The Power of Community Prayer

June 28, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Miracle Moments
Brought to you by: Molly Maid of Birmingham, mollymaid.com/Birmingham

“Jesus said, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God.’” John 11:40

At Grace Klein Community (GKC), we believe in miracles and see them every day. With a community of thousands of volunteers, we cannot post all the prayer needs on our social media platforms.

Some days, however, God impresses on our hearts that the time is now to engage the entire community. January 27, 2021, was one of those days. Long-term volunteer Rob Compton was in the hospital with COVID and pneumonia. The doctors told his wife, Kathy, that she had one day to get affairs in order and informed her that he would be on a ventilator the following day. The doctors said he had two to five days to live. Of course, Kathy never mentioned to anyone that the doctor gave Rob a death sentence. All she did was ask people to pray.

Though we did not know the severity of the situation, we knew in our hearts to use our social media platforms to rally prayer. Rob shared his testimony just one week prior- when GKC hosted a Youth With A Mission (YWAM) serve team from Texas- and many in attendance were new believers. We asked them to pray for God to heal Rob. We knew Rob would experience healing in heaven or if he walked out of the hospital. But we fervently prayed God would heal Rob here on earth and grow the faith of the YWAM team and other Grace Klein Community members.

After hundreds of people prayed globally, Rob slept on his stomach for the first time since contracting COVID and pneumonia. Overnight, his oxygen levels rose to 90 when they had been in the mid-80s for three days. Coincidence? Not a chance. We witness the power of God when His people pray.

On the day the doctors said Rob would be dead, he was discharged and walked out of the hospital. Rob is alive! Guess what? Due to bad weather, the YWAM team came back through Birmingham, and as they all sat on the floor, with Rob’s voice still raspy, he told them about the faithfulness of God. He heard people flat-lining all around him and knew the doctor did not think he would live, but he survived by the grace of God and the prayers of the saints. Often GKC is known for feeding people or food rescue, but we hope we will go down in history as an organization that believed God and saw Him do the impossible every day. All glory to God!

-Jenny Waltman
Founder, Grace Klein Community

If you have a Miracle that you would be willing to share, please email [email protected]. Subject Line: Miracle Moments or call 205-408-7150.

June 30, 2021June 28, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

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Encouraging Word

The word call is defined as “to ask or to invite.” I Corinthians 1:26 says, “For consider you calling…” And II Peter 1:10 tells us, “Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling…” It is amazing that Almighty God would call us to Himself and that He would invite us to receive His salvation and to share in His blessing. To me, God’s call is threefold: there is a call to salvation, a call to sanctification and a call to service.

1. Call to Salvation. God established and initiated His plan to rescue us from our bondage to sin. The first step to salvation is a conviction of sin. John 16:8 explains, “And He (Holy Spirit) … will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” We must admit that we have sinned. I John 1:9 tells us to confess our sin. Next, there is a call to repentance. There should be a genuine remorse. II Corinthians 7:10 says, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation…”

2. Call to Sanctification. Sanctification refers to being “called out” from the world and “set apart” for Godly service. As Christ-followers, we are in the world but not of the world. Sanctification involves the process of spiritual growth which begins after we are born again and experience spiritual birth; as we mature in our Christian walk and journey with God.

3. Call to Spiritual Service. We can only be effective in service if we have been prepared for service. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.” The Bible teaches that as Christians, we have been assigned a spiritual gift(s) to be used in Christian service. I Corinthians 12:7 explains, “Now to each one the manifestation (gift) of the Spirit is given for the common good.”

Let me encourage you to be attentive and responsive to God’s calling!

-Tony Cooper

Former Exec. Director, Jimmie Hale Mission. Recently honored for his 29 plus years of service at the Mission. Pastor of Pineywood Baptist Church, Gardendale, Ala.

June 22, 2021June 18, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Music Notes

Campers Gather at Daniel Casons Music Camp — Campers gather for Daniel Cason Ministries’ K.I.D.S. (Kids in Divine Service) Camp which reaches children with the Good News of Jesus Christ and gives them the chance to experience excellence in music instruction.

