The Christian Press

The Life Changer

2011-08-01T16:39:00.001-07:00

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

2011-01-04T20:06:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-04T20:05:00.000-08:00

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.

2010-11-19T21:32:00.000-08:00

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.....

2010-10-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-10-06T18:39:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-10-03T12:40:00.000-07:00

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

Operation Ryan: CASE Re-Opened [But Mission still stands]

2010-08-13T20:04:00.000-07:00

Ok this is just a short entry stating the SUCCESS OF OPERATION RYAN!!!!

Though we really didn't do anything haha I had a few people ready to pay, showing that in a time of need, We have a great amazing FAMILY!

But God has answered our prayers and Ryan's aunt was generous enough to pay the fee but doubled!

I just want to thank those that really did want to help, I'm just truly blessed...It's amazing guys...It's so inspirational! BUT We should continue to gather as much money as we can to give to Ryan still to help in through college, it's not cheap either way!

Ok We have a new mission Raise up at least $100.00! THAT'S EASY WE CAN DO IT!!!!

KEEP IT UP!!!

Love Jack!

Operation Ryan: The extra mile to help a friend.

2010-08-12T20:08:00.000-07:00

We all have a dream, a plan, a future right? We all plan to go to college on time with determination...but what if you couldn't because of money? or because of a bad situation?

Ryan Patterson, a friend, a brother to us within Christ has faced this problem... Now we watched Ryan work hard through the years to finish High School and we can proudly say GREAT JOB RYAN YOU REALLY DID IT!!!! but what's next?

As we all know Ryan does have some trouble at home, whether it's family problems or financial, it has prevented Ryan to have the ability to go to college this year...

Opening night has a required $200.00 fee which basically acted as an admission obstacle, where no $200.00 equals no college.

We all save up money for some things that aren't very necessary and some that are, such as; A video game which is about $60.00, A system which is almost $300.00, camp which goes past $300.00, Missions trip which goes from $800.00 to thousands!

Don't get me wrong AT ALL! some of those things are amazing!!! I mean a video game can't go wrong there! [ Kidding. ] but how can we help others out of the country, to total strangers, but not help somebody who we practically grew to love as a sibling?!

After tonight, which was the last PPPP [ Pool, Prayer, Praise and POW WOW ] after my conversation, God spoke to me as Ryan explained to me the possibility of him not being able to go to college, God just made me say out loud " You know Ryan, I get the feeling that you will be going" and truly I don't doubt that because with the family that we have I know we would go the extra mile to help a brother out.

Trust me when I say this! I am the last person that likes requesting money from people, I always refuse peoples' offer when they request to pay for me...so it's hard for me.....but than again it's not because it's a motive from God from what I believe....to help a friend, to be able to dream big as well!

Guys I am not asking for much at all if we all pitch in with anything; $3, $5, $10, $20 and so on it's possible!!! trust me! Guys no offense but If we are able to go out and buy items worth $27 as it is for things like Haiti [ which IS AMAZING DON'T GET ME WRONG AT ALL, I DID AS WELL ] we can definitely help with any pocket change that we have!

BUT THERE IS A CATCH!!! WE ARE ON A SHORT TIME LIMIT!!! WE HAVE UNTIL NEXT WEEK TO HAVE THIS DONE!!! TRULY UNTIL THE 22nd of AUGUST!!!! GUYS, LETS DO THIS MISSION THAT'S NOT IMPOSSIBLE!!!

Jack-Dailyjack@hotmail.com
You have my cellphone, if you don't EMAIL me and I'll give you it!
you have Ryan's!
LET'S DO THIS!!!

Should I stay or should I go?!

2010-08-07T14:14:00.000-07:00

"Should I stay or Should I go?," said Jackie as he got done with work yesterday night and was walking with his co-worker.

Confused? I would be too, let me explain what happened yesterday night, after work on Friday.

I was cleaning up, getting ready to go home, when my boss came in frustrated from the activity that had gone on outside involving a family.

The family supposedly were yelling hysterically at their little girl for crying, after the little girl had fell and hurt herself.

Coming outside to a bunch of kids waiting at 11:00 at night in a parking lot, waiting for the parents to get done with whatever they were doing, I felt the urge, no I felt the need, still no... I felt God tugging me to approach them, with hesitation I procrastinated, tried to think of what to say! I even called David Arbogast for advice.

I prayed to God, I moved my brother's car closer to them, and began walking out while texting my brother asking if he wanted pizza, that's where one of them said hi to me and I took the opportunity to talk to them.

