4  valleychristianmagazine.com
March 2016
Contents MARCH 2016
Vol. 5 / Issue 11
On The Cover - p13
To submit story ideas, events, or comments: valleychristianmagazine@gmail.com
SCHOOL EDITION!
Location: McAllen Public Library
what you’ll find inside
CONNECT WITH US: Twitter: @vcmagazine 8
Tax Deductible donations can be mailed to:
Texas Christian Publications c/o Valley Christian Magazine 3827 North 10th Street, 301 McAllen, TX 78501
Lysa Terkeurst
What I Never Noticed About God
10 Greg Laurie
956-314-O161
Your Sphere Of Influence
7
Valley Christian Magazine is a free monthly magazine published by
FCA - Reunite & Rise Up
26 Dave Ramsey Dave Says
features
Valley Christian Magazine is a publication of Texas Christian Publications (a 501c3 organization). Texas Christian Publications reserves the right to edit, modify, revise, rewrite and reject editorial materials and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors, omissions or consequences arising from it. All correspondence to this publication becomes the property of Texas Christian Publications. Texas Christian Publications shall be held harmless indemnified against any third-party claims. Texas Christian Publications accepts no claims made by photographers, agents or contributors. Writers’ and columnists’ opinions are not necessarily those of Texas Christian Publications or its publishers. Advertisements appearing in Texas Christian Publications present only the viewpoint of the advertisers. We assume no responsibility for advertising claims made in this publication. Valley Christian Magazine is printed in Mexico. Reproduction without the expressed written permission prohibited. Copyright 2016.
/
27 Special Needs Ministry Conference
13 Annual Private School Spotlight 14 Calvary Christian School - Harlingen
60Printed in Mexico.
15 Covenant Christian Academy - McAllen 16 First Christian Academy - McAllen 17 Harvest Christian Academy - Edinburg 18 Macedonian Christian Academy - Donna/Alamo 19 Mid Valley Christian Academy - Weslaco 20 St. John Episcopal School - McAllen 21 St. Paul Lutheran School - McAllen
Christian Torres
Publisher/Graphic Design
22 Bay Area Christian School - Port Isabel/South Padre
Christian@valleychristianmagazine.com
22 Education Depot Learning Center
Stephanie Torres Accounting
stephanie@valleychristianmagazine.com
For Advertising Contact: iz Rudy Ru799
956-314n-8 ne.com magazi tia
lleychris
info@va
erra Vela Ronnie Gu -8036
allegos G a ll e t S 9-1663
956-59ist9ianmagazine.com hr
lleyc Ronnie@va
hrist
valleyc
Stella@
March
956-73 ianmagazine.com
2016
valleychristianmagazine.com 5
6  valleychristianmagazine.com
March 2016
March
2016
valleychristianmagazine.com 7
What I Never Noticed About Jesus BY LYSA TERKEURST “Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.” Mark 6:51-52 (NIV)
I
ran my hand over the large rock and closed my eyes. What an incredible moment it was for me to stand where Jesus once stood in the Holy Land. I opened my Bible and let the full reality of all He was facing fall fresh on me.
