October 2017Vol. 39, No. 10

You have been a refuge for the poor,

a refuge for the needy in their distress,

a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.

Isaiah 25:4

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from our pastor...

If you are a child of God and looking for some good news, you can rest assured that in the worst of times there is “good news!” I challenge

you to look on every page of Sagemont Life in search of a personal word from God. If you are looking for God, you are going to be blessed as you look at and read every page of Sagemont Life.

Your Pastor,

BEGINS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4 • 6:00 - 7:30 pmChildren’s Building

The AdventureLand Children’s Ministry is excited to announce our NEW Wednesday night programming for children in Kindergarten – 5th Grade: Wednesday Night Kids Zone (WNKZ)! This will be an incredible time of Bible Memorization, Discipleship Activities, and Missions Projects. With our focus on Psalm 92:2 which states, “to proclaim Your love in the morning and Your faithfulness at night,” each week kids will be worshipping through one of our Church Life Electives. Your child can choose from Choir, Choreography, Drama,

Sewing/Costuming, and Creative Workshop/Props. We are looking forward to an awesome year filled with new experiences! There is NO CHARGE for WNKZ, so children are encouraged to invite their friends; and online registration is open now. For more information,

email amy.smith@sagemontchurch.org.

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I just cannot remember the names of the storms, but I do remember the years. It was in 1979 when I first brought my bride-to-be to Houston. She landed

on the day the rains started. I picked her up and got lost leaving Hobby Airport trying to get to Spencer Highway. I took Telephone Road out of Hobby and wound around only to end up on Beamer and then on Hughes. About an inch of water was covering the road in front of Sagemont Church. There was no HRA in those days. I finally found I-45, and then Bay Area, and then on to Fairmont and a right turn on 146. By the time I reached Baytown, 146 was flooded up to the bottom of the car doors.

The storm of 1983 came right over apartment 52 on Fuqua where we were living. We put a mattress in the hall by the bathroom, and I slept while my bride was wide awake and almost had a nervous breakdown. She woke me when the eye of the hurricane crossed; we looked out to see the birds flying in a circle, but then the back side of the storm came with a vengeance.

What about the storm of 1989 that hit Freeport? We were on the wet side again, and we watched as many homes took on seven feet of water. Then, in 1995, another storm hit Freeport and the result was the same. On to 2001, poor Freeport again and Sagemont, too, once more drowned as with all the storms before. Sageriver Street, by the church, was a real river with every storm. Dale and Joy Larson had been flooded 11 times up to that point!

Could we ever forget 2008? I remember that one well; it was Ike. How did we ever recover? But recover we did, by willing people with willing hearts helping weary people with waterlogged homes. And with the storm of 2017, the same will occur. Here are the words of three families who were affected by this storm named Harvey.

WHEN THE

STORM TRIALS COME

by Dr. Jim Hastings

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A HUGE thanks to “Jerry’s Team”Jerry, Cathy, Gloria, Izzy, April, Megan and Matthew came to our house this morning. They got right to work ripping out drywall, pulling up flooring, and carting everything to the curb.  Their sweet spirits and enthusiasm were amazing, especially considering the nature of the work and the number of houses in which they have worked. We are so grateful for those able and willing to serve others in the name of our Lord.  We love our church and appreciate so much all Sagemont Church is doing to help our community to recover from this storm. God bless you all! David and Susan Denton

Cathy, Jerry, Matthew, Megan, April, Izzy, Gloria

Dear Sagemont Church and the Helping Hands Ministry,My husband and I express our heartfelt gratitude for the assistance we received in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. The “Mudout Team” arrived at our home and immediately started tearing out sheetrock and insulation, then, promptly carried it all to the curb. For over four hours they labored at this overwhelming task!!! As a result of their efforts, we felt as if a tremendous weight had been lifted from our shoulders. Thank you, Sagemont Church, for making an unbearable disaster a little easier to bear.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Gene and Mary JohnsonProud members of Sagemont Church

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About 1,000 volunteers came forward to help with the food pantry, the distribution center and the “mudouts.” As the volunteers were hot and weary from unloading yet another 18-wheeler, word came that a group had arrived at the airport from Syracuse, NY to relieve our dock crews. A Suburban was dispatched to pick them up and they hit the ground running. What an amazing gift from the LORD! Why do the storm trials come in this life? The LORD sends them for a reason. James reminds us to “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” (James 1:2-3) So hold on to the LORD with your strong faith and trust in Him even when the storm trials come.