Every summer for 23 years Rev. Daniel M. Cason and his wife Gwendolyn- with the help of talented volunteers and generous sponsors- invited 300 plus children to the Daniel Cason Ministries’ Annual Summer Music Camp in Birmingham- free of charge. The camps allowed children, who would not otherwise have the chance, to learn from music professionals and grow in their faith. Unfortunately, the pandemic meant no camp last summer. “That was one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever had to make!” explains Daniel Cason who co-directs K.I.D. S. (Kids in Divine Service) Music Center with wife Gwendolyn. “Over the past few months, we have wrestled with the idea as to whether we should again, cancel or forge ahead. With some of the restrictions being lifted we have decided to proceed with an altered version of Summer Camp. We are 100% committed to hosting a camp that will accomplish two goals. One is to expose these precious kids to Excellence in Music Instruction and the other is to make sure that they hear about a man named Jesus Christ. For some of them, this just may have been their very first-time hearing about Jesus. Our curriculum is designed to be fun, educational and 100% Christian based.”

Music instruction is presented in a way that encourages campers to use their God given gifts and talent for the glory of God. “Sharing the Gospel with them is our commitment to ensure they know that Jesus Christ has a plan and purpose for their lives,” explains Cason. “They need to know that Jesus in the only one who can offer them the free gift of eternal life! Jesus Christ is the center of everything we do at the KIDS Christian Music Center and we lift Him high for all to see-kids and parents alike.”

In order to host the camp for free, sponsors are needed. “We want these kids to turn their lives over to the Lord and we need your help!” exclaims Cason. “Would you please consider sponsoring one or more of these precious children with a donation of $100 per child? We are going to trust God to make these days be the best camp days we’ve ever had to the Glory of God in the name of Jesus!”

Mini Weekend Camps will begin Saturday July 10 through the month of July and Thursday and Friday camps will be held July 22-23 and July 29-30, 2021. To make a tax-deductible donation to send children to camp, make check payable to National Christian Foundation/Alabama. In the memo section please note “K.I.D.S. Inc./ Daniel Cason KIDS Ministry #1171757. Mail to National Christian Foundation/Alabama, 400 Office Park Drive, Suite 201, Birmingham, AL 35223. To partner in this life changing ministry, call 205-365-1800. Learn more at www.danielcason.org. †

June 22, 2021June 2, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Healthy Living

COMPACT is a collaborative community initiative designed to address the full spectrum of substance misuse in Shelby County through prevention, intervention, and education.

Prevention. The team is implementing strategies aimed at reducing substance misuse and promoting mental wellness by:

raising awareness & educating citizens on risk factors;
identifying at-risk youth and building mentor relationships with students;
promoting available resources;
implementing new prevention strategies; and
using community-based law enforcement approaches.

COMPACT’s volunteer led prevention teams educate, engage, and empower their local communities. The teams include representatives from different sectors of the community including youth, parents, schools, businesses, media, law enforcement, local government, faith-based organizations, healthcare, and civic organizations.

Intervention. COMPACT’s Intervention Team is comprised of law enforcement officers assigned to the unit from participating municipalities across Shelby County. COMPACT’s Intervention Team identifies juveniles who are exhibiting at-risk behaviors or who are already involved in substance use.

COMPACT utilizes valuable resources to proactively help parents who need an added layer of support for their child. Families can contact COMPACT to inquire about options and resources available or voluntarily schedule a family intervention meeting for the parent and child. An intervention meeting will provide your child the opportunity for a brief mental health and substance use assessment with a licensed counselor. Together we will discuss the issues your child faces along with the resources and other alternatives available.

Education. COMPACT’s educational outreach is designed to provide information and support to all citizens throughout Shelby County. Our goal is to raise awareness and create change to prevent youth substance use and promote mental wellness. Below is a list of some of our most requested presentations.

Current youth drug trends
Vaping
Digital Safety
Mental Health
The Teenage Brain

Presentations can be customized based on the audience and your specific needs. If you or a group is interested in having a COMPACT presentation, please contact us at (Parent Talk Line) 205-605-1827, (Teen Talk Line) 205-605-1830, www.COMPACT2020.com. Visit facebook.com/compact2020 for weekly resource videos on topics like summer safety.

June 9, 2021May 25, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

On May 8, 2021, Birmingham Christian Family (BCF) celebrated 21 years of GOOD NEWS at the Celebrate the Family Expo. Here are just a few of the highlights from the free day of family fun at the Pelham Civic Complex!

City of Pelham Mayor Gary W. Waters helped us kick off the day of fun.

Gone for Good, a program of United Ability, shredded any unwanted documents and recycled old electronics for free. A King’s Home Thrift Store truck also accepted donations.

Expo attendees met and took pictures with Disney Princess Belle and Birmingham Bulls Hockey’s mascot, Toro! We even had minions and Paw Patrol’s Chase and Skye stop by for a visit!

