THE SAN ANTONIO
F E B R U A R Y 2019
Be A Light
Build A Solid Marriage Read how SAMI, a local ministry, is helping keep marriages strong and exciting.
Cross Trail Outfitters building godly leaders
Using the outdoors to reach the younger generation. page 7 1
Teen Challenge restoring lives through Christ
Tackling addiction through the love of Christ. page 9
Church Under the Bridge helps feed the homeless
A church for the homeless? You bet. CUB is bringing hope. page 12
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Third Coast Charities blesses neighbors
A restaurant business stepping up to meet real needs. page 14 Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 9
Matthew 5:16 King James Version (KJV) “ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
What is God doing in our city? That question can best be
answered through The Beacon stories we bring to you every week. God has only one plan when it comes to His redemptive work in a city or nation. We are His Plan A and there is no Plan B. (2 Cor. 5:20) When you read Beacon stories about people and organizations making a difference in our community, you'll see this is God moving among us, in us and through us. Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 5 echo through these stories: "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." These people have found purpose in their passion. They're living their lives serving others. They're enjoying a life of adventure and abundance, not monetarily, but sacrificially as they love their neighbors as themselves. They are living the example that Jesus gave in Matthew 10: "Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." What does this mean for you? Enough bad news. We deliver the good news. We hope as you read our
Pastor Beemer reaches out to a young Dream Center member. See December issue at www.saBeacon.com
magazine, visit our website, connect with us on social media and watch our Beacon TV videos you will be encouraged. As you engage with Beacon stories – we invite you to pray, “What are You
He may have blessed you and your family financially and is calling you to give to help these ministries reach their vision. He may even be asking you to step out, knock on your neighbor’s door and meet a need. He may be strengthening you to take the step of faith needed to start your own ministry. We believe that if you’re willing to ask that one simple question – "What are you saying to me, Holy Spirit" – He will speak to you and as you listen and walk in obedience, you will discover the abundant life he desires for you. Join The Movement. Be A Light.
saying to me, Holy Spirit?” He may be guiding you toward purpose in one of the ministries we feature (please see our Be A Light section at the end of each article).
The Beacon Purpose
Connecting People to Purpose through Beacon stories. Keeping you informed of local ministries, what they are doing and their need for additional help and resources.
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https://www.saBeacon.com Read and watch Beacon stories online and sign up for weekly good news. Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 9
INSIDE
FEBRUARY 2019
Thank you to our local businesses who have partnered with us on the following Beacon Stories.
STORY MADE
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SAMI provides help building strong marriages
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As Valentine’s Day approaches, your marriage takes center stage. How is your marriage? We invite you to read about a ministry that is equipping leaders to help others and providing tools to keep your marriage strong and exciting.
Cross Trail Outfitters reaches youth
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The Bible mentions God’s creation over 100 times in scripture. This ministry has found a way to use the outdoors (including hunting and fishing) to reach the younger generation. CTO is building our youth to become the leaders they were created to be.
AUTOMOTIVE – HELOTES
Adult & Teen Challenge brings hope to addiction
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More than three-fourths of families have been touched by addiction. There's hope and new life available. Adult & Teen Challenge is tackling addiction through the love of Christ and proven principles that are changing these statistics in our community.
Anonymous Partner
Church Under the Bridge reaches the homeless
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A church for the homeless? You bet. CUB is serving the homeless population in our city by meeting real needs and bringing the hope of Christ to many who live on the streets of San Antonio.
Third Coast Charities blesses neighbors
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A restaurant business steps up and steps in to meet real needs in the community around them. Learn about a unique approach, with Jesus at the center, that is impacting an area of our city.
PUBLISHER: The San Antonio Beacon PUBLISHERS: Claude Roberts, Duke Jonietz EDITOR: Jennie Rosio PRAYER DIRECTOR: Doug Fletcher CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Amy Morgan, Inez Kirchner, Renee Gonzalez, Dana Michea Marquez, Jennie Rosio THE BEACON OFFICE: 26231 Lost Creek Way, Boerne, Texas 78015 PHONE: (210) 614-8885 ONLINE: www.saBeacon.com PUBLISHED: Monthly MISSION STATEMENT: Our mission is to use cause related marketing to promote partnerships between businesses, nonprofits, churches and schools by bringing awareness of the good news in our community in order to help change our city.
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Commitment More romantic than flowers BY AMY M O R G AN WRITER
February is Valentine’s month, and our culture tells us romance should be in the air. For some, the holiday is a welcome occasion to celebrate with gifts, flowers or candlelight dinners. But do those traditional gestures really touch hearts, or do they just create unrealistic expectations? And what about couples for whom Valentine’s Day triggers sadness or despair? If a marriage is going through a rough patch, a holiday touting the love that is lacking only adds pressure to an overstressed relationship.