Thank you so much!On Monday, September 4, 2017, a young man named Xavier and his father, Xavier Sr., along with about ten other volunteers from Sagemont Church, came into my home and helped to remove all the drywall and tile that was soaked by Hurricane Harvey. The good Lord blessed me that day with these wonderful people. They were kind and gracious and very hard working. It took about four to five hours to finish my house and not once did they stop. I actually do not have words to say how much I appreciate the help and would probably still need the job done if it had not been for them. I also would like to thank church member Laura McGee for recommending that I contact your church for help. She is also a blessing in my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and God Bless Sagemont Church and its members.

Sincerely, Melisa

Volunteers from Syracuse, NY: Joe, Mike, Rick, Toni and Bob

APOLOGETICS CONFERENCEJanuary 7-8, 2018 • Sagemont Church

MEGAN ALMONMegan Almon, a former University of Georgia gymnast, worked as an award-winning journalist until 2008, when she decided to pursue a career speaking and teaching about Christian apologetics — especially in the area of bioethics. She joined Life Training Institute in 2009, and earned a M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Biola University in 2011.

LEE STROBELAtheist-turned-Christian Lee Strobel is the former award-winning legal editor of The Chicago Tribune and best-selling author of more than twenty books. His classic, The Case for Christ, is a perennial favorite which details his conversion to Christianity. His recent release, The Case for Grace, just won the 2016 Nonfiction Book of the Year from the EPCA. For the last twenty-five years, his life’s work has been to share the evidence that supports the truth and claims of Christianity and to equip believers to share their faith with the people they know and love.

CRAIG HAZENCraig J. Hazen is a Professor of Comparative Religion and Christian Apologetics at Biola University and Director of the Christian Apologetics Program. He is the editor of the philosophy journal, Philosophia Christi. He has authored or contributed to range of scholarly works including To Everyone An Answer, Apologetics Study Bible and his novel, Five-Sacred Crossings. Hazen holds a Ph.D. in Religious Studies, a degree in Biological Sciences, and has studied International Human Rights in Strasbourg, France.

CLAY JONESClay is Associate Professor of Christian Apologetics at Biola University. He holds a D.Min. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School as well as a M.Div. and a B.A. in Philosophy. He is the former host of Contend for Truth, a nationally syndicated call-in talk radio program. Dr. Jones was the executive director of Simon Greenleaf University (now Trinity Law School). He has been on the pastoral staff of two large churches and has authored apologetics software as well as encyclopedia and journal articles.

CHRIS DU-POND Chris Du-Pond is a Systems Engineer with 20 years of experience in the high-tech industry. In 2016, Chris graduated with a Master’s degree in Christian Apologetics from Biola University with highest honors. He is a member of the Evangelical Philosophical Society, The Evangelical Theological Society and the Christian Apologetics Alliance.

GREG KOUKLA central theme of Greg’s speaking and writing is that Christianity-if it’s not properly understood and properly communicated- makes the most sense of the world as we find it. He has spoken on more than 70 colleges and university campuses both in the U.S. and abroad and has hosted his own call-in radio show for 27 years advocating “Christianity worth thinking about.” Greg has written seven books, including The Story of Reality- How the World Began, How it Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between; Tactics- A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions, and Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air. He received his Masters in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics at Talbot School of Theology, graduating with high honors, and his Masters in Christian Apologetics with honors from Simon Greenleaf University.

FEATURED SPEAKERS

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It is my heartfelt contention that every church in the world needs an apologist. Here’s why I say that. I have found that the average member of the average congregation is riddled

with doubt. They hear The Da Vinci Code proclaim that the Council of Nicaea suppressed contrary gospels. They hear that James Cameron has discovered the Lost Tomb of Jesus. They hear from the Zeitgeist movie that Jesus is just a rehashing of a long line of pagan dying and rising gods. And so on and so on.

The trouble is that these confused congregants often don’t know where to turn. Those who do seek advice will often go to their pastor whom they considered to be the wisest man they know. The problem with that is that the pastor is usually very busy! Not only is the pastor preparing Sunday’s sermon, he’s probably preparing the Wednesday night sermon too. Then there’s counseling to do, church administration, hospital visitation, meeting with his staff, etc. I used to be a pastor and I know from experience that most pastors are really busy. And, honestly, for most of them, reading The Da Vinci Code or watching the Zeitgeist movie (both were silly, by the way), can’t be that high on their list.

