Largest Christian Newspaper in America • goodnewsfl.org • May 2023 • Volume 25, Issue 2
Be the one whose beat goes on. When Doug began having chest pains, he listened to his body and drove himself to the emergency department at (oly Cross Health, where he was quickly treated by their expert heart care team. Doug was surprised to learn that at only 72 he had major blockages in three of his arteries, which led to triple bypass surgery. “I noticed a difference immediately after surgery. I was feeling a lot better and that feeling continued as I participated in cardiac rehab,” Doug said. “I didn’t realize how bad ) was feeling until my heart was fixed.” Today, Doug is active and enjoying life. He quit smoking, watches his sodium and he and his wife work out regularly at the Holy Cross Zachariah Family Wellness Pavilion, where one of Doug’s favorite activities is cycling. The Jim Moran Heart and Vascular Center provides coordinated care for preventing, diagnosing and treating heart and vascular disease. Learn more at Holy-Cross.com/BeRemarkable A Member of Trinity Health Be always seeking, bravely fighting, forever hoping...
WITH PRA ONG THE AL AND AC YER WAY! TIC WOR OUS SHIP Register o ! N w
PUBLISHER 6 MAY 2023 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition I am fascinated by leadership and always have been. It’s no wonder I seem to be askingwithmore andmore frequency as my frustration mounts, who and how many are going to step up as Jesus Christ disciples and as boldly? Christ is certainly held up as a supreme example of leadership and exalted for the undeterred openness of righteousness, inspired by Father God. Remember, Jesus called the Pharisees a “brood of vipers” (Matthew 12:34). Harsh words. The Pharisees had great religious influence — wouldn’t it have been a better strategy to tone it down a bit? But Jesus speaks the truth without fear of repercussions. He’s concerned with sharing his message, not gaining political support, so I reflect… where is that bold unabated leadership today? Two such leaders At a time when we barely see humanity in those we disagree with, it almost takes your breath away that Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and Rev. Dr. Billy Graham were actually friends. Back when these two were young men (Graham outlived King by 50 years).- even with the unrest and prejudices - there was at least a fleeting sense that somehow we were still in this together; times have obviously changed. “Well, I don’t know what will happen now, we’ve got some difficult days ahead…” -- The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He would be assassinated the next day. There are signs that these friends had more in common than the ministry and a southern upbringing. Graham was known for integrating crowds at his rallies, "sometimes literally moving the ropes meant to divide white and black attendees." According to his biographer, David Aikman, Graham's sermons address racism outright, “There is no excuse, ever, for bigotry and intolerance and prejudice,” and “we are to love as God loves us.” “Jesuswas not awhiteman; Hewas not a blackman. He came from that part of the world that touchesAfrica andAsia and Europe. Christianity is not a white man’s religion, and don’t let anybody ever tell you that it’s white or black. Christ belongs to all people; He belongs to the whole world.” —The Reverend Billy Graham. It's important not to gloss over what were likely deep and real differences between these men, else we lose touch with the possibility that we can cope with our own deep disagreements. “Had it not been for the ministry of my good friend Dr. Billy Graham, my work in the civil rights movement would not have been as successful as it has been.” -- The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King. Graham wrote about King: "I had known Martin Luther King, Jr., for several years. His father, who was called Big Mike asked me to call him just plain Mike. … While in Rio [for the Baptist World Alliance], I gave a dinner … in honor of Mike, and I invited Southern Baptist leaders from the United States to come. I wanted to build a bridge between blacks and whites in our own South, and this seemed like a good opportunity to move toward that goal. Our friendly relationship with Mike made the point with my Baptist friends." They had different styles but a fierce commitment as leaders and It has long been rumored that Billy Graham might have actually put up the bail money on an occasion or two for King… Speaking of leadership, this month our Good News cover feature is our third annual “Women of Distinction.” I encourage you to read the vignettes featuring four such women who admirably balance those roles in their respective fields and God’s kingdom. Leadership. Bold Leadership. Keep the Faith. I am Grateful. -Les On The Cover Utilizing themagic of BrandStar Studios and their 13” x 11” LED video wall, Good NewsWomen of Distinction 2023 are pictured from left to right: Kim Boland, Administrative Coordinator, Cross Community Church; Laura Bishop, Executive Vice President of Advancement, Palm BeachAtlantic University; Ginger Martin, President and CEO, American National Bank; and Dr. Mary Drabik, President, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary. A special thanks to BrandStar Founder & CEO Mark Alfieri and his highly capable team, Jenna Ulbrich, Line Producer, and Elias Soler, Virtual Arts Dept., for their expert assistance. Photo Credit: Justus Martin www.justusmartinphoto.com South Florida Edition • Good News • May 2023 • Volume 25, Issue 2 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 2023. 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] Advertising & Marketing: Robert “Buddy” Helland Jr. V.P. Sr. Marketing Manager [email protected] Art Director: Milton McPherson [email protected] Associate Art Director: Joseph Sammaritano [email protected] Social Media Manager: Ariel Feldman [email protected] Editorial Assistant: Eric Solomon [email protected] Cover Photography: Justus Martin [email protected] Leadership Leslie J. Feldman PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . .8 Gary - by Stephan N. Tchividjian IN THE WORD . . . . . . . . .10 Franklin Graham: Resurrection and Revival – by Franklin Graham YOU ASKWHY? . . . . . . . 