Most of the time they giggled, which kind of made things even more awkward but I asked them if they were waiting and they said yes. I asked many questions, after things seemed to be even more awkward, I told them that I'm going to buy pizza and offered them one as they waited which they refused. I left to buy a pizza for my family, in hope that they would change their minds, but they left into the truck, leaving me with a weird unaccomplished feeling.

After leaving I called David up sharing the news on what happened after I approached them, and he told me, perhaps it was a test from God to see if you would do what he asked you to do.

Leaving that as it is, I accepted that as a possibility and learned a lot from this experience.

Whether it makes you feel dumb or not, take that "Leap of Faith" and go for it, chances are even if you do look dumb, you most likely won't be seeing them again....and just say if you didn't, you could have left somebody who needed your help at that moment... Always trust in God and keep in mind that he knows what he is doing.

30 days= Mission

2010-07-25T19:43:00.000-07:00

So, for 30 days I will be off the computer, off of facebook, off from anything that would make me fall short to God.

Why? well I am breaking a habit, I am changing my life style.....instead of going on the computer and wasting my life and time away I could be doing productive things......like reading my bible more, studying, helping out, and going out.

Why 30 days? well from what I have been told and read it takes 30 days to bring in new habits, basically to reprogram your brain.

"to create new habits, your brain has to create new neurological pathways. and to do so you must repeat a new way of acting or thinking in a certain amount of time before the pathway is created, and it feels natural to do or think in the new way."

With such mission, I will hopefully be more advance with school work, studying, etc.

No more procrastination it happens now!

Wish my luck and pray for me, it's going to be a tough ride haha especially when it's somebody who is always on the computer like me! I'll definitely need prayers and encouragements!

Every time that I do slip [ Fail ] I will start the whole process over again and try even harder, I will record everything down and fill you all in!

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!! and GOD BLESS YOU!

Hugs,
Jack!

When things just go BOOM!

2010-07-22T22:41:00.000-07:00

Every day as we try to grow more with Christ, we are super on fire.....we go BOOM! and fall short once more....but we have to get up, cry for a second and brush your knees and begin running once more!

When things go BOOM! for you and you're left wondering why, why me?! just know that there is somebody out, far across the world or perhaps even next door who is struggling more with a situation but yet is thanking God for every breath that they get to breath.

BOOM! it's just not fair....we all get this feeling of feeling like a outcast, feeling alone and exiled but, truly you're not.....you have just woken up with an unclear vision not recognizing the LOVE that is all around you waiting for your vision to see them!

What do I do when a BOOM! happens......well you say OH BOOM!!!!! and BOOM! THE WORLD with your greatness and continue to shine!!!!

When a BOOM! happens, it's not the end of the world, many opportunities will arise, and you will have the chance that you have been waiting for all day in that dreadfully long line...... but Remember no matter how big the BOOM! is it can't stop Christ from loving you!

Jesus cures BOOM! but you have to say BOOM! TO BOOM! and let BOOM! go.......and walk side by side with the man who laughs at how tiny the word boom is.....

BOOM! never has you if you have Jesus!

Collision

2010-07-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

When you think you're in control it all comes crashing back at you in the end. Today I was involved in a really bad car accident more so for the other guy than for myself. Getting out of the car I made sure that Ryan was OK and than made sure to check up on the guy. It was a strange accident, Ryan and I were so sure that the light was green but I guess seeing the other light confused us. I made my right as two headlights came coming towards us. God really kept us safe, and I pray that the man is OK, he was the number one concern of mine.

My advice to you all new drivers and young drivers is stay off the road if you don't have to be, car pool more often. The more you are the road, the more likely you have to get involved with an accident.

Second advice is be as positive and truthful as possible, I had really nice officers assisting us, at first I thought I was right, I was sure I was right. After watching all the lights switch through I knew where I made my mistake.

Confession, if you know you are wrong confess and don't be so hard about it in making yourself seem right when you're not.

"Its more important to listen to god the god listen to us." - David Arbogast.

Just pray for the man and everyone that was involved in the accident, I am trying to find out If I can get the man's number to speak and apologize to him.

As Scary as everything is, there's always a learning lesson and truth behind everything. Perhaps this was just baby steps for me so I could have avoided something even more dangerous further along, because earlier I had my engine over heat on me, so I ignored that sign slightly, and perhaps I needed a bigger sign to prevent something inevitable.

Your Passion!

2010-06-29T21:13:00.000-07:00

Everyone has a passion or something they love to do, whether it's being a reporter,singer,actor,football player, a dancer, etc., everybody wants to do something.

What happens when you don't know? Well everybody KNOWS, you just don't recognize it quite yet. I believe that the sky is your limits and you can do anything if you have the heart for it!