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Carl Caton, the founder of the San Antonio Marriage Initiative (SAMI), has been working since 2009 to serve the needs of church-based marriage ministry leaders (mostly devoted lay couples) and also pastors, church staff and counselors. His experience in marriage ministry shapes his opinion of the Valentine season. What he finds most roman- Carl Caton, founder of the San Antonio Marriage tic is not the Initiative (SAMI) Hallmark movie setting, but the tenderness of a couple who has learned to love in a way that truly reaches each other’s hearts. Carl has had first-hand experience with this after being married to his high school sweetheart, Kelli, for 35 years. According to Carl, research has shown the single biggest indicator of the happiest marriages is commitment. Commitment to each other and commitment to God. “Every couple has a rough patch in their marriage. It might be a medical w w w.sa B e a c o n .c o m
challenge, a difference in parenting styles, even infidelity,” Carl says. “These don’t have to be the “ The more we death knell – a lot of couples grow come together through them. There are great to advance God’s kingdom stories that too often we don’t tell.” and advance He refers to information from marriage, the better we best-selling author Shaunti Feldhahn, all are.” who reported statis– Sue Huggler tical findings from thousands of couples in her 2014 book, “The Good News About Marriage.” She found that 80 percent of couples who had worked through challenges in their marriage — even those who were on the brink of divorce — considered themselves very happy five years later. One of Carl’s goals at SAMI is to get the word out that marriages are in fact thriving and to normalize the reality that couples need support and help when they hit the inevitable valley. Carl notes he sees a crisis of hope in Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 9
Thank you Southwest Exteriors for making this story possible to share.
marriage in general in our culture. “Don’t think you are the only one when you are going through a very difficult season in your marriage,” he says. “Couples feel so isolated and hopeless. The reality is we are seeing thousands of incredible stories of marriages turned around.” SAMI supports leaders on the front lines of preserving marriages: couples who walk alongside others, pastors, counselors, or those in church marriage ministries. All find trusted wisdom through SAMI, which offers a system of support via emails, videos, communication tools, events, date nights, and conferences to help foster marriage. “There are hundreds of opportunities for health and hope on the SAMI website,” Carl adds. “In 2019 alone, there will be more than 100 “As couples marriage events approach a offered through potential crisis, churches in this city. almost every it is difficult to At event, there will be know where to couples who will share their stories go for help. inspiration in a SAMI provides of real way.” that help.” Carl has recruited several couples – the Hugglers, the Lagoudises, and the Brugners – to express their experiences with marriage ministry. “These three couples have marriages that are so inspiring,” he says. “You can see the tenderness and connection they have with each other.” Rick and Sue Huggler have been married for 35 years. They run a marriage ministry at First Baptist served with Carl Caton, the leader of the “ ISanhaveAntonio Marriage Initiative, for the past several years. He is one of the brightest, most gifted and spiritually mature leaders I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. He and his wife have an extraordinarily healthy relationship, and he has a deep desire for every marriage to be strengthened or restored. The SA Marriage Initiative supports the role players on the front lines who champion biblical marriage to make an eternal impact on the families in our community.
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Scott Barr, Steward of Southwest Exteriors The Look You Love Coming Home To
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“There’s an us-ness to marriage. Marriage is work, but marriage is a joy.” – Sue Huggler, lay counselor in marriage ministry at First Baptist Church of Boerne
Church in Boerne. In 2009, they connected with a few like-minded friends, and their little nucleus began a marriage-mentoring program that developed into a ministry. “We have a great heart for marriage,” Sue says. “We know how difficult marriage can be. We are both very type A people; we each had careers in the military. God clearly has a sense of humor bringing us together,” she adds. “We come alongside people and share our experience. The more transparent we are about our story, the more people can breathe a sigh of relief: ‘If there’s hope for the Hugglers, there’s hope for all of us!’” Rick extols the results they’ve witnessed from studying the video series “Love and Respect,” by Emerson Eggerichs, a resource provided by SAMI. “This summer Sue and I went through the series with three young couples and found it to be life-changing,” he says. Donna and Robert Lagoudis have been married for 26 years. They received training to become certified marriage counselors through The Relational Impact Group and to lead the marriage ministry at Bulverde Baptist Church. Robert and Donna Lagoudis w w w.sa B e a c o n .c o m
“The key is coming alongside and introducing couples to life-changing tools. There’s fantastic material out there,” Robert says. “It took us 10 years before we read our first marriage book,” laughs Donna. “Early in our marriage, I read James Dobson’s statement that marriage and sex get better the longer you are together. I couldn’t imagine being with someone for 25 years and still enjoying it,” Donna says. “When you make your marriage a priority it can be a relationship that is so powerful and enjoyable you are blown away. It is a miracle, and it is amazing.” They credit the resource, “The Five Love Languages,” by Gary Chapman, as personally impactful. “For 10 years, Robert thought my love language was gifts. But I didn’t want gifts. I felt guilty because I thought there was something wrong with me, and he thought I was ungrateful,” Donna says. “One day he brought the book home, and we read it together. My love language is acts of service. His is physical touch. It helped us be more intentional about how we fill each other’s love tanks. He has learned to give me gifts of acts of service — he built me a chicken coop. I learned to give him foot massages, which means a lot to him.” The Lagoudises recommend couples continually and mindfully spend time Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 9
San Antonio Marriage Initiative www.samarriage.com (210) 651-5050 23995 Bat Cave Rd, Ste. 150 | SAT 78266
Be A Light.
