The Life Changer

Ready, set, go!

The feeling that bounced inside of me as I boarded the plane to Managua, Nicaragua, to go on my very first Missions Trip.
I probably would be lying if I said that I came with no expectations, but I had tons of them! I initially expected a poor country with a lot of greens everywhere, which was the case. I expected a country that was filled with people in poverty who were to be covered in dirty clothes, which was also the case. I expected a dangerous country, which really was a skewed thought. I fell in love with the people of Nicaragua, to the extent of me wanting to stay there an extra month or two! I knew that, this country would change my views about the world, in which it definitely did, but, I gained the knowledge and experiences that other people would probably never take the time nor day to gain.

I built a strong relationship with the children there, to the extent of me actually wanting to sponsor a few of them, which I would have, had they been on the list. But the children there has definitely warmed my heart and they really made me realize that you really do not need things to be happy!

Throughout the week, our team have made there regular visits to the hospital, to see people with cancer, burned victims and other sick and inured children. It was beyond amazing to see our crew engaging in conversations and prayer with complete strangers.

I enjoyed my journey there, with all the scenery, animals, children and the people, I really find that it is I, who is actually lacking things.

It has been a few weeks now since Nicaragua and all that I can say is that, every single minute of my life...I tend to miss everything. I honestly feel as though I have not stayed long enough to get the complete satisfaction that I am craving.

I will take this knowledge of mine and carry it with me forever...whether I go to other countries or if I remain here in the United States, I know that everyday is a missions field the moment that I walk out the door.

I have interviewed so many missionaries with such a big beautiful heart, that it comes off strange to me that it is now my turn to give my thoughts about Nicaragua.

Everyday Jesus is developing me to become who he wants me to be... I know this, because I see the radical changes within my life. I cannot say this strongly enough...let yourself go and let him just take over! All of my worries, all of my old thoughts and opinions have definitely changed as I allow Jesus to run my life for me. All I can say is... let yourself go and don't be afraid to try radical things!

First Baptist Church Christmas Pageant

The Christmas Pageant
Jack Hilton

Whether it involves coming down from the height of 50 feet or doing extreme flips, First Baptist will amaze everyone with another year of its Annual Christmas Pageant.

Around 1,000 to 1,400 volunteers make up the cast and crew, who will perform a total of 19 shows for 46,000 audience members from all over the country, beginning on December third 2010.

They aim to entertain the audiences with many elegant dances during the first act. The second act tells the life story of Jesus, from birth to his crucifixion and later resurrection.

The church does a free performance for the homeless, the disabled and victims of domestic abuse, opens their dress rehearsals to the hearing impaired.

“We try to use the Christmas holiday as an opportunity to express the true meaning of Christianity with the birth of Christ,” said Jeff Crevier, Creative Director.

The pageant has been recognized in numerous places by the media, such as Good Morning America, Channel 10 News, the Sun Sentinel and more. They are especially recognized for their use of live animals, ranging from goats and sheep to donkeys, horses and camels.

“For more than a quarter-century, First Baptist Church has ushered in Christmas on a grand scale with a pageant that has become a holiday season landmark in Fort Lauderdale,” said James D. Davis, Features writer and Religion Editor of Sun Sentinel.

The pageant is also known for presenting many famous dances such as the Waltz, Salsa and Swing combined with a variety of famous Christmas songs. The songs are sung by the volunteers, which includes the choir, members and other singers.

The costumes are also known to be exotic in both acts, ranging from neon green puffy dresses to ancient Hebrew and Roman clothes, which are all made by professional designers. The clothes are made with various materials that apply to each character.

The pageant has flying systems that allow performers dressed as angels to fly over audiences and even lift Jesus into the air.

“I love how wacky the pageant is and how it can get so crazy,” said Johnny Jones, a student and volunteer of the pageant. “We do things in ways different than any other church such as making our own snow.”

Scheduled performances for the show ran at Dec. 3-5 at 2 pm and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 8- 12 at 7: 30 pm and 2 p.m.; and Dec. 15- 19 at 2 pm and 7:30 p.m.

The pageant successfully attracts the attention of thousands of people with its creative features. The fireworks, convincing snow, live animals, cast members and wild costumes are exciting audience members who cannot wait to see this extraordinary show for the twenty seventh year.

This year at pageant a woman's life was changed around completely from planning at first to take her own life to accepting Christ.

This particular woman name was Candy, Candy lost everything, her house, her job and her husband, with depression Candy began to feel as though suicide was her last and true option to end the pain, until a friend of hers invited her to come see the Pageant.

Candy's life was changed completely around, she gave her number to the Pastor and from there is started her new life as a new follower of Jesus, her new life.

Though there were not anymore specific stories like Candy's that was mentioned, there were thousands of people that came to see the show this year, in the crowd, though not spoken out loud, there are many more like Candy, whose life was changed after seeing the story of Jesus Christ.

Everybody Has a Story

Everybody has a story
Jack Hilton

A woman with several degrees and skills and a teacher at South Plantation High School, Alison Smith has a story that she would love to share.

