Good News - August 2022

Largest Christian Newspaper in America • goodnewsfl.org • August 2022 • Volume 24, Issue 5

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On The Cover Doug Campbell, Co-Founder & Chief Revenue Officer, and Mark Alfieri, Founder & CEO of BrandStar, are pictured at their studio in Deerfield Beach. BrandStar Studios is South Florida’s leading Production Hub. The 43,000 sq ft facility is home to a 13’ x 100’ plus LED video wall with three 27’ x 9’ ft LED ceilings. Learn how BrandStar is using its forces for good, supporting local charities and going beyond to impact the South Florida community in our cover article on pages 28 and 29. Photo credit: BrandStar PUBLISHER 6 AuguSt 2022 www.goodnewsfl.org good News • South Florida Edition When leaving church service today I rounded the walkway bend on my way to the parking lot to get in my car, and as I passed the picnic tables, I gave a polite two finger silent “hi” sign to the only guy sitting there outside and kept walking. I had now passed him when I heard his voice, “Hi.” Surprised, I stopped and turned around to acknowledge his response. The young man then asked if I liked the service today? That stopped me in my tracks; he was in a blank T-shirt suggesting he was just a kid hanging out, and I responded, “Yes, I liked it.” He smiled big, and then I kept on walking. Unremarkable as it was, but profound. I often think, “Does HE hear me?” I know HE hears and sees everything, but there are billions of people all talking seemingly at the same moment… How do I know? As a kid I loved statistics and would check things: batting averages, home runs, stolen bases, team win-loss records. You name it and I checked it all for my own curiosity because it was boring to talk about it. Boring because numbers changed every day, all day long, but I was obsessed with stats and then later in business it helped me define “trends” to recalculate things I put effort into. Feedback. Sometimes feedback defines pathways; if it’s a good path or a dead end? From time to time you must make a bold statement against trends if you have a strong conviction or if you are moved by the spirit. Faith, Trust, Belief I once thought were just a product of trends, a report card. I needed feedback because my life has been in the public square, not a biochemist lab. So I’ve often wondered and relied on statistics of readership, listenership and viewership to help determine what was working. I’ve been asked as frequently as I have self-pondered, is anyone really listening or been moved/motivated by what’s in the Good News without that need for feedback or statistics? I know we have endeavored to deliver superior writers who are wonderful communicators in an attractive format and at plentiful distribution locations, but is somebody listening like HE listens?And if that’s now really important and to whom? People ask weekly if they can write for us, cover stuff, participate in some way, and last week a Kansas City Christian publication asked if they could republish our July cover feature article in its entirety for their readership? (which we granted - apparently people are listening) Media share sources all the time so that’s no biggie, but this article and subject matter was different because this subject was how an entire city through the City administration, Chamber of Commerce and an extensive and booming entertainment and attractions industry in Branson, Missouri, has rallied together to raise awareness and money to provide children’s pediatric wheelchairs for children with serious disabilities through Hope Haven International, a Christian ministry in Iowa that has taken the Global lead to manufacture and distributed kids pediatric wheelchairs through mission trips to over 109 countries while spreading the gospel of Jesus. That’s Good News. We internally asked and challenged ourselves, was this newsworthy here in South Florida for a cover feature we produced, and would anyone be curious or listening? Bigger question, would it inspire some to think about “what could” be done in contrast to the more predictable “what can’t” be done among others to think bolder and bigger for the Kingdom? “Call tome and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” (Jeremiah 33:3, ESV). Stay cool, it’s hot out there. Les South Florida Edition • Good News • August 2022 • Volume 24, Issue 5 Advertising: We reach over 110,000 readers each month. 80,000 in print and 30,000 via our online digital edition. Placing an ad in our publication is affordable and effective to help grow your business. Call us today! Distribution: Available inmore than 800 locations throughout South Florida. To become a free distribution point for the newspaper, please contact Shelly. The Good News is published by Good News Media Group, LLC, Reproduction in whole or part strictly forbidden without the consent of the publisher. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved. Good News Media Group, LLC. PO Box 670368, Coral Springs, FL 33067 954-564-5378 • www.goodnewsfl.org Publisher: Leslie J. Feldman [email protected] Editor: Shelly Pond [email protected] Art Director: Milton McPherson [email protected] Advertising & Marketing: Robert “Buddy” Helland Jr. V.P. Sr. Marketing Manager [email protected] Al Lehman Sr. Marketing Director [email protected] Vice President: Michael Denker Corporate Engagement [email protected] Social Media Manager: Ariel Feldman [email protected] Editorial Assistant: Eric Solomon [email protected] Cover Photography: Justus Martin [email protected] Howdoes theSpiritmoveyou? PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . .8 I Have (Had) a Friend – by Stephan N. Tchividjian IN THE WORD . . . . . . . . .10 Franklin Graham: They Did the Right Thing – by Franklin Graham OPINION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Build Your Church - Newton Fairweather YOU ASKWHY? . . . . . . . .14 Down, But Not Out – by Dr. Tommy Boland LIVE THE LIFE . . . . . . . . . 16 Marriage is Like Hiking – by Lisa May PARENTING . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Self-Image:What Mirror Do You Hold Up? – by Dr. Bob Barnes &Torrey Roberts HEART AND SOUL . . . . .20 Pharmacy Students Loved Serving People of Honduras – by Dr. Debra A. Schwinn THE CODE . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 We All Live in FourWorlds – by Dr. O.S. Hawkins GOOD NEWS WANTS TO KNOW 24 - 26 If you had to change your name, what would your new name be and why? COVER STORY . . . . . .28 – 29 Creating a Culture to Positively Impact Lives, BrandStar Gladly Pays It Forward – by Shelly Pond FAITH AND VOCATION .30 Are Faith and Enterprise Compatible? – by Art Bailey VILLAGE HYMNS . . . . . . .32 WhichVoice AreWe Listening To? – by Joshua Sherman ENCOURAGEMENT . . . . .34 Trials andTribulations – by Omar Aleman LEGAL Q&A . . . . . . . . . . . .36 School Choice, More than Ever: Three Big Reasons – byWilliam “Bill” C. Davell and Ed Pozzouli EDUCATION . . . . . . . . . . .38 Homeschool? Me? – by Mai Lyn Colangelo Chung CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . .43 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . .44 - 47 Leslie J. Feldman C O N T E N T S Good News • August • Volume 24 Issue 5

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PERSPECTIVE 8 AuguSt 2022 www.goodnewsfl.org good News • South Florida Edition Friendship is talked about…but seldom experienced. I would like to tell you about my friend. My friend grew up in another country. He was born in a small town where he was raised by an angel of a mother and a complex father. He was part of a large family. My friend became a Christian in his teen years. I first met him when he was in his early twenties and just starting a family. He had two families, and he was devoted to both of them. Please don’t imagine that he actually had two wives and two lives, no. He had the family that he was born into and the family he married. I noticed that at times he was torn between his loyalties to both families, especially when the needs of one came in the way of the other. My friend’s life continued to evolve as his family grew. He and his wife began a family that grew into a large tribe. His career took him from one country to another, then he finally settled in the United States, finished his education, left his family business and started his own. I valued my friend’s wisdom, counsel and perspective. His sense of humor often brought complex situations into perspective. He was a hard worker, loyal and a person that everyone was pleased to see walk into the room. He was gentle, kind and at times misunderstood. My friend was one whose insight was often sought after, and he would often be described as a wise person. He was not perfect but close. My friend had several characteristics that I feel are worth sharing and I desire to emulate. Kindness My friend was kind. Kindness is often considered an offshoot of another characteristic and often plays second fiddle to another. Kindness doesn’t often get center stage and prime billing. Kindness is appreciated but often overlooked. Kindness is never the life of the party and doesn’t produce much drama, sometimes even being relegated to the category of sweet, boring and nice. My friend was kind, and I believe his kindness made him someone that was safe. His kindness made him sought after by so many people. He had friends in all places, and I was particularly impressed by the variety of friends. The trusted relationships varied from people of faith and no faith, wealth and no wealth, moral and immoral. Many who sought his kindness were people who had experienced sometype of cataclysmic failure and found themselves broken. I believe those people quickly found out who their true friends were and realized they had so few. I believe it’s those people who begin to appreciate kindness and perhaps give it its due. My friend was kind to me. Faithfulness My friend was faithful. Faithfulness is appreciated over time since it often takes time to recognize it. Faithfulness demonstrates itself often when no one is looking. I have seen faithfulness in work, in relationships, in family and in faith. I believe faithfulness is often the chief ingredient to anything excellent. My friend was faithful to his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his friends and anything he was committed too. I believe his faithfulness was demonstrated in his willingness to ignore his own opportunities and needs for that of others. I believe that sometimes my friend’s faithfulness overshadowed some of his faults and weaknesses. Flawed I was disappointed to know that my friend was not perfect. Obviously, no one is perfect, yet I had come to a place in my life that I believed he almost was. I had come to realize that my friend was so kind and faithful that he often did not know how to deal with conflict. My friend dealt with conflict by doing what somany of us do, ignore it. Conflict is akin to nitro glycerin… it exists but has to be handled so carefully because what can be used for good can easily explode and be used for destruction. I observed my friend looking for the short cut or excuse to a situation that needed to be addressed at its root. He was undisciplined in many ways. He was not good with follow through and often would recognize that he needed to do something but would never get around to it. Toomany opportunities were laid at his feet only to grow rust and become yesterday’s door not today’s window. My friend’s generosity was connected to his kindness but at a hidden cost. He, for example, would be quick to pay for everyone’s dinner yet unable to pay his bills and owed friends money that he was unable to pay back. He never said “no,” though he should have. My friend was well-intentioned but sometimes the desire was buried in the world of desire versus the world of reality. Forged forever My friend loved Jesus with all of his heart though he did not wear it on his sleeve like a fashion statement. He demonstrated this by being a people helper extraordinaire, always willing to rescue someone or a situation. I find that some people have a personality that tends to find themselves in situations