the kingdom return on investment. “ IThelookSanat Antonio Marriage Initiative provides excellent resources, support, and training on a modest budget to anyone who wants to connect and collaborate to build healthy marriages. The number of marriages that are positively impacted is very impressive. It is clearly God’s design for people to work together in a way that glorifies God and brings people to God. I am privileged to partner with this ministry to transform lives, which will lead to transformed families that will in turn transform our community. I encourage all of us to use what God has blessed us with to invest into His kingdom.
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Scott Barr, Steward of Southwest Exteriors The Look You Love Coming Home To
investing in each other, a habit newly-married Faith and Matt Brugner have already begun to establish. Faith grew up in San Antonio observing firsthand the marriage of SAMI’s founders, Carl and Kelli, who are her parents’ close friends. Their example has instilled within the young couple the importance of building their new marriage upon a strong foundation of support. “We knew how important it would be to grow in community within our church,” Faith adds. “We joined a young married group with an older mentor couple. They are really honest and vulnerable about their marriage; they don’t try to act like they have it all figured out.” They learned from Paul Tripp’s book, “What Did You Expect?” to be intentional about spending time together and not let life’s busyness keep them from connecting. “It’s a good book for someone who 6
Upcoming event-Date Night Comedy featuring comedian Jason Earls and author, pastor, speaker Ted Cunningham.
has been married for a little while when that honeymoon phase wears off,” Matt says. “We’ve tossed that book in as a wedding present for friends.” Whether you are developing a firm foundation, struggling with an issue or just want to rekindle some lasting romance, SAMI will point you in the right direction. Reach out to Carl. He will put you in touch with someone local to help and equip you. The toughest step to take is the first one.
Visit the ministry website. Get inspiration to keep your marriage healthy. Sign up for the SAMI newsletter for more ideas. Attend. Register to attend one of the many events SAMI hosts throughout the year. Volunteer. Ask how you can become an advocate for marriages in your church. Pray. Pray for the ministry to continue to thrive and reduce the divorce rate in our community. Give. The Marriage Initiative invites you to partner with them financially so even more marriages can be impacted in our community. Visit their website to learn how you can become a financial partner and invest in marriages across our community.
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Scott Barr is committed to building a team that delivers “The Ultimate Client Experience” in each and every project. His first job in the home improvement industry was when he was 13 years old, and he has been with Southwest Exteriors since 1990. While exceeding clients’ expectations, Scott is also continuously working on developing a team of leaders who are challenged and excited about their work. When asked what he enjoys the most about his position as the Steward of Southwest Exteriors, he said, “Hearing from clients that have become raving fans of our company because of our commitment to client satisfaction before, during, and after their projects.” Scott’s desire is for the business to be a ministry that glorifies God, and he wants to continue to support other ministries by building a successful business.
Southwest Exteriors
www.SouthwestExteriors.com (210) 828.5555 2430 Freedom Dr., San Antonio, TX 78217
Mention the Beacon and receive 15% off all windows, siding, and concrete flooring projects.
Rick and Sue Huggler have a great heart for marriage.
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Cross Trail Outfitters
A youth hunting and fishing club building godly leaders and preserving our outdoor heritage CTO's mission is to guide the next generation to Christ through the outdoors.
BY JE NNI E R O S I O BEACON EDITOR
Screen time. If you have teenagers or will soon, these two words are cringeworthy. Many research studies link teen depression, relational difficulties and much more with too much screen time. It’s become part of growing up. How to solve it is the real question. Kevin Potts of Cross Trail Outfitters lives out the answer. More than half of Kevin’s days in 2018 were spent under the sun and stars. CTO’s goal is to “equip youth to passionately pursue a lifetime of service to Jesus Christ and fellowship with Him through the outdoors.” Kevin, based in Bexar County, is CTO’s state director. Few opportunities make
Kevin Potts (left) guided Nick Smith (right) to harvest a management buck in 2017 on a CTO youth hunt weekend trip.