So what happens? The pastor does his best. The trouble, however, is that unless that pastor really has studied these things he isn’t really going to be able to answer these issues so the congregant then walks away and thinks, “wow, I just asked the theologically smartest person I know and he didn’t know the answer.”

That’s bad.

What happens to the confused Christians then is that they push these questions down inside. The problem with that is that in time these repressed questions begin to build a wedge between them

and real confidence in Jesus. As we like to say around here, You can’t love the Lord with all your mind and secretly suspect that Christianity can’t answer the hard questions.

That’s why Christians in the average church need to be studied enough to answer the tough questions! Now this person may be the pastor. After all, we have some graduates of our program who are pastors! But, if it’s not going to be the pastor, then we need Christians to study and come alongside to support the pastor so that they can answer these hard questions.

Did I ever mention that I teach in the Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics program at Biola University?

No?

But, seriously, if you are a smart Christian who is not afraid to study hard, then the Christian church needs you!

Ephesians 4:11-16: And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Amen.

AN APOLOGIST IN EVERY CHURCH

Dr. Clay Jones is an Associate Professor of Christian Apologetics at Biola University. He holds a D.Min. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School as well as a M.Div. and a B.A. in Philosophy.

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by Dr. Clay Jones

In July, Sagemont Church sent a team of 53 to Nairobi, Kenya, to the New Hope Initiative School in the slum of Kibera to conduct a Sports Camp for the children there. The team was

made up of families and was led by our Missions Pastor, Wade Owens. This was the first time a team of this size had been created, and it was a huge success. Those on this first family trip were:

• Matt & Hannah Armendarez• Emily Bass• David, Micah & Caleb Belk• Reagan, Lezli & Blaire Busbee• JP, Lana, Reese & Blayke Carter• Daryl, Morgin & Asa Ehrlich• Morgan Gentry• Mark & Greyson Gutierrez• Kristi, Abby & Blake Hardy• Wes, Kelli, Lanie, Cole, Maley Jane, Cooper & Georgia Holloman• Brittany Hryhorchuk• Ellie Martin• David, Claudia & Ronie Mills• Miles Morgan• Wade, Kim, Caleb, Madilynn & Kennedy Owens• Benson & Kay Pair + grandkids Joseph Ivie & Tabatha Planck• Martin & Patti Reim• Shanda & Leah Stiles• Betsy, Ashleigh & Allyson Thompson• Bruce & Charlie Wicker

From the moment they arrived, they started having a great time. They divided into teams so that all the children from the school could rotate among the teams in order to meet and build relationships with all the team members. Each team had different games and activities for the children to play and take part in. There was always something for everyone to do. The whole group went to a city park for the activities so there would be plenty of room, and it also gave the children that live there a chance to get out of their neighborhood.

You may think that with that many people, including a lot of children, to minister to it might get a little confusing and, well, crazy at times. But leader Wade Owens had a plan, and that plan worked for everyone. Our people had a great time and the New Hope children had an even greater time. Our God is an awesome God and when you follow His plan, it will always work.

A few of the team members wanted to share their thoughts and experiences about this trip. The first is from Wes and Kelli Holloman’s daughter:

LANIE HOLLOMANAfrica was hands down the best 10 days of my life. As I think about it, really nothing else compares to the moments I spent with the incredible team and the beautiful people/kids of Kibera. The Lord is amazing in what He can do in four days worth of Sports Camp, and I for sure want to go back again.

O N M I S S I O N T O G E T H E R

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by Sharon Rigsby

The next is from someone on his first trip to Africa:

REAGAN BUSBEEThis was my first trip to Africa, although Lezli and our girls have been there previously. It was really special to be able to be a part of this great mission serving with my family. Lezli, Blaire and I were able to go this year, but Morgan was not able to go back this year. Even though I had seen pictures and heard their personal stories and experiences before, without experiencing the work first hand, I was not able to comprehend all that takes place.

I believe that New Hope Initiative’s long-term mission passes the close-up test. The work they do in the schools and with the Kibera women is incredible and provides hope for so many. The programs make a difference in the daily lives of many families. I am so thankful that Sagemont Church supports the ministry in so many ways—financially, tangibly and through prayer and mission trips. You can see the impact and feel the impact from those in Kibera that know we care for them.