that require a rescuer. Perhaps his desire to rescue people was a characteristic tethered to his kindness. We live in a world of crisis and it’s certainly a source of great peace to know that when there is an emergency there is a ready hand, willing to rescue. God is that way. I have been in situations where the crisis was beyond what I could handle and having that first responder arrive and provide clarity, stability and calm was a true expression of peace… a sense of “I will be OK.” My friend had that characteristic; people felt that they would be “OK” when he was invited in. He made me understand that God is that way too. I came to realize that the spring that fed his genuine character stemmed from his sincere and deep relationship with God. He took his relationship with God very seriously and translated the wisdom of God into very practical life wisdom. My friend’s faith in Christ drew others in, was compelling and attractive. He was not preachy, dogmatic or arrogant. He was moral but not self-righteous. My friend epitomized the verse in 1 Peter 3:15 that suggests that a Christian always be ready to give a reason of the hope that exists within them (assuming its visible) and do it with gentleness and respect. My friend is no longer living. He died several years ago; however, I often reflect on many of his qualities, both good and bad. I realize that I did not express to my friend the gratitude I had for him as often as I should have. I regret that. I hope my life can exemplify many of his qualities. Pops, I love you, thank God for you and appreciate how you shaped and forged my life and understanding of God. Stephan N. Tchividjian is the president and founder of the National Christian Foundation South Florida. Visit southflorida.ncfgiving.com to learn more. - Stephan N. Tchividjian - National Christian Foundation President I Had (Have) A Friend

10 AuguSt 2022 www.goodnewsfl.org good News • South Florida Edition IN THE WORD Remember this date: June 24, 2022. This is the day that the United States Supreme Court made the historic decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Finally, after 49 years of prayer frommillions of people, and the unceasing work of the pro-life movement, the court voted to strike down one of the most horrific and egregious rulings in the history of our nation. In so doing, the high court upheld aMississippi law banning abortion after 15 weeks (Dobbs v. JacksonWomen’s HealthOrganization), and then went on to overturn the infamous 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. With the decisiveness of three conservative justices appointed during the Trump administration, the court stated that there is no constitutional right to an abortion, as it previously ruled in 1973 when it illegitimately cited the 14thAmendment’s “right to privacy.” “The Constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision,” said Justice Samuel Alito in writing the majority opinion. I thank God for answering the prayers of godly women and men who for almost five decades refused to give up on overturning Roe v. Wade, and remained steadfast in their conviction that life conceived in the womb is sacred and made in the image of God (see Jeremiah 1:5). More than 63million children weremurdered by abortion factories during the half century since Roe v. Wade, and it is my prayer that millions of children will now have the opportunity to experience the precious life that God gives them. President Trump, who appointed justices Brett Kavanaugh, Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett — all of whom ruled with the majority — said following the ruling, “God made the decision.” My friend, Vice President Mike Pence, said just hours after the decision: “Today, Life won. By overturning Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court of the United States has given the American people a new beginning for life, and I commend the justices in the majority for having the courage of their convictions.” But make no mistake, the battle is far from over. The justices’ historic ruling now means that the issue will go back to the states where legislatures will decide what restrictions — or lack thereof —will be enforced. Following the June 24 decision, 13 states were ready to immediately implement “trigger laws” that would limit or restrict abortion. Another dozen or so conservative states are expected to follow in the coming months with strict restrictions on abortion. However, there will also be states like Colorado whose laws allow abortion to proceed all the way up to birth. Presidents Biden and Obama both made statements condemning the decision. Companies like Hewlett-Packard, Apple, Starbucks, Disney, Tesla, Levi Strauss and many others have already said they will pay the expenses of employees who want an abortion to travel to states that offer the procedure. That is sick. Wemust know the heart of the abortion issue isn’t political or legal — it’s spiritual. It’s a rejection of God’s law and principles as revealed in Scripture, and a rebellion against His authority over all of life. The pro-abortionmovement has been nothing but an anti-God campaign. The Bible says, “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. … My frame was not hidden from you when I was being made in secret. …Your eyes sawmy unformed substance” (Psalm 139:13-16, ESV). That is why the fight against abortion has been fought on the battlefield of prayer. It is a war waged in the heavenly places, asking the Lord for His supernatural, sovereign help to save innocent lives in the womb. We live in a culture where same-sex marriage is encouraged and celebrated. Where gays, lesbians and transgenders are presented as the norm, even going so far as to try and indoctrinate children in elementary school. These are all lifestyles that flout the truth of Scripture and are supported by a godless worldview that seeks to create its own twisted version of right and wrong. When the White House is lit up in the colors of gay pride, and the LGBTQ flag is placed prominently on corporate websites, then you know