CARINGPLACE Volume 47, Issue 1
April 2012
Easter The drama of redemption page 3
APRIL 27
One year after the tornadoes, people share their stories page 5
Marriage in the 21st Century It CAN last a lifetime page 4
NATIONAL DAY OF
Prayer MAY 3, 2012
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” Psalm 33:12
Submitted by Dr. Gloria Anderson Clearly our nation is in trouble. Believers seem powerless to do anything. Yet, Jesus Christ is not powerless! History teaches that while there have been sweeping revivals without great speakers or leaders, there has never been a revival without earnest prayer. “…Without God, we will never be able to navigate these waters into the future.” (Ravi Zacharias). We are appointed to pray for our generation and this period in history. The Whitesburg Baptist Church South Campus Chapel (7300 Whitesburg Drive) will be open for the National Day of Prayer from 6:00 am – 6:00 pm on Thursday, May 3. Prayer Guides will be available. Let us join millions of Christians in repentance and corporate intercession on behalf of America, for leadership in family, church, education, military, government, media, and business. Source for this article: National Day of Prayer website, nationaldayofprayer.org
A prayer offered by Dr. David Jeremiah, 2012 National Day of Prayer Honorary Chairman: Heavenly Father, Every good gift and perfect gift comes from You. You are a faithful God and your mercy endures forever. You have promised to bless the nation that trusts in You. Our currency proclaims“In God We Trust,” but in our culture we are far from You. In the words of the prophet Daniel, “We have sinned and committed iniquity; we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments.” We come before You once more, seeking Your forgiveness and mercy. You, O God, are our only hope…Hear our prayer and, for Your honor’s sake, shine Your face upon this nation. Give our leaders the desire to seek your wisdom and the courage to follow your guidance…and watch over the men and women of our armed forces as they sacrifice for the cause of freedom. We give you thanks for all You have done for us, and we earnestly pray that You will help us become, once again a nation whose God is the Lord. In the name of Your Son, and our Savior, we pray this prayer. Amen
WhitesburgBaptist.org
Inside
CARINGPLACE Volume 47, Issue 1
Apr il 2012
2 The Men’s Retreat A single’s perspective
2 Parent and Child Dedication Commit your children to the Lord
3 Easter The drama of redemption
4 Marriage in the 21st Century It CAN last a lifetime
5 April 27 One year after the tornadoes
Marriage in the 21st Century
page 4
12 Connect 3 on 3 Basketball tournament 13 Two Amazing Summer Events Vacation Bible School & Winshape Camp
the caring place
WHITESBURG BAPTIST CHURCH
Caring Place magazine exists to open a window into the multifaceted ministries of Whitesburg Baptist Church whose purpose is to know Jesus Christ and to make Him known. We desire to know Jesus Christ through the Word and Worship, to exalt the Savior through education and evangelism and to mature all believers to minister and to be on mission. Caring Place magazine is a bimonthly publication by Whitesburg Baptist Church, 6806 Whitesburg Dr., Huntsville, AL 35802-2299. (Permit No. 446) To get your copy call (256) 704-5678, ext. 210 and leave your mailing address. Subscription Rate: $12.00 donation a year anywhere in the U.S.
Publisher: Whitesburg Baptist Church Editor: Dr. Greg Corbin Publishing & Graphics: Melissa Schuster, Ron Snyder Editorial Assistants: Karen Tidwell, Beverly Dishman Distribution Team: Jennifer Baggett, Billy Davis, Larry Hardy, Marylin Johnson, Bob Raines, Walter Tharpe Bundling Team: Claire Byrd, Martha Cain, Walt Caldwell, Jimmy Campbell, Debbie Canida, Greg & Kim Cline, Betty D. Cloud, Mabel Evans, Nina & Tim Hopper, Carolyn Kerr, Marsha Quick, Linda Robertson, Barbara Saunders, Phyllis Smith, Dee Tolomei, Cynthia Williams.
