Largest Christian Newspaper in America • South Florida Edition • goodnewsfl.org • January 2022 • Volume 23, Issue 10
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PUBLISHER 4 january 2022 www.goodnewsfl.org Good news • South Florida Edition I find myself asking “why” a lot. Am I skeptical? Yes, I’m sure I am. But that’s my lifetime starting point. That’s my beginning. I generally don’t like to be questioned, but I question almost everything. Why is that? I say it brings me clarity, a focus if you will. At least that’s how I rationalize it. But why do I not like being questioned? My reflex is, “You’re skeptical; are you sure you want to go down that road with me?” I’m learning not to trust my reflex, and I could attach appropriate scripture citing patience, tolerance and grace. I have an insatiable desire to want to know things for perspective. A three year old asks “why” repeatedly. We soon get frustrated and snap, “because I said so.” The young mind interprets that as a signal to accept authority, otherwise you face “the consequences.” A beautiful mind gets stifled because we fear that little monster will grow up robbing banks or worse, bury their sorrows in a computer screen? A simple “why” most times leads to an even simpler obvious, but is it really obvious? Yes, many times it is, but then we scratch below the surface if we endeavor to apply whatever value we learn to improve future encouragement to learn, solve or simply press on. The Bible is full of examples: How many times did Jesus say, “follow me”? In Matthew seven times, in Mark four times, in Luke four times, in John seven times, in the Gospels thirteen times. And on… each time teaching lessons. But to apply scripture, I feel it is important to have a beginning, a middle and an end objective. At least scripture that will help guide me in applying a Godly perspective to life as we live it. Which leads me to “why” in a reflection of our current front cover feature of “Angel Flights,” featuring Mac McConnell, well known in these parts for his 26 years of featured portrayals in the First Baptist Church of The Fort Lauderdale Christmas Pageant. McConnell pilots Angel Flights, so please read the “why” as our GN Editor Shelly Pond writes about this God Story beginning on page 32. Why and to whom; our readers So, in looking back at this most unusual 2021, we have “why” all over the place in features: February: Rebuilding South Florida, where hundreds of volunteers can transform a decaying neighborhood to infuse a renewal of pride: digital.goodnewsfl.org/2021/february/ March: Pastor David Hughes and his Church By The Glades because he attracts a fast declining group of millennials, but now attending in the droves at the Church By The Glades high energy music, LED light shows and full theatrical productions, why? Whatever it takes to church them up: digital.goodnewsfl.org/2021/march/20/ Our GN April we featured Florida Governor Ron DeSantis because he stood strong defying a national trend and fought to open churches and houses of worship during a nationwide COVID lockdownmandate. This was controversial but our “why” was for the courage to lead: digital.goodnewsfl.org/2021/april/#1 May we featured “Mother’s Day HERoes” in a fascinating perspective. I encourage you to re-read about these women of distinction and “why” they proudly serve: digital.goodnewsfl.org/2021/may/ July we featured the 15-year milestone of Lifework Leadership, “transforming Leaders who transform cities”: digital.goodnewsfl.org/2021/july/28/ August GN featured Fellowship Of Christian Athletes (FCA) bringing the gospel to student athletes: digital.goodnewsfl.org/2021/august/#1 September Physical and Spiritual healing. Dr. Mike Rozenblum has a unique ministry that traveled a fascinating road of obedience: digital.goodnewsfl.org/2021/september/#1 October we proudly featured the 50Years of WestminsterAcademy “Devoted to Christ - Dedicated to Excellence”: digital.goodnewsfl.org/2021/october/#1 And why we publish the Good News: November the 5th Annual “Leading Charities and Foundations” and the extraordinary leadership in a detailed look and mission statements: digital.goodnewsfl.org/2021/november/#1 December The 5th Annual “Faith Leaders”: digital.goodnewsfl.org/2021/december/#1 2022 presents new challenges. Why is a good thing and should be used to improve, not a convenient pause of paralysis; like can instead of can’t. “Come, follow me,” He said. Grateful for more opportunities, - Les South Florida Edition • Good News • January 2022 • Volume 23, Issue 10 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 2021. 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] 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] On The Cover BibleActor Mac McConnell shows the Cirrus SR20 four-seat single engine airplane he flies out of Hollywood North Perry Airport when taking patients on Angel Flights. Photo by Justus Martin. www.justusmartinphoto.com The inset photo shows McConnell acting in the role of Simon Peter in his one-man play “From the Cradle to the Cross.” Read the full article on page 32. I ASKWHY? PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . .6 Reflect and Reposition - by Stephan Tchividjian IN THE WORD . . . . . . . . . .8 Franklin Graham: The Light of Christ Shines in a Dark World – by Franklin Graham INSIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Three Things to Leave Behind in 2022 – by Rob Hoskins THE CODE . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 A Prayer of Affection – by Dr. O.S. Hawkins HEART AND SOUL . . . . .14 Locking Arms to Serve Our Community – by Dr. Debra A. Schwinn OPINION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 The Company Line - by Newton Fairweather PARENTING . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Begin the New Year with A Pause – by Dr. Bob Barnes & Torrey Roberts ENCOURAGEMENT . . . . .20 Opposites Attract – by Omar Aleman THEREANDBACKAGAIN .22 AMethod to The Madness – by Dr. Gene L. Green YOU ASKWHY? . . . . . . . .24 To Infinity And Beyond – by Tommy Boland CHURCH UNITED . . . . . .26 He Gets Us Digital Campaign Connects People to South Florida Churches – by Edwin Copeland LIVE THE LIFE . . . . . . . . . .28 Resolve to Obey – by Lisa May VILLAGE HYMNS . . . . . . .30 VH Support Matches Worship Leaders with Churches – by Amber Harrison COVER STORY . . . . . . . . . .32 Bible Actor Pilots Angel Flights – by Shelly Pond GOOD NEWS WANTS TO KNOW 34 – 36 What would you choose as your word of the year for 2022 and why? LEGAL Q&A . . . . . . . . . . . .38 When Do I Need AWritten Contract to Buy or Sell Goods? – by William “Bill” C. Davell and Chuck Tatelbaum CALENDAR . . . . . . . .42 – 43 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . .44 47 C O N T E N T S Good News • January • Volume 23 Issue 10
