May Edition - Valley Christian Magazine

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American Idol’s

Jason Castro

Kathy Ireland : talks with Valley Christian Magazine on Faith & Family

At HomeWith PastorLoui

Loui


Family is God’s Masterpiece

Dr. Theresa ValladaresBoard Certified in Family Medicine

923 East Ferguson • Pharr, TX 78577 • 956-702-0024

Happy Mother’s Day… from one mom to another!

A Family Practice where every consultation will be with Dr. Valladares….Family Medicine as it was intended.

“Promoviendo la salud y el bienestar de nuestras familias.”

Matthew 7:12 (NIV) - So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…



Christian Torres Publisher

[email protected]

Henry Miller Editor

[email protected]

Irma d’Santiago “morett” Designer Creative

PHOTOGRAPHERSThe Studio -

Jenny Hollis & Cliff Ranson

Lee JinksKevin Hurt

CONTRIBUTORSJerrell JobeMike Masso

Miguel ParedesLance Phy

Valley Christian Magazine is a publication of Texas Chris-tian 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 conse-quences arising from it. All correspondence to this publi-cation becomes the property of Texas Christian Publica-tions. Texas Christian Publications shall be held harmless indemnified against any third-party claims. Texas Chris-tian Publications accepts no claims made by photog-raphers, agents or contributors. Writers’ and columnists’ opinions are not necessarily those of Texas Christian Pub-lications or its publishers. Advertisements appearing in Texas Christian Publications present only the viewpoint of the advertisers. We assume no responsibility for ad-vertising claims made in this publication. Valley Christian Magazine is printed in the United States. Reproduction

without the expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Copyright 2011.

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Valley Christian Magazine is a free monthly magazine published by

Volume 1 Issue 2

15

1126

42

11. At Home With Pastor Loui

22. Is Your Missions Trip Helping of Hurting?24. FCA Male Athlete of the Year - Juan Rodriguez from 34. Gabriel de la Garza “I Need You”41. Francesca Battistelli42. Jason Castro

43. Hillsong United plans return to Texas x

On The Cover16. Celebrating Valley Moms• Christina Johnson • Monica Martinez• Jenny Hollis• Trica Salinas

29

Index

National Columnists8. Max Lucado30. James MacDonald 33. Greg Laurie50. Dave Ramsey

Valley Contributors6. Christian Torres26. Jerrell Jobe29. Henry Miller39. Mike Masso40. Lance Phy44. Miguel Paredes

Contests20. Mommy & Me Drawing ContestFirst Grade Classes of Agape Christian School, Covenant Christian Academy, Faith Christian Academy36. Almighty Bible Contest

Photo Cover by The Studio - Mission, TX

48 Features


15. Celebrating Moms - Valley Christian Magazine speaks

with former supermodel Kathy Ireland on Faith and Motherhood.


About a week before printing the first edition it all hit me. I woke up thinking….wait a minute! What am I doing? What will my friends think of me? Are they going to understand? What will my family think of me? How will this be received in the community? Will people really pick one up or even support us?

As I think back, these thoughts didn’t just pop up for the first time with Valley Christian Magazine. They’ve popped up many times throughout my life. Especially when I’m supposed to do some type of ministry or share my faith. I start thinking--hold the phone, what are they going to think?

I bet you’ve been there too. A time when you had to make a choice, a decision, take a stand for your faith. Maybe some of those same ques-

tions came up. It could’ve been as simple as inviting someone from work to church with you. The problem there is that once you do that, you’re now the “church guy/gal.” Oh my, what are they going to think of me from now on?!

Proverbs 29:25 deals with this very fear and the inward pressure we can put on our self:

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord will be kept safe.“

So here we are, a month after the first edition. I’ve heard stories from people reading the maga-

zine where an article brought them to tears & other people shared their excitement for finally having a “cool” Christian magazine. I even had one person ask me, “THIS is a Christian Magazine?…Well Aaaaalright!”

The more stories I hear, the more excited I get. The more excited I get, the more humble I become. Humble that God is using this magazine to reach so many people of different ages and back-grounds. Humble that God can use even someone like me.

He can use you too. No matter what people think.


These are difficult days in our world’s history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns

across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God’s love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to

outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let’s live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did.

By the time you knew what to call it, you were neck deep in it. You’d toddler walked and talked, smelled crayons and swung bats, gurgled and giggled your way out of diapers and into childhood.

You’d noticed how guys aren’t gals and dogs aren’t cats and pizza sure beats spinach. And then, somewhere in the midst of it all, it hit you. At your grandpa’s funeral perhaps. Maybe when you waved good-bye as your big brother left for the marines. You realized

that these days are more than ice cream trips, homework, and pimples.

This is called life. And this one is yours.

Complete with summers and songs and gray skies and tears, you have a life. Didn’t request one, but you have one. A first day. A final day. And a few thousand in between. You’ve

been given an honest-to-goodness human life.

You’ve been given your life. No one else has your version. You’ll never bump into your-self on the sidewalk. You’ll never meet anyone who has your exact blend of lineage, loves, and

longings. Your life will never be lived by anyone else. You’re not a jacket in an attic that can be recycled after you are gone.

And who pressed the accelerator? As soon as one day is lived, voilà, here comes another. The past has passed, and the good old days are exactly that: old days, the stuff of rearview mirrors and scrapbooks.

Life is racing by, and if we aren’t careful, you and I will look up, and our shot at it will have passed us by.

Below is an excerpt from Outlive Your life: You Were Made to Make a Difference, BY MAX LUCADO

Some people don’t bother with such thoughts. They grind through their days without lifting their eyes to look. They live and die and never ask why.

But you aren’t numbered among them, or you wouldn’t be holding a book entitled Outlive Your Life. It’s not enough for you to do well. You want to do good. You want your life to matter. You want to live in such a way that the world will be glad you did.

But how can you? How can I? Can God use us?

I have one hundred and twenty answers to that question. One hun-dred and twenty residents of ancient Israel. They were the charter members of the Jerusalem church (Acts 1:15). Fishermen, some. Rev-enue reps, others. A former streetwalker and a converted revolutionary or two. They had no clout with Caesar, no friends at the temple head-quarters. Truth be told, they had nothing more than this: a fire in the belly to change the world.

Thanks to Luke we know how they fared. He recorded their stories in the book of Acts.

Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado, Copyright 2010 Max Lucado; Published in Nashville, Tenn., by Thomas Nelson. Thomas Nelson is a registered trademark of Thomas Nelson Inc. Use by permission.




Loui Canchola has been the Pastor of Cornerstone Church since its inception on Sept. 7, 2003. He re-cently sat down to talk with Valley Christian Maga-zine about his calling into the ministry, his family, his home life and his love of golf and Harleys.

Married: 16 years to Michelle Both he and Born: McAllenChildren: Clarissa (13); Elizabeth (10); Alexa (8) and Trey (4, also known as Loui III)High School: McHiIf you weren’t a pastor, what would you be doing now? Waiting for Tony Harris to retire at McHi so I can be th next Bulldogs’ head coach.

Loui pastors Cornerstone Church, 2033 Industrial Drive, McAllen. Phone: 683-7625. Web: www.cornerstonechurchrgv.comWorship Times: Sundays, 10 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.; 1 p.m.

(As he spells his first and last name for the inter-view):

C-a-n-c-h-o-l-a. Now that’s important be-cause my mom is convinced that when we get to heaven our name is going to bemisspelled in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Michelle & Loui CancholaAlexa, Elizabeth, Trey, Clarissa


Valley Christian Magazine sits down with a local pastor and talks about family and life not at thepulpit. To nominate your pastor for this monthly feature email us at henry@valleychristianmagazine or call (956) 314-0161.

How did you and Michelle meet?

We met through work at college. I came back from Texas A&I where I was playing football my senior year. Met her at Pan Am. I left football in a move at the time that I did not understand and was asking God why, I’ve got one more year to go.

I left with different circumstances going on in my life at the time and unbeknown to what God had in store for me and met my future wife six months later. It is won-derfully reassuring to know that God knows what He’s doing.

What were your plans?

I studied to be an educator and a coach. I earned a BA in history from UTPA and my plan was to teach his-tory and coach football. That’s what I was gonna do. That was my plan.

It was in the process of helping the FCA huddle that God began moving in my heart about the possibility that he was calling me into ministry and I fought my calling. I fought my calling for about a year and a half and realized quickly you can never outfight God. God always wins.

I was busy giving God my plan “wait a minute God, I’m supposed to be coaching at that stadium on Bicen-tennial and teaching history and pouring my life into teenagers.”

Little did I know God had so much more in store for me. I’m so glad each of us are called to our vocations because coaches make an impact and teachers make an impact and business people make an impact and this was God’s plan for my life. And His plans, I’ve dis-covered, are so much greater than our plans and that’s

been one of the big lessons of my life.

The more you fight it the more miser-able you are. I call my calling a holy discontent. It’s a wonderful, glorious burden God gives

you that it literally feels like sin to say no to. To reject it just made me more miserable.

If it were my plans (McHi football coach) Tony Harris would be retired somewhere and I’d be the coach at McHi.

What position did you play at A&I and what’s your big-gest memory there?

I played offensive line and we were a powerhouse, in our heyday. Not because of me, I rarely started. I played a little bit but we had some big horses on that team, some real studs.

I really remember the friendships, the locker room hors-ing around, the road trips. I remember athletic wise the commitment level and marveling at the talent of some of my teammates. I was a teammate of John Randle who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this past summer and to see him excel at what he was cre-ated to do was something else.

How difficult was it to give your life as a senior then go off to college?

It was very challenging. For a baby Christian probably the most challenging thing you could come under. We all tend to – even though we hate to admit it – I suc-cumbed to sin more often than not.

I’ve said this often at church the biggest regret of my life spiritually is that I came to know Christ at 17 but didn’t begin to get discipled until 22. So for five years, although I know I was saved, I was drifting as a Chris-tian. The college environment is definitely not helpful in that. That’s why I’m so passionate today about getting people plugged into not only their local church but into Jesus and their walk with Him because I felt like I drifted for five years.

