Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot, 1 Sep, 2014

Prayer Breakfast

0700 at BJ’s Restaurant

Hamilton, Montana

1. Opening - Round the Table Individual Prayers

2. Breakfast is served

3. Morning Psalm: 130

4. Breakfast Reading: 1 John 2:1-17

5. Breakfast Discussion Topics:

          News around the valley

          Community Aid through Christian Churches; we must to teach our community to fish and to provide mutual aid to local governments.

                   Action Plan

                             1) Contact “March for Jesus Christ” churches

                                      a) Grantsdale Community Church

                                      b) First Christian Church

                                      c) Darby Foursquare Church

                                      d) Corvallis United Methodist Church

                                      e) In One Hope Ministries

                                      f) Bitterroot Valley Church of the Nazarene

                                      g) Barnabas Ministries Christian Center

                                      h) Stevensville Knights of Columbus

                             2) Change weekly bulletin in the newspaper

                                      a) Make draft

                             3) Pick first venue

                             4) Pick follow on speakers

                             5) Always finish with “Breaking Bread”

          52 Weeks to Preparedness by Tess Pennington

                   Week 33 of 52: Essential Fats and Oils

6. Closing - Round the Table Individual Prayers

Upcoming Events:

          8 Sep 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          15 Sep 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          22 Sep 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          6 Oct 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          13 Oct 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          20 Oct 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          27 Oct 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          4 Apr 2015 – 0645 – March for Jesus Christ

Tasks:

          Mission Statement for Community Aid

 Fellowship of Christian Veterans:

          Our 3Circles:

                    1) Outside (Feeder) Circle: Churches & Church Organizations, Veterans Organizations, Special Events, and Word of Mouth

                    2) Middle (Prayer Groups) Circle: Prayer Breakfast every Monday at 7am, Prayer Lunch (still needed), Intercessory Prayer, and Veteran Outreach

                    3) Inside (Serve the community with Care) Circle: Fellowship of Military Brethren

On the Web: http://cvbitterroot.blogspot.com/

On Twitter: @Walk_April_4_15

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/military.bitterroot

Week 33 of 52: Essential Fats and Oils

More or less, we live a very blissful reality where strenuous physical activity is not required. Due to this sedentary lifestyle, obesity has become a major health factor in our country. As a result, the government and multiple health organizations have advocated restricting fats in your diet. As much as we would like to eliminate these fats, in a SHTF reality, this food source will actually serve a purpose in our survival. So, why are fats so important in your diet? How can our survival be dependent on our fat intake?
Bear in mind, a 2,000 calorie per day diet equals 67 grams fat and 75 grams protein per day. No matter how afraid we are of fats, having substantial fat sources in our storage is vital. Here’s why:

1.     Fats are an essential component in any diet for proper vitamin absorption. Specifically, Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble, meaning they can only be digested, absorbed, and transported in conjunction with fats.

2.     Fats also plays a vital role in maintaining healthy skin and hair, insulating body organs against shock, maintaining body temperature, and promoting healthy cell function.

3.     They also serve as energy stores for the body.

4.     Fats are also sources of essential fatty acids, which are an important dietary requirement and also serves as a useful buffer towards a host of diseases. (Source)

5.     The USDA suggests that about 30-35% of your daily calorie intake should come from fat.

6.     Fats are one of the 4 Things You Must Eat To Avoid Malnutrition.

We need to be smart about our survival. In the article, Vitamins, Minerals, and Surviving, the author wrote about a man who died in a survival situation living primarily on small game:
I remember one old grizzled survival instructor who commented about the victim, “He starved to death on a full stomach.”
The instructor went on to say that the man might have survived, if he had the guts, if he had only known more about nutrition, “A rabbit is a lean critter. Not much fat on ‘em and a man in a survival situation needs fat and oils. See, that man was only eating the lean flesh of the animal. He discarded the other parts that may have kept him alive. If he had eaten the contents of the rabbit’s stomach, which contains essentially green leafy grasses, (vitamins B, C, E), the rabbits eyes (which contain salt), along with the liver, heart, and kidneys (which contain vitamin A), as well as other vitamins, he might have made it. I suspect he just plain didn’t know about it. Or, he didn’t like the idea of eating a critter’s innards. Keep in mind, in a prolong survival situation protein along won’t keep you alive”
Best Types of Fats to Store