12 The Ministry of Moses’ Mom – by Dr. Tommy Boland FOSTER CARE . . . . . . . . .14 What’s Your ‘Why Not?’ – by Kevin Enders FROM THE PULPIT . . . .16 Come, Holy Spirit! – Rev. Myron Rhodes, Jr. HEART AND SOUL . . . . .18 PA Program to Launch Mobile Medical Clinics – by Dr. Debra A. Schwinn MARRIGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 What Are You Saying? – Lisa May 2023 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE . . . . . .21 - 25 PARENTING . . . . . . . . . . .26 How to Respond When Your Child Talks Back – by Dr. Bob Barnes & Torrey Roberts GOODNEWS WANTS TOKNOW .28 - 30 If you could learn one skill instantly, what would it be? COVER ARTICLE . . .32 -33 Good News Applauds Women of Distinction 2023 – by Shelly Pond THE CODE . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 The Prayer that Gets Results – by Dr. O.S. Hawkins FAITH & VOCATION . . .36 God’s Mandate to Teach Our Children – Brad Boyette LEGAL Q&A . . . . . . . . . . .38 Navigating Florida’s Judicial System – William C. Davell and Robert Meacham HISTORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 “And I Won’t Forget the Man Who Died” – Jerry Newcombe, D.Min. ENCOURAGEMENT . . . .42 The Chosen – by Omar Aleman CALENDAR . . . . . . .50 - 51 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . .52 – 56 C O N T E N T S Good News • May • Volume 25 Issue 2
PERSPECTIVE 8 MAY 2023 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition There is a statement in the Bible that describes God as a guide who’s like a lamp or light on a darkened path. The visual is powerful if you’ve ever found yourself in unfamiliar territory and needing to be guided. Our guide Gary was our guide with 25 years of experience. He knew the path and how to safely lead us there. He hadn’t always been the guide, but had started as the guides helper, did that for five years, he reminds us. Gary became our guide as we embarked on our river adventure. Gary showed us to our raft, helped us get situated, and off we went. We shared a few niceties as he proceeded to take us down the river on his well-constructed bamboo boat. We proceeded down the 8-mile river journey, making a few comments to one another as we took in the natural beauty of our surroundings. Exceptional. We listened, looked and laughed, all good ways to engage your journey. The journey of life I reflected on the similarities that we find in the journey of life. Initially, when we begin the journey of life, we are fully dependent on others. The baby is incapable of doing anything and must need the total care of another to survive. However, as we grow and age, we desire independence and are guilty of rebuffing much of the guidance that is offered to us. A common reference of teenagers, for example, is that they assume their parents know little and they know more, until they hit their early adult years. Our early adult years quickly mature, and we are faced with the spectrum of experiences that life offers. Our responses to these experiences often say much about our character, maturity and faith. We were required to have a guide in order to journey down the river. You could tell Gary the guide, knew the river well, as he navigated the current, small little rapids, the ever-changing depth and various obstacles. The guide was crucial for us to have a successful, safe and enjoyable journey. I remember, at one point, watching the guide quietly labor with his river pole, as he systematically and rhythmically, moved us along. He didn’t say much. He never complained. He appeared to be enjoying himself as he placed us under his care and guidance. I leaned over to Lisa, at one point, and reflected on how he, Gary, the guide reminded me of Jesus. I couldn’t help but think that my life is in His hands and under His guidance. I, too, initially think I don’t need Him but quickly realize I do. Let me lead One of my friends was on the raft behind us and convinced his guide to let him take a shot at navigating the raft down the river. The result was comical as we watched him lose his balance and fall into the river. Oh, how I can relate. “God, let me lead. I can do what you do. Give me control. It doesn’t look that hard, please God.” The results are usually not much different than that of my friend. I love the fact that God offers to be my guide, and I’m pained at how often I reject, ignore or arrogantly dismiss His guidance. I love that He loves to guide me and often He does so quietly. He simply and faithfully guides me through His Word, His people, His presence in prayer, His creation, His Spirit and His worship. God’s guidance reminds me just how much I need Him and how much I am to obey and honor Him. God chooses to guide me, and His example is to be my example. Gary helped me see God that day. 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 Gary
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10 MAY 2023 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition IN THE WORD Just a few weeks ago, I had the privilege of filming an Easter message while standing in front of the famous Colosseum in Rome. It was the same Colosseum where countless Christians were martyred by a brutal government that persecuted and slaughtered followers of Christ, and the same city where apostles Paul and Peter were both executed for their allegiance to the Lord. They died in faith, however, trusting in a living Savior who had borne their sins on the cross, was buried in a stone tomb, and was raised to life on the third day. It was the power and glory of the resurrected Christ that kept the flame of faith burning brightly in their hearts, all the way into His very presence. This is how the Apostle Paul described it in his letter to the church in Rome, years before he arrived in Roman chains: Jesus was “declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4). “The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the