The Life Spring 2016

THE LIFESPRING 2016H* AITI ERlizeaabdethhoCwityDALE & CAROLYN HORN EXPERIENCETHEIR FIRST MISSION TRIP. {page 8}churches are uniting andsheltering the homeless{ page 14 }MDIAFKFIENRGEANCEHOW A SMALL GROUP OF LADIES AT FOLARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE {page 10} Are You Prepared for Battle? {page 22}

2016contents B JESBDUyPSAaAsVtNorDHIDaUnSs, F Page 4IT HAPPENED IN HAITIDALE & CAROLYN HORN EXPERIENCE THE LOVE OF GOD ON THEIR FIRST MISSION TRIP. Page 8LEARN HOW TO S QGET INVOLVED IN A LOCALMINISTRY TO THE HOMELESS{page 14} READ ABOUT PAGEA TRANSFORMATION FROM 18RELIGION TO RELATIONSHIP.MEET YIRENE GARCIA,FOL’S NEWCOVENANTPARTNER!{page 21}The Life Magazine is published quarterly by Fountain of Life Church in Elizabeth City, NC. All images are gathered from Shutterstock unless otherwise noted.Editor in Chief/Hans Hess * Editor, Communications Director/Tiffany Harris * Editor, Layout Designer, Graphic Designer/Kristina Granstaff * Writers/Hans Hess, Jackie Davenport, Paige Old, Erica Gregory, Tiffany Harris Proofreaders/Brenda Harris, Tina Kirkland, Tiffany Harris

BECOME TARGET A PARTNER WITH FOUNTAIN OF LIFE. CONFERENCE {page 7} CHILDREN’S +YOUTH cover st MINISTRY LEADERSHIP CONFERENCED guest speakers I E R P. ory fay andrew jeremy stephen18 nelson price bryan jonesSONSHINE cliffann rose TIMQUILTERS perry boyd DIEHL are making a difference, AFPRRI15 ASPART16 read how. 7:00 PM 8:00 AM {page 10} REGISTER AT PROTECT FOLEC.NET/YOURSELF THE TARGETCONFERENCE FROM THE ENEMY ge 22pa

by: Pastor Hans HessDJEAVSIUD,S AND US How God’s covenant with David reveals His faithfulness to us today. Now it happened at that time, when Jeroboam wentoutofJerusalem,thattheprophetAhijahtheShilonite met him on the way; and he had clothed himself with a new garment, and the two were alone in the eld. Then Ahijah took hold of the new garment that was on him, and tore it into twelve pieces. And he said to Jeroboam, “Take for yourself ten pieces, for thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: ‘Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and will give ten tribes to you (but he shall have one tribe for the sake of My servant David, and for the sake of Jerusa- lem, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel), because they have forsaken Me, and worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the people of Ammon, and have not walked in My ways to do what is right in My eyes and keep My statutes and My judg- ments, as did his father David. However I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand, because I have made him ruler all the days of his life for the sake of My servant David, whom I chose because he kept My commandments and My statutes. But I will take the kingdom out of his son’s hand and give it to you—ten tribes. And to his son I will give one tribe,4

that My servant David may always have a lamp beforeMe in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen for Myself,to put My name there. -1 Kings 11:29-36 In this passage we pick up the story of the divid-ing of the Kingdom of Israel. Israel had always been a con-solidation of tribes. The seat of the government of Israelsince King David’s reign had been in Jerusalem. However,Solomon, David’s son, had disobeyed the Lord. Because ofhis disobedience, God brought judgment. Solomon diedand his son, Rehoboam, took over as king. One of Solo-mon’s former leaders, Jereboam, was a rival leader in Israelwith great support from the people. In the passage above,Jeroboam receives a prophecy from Ahijah telling him thatthe Kingdom of Israel would divide, and he would rule overten tribes. God reasoned, “…because they have forsakenMe, and worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians,Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god ofthe people of Ammon, and have not walked in My ways todo what is right in My eyes and keep My statutes and Myjudgments…” God allowed the entire nation to be divid-ed and allowed a rival king to take over the majority of thetribes. However, in the midst of this judgment, Godmade an amazing promise. God promised that Rehoboamwould have one tribe to rule over- Judah. God says hewould allow Rehoboam to rule because of his faithful prom-ise to David. David would always have a descendent uponhis throne. God gave David a promise, a covenant, manyyears prior to Rehoboam’s reign: When your days are ful lled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. But My mercy shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. And your house and your kingdom shallbeestablishedforeverbeforeyou.Yourthrone shall be established forever. -2 Samuel 7:12–16 God’s covenants are basically his self-written jobdescriptions. They describe what God will do. They arefilled with God’s promises. Man, on the other hand, alwayshas a responsibility to fulfill the covenantal agreements.The covenant in 2 Samuel 7:12–16 does what a lot of pro-phetic passages do- it takes an extended view of events andcollapses them down so that distant and near future eventsare viewed all at the same time. God promises David hisson will reign in his place and that he will build the houseof God (i.e. the Temple). God also promises that when hecommits sin he would be disciplined by the “rod of men,with the stripes of the sons of men.” But, he also promises continued on next page... 5