I wanted to read the Scriptures leading up to this moment where He sat on Mt. Arbel and prayed and watched the disciples, just before walking on water. But I cautioned myself to read the uncommon sentences. Too many times I highlight verses telling of Jesus’ miracles but skim right past those telling of deeply human realities. In Mark chapter 5, we see Jesus interacting with a woman desperate to be healed from her bleeding disorder. He frees her from her suffering and gives her peace. And we find Him healing the young daughter of a synagogue ruler. Miracle! But we also find in verse 40a, “But they laughed at him.” In Mark chapter 6 we see Jesus sending out the 12 disciples and as they preached, “They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them,” (v. 13.) Miracle! But we also find earlier in verse 3b, “… And they took offense at him.” We find Him having great compassion on the people who followed Him in the feeding of the 5,000. They all ate and were satisfied by five loaves and two fish. Miracle! But we also see that Jesus and His disciples were physically depleted, “because so many were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat,” (v. 31a). Messy realities tucked in the midst of miracles. And isn’t it so like us to miss this about Jesus’ everyday life? We hyperfocus on the lines of Scripture containing the miracles so much that we miss the detail of the mess. Jesus had people laugh at Him and reject Him and misunderstand Him. We know this in theory, but as I sat on that rock that day I suddenly realized what an everyday reality this was for Him. Now, here’s what happens to me in my life: I get so focused on the mess, I miss the miracles. And that’s the very thing that happens to the disciples right after the feeding of the 5,000. They got in a boat and strong winds caused the water to get very rough. The disciples were straining at the oars as the
8 valleychristianmagazine.com
March 2016
realities of life beat against them. Jesus was on the mountainside praying. From Mt. Arbel, Jesus could see the middle of the lake where the disciples were. Mark 6:47-48a, “Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them” (NIV). Jesus saw them. He went down to them. And they missed the miracle in the midst of the mess. The same miracle worker that multiplied the fish and the loaves was now walking on the water near them and they thought He was a ghost. They were terrified and then were amazed, but they didn’t understand, for the Scriptures say, “their hearts were hardened,” (v. 52b). It seems to me Jesus has a pattern of performing miraculous acts in the setting of messes. This revelation led me to a gut-honest prayer, Oh Lord, let me see this. Please don’t let the messes of life harden my heart and blind me to Your presence. Instead of being so terrified in the midst of the mess, might I keep the picture of You, watching me, always watching me. And might I find courage in the assurance that You will come to me with Your miraculous presence. Yes, I need to spend a whole lot less time trying to fix the messes in my life … and a whole lot more time keeping my heart soft in the process. Then I won’t miss the miraculous work of Jesus in the midst of my mess. Dear Lord, You are so good. Help me see Your hand working even in the midst of things that seem to be messes. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. TRUTH FOR TODAY: Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (NIV) John 14:21, “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” (NIV) REFLECT AND RESPOND: Are you in the middle of a difficult or frustrating season in your life right now? Ask God to open your eyes to see His miracles in the midst of your mess. Used by Permission Proverts 31 Ministry www.provers31.org
Fabian Guerrero Attorney/Abogado
Divorce/Family Law Child Custody State & Federal Criminal Defense Phone: 956-380-1421 Mobile: 956-279-1163 511 W. University Drive Edinburg, TX 78539 fabianlaw@sbcglobal.net God is our help and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
March
2016
valleychristianmagazine.com 9
Your Sphere of Influence By Greg Laurie
The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
Greg Laurie is Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif. He began his pastoral ministry at 19 by leading a Bible study of 30 people. Since then, God has transformed the small group into a church of 15,000 plus, one of the largest churches in America. For more, visit www.greglaurie.com. Used by permission from Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie, PO Box 4000 Riverside, CA 92514
—Proverbs 11:25 Copyright © 2015 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
I believe the hardest part of evangelism is getting started. But once you get started, and once God starts speaking through you, it can be one of the most joyful things you have ever done. To think that God Almighty would speak through someone like you or me is indeed a great privilege. It is an honor to go and tell others about Jesus.
The gospel was not designed to be hoarded; it was designed to be shared. You were blessed to be a blessing. Therefore as you take in, you need to give out that message again so others can come into a relationship with God. One of the greatest joys you will ever experience, next to knowing the Lord himself, is when you have the privilege of
10 valleychristianmagazine.com
praying with someone to accept Christ. You start seeing the radical, even visible, changes that will take place in your life. We are told in Proverbs 11:25, “Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” It is refreshing as you give back and help other people
You have a group of people who will listen to what you have to say March 2016
We have a choice either to evangelize or fossilize, and a lot of people have chosen the latter. While it may be true that we are not all called to be evangelists, we are all called to evangelize. And the place to start is at the beginning. We reach the world with the gospel one person at a time.
You can personalize Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19) by going to your world. Go to your workplace. . . . Go to your family. . . . You have a sphere of influence. You have a group of people who will listen to what you have to say. Go to that world—the world to which God has called you.