Wade does such an outstanding job of leading the entire team. For us to have 50-plus people ranging in ages from 68 to 6 is no small accomplishment, but the people of Sagemont worked as a team and made an impact on so many as we experienced this mission together. The Kibera kids absolutely loved the Sports Camp and inspired our team in many ways. What I found to be true is that the kids of Kibera are both tougher and sweeter than our average American kids. They have to be tough to live in the environment in which they do—but they contrast that with an appreciation and connection with our Sagemont team that

is very special to witness. They are full of joy, smiles and yet still competitive at the sports as well.

Morgan and Shanda Stiles’ 16-year-old daughter, Leah, shares her heart in the following:

LEAH STILESKenya/Kibera was my first international mission trip, and I am so thankful to have that experience. It was definitely the best thing I’ve ever done in my life, and the Kenyan people are forever in my heart. I loved having families on the trip because I got to know new people of all ages, and we all learned from each other in different ways.

Kristi Hardy felt blessed to be able to serve with her two teenage children.

KRISTI HARDYThis mission trip was special to me for several reasons. I was blessed to be able to serve alongside both my children—my daughter, Abigail (19 years old), and my son, Blake (16 years old). The kids of Kibera will forever have a piece of my heart. Previously, I had only been a part of mission trips to Mexico, in which we had to use a translator in order to communicate with the people. I think being able to speak the same language with the kids in Africa allowed us to build a relationship and made it easier to share the gospel. The kids wrote letters to us that were so encouraging. We were there to share God’s love with them, but they surprised us and showed more love and pure joy than anyone in America! The Sports Camp provided a great atmosphere to have fun with the kids, as well as teach

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them about God’s Word (since they were a captive audience). I believe the success of our trip (75 salvation decisions) hinged a lot upon the multi-generational family aspect of our team. Each member brought a unique perspective and contribution to the camp. I also had the pleasure of connecting with other Sagemont families I had not known before this trip. It was fun to share ethnic meals together and play fun games in our downtime as our team grew closer. Lord willing, my family plans to return to Kibera to continue this amazing ministry. We are so grateful to Sagemont for the church’s vision for missions and giving my family the opportunity to serve.

Martin and Patti Reim were very grateful to be serving on this trip with their granddaughters, Reese (7th grade) and Blayke (4th grade) Carter. As you can tell from Patti’s account, blessings were bountiful at this Sports Camp:

PATTI REIMMartin and I, with Kristi and Abigail Hardy, led the Navy Team. We had around 50 students each day ranging from fifth to eighth grade. They were an incredible group of children. They came running into Sports Camp each morning with joy on their faces, looking for us and giving us hugs and huge smiles. We also received notes and GIFTS from several.

Jessicah was in fifth grade and wrote two sweet notes and gave me a beaded bracelet that she made. It broke my heart to take what she so happily gave to me. These children have nothing and yet want to give!

Susan and Miriam wrote sweet notes and each gave me a piece of candy wrapped in dirty paper. They were so happy to

give me a gift. I felt so blessed!Ruth is in eighth grade and we spent quite a bit of time talking about her life and mine. Her parents both died years ago. She lives with her brothers who do “whatever they can” to make money. She went to stay with her aunt during the political unrest during their election. Together they found our email and have written twice.

My constant prayer is, “Turn my complaining into praise.” I do not want to ever forget the slums and people of Kibera. What Sandy and Karen Baird have done through New Hope Initiative is exactly what it says. They have given New Hope to children and families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to go to school and hear and see the Gospel in action.

Martin and I feel so blessed to have gone with some of our family. Watching Lana and JP minister with our granddaughters Reese (seventh grade) and Blayke (fourth grade) was incredible. Our group was led by Wade and Kim, who were awesome. Other Sagemont staffers were Wes and Kelli, and Matt and Hannah. Our church is so blessed to have these families who lead by serving!

And I feel it would be wrong of me not to mention all the others who went with us. This was a large diverse group of all ages. Everyone was wonderful. We have new friends and special relationships with so many! Our “youth group” was so impressive. There were no cliques. They not only included, but purposely reached out to the youngest members and the oldest members (of whom Martin and I were a part) and to the children and leaders of Kibera. This group was Living Proof of a Loving God to a Watching World!

