<a href="https://www.klove.com/news/positive-people">K-LOVE’s Positive People</a> – by Rafael Sierra, Jr. (complete <a href="https://soundcloud.com/emf-public-affairs-audio/patti-garibay-encouraging-girls-in-the-lost-art-of-letter-writing-podcast">podcast</a> available) (more <a href="https://www.klove.com/news/positive-people">Positive People</a> stories)<a href="https://americanheritagegirls.org/">American Heritage Girls</a> founder Patti Garibay is giving young girls a chance to connect the old-fashioned way – by becoming pen pals.<blockquote>“It’s just a beautiful way to have a memory and also to have great communication with someone that they don’t even know.”</blockquote>Garibay says girls are used to a lot of disappointment, especially through negative interactions on social media. But the AHG Pen Pal program gives them a chance to foster meaningful and lasting relationships.<figure class="image"><img src="https://emfservices.azureedge.net/news/37683.jpg" alt="AHG Pen Pal Letter "><figcaption>[Photo Credit: AHG/James DeLeon] AHG Pen Pal Letter&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>“It is a wonderful way for likeminded girls to really foster relationship and that’s doing the old-fashioned handwritten letters that are sent to each other,” says Garibay. She says writing letters to each other is “a beautiful way to have a memory and also to have great communication with someone that they don’t even know.”<figure class="image"><img src="https://emfservices.azureedge.net/news/37685.jpg" alt="AHG Member Writing Pen Pal Letter "><figcaption>[Photo Credit: AGH Pen Pal Program] AHG Pen Pal Program</figcaption></figure>Garibay believes there’s something special about writing a letter to someone you care about. She says there’s “sort of a blessing there, there’s a focus that takes time and means ‘you are worth it, you are special.'”<figure class="image"><img src="https://emfservices.azureedge.net/news/37687.jpg" alt="Blakeleigh &amp; Beatriz Pen Pal Meet Up"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: AHG] AHG Pen Pal Program</figcaption></figure>“The thing they like the best is the simplest thing and that’s friendships and that’s what pen pals do; they create friendships,” says Garibay. She prays the AHG Pen Pal program can be “affirming to girls, that it glorifies God,” and that these new-found friendships can last well into adulthood.<figure class="image"><img src="https://emfservices.azureedge.net/news/37688.jpg" alt="AHG Founder Patti Garibay with Granddaughter "><figcaption>[Photo Credit: AHG] AHG Pen Pal Program</figcaption></figure>Listen to the full interview below.<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://soundcloud.com/emf-public-affairs-audio/patti-garibay-encouraging-girls-in-the-lost-art-of-letter-writing-podcast"></oembed></figure>

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American Heritage Girl’s Pen Pal Program encourages girls to connect by writing letters to each other.

The 'Lost Art Of Letter Writing' - Patti Garibay Encourages Girls To Discover Real Friends (+ interview podcast)

<a href="https://www.klove.com/news/positive-people">K-LOVE’s Positive People</a> – by Rafael Sierra, Jr. (complete podcast available) (more <a href="https://www.klove.com/news/positive-people">Positive People</a> stories)Joe Burkhead from Paducah, Kentucky, is helping people experiencing mobility issues get around more freely. He co-founded the <a href="https://reidlandumc.org/outreach/umm-ramp-ministry/ ">Reidland United Methodist Men and Friends Ramp Ministry</a>, building handicap-accessible ramps for people’s homes, free of charge.<blockquote>“They become in many ways a prisoner in their own home, so they have no way to get to doctor’s appointments, they have no way to get out to run errands”</blockquote><figure class="image text-center"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/52914.jpg" alt="Two ramp ministry members building a ramp"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Katie Minnis] Reidland United Methodist Men and Friends Ramp Ministry</figcaption></figure>Burkhead and his team have been building handicap-accessible ramps since 1995. So far, they’ve built about a thousand ramps, which Burkhead estimates to be between seven and eight miles of ramps built.<figure class="image text-center"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/52915.jpg" alt="Ramp ministry team members pause building a ramp to pose for picture"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Katie Minnis] Reidland United Methodist Men and Friends Ramp Ministry</figcaption></figure>“Our motto is that we are the hands and feet of God,” says Burkhead. “When we put that last screw in that ramp, and to see them roll down the ramp and easily get to their car, it’s just, you can’t help but feel very satisfied, very rewarded, very warm.”<figure class="image text-center"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/52916.jpg" alt="Ramp ministry members work on ramp"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Katie Minnis] Reidland United Methodist Men and Friends Ramp Ministry</figcaption></figure>“It’s something that we have been called to do and we continue to do it week after week.” Burkhead says they plan to continue building ramps until they become physically unable to so and thanks God for blessing him and his team with the strength and the health to be able to help others.”<figure class="image text-center"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/52917.jpg" alt="Joe Burkhead works on ramp"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Katie Minnis] Joe Burkhead</figcaption></figure>Burkhead says people have needs and this is a great need in the community. He invited others to consider forming a similar ministry in their community and experience what a great blessing it is to help those who are unable to help themselves.Click our full interview below<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/52920.mp3"></oembed></figure>