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

We have the capability to do what ever we want and can, because God has Blessed us, and with God we can do what ever in his glory!

My advice for you is get out of your house and discover your passion and look for that something you want to do and live your life gratifying God with your passion, your gift!

"Want a bible?"

2010-06-17T23:08:00.000-07:00

Ever had a time where you've been scared out of you're mind at 2:00 A.M? Ever gave a homeless veteran a ride through the hood to a rented room for two nights for $25? Neither have I until tonight.

Tonight....tonight is when God put me through one of his finest test, Scary and honoring. Tonight it started or shall I say ended, with me dropping all my friends home after a little get together, at another friends house, after a bigger get together.

Tonight as I was filling my gas up at Race Track, I was approached by a man who was a former veteran who went by the name "Alfred." Now Alfred started to explain his situation, politics etc. I told Alfred that I was not going to give him money nor allow him in my car but I will be more than happy to buy him food.

After a few exchanges of words and how he wanted real food that will fill him up, Alfred explains to me about a woman who allows people to stay in a room for $25 for two days but it's in the hood and he lacked any money, and I was more than happy to buy him a room to sleep in and bathe in.

After a question on whats the plan, God directed me through everything as I opened my back door as he allowed me to drive him down the road to his destination.

Introducing him to my buddy Scott, We entered the true meaning of the "Ghetto" where people hollered at me. Alfred told me to drive and not stop for anybody and explained the danger of this place. I drove a few places as I began talking to him about God, where he gladly listened and asked questions that he didn't understand.

As I parked on the side of a liquor store, where I gave him my bible and began praying with him, but was interrupted by man on his bike who tried looking through my car. I lowered the window slightly to see what he needed.

"Yes? Do you need something?," I asked,questioning his motives. The man gave my a disgusted look and asked me if I was straight [which means do you have a problem?].

" I'm giving him a bible, do you want a bible?," I eagerly asked the man who quickly nodded his head sarcastically and responded "YUH YUH." Popping the bible out of the window where the man rejected the bible and drove off with his bike.

After a few more conversations, I quickly drove around the neighborhood and stopped by the house he was going to enter and drove off where Scott and I began praying for the man and that the bible that directed me will hopefully do the same thing for Alfred.

Many of you would question my actions tonight but I did this all out of love. If I can claim to want to help and impact the world, be a reporter for CBN [Christian Broadcasting Network] and help everybody I have to start with action and not just words. A very wise friend of mine always tells me that you don't need a degree to do the things you love.

Jesus two main commandments where to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment and the second is "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" [Matthew 22:37-40]

Honestly as scared as I was, I was truly honored and blessed. God really put me to the test, giving me the strength, knowledge and words for tonight. I always wanted to help people, save the world and God really through me under the bus to see how I will manage.

"So you want to help people do ya?," Said God as he mischievously put me in one of the best intimidating situation. I think we should all be inviting to ever act of kindness that we can do, granted mine was really dangerous but there are so many other things that we can do. I think when God is calling you to do something, don't ignore it, just do it!

-Jack

[ To my new friend Alfred, I pray that you find salvation and that you live the rest of you're life passing on the love. I didn't help you, you helped me and God helped you find me! ]

P.S!!! SHARE SOME Of YOU'RE SITUATIONS WHERE GOD TESTED YOU!!!

Dude, Just let it go!!!

2010-06-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

Ever been in an argument with a brother, sister, parent or friend? Ever just held it in even though you just want it to clear up? Is the thing from the past that bothered you,is just stuck with you.

Today I was engaged with an immature conversation with the brother, how it started was plain stupid, began stupid and ended stupid. As a christian it hurts a lot to know that you're engaged into a fight with your own sibling, speaking that Jesus's number one law was to love our neighbor as we love ourselves and to love our brother.

When engaged with a stupid fight, you really think, "How can I be living for Christ when I'm fighting with my own flesh and blood....?" But I think what we should all do is take a breather and relax.

I think after you cool down go appologize but only after you relax, because what good is it if you're still a ticking bomb?

As I am writing this, all my tention is going away and I am continueing to seek that higher goal, because all I want to do with my life is to live for God and live perfect or at least strive for it.

As I close this post off, I want to let you know that I am going to hug my brother and say I love him, but not before I ask this question to you. Who in your life are you holding something against or currently mad at? Truly think if something were to happen would you want to carry the thought what if? or the guilt of never reconciling, would you want to carry that? I think after you read this, you should go smile and hug the person you are mad at and forgive and forget!

God Bless!!!

-Jack

Will The Real Jesus Freak Please Stand Up?!