everlasting cornerstone of Christianity. And the Apostle Peter, speaking to saints scattered across the Roman empire, exclaimed that God has “begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the everlasting cornerstone of Christianity. When God raised His Son from the tomb, it was perfect proof that His death on the cross as a substitute sacrifice for our sin was accepted by the Father. Resurrection remains the guarantee that our sins are forgiven (1 Corinthians 15:17), that we have been delivered from God’s wrath in the future judgment (1 Thessalonians 1:10), and that we, too, will be raised into His presence upon our physical death (2 Corinthians 4:14; 1 Corinthians 6:14). Apart from the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, our faith would be in vain (1 Corinthians 15:14), and we would still be doomed in our sins (1 Corinthians 15:17). And, wonderfully, even our frail, mortal bodies will one day be instantly changed by His power into new, immortal bodies like that of Christ. We will have redeemed souls (Psalm 49:8) and redeemed bodies (Romans 8:23), living in a new Heaven and a new Earth (Isaiah 66:22). Praise God! I look forward to that day, don’t you? Until that glorious day, believers will live through many trials and temptations. We will fight many spiritual battles along the way, deal with challenging relationships and seek to be faithful in a culture that has turned its back on God. Throughout our nation’s history, God has periodically sent revivals among His people to refresh and revitalize their faith in the Lord. There was the first Great Awakening in the 18th century that swept across the American colonies. After the United States declared independence, we saw the Second Great Awakening, once again strengthening the saints and bringing many to saving faith in Jesus. Of course, there have been more revivals through the centuries — special outpourings of the Holy Spirit when God moved mightily among His people. Just recently, there was such a move of the Spirit at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, that lasted for weeks. Thousands came from far and wide to join the students, as multitudes streamed forward to the altar night and day in a spirit of repentance and worship. I believe the following characteristics are always authentic marks of a special movement of the Lord in His people: Confession and repentance. “Revivals are a time when sin is recognized as exceedingly sinful.” Those are the wise words of my friend, Dr. Jim Foulkes, a retired missionary to Africa who was a student at the great Asbury revival of 1950 and attended this most recent revival. True revival always sees a strong conviction of sin, for believer and unbeliever alike. As we confess our sins and repent, God gives us an ardent desire to turn away from iniquity and turn in faith to the Lord. Fresh dependence on the Holy Spirit. Genuine revival is a powerful move of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of people. It is Spirit-sparked and Spirit-guided. The indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to live an obedient life is experienced in a concentrated way (2 Corinthians 5:17). Real revival cannot happen without the working of the Holy Spirit. Revival is not from man, but from God. Fresh awareness of the holiness of God. Worship and praise for the thriceholy God is front and center. His righteousness and holiness are esteemed and honored. Only against the backdrop of our perfectly holy God is sin seen as “exceedingly sinful.” A new hatred of sin grows and develops as our hearts are continually humbled before a pure and holy God. Godly, enduring fruit is produced. “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8, ESV). The true test of revival is a godly life that brings forth godly fruit in ever-growing ways. God’s love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are evidence of a transforming move of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Of course, you don’t have to be at a particular place like Asbury to experience God’s reviving touch in your life. Hear what the Prophet Isaiah says: “For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, [and also] with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones’” (Isaiah 57:15). Let’s humble ourselves day by day before our holy God, that He may refresh and renew us, and so that we may know our Lord and Savior in the wondrous, life-changing power of the Resurrection! He is Risen! Unless otherwise specified, Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New King James Version. The Scripture quotation marked ESV is taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Photo: Shealah Craighead/©2023 BGEA Decision magazine, April 2023; ©2023 Billy Graham Evangelistic Association; used by permission, all rights reserved. - Franklin Graham - President and CEO Samaritan’s Purse and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association FranklinGraham: Resurrection and Revival ”
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2023! radua N ur g AT PBA, W O o thw THAN este THE r They i d Vand a tly ac er isten n cons r s are WE CA AGIN F LY E WHO TED te LI L n EH E EA N IM R b lt far s p s ta nd na g as s nto co d COM D WE E THAT GOD E BELIEV ce r pted —AN vete i AR te a E u averages o io l at na rogra t p radu G D TO HELPIN MIT E O T CHOOSES US A , ate pr ms on LL fe sc F certific a at ri as C sio ls suc OU FIND YOU S G MUCH BIG Y A LIFE hoo R h n l amb R io exa . s n m ge ER d s , for the pat llows A at G PB od in a th you m inv . fo The estment ak h e chose y . st that is o u ed o ucation ne ays with you for life. Andnot just a y life—a life n that . OR LE 561.803 CALL W MORE AT ARN .2100 WW.PBA.EDU
