€FDQW RI KDYLQJ D FRDFK PHQWRUV DQG WUDLQLQJ SDUWQHUV QRW only for running, but also in other areas of my life. I’ve learned DERXW P\VHOI P\ EUHDNLQJ SRLQWV DV ZHOO DV WKH WKUHVKROGV RI VWUXJJOH ZKHUH , EHJLQ WR WKLQN RI JLYLQJ XS DQG FDYLQJ LQ 5XQning has taught me how to press through hardship, pain and discontentment, not to mention the indispensable character of persevering patience. It’s shown me the necessity of intentionality, consistency and good old fashion sweat. And, perhaps surprising to some, running has taught me about God. As the Apostle Paul alluded to in the verse sited above, there are numerous practical applications pertaining to the spiritual life and our relationship with God that can be gleamed from running. Many people enter into some type of planned training with a SDUWLFXODU JRDO RU UDFH LQ PLQG 2QFH WKH\¡YH LGHQWLĂ€HG D VSHFLĂ€F UDFH VHYHUDO ZHHNV RU PRQWKV RXW WKH\ EHJLQ WR WUDLQ WR be ready for when that day arrives. For some, the primary goal LV VLPSO\ WR Ă€QLVK WKH UDFH 2WKHUV KRZHYHU DUHQ¡W RQO\ ORRNLQJ WR FURVV WKH Ă€QLVK OLQH WKH\ DUH KRSLQJ WR Ă€QLVK ZLWK D IDVWHU WLPH WKDQ SUHYLRXVO\ DFFRPSOLVKHG 7KH\ DVSLUH WR KDYH D ´35 'D\ Âľ 35 VWDQGV IRU ´SHUVRQDO UHFRUG Âľ 7KLV PHDQV WKDW \RXU WLPH IRU a particular distance is faster than you have run before, or at least within the recent past seasons. If a runner’s training is well planned, their times should progressively get faster and faster as the season continues. However, ultimately one’s performance LV RIWHQ PRUH LQĂ XHQFHG E\ WKH SUDFWLFHV DQG WUDLQLQJ VHVVLRQV preceding the race that will determine what one is even capable of doing on Race Day. There are a number of critical components for effective trainLQJ 2QH RI WKHP LV FRQVLVWHQF\

&RQYHUVHO\ NLQHVLRORJ\ DOVR WHDFKHV XV WKDW ZLWKRXW VXFK FRQsistency of training, muscles begin to atrophy. While it’s debatHG KRZ PDQ\ KRXUV GD\V LW DFWXDOO\ WDNHV IRU WKLV WR EHJLQ LW LV VFLHQWLĂ€FDOO\ SURYHQ WKDW WKHUH LV D GHJHQHUDWLRQ RI PXVFOH mass, strength and endurance abilities that will occur without ongoing training. If one gets out of their training rhythm, (be it going to the gym, UXQQLQJ F\FOLQJ DQG WKHQ WULHV WR MXPS EDFN LQ DEUXSWO\ WKH experience is often everything but enjoyable. Initially, it’s alZD\V FKDOOHQJLQJ WR JHW EDFN LQ WKH JURRYH ,W¡V KDUG \RXU PLQG Ă€JKWV JRLQJ \RXU ERG\ UHVLVWV 7KH LGHD RI VWD\LQJ LQ EHG is often much more appealing. Simply put, the more consistently you train, the more you want to train. The more enjoyable ZRUNRXWV EHFRPH 2QFH RXW RI UK\WKP WKH KDUGHU ZRUNLQJ RXW becomes and often less enjoyable. Needless to say, you’re not OLNHO\ WR KDYH D 35 GD\ GXULQJ WKHVH WLPHV I’ve observed a very similar reality as it relates to our relationship with God and the engagement of various spiritual practices such as prayer, reading Scripture, silence, solitude, study, DQG VR IRUWK $V ,¡YH UHĂ HFWHG RQ P\ MRXUQH\ ZLWK *RG RYHU the past 20 years, I’ve noticed an interesting theme. The more I read, the more I want to read. The more consistently I engage Scripture, the more relevant these Ancient passages seem to be to my present situations and everyday life. The more I reĂ HFW DQG PHGLWDWH RQ YDULRXV SDVVDJHV RI WKH %LEOH DPD]LQJO\ WKH\ VHHP WR DSSO\ WR VSHFLĂ€F DUHDV RI P\ OLIH OLNH ZRUN IDPLO\ relationships, even major life decisions. Something miraculous transpires as a result of these daily interactions with Scripture. 2Q WKH RWKHU KDQG ,¡YH QRWLFHG WKH OHVV , UHDG WKH OHVV , ZDQW to read. The less I engage Scripture, the less Scripture seems to EH UHOHYDQW WR P\ OLIH 7KH OHVV , UHĂ HFW RQ ELEOLFDO SDVVDJHV WKH less Scripture seems to apply to the present realities and daily circumstances I’m experiencing.

There’s a similar correlation with prayer. The more I pray, the PRUH , ZDQW WR SUD\ 7KH PRUH , WDON WR *RG WKH PRUH H[SHFWDQW , EHFRPH WKDW WKH YHU\ 9RLFH RI *RG FDQ DQG ZLOO VSHDN / 18 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Runner 'R \RX QRW NQRZ WKDW LQ D UDFH DOO WKH UXQners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 // NIV LQWR P\ KHUH DQG QRZ 7KH PRUH , VHHN *RG IRU JXLGDQFH the more sensitive I become to His direction. During these times, I grow in my awareness of God’s present-nearness, as well as His divine involvement in even the most minuscule moments of my daily interactions. However, when I get out of a consistent rhythm of prayer, SUD\HU VHHPV OHVV DQG OHVV VLJQLĂ€FDQW 7KH OHVV , WDON WR *RG WKH OHVV P\ OLIH LV PDUNHG ZLWK H[SHFWDQF\ , EHFRPH OHVV sensitive. And, if I were being honest, I would confess that WKH OHVV , WDON WR *RG WKH PRUH , EHFRPH SURQH WR EH GHSHQdent upon my own strength and abilities. Could these all be signs of some sort of spiritual atrophy? The distinguishing difference between these two realities is simple: daily consistency. For a runner, consistency enables the muscles to develop. Muscle memory is instilled. However, without consistency, there is rarely a PR. PR’s hardly ever emerge out of reluctant unintentional training. You may cross WKH Ă€QLVK OLQH EXW WKH FKDQFHV DUH \RX ZLOO QRW ZLQ WKH UDFH Consistency paves the way for a PR to become a plausible reality on race day. As it relates to our consistency of conQHFWLQJ ZLWK *RG WKDW ZKLFK XVHG WR EH GLIĂ€FXOW HYHQ LPpossible, becomes possible, even easy. Remember what the Apostle Paul said? Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. These words by Paul were a part of a letter sent to a church in the ancient city of Corinth. Corinth was the site of the IsthPLDQ *DPHV VHFRQG RQO\ WR WKH 2O\PSLFV ,W LV EHOLHYHG that Paul himself had been in Corinth and seen the JDPHV Ă€UVW KDQG 7KRVH LQ &RULQWK NQHZ IXOO ZHOO ZKDW LW PHDQW WR WUDLQ FRPSHWH DQG UXQ WR ´JHW WKH SUL]H Âľ %XW 3DXO ZDVQ¡W PHUHO\ ZD[LQJ SRHWLF KLV NQRZOHGJH RI WKHVH IDPRXV )LUVW &HQWXU\ UXQning competitions. Paul is using the implications of training and the realities of competing in these games as a way of pointing to something greater. He was drawing their attention (and ours) to another race. A greater race. An eternal race. The race of running with God. Paul admonishes us to, run in such a way as to get the prize. After all, he reminds us, we are not merely running for some crown that will rust and decay. We are running for a crown that will last forever. 6FULSWXUH HQFRXUDJHV XV WR ´WUDLQ \RXUVHOI LQ JRGOLQHVVÂľ Timothy 4:8).

JERRELL JOBE is a teaching pastor at Palm Valley Church in Mission. He is married to Charissa and has three children : Micah (9), Naylah (7), and Avi (5).

/ 19 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Would you run for God? Now you can. Run for God is a 12-week training plan designed for all levels of runners, even those who have never run. We learn to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ while understanding the parallels in enduring a sport like running and enduring your faith. We encourage families, couples and youth to participate.

, Ă€W LQWR WKHLU JURXS 1RQH RI WKHP IHOW ULJKW DQG time continued on. I suggested to my church, Valley Praise, to start a running group to honor God. “That’s a great idea,â€? one church member responded. “Why don’t you start it.â€? , ZDVQ¡W TXLWH H[SHFWLQJ WKDW UHSO\ 'RXEW Ă RRGHG P\ PLQG WKHQ Ă RZHG GLUHFWO\ WR P\ PRXWK

with enduring your faith. To understand how to become a better witness while doing something that you enjoy. Will you Run for God?