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The entire Holloman family was a part of this Sports Camp team: Wes, Kelli and their five children. This trip was such a great opportunity for families to serve together and bring back precious memories to share together. Wes shares a special one here:

WES HOLLOMANI have been fortunate to go on many mission trips, but many times, I am going back to my family to tell them stories about the trip. This mission trip, I was able to EXPERIENCE the stories with my entire family! I can honestly say this has been the most significant and life-changing time we have had as a family. We talk about our trip to Kibera LITERALLY every day because of the impact it made in all seven of us.

My favorite and impactful memory was walking through the slums of Kibera to visit the home of one of the former students who attended New Hope as a child. When we arrived, we were warmly invited into a 10x10 room that was home to seven people. As we heard the stories about their family, I was overwhelmed with the fact that OUR family of seven was standing in the home of this one room home where a king size sheet separated their living and bedroom areas. This experience allowed our family to see how blessed we are AND the responsibility we now have to give to others. There were hundreds of memories like this for our family, but this experience will NEVER be forgotten.”

The next participant to share, Mark Gutierrez, had been to Kenya twice before, but this time had his son, Greyson, who is six years old, with him. Here we have Mark’s words:

MARK GUTIERREZThis was my third trip to Kenya, and each time I go it gets better. This year had some challenges as I took my six-year-old and he ended up being sick most of the time. I was amazed at how he

pushed through despite running a fever. The family aspect really showed through as we all took care of each other in some way. Our youth really showed up on this trip and it is very apparent as to what God is doing through Cody, Matt and Amanda in regards to our youth and their involvement in missions.

One last person to share is Morgan Gentry. She sums it all up pretty well, I think:

MORGAN GENTRYThis was my second year to work with New Hope Initiative Sports Camp. Each year has been amazing. The people of New Hope and Kibera are some of the most joyful and kind people you will ever meet. Each year, I have been humbled and challenged by the depth of their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. There is such a purity to their faith that I don’t often see here in America. Also, getting to come alongside 50+ Sagemont friends to serve together was such a huge blessing and unique experience. You don’t always hear about churches taking that many people across the globe to a foreign country, much less entire families! Even though I came on this trip by myself, I was able to see entire families serve the Kingdom together. I was blown away to see kids as young as 5 or 6 step out of the comfort of their daily lives and share the Gospel. As well, it is so encouraging to me to see parents exemplifying what it means to center your family around Christ and taking seriously the great commission. This trip will without a doubt change your life!

By now you have probably noticed that there is a common thought or feeling that comes through each person’s shared message. There was a sense of total togetherness, joyfulness, happiness with the people being ministered to, gratefulness on everyone’s part, total cooperation by all involved and all the glory went to God. It has been stated several times that this was a life-changing trip and one that will not ever be forgotten. It was a wonderful time for families to serve the LORD together.

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On June 8, 2017, three men wearing leather Hellfighter biker vests covered in their colors stood beneath Sagemont Church’s 170-foot cross with heads bowed.

These Sagemont Church members, David Cohoon, Raul Yzquierdo and, Art Hecker took turns praying aloud for every single man and woman they would encounter in the upcoming week as they rode their motorcycles west from Houston, Texas to Los Angeles, California for Ride Across America for Jesus: Part 2 - The Western Leg.

David obeyed God’s calling last year (April 2016) when he rode solo from Houston, Texas to Florida for the Ride Across America for Jesus: Part 1 - The Eastern Leg. David shared what God had originally laid on his heart, “The Lord wanted me to do one of the things that I love the most and that’s ride a motorcycle. He wanted me to ride my bike from one end of the United States to the other end and tell everyone I meet about His son, Jesus.”

Day 1: Thursday, June 8: Houston, TX (Sagemont Church) to Plainview, TX

Not long after the men rode away from The Cross, they used their hand signals to notify each other it was time to make their first stop at a local gas station, where they passed out tracts and prayed with people. David pointed out that because this was a ministry trip they stopped every 50 to 60 miles even though their bikes can do over double that for fuel. He stated,“Whenever

God was telling us to get off the road, we got off the road!”