• Infant formula – The oil content in this food source makes it a viable choice for a shtf fat source. An unopened can of powdered infant formula has a shelf life of 12 months. Once a can of formula has been opened, it should be used within a month and then discarded.
• Ensure - This supplement drink has 6 grams of fat, which provides your body with 9 percent of the recommended daily intake. The powdered version of Ensure will last longer than the pre-made drink. Plan on a can of powdered Ensure to last the same as a can of infant formula, which is roughly about 12 months.
• Oil – The plant based oils are best to store in your emergency supplies. A light colored oil, such as vegetable or olive oil can last up to a year, if stored properly. Once it’s opened, the oil could turn within a matter of weeks or months depending on how it was processed and the storage environment.
• Peanut butter – Any type of butter made from nuts is a healthy source of fat and if stored properly can last up to 12 months.
• Nuts and seeds – Because of the high oil content in nuts and seeds their shelf life is usually affected. Nuts and seeds typically last about 12 months.
• Crisco – With a shelf life that ranges from 2-8 years, this fat source is the longest lasting. That being said, it is probably the most unhealthiest of the choices.
• Mayonnaise – Mayonnaise has a relatively short shelf life of 6 months. Therefore, if you plan to stock up on this, ensure that it is frequently rotated in your food supply.
• Salad dressing – Salad dressing lasts anywhere from 9-12 months.
• Canned meats - Some canned meats, such as spam, fish and canned ham can also provide an adequate source of fat for your survival diet. Due to the high salt content of some of these canned meats, they have a relatively long shelf life of anywhere between 2-5 years.
• Chocolate – Although chocolate is considered a high-calorie, high-fat food, it does provide some health benefits as well. Most of the studies done used no more than 100 grams, or about 3.5 ounces, of dark chocolate a day to get the benefits. Studies have shown that dark chocolate lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well as provides more antioxidants than blueberries. A chocolate has a shelf life of 12 months, however, if the chocolate is repackaged in Mylar or stored in a plastic container, it could last much longer.

Storing fats are good for short-term emergencies, however if you are planning for extended or long-term emergencies, it is advised to get your fat sources by natural means. The following list are fat sources that one can get living in a homesteading environment and most importantly, your health will be far better off:

• Whole Milk – Milk from animals can provide essential fat to our diets, and can also be used for cooking, making cheeses and other dishes.
• Eggs – Eggs have 5 grams of fat per egg. I am including this in the list as I believe that fresh eggs would provide an adequate amount of calories, protein and fat if consumed on a regular basis.
• Fatty fish – If you have a water source on your property, consider stocking it with a fish source. Many homesteaders have found great success in stocking their ponds with : Tilapia, Channel and Blue Catfish, Hybrid Stripers, Largemouth Bass, Trout, Bluegill, and Freshwater Shrimp. Other sources of fatty fish are: salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, trout, and sardines. Ensure that you have fishing gear to get those fish with.
• Fresh animal fats from animals. Livestock, wild animals can be used as a source of fat. These natural fats can be rendered for other uses or preserved through canning to have a natural source of fat on hand.
• Nut trees – Look for the dwarf variety of nut trees (and fruit trees). Dwarf trees bear their fruit earlier than the standard varieties, and can produce higher yields in a shorter period of time. They have also been known to be more adaptable. Mother Earth News has a great article if you are interesting in learning more.
• Fruit trees – Specifically avocado and olive trees provide a substantial amount of healthy fats for the body. Obviously, the following examples are region specific and prefer a Mediterranean-like climate, however check with the USDA zoning map to see if you can can plant them in your area. Living in the coastal South, I have seen many gardeners who have grown avocado trees.

To learn more about these different sources of fat, click here.
In an amazing homesteading reference, The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emry, she indicates that fat can also be used as a preservation method:
“The fat seals the air out… After slaughtering a hog, the fat was rendered into lard. Those cuts of the hog that were not cured for smoking, or made into sausage, like the shoulder, were fried. While still hot, these slices of pork steak were preserved through the winter by larding . In a large crock, layer on layer of the fried steaks was covered with hot lard. This meat was then used through the winter by scraping the lard off each layer. The amount necessary for a meal was removed and reheated. The used lard was reused in pies or other baking or cooking and ultimately for soap.”
To conclude, in a SHTF reality our diets will be very different from how they are today. Our activity levels will be centered around physical activities to promote our survival and as a result, our diets should reflect those changes. Continuing to have fat in the diet can help physiologically, as well as psychologically. Ensure that you have incorporated enough fats into your survival supplies.