that he will “not take [his] steadfast love from him.” His kingdom there will be no end. When we see the covenants of God in the Old -Luke 1:31–33 Testament, they should strengthen our faith and increase Jesus would be the ultimate King, from the lineage our joy. Why? Because when God made covenants with of David, God in flesh, who would fulfill all of the covenantal Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David, the main point of the requirements of God. And through him, the original pur- covenant was that God would use all of His power to do pose of God would be fulfilled, which was that all nations good for his people. This lets us know that God is for us, would be touched and brought into the reign of the Davidic and He exerts all of His power to stand behind us and help King. us. Simon has declared how God first visited the Notice that God promised David that he would Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name: have an everlasting throne: Verse 13 says, “He shall build a house for My name, and I And with this the words of the prophets agree, just will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” as it is written: Verse 16 says, “And your house and your kingdom shall be After this I will return made sure forever before me; your throne shall be estab- And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which lished forever.” has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, Three times the words “forever” is used in these And I will set it up; two verses. This is very important. When God promises to So that the rest of mankind may seek the LORD, do something forever, it is a big deal! Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the LORD who does all these things.’ Yet, there is a dilemma here. God knew David would die and God promised the Kingdom would be placed -Acts 15:14–17 in the hands of his son Solomon. Yet, God knew Solomon God’s plan was for His Messiah, the ultimate Da- would be fallible and fail. This is why He gave the prophetic vidic King, to reign over all the nations of the earth, those words about what He would do when Solomon failed. from every tongue and tribe and nation (Revelation 7:9). The Church’s job today is to proclaim the Kingdom of God, As time progressed, it was increasingly obvious the liberating reign of the true Messiah to every people group that no son of David could fulfill the covenantal promise. on the face of the earth. The King has come and freedom is A succession of imperfect Kings could never meet the righ- here! teous requirements of God. So what man couldn’t do, God Ho! Everyone who thirsts, promised to do Himself. Come to the waters; And you who have no money, For unto us a Child is born, Come, buy and eat. Unto us a Son is given; Yes, come, buy wine and milk And the government will be upon His shoulder. Without money and without price. And His name will be called Why do you spend money for what is not bread, Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, Of the increase of His government and peace And let your soul delight itself in abundance. There will be no end, Incline your ear, and come to Me. Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, Hear, and your soul shall live; To order it and establish it with judgment and And I will make an everlasting covenant with justice you— From that time forward, even forever. The sure mercies of David. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. -Isaiah 55:1–3 -Isaiah 9:6-7 For us the Davidic Covenant is a beautiful picture of the faithfulness of God. What we couldn’t do in our own God promised that He would fulfill the cove- strength. What we couldn’t do because of our frailty. God nantal obligations Himself! came and did for us. He fulfilled the covenant obligations, died for our sins, called us out of darkness into His mar- And behold, you will conceive in your womb velous light, washed us in His precious blood, sanctified us, and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name and filled us with His Holy Spirit. He did all of this so we JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the could have joy and delight in His presence. He did this so we Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give could in turn proclaim His liberating power to the rest of the Him the throne of His father David. And He will world. The King has come! reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of6

DO YOU WANT TOJOIN OUR FOL FAMILY? The Life/ Lindsay RoodePARTNER WITH USAPR 26|MAY 24|JUN 28 MAY 6 First Step Class Covenant Partnership DinnerThe First Step Class is the first part in the Covenant Partnership process. Our pastors will share vision with you and get to know you better. There’s no obligation to join the church after attending the class, but if youdecide to partner with us, attend our catered Covenant Partnership Dinner to be officially received and honored as an FOL Partner. Sign up online or on our app!