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Ramp ministry members posing on finished ramp

Joe Burkhead is giving people with mobility issues the freedom to get around more easily

'We Don't Want Them To Be A Prisoner In Their Own Home' - So He Created A Ramp Building Ministry (+Podcast)

"So often in churches, disabilities are hidden, just like in culture at large. And to see the joy – and even the competence – of these people as they were leading in worship, was quite a delight and a joy to the church at large.” Jeremy Marshall is the family discipleship minister at <a href="https://brooksave.org/services/special-needs/">Brooks Avenue Church of Christ</a> in Raleigh, North Carolina.Lori Young is the volunteer coordinator for the church’s special needs ministry, which is offered weekly. “There is just such a significant need out there,” emphasizing that families need a place “where their loved ones are cared for…and being taught.” This loving ministry also allows parents to “sit in peace for a while and be fed by the Word of God and also be fed by relationships” at the church. It’s win-win.Both Lori and Jeremy have no doubt the special needs kids and adults are capable of comprehending, to some degree, the concept of faith in Jesus.&nbsp;Lori tells us about a 14-year-old boy (pictured below) who uses a computer device to speak. She smiles, he’s “full of sarcasm and sass” and “answers questions from his heart, not a rote answer.” He types “I pray every night. I want to make sure God loves me.” The young man missed church for a while due to sickness, and sent his teachers a picture and wrote, “I miss all of you.” And he was talking about the worship, which he holds dear.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/57824.jpg" alt="Oliver and his trusty computer, which speaks for him"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Christian Chronicle] Oliver and his trusty computer, which speaks for him; Lori interacting</figcaption></figure><figure class="image text-center"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/57825.jpg" alt="Oliver"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Brooks Avenue Church of Christ ] Oliver's message about bedtime prayer</figcaption></figure>Jeremy shares with us about the “beautiful story in the Gospel of Luke” where Mary, who is pregnant with Jesus, visits Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist. And Elizabeth can “feel the baby in her womb jumping for joy at Christ coming near.” Jeremy believes, “If the Holy Spirit can create faith in a fetus, then I don’t worry about our friends and family members with special needs” missing out on being touched by faith.Taking no chances with health or safety, the church employs four licensed professionals who provide needed care and also help with lessons. They are certified in first aid and ways to interact with people with special needs.There are also volunteers who assist with the special needs “Eagles” (adults) and “Eaglets” (children) – the name referring to Isaiah 40:31, which invokes trust in the Lord and soaring high “with wings like eagles.”Brooks Avenue Church of Christ recently held a carnival for disabled people regardless of age or physical limitations. Hundreds attended - and all were invited to the special needs Sunday service the next day. &nbsp;We’d like to thank to the Christian Chronicle and reporter Audrey Jackson for making some of the images available to us, and providing <a href="https://christianchronicle.org/on-special-sunday-disabled-members-lead-worship-at-a-north-carolina-church/ ">the lead </a>for this encouraging story.Jeremy shares, “You’re actually seeing the Lord at work. You’re realizing you’re in the presence of the Lord at work and it draws you deeper into him.” Be encouraged by our complete podcast interview:<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/57826.mp3"></oembed></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/57827.jpeg" alt="Jeremy Marshall and son, August"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Brooks Avenue Church of Christ ] Jeremy Marshall and son, August</figcaption></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/57831.jpg" alt="Learning...and fun"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Brooks Avenue Church of Christ ] Learning...and fun</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;

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Oliver, age 14, has cerebral palsy, loves learning about Jesus

“You’re in the presence of the Lord at work and it draws you deeper into him.” – Jeremy, dad of special needs son

People With Special Needs Learn About Christ, Even Lead A Sunday Service (+ podcast)

<a href="https://www.klove.com/news/positive-people">K-LOVE’s Positive People</a> – by Rafael Sierra, Jr. (complete podcast available) (more <a href="https://www.klove.com/news/positive-people">Positive People</a> stories)David Droll from Houston, Texas is committed to helping individuals experiencing homelessness get ahead in life. So, he co-founded <a href="https://hopebeyondbridges.org/">Hope Beyond Bridges</a>, caring for people who are not able to care for themselves.<blockquote>“To build trust, to build safety, to hear their story, to learn their name, and ultimately to be able to share the Gospel with them.”</blockquote><figure class="image text-center"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/56971.jpg" alt="Hope Beyond Bridges volunteer feeding man experiencing homelessness"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Hope Beyond Bridges Volunteer] Hope Beyond Bridges</figcaption></figure>For years, Dave didn’t think much or care for people in need. Until one day, while driving around the streets of Houston, God got his attention.<figure class="image text-center"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/56972.jpg" alt="Hope Beyond Bridges volunteer feeding person in a wheelchair"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Hope Beyond Bridges Volunteer] Hope Beyond Bridges</figcaption></figure>“God literally just changed my eyes to see the homeless and changed my heart to have a heart of compassion toward them,” says Dave. He believes “it was only God that could change my hard heart toward them,” to have a heart of compassion and a heart to love them the way God loves them.<figure class="image text-center"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/56973.jpg" alt="Hope Beyond Bridges volunteers delivering food, supplies"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Hope Beyond Bridges Volunteer] Hope Beyond Bridges</figcaption></figure>Hope Beyond Bridges works to reach the chronic homeless living under bridges, at intersections, in their camps, each week. Once they contact them, they “love on them, minister to them, bring them a warm meal,” and give them hygiene kits.<figure class="image text-center"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/56974.jpg" alt="Dave Droll Hope, Beyond Bridges"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Hope Beyond Bridges Volunteer] Dave Droll Hope Beyond Bridges</figcaption></figure>Click the full interview below<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/56976.wav"></oembed></figure>

