This book has a message that teens need to hear. The book bomb is a great chance to get a copy for yourself (plus a few to give away) at a great price — and help get the book in front of thousands of new people — all at the same time!

Also, for every copy of the book that people buy on Amazon.com on February 23rd, Alex and Brett will be giving away copies to teens and ministries who can’t afford them.

If you want to help out, go to TheRebelution.com and sign up with the number of books you plan to order on February 23rd. Then help spread the word by sharing this email or spreading the word on Facebook. We don’t have much time!

The Buddy Walk is an annual walk and festival designed to promote awareness and acceptance of people with Down Syndrome. There will be live music and entertainment, game booths, food and fun for all ages. Registration begins at 8:30am with the one lap Walk at 10:30am, and the festival lasting until 2pm.

Braden’s parents, Kaleigh and Ron Perry, are forming a team to walk for Braden. Normal team member individual donation price is $12. It is tax-deductible, and includes a meal ticket and a t-shirt. Even if you are unable to pay the full team member price, they encourage you to come and walk with us. They would like as many of you as possible to join us in support of Braden and all individuals with Down Syndrome.
If you would like to be a member of Team Braden, please let us know as soon as possible. They will need to know the number walkers from your family and their t-shirt sizes. Please contact me for more information…alli@girlsfortruth.com

The Perry Family

The Perrys are very dear to me. Ron and Kaleigh are great parents, diligent servants, and are always seeking to glorify God. Kaleigh was the first woman in our church to take me under her mentoring wing! She is a wonderful Bible teacher and godly example for me to follow.

Here, she shares her family’s story:

When Braden was born and we first received the news that he probably had Down Syndrome, we were understandably overcome with a torrent of emotions. We were shocked and anxious as our newborn baby lay under an oxygen tent in the ICU recovering from a collapsed lung. We were worried about his physical health – in addition to the collapsed lung; the doctor informed us that Braden had a heart defect that would require open heart surgery before six months of age. But we were also overwhelmed by the thought of raising a child with a disability. We knew very little about Down Syndrome – just the factual information we learned in high school biology (Down Syndrome is caused by three copies of the 21st chromosome) and that when we were in school, kids with Down Syndrome were in classrooms far from our own receiving their special education.
It was hard; trying to sort through all the stuff – medical information, doctors visits and BILLS, a list of things to do like apply for Social Security (denied) and Medicaid for children with disabilities (which we have recently been denied after reapplication), and all kinds of therapy and political terms. I remember how all of the short-bus type jokes I had heard over the years came flooding back to me. They suddenly held meaning, and were not simply thoughtless punch lines but instead potent weapons aimed at belittling and demeaning my child’s worth. My child, my little innocent baby boy; and he was being made fun of even before he was born.
One might think that we had a million questions. In truth I can say that there were some, but not as many as might be supposed. Instead I felt somewhat lost and very, very lonely. It’s not that we didn’t trust God – we never once doubted His goodness or His Sovereignty in ours and Braden’s lives; and it’s not that we did not receive lots of love and prayers from everybody; it’s just that our hearts were breaking for our little boy. The one question most prominent on our minds then and now – “Will our baby boy ever truly be accepted?”

The Buddy Walk is designed to promote awareness. It’s not that we need to raise awareness that there are people with Down Syndrome – everybody knows that. The problem is, in general, that people’s expectations of a person with Down Syndrome is depressingly low. They don’t know what I didn’t know before Braden was born. What I long for everyone to know. What I want everyone to understand so that they can see my child’s worth and potential.

They don’t know (and you might not know) that:
- Many people with Down Syndrome graduate from high school with a regular diploma (not a special education diploma).
- Many people with Down Syndrome attend community colleges and tech schools and even receive degrees!
- Some people with Down Syndrome drive, live on their own, and even marry.
- Some people with Down Syndrome have IQ’s within “normal” range and are therefore not considered mentally disabled.
- All people with Down Syndrome have a lot to offer to the Kingdom of God and the community.

It is true that not all persons with Down Syndrome are able to achieve these successes, but that is not my point. I only list those accomplishments in hopes of raising the bar of expectations for people with Down Syndrome.
You see, right now at age two, Braden is accepted. In fact, he seems to be the center of attention quite often. And why not? He’s adorable! He has the cutest little face and a contagious laugh. But what happens when he grows up and that charming toddler smile becomes that of a man? And when he’s ten years old and a grade or two behind his peers and can’t quite run as fast during playground games? Will he be as accepted then? I am forced to ponder these thoughts; and the questions I didn’t know to ask when he was born are multiplying.
Sometimes I feel confident in the opportunities Braden will have and am optimistic about his future. But other times, I am discouraged and worried and heartbroken for my baby. My parental concerns and emotions may fluctuate, but two things remain constant. One, we need to continue to spread real awareness of Down Syndrome. And two, we (Ron, me (Kaleigh), Carson, Braden and Rylan) need the support and encouragement of our family and friends. The Buddy Walk offers an opportunity for both. Will you join us?