9DOOH\ 5XQQHUV 7DON DERXW Running For God

Are there similarities between running and witnessing for Christ? You better believe it.

´, FDQ¡W OHDG D JURXS Âľ , VDLG ´,¡P QRW TXDOLĂ€HG I’m not that person.â€?

Run for God has made my family closer with each other and our relationship with God.

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.� -Hebrews 12:1

I took time to pray about it. During this time I remember seeing an ad in Runner’s World Magazine that said “Run for God – Love it. Live it. Teach it.� I logged on to the website that was being promoted, read the testimonials and cried for hours. My heart felt full of life again.

My husband, Constancio and I, are enjoying spending time together running and with our weekly bible study. We started because my son Jacob is a cross country runner and we wanted to do something with him that he enjoys. 6RPHWLPHV LW¡V KDUG WR Ă€QG WKLQJV LQ common with your teenagers. Run for God has been a great experience for us all.

Paul tells us that we should lay aside everything that distracts us from being the best believer we can be. This is impossible without a relationship with Jesus. What are some of your distractions that you often have to hurdle or stumble on in your Christian walk? Those are the things Paul is telling you to lay aside. How does this parallel with a sport such as running? Whatever keeps you from being physically active should be given to the Lord to handle. Lay it all aside and walk and/or run in His glory. Use this time to meditate and build your relationship with Him.

About Celina Vanessa My name is Celina Vanessa. This isn’t about me, this is about God and being a faithful servant to KLP EXW KHUH LV D EULHÀQJ RI KRZ WKLV PRYHPHQW was started in the RGV. I have not always walked a life with Christ in P\ KHDUW , DP KXPDQ , DP RI WKH à HVK DQG , am of this earth. But there was a huge part of me that wanted to run for a cause. I requested information from different organizations to see if

Run for God was coming to the Rio Grande Valley. This started as a group for Valley Praise and our ÀUVW FODVV ZDV SKHQRPHQDO HQGLQJ WKH FKDOOHQJH by participating at the South Texas Sizzler 5K in Harlingen. There was no hesitation to start another class, which ended in April with McAllen’s Run Wild 5K. More classes will be starting in the fall of this year. We have expanded the program to those who enjoy walking, 10k(s), and 1/2 marathons. Our mission is to preparing people to be better witnesses for Christ physically, mentally, and spiritually. Our objective is to introduce the sport of running and to help teach all that one needs to know to make it enjoyable, satisfying, and rewarding. To understand the pitfalls that can come from letting anything become an idol to you. To understand the parallels of enduring a sport like running / 20 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

:KHQ , UDQ P\ ÀUVW . LQ +DUOLQJHQ P\ VRQ -DFRE FURVVHG WKH ÀQLVK OLQH ÀUVW then my husband Constancio crossed WKH ÀQLVK OLQH QH[W , ZDV WKH ODVW RI XV three. But when I looked up and saw my Trainer Celina, Constancio and my Jacob running toward me to help me ÀQLVK WKH UDFH , IHOW VR ORYHG Celina, our Run For God leader, is a wonderful inspiration to us and has dedicated so much of her time to our group. I would like to thank to her for helping us be healthier physically, mentally and spiritually. We could not have done this without God, Celina, and our whole Run for God family. Lisa Ruiz

------------I didn’t think I could be a part of Run For *RG EHFDXVH , KDYH KDG ÀYH ULJKW NQHH replacements and I am always in pain. , ZHQW WR WKH ÀUVW FODVV WKH\ KDG DW RXU church and learned that we were going to be taught to be a better witness to God - physically, mentally and spiritually. Spiritually I was growing but I didn’t think I could do it mentally and physically because of my condition. I started to walk. Then and as we were having classes I noticed that there was a bond between us. I could see our spiritual lives getting stronger. I knew God was at work in all of us. Before we were done with the training I was walking four nights a week – pain free. Three days before the 5k my knee was giving out so I was prepared not to walk. It was Satan trying to stop me. I went watch the race. After I got there I told myself to try. God got me through the race with no problems. Anything is possible through God and to this day he LV IXOÀOOLQJ P\ SUD\HU The class brought me closer to God and He is rewarding me with His blessing. I’m going to help do a class because I am hooked on God. This i did for the glory of God. Charlie Tripp

ago - I don’t believe I would be on the journey to get my life back in order. For years I have battled with my weight, which has led to depression at times. Being part of this group has really showed me how to get my life back on track through meditation, prayer and simply an awesome support group that I consider family. Lately, Jeremiah 29:11 comes to mind often: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I know that God has a plan to help me get my life back on track… All it takes is one STEP at a time as well as commitment. Let’s get out there and show our community what Run for God is all about and spread the word. Jennifer Fadely

Run For God is a national organization run locally by Harlingen resident Celina Vanessa. The ministry has close to 100 runners from across the Rio Grande Valley. Celina took the time to tell Valley Christian Magazine what the ministry is about, how it’s affected people’s lives, what some future plans are and how to get involved.

-------------

For information call: Celina Vanessa (956) 793-9796

I have been TRULY blessed by the whole Run for God group. If I had not attended Valley Praise that one Sunday months

Or visit: www.athletesaffair.com / 21 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

By Dr. James MacDonald

God is Good (even when life is bad) Then bring

and

palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king . . .But Daniel resolved that KH ZRXOG QRW GHĂ€OH KLPVHOI ZLWK WKH NLQJ¡V IRRG RU ZLWK the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of WKH HXQXFKV WR DOORZ KLP QRW WR GHĂ€OH KLPVHOI $QG *RG gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs. —Daniel 1:3-5, 8-9

Listen to Walk in the Word locally weekdays at 5:30a.m. James MacDonald is founding and Senior Pastor at Harvest Bible Chapel in northwest Chicago. James’ teachings can be heard on Walk in the Word, a daily radio program reaching more than 3 million people across North America. Used by permission of Walk in the Word, Elgin, Ill., 61023. www.walkintheword.com by permission of Walk in the Word,Elgin, Ill., 61023.

:KDW VLWXDWLRQ FRPHV WR PLQG ZKHUH , Ă€QG P\VHOI doubting God’s goodness? When was the last time I made an effort to recognize *RG¡V JRRGQHVV GXULQJ D YHU\ GLIĂ€FXOW WLPH LQ P\ OLIH" / 22 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

/ 23 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Border Missions: the and Feeding

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Jerry McKnight noticed some beans had fallen to the sidewalk from a bag given by volunteers to a needy person. It had been raining and McKnight feared someone would slip on the few beans so he kicked them out of the way. “A few minutes later I looked over and this woman was on her hands and knees picking up those beans,â€? McKnight said. “We are so blessed with what we have. To me it was just a few beans. To that lady it may have been her next meal.â€? This is part of the mission of Border Missions, located at 203 E. Texano in Hidalgo – to feed the hungry. But that’s just a small part RI WKH PLVVLRQ ² WKH YLVLRQ LV WR ´SUHDFK WKH *RVSHOÂľ WR Ă€OO VRXOV But feeding their stomachs is only part of the plan, said McKnight who is co-director of the mission with his wife Albertia. “It’s hard to preach to someone when their stomach is growling,â€? McKnight said. “The way I look at it is that Jesus told us he would PDNH XV Ă€VKHUV RI PHQ :HOO ZH¡UH MXVW XVLQJ VRPH Ă€VK EDLW Âľ The Border Missions was founded June 25, 1955 – it will be celebrating 57 years – by Harold and Katherine Morgan. They originally put up a tent for an evangelistic crusade. They saw the need and stayed. Katherine Morgan remained active at the mission IRU PRUH WKDQ \HDUV DJH DQG D KLS LQMXU\ Ă€QDOO\ IRUFLQJ KHU WR take a break. She lived, however, long enough to celebrate the mission’s 50th anniversary. “Her vision was to expand this and have other missions all along the border,â€? McKnight said. “That’s our vision too – that’s why it’s

spirit

‘Missions’ and not ‘Mission.’� Border Missions serves a hot meal every Thursday to 300-400 people. After the meal they have a church service where the Gospel is preached. They also provide clothes and do numerous other activities to help those in need, including a sewing room where ladies will make blankets, a school fair and a clothing program where people can request up to seven items each week and come pick them up the next week – church service is required. “We’re here to preach the Gospel,� McKnight said. “We do a lot of things to line up for that.� Steven Stokes, operations manager of Border Missions, puts food packages together for pastors to take back to their area and pass out to their needy. More than 100 different ministries come each week, relying on Border Missions to help ease the need of those all along the Rio Grande Valley. In November 2011 the ministry doled out 52 tons of produce, 4,000 pounds of rice, 5,000 pounds of beans, 4,000 loaves of bread and 4,000 packages of tortillas. Yes, that’s right – just in November. “And that doesn’t count all the other stuff we give out,� McKnight said. “A tremendous amount of food goes through this place – the Lord always supplies. My goal is to give it all out by Friday. If I can be empty on Friday I know the Lord will start sending it back in on Mondays. We have several places that are faithful in donating but we never really know from one week to another what we are going to have – but we always have plenty.�

/ 24 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

ESPAÑOL By Henry Miller

McKnight said that sometimes the city will send someone to the ministry to work off some community service hours. “A lot of times they come with an attitude,” McKnight said. “This young lady came and she had an attitude. We loved her like everybody. When we eat everybody eats and she joined us. Well, at a point she lacked only two hours to being complete and asked if she could come early – and she ended up staying for the church service. “When the altar call was given she went up to the front and my daughter and I went up and she re-committed her life to the Lord. She’s been coming back ever since. She may not have been hungry for food – but her Spirit was hungry. We want to feed that the most.”