What is your favorite time of day with family?Evenings when I’m home from work and the kids are done with their homework. That’s when we have those couple hours together, whether it’s watching TV or hav-ing dinner at the table. Mornings are a busy time.

Obviously, the weekends for a pastor is busy and it’s very rare you get to attend church with your fam-ily. There’s the saying a pastor’s wife is like a single mom on Sunday mornings. The pastor is already at church while she’s getting herself and the kids ready.

Other than the Bible, what are the last three books you read?

Decision Points by George Bush. I really enjoyed it. Thought there were some phenomenal les-sons to be learned in reading it. A biography on Winston Churchill by Paul Johnson. A biography on Jesus by Paul Johnson. It’s called Jesus: A Biography from a Believer. He’s a historian by profession but he’s a believer and he paints a


beautiful picture of the life of Jesus from a historian’s perspective who also happens to be a believer.

What hobbies do you have?

Golf. (Your best round?) My best round is an 84. I like to tell people I shoot in the 70s, if it’s any hotter I don’t go out. I’m normally a 20 handicapper. 90-95 is a decent day. (Any memorable shots?) I remember one shot, the closest I ever came to a hole-in one. It was Seven Oaks, it was the No. 2 hole, now the No. 11 hole. It was a Par-3, about 170 yards. I hit a 6-iron to within 2 inches of the hole. I thought it was a hole-in-one and was jumping up and down – couldn’t see it because the green was sloped so I drove up and saw it was 2 inches from the hole.

I love to say my hobby is Harleys but rarely get the chance.

What hobbies does Michelle have?Scrapbooking. She’s a scrapbooker and she excels at scrapbooking. She has created some wonderful memo-ries for our family, for our children, for us. That’s her No. 1 hobby. She loves to read and work out as well.

Who’s the cook in the house?She definitely is. One look at me and you know she’s definitely the cook. (Loui, your wife agrees –she said you just know how to make bologna and cheese sandwiches and potatoes and egg – and that’s all the kids eat when you’re watching them. Don’t get upset at us, she said it!)

What’s your favorite meal she makes?She makes a killer lasagna and amazing enchiladas. Those are just a couple of them but her lasagna is to die for. And her cheesecake – strawberry, glazed cheese-cake - is out of this world.

Tell us some things your congregation may find surpris-ing about youI’m pretty much an open book with my congregation.

Maybe that I love to travel? They know about my Harley love, I actually tried to drive a Harley into the church one time so they know that.

For being a preacher and having a public life I tend to be introverted. I love my quiet time, my private time more and more as I walk with God. As much as a gre-garious personality I have from the stage, I’ve become a little more an introvert even than when I was younger.

They would find it surprising that as much as I love Home Depot, I am useless with a tool in my hand. I love spend-ing time there, taking my son there but I am useless with a tool. I’ve taken my son to some of the classes and he does a better job than I do. You ask me to nail a nail into a board and I’ll find a way to make it crooked. The

way I repair things around the house, the best tool I have is the phone and I call my dad and he fixes everything.

I think that knowing my theology is very conservative I think my congregation would find it surprising that I’m a risk taker. If there’s anything I would want to be said about me is that I said yes when God said to do some-thing. Bold risks for God – I’m talking bold risks for God that have you on your face before Him saying “I’m go-ing to fall on my face if You don’t show up.” That’s when life is most exciting.

A day alone with no responsibilities on you for the church or the family, what would that turn into?Today with my wife alone is the utmost right now. We have amazing folks in our church, and specifically both of our parents and my sisters who see it as a ministry to help watch our children so we can have a consistent time for ourselves.

We are very, very adamant even about our date night. We honor that and try to not let anything come be-tween that. So a day alone for me would be a day with my wife because of the four little ones. Time with her, a great meal, good movie, great conversation, good cof-fee – throw in 18 holes because she does golf with me. She more or less puts up with it because it’s a passion of mine. She’s done a scrapbooking of that.

If I asked your congregation what phrases you say over and over or the most, what would they say?Probably the number one phrase I always say is “Love God, Love Others, Serve the World.” That’s our DNA, that’s who we are, that’s who God has called us to be so I am constantly saying that.

Another is quit being controlled by your past and start living for the future God has for you.

Other things I would hope they hear from me are “Great job,” “I’m proud of you,” “I love you,” things like that.

Another one they are always hearing is “Hook ‘em Horns.”

Tell us an embarrassing moment?I did a public skate after a Killer Bees game. I was


halfway around the rink before totally collapsing on my skates. Everyone knew to get away from me because I’m so unstable on skates so wiping out during a public skate would be one.

Not remembering someone’s name. Once during a baptism I gave someone the wrong name, which is not the greatest thing in the world.

Sorry, Loui we had to ask Michelle for the rest of the story about the Killer Bees. Something didn’t sound right…We were supposed to go ice skating – he was ready to go onto the ice. He couldn’t even do two steps; held on all the way around the rink, he was holding on for dear life. Then his ankles gave out and he fell. One of the attendants had to come and help him. He gave up on ice skating right away.

Hey Loui,

don’t you swear

allegiance to the Texans?

Well...isn’t that you

wearing a Cowobys

jersey?

Just wondering.....

(wink wink)


Kathy Ireland has always been concerned with moms and moms to be.

Her love there stems from, obviously, being a mom and the rigors of everyday life. Since she first came out with a brand of socks in 1993 (you probably thought it was swimsuits, right?), her goal – and her company’s mission – has been “finding solutions for families, especially busy moms.”

She’s written six books, including Powerful Inspira-tions: Eight Lessons That Will Change Your Life; Real Solutions for Busy Moms and Real Solutions: 52 God Inspired Messages from My Heart. She’s also written three children’s book, one entitled What Do Mom-mies Do?

“I felt like I needed help in those areas as a mom and these tips and devotions are something to help and encourage busy moms,” said Ireland, mother of three. “As moms we all need encouragement, guidance and easy solutions to deal with all the work that goes with being a mom today.”

Ireland has now taken that same passion and brought it one step earlier in life – preparing for the big day, being a bride. Her longtime passion to of-fer practical solutions for people – moms especially – had come to fruition with a marriage of her own (own company that is). Kathy Ireland Worldwide and Weddings by 2be have combined to now offer bridal fashion solutions. “It’s critical to me that our involvement be authen-tic and hands on,” Ireland said. “It’s a great joy to join the team in serving brides and their families. We believe this is a wedding that will lead to a great and lasting marriage.”

Ireland said that while the preparations for a wed-ding are exciting, the key is to focus on the mar-riage.

“My biggest piece of advice to any woman con-templating marriage is talk to your Father about it. If you happen to have an amazing earthly dad that’s wonderful but what I’m talking about is your Father in Heaven who made you according to His image and who loves you more than you can possibly know,” Ireland said to Valley Christian Magazine.

Mom, daughter, wife In business and life

“The man you are thinking about marrying will be-come the father of your children. While children may be a thought for the distant future, talk with your fiancé’ about your hopes, dreams and ex-pectations in raising children together and please be in prayer about this,” Ireland continued. “Of-ten times, as women, we tend to rush into things. I believe we will experience the most joy when we are in His will. I encourage you to keep the Lord at the center of your marriage and bring all things to Him in prayer.”

Ireland’s career launched as one of the first mod-els to be fitted with the “super” notation. She is quick to say that she was never a “supermodel” but her multiple cover photos for Sports Illustrat-ed’s Swimsuit editions would argue differently. She was featured in the annual special edition for 13 straight years, and was the cover model three times (including the 25th anniversary edition, which remains the top-selling edition to date). In either case, Ireland the Christian, the mom, and the businesswomen remain super.

By Henry Miller



Name: Christina JohnsonHusband: Matt Johnson, married 21 years.Children: Hannah, 13, David, 10, Joshua 8.Mom’s name: Katherine PruegerChurch Membership: BT McAllen

How did your mom influence your Christian walk and daily life?My mother has had a profound influence on my Christian walk and daily life. She has a resilient, enduring, strong faith, as well as a spirit of joy and a gift of encouragement. In spite of many hardships in her life she has always chosen to look at the posi-tive, to laugh as much as she can, and to continue to walk in trust and faith that God will provide for her. She was born in Europe and World War II disrupted her life. Her family fled Hungary after the war and they immigrated to Argentina, leaving behind fam-ily, home, wealth and their culture. In spite of many

hardships she managed to learn five languages, at-tend a music conservatory studying piano, and find work to help support her family. She married my fa-ther in 1961 and they raised five children. We moved quite a bit growing up as my father was a petroleum engineer and work took him around the world. When he suddenly passed away from a heart attack 13 years ago she moved to Houston and started a new life as a widow.

To me her faith has shone through this very difficult time for her. She took the first job offered to her, sit-ting with a bitter elderly mother of a neighbor. She remained positive throughout this experience, laugh-ing off the mean comments of her elderly charge, marveling at how some of the 90-year-old residents still went to the gym and worked out, and making a friend of one of the receptionists who later moved in with her to help pay the costs of her home. She eventually found a job as a translator in the Medical Center in Houston. Eight years ago she was diag-nosed with breast cancer, underwent surgery two


times as well as chemotherapy. Throughout this time her faith and indomitable spirit were so evident. I was in awe as I spent time with her as she courageously received her chemotherapy in good spirits, making friends with everyone in the breast cancer care center. As she lost her hair she chose to have a fun time wearing different types of wigs. One day she was a blonde bombshell, the next a brunette. The people at the office never knew what to expect as she walked in each morning for work, dressed in her suit and fabulous hair.

Today she continues to work, is cancer free, praise God, and through the gifts and experiences God has allowed she relates to many different types of people who come to the medical center for care; from the poor immigrant to the wealthy Italian or South Ameri-can with complex health problems. She helps them navigate the corridors of a huge medical center, as well as ease their fears. She is a shining example to me of James 1:2 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” As her faith was tested she responded in trust and joy. She now is able to comfort those who are going through similar trials.