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Hope Beyond Bridges works to reach the chronic homeless living under bridges, at intersections, in their camps

Droll leads Hope Beyond Bridges, feeding and ministering to people living in the streets of Houston 

David Droll – Restoring Hope To People Experiencing Homelessness (+Podcast)

Despite a serious vision issue, Deborah Chucoski is training for triathlon and is aiming at taking part with Team USA in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.&nbsp;At age 15, “I was diagnosed with Stargardt’s. That’s a degenerative disease – and over time I’m just continuing to lose more and more of my central vision.” But that didn’t keep her from competing in track &amp; field during her days at Cedarville University. After graduation in 2007, she became active in triathlon until it became clear her sight limitations were dangerous for solo swimming and cycling. There were some bike wrecks. And that led Deborah to stop competitive sports altogether.Fast-forward. Now married and a mother of two, Deborah has been inspired by her husband to return to competitive athletics. This time in the Paralympics. She and her husband were watching the 2021 Games, “I literally was sitting there crying, cause I knew that I had the drive and I had the ability to push myself – and I just needed someone to come alongside of me, which is where the guide came along. And as soon as I did my first race with a guide in 2021, I knew that I could at least try. I feel like watching the Olympic Games was when really God was like saying, ‘You can, you’re doing this!’”How a guide works“You still compete in the swim, bike, run and you compete in the full distance,” and while swimming “we are attached by a cord right on our sides so we can still have our full swim motions, and still be able to kick, and not mess each other up, but be close enough that he can still guide me around the buoys around the course itself. And then when we get out, we transition to a tandem (bike), and he’s in the front – cause he can see – and I’m in the back, but we are riding together. And then again, we come and transition – we put a belt on – and we’re attached by the waist, so then we can still run. And we do the entire run across the finish line, attached.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Christian music part of training“I committed to listening to all Christian music while I’m training, because again, the stuff that you put in is the stuff that will come out. And I’m trying to put in as much Christ in me so it can then come out. And I found myself…I have a list of people I’ve been praying for, so I found myself going there while I’m on the bike.” Lots of prayers for others.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/55848.jpg" alt="Deborah Chucoski (L) and Guide"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Provided] Deborah Chucoski (L) and Guide</figcaption></figure>Faith is everything“I could not do this without my faith and being grounded in knowing that God has called me to do this. Because if God has called you to do something, he equips you to do it.”Family matters, too“Many, many, many behind-the-scenes hours go into training, to eating right, to recovery – balancing having two young kids, being a wife. If you look at the big picture you think, ‘Wow how can you do this?’ You just take it one step at a time. God gives me the strength. He gives me the stamina to be able to handle the kids, to do that well.”In our complete podcast interview just below, Deborah shares how her support system works so well, with family, friends, and church. And her committed Paralympic guides. Be encouraged by her faith and determination!<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/55849.mp3"></oembed></figure>&nbsp;&nbsp;

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“I committed to listening to all Christian music while I’m training, because again, the stuff that you put in is the stuff that will come out." 

Paralympian Training for Paris 2024 Games, Christian Music Is A Training Ingredient (+podcast)

By Billie Wright (Seattle, WA) - Harvey the husky sat in a shelter in San Diego and waited…and waited…for his fur-ever home. He looks a bit different than other dogs. Harvey has a lopsided smile, likely an old injury. But when Sherry Lankston saw a Facebook post about Harvey, she knew immediately she wanted to adopt him. The only issue was the 1,300 miles in between the shelter and her home.<blockquote>Not a single person, in the six months that he was there, had expressed any interest in him.</blockquote><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/55648.jpg" alt="Sherry and Harvey"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Sherry Lankston]</figcaption></figure>Sherry did the unthinkable. She drove the 1,300 miles from Seattle to Southern California to meet Harvey. She also had her two young sons and family dog with her. "Hopped in the car on a Sunday. Got there on a Tuesday night."&nbsp;The initial meeting with Harvey went well. Sherry encouraged the boys to be there active, loud selves. She says, "It was important to make sure that he was good with my family as they come." Harvey even met the family dog, River. Sherry says they get along like peas and carrots.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/55647.jpg" alt="Harvey and River"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Sherry Lankston]</figcaption></figure>Sherry says Harvey is still adjusting to his new life but does well when meeting new people, "There's always a lot of curiosity. People have been very kind and still say that he is so cute."Sherry is grateful to be entrusted with Harvey for the rest of his life. "It's a privilege. A 100% privilege to be a part of this puppies life."Hear more from Sherry about rescuing animals here:<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/55650.mp3"></oembed></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/55651.jpg" alt="Harvey and River"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Sherry Lankston]</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Sherry Lankston says, “Not a single person, in the six months that he was there, had expressed any interest in him.”