12 MAY 2023 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition YOU ASK WHY The Ministry of Moses’ Mom As we honor motherhood this month, I want to offer a word of encouragement to all moms everywhere by taking a brief look at the mighty ministry that Moses’ mom had in her son’s life. “Aman of the house of Levi married a Levite woman, and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a find child, she hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basked for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him” (Exodus 2:1-3). The names for this family are not given here, but later in Exodus we learn that Moses’ mother was Jochebed, whose husband was Amram. The baby in this story was Moses, of course; Moses’ sister was Miriam. The people of Israel were living in Egypt after God used Joseph, the patriarch Jacob’s son, to save them during a great famine 400 years earlier. God caused the Israelites to be fruitful and multiply; the land was filled with them. But a new Pharaoh rose to power who knew nothing about Joseph. This Pharaoh grew anxious about the increasing numbers of Israelites in Egypt. If war broke out, Pharaoh feared the Israelites might join with Egypt’s enemies. So Pharaoh put slave masters over the Israelites, intending to wear God’s people down and reduce their growing population. However, working against God’s people meant that Pharaoh was working against God. The more Pharaoh oppressed God’s people, the more God multiplied them! Pharaoh’s first plan had failed, so he ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill all the baby boys and let the female babies live. But the midwives feared God and did not murder the babies. So now Pharaoh ordered, “Every boy that is born you must throw into the Nile” (Exodus 2:22). This brings us to Jochebed. We might think she acted like any mother would instinctively act to save her baby, but Hebrews 11:23 tells us, “By faithMoses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.” Jochebed did more than follow motherly instinct; she acted by faith when she hid her baby. She obeyed the prompting of the Holy Spirit to do everything she could to save her child. And when she could no longer hide Moses, in her strength and her wisdom she had to release him to God and trust God for the results. There comes a time in every mother’s life when she must exercise the strength and wisdom to transfer total trust to God. The rest of the story illustrates God’s sovereign control over all things. The baby was discovered by Pharaoh’s daughter, who felt compassion and named himMoses, saying, “I drew him out of the water” (Exodus 2:10). Miriam, who was watching from a distance, stepped up and asked Pharaoh’s daughter if she should get a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby. Pharaoh’s daughter agreed, so Miriam ran to get her mother (Moses’ mom), and Pharaoh’s daughter gave Moses back to Jochebed and paid her to nurse him. Jochebed never expected to see her baby again, but God not only gave her baby back for a season, she received pay for it! Isn’t that just like God? When He doesn’t meet our expectations, it is because He is planning to exceed them. We don’t know how long Jochebed was allowed to nurse her baby; some scholars say two to four years, others believe it was as many as twelve. Whatever the length of time, it was long enough for Jochebed to teach Moses about the One True Living God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Never underestimate the power of a godly mother’s influence in the life of her child! Moses was not going to learn anything about God and His people in Pharaoh’s court; he would only learn the ways of the Egyptians and their pagan gods. Knowledge about theOne True LivingGod would only be learned at home fromhis godly parents. This is where the foundations of the Christian faithmust be built: in the home, learning from the hearts and minds of mothers who love God with all their hearts, souls, minds and strength. Jochebed had no way of knowing it at the time, but her commitment to teach her baby about God was God’s way to prepare Moses to deliver His people out of their bondage in Egypt. Never underestimate what God will do with the investment of a mother’s time in teaching biblical truth to her child! Far too many parents cede this responsibility to the church and even to the Christian school. But in God’s economy, the home is the primary place of instruction for training up children in the way they should go. Moses’ parents lived out this truth in a culture that was cruelly hostile to their faith, and they set a wonderful example for us to follow. Jochebed not only had to release her child once, she had to do it a second time. One of the hardest things for parents to do is release their child to the hands of God. We all try to control our kids; often we control way too much. But the day will come when the child becomes an adult, and wemust let go and trust God. Here are three things for us to remember about the ministry of Moses’ mom: Jochebed’s Credentials Jochebed had a personal relationship with God. She was an Israelite and a member of the tribe of Levi, the priestly tribe. Every mom must have her own relationship with God first before she can pass it on to her child. Jochebed’s Courage Jochebed feared God more than she feared Pharaoh; she defied Pharaoh’s order to kill her baby. Had she been found out, it’s likely her entire family would have been executed for disobeying Pharaoh’s decree of death. Every mommust be ready to stand for the Light in these dark days, regardless of the cost. Jochebed’s Confidence Jochebed had confidence in God. TheAmplified Bible says of Abraham that “No unbelief or distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised” (Romans 4:20-21). The same could be said of Jochebed. She yielded control of her baby to the sovereignty of God, trusting God even when she could not trace Him. And the rest, as they say, is HIS STORY! The ministry of Moses’ mom is the ministry available to every mom who surrenders to Jesus as Savior and Lord. In Christ you have the credentials, you will receive the courage, and you will live in confidence that when God does not meet your expectations for your child, it is because He is planning to exceed them in His way and in His timing. 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 Moses in the Bullrushes or The Finding of Moses, an ancient Embroidery, Stora Köpinge, Sweden.