Volume 47, Issue 1
April 27 - Four women share their stories page 5
April 2012 | 1
THE MEN’S RETREAT A Single’s Perspective By Blain Burgess Why should I go to the Men’s Retreat? It is a chance to get away with the guys for the weekend, eat some great food, play golf on a championship course or go fishing on a beautiful lake. More than all of those, it is an opportunity to experience the work of God in your life. It is an opportunity to hear our pastor’s heart and see where God is leading him. It is an opportunity to let God speak to you, away from the busy distractions of life in general. It is not just for married folks. It is a men’s retreat, not a marriage retreat. What is covered will have application either now or in the future and the things that you will learn will change your life. The times of worship will inspire you and draw you into God’s presence. Friday night God will begin His work. The time of bonding around the table will encourage you. The session Friday night will allow God to break up the soil in your heart. The sessions on Saturday will plant the seed that God will water for the rest of your life. Men, do not miss this opportunity to be blessed. Single or married, younger or older, let God use this as a moment to change your life and leave you different for eternity.
Photo by Melissa Schu
ster
April 27 & 28 at Joe Wheeler State Park • Led by our pastor, Dr. Jimmy Jackson • Register for lodging by March 25 (unless filled) • Cost is $75 for double occupancy room and Friday night buffet dinner (single room is $105) • Buffet only is $25.00 • Camping available by calling the lodge directly • More info call Karen Tidwell, Pastor’s Office, 256-704-5678, ext. 224
Parent and Child Dedication
Photo courtesy
2 | CARINGPLACE
istry
of Preschool Min
By Patti Hatmaker
On Mother’s Day, May 13, our Parent and Child Dedication Service will be held during both morning worship services at Whitesburg Baptist Church. The purpose of this service is to give parents an opportunity to publicly commit their children to the Lord, and to commit themselves as parents to “train up your child in the way which he should go.” You do not have to be a member of Whitesburg Baptist Church to participate in this service. If you would like to participate, please contact Patti Hatmaker at 256704-5678, ext. 245 for more information or email her at patti.hatmaker@ wbccares.org. The deadline to register is April 30. WhitesburgBaptist.org
Easter By Dr. Jimmy Jackson The Bible declares that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God for the salvation of anyone who will believe its truth. This is more than intellectual acceptance. God calls for volitional surrender or commitment. This word “gospel” refers to the drama of redemption presented to us in the life of Jesus Christ. It includes His preexistent presence in heaven as God, the Son; His virgin birth; His sinless life; His vicarious, substitutionary death on the cross; His resurrection; His earthly, post resurrection appearances; His ascension back to Heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father; and His ultimate return to complete the work of God. Each part of the gospel is essential, but none more so than the resurrection. If Jesus was not literally dead and literally resurrected, Christianity is a false religion. Everything we believe in
The Drama of Redemption
is meaningless, and as the Apostle Paul reasons in I Corinthians 15:12-19, our preaching is in vain, our faith is a delusion, we are still unforgiven and lost, our loved ones who have died have perished without hope, and we are of all men most miserable. What a dark and dismal situation is ours without a living Savior! This is a great place to insert the divine adversative“But now Christ is risen from the dead…” He is not dead but alive. Let the skeptics find fault because of their unbelief, but let people of faith find hope, confidence, and joy in the truth of God’s Word. Lee Strobel, former legal editor of the Chicago Tribune, was an atheist who began to investigate
the Biblical claims about Jesus after his wife’s conversion to a follower of Christ. As a result of this quest for truth, he became a believer and is now a Christian apologist. In his book, The Case for Christ, he records interviews with some of the greatest scholars on the subject of the resurrection. If you are having doubts or know of someone who is, I would recommend this book to you. It came out in 1998, but it is filled with references that are as up to date as today’s newspaper. May the Lord bless you as you trust Him and apply His Word to your life situations. May our hearts resonate with the joyful news: “He’s Alive! He’s Alive!”
Each part of the gospel is essential, but none more so than the resurrection.
Dr. Jackson is Pastor of Whitesburg Baptist Church in Huntsville, AL.