IT HAPPENEDIN HAITI DALE & CAROLYN HORN EXPERIENCE THE LOVE OF GOD ON THEIR FIRST MISSION TRIP. By: Paige Old When Jesus was on earth, He travelled and made disciples. He ministered to the lost, healed the sick, raised the dead, fed the hungry, and eventually made a way of salvation for everyone. Before He went to Heaven, He commanded us to go and make disciples of all nations, minister to the lost, and heal the sick in what we call the Great Commission. In January, twelve people from FOL’s Missions Outreach Team obeyed that call. They travelled to Haiti, the poorest country in the northern hemisphere, to share the command of Jesus and make disciples. This trip forever changed Dale and Carolyn Horn’s lives and blessed them in ways they never imag- ined. When Carolyn heard about the mission trip to Guatemala in 2015, God spoke to her and said, “I want to send you on a mission trip.” She talked to her husband Dale, but he was apprehensive. As owners of a busy restaurant, Dale had reservations of leaving the country when they had a business to tend to daily. But, after a few weeks of prayer, Dale conceded. “God was able to provide to allow us to go,” he says. Dale and Carolyn Horn had never been out of the country previous to this trip. They received brand new passports and trusted God to provide for them and protect them throughout the journey. After they boarded the plane, they found out something was wrong with the plane. It took three hours after their scheduled departing time to take-off. As the team and other passengers waited patiently, other peo- ple became angry and afraid. Dale looked at the problem differently. “I know how everyone prayed for protection, and just want[ed] them to know that their prayers were answered,” he says. He said he would have rather found the problem on the ground than in the air. When they arrived in Haiti, they started toward their hotel. “I don’t know what I expected, but I didn’t expect what I saw,” Carolyn says. She could not stop taking pictures. Prior to the trip, she saw pictures and heard stories of how Haitians lived and how poor the country was, but seeing it revealed before her eyes gave her a new perspective.8

The reality of Haiti left her speechless. Seeing the suffering first-handbroke her heart. She thought about how God must feel watching his people suffering. One of the first outreaches the Missions Outreach Team planned was to lay aconcrete foundation down in a local church. This job consisted of mixing concrete by hand, and they needed water to complete the job. The only way to get water was for it to rain. The Haitians caught the rain on the roof tops, because there were no water facets. Haiti had been in a draught for a long time, and rain was unlikely. Miraculously, though, the night they arrived, the sky poured rain. They were able to get half of the project done before they ran out of water. The next night, it pouredagain- just enough to finish the entire church. Dale and Carolyn Horn knew after the first two days they were meant to be there. Seeing God provide was a reminder that He was there with them. The couple was part of four crusades that over 4,000 Haitians attended. The hunger for Godwas strong. Carolyn witnessed the heavy influence of Voodoo on the people, especially on young girls, but was privileged to watch people being set free from demonic possession and giving their lives to Christ. As thousands of people worshipped God, it reminded them that though we may not live the same lives, we are all made in the image of God, and our God is alive in all the nations. One afternoon, the team visited a village that has had no help since the earth- quake wrecked the country in 2010. People lived in huts among swamp and trash with no clean water. Dale and Carolyn had never seen anything like that before. There were children and teenagers living naked, because they had no clothes. Theteam held a feeding outreach there. They only had enough money to feed 250people and there were 500 children there. It was difficult to watch the children with- out food. Since the cooks burnt some of the food, they decided to mix the burnt food with some chicken broth and set it by the back door. The next time they looked, the food was gone. Dale thought how nobody in Ameri- ca would have eaten that meal, but the children devoured it like it was the best meal they had ever had. Now, Dale and Carolyn want to go back to Haiti after experiencing the need first-hand. They know God touched them and placed Haiti on their hearts forever. On this mis- sion trip, He showed them His heart for the poor. Feeding people is part of Jesus’ command, but being able to share the Gospel with them will change their lives eternally. The Life/ Facebook 9