How is your faith impacting your raising of your children?My faith hinges on loving God with everything that I am and have, and loving others as myself. I try to put first priority on my relationship with God. Next is my relationship with my husband, and then my chil-dren. After that comes everything else. Now having said that, realistically it is very difficult for me to keep things in balance. Why does it always seem that the minute my bottom hits the seat of a chair to pray and read my Bible a child invariably wakes up and needs something? A child that usually is comatose in the morning? It is not easy to raise children, and as my oldest is a teenager we now are entering a whole new realm of parenting. My husband and I see our children as gifts from God. We are to raise them lov-

ingly, to know the uncondition-al love of God, to seek out His purposes for them, to seek Him and find him, to be compas-sionate, kind, faith filled mature adults.

My deepest desire is that my children experience the rich, vibrant, all encompassing love of Jesus.

I am a mother through adop-tion, and so the fact that we are all children of God through adoption holds a special meaning for our family. Mother’s Day is a very special day for me not only because I have three incredible gifts from God, but also because there are three women in my life whom I honor on Mother’s Day: the birth-mothers of my children. These women made incredibly courageous and difficult decisions. They chose to give life to their babies, often at a great price to their reputations, their dreams, and plans for the future. They loved their children while they grew in their wombs, and then chose a family who would raise them as their own, because they couldn’t give their children what was best for them: a mother and a father, a stable, accepting, loving family. Afterwards they quietly go on with their lives. They are forgotten on Mother’sDay. They are my heroines. I pray for them. I tell my children often that their birth-moms also love them.

If your children were to finish this statement, how would you hope they would answer?My mom’s faith taught us: that my faith taught them that they could live life courageously and enthusiasti-cally because they can trust in the everlasting love of God in all circumstances. I want them to always remember that God forgives their sins through Jesus, gives them good things, renews their strength, so that they can love and accept others like Jesus did.

Husband: David Adolfo Martinez

Children: David Jacob 6; Julia 4; Nicolas 1 ½

Church: We are members of Our Lady Of Sorrows Church in McAllen. I was a member and an Acolyte of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Edinburg during my childhood.

How did your mom influence your Christian walk and daily life?My Mother enrolled me at St. Matthew’s Episcopal school (Edinburg, TX) days before my third birthday. This was a great sacrifice for my parents; how-ever, she knew the impact it would have on our spirituality. She was a great example of empathy, love, spirituality and acceptance. Most importantly, it was in our daily lives that she showed us to accept others regardless of dif-

Monica de la Garza Martinez

Husband: Bill Hollis

Children: Jacob, 12; Caleb, 10

Your mom’s name: Carol Ann Dixon

Church: Attending Palm Valley Church, Mission

How did your mom influence your Christian walk and daily life?Wow, where do I start? My mom is an inspiration in every area of my life and her faith and Christian ex-ample carries over from one to the other seamlessly. I was raised by Christian parents that instilled in me that Jesus was the way. Period. No questions asked. My mom has been a Sunday School Teacher as long as I can remember. She has sung in the choir most of her life and truly walks the walk she talks. In my upbringing after each “talking to” she would always leave me with the words “You’ll know what to do.” I knew that it always meant, “What would Jesus do?” And “You are too convicted, Jennifer Ann, not to know the right thing to do.”

Don’t get me wrong, I have fallen and I have stum-bled, but I know God’s Word and the expectations my mom and dad have had for me are those of my Heavenly Father. “I will know what to do” based on those life lessons.

How is your faith impacting your raising of your chil-dren?My faith in Jesus Christ has been the core of raising my children. From the moment we found out we were going to have a baby, with all my being, heart

and soul I would pray those babies into the world and once I laid eyes on the most beautiful creations made by God, I prayed. Some days more than oth-ers, but each and every day I wonder how I could be so blessed with little angels that bring tears to my eyes just thinking of them…in a good way (we haven’t hit the challenging years yet). And once again, I pray that Jesus will walk each step with them and when it is too tough to handle I pray He will

Jenny Hollis


ferences. The Golden Rule, treat others the way you would want to be treated, was her motto. She was also my Brownie Leader at school where such important Christian messages are taught. I have realized as an adult how children’s extracurric-ular activities provide parents opportunities to teach and model Christian values.

How is your faith impacting your raising of your children?We are blessed to have our young children in a Chris-tian school (Covenant Christian Academy). God is a part of their daily academic lives as well as our family life. My mother embraced all of our family and the different churches they attended. I went to differ-ent Vacation Bible Schools, Youth Group and CCD classes throughout my childhood. My mother had us very involved in our own church and always looked for spiritual activities for her children. I find myself do-ing the same with my children and most importantly want to teach them to love all of God’s children. Thank you Mom for teaching us to have faith in God, and for being a wonderful example of a spiritual

woman.

If your child were to finish this statement, how would you hope they would answer?My mom’s faith taught me: “to do God’s work and give of oneself to those in need.” My 6-year-old agreed to have school supplies donated in lieu of birthday gifts at his 6th birthday party. He was so proud when he delivered hundreds of supplies to School Tools. My heart was full of joy knowing that his school and family have taught him to be selfless. We were pleasantly surprised that he didn’t have any regrets.

Baby Nicolas, newest member of Martinez Family.

Trica Getz SalinasHusband: Omar Salinas

Children: Jarrod 15, Makaala 13, Caleb 9.

Your Mom’s name: Everyl Getz

Church Membership: BT McAllen

How did your mom influence your Christian walk and daily life? My mother’s walk with Christ has been a tremendous blessing to me. The Word of God was always very evident in our home. When we were kids my parents always prayed with us before we would leave for school and before we would go to bed. From the time I could remember we were learning Bible verses and singing songs about the Word. My mother’s dedication and desire to learn more about the Word and lift up her children in prayer daily taught me the importance of daily devotion with my Lord. Serving her Lord has been something my mom has done my whole life. I grew up watching her serve in the church, open our home to people, and minister to others (especially chidlren.) Whether it was getting up early to prepare my lunch before school, being at every athletic event I participated in, or simply telling me that she loved me, I have always known that my mom is a woman who truly loves her family. I know that I am still prayed for every day and am thankful to have a mother who has always placed God first in her life. I am thankful and very grateful that my mom taught me the importance of being in the Lord’s will and being obedient to what He has called us to do, and pray that I can follow in those same footsteps.

How is your faith impacting your raising of your chil-dren?My faith is the core of how I raise my children. It is what I stand on, believe in, and what gives me direc-tion. In those hard moments that come with being a mom, my faith is my rock. God has blessed me with three wonderful children, and I am accountable to

the Lord for what I teach my children and the ex-ample I am to them. From the moment I became a mother my heart’s desire was that my children would grow up to love and serve the Lord. I have given my children to the Lord and have been blessed to see each one of them make a decision to live for Him. Praying with and for my children daily is something I have learned is a necessity. Family devotions have been a part of our bedtime routine for many years. It is such a rewarding feeling to know that as my chil-dren have gotten older they have taken the initiative to have their own devotional time /with the Lord. My heart’s desire and prayer is that they are given the strength to stand for their Lord and do His will in their lives.

If your child were to finish this statement, how would you hope they would answer?My mom’s faith taught me: to live solely for the Lord. To not conform to this world but be a Christ-like ex-ample to this world, and that being obedient to Lord and following His will in their lives was always some-thing that was seen and not just spoken to them.

sweep them up in His mighty arms and carry them.

My faith has set the expectations that I have of my children as well. Recently we have started an ac-countability drill. Each day I ask of them and myself 1) Have I represented God well today; 2) Did I show love to my family and did they feel it; 3) Did I lead by example.

Finally, in my parenting, my faith in God’s perfect plan of husband and wife is always heavy on my heart in raising my children. Marriage is a commit-ment to hard work, respect and mostly love. I am

incredibly blessed to be married to an honorable, encouraging and forgiving man who loves me in spite of my strengths and, thank God, my weakness-es too. And even when it is not the fun or easy thing to do, I know that the way we represent a family is the legacy that we leave for our children and the way we will represent our Heavenly Father.If your child were to finish this statement, how would you hope they would answer?My mom’s faith taught me to choose right over wrong, even when it is not the popular thing to do. And, that Jesus can see when nobody else can and, finally, she would say…You will know what to do.



Faith Christ

ian Acad

emy

Principal:

Jeff Bridwell

First-grad

e teacher:

Mrs. Munn

e

Agape Christian School

Principal: Jane Eason

First-grade teacher:

Ms. Salas


Valley Christian Magazine

is excited to have

partnered with

the first-grade classes of

Covenant Christian Academy,

Agape Christian School, and

Faith Christian Academy for

our First

“Mommy & Me”

Drawing Contest. Students

were asked to draw a

picture of themselves with

their Mommy. Although all

the submitted pictures were

incredibly cute, we were

only able to select a few

from each school and the

remaining drawings can be

viewed at

www.valleychristianmagazine.com

Covenant Christian Academy

Principal: Milton GonzalezFirst-grade teachers:Ms. TracyMs. CarolineMs. Darlene

Happy Mother’s Day!!! from Valley Christian Magazine!

By Dale Lusk

The call came on Tuesday. A college pastor from a large church in Norman, Okla., seeking advice.

“College students from my church are using Face-book to raise money to purchase a bus to take to Nicaragua,” the pastor said. “I don’t want to squash the students’ passion, but … I am not sure it is the right thing to do.”

It is the right thing to do. For 130 years Westerners have used their passion for Christ to serve, evange-lize, give, build, and feed the world.

But are we doing it the right way? In our desire to serve, are we actually hurting those we are try-ing to help? Is our passion for Christ leading us to unknowingly walk all over the poor?

Two books have created a tidal wave of question-ing and caused paradigm shifts among mission agencies, committees and teams from all across North America.

When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty With-out Hurting the Poor and Yourself, by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert, is the most ground-breaking book on missions and community development to have come out in years. This book furthers the discussion started by Brian Myers in his book Walking With the Poor.

The authors argue, from Scripture, that poverty is defined as a series of broken relationships instead of a lack of material resources, and this perspec-tive allows us to do mission in partnership.

Rather than asking the question, “What do you need?” the question changes to “What assets do you have, and how can we best encourage you to develop what you already have?” This is a much slower road to travel - it is a process, not a program, and is much more effective over the long run.

Eighteen years ago, when I started taking mission teams around the world, I fell into a trap. We were building homes without asking people if it was the right thing to do. We passed out food and clothing in “poor” areas. We threw candy to kids and then asked them if they wanted Jesus in their heart (and there is much more, I am embarrassed to say).