Border Missions 203 E. Texano, Hidalgo Texas (956) 843-2125 bordermissions@Att.net www.bordermissions.org www.facebook.com/bordermissions

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Envision it, then prepare for it 9LVLRQ LV GHĂ€QHG DV WKH DFW RU SRZHU RI anticipating that which will or may come to pass. Vision and faith go hand in hand and 3URYHUEV VWDWHV WKDW ´ZLWKRXW YLVLRQ WKH SHRSOH SHULVKÂľ WR SHULVK LV V\QRQ\mous to being spiritually lost or dead. Vision is a powerful thing and those things you have visualized will materialize in due season. 7KH HQHP\ RI RXU VRXO ZRUNV UHOHQWOHVVO\ to abort you from seeing yourself as any better off than you are. He detests seeing \RX PDNLQJ SURJUHVV PRYLQJ IRUZDUG RYHUFRPLQJ ZDONLQJ LQ YLFWRU\ EHLQJ FRQVHFUDWHG OLYLQJ KRO\ DQG ZDONLQJ LQ complete deliverance. He would much UDWKHU VHH \RX IDOOLQJ IDLOLQJ JHWWLQJ VLFN getting down, depressed, aging and bitter. If you constantly envision yourself failing you will never rise above status quo, HQYLVLRQ \RXUVHOI VLFN DQG , DVVXUH \RX WKDW \RX ZRQ¡W ZDON LQ FRPSOHWH KHDOing and restoration. You are fueling your own defeat by what you fantasize. The thoughts you entertain will become your destiny in life. You will become what you VR WKLQN DERXW

LQ \RXU OLIH" $QG ,¡P QRW WDONLQJ DERXW D GURXJKW IRU WKH ODFN RI UDLQ , DP WDONLQJ DERXW GURXJKW IRU WKH ODFN RI Ă€QDQFHV D GURXJKW IRU WKH ODFN RI ORYH RU D GURXJKW IRU WKH ODFN RI KHDOWK WKHUH DUH DOO NLQGV of droughts in your life. You might be going through one right now. Isn’t it funny how you can have blessings on one side of your life and drought on the other, and how you are able to do this but you’re not able to do that...and DOO RI D VXGGHQ SHRSOH GRQ¡W NQRZ LW EXW your life is out of balance...completely RXW RI ZKDFN :KHQ \RX DUH VXFFHVVIXO in one area it’s hard to admit that you don’t have it all together in another. I’m fascinated at how the prophet Elijah had this ability to see the future and to envision something that wasn’t there and WR EH VR VXUH RI LW ,W¡V RQH WKLQJ WR WKLQN it but it’s another thing to say it. The land had been faced with a three and a half year drought. Everything was dried up in the land and there was desolation. The cacti have died, the mesquite trees had withered and in the midst of all the despair he tells King Ahab to get ready, for an abundance of rain is on its way. (OLMDK ZDONHG LQ IDLWK NQRZLQJ WKDW *RG¡V promise would surely come to pass.

The reason many Christians are faltering and failing these days is that they have a warped visualization of themselves that by no means coincides with the Word of God. And what you visualize in your spirit will happen in your life. And I’m not UHIHUULQJ WR VRPH NLQG RI QHZ DJH SRVLWLYH WKLQNLQJ EHOLHI V\VWHP QRU DP , VD\LQJ that you should claim whatever comes WR PLQG VR WKDW \RX PD\ UHFHLYH LW 12 , DP WDONLQJ DERXW WUXVWLQJ DQG GHFODULQJ God’s promises over our lives and the OLYHV RI RXU ORYHG RQHV DQG ZDONLQJ LQ obedience. Believing that His promises DUH ´\HVÂľ DQG ´DPHQ Âľ

1RW HYHU\ERG\ KDV WKH NLQG RI YLVLRQ WKDW WKLQNV RI DEXQGDQFH LQ WKH PLGGOH RI D GURXJKW 9HU\ IHZ SHRSOH ZLOO VSHDN abundance in a drought. Some people ZRQ¡W VSHDN DEXQGDQFH LQ DEXQGDQFH ,Q IDFW \RX KDYH WR EH D UDGLFDO NLQG RI person, a bit demented, a little crazy, a ELW ZHLUG WR ´FDOO WKLQJV WKDW DUH QRW DV WKRXJK WKH\ ZHUHÂľ 5RP That’s what faith is...I call it the way I see LW ,¡P QRW WDONLQJ DERXW VHHLQJ ZLWK WKH QDWXUDO H\HV ,¡P WDONLQJ DERXW WKH VSLULW man, the eyes of faith in alignment with the Word of God.

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Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things I cannot see... (Heb 11:1)

If you truly want to experience God’s EHVW IRU \RXU OLIH WKH OLIH WKDW RYHUà RZV then you have to line your thoughts up with the Word of God. You must agree with His word, believing all and rejecting none so that together with Him we may ZDON LQ XQLVRQ

I can’t see it, I can’t hear it, can’t sense it DW DOO %87 , NQRZ LW LV WKHUH

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'R \RX ZDQW WR NQRZ ZKDW D SHUVRQ LV envisioning...listen to what they are saying, because you’re gonna say what you VHH ,I \RXU PRXWK LV WDONLQJ GRZQ KHUH your life is gonna go where your mouth LV -HVXV VDLG ´RXW RI WKH DEXQGDQFH of the heart the mouth speaNHWK 0DWW Âľ <RXU PRXWK LV D UHĂ HFWLRQ RI where your heart has been living‌ That’s why you can’t have a conversation with just anyone because they DUH VSHDNLQJ doubt and \RX¡UH VSHDNLQJ IDLWK \RX / 30 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

are in two different dimensions. Elijah positioned himself for the blessing and prepared to receive from God. He GLGQ¡W VSHDN GRXEW KH VSRNH IDLWK $QG in a moment of worship God showed himself strong in the eyes of the prophet DQG WKH ,VUDHOLWHV *RG IXOĂ€OOHG WKH SURPLVH +H KDG VSRNHQ And sure enough, the seventh time he VDLG ´2K \HV D FORXG %XW YHU\ VPDOO QR bigger than someone’s hand, rising out RI WKH VHD ´4XLFNO\ WKHQ RQ \RXU ZD\ 7HOO $KDE Âś6DGGOH XS DQG JHW GRZQ IURP the mountain before the rain stops you.’ ´7KLQJV KDSSHQHG IDVW 7KH VN\ JUHZ EODFN ZLWK ZLQG GULYHQ FORXGV DQG WKHQ a huge cloudburst of rain, with Ahab hightailing it in his chariot for Jezreel. And God strengthened Elijah mightily. Pulling up his robe and tying it around his waist, Elijah ran in front of Ahab’s chariot until they reached Jezreel. 1 Kings 18:44-46 You must be ready – in position - to be blessed...you can’t wait for the rain and WKHQ EXLOG WKH DUN 6RPHWLPHV \RX KDYH to to build a garage before you buy a car. You can’t wait till you get blessed to SRVLWLRQ \RXUVHOI \RX FDQ¡W ZDLW WR JHW blessed to get ready. 12 \RX KDYH JRW WR JHW UHDG\ WR JHW EOHVVHG <RX FDQQRW EUHDN D IDPLQH RU D GURXJKW LI \RX DUH XQGHFLGHG <RX FDQ¡W SLFN DQG choose from scripture whatever is most convenient for you. You can’t expect D EUHDNWKURXJK LI \RX¡UH QRW ZLOOLQJ to follow the Lord. Perhaps you have been tempted to give up and give in. I want to encourage you WR ULVH XS Ă€OO \RXUVHOI ZLWK faith, position yourself and get ready, for your EUHDNWKURXJK LV RQ its way...can’t you see the abundant rain? Shalom

MILTON

GONZAMilton Gonzalez is the Principal of Covenant Christian Academy in McAllen. He is married to Elena and has a son, David.