Sewing from the Soul The Sonshine Quilters of FOL get missional with their gifts By:JackieDavenport F ountain of Life has much in common with a When a person thinks of quilting, thoughts of a w patchwork quilt. Made up of different shapes by-gone era usually come to mind. “Sewing, let alone sa and sizes, vibrant colors, and personalities, it has quilting, is a tradition that not many young people T an immediate beauty you see on the outside know how to do anymore,” says Betsy Sherlock, one of d and an intimate beauty you only see when you dig the members of FOL’s Sonshine Quilters. It is the ded- q deeper by becoming personally involved in one of its ication to teaching the art, the joy of fellowship, and h many ministries. Just as the blocks of a quilt are sewn the goal of ministry all wrapped into one purpose that le together to make one beautiful picture, it takes sever- has the ladies motivated to reach those they can and al different ministries at Fountain of Life to carry out the share what they know. However, if you think all they q Great Commission. One of those groups has taken the do is quilt, you will be sadly mistaken. a centuries-old art of quilting and given it their own flare th while adding its own version of being the hands and I had the privilege of speaking with some of the a feet of Jesus to their fellow man. members of the group to find out a little more about10

tsa what they do, and how they began. Betsy Sherlock In the beginning the ladies focused on learn-ne says that the Sonshine Quilters started around 2007. ing how to make not just sampler quilts but other thingsle The group was mostly made up of women from a Sun- such as pocketbooks, coats, potato bags, and evenof day school class who met together a few times just to casserole dish carriers. Judy Spruill, another memberd- quilt and spend time together. Although members of the group jokes, “You name it, and we have prob-d have come and gone over the past eight years, at ably made it.” After about a year of meeting, oneat least six of the original group have remained. of the members invited Mary Armstrong, a local wom-d an who did not attend the church but was known iney When they first met, their quilts were sampler local quilting circles, to come speak to the group. It quilts, basic quilts with 12-patterned blocks. They took was at that meeting the ladies were given the basic a basic pattern, let everyone chose their material, and pattern of what has become their signature lap quilt.he then worked on one block at a time until they made The group gradually went from making things solely forut an entire quilt. themselves to making lap quilts to give away to those 11

the greatest blessing has been seeing the faces and hearing the appreciation in the voices of some of those that have been given a lap quilt. that were homebound or in nursing homes. Each quilt is made up of seven rows with 10 blocks each that form a picture of a cross. Every lap quilt has its own unique color variation and takes ap- proximately 10 to 12 hours to complete. The ladies in- clude an informational sheet with each quilt that ex- plains what each square, or block, represents when they give a quilt away. Even the way the quilt is folded has a spiritual meaning. Each fold represents the Trinity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Also included is an inspiration message on each quilt that is read to each recipient. Once the quilts are completed, they are taken to one of the Sunday school classes and prayed over before being given to someone. It is the hope of the Sonshine Quilters to offer encouragement and support to each person or family they are privi- leged to bless. The ladies of the group are in awe of how much they have been able to do and say they could have never imagined eight years ago how far the reach of their ministry could go. God has granted them favor by furnishing them the material and resources they have needed in order to meet needs. Whenever there has been a need for supplies, the need has been met. One of the blessings they have received as a group was an anonymous donation of $1000 that allowed them to purchase backing material and batting. Several of the ladies mentioned they would love to personally thank whoever gave the money because they are still reap- ing its blessing several years later. They have received additional gifts of material and other supplies including a few sewing machines. Still, the greatest blessing has been seeing the faces and hearing the appreciation in the voices of some of those that have been given a lap quilt. The phrase they so often hear is, “No one has ever done anything like that for me.” While most of the recipients12

or their family members will usually write a note of ap- preciation, a few have even gone so far as to thank the ladies personally. Some of the recipients have said that it was the generosity and knowing someone cared enough to think about them that often gave them the motivation and encouragement they desperately needed at a very dark or hard time in their lives. The SonShine Quilters have also had the oppor- tunity to share in other missions sponsored by Fountain of Life. They have made patterned pillowcases for the girls of Teen Challenge. Some of the ladies were able to deliver them and have a tour of the house. The quil- ters were similarly asked to make things for the Missions Outreach Team to take to Guatemala and Haiti, so they made 100 pillowcase dresses for young girls. Ad- ditionally, the group has contributed to the annual Val- entine’s Day Auction by providing quilts for sale. Re- cently, they were approached to make items for older girls in countries that do not have access to adequate hygiene items, a project they hope to begin working on soon. To see their ministry reach people interna- tionally is something that the original members could have never imagined would have happened from just the casual suggestion made by Betsy Sherlock back in 2007 to start a quilting group. Some of the recipients have said that it wa s the generosity and knowing someone cared enough to think about them that often gave them the moti- vation and encouragement they desperately needed at avery dark or hard time in their lives. They are still looking for new members and stress that individuals do not need sewing experience, because they will gladly teach people everything you need to know. They welcome all ages, and yes, men are welcome as well. Several of the ladies will tell you they never intended to begin quilting, but after join- ing the group they were bitten by the “material bug.” So, pick a second Saturday of the month and go meet with the Sonshine Quilters in The Family Life Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. if for no other reason than for the Christian fellowship, but be aware, the “bug” may bite you too. The Life/ lyree white 13