Each attendee received a Birthday Bingo sheet when they arrived. Every booth had a special stamp and if attendees filled out three rows of stamps by visiting each booth, they were entered to receive great prizes like $100 Publix Gift Card, courtesy of event sponsor Vision Financial Group, Inc., gift cards from BCF advertisers like Mark’s Outdoors, cases of cookies from Bud’s Best Cookies, and so much more!

Live music, praising God, was enjoyed by all thanks to Kevin Derryberry!

Children enjoyed getting their faces painted for free, courtesy of Painted Personalities!

BCF Scholarship Winner Liz Lewis and Runner-Up Taylor Woodard received their college scholarship certificates at the Expo! Be on the lookout for our 2022 Scholarship opportunity soon.

Inflatables from Fun Source were a huge hit!

We couldn’t have done it without our volunteers!

Thanks to sponsor America’s First Federal Credit Union we all had a chance to snap a pic at the Photo Booth and make an Expo! memory.

Thank you to Chick-fil-A Brookwood Mall Village‘s Operator for delivering delicious meals for our exhibitors and volunteers!

Special thanks to our Title Sponsor, Vulcan Termite & Pest Control, Inc, and our Major Sponsors: Children’s of Alabama, Classical Conversations, Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Tiger-Rock Martial Arts and Vision Financial Group, Inc for making the Expo a reality and sharing great family resources and giveaways!

For more pictures from the event, click here.

May 27, 2021May 25, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Healthy Living

Navigating the mental health care system is challenging for patients, families and providers. A new resource based at Children’s of Alabama helps to bridge this gap for parents. The Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC) is a collaboration between Children’s of Alabama and the Anne B. LaRussa Foundation for Hope. PIRC Director Cindy Jones says, “PIRC provides resources to any adult caller and we have more than 1,300 resources in the state of Alabama.”

The PIRC is only one of three of its kind in the country. When a parent has concerns about their child, they are able to call PIRC confidentially. Licensed mental health clinicians trained to assess a child or teen’s emotional and behavioral needs answer the calls. “If someone calls the PIRC, we are able to briefly assess the situation and point them in the direction of resources in the community,” Jones says. PIRC does not provide over the phone diagnoses.

Jones says parents should watch for signs of mental distress:

Isolating themselves
Changes in eating habits
Weight changes
Changes in sleeping habits
Mood swings

Children and teens shouldn’t suffer alone. There are hundreds of resources available in the state of Alabama to help families navigate through difficult situations and offer them support. PIRC is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Any adult with a mental health question or concern regarding their child is encouraged to call 205-638-7472. In the event of a crisis situation, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. †

May 25, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

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Parenting Points

We live in a world where no one seems to be present in the current moment. We are mentally present in the past while we regret yesterday’s mistakes. We are mentally present in the future when we worry about what the world beyond may hold. Through social media, we are present in the highlight reels of others while missing our own lives unfolding before our eyes. Oftentimes, we are anywhere but here.

Our presence with our kids and spouse is central to the growth of our relationships. Time is the one resource that we cannot replenish, and this summer, we have the opportunity to maximize the moments we are given as we remember these three biblical truths.

1. Tomorrow’s Worries Are in God’s Hands. Matthew 6:34 ESV says, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” We should not worry about tomorrow because the concerns of tomorrow rest in the hands of One whose grip is much greater than ours. He will hold us, lead us, and guide us into whatever challenge tomorrow may bring.

2. Tomorrow’s Accomplishments Are According to God’s Plans. Proverbs 27:1 ESV reminds us, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” The plans of tomorrow rest in the control of One who has much greater wisdom than we can possess. We should work and invest realizing the Holy Spirit is the One working in and through us.

3. Today Is a Gift We Don’t Want to Miss. Psalm 25:4-5 ESV says, “Make me know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” We can be present today because the God who rescued us by His grace is the same God who is leading us into truth and teaching us today.

Will you choose to be present this summer? Will you be present for your kids? Will you be present for your spouse? Will you be present today for God to teach you and lead you deeper into His truth for your family today?

-Dr. Ben Birdsong
Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham
Writer and Speaker
www.benbirdsong.com

May 25, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

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Money Matters

Brought to you by: Community Partner Vision Financial Group

Many hopeful homebuyers are having issues securing a home. Recently, you may have seen reports that a record-low number of homes are available for sale- roughly 1.03 million nationwide. If you compare that to the average number of homes for sale during the past 10 years, it’s no surprise that many hopeful homebuyers are having issues securing a home. Why?

1. Lack of inventory. There are a few major differences between 2007 and now. What’s the biggest difference? What we’re seeing now isn’t a bubble; it’s simply a lack of inventory.