Mom Drives 2,600 Miles To Adopt Dog With Lopsided Smile (+podcast)

“I encourage my students to answer questions and bring up points and respond to me in various ways through paper airplanes,” explains Dr. Jonathan Arnold. “They write their name on a paper airplane at the beginning of class. They have to make their paper airplanes, so they get good at that over the course of a semester – and then when they want to engage, they throw that in and hopefully don’t hit anybody in front of them. And that allows me to acknowledge them and engage at the right time.” &nbsp;&nbsp;Currently, Dr. Arnold teaches Theology I and Theology II in the Bible minor. Students from all majors take Bible minor classes during their time at <a href="https://www.cedarville.edu/">Cedarville University</a>.The Q&amp;A flights are not only fun, but also very practical. “It provides not only an opportunity for students to be engaged from wherever they are in the classroom – sometimes you can’t see a hand, but you can almost always see an airplane.” Another benefit, since each paper airplane has the name of the student, it helps Dr. Arnold keep better track of student engagement, who’s asking about what, how much they’re taking part in class. Students can even get extra credit for the number of planes they sail that are clearly related to the course.<figure class="image text-center"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/55379.jpg" alt="Student writes note on paper airplane"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Cedarville University] Student writes note on paper airplane</figcaption></figure>Since the professor is the intended target for the planes, we wondered if he’s always able to see them coming? “Usually, I can. There are times – depending on where we are in the semester – when I’ll have my back turned, writing on the board or something – and students will get good at aiming.”Does he ever wish there was a control tower? He laughs, “Yeah, that would be nice.” &nbsp;Fun aside, seeing students fly high when it comes to faith in Christ is a major reward for Dr. Arnold. “Being able to work with those students, as they come into contact with some of the deeper ideas about who God is, and how the people of God are supposed to work together – and watching their eyes light up – that’s ultimately what makes you come back in the next day.&nbsp;<figure class="image text-center"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/55380.jpg" alt="Final folding before aiming at the professor"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Cedarville University] Final folding before aiming at the professor</figcaption></figure>And even when your lecture is not going as you wanted it to, or you think you just kind of missed it…and then you have the perfect question come up (or fly in) at the right time, or the student comes up after class and says, ‘You know that’s the first time I’ve understood that concept,’ that just reminds you of how God is using you.” &nbsp;We’ve got our full podcast interview for you just below:<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/55381.mp3"></oembed></figure>

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Theology student readies a 'response flight' in Dr. Arnold's class

The students stay engaged in the class, sending airborne questions and comments to the professor 

They’re Not Winging It, Paper Airplanes Are Practical In This Class (+podcast)

<blockquote>“I think a lot of children that see us driving around think we’re an ice cream truck, maybe” smiles Shawna Darling. The Wellness Winnie is definitely painted to be noticed - and to offer a warm sense of presence when it drives up. But there are no triple-dip cones available. What’s served up is kindness.</blockquote>The ‘Wellness Winnie’ (think: Winnebago) makes regular stops at set locations and offers a variety of helpful services from the Denver Department of Public Health &amp; Environment.&nbsp;Usually behind the wheel is Shawna. “We have set times and we pack up the RV with all kinds of stuff, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hygiene, snacks, hot chocolate, cup of noodles…and if it’s colder outside we sort of operate as a food truck and greet folks from the outside and if they need more services, we invite them in to chat with us.”Conversations can range from needed services to resources. We “ask them if they’re experiencing any struggles or barriers that they might need some assistance with.” This may involve housing and rental assistance. Shawna shares that some older residents will “bring their mail to us and ask if I could help them to understand what it is that they’re receiving and help walk them through that.”“I have the absolute best job in the world because I’m allowed to connect with people that need someone to have a little bit of hope for them” and “walk alongside them on their journey until they can walk alone.” &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On the Wellness Winnie’s<a href="https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Public-Health-Environment/Community-Behavioral-Health/Behavioral-Health-Strategies/Wellness-Winnie "> website</a>, a menu of services is listed:· Peer Support and Navigation·&nbsp; Informal classes and presentations·&nbsp; Sharps (used syringe or needle) disposal·&nbsp; Behavioral health screening and assessment·&nbsp; Active referral to services, such as: medical, legal, social services·&nbsp; Distribution of items, such as: socks, gloves, toiletries, etc.·&nbsp; Rehydration and cooling from the heat·&nbsp; Warming from the cold&nbsp;·&nbsp; Narcan/Naloxone distributionShawna is a living example of a life changed, and that helps in her everyday interaction with the people the Wellness Winnie serves. She struggled with an addiction “off and on” for 13 years. “I made lots of poor choices and eventually just felt very defeated” and while sitting in a jail cell vowed to do what it takes to overcome and get her life on a better path. She shares those encouraging details in our complete podcast interview. &nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/55043.mp3"></oembed></figure>Bottom line: “I realized that I was not the only one [with challenges] and that my experiences could help others.” Often her mission is to “let people know that they’re not alone and that we all struggle with something. And just because we’re struggling that doesn’t define who we are.”&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/55038.jpg" alt="Shawna Darling with the Wellness Winnie "><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Denver Department of Public Health &amp; Environment] Shawna Darling with the Wellness Winnie</figcaption></figure>In addition, the program is expanding to activate 3 additional “Mini Winnies” to meet the ongoing needs in the community.&nbsp;<figure class="image text-center"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/55046.jpg" alt="&quot;Mini Winnies&quot;"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Denver Department of Public Health &amp; Environment] "Mini Winnies"</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;