REBECCA, the WaitressTheir first divine encounter occurred during dinner at the Cotton Patch Cafe near their hotel. David recalled, “We did what we usually do, which was ask our waitress if she had any prayer requests. Rebecca, our waitress

that night, asked us to pray for her family because they were going through some major financial issues.” David smiled as he recalled, “As we ate our meal Rebecca came out three times to thank us at how much it meant to her that we would pray for her.” When they returned to their hotel rooms for the night, the three men came to the conclusion that if they had not agreed to go the extra hour to Plainview instead of stopping at the bigger city of Abilene they would never have never would have had the opportunity to pray for Rebecca. Day 2: Friday, June 9: Plainview, TX to Rio Rancho, NM (near Albuquerque)

Early that next morning they headed west on I-40. Sixty miles later there was little to no civilization as they rode through

by Mikelle Challenger

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the desert. David recalled, “We were prepared for a longer stretch, since our bikes can run to about 150 to 175 or so miles before we have to stop. At that point we didn’t need to stop for another 90 miles to refill. Thirty miles later, I happened to look down at my gas gauge and the needle was one line away from empty! What happened? We had been riding into really strong headwinds, but this wasn’t right and now we were in the middle of the desert!” They rode to a top of a hill, and David was discouraged to see the black ribbon going across the sandy desert for another 10 to 15 miles. When he looked down, the gas gauge needle was now on empty and the gas warning light blinked on. That meant he only had about 16 miles or less and he would be out of fuel! At this point David became very nervous. Riding a few miles further David looked up to see a billboard advertising that the next gas station was in three miles. The small mom-and-pop gas station was in the middle of nowhere. David recalled, “When I dismounted my bike I turned around 360 degrees and saw nothing but sand and cactus as far as I could see. It had only two pumps and a post office inside.” He laughed, “I don’t know who the post office was for because there was nothing out there!” David soon discovered that there was only regular gas and Harley Davidson bikes have to run on premium. So he put a gallon and a half of regular gas with the last of his octane booster with plans to stop at the very next gas station.

SALLY & KEN, gas station ownersThey encountered Sally at the cash register. She and her husband, Ken, owned and ran the small gas station. The Hellfighters introduced themselves and asked if they could pray for her.

She immediately asked them if they would pray for Ken because he was going through a tough time because of his poor health. Ken had recently had a heart attack and he had to get a stent. They prayed with her and then went inside the post office and introduced themselves to Ken. David smiled as he shared, “After speaking with Ken, he ended up rededicating his life to the Lord! We all hugged each other after we said AMEN.” When they got back on the road David was shocked to find that his gas gauge needle was standing straight up at a half a tank! “After putting in a gallon and a half I should only have a quarter of a tank of gas! I thought, ‘Wow! That was another divine appointment!’”

Day 3: Saturday, June 10: Rio Rancho, NM

They rode into Albuquerque, NM and stopped in Rio Rancho, NM because this is where the Rio Rancho unit of Hellfighters is located. David, Raul and Art were excited to participate in their ministry called Mercy After Dark. For the past five years Rio Rancho Hellfighters have gone every Saturday night, regardless of weather, to minister on the streets that the homeless and prostitutes frequent.

JARVIS, the ex-convict Raul met, Jarvis, a man who had recently been released from Huntsville Prison and was in Albuquerque to try to begin a relationship with his daughter. He was a Native American from the

Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The Hellfighters were immediately familiar with this reservation. They attend one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the world located in Sturgis, SD, every August, and they always stop at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to minister to the people there. After speaking with Jarvis, Raul asked permission to share the Gospel with him and led him through the sinner’s prayer! David smiled, “It just shows the Lord’s divine appointments to meet someone from the very Indian Reservation that we go minister to every year when we are in Sturgis.”

Day 4: Sunday, June 11: Rio Rancho, NM to Williams, AZ

On Sunday, the three SE Houston Hellfighters had planned to ride to the Grand Canyon, but due to some problems with Art’s motorcycle, they had a late start getting out of Albuquerque. Instead they stopped at Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner in Kingman, Arizona for lunch. David recalled, “We were able to pray with and pass out tracts to several people, including praying for our waitress.”

Day 5: Monday, June 12: Williams, AZ to Los Angeles, CA

The Hellfighters arrived in California but had to adjust their schedule once again when David’s bike began to have issues. They took it to a shop for repairs and stayed an extra day in Los Angeles. David explained, “We had an idea of what route we were going to take to California and how we were going to get back, but by the time we made it to California we learned that if God wanted us to go here or go there, He just put an obstacle in the road for us that we had to deal with and we went whatever direction He told us to go.” They decided not to go to Joshua Tree National Park because of extreme heat. David explained, “There’s no doubt about it but the heat was brutal. When you are riding on top of a motorcycle you have a lot of heat coming off on your legs and when you are riding through 110 degree heat on top of a hot motorcycle you are sitting on top of 120-125 degrees. It’s grueling when you are doing that for 10 to 11 hours a day.”