2010-06-04T21:23:00.000-07:00

Every day you'll see a christian say he or shes' a Jesus Freak!!! but the real question to everyone is, are you really?.

I recently began reading a book called Jesus Freaks: MARTYRS by Dc Talk and I now really got a clear understanding on the true meaning of being a Jesus Freak. It's really cool to be called that and it's pretty hip but I think the term "Jesus Freak is being used way to lightly and I am really guilty of that.

To me the true meaning of being a Jesus Freak is the question are you ready to die or will you even die for the honor of Jesus and everything you believe that it true? Our natural church answer is "OF COURSE I WOULD, I BELIEVE IN JESUS AND GOD AND I HAVE ACCEPTED HIM IN MY LIFE" well I would like you to really think that through.

After reading about the many voices of the Martyrs I think I can freely say that not all of us would, we might claim too but, I think it's because we really don't grasp the understanding of what it truly means to die for Jesus.

Decapitation. Murder. Torture. Stabbed. Shot. Crushed. Burned. Those are just some of the cruel deceptions of the fates of some Christians that stood for Jesus and everything the bible stands for.

We as Christians don't think of the real meaning of dying for Christ, we think it's just a snap and boom we're dead but really, the true Jesus Freaks are the ones that would burn to death and rejoice in praises to God all at the same time, just because it's an honor to die for Jesus.

After really grasping the meaning of the Term Jesus Freak, I can proudly say that I am a Jesus Freak and proud!!!

So tonight truly think of the term Jesus Freak and really grasp the meaning to die for Christ and actually think around the term "To Die" and really understand that it's not enough to say I'm a Jesus Freak it's of matter of knowing,understanding and loving the fact that You are a Jesus Freak!

-Jack

The Path, No, Your Path!

2010-06-03T20:20:00.000-07:00

As humans living on earth we have so many opportunity on what to do in life or where to go. I had my fair shares of "I WANT TO BE THIS WHEN I GROW UP," but have we ever really thought what is it that God wants us to do? Being serious now, we all want to do what "WE" want to do and never really put much thought into what is it that we are called to do for the glory of God. I recall a time when I wanted to be an actor but soon changed my mind.

I had another passion in life where I wanted to be a reporter and deal with crime and seeking out the Truth.......but God really bent what "I" wanted to do, to what he wanted me to do. Just recently I felt a tug on my heart from God to, yes remain in the passion that I desire to become but, instead of being on channel 7 and reporting what the world wanted to hear, I was called to be a TV reporter for a Christian news station instead.

With this new field, I know for one, I have more free will with words and I spread the true word of God and report the news for the world and still deal with crime but include the bible and God to it. It's a great honor when you accept God's calling, might be "EH" at first because you wanted to do what "YOU" want to do, but thinking about it all....you know that God is in complete control over our lives, he created the world....knew our names before we even ceased to exist......why not trust him?

I think what we all need to do is simply ask God to open the doors that "HE" has called you to do and to close the doors that he doesn't even want you near. We have to to put our own selfishness aside and think how can we bring glory to the world and fulfill God's glory on earth! Take a few moments in your life to seek what is it exactly that he's calling you for!!!

God Bless!!!!

-Jack

The Work Life

2010-06-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

Many teens and adults work, majority of us have a job, given that we are at the right age. Today at work was fun but crazy! It started off when I first walked in and like usual, I sign in and then go to catch up on dishes. Today was not that ordinary day, my boss walked in and settled down at the table where she usually sits at.

In my own world washing the dish, I heard the boss summon me to the back! Instantly when she said " Jack may I see you in my offices" I knew I did an uh oh! As I stood next to her she told me something I knew that was coming " Jack I have been getting some complaints, towards religion...." In my head I was confused because I knew for a fact that I never forced it upon anyone nor pressured anyone but only shared the fun things that I do like helping out the homeless, PAGEANT, nursing homes etc..

My boss told me that a few customer didn't like the fact that religion was spoken at all and that they felt uneasy because they felt pressured probably by my passion and basically the vibe or glow I brought off.....this is where I was confused....she told me that she didn't think I did nor ever did she hear me pressure anyone but because religion is just a touchy subject to be careful....After being switched from dish to server, I later asked a co-worker If she thought I talked about religion a lot, of course she said yeah but she said it's because I'm passionate about it.

My co-worker though told me that it's probably because it's not that I'm forcing it upon anyone, it's just that nobody really wants to come into a restaurant and get preached at or hear things about God. Over all I had a lot of laughs and a fun time at work! I also want to thank my boss for letting me know and getting my back!