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Shawna encourages inside the Wellness Winnie

It’s a cute purple mini-RV that brings solutions, mental health help, and real support. “Let people know that they’re not alone and that we all struggle with something.”  

The ‘Wellness Winnie’ Rolls Into Denver Neighborhoods With Encouragement (+podcast)

“South Padre Island is always one of the top-5 ranked destination beaches for Spring Break,” explains Joe Osteen, one of the coordinators of this year’s Beach Reach project. The students from around the country gather to “blow off steam, to party, to go to the clubs to meet new people - and from a Christian perspective, to often make decisions and do things that are destructive.” That can involve abuse of alcohol and risky intimate casual relationships.Many parents may not know or appreciate what Beach Reach does to try and protect Spring Breakers. “We partner with the city to offer free van rides all over the island,” what Joe describes as “safe rides” with “no questions asked” – no judgment calls.&nbsp;Volunteer Christian Beach Reach students ride along and try to strike up friendly conversation while also keeping the ride incident free. If the passengers are willing, the chat can lead into talk about life and eternity. The vehicles quickly became known as “Jesus Vans.” And one of Joe’s favorite things, “After a day or two of ministry, it seems like the whole island knows that if somebody has a Beach Reach t-shirt or hoodie on, ‘this is a person that can help me.’” There’s a sense of trust that develops helping out-of-town young people feel a bit more secure as the rowdy party-time behavior rages on across the four-square-mile barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico.&nbsp;A complex missionOsteen, no relation to the well-known Houston pastor, is director of <a href="https://www.uttylerbsm.org/">Baptist Student Ministries at UT-Tyler</a>. For Beach Reach many SBC volunteers, some from as far away as Vermont, come to the island to serve. And to serve up – pancakes! The group was given permission to cook and serve pancakes in front of one of the most popular clubs, Louie’s Backyard, a sports bar that remains open until 2:00 a.m. “They give us some space in their parking lot,” for the pancakes and they offer space to set up a line for Spring Breakers who want a safe van ride back to their hotels.&nbsp;There’s moreFor the next morning, partners from Island Baptist Church offer more hot-n-fresh pancakes for early-risers, which Spring Break style, is from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. During the pancake feasts, Christian volunteers check on students, see if they have any needs, or want to converse. Once again, an opportunity to share about Jesus.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/53892.jpg" alt="Making the pancakes"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Island Baptist Church ] Making the pancakes</figcaption></figure>On a private web platform where volunteers share insight about their time with Spring Breakers, Osteen is able to see what kind of progress has been made when it comes to faith encounters. Some of the typical remarks relayed this year: “They are so open to hearing about Jesus – continue to pray!” Another report says, “The Holy Spirit has clearly been working on this person, open to a Gospel conversation.” The shared information is not intrusive, but designed to track the spiritual atmosphere of the large outreach. Forces of darkness and light both at work.&nbsp;Bottom line, “We saw a real openness to being served and a real openness to having spiritual conversations this year,” smiles Osteen.Check out our complete interview podcast below:<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/53893.mp3"></oembed></figure>Baptisms in the Gulf:<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/53894.jpg" alt="Spring Breakers baptized "><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Baptist Student Ministries ] Spring Breakers baptized</figcaption></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/53895.jpg" alt="Taking the next step of faith... baptism"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Baptist Student Ministries ] Taking the next step of faith... baptism</figcaption></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/53896.jpg" alt="One of 49 people baptized "><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Baptist Student Ministries ] One of 49 people baptized</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;

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“They are so open to hearing about Jesus – continue to pray!”