Growing up on Long Island, New York, Smith attended 4 years of school at State University of New York at Oswego where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in both Political Science and Criminology. She earned her Master of Social Work from Barry University.

Smith used to partake in working at Covenant homeless shelters and health clinics where she spent her time helping with humanitarian work.

“The reason why I received my Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice was because at the time I was interested in going into the field of prison reform,” said Smith.

Smith taught at a Broward County Jail for adult male offenders 18 to 30 years of age. She taught them for their GED, believing that there is only one difference between teaching criminals and typical students and that is that individuals in the jail system often have huge problems that they are facing, such as the prospect of life in prison, so they cannot always remain focused. Otherwise teaching is about forming relationships and creating motivation no matter the population that you teach.

“I began working in the jail because I saw it as an opportunity to help people at the lowest point in their lives. Without education people have no opportunity and without opportunity individuals often commit crimes because they do not have many other options,” said Smith.

After working at the jail, Smith came to this school seven years ago as the GED teacher and then taught World History before teaching American Government.

Though Smith taught World history and helped students get their GED, Smith have always had the love for American government since she was young.

“I know this sounds weird, but I honestly just love American Government and Economics, it is very interesting to me and it still enables me to help people” said smith.

Smith grew up in a family where her father was active in local and state politics, which truly built the love for American Government and a love for politics.

“I love politics, I love watching the candidates and everybody involved handling themselves the best way that they can. Whether it is making themselves look good or making their opponent look bad, it all reminds me of a soap opera,” said Smith.

Smith though loves situations where people have to handle themselves, did not enjoy the experience of her high school years.

“I think because I was so shy and quiet in high school that I am able to understand that high school can be a very difficult experience for many people. I couldn't wait for college, which was the best and most fun years that I have ever had,” said Smith.

In college Smith was involved with the cross-country skiing team and in ice skating which she enjoyed greatly.

“Cross country skiing was a natural evolution. I liked to ski and just walking to class in 4 feet of snow was a cross country skiing experience,” said Smith

With the many loves that she has, Smith has a strong love for cooking and baking. With a love to eat, cooking was a creative experience that Smith describes to be relaxing.

“Not only did I just love to eat, but just working in the kitchen is fun for me and you really just could experience many different cultures,” said Smith.

During her free time, such as the summer vacations, Smith loves to visit her children and spends a lot of time with them.

“I see my children as often as I can. My son is in the US Navy and spends his time on a nuclear submarine or on a base in Georgia. My daughter attends college in Orlando and works at Disney world. Yes, I get in free!” said Smith.

Smith is a woman with many passions and a love for people, with goals to bring people to find their resources to get their lives together, Smith will continue to be involved with the lives of mankind.

It's Called Heart.

It's been over a year now since my uncle Arturo died, and personally I think that it is time that I write all about him.......share who he was in my life and how he impacted me greatly!

My uncle Arturo was a very interesting man haha, for numerous of reasons. He was a man with style, skill and passion. My uncle put a lot into what he did and never gave up on himself no matter what, he was always active in his work as a boxer.

But I am not going to talk about his boxing career, I will be introducing things about him that only family members and friends who knew him and just personal experiences.

Back to style, that man put a lot into fashion and his looks! Every time that I had the chance to see him he was always in something color coded, European, club looking or just charming, the man knew how to dress!

It wasn't just clothes that made him so different but his laugh, OH! MAN! that dorky little laugh of his but, that laugh kept us all laughing that is for sure!

My uncle always smiled, he was always loving and giving, whether you wanted it or not, he was there and always have been.

Now to me, who was he? He was a role model of how to be an encourager, he was a great example of how a family member should love! He always wanted to be with his family and have a good time, spend time with is nephews and nieces, spend time with everyone.

He was just so encouraging, especially when I first told him that I wanted to be an actor, he was ready to hook me up with everybody, he told me that I'd be good at it and to go for it and I will get it and to never give up!

Until...until I told him that I no longer wanted to be an actor anymore, which made him frown but that was when I told him that I wanted to be a reporter which brought a smile and with his little rasping voice he said " You'd be really good at that!"

It's so hard to write this, especially knowing that I will not be getting the surprise visits from him on Christmas, Easter or any random showings that he liked to do.....

It was so sad to receive his shoes and accept them because it confirmed everything to me, that I will never be seeing him again...

His death has really put me through an on and off depression, that seems to have control on me as a person. I honestly feel as though I have gotten meaner but closer to God, I feel as though it has yes increased my testimony but made me stronger as a person but it made have a whatever attitude....which isn't always good.

My uncle truly showed me the meaning of encouraging and love.....friendship...which brings me to my next point.

I feel as though many of us as people get so wrapped up in everything that we are doing and forget about our own love ones and friends. We put other people before the people that matter, we are meaner, disrespectful, sarcastic.....not encouraging...

My question is, how are we winning others if we can't even be in the smiling zone with other believers?

How can we win others, if we have such a worldly attitude?

We're all guilty of it but...we have to change that...and better ourselves.