So my encouraging message would be to love the thing that you are passionate about but keep it at a low because not everyone wants to hear it, whether you intended it to be heard from other people or not they are around.... Stand up for God but in a respectful way.

P.S- To clear an confusion on the term force see below!!!!

Force in religion involves taking away or threatening life, limb, property, or civil rights.

Such force is never legitimate, not by church and not by state.
As a preventative measure, a state church ought to be unlawful.

Turning to Webster's 1828 Dictionary we find "force" defined as follows:

As a noun: "Violence; power exerted against will or consent; compulsory power"

And as a verb transitive: "To compel; to constrain to do or to forbear, by the exertion of a power not resistible. Men are forced to submit to conquerors. Masters force their slaves to labor."

These two definitions, apropos in the legal context of forced religion, present a very strong 'do as I say - or else' proposition - that is: 'worship my way, or else be killed, flogged, imprisoned, fined, robbed, or politically disenfranchised.'

Resource below!!!

http://www.meridianmagazine.com/ideas/020919forced.html

Introduction

2010-05-28T19:04:00.000-07:00

Hello my name is Jackie, Jackie Hilton but most people know or refer to me as Jack. This is my second blog which is more focused on a personal aspects such as; things in my life, you're life or life in general! This blog is also focused on the Bible and some of the juicy prophecies that the bible contains. Through this new and intense journey, I will be checking with many people seeing how their lives are and what's been going on. I will be trying to investigate in a timely manner and truly try to piece things that are happening in the bible, but of course each investigation is just a theory or thought since the bible is filled with symbolic figures and meanings.
I will need your HELP! I say this because I will be needing a few crew such as; Camera guy, photographer, writer, etc!!!! I will be recording a lot of things and truly investigating life from the before and after aspect! As I prepare myself to what God has in store for me, I will be sending a lot of encouraging messages to everybody. I will have many people help me and travel with me around as we record life and how it will change over time. I will be reporting things that are currently happening in our world and communities.. I will still run my first blog, which focuses on news articles and stories in writing, but God has lead me to do this for a while and lets see how it turns out!!! KEEP UP WITH ME =)!

[ If you have a story idea, a certain thing that should be covered, want to tag along with this investigation, join the crew, follow contact me at Jack-DailyJack@hotmail.com or follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/JackDailyJack]

Have a a great life! GOD BLESS!!!

Love Bags

2010-03-11T12:27:00.001-08:00

Love Bags

Jack Hilton

Tuesday February 2, Fort Lauderdale First Baptist Church was involved with a project called “Love Bags.”

Love Bags are one gallon Ziplock bags filled with necessities such as, socks, deodorant, a toothbrush, soap, lotion, etc. ,and handed out to the homeless.

Participants met at Brew Urban Café in Fort Lauderdale where they discuss what to do for the event.

“The Brew is our meeting location where we learn from the Love Bag leaders about what to do and what to expect before heading out to Holiday Park where we meet up with the homeless. We want to go out there and recognize equality,” said Tom Faw event sponsor.

The opportunity to participate in Love Bags is opened to everybody who is willing to go out and help other people.

“I just wanted to get out there and help people, not because I’m forced to do it, but because it shows what kind of people we are,” said Matthew Parkin, sophomore. “Rather than sitting back and playing with our friends or playing our X-Box, we could be going out of our comfort zone and help those in need with one or two Love Bags.”

Love Bags was started four years ago in Fort Lauderdale by Ryan Alexander, one of the sponsors. It takes place every Tuesday night, 52 weeks a year.

Love Bags are created to show compassion and generosity. Every Tuesday night a different church would also come out and serve dinner, to the homeless people. Those who come for the Love Bags are usually already there for dinner.

Love Bags is a volunteer based project. Without volunteers they would not be able to go out and assist the homeless.

“I believe it is our lifelong project to strive, to be ever-presently involved in the true meaning of Love Bags. Do unto others as you would have done on you,” said Faw.

Many of the volunteers sit down and have conversations with the homeless about what has been going on in their lives. The volunteers do their best to listen intently and be an encouragement, hoping to bring light and joy into their life.

“This not only helps the homeless people but it really makes you feel good about yourself. What a lot of people fail to see is that even though they are homeless, we are all the same. They are just less fortunate than us,” said Parkin.
Felicia Fish, one of the volunteers, believes in order to bridge any ideas of an “us” and “them” gap, they [people] have to see them [homeless] as an equal first.

Fish’s life has been changed drastically after participating with Love Bags for the past two years. “Love Bags has been such a monumental step in the right direction in my life,” said Fish.