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him happier than bringing kids to a lake to teach them how cast a fishing rod, or to a circle around a campfire where anyone can ask honest questions and find answers in the Bible. He’s seen plenty of evidence in 2018 that this ministry is providing joy in the lives of young people hunting for love, meaning and purpose. CTO volunteers, and youth ranging from ages seven to 20, have seen 155 game animals harvested, and hooked over 800 fish in 2018. Best of all, the groups’ loving interactions have proven them to be fishers of men. There were 45 decisions for Christ just last year. Kevin credits these transformations to the Holy Spirit, whom he encountered 13 years ago, when CTO was formed by founder Mike Arnold. Kevin remembers his first night there: “Just sitting around the campfire and listening to these kids engage, and seeing how the Holy Spirit truly moved them was very uplifting to see. The questions of the day were, ‘Who are you?’ and ‘Why are you here?’ The questions moved me.” But he could not answer the questions for himself. “I tried. I just could not.” The “question of the day”– a staple in the CTO ministry – continued to trail after Kevin for three more years. “I knew I had a purpose in life. But I didn’t know w w w.sa B e a c o n .c o m
what the purpose was.” And then, he says, “I discovered there was a purpose for me – that God does have a plan for me. And I never knew it was ministry!” The CTO ministry has grown, now operating in nine states. Most of the members and visitors are boys, but there have been opportunities more recently for girls, too. Once or twice a month, each CTO chapter meets to teach a hunting skill. These skills nights bait the hook of
CTO’s goal: to equip youth to passionately pursue a lifetime of service to Jesus Christ and fellowship with Him through the outdoors.
believe in giving back to our community. “ WeEspecially to ministries like CTO that are building a solid foundation in Christ for the future leaders of our city and nation. The use of the outdoors, away from the noise of their phone, provides the perfect atmosphere for the Holy Spirit to go to work. Many boys, perhaps for the first time, will hear God’s voice and there is nothing that will compare to that.
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Spike Blevins Owner, Christian Brothers Automotive - Helotes
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Thank you Christian Brothers Automotive – Helotes for making this story possible to share.
Be A Light.
Wyatt Buckman guided Ryan Coufal during summer camp in June last year.
Nick Smith reels in a snapper during the Saltwater session of CTO Ultimate Summer Camps in 2017.
curiosity for new kids and volunteers. “It can be any type of outdoor-related hunting or fishing skill. It can be trapping. Fishing. Archery. You name it,” says Kevin. “We tie the devotion to the skill. So, if we’re talking about duck calls, we might talk about the calling of God on your life.” Those who love the skills nights often sign up for a day trip or weekend trip, and then eventually for a summer camp. The volunteers’ fatherly patience, conversational skill, and prayers bring transformation to lives. Wyatt Buckman, whose father was a contractor who never Brothers Automotive-Helotes is “ Christian honored to partner with CTO in a variety of ways. One way is through our special promotions and our ability to give to CTO as a result of the community responding. I see real fruit from their unique outreach efforts. Understanding how a “real man” walks out his life and purpose as a result of his relationship with Christ is certainly one. Important future results include becoming a better husband and father. I personally invite you to join us in supporting the ministry of CTO that is raising up the next generation of men.
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Spike & Karen Blevins
returned from Afghanistan, can tell you that now. But not at first. “When Wyatt came on an outing with us, he was very reluctant to speak at all around the campfires,” says Kevin. “Meaning that we would ask a question – and if we got him to the point where he would speak, he would become very emotional, not knowing how to express himself. But as he kept coming, the Holy Spirit continued to grow him and sanctify him. I give credit to the Lord, going back to the first weekend he attended during a fishing trip, where he raised his hand to accept Jesus.” Fast forward to Wyatt at age 16. He’s now in a special CTO’s goal: to CTO apprentice equip youth to program. “He prays passionately out loud when he’s pursue a lifetime asked to pray. We asked Wyatt to of service to come to camp and Jesus Christ and be a discipleship fellowship with coach.” Smith, 15, Him through the lovesNick CTO also. He outdoors. remembers his first trip. “I was 11. It was more of a hands-on kind of experience and the way these leaders were guiding us not only to hunt, but also guiding our way to Jesus. It just really spoke to me on a deeper level,” says Nick. Nick’s been on three to five trips with CTO every year for the past three years and also plans to apply for the apprentice program. We asked Nick if he’d ever trade more screen time for the experiences he’s had to grow in Christ, or hunt, or make friends through CTO. He said he’d choose the latter every time. “The experiences gained with CTO will form the man I grow up to be,” he says. w w w.sa B e a c o n .c o m
Volunteer. Volunteers reap an eternity of reward by investing a couple of weekends a year. Best qualities for volunteers: a willingness to love God and kids. CTO also requires a background check. Volunteers are CTO’s greatest need. Call Kevin today if this is on your heart! Talk to your Pastor. Talk to your Pastor about Kevin introducing CTO to your Church. Pray. For safety, Spirit-led small group times, and landowner sharing. Give. Your financial support is appreciated. Kevin is happy to meet with you in person or you can make a donation at https://teamctotx.wildapricot.org/Donate
Cross Trail Outfitters of Texas PO Box 1165, Helotes, TX 78023 Kevin Potts, State Director: (210) 372-3580 kpotts@teamcto.org www.teamctotx.wildapricot.org
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AUTOMOTIVE – HELOTES
For over seven years, Spike and his team at Christian Brothers Automotive in Helotes have earned a reputation for honesty and professionalism – hard to do in the auto repair business. Of course, we serve our local community in Helotes, but people drive miles to bring their vehicle to us because of this reputation. Perhaps most importantly we give back to our community. Schedule a visit with us soon. Mention the Beacon and get 10% off labor on all repairs up to $50. CTO will receive a $25 donation when you use this offer.
