Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | November 23, 2010

Law West of the Pecos

En Route to Big Bend National Park | 22 November 2010

Someone remarked that you know you’re in Texas when you measure distance by hours rather than miles. Today, Cheryl and I drove from Houston to Marathon — a nine-hour marathon of a drive across vast stretches of our beautiful State. We are on our way to Big Bend National Park. Big Bend is a beautiful part of our state tucked away in a big bend delineated to the south by the Rio Grande River. We have always wanted to go there and decided that it would be a great place to spend our anniversary. I first visited this part of Texas in 1972 when I attended the Buffalo Trails Boy Scout Camp in the nearby Davis Mountains. One of the most memorable parts of that journey was stopping at Langtry to visit the Jersey Lilly — the place where the legendary Kentucky-born Judge Roy Bean dispensed justice in the late 1800’s. Roy Bean called himself the “Law West of the Pecos.”

I learned about Judge Roy Bean from my grandfather when I was a kid growing up in the hot South Texas town of Mission. My grandfather was a real estate broker and served on the Mission City Council. One year he was recognized as the oldest city commissioner actively serving in the state of Texas. He also provided notary and translation services to folks in town and leased a part of his office to the local Justice of the Peace. The Justice of the Peace had an old painting of the Jersey Lilly hanging on the wall in his office. The building in the painting had a sign prominently displayed above its entrance: Judge Roy Bean | Justice of the Peace | Law West of the Pecos.

My grandfather shared amusing stories with me about the colorful Judge Roy Bean. It’s hard to separate fact from fiction when it comes to Judge Bean. But there is no question that he was a fascinating character in Texas history. He owned a single law book but rarely referred to it. Instead, he dispensed his own brand of justice. Once, Judge Bean fined a corpse, ironically for the exact amount that the deceased man had in his pocket when he died! But, in the lawless and desolate Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas, Judge Bean was the man for the job. So, when my Boy Scout Troop leader announced that we would be traveling to the Davis Mountains and would visit the Jersey Lilly along the way, I was excited to have the opportunity to see a place I had heard so much about.

Cheryl and I enjoyed our brief stop in Langtry. Later in the evening, we talked about how important it is for parents (and grandparents) to nurture a sense of curiosity in their kids — a sense of curiosity about interesting people and places. In some ways it seems that it’s harder to get kids to look at the real world because so many are absorbed in the virtual world. Revisting the Jersey Lilly brought back a flood of good memories and lots of gratitude for my grandfather who took the time to answer my questions and to tell me stories that captured my imagination and created in me a longing to visit interesting places.

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | November 22, 2010

Finding a Good Thing

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”
Proverbs 18:22

Cheryl and I are celebrating thirty years of marriage today — a significant milestone in our lives. It seems like only yesterday that we met and became friends. That was a good thing because it was our two-year friendship that paved the way for our marriage. It was during that period that we learned that we really liked each other and enjoyed one another’s company. Earlier this week someone asked me where I took Cheryl on our first date. The answer: ring-side seats at the Golden Gloves Championship Fights. I often tell folks that our first date was a knock-out! Eventually, like turned to love and our friendship led to a marriage proposal. There was no question in my mind when I proposed that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Cheryl. So, on November 22 of 1980, Cheryl and I were married at Second Baptist Church in Corpus Christi, Texas.

As I look back over the past thirty years I am thankful that Cheryl and I agreed on some things that we felt would help us to have a healthy marriage. And, thirty years later, I can say with complete confidence that our marriage is healthy because we have honored our agreement. We did not have the benefit of pre-marital counseling classes before we got married. But, we did have enough sense to talk about the things we felt would make our marriage strong. First, we agreed that we would pray together. Second, we agreed that we would never allow the sun to go down on our anger and that we would never turn our bedroom into a battlefield. Third, we agreed that we would never use the word “divorce” as a threat or even in a joking manner. These may not seem like the most profound things in the world, but they have helped us to build a strong and healthy marriage.

