The Intercoastal 4-H club had their monthly meeting March 4, 2019. We held a youth dance February 16, 2019. We raised a nice amount of money which will go towards our Relay for Life team. Many students contributed to the dance and had a great time!
Our next meeting will be April 4, 2019 at the Port O’Connor Elementary library at 6:30.
McKenna Guevara, Vice President/Reporter

4H Youth Dance held February 16th

As if we needed a reminder, the last few months have once again revealed the depth of division and hostility in our nation and in our community. There is so much pain, hurt, and unhealthy discourse seemingly at every turn. We are programmed to pick a team, choose a side, and shout down the opposition. We are an increasingly angry people, and that is why I am preaching a series on “Anger Management” each Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. – come join us!

In his speech on the Senate Floor in the wake of the Brett Kavanaugh hearings, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Sasses called out both parties on what is becoming the normative in the larger culture as well: blind tribalism. It is a tendency to malign, perpetuate group think, attack and tear down those in another group. Tribalism is a threat to our nation, and it is also a threat to our local community. Every part of our nation needs healing from our divisive, polarizing, and tribalistic tendencies. This is exactly why we gather together as one community for our Easter Sunrise Service, our Thanksgiving Services, and other community efforts like the Garage Sales and the Warrior’s Weekend.

As leaders in a hostile world, what can we do? I am much like many other leaders who, at times, wants to throw up my hands and ask, “What is the point of all our hard work?” But, when I do, I remember the first Bible verse I ever learned, “For God so loved the world…” It is not an option to give up on what God loves so much, to abandon what the Apostle Paul called the “ministry of reconciliation”. As I have processed recently how to make a difference in this culture of hostility, offense, and anger, I am reminded of three principles that have the potential to create unity in a cynical world.

First, the power of words. In general, we underestimate the impact of our words! It is not just the words we speak, but also the words we type, and all the other creative ways we can disseminate them through the use of technology and social platforms. Some have found that these new stages, that were not around until historically recently, provide them with an “identity cover” so they avoid responsibility for the rottenness they spew!

A kind and encouraging word is becoming so rare. Against the backdrop of society, we do not fully understand how positive and healing our well-placed words can be. A commitment to speak life over and into people and places is one of our greatest assets in building trust, unity, and hope!

Second, the gift of time. In the busyness of our lives, time is a commodity we do not like to give away. We can and often are very generous with our money, but extremely selfish with our time. The only way to breakdown tribalism, whether in our nation or in Port O’Connor, is to spend time with people from a different tribe. This was the whole point of “God becoming flesh in Jesus!” It was only through the personal presence of Christ that real relationships and reconciliation can become possible. Giving time to seek understanding and build relationship is rarely convenient but often powerful and exceptionally healing.

Third, the benefit of the doubt. We just do not do this much anymore! To give the benefit of the doubt is to believe the best about someone, to assume pure motives until proven otherwise. I see almost no one who has this grace in operation any more and yet most of us were taught this at our mother’s knees! To assume the worst about people and foster cynicism is just not becoming to those who call themselves civilized. All of us can do better, and give the world an alternative to our tribalistic society.

Each one of us has the opportunity to make a positive difference in our community and thereby help our world. When we exchange some screen time for face-to-face time with others we will reap large rewards. We must do more than just “speak the truth”. We must do it with humility, compassion, and genuine care for those around us. Our hearts must be transformed into both “grace and truth” to bring us together to attack the difficulties of life.

In this long season of primaries, we must remember that our love for one another must reach across the boundaries of political division and bring people together as members of one family and one tribe! May we be encouraged and inspired to take the message of unity for the good of all to a world that desperately needs to hear it!

First Baptist Church just finished presenting our exciting 23rd annual Sweetheart Banquet, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t already planning more activities. Spring is right around the corner and that means the calendar of events is quickly filling up at our church. Easter will be here before you know it and so will the annual free Easter egg hunt on the church grounds held Saturday, April 20 at 2:00 p.m. The egg hunt is for all children from babies through 6th grade. Come and bring the children for great photo opportunities, fun, refreshments and prizes! The next day is the community sunrise Easter service at Kingfisher Beach. Each year, hundreds come to hear the Easter message and watch the sun rise over the bay. The choir from First Baptist Church will be singing. Don’t forget the delicious cinnamon rolls from Cathy’s Restaurant with coffee and juice, that are a perfect way to start your morning. Afterwards, at 9:45 a.m., you can join us for Sunday school (all ages) and at 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. for church. We hope to see you there.

If Easter is close, can summer be far behind? This year our Vacation Bible School will be held June 3-7, 2019. Make plans now for every child you know from preschool through 6th grade to be in Port O’Connor for that fun time. Let them start saving their spare pennies for the donation contest between the boys and girls. All the proceeds will be very appreciated by the South Texas Children’s Home in Beeville. If you would like to volunteer to help during VBS week, text Candice Stryker at 361-655-8224.

The rest of June is filled up with youth camps. Kamp Khaos, kid’s camp, is going to be June 10-13, in Palacios on the bay. Youth camp will be held June 17-21, at Camp Zephyr on Lake Mathis. If you would like any more information on the camps or an application form, please text Candice Stryker.

Each week we are ready to welcome you to services at our church with plenty of smiles, handshakes and hugs. The times are mentioned above. Come see us. You’ll be glad you did!

Plan to attend Port O’Connor’s Annual Sunrise Service on King Fisher Beach
Sunday, April 21 at 7:00 a.m.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt at First Baptist Church
Saturday, April 20 at 2:00 p.m.