Christian Brothers Automotive – Helotes
www.cbac.com/helotes tx056@cbauto.com | (210) 695.4528 12544 E. Bandera Road, Helotes, TX 78023
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Adult & Teen Challenge Restoring lives through Christ If I wasn’t getting out of prison I was on my way back in. I chose drugs over my daughter, my parents, my freedom, my God. I found my way into Adult & Teen Challenge and today I have freedom in my life from addiction. I’m learning how to be the responsible and reliable father my daughter deserves. I’m so thankful I have a future and a hope and that is the direct result of Jesus Christ working in my life.
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BY INEZ KIR CHNER WRITER
They’ve hit rock bottom and are seeking help. They’ve been court-ordered and are angry and in pain. All of them are tired of running. However they find their way, addicts are being called to Adult & Teen Challenge to experience real and lasting transformation through Christ. Adult & Teen Challenge is redefining traditional rehabilitation services by providing a yearlong, wholly Christian faith-based residential program to youth and adults struggling with drug and alcohol addiction and behavioral issues. According to the Adult & Teen Challenge website, more than 27 million people nationwide reported misuse of prescription and illegal drugs, and almost three-fourths of all U.S. families are struggling with Adult & Teen Challenge active addiction. is redefining traditional In Texas, Bexar rehabilitation services County remains by providing a yearlong, the third highest for overdose wholly Christian deaths per capita. faith-based residential David Wilkerprogram to youth and son, author of the adults struggling with bestseller “The Cross and the drug and alcohol Switchblade,” addiction, and first started the behavioral issues. ministry by saving gangs of young teens desperate for Jesus from off the streets of New York in the 1950s. Adult & Teen Challenge has grown to 207 recovery centers nationally. There are now seven campuses in Texas, with a 100-acre facility serving men and women in San Antonio. While there is a one-time admission fee, scholarships and donations ensure no one has ever been turned away due to finances. The employees include Adult & Teen Challenge graduates and non-graduates. Volunteers function on a part time basis.
- Aubrey
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Thank you Anonymous Partner for making this story possible to share.
Sarah Baughman is with her family after treatment.
One such graduate of Adult & Teen Challenge is Director of Development, Sarah Baughman. At 19, Baughman was court-ordered to the program, following jail stints and a battle with heroin addiction. “This isn’t like a traditional 30- or Sarah Baughman 90-day rehab center,” Before says Baughman. “Secular centers treat addiction like a medical disease that has to be coped with and treated with medication your
entire life. There is no freedom in that.” Baughman has worked with the center for ten years. Baughman and other graduates attribute the program’s lasting success to the length of the program, its immersive faith-based approach, and its structured environment. One-third of the program’s participants accept Christ and a little over a third complete the program and recover from their addiction. The makeup of the staff also allows former addicts to demonstrate “ Secular centers their transfortreat addiction like mation and help others with a medical disease empathy and that has patience, while to be coped with providing a judgment-free and treated with atmosphere. medication your The staff entire life. There follows Jesus’ words in is no freedom Matthew 7:5 in that.” which say, “… – Sarah Baughman, first take the Adult & Teen Challenge, San Antonio plank out of Director of Development
Prayer is an essential part of the program. Adult & Teen Challenge services are exclusively faith-based.
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your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” The center requires students to undergo detox before residing on campus. Students are then assigned vocational training, daily chores and Bible-based curriculum, which includes scripture memory and self-reflection. For the last five months of the program, students transition to a re-entry phase, which teaches and supports real-world skills and respon-
Each year, close to one hundred students are baptized in the organization. It's always a very emotional experience.
sibilities. They find off-campus jobs, begin saving and tithing and begin paying a weekly “tuition” to the center. Upon graduation, aftercare begins when participants can intern with the center to pursue vocational ministry for up to seven months, and stay at campus housing for up to a year. Graduates leave with a wealth of Bible knowledge, including 250 memorized scripture passages. Graduates can attend ongoing support groups and annual alumni reunion events. “The reunion events and social media allow us to check in with each other, and encourage and support others we may see slipping off,” says Baughman. The adolescent program operates similarly and helps teens aged 12-17 battling addiction and behavioral issues, like fighting and acting out at school. They receive the same faithbased services as well as attend online school daily. Baughman says the program is not easy, but it’s life-changing. “I wasn’t a Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 9
Thank you Anonymous Partner for making this story possible to share.