2. It’s a seller’s market. In many ways, this may be the friendliest market we’ve seen in quite a while for home sellers. Right now, nearly half of homes are selling within roughly a week or less. At the same time, median prices are rising at a phenomenal rate, and national prices, in general, have increased 17.2 percent over last year.

Why now? Listings are skyrocketing for several reasons. Many experts believe the continued low mortgage rates, a pandemic-era construction slowdown, and an increase in money available for a down payment are all factors.

In this hyper-competitive market, many people are thinking of taking advantage of the situation by listing a property or home. If this sounds like you, give our office a call. We may be able to put you in touch with a housing professional who can offer some guidance and support.

–Vision Financial Group

4505 Pine Tree Circle, Birmingham, AL 35243

205-970-4909

This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. Investment Advisory services offered through Investment Advisors, a division of ProEquities, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered through ProEquities, Inc., a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA & SIPC. Vision Financial Group, Inc. is independent of ProEquities, Inc.

Citations

NAR.realtor.com, March 22, 2021
Axios.com, April 11, 2021
Axios.com, April 11, 2021

May 25, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

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Legal Matters

Brought to you by: Community Partner Bradford & Holliman

Most couples specialize tasks- one may manage investments while the other pays day-to-day bills or one mows the grass and the other does all the laundry. Maybe only one bites the bullet and handles taxes. That’s fine as long as both are well-briefed on each other’s roles. The biggest problem is when a partner becomes incapacitated through injury, illness, or death, and the spouse has no clue how to handle matters. Here are four ways to avoid that crisis.

1. Keep a current net worth statement that contains all accounts, account numbers, passwords, account owners, as well as the funds. Talk through it regularly such as twice a year.

2. Both members of a couple need to know all autopay bills with links, user IDs, passwords, and payment methods. Many spouses are frustrated to find out that important bills such as utilities, medical, car, and house insurances are not paid when their spouses are not “on the job” due to illness or even death. Due to financial scams and identity theft, banks and investment companies are extremely cautious about changes in accounts, so make sure in advance that both of you are set up with decision-making authority and access even if only one of you regularly handles it.

3. You may know your spouse’s favorite foods, color, and TV show, but could you rattle off all of your spouse’s medications, dosages, and why the medicine is needed? Can you quickly put your hands on copies of healthcare power of attorney and healthcare directives? Get it in writing and update them regularly so that a surprise run to the emergency room is less complicated.

4. Some couples swap duties for a month every year, pretending that their spouse is going on an extended trip. Other couples formalize a “show and tell” for each other on a regular schedule. Others discuss short-term financial needs and long-term goals during tax season. Be creative for what works for you and your spouse. The important part is to keep each other in the know. You just may appreciate what your spouse does even more, too.

In the corporate world, this process might be called a contingency plan or a management succession plan, but in a family, it’s just good teamwork. Take care of your spouse and enjoy your marriage!

-Melanie B. Holliman, JD

Partner at Bradford & Holliman

Estate Planning, Trusts & Special Needs

205-663-0281

www.bradfordholliman.com

No representation is made that the quality of the legal service to be performed is greater than the quality of service performed by other lawyers.

May 25, 2021 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

“Sometimes we have to go a long way to find out who we are.”

The Stars in April by Peggy Wirgau is based on the true story of twelve-year-old Titanic Survivor, Ruth Becker. The year is 1912. When doctors in India are unable to treat her baby brother’s illness, Ruth’s missionary parents decide there is one solution: move her mother and the children across the world- to Michigan. But India is the only home Ruth knows. In a matter of days, she must leave Papa and all she loves behind, abandon her dream of one day playing violin in the Calcutta Orchestra, and embark on a rollicking, four-week journey across the Arabian and Mediterranean Seas, followed by the voyage to New York aboard the luxurious, ill-fated RMS Titanic.

Ruth’s story is one of courage and self-sacrifice as she earns her sea legs and faces the unknown, culminating in a desperate, tragic night she will never forget. Floyd Andrick, former Titanic Historical Society member and personal friend of Ruth Becker, says, “I feel as though I’m sitting in Ruth’s apartment and she is sharing her life story with me… so very well-written… one can hardly stop reading.”

Peggy Wirgau

Peggy Wirgau loves true stories from the past and writes through the eyes of ordinary people in history who faced extraordinary challenges and became heroes. Like Ruth’s family in The Stars in April, Peggy hails from Michigan. She and her husband have two adult children and split their time between Michigan and Florida. †

The Power of Community Prayer

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