The Avenue

January 2011
Volume 2, Issue 1

Stay Focused by Jim Wolfe

Special Interest
“Let us hold fast the faithful during this time as
Articles:
profession of our faith well. Let us remain faithful.
without wavering; (for he is
• Add a highlight faithful that promised;) And As the writer of Hebrews
or your point of let us consider one another admonishes us to “Hold fast
interest here. to provoke unto love and to your profession of faith,” I
good works: Not forsaking wish to challenge all of us to
• Add a highlight the assembling of ourselves focus on what really matters
or your point of together, as the manner of in the Christian Life; that is,
interest here. some is; but exhorting one the furtherance of the
another and so much the Gospel of Christ. God has
• more, as ye see the day placed the responsibility of
approaching.” – Hebrews searching for a new
10:23-25 Shepherd for Galloway
Avenue Baptist Church in
What a joy to find myself, by the hands of your “Search the spirit of the church is great
the grace of God, once again Committee.” Pray for and the opportunities for good
as your interim pastor. It is a them, trust them, and leave work abounding. The fields truly
real blessing to see so much this task to them as God are ripe unto harvest! Don’t
progress in the ministry and leads them. We then are miss the joys God has in store
the church meeting back in left free to focus on our task for you in the days ahead. As we
Inside this Issue the beautiful sanctuary. I at hand. What is our task? seek to serve the Lord reaching
know all this came about The rest of that passage in this community for Jesus, we
Inspiration Point 2 because of many who Hebrews admonishes us “to must remain faithful. I look
Broken Glass 3 remained faithful in the midst provoke one another to love forward to seeing you in faithful
of despair and and to good works; not assembling, working, and giving.
Corner Kitchen 4 discouragement. Oh, God is forsaking the assembling of May God richly bless us as He
Life Happens 5
so good! He will remain ourselves together.” I find embraces His church in Love and
Grace!
Written Words 6
Pastor Search HAVE YOU MADE
GOD SMILE TODAY?
The search committee
Committee
continues to need your
prayers. Pray for wisdom
Rick Dodd
and discernment as they
Mike Whalen
continue to search for a
Richard Turner
new Pastor for GABC.
Debbie Howell
Satan will attack and try
Frankie Fogleman
to turn their attention in
other directions. Pray for
much needed strength so
Alternates
that they may remain
Lin Lowrimore
focused.
Mario Ochoa
 The Avenue Page 2 of 64

Celebrating 20 Years of God’s Goodness

October 17, 2010 GABC
celebrated our anniversary.
We were reacquainted with
old friends, new friends
were discovered and those
that were passed on were
brought to our memory.
We celebrated in song,
special music, featured
speakers, worship at the
alter and God’s word
preached by Bro. Vic Bass.

SURVIVING A SPIRITUAL TSUNAMI by Lela Jenkins

INSPIRATION POINT PREMISE: TO SURVIVE A SPIRITUAL TSUNAMI, WE MUST CONCENTRATE ON SOME
CONSTANT CERTAINTIES (ACTS 27: 1-26)
-- each issue members of
our church will inspire us I. REACHING OUR INTENDED DESTINATION CAN SOMETIMES BE HINDERED
A. PREVAILING WINDS CAN IMPEDE OUR PROGRESS (VS. 7)
with words from their
B. A CHANGE IN DIRECTION MAY BE UNAVOIDABLE (VS. 7-8)
hearts--- C. VALUABLE TIME MAY BE SQUANDERED (VS. 9)

II. FOLLOWING A DIFFICULT EXCURSION, WE MAY SETTLE FOR AN ALTERNATE HARBOR

A. AN UNPROTECTED PORT MAY BE CHOSEN IN HASTE (VS. 12)
B. AN UNRELIABLE SOURCE OF FUEL MAY PRESENT ITSELF (VS. 13)
C. VALUABLE CARGO MAY BE FORFEITED IN AN EFFORT TO MAINTAIN SURVIVAL (VS. 14-
19)