Montessori School on the campus. The need is significant with Bexar County leading the state in babies born with drug withdrawal symptoms. For families and individuals struggling with addiction and seeking help, Lauger says, “This isn’t a year you’re giving up, it’s an investment in yourself. You’re sowing seeds into fertile soil to grow and experience peace, joy, and freedom.”
Each year members go on an organization-wide retreat at the HEB Camp in Leakey, TX.
believer when I came here and didn’t want to be stuck in ‘Bible jail.’ It was the first time I had ever read scripture,” says Baughman. “But, the program taught me to accept Christ, that the past was gone, and there was hope for me.” Shawn Lauger, admissions supervisor and program graduate agrees. Lauger says he was “on the run” for more than 20 One-third of years having the program’s survived an abusive upbringparticipants ing and heavy accept Christ drug use. He had and over a third tried everything to get clean complete the before facing a program and series of events recover from their that led him to Adult & Teen addiction. Challenge. “It was one train wreck after another, from a DUI to breaking my engagement, to being homeless on the streets of Austin for a year.” Lauger, like many Adult & Teen Challenge students, was willing to get help when his mom suggested the program to him. “I got to deal with the deep-rooted issues of why I was choosing to use and why I wasn’t comfortable in my skin,” says Lauger. “It wasn’t just a program. It was the vehicle the Lord used to build a relationship with Him.” “It’s a melting pot of different people, attitudes, and ages that probably would have never hung out with each other outside of this. I had never read a single book before coming here, 11
and here I was reading and writing reports, but God stretches us,” says Lauger. “This is a tough program, but after being here awhile, I learned to no longer be dependent on my own discouraging emotions, but prayed for guidance to lead me in the direction He would have me go.” Adult & Teen Challenge also offers the non-residential program, Lifeline, which provides group support and resources to families with a loved one fighting addiction. “It’s a blessing to see families restored,” says Lauger. Lifeline is also available to those who are reasonably functional despite their addiction, and those who have completed a long-term recovery program and " Forget the former need additional support. things; do not The center dwell on the past. recently See, I am doing a surpassed 50 new thing! Now it years of service San Antonio springs up; do you in and can serve not perceive it? I more than am making a way 100 men and on their in the wilderness women campus daily. and streams in Adult & Teen Challenge also the wasteland.” has a pod in the – Isaiah 43:18-19 Dominguez State Jail, where 50 inmates are currently enrolled. Going forward, the San Antonio campus plans to start a women and children’s program and to launch a w w w.sa B e a c o n .c o m
Adult & Teen Challenge www.tctexas.org 3850 South Loop 1604 West San Antonio, TX 78264 (210) 624-2075
Be A Light. Give. Adult & Teen Challenge’s greatest need is financial support. When you donate, you support student scholarships, housing, utilities, transportation, and Christ-centered curriculum to someone overcoming addiction. Visit www.teenchallengetx.org to donate. Sponsor. The center offers various annual events including a fundraising banquet and golf tournament. Contact the San Antonio office at (210) 624-2075 to inquire. Shop. Proceeds from purchases made at the Restored Thrift Store or online at www.atcgoods.com all benefit Adult & Teen Challenge of Texas. Students of the program create products sold at the T-Shirt Shop, Candle Company, and Wood Shop.
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Anonymous Partner Thank you Lord, for this Anonymous Partner who generously gave to Adult & Teen Challenge so that we could feature this article in our February issue. With this generous gift we are able to help raise awareness for Adult & Teen Challenge and all they do to help the adults and teens in our community.