Soon after meeting Cheryl I knew that she was the woman God had for me. And, thirty years later, I still feel the same way. In the words of the writer of Proverbs, I found a good thing when I found Cheryl. It’s not easy being the wife of a minister, but Cheryl has made it easier for me to be a minister. She is a bigger-picture person who understands that ministry is messy and does not always fit neatly into a nine to five schedule. She has always encouraged me to passionately love God and to compassionately love and care for others. She has never once complained that I work too hard or travel too much. She has always rejoiced at my reports and stories of lives transformed by Jesus — and she shares in every victory. Whether I leave home to lead a weekend initiative or to travel to some far-off place, she always sends me out with her blessing and the assurance of her full support.

Cheryl has given that same kind of support to our kids over the years. From the day that our first child was born in the same hospital where Cheryl was born and given up for adoption, she has proven to be a devoted mother. She gave up a good job that paid a good salary to be a stay at home mom and found creative ways to stretch dollars so that she could remain a stay at home mom for our three kids. That was not always easy to do on a minister’s salary, but she did it. She made home a fun place for our kids and a secure place for family. And, when our youngest daughter was in high school, Cheryl returned to college to complete her degree and timed it so that she would graduate from college at the same time our daughter graduated from high school. Cheryl worked hard and graduated magna cum laude!

Not many people know that Cheryl learned to fly before we were married. That is just one more thing that she gave up to be a wife and mother — what she considers the best profession in the world. But, in spite of giving up flying, she has always kept her sights set high for our family. Her love for each of us has made our home the kind of place we enjoy. We are by no measure a perfect family, but we deeply love and care for each other. When I am not traveling, I am a homebody. I enjoy being at home with Cheryl. We spend every evening together. We are husband and wife, but we are also best friends who still enjoy one another’s company. Thirty years after I said “I do” I am still in love with Cheryl. I am grateful to God for helping me find a good thing. I love you, Cheryl.

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | November 19, 2010

Kudos to Kingsland Kids

Singles Pastor Brian Stone and daughter Julia

This has been a busy year for our missions ministry. We are on track to end the year with more than 3,500 volunteers having served on local and international initiatives. Our children represent a significant number of those who have served the people of our community. One of the things I enjoy most about our local initiatives is seeing kids serve alongside their parents. Unless parents take the initiative to intentionally involve their kids in serving others and in setting an example of service, their kids are not likely to learn the value of serving others. Serving others is a great antidote to the selfishness and sense of entitlement that infects and affects so many kids. So, kudos to every parent and child who served the people of our community together this year. In addition to all of the other memories that you are making with your kids, thanks for helping your kids to have great memories of serving people in need.

I am grateful for every parent who showed up at our weekly service initiatives with their kids — kids of every age. Making a difference for the kingdom must begin at home. God entrusted parents with the primary responsibility of teaching their children about Him and about His purposes (Ps. 78:1-8). However, we will not make much of a difference for the kingdom of God or in the lives of our kids if we stay at home and never get out and serve the people of our community. If we are not careful, staying at home may actually work against God’s purposes. We must teach our kids that incarnational living is a key component of a Biblical worldview. And, incarnational living is a key component to showing God’s love to a skeptical and needy world.

Last October, I posted a blog entitled Graves of the Living in which I noted this quote from John Piper’s book,“Don’t Waste Your Life” — “No one will ever want to say to the Lord of the universe five minutes after death, I spent every night playing games and watching clean TV with my family because I loved them so much.” Piper continues, “I think the Lord will say, ‘That did not make me look like a treasure in your town. … Even sinners work hard, avoid gross sin, watch TV at night, and do fun stuff on the weekend. What more are you doing than the others?’” Indeed, what more? What makes us distinctive? What kind of example of selfless service that takes us beyond the comforts of home are we setting for our children? Let’s never allow the comforts of home keep us from taking God’s love to those outside of our home.

Thanks again to every parent who got their kids up early on Saturday mornings to spend the day serving people in need. And, thanks to every kid who helped to paint homes, plant flowers, spread mulch, pick up garbage, deliver groceries, help the homeless, sing to the elderly, and so much more. You made a difference in the lives of others. And one day, you will look back and realize that God made a difference in your hearts because you served others in His name. Always remember that when we work our muscles, God builds our hearts. Thank you for serving!