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FOSTER CARE 14 MAY 2023 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition At the time I am writing this article for you all I am in the midst of watching March Madness and I have basketball on my mind! By the time you read this article, you are likely watching the NBA Playoffs. In both, there’s a particular moment that has been standing out to me – one of the most exciting parts of the game is when an alley-oop happens. This is when a player catches a pass right above the basket and they can immediately slam dunk the ball. The crowd goes wild! The player was perfectly positioned for the shot and the excitement and celebration is palpable, even on a screen. And there’s nothing as exciting as an alley-oop slam dunk to change the momentum of a game. Our time to alley-oop In a lot of ways, during this National Foster Care Month, the Church is like that basketball player, perfectly positioned to catch the ball right above the basket for that slam dunk. The reality is, the State is looking to us to lead the way in caring for kids. They believe we have the answers, even if they don’t fully understand why. In our longer-served areas like Broward and Palm Beach counties, we recently met with the CEO of Childnet, and he is asking us why are we not recruiting and licensing more foster families? And in the new regions 4KIDS has expanded to, Southwest Florida and now Miami-Dade County, these local lead agencies have an unsolved foster care crisis on their hands, and they are passing the ball to us, and waiting and watching. Will this Christian agency and the local Church respond? Will they be the answer? A history of care The Church has a rich history of stepping up when no one else will. The early Church exhibited radical intervention and care on behalf of vulnerable children. In ancient times it wasn’t uncommon for people to abandon babies or children if they were unable to be cared for or unwanted. These little ones would be literally left to die of exposure in gruesome ways. It was early Christians who intervened for these children when they had no one else. Christian families would rescue babies and children left behind and bring them into their own family, raising them to know and follow Jesus. The One This alley-oop doesn’t catch God by surprise, and we believe that this season is an ordained opportunity for the Church to step up into its purpose right here in South Florida. As Christians, we know that this is a crisis that no one else can solve apart from God. It’s in God’s very nature to care for children and families in this way. We see this in Matthew 18:12, “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?” As the church, we are called to pursue the one. The one child who was removed from his home today in your zip code. The one family who is at their breaking point and cannot continue to put food on the table. The one teen girl who cannot imagine caring for a baby. The one young man who has nowhere to go. Jesus is in the business of bringing about radical change for the one, shouldn’t we? Why not? If you’re familiar at all with the history of 4KIDS, you’ll know one of our trailblazing couples back in the late 1990’s was Rick and Joan Englert. Joan recently shared this in our staff devotions, and I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind. She said, “At 4KIDS we often ask, What is your ‘Why?’ Why are you serving, why are you opening your home? But lately as I look at the lack of homes we have available for kids, I think the better question might by, What is your ‘Why Not?’” It’s a challenging question to sit with, but it’s one I pray you’ll open your heart to. What’s your ‘Why Not?’ Why not become a foster parent, advocate, give, serve and care for the kids who desperately need us to intervene? I know when we do this together, we can go after the one in a way that transforms many more lives. Until every child has a home. Learn more about fostering What’s Your ‘Why Not?’ - Kevin Enders - 4KIDS President & CEO
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FROM THE PULPIT 16 MAY 2023 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition “In the beginning was theWord, and theWord was with God, and theWord was God” (John 1:1). This famous opening verse in the Gospel According to John tells us the Word of God was always there. The Greek word “logos” is the term for “word” in this scripture, and it is often applied to Jesus himself as the Word of God revealed. We rely on scripture to give us the terms, or “words” to use to describe God. Of course, Jesus was the longexpected Messiah, and the prophets of old used words like, “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6b NIV). Similarly, the promise of one to follow Jesus to live in the hearts of Christians was referred to by Jesus as Counselor (paraclete in Greek), Spirit of truth, and of course, Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17, 26 NIV). Trinitarian Christians are those who believe in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one God with three distinct persons. We accept this as truth because Jesus himself commanded us all to: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matt 28:19-20 NIV). While most Christians have no trouble with God as Father and Jesus as God the Son, it gets a little murky for most people when it comes to the Holy Spirit. This is because scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit resides in us as the continuing presence of Jesus himself (John 15:26), and we don’t really know what to do with this “unseen” presence in our lives. When you take into account that most people live very busy, fully-involved lives, it is easy to simply overlook any presence of an entity we cannot see. Work, home life, friends and even church work can get in the way of us recognizing the Holy Spirit’s presence. Ways we depend on the Holy Spirit Yet, it is the very Holy Spirit of God that intersects our lives with God. As Christians, this is a critically important part of our faith, as