I brought it up to a few friends and they have also agreed with me too. I was standing at rehearsals one day and I was just staring at everybody as I was dancing by myself [partner wasn't there] but I realized that half of those people that I call "FRIENDS" won't even be in my life in the future, probably won't even stay in contact... it's sad but true.....which is also bad.....If we can forget about each other....What about those who needs an example or a friend in general?

Maybe it's just me, or maybe God has opened my eyes to share this.....It's an encouragement out of love to let go of your grudges, your clicks and your types....fill yourself with love for family, friends and for strangers.....

With heart you can achieve everything, I know this because of my uncle.

"It's not thunder you hear, it's heart"- Arturo Gatti.

Oh the places you'll go.....

The places you'll, we all think about this at some point or another whether it is where we are heading or were we just landed.

Priorities. We all have them we all need them whether we like it or not. I have learned a great deal of things and was astonished when I realized that I am juggling everything in my life, trying to maintain a balance with everything.

But how? How can we excel on one thing when we have other things that needs attention too? How can we focus on one thing when we have the other things screaming at us in hopes to get our attention?

God.

Do I need to say anything more? We seem to put so much of our personal things in front of him and procrastinate on our quiet times.

Priorities. Are we making God our number one priority when we are juggling ten other things? How can we excel in our relationship with Jesus if we give no time for him what so ever? When we put other things before him? When we truly forget everything he has done for us whether it's having his skin shredded off his back from whips and other metal torture devices.

But worst of all when he hung there nailed, nailed to a cross, blood dripping down his face from the bloody thorns that laid upon his head.

We forget everything he has done for us, every single one of us, we can't deny this because we are all humans, we get distracted from worldly things, we are so in-tuned with the world that we are not in-tuned with the word.

Can you stand at a party of nonbelievers that are partying and living the sinning life, with your bible and not be tempted, can you reach them? Will you even try?

There is a person sitting all alone, crying, crying for a friend, crying for somebody to speak to them. Funny thing is, they don't even know that they are crying. You thought that you were the friend that they wanted but, no.

Their one and only true friend is Jesus.

They Want,
They need,
They are lost without,
Jesus.

Allow God to use you to unite them with their lost friend.

Why?

Think about how you would feel without Jesus? Think about how lost you were and how alone you were?

Think about the beautiful gift that Jesus offers, why wouldn't you want to share that gift?! I mean it is the best FREE gift that we could all truly have?! This gift, it's enough for everybody to have!

So get out of your comfort zone, leave your friends, ditch the tables and find somebody else who needs you there next to them.

And Introduce them to JESUS.

We'll all go places, but the question is, how far you'll go without Jesus....no... how about, how far WILL YOU GO for Jesus?!

Find your path, find your passion and Listen to what God has in store for you, converse with Jesus and live your life according to him and not by yourself, because ask yourself something...

How well were YOU doing listening to YOURSELF?

Yeah didn't think so.....

Operation Gabriela, the fight against Cancer! help support!

FLEA MARKET

Come support our cause for a family member that has cancer.

Her name is GABRIELA , she is a single mother
and has three daughters.
She just began her CHEMOTHERAPY.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 16 AND SUNDAY 17th ALL DAY

SWAP SHOP FLEA MARKET -

3291 W Sunrise Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311

Look for our flag : SKY BLUE with the cancer logo white

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP
DONATIONS ARE WELCOME

COME AND SUPPORT OUR CAUSE PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Electronics, clothes, shoes, purses, households, tools, toys, etc , etc, etc

please come and buy something or make a donation!!!



* Location: broward county

My new friend John!

Today I have met a man named John, coming back to church with my food from Einsteins Bagel.

It was a nice day, sun was blazing, breeze was rolling and I had my Eggs and cheese bagel with my orange juice. Heading over back to church with Kelsey I saw a homeless man walking our way. I placed my food on the side of my leg because I felt bad knowing that he did not have any.

I stopped him as he slightly passed me and abruptly asked " WANT ME TO BUY YOU SOME FOOD?!" with a smile the man shook his head and responded " That would be very nice."

Leading the man to Einsteins, I asked him whether or not this place was fine which he agreed that it indeed was. I asked the man what would he like and what drink he would want he smiled politely and told me anything, but for the drink something other than water that has taste.

I made my order and asked the man what his name was, his name was John. I asked John, if he ever attended church, he nodded and said of course, he actually told me he went to my church three times, it was different than the church he was use going too.

I ask John if he knew Jesus, with a smile and a nod he told me of course. I said some words of encouragement to him as I introduced him to a few people as my friend.

After we got our order he chose to sit indoors at a table in the back, which only had one chair. I asked John if I could pray with him before I head off back to church.

Allowing me to pray with him, I prayed that God would use him, keep his spirit up and lead John to do good in his life and to look past the troubles and seek a higher goal in life.

After shaking hands one last time, I left John to enjoy his lunch as a smile came upon my face, feeling complete.

The learning lesson is, I hid my food and I could of been selfish, but God humbled me to asked John if he wanted some food. If we all looked past our own selfish wants, we will feel a lot more complete and filled with pleasure.

Do on to others as you would want done to you.

God Bless you all and be good!

-Jack