The Love Baggers who come out every Tuesday have become a second family to her. She no longer feels any disgust, disgrace or fear towards a homeless person, but instead has been given a feeling of love and compassion and mercy that conquers over the bad judgment that she used to have.

“We have conversations. We give deeply to people to change their lives. We need to break away from everything and recognize what is going on in the world. I believe that Jesus gave us everything so why can’t we try to give something back. We really should fight away negative thoughts. God is not okay with people sleeping on the streets. Why should we be?,” said Alexander.

Teen drug use (column)

2010-02-23T03:28:00.001-08:00

Teen drug use

Jack Hilton

Whether it’s alcohol, marijuana, ecstasy or zan x bars, teenagers seems to enjoy doing drugs.

Every single day you’ll find at least a handful a people talking to each other about how high they got or how messed up they were, why? I don’t know.

I believe that doing drugs is completely stupid and could possibly fatal. Why students like to do drugs is beyond me but I would like to give you a heads up, it’s Illegal! If you are caught doing drugs you will get in serious trouble! Why put yourself in a situation that determines whether you’re going to jail, rehab or expelled.

Students I know that drugs is a huge temptation in your life because of how easy it is to get your hands on it and because of how many of your friends are doing it, but you really have to think “is this worth throwing my life away for?”

Instead of doing drugs, students you could join clubs, hang at the beach and surf, go to the mall, movies, etc. There are so many fun things and places in the world for you to partake with instead of doing drugs, and majority of those things are safe and won’t get you in trouble.

Students I really believe the best thing for you to do, is really think about your family, your mother, true people that really cares. Would you let your mother see you doing drugs? Would it break her heart? Do you want to break your mother’s heart? By doing drugs we are almost positive that, that’s pretty much what you’re doing, breaking your mother’s heart.

Students another thing you really should ask yourself is “What is so great about drugs” Or “What about drugs that makes my life complete that anything else cannot?” So really students you have to put the drugs away and go out and live your life, the right way.

Swimming the Heat

2010-02-15T20:00:00.001-08:00

Swimming the Heat

Jack Hilton

Two hours a day and five days a week from August to November is the long hours for the swim team. With many maneuvers to perform the entire swim team race towards one goal in mind: first place.

Tom Cuticchia, the coach spends hours preparing the swimmers for the many competitions that lay ahead such as the Heat, Big meets, districts, etc.

The swimmers meet at Central Park where they spend a solid two hours working on the four different maneuvers which include; Freestyle, breast-stroke, back-stroke and the butterfly-stroke.

The swimmers are required to drink a lot of fluids and eat a lot of proteins and fruits. The Swimmers also participate with the casual work outs such, as dry land workouts like running, pushups, jumping jacks etc.

“The water is generally colder because it makes the body want to swim faster to get out of the water,” said Joey Hepler, Senior.

Cuticchia works with both the boys and the girls swimmers and has been the coach since 2008. Cuticchia had a record of 7-8 for the boys and for the girls 8-4.

Mathew Diamond Junior, participates with Swim because swimming doesn’t interfere with his hearing disorder “I only have to focus on swimming, which doesn’t require hearing,” he said.

Hepler participates with swim because of the competition of can you beat the other guys; it gives him the thrill and the challenge to work the many hours and to go the extra mile.

To participate with Swimming you must have the mandatory requirements of a 2.0 and the dedication. Cuticchia recommends joining a club or a team between now until next year for the swimmers to practice swimming well and getting use with the water. “Swimming really is that sport that takes real dedication and patience, It’s a really great challenging sport,” said Helper.

The Bosses

2010-01-31T13:40:00.002-08:00

THE BOSSES

Jack Hilton

Kirk and Lisa Bosse are two married teachers that have come together to help students from all grades in two different school subjects. The Bosses met each other during work one day and have been married for seven months and have a baby on the way.

Lisa Bosse, a reading teacher dedicated to help her students improve their reading abilities, is also the sponsor of an after school club called “First Priority” which is based on the Christian faith of students.

Kirk Bosse is a P.E coach who spends his time helping students get in shape and get the physical work out that they may be lacking. Mr.Bosse also teaches team sports and weight training. Team sports consist on teaching students varieties of sports from soccer to volleyball and weight training which deals with students lifting weights to build their muscles.

The Bosse love to spend time outdoors together, whether they are rafting together or throwing a football around with their son. “Our hang out time as of right now revolves around remodeling our new house.” Mrs. Bosse said.

The Bosses are tropical people; they love to go to a place that has warm weather and the hot sun in the air. The Bosses would love to travel to Israel one day. The Bosses plan on having a big family and would love to travel to places as a whole.
Mrs. Bosse hobbies growing up and still to this day is singing, which she practice is doing whether it was at church or on her own time and playing the clarinet. “I really love cooking” Mrs. Bosse adds.