Volume 47, Issue 1
April 2012 | 3
Marriage in the
21st Century
By Rev. David Dye
in discussion and prepare them for and Velberta Carr, leaders at a lifetime of commitment rather Bellview Baptist Church, were than the whirlwind of emotions teaching how to manage your that leaves so many couples reeling money as a ministry. Shari once the reality of life sets in. pushed me to meet with them st Lead teachers, Tim and Shari and it changed our lives. The Marriage in the 21 Century. Carrs ended up being our That statement probably conjures Roberts, understand this and feel called to reach into the lives of marriage counselors along with up many different ideas and our financial counselors. This images. Sadly many of these are these young couples and help them build a foundation for a strong and couple was a blessing from the probably negative. Maybe you Lord. That led Shari and me to thought of the latest celebrity’s healthy marriage. Tim shares their testimony of their own marriage, pray about where God wanted lavish ceremony followed by those increasingly shorter days of with their need for help, and Continued on page 11 marriage before the “inevitable” desires to pass that along to others breakup occurs. Maybe you in need of the same thing. “Shari and I have been thought of that couple close to you married for almost 27 that was supposed to be together years. We had been married forever and now they are facing a about six years when we were bitter divorce. It doesn’t have to be ‘spinning out of control’ in this way. the area of our finances. Mel Since the beginning of time God has been in the marriage business. In the book of Genesis, we can easily see Him officiating for that first wedding ceremony between Adam and Eve. God intended for Adam and Eve to share centuries of life together. He intends the same for every couple today; God created marriage for a lifetime. On March 4 we will be launching our newly renovated ministry to young couples who are engaged or recently married, Marriage for a Lifetime. This class will feature important topics Tim & Shari Roberts each week to engage our couples
Marriage for a Lifetime
4 | CARINGPLACE
WhitesburgBaptist.org
APRIL 27 One year after the tornadoes, four women share stories of faith, community and hope. Stephanie Jefferson Of course, Wednesday, April 27, 2011 is a day that many of us in Alabama will never forget. It seems funny to say that it was a day that I was actually looking forward to. At the time, I was 37 weeks pregnant with my second daughter and this was my first official day of my maternity leave from my teaching job at Chapman Middle School. I couldn’t wait to prop my swollen feet up, relax all day long and prepare myself for my upcoming cesarean section that was planned for Monday, May 2. Needless to say, things did not go as planned. The day started off with a bang of severe weather and around 11:30 A.M. the power in my house and neighborhood went out. We live on Old Eli Road in the Carter’s Gin Subdivision, not far from Sparkman Middle School. By 2:00, my husband and my 6 year old daughter had safely made it home from school. Without power or sirens, we were clueless to the severe weather that was heading our way. I can remember my daughter asking my husband over and over how long the power would be out because she wanted to watch TV. Around 4:45, my dad called my cell phone and said, “You need to Volume 47, Issue 1
get in your closet under your stairs because there is a storm tracking your way. They are saying on the news that they are seeing rotation from a tornado.” I told him it would have to be our half bathroom in the middle of the house because the closet under the stairs was full of stuff. He said he would call us back in a few minutes to give us another update. At that time, my husband decided that he was going to go outside and take a look for himself. When he opened the door, I could see that the sky was that eerie greenish color. When I saw the sky, I grabbed my daughter and the dog and we ran to the bathroom. My husband came rushing into the
bathroom right after us and said “get down.” Moments later we heard what sounded like a train going through the house. We could hear the windows breaking and stuff being thrown around and the house began to shake. Our English bulldog, Max, physically got on top of our daughter. I did my best to get on top of them and my husband huddled over us until the force from the tornado pushed open the bathroom door. My husband put his back against the door and pushed as hard as he could to keep the door closed. The wall right above our heads began to crack. I grabbed my husband’s Continued on page 6
Photo courtesy of Stephanie Jefferson April 2012 | 5
APRIL 27
continued from page 5