III. OVERCOMING THE DESPAIR OF A SHIPWRECK REQUIRES UNWAVERING FORTITUDE

A. COURAGE MUST BE SUMMONED TO TACKLE OUR TIMIDITY (VS. 22)
B. FAITH SHOULD BE EXERCISED TO FIGHT OUR FEAR (VS. 24-25)
C. PLACING OUR TRUST IN A SECURE SHORE ENSURES A SAFE RESCUE (VS. 26)

B-asic
ACROSTIC by Lin Lorwrimore I-nstruction
The idea of the acrostic is to give you a word that becomes a phrase to help keep you B-efore
L-eaving
grounded and focused. To the right are some well-known acrostics and some a church
E-earth
member has created. There's one word that we have not found nor have been able to
create an acrostic for. That word is "Trust". GABC will be having a contest with the prize F-ocus
being a $10.00 gift card from Mardel's for the person who creates the best acrostic for the A-ll
word "Trust". Write the word vertically and then try and come up with a I-am
phrase/statement that defines trust using the letters of trust as the first letter of the words T-o
that you use. We have a small group that will be doing the judging. Submit entries to H-im
Debbie Loyd or dloyd@swbell.net. Good Luck!
P-ray
The full story of Acrostic’s by Lin can be found on our website. U-ntil
S-omething
H-appens
Broken Glass by Tina Pierce