/ 31 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

DADDY’S I envied my friends who were Daddy’s girls. They usually had an overprotective father who was always at school functions, screened their dates, treated WKHP OLNH SULQFHVVHV DQG made them feel safe. To a little girl, a father’s approval shapes self-esteem, healthy boundaries and validates her successes and IDLOXUHV 7KH\ ZLOO EH OHVV OLNHO\ to try drugs, get pregnant or be abused by others. Girls will love how they have been loved. How their father treats them and their mother predetermines what they accept in the future from their spouses. His actions and words will impact their daughter for their lifetime. If a young girl hears she is beautiful, smart and cherished she will believe it. They will be VHOI FRQÀGHQW VXFFHHG LQ school and be selective with friends and boyfriends. Why? Because their father showed them what it is to be loved, protected and respected.

GIRL By Theresa Valladares

$ JLUO ZLOO ZDQW WR Ă€QG D PDQ ZKR OLNH WKHLU IDWKHU WUHDWV WKHP OLNH D SULQFHVV I come from a single-parent home. My mother was tough, KDUGZRUNLQJ DQG GHWHUPLQHG to help us succeed. She would tell me I was special, beautiful and that I could be successful at whatever I wanted. My father was not active in my life. My parents divorced when I was very young and even when he was home he wasn’t really involved. Just because a father is in the same house doesn’t mean WKH\ DUH ´SUHVHQW Âľ But those words a father VSHDNV WR D FKLOG ZLOO VHW WKH FRXUVH IRU WKHLU FRQĂ€GHQFH and self-esteem. Either a child will feel valued and loved or WKH\ ZLOO ODFN VHOI FRQĂ€GHQFH DQG KDYH PXFK GLIĂ€FXOW\ trusting others.

I never really felt accepted by others or that someone could love me for me. No matter what I accomplished I DOZD\V IHOW OLNH , ZDVQ¡W JRRG enough. It was hard for me to accept love - to trust others.

Neither had I.

What did I learn that day? I have a Heavenly Father ZKR ORYHV PH ZKR VD\V , DP ´ZRQGHUIXOO\ PDGHÂľ DQG who guarantees my sucFHVVHV WKURXJK ´&KULVW ZKRP My turnaround came, ironiDOO WKLQJV DUH SRVVLEOH Âľ +H cally, on a Father’s Day. ZDQWV WR ´FDUU\ P\ EXUGHQVÂľ DQG DVNV IRU PH WR ´FDVW P\ Pastor John Brady at The DQ[LHWLHVÂľ RQ +LP 0\ GDGG\ Family Church in McAllen DVNHG XV WR WUXVW *RG ZLWK RXU SURPLVHV WR ´JLYH PH WKH OLYHV WKHQ DGGHG ´LI WKHUH DUH GHVLUHV RI P\ KHDUWÂľ DQG SURYLGHV D ´SHDFH WKDW VXUsome here who are having trouble trusting God it may be SDVVHV DOO XQGHUVWDQGLQJ Âľ because of your experiences /RRNLQJ EDFN , UHDOL]H WKDW P\ ZLWK \RXU (DUWKO\ )DWKHUV Âľ Father, my Abba, my Daddy - was always there waiting for That was me. me. He said our Heavenly Father , $0 D 'DGG\¡V *LUO ZDV FDOOHG ´$EEDÂľ ZKLFK meant daddy. And our daddy wanted to shower us with unconditional love, protection and to be present in our daily lives.

He invited those who were struggling to come forward. I have forgiven my father and With tears in my eyes I went. I have reprogrammed my :KHQ , ORRNHG DURXQG , ZDV thoughts to line up with the surrounded by about 50 othWord. ers. But it has been a long process ´, QHYHU UHDOL]HG LW DIIHFWHG \RX VR PXFK ¾ P\ KXVEDQG and I struggle daily. said as I returned to my seat. / 32 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

By Dr. Theresa Valladares

As for me and my house, we wil serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

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in the question into Google andrns retu it ond sec a of less than a quarter to arover two million links. Some lead GXFWV WKDW SUR UHÂľ UH Ă€ ´VX UV WR WKH V R WLFOH problems, promise to solve all marriage one can say t tha s and others to blog . and blogs that say one cannot ves that Employing the slightest logic prorriage. If one spouse cannot save a ma person; a marriage involved only one its very one person could save it. ByEHWZHHQ GHĂ€QLWLRQ PDUULDJH LV D ERQG leaves the two people. Therefore, if one no matter bonds, the marriage is over, use wants how much the remaining spo their marriage to continue. to save a Should the spouse wanting e? hop all up marriage then give

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Absolutely not. use can There are times when one spo y lead the do certain things that will likel e probother to working out their marriag e. rriag ma the g agin salv lems and Things That Do Not Work e is for the The key to salvaging a marriagthat trying and erst und to r tne par ing hop tner stay to make the abandoning par not apdo ple Peo th. is the kiss of dea lated, or preciate being forced, manipu WR VDYH WLQJ ÀJK XVH VSR 7KH HG WUROO FRQ use sex, the marriage will be unwise to g else thin any or , ling money, guilt, cajo arting. to try to keep the other from dep force the Actually, the more one tries to er wants oth the re mo the , other to stay to leave. you like Think of it this way: How would chain you re whe e to be in a marriag so that your spouse in the basement ? Would you for re the be ays alw will y the ut you? you like the way they think abo would wish y the t Wha Feel about you? . Using happen to you? Of course, not sn’t really doe ins cha n tha er oth ns mea change the result. ndoning Additionally, when the aba is there, er oth the t tha ws spouse kno e little waiting and longing, they hav carefully motive to consider more ost as if what they are doing. It’s almthe new the waiting spouse is a net; if k well, course of action doesn’t wor the one there’s always going back to t. wha tter ma no ting wai is who Things That Do Work se one There are four things that cau anothperson to want to be closer to inteler. They are physical attraction,

/ 36 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

action, and spiritual attraclectual attraction, emotional attr ndoned, the best thing aba g bein is use tion. When one spo k on the four areas of wor and ging they can do is to quit clin attractiveness. do with how one looks. It Physical attractiveness has toor pretending to be 20 years doesn’t mean plastic surgery t it takes to be as physically younger. It does mean doing wha and situation in life. That age ir the at be can attractive as one earance of whoever app l sica phy isn’t competing with the y, many people iningl rest may be alluring the spouse. (Inte sically attractive phy as r isn’t volved in affairs say that the love self the best they can be. It one king ma is It as their partner.) “Leave if you want, but I will says to the abandoning mate, act the attention of others. I survive without you and I will attr by the time you come to your may be in another relationship VHQVHV Âľ active as possible reminds the Making oneself as physically attr t once existed. It also increasother of the initial attraction tha XVH EHLQJ DEDQGRQHG DQG HV WKH VHOI FRQĂ€GHQFH RI WKH VSR life if the other spouse doesn’t gives a way to move on with come back. that a person is perceived as Intellectual attraction means n it comes to matters of life. A whe mentally equal or better active is one that can be talked person who is intellectually attr understands important matto in meaningful ways, one who mind of the other. the es ulat stim ters of life, and who U ´GXPE EORQGHÂľ PD\ EH DW7KH VWHUHRW\SLFDO ´GXPE MRFNÂľ R n’t all there are to a satisfyare s look but tractive physically, y conversation on a peer enjo ple ing life. In the long run, peo g abandoned, moping bein is or better level. When a spouseDeciding to learn, to grow, and doesn’t accomplish anything. plishes two things. First, it affects LW to master matters of life accom LQ YHU\ SRVLWLYH ZD\V 6HFRQG y WKH SHUVRQ¡V VHOI FRQĂ€GHQFH the son per the t tha see to causes the abandoning spouse more interesting than once life are leaving is much deeper and es, “You may leave, but my thought. It again demonstrat w and new people will come gro to won’t end. I will continue LQWR P\ OLIH DV D UHVXOW Âľ n a person evokes emotions Emotional attraction occurs whe ling. That might range from fee n in another that he or she enjoys to feeling safe and more. Whe laughter to feeling important does NOT enjoy - guilt, shame, er oth the s ulone evokes emotion opposite of attraction. It is rep rebellion – the result is just the ds, going on with life, laughing, sion. Being strong, having frien active in another. The abanand sincere joy are always attr ter for self and for the possibility doned spouse would do far beta way to enjoy life rather than d of reconciliation if they foun may come back. clinging to the hope the other one perceives the other’s beSpiritual attraction refers to howson being left resorts to behavliefs and values. Too often a per contrary to, their beliefs and valior inconsistent with, or directly Others act out sexually. Some vily. hea king ues. Some start drin r the behavior, if a person lets become quite mean. Whateve dear, they become a differly go of those things that they hold Yes, if they abandon unseem ent person. More attractive? ter person. Not if they abandon bet a e om behavior and bec nward spiral. lofty ideals and move in a dow LRQ ZRUN IRU WKH EHQHĂ€W RI WKH (DFK RI WKHVH DUHDV RI DWWUDFW same time, they may well stop the At person focusing on them. ks as they see their spouse in a the leaving spouse in their trac t the other will move on, sucnew light. When one knows tha out them, that person natuceed, and have a good life with Perhaps more attractive than rally becomes more attractive. moving toward. what the departing spouse was want to work on your marriage So even if your spouse doesn’t win him/her back. And even in there are things you can do to you are improving yourself for the event that it doesn’t work,e had otherwise. But I’ve seen a better life than you would’v le work more times than not. the formula described in this artic VH Ă€QG RXW PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ ,I \RXU PDUULDJH LV KXUWLQJ SOHDwww.marriagehelper.com. at about our marriage seminar Joe Beam Facebook | Twitter Chairman Beam Research Center ermission to Republish Š Joe Beam. All rights reserved.