hand and my daughter asked if we and well. God has a plan for my were going to be ok. My husband family and on May 9, 2011, our and I did our best to convince her second daughter was born happy that we would. I remember praying and healthy. We rebuilt our house and asking God to watch over us. and moved back in on December It seemed like it lasted forever, but 8, 2011. We did, however, add a finally it stopped. Luckily, I had storm shelter in the garage. my cell phone with me and I called my dad and told him that we were ok, but that the house had been hit Katie Calvert hard. On that Wednesday morning, Still in the bathroom, we heard I knew it would be a weird day. a man’s voice yelling to see if we Initially planning to go in to work were ok. It was a Bobo Volunteer at the Lowe Mill at noon, after the Fire Fighter that was going house first round of tornadoes that ended to house to check for survivors. My around 12:30 pm, I told my boss husband opened up the bathroom that I would just stay in today – door and told him we were all better to be in my neighbor’s storm ok. When my husband opened shelter than a factory! I climbed out the bathroom door, I could see the of the shelter after that first round, sky. He told me and my daughter and my neighbor said “I’ll see you to stay in the bathroom until he came back to get us. We stayed in the bathroom until my parents and my sister arrived. I could not believe the devastation around us, it looked like a bomb went off in my neighborhood. My husband went with the fire fighter to help our next door neighbors. Unfortunately, one of them passed away during the storm and another one was severely injured. I can not express in words how truly blessed my family is to be alive Photo courtesy of Katie Calvert 6 | CARINGPLACE
in 3 hours when the next one hits!” The power was out at that point, so I relied on my mom to call or text me when it was time to head underground again. When she did call me, I immediately called my husband, Marty, to find out if he would stay at work or come home. He was headed out when I called him, so I prayed that he would be able to make it without too much traffic or flooding. He arrived ten minutes before the big one, and I threw a sweatshirt, sneakers and a flashlight at him, scooped up the dog and fled for the shelter. Marty had never believed that the sky turns green right before a big tornado but he recalls that eerie pea-soup color and lightning flashing in the sky all around us
WhitesburgBaptist.org
“The community seemed to move together from shock to sorrow.. and finally to hope.” as we ran. Hail, a neighbor said, is what causes the green color. Hail is typical in a storm like this and often the green sky can be a warning. The neighbors were crawling into the shelter and we finally slammed it shut at the last minute, and bolted it down. In the shelter were: our two neighbors Debbie and Dale, their daughter, two grandchildren, our dog, and Marty and me. There wasn’t room for comfort but I know we were all asking, “Where is everyone else?” As we huddled together in the shelter, we heard wind and rain pelting the sturdy metal door. I felt absolutely safe but prayed for the people huddling in their bathtubs and closets nearby. The storm grew eerily quiet first, and then our ears popped as the pressure dropped, and then came the rushing winds. The winds are all I remember really. I vaguely recall other noises but I think I blocked most of it out. Marty will tell you he remembers the rushing of wind but also the splitting of trees, the cracking of house structures, and the loud bang against the shelter door that we later discovered was part of a shed. We stood wide eyed in wait. Neither the five year old nor the infant screamed. As the noises and the winds ceased, I remember thinking that the winds were pretty intense, but it probably wasn’t anything serious. Fifteen minutes after the worst we hear a loud bang on the door and I jumped. We realized it was Wayne, Volume 47, Issue 1
their daughter’s boyfriend. He had just driven through the storm. He looked at us all with an unflinching face to tell us about the debris he had to plow over on his way over. He said ,“The field is covered with debris. I just drove through a war zone - your neighborhood’s gone except for your houses at the end of this street.” Everyone thought he was lying - I looked up at Marty who rolled his eyes and whispered “Right. I’ll believe it when I see it.” After a few minutes when we felt it was safe to peek out, we jumped out and at once realized he was right. The first thing we noticed was debris in the yard, and as we stepped up we saw siding coming off of the neighbors houses across the street. But what we saw beyond our street when we walked through the fence was devastating. Debris everywhere - houses ripped into or leveled. People frantically running about asking, “Where is my friend? Where is my neighbor? Do you know if this family was home?” So we started running. We began calling into the skeletons of houses, “Is anyone in here?” And we met up with people who had gathered in the street. Most were just in shock, shaking their heads, sharing stories, embracing strangers, asking if everyone was okay. A few minutes later people begin to yell “Another one’s coming!” You could see the fear in people’s eyes as they wondered where they would hide this time.