Are Churches Being Crowded out of Poverty Alleviation Efforts?

By Dr. Anne Bradley on August 28, 2014

When the worst happens, where do you turn for help?

Most of us have found ourselves in unforeseen circumstances, and we can each attest to the sense of relief that comes when our needs are met with sensitivity and grace.

In a 1979 study, Drs. Don and Rachael Warren evaluated seven institutions of poverty alleviation, including the local church, family members, ethnic associations, and others within their same zip code. They found that in a moment of need, we’re much more likely to turn to those who know us best, including individuals in our churches and families.

A contemporary study observes that these informal networks are important for developing resources and coping with stress. Yet even though decentralized charities or individuals provide the most generally preferred care, these institutions are eclipsed by government funded programs that have become the primary sources of aid over the last century.

Crowding out the Church
Prior to the Great Depression, most aid was provided through families, church communities, and other decentralized institutions.

Today there are 126 separate and often overlapping government anti-poverty programs. Federal welfare spending totals $14,848 for each poor individual in the US, according to a 2012 estimate. Combined with state and local spending, $61,830 might be spent on a poor family of three. Even though this figure exceeds the national poverty line, poverty persists.

Aid offered through churches and small charities cannot compare to federal welfare offerings. In economic terms, the effect of the competition between  church and  state is known as crowding out.

In a recent visit to IFWE, S. Michael Craven explained that to compete with federal welfare assistance, his organization has to offer benefits exceeding the rate provided in unemployment benefits. He elaborated, saying (emphasis added),

We try to take seriously the concept of “righteousness” in which we are called to “disadvantage” ourselves for the advantage of others. As a result, our management team is limited in their earnings relative to the lowest paid employees. Unfortunately, we are competing with public assistance that delivers the equivalent of  $12-$13/hr!
The poverty alleviation efforts of churches, charities, and groups like The Good-Works Company are not only uniquely equipped to handle poverty in their communities. They can also offer solutions that uphold accountability, better foresee potential consequences, and also honor the dignity of the person receiving the aid.

Unforeseen Consequences
All policy makers must explore the logical ramifications of their policies to prevent—to the extent that is possible—any unforeseen consequences of their policies. This is a very difficult task.

Aid policies are intended to improve the state of the poor, but even the most well-intentioned actions may lead to detrimental results.

An example of this is the history of the Aid to Families of Dependent Children (AFDC) program. In his book Losing Ground, Charles Murray evaluates the incentives for an unwed, pregnant couple to get married.

After the 1970 reforms of AFDC until its replacement by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in 1996, it was more advantageous for a young, single mother to remain unwed because the bill’s provisions rested on the assumption that a double-parent household would earn more. The smaller allowance to a married couple disincentivized getting married, even though by foregoing marriage couples were unable to enjoy its legal and emotional benefits.

The Consequences for Human Dignity
More devastating is the toll inflicted on welfare recipients’ dignity. To receive aid, individuals must prove need. As John D. Hanson explains,

To receive any “benefit” it must be proved that the applicant is truly poor. As a result, recipients of public welfare are often required to submit to conditions most people find personally repulsive and degrading.
No aid measure should entice recipients to subject themselves to worse conditions only to receive temporary assistance. Instead of being simply a road block to overcome, poverty becomes a way of life.

Bob Woodson, head of the Center for Neighborhood Enterprise, explains that,

The longer a person remains on welfare, the greater the possibility that person will make permanent dependency a way of life, as the welfare state succeeds in robbing its clientele of their self-discipline and their self-respect.
Poverty alleviation should empower people to become self-sufficient, not degrade them. The former the church is positioned to do well. The latter is an unfortunate result of well-intentioned but poorly executed efforts.

As Christians, let us be sure that our endeavors to help others find the strengths God has given them and cherish their dignity in the process. We need to empower institutions of the first choice – churches, families, and other means –and reform existing government structures to meet the needs of those facing hard times.

Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot, 25 Aug, 2014

Prayer Breakfast

0700 at BJ’s Restaurant

Hamilton, Montana

1. Opening - Round the Table Individual Prayers

2. Breakfast is served

3. Morning Psalm: 1

4. Breakfast Reading: Matthew 20:20-28

5. Breakfast Discussion Topics:

          News around the valley

                   Uniform in Christ

          Community Aid through Christian Churches; we must to teach our community to fish and to provide mutual aid to local governments.

                   Action Plan

                             1) Contact “March for Jesus Christ” churches

                             2) Change weekly bulletin in the newspaper

                             3) Pick first venue

                             4) Pick follow on speakers

                             5) Always finish with “Breaking Bread”

          52 Weeks to Preparedness by Tess Pennington

                   Week 32 of 52: 1 Month Supply of Food (List 2)

6. Closing - Round the Table Individual Prayers

Upcoming Events:

          1 Sep 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          8 Sep 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          15 Sep 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          22 Sep 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          4 Apr 2015 – 0645 – March for Jesus Christ

Tasks:

          Mission Statement for Community Aid

 Fellowship of Christian Veterans:

          Our 3Circles:

                    1) Outside (Feeder) Circle: Churches & Church Organizations, Veterans Organizations, Special Events, and Word of Mouth

                    2) Middle (Prayer Groups) Circle: Prayer Breakfast every Monday at 7am, Prayer Lunch (still needed), Intercessory Prayer, and Veteran Outreach

                    3) Inside (Serve the community with Care) Circle: Fellowship of Military Brethren

On the Web: http://cvbitterroot.blogspot.com/

On Twitter: @Walk_April_4_15

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/military.bitterroot

Week 32 of 52: 1 Month Supply of Food (List 2)

Investing in food is similar to investing in an insurance policy. Food storage, just like insurance plans, allow you to invest a little time and money each month, in order to fall back on a safety net when you need it the most. You might even say food storage is more fruitful, because you can reap the benefits of your food throughout the year. My family and I are still living off of dry goods that I first stored three years ago. Since that time, I have noticed food prices increase considerably and am thankful for the forethought in investing in my family’s well being. Did we have to sacrifice and forgo certain luxuries, yes. But that initial investment of food has paid off and gives me a sense of relief to know that I made a decision to benefit my family for years to come.
One of the golden rules of prepping is “it’s better to be over prepared than under prepared.” A great prep, therefore, would be to ensure your family has the right foods stored to maintain a healthy diet in an emergency. Stock up on food with essential nutrients to maintain body functions: proteins and carbohydrates, fats for energy, as well as foods that are not high in salt (the more salty your food is, the more water you will drink). To calculate how many calories you will need in your diet, click here.
Those who are thinking of solely investing in canned goods could be surprised at the amount needed and expense of such an investment. Keep in mind that on average, one person’s rations of canned goods for a month is equivalent to:

• 20 cans of canned meat
• 34 cans of canned vegetables
• 26 cans of canned fruit

Many of us do not have adequate storage space, therefore consider other foods that can help to supplement the dietary concerns of the family as well as provide variety. A food storage calculator can be of help in this process. Take notice of the canned items or pre-packaged foods you typically buy and pick up a few extra the next time you are at the store. Stock the same food items you normally eat. Buying food you don’t normally consume is one of 8 Rookie Mistakes made by preppers. To read more tips of which types of foods to purchase for your food pantry, consider reading the 10 food pantry considerations.
Since we are concentrating on preparing for extended emergencies, we must anticipate and prepare for the scenario that our stored food supplies could dwindle. This could occur from improper food storage calculations, survival garden difficulties, or dry good depletion over time. In Week 18 of this preparedness series, we started learning different skills to preserve your perishable food storage for future use. Food dehydration happens to be one of the easiest ways to preserve food for long-term storage. Nutritious snacks can be made from dehydrating fruits, vegetables and meat. Dehydrated soup mixes can also be made for families on-the-go or can be added to bug out bags or emergency vehicle supplies. Canning foods is another suggestion to preserving food. Because the food is canned at the plants’ peak prime nutrient content, they will retain most of their nutritional content, if not gain more nutrients from the canning process. Canned food will keep 12 months or longer in some cases. Start learning these essential skills today in order to be more self reliant in emergency situations. The more you practice, the more confident you will feel in your abilities.
Can you imagine the nightmare of living through an extended emergency? Being prepared can put you way ahead of the game. While many who are unprepared for disasters will be battling to find a way to meet their basic needs, being prepared can keep your mind on what matters most: your family’s well being.