I began to realize that community ministry and missions are not about what I want to get out of it. It is not about what I think should happen, or what is easiest. Ministry to a community is about God, who He is, and developing a relationship with the people there, not doing feel-good activities that create dependence and have no long-term sig-nificance.

When Helping Hurts and Walking With the Poor articulate what we

thought was true all


Dale Lusk, of Mission, TX, is a missionary

of the Evangelical Covenant Church

and the Executive Director of Covenant Merge

Ministries. He is also the Interim Pastor of

Abundant Life Fellowship, Mission, Texas,

and has been organizing mission trips

around the world for more

than 18 years.

along. It is about God and it is about them. It is not about us.

When we get to that point we truly can partner in a healthy way in missions.

These books give us the Biblical tools to change our vision for community and international ministry. They have practical ways we can be more effective in community development, including looking at broken systems and culture, rather than just individu-als. We come to understand what long-term development is all about, and how different it is from relief work. The authors challenge us to support community leadership, follow their lead and create self-sufficiency instead of unwelcome dependency.

Patronage makes Americans feel good, but kills the spirit of those we “serve.”

About 15 years ago we changed the way we organized mis-sion trips. Now we follow the lead of community leaders and pastors. We do our best to partner and create relationships, rather than focusing on what we can do. Our goal is for ev-eryone to learn from each other and celebrate being a part of God’s family, rather than ask people what they need and how we can meet that need.

After a recent seminar I did on these books in Minnesota, a mission-ary’s daughter from the Philippines asked “Why didn’t they teach this long ago? My parents have suffered for years, not from being on the mission field, but from Americans who get in the way thinking they know what doing cross-cultural ministry and development is all about. I’m going to get my church mission team to read those books!”

The Oklahoma college students are still raising money through Face-book. But a team of Nicaraguan leaders and pastors are figuring out a way they can loan that money to purchase trucks, which will employ people, be self-sustainable, and be used for ministry purposes for years to come. These Nicaraguan pastors understand what healthy community ministry is about.


3-Tine Iktnoc


By Henry Miller

“Juan “Juanito” Antonio Rodri-guez. is a soft-spoken teen.

But when he’s teaching from the Word of God, he’s as bold and convicting as any veteran pas-tor.

Rodriguez, an Edinburg North H igh School senior , was recently named the Fellowship of Christian Ath-letes’ Male Athlete of the

Year. A basketball play-er for the Cougars,

Rodriguez plans

to attend Abilene Christian Uni-versity to prepare him to join the ministry and eventually become a pastor.

“He’s soft spoken when he’s not teaching,” said his huddle coach, Letty Garza. “When I first met him I wondered how he was going to do the (Bible) lessons (for FCA at the school). He just looked so shy.”

A huddle coach is a coach, fac-ulty member or volunteer who assists the student leaders in or-ganizing and carrying out the FCA programs and activities.

“But when he talks about God, he transforms himself,” Garza said. “It doesn’t matter how many people he’s in front of. He

gets bold for God.”

Rodriguez said talking in front of people has never been a problem for him

High School: Edinburg North

College attending: Abilene Christian

Studying: Youth and Family Ministry & Business Management

Church: El Templo Biblico, Alton

Pastor: Jesse Trevino

Youth Pastor: Ralph and Gloria Nino

Favorite Verse: James 1:2-3

“Juan “Juanito” Antonio Rodriguez:

Here is the lineup for FCA Summer Camps in Texas.

June 6-10 Coed Leadership Camp @ Hardin-Simmons U - Abilene, TX

June 6-10 Coed Golf Camp @ Blackhawk GC - Abilene, TX

June 20-23 Coed Power Camp (8-12 yrs old) @ Sharyland HS – Mission, TX

June 27 - July 1 Coed Sports Camp @ A&M – College Station, TX

July 7-10 Coach’s Enrichment Weekend @ Horseshoe Bay CC – Marble Falls, TX

Here is the link to the FCA Camping information. There is a ton of info on the site. Just pick and choose what you need.

http://www.fca.org/Camp/

3-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Leah Amico


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– after all, he has been FCA president since he was in sixth grade.

“My mom had told me about FCA so I went and they were trying to have elections,” Ro-driguez said. “I told them I wanted to run but not for president since I was a sixth-grader. My leaders were telling me go ahead and go for it.

“I ended up president.”

Since then, Rodriguez said he’s learned that he needed to not only teach others what it means to follow Christ on a daily basis, but he also needed to act that same way. In fact, Garza remembers one lesson Rodri-guez gave to his FCA peers about acting as Jesus would act.

“He was teaching on making sure that if you have Jesus in your heart that you need to show it through your actions,” Garza said. “He was really speaking to the kids. You can’t act one way on Sunday and differ-ently the rest of the week. He made it clear to them that as Christians you have to stay on the Christian path and you can’t hide – you are watched more so you need to hold

yourself at a different level and make sure everything you do honors God.

“It struck a chord on a lot of the kids. I could say it and they may listen but when you have one of your peers say it, it means a lot.”

And it’s something Rodriguez can hum-bly say he’s tried to do – especially since his faith took a major leap forward around eighth grade.

“I started realizing that I needed to start set-ting an example of what God should look like and so when peers saw this they were real careful with the conversations talked about around me,” he said. “I received one invitation to a party my freshman year. I told them that I was sorry but I wouldn’t be able to attend because of what I believed.

“I never got invited to another party. I wasn’t shunned, but people respected my beliefs. It’s encouraging. There have been times where things haven’t gone well but I’ve had to learn how to react to those things.”

FCA Male Athlete of the Year

By Jerrell Jobe

Jesus. His name is venerated like none other in history. Almost 2,000 years have passed since Jesus walked the Earth, yet His name has reached nearly every corner of the globe.

Recently, over Easter, roughly 2 billion people celebrated Jesus’ death and resurrection. The name of Je-sus has transcended virtually every culture, race and ethnicity. He has significantly affected all of history. Let’s explore a couple examples of how Jesus and His teachings have transformed civilization, as we know it.

Human Life Scripture tells us that humans were “created in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27). However, in the First Century, there was little regard for humanity or a human life. Within the Roman Empire (the ruling power of Jesus’ day), human life was cheap, especially for the weak and feeble, be they infant or elderly. Abortion was prevalent. It was not uncommon for unwanted or inconvenient babies to be taken into the forest, mountainside or valleys to starve to death or be consumed by wild animals, or to be picked up by some stranger passing by who would then use them for whatever perverted purpose they had in mind. “Infanticide (killing babies),” writes historian Frederick Farrar, “was infamously universal” among the Greeks and Romans during the early years of Christianity.1

Christians believed that all humans were created in the image of God. Christian leaders not only de-clared the sanctity of human life, but they took action to preserve it. Christians frequently wandered through forests and mountainsides looking for abandoned babies. They would then take them in, nurse them to health, care for them and raise them as their own.


The Sick and Dying

Matthew’s Gospel gives us a snapshot into the heart and pas-sions of Jesus. It says that “great multitudes followed Him (Jesus), and He healed them all” (Mat-thew 12:15).

“Christ was concerned not only with humanity’s spiritual con-dition,” writes historian Alvin Schmidt “but also with its physi-cal state. The healing acts of Je-sus were never divorced from his concern for people’s souls, their spiritual well-being.”2 “For him no healing was complete which did not affect the soul.”3 Christ was a holistic healer! He told his disci-ples, “I was sick and you looked after me” (Matthew 25:36). Schmidt continues, “These words did not go unheeded. History shows that early Christians not only opposed abortion, infanti-cide, and abandoning infants, but they also nurtured and cared for the sick, regardless of who they were. Christian or pagan, it made no difference to them.”

The world the Christians entered during the Greco-Roman era had a colossal void with respect to caring for the sick and dying. Dionysius, a Christian bishop of the third century, described the existing behavior of the pagans toward their fellow sick human beings in an Alexandrian plague in about A.D. 250. The pagans, he said, “thrust aside anyone who began to be sick, and kept aloof even from their dearest friends, and cast the sufferers out upon the public roads half dead, and left them unburied, and treated them with utter con-tempt when they died.”4

Early Christians responded differ-ently. They did not run out of fear or thrust aside the sick and dying.

Rather they risked their very lives by tending to the contagiously sick and dying. Many of these faithful followers not only risked their lives, but also lost them in helping others.

The first hospital was built by St. Basil in Caesarea in Cappado-cia about A.D. 369. It was one of “a large number of buildings, with houses for physicians and nurses, workshops, and industrial schools.”5 Some historians believe that this hospital focused exclu-sively on those with sickness and disease.6 The rehabilitation unit and workshops gave those with no occupational skills opportu-nity to learn a trade while recu-perating.7

It is important to note that these Christian hospitals were the world’s first voluntary charitable institutions.

Paul Maier, professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University stated that “not only countless individual lives but civi-lization itself was transformed by Jesus Christ.”8

Professor Maier continues,“In the ancient world, his teach-ings elevated brutish standards of morality, halted infanticide, enhanced human life, emanci-pated women, abolished slav-ery, inspired charities and relief organizations, created hospitals, established orphanages, and founded schools.

“In medieval times, Christian-ity almost single-handedly kept classical culture alive through recopying manuscripts, build-ing libraries, moderating warfare through truce days, and provid-ing dispute arbitration. It was Christians who invented colleges and universities, dignified labor as a divine vocation, and ex-tended the light of civilization to barbarians on the frontiers.

“In the modern era, Christian teaching, properly expressed, advanced science, instilled con-cepts of political and social and economic freedom, fostered justice, and provided the great-est single source of inspiration for magnificent achievements in art, architecture, music, and literature that we treasure to the present day.”

Everything Jesus touched was transformed. Now, nearly 2,000 years later, we see how not only lives, but also history itself has been transformed. No doubt, it’s very likely that in time, each of these historical transforma-tions would have surfaced within civilization. However, when they did emerge as they have, it was a direct result of the teachings of Jesus. No wonder it was said of the early Christians: “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too” (Acts 17:6).

Jesus. There’s just something about that Name…

Footnotes available online...