we are a nation sinking ever deeper into depravity. Our only hope is God. Our only path is repentance fromour evil ways, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and obedience to His promises. We have lost our way spiritually, and those who promote sinful and degrading behavior have captured the voice of the vast majority of the media, educational institutions and too many of our representatives in Washington. Years ago, I traveled to Ethiopia to meet with Mulatu Bafa, a leader of the Kale Heywet Church. He had been persecuted by the Marxist regime and was quite old. I asked him what he could still do, and I will never forget his response. “Franklin,” he said, “I still have my voice.” Well, I still have my voice, and I intend to use it. I will continue to support wholeheartedly the pro-life cause. I want to see abortion eliminated from every state, not just some. Abortion is a genocide of the unborn. It is sin. I will continue to call on Christians to go to the polls and vote for candidates who adhere to Biblical morality and are 100% pro-life. The progressive left is calling for a huge turnout in November to elect pro-abortion candidates. Well, I have some news for them— I believe there are many more godly people who will be voting for every pro-life candidate in the fall. They will make their voices heard loud and clear. I am also grateful for Christian pregnancy care centers acrossAmerica that have been stalwarts against abortion. They minister to women considering abortion and help them in so many ways. They seek to protect life, not destroy it. Above all, I will preach the saving Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to as many as I can for as long I can. I will speak of the cross of the Savior who bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might be forgiven of our sins, live a holy life and spend eternity with the Lord. For women who have had an abortion and live under a cloud of guilt, I want them to know that God loves them and forgives them when they come to Him in humble confession. Our God can restore and heal any brokenness. I was asked by a reporter just hours after the court’s ruling if I believed I would ever see the day when Roe v. Wade was overturned. I said, yes, because I believe it is the right thing. That’s what the Supreme Court did on June 24. They did the right thing. Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New King James Version. ©2021 Samaritan's Purse ©2021 Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. BGEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Used by permission decisionmagazine.com - Franklin Graham - President and CEO Samaritan’s Purse and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association FranklinGraham: TheyDid theRight Thing We must know the heart of the abortion issue isn’t political or legal—it’s spiritual. It’s a rejection of God’s law and principles as revealed in Scripture, and a rebellion against His authority over all of life. ” “ Our God can restore and heal any brokenness. ” “

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12 AuguSt 2022 www.goodnewsfl.org good News • South Florida Edition OPINION What do you listen for when you hear a gospel song? Some of the greatest hymns were inspired by personal experiences. Most song writers and singers tell their story through their songs. Just listen to the lyrics in your favorite song, and you’ll hear a message. One of the most powerful songs that I have heard recently and have listened to several times, is titled Build Your Church, by Maverick City & ElevationWorship. How does God build His church from the ground up? One of the cornerstones He uses to build His church is “The Great Commission.” It is a foundational tool that is often overlooked and underutilized. In it, we are called to be participators and not spectators. Its instructions have power and clarity of directions, and its success is guarantee by Jesus himself. Listen to Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:18-20 (AMP): “Jesus came up and said to them, ‘All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.’” What caught my attention in the Great Commission is that Jesus tells his inner circle to baptize. So, let’s talk a little about baptism and how it helps to build the Kingdom of God. What is baptism? The word “baptism” comes from the Greek word “baptize” and it literally means immersion. So, when we talk about baptism in water, we’re talking about full immersion into water, not just a little sprinkle. You must be immersed to be baptized. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change. It’s a public declaration of how Jesus changed your life and acknowledges your confession of faith and belief in Himand HisWord. Being baptized shows others that you’ve decided to follow Jesus and allows others to celebrate this decision with you (Acts 16:31-34, AMP). Baptism is a physical reality It’s bigger than just a symbolic gesture. In Romans 6:1-11(AMP), Paul paints a perfect picture of what happens during baptism. We go into the water as the old man/woman dying with Christ. Through baptism the body of sins is being put off and we then rise with Christ as a brand-new man/woman, free from sin. We are doing a physical act, by faith, reflecting a spiritual reality. “Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].” 