Tina shares a story of how takes a lot of trust. “Here am I, spare me”. The devil wants us to become so tired of the growing process
glass represents our Christian Sometimes I find a piece of glass that we give up. He is trying to add us to his collection of ineffective Christians. He puts
walk and how the sand, the that is sharp and I throw it back us up on the shelf as a token. Then we become one of his most prized possessions a
surf and the waves represent into the surf to be worked on some stagnate Christian. When we choose to remove ourselves from the refining process we
more. It goes right back out into become a lukewarm Christian. And we all know what the Bible says about lukewarm
the Holy Trinity in refining us. those same waves to be worked on Christians.
We started the story in the last until it grows softer. Sometimes it We may just want to rest in the sand for a while. We may still be surrounded by the
issue and we end it this issue. seems like God puts us in the same things of Jesus or “the sand”. We may still go to church and act like we know we’re
kind of situation over and over and supposed to, but we are basically telling God to leave us alone for a while. But God
over and we think, “Why do I have keeps pursuing. The surf, or Holy Spirit, keeps coming trying to draw us back out to
When I was a teenager , I went with to go through this again.” Maybe it’s sea. The surf is relentless, just like God’s pursuit of us. He keeps coming and coming
my mom to a beach in North because we didn’t get it right the and coming because He loves us and He knows we are better off in the waves.
Carolina. I was out in the water first time or the second time or the
when all of a sudden I got pulled third so He throws us right back
under the water by the undertow. I out there until we can learn the
could not get my head above the lesson.
water even though I was desperate to When I find a piece of glass on the
do it. After a few long seconds I was beach it looks beautiful there on the
able to stand up and make my way sand freshly washed by the waves.
out of the waves. Once I got onto But when I take it home and display
the shore I told myself I would never it, it gets dusty and other things get
get back in those North Carolina thrown into the bowl with it.
waves again, and I never have. I have Before I show other people my
been back to the beach there many collection of beach glass I have to
times, but I haven’t gone in water any clean all the dust off and remove
deeper than my knees. I don’t trust it other things from the bowl like
anymore. Sometimes when things in pennies and Legos. That reminds
life are tough, we have to make a me of the things of this world.
choice whether we trust God to keep When we drift away from God and
our heads above water or not. I think if the glass is left in the waves long enough it will eventually disintegrate. When it
get out of the right environment we
Sometimes God even allows does it will basically become a part of the sand. You would need a microscope or some
have a tendency to let the things of
hurricanes to come in our lives. We kind of magnifying glass to distinguish it from a piece of sand. Hopefully one day we will
the world come in and dirty us up.
can allow these times to mature us become so much like Christ that others would just see Jesus when they look at us. We
We are not nearly as beautiful a
just like the glass is getting smoother would be changed into the image of Christ. We could truly say “I have been crucified
witness for Christ as we were when
and more beautiful in the rough waves with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20). Isn’t that the hope
we were in His will.
than it is when things are calm. The of all true Christians? The “me” is so clouded by Jesus that people just see Jesus.
When I do take a piece of beach
tough times can lead to greater There is one more thing that I see in this illustration. Some pieces of beach glass are
glass from the beach I am removing
growth and maturity than just sailing prettier than others. My collection only has a few blue and green pieces, but I think
it from the refining process. The
along in calm times. Sometimes when they are the prettiest. You notice those pieces because they stand out more than the
glass, of course, doesn’t have a
you have a hurricane in your life, it others. But the other colors make up the bulk of the collection. And if you take the
choice, but sometimes we
may toss you up on the shore. And time to look at the white and brown ones carefully you will see their individual beauty.
deliberately take ourselves out of
you can choose to stay there or allow Some people in the church have areas of service that are more visible or “prettier”.
God’s refining process. We get
yourself to be put right back into the They are the pastors or deacons or they serve in other areas of prominence, but most
tired or busy or beaten down or
waves. I think of a sweet, Christian of the people in the church are not as visible. They may not stand out in their area of
whatever and we make a decision
lady I know, Nancy Pettijohn, who has service, but they are very important. And God has blessed them with spiritual gifts that
to just sit on the shore for a while.
experienced what I would call a you may have to look closer at them to see. But, if we take the time to get to know
We just want to be comfortable
hurricane in her life. She has a life- them we will get a glimpse of the beauty that God sees in them.
and avoid the attacks of Satan. I
changing injury that could cause her So, the next time you are tempted to sit on the shore and just enjoy the scenery think
think when tough times come for
to say, “God I don’t appreciate this, of the beauty of beach glass, how it gets better and better when it’s being tossed about
me I have a tendency to say
and I want You to leave me alone for in the sand by the waves after it has been drawn into the water by the surf and throw
something like a quote from a book
a while because I don’t trust You yourself back out there.
I’ve read called From Faking it to
anymore”. But I have been told that Finding Grace. The author says
Nancy has said, “I’ll just see what God See the full story at www.gallowaylife.org. Click on “Be Connected”
sometimes we want a break from
has for me from a wheelchair.” That the spiritual journey and we say
is like saying, “God please send me
right back out into the waves.” That
Have you read my number one best seller?
There will be a test. - GOD
 The Avenue Page 4 of 64

AWANA by Richard Turner

Our theme verse says it all: the values of teamwork, children to raise them up in
2 Timothy 2:15 "Be diligent cooperation and sharing. the Lord. This is not
to present yourself something we should take
approved to God as a We also have a 30 minute lightly, and we do not! Our
“Today, more than workman who does not counsel time where each leaders give their time each
need to be ashamed, week they learn an week not because they have
11,000 US churches accurately handling the important Bible truth! We to but because they WANT
have Awana programs.” word of truth." Each child try not to call them Bible to!
and leader that comes to stories because that implies
our weekly club learns this that it is just made up! And Today, more than 11,000
scripture and so much we KNOW that the Bible is U.S. churches have Awana
more. all truth from Genesis to programs and can be found
Revelation. God's word is in all 50 states. Outside the
Awana is our discipleship Truth! United States Awana can
program for children, aged also be found in over 3,800
2 to 6th grade. We meet on We then have a 30 minute churches in 108 countries
Wednesday nights and we handbook time where each and six continents. Awana
have a great time together of the children learn Bible touches a lot of lives, not
serving the Lord and raising scriptures at their own pace. just in our church but many
up these precious children They read, memorize and others. For over 50 years
for Christ! recite these scriptures and Awana has been around. It
God stores it away in their has grown because it is a
Each club night consists of a hearts like little seeds. We program that Glorifies God,
30 minute game time which know that someday, or and it Works!
is a lot of fun for the kids, every day He can and will
but by design it teaches use this in their lives. To Our prayer is that all will
them how to interact with God be the Glory! come to know and trust the
peers and friends in a Lord Jesus Christ as their
Christian environment We have an amazing personal Savior!
encouraging them, building responsibility to our
them up and teaching them