Weird. (see big picture on this page): strikingly odd or unusual; being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd

When I told people I was going to write about weird, the aver-age response amounted to this:

-You mean like you right?

-That shouldn’t be a problem for you

-What is it, an autobiography?

I just love compliments. Yeah, if you look at the definition of weird, I guess I would fit the mold – especially for those who have known me over the years. But all my weirdness has always been by me, about me and for me. I want something more – I want to be weird to advance the King-dom of God. Say what?

Craig Groeschel’s book WEIRD: Because Normal Isn’t Working is a blueprint of the life we should live. He writes that normal in today’s world has led to too much stress, exhaus-tion, broken relation-ships and marriages

and, even though we live in one of the richest nations on the planet, being normal means liv-ing paycheck to paycheck.

So, after hearing that, do you want to be normal?

I yearn to be weird like King Da-vid who, upon returning from de-feating Jerusalem, disrobed and “danced before the Lord with all his might.” (II Sam 6:14). Nearby, Saul’s daughter Michal saw Da-vid “leaping and dancing before the Lord, and she despised him in her heart.” (II Sam 6:16)

Michal approached David af-terwards, asking “How the King of Israel honored himself today,” she said. “He exposed himself today in the sight of the slave girls of his subjects like a vulgar person would expose himself.” (II Sam 6:20)

Being weird to advance the Kingdom will bring mockery, pos-sibly even violence to some. Just look at the lives of the Apostles,

beaten for speaking the name of Jesus – and they “rejoiced because they had been considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. (Acts5:41)

Weird, huh? That’s what we are called

to do. That’s what David was called to do. His response was perfect.

“I was dancing before the Lord who chose me over your father and his whole family to appoint me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel. I will celebrate before the Lord, and I will humble myself even more and humiliate myself. I will be honored by the slave girls you spoke about.” (II Sam 6:21-22)

In other words: You ain’t seen nothing yet.

So while I continue to be weid (and try to keep my undefeated streak going in jalapeno eating contests), I pray that in all things that His Kingdom be glorified.

After all, it isn’t about me – it’s all about Him.

I just hope He doesn’t ask me to dance in the streets. If He does, though, you ain’t seen nothing yet!

By Henry Miller

(Henry Miller is a weird guy who was born and raised in New York but has loved calling McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley home for

nine years. His dad was Native American and German and his mom was full-blooded Cajun from the Louisiana Bayous. His heart is owned by his 6-year-old daughter Ca-milla, who isn’t weird….. yet.)



James MacDonald i s f o u n d i n g a n d s e n i o rp a s t o r a t H a r v e s t B i b l eC h a p e l i n t h e n o r t h -w e s t C h i c a g o s u b u r b s . J a m e s ’ t e a c h i n g c a n b e h e a r d o n W a l k i n t h e W o r d , a d a i l y 3 0 - m i n -u t e r a d i o p r o g r a m h e a r d o n o v e r 1 0 3 0 o u t l e t s a c r o s s N o r t h A m e r i c a . Fo r m o r e i n -f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t

www.walkintheword.com

By Dr. James MacDonald

“A friend loves at all times.”Proverbs 17:17

Often the way God works in a per-son’s life is through other people. If there’s anything in my life that is praise-worthy, so much of it, from my per-spective, relates to the people around

me —my family, friends, and Often the way God works in a person’s life is

through other people. If there’s anything in my life that is praise-

worthy, so much of it, from


my perspective, relates to the people around me —my family, friends, and ministry partners. These people know and understand the power of biblical friendship. I’m sure you too could report that major steps forward in your relationship with God have come through Him working through the influence of other people. If we’re going to continue to go forward spiritually and be the people that God wants us to be, we need to take hold of one another in caring, supportive, biblical friendship. Friendship has always been a priority relationship with God. Throughout His Word, when God has wanted to picture a relationship of intimacy and integrity, He de-scribed friendship: Of David and Jonathan, 1 Samuel 18:1 says “the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David.”

James 2:23 calls Abraham, “God’s friend.”

Jesus Himself describes the highest kind of love in terms of friendship, “Greater love has no one

than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends” (John 15:13-14).

Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at

all times, and a brother is born for ad-versity.”

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In each of these contexts, godly friendship is a God-given refuge in hard times.

Friendship is a bond in seasons of heartache, disappoinTment, and failure. A godly friend says, “Times are hard? You’re disappointed and discouraged? You’ve failed per-sonally? I’ll stand with you, man. I’m not going anywhere.”

Real friends come alive in those times. They move in clos-er.

Biblical friendship — lasting, loving friendship is a wonder-ful, very powerful thing. God created you and me to need each other. I want to be that kind of friend, don’t you?

God help us not just to want others to be like that for us, but help us to be that kind of a friend to the people in our lives.

Used by permission of Walk in the Word, Elgin, Ill., 61023. All rights reserved. To subscribe to the Weekly Walk, a weekly

e-devotional, please visit :

www.WalkintheWord.com

Listen to Walk in the Word locally at 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday on 96.9 FM KVMV


Be A Positive Influence“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good

works and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16

When I was in elementary school, we had a little game that we would play in which we would touch someone and say, “You have cooties.” Of course, we had to have a way to defend ourselves, so when someone would touch us and claim they just gave us cooties, we would say, “Not me, I don’t have cooties.” Then we would hold out our hands, revealing the handwritten initials, C. P., which stood for “cootie protection.”

I think Christians are sometimes that way around unbelievers. They appear as though they are avoiding all contact with them. I can understand not wanting to be influenced in a bad way. But how about influencing others in a good way?

Jesus said that as Christians, we are to be salt and light. In Jesus’ day, salt was used as a preservative. It was rubbed into meat to stop the rotting process. So as salt in a culture, Christians are to stop the spread of corruption. But another thing salt does is stimulate thirst. So we are

to stop the spread of corruption and stimulate a thirst for God in others.

In addition to being salt, Christians are to be light, which means we are to proclaim the gospel and do good works. Jesus said, “Let your light so

shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

We are called to be salt and light—to live a godly life. It is God’s job to identify the fake Christians, to determine the true from the false.

God has planted us as believers in this world. He has put His people in the culture to influence it, to make a dif-ference. God is not calling us as believers to isolate, but to infiltrate.

Greg Laurie is the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California.

He began his pastoral ministry at the age of 19 by leading a Bible study of 30 people. Since then, God has transformed

that small group into a church of some 15,000 people. Today, Harvest is one of the largest churches in America.

For more about Pastor Greg, visit www.greglaurie.com

Used by permission from :Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie, PO Box 4000,

Riverside, CA 92514


What photo do you remember of Gabriel de la Garza?

Him standing….• In his high school baseball uniform• In his college baseball uniform• In his semi-pro baseball uniform• In his piano outfit standing next to his piano

If you chose the fourth option, you’re not alone.

“Yeah,” Gabriel said. “That photo branded me for life.”

But that photo, and ensuing story in the local news-paper, ended up being a stepping stone for Gabriel’s musical path.

Gabriel, named Male Artist of the Year by Indie-heaven.com/Christian Independent Alliance in 2010, is currently working on a bilingual album, coming off his first solo project entitled I Need You. The Mission native, who recorded three albums with the group Release, said that his musical and athletic careers crossed paths often.

That doesn’t mean, though, that back then the teen baseball player wanted to be labeled a piano play-er.

“I actually was embarrassed by playing the piano – I didn’t want to tell my teammates. It’s just the way I was.” Gabriel said. “But the paper did a story on my music side. I was like ‘I don’t want to do this but it might be a good opportunity on the spiritual sense since I wasn’t doing anything else for God – I was just trying to be very selfish with my life

“So after the interview they took this photo of me by my piano and after that nobody remembered any-thing about my baseball career, just by my piano. But from there on I had more opportunities to share a little more about my faith.”

Baseball, music and God continued to intertwine for Gabriel, now 33 and owner of Jitterz Coffee Bar in Mission.

As a freshman at UTPA, baseball took a bigger chunk of Gabriel’s schedule. More games, more practices on top of school work made things more hectic. And even though he had a piano set up in his dorm room, Gabriel didn’t really mingle with it too much – focus-ing more on the sport he loved. But it wasn’t too far into that year when he realized the gifts he was given were special – and he needed to use them properly.

“The season had just started and I was just in my room alone and I made a commitment to God,” Ga-briel said. “I told Him that’s it, no more dumb stuff. I’m not going to be playing around anymore. I’m com-mitting my life to you. I’m tired of doing the stuff I did in high school. It was very selfish and I knew it.

“I said ‘God I’m going to take this serious because I have friends who really need you.’”

While in college he began singing in a Christian band named Release. The band recorded three albums during their nine-year run together. Then they de-cided to end it, their last event being a performance during a conference in Waco.

Still, Gabriel felt His musical calling wasn’t over.

“God was calling me – I had all these songs,” Gabriel recalled. “I was devastated that (the band) didn’t want to go on. We had such a good thing going and we were all comfortable with what we were doing.“I was wondering who I would find, how I would go on. It was hard to take so I prayed to God – if this is what You want, I will follow Your will.”

Gabriel had ideas of going on solo but, as he de-scribed it, “the fear factor kicked in.”

“I started thinking I can’t do it, I can’t do it on my own. I needed that support, that band. Then a good friend came over and just told me not to quit – that he could see God had given me a special gift and songs to share.

“Don’t quit just because you don’t have a band,”

Gabriel’s friend introduced him to another friend, a producer who would work with them. They turned over a few songs to him and the rest is recorded his-tory – and it’s entitled I Need You, Gabriel’s first solo project.

“I was blown away by the arrangement and way he put it together,” Gabriel said. “I’ve always wanted the best quality and my belief system is God has given me something, I’ve got to do the very best with it. We are all given something and we should make it beautiful like God is.”

Of course, the music industry – yes, even the Chris-tian music industry – is a dog eat dog world. There are those who are looking out for just themselves and gaining as much worldly fame and fortune as pos-sible. This is an area where Gabriel says he keeps reminding himself that God is in control.

“In the music industry people want your money, they want to mess you over – it happens.” Gabriel said. “You have to leave it all up to God – if I deal with this I’m gonna make a mess out of it; if I speak I’m going to make a mess out of it; if I go and tell this guy what I’m feeling, I’m going to get punched out. We need to step back and say God is in control.