2 Corinthians 5:17(AMP). In real time Recently, I had the privilege of teaming with two great men of God, Dr. Mark G. Van Dorn (Pastor Marcos), Florida Faith Church, and Pastor Desmond Cook, Fellowship of Christian Athletes. This was a teachable moment in the spirit. We came together because God had placed on our hearts to do a seaside baptism. As I sat with these men and explained the vision and purpose of the baptism, the Holy Spirit declared to me that building the church in 2022 must be a collaborative effort. It must be built one believer at a time, and each believer must own it. Additionally, it also affirmed that when God gives a vision, He has already put the provision in place. This was a great example of the scripture text that explains some will plant, some will water, but God will give the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6, NIV). The more we conversed, themore we realize that though we did not have the “Sea of Galilee,” we had God’s Ocean. As we departed from our first meeting we prayed for each other, and that God’s will be done. We have talked and prayed over the vision several times since our first meeting. The date for the seaside baptism was set for Sunday, July 31, 2022, at 7am. What this has taught us is that when you do all you can, God will do the rest. One of the most extraordinary moments in the Bible is when Peter encouraged the people to repent and be baptized. It was then when the body of Christ grew by over 3,000 people in one day. The part we often overlook is what he said after that: “The promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:37-41, NIV). I look at my young adult children as they prepare to go back to school, and I wonder how many other young people need to enter a relationship with Christ and be baptized? How many teachers and administrators? The list goes on. There is anxiety and tension in the air of the unknown. Nonetheless, the Great Commission is still required of us all. On Christ the solid rock (HisWord) we stand all other ground is sinking sand. Sunday July 31,2022, started off with some doubt caused by cloudy skies and some heavy showers. Press towards the beach was my mindset. By the time I arrive at the beach one hour later, the weather was absolutely beautiful, the sun was coming up through the clouds, and it was as if the day was pre-arrange for worship in baptism. Over fifty people came together and 19 were baptized. What a picture. Not to mention the numerous bystanders just looking on. “If I be lifted up, I’ll draw all men, boys and girls unto me.” Baptism, what a way to lift the name of Jesus and build the church of God. Newton Fairweather is the pastor of Faith and Joy Church and the CBMC Fort Lauderdale Board Chaplin. Build Your Church, Build It from the Ground Up - Newton Fairweather - Pastor, Faith and Joy Church, and CBMC Fort Lauderdale Board Chaplin Pastors Newton Fairweather, Dr. Mark Van Dorn and Desmond Cook baptize Christien Webb. Pastor Desmond Cook, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Dr. Mark G. Van Dorn (Pastor Marcos), Florida Faith Church, and Pastor Newton Fairweather, Faith and Joy Church

14 AuguSt 2022 www.goodnewsfl.org good News • South Florida Edition YOU ASK WHY Down, But Not Out “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province ofAsia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life” (2 Corinthians 1:8). Did you know that Christian believers get down and depressed? Some peoplemistakenly believe that Christians should not experience any kind of deep sadness after conversion, as if we have beenmade immune to depression, despair and despondency. If a Christian does lapse into depression, this thinking goes, he or she is in sin. This is an entirely faulty understanding of what it means to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ and the biblical promise of painful providence. The term “depressed” can mean a variety of things. To be sure, it can refer to a diagnosable medical condition (clinical depression; post-partum depression), which can require an individual to seek treatment through professional counseling and/or medication. For the purpose of my word of encouragement this month, I am identifying the term depression as the reality of a deep feeling of sadness . . . and the power that is available to us when we look to Jesus for the cure. Sadness in the Bible Becausewe are broken people living in a brokenworldwith other broken people, sadness is a reality, even for the redeemed. We see how Jesus entered into the intense sadness of those who were mourning the death of Lazarus: He wept (John 11:35). TheBible is filledwith examples of great saints strugglingwith sadness leading to depression. David wrote, “Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll – are they not in your record?” (Psalm 56:8). And remember, this lament came from the man who is described as a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). We read in 2 Corinthians 1:8 that the great apostle Paul despaired even of life itself. And he was not alone in feeling that way! Notice that he wrote, “We were under great pressure” and “We despaired even of life.” Paul and his companions were being buffeted by stormwinds of difficulty and persecution that brought them to the point of utter hopelessness.And let us not forget that bothMoses (Numbers 11:15) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:3-5) cried out to God that they would rather die than live in their current season of struggle. Job, whomScripture describes as “blameless and upright,” aman who “fearedGod and shunned evil” (Job 1:1), said despairingly that hewished he had died at birth (Job 3:11). And I would be remiss if I did not mention our Lord’s words as He prepared to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night of His betrayal: “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Matthew 26:38). We do not knowexactlywhat hardships Paul and hismissionary teamwere facing inAsia. Yet the biblical accounts of Paul’s three missionary journeys record many incredibly difficult trials. If Paul (andMoses, Elijah, and Job) got down to the point of despairing even of life, it should not surprise any of us that we too may get down from time to time and struggle with seasons of sadness. But just like Paul, we have all that we need in Jesus to deal with our down so that we are never out!As disciples of Christ, we are called and commanded to see the sovereign reality of God and His perfect plan and purpose being worked out in our imperfect and sometimes pain-filled lives. Three truths Here are three truths to lift you out of the ashes of defeat: ➢ Jesus is for you “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). ➢ Jesus is with you “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). ➢Jesus is in you “Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you?” (2 Corinthians 13:5). We are all given over to times of depression, despair, and despondency. The great Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon, referred to by many as “the prince of preachers,” confessed that he had “suffered many times from sever sickness and frightful mental depression seeking almost to despair.”Again, I ask you: If great men of faith like Spurgeon and Paul and Elijah struggled with seasons of despair, is it not possible – even likely – that you and I will also? Focus on Christ We are not perfected yet, and we won’t be until we cross the Jordan. Until that day, there will be circumstances in life that will come against us in surprising and upsetting ways. When that happens, we must remember to keep our focus on Christ, not our circumstances. When we do that, we will be reminded that Jesus is for us, with us, and in us. David knew this truth: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted,” he wrote, “and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). We have seen that our Lord knows what it is to sink into deep sorrow, and He has promised never to leave you or forsake you. Depending upon God’s faithfulness is the key to rising above our discouragement. This is a truth we all must come to understand, and this only happens when He carries us through those seasons painful personal experience. Regardless of what you are facing today personally, professionally and relationally, the three truths I have presented here will help you rise above the waves of challenge. The key is to let your despondency lead you to increased dependency upon your Lord. And when you find yourself in a season of despondency, remember you are only down; you are never out. As Paul also said, “We are cast down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:9). This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT… AMEN! Dr. Tommy Boland is senior pastor of Cross Community Church in Deerfield Beach (www.thecrosscc.org). He blogs regularly at tommyboland.com. - Tommy Boland - Cross Community Church Pastor VIENNA, AUSTIRA - The painting of Jesus in the Gethsemane garden in church St. Johann der Evangelist by Karl Geiger (18

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LIVE THE LIFE 16 AuguSt 2022 www.goodnewsfl.org good News • South Florida Edition The Live the Life South Florida team had the blessing of attending the National Alliance for Marriage & Relationship Education conference in Utah a few weeks ago. Most of us went a few days early to take in some sights. Unbeknownst to most of you, I have a sense of adventure, so when someone offers that opportunity, I’m usually game! My daughter Amanda always looks for fun and the once-in-a-lifetime activity when traveling, so she researched and said, “We have to go to Sundance and hike to Stewart Falls." My only question was how difficult it was, and her answer was “easy to moderate," so off we went. Differing perspectives I learned many things, but as is typical, we all have different perspectives and definitions. “Easy to moderate” doesn't mean the same to me as the park services or seasoned hikers. Arriving at the entrance I was struck by the beauty and majesty of the mountains, the trees, the breeze, and the age and stage of the hikers. Some small children, even a mother was carrying a baby, there were grandparents and everything in between. I thought everyone was making this hike, so it couldn't be too complicated or lengthy. So off we went with a tiny bottle of water! The first 90 minutes went well; a few challenges but nothing I couldn't overcome. I was beginning to realize that a hike in the mountains should always include the word “climb." Two hours in I was out of the water, the terrain was more complex, and I had to hold on to tree limbs and often Amanda's hand to “climb” up and over what I’d call boulders, not to mention that the trail was usually 18 inches wide, and the fall would be several thousand feet (I’m afraid of heights). So, as exhaustion set in, I shamelessly sat down in the middle of the trail about every 100 steps. Sitting there, I think this is a lot like marriage. We start with the excitement and wonder of the relationship. We're swept away by the beauty of the other person inside and out and our future together. We have different perspectives of what the marriage will be like, different definitions of what’s easy and hard, and we don’t consider that majesty and beauty usually involve a climb and not just a hike. And there are moments that we don't want to keep going. Forget the waterfall. Surely, there's a helicopter that can rescue me and fly me away. How am I going to end this? I want a divorce. As I sat, people that started up the same time I did were coming down, but children were crying, and adults were commenting that this wasn’t an easy hike, but they made it to the top and have the pictures to prove it. The people that seemed to maintain the enthusiasm had water, an apple and a walking stick. They were so prepared they could share their water and the apple with me, which was complete refreshment. I made it to the top, albeit it took me longer, but I made it. Be prepared We all need water, food, and a walking stick to make the hike and climb of marriage. We need to be prepared with relationship and pre-marital education. We need to invest time to explore and define our perspectives and expectations. We need to set goals and consider timelines and standards. Most of all, we need a walking stick. I will never "hike and climb" again without a walking stick. So, what are the walking sticks of marriage? 1. We need to rely on Jesus to help us stay the course. 2. You need the water of the Word for refreshment. 3. Just as we need the apple for nourishment, we need to study and FEAST on the Word, not just casually graze. 4. We need to take time from the exhaustion of the hustle and bustle of life and sit, relax, on the journey, and give our spouse your undivided attention. 5. We must set aside time for marriage and family education workshops and retreats. 