Preps to Buy:

• Dehydrated vegetables and fruit
• High energy snacks (trail mixes, peanut butter, whole wheat crackers, etc.)
• 2-gallons cooking oil (plant based oils lasts longer)
• Bulk quantities of canned vegetables, fruit, meat and soups
• Monthly dry and packaged goods (pastas, pasta dinners, rice dinners, cereal, dry oats, etc.)
• Bulk quantities of baking goods such as baking powder, baking soda, yeast, salt, vinegar (white and cider vinegars), corn meal
• Tea and coffee – 1 box with 16 bags or 1 (2-ounce) jar instant coffee
• Drink mixes
• Emergency food bars
• MRE’s
• Specialty foods for those with special diet concerns
• Pet food

Action Items:

1.     Begin practicing dehydrating different types of fruits, vegetables and meats to feel confidant in this skill set.

2.     Remember to take into account the calories and nutrients your food storage will provide you.

3.     Store any special diet needs along with your existing food supply.

4.     Don’t forget to include pet supplies to your emergency food storage. You’re furry friends want to eat too!

Christians Playing it Too Safe? Chicago Megachurch Pastor Says Leaders Paralyzed by Fear, Unwilling to Stick Necks Out for Marginalized

BY NICOLA MENZIE , CHRISTIAN POST REPORTER

Wilfredo "Choco" de Jesus, pastor of New Life Covenant Church in Chicago, Illinois.

By Nicola Menzie

August 22, 2014|11:05 am

Wilfredo De Jesus, pastor of a Chicago megachurch that oversees more than 130 ministries to the poor and disenfranchised, believes Christians in the U.S. have been playing it safe for far too long. He says many are unwilling to stick their necks out for the marginalized who are suffering in the cracks created by society's broken systems and abusive structures.

De Jesus, pastor New Live Covenant Church, the largest Assemblies of God congregation in the U.S., says it is fear of being ridiculed or ostracized that has paralyzed some leaders and kept them confined to their churches, limiting their engagement with a world in desperate need for people willing to help bridge those gaps.

"A gap is a place of weakness, vulnerability, and danger — a place of real threats," explains De Jesus in his new book, In the Gap. He explains in the book that while gaps can be as broad as illiteracy and human trafficking, they can be as personal as an unfaithful spouse or an abusive family member.

De Jesus, senior pastor to more than 18,000 NLCC members worldwide, believes that, just like God called on Nehemiah, Esther, Noah and others in ancient times to stand before Him in the gap as intercessors, "God is still looking for men and women to stand in the gap in our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our cities and towns, in our nation, and in every corner of the world."

De Jesus was named in 2013 as one of Time magazine's "100 Most Influential People in the World" and is former vice president for Social Justice for the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, which represents more than 40,118 Evangelical congregations.

In a phone interview with The Christian Post, De Jesus (often referred to as Pastor Choco) discussed his reasons for writing In the Gap, what he believes are some of the defining issues of the present time, why he is a firm supporter of comprehensive immigration reform, and why he thinks the Republican Party has "lost its way." The interview has been edited for clarity.

CP: What is it that you wanted to accomplish with writing In the Gap?

De Jesus: The whole premise of the book was that gaps have always existed in our society, but today they're wider and with more destructive force. I'm hoping to get out of the book, that people will engage in those gaps from different levels in our society. Education, government, poverty, social justice. It is not only a Christian book. It's a book that will provoke people to find a gap wherever they're at, in their villages or in their community, and then do something about. That's the idea of the book, to engage it. Then, also to reveal the broken system we have in our society. It's only going to get wider and more destructive if the Body of Christ, first of all, and then humanity if they don't get involved in certain issues we're facing as a nation.

CP: There are a lot of "gap" situations we can point to right now all over the world. Overseas, there are conflicts in the Ukraine. In various countries in the Middle East, there are cases of Christian persecution. What would you say is perhaps the most significant or defining "gap" issue of our current times?