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Digging Ditches to

VICTORY By Abram Gomez

Everyone loves the sight of a miracle and the feeling of victories. The joy, exuberance, and feeling of euphoria that it brings to your heart is often exhilarating. But hidden within the taste of miracles and accomplishments that the Lord allows us to experience are the obscure ingredients of struggle and obedience. Anytime God did something great in the midst of His people, it was because of their response to His word and instructions. 0RVW RIWHQ ZH IDLO WR VHH WKDW ZKDW PDNHV YLFWRULHV SHUVRQDO successes, and miracles seem so valuable is the fact that it cost so much to purchase them. Faith by itself is not complete, EXW DFFRUGLQJ WKH ERRN RI -DPHV LW PXVW EH DFFRPSDQLHG E\ ZRUNV :H FDQQRW UHFHLYH ZKDW *RG KDV IRU RXU OLYHV ZLWKRXW ÀJKWLQJ WKURXJK FKDOOHQJHV REVWDFOHV DQG VWUXJJOHV 3URFUDVWLQDWLRQ WKHQ FRXOG EH GHÀQHG DV WU\LQJ WR ÀQG D ZD\ WR the prize without having to pay the price.

'LJJLQJ GLWFKHV LV KDUG ZRUN :KHWKHU LW LV OHDGLQJ D JURXS of people, getting your business off the ground, or trying to acFRPSOLVK VRPHWKLQJ VLJQLĂ€FDQW ZLWK \RXU OLIH KDUG ZRUN ZLOO EH involved. Most people see greatness on the shelf, but fail to VHH WKH SULFH WDJ 6RPHRQH RQFH VDLG ´2SSRUWXQLW\ LV PLVVHG E\ PRVW EHFDXVH LW LV GUHVVHG LQ RYHUDOOV DQG ORRNV OLNH ZRUN Âľ In the story, God was going to do a great miracle, but the people were going to have to get down and get dirty. Dig your ditches. 2. Digging ditches often seems unspectacular or unimpresVLYH :KHQ , Ă€UVW VWDUWHG SUHDFKLQJ , ZDV QDwYH WR WKLQN WKDW VWDQGLQJ EHKLQG WKH SXOSLW DOORZLQJ *RG WR VSHDN WKURXJK me, and seeing the people impacted was all that there was to D SUHDFKLQJ PLQLVWU\ +RZHYHU , TXLFNO\ OHDUQHG WKDW LW ZRXOG WDNH PRUH WKDQ MXVW D VXLW DQG D PLFURSKRQH ,W WDNHV KRXUV RI laborious study, personal discipline to the Scriptures, and lots of listening to other great orators. Studying is not glamorous. Listening to other preachers can be time consuming. I still have PDQ\ ERRNV WR UHDG 7KH ODERU LV QRW LPSUHVVLYH \HW LQ P\ SHUVRQDO WDVN RI ´GLJJLQJ GLWFKHV Âľ , KDYH VHHQ WKH KDQG RI *RG PRYH WKURXJK P\ OLIH SHUVRQDOO\ WKDW PDNHV LW DOO ZRUWK LW , DP more than sure that the men were not excited about digging GLWFKHV LQ WKH GHVHUW RQ GU\ JURXQG ZKLOH WKLUVW\ \HW WKLV WDVN was going to be essential to the outcome. Dig your ditches.

/RRNLQJ DJDLQ DW WKH QDUUDWLYH IRXQG LQ .LQJV FHUWDLQ NLQJV were in need of a miracle from God. There was no water for WKHLU DUP\ RU DQLPDOV 7KH RXWORRN VHHPHG GLVPDO DQG YLFtory an unseen destination. In reaching out to the prophet (OLVKD KH JLYHV WKHP D VLPSOH LQVWUXFWLRQ PDNH WKH YDOOH\ full of ditches. That’s it. The command wasn’t to pray this long prayer. It wasn’t to gather certain amount of resources. It was 3. Digging ditches prepares room in your life to receive God’s a simple command. Sometimes our answer comes in a form blessing. The prophet stated that there would be no wind and way we didn’t expect. Digging ditches was something DQG QR UDLQ \HW WKH YDOOH\ ZRXOG EH Ă€OOHG ZLWK ZDWHU *RG WKH SHRSOH FRXOG GR *RG ZLOO DOZD\V ZRUN ZLWK ZKDW \RX promised to send water to the valley, but they had to dig the KDYH DQG ZLWK ZKHUH \RX DUH 2XU SDUW LV WR UHVSRQG ditches to catch what God would provide. If you expect to +HUH DUH WKUHH SRLQWV FRQFHUQLQJ ´GLJJLQJ GLWFKHVÂľ LQ \RXU OLIH obtain the promises of God in your life, you must prepare for on your way to seeing God’s victory: the reception of them. Always leave room for God to do a / 38 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

PLUDFOH 0DUN %DWWHUVRQ DXWKRU RI VHYHUDO &KULVWLDQ ERRNV VWDWHG IRU XV WR ´SUD\ OLNH LW GHSHQGV RQ *RG DQG ZRUN OLNH LW GHSHQGV RQ \RX Âľ Eventually, water came by way of Edom through the desert LQ WKH IRUP RI Ă DVK Ă RRGLQJ DQG WKH GLWFKHV ZHUH Ă€OOHG 5Hmember, the water was available only because they dug the ditches. Had they failed to be obedient, then God’s blessing would have passed them by. ´'LJJLQJ GLWFKHVÂľ PD\ QRW PDNH VHQVH IRU WKH PRPHQW EXW it will prepare you for what God will do in the future. Dig your ditches. #5LFN:DUUHQ @EntreLeadership #VWHYHQIXUWLFN @PastorSergio @samchand #%LVKRS-DNHV @PastorChrisHill @MichaelHyatt @nhclc @JohnCMaxwell My personal twitter

@abram_gomez

ABRAM GOMEZ is the Executive Pastor at Valley International Christian Center in San Benito, Texas. He serves under the Leadership of Bishop Jaime Loya, and is a graduate of Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Abram has helped to develop leadership in various ministries and programs at VICC. He and his wife, Rebecca, reside in Harlingen.

/ 39 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

How Can I Know I’m Going to Heaven?

By Luis Palau If

´'R \RX NQRZ ZKHUH \RX·UH JRLQJ ZKHQ \RX GLH"µ \RX GRQ·W KDYH WR ZRQGHU ,Q IDFW \RX ZHUH PDGH WR NQRZ WKDW \RX ZLOO live eternally with the Father in heaven.

will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind \RX RI HYHU\WKLQJ , KDYH VDLG WR \RX 3HDFH , OHDYH ZLWK \RX my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do QRW OHW \RXU KHDUWV EH WURXEOHG DQG GR QRW EH DIUDLGµ (John 14:26-27).

So, how can you answer that question with certainty?

3.

1. Believe God’s promises as revealed in His holy Word, the Bible

5HMRLFH DV \RX DQWLFLSDWH HWHUQLW\ ZLWK &KULVW LQ KHDYHQ %H FRQÀGHQW DQG XQDVKDPHG WR WHOO RWKHUV ZKHUH \RX·UH KHDGHG ² QRW because of anything you have done, but by the grace of Christ alone.