“That doesn’t mean you can’t call things the way they are – it’s not a cop out – but when it comes to things we can’t do anything about and we are try-ing to do something about it, you have to take a step back and say You are in control, I trust completely that You will take care of this and I won’t have to do something stupid to try and resolve it, which ends up making a mess out of it.

“Genesis 1:1 is my life verse. I love it man. It tells you He is in control and he loves you – it tells me the whole story. God has always been there for me.”


Gabriel de la Garza

Born Jan. 10, 1978Graduated 1996 from Mission HSPlayed college baseball at UTPA

Played semi-pro baseball in Schaumburg, Ill. Opened Jitterz Coffee Bar in Mission in 2003

Married to MyraHas two boys: Gavin (8) and

Gage (5) with a girl on the way in OctoberLeads worship at

Primera Baptist Church in Mission


The Almighty Bible and cool go hand-in-hand.And YOU can have the first three books produced by The Almighty Bible in your hand. All you have to do is like us…. Really, really like us!

Actually, The Almighty Bible people have been gracious enough to offer up five copies of each of the first three books they’ve produced – Gen-esis, Exodus and The Gospel of Mark – and we’re going to put each of those three books in five people’s hands.

How do you win? It’s super simple - go to our Valley Christian Magazine Facebook Page and leave us a comment.

That’s all?

Yup, that’s it. Just go to our Facebook Page and talk to us. Simple as that.

Now you’re cool too – and how easy was that?!

The Almighty Bible multimedia book series, published by New Media, brings essential books from the Bible to life in a way that connects with the media-driven youth of today. Using graphic novels (fastest growing book format for young people) and mobile apps, the stories are presented in a way never before possible.

The newsest book is The Gospel of Mark, which was released in March. The iPad/iPhone/Droid versions were scheduled to be released earlier this month.

The Gospel of Mark brings the life of Jesus alive with incredible illustrations and concisely edited text that is focused on biblical accuracy. Starting with John the Baptist the book takes readers all the way to the Ascen-sion of Jesus. “The Almighty Bible books are amazing. Kids and teens love them. Partly because they are much easier to read and party because the images help make the stories much clearer.” says Reverend Charles Kim from Youth Field Services, the largest support organization in the world for youth ministers.

The Almighty Bible believes that it is important that the word of God is packaged in a way that makes it competitive with the other content that is competing for our kid’s attention. Studies show that kids spend a cumu-lative 10.5 Hours each day multitasking with various forms of media. The graphic novel or apps aren’t the only way to get connected with The Almighty Bible. If you are a parent who has wished their child would stop playing valueless video games and pick up a bible, you are in for a treat. The ALMIGHTY BIBLE CLUB (almightybibleclub.com) has just opened and in the words of childrensministryonline.com - “WOW.” The creators


have crafted a completely safe environment complete with interactive Prayer Gar-dens, Bible Trading Card games, an Adventure Game Mission that puts the kids in 63 AD with the Christian reb-el, Paul, as well as a library of tremendously illustrated graphic novelizations of key books of the bible.

Designed for kids, tweens and teens, the Almighty Bible Club game design is at a very high level and the company has involved top interactive designers from compa-nies like Lucas Arts, IBM and PBS. The result is a wonderfully entertaining world that you can start playing in for free right now.

A $4.95 monthly subscrip-tion (or just $29.99 for the year) allows kids to save their prayers and play all the missions. “The initial results have been stunning and at this rate we will pass 100,000 subscribers some-time this summer.” says, Kev-in O’Donnell. The company is based in California with an Advisory Board of prominent Youth Ministers from around the country.

For more information visit:www.almightybibleclub.com.



Mark Southwell, CFP® Senior Vice President Financial Advisor 7000 N. 10th St. Ste C-2 McAllen, TX 78504 956-683-1700 [email protected]

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The last of a two-part seriesBy Mike Masso

Based on our understanding of God’s perspective of ourselves — our true identity, as we discussed in last month’s issue, God’s

Word is the only true reference point for the foundation upon which we can begin to combine our passions, talents and

experiences with a “cause” or life mission.

Next we define our destination, or identify what we want to achieve. Our vision clears as we move along this

journey. Sometimes we think we have a clear vision and discover that God has only revealed part of the

plan, which may be different than what we first thought - and usually much more rewarding.

Next it is time to chart a specific course of

action — detailed action steps. There will be a mix of very manageable steps along with

a possible heavy dose of obstacles. Our abilities and willingness to change is

tested here.

These obstacles take on many forms — bad habits, fears, financial debt,

stressed relationships, difficult people we want to avoid, people we don’t avoid but should, selfish distractions, laziness, addic-

tions and the lack of time to deal with it all. Our character, values and faith are

challenged. This is similar to the way God designed our bodies to grow

stronger when under pressure.

In the Army, my loving drill sergeant enjoyed repeat-edly afflicting me during our physical training with muscle failure — the point where your muscles fail to push out another rep. As a result, I was in the best physical condition of my life. These obstacles are opportuni

ties to change for the bet-ter — growing stronger to

achieve the great things you are destined for.

What a formula for success! Our job is to fail…..and let God provide the

increase. It’s during these times we depend more on God’s Spirit and grow deeper in our

love for Christ. The Apostle Paul explains it well in Romans 5:3-5.

“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance,

character; and character, hope. And hope does not disap-point us, because God has poured out his love into our

hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”

It’s these kinds of sufferings that create a special bond of fellowship, one that can only happen when going through struggles together. Can you imagine

the bond of those 33 Chilean miners who found a way to survive for more than two months after the mine collapsed last year?

So be encouraged and even joyful when things become difficult. Don’t cheat yourself and try to take the easy way out thinking it will make you happier. You will miss what this beautifully difficult life-process is about. Don’t get distracted by chasing “happiness.” As a Christ follower, your ultimate goal is not happiness; it is an in-timate relationship with Christ for yourself and others. This kind of destiny goes way beyond happiness, it is called joy, and joy doesn’t get shaken; it is strength from within and only comes from God.

Happiness is dependent upon good things happening, and we all know how our “good things” turn bad, usually leaving us with empty regret — a story that doesn’t end happily ever after.

Be careful during the process to not to violate any of God’s prin-ciples or your personal convictions. This will inevitably lead to “detours of consequence.” You may have a God-inspired destiny, but it can be sabotaged by foolish decisions.

Some common ill-advised tactics would be acquiring more debt, ignoring warning signs from reputable counsel, exaggerating (ly-ing) to gain favor or advantage, neglecting current responsibilities/commitments and/or trying to move forward while holding on to un-forgiveness.

Trying to stack the odds in your favor or skirt around things that need to be taken care of is a sure sign you will end up with nothing that resembles the favor of God or His Glory.

We also should not underestimate the ordained value of spirit-filled mentoring. A mentor will help you remember how critical it is to understand that change is not just about transition, it’s more about transformation!

The goal for changing is not what you are trying to achieve, but who you want to become. It’s when we lose sight of this that we lose heart.

Yes, people really can change.

Yes, there are forces we allow to either change us for the worse or to change us for the best.

Yes, change, one way or the other, is inevitable.

I encourage you to align your life with the One who created you for a glorious transformation, and not to take the path of least resis-tance, avoiding your true destiny. As the Apostle Paul so divinely stated:

“..we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his pur-pose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.” ~Romans 8:28-30

To read more articles by Mike Masso visit www.thelifecompany.org


Lance Phy is a Houston native living in McAllen. He is Asst. Music & Media Director For First Baptist McAllen.

He has been a performing musician for 27 years. Send him an e-mail with your questions and/or

comments at:[email protected]

By Lance Phy

Technology is great. I can jump in the truck, plug in my phone and choose from hundreds of hours of music while I take the kids to school. I can choose the same album, song, or playlist and enjoy it repeatedly without it wearing out like the cassettes in my attic. That’s a real plus when I’m with my kids. My 11 year-old Bailey has her “favorites” list and our drives always start with Downhere. A while back, I was listening to a new song on Christian radio. The groove was different, the chords were complex and the voices soared. It was like the 80s minus big hair sound and obligatory metal guitar solo. I booted up Shazam and discov-ered “Don’t Miss Now” by Downhere from the album Ending is Beginning. I immediately purchased it - technology.

I’ve listened to “Ending is Beginning” a gazillion times. The digital album hasn’t worn out – neither has the music.

Downhere’s message is God-centered. Their track titles are not artsy or obscure – they summarize their message.

Songs like “Bleed For This Love,” “Here I Am,” “Cathedral Made of People” and “Beggar Who Gives Alms” are self-ex-

planatory. The singing/songwriting duo of Marc Martel and Ja-son Germain may be the best in Christian music. And they don’t mind singing about Jesus. As a musician, I strive to expose my kids to great music:

classical, opera, rock and roll and jazz for starters. I try to show them something different, something creative. As a father, I strive to “train them up in the way they should go.” Downhere offers the best of both worlds – great, creative and different music based on a God-centered message.

Downhere’s talent shines on YouTube – stuff you’ll never see on an al-bum. Check out Martel singing “Nessun Dorma” – good old fashioned opera – or his cover of “Asleep In The Light” – good old fashioned Jesus. I love music from bands like Queen and Electric Light Orches-tra, but I wouldn’t want the message of “Another One Bites the Dust” or “Don’t Bring Me Down” in my children’s hearts and minds. With Downhere they can enjoy the sounds of great music from the past, intertwined with great new musi-cal ideas and a message good for their soul. I know eventually they will choose their own playlists for their own drives in their own cars.

But for now, our drives will start with Bailey’s favorite – “Cathedral Made of People.”


Call it life feeding art. Call it truth in advertising. Call it a vintage Francesca moment. It happened as Francesca Battistelli was working on the follow-up to My Paper Heart, one of the most joyful and successful national debuts in recent memory, and it provides a tell-ing glimpse into the mindset that makes her art so powerfully uplifting.

“Everything was completely different this time around,” she says. “When I made the first record, that’s all I was doing with my life—writing and recording, writing and recording. But this time I remember thinking, ‘OK, if I can just get through these four things—being pregnant, writing and recording my album, moving to a new city and touring!’ There were times when I was like, ‘I don’t know how I can do this,’ but I kept thinking, ‘I’ll be okay.’”