Beach Reach: Christian Volunteers Protect Spring Breakers, Share Jesus…And Pancakes (+podcast)

For decades, pastor and cartoonist Joe McKeever has visited churches to share the message of Christ. Often, he will meet and greet, take the time to draw portraits, and talk about Jesus while he’s sketching. At some sittings, Joe will do literally dozens of portraits, sometimes dedicating two hours to be sure no one is left out. “I just sit in the corner and draw people.”Early on, Joe realized he needed to do hand and finger exercises to keep from aching – his right hand did the art, while his left hand had a ‘death grip’ on the sketch pad. “The thing I have a problem with is my brain. Cause see, you’re concentrating on this person. They get up and move. You’re concentrating. They move. Concentrating. And after about a couple of hours of this, your brain says ‘hey, man, could we take a rest?,” he laughs.<blockquote>Joe’s life verse is Job 4:4, “Your words have stood men on their feet.”</blockquote>Besides his in-person church work, Joe has been doing cartoons and editorial cartoons for years. It’s very likely you’ve seen some of his professional work on sites like <a href="https://www.baptistpress.com/multi_author/joe-mckeever/">Baptist Press</a>. And Joe is aware that his cartoon work gets ‘borrowed’ quite a bit by other media sources and just regular folks on social media. And that doesn’t bother him one bit. As a matter of fact, that fits into his guidance from God, who told him, “I’m to encourage people with these.” If people re-post his cartoons, all the better.&nbsp;Hear <a href="https://soundcloud.com/emf-public-affairs-audio/cartoons-about-faith-people-life-respected-cartoonist-joe-mckeever?si=98f5fc5bf9e54cd59846e04c64243d15&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing">our interview with Joe</a>At age 82, Joe and his wife, Bertha, still drive to churches that invite him. When we talked with Joe, he was getting ready for a three-hour drive to encourage folks at a church, and – of course – create some sketches.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://emfservices.azureedge.net/news/40460.jpg" alt="Joe doing a portrait at church"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Joe McKeever] Joe doing a portrait at church</figcaption></figure>Most people would consider the age 82 some years past what retirement age would be, so why does Joe keep working? “Because that’s what God called me to be.” As a pastor with more than 40 years’ experience, a masters and a doctorate, Joe often gets private email questions from pastors about situations they’re up against and Joe offers his wisdom. He admits sometimes the questions keep him up at night as he prays for the pastors and churches in question. “Anything I can do to help them, man, I want to do it.” Joe formally retired as an SBC pastor in 2009, but is anything but retired these days.<figure class="image"><img src="https://emfservices.azureedge.net/news/40465.jpg" alt="pastor and bass player"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Joe McKeever]&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>The Alabama native, now residing in Mississippi, does cartoons that salute faith, question the status quo, challenge stereotypes, and he pokes some occasional fun at pastors and church leaders – with the best intent in mind. But Joe confesses, “And the truth is, when people go to a cartoon, they generally let their guard down and they just see this as a fun thing…so often, you can sneak something in” to make a point.<figure class="image"><img src="https://emfservices.azureedge.net/news/40464.jpg" alt="neckties pastor"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Joe McKeever]&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>Above and beyond all the cartoons, Joe values the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We asked Joe what he might say to someone who came across his artwork, but does not have a relationship with Jesus. “Friend, if you don’t know the Lord Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are living beneath your privilege. There’s just so much more out there for you. And it’s amazing he has made himself available to you. He says, ‘I stand at your door and knock’ and it’s up to you if you open the door.”In our complete interview podcast just below, you will learn about the promise Joe made to God consisting of three specific things. And you’ll sense his sincerity and heart to help and encourage others.<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://soundcloud.com/emf-public-affairs-audio/cartoons-about-faith-people-life-respected-cartoonist-joe-mckeever?si=98f5fc5bf9e54cd59846e04c64243d15&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing"></oembed></figure>We thought it would be good to share this from <a href="https://joemckeever.com/wp/about-joe-mckeever/">Joe’s web site</a>, to give you a deeper look into the heart of this fascinating leader:&nbsp;They live in Ridgeland, MS, a suburb of Jackson. Their deck looks over a pond where Canada geese, mallards, and the occasional great blue heron congregate. Joe says his back deck is Heaven’s front porch.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://emfservices.azureedge.net/news/40461.jpg" alt="Christmas cartoon"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Joe McKeever]&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://emfservices.azureedge.net/news/40466.jpg" alt="revival poster"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Joe McKeever]&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;&nbsp;

cartoons-about-faith-people-and-life-respected-cartoonist-joe-mckeever-podcast

God told me, “I’m to encourage people with these.”

Cartoons About Faith, People & Life: Respected Cartoonist Joe McKeever (+podcast)