There’s Room in the Body By: Erica Gregory

For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 Holy Name Catholic Church start- came together and researched similar ed Room in the Inn in 1986. At that programs in the area. The group head- time, four congregations came to- ed east to the Outer Banks and found gether to help the homeless and needy that a similar program found success in Nashville, TN by providing them with serving individuals instead of families. “… economic assistance, job training, and That’s when we started planning a pro- spiritual direction. They sought to direct- gram that would serve on the individual ly involve themselves with the homeless level,” says First United Methodist mem- and serve them without pride or preju- ber, Julie Robinson. “We contacted as dice- putting faith into action. This was many churches as we could and end- the heart of the program. “Room in the ed up with eight churches to partnership Inn is not about giving; it is about receiv- this year.” ing,” said Founding director Charles Stro- bel. “It is about everyone, both guests From January 24 to March 6, a and hosts, receiving a blessing- an en- different church volunteered each week counter with God in the midst of suffer- to provide shelter to those in need. The ing, hardship, pain and grief.” church volunteers were trained before- hand on how to work with the homeless In 2012, three Elizabeth City and how to maintain a safe environ- churches came together with a simi- ment. lar mission in mind. First Baptist Church, This is how the program works: First United Methodist Church, and Christ When guests arrive safely to the host Episcopal Church sensed a need, joined together, and decided to target homeless families whon had no place to turn. They They sought to started an outreach and directly involve served two families over a five-week period. At the end, both families found permanent housing. themselves with the Because of the homeless and serve amount of work and volun- them without pride teers it takes to make the outreach a success, they or prejudice were not able to do anoth- er one until this year. After struggling to find only fami- lies who qualified for Room in the Inn, the churches 15

Helen Williams, the Direc- tor of Vision of Hope Emer- gency Center, oversaw the outreach. Williams said that information about the pro- Not only do we want the gram was given to all of the agencies who work with the program to help provide homeless. Some of the Room in the Inn volunteers also work housing, but we want to with the SOULS feeding min- provide resources to help istry and helped spread the word to those in need. Wil- these individuals move liams added that “the streets talk,” and information within the local homeless population spread very quickly. forward. Each night throughout the six-week period, individuals were required to meet from 4:30-6 p.m. at the Hugh Cale Center on Road Street. During this time, those seeking as- church, they are served a hot supper and wel- sistance went through a rigorous intake process, comed with hospitality. Men and women are sep- complete with alcohol screening and a search for arated into different rooms, and a volunteer stayes weapons by a police officer. The guidelines and on-guard every night within the facility. In the morn- policies for Room in the Inn remained strict but nec- ing, guests receive breakfast, a bagged lunch, and essary for ensuring safety to both volunteers and a hygiene bag before they head off to Elizabeth guests. “We might not serve as many individuals City Parks and Recreation. There they have the as we would like to serve, but at least we’re keep- chance to take a warm shower and clean them- ing everyone safe,” Williams says. In addition to a selves up for the day. Robinson says, “Not only do we want the program to help provide housing, but we want to provide resources to help these individ- uals move forward.” This year, some of the smaller churches in Elizabeth City paired with larger churches that have the space and facilities necessary to host Room in the Inn. The Red Cross lent 24 cots to the outreach and Christ Episcopal Church purchased mattresses Others have donated linens, towels, blankets, pil- lows, and pillowcases. In addition to volunteers from eight area A volunteer from Christ Episcopal churches, the American Red Cross, Elizabeth City Church prepares a meal for the Parks and Recreation Department, Albemarle homeless during their week of Family YMCA, Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Depart- ment, Elizabeth City Police Department, Vision of Room in the Inn. Hope Emergency Shelter, Community Resource Center and the Northeast Coalition to End Home- lessness all joined together to help.16