I
March
2016
valleychristianmagazine.com 11
Hope Land Business Center 508 W. Expressway 83, Suite 10 Pharr, TX 78577 (956) 631-3692 (956) 686-4952 www.duratexapparel.com 12  valleychristianmagazine.com
March 2016
March
2016
valleychristianmagazine.com 13
14  valleychristianmagazine.com
March 2016
Covenant Christian Academy 956-686-7886 4201 North Ware Road McAllen, TX 78504 www.ccamcallen.com Principal: Milton Gonzalez Now Accepting Applications: K2 through High School Covenant Christian Academy (CCA), an independent school established in 195, is dedicated to integrating Biblical Principles into all subjects. We are not affiliated with or financially underwritten by any single church/ denomination. The Holy Bible is our standard and we daily instill our motto into the hearts of our students. We provide a Christian worldview with
the highest academics in a rigourous traditional background while encouraging young minds to think creatively and analytically. Every child in our 400+ student body is lovingly nurtured and our campus emanates an atmosphere of family. At Covenant Christian Academy, we value our families and recognize the importance of working together as a team. communication is pivotal to the success of our students. Our parents are updated via RenWeb, through our ccamcallen. com website and quick reminders are texted to mobile devises by ParentAlert. Your student would be a welcome addition to our CCA Family. Call us at (956) 686-7886 to schedule your campus tour and discover the CCA Advantage firsthand. We look forward to March 2016 partnering with you!
valleychristianmagazine.com 15
16  valleychristianmagazine.com
March 2016
18  valleychristianmagazine.com
March 2016
March
2016
valleychristianmagazine.com 19
St. John’s Episcopal School “A GOoD Place to Grow”
St. John’s Episcopal School provides each student with a wellrounded academic program that develops their full competence, creativity, character, and compassion in a Christian environment. Through attainment of this mission, we produce responsible young individuals equipped to live a life worthy of a child of God.
956-686-0231
2500 North 10th Street McAllen, TX 78501 www.stjohns-mcallen.org Head of School: Michael Waller
Experiencing St. John’s first-hand is the best way to fully appreciate our wonderful school. Please contact us to schedule your visit today. Open enrollment has begun for the 2016-2017 school year.
Beginning in 2016-2017, the 2K and 3K will be FULL DAY from 8:00am - 2:30pm.
Enrollment:
Now Accepting Applications for students 2 years-old (2K) through Grade 6 St. John’s Episcopal School honors the trust that parents place in us and we embrace that responsibility as we prepare our students for the future. We dedicate ourselves to challenging children in the classroom (2K – Grade 6) and celebrating their accomplishments every step of the way. In addition to strong academic preparation, members of the St. John’s
20 valleychristianmagazine.com
faculty bring a life-long love of learning, extensive knowledge, and solid commitment to each and every child.
March 2016
March
2016
valleychristianmagazine.com 21
22  valleychristianmagazine.com
March 2016
VALL EY CHRISTIAN MAGA ZINE EVENTS
Get Your Event Here! Call Us at 956-314-0161 March
2016
valleychristianmagazine.com 23
Dating and the budget Dear Dave, I’ve been following your plan, and I’ve finally gotten out of debt and feel I have control of my finances. I’m also single, and I was wondering if you have any tips for how to gracefully mention financial topics and budgeting when you’re on a date. Paula Dear Paula, Well, I don’t recommend bringing it up on a first date. If I’m a guy on the initial date with a girl and the first thing out of her mouth is about finances and handling money, that’s going to be pretty strange. Now, if the first date turns into another and another and another, then you might start talking about the deeper things in life and where you both stand. As you start talking about more serious subjects, you’ll begin to learn if there’s enough of a basis for a real relationship. But the first date is just sort of an introduction, right? You’re both seeing if there’s any initial, mutual compatibility. Asking someone how much they make, or where they are on their debt snowball in this scenario is officially weird—even by my standards. In other words, use manners and tact. They may be old fashioned words these days, but in most cases they work well. —Dave
Her Birthday Money Is Symbolic Dear Dave,
My wife received $100 from her parents for her birthday. When I asked what she planned to do with it, she said she was going to add it to her spending money. I think she should put it toward us paying off debt, but I bit my tongue and didn’t say anything. We’re in pretty good shape financially, so should I mention it or just let it go?