The Corner Kitchen

Taste and see that the Lord is good…Psalm 34:8

Heloise's Texas Caviar chopped

submitted by Sherry Dennis 1/2 cup fresh cilantro,
chopped Stir all the ingredients
1/4 cup jalapeno peppers, together thoroughly so that
Remember to submit 1 lg. jar picante sauce (heat the individual flavors and
seeded and chopped (omit
your favorite recipe. strength, your choice) jalapenos if you don’t like spices will blend
2 (16 oz) cans of black-eyed spicy) well. Refrigerate 24
peas, drained 1 cup green onions, chopped hrs. When serving, this is
1 (16 oz) can of white (including green tops) better kept chilled, so place
hominy, drained 1 TBSP sugar the bowl of Texas Caviar into
1 cup green bell pepper, 1 TBSP salt a larger bowl of crushed
diced 2 TBSPs coarse ground ice. Makes enough for a
1 cup white onion, diced black pepper crowd.
1 cup fresh tomatoes, 2 TBSPs ground cumin

Add a little lemon and lime to tuna to add zest and flavor to tuna sandwiches.
Use cucumbers soaked in vinegar and pepper in sandwich instead of tomatoes.
Use mustard instead of mayo to cut the fat and add a tang.
 LIFE HAPPENS

Children’s Bible Life by Tina Pierce

Ministering to children is an excellent helper. She is faithful see how things work there and
essential part of an effective and she shows the children love see where their donations go.
church. We are blessed in our and care in her soft spoken Christie Anich and Sharon
GABC Children’s Department way. Spence are both outstanding
with some great Sunday School helpers in the 3rd and 4th grade
workers. Jennifer Scott has recently class. Their willingness to serve
begun serving in the is greatly appreciated.
Heather Parker and Shirley Kindergarten class. Jennifer is
Cole are currently serving in very creative and she is good at At the beginning of this school
the Bed Babies class. They implementing her ideas. Her year Meagan Turner moved
share the love of Jesus with our classroom is organized and from the Kindergarten class
youngest members by meeting inviting. Jennifer is a warm and back to the 5th and 6th grade
their basic needs, and by caring teacher, and she makes girl’s class. Meagan enjoys
showering the little ones with each child feel welcome. working with young people.
love and affection. They are She is truly interested in the
teaching the babies that church Sandra and John LeFevers serve girls and she has a genuine
is a loving and secure place to in the 1st and 2nd grade class. desire to help them with their Ministering to Children is an essential
be. Sandra does some amazing concerns. part of an effective church.
things with her bulletin boards.
Thelma Grisham and Mary She actually sews matching Mr. Larry Buchanan serves in
Curtiss serve in the two-year- curtains several times a year for the 5th and 6th grade boy’s class. OUTREACH
old class. Both of these ladies her classroom. It is evident Mr. Larry feels very strongly
are very committed volunteers that John really enjoys being about instilling Bible skills in his
December was a big month for
in our Children’s Ministry. with the kids. John and Sandra students. They do Bible drill
giving and sharing. We packed our
Thelma and Mary serve not are organized and prepared for every Sunday. He enjoys
Operation Christmas Child boxes.
only in Sunday School. They each lesson. They even bring in getting to know his students
We participated in Operation Care
also work in Extended Session, a laptop occasionally in order better by taking them on special
by donating coats and blankets. We
and during Sunday and for the children to do special trips. They sometimes go to
collected for Lottie Moon. We
Wednesday evening services. activities. the movies. His class recently
donated to Sharing Life. And we
They both do a wonderful job took the Dart train to the zoo.
celebrated in song with our
of letting children know they Cindy Anich is the 3rd and 4th
Christmas music, “Everything
are cared for at our church. grade teacher. Cindy comes All of these servants are faithful
Glorious”.
early each Sunday in order to and dependable. They are also
Amy Parker and Joy Buchanan feed the children in her class, committed to helping children
Now that a New Year is here let’s
serve in the three-year-old and a few other children, grow spiritually. These
not forgot that we still need to
class. Amy is so organized she breakfast. The children from teachers and helpers enjoy
donate and share. Not only in the
has her supply lists prepared the older and younger classes spending time with children and
material things but the spiritual as
months in advance. She is love to hang out in Mrs. Cindy’s they want children at GABC to
well.
consistent in her teaching room until class time. Cindy get the message that church is a
method and in the use of class encourages her students to give good place to be.
time, so the children know to Sharing Life. They recently
what to expect. Joy is an took a trip to Sharing Life to

