Santan Sun News; 06-20-15: Spirit

A man who would not die in battle

BY DR. MARC DRAKE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF SUN LAKES SENIOR PASTOR

For more than 150 years, a fascinating story appeared in virtually every student textbook in America, but, sadly, it has not been seen for decades. It is the story of George Washington when he was 23 years of age and involved in the French and Indian War, 20 years before the American Revolution. The colonists sided with the British in this war, and most of the Indians sided with the French.

that after the battle was over, he had discovered four bullet holes through his jacket; yet not a single bullet had touched him. He said “by the allpowerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation.” Washington openly acknowledged that God’s protecting hand was on him.

Interestingly, 15 years later during a time of peace, Washington and a friend returned to those same Pennsylvania woods.

Washington was a colonel in the Virginia militia at the time and when the British troops arrived, he and 100 Virginians joined with General Braddock, a British general. The troops were divided and Braddock, Washington and 1,300 soldiers marched north to drive the French from Fort Duquesne, which is now Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Then, while marching through a wooded ravine, only seven miles from the fort, they found themselves ambushed with the French and Indians firing at them from tree tops and from behind rocks. The result was a slaughter.

Yet, of the 86 British and American officers involved in that battle, George Washington was the only one who had not been shot down off his horse. Once the battle ended, Washington gathered the remaining troops and retreated back to western Maryland. The next day he wrote a letter to his family explaining

An old Indian chief, having heard that Washington had come back to that area, traveled a long way just to meet with him. He told him that in that battle 15 years earlier he had instructed his braves to single out all the officers and shoot them. The chief said that he had personally shot at Washington 17 times, but without effect. Finally, the chief told his braves to stop firing at him. He then said to Washington: “I have traveled a long and weary path that I might see the young warrior of the great battle...I am come to pay homage to the man who is the particular favorite of heaven, and who can never die in battle.”

This is only one example of God’s intervention in the founding of our great country. As we celebrate our nation’s independence this month, let us give thanks for our spiritual heritage—a heritage we must never forget. From Columbus to the Pilgrims to Washington and Lincoln, we have been blessed with leaders who understood the fact that God’s hand has been on this nation.

The Bible says “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” Psalm 33:12.

Chandler United Methodist Church

Dry Heat Pickers entertain crowd at The Perfect Place

Dry Heat Pickers entertained seniors at The Perfect Place, a nonprofit-based adult care center, located on the campus of Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Sun Lakes. The bluegrass band is no stranger to the Valley area having volunteered and performed for many years.

The volunteers at The Perfect Place are knowledgeable of Alzheimer’s, dementia, developmental disabilities and various adult neurological challenges.

For more information about The Perfect Place, call (480) 895-2892 or send an email to ThePerfectPlace85248@gmail. com. The center is located at 23914 S. Alma School Rd., Sun Lakes. Contributions from service organizations and personal donations to the scholarship fund allow the center to provide financial assistance.

Charity workers devote lives to assisting Filipinos in need

BY TRACY HOUSE

John and Gina Allcott are having the time of their lives serving the poor in Davao City, in the Philippines.

The Allcotts, who lived in Chandler for 35 years, started a mission in 2013, the Davao City Outreach.

“My wife and I decided several years ago to move to the Philippines and wanted to help poor kids, so we spent the preceding several years trying to figure out the best way to go about doing that,” John said.

The couple waited until their youngest child turned 18 years old before setting off on their adventure.

ripeforharvest.org, donations can be made to benefit the people served by Davao City Outreach.

“Ripe for Harvest requires me to demonstrate that the money we are spending is charitable,” John said.

Most of the Allcotts’ services are provided out of their home in Davao City.

Working with the people in Davao City, the Allcotts provide school supplies, school uniforms, used clothes and sometimes help with financial needs, in addition to feeding and teaching in the poor areas.

“We’ve gotten to know a lot of people and we try to help them with whatever is needed,” John said.

The Davao City Outreach is not a nonprofit, however, through the organization Ripe for Harvest, www.

“We were able to find a large home,” John said. “We can fit about 25 people in our living room. It’s a little crowded, but we do that often, three times a week.”

At other times the couple goes out to locations depending on where the need may be.

John and Gina are officially hosted by the Chandler Christian Church at Alma School Road, south of the Loop 202, and John mentioned he took early retirement from the post office after 25 years service and it pays for all their living expenses. All donations go to the charity.

“There are no paid employees. Anything donated goes directly to helping the needy,” John said. “We love seeing people become so happy when we

help meet their needs.”