Volunteers from Christ Episcopal in. Room in the Inn gave Able the opportunity to Church prepare to serve the make connections with individuals who helped him find placement in a rehabilitation facility. During homeless from their church kitchen. his stay there, Able also found temporary employ- ment and thanked Williams for a safe place to stayno alcohol, tobacco, weapons, drugs, fighting, foul during his time of transition.language or abuse policy, guests went through ascreening that helped volunteers target specific One afternoon in January, James stoppedneeds of the individuals. by First Methodist Church and told Julie Robinson During Williams’ interview in February, one he was freezing and sleeping outside in the cold.guest chimed in and spoke positively about the He said he “just couldn’t do it anymore.” Robin-policies and procedures in place saying, “I know I son shared with James about Room in the Inn, andwon’t have to look over my shoulder tonight.” James showed up the first night of the program. Williams noted that many of the homeless Because he failed the sobriety test that night, hepopulation in the Elizabeth City area have trouble could not stay as a guest. Fortunately, James wentwith substance abuse, whether it be alcohol, crack back the following day alcohol free and foundcocaine, or heroin. During intake for Room in the safety there along with a renewed sense of hope.Inn, Williams was able to assess individual needs Throughout the course of the program, James hasand often times connected individuals to free clin- slipped up, but he continues to try. One Saturdayics, the social security office, vocational rehab, night in particular, James was turned away be-and organizations like Port Human Services (where cause of alcohol again. While he was unable topeople without insurance were able to have their stay at the Episcopal Church that night, he showedmental illnesses evaluated and addressed). up Sunday morning for service. James told Williams, There are three specific individuals whose “I know I have messed up and I am trying to fixstories stood out to this year’s volunteers: Abel, that.”James, and a woman whose name was not shared. Abel, a recovering addict, was homeless A woman who came from a domestic vio-for a while. He waited and searched for a long- lence situation moved to Elizabeth City from Missis-term rehabilitation facility that would take him sippi and stayed in a hotel while she worked. During this transitional time, she used up all of her savings and could not pay for housing. She stayed several nights at Room in the Inn, and then was fortunate enough to find a permanent living situation. Helen Williams says, “There’s more home- lessness in our area than people want to realize or acknowledge. There are over 100 churches in our area. With the number of churches in our area, we would love to see more individuals volunteer and our hope is to have a program that runs lon- ger than six weeks.” She would like to start another Room in the End outreach from November 2016 to March 2017. Room in the Inn is the perfect illustration of how the body of Christ can unite. Christians are called to serve and love their neighbors. As Robin- son shares, Room in the Inn “truly is a partnership of all the organizations, which is great.” For more information on the Elizabeth City Room in the Inn, or to volunteer, please contact Helen Williams: 252-916-8362. 17

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MORE THAN A CHOREMORE THANA CHORE BY: PAIGE OLD S unday mornings were days I dread- ed every week as a child and into my adult life. Going to church Sun- day mornings is what you are sup- posed to do, but it felt like something I was forced to do. It was like a chore. You have to do it; you feel obligated to do it. This was what church was like for me for a long time. Every Sunday morning, I got dressed and went to church feeling like I was a good Christian doing the right thing. The reality was I would sit in church and my mind was elsewhere- thinking about what we were eating for lunch or thinking about the rest of the day. It was a routine I fol- lowed every Sunday. I knew in my heart that God was the Lord, but I didn’t com- prehend what that meant to me. I grew up in a home founded on Christian morals and values, but the Word was not applied and taught daily. We occasionally went to church on the important holidays Easter and Continued on next > 19

Christmas where everyone was in church. MORE THAN A CHOREI believed for a long time that I didn’tneed to go to church every Sunday to fol- church was supposed to be like. I wasn’tlow Jesus. I didn’t need to get involved in there to prove anything to anyone; I wasa church where I saw so many hypocrites. there for God to set a fire in my soul thatI was wrong. Those were excuses used to would burn brighter in the days to come.justify the life I was living without Jesus. God changed my perspective My husband and I began going to and taught me the importance of get-church occasionally together after we mar- ting involved. Sunday became my favor-ried, but it wasn’t anything different from ite day of the week. Now, I look forwardmy childhood. I found myself with the same to getting together with other saints andmindset. Church felt like another chore on worshipping our God as one. Instead ofmy growing to-do list. Nothing changed. church being a chore, church, and myThough we attempted to go to church again relationship with God, is now my priority.after we had our daughter, we stopped be-cause I didn’t want to put her in the nursery. In the Bible, God gives us promis-I hated seeing her cry during the sermon es about restoration if we give our heartsand disrupting others. Attending service and life to him and seek His face. Sec-only to sit out in the foyer seemed point- ond Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people,less. Sunday was my only day off during who are called by my name will hum-the week; why waste a Sunday morning ble themselves and pray and seek mysitting in church getting nothing out of it? face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will On July, 2014, my heart changed. forgive their sin and will heal their land.”We decided to attend Fountain of Lifefor Revival with Doug Eccles after my sis- This scripture changed my perspec-ter-in-law invited us. The moment I walked tive on the love of God. He is willing to healinto the church I felt something I never ex- our land and our families if we choose toperienced before. Now I know it was the follow him and make Him Lord of our life.presence of God. My heart yearned to befilled from the emptiness I felt. It was the Church will never be a chore again,first church service I listened to every word. and I pray that God helps others thatI felt God speak to me and felt Him fill my are struggling with their attitude towardheart. I knew at that moment FOL was what church; I pray their perspective changes. If you let God change your perspective and change your heart, He can change your life. meet our writers erica gregory Erica Gregory was born and raised in Elizabeth City, NC and she currently lives in Hertford, NC. Gregory received her Bachelor of Arts from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and later moved on to Halifax Community College for her Associates of Applied Sciences in Dental Hygiene. Currently, she is working full-time with Dr. Karen Wuertz at Dental Transformations, while attending Asbury Theolog- ical Seminary online, where she is in her second year of her Masters in Intercul- tural Studies with an emphasis on Church Planting. Erica says her life was forever changed in 2014 on a mission trip to Senkobo, Zambia. Since then she has felt an ever increasing passion to witness to the broken and lost. She loves to travel and in20 her spare time, she loves spending time with her friends, family and volunteering.