You receive eternal life in heaven through God’s son, Jesus &KULVW 7KLV WUXWK LV FRQVLVWHQW WKURXJKRXW WKH %LEOH <RX FDQ EDQN RQ LW Read for yourself the gospel of John, paying close attention to WKH PDQ\ HPSKDVHV RQ HWHUQDO OLIH &RQVLGHU &KULVW·V ZRUGV ´'R QRW OHW \RXU KHDUWV EH WURXEOHG 7UXVW LQ *RG WUXVW DOVR LQ PH ,Q P\ )DWKHU·V KRXVH DUH PDQ\ URRPV LI LW ZHUH QRW VR , ZRXOG KDYH WROG \RX , DP JRLQJ WKHUH WR SUHSDUH D SODFH IRU \RX µ -RKQ $QG DOVR ´, JLYH WKHP HWHUQDO OLIH DQG WKH\ VKDOO QHYHU SHULVK QR RQH FDQ VQDWFK WKHP RXW RI P\ KDQGµ (John 10:28).

2.

Take joy in your eternal security

´&KULVW LQ \RX WKH KRSH RI JORU\µ (Colossians 1:27). ´6R GR QRW EH DVKDPHG WR WHVWLI\ DERXW RXU /RUG« 7KLV JUDFH was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and LPPRUWDOLW\ WR OLJKW WKURXJK WKH JRVSHOµ (2 Timothy 1: 8-10).

Rely on the Holy Spirit

Luis Palau

*RG KDV GHSRVLWHG +LV +RO\ 6SLULW ZLWKLQ \RX 7DNH FRQÀGHQFH LQ WKH WUXWK +H VSHDNV WR \RX ´1RZ LW LV *RG ZKR PDNHV ERWK XV DQG \RX VWDQG ÀUP LQ &KULVW He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit LQ RXU KHDUWV DV D GHSRVLW JXDUDQWHHLQJ ZKDW LV WR FRPHµ (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).

-HVXV VDLG ´%XW WKH &RXQVHORU WKH +RO\ 6SLULW ZKRP WKH )DWKHU

/ 40 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

has shared the Gospel with more than 1 billion people through evangelistic HYHQWV DQG PHGLD +H KDV VSRNHQ LQ person to 25 million people in 72 countries with more than 1 million registered decisions for Jesus Christ. He has auWKRUHG FORVH WR ERRNV DQG KDV FRXQseled with business and political leaders and heads of state around the world.

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/ 42 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

The Eyes Have It Making Eye Contact Work for You

By Steve Marr

:KHQ \RX PHHW VRPHRQH RU VSHDN before a group, do you realize that the TXLFNHVW ZD\ WR EXLOG WUXVW ZLWK WKDW person or group is through eye contact? 7KLQN DERXW LW 7KH H\HV FRPPXQLFDWH D ZDUPWK DQG HPSDWK\ WKDW D KDQGVKDNH FDQQRW 7KH H\HV VKDUH DIĂ€UPDWLRQ DQG welcome before you say any words. Scripture provides insight into the importance of eye communication. The /RUG VSRNH WR .LQJ 'DYLG DQG VDLG ´, ZLOO instruct you and teach you in the way ZKLFK \RX VKRXOG JR , ZLOO FRXQVHO \RX ZLWK P\ H\H XSRQ \RX Âľ 3VDOP NASB) This Psalm reminds us that the eye FDQ LQVWUXFW .LQJ 6RORPRQ ZURWH ´7KH H\H WKDW PRFNV D IDWKHU DQG VFRUQV D PRWKHU WKH UDYHQV RI WKH YDOOH\ ZLOO SLFN LW RXW DQG WKH \RXQJ HDJOHV ZLOO HDW LW Âľ (Proverbs 30:17, NASB) Solomon illustrates how the eyes can also put people GRZQ $QG WKHQ ZH VHH LQ /XNH ZKHUH ´7KH /RUG WXUQHG DQG ORRNHG DW 3HWHU And Peter remembered the word of the /RUG KRZ +H KDG WROG KLP Âś%HIRUH D rooster crows today, you will deny Me WKUHH WLPHV ¡¾ /XNH 1$6% 7KH ZRUG XVHG IRU ORRN ZKHQ WUDQVODWHG IURP WKH *UHHN PHDQV D GHHS SHQHWUDWLQJ ORRN LQWR D SHUVRQ¡V VRXO 7KDW WDNHV H\H FRQWDFW WR DQ H[WUHPH OHYHO (\H FRQWDFW LV QRW DQ DXWRPDWLF VNLOO IRU everyone. Some people let their insecurity or discomfort command their eye IRFXV %HFDXVH LW LV \RXU Ă€UVW RSSRUWXQLW\ to create a bond with someone, it is LPSRUWDQW WR GHYHORS LW DV WKH Ă€UVW VWHS LQ communicating. Eye contact demonstrates that we value another person by giving that person our full attention. If we appear to be ORRNLQJ RXW WKH ZLQGRZ DW RXU ,3KRQH or everywhere but at the person we are WDONLQJ WR RWKHUV EHOLHYH ZH DUH WUHDWLQJ

them disrespectfully. Eye contact also establishes trust. When you meet someone and their eyes dart all over the place, you don’t get the message that this person is completely transparent and forthcoming. In fact, it IHHOV PRUH OLNH WKH SHUVRQ KDV VRPHWKLQJ to hide. We may avoid eye contact for several reasons. It could be from insecurity, an attempt to hide emotion, trying to avoid rejection, or as an attempt to avert a GLIÀFXOW LVVXH 7KH FORVHU RXU UHODWLRQVKLS with the Lord is, the more integrity we SRVVHVV ,QWHJULW\ PDNHV LW HDVLHU WR ORRN another person in the eye. Effective and appropriate eye contact is not just staring someone down, but follows several guidelines. Consider how these guidelines can help you improve your eye communication. 1. Just do it. It’s as simple and complicated as that. Initiate the eye contact. If the other person fails to meet your eyes, gently NHHS WU\LQJ WR PDNH H\H FRQWDFW ,I the person ignores your eye contact, withdraw a bit to reduce the perception that you are trying to intimidate. 2. Use Rhythm. 'HYHORS D URXWLQH RI ORRNLQJ DZD\ DIWHU VSHDNLQJ D VHQWHQFH ,W NHHSV \RX from appearing to stare. You want to GHYHORS D QDWXUDO à RZ RI HVWDEOLVKLQJ H\H FRQWDFW ORRNLQJ DZD\ DQG WKHQ UHHVWDEOLVKLQJ LW :KHQ \RX ORRN DZD\ move to the right or left rather than ORRNLQJ GRZQ XQOHVV DUH UHDGLQJ IURP D document or computer. 3. Listen with your eyes. 0DNH VXUH \RX NHHS H\H FRQWDFW ZKHQ

listening. Eye contact is the nonverbal sign that you are wholly engaged in the conversation. This is not the time to PXOWL WDVN 6HOO ZLWK \RXU H\HV Ă€UVW Eye contact is especially important when you are selling to customers. It is critical to establish a trusting relationship from the beginning. When a customer FDWFKHV \RXU H\H \RX NQRZ \RX¡YH made a connection. Use it to expand your point. When selling to a group, alZD\V PDNH H\H FRQWDFW ZLWK HYHU\RQH If you only connect with the boss, others will feel slighted. Everyone is important. 6RIWHQ GLIĂ€FXOW FRQYHUVDWLRQV ZLWK your eyes. For example, when disciplining a staff PHPEHU RU ZRUNLQJ WKURXJK D GLIĂ€FXOW issue, you may want to soften your approach by sitting at an angle rather than sitting face to face. This way, you FDQ NHHS H\H FRQWDFW ZLWKRXW EHLQJ intimidating. 6. Avoid using eye contact to intimidate. A few people will use direct, aggressive eye contact as a form of intimidation. My experience has taught me that this type of intimidation is not necessary or helpful. Boxers in a ring may want to FRHUFH ZLWK D VWDUH GRZQ EXW WKLV IRUP of eye contact isn’t effective on the job. 2I FRXUVH GLIIHUHQW SULQFLSOHV PD\ DSSO\ LQ GLIIHUHQW FRXQWULHV 0DNH VXUH \RX adequately research this issue before doing business with international groups. (\H FRQWDFW LV \RXU Ă€UVW VWHS LQ PDNLQJ D positive connection. It is one of the best ways to become more effective in managing people. Invest the time and effort to improve eye contact. Learn why the eyes have it.