Day 7: Wednesday, June 14: Los Angeles, CA to Benson, AZ

SCOTT, the aging truck driverAfter leaving Los Angeles, they pulled into a truck stop in Palm Springs, CA. There they met Scott, a truck driver in his mid 60’s. David instantly related to him because he is also a retired truck driver. Scott explained that the road was really

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starting to wear on him, and after having a heart attack less than a year ago, he did not know how much longer he was going to continue to be able to drive a truck.

ALISSA & MATT, the joyful coupleWhile they prayed for Scott, David sensed someone near them and then thought he heard an AMEN. David recalled, “When we finished I looked up to see a young woman who had her hand on Scott’s back and she was praying for him too. Alissa

and her husband, Matt, were on their way back from California to Spring, TX to be with her mother who is in hospice care. Alissa shared that she was recently scheduled to have spinal surgery. Everyone at her church prayed for her healing. When they did their final x-rays before the surgery the doctors were shocked that her back was healed! She said with a big smile, ‘That is the power of prayer.’” The Hellfighters prayed for Alissa and Matt as well as for her ailing mother. David described the rest of the day as being “unbearable” as they rode their bikes through the 110+ degree desert heat with hot wind blowing. Finally, they arrived at their hotel in Benson, AZ. Even though David was exhausted, he perked up when he realized that they were only 25 miles away from Tombstone, AZ. It was a longtime dream of his to see the famous O.K. Corral in Tombstone where Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday had their famous gunfight. But due to the extreme heat they all agreed it would be best get an early start back to Houston.

Day 8: Thursday, June 15: Benson, AZ to Ft. Stockton, TX

The Passengers of GREYHOUND BUS & PilarDavid was not proud to admit it, but the next morning when they got up at 5:00 am and headed east on I-10, he was “pouting like a little kid” because he had been so close to Tombstone and he did not get to go. Around

10:00 am they stopped at the McDonalds in Lordsburg, AZ for breakfast sandwiches when David noticed three or four people walk in with backpacks. David thought it was strange, “Then we saw three more with backpacks and then eight more. Why are all these people coming in with their backpacks? We asked and found out that the Greyhound bus stops nearby and a bunch of people come in here off the bus to eat.” David, Art and Raul quickly turned to see a 50-passenger bus at the end of the parking lot. They hurried to finish breakfast and then made their way outside where they found 30 to 40 people sitting in the shade. David laughed, “We began to pray for them and hand out Bibles and tracts. We were like, ‘Bring them on God! Let’s go!’” As they were interacting with the Greyhound passengers, a middle aged woman, named Pilar, approached them. David shared, “When she found out about Ride Across America for

Jesus, she immediately said, ‘I must pray for you right now!’ We all had tears in our eyes because she was so filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she grabbed some of our tracts to pass out and joined us in praying with the passengers.” By 11:00 am the bus left, the men said goodbye to Pilar, and they got back on their bikes. Raul said with a big smile, “You know, David, if we were at Tombstone right now this would never have happened.” David growled at him, “I still wanted to pout because I still want to go to Tombstone, but as we returned to the highway I praised God saying, ‘Oh Thank you Jesus. This was so much better than Tombstone.’”

Day 9: Friday, June 16: Ft. Stockton, TX to Houston, TX

They crossed back into Texas and spent the night in Ft. Stockton, TX. Early the next morning they were back on I-10 and stopped for breakfast in Junction, which is west of San Antonio. David recalled that there were half a dozen gas stations at the exit but they passed them up and rode four to five blocks into town. They finally stopped at a Stripes gas station that had a little taqueria inside. After eating their breakfast tacos, they walked outside to give a police officer a First Responder tract and pray for him.

The Passengers of the BIG BLUE BUSThat’s when David looked up to see two people walking and wearing backpacks. A smile lit up his face as he shared,“All of a sudden I saw five or six more people walking around the corner. I said to Raul and Art, ‘No

Way! No Way!’ I looked around the van parked next to me, and what was sitting out there along the side street…a big blue bus!” The Hellfighters were so surprised because there were plenty of other gas stations right off the freeway, but instead, five blocks into town this 50-passenger bus pulled into the small gas station where they were. David pointed out that there was even another huge gas station across the street. The men spent the next hour passing out tracts and praying with a busload of people…again. This time they also had an opportunity to pray for the bus driver.