Adam Kelchner was the church’s new pastor - and twice while preaching, he saw a man and his wife sitting way back in the foyer. “Folks don’t typically sit back there during the service. He was in a wheelchair and they were longtime members of the church and he had a spinal condition,” explains the pastor, who leads Camden, Tennessee, First United Methodist Church.This is not rightThe awkward situation bothered Pastor Adam immensely. “It was heartbreak that somebody physically could not be in sacred space with everybody else. And I wanted to do whatever it was as quick as I could to rectify that!”&nbsp;His idea was to shorten a pew to give Jerry Lamb room to park his wheelchair in an area with other worshippers. And his wife, Laura, could be there right beside him. Pastor Adam asked church trustees to greenlight his idea. “It was a pretty easy ‘sell’ for our trustees ‘to get this family in here with the rest of us.’”Jerry and Laura expressed appreciation, but didn’t want the church to go to any trouble to help them. Understanding that, Pastor Adam still believed it was the right thing to do.A quick fix“Two days' worth of work. $2,500 dollars and it was done.” A trusted contractor was brought in to shorten two pews – opposite each other, so the seating would match.More than local newsThis act of kindness ricocheted into national news when an Associated Press religion editor learned of the pew shortening and arranged for a feature story.&nbsp;Why has this gotten such attention? “I think folks are probably moved to see a community of faith doing good works in this kind of way – and good news is a little hard to come by sometimes,” Pastor Adam smiles.&nbsp;There’s much more to this story – including a number of people, including a cancer patient, who now use the open spaces to take part in worship. You will be encouraged as you listen to our complete podcast interview just below.<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://soundcloud.com/emf-public-affairs-audio/determined-pastor-cuts-pew-in-half-to-make-room-for-worshipers-wheelchair?si=e40a799ac1644180b32fc9d01ba9765a&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing"></oembed></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://emfservices.azureedge.net/news/40830.jpg" alt="Laura Lamb, left, hugs Pastor Adam Kelchner after helping her husband, Jerry, who has a spine condition, into their truck while leaving Camden First United Methodist Church"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: AP Photo/John Amis] Laura Lamb, left, hugs Pastor Adam Kelchner after helping her husband, Jerry, who has a spine condition, into their truck while leaving Camden First United Methodist Church</figcaption></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://emfservices.azureedge.net/news/40829.jpg" alt="Jerry Lamb, who has a spine condition, talks to Pastor Adam Kelchner at Camden First United Methodist Church "><figcaption>[Photo Credit: AP Photo/John Amis] Jerry Lamb, who has a spine condition, talks to Pastor Adam Kelchner at Camden First United Methodist Church&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><figure class="image image-style-align-left"><img src="https://emfservices.azureedge.net/news/40832.jpg" alt="Jerry Lamb, who has a spine condition, poses with wife, Laura, in front of Camden First United Methodist Church"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: AP Photo/John Amis] Jerry Lamb, who has a spine condition, poses with wife, Laura, in front of Camden First United Methodist Church</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;&nbsp;

determined-pastor-cuts-pew-in-half-to-make-room-for-worshiper-s-wheelchair-podcast

Man in wheelchair talking to pastor in a space with a shorter pew.

“It was heartbreak that somebody physically could not be in sacred space with everybody else.”

Determined Pastor Cuts Pew In Half To Make Room For Worshiper’s Wheelchair (+podcast)

(Chesapeake, Va) - Each year in February and March, thousands of people all around the nation jump into freezing cold waters to raise awareness for Special Olympics in an event called the “Polar Plunge.”Rather hear the story?&nbsp;<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/52985.mp3"></oembed></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/52908.jpg" alt="Lots of people high-fiving others in the ocean"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Patrice Dykes] Kaitlin participating in the Polar Plunge</figcaption></figure>Kaitlin Dykes, a Special Olympics athlete from Chesapeake, Va., is incredibly brave. As a Special Olympics athlete for the past ten years, Kaitlin recently jumped into the freezing cold ocean as part of the organization's annual Polar Plunge.&nbsp;“It's very cold. We all go to the beach and have some fun. I go all the way in the water, under the water and high-five all the divers,” Kaitlin said.Kaitlin loves God and the Special Olympics "because everyone is welcome--all ages and all abilities and all the special gifts that God gives us.“Kaitlin participates in several Special Olympics events including basketball, softball and soccer.She says participating in Special Olympics events and fundraisers like the Polar Plunge give her a chance to shine the light of Jesus.“I always wanted to be a missionary. I thought being a missionary means that you have to go somewhere but I realized that I am a missionary. God used me right where I'm at--everywhere I go,” Kaitlin said.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/52909.jpg" alt="Five Special Olympics athletes and a coach"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Patrice Dykes] Kaitlin and other special Olympics athletes</figcaption></figure>Kaitlin’s mother, Patrice Dykes, said Special Olympics has given her daughter a place not only to feel included, but to thrive.Kaitlin is currently serving as one of nine Global Messengers for Special Olympics Virginia, which is a program designed to train Special Olympics athletes in speech communication skills in order to promote events.<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/52985.mp3"></oembed></figure>&nbsp;

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Woman comes out of ocean with lots of medals around her neck

Kaitlin is a huge advocate for the Special Olympics

Special Olympics Athlete Kaitlin Dykes Takes Part In The Polar Plunge (+podcast)