Steve Marr has learned from 40 years of business experience that God's way works. As an author, speaker, radio host, and business consultant, Marr helps companies and organizations apply the ancient wisdom of the Bible to avoid the common mistakes and headaches of growing a business. Steve Marr, President / Business Proverbs stevemarr@businessproverbs.org / PH: 520.529.8470

/ 43

Find peace of mind, hope and satisfaction in doing Business God’s way. www.businessproverbs.org Š 2012 Steve Marr’s Business Proverbs - All Rights Reserved /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

By Richard Stearns

The Hole in Our Gospel $ VL[ ÀJXUH LQFRPH 2,000-plus-squarefoot house with all the custom trimmings, at least two new vehicles in the driveway, equally successful spouse, and children in the pursuit of the same thing might sum up the American dream. It is a good dream.

ZKHWKHU RXU SRVVHVVLRQV RXU ZRUN RXU VWDWXV DQG SRVLWLRQV RU even our friends and families – we really don’t want to let go of them. They can become idols that compete with God in our OLYHV ¾

Richard Sterns, President of World Vision 8 6 DQG IRUPHU &(2 RI 3DUNHU %URWKHUV 0Rnopoly, was living the American dream to the fullest.

Jesus Christ died on the cross, He was buried, and He rose from the dead. That is the Gospel, good news, for humanity. Faith in Christ gives us access to the Kingdom of God.

In his story, he humbly encouages Christians to see the reality of our sometimes warped American &KULVWLDQLW\ RU LQ KLV ZRUGV 7KH +ROH LQ 2XU *RVSHO Sterns openly and honestly shares his tale. He recounts how God UHGLUHFWHG KLP IURP KLV LPSUHVVLYH FDUHHU DV D &(2 LQ FRUSRUDWH America to his calling as President of World Vision, a ministry committed to reaching the real poor in the world. +H FRQIHVVHV ´ ZKHQ WKLQJV KDYH EHFRPH SUHFLRXV WR XV ²

life? What have Sterns outside of his questions. ,Q FKDSWHU ´$ /HWWHU WR WKH $PHULFDQ &KXUFK ¾ 6WHUQV FRPSRVHV D OHWWHU DV LI LW ZHUH -HVXV ZULWLQJ WR $PHULFDQV +H WDNHV some Scripture and pieces it together into a pointed and heartpenetrating letter that should leave you wanting to be more obedient to Christ.

But are we giving the message to all people? Are we going to the places that need the Gospel? Maybe you will not be sent, but what can you do to be part of the sending? %HLQJ D WUXH GLVFLSOH RI &KULVW PD\ PHDQ ÀOOLQJ LQ 7KH +ROH LQ 2XU Gospel. Sterns shares his story in a way that God may tug at your heart to JHW \RX WR D QHZ SODFH LQ \RXU ZDON ZLWK +LP :RUOG 0LVVLRQV LV D part of many churches in the Valley. Maybe God wants you to WDNH RQ D GLIIHUHQW UROH *LYH 6WHUQV D FKDQFH WR JHW \RX WKLQNLQJ DERXW LW DQG SUD\ IRU God’s Spirit to lead you in a new direction.

The Hole in Our Gospel review by

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).

Books and Music featured available at:

6601 N. 10th St., McAllen / (956) 631-5452 www.vivalifeonline.com

She’s Got Issues by Nicole Unice :H¡YH DOO JRW RXU LVVXHV 0D\EH \RX IHHO OLNH OLIH MXVW LVQ¡W JRLQJ \RXU ZD\ RU \RX¡UH DIUDLG that you don’t measure up to other people’s expectations. Perhaps you have a hard time managing your temper or have someone in your life you just can’t forgive. We deal with our ´LVVXHVÂľ HYHU\ GD\ LQ RQH IRUP RU DQRWKHU WKH SUREOHP LV DIWHU D ZKLOH WKH\ VWDUW WR IHHO . normal. Unchanging. Just part of who we are. And we forget that we have access to the SRZHU RI &KULVWÂłD SRZHU WKDW FDQ WUDQVIRUP RXU HYHU\GD\ ZHDNQHVVHV LQWR RXU JUHDWHVW strengths and gifts. She’s Got Issues, Christian counselor, ministry leader, and regular mom Nicole Unice explores WKH RUGLQDU\ LVVXHV WKDW DUH NHHSLQJ \RX IURP WKH IXOO DQG IUHH OLIH \RX ZHUH PHDQW WR KDYH Applying years of counseling with practical scriptural teaching and a fresh and authentic voice, Nicole shows you how to let God freely shape your character—and transform your life from ordinary to abundant. / 44 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

'D\V RI +RSH 'DLO\ ,QVSLUDWLRQ IRU <RXU -RXUQH\ 7KURXJK &DQFHU By Lynn Eib

You’ve just heard a diagnosis that shakes your world: It’s cancer. And what you long for most is the hope that everything will be okay. You are not alone. $V D ORQJWLPH FDQFHU VXUYLYRU /\QQ (LE NQRZV Ă€UVWhand how that feels. And as a patient advocate helping thousands facing cancer, she also knows what gives people hope. In 50 Days of Hope, Lynn shares amazing, true stories of those who have been in your shoes and discovered that when God and cancer meet, hope is never far away. Whether you’re a cancer patient or walking with a loved one on D FDQFHU MRXUQH\ \RX¡OO Ă€QG 'D\V RI Hope packed with the daily dose of encouragement you need.

No Greater Love E\ /HYL %HQNHUW DQG &DQG\ &KDQG An urgent phone call from a friend urged Levi Benkert to pack his bags for what he thought was just a two-week trip to Ethiopia to rescue children destined to be murdered as part of a tribal superstition known as “mingi killings.â€? Six weeks later, Levi, his wife and their three young children sold their house and all their EHORQJLQJV WR UHORFDWH WR (WKLRSLD LQGHĂ€QLWHO\ No Greater Love documents Levi’s journey— from the challenges he faced establishing and UXQQLQJ WKH RUSKDQDJH WR Ă€QGLQJ DGRSWLYH homes for the children.

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1HZ (YHU\ 0RUQLQJ by Yvette Maher Through poignant stories laced with humor and irony, Yvette Maher reveals how God has redeemed her devastating childhood by enabling her to forgive her murderous and unfaithful father and cope with her mother’s debilitating depression. Throughout the wild events in Yvette’s life, from abortion to abandonment, God has been with her, ever-present and offering grace at each turn.

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That’s exactly what Thousand Foot Krutch is doing on the aptly titled The End Is Where We Begin, which doesn’t just showcase the group’s thunderous musical pursuits coming full circle with its most cutting HGJH DOEXP WR GDWH EXW DOVR Ă€QGV &DQDGD¡V IDYRULWH PRGHUQ URFNHUV voluntarily walking away from record label life altogether (even after D VOHZ RI SURĂ€WDEOH RIIHUV FDPH DORQJ WR UHLJQLWH WKH SDVVLRQDWH ',< ZRUN HWKRV WKDW Ă€UVW HPHUJHG RYHU D GHFDGH DJR “The End Is Where We Begin summarizes everything we’ve been through as a band, and where we are now- the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another,â€? front man Trevor McNevan said. “We’ve been through every transition you could face as a band in the past year, aside from the band line up, and our entire team couldn’t be more excited. Against all odds, not to mention some pretty lucrative record contracts, we’re following what we feel is the right thing for us to do, and at the end of the day, that’s our responsibility.â€? For those who’ve been following the Ontario-bred players since their formation in 1998, it’s been a continuously escalating highlight reel that includes best-selling albums, four top 25 Active Rock hits (includLQJ WKH WRS VPDVK ´)LUH ,W 8SÂľ SOXV D VOHZ RI VRXQGWUDFN VORWV ,Q / 46 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

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The End Is Where We Begin Special to Valley Christian Magazine

IDFW WKH JURXS KDV OLWHUDOO\ LQĂ€OWUDWHG HYHU\ IDFHW RI SRS FXOWXUH IURP RQJRLQJ (631 DSSHDUQFHV WR YDULRXV 1$6&$5 0/% 1+/ DQG 1)/ DLULQJV LQFOXGLQJ WKH 6XSHU %RZO along with the “GI Joeâ€? movie trailer, WGN-TV’s “Smallvilleâ€? and EA Sports’ “NHL 2010â€? video game. That trend is continuing at breakneck speed with the new project, which even prior to hitting streets, found the lead single “Let The Sparks Flyâ€? and fellow adrenaline-infused rocker “Light Up the Skyâ€? picked up by ESPN. Both tracks also serve as the ultimate tone setters for the sonic explosions contained within The End Is Where We Begin, which could be considered the ultimate Thousand Foot Krutch mixtape showcasing a myriad of full-throttled personalities. “If I had to use one word to describe the sound of this record, I would say ‘uninhibited,’â€? ponders McNevan. “From the beginning, the architecture of this record was different from the others. I knew this one was something special when I felt the need to go back - back to just sitting on the bed with a guitar with no outside voices - and being inspired by just the simple possibilities. The past songs and records have always been honest- that’s something very true to our hearts as musicians and always will be- but this was something different. There’s something

that happens when you turn the sound down and just listen. I’ll never forget those moments.â€? “This record in a lot of ways, is a bridge going back to where we came from, traveling all the way through where we’ve been, to where we’re going,â€? states McNevan. The lyrical make-up of The End Is Where We Begin is just as urgent and insistent, while continuing in the group’s positive and proactive tradition. Hardly a moment goes by on the album where listeners aren’t being motivated toward a call to action, much like how the band literally risked its whole career to put its unadulterated artistic vision on display. 7KH (QG ,V :KHUH :H %HJLQ GRHVQ¡W MXVW Ă€QG 7KRXVDQG )RRW Krutch’s new career direction taking off like a tour de force, but also serves as a creative pinnacle that blends the most innovative elements of yesterday with the ground-breaking strides of today. “I think this is a step forward in a new and inspired direction for us musically and as a band,â€? McNevan said. “It’s everything we could’ve hoped for and we’re excited to head into this season. Sometimes we need to go back to go forward and remember where we came from, which connects on a lot of different levels.â€?