John explained he and Gina plan on returning to Chandler annually, for about a month, to tell their stories of service. At first they thought the yearly travel would be too costly, but John said, “So many people have helped us financially since we’ve been here. It’s like, I guess, seeing people face to face, and us telling stories, makes them want to contribute.”

The couple has been in Davao City for two years and plan to continue with their mission indefinitely.

“We have no plans of moving back to America,” he said. “You can never say never, but we’re happy doing what we’re doing and we don’t have any plans to do anything else.”

Spiritual Reflections

Share your spiritual reflections

The spiritual leaders of SanTan Sun-area churches, temples, mosques and other religious and spiritual gathering places are invited to contribute their Spiritual Reflections in essay format by sending their thoughts, enlightening insights and other writings of a spiritual nature to news@santansun.com.

Be certain to put “Spiritual Reflections submission” in the subject line. Include your first and last name, title and facility name, address, phone number and website.

Spiritual Reflections are printed on a space-available basis, and submission does not guarantee print. The opinions represented in this column are those of the author and not that of the SanTan Sun News.

For more information, contact Chafee, King of Glory Lutheran Church, at (480) 838-0477 or visit www.kogaz.org.

Gina is Filipino and her family is in the north, but John said they are on a different island more than 14 hours away. The decision to work in Davao City was to meet the greater need of the southern city area. He mentioned there are 7,107 islands in the Philippines, which all together are about the size of Arizona. To donate to Davao City Outreach, visit www.ripeforharvest.org. Click on donate and then choose how to partner with Ripe for Harvest. In the donation dropdown menu, choose John Allcott— Davao City Outreach to proceed.

Tracy House is a freelancer for SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at news@ santansun.com.

SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS

Call ahead to confirm information, as details occasionally change after print. If you have a recurring monthly support group or meeting you would like listed in Spiritual Connections, email complete details to news@santansun.com.

SUNDAY

Celebration Service

10:30 a.m. Sundays

All with peaceful beliefs are welcome to this inclusive, loving, thriving UNITY Community. Join the group at 10 a.m., proceeding the service, for fellowship. Youth and toddlers meet during service. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline, Suite 102, Mesa. Info: (480) 593-8798, www.interfaith-community.org

Kids’ Sunday School

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sundays

Unity of Chandler, 325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, Chandler. Info: (480) 792-1800, www.unityofchandler.org

Lift Your Spirit

10 a.m. Sundays

Hear inspirational messages and music. Unity of Chandler, 325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, Chandler. Info: (480) 792-1800, www.unityofchandler.org

Celebrate Recovery Men’s Step Study

5:30 p.m. Sundays

Gender-specific accountability groups that meet for 28 weeks and use the eight recovery principles. CrossRoads Nazarene Church, 2950 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Info: (480) 722-0700, celebraterecovery@crnaz.com

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church

7:30 a.m. traditional worship

9 a.m. traditional worship and choral music

11 a.m. contemporary worship with live Christian rock band

There is also a service at 12 p.m. Wednesdays.

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 901 W. Erie St., Chandler. Info: (480) 899-7386, www.saintmatthewschurch.org.

MONDAYS

The Art of Parenting

7:30 p.m. Mondays

Six-session course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute and presented by Rabbi Mendy Deitsch of Chabad of the East Valley, designed to help parents at all levels of Jewish knowledge develop their own parenting philosophies and techniques. Cost is $99. Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Dr., Chandler. Info: (480) 855-4333, rabbi@chabadcenter.com

TUESDAYS

Career Connectors

9 a.m. to noon, fourth Tuesday of month

Nonprofit organization connecting professionals in career transition to high-quality resources and hiring companies; each event includes professional career speakers with presentations on relevant job search topics, three to four hiring companies, networking, resume help, career coaches, LinkedIn coaches and business portraits. Central Christian Church, Gilbert Campus/Student Center, 965

E. Germann Rd., Gilbert. Info: www. careerconnectors.org, (480) 442-5806

Christian Business Networking, Tri-City Chapter—Chandler, Tempe, Mesa

7:15 a.m. Tuesdays

Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals. Crackers and Co. Café, 535 W. Iron Ave., Mesa. Info: Maia, (480) 425-0624, www.christianbusinessnetworking.com

Christian Business Networking, Chandler Bi-Monthly Chapter

7:30 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays each month

Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals. Chandler Christian Church, Room C100, 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler. Info: Maia, (480) 425-0624, www.christianbusinessnetworking.com

Grief Share

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays

A combination seminar and support group that meets weekly with people who understand because they have “been there” themselves. Fee for materials is $15, but scholarships are available. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. Info: (480) 9634127, www.htlutheran.com

HOPE—Help Overcoming Painful Experiences

7 p.m. Tuesdays

Free weekly small group sessions helping people overcome emotional pain caused by divorce, grief, addictions and more; free child care for children ages 10 and younger. Desert Springs Church, Room 106, 19620 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler. Info: hope4all@comcast.net, www. helpovercomingpainfulexperiences.org

Shalom Chapter of Hadassah

11:30 a.m. second Tuesday of each month Iron Oaks (Oakwood) Clubhouse, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd., Sun Lakes. Info: Cyril, (480) 802-0243; Kathy, (480) 895-5194; Shirley, (480) 883-9159; or Joyce, (480) 802-4902.