Dave s y a S
Charles Dear Charles, I’m sure you’re a smart man, so you’ll understand when I tell you — for the sake of your marriage and mental health — to let this one go. Seriously, is $100 going to move the needle that much? It’s her birthday, and it was a gift designed to let her do something nice for herself. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with her spending a little bit on herself on her special day.
* Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times best-selling books. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 8.5 million listeners each week on more than 550 radio stations. Dave’s latest project, EveryDollar, provides a free online budget tool. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.
If she had asked me about this, I would have told her it was fine. If she had asked me about putting it toward debt, I would have said that’s fine, too. It’s not a big deal for someone to have a little fun once in a while. But it’s a bad plan for you to try to get at her gift. Just let it go, and do your part to make sure she knows that you love her and that she has a great birthday! —Dave
24 valleychristianmagazine.com
March 2016
MUSICAL LIVING A
C
A
D
E
M
Y
Open 24 Hours A Day
CREATIVE TERMITE &L.J. PEST CONTROL MCCOY - CERTIFIED APPLICATOR
“When you get CREATIVE you can say Buenos Noches to Roaches!” Private Voice Lessons:
Personalized & tailored to the individual, private voice lessons offer the students a fun and engaging learning style! Our voice instructors are both classically trained and form part of a contemporary worship band meaning you will get great technique with relevant music!
Complete Business, Home & Yard Pest Control
Call L.J. at 956-239-1995
TEXT #Voice TO (956) 221-3145 & RECEIVE 50% OFF REGISTRATION FEE! Musical Living Academy Phone: (956) 221-3145 Website: www.MusicalLivingAcademy.com
March
2016
valleychristianmagazine.com 25
26  valleychristianmagazine.com
March 2016
March
2016
valleychristianmagazine.com 27
Raul “Rudy” Rodriguez attorney at law Some historians may argue that among the greatest restoration stories of mankind are the European Renaissance or perhaps the post-World War II era. The cultural movement known as the European Renaissance roughly took place during the 14th through 17th centuries. This moment in history saw the face of Europe evolve with respect to its arts, architecture and long held science tenets. It also saw a rediscovery of the Greco-Roman classical knowledge and a rebirth of the study of Latin and vernacular languages. It served as a bridge between the Middle Ages and the Modern Era. Closer to home, America saw its restoration take place in the years that followed World War II. During this era, couples who could not afford families during the Great Depression made up for lost time. The mood in America suddenly became optimistic. At that time, the unemployment rate of the Great Depression dropped dramatically and the economy improved substantially. The G.I. Bill empowered many honorable service members to finish high school and attend college. As their skills were improved, so was the financial well-being of their families. But, without a doubt the greatest restoration that can take place is when a person does as Romans 10:9 instructs us to do. Romans 10:9 says: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” The message is simple: invite Christ into your heart and make him your personal Lord and Savior. At that time, your restoration will be complete. Next He will do as Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” As you seek and strive to honor God with your life, He will reward you by allowing you to take on His characteristics. Hosea 14:4 says, “I will bring my people back to me. I will love them with all my heart; No longer am I angry with them.” I pray that you will invite Christ into your heart and allow Him to restore you! At my office, I also want to be part of your restoration plan, albeit in a different way. I pray that God will use me for His honor and glory in helping me address your needs. If you have been involved in an auto accident and/or other serious injury or if you have lost a loved one as a result of someone’s negligence, I will do my best to restore some sense of normality to your life. I will also help you in matters involving family law, criminal law and real estate and will issues. As always, I bear in mind that in honoring God with the way I handle my business relationships I will be honoring you my esteemed client.
Raul “Rudy” Rodriguez
www.raulrudyrodriguezlaw.com Phone: 956.380.1421 / Toll Free: 877.480.1421 Fax: 956.380.2920 / Mobile: 956.655.5455
511 W. University / Edinburg, TX 78539 e-mail: anointed511@gmail.com