/ 47 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

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A Thousand Little Things By Point of Grace ´$ 7KRXVDQG /LWWOH 7KLQJVÂľ LV WKH WLWOH WUDFN DQG Ă€UVW VLQJOH RII WKH QHZ DOEXP 3URGXFHG E\ PXOWL DZDUG ZLQQLQJ SURGXFHU ,DQ (VNHOLQ )UDQFHVFD %DWWLVWHOOL 6LGHZDON 3URSKHWV the album encompasses the beautiful harmonies, encouraging words and graceful melodies that has made Point of Grace one of the top 10 best-selling artists in the history of Contemporary Christian Music. The notion of gratitude is woven throughout WKH DOEXP HVSHFLDOO\ LQ ´$ 7KRXVDQG /LWWOH 7KLQJV Âľ ZKLFK OLVWV WKH PDQ\ WKLQJV WR WDNH QRWLFH RI Âł DQG EH WKDQNIXO IRU Âł LQ HYHU\GD\ OLIH ´,Q DOO RI WKRVH OLWWOH PRPHQWV LQ OLIH little and big, we’re reminded that there is a Creator that loves us and wants us to have D JRRG OLIH ZKLOH ZH¡UH KHUH Âľ 6KHOOH\ VD\V

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Ultimate Collection By Tim Hughes Available June 19 Tim Hughes, the worship leader and songwriter who has become such a foundational part of the global worship scene, UHOHDVHV D VL[WHHQ WUDFN FRPSLODWLRQ 7LP Hughes Ultimate Collectioncelebrates the UHPDUNDEOH MRXUQH\ IURP KLV HDUO\ GD\V leading at Soul Survivor through to his arrival at Holy Trinity Bromptop in London and the incredible rise of Worship Central. The DOEXP DOVR FRQWDLQV D ERQXV WUDFN œ:KHQ 7KH 7HDUV )DOO¡ DQG œ*RG 2I -XVWLFH¡

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Pray We have big plans and a big vision to reach even more people. Join us in praying for Valley Christian Magazine as it continues to be a gift and an encouragment to you, your family, and so many others in our community. If you are excited with what God is doing WKURXJK WKLV PLQLVWU\ ZH DVN \RX WR SUD\ HUIXOO\ FRQVLGHU PDNLQJ D GRQDWLRQ WR Valley Christian Magazine.

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Your gift, large or small, one-time or regularly, will help NHHS 9&0 LQ IURQW RI UHDGHUV DOORZLQJ XV WR NHHS HQFRXUDJLQJ DQG UHDFKLQJ WKRVH VHHNLQJ *RG Call 956-314-0161 to make your tax-deductible donation, or

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Texas Christian Publications C/o Valley Magazine 3827 North 10th / 49 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Downsizin g house t Dear Dav o get out e, Is

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it ever a debt mo good idea to sell re quickly y ? ...Autum our home and bu y a small n er, less e Dear Autu xpensive mn, one in ord It’s a goo er to get d idea in out of some situ about se lling it an a ti o n s. If yway, the you don’t much ho n use and the paym I’d say go for it. really like the hou It ents are se, or ma I usually eating yo would also be a re smart mo ybe you were thin u alive. \RXU WDNH commend that y ve if you k ou K simply ha ing to unload RPH SD\ ,I \RX r monthly mortga ve too U KRXVH S g the house e p aym D\PHQWV . DUH WDNLQ ent or rent be no But sellin J WR more tha g your ho SHUFHQ me can b they love W RI WKLV Ă€ n 25 percent of e a tough and mov JXUH WKH ally othe e down in thing em Q LW¡V WLPH ra o amount o reas where you house if their pay tionally. I’d neve can cut b r advise so ment is re f time. ...D ack, kee ave p your ho asonable. In these meone to sell the me, and still get o situations there a place ut of deb re usut in a rea sonable

)RU PRUH ÀQDQFLDO KHOS SOHDVH YLVLW 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, releases in September 2011.

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, sband Dear Dave r whether it’s the hu e tt us a m Does it I was curio ills? ’s job, but pays the b n a d n m a e k th o o b ing is t kind of th ple say tha .Daniel o e p f o ts Lo . .. t you think about wha hy. l, d here’s w keepDear Danie it matters one bit, an is good at is just rd e n e Th k . irit irit I don’t thin nd a free sp . The free sp ’s a nerd a erything in its place esn’t make them re e th ily m v o blessed In each fa d putting e oriented. Now, this d they aren’t just as f things an t ing track o . They are not detail- n’t care. It’s just that h g ri o te od and heckthe opposi or mean that they d want things to be go c e th n e h w le y irresponsib r administration. The ecessarily get a rush fo ey don’t n with a gift erd, but th n e th s r she gets a h muc mean he o FLVLRQV ut. ’t o sn s e e o c d n k la kboo VH GH book ba UULDJH WKR s the chec nerd keep LRQV HLWKHU ,Q D PD usband and wife. e th se u a Just bec oth the h FLDO GHFLV . He made put from b OO WKH ÀQDQ ss venture ould WR PDNH D ade together with in kind of joint busine sh u o e onth, y m should be God didn’t unite som o a budget each m spectful agreed re r, Remembe together. When you re, reasonable and – tu you as one n and come to a ma . g w I think who both sit do re the money’s goin eckbook, h c e u e o th h y g w if in t . Bu keep ment on le this duty the act of ould hand re unity in your daily s down to e sh o m o tw c e it th n So, whe nized of ..Dave ence mo more orga ciples, you’ll experi n in your marriage!. n o ever is the ri ti p a r ic e n ommu ese oth include th r and have better c e th e g to s live

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Raul “Rudy� Rodriguez attorney at law

,W LV IDLU WR VD\ WKDW ZKHQ , ÂżUVW VHW out to become a lawyer, I was focused on accumulating wealth, power and prestige. However, after practicing law for the last 18 years, I realize that I have a higher purpose and calling. The Bible says in Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s plans that prevail.â€? Had I held on to this truth since , ÂżUVW EHFDPH D ODZ\HU LW LV FOHDU WKDW my journey would have taken a different path. But, all is not lost. I also understand as the Bible says in Genesis 50:20 “That which was meant for evil, God meant for good, to bring about this purpose in me.â€? In my years of practice, I’ve had my peaks and valleys. I understand now that even as Christ washed the feet of his disciples, I, too, am called to serve my community in whatever capacity I am asked to help. It is my desire to serve in that Christ-like manner and honor God in all my dealings. As Micah 6:8 says, “The Lord has shown you what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.â€? I pray that the Lord will enable me and empower me to do that which He requires of me. So whether your case pertains to personal injury law, family law, business law, criminal law, a real estate matter or estate planning, I will see your arrival at P\ RIÂżFH DV D GLYLQH DSSRLQWPHQW , UHFognize that in honoring God, I will be honoring you, my esteemed and valued client.

Raul “Rudy� Rodriguez

ZZZ UDXOUXG\URGULJXH]ODZ FRP Phone: 956.380.1421 / TollZZZ UDXOUXG\URGULJXH]ODZ FRP Free: 877.480.1421 Fax: 956.380.2920 / Mobile: 956.655.5455

Phone: 956.380.1421 / Toll Free: 877.480.1421 / Fax: 956.380.2920 / Mobile: 956.655.5455 : 8QLYHUVLW\ (GLQEXUJ 7; e-mail: rrodlaw@hotmail.com : 8QLYHUVLW\ (GLQEXUJ 7; e-mail: rrodlaw@hotmail.com / 52 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

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