we depend on the Holy Spirit in a variety of ways. First, the Holy Spirit is the presence of God in the lives of those who wrote the many books that make up the Holy Bible. Without the Holy Spirit, there would be no “Word of God” for us read and consult for the knowledge that God wants us to have regarding the history and truth of the relationship between God and his creation (the world and us). Second, we need the Holy Spirit to help us understand what God is telling us with the Holy Scriptures. Without the Holy Spirit, we have no hope of understanding God’s truth as brought forth in scripture. The “Spirit of truth” is what helps us not only understand scripture, but also to see and hear God’s truth and presence in our lives, the lives of those around us, in our church community, and the world that we live in. A promised presence The Holy Spirit was promised to the disciples by Christ when he ascended to heaven. That same Holy Spirit is promised to all believers when we are baptized into the life of Christ-followers. We are promised the presence of the Holy Spirit, but we have to recognize and accept him. By grace God leads us to accept Holy Spirit who leads us to repentance and forgiveness. By grace the Holy Spirit reveals to us the plan God has for our lives. We celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, this year on Sunday, May 28th. While we may not experience the “tongues of fire” that came upon the disciples in the upper room on the first Christian Pentecost, we certainly can experience the life-giving power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives today. We experience himwhen we are able to give up bad habits that have been with us for a long time. We experience him when we see lives transformed and people become new creations before our eyes. We experience him when we witness new churches form from the ashes of old bodies of faith that have turned from God. The Holy Spirit is what allows us to discern the Word of God for our lives and community. The Spirit of truth is what allows us to recognize when the world around us is hostile to God and is even trying to openly defy God’s plan for his people. The Counselor is responsible for the community of believers coming together to serve God and others in Christ’s name. This year, may we celebrate the presence of the Holy Spirit by becoming more open and willing to accept the very presence of God in our lives. May we recognize the power and love of God that the Holy Spirit brings to all of us. May we start each day by welcoming the Holy Spirit in our lives. Indeed, come, Holy Spirit! Fill our hearts with your presence that we may know your truth and be the presence of God in our community! Rev. Myron Rhodes, Jr. is Pastor of Grace Wesleyan Church in Fort Lauderdale. (gracewesleyan.org) Come, Holy Spirit! - Rev. Myron Rhodes, Jr. - Pastor, Grace Wesleyan Church
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HEART AND SOUL 18 MAY 2023 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition The director of Palm Beach Atlantic’s new PhysicianAssociate (PA) program envisions mobile medical clinics heading out from the University to underserved areas throughout the county. Dr. Phil Tobin came to PBA in July 2021 to develop and direct a PA program, after having directed programs at Mercer University and Touro University in Nevada. From Touro, he sent PA teams out in three mobile units serving the homeless throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Serving the community At PBA Tobin plans a community medicine requirement for PA students, where they will serve not only through a mobile unit, but also in such places as a domestic violence shelter and HIV clinic. “We’ll have different experiences set up so students are reaching out and treating the most vulnerable people in our community.” That outreach not only follows the biblical model of serving “the least of these,” but it has great impact shaping the mindset and habits of future PAs, Tobin said. Physician associates are licensed clinicians who practice medicine after completing a specialized master’s degree program and passing a certification exam. They are seen as a key in filling critical healthcare needs across the nation. New program includes overseas credit PBA’s Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Medicine program was approved in February by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Tobin has been recruiting faculty, and plans to begin recruiting students in the fall of 2023, with classes to begin in fall 2024. The program will offer an overseas elective, he said, “because PBA already has a great overseas medical mission emphasis,” through the School of Nursing and the Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy. He’s been meeting monthly with the deans of those two schools, talking about healthcare issues and ways to collaborate, including using a mobile clinic. “If you’ve got a mobile health unit with students from pharmacy, nursing, PAand counseling, you’ve got a great team,” Tobin said. A health science complex Project Two of PBA’s Campus Master Plan, the Physician Associate (PA) program would move to a new health sciences complex placed south of the Greene Complex for Sports and Recreation. This new health sciences complex will facilitate interprofessional education between pharmacy, nursing and the new PA program, as well as contain state-of-the-art undergraduate science classrooms/laboratories located next to the Gregory School of Pharmacy. Combined with a planned clinical partnership, these new facilities will provide an outstanding training environment for PBA students. Dr. DebraA. 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 - Dr. Phil Tobin - PAProgramtoLaunchMobileMedical Clinics