Monthly Women’s Fellowship

6:30 p.m. fourth Tuesday of each month

The monthly fellowship Bible study with the East Valley Chapter of Christian Women’s Devotional Alliance “ministers to women’s spiritual, emotional and physical needs.” Best Western-Mezona 250 W. Main St., Mesa. Info: (480) 232-3773

Narcotics Anonymous (Nar-Anon)— Chandler Chapter

7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays

Twelve-step program for families and friends of addicts. Faith Community Church, 1125 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler. Info: www.nar-anon.org

WEDNESDAYS

“A Course in Miracles” with the Rev. Julianne Lewis

1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Wednesdays

The weekly group is an interactive time

of learning and sharing, appropriate for course beginners, as well as longtime students of ACIM. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline, Suite 102, Mesa. Info: (480) 5938798, www.interfaith-community.org

The Art of Parenting

9:30 a.m. Wednesdays

Six-session course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute and presented by Rabbi Mendy Deitsch of Chabad of the East Valley, designed to help parents at all levels of Jewish knowledge develop their own parenting philosophies and techniques. Cost is $99. Chandler Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler. Info: (480) 855-4333 or rabbi@chabadcenter.com

Panic Healing and Meditation

7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays

Guided meditation and healing for those facing physical, emotional, mental or spiritual issues in their lives. Love offering requested. Unity of Chandler, 325 N. Austin Dr., Chandler. Info: (480) 792-1800

Grief Care

6:30 p.m. Wednesdays

A place to come share your feelings or just listen to others as we try to navigate through our grief. You don’t have to do it alone. Epiphany Lutheran Church, South Campus, old church building, 800 W. Ray Rd., Room 325, Chandler. Info: www.griefcareaz@gmail.com

Healing Prayer and Meditation Circle

7 to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays

Guided prayer, affirmations and visualization for those facing physical, emotional, mental or spiritual issues in their lives. Love offering requested. Unity of Chandler, 325 N. Austin Dr., Chandler. Info: (480) 792-1800

Re|Engage Marriage Program

6:30 p.m. Wednesdays

Whether you’d rate your marriage a two or a 10, this class will help you reconnect. Chandler Christian Church, 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler. Info and registration: www.chandlercc.org/reengage

St. Mathew’s Episcopal Church

12 p.m. Healing and Eucharist service

St. Mathew’s Episcopal Church, 901 W. Erie St., Chandler. Info: (480) 899-7386, www.saintmatthewschurch.org.

THURSDAYS

Spiritual Chat

7 p.m. to 8 p.m. second Thursday of each month

A discussion of spiritual topics such as awareness, lucid dreaming, near-death experiences, out-ofbody experiences, past lives, living gracefully, reincarnation, karma and divine guidance during Arizona Satsang Society’s Spiritual Chat sessions. Unity Church of Divine Love, 325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, Chandler. Info: vizzit@hotmail.com, (877) 300-4949

First Baptist Church of Sun Lakes

A Church of Joy Committed to the perfect Word of God, living under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and worshiping with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Dr. Marc Drake, Senior Pastor 9535 E. Riggs Road Sun Lakes, Arizona 85248 480-895-1088 www. csl.org Sundays: Bible Study: 8:30 am Worship: 10:00 am

Send us your church, temple events

Let the SanTan Sun News help you publicize your church or temple’s events and activities in the Spirituality section by emailing details to news@ santansun.com. Include a brief description of the event, times, days, dates, cost or free, if registration is required, venue, address, publishable phone number, website if applicable and contact information for verification purposes. We welcome photos, which must be 300 dpi JPEGs or taken on a digital camera on the “best” or “highest quality” setting. Information is due 10 days prior to publication date. Submission does not guarantee placement.

WebXtra:

WebXtra: For a complete list of Spiritual Connections, SanTan Sun area monthly support groups, study groups and spiritually stimulating meetings, visit SanTanSun.com and click on “Spirituality.”