paige old MEET OUR NEW COVENANT PARTNER Paige Old attended York St. John Uni- versity in England and received an Irene Garcia honors B.A. in Design Practice and Business degree. Now, she is rooted in Two years ago, Irene Garcia started Elizabeth City with her husband Hunt- attending Fountain of Life. Irene first er and beautiful two-year-old daugh- learned about FOL through her son ter Hailey. They have been attending Axel, who now plays drums for the wor- Fountain of Life since July, 2014 and ship team. Irene says, “I was wonderinghave recently become Covenant Partners with FOL. Paige is involved about the church, because my sonin multiple ministries within the church including Media Team, Tiny would leave in the morning and notTown, and the Missions Outreach Team. God laid mission work on come home until around 9:30 pm, and Iher heart in 2013 when she joined the FOL team on her first mission thought wow, it must be a good churchtrip to Guatemala. The trip changed her perspective on the world. if he’s there all day.”Paige feels called to help the poor and share the Gospel, both local-ly and internationally. As a result, Paige recently started leading a Life Irene says her first visit at FOL wasGroup aimed to reach those eager for God’s love in our local com- incredible: “Mainly what caught my at-munity. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, and spending time with tention was how welcoming the placefamily and friends. and people were; the first thing I saw was that people were very happy, andjackie davenport I wanted to feel that way.” Irene also noted how she was drawn to PastorJackie Davenport graduated from Eliz- Hans’ biblical based preaching.abeth City State University in 1996 witha B.S. in English Education. She’s loved Irene usually attends the 11 p.m. servicewriting since age nine and some of her as well as Sunday and Wednesdaypoetry has been published. She be- nights. She is very involved at FOL volun-came a Christian at age five during a teering in Kidstown and being a part ofchildren’s choir rehearsal. Along with the Missions Outreach Team. In Januaryher husband, and three children, she has been attending FOL since this year, Irene traveled to Haiti on her2010 shortly after Pastor Hans started pastoring the church. She’s ex- first mission trip with the team where shecited to be a part of The Life Magazine. worked with Evangelist Doug Eccles. tiffany harris In the fall of 2014 Irene was baptized at FOL. Born and raised a Roman Catho- Tiffany Harris works as the Commu- lic, Irene realizes that she was always a nications Director at Fountain of Life believer of Christ but not a follower until where she directs teams in the me- recently: “I am working on building my dia department. She graduated relationship closer and closer to Christ. from Old Dominion University in 2013 It’s just like baby steps.” with a B.S. in Communications and enjoys learning various forms of com- Irene has been married for 23 years to munication including writing, graphic her husband George and together, design, videography, and social me- they have two children: Allen, whodia. The Life Magazine is always an exciting project that Tiffany and serves the Coast Guard in Charleston,the team co-labor to produce. Tiffany started living for God as a and Axel, who is serves the NAVY inteenager and has been involved with different types of ministry ever Norfolk.since. Currently, she is happiest spending time with her husbandKyle and two children, Judah and Elsie. In her spare time, Irene reads her Bible and engages in praise and worship at her home in Camden. She loves to cook and says “I revolve my time around my family and the church.” 21