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PERSPECTIVE 6 January 2022 www.goodnewsfl.org Good news • South Florida Edition The beginning of a new year always has a bit more emotion attached to it. Sometimes we are eager to leave the old behind and start fresh and then other times we wish the year would never end. Many of us may be anticipating good things, including some significant milestones. However, there may be some of us that have a sense of dread. We may be anticipating some hard decisions and wishing things could be different (and we are tired) or our minds are filled with anxious thoughts as we anticipate the future. Like I said, the beginning of a new year always has a bit more emotion attached to it. I am no different and yet as I age, I try to be a bit wiser and more intentional with my time and my resources. Therefore, a beginning of anything ought not to be rushed but savored by reflecting on the past and repositioning for the future. Reflect Reflecting on the year is healthy. I find that when I take some time to quietly reflect, I remember God’s faithfulness. His faithfulness is seen in both His blessings and in His instructions. John Maxwell recently suggested that we all ask ourselves these four questions when we reflect on the past 12 months: • What made me proud? • What did I learn? • Who did I lead? • What held me back? I like those questions and plan to spend some time reflecting on them. I suspect that I will be reminded of some things, I will learn a few others, and I will find a smile on my face as, once again, I see His faithfulness. Reposition Repositioning our lives means that we take what we have reflected on to assist us in moving to a better position and to make the necessary adjustments to grow and develop, all based on what God has revealed. I have asked God for a word(s) for the year for the last several years. The first time I asked Him this He gave me the words ponder and humility. I chuckle now because that was the year that we were all awakened to the idea of a global pandemic and words like “lockdown”, “masks”, “social distancing” “pivot” and “Zoom” became household words. WOW, I was humbled, as we all were as we pondered what was going on. I did a lot of pondering. The following year I prayed the same thing, and God gave me two more words to add to this portfolio. The words were gratitude and nurture. I was asked to not simply show gratitude as I reflected but also to be grateful in the moment all the while having a gracious demeanor as I anticipated the future. The notion of being grateful while in the present and looking towards the future is much more challenging. I think I am getting better at it. Lastly, God asked me not only who I was nurturing but who was nurturing me. I have spent the past year intentionally answering and applying these four words and principles to my life. I have found that they build on one another and act as co-workers to enable me to have a deeper understanding of what God is teaching me. Words for the New Year The last month I have been praying that God would reveal His word(s) to me for the next season of my life. These words typically become compass headings for me. They help me in my private life, and they help me in my public life. I certainly don’t impose these words on others. They are God’s revelation to me. However, perhaps they do impact others in a good sort of way. I sense in my reflection, and subsequent repositioning, that His words for me this year are prune and grow. Though the words are not new to me, I am not yet ready to fully understand their meaning and application in my life…that’s the fun part; it’s the journey. I do know that God uses a lot of metaphors (which I love) around horticulture. We have gardens, fields, trees, fruit, vines, grapes, weeds etc. all being used to demonstrate part of God’s character, Kingdom, modus operandi, work in our lives, warnings and blessings. Even the cross is referred to as a tree. Scripture also tells us that God prunes that which is growing. Pruning is a good thing not a bad thing, though I typically defer to it as a negative (it appears to be implying “less” as I live in a “more” world). Growth occurs as a result of pruning. I am curious as to why these two words, and over the next several months I will have the privilege of allowing these words and their applications to grow deep into my heart, mind and soul. Therefore, as we begin this new year, I want to encourage you to make it an important one. I would encourage you to spend some extra time thinking, praying, reflecting, listening, dreaming, Imagineering, repenting, laughing, crying, being inspired, allowing yourself to feel and whatever else God may have for you. Perhaps God can reveal to you His word that you can rely on as your compass heading. Remember, He is the Gardner, who plants, prunes and harvests. 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 Reflect and Reposition
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8 January 2022 www.goodnewsfl.org Good news • South Florida Edition IN THE WORD The world into which Jesus was born 2,000 years ago was a troubled one. Joseph and Mary’s 100-mile journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register for a census was due to an empire-wide decree issued by Caesar Augustus. The imperial edict was primarily for the purpose of taxation, which imposed an enormous burden on the working class. Rome had been ruling with an iron fist for more than 100 years. Their army had captured nation after nation, and every city throughout Judea was firmly under their dominion. Poverty was commonplace, and the constant threat of famine and drought had taken its toll on the food supply. As the Prophet Isaiah had said 700 years earlier, Jesus, the Light of the World, would shine on a “people who walked in darkness” and “dwelt in a land of deep darkness” (Isaiah 9:2). There is no doubt that today’s world is also deeply disturbed and dark. Almost everywhere you look, trouble is brewing, and anxiety about the future is pervasive. Domestically, inflation is soaring. Despite the abundance of available jobs out there — 10 million at last count — businesses can’t seem to find anyone to hire. Of course, COVID-19 is still making the rounds, and authorities have issued vaccine and mask mandates that have created deep divisions. Already, thousands of first responders — firefighters, paramedics and police officers — have been terminated for refusing the vaccine mandate. Abroad, an aggressive China is on the move, with a military that now rivals that of the United States and in some ways has surpassed us. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley, said China’s recent launch of a hypersonic missile is a “Sputnik moment,” referring to the space technology race that began when the Russians launched the first satellite in 1957. And while all of this is very ominous and concerning, I know that the deepest problem we face today is the same as it was when the Savior was born — a spiritual one, not economic, educational, political or military. With the Prophet Isaiah, who wrote to a troubled generation, we can confess that the Lord “will be the stability of [our] times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge” (Isaiah 33:6). This means that regardless of how unsettling and chaotic the world is around us, we need not fear. GodAlmighty is always in control of history, nations and men. He rules over every square inch of this world. Ultimately it wasn’t Caesar Augustus who brought Joseph and pregnant Mary to the little town of Bethlehem; it was the providential hand of God, fulfilling the prophecy of Micah spoken 700 years earlier: “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days” (Micah 5:2). And Mary was pregnant not in the ordinary way, but through the mysterious work of the Holy Spirit. “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). The divine infant born in a stable around 4 B.C. was the “Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). The news of His birth brought “good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people” (Luke 2:10, KJV). The bad news is that we are sinners, separated from God. But the good news of the Gospel is that Jesus came on a rescue mission from Heaven to save us from our sins. Mankind’s biggest problem is sin, and the only remedy is repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior who died on a cross bearing the sins of the world, was buried, and raised to life on the third day. Everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord in this way is forgiven and given the gift of everlasting life. Preaching that Gospel of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ is our consuming passion at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. We do so in our Crusades and evangelistic tours across America. We also do so through our internet evangelism program, which has seen more than 17 million people indicate decisions for Jesus Christ. The miraculous birth, life, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is what we call the First Advent, the coming of the Savior from Heaven to Earth. But one day, and I believe it is coming soon, there will be a Second Coming of the Lord, a Second Advent, when Jesus once again returns to Earth. And this time, it will be to gather believers — living and dead — to Himself, and to judge those who have refused to repent and believe on His Name. The Lord Jesus will be “revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). When that occurs, there will be no second chance. God’s judgment on those who have rebelled against Him is final and complete. Justice will reign. Until then, we will proclaim the Gospel, so that souls may be won to Christ. There is still time now because the Lord is “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). I love to celebrate the birth of my Savior, who saved me when I was 22 as I called on His Name in a hotel room in Jerusalem. Though I had heard the message of the Gospel through my father’s preaching a hundred times, I still had to come to a point of personal repentance and faith in the Lord. It’s been our privilege for many years now — and I pray for many more — to proclaim that powerful message to as many people as we can. The harvest is ripe. Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. The Scripture quotation marked KJV is taken from The Holy Bible, King James Version. Photo: ©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 Franklin Graham: The Light of Christ Shines in a DarkWorld The deepest problem we face today is the same as it was when the Savior was born — a spiritual one, not economic, educational, political or military.” “ The bad news is that we are sinners, separated from God. But the good news of the Gospel is that Jesus came on a rescue mission from Heaven to save us from our sins.” “
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INSIGHT 10 January 2022 www.goodnewsfl.org Good news • South Florida Edition We’ve been through various collective, societal experiences this year, including the continued effects of a pandemic, global supply chain issues and what they’re calling the ‘Great Resignation.’ Cultural reality is constantly shifting. To accommodate, we must leave behind mindsets and habits that hinder us from moving forward and revise long-standing routines or risk becoming burnt out. As we enter into a new year, let’s be intentional about abandoning these three things: 1. Our desire for ‘normalcy’ I’ve heard friends and peers share their hope for a return to normalcy. Most wish to go back in time before COVID-19 transformed our realities. I understand this sentiment. Life had a certain cadence that has since been taken away. With the new year just around the corner, I don’t want to fall into the trap of spending energy waiting and wishing for life to be exactly as it used to be. I have found freedom in embracing the new abnormal. In several ways, the past season sharpened OneHope, and me personally, for the better. New restrictions fueled my team to create innovative practices, especially in the digital arena. On a personal level, I learned the importance of reaching out to those I love even when they’re far away, a practice I will continue strengthening. Though this year has been challenging, I encourage you to take a moment to recognize the ways in which you grew stronger through obstacles. 