Mr. Bosse growing always consist of sports “Sports was something I did a lot growing and still what I do now.” Growing up Mr. Bosse played an old fashion video game and then later converted to Super Nintendo.

The Bosses both have been church goers since they were young and still now, they wish to raise their kids in that same standards like their own and grow up living a good happy life.

Teen Violence

2009-11-08T19:41:00.001-08:00

Teen Violence

Jack Hilton

Murder. Suicide. Bullying. Fights. Teen violence is a huge issue in schools and off campus, since a simple fight can lead to death. About 877, Teens ages 10 to 24 were injured from violent acts. Approximately 1 in 13 required hospitalization.

Columbine High School was once an ordinary school until an incident happened which changed the lives of many people, when there was a mass murder-suicide. Dylan Klebold and Erick Harris, the shooters, killed many victims.

Teen violence is just about everywhere in every school. Sophomore Ruben Timothy encountered a fight among seven students after school on his way home.

“This kid just came up from behind this other kid and placed him in a headlock and punched him,” explained Timothy.

At Coral Gables High, a student was killed because of a love triangle between the suspect Andy Jesus Rodriguez and the victim Juan Carlos Rivera. Rivera was stabbed in three different locations including his chest, collarbone and kidney.

A teacher at South Plantation witnessed a fight in her 7th period classroom which involved two female students.

“Where does all this anger come from? The issue is anger and not being able to work through it,” the teacher said.

The teacher believes that students should have consequences, including the ones that just watch, because she believes they are just as guilty, even though they are not the one throwing the punches. The bystanders are encouraging the rage in the violence making the situation worse, and get the teens angrier and more violent.

Officer Ken Gomez believes that locking the lockers; lock out, separating the lunches and having constant visibility over the students has helped reduce teen violence at South Plantation High.

“The experience of our security staff is high; we all almost have fifty years of school security, with Smitty, Snell, Fair and I, we have all been here for a long time,” Gomez adds.

“I think teen violence is mostly due to people being worried about their self image, they want to be "cool" so if they're "dissed" or feel as if their image is being tarnished, they have to rectify the situation by establishing their dominance over people. It's all about making sure people are happy with who they are, If there is some way to improve that quality in people, whether it is through a class in elementary or middle school to teach about these problems, I think the steps definitely need to be taken,” explains college freshman David Arbogast.

"The Diary of the Time Traveling Salesman"

2009-10-17T12:48:00.001-07:00

“The Diary of the Time Traveling Salesman”
By: Jackie Hilton

Ever had a wish where you could go back in time and do something differently than what you did the first time?

Paul Yurick a student producer, who wrote, produced and directed a short film called “The Diary of the Time Traveling Salesman” which stars Eric Newcombe as a Salesman who is bored with life but soon begins to grow and stop caring about himself.

Yurick came up with this idea one day at home thinking about problems, and how you run into situations and try to do the situation for the good but it just doesn’t work as you wanted it too.

“The message from this film is basically, you should do things the right way the first time and not end up with the down fall,” Yurick Explained.

Yurick shot the film for three days and edited it all in three in the half, It's about ten and the half minutes long. “Slow Pace, Sad with intense scenes, it’s really just an intense story and subject. I want people to really feel the character and the matter,” said Yurick.

Yurick had a personal friend who is in a band called “Daycast” play the music which is playing through the entire film.

Yurick wants to thank God for his talents and his family for their support.
“Do what you love and don’t stop, because sometimes, maybe it’s rough but when you finally accomplish what you set out to do, you feel great about ten minutes after!” Yurick also says to “Never be a scholar but always a student” Which was told to him by a mentor and just applied it to his life.

TO WATCH THIS VIDEO YOU CAN GO TO YOUTUBE.COM/PaulRYurick http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pxs2fKIC3qA
Or email him at PaulRYurick@Me.com

When the fun ends....

2009-08-24T16:42:00.001-07:00

When the Fun ends

By: Jackie Hilton

Friday July 3rd, fifteen year old Nick Cann found himself in a life threatening situation after Cann went out with his friends. Cann usually borrowed money from his dad by telling him that he was going to the movies.
“Tonight I was going to reestablish a broken friendship with a good friend, but instead I and another friend got even closer, to death I mean.”