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | November 17, 2010

Wordless Wednesday

Painters | Kurdish Refugee Clinic in Northern Iraq

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | November 15, 2010

Mobilizing Women

Kingsland’s women are making a difference in addressing issues of justice, poverty, and the welfare of women and children at home and abroad. Kingsland member Kara Potts has a passion for getting women involved in Bible study and for mobilizing women to meet needs. Here is a look at how God has led Kara to mobilize women to make a difference.

Kara teaching in Uganda.

OG | When did you first develop an interest in encouraging women to get involved in studying the Bible in small groups?

KP | While attending college I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me to start a Bible study in my apartment. I asked a few friends to join me and we launched into Kay Arthur’s “Lord, Where Are You When Bad Things Happen?” — a study of the book of Habakkuk. Although I was raised in church and active in our youth group, this was my first inductive bible study and I was hooked! Studying God’s Word was a rich experience that drew our small group of friends closer to each other and closer to God.

After graduation, my husband Dave and I moved seven times in the next six years. I missed having Bible study with friends and got involved in a women’s Bible study in Kansas City and loved it! In 2003, after moving again, the Lord prompted me to start a Bible study in my home. I asked seven friends and all of them said yes! Since that time, I have desired to use the gifts and the friendships that God has given me to encourage women to study God’s Word and to join Him where is already working.

OG | How have you personally encouraged women to go beyond the mere study of the Word to the practical application of the Word?

KP | Five years ago I began leading Bible study at Kingsland and through this experience developed many friendships. Through these friendships, God has led me to connect those in need with those willing to serve.

OG | How did you get women willing to help connected with women in need?

KP | I met a woman named Alison in a Bible study. The Lord prompted me to encourage my Bible study group to minister to Allison. We provided groceries, others helped move Allison and her eight children into a new apartment, and my neighbors helped to furnish her apartment. It was an unbelievable Matthew 25:34-40 kind of experience. Through this experience God began to show me how to move from the mere study of His Word to the practical application of His Word. It is here that I found an unspeakable joy!

OG | How did God change your understanding of what He expects of you as a member of the local church?

KP | God patiently taught me that the church must equip believers for the work of ministry and that it is the job of equipped believers to take Jesus to the world. What a revolutionary idea! I can’t rely on Kingsland Baptist Church to reach my lost friends and neighbors. I must ask the Lord to send me and then be faithful when He calls. Bob Pierce, the president of World Vision, made a statement that will never leave me – “Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God”. I asked the Lord to make this the cry of my heart and He has faithfully led me on an adventure that I only hope has just begun.

OG | You have traveled on two of our international teams. How did your trip to Morocco, a restricted country, impact your life?

KP | In Morocco I saw the inequality of opportunities for women and pondered how I could help. How could I use my love of women and my gifts and energy to make a difference for others? I read the book “Half the Sky” and realized that there were issues that resulted in the deaths of thousands of women and children that I did not even know existed! I felt a godly call to action and prayed and waited for the Lord to give direction to my passion.

OG | On our trip to Uganda you had an opportunity to be involved in speaking to a number of small groups around the country. How did this trip impact your life?

KP | This trip of a lifetime opened my eyes to the issues of justice and the need for safe-houses for hurting women and continued support for organizations that serve on the front lines of saving lives. I also saw the need for teaching on the sanctity of life. Teaching this foundational truth to church leaders and seeing understanding flood their tear-filled eyes was incredible! We must be messengers of truth to those who have not heard!

OG | How did God speak to you after visiting the safe-house in Uganda?

KP | I knew I needed to get involved in the fight for justice. I joined Kingsland’s Justice Team and began to meditate on Micah 6. God requires of me to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with my God. I asked God how this might play out in my life and He has been faithful to give me opportunities to live out the message of this verse. I continue to pray for my heart to break with the things that break the heart of God. Dave and I give to Kiva to help women in developing countries start small businesses to change their lives. As I seek the Lord’s guidance to plan upcoming Bible studies I pray that we meet the needs of all women – new Christians in need of discipleship and mature Christians who need prompting to get out and serve!

Potts kids at local project.