Sincerely,
Ron, Kaleigh, Carson, Braden and Rylan Perry

Because disability must never be equated with inability.

“For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13-14

Lakeshore Baptist Church had their buildings destroyed, but the church body continued to stand to help their community. In the aftermath of Katrina, Rebuild Lakeshore, a mercy ministry spearheaded by Pastor Don Elbourne and Lakeshore Baptist Church, has coordinated the efforts of many churches from all over that have come to help rebuild Lakeshore. I was blessed with the opportunity to serve with my church for a week last January in the efforts at Lakeshore. I was so moved after meeting the people in this community that they have remained in my prayers and dear to my heart.

Lakeshore, MS is only one of the many areas devastated by Katrina and now the entire Gulf Coast is once again under the threat of a major catastrophe with the approach of Hurricane Gustav.

Please join me in praying for not only the community of Lakeshore, but also, for every community along the Gulf Shores. For a little help on how to pray, please read the following excerpt from Albert Mohler’s blog originally posted in 2005 in regards to Hurricane Dennis.

Perhaps we should pray as Jesus taught us, praying that the Father’s will would be done, that all persons would be spared harm, and that Christians would respond in the aftermath of disaster with a clear Christian witness of care, assistance, and witness. We should pray that any ‘natural’ disaster would be an opportunity for Christian witness to the supernatural Gospel, and for Christian reflection on the beauty of the Savior.

Remember this: Nothing can separate Christians from the love of God. Not hurricanes, not pestilence, not even death.

Let’s pray for those in Hurricane Dennis’ path, for lives threatened and for lives harmed. And let’s pray as Christians should pray, knowing that God is in control and that He has a purpose beyond our understanding. Let’s behold the power of the storm as a mere hint of the Creator’s omnipotence, and let us all be reminded to trust in Christ, and in Christ alone, for our security.
…..Read the rest here

Stop Dating the Church! Fall in Love with the Family of God By Joshua Harris

Book Review by Tamara Thompson

After reading Joshua Harris’ book Stop Dating the Church: Fall In Love With The Family Of God, I instantly knew it was a message dear to my heart. After abruptly moving across the country for my husband’s job change, our family learned some very important lessons about ourselves. For one, we realized that we really had taken our great relationship with our church family of the last ten years for granted, and two, finding a new church is not the easiest thing to do!

As a biblical counselor, I’ve heard many excuses for why someone is no longer attending a church. Looking back, and sorry to say, I really had little compassion to offer any of these women, but over the last couple of years, while I’ve been struggling to “fit in” to a new church family, I have developed a whole new understanding of the kinds of things that held them back. I know that in God’s providence, by uprooting us from all that was comfortable, He shook up our lives to strengthen us and mature us. For this, I am thankful. I am also very thankful for all the struggles I’ve had to “fit in” to my new church family. Josh Harris’ book stirred me up and forced me to look at the sin in my own heart, deal with it, and left me in this place of thankfulness!

In light of the glorious truth that His Church is the bride of Christ, just dating the local church is not enough. In fact, it is sinful, and I’m the first to admit, before picking up this book, though I was regularly attending the same church every week, I was quickly becoming a church dater! In the Joshua Harris style that I love, Harris takes us back to his own experiences as a “church dater” and teaches us through his own growing that “God has something better for you and me than dating the church”.
Harris starts out by showing us what we are missing by just dating the church. Believe me, this alone, will whet your appetite to quickly read through the rest of the book! After this challenging introduction, Harris will change your perspective, correct your thinking, move you to love the body of Christ, and give you a vivid picture of what this will look like! Harris doesn’t leave us hanging with just a desire for a true relationship with a church family, he also clearly explains how to turn your relationship around and how to get the best out of your Sundays! Finally, he encourages us by reminding us that Jesus loves His Church, and because we love Jesus, we should love what Jesus loves!

You don’t have to be a church dater to benefit from this book. I already know that I will go back to it often throughout my life. Even if you are actively serving in your local church, this book will be very refreshing for you! I also highly recommend it as a resource for families to study together. Parents can read the book and then teach it to younger children in the home, and older children can read it for themselves! This is definitely a must-have resource if you are struggling with a child not wanting to go to church! Harris has filled his book with Scripture and timeless quotes from great men of God making this book a great tool for biblically teaching your children the importance of the local church and I pray that you and your family will be as blessed as we were after reading it!