Several people ran to neighbor’s houses that were still intact. A couple followed us, Kelli and Carl. Their house had been split in half with them right in the middle. Since it was just two extra we decided to try the storm shelter. This time a family of five had jumped in as well, and our neighbors dragged their three dogs in, too. It was much tighter, but we felt better knowing that it was filled. That storm passed over us so we crawled out and commenced our sharing of stories and of checking on each other. Kelli and Carl stayed with us for the night. Several other neighbors on our street did the same for those whose homes were damaged or unliveable. Marty and Carl walked back to their house to grab Carl’s guitars that had amazingly survived the weather. As they settled in for the night we got to hear their story. Kelli had run for the bathroom as the storm was upon them. Carl, just behind her, had the door slammed in his face so he had no choice but to hang on and wait. Right at that moment, he turned and watched his house behind him “explode.” He said he knew he was going to die - he just wasn’t sure what it would be that would do him in. That evening we stayed at our neighbor’s house for a while and shared stories we’d heard and talked until we felt like trying to go to sleep. Several people were still missing. We Continued on page 8 April 2012 | 7
APRIL 27
continued from page 7
heard of a family of six that was rumored to all have passed. This probably kept a lot of us up that night but a couple days later it was discovered that the family had been out of the house that day. Mercy! As we walked back we could see houses lit by flickering candles and spots of flashlights darting about. And I looked up and saw one star peeking from behind the dissipating clouds. We’ve always been able to see the stars clearly out in the county, but the contrast with the dark streets was a comfort to me. In the next few days the community seemed to be moving together through the same emotions - from shock to sorrow, and then some to anxiety, and finally, most of us, to hope. Most of us were murmuring, “It’s just stuff, after all. Just stuff. We’ll get through this.” We’d seen an incredible outpouring from nearby residents and people from the city coming in to bring in food or helping hands to salvage a few precious belongings. People from the street behind us set up a food station - they grilled out and served sandwiches and drinks all day for several days. Someone drove by handing out ice cream bars and popsicles. The police and national guard were posted at the entryways to ID everyone so as to keep looters away, so we felt safe. 8 | CARINGPLACE
I kept asking God why why did so much devastation occur on the next street over - and our house was virtually untouched, save for a few missing shingles? It seemed unfair, in a way. But as I sat in my house mulling it over, my house felt more like a house of cards than one of brick and wood. Everything is temporary, and I feel that now more than ever. One lady I spoke with was exclaiming “God is judging us - it’s time for us to get right with Him. This is His wrath!” And I wanted to grab her and tell her “No. No. God is not punishing us. He does not always cause disaster for our punishment, but allows things to happen for good in the end.” His ways are a mystery at times. I recently told someone that you do not enter into Christianity for “comfort” but for Truth, because embracing a lie can never bring any sort of comfort. But what you are surprised to find when you embrace Truth is that “in Christ our comfort overflows.” We know that nothing is out of the grasp of an almighty and loving God. As a Christian I know and have witnessed that God loves to take a tragedy and turn it into His good. I picture Him rushing in after the wind, not to tear us down, but to build us up again. Lives have been lost, but to everything there is a season. And while we have grieved
with our neighbors over lives lost and possessions destroyed, we have rejoiced together over lives preserved, generosity welling up, and hope that shines through despair.
Desiree Sloma April 27, 2011 changed our community. The storms brought us to a place where we really needed each other. Many of us were blessed to have little to no damage after the storms. Other communities were completely destroyed. At the time, my fiancé, Matt, and I each owned a home, neither of which had any sort of damage. The worst we had to deal with was the power outage. We had a deep desire to go out into the community and help somewhere. So, first thing Monday morning, a group of us from Whitesburg Baptist Church loaded up and headed to see what we could do and where we could help. We registered with the Community Involvement Team, and were sent to the Anderson Hills subdivision. As we loaded up on our assigned bus, our entire group was so excited to be able to help out. When we pulled in, we were completely shocked to see the devastation that lay before us. We had been inside our little bubble of no power. We had been instructed to walk down the street as a group and choose a house to help clean up. As we walked down the first WhitesburgBaptist.org
“We had a deep desire to go out into the community and help somewhere.”
Photo courtesy of Desiree Sloma
street, we picked the first house that we saw. We picked up trash and other debris, as well as moved branches and other tree limbs. I realized while picking up pieces of trash, it was actually student’s homework, family photos and old memorabilia that were now lost. It was heart wrenching. I found one picture that looked to be from the 1970s of a little boy on his birthday. Since I scrapbook, photos are my favorite form of documenting memories. My heart broke as I thought about the family that was missing that photo. After we finished helping at that home, we began walking to the hardest hit area of the neighborhood. For the most part, we walked in silence. We took it all Volume 47, Issue 1