De Jesus: Here in the United States, or around the world?

CP: Whatever comes to your mind naturally.

De Jesus: What comes to mind is the situation that we're facing in our society is that 80 percent of humanity lives on $10 a day. When you think about one billion children don't read or write on this planet, that is just a troublesome stat. When you look every 40 seconds, someone around the world is committing suicide. These are some of the gaps that have been presented that have to be engaged. When you look at the United States, if we bring it home, the average homeless person in America is not 32 years old, it's 9 years old. That's the average homeless person in the U.S., and that's just unacceptable, to have eight-year-olds and nine-year-olds and 10-year-olds sleeping in the streets of our cities.

CP: Do you think Christians are involved enough to help with the issues you just mentioned, like homelessness and poverty?

De Jesus: I think we believers and Christians for the last 40 years probably have played it safe. We have seen these things, we've heard about them and probably have not moved to engage it because of the risk factor. So that is, when you talk about the Body of Christ not responding to the needs, I think that's…at the core of it is fear, fear of the unknown, fear of being ridiculed, fear of being ostracized.

Just imagine, every gap person in society, every gap person starting from Jesus Christ, always was ostracized or killed because [they] became a gap person. There's a risk factor when you decide to stand for what you believe. You talk about John the Baptist, who got killed. You think about Dr. King, Martin Luther King, Jr. got killed. You think about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German scholar who got killed in 1945 trying the help the Jews, he was hung. So anytime you decide to take a stand in a gap for those that are most vulnerable, you'll always be open to ridicule and even threats.

CP: In your book, you give nine examples of Biblical figures who stood in the gap in times of need. If you could take on of those figures and transport them to our current time, which one would you choose and why?

De Jesus: I would have to choose Nehemia. The reason why [is] because Nehemiah neither was a king, was not a priest, wasn't a prophet. Nehemiah was a layperson, and this is the season of lay people in our society. Nehemiah heard about the walls of Jerusalem. He was 766 miles away living in Susa, [with] a great job, a great retirement plan. And yet what he heard disturbed him to the point that he cried. When a moral condition has been revealed to you, you have to act because with revelation comes responsibility. We have to act and so Nehemiah would be the person I would highlight [because] of just his tenacity and his strength to sacrifice, travel all those miles, ask for help from the king to restore the walls.

In the story of Nehemiah, the walls were destroyed. The temple was built by Zerubbabel. The walls were destroyed, that means that the temple is exposed, the people are vulnerable … The word of God is exposed and vulnerable, we have to protect it as Christians, we have to stand. Nehemiah, he engages the people in that town to stand up. … He motivated the people to get involved. The other gap person I think without even saying, would have to be David. David, when he came before Goliath, he filled a gap that was needed.

CP: You're saying Christians in the U.S. are kind of complacent or fearful of stepping out, so what do you think would have to happen for U.S. Evangelical Christians to take the kind of initiatives you're encouraging?

De Jesus: I think every pastor, every leader has to see what we're seeing firsthand, because once you see it you're moved to do something. Like the 63,000 children at our borders. Like the homeless issue. If we just do it in the four walls of our churches, we're not gonna see the broken systems, broken structures. So what would need to happen, our pastors and leaders of our churches across this country, need to go outside and engage. Then, only then would we be able to fill those gaps.

CP: Touching on immigration a bit, I know you've been very involved in that and the most recent issue that has been highlighted is unaccompanied immigrant children entering the U.S. illegally and their treatment. What are you involved in right now, and what is your heart on the issue?

De Jesus: My heart with comprehensive immigration reform is this. I've travelled 16 cities fighting for immigration reform. I'm Puerto Rican, I could take the side of, 'Hey, this is not my issue.' But the reality is, this is a moral issue, this a moral decadence that's happened in our society. When you think about the unaccompanied minors, and they travel from 1,460 miles from Guatemala through Mexico, to the borders of the United States. Why? Why would a 10-year-old risk their life on a train, and to get through and be raped and be robbed through Mexico and get to our borders? Unless what they're going through in their homes in their particular countries, it's even as risked. Then they come to our borders, and then we treat them as if they were animals.