Faith within struggle. Joy amid chaos. They’re key to what makes Francesca’s music so widely appreciated by critics, fans and peers alike, and to why she has been able to achieve a long-stated goal: “to bring something authentic to the scene that even non-Christians could listen to.”

It’s a dream she has long since fulfilled. Not only did My Paper Heart produce four major hits on the Christian charts—”I’m Letting Go,” “Free To Be Me,” “It’s Your Life” and “Beautiful Beautiful”—but her music spread like wildfire. The release was the biggest-seller for a debut Christian artist in nearly a decade and the longest-

running #1 for a female artist in Billboard Christian Album Chart history. It earned Francesca a raft of Dove Award nominations—she picked up the “Female Vocalist of the Year” and “Short Form Video” awards in April 2010—as well as a Grammy nomination en route to selling nearly half a million copies and three-quarters-of-a-million downloads.

The “I’ll be okay” faith that saw Francesca through the writing and recording of her long-awaited Fervent Records follow-up—Hundred More Years--was more than justified. Its debut single, “This Is The Stuff,” a quintessentially infectious Francesca gem, debuted in the Top 20 on the Christian charts and in the Top 10 on iTunes Christian and Gospel songs.

She is still astounded at the success of My Paper Heart.

“That record went from zero to sixty,” she said. “I still don’t really believe in some ways. I was es-pecially gratified that ‘Free To Be Me’ did so well because I wrote it before I moved to Nashville, before I was signed. It was one of those real, from-the-heart songs that I’d written by myself, and

when people related to it, it was so rewarding as a writer and as an artist. It said, ‘OK, maybe I do have something to offer.’”

Nowhere was her stated goal of reaching non-Christians more in evidence than with “It’s Your Life.”

“I was on tour with Mercy Me, signing autographs after the show,” she said. “A girl came up with nothing to sign. She just shook my hand and told me she’d heard ‘It’s Your Life’ on the finale of Jon & Kate Plus 8. She said, ‘I really liked the song and so I went and found your record. It helped me to come to know Christ.’ She said, ‘Thank you’ and squeezed my hand and walked away. I stood there with my mouth hanging open.

“You hear that in this industry, but that was when I said, ‘See! It’s more than just a cool song on a TV show or in a commercial. My dream is that people who would never turn on a Christian radio station would maybe hear a song and like it and find the album and make a turn to God. That happened at least once and I love that.”


Jason Castro had already won over millions of fans as a contestant on the seventh season of American Idol.

His rich tenor voice, distinctive looks, and endearingly inno-cent charm, Castro parlayed his substantial singer-songwriter appeal into a third-place runner-up finish. He may not have won the competition, but the 22-year-old Texan and Texas A&M alumni earned himself a devoted fan base eager to hear what he would do once freed to perform his own songs.

They obviously loved what they heard as Castro’s debut single “You Are,” was not only a hit, but it gave all listeners a glimpse into the strong relation-ship between himself and God.

“I’m actually a pretty serious guy, and that’s the side people didn’t see on the show and wouldn’t see unless you’re my best friend,” said Castro, who finished fourth in the competition’s seventh season. “These songs represent that other side of my personality - the more reflec-tive, thoughtful side. I really think music is an extension of one’s self. One can’t go without the other, so my personality and character are a huge part of the music and that’s what people have told me they love about it.”

More than anything, Castro, who per-forms in both Christian and mainstream arenas, wants to be a strong, positive voice of love and acceptance in a world that’s become increasingly hate-ful and cynical as the days pass by.

MandisaWhat If We Were Real

“A lot of people think we as Christians have to put

our masks on and pretend that everything is great.

But I was really amazed at the responses I’d get when

I’d Tweet that I was struggling, or needed prayer with

something, or having a bad day,” Mandisa said. “People said,

‘I’m glad to know I’m not the only one.’ Or ‘I need prayer for

that too.’ It surprised me that people thought I had it all together. The

truth of the matter is I have bad days too and am still learning to bring

that to the Lord and let Him lift my burden.”

“A struggle is a struggle, and Jesus is there through it all. He is

there in compassion and grace. I have found that what He has spoken to me

through these songs has been encourag-ing and I think that’ll be true for other

people who are going through their own hard times,” she says, pausing to reflect on how far she’s come since

she first began her What If We Were Real journey. “I feel I have a closer intimacy with the Lord than when I first started. He is the reason I’m still here.”

Chris SlighThe Anatomy of Broken

“The goal of what I want to

do with this record is to com-

municate that it’s okay to admit

that we’re fallen and broken,” Sligh

said. “The beauty of brokenness is that

it’s mirrored by redemption. If we weren’t

[broken], we wouldn’t need Christ—so being

broken is a beautiful, beautiful thing.” He

says we too often try in vain “to present

ourselves as perfect people.”

“I chose to be in Christian music. I walked

away from a mainstream record deal

because I felt like this was where God had me.”

“I understand that this business is very fleeting, and it’s tough to find

lasting happiness when you’re tying to be an artist. My goal is to walk

away saying that I made great music, I had something to say, and I

conducted myself in business as a Christian first. I want to conduct

myself as Christ would. I don’t want to be okay with making ordinary

music.” / 42 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

American Idol® is a registered trademark of 19 TV Ltd. and FremantleMedia North America, Inc. © 2011 FremantleMedia North America, Inc. and 19 TV Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Licensed by Fremantle-

Media Enterprises. www.americanidol.com

Over the past few years, Hillsong UNITED has evolved as a band, but never lost focus of their one purpose and passion: Worship.

Creative, diverse and not limited to any one demographic, the heart of Hillsong UNITED is to create music that reveals the truth of who Jesus is. The faces remain the same - fronted by worship leaders Joel Houston, Jad Gillies and JD, but the team is an evolving collaboration of pastors, worship leaders, musicians and songwriters - all intentional about giving voice to a generation passionate about God.

In studio and out of the studio, on tour or home at Hillsong Church, UNITED is committed to writing songs that speak truth, create a unique sound, connects with churches, individuals and ultimately connects people everywhere with God.

This year, they are taking a new and a fresh approach to their tours, visuals, songs and multimedia while still keeping it as simple as pos-sible.

“There is a real sense of perseverance within our team, not perfor-mance,” Creative Director Joel Houston said. “In 2011 we are push-ing the boundaries and stretching ourselves; musically, lyrically and believing that God is going to do things He has never done before.”Hillsong UNITED was born out of the Youth Movement of Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia. The youth group meets weekly with more than 3,000 attendees.

Young people are encouraged and empowered to use their creativ-ity in music, arts andfilm to serve in ministry. Music had played a big role and a contem-porary worship group has emanated from Hillsong United Youth.

In 1999, UNITED recorded their first Album Everyday, which featured majority of original songs written by the young people in Hillsong United Youth.

In 2003, Hillsong UNITED started a global journey by traveling to Canada and performing at some of the major youth conferences all over the nation. Hillsong UNITED has built a very large brand image and following all around the world. With concerts of 60,000-plus in attendance, UNITED’s touring has taken them to six continents and 42 nations just since 2006.

Hillsong United Coming To Austin!Hillsong United will perform Saturday,

June 18 at the Cedar Park CenterFor more information, visit:

www.premierproductions.com


1. Mandisa - Stronger CD: What If We Were Real

2. Francesca Battistelli - This Is The Stuff CD: Hundred More Years

3. Casting Crowns – Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)

CD: Until The Whole WorldHears

4. Tenth Avenue North – You Are More CD: The Light Meets The Dark

5. Natalie Grant – Your Great Name / CD: Love Revolution

6. Third Day – Children Of God CD: Move

7. Jonny Diaz – The Beauty Of The Cross / CD: Jonny Diaz

8. Chris Tomlin - I Will Follow CD: And If Our God Is For Us...

9. Chris August- 7 x 70 CD: No Far Away

Miguel ParedesIs a teacher at Edinburg

North and leads the Limitless ABF Ministry at

Calvary Baptist Church in McAllen. He is married to Brenda and has four chil-

dren, Diego (9), Karla and Andrea (6) and Charis (2).

My week seemed to be more challenging than ever when I began reading this book and I had been very disap-pointed. The dominant power in my life was everything negative and against me. Coincidence? Not even close.

Swindoll points out if you believe in God, the word coincidence should not be used because God is at work. The circumstances in my life were actually challenges to trust God and put into practice the truths that Swindoll teaches.

The book is Biblically grounded and very engaging. Swindoll’s stories and illustrations are helpful. If you read this book, be prepared to be immediately challenged in your spiritual life.


E M B R A C E D BY THESPIRIT The Untold Blessings of Intimacy with God

By Miguel Paredes

Embraced by the Spirit: The Untold Blessings of Inti-macy with Godby Charles R. Swindoll

“If you are truly and completely fulfilled in your spiri-tual life, seldom frustrated, and rarely dissatisfied, this book is not for you.”

The opening words of the introduction to Charles Swindoll’s new book should get your attention. Even if you feel or think you are doing okay in your spiri-tual life, this book will help ground you further as you seek what is best for your life.

Swindoll helps you answer the following questions:

• Who is the Holy Spirit?• Why Do I Need the Spirit?• What Does It Mean to Be Filled with the

Spirit?• How Do I Know I’m Led by the Spirit?• How Does the Spirit Free Me from Sin?• Can I Be Prompted by the Spirit Today?• Does the Spirit Heal Today?• How Can I Experience the Power of the

Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is real and active in this world. The Holy Spirit is third person of the Godhead; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God’s power is un-leashed by His Spirit.

The question is this: “Is the Spirit’s power real and evident in your life?”

What does the power of God’s Spirit look like or feel like in your life? Swindoll helps you evaluate and rethink the dynamic of the Spirit.

Heaven is for RealA Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back By Todd Burpo, Sonja Burpo, Colton Burpo and Lynn VincentA young boy emerges from life-saving surgery with remarkable stories of his visit to heaven.

Heaven Is for Real is the true story of the four-year old son of a small town Nebraska pastor who during emergency sur-gery slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He survives and begins talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. The family didn’t know what to believe but soon evidence was clear.