in and then spent time in prayer for each of the families that had lost so much. As I walked, I noticed that there were groups from other local churches, workplaces and from other states coming together and helping each other. Our group was even able to help another church take down one lady’s fence. One of the commandments Jesus gave us was to “Love our neighbor as ourselves.” What a blessing to see this commandment displayed in the midst of the destruction! Lauren Hendrix April 27, 2011…. I woke up and started my day like I would any other. I got out of bed and had my
usual bowl of cereal and my cup of coffee while getting ready for class. I had no idea that by that afternoon a fatal tornado would come through Tuscaloosa and wipe out parts of the city and take many lives. I hope that my account of the April 27th tornado will give others insight to how tragic that day truly was and how blessed I feel to be alive! Like I said, I started my day like any other with my usual routine. I was a senior in college at the University of Alabama last year and I was getting ready for finals and looking forward to graduating in May. The morning of April 27, I went to all my classes, went to the gym, came home, and started working on a paper. Around 3 o’clock that afternoon I was in my room drafting my paper and I noticed that the sky started looking morbid. I walked outside my apartment and the air was very warm and I knew something was not right. Therefore, I turned on the TV to catch the news to see what was going on. There were tornadoes taking place in surrounding areas, but none had ventured our way yet. April 27, 3:45 pm: My fiancé, Continued on page 10
April 2012 | 9
APRIL 27
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Ryan, drove over to my apartment from campus because all university classes and activities had been cancelled due to a possible tornado warning. When he arrived, I was still working on my paper in my apartment. April 27, 4:15 pm: Ryan was watching James Spann on the local news. Moments later, he ran into my room, where I was working on school work, and told me that we must seek shelter immediately. Photo by Alabama’s 13 Then, we left my second us. Once reaching the closet, Ryan floor apartment and went down to stay with our neighbors on told me to get down and cover my the first floor. Once in my neighbor’s head, while he hovered over me. apartment, we continued to watch Within seconds, windows in our the news. James Spann said the neighbor’s first floor apartment tornado was headed towards the began breaking. The air rushed out university. Frantically, I started to of the closet like it had been sucked panic. My brother, Austin, was in up by a vacuum, making our ears the math lab on campus and there pop and it hard for us to breathe. was no way I could get to him or I started crying and realized that there was a possibility that we contact him. April 27, 4:30 pm: Still could die! watching the news, James Spann April 27, 4:45 pm: Emotional said the tornado had changed and frightened, my neighbors, direction and was headed down Ryan, and I came out of the closet 15th Street. At that moment, I lost and bathroom. The tornado had my breath. I live on 15th Street at left our surrounding area, but was the University Downs. Before I on its way to harm others. I was knew what was happening, the TV in a state of shock at this time. I went black, trees started shaking, could not believe that something the warning sirens were going off, so horrific could actually happen. I and Ryan grabbed me and headed am so thankful that Ryan was with for the closet. My neighbors were me. I do not know what I would in the adjoining bathroom next to have done without his support. 10 | CARINGPLACE
April 27, 5:00 pm: Ryan and I walked outside the apartment only to see everything in disarray. Cars were damaged, trees were down, furniture was hanging out of windows, and peoples’ pets were missing. Other college students’ began coming out of their apartments to observe the damage that had taken place. I saw that the University Downs apartment complex had experienced damage by the tornado. However, the damage done to the Downs complex was not life threatening like it was for other areas. April 27, 5:30 pm: Ryan and I, as well as other college students, started walking away from the Downs towards 15th Street. Once reaching 15th Street, I realized that the tornado had only been 200 yards away from us. The neighborhood across the WhitesburgBaptist.org
“Every moment God gives me in life is a true blessing.” street, known as Forest Lake, had completely been wiped out by the tornado. I could not believe what I saw! It was like a deserted town walking up and down 15th Street. After seeing all the destruction done by the tornado, I knew that God had his hands on me as well as others. I felt so thankful to be alive because others were not as fortunate. April 27, 6:00 pm: Ryan and I called our parents to let them know that we were ok. Consequently, cell phone towers were so busy, that trying to call anyone at this time was difficult. It probably took an hour before I could reach any of my family and find out any information about my brother. After reaching my parents and finding out that my brother was ok, Ryan and I headed back to my apartment to collect some of my belongings. The damage done to the Downs apartment complex was too great for anyone to reside there for safety reasons (due to powerlines being down and theft). April 27, 7:00 pm. All the students were gathering necessities from their apartments, leaving in cars that were drivable, and seeking safe shelters. After gathering my belongings, I noticed that Ryan had a two-by-four that was sticking out of the driver’s seat in his vehicle. His car had been totaled by the tornado. My vehicle on the other hand was drivable, except for the windows all being shattered and blown out. Volume 47, Issue 1