By: Tiffany Harris Three Ways to be Victorious Every Time Trekkies know the phrase. In the revelation from Heaven can give us cult classic TV show, Star Trek, the gigantic perspective we need to Captain Kirk frequently com- realize our identity. mands his crew to “Raise shields” upon enemy attack. Following orders, 2. Forcefully Advance the Kingdom the crew pushes a few fluorescent buttons and flips a few switches ensur- It is not our fault we feel at- ing the invisible shields protect the En- tacked. In fact, it is inevitable. We terprise spaceship from enemy laser live in enemy territory. Matthew 11:12 blasts. Raising shields means battle. says, “From the days of John the Bap- Weak Christianity is prevalent in Amer- tist until now, the kingdom of heav- ica today. As a result, it seems many en has forcefully advanced, and the people do not know how to fight strong take it by force.” when problems arise. But, by recog- The Kingdom advances constantly nizing our identity in Christ, forcefully and forcefully. Because of this, there advancing the Kingdom, and choos- is automatic resistance. Often, peo- ing joy, we can be victorious in every ple mistake resistance as an offen- situation in life. sive attack from Satan that Christians must counteract in defense. Instead 1.Recognizing Identity of imagining Christians as immobile peons crouching behind shields as Sa- Jesus said in Luke 10:19, “I tan spews fiery darts, picture Christians have given you authority to trample fitted with the armor of God (shield in- on snakes and scorpions and to over- cluded) marching confidently through come all the power of the enemy; enemy territory. When the fiery darts nothing will harm you.” Our power fly, our shields go up, but we do not and authority in Christ prevents us stop. We continue to take ground. from weapon penetration. Jesus said nothing will harm us. Why, then, do Christian author and speaker, we feel powerless at times? Why do Bob Hazlett, talks about this. “When- events and situations rule our emo- ever we move into new territory, of tions and affect our destiny? Why do course we’re going to experience we feel so defeated? We do not fully resistance, because that’s been the comprehend the authority Christ has Devil’s territory,” he says. “So, he’s not given us. Our identity is in Him, and attacking [me necessarily]. I’m on the He lives in us. The God of the universe offensive. When you experience that abides in us and has given us the keys opposition, you’re actually taking new to the Kingdom of Heaven. We have territory.” his seal of approval to act in His name on His behalf. We need to realize and The Bible makes it clear that walk in the revelation of our power we live in a perpetual war zone: “For and authority. our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against This only works when we have the authorities, against the powers of a real relationship with Jesus and this dark world and against the spiritu- we receive revelation from Him. A al forces of evil in the heavenly realms preacher can give us knowledge, a (Ephesians 6:12).” According to this friend can encourage us, but only a passage, our enemy is not our unsaved brother or people in church gossiping22

about us. Our enemy is not flesh andblood. Although, our true enemy loveswhen we focus on them. First Peter 5:8says that Satan walks around seekingwho he can devour. He circles us like alion hunting prey looking for weakness-es in our armor. However, he does nothave any authority to affect us unlesswe lower our shields and allow him. Ifwe know our identity, we can forceful-ly advance the Kingdom. If we force-fully advance the Kingdom, we weararmor. If we wear armor, the enemywill not be able to attack us. In the war zone, we must de-termine in our hearts to fight laziness.We must determine to push throughwhen others are apathetic. Put onyour armor once again, and return toyour battle positions. No matter whatyou walk through, activate your faithand choose joy. 3. Choose Joy We should assess our joy lev-els often. Joyful people are not con-cerned about the enemy. They are notintimidated or fearful. No one can’t bejoyful and be anxious. In the book ofNehemiah, the Lord gave Nehemi-ah vision to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall.However, the wall was not construct-ed with unclean hands. Before thebuilding began, the Holy Spirit convict-ed the Jews of their sins through thereading of the law. Upon hearing thelaw, they realized their depravity andmourned in repentance for the sins oftheir nation. After this, Nehemiah tellsthem, “…This day is holy to our Lord.Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lordis your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).” Thejoy of the Lord will strengthen us in bat-tle. Because it is a fruit of the Spirit, wecan access joy any time! No matter what you walkthrough in life, let God’s Word fuel yourrevelation. Let Him tell you who youare, how to advance His Kingdom,and how to be strengthened with Hisjoy. He has given us all of the tools toaccomplish the task at hand. Do notbe lazy. Be strong and courageousfacing every battle with the revelationthat we are already victorious no mat-ter the circumstance. 23