2. Outdated routines In 2020, I had to restructure my daily routine during the months spent at home. With my travel schedule halted, I was blessed with more time to spend with the Lord during times of quarantine. I enjoyed being in His presence for prolonged periods of time without distractions. Even though the season of quarantine has passed, I’ve become more intentional about finding additional moments to spend with the Lord. Time in God’s Word can easily be forgotten, and if you find that happening in your own life, I invite you to find a devotional routine that better fits you. For those who are visual, watching a video devotional might be more engaging than reading. Maybe taking a walk in nature while listening to the Word allows you to more easily dwell in God’s presence. Whatever your preference is, I encourage you to define your priorities and decide what your devotional time will look like in the new year. For more ideas on how to improve your devotional time, check out this blog post my friend Joel Stockstill wrote! Take a moment to reflect on these questions: are there any routines in your life that are no longer serving you well? If so, how can you refresh them? 3. A spirit of incivility This has been a difficult season for many, fueled by division, dissent and polarization during a time we all would’ve benefited from unity. There seemed to be a complete departure from empathy and understanding. Oftentimes, it felt like voicing any personal opinion would be met with angry opposition. In order for there to be any change in the world, one must start within. I want to be intentional about living with a humble and loving spirit toward anyone I encounter, especially in situations where disagreements may arise. As believers, we should strive to leave space for understanding and peaceful conversation. Let’s live in a way that honors God by following the teachings of Colossians 3:12, clothing ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. As I reflect on 2021, these verses come to mind: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:18-19). I invite you to join me in keeping an open heart and mind to all the new things God is doing in our lives. As you prepare for 2022, take some time to reflect: What do you feel called to leave behind in 2021? Rob Hoskins is the President of OneHope. Since taking leadership of OneHope in 2004 he has continued to advance the vision of God’s Word. Every Child. by partnering with local churches to help reach more than 1.7 BILLION children and youth worldwide with a contextualized presentation of God’s Word. Three Things to Leave Behind in 2021 - Rob Hoskins - OneHope President
THE CODE 12 January 2022 www.goodnewsfl.org Good news • South Florida Edition Matthew 6:9 How many times have those two words escaped your lips over the years of your own Christian experience? Hundreds? Thousands? They have become so familiar that they are often rushed through and skipped over in our quest to get to the more direct requests of this model prayer —“Give us...forgive us...deliver us.” But take a step back for just a moment and think on those words — “Our Father.” No matter who we might be, whether we have just begun the faith journey or have been walking this path for decades, we can all begin our prayer time with this foundation of true prayer — “Our Father.” I remember the day when I made the marvelous discovery, as a new believer, that I did not have to enter into prayer as some beggar cowering down at the back door begging for a handout. I am God’s own child and seated at His own table. This gives me confidence and even boldness to approach Him. Before we rush once again into the repetition of our Lord’s Prayer, let’s pause just a moment at these first two words. An unselfish recognition The foundation of true prayer is BUILT ON AN UNSELFISH RECOGNITION. He is OUR Father. In fact, a careful reading of this model prayer reveals the repeated use of these plural pronouns — our and us. So often we approach the Lord in prayer with a string of “I, I, I” or “me, me, me” or “my, my, my.” When we pray as Jesus taught us, there are no singular pronouns, only plural ones. He is not just “My” Father, He is “Our” Father. I am an only child, but in the family of God there is no such thing. When we pray, “Our” Father, we acknowledge that we are a part of a big family. Some are different in doctrine, race, culture or social standing. But the family includes all believers. I have prayed this prayer in countries where believers were under intense persecution or where they were dominated by caste systems, inAfrica in open-walled churches under tin roofs, withArab believers in Muslim countries, in Cuba with those still oppressed by a failed communist regime, in Israel with Jewish believers, and with my Black and Hispanic brothers and sisters in America. Saints in prayer all appear as one. This is what Jesus prayed for us in His high intercessory prayer when he prayed, “That they all may be one...that the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:21). The next time you pray this prayer commonly known as the Lord’s Prayer, stop at this first word and remember all that is behind it. He is “Our” Father. When we say, “Our Father,” we are acknowledging that the true brotherhood of man is really in the family of God. This is the foundation of our praying, for true prayer is built on this unselfish recognition. An unshakable relationship When we say, “Our Father,” we take a step further to acknowledge that the foundation of true prayer is also BASED ONAN UNSHAKABLE RELATIONSHIP. The only way we can refer to Him as “Father” is if we have been born into his family. Many have the erroneous idea that we are all God’s children. We are not. We are all God’s creations, but we are not all God’s children. The Bible is plain at this point. John said, “as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26). It is plain. Only those who have put their faith in Christ alone and have been born again into His forever family can pray, “Our Father.” As we read the Gospels, we discover that Jesus used the word “Father” dozens of times in prayer. There is only one occurrence in the New Testament that He prayed without the use of this word. It was on the cross. Three times Jesus prayed from that instrument of execution from which He hung. The first time, “Father, forgive them...” (Luke 23:34). The final time, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46). But in between those two prayers, when darkness enveloped the earth, when he was bearing our own sin in His own body, is the only time He refrained from using the word, “Father.” He cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46). In the act of bearing the sins of the world, He was separated from the Father so that we might be enabled and empowered to pray based on an unshakable relationship — “Our Father.” All true prayer is built on an unselfish recognition. He is OUR Father. And it is based on an unshakable relationship. He is our FATHER. These two words we have repeated for most of our lives form the very foundation of all our prayers. If we have come to Christ in faith, we are part of a large family and are God’s own children...born again by faith in Him. So the real question is this — Can you say, “Our Father?” Taken from The Prayer Code by O.S. Hawkins. Copyright © 2021 by Dr. O.S. Hawkins. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson. O. S. Hawkins has served pastorates, including the First Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and the First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, for more than 25 years. A native of Fort Worth, Texas, he has a BBA from Texas Christian University and his MDiv and Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. For almost a quarter of a century, he has served as president of GuideStone Financial Resources, with assets under management of $20 billion, serving 250,000 pastors, church staff members, missionaries, doctors, university professors, and other workers in various Christian organizations with their investment, retirement, and benefit service needs. He is the author of more than 40 books and regularly speaks to business groups and churches across the nation. All the author’s royalties and proceeds from the entire Code series go to support Mission:Dignity. You can learn more about Mission:Dignity by visiting MissionDignity.org. For more information on the Code series, visit www.OSHawkins.com/books A Prayer of Affection - Dr. O.S. Hawkins - President, Guidestone Financial Resources
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HEART AND SOUL 14 January 2022 www.goodnewsfl.org Good news • South Florida Edition On January 17 when the alarm clock sounds, some Americans will sit up grudgingly to face Monday morning, then plop back onto the pillow in relief when they remember it’s a federal holiday. But at Palm BeachAtlantic University, students will hop out of bed anyhow, not wanting to be late for Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. We expect about 300 students to climb onto buses heading out to various volunteer service sites organized by the University’s office of “Workship.” That’s PBA’s award-winning community service program, so named by combining the words work and worship. From the founding of the school in 1968, PBA students, faculty and staff have sought to build a culture of serving others, seeing our community service work as a form of worship, not just work alone. To explain more about Workship and MLK Day of Service, I turned to Nathan Chau, director of the Workship program. He, in turn, pointed to two student volunteers he could always count on, Floyd and Tensia Clark. “It didn’t matter how early the Workship event was,” said Nathan. “If we were supposed to be there at 6, those two would be showing up at 5:30.” The brother/sister pair of Floyd and Tensia were so faithful and enthusiastic that they became Workship leaders. With energetic volunteers like those two, Workship has provided nearly 3.7 million hours of community service. Growing as you serve Over the years Workship students have volunteered in a wide variety of service projects, including gleaning vegetables for the hungry, picking up litter, painting at community centers and tutoring inner-city schoolchildren. Volunteers found the service not only rewarding, but personally beneficial. Nathan observed how the introverted Floyd Clark served and grew in leadership. “Before long Floyd was a shining star, really communicating and doing things outside his comfort zone.” Often as PBA students have rotated through different volunteer opportunities, the varied experiences have helped them discern career direction. And serving as a team in Workship projects, they’ve loved the camaraderie and they’ve grown in people skills and problem-solving methods. They learned to “just go with the flow” when the unexpected happened in a project. “Workship kept me on my toes,” said Tensia. She’s now a preschool teacher, working with little ones “who do random stuff all the time,” so she still uses that approach of flexibility: “just work with it: make adjustments and move on.” Tensia graduated from PBA in 2018 and her brother in 2020, but last year they both traveled back down from their North Florida home to serve as alumni volunteer leaders on MLK Day. Their parents are PBAalumni as well, and when they get the chance, the Clarks join a Workship project together as a family. While Workship service projects happen throughout the school year, MLK Day of Service is extra special. It honors the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who said, Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?” Joining with Jewish Federation volunteers On January 17, for the third year, PBA Workship students will serve in MLK Day projects alongside volunteers from the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. “This interfaith relationship really honors what Martin Luther King Jr. was fighting for when it came to injustices and challenges our country was facing,” said Nathan. “It’s a great opportunity for us to lock arms with the Jewish community, as well as whoever else wants to join us, to stand up and say, ‘Look: we’re all in this together. When it comes to serving and loving our community, it doesn’t matter what your skin color is or what your beliefs are. Let’s go in this together and be stronger together.’” MLK Day projects planned include gleaning, packing food bags for the homeless and preparing literacy activity bags for young children in underserved communities. Returning volunteers know that as they serve, they will make new friends, sharing a special joy, “just being with people invested in the lives of others in the community,” said Tensia. Floyd recalled that on MLK Day of 2021 while he was gleaning in a field of peppers, he noticed a volunteer from the Jewish Federation had brought along her young twins. “This mom was getting them grounded,” said Floyd, “grounded into the world of doing things for others.” That’s a key goal at PBA as we engage students in community service. We want them to develop a lifelong habit of serving others. How encouraging to think of that mother leading her twins into that joyous pattern so young. You don’t need be in Palm Beach County or have ties to PBA or the Jewish Federation to join the MLK tribute and service on January 17. For service opportunities wherever you are, visit www.americorps.gov and type #MLK into the search bar. As we serve others and honor this great American, let’s recall what he said about greatness. “Everybody can be great,” Dr. King declared in a sermon, “because everybody can serve.” And to serve, he said, “you only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.” 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 - Tensia Clark - - Nathan Chau - Locking Arms to Serve Our Community Floyd Clark dumps gleaned peppers at MLK Day of Service 2021.