OG | As a Mom, what are some practical things you are doing to equip the next generation?

KP | I asked the Lord to give me eyes to see needs in my community and wisdom to know how to meet those needs. An easy way to meet the need of hunger in Katy was to get my kids and my neighborhood involved with Katy Christian Ministries food pantry. We sent out an email to our neighborhood explaining the ministry of the food bank, the need to help the hungry in our community, and what they could do to help. We asked our neighbors to put a bag of non-perishable foods on their porch and my kids and I collected and delivered the bags to KCM. We do this quarterly. And now, other neighbors and taking a turn and letting their kids do the collecting.

OG | What are your hopes for the coming year in regard to reaching out to other women in our community?

KP | I am asking the Lord daily to show me what I need to get involved in and what I need to allow others to do. I need Him to guide me and I need to be faithful when He calls. I don’t look too far in front of me, but so far the ride has been fun-filled and rewarding! Who knows what He has planned next, but I know I want to be part of what He is doing in my small part of the world and abroad.

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | November 14, 2010

Our Backyard Serenade

On Monday, November 22, Cheryl and I will celebrate thirty years of marriage. We have made plans to get away from it all for a few days, just the two of us. And, we are looking forward to it. However, last night, we enjoyed an early anniversary present from our kids — a special evening that culminated in a backyard serenade by Mariachi Los Gallitos, a Houston-based Mexican folkloric band of classically trained performers. This award-winning group has performed all over the country including the Smithsonian’s Festival of American Folklife in Washington, D.C. And, now they can add one more venue to their impressive resume — our humble backyard.

My kids know that I have what is likely to be one of the most eclectic set of iPod playlists on the planet, including a playlist of some of the best Mexican love songs performed by mariachis. There is something soothing about these mushy sentimental love songs that appeals to me. I love the lyrics, the rhythms, the occasional melancholy tones, and the festive energy of these songs. A new generation of listeners affirmed the beauty of these songs when Linda Ronstadt released her album entitled Canciones de mi Padre (Songs of My Father) in 1987. Ronstadt’s album sold over two-million copies and won her a Grammy Award.

Our backyard serenade was a smash hit. Cheryl and I thoroughly enjoyed our very own musical command performance by Mariachi Los Gallitos. These guys are loaded with talent. The love songs they sang to us last night were even sweeter because it was the kindness and thoughtfulness of our kids that had made our special evening a reality. Niki, Jonathan, and Gina plotted together in secret, saved their money to pay for everything, and then planned every detail to ensure that the evening was both enjoyable and memorable. And, it was. Cheryl and I will never forget it. Last night, our kids blessed us. We love you Niki, Jonathan, and Gina. Thanks for the special evening and for our backyard serenade.

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | November 12, 2010

When Things Get Hot

I was looking through some old files today and came across a devotional I wrote in August 1994, originally entitled, “When God Turns Up the Heat.” He often does turn up the heat. The Apostle Paul wrote these encouraging words to the believers at Philippi, “I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6). God uses a variety of tools to do His good work, including heat. Proverbs 17:3 states, “The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests hearts.” Here are some of my reflections on Proverbs 17:3 that I wrote in 1994.

Heat is indispensable to the smith that works with silver or gold. Intense heat is used to emancipate things of value encased in prisons of ores. Heat loosens the tight grip of rubbish on what is of value and separates what is priceless from what is worthless. The smith turns up the heat in order to begin the process of purifying silver or gold.

Liked a skilled silversmith or goldsmith, God is committed to loosening the grip of rubbish on what is of value in our lives. The Apostle Paul said that God works in the lives of His followers to conform them into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). In order to do such a great work in our lives, God must turn up the heat. He must put our hearts into the crucible, turn up the heat, patiently wait for the rubbish to come to the surface, skillfully skim off the dross, and then repeat the process as necessary.

We should keep at least three things in mind when things begin to get a little hot in our lives.

First, when God turns up the heat there is pain. It’s not easy being tested by God, but it is necessary in order for us to be conformed into the image of His Son. He is acquainted with the rubbish that hides the silver and the garbage that entraps the gold. And so, He must turn up the heat in order to remove the rubbish and release the riches. But, don’t panic. God knows how to regulate the temperature through life’s daily experiences and encounters with others. He knows exactly how much heat is required to release Christ-like characteristics from our hearts.