6. We need friends who are supportive of your marriage. People who wil l extend their hand of friendship to lift you when the pathway gets difficult. 7. We must be willing to share our apples and water with others as they will be challenged. Again, God used creation to reveal Jesus to us. The wood of the cross was the instrument God used to redeem and save us from spiritual death, and the wood of the walking stick God uses to go with us on our journey to heaven. Since my return home, I look back on my adventure, and I’m glad I’d stayed the course. Likemarriage, I could have given up andmissed themajesty and beauty of God's creation and His plan for a beautiful and deeply satisfying marriage. Live the Life South Florida exists to strengthen marriages and families through healthy relationship education, beginning in middle school through senior adults. We are educators, coaches, and pastoral counselors. If you're looking for a clinical counselor or therapist, we are blessed to have many in the South Florida community. We'd be honored to provide you a list of highly qualified and reputable individuals. Visit livethelifesoflo.org - Lisa May - Executive Director, Live the Life South Florida Marriage is Like Hiking

18 AuguSt 2022 www.goodnewsfl.org good News • South Florida Edition PARENTING When Torrey, my oldest child, began school, somehow I felt she no longer neededmy approval asmuch as before. Shewas older and other people, like her teachers, were in charge. Because Daddy was so busy, I began to miss key events in her life, such as her kindergarten play. Not long after that, I was walking in my neighborhood and heard the shouts of six-yearolds playing soccer. I sat down to watch the game and noticed that of the thirty boys on the two teams, only four parents had taken the time to come watch their children play. Suddenly, I realized the absent parents had left their children in the hands of the coaches. Yet, the coaches were not concerned with giving individual attention to each player. The players whose ability and performance was outstanding received the coaches’ special attention. As I returned home that day, I inwardly judged all those absent parents. How would they be able to encourage and communicate with their children if they couldn’t make it to a simple soccer game? Yet my judgment turned to guilt as I realized I’d done the same thing to Torrey. For her first five years I raised her to believe she was valuable and important, always applauding her, not merely her performances. But I had pulled back, and I now understood that if I “subcontracted” my daughter to others, she would begin to look to others for approval. Fortunately for Torrey, I realized I had failed her, and quickly returned to my role as her cheerleader and encourager. What is self-esteem? Most of us parents want our children to be confident and happy, with a positive self-image. Yet we often choose the wrongmeans to reach a good end. The problem boils down to definition. Just what is this thing called self-esteem? Self-esteem is how we value ourselves. However, we cannot build self-esteem by looking at ourselves or only through outside sources, such as a marriage partner, college degree, or job. We form self-esteem by evaluating the way other significant people view us. My friend Joel is an artist who often displays his paintings at weekend art shows. Joel will sit near his booth to observe how people respond to his art. He often finds it difficult to hear them comment on his paintings. “Those paintings are pieces of me,” he explains, “and sometimes people do not like what they see. But I need to hear their comments in order to judge how well I am doing.” Our self-esteem is closely tied to who we think we are, and we decide our value by how others react to us. Our children do the same, and they are watching us to see how we react to them. Mirror image The significant people around us act asmirrors, reflecting back to us our identity and value. Yet often, these “mirrors” do not reflect an accurate image, because the images are shaped by others’ personal needs and difficulties. Sometimes even parents cannot reflect a true image to their children, leaving their kids feeling unloved and worthless. Lisa’s parents were a classic example of a warped mirror image. When she was a child, they often told her she was fat, leading her to believe that to be valuable to them and others, she must not be overweight. She began to derive her self-identity solely on how she looked. Even at twenty Lisa was trim and fit, yet she still thought of herself as fat, which led to anorexia. Lisa was probably unaware that she sought her parents’ approval through controlling her weight. We gain self-esteem through a subjective, unconscious process as we seek to perceive and evaluate how others see us. In addition to parents, peers hold a strong influence on children as they develop self-esteem. Unfortunately, today’s children spend more time with peers than parents, and begin to change to please those outside the family. Yet a child’s friends will never be able to give him or her the feedback necessary to develop a positive self-concept. Healthy self-esteem is best nurtured at home. Self-esteem is an ongoing process, a daily evaluation. Parents are the front line in helping their children learn to value themselves, and to see themselves as individual creations of God, designed for His purposes. As your children prepare to head back to school this month, don’t subcontract the building of their self-esteem to their teachers, coaches and peers. Be involved in their lives. Let your mirror reflect back to them the positive reminder that theMaster Designer, with unique and wonderful gifts, created them. Let that reflection form the foundation of a healthy self-esteem throughout your children’s lives. Excerpted from Raising Confident Kids by Dr. Robert G. Barnes Jr. Visit parentingonpurpose.org for more advice from Dr. Bob Barnes and Torrey Roberts. - Dr. Bob Barnes and Torrey Roberts - Sheridan House FamilyMinistries Self-Esteem:WhatMirror Do YouHoldUp?