OPINION 16 January 2022 www.goodnewsfl.org Good news • South Florida Edition “A Few Good Men” Recently I was in a bible study that I have been attending for almost two years. I was one of many that attended the class, and I have grown to appreciate not only the fellowship but the friendships that have emerged. It is really a unique space. From this, I am convinced that GOD has a sense of humor, as it is a gathering of people who are all from different sides of the tracks. From time to time, I have asked myself, what am I doing here? However, what I have learned is that in this life you don’t always get to go where you want; God will lead you to places where He wants to go. Our greatest growth will often happen in places where we don’t expect it. This is because it’s never about us. Sometimes we will discover acorn seeds in strange places, so never dismiss small beginnings or things you do not understand. A red light moment During one of those sessions, a question was asked that sounded simple to most of us. As the class began to discuss the question, a certain response caught my attention. It was what I called a “red light” moment. These are moments that cause you to pump the brakes and ask yourself questions. As I drove home that evening, I pondered the various comments and filed it away for a follow-up during my “ME” time with God. These red-light moments happen often in our lives, but rarely do we pay attention or follow-up on them. It is in those moments when you realize that GOD still speaks beyond the “burning bushes.” During 2021 we have seen many red light moments in our culture. Some things have become the norm in so much that we have almost become desensitized to them. I am sure you might have had this experience on a personal level at some time in your life. Red light moments are not planned; they just happen. They come at you “fast and furious” and will often have your name written all over it, “you got mail!” It is a small tremor that gives off a big shock wave. You could be in a room with a group of people, and you might be the only one that sees or feel its effect. I have kept you in suspense long enough, so let me tell you about this “red light” moment. In his response to the answers, that was given to his question, one of the great minds in the room said, “Is that the company line?” Though the room did not shake, and the chairs did not move, it was a “red light” moment for me. The majority of the class ran the red light, I thought, or maybe it was not meant for everybody. Ever been in church, and you thought the speaker was just speaking to you? What triggered this lively discussion was centered around expanding the “tent” (the body, demographics, or inclusiveness) of the church. Is the message, right? Or is the message outdated? I felt connected to what this great mind was saying: “It does not matter what your truth is, deep down in our soul, truth will recognize truth when it is spoken.” In one of the greatest movies of all time: “A Few Good Men,” the most iconic scene in the movie is played out before our eyes. It’s between the protagonist and the antagonist; it goes as follows: “You want answers?” “I want the truth.” “You can’t handle the truth.” Nicodemus Though the truth will set us free, we often cannot handle it. Especially when it affects our way of life, and our way of thinking. Sometimes we choose not to know or seek the truth because it frees us from being accountable. My bible study classmate wanted a better answer than what he was hearing or had learned. I parallel this to when Nicodemus came to Jesus by night (John 3:1-21, KJV). Nicodemus had knowledge; he was an educator and member of the Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin. The scripture says: “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.” (John 3:1). Nicodemus wanted more; he knew some things but there was still something missing. He knew the company line he was raised in, but there was something inside of him that said there must be more than the company line. Noticed, he came to Jesus by night. He wanted to go deeper. Listen to his Q&A session with Jesus: (v.2) “The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, ‘Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.’ (v.3) Jesus answered and said unto him, ‘Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ (v.4) Nicodemus saith unto him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?’ (v.5) Jesus answered, ‘Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.’” There is a Nicodemus in all of us, but note that Jesus does not give him the company line that was written in his Tanakh or what he had heard in church on Saturday. Mindsets and habits do not change overnight. We are the product of the soil that we grew in. We are often like the stain glass windows that are dedicated to our parents, and grandparents who were founders of the church. Our default mode is often subconsciously saying, “We have always done it this way and said it that way.” The living word We live in a different world, a new reality, yet the one constant that has made any sense to us is that “company line.” It does not matter what direction we go in. We will always find our way back to it. The original question was how do we expand the tent?Another way of phrasing the question would be what does the tent look like in 2022 and beyond? First, we must recognize that the tent belongs to God and not us. Second, we must be empowered by the Holy Spirit: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1, NIV). Thirdly, we must preach the truth of the gospel. If you do not know it, seek it and study it, then ask God for revelation, wisdom and knowledge. Forth, and finally, I would say we must become doers. My wife from time to time will tell me, “I want to see