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Church Under the Bridge A church for San Antonio’s homeless
More than 60 community partners invest time, talent, and treasure to purchase, prepare, and serve a balanced meal three days a week after the worship service. BY DANA MICHEA MAR QUEZ WRITER
I stepped out of my car on N. Frio and W. Martin Streets by the railroad tracks on the edge of downtown San Antonio to minister. With the many people standing around this area it was easy to see San Antonio’s large homeless community. My heart was broken at the sight. I was approached by one gentleman. “Excuse me ma’am, but do you happen to have any food on you? I am hungry.” However, before I could answer, another gentleman interrupted. “If you go right now, then you can get dinner at Church Under the Bridge. They have service first then they feed their congregation. The dinner is homemade, hot and fulfilling.” I looked at the hungry gentleman. “Do you want a ride?” The man nodded as he looked back. Approaching was a
“ Our biggest impact is the opportunity to mentor, disciple and respond to felt needs on a consistent basis. This allows us to develop real relationships that build trust – thus greater success in helping our members change their lives for the better.” – Senior Pastor, Greg Goodrich
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woman who came to stand next to him. “This is my girlfriend,” he said. “Can you take both of us?” I nodded to my car. The hungry couple got in as I put the location into my GPS. This was the first time I had encountered Church Under the Bridge, or CUB. A city’s census of the homeless is a difficult number to pin down. Every January in cities across the nation, police officers, volunteers, and partner agencies combine efforts and hit the streets. As The Beacon goes to press, the 2019 tally is taking place, says KSAT 12. According to San Antonio and Bexar County’s “Point in Time Count” summary report, which gives a one-night snapshot of the homeless population in San Antonio each January, the homeless population rose by 12 percent from 2017 to 2018. Combining those in shelters and those unsheltered, this took the total from 2,743 in 2017 to 3,066 in 2018 in our city. I drove up to CUB, located at 724 Chestnut Street. As the couple and I entered the building, we were greeted by one of the many groups that not only volunteers their time to feed the homeless, but holds worship services as well. Dianne Talbert, Director and Church w w w.sa B e a c o n .c o m
and teach that we were created “ forI trulytwobelieve reasons – to love God with all our heart, soul and mind, and to love our fellow man. Church Under the Bridge (CUB) acts on these principles every single day. Their efforts rely on the generosity and financial gifts of concerned people. Feeding and carrying for the less fortunate is a responsibility we all have. Please consider becoming a financial partner to insure CUB remains strong and effective. The bottom line is even more changed lives in our community!
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John Lujan, Vice President – Sistema Technologies
Administrator for CUB explains, “We have about 60 partners right now. Most churches’ operating budgets are made up of tithes and offerings. Our church is made up of the homeless, so we do not have the luxury of depending on their tithes and offerings. The meals, clothing and hygiene are all 100 percent donated through our partners and the community. Partners get on our schedule for one of the three nights a week that we serve. They purchase and cook dinner for about 160 -200 people and then serve the meal. We operate a licensed commercial kitchen so we provide a trained food service manager to assist them.” CUB was originally founded in 1996 by Pastor Dennis Cawthon who had a heart for the homeless and was encouraged further by Community Bible Church. He began the ministry of providing church services with food and clothFe b r u a r y 2 0 1 9
Thank you Sistema Technologies for making this story possible to share.
Faithful volunteers annually build and pass out hundreds of Christmas Bags with cold weather gear, food, hygiene items and Christmas presents to provide for those who may otherwise not have a Christmas.
ing afterward (out of cars) under the freeway by the Pearl Brewery, which is where the name “Church Under the Bridge” originated. The church eventually moved to several locations before finding their home on Chestnut Street, which is just a few minutes north and east of The Alamo. Dianne explains the vision. “The primary charter was given to Pastor Cawthon – by God – Most churches’ to feed the homeless, operating budgets first spiritually then physically. A beautiful are made up of 1.3 -million-dollar tithes and offerbuilding complete ings. Our church is with sanctuary, dining room, made up of the commercial kitchen homeless, so we do as well as a two-seat not have the dental clinic was built luxury of depend- by the generosity of three godly anonying on tithes and mous businessmen. offerings.” They handed the keys – Dianne Talbert, to Pastor Dennis — Director and Church free of charge.” Administrator for CUB CUB is currently negotiating a partnership with The Christian Medical and Dental Association for ongoing medical and dental services. “For the chronically homeless, a successful business in San Antonio, it is “ Asimportant to be a part of improving our community. Sharing our love, time and money with people less fortunate improves not only the lives of people we are helping but it allows us to view the purpose we should all have in our life – loving people. CUB is a shining example of what this looks like in real life. We are honored to partner with their efforts.
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Joe Vallejo, President – Sistema Technologies
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More than 60 community partners invest time, talent, and treasure to purchase, prepare, and serve a balanced meal three days a week after the worship service.
dental work is one of the main needs. They don’t have access to that care unless they are in a program,” Dianne explains. Recently, CUB also struck up a partnership with Life Restored Church. The two churches will be providing winter shelter for the homeless at CUB once the weather dips below 35 degrees. They plan to remove the chairs in their sanctuary, Volunteer stylists provide haircuts and shaves for men then put mats and hair styling for women. and sleeping bags out for 90 homeless people. The stay will also include dinner, an hour of entertainment, lights out, and breakfast the next morning. Current senior pastor, Greg Goodrich, adds, “Our biggest impact is the opportunity to mentor, disciple and respond to felt needs on a consistent basis. This allows us to develop real relationships that build trust — thus greater success in helping our members change their lives for the better.” I saw the couple sit down among the group of homeless who were eager to know more of God. I stayed for the service. At the end, when the altar call was made, the couple made their way to the front to give their lives to Jesus. Afterward, they asked if I would join them for dinner. I felt a peace as I explained to them — I had to go. I knew from their smiles that they were okay. At least tonight their bellies would be full — both spiritually and physically, thanks to special ministries such as Church Under the Bridge! w w w.sa B e a c o n .c o m
Church Under the Bridge www.cub-sa.org mailunderthebridge@yahoo.com P.O Box 34421 SAT 78265 | (210) 569-4026
Be A Light. Give. Because of who they minister to, the primary need of CUB is financial. CUB is looking for individuals and even churches in our community to join their efforts as financial partners so even more can be done in serving our homeless population. Please prayerfully consider an ongoing donation to this amazing ministry. Tell Your Church. Let the leadership in your organization or church know about this special ministry. Volunteer. Adopt this church as a home-based mission. They are not tied to a parent church or organization. Pray. Ask God to move in lives of the homeless and lead them to Christ as the needs of CUB are being met.