I went to Texas to a prison where there were almost 400 undocumented women who were waiting for deportation. I went there with my wife, and I apologized on behalf of the country and how we were treating them. Over 87 percent of the women were Evangelicals. They're not murderers, they're not rapists, they're not drug dealers. Yet, we incarcerate them. It's really discouraging. So as an Evangelical, I have to stand in the gap for them. They're being told to sit down and to be quiet. I have to speak up.

CP: I'm going to read you the most-agreed with comment left by one of our readers on a Christian Post article about you being named among the TIME 100 list: "Social Justice mixed with Christianity that is two different sides of religion today. Christianity is NOT about social justice it is about bringing people to GOD. Social justice is a political agenda that has no business in the church." What's your response to Christians coming from that angle, who don't see it as you see it?

De Jesus: It's just unfortunate. When you think about social justice, unfortunately you've got people who have created it on a political, that I may agree with. However, throughout the Bible you'll see justice and social justice being taken… Jesus with the adulterous woman, he brought justice to the situation. They wanted to killer, and yet he stood in the gap for her. So when you've got Christians saying that these are two opposite things or they should not be mixed together. That one is political and one is Christian, I would disagree with that comment because I'm about not just the thousands that are in my church, I'm about taking care of the people that are outside of my church. The Gospel has to be reached to those people. So in my community, I don't just represent the 17,000. I represent the 72,000 that live in my community, and that they're being treated harshly. God has given us Christians a platform, and that platform cannot only be used on Sundays, it has to be used…

Yesterday, I'm marching in the streets of Chicago against violence. Two hundred and forty people have died just alone in the city of Chicago; 11 in my community. And I'm marching through the community. It was just hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people marching with us, and children. The church is the tip of the spear. The Bible says that the church is the head, not the tail. So if you don't engage the justice part, then we're just taking up corners in our cities, and not really caring for the wellbeing of the entire community, not just the 60 or the 100 or the thousands that come to our churches. I see myself as a pastor not just for those who come on Sunday, but to stand for the kid who does not come to my church, and fight for him. That's justice.

CP: I read an article where you said something to the effect of that the only way the Republican Party can woo Evangelical Latinos, which is a major block now, is through immigration reform.

De Jesus: What I suggested, or what I said was we Christians, that we should neither represent the donkey nor the elephant. We represent the lion from the tribe of Judah. However, the Republican Party is not a Christian party, or the Democratic Party. What I suggested was they lost the election because the Republican Party did not address immigration.

When (Sen. John) McCain was running against Barack (Obama), it was McCain at first when he was a senator, that he presented a bill for immigration reform. But then he becomes a presidential candidate and then he slips on us on this issue. So I suggested and said the Republican Party lost the election on this issue of immigration because they put our people to the side.

CP: What are some of the issues for Latino Evangelicals when it comes to lack of trust or confidence in the Republican Party, especially now with it trying to rebrand itself in a way?

De Jesus: I think the Republican Party and the Democratic Party, both groups have really deceived...they have a trust problem. These politicians, they have a trust problem. For the Republican Party to win the trust of Evangelicals… We're just no longer just pro-choice and pro-choice and the sanctity of marriage — which I do believe in the sanctity of marriage and I'm pro-life as an Evangelical. However, when you've got 65 million Latinos who are Americans and we're saying, 'Hey, we're neither the Republican or the Democratic. We're for life, we're for about fighting for justice for everybody.' When you have a party like the Republicans at one time, you know we had our views closer to them than the Democrats. Back in the day, maybe 30, 40 years ago, there was a group as a Republicans you thought, 'Hey, this was the Christian group, this was the conservative...' They've lost their ways, the Republican Party. They've got to do a lot to win the trust, not only of just Hispanics, but the entire nation.

CP: Any final thoughts?

De Jesus: I would encourage every leader and every pastor to empower the laypeople. It would be the laypeople that will galvanize in our streets and bring the message of hope. We can't do it alone. So we have to give power away and we have to trust the lay people, like Nehemiah.

Online: http://inthegapbook.com/

Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot, 18 Aug, 2014

Prayer Breakfast

0700 at BJ’s Restaurant

Hamilton, Montana

1. Opening - Round the Table Individual Prayers

2. Breakfast is served

3. Morning Psalm: 18

4. Breakfast Reading: Matthew 11:1-5

5. Breakfast Discussion Topics:

          News around the valley

          Community Aid through Christian Churches; we must to teach our community to fish and to provide mutual aid to local governments.