Second, when God turns up the heat there is a purpose. We shouldn’t get down when the heat is up because it’s an indication that God is up to something. God always works purposefully. He knows exactly what He is doing. In fact, we should probably be concerned when life gets a little too cool and comfortable.

Third, when God turns up the heat there is a plan. Proverbs 25:4 states, “Remove the dross from the silver, and out comes material for the silversmith” (NIV). The lesson is clear: without the removal of the dross from the silver, the smith has no material with which to work. And in order to remove the dross the smith must turn up the heat. When God turns up the heat, we can rest assured that He has a bigger picture in mind. He knows exactly what to do with the worthless stuff that floats to the surface and the priceless material that remains. He knows how to dispose of the dross, shape the silver and gold, and make something beautiful of our lives. So, keep your cool the next time things get a little hot in your life. God is up to something good.

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | November 10, 2010

Wordless Wednesday

I am launching a new feature today entitled Wordless Wednesday. This is not an original idea but instead one that I gleaned from a favorite blog. On selected Wednesdays I will post a single photo from among the thousands I have taken on my travels. No commentary — just a photo. I hope you enjoy.

Kids on St. Martin’s Island | 2007 | Bay of Bengal

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | November 9, 2010

A Passion for Life

Kingsland member Mary Whittington has a passion for life — for speaking on behalf of the preborn at risk of being aborted. God has used Mary to promote the sanctity of human life both at home and abroad. Here is a brief interview with Mary about how God stirred her heart for life and has used her to speak on behalf of those who have no voice.

OG | Mary, when did God first stir your heart about the plight of the unborn at risk of being aborted?

MW | Thirty years ago God began stirring in me to see the unborn and women who have been affected or at risk for abortion the way He sees them. He shared the heartbreak of the reality of what an abortion at any stage is and what it does to the unborn.

OG | How did that stirring in your heart find expression in our own community?

MW | In 1980 I volunteered with Birthright after reading about their work in a church bulletin. They needed volunteers. Then, about 13 years ago, I was asked to serve on the board of the Pregnancy Help Center in Katy and was privileged to see it grow. We purchased land for a building and I served on staff during this time and actually got to be a part of seeing the building being completed. I served at the Pregnancy Help Center for 5 years.

OG | God used you to speak to my heart about the issues of abortion when I first arrived at Kingsland five years ago. You introduced me to Kurt Dillinger, the President of Life International, a ministry whose mission field is the one created by abortion. How have you been involved in helping our church to address the problem of abortion among the nations?

Mary teaching in Cambodia.

MW | I don’t think either of us knew what God had in store for our church or for each of us. He was really extending the invitation and opportunity to join Him in life-giving work and you and Pastor Alex said “yes” for all of us. Since 2006, I have been privileged to be a part of our church’s pursuit of God’s heart for the unborn and for women at risk. Kingsland has responded to the opportunity to support life-giving ministries wherever abortion is provided worldwide.

We have been privileged to build relationships with Christ-followers on the forefront of rescuing women and the unborn in Uganda and Cambodia. We have brought a biblical view of life to the church in these countries to help empower and encourage them in their work. A huge highlight for me was the opportunity to travel with other women and men from Kingsland who left home, kids, jobs, and commitments to enter the mission field for life.

We have introduced life in the womb to people who have never “seen” it or had full knowledge of what fetal development is or even looks like.
We have also offered a time of healing and restoration for any involvement they personally may have had in abortion so they can then move into life-giving ministry free from any sin, wounding, or effects of abortion. It was a privilege for me to pray with two women in Cambodia who confessed that they had had several abortions. It was a blessing for me to offer them encouragement and the hope of healing that comes through Jesus Christ.

OG | How has God been speaking to you about the issue of life in recent years?

MW | God has, in recent years, given me a clear picture that this is a spiritual battle that has raged since the beginning of time against the most innocent of His creation. The enemy doesn’t rest. He demands a mockery of God’s creation and sovereignty because we are told in Scripture that we are made in His Image.