Josh Harris has made available a study guide through his blog. Download the FREE study guide here!

I met Steve and Tamara Thompson through my FaceBook page through a mutual friend of ours, not knowing they’d been reading The Greatest Mission Trip for some time already before that. Their daughter Alli has a blog of her own, Girls For Truth, that I was already familiar with, and as I read Alli’s blog I wanted to know more about her parents. Steve and Tamara were gracious enough to share how they make God a big deal in their home. Read the rest here….

Gain Knowledge Through Instruction

Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 12

Key Verse:
Proverbs 12:1 “Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.”

Key Words:
Instruction-teaching, detailed information or command

Application:
Nobody finds enjoyment in getting in trouble (although we should have joy in all things). As you have seen, we are commanded to love instruction. We are commanded to listen and take heed when we are being instructed. While you are being instructed you are gaining knowledge. This passage also says that they who hate instruction or correction is stupid. If you do not love instruction, you will not gain knowledge. I challenge you this week (and from now on) to listen to what is being said to you to help you become a stronger Christian. The Bible also says in Proverbs 27:17 ‘As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Friends are to help sharpen their friends. In other words, call them out on their sin struggles. If a friend comes to you and tells you that you were mean to them earlier and says you need to work on your choice of worlds, and you start to get mad that they said that to you, just remember Proverbs 12:1 and Proverbs 27:17.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father; please help me to continually learn and understand Your Word. Please help my sins to be revealed to me that I might correct them and gain more knowledge in You. Thank you for giving me the ability to recognize my sins in my life, although sometimes I need a little help from my brothers and sisters in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Kim, thank you for being an “older girl” in my life!

Alli: Tell us a little about yourself, including your testimony.

Kim: I am 31 and I was saved when I was 5. I was raised in a Christian home. My parents love the Lord and took us to church. I went to a Christian school. We learned Bible verses and everything, and God’s grace allowed me to come to know Him at an early age. I don’t remember the day, I don’t remember what I said, I don’t remember the time, but I knew that it happened. I got baptized in kindergarten, but later, probably in the 7th or 8th grade, is when I really started wondering, ok, I am a Christian? I go to church and everything, but what difference is it making in my life? So, when I changed churches in 9th grade, I learned what a quiet time was, how to read the Word, and how to actually participate in church services. That is when I actually started to grow, and really came to know what it meant to know God, to really experience Him, and have Him not only as my Savior, but also have Him as my Lord. That is the difference in being in an intimate relationship with Jesus and just knowing God. So yeah, you can get saved, and I totally know that is when God saved me, but not until you really start living it, does it really, I think, change your life.

Alli: What Bible verse has been most meaningful to you in your life?

Kim: Way too many! I absolutely mean that. There are three right now that are really important to me.

Psalm 34:1-3 talks about everything that comes out of your mouth will praise Him and glorify Him. Also, in a worship-type setting, that has really meant a lot to me, worship wise, because it talks about I will praise you. Even when we don’t feel like worshiping it is a matter of the will, not of feeling. It is our obedience to praise God.

The second one is Psalm 84:10-12 which talks about the Lord being a sun and a shield- He blesses, but He also protects. Especially, at thirty-one and single and changing jobs here recently, I know that whatever God allows to happen in my life is for a purpose. It may be times of blessing. It may be times when that relationship didn’t work out. Then, He is a shield, because He protects. But no good thing will He withhold for those who walk with Christ. Also, with that verse, I don’t walk uprightly just by my works. It doesn’t matter how much good works I did that day or how I did my quiet time, the only way I walk uprightly is with my walk with Christ. He is righteousness.

The third one is Romans 2:4 and that is “the kindness of God has led you to repentance” and that’s great.

Those are the three verses, because I really love ones that talk about His mercy. It’s not about how I view or how I did in my relationship with Christ, it’s because of God’s mercy.

Alli: When did you become a blogger and what motivated you to do so?

Kim: I started blogging in 2006. The first blog I had was Thoughts on the WORD. I just wanted something, because everyone told me to journal, but I hate journaling. As I started teaching Bible study for college girls, I started reading other blogs, so I decided to start a blog. Nobody really knew about it, I wasn’t going to publicize it, but that was fun. I started putting anything on it, sports, my quiet time, anything. My second blog was my food blog. I started that because working with college girls, I love to cook and have them over, and they would always want my recipes. So, instead of writing them down, I would just put them on my blog. That has been a really fun one, and more practical.