<a href="https://www.klove.com/news/positive-people">K-LOVE’s Positive People</a> – by Rafael Sierra, Jr. (complete <a href="https://soundcloud.com/emf-public-affairs-audio/high-school-football-coach-scores-big-with-jersey-initiative">podcast </a>available) (more <a href="https://www.klove.com/news/positive-people">Positive People</a> stories)High school football coach Jordan Stevens wanted to show the school staff in Mount Healthy, Ohio, just how important they were to the team. So, he began the <a href="https://www.mthcs.org/">‘My Jersey, Your Impact’ </a>program, hoping to boost morale on and off the field.<blockquote>“It makes me feel good. It makes me feel that I’m doing something that matters.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</blockquote>Coach Stevens says, sometimes the staff can feel disconnected from the football team which leads to lower attendance at football games. My Jersey, Your impact helps engage students and staff, upping attendance and bolstering team confidence.<figure class="image"><img src="https://emfservices.azureedge.net/news/40371.jpg" alt="Student giving Mt Healthy High School staff member their jersey to wear"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Jordan Steven] My Jersey Your Impact</figcaption></figure>It’s simple. A player picks a teacher or staff member to wear their jersey at school. Then on game day, they give the jersey back to the player. Stevens believes the program helps students play a bit harder and gets them more excited when they see teachers and staff members in the stands cheering them on.<figure class="image"><img src="https://emfservices.azureedge.net/news/40372.jpg" alt="Coach Jordan Stevens and football player on the field"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Bryce Blanton] Coach Jordan Stevens&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>“First, I want to make sure that the players know that they’re cared for on and off the field,” says Stevens. Secondly, he wants staff to know that ‘this is bigger than football.’ The team needs their support in the classroom, at home and on the football field.<figure class="image"><img src="https://emfservices.azureedge.net/news/40373.jpg" alt="Student and Mt Healthy High School staff member posing with jerseys"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Jordan Steven] My Jersey Your Impact</figcaption></figure>“It fills my heart understanding and knowing that it takes a village to make sure these men are well rounded when they leave the football field,” says Stevens. He wants students to understand “they have a village behind them that are willing to fight for them and make sure that they become the amazing citizens that they can be.”<figure class="image"><img src="https://emfservices.azureedge.net/news/40374.jpg" alt="Coach Jordan Stevens on the football field"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Bryce Blanton] Coach Jordan Stevens&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>Click the full interview below.<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://soundcloud.com/emf-public-affairs-audio/high-school-football-coach-scores-big-with-jersey-initiative"></oembed></figure>

high-school-football-coach-scores-big-with-jersey-initiative-podcast

Mt Healthy High School staff member and student posing with football jerseys

‘My Jersey, Your Impact’ gives students a chance to honor school staff with their football jerseys

High School Football Coach ‘Scores Big’ With Jersey Initiative (+podcast)

(Harker Heights, Texas) Heather Schaefer, a U.S. Army wife and stay-at-home mom living in Texas, felt a 'nudge' in her spirit when she saw a special request on a Christian Facebook group. A woman in New Jersey was asking for urgent prayer for her husband, Roy, to receive a rare, B-positive kidney.Rather hear the story? Click <a href="https://soundcloud.com/emf-public-affairs-audio/positive-people-podcast-monika-kelly-with-guest-heather-schaefer?si=994579eebc9846a383d2cc4a16b36965&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing">here</a>.When Roy McIntosh's wife, "Chula", posted the prayer request, her husband was already in stage 5 of kidney failure. He had no idea that his wife had put a post on Facebook. Roy had been battling severe renal failure for most of his life and when his wife posted the request, she added, "We believe in God for a miracle."<figure class="image"><img src="https://emfservices.azureedge.net/news/42066.jpg" alt="A woman next to a man and his wife, smiling"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Virtual Health] Heather, Roy and Chula after the surgery</figcaption></figure>After reading the post, Heather immediately felt moved to action.&nbsp;“I happened to be B positive so as soon as I saw that post, I just felt like that was a message for me. I was supposed to give him my kidney.”What made Heather decide to do something so selfless?“It was definitely a pretty crazy decision. The only answer I have is it was God. I didn’t even know how kidney donation worked but I knew I was going to do it.”<figure class="image"><img src="https://emfservices.azureedge.net/news/42064.jpg" alt="Woman lying in hospital bed, surrounded by doctors"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Heather Schaefer] Heather shortly after surgery</figcaption></figure>Heather's experience of kidney donation? She says it was about a six-month process and included blood tests, physical exams and then more thorough tests like an MRI, a chest X-ray for blood clots as well as a psychological test.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://emfservices.azureedge.net/news/42067.jpg" alt="Woman with ocean in background, smiling"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Heather Schaefer] Heather Schaefer</figcaption></figure>After finding out they were a perfect match, Heather was especially thrilled to get to know Roy and his family and loved that they had a strong faith.&nbsp;Roy's reaction to his kind kidney donor? Absolute gratitude. The two families feel a strong bond now that they feel will last forever.<figure class="image"><img src="https://emfservices.azureedge.net/news/42065.jpg" alt="man lying in hospital bed with oxygen and monitors"><figcaption>[Photo Credit: Heather Schaefer] Roy McIntosh after surgery</figcaption></figure>“He has such a kind soul and such a strong faith…that meant a lot to me. We are family."<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://soundcloud.com/emf-public-affairs-audio/positive-people-podcast-monika-kelly-with-guest-heather-schaefer?si=994579eebc9846a383d2cc4a16b36965&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing"></oembed></figure>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Positive People