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MARRIAGE 20 MAY 2023 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition We’ve all heard and spoken the idiom “Actions Speak Louder than Words.” Its origins are traced back as early as 1200 in a sermon by St.Anthony of Padua, and it continues to be a popular sermon in the Catholic church during Pentecost. The essence of the sermon is that the person filled with the Holy Spirit speaks different languages in the way we witness for Christ. In some moments we speak with humility and patience because we reveal ourselves through the fruit of the spirits or lack thereof. The sermon goes on to say that we are cursed just as the fig tree was cursed when there was no fruit but only leaves, and we undermine the teachings when our actions say otherwise. The statement has been usedwith different phrasing by notable personalities such as Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, Dale Carnegie, Mark Twain, and of course, you, me and others many times over. If our actions speak louder than words then we are speaking every moment other than sleeping, and even then we all know someone who talks in their sleep! So, what are we saying with our voice?What about in our silence?What are we saying with our body language?What about whenwe speakwith our eyes or our smile?Arewe saying anything based on our clothing? Do we speak based on what we chose to eat and drink? What are we saying when we choose our entertainment? What are we saying when we collectively worship or don’t?What are we saying when we give financially or don’t? What are we saying when we serve or don’t? What are we saying based on how we spend our time? I’m not suggesting that all of our choices are poor, but every choice we make speaks to someone. How do we listen? We listen with all of our senses: Sight, Sound, Taste, Touch and Smell. We hear our words. We feel the silence. We see the body language. We often smell the choices and taste the bitter tears of sadness or sweetness of laughter and belonging. Who's listening? I contend that we have five listeners. Our families: Our spouse, our children, and our parents are listening. Our families are listening for the sound of love and acceptance. Do they see you giving them your time and attention or are we too busy scrolling on our devices? Do they hear a word of affirmation and encouragement or disdain? Do they hear care and concern for aging parents or disrespectful speech? Do they hear love and tenderness between Mom and Dad or is fighting more prevalent? What are our actions saying to our family about their value? Our community: Our neighbors hear our conversations. Do they hear laughter and arguments?What do they hear when we don't wave or smile?What do they hear if we bring in their trash can? What do they hear if they never see you come and go to church or bible study?What do they hear if you deliver them flowers or share a batch of cookies? What do they hear when you have the music on? What do they hear when you disagree politically or spiritually?What are our actions saying to our community about Jesus? The marketplace: What do they hear when you’re angry or disappointed? What do they hear when youmanage relationships?What do they hear whenwe ignore accomplishments? What do they hear when we lack integrity or take credit for something we didn’t do?What do they hear when we never ask them to join in for a lunch or coffee break? What do they hear when we use crude language and then bow in a blessing for food? What do they hear when we’re silent when a wrong has been done? Are our actions in the marketplace telling others we’re Christians? Ourselves: We talk to ourselves more than anyone else. We tell ourselves lies; we tell ourselves we can't do things. We tell ourselves we should do some things. We tell ourselveswhat we do doesn't matter.We are constantly talking to ourselves and it's usually more negative than encouraging. God: He hears every thought, sees every action, and is ALWAYS listening to us. Not to condemn us but to love us to Him. Do we only speak to Himwhen we need Him to fix something; get us out of a jam, or do we acknowledge Him when we begin our day? Do we ignore Him when we don’t like what He says? The BIG question? Do your actions and words line up with your confession of faith? Do I truly believe to the point of obedience? How do we change? Whether our journey with Christ is new and just beginning or we’ve walked with Him for decades we are all like the apostle Paul. We are all the chief of all sinners, and we all do things we wish we hadn’t. So how do we overcome ourselves? How do we become a person that speaks well even in silence so that those that are listening can hear, see, feel, taste, and smell the aroma of Christ? On this side of heaven, we will always do battle with our sinful nature. Many times in the last few weeks God has caused me to read 2 Corinthians 10:4. "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” So how do we do that? Romans 12: 1-2 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God— this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of thisworld, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” We take every thought captive by the renewing of our minds and then we dress for the day with the full armor of GOD. Christ will be at work in you and his work will affect the listeners in your life. Preach the Gospel at all times and if necessary use words. - Lisa May - Executive Director, Live the Life South Florida What Are You Saying? 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