what you do, not what you say.” What do people see and hear when they speak to you?Are you the company line? Is your life representing the company line? You see, the company line is the ultimate game-changer when it is put into action. “It is patient; it is kind. It does not envy; it does not boast; it is not proud. It does not dishonor others; it is not self-seeking; it is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrongs. It does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” According to 1 Cor. 13:4-7 (NIV), LOVE is our company line. God is Love and God and the His Word are one. That is why it is called the “Living word.” We must not allow the Word on the inside to be completely different from what is displayed on the outside. Jesus often left the ninety-nine for the one. It is now time to leave the one and go get the ninety-nine. They may not come back to the church building. They are your neighbors, the person at the traffic light looking for money, the local senior citizen center, or the inner-city school looking for volunteers. “If I be lifted up, I’ll draw all men unto me” (John 12:32).” The company line still has the power to draw; it is personal; it is relational. It still works. “Heaven and earth will pass away but my word” (The company line) “will stand” (Matthew 24.35 KJV). Newton Fairweather is the pastor of Faith and Joy Church and the CBMC Fort Lauderdale Board Chaplin. The Company Line - Newton Fairweather - Pastor, Faith and Joy Church and CBMC Fort Lauderdale Board Chaplin
18 January 2022 www.goodnewsfl.org Good news • South Florida Edition PARENTING “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). It seems like the Christmas season has gotten more and more frenetic as the years have gone on. Especially for parents, December seems like a blur. We have shopping, wrapping, cooking, Christmas parties for us and our children, Christmas programs, church, plus all the pressure we put on ourselves to create memories or keep up the traditions we have established. All this on top of normal everyday life of homework and activities for kids, who are laser focused on the fact that break is coming. Whew. I’m exhausted, are you exhausted? Pause I know we have all focused on the Christmas Story for the past few months, but one thing really has hit me this year as we are past the holidays. What did Mary do right after the birth of Christ? After the glory of the birth, the angels singing and the shepherds rejoicing. She paused. She took a breath and took in what had happened. She pondered them and was sure to treasure the moments. Ponder In the past, we have talked about January as a fresh start, a clean slate to start the brand new year. New resolutions to focus on, etc. What if we took January as a time to ponder, to take a big deep breath together as a family. Treasure each other, and what God has done and is doing in your life. What does that look like for your family? Is that sitting down and being intentional to talk about it together? Is that intentionally slowing down for the month of January, rather than immediately jumping back in full throttle as soon as the school year kicks back off? Maybe it is being more intentional with screens in your house or sitting down at dinner together rather than rushing from activity to activity. Be still When January hits, it can almost seem empty because of how crazy the holiday season can be, but I think we can choose to embrace those moments of quiet… of stillness. The definition of stillness is so beautifully applicable here, “a state of freedom from storm or disturbance.” Not that Christmas itself and the glorious moment we celebrate of God coming to earth is a storm or disturbance. However, the frenzy and overwhelming exhaustion that we allow the season to become, can be. This month, let’s choose to “be still.” Let’s intentionally slow down, pause and as a family, exhale. We can choose to make this month about reconnecting, treasuring and pondering all that we have been blessed with. Visit parentingonpurpose.org for more advice from Dr. Bob Barnes and Torrey Roberts. - Dr. Bob Barnes and Torrey Roberts - Sheridan House FamilyMinistries Begin the New Year with a Pause
ENCOURAGEMENT 20 January 2022 www.goodnewsfl.org Good news • South Florida Edition The Princess The luxurious European vehicle sped from the Hotel Ritz Paris with pursuers in tow. It traveled to the Pont de l'Alma tunnel, where shortly thereafter the car was involved in a horrific crash that caused the death of three of its occupants, among them a member of British royalty and her rich boyfriend. It occurred just after midnight on August 31, 1997. The passing of Diana Spencer, the beloved former Princess of Wales, convulsed the world into such a state of grief that three million mourners and onlookers participated at the funeral in Westminster Abbey one week after the accident. Dignitaries from throughout the globe made their presence felt at the event as Elton John performed a revised version of "Candle in the Wind" as a tribute. Meanwhile, more than one million bouquets were left at her London residence of Kensington Palace stacked five feet deep. It is estimated that approximately 2.5 billion persons viewed the ceremony which was broadcast to 200 countries in 44 languages. She was buried in a black dress clutching a rosary, a gift from a freshly minted confidante. The beautiful, elegant, educated and graceful princess was laid to rest on September 6, 1997. The Nun Ironically, her confidante went to see Jesus at the ripe age of 87, the day before this most public funeral. Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu was born inAlbania in 1910, and lived both in Ireland and India, where she became a Sisters of Loreto nun, teaching and later becoming the headmistress at the Entally convent in Calcutta. Called by God to serve and live with the sick and poor, she founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1948 and instituted the simple white cotton sari with blue borders as the uniform for those who joined her. Mother Theresa explained that the Lord wanted her to be a free nun, covered with the poverty of the cross to remain faithful to the sick and homeless of India. She created many hospices, hospitals and orphanages; she believed that "a beautiful death is for people who live like animals to die like angels-loved and wanted." By the time of her death on September 5, 1997, her organization had over 4,000 sisters operating in 610 missions in 123 countries. It would be safe to say there was not much physical beauty, gracefulness or elegant attire attached to "Mother"; she was a strong-willed, pragmatic yet Spirit-driven woman who called herself an Albanian by blood, and Indian by citizenship, a Catholic by faith, called to the whole world and belonging totally to Jesus. Upon her death, she received a state funeral by the Indian government one week after the flowers began to rot in London. Unlikely confidantes The word disparate applies well to these two souls. I was fascinated by one to the exclusion of the other. I could identify with Mother, given my association with the Catholic church and its schools, nuns serving as my teachers and spiritual counselors, and to some degree the "poverty" experienced during the first years of my life. It was easy to follow this diminutive woman whose sacrificial leadership was impacting the most needy and sick. On the other hand, never a fan of kings and queens, I found the excesses surrounding British royalty and particularly those of the princess less than palatable. So it is safe to say that I was taken aback when Diana traveled to Calcutta at the request of Mother to chat and tour the orphanages and hospices with her. Then, they ended their meeting in prayer. Shortly before their passing, they met again in New York where they walked the streets of the Bronx for 40 minutes hand in hand. In a famous picture of this event, we can see the enormous contrast of the beautiful, tall, elegant and impeccably dressed young woman towering over the frail, weak, elderly lady wrapped in a sheet and wearing sandals and socks. Yet, you could see the smiles on their faces exposed the genuine love and respect they shared. And there, the mentor gifted the protege the rosary she literally took to the grave. Still, I was not convinced; Theresa was a warrior in the trenches while Diana was basically an onlooker and should be treated accordingly. Sons At the root of my skepticism is the concept of "fairness." For many years as a follower of Christ, I took my gaze from the prodigal son and his return to the father in repentance to the plight of the older brother who stayed with the father, worked diligently, yet was never given a party or an expensive robe. "What's wrong with this picture", I would ask, until the Lord revealed to me that both sons rejected the father, one in search of self-discovery, the other in self-sufficiency, morality and entitlement, loving "stuff" more than the father. One decided to return in humility and repentance while the other remained supercilious. Turns out we are all prodigals, returning to the loving arms of the Father after squandering what is rightly His. Laborers But what about the workers in the vineyard which is described in Matthew 20? Here Jesus tells us that the kingdom of heaven is like the landowner who hires workers at nine in the morning, then progressively at noon, three and five in the afternoon and pays them all the same salary at sundown. What's fair about that? Well, the Lord here explains that the first bunch agreed to work for a specified sum throughout the day, yet it was the owner's prerogative to pay likewise to the late arrivals. This parable underscores how God is gracious and loves the unwanted. Moreover, this is not about unfair payments. The full-day workers did not complain that they were being cheated; they decried the equality given to those who toiled less and the generosity shown by the boss. Bookends of service I can see where in the flesh Mother may have felt that Diana was given preferential treatment, though in her spirit-led life, she instead walked hand in hand with the sister who shared her concerns for the less privileged. Ok, I get that they both shared the same interests and worked from the positions society afforded them. In life, one was known as the "people's princess," while the other received The Nobel Peace Prize and became the "Mother of Peace", so both were recognized for their work. But how about their demise and their funerals? The world was so intent on following the funeral of one that they basically disregarded the passing of the other. Well, interestingly, much has been made about the fact that, upon her death, all of the nun's belongings fit in one small box. On the other side of the world, one of the few belongings in Diana's box was her friend's rosary. Regardless of the pomp and circumstance outside, the interior of the box is basically barren. These two women were bookends of service to mankind from their respective pulpits for His glory. God expects the same from me; to just keep my eyes on Him and not on the world. And who knows, maybe my first glance of paradise will be Mother and Diana holding hands while they behold the magnificence of the King of Kings. Opposites Attract - Omar Aleman - Aleman &Associates, Inc. MARSHALL ISLANDS - CIRCA 1991: a postage stamp printed in Marshall Islands showing an image of Nobel Peace prize winner Mother Teresa and Lady Diana, Princess of Wales, circa 1991.
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