Alli: What are your spiritual gifts and how are you using them in the church?

Kim: I would say leadership is definitely one of mine. I have always been really strong in that area. If no one else is going to take charge, I am going to. And how I use that in the church is leading women’s groups, college women’s groups, and even taking on things administratively so the men can do what they need to do. This may not be the church, but that has been what has geared me to do my job. When I talked to my boss on the phone he said, “Do you have administrative gifts?” I said, “you were called to do your job. You weren’t called to do the nit-picky stuff, I was.” The other one is hospitality. Hospitality is even sitting by someone in church who is sitting by themselves, even if you aren’t a member of the church.

Alli: Do you have any advice for girls my age who are striving to live for the Lord?

Kim: I would say that it is very hard to discern a line between living in the world and not being of the world. I was talking to one of my college girls last night and we were talking about how you can wear make-up, look cute and stuff like that without letting that be who you are. So what I think I would stress the most is stay in the Word, apart from everything else. No matter how many church activities you do, you have to stay in the Word. But even making that a habit at 12, 13, or 14, it will stick with you.
The other thing is to find someone older than you and learn from them. I didn’t have a mentor till probably college. I love that woman. She taught me a lot of what I know and who I am and how to be a mom. Even at your age find someone older.

Alli: Where is your hometown?

Kim: My hometown is Lakeland, FL, which is thirty minutes from Disney World, so it was great! I haven’t been to Disney World in a long time, because it’s expensive. It is orange capital, it is Publix land (I love Publix), and it is the strawberry capital of the world. I love strawberries! We had the strawberry festival in Plant City.

Alli: What is your job, here at the seminary?

Kim: I am the secretary for the Leadership and Church Ministry School. That means I am the assistant to the Dean (Randy Stinson), secretary for the remainder of the Leadership professors, and basically – whatever they need, comes up during the day, etc- answering phones, emails, scheduling, etc.

Alli: Do you have any burdens that are stronger than others?

Kim: I am really passionate about the teaching of the Word and having It be center focus. I learn who I am, even as I change cities or look for other churches, I find out what is important to me. I want to be sitting under someone who is serious about the Word and doesn’t just make it fun and games and throw in a video here and a song there and whatever. The Word can hold Its own.

The second thing is passionate worship. What I mean by that is not passion music, but singing and playing to the best of the ability God gave you. That is what I miss. A lot of our churches do a lot of things half-heartedly and David talks in the Psalms that he will bring his best to the house of the Lord and that is what I strive to do.

The third is passionate teaching to young girls. As I get older, the age gets olderb but middle school, high school, and college girls-seeing them get a burden for missions, get a burden for the Word, and just live their lives on fire for Christ, whether they are single, or they get married, or they go to a big university, or are homeschooled.

The Girl I’ve Never Met
By Robbie Ballew

Where is the girl who’ll stand beside me

Who won’t give out her love so lightly

Angels guard her at her feet

She’s the one I long to meet

She studies the Bible everyday

And pleases God in every way

Her beauty is like countless fields of flowers

Being watered by mid-spring showers

Yet she does not flirt or flaunt or tease

Because she’s saving it all, just for me

All of her problems, I will mend

And to our love there will be no end

Her every movement shines with glory from above

And her very presence brings peace like a dove

My commitment to her will be forever

And every day we will pray together

No matter if we hunger or thirst

In everything we will put God first

The least I can give her is all of my life

And I’ll have no greater joy than to call her my wife

I’ll give her my love without regret

She is the girl I’ve never met

I was blessed to personally meet, face to face, with a new friend that I had recently been introduced to, Kim Davidson. Kim has the awesome job of being Randy Stinson’s administrative assistant! She prepared a picnic lunch for us that was absolutely delicious! Thank you Kim! You have encouraged me not only as a young woman living for Christ, but to also be as hospitable as you were to me! After my lunch with Kim, I interviewed her for a post to share with you later this week.

Thank you to Dan Dewitt, our camp pastor, for all of your hard work and edifying preaching! Also, thank you to our keynote speakers, Dr. Chad Brand, and Travis Kerns (soon to be Dr. Kerns!). You two are a wealth of knowledge and thank you for teaching us so diligently!

The fellowship was as amazing as the teaching. The relationships that we have begun with one another will only blossom as we serve Christ in our lives despite the many directions we may go. I love every one of you and thank God for you!

To all you gentlemen at AU~~ I’ve never had so many doors opened for me, chairs pulled out for me, or had so much respect shown towards me, as by you! As one of the many girls that were a recipient of your chivalry, I thank you!