21 MAY 2023 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition . s . d e e h d e n s h d s r d s s l Chaminad Madonna Athletic Camps 500 East Chaminade Drive, Hollywood Camp Types: Soccer, Basketball, Football, Baseball, Volleyball Kids entering 4th grade - kids entering 9th grade Session dates and fees vary by sport. See website for details 954-989-5150 ext 142 cmlions.org/summer/cmcp-soccer-camp Chaminad Madonna Dance Camp 500 East Chaminade Drive, Hollywood Kids entering 5th grade - 9th grade July 31 - August 3 $200 per child/session 954-989-5150 ext 142 cmlions.org/summer/cmcp-dance-camp Chaminad Madonna Theatre Camp 500 East Chaminade Drive, Hollywood Kids entering 5th grade - 9th grade July 17 - 28, 2023 Time: 7:30 AM - 4 PM (aftercare available until 5 PM for additional fee) $450 per child/session 954-989-5150 ext 142 cmlions.org/summer/cmcp-musical-theatre-summer-camp CCA Hollywood Summer Camp 1708 North State Rd 7, Hollywood Camp Type: Day Camp, Athletic Camps Rising Pre-K4–12th grade students (age range depends on camp type) May 30 - July 28 $200–$250 per week (depends on camp type; lunch included); 954-590-1600 CCAEagles.org/HWSummer Summersational 880 S Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale Camp Type: Day Camp Nursery through Entering 5th Grade June 12 - July 21 $285/week (full day, 8-3) & $185/week (half day, 8-12:30) 954-522-2518 www.riovistachurch.com/summersational Camp Ignite Trinitas Academy, 1101 SW 49th Ave., Plantation Camp Type: Day Camp, religious Ages 3 – 12 June 19 - July 28 $170/week $35/day 954-581-2744, ext. 114 trinitasacademy.com Girls of Virtue Summer Camp Trinitas Academy, 1101 SW 49th Ave., Plantation Camp Type: Day Camp, Religious Ages 8 - 16 June 19 - July 28 $100/week 954-581-2744, ext. 114 trinitasacademy.com King of the South (7on7) & Trench Warrior Camp 10600 Cleary Blvd, Plantation Camp Type: Sports, Religious Grades 9-12 June 13 - 14 $50 754-308-5578 www.southatlanticfca.org Camp WA 5601 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale Day Camp & Sports Camps Ages two through entering sixth grade May 30 - July 28, 2023 Cost/Week: Varies 954-771-4600 campwa.com Astrid Audet Academy of Ballet 6135 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale Camp Type: Day Dance Camp Ages 3-12 June 12th - July 28th $385/week $85/day 954-491-8418 AAABALLET.COM CCA Fort Lauderdale Summer Camp 2401 W Cypress Creek Rd; Fort Lauderdale Camp Type: Day Camp, Athletic Camps, Fine Arts Camps, STEM/STEAMCamps Rising Pre-K4–12th grade students (age range depends on camp type) May 30 - August 4 $188-$450 (depends on camp type) + one-time $60 registration fee 954-905-5100 CCAEagles.org/Summer First Baptist Church of Pompano Beach 138 NE 1st Street, Pompano Beach Camp Type: Day Camp 1st thru 8th Grade June 12th - August 18th $190/week $50/day 954-745-6133 www.fbcpompano.org TLT-Tomorrow's Leaders Today Hilton Home2, 200 N Ocean Blvd, Pompano Beach Camp Type: Overnight Camp, Personal/Emotional/Spiritual Enrichment Ages 13 - 20 July 16-18; July 20-22 Cost/Session: $1,800 954-200-9006 www.tltmovement.com/tltstand Abundant Life Christian Academy Adventure Camp 1494 Banks Rd., Margate Camp Type: Day Camp Preschool – 8th Grade June 12th - August 3rd, 2023. $175/week $45/day walk-in rate Registration Fee: $50 954-979-2665 www.alcaeagles.com Highlands Christian Academy Day Camp 501 NE 48th Street Pompano Beach Camp Type : Summer Day Camp Students entering K4-6th grade. May 30th - July 28th 2023 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. $180/ & $150 sibling + $100 registration fee per child 954-421-1747 Ext. 1510 www.HighlandsChristian.org/summercamps Highlands Christian Academy Athletic Camps 501 NE 48th Street, Pompano Beach Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer Entering Grades 1-12 – SeeWebsite for Individual Camps See website for Individual Camp dates and fees 954-421-1747 x 1301 www.highlandschristian.org/summercamps RejoiceSummer Camp Cross Community Church, 841 SE 2nd Ct., Deerfield Beach Camp Type: Arts, Sports, Religious Grades K – 5 June 19 – 23 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. $300/week 954-300-9854 www.thecrosscc.org/register Fond memories are made and friendships forged during the carefree days of summer camp. It’s a wonderful way to provide educational enrichment in a fun-filled environment, can build character and independence and may lead to spiritual development. Here are a few local offerings listed geographically from south to north. (Continued on pg. 22) 2023 Summer Camp Guide
2023 Summer Camp Guide 7202552: 6 / '$< 1,*+7 75$16)250$7 , $*(6 5(* V3V QV %XLOG FRQILGHQFH JD /HDUQ IURP PHQWRU OH ([SHULHQFH KLJK LPS 'HYHORS OHDGHUVKLS D ($'(56 72 75$,1,1* )2 21$/ 35(0, : '$< 5 (5 '$< XUSRVH WLYLWLHV VNLOOV ,67(5 72 LQ LGHQWLW\ DQG S G GLVFXVVLRQV DFW VHVVLRQV DF QG LQWHUSHUVRQDO 3203$12 %($&+ ) +(/' $7 +,/721 +2 -8/ 25 -8/< 6800(5 23 &ROODERUDWH DQG VKDU 72'$< 5(*,67(5 /25,'$ 0( < 7,216 H LGHDV ZLWK RWKHU 7/7 V 7/70RYHPHQW F /HDUQ 0RUH DW RP CSI's Weird & Wacky Summer Camp 2200 SW 10th St, Deerfield Beach Science camp, educational, religious Ages 6-11 June 19 – 23 July 10 - 14 $250 per child/session ($50 OFF 954-771-1652 www.creationstudies.org/summercamp/ West Park Baptist Summer Day Camp 4004 Lake Ida Road, Delray Beach Day Camp, Religious May 30 - August 4 Ages 5-15 $140/week +sibling discounts 561-495-2107 www.westpark-baptist.com Skate Camp with Island Camps & Surf Skate Science 1985 NE 2nd Street, Deerfield Beach Camp Type: Day Sports Camp Ages 8-16 May 29 - August 11 $379/week $99/day 954-SK8-4368 islandwatersports.com/pages/skatecamp Cornerstone Theatre Pure Imagination Performing Arts Summer Camp 127 NW 13th St, Boca Raton Ages 8 – 14 July 10 – 21 $1300 for 10 days, 10% discount for additional siblings 561-654-4088 manybutone.com/schedule/ FCA Palm Beach County Leadership Camp Palm Beach Atlantic University, 901 S Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach Camp Type: Christian leadership camp for high school student athletes 9th-12th Grade July 24 - 26 $50/week Email: [email protected] fcapbc.org/leadership-camp Palm Beach Atlantic University's Center for Integrative Science Camp Topic: The Science of Art 901 S. Flagler Dr., West Palm Beach Day Camp, Academic Enrichment Grades 1-12 June 12 - June 16 $325/student/week 561-803-2603 www.pba.edu/academics/schools/centers/integrative-science-learning/scienceregistration.html Realife Vero Beach 1416 82nd Ave. Vero Beach Christian overnight camp Ages 11-18 coed May 29 - July 30 $295/week 770-598-6896 www.realife.org Realife Blue Springs 2650 Lakeshore Dr., Marianna Christian overnight camp Ages 11-18 coed May 29 - July 30 $295/week 770-598-6896 www.realife.org (Continued from pg. 21) (Continued on pg. 24)
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