Cann at the time was smoking pot, drinking and doing any other drugs excessively that he could get his hands on.
"I smoked all I had, drunk a lot and was just having a blast. Usually I'm a good drinker; I get it from my dad. But for some reason that night I was feeling a bit off,” Said Cann.
Turning over to see his friend puking on the floor, he and a few others took his friend outside, where he passed out in a car. “My friend wouldn’t wake up; I have known him for years. He just wouldn’t wake up, “Said Cann. The sight of his friend in such a bad state scared Cann to death. He thought that he was going to lose his friend. Cann's other friend drove them to a nearby parking lot where the driver broke out into tears, crying her eyes out. “That made me shed a tear in the heat of the moment,” Cann said.

A Few moments later, he began to puke in the car and then passed out right next to his friend “I couldn’t see much, but I remember hearing sirens,” Said Cann.
Waking up the next day with a hangover in a hospital bed, Cann’s father was standing over him filled with fear and anger. Not saying a word to his father, he got up to go see his friend “We both laughed at each other, we knew that we were busted big time and that we were going to be in a lot of trouble.”
Cann found out that he and his friend had almost died and was both lucky that the police officers showed up to find them. “I’m glad my friend didn’t die....he’s like a brother to me and I honestly do not believe I could live with that riding on my shoulders,” he tells us “ Since that night, I’ve tried to stay sober, but it’s a hard thing to do by yourself.”

"I don't know why I do drugs, maybe I am missing something in my life, maybe I don't have something or perhaps I am just depressed."
Now that he has experienced this situation, Cann will be more cautious of what he does and will know when he has reached his limit. Not ready to fully quit his habits, but to just slow down to hopefully one day get out of the addiction
“Don’t believe the hype, it’s not all wood, Drugs aren’t good for you. Do not believe people who say "DRUGS ARE SUCH GREAT THINGS!" It really isn’t. I say go outside and live. Play football or any type of activities, don’t make a mistake that you will regret or that could put your life in jeopardy,” Said Cann.

God's Impact

2009-08-17T11:52:00.001-07:00

God’s Impact

By Jackie Hilton

David Arbogast a High school graduate that will be entering college at FSU has left a major impact in his church and through his friends. Arbogast has always grown up with the “religion” of Christianity but it never really hit him that it had to be something more than just that “religion".

When he began High School, his pastor has said “It’s more than the religion, it’s a relationship” that’s what truly hit him to start living as if God was his everything, because Arbogast believes he is. Arbogast believes that if he truly has impacted somebody it was because of God working through him. Arbogast’s goal is to finish College and then go to a Seminary, which is a school for educating people going into the ministry field. To Finish Seminary it's usually around 2 years of education you have to take. Arbogast also plans to jump straight into searching for churches to become a Pastor, he’s leaning more into becoming a youth pastor, but it’s where and what God wants him to do.

Arbogast came to the conclusion to become a pastor during his time at his church’s camp. Arbogast says “Camp is such an amazing experience! So many things happen there with the many activities that help you grow in your faith and you just grow closer to everyone where it’s like your family.” Arbogast’s advice to people is “Run towards God with everything you've got and take as many people that you can get and don’t be afraid of a no”

A Russian Adoption Story

2009-08-16T15:22:00.001-07:00

A Russian Adoption Story

By Jackie Hilton

A Mother of three children but soon to be four, Jeannie Plans to adopt a young baby girl from Russia. What led Jeannie to want to adopt is that she always knew she could have adopted and that she had the ability of her heart and the desire to adopt because of her love for children. But what really sparked the confirmation was during her church operation Christmas ministry (when presents are gathered for the needy) made her realize that “there are a lot of children without parents and my daughter is one of those children.” So Adoption has been a huge spiritual confirmation.

From morning to night Jeannie has been researching adoption stories, looking at the orphans’ pictures, trying to determine what child is her baby ”Hope”. She looked in many countries mostly her own first, Kazak, Ukraine, China, etc. It wasn’t really about the countries but more about the legal processes, It was about obtaining a healthy girl who is younger than her youngest child and about obtaining her in a timely manner having her sooner than later.

Russia was actually the last country she was considering because of their long standing relationship with United States involving adoption. when people think of Russia, people might not perceive Russia as a country that is in need as Africa or south America because they have a declining population. But when you start doing your research they have a problem with the amount of orphans. Russia is a very big country with many orphans and that’s what it came down to because children are in need, who needed homes and it was a program that they could easily tackle and qualify for oppose to China where Jeannie was too young or Kazak where it was to long out of the country.

There wouldn’t be any concerns where a birth mother would change her mind and want her child back. Jeannie thinks they will respond positively, Jeannie also believes and I quote “I think a little girl will enhance the family. Feeding and loving her and filling her with the love and nutrition from what she missed in her life. The first couple of months, it’s all about adjusting and bonding so that I can gain my baby’s trust.”