Scrolling down his Facebook page for Ride Across America, he paused at several photos and videos they had posted during the journey. After a few moments he concluded,“If we are faithful, obedient and we do what God asks us to do, He is going to bring the opportunities to serve and love others right to us. If God is opening a door for you and He is pointing you to a direction, GO through the door!” David smiled as he shared, “It was a trip I’ll never forget. If twelve guys can follow Jesus all over the country by foot then we can ride across America on a motorcycle and do the same thing.” The Ride Across America for Jesus: Western Leg with the Hellfighters SE Houston By The Numbers:

SAGEMONT LIFE (USPS 585730) is published monthly by Sagemont Baptist Church, 11300 S. Sam Houston Parkway E., Houston, Texas. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, TX. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to SAGEMONT LIFE, 11300 S. Sam Houston Parkway E., Houston, TX 77089.

14

Wednesday Night DinnerWednesday Night Dinnersat Sagemont Are Cancelled

Until Further NoticeDue to Damage in The Hall

October Staff AnniversariesCongratulations to the following friends and co-workerswho celebrate an employment anniversary with Sagemont Church during the month of October.

Mr. Mike Buehrer 30 YearsAssistant Media Director Rev. Stuart Rothberg 20 YearsAssociate Pastor/Teaching

Rev. John Mark Benson 16 YearsAssociate Pastor/Membership Rev. Wade Owens15 YearsMissions/Teaching Pastor Mrs. Trisha Drew Eight YearsFinancial Assistant

Mrs. Stephanie Adamson Five YearsCounselor

Mrs. Michelle Valerio One YearAdventureLand ChildcareTeam Leader

3,800 miles x 3 riders450 gallons of gas at $3.50

2 bike repairs2 solid days riding in temps 100+

110 degrees was highest temp8 nights in hotel/motels

9 days of eating fast food and at diners12 to 15 stops a day

4 to 14 people were ministered to at each stop800 to 1,000 people prayed for

PRICELESS

Though the Ride Across America for Jesus Eastern and Western Legs are complete, the Hellfighters of SE Houston continue to minister locally. On Saturday, November 4, 2017 during the annual Lone Star Rally in Galveston, the Hellfighters of SE Houston are planning to serve free hamburgers, bags of chips and drinks to 500 bikers who stop at Turning Point Church’s parking lot on Broadway and 42nd street. In his usual excitement David explained, “While the bikers are sitting down to eat, the Hellfighters are going to ask them if they have prayer requests and minister to them. We need boots on the ground. Come and join us.” Contact David Cohoon at 832.274.7213 or info@hfseh.org, or join the Facebook group Ride Across America for Jesus to follow the future journeys of the SE Houston Hellfighters ministry.

RIGHT STEP

12-Step Program

Ongoing - Mondays & Wednesdays7:30 - 9:00 pm • Sagemont Annex - Parlor

Right Step is a Christ-centered 12-step program for those recovering from, or impacted by, chemical or co-

dependency. If you, or someone you know, are struggling with the compulsive use of alcohol, drugs or other forms of substance abuse, this support group can provide the encouragement, strength and hope required for lasting

sobriety. The supportive help for family members will also enhance progress. Take the first step by attending a Right

Step meeting. You’ll be accepted right where you are.

Sagemont Baptist Church11300 S. Sam Houston Pkwy E.

Houston, TX 77089

Also visitwww.sagemontchurch.org

Or call us at281.481.8770

M-F 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Periodical Postage

PAID

Houston, TX

www.facebook.com/SagemontChurch

Holiday Brunch & Tea

Speaker: Laura Seifert

Friday, November 3, 201710:00 am - 12:30 pm

Tickets on Sale October 8, 2017All Tickets $10

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all

people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

John 13:34-35 (ESV)

Due to the impact that Hurricane Harvey had on our church, church family and community, Holiday

Brunch and Tea will be different this year. We will all be united in the Lobby. There will not be assigned seating at specific tables. There will still be beautiful

decorations, delicious food and a wonderful program in our Worship Center. Because of these changes all tickets will be $10. The times will change as well. It

will be from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm. We hope that these changes will allow everyone to come and have a time of fellowship and renewal as we celebrate the

coming Christmas season.