STORY MADE
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Sistema focuses on serving local and state government IT development opportunities. Companies and agencies rely on Sistema to provide talent and insightful solutions to both business and IT challenges. We help your agency increase productivity, reduce operating costs and get more IT projects completed within tight budgets. Sistema believes that a strong IT infrastructure can be created to address the needs of our city if we educate, mentor and create intern opportunities for our children. We are a community-minded company and give back to ensure a vibrant San Antonio for years to come. Sistema Technologies, Inc. www.sistematechnologies.com 5750 Epsilon SAT 78249 (210) 342.3380
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T E L L YO U R S TO RY
Third Coast Charities blesses neighbors that we are not just invested in our businesses but in them. Our next community event is El Mardi Gras at Paper Tiger on Sunday, February 17 from 1-7 p.m. It will kick off our efforts in 2019 to celebrate community and fundraise support for our mission. Fully 80 percent of funds received from El Mardi Gras will go to supply the requests that our District 1 office receives but can’t fulfill. This event is open to the public and will feature live zydeco, food from local restaurants, art, and a kid’s area. For more information, please visit our website at www.elmardigras.org.
Susan Sypesteyn tells the story of how their restaurants – Cookhouse, Bud’s Rotisserie and NOLA – reach their neighbors. San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. and we've been very fortunate in this location to be a part of that growth. However, San Antonio has one of the highest poverty rates in the country and contrasted against the rapid growth, a disparity “And you yourself is created that we can’t stand by to must be an watch without example to them taking action. District 1, which by doing good encompasses Tobin works of every Hill – where our kind. Let everyrestaurants are thing you do reflect located – has seen a huge growth in the integrity and development. And seriousness of your with growth comes rising costs. So, my teaching.” – Titus 2:7 husband Pieter and I started Third Coast Charities to help facilitate change through action and build relationships between the businesses and residents who live and operate in our district. Our District 1 office fields many requests from residents such as utility assistance or roof repair that cannot be fulfilled. The city of San Antonio is very gracious and offers programs to help assist residents in need, but their funding only goes so far. In the midst of rising costs when a neighbor has to decide between paying a light bill and putting food on the table, Third Coast Charities can step in where our district office can’t. We have successfully operated our businesses in the district. And as we drive out of the neighborhood to to our own homes, it’s 14
www.cookhouserestaurant.com www.eatatnola.com www.budsrotisserie.com Chef Pieter and Councilman Trevino enjoy El Mardi Gras.
STORY MADE
hard to know that our neighbors aren’t experiencing the same success. We don’t want to come between someone’s light bill and their next meal. We can’t solve the inevitability of gentrification in our rapidly growing urban areas, but we can help slow down the burden our neighbors experience through our benevolent mission. Through community events we’re able to start a dialogue with our neighbors, meet them face-to-face and let them know w w w.sa B e a c o n .c o m
POSSIBLE BY:
AM 630 The Word, KSLR is pleased to partner with The Beacon in this monthly special section called “Tell Your Story.” AM 630 The Word KSLR is your source for equipping, teaching and inspiring your walk with Christ. Please visit our website at am630theword.com to view our program guide for local and national Christian teaching talk programs. We are here to help listeners expand their relationship with Jesus Christ. We partner with San Antonio churches and ministries to bring quality teaching to listeners in our huge listening area. We can work with your church, ministry or business to expand your reach to this important Christian market. Please visit am630theword.com or contact us to learn more.
AM 630 The Word – KSLR
am630theword.com 9601 McAllister Freeway, Suite 1200 SAT 78216 | (210) 344-8481
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AUTOMOTIVE – HELOTES
Anonymous Partner
We at The Beacon are touched by the number of businesses in our community supporting ministries. These causes are making an eternal difference in the lives of so many in our city. We encourage you to thank and support the businesses represented in this issue of The Beacon. When you do business with them, you too are a difference-maker in our community! Be A Light. For more information about how you can be recognized as a community-minded company please contact us at info@sabeacon.com.
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