April 27, 8:30 pm: Ryan called his roommates to see if there was any damage done to the house they reside in. Once finding out that their house had not been harmed by the tornado, Ryan and I packed up my car as best as we could and headed to his house. I did not realize the enormity of damage the tornado did around town. However, I knew that it must have been pretty bad because Ryan and his roommates opened up their house for their friends and family to stay for those who did not have any where to go, including myself. I resided at Ryan’s house for the next eight days along with others, until it was safe to go back to my apartment and gather more belongings as well as travel back to my home in Huntsville. April 27, 2011 was a tragic day in history that I will never forget. Many people lost their homes, family members, and their lives. The experience of going through such a catastrophic and traumatic event was sad and life changing for me. For instance, I realize that every moment, every day, every week that God gives me in life is a true blessing. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, so we should cherish our life, family, and friends to the fullest. “From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.” John 1:16
Marriage Continued from page 4
us to help others. He led us to teach newlyweds at a little church about 17 years ago. We have a heart for teaching newlyweds to have a godly, successful marriage. One day after we had been attending church here for about a month Brother Jimmy stopped us in the hall and said ‘You know there is a real need for newlyweds teachers in our church.’ Shari said to him, ‘Brother Jimmy that is what we do!!!’ Cold chills were all over Shari’s body. She and I looked at each other and we automatically knew that this is where God wanted us to serve. Twelve years later we still love teaching newlyweds to have a Christ-centered marriage.” Marriage for a Lifetime will be offered twice a year and we are committed to reaching out to couples all over our area to help them build that foundation for a strong and healthy marriage. For more information about this class or to sign up check out the website at WhitesburgBaptist.org/marriage or contact the office of Ministry to Young Adults at Whitesburg Baptist Church at 256-7045678, ext. 222.
April 2012 | 11
Seek the peace ...of the city to which I have sent you. By Rev. John Crocker
MAY 5, 2012 What is a Connect 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament? Envision a summer day of multiple basketball games going on simultaneously, and multiply attendance by 100. Now add Christian music blaring from mega-speakers, a Family Fun Zone, a food court and opportunities to see your friends and family come to Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Connect 3 on 3 Basketball was born in Franklin, Tennessee in a theatre parking lot with some incredible volunteers from Rolling Hills Community Church. Since then it has ventured out to many urban settings across the United States. These family-focused events have drawn thousands of people in such diverse locations as Manassas, Virginia; Naperville, Illinois; McKinney, Texas; and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Through the tournament many have recommitted their lives to Jesus Christ or given their lives to Him for the first time. Connect 3 on 3 Basketball Tournaments positively impacts people, communities, and the church, as well as setting a new standard in family-friendly evangelism. Seek the peace of our city by sharing the Prince of Peace, Jesus, at the 2012 Connect 3 on 3 Basketball 12 | CARINGPLACE
Jeremiah 29:7
WE NEED YOU! On May 5, Whitesburg Baptist Church will sponsor the Tournament at the Madison Square Mall. It takes a multitude of leaders to host the event. Opportunities are open to serve on the following Teams: Tournament Concessions Family Fun Zone Spiritual Development Logistics Hospitality and more! To join one of these teams, email john.crocker@wbccares.org or call (256) 704-5678, ext. 211.
Two
Z A I N M G A summer events for your kids!
Vacation Bible School This summer, watch amazing things happen as your kids encounter God like never before. You’ll see lives changed as kids tour some of the world’s most marvelous natural wonders and learn to trust and recognize God as they explore.
June 11-15 • 9am - Noon • Ages 4 - Grade 5
•• • • •••••••••••••••••••••• • • • • • ••• • • •• (by 9/1/11)
(completed)
Winshape Camp
The excitement is building for WinShape Camps for Communities – a week long day camp for completed 1st-6th graders. With the combination of sports, arts, worship, Bible study, wacky science, drama, lights, music, food and fun… WinShape Camps is sure to offer something for everyone!
A camp for sporty AND non-sporty kids!
July 16-20 • 8am - 5pm • Grades 1-6 Full & partial scholarships available.
(completed)
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It’s all happening this summer at Whitesburg Baptist Church!
For more info visit WhitesburgBaptist.org/kidsevents April 2012 | 13
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Whitesburg Baptist Church 6806 Whitesburg Drive Huntsville, AL 35802
Non-Profit Organization US Postage PAID Huntsville, AL Permit 446
the caring place
WHITESBURG BAPTIST CHURCH
LOCATIONS & SUNDAY SERVICES Whitesburg Baptist Church 6806 Whitesburg Drive Huntsville, AL 35802
Worship 9:30 & 11:00 am Bible Study 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am
The PLACE
3911 Pulaski Pike Huntsville, AL 35810
Worship 9:30 am Bible Study 11:15 am
WhitesburgBaptist.org