Colton said he met his miscarried sister, whom no one had told him about, and his great grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born, then shared impossible-to-know de-tails about each. He describes the horse that only Jesus could ride, about how “reaaally big” God and his chair are, and how the Holy Spirit “shoots down power” from heaven to help us.

Told by the father, but often in Colton’s own words, the disarmingly simple message is heaven is a real place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready, there is a coming last battle.

Unto the Hills: A Daily DevotionalTrade PaperBy Billy Graham

No matter your place in life, this classic collection of devotional read-ings is designed to bring you daily to that special place of renewal—to help you pause and gaze “unto the hills” for help and inspiration.

Each of the 365 daily readings in this inspiring collection offers a carefully chosen passage of scripture, a brief, thoughtful message from Dr. Graham, and a heartfelt prayer composed especially for this book. Distilled from a lifetime of study and ministry, these de-votionals supply daily food for thought about living fruitfully and joyfully in an often fretful world.

Simple, direct, encouraging yet challenging, this book offers itself as a heartening companion for your daily walk in the valley. This collection is a gentle but constant reminder that we can find help for all our needs as long as we remember to look up . . . unto the hills but especially unto the Lord.


B O U N D A R I E SWhen to Say Yes, How to Say No, to Take Control of Your LifeBy: Henry Cloud, John Townsend

Having clear boundaries is essential to a healthy, balanced lifestyle. A boundary is a personal property line that marks those things for which we are responsible. In other words, boundaries define who we are and who we are not. Boundaries impact all areas of our lives: Physical bound-aries help us determine who may touch us and under what circumstances -- Mental boundaries give us the freedom to have our own thoughts and opinions -- Emotional boundaries help us to deal with our own emotions and disengage from the harmful, manipulative emotions of others -- Spiritual boundaries help us to distinguish God’s will from our own and give us renewed awe for our Creator -- Often, Christians focus so much on being loving and unselfish that they forget their own limits and limitations. When confronted with their lack of boundaries, they ask: - Can I set limits and still be a loving person? - What are legitimate boundaries? - What if someone is upset or hurt by my boundar-ies? - How do I answer someone who wants my time, love, energy, or money? - Aren’t boundaries selfish? - Why do I feel guilty or afraid when I consider setting boundaries? Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend offer biblically-based answers to these and other tough questions, showing us how to set healthy boundaries with our parents, spouses, children, friends, co-workers, and even ourselves.

RADICAL TogetherUnleashing the People of God for the Purpose of GodWritten by David PlattTake the next step. From radical followers of Christ to radical communities of faith. In Radical, David Platt’s plea for Christians to take back their faith from the American Dream resonated with readers everywhere, and the book quickly became a New York Times bestseller. Now in Radical To-gether, the author broadens his call, challenging us to unite around a gospel-centered vision. How, he asks, might such a vision reshape our priorities as the body of Christ? How might well-intentioned Christians actually prevent God’s people from accomplishing God’s purpose? And, how can we best unleash the people of God in the church to carry out the purpose of God in the world? Writing to everyone who desires to make an impact for God’s glory—whether you are an involved member, a leader, or a pastor—Dr. Platt shares six foundational ideas that fuel radical obedience among Christians in the church. With compelling Bible teaching and inspiring stories from around the world, he will help you apply the revolutionary claims and commands of Christ to your community of faith in fresh, practical ways.

by: David Platt R A D I C A LTaking Back Your Faith from the American Dream

W H A T I S J E S U S W O R T H T O Y O U ?It’s easy for American Christians to forget how Jesus said his followers would actually live,

what their new lifestyle would actually look like. They would, he said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for him. They would abandon everything for the gospel.

They would take up their crosses daily...

BUT WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO LIVES LIKE THAT? DO YOU?

In Radical, David Platt challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have ma-nipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences. He shows what Jesus actually said about

being his disciple--then invites you to believe and obey what you have heard. And he tells the dramatic story of what is happening as a “successful” suburban church decides to get serious

about the gospel according to Jesus.

Finally, he urges you to join in The Radical Experiment --a one-year journey in authentic disciple-ship that will transform how you live in a world that desperately needs the Good News Jesus came to bring.

Cloud and Dr. John Townsend offer biblically-based answers to these and other tough questions, showing us how to set healthy boundaries with our parents, spouses, children, friends, co-workers, and even ourselves.


/ 47 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com /Call 956.314.0161 to advertise your business or ministry.

Gaither Homecoming

May 8, 2011

Berry CenterCypress

(Houston), Texas

Find tickets at:

premierproductions.com

Praise Wave Christian Music FestivalBebo Norman, Matthew West, Newsboys, Sanctus Real, The Afters, Chris August, Francesca Battistelli, Kutless, Disciple, Lainey Wright and Paul ColmanApril 30 – May 1 / Seaworld of Texas San Antonio, TX Find tickets at: itickets.com

Seventh Day SlumberWith Stellar Kart & Kiros

May 13th , 7:00 pmReal Life Fellowship1241 Flour Bluff Dr.

Corpus ChristiItickets.comSara Groves

Houston, TX

May 21, 2011

For more info call:

713-621-3040

Jeremy CampHouston, TXMay 28, 2011 For more info call: 713-259-8000

Hillsong UnitedSaturday, June 18

Austin, TX, Cedar Park Center

For more information, visit: www.premierproductions.com

David CrowderMay 21, 2011Rio Grande Live Stock Showgrounds - Mercedes

Find Tickets: davidcrowderband.com

Stamp Out HungerStamp Out Hunger is the Nation’s Largest

Single-Day Food Drive.www.helpstampouthunger.com

You can join the food drive effort by putting donations of

non-perishable food—including baby food and pet food—by

your mailbox on May 14.

National Day of Prayer

Thursday, May 5th

8:00am – 8:00pm

In front of the Hidalgo County Courthouse, Edinburg

We have been blessed with the opportunity to pray and

worship on the East Lawn of the Hidalgo County Court-

house with many city, county, and state leaders. Join us

as we pray for our Homes, our families, our schools, our

churches, our military, our cities, and our nation!

RINGLING BROS. BARNUM & BALEY presents ZING ZANG ZOOM May 18-22State Farm Arena - Hidalgo(956) 843-6688

Watch closely. Won-der Endlessly! Illusci-nator David DaVinci takes you to a fantasy filled world of magic and daring , with eye-popping illusions and mind-blowing transfor-mations. Leap through a ring of fire with the Kung Fu Kings: and fly high with the daredevil Sal-sations. Witness pulse-pounding performing pachyderms, right before your eyes! You’ll experience heart-stop-ping thrills and enjoy all the outlandish fun that only the Greatest Show On Earth can bring you. It all happens here at the edge of your seat!



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Why Can’t she get another job?)Dear Dave,I listen to you often and enjoy your radio show, but why don’t you ever ask women to go to work? When a family is broke, and the woman is at home raising one child who is already in the fifth grade, why can’t the wife get a “second job?”... George

Dear George,I think far too many ladies, in the name of paying for stuff they don’t need, have left the household and the children for the workplace. Many of them didn’t even want to do this; they just felt obligated to do it by people like you. There are a lot of ladies who have sacrificed their ability to be full-time moms on the altar of the car payment.

Now, sometimes ladies have to go to work. There’s a time and a place for that kind of thing. But if there’s any way I can financially and budget-wise figure out how mom can be waiting at home with a big hug and a plate full of cook-ies when that fifth grader walks in the house – and if that’s what she wants to do – then you’re going to find me fight-ing for her opportunity to do that. There’s no higher call-ing on the planet than motherhood. We’ve lost that in our culture, and we’re suffering dearly for it.

I’m no Neanderthal jerk. I don’t say every mother has to be at home or they’re a bad person. But these days we’ve got very few people who defend full-time, in-the-home moth-erhood. The inference you’re making is that she’s not help-ing, or worse, lazy. Why don’t you go take over her job for a week? I think you’ll find out in a hurry there’s not a lazy bone in her body! ...Dave

Dear Dave,I’m 24 and got married two months ago. We make $80,000 a year, have our emergency fund and no debt, plus we’ve saved up for a 15 percent down payment on a house. I know you suggest 20 per-cent, but is 15 percent okay? ...Tony

Dear Tony,I don’t have a lot of issues with 15 percent instead of 20 percent. You’ll probably end up having to pay private mortgage insurance, but it sounds like you guys are in good enough shape financially to handle things.

However, I generally recommend that couples wait until they’ve been married at least a year before buying a home. Buying a house is huge decision. That’s why I think it’s smart to wait and get to know each other even better before making a decision of this magnitude. Plus you need to figure out just how close you want to live to your mother-in-law!

Seriously, take your time and don’t rush things. There will still be great deals on the market in a year or so, and you’ll be able to save more money, too! ...Dave

For more financial help, please visit www.daveramsey.com




It is fair to say that when I first set out to become a lawyer, I was focused on accumulating wealth, power and prestige. However, after practicing law for the last 18 years, I realize that I have a higher purpose and calling. The Bible says in Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s plans that prevail.”

Had I held on to this truth since I first became a lawyer, it is clear that my journey would have taken a different path. But, all is not lost. I also understand as the Bible says in Genesis 50:20 “That which was meant for evil, God meant for good, to bring about this purpose in me.” In my years of practice, I’ve had my peaks and valleys. I understand now that even as Christ washed the feet of his dis-ciples, I, too, am called to serve my community in whatever capacity I am asked to help.

It is my desire to serve in that Christ-like manner and honor God in all my dealings. As Micah 6:8 says, “The Lord has shown you what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” I pray that the Lord will enable me and empower me to do that which He requires of me.

So whether your case pertains to personal injury law, family law, business law, criminal law, a real estate matter or estate planning, I will see your arrival at my office as a divine appointment. I recognize that in honoring God, I will be honoring you, my esteemed and valued client.

Raul “Rudy” Rodriguez

Phone: 956.380.1421 / Toll Free: 877.480.1421 / Fax: 956.380.2920 / Mobile: 956.655.5455511 W. University / Edinburg, TX 78539 / e-mail: [email protected]

www.raulrudyrodriguezlaw.com

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May Edition - Valley Christian Magazine