MY DAD'S ZUCCHINI BREAD submitted by Sherry Dennis

2/3 cup shortening (butter flavored) 1. Preheat oven to 350F
2-2/3 cup sugar 2. Grease 2 lg. loaf pans or 4 small ones or
4 eggs muffin tin.
3 cups shredded zucchini 3. Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs
2/3 cup water one at a time, stirring after each egg.
3-1/3 cups flour 4. Add zucchini and water. Stir all well.
2 tsps baking soda 5. Blend in flour and dry ingredients.
, 1-1/2 tsps salt 6. Pour mixture into greased pans and bake
1/2 tsp baking powder for one hour, or until a toothpick
1 tsp cinnamon (or more to taste) inserted in center comes out clean.
1 tsp cloves (opt) Bake less time for small pans or muffin tins.
2 tsps vanilla
2/3 cup raisins
 WRITTEN WORDS by Debbie Loyd

1930 Galloway Ave. BE BOLD! isn’t one of my gifts. have randomly been in and
Mesquite, TX 75149 I quiver and shake if I have out of church as an adult. And
to stand in front of a group So to avoid this type of of course as you can imagine I
PHONE: of people and talk. It’s not embarrassment I like to use bitterly regret it.
972-285-6317
that I’m afraid (well maybe I the written word as my
GABC STAFF am) it’s because all common communication. Writing out When you don’t have that
language escapes me when I what I want to say gives me weekly strengthening of your
Dr. Jim Wolfe begin talking. I have not only a second chance faith and fellowship with
– Interim Pastor Fibromyalgia and one of the but many chances to correct other Christians, it is easy,
symptoms is “brain fog”. I’ll those silly substitute words. easy, easy to sin. That part of
Stephen Sullivan be talking and all of a sudden And why am I sharing all this my life is between me and
- Minister of Worship I realize I’ve substituted a crazy information with you? God. But you know what?
word for another and my It’s because God has allowed Even though I was walking in
Bethany Sullivan
-Church Pianist
whole sentence makes no me to use the written word the opposite direction from
sense. to “BE BOLD” about my God he never left me. How
Tina Pierce walk with him. do I know that? Well for
- Director of Children Growing up I not only starters it says so in his
quivered and shook when I I grew up in church. It wasn’t written word and because he
Jeremy Hogg had to stand up in front of a a choice in our household it has answered so many of my
-Director of Student Ministries group of people but I would was just a fact of life. On prayers in such a way to not
get physically sick. Back then Sundays you were going to be coincidental.
Janeen Adams
-Office Administrator
I was big time afraid. church. I have good
Combined with my memories of my childhood So prayer for me as I
childhood experience and church life. However, when continue to use my written
my grown up problems, my children were young I word to tell about His
verbal communication just dropped out of church. I written word!!

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www.gallowaylife.org
E N O M R E S E L O V E
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January 30, 2011 S Z O B F A B O R T Y I
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