                   Action Plan

                             1) Meeting with Sheriff Hoffman, Allen Bjergo and Doug Mason

                             2) Contact “March for Jesus Christ” churches

                             3) Change weekly bulletin in the newspaper

                             4) Pick first venue

                             5) Pick follow on speakers

                             6) Always finish with “Breaking Bread”

          52 Weeks to Preparedness by Tess Pennington

                   Week 31 of 52: Inventory Management

6. Closing - Round the Table Individual Prayers

Upcoming Events:

          25 Aug 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          1 Sep 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          8 Sep 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          15 Sep 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          22 Sep 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast

          4 Apr 2015 – 0645 – March for Jesus Christ

Tasks:

          Mission Statement for Community Aid

 Fellowship of Christian Veterans:

          Our 3Circles:

                    1) Outside (Feeder) Circle: Churches & Church Organizations, Veterans Organizations, Special Events, and Word of Mouth

                    2) Middle (Prayer Groups) Circle: Prayer Breakfast every Monday at 7am, Prayer Lunch (still needed), Intercessory Prayer, and Veteran Outreach

                    3) Inside (Serve the community with Care) Circle: Fellowship of Military Brethren

On the Web: http://cvbitterroot.blogspot.com/

On Twitter: @Walk_April_4_15

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/military.bitterroot

Week 31 of 52: Inventory Management

Keeping your preps organized can be very challenging to say the least. Most of us do not have ideal storage areas and are putting our preparedness and food supplies in every free nook and cranny that is available to us. If you’re not careful, this can lead to an unorganized mess. However, in order to know how much you have and how much more you need, you must to be able to account for it. The reality of this situation is if you are ever truly in an emergency, you want these preparedness items and equipment to be accessible and easy to find when you need it the most.
There is no clear cut way to store preparedness supplies. Some store their like preparedness items in groups (i.e. stored foods, tools, equipment, tack and household items), while others store them according to need (baking needs, short-term food supply, long-term supply, etc.) Whichever way you choose to organize, ensure that the area chosen is free from natural elements and insects. This also helps reduce other pest issues. The best way to keep track of your preps is with a master inventory list. Here are some suggestions for organization and for creating a Master List.
Organizing the Storage Area:

• Take out all your preparedness items from the area they are being stored in.
• Thoroughly clean the area you are storing your preparedness items and food.
• Ensure that the area you are choosing to store your food is free of the enemies (natural elements and insects).
• Label each container, bucket, tub or package with it’s contents, pack date/year and any necessary instructions.
• Assign locations in storage area helps to keep items more organized (Med. Supplies, Baking, Sanitation, Breakfast, Canned Goods, etc.).
• Grouping items that are used together can be convenient. For example, keep baking needs such as flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, etc. next to one another for easy access.
• Place goods with the longest expiration date in the back and work forward to the closest expiration date.
• Systematically rotate and organize your storage.
• Food storage inventory should be checked every 6 months to make sure that food items are properly rotated and are used within their expiration date.

Creating a Master List:

• Use Excel or a spreadsheet software program to better organize and categorize your preps.
• List everything! Nothing should be exempt from your inventory list.
• Add the location of where the prep items are stored.
• Alphabetizing the list and including the location of where it is stored can be helpful when you’re in a pinch.
• Store your Master List in your Emergency Binder.

As you have found in the last 30 weeks, preparedness involves acquiring a lot of gear, tools and food. Knowing what you have, how much you have and where to find it is imperative in keeping track of your preparedness supplies.
To learn more tips for organizing your emergency preps, click here.
To find out how to better inventory your preparedness supplies, click here.

Action Items:

1.     Take all of your preparedness items out of the storage area and thoroughly clean the area.

2.     Organize your preparedness supplies.

3.     Develop a master list of your inventory supplies.

4.     Store the master list in your Emergency Binder.

Preps to Buy:

• Three Ring Binder (the larger the better)
• Dividers
• Printer Paper
• Highlighter Pen (optional)
• Printed Out Information
• Pens
• Labels
• Plastic containers or bins or under bed storage containers
• Shelving units