God has given me a real love for the women I have encountered who have been affected by abortion. These women, as well as their aborted babies, are the victims of John 10:10 – “The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy.” But our focus in action is the rest of John 10:10 – to offer life abundantly through Jesus Christ.

OG | What have you seen God do among the nations in regard to the sanctity of human life?

MW | We have reports of numbers of women and men coming to Christ through the pregnancy help center that we helped to start in Uganda in cooperation with Life International. Hundreds of babies have been saved because women have a place to go to hear and receive truth and to choose life.

More recently in Cambodia, the week after our church leadership conference last month, we received word that two attendees shared what they had learned about the sanctity of human life with women who were considering abortion. As a result, these abortion-minded women chose life for their babies. Another church leader called and wanted to talk about her past abortions and needed help with restoration and healing. Over and over during our training sessions, the people said they were anxious to share what they had learned about the sanctity of human life. They believed that God was going to spread these truths about life through Cambodia, a nation steeped in death. It is humbling to be a part of what God is doing and will do and to witness the commitment to life on the part of Christ-followers around the world.

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | November 5, 2010

The Value of a Guide

I had the opportunity to do something fun today with my friend Holloway Sinclair and two of his five sons, Paul and David. Earlier this week, Holloway invited me to join him and his sons on a guided fishing trip to Matagorda Bay. It’s not often that I can find the discretionary time to accept such a nice invitation. But, this week things worked out for me to accept Holloway’s invitation. And, I’m glad I did. We headed to Matagorda at five o’clock this morning to meet Captain Keith Phillips of Red Fish Matagorda. Keith is an experienced guide and outfitter who guarantees that you will catch fish. And today, we caught fish — lots of fish. In fact, we caught our limit of red fish in a little more than an hour and then spent the rest of the morning catching and releasing everything else we caught. We had a blast and a great time of fellowship together!

I enjoyed the opportunity to meet Keith. I was intrigued by the boldness of his “no fish, no pay” guarantee until I watched him in action. He knows his stuff and he knows Matagorda Bay. He scanned the environment like a doctor scans an x-ray and led us with surgical precision to the perfect fishing spot. He knew exactly what kind of bait we needed and where to cast our lines. He watched every twitch of our fishing rods and often alerted us to get ready for a strike. He was right every time. Today’s fishing experience was enjoyable because we were led by an expert guide. There is no way we could have navigated Matagorda Bay or caught as many fish without the help of someone like Keith.

I was reminded today of the valuable service that guides provide. They are the unsung heroes of adventure and travel. I have been out of the country thirteen times in the past twelve months. Every time I arrive at an international destination I depend on the services of a local guide — someone who knows the lay of the land, who can help me to accomplish my objectives, and who can keep me safe. I have also learned over the years that my travel is enriched when I meet the right guide. Once while visiting Machu Picchu, the breath-taking World Heritage site in the Andes Mountains, I met a man who had been a caretaker there for more than thirty-years. After I had taken the official tour of the site, this gentleman gave me and a friend a look at the nooks and crannies that most tourist don’t get to see. His knowledge of the site made my experience at Machu Picchu more meaningful.

I was also reminded today of the valuable services that guides provided to the Apostle Paul on his missionary journeys. On Paul’s second missionary journey, his life was threatened at Thessalonica and then at Berea. So, the folks at Berea arranged for Paul to be escorted to Athens. Acts 17:15 records, “Those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving instructions for Silas and Timothy to come to him as quickly as possible, they departed.” When Paul’s life was in danger, some unnamed individuals guided him from Berea to Athens. These guides knew the best route to safety for the Apostle Paul. They performed a valuable service that enabled Paul to continue preaching the gospel and planting churches throughout the Mediterranean world. These selfless individuals got caught for a few seconds in the spotlight of Scripture but their names do not appear in the program. They are among the unnamed and unsung heroes of the Bible.

I had a great time with Holloway, Paul, and David today. Our time together was enriched and made more enjoyable because of the services of our guide, Captain Keith Phillips. And, I am grateful to Keith and to all of the guides who have helped me to live adventurously over the years.

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