HEART AND SOUL 20 AuguSt 2022 www.goodnewsfl.org good News • South Florida Edition Five hundred fifty patients served; 1,500 prescriptions filled; all in five days. Sounds exhausting. “Oh yeah,” said pharmacy student Tara McIntosh, recalling the Gregory Center for Medical Missions trip to Honduras in June. At day’s end, after dinner, a shower, devotions and debriefing, “that’s when you start to feel exhausted,” she said. “But not during the day, because the patients were so thankful and grateful, and praying for you while you’re praying for them. It felt like something I enjoy doing, all day, every day.” Tara and four other students from the Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy worked under the supervision of Assistant Professor Keri DePatis, as the team partnered with Global Health Outreach (GHO), a ministry of the Christian Medical and Dental Associations. “The students were great,” Keri said. “I didn’t hear any complaints, because they went into it with the mindset ‘I’m here to serve.’” (Hmm, I thought. What if we all took that mindset with us, wherever we went?) Each day Keri assigned three of her students to triage patients, checking blood pressure, blood glucose, weight, etc. Two students worked with Keri to fill the prescriptions written by GHO volunteer physicians. Bilingual students like Maria Gonzalez Haesler were an extra blessing, especially for counseling patients on taking medications, and praying with them. Moving out of their comfort zones Maria had never before acted as a translator; this was one of the many ways she and her fellow students rose to the occasion, growing out of their comfort zones. The photo here showsMaria (in the center), translating for Tara (at right) as they pray for a patient. That prayer ended with hugs all around. “It was a wonderful experience, to be able to connect with people throughGod,” Maria said. Some of the patients the team met had not received medical attention in years. “It brings you much more passion for your career, to be able to help people in need,” she said. Tara, who is from Jamaica, had been excited about mission trips ever since she toured the Gregory School while deciding where to study pharmacy. “That was one of the driving factors as to why I applied to PBA,” she said. “I have been blessed in so many small ways, but all the small ways add up to something really huge. And so I felt a mission trip was just one of the small ways that I could give back.” When Tara learned she was selected to go on the trip to Honduras, “it was like winning the lottery,” she said. “I was screaming and jumping all over the place.” The trip didn’t disappoint. Tara found the Honduran people to be “really beautiful, really appreciative.” And she learned much that will help her be a better pharmacist. “It definitely taught me to bemore empathetic,” she said. “And it has helpedme to be a lot more comfortable incorporating faith in the practice of pharmacy.” Training for the future The team saw many patients with respiratory problems, which made Tara think about her ultimate goal: to go back home to Jamaica and open an asthma clinic for children. During those long days on the mission trip, she realized, This is the training that I need. For professor Keri DePatis, one of the biggest benefits of the trip was working with students outside of the classroomsetting, learning about their plans and dreams. And hearing their testimonies of faith “was a really, really powerful time,” she said. In July, the center sent another pharmacy team to El Salvador for similar work. “The Gregory Center for Medical Missions acknowledges the generous support and philanthropy provided by the Gregory family,” said Dr. Dana Strachan, dean of the School of Pharmacy. “It has always been the family’s passion to support student engagement on the medical mission field as an integral part of training to serve within a health profession.” Undergraduate students from PBA also serve on mission trips. This summer, teams from the university traveled to Peru, Guyana, SouthAfrica and across Europe. PBA nursing students and others take mission trips on their spring break as well. Many students will develop a mission-oriented lifestyle. To borrow Tara’s words, I think it all adds up to “really huge” blessings, which reminds me of the old hymn “Count Your Blessings.” Hymnwriter JohnsonOatman Jr. wrote, “Count your many blessings; name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.”At PalmBeachAtlantic University, we’re greatly blessed and encouraged by the teams who devote time and talent to mission trips. And the deepest blessing is to realize what the Lord has done in and through these students, faculty and staff, as they follow His call to serve the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of underserved populations. Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, a physician, researcher and innovator, is president of Palm Beach Atlantic University. (www.pba.edu) - Dr. Debra A. Schwinn - Palm Beach Atlantic University President Pharmacy students Maria Gonzalez Haesler (center) and Tara McIntosh pray with a Honduran patient. Pharmacy Students Loved Serving People of Honduras

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