And we thought February was busy! March is coming in like a lion and blowing hard all month long as far as activities are concerned at the Chapel! Captain Robert will be back for another class on March 15, after having two classes back-to-back last month where we saw ten men trained to be boat captains. Anyone interested in this class should call Captain Robert at 361/758-6184 as soon as possible to get enrolled.
Pastor Joane and I attended a special conference in Cuero for the first two days of this month. We attended the Fellowship Meeting in LaGrange on March 4 and enjoyed the ministry of our friend Ric Gorden, who has been here at the Chapel many times. We have installed a pastor and board of directors at El Campo on “Time Change Day”. Our men went to La Porte for a special men’s meeting and our ladies are traveling to Houston for a ladies retreat later in the month.

We will be hosting two different memorial services this month at the Chapel. On March 16, at 10:30 a.m., we will be memorializing Christian Bridgewater. This young man died as a result of a serious car wreck. Christian’s mother, Cathy, wished for all of Christian’s friends to come because “there is no place in this world that Christian liked more than Port O’Connor.” On the following Saturday, March 21, we will be hosting the family of Matt McKnight for his memorial service at 3:00 p.m. Matt was a faithful part of the Chapel family before he got so sick, but he was loved by us in a special way! He has played his guitar and led our singing on many occasions and even filled the pulpit several times. He had a special understanding of Scripture that we all appreciated.

We also will be traveling to Mustang Island to perform a wedding on the evening of March 18. Nathan and Reagan, who grew up in Mena, Arkansas, will repeat their wedding vows. They are in this neck of the woods due to Nathan’s employment. It will be a special evening.
Our Annual Chili Cook-Off will be following the morning service on March 24. We have done this for several years, and for the first time in history, I was able to pay the judges enough to get an honorable mention last year! I am seeking “honest judges” who I can pay this year to try to get to number one! Please help me! For years, I have brought two entries so I could be certain that I did not get last place every time. So, come, bring an entry and enjoy time with the Chapel family!

On Monday and Tuesday, March 25 and 26, we will be participating in an area Revival Service. It will be held at New Beginnings in Port Lavaca and the services will begin at 7:00 p.m. There will be anointed singing and the most unique preacher you have ever seen. Our speaker is the Reverend Martha Tennison and she will make you laugh and cry in almost the same sentence. She and her husband were pastoring in Kentucky several years ago when a drunk diver hit their church bus and in one swift moment, twenty-six of their congregation died in the fiery crash. The Reverend Tennison has a wealth of knowledge that she will be sharing with us. Make plans to attend.

Did I mention that the Chapel will be busy this month with special activities? Well, come and join us. One will always find a warm welcome at the Chapel and all are urged to, “Come, grow with us!”

“The Way I See It” is an attempt by the columnist to enlighten readers on a subject as he views it, and does not necessarily reflect the views of this publication. (See website for links and updates.)

D.C. = Dysfunctional Cliques, Dystopian Cliques

Trump is trying to end a 70 year old war, and Denuclearize North Korea. The Democrats have been trying to “Impeach Trump” since he won the election, using a Criminal Conspiracy to falsely accuse Trump and his campaign of “Collusion with Russia”. So far, the only “Proof” they have since early 2016 is a fraudulent “Dossier” paid for by Hillary and the DNC, and Trump’s joke at a Campaign Rally, asking the Russian computer spies for a copy of the 33,000 subpoenaed Emails Hillary illegally destroyed. The Mueller Investigation busted Trump’s personal attorney unlawfully, and for crimes unrelated to Trump, and convicted him on things totally unrelated to their “investigation”. So Dems wait until just before the Korea Summit in Vietnam to trot him out to embarrass President Trump, with their Propaganda Media hyping, “We got him now! Trump’s gonna be impeached!” Unsurprisingly, Chairman Kim demanded all sanctions be lifted for less than a full guarantee that all weapons will be destroyed. BUT, Trump walked Out! He said either we get a good deal, or no deal. The Media is happy the Korea Summit failed, but devastated that the Cohen Testimony was only more, “No indications or evidence of any Collusion with Russia by Trump or anyone in his Campaign”, and some of the same old unsubstantiated accusations. They made a hate campaign out of it, and the only “Collusion” swings back to Hillary and Obama, and all the criminal Cover-ups.

In a recent CBS poll, 72% Americans agree with Trump’s Border Security plans. But Congress is trying to undercut his building the Wall or barriers. And his using the military to do it cheaply, effectively, and protect the construction while being built. This a real National Emergency! Obama could use “National Emergency Powers” 5 times concerning Africa, but Trump can’t, for this Border Emergency? The Dems & Media loudly whine about an “Artificial Crisis”, but BP apprehensions spiked 300% in the so-called Family Units and ICE deportations were up to 268,000 since Oct. (FY2019).

The Media keeps lying about Trump, even using file photos from BP apprehensions during the Obama Admin of “Children in Cages.” They ignore the mass caravans being formed in Central America. Polls show up to 25% of Central Americans want to “Migrate” to the USA. They protest ICE deportations of known Criminals. The Dem-Socs threaten to use “National Emergency Powers” for Gun Confiscation or Globull Warming if they ever get power again. They would – if they could get away with it, but both are based on lies, and they know it! Guns are protected by the Constitution, and Globull Warming is a farce, The DemonRats are literally getting away with MURDER now with Post-Birth Infanticide and even “Legalizing” it. Kill American Babies, make the Taxpayers pay for it; then replace them with Criminal Invaders that are “Socialismos”, and let them VOTE! Alinsky would be so proud!

Now the DemonRats are going to “Fundamentally Change America” some more by passing STATE LAWS that over-ride the Electoral College, and add whatever they want to eligibility requirements for President. The CONSTITUTION mandates those! But they are getting away with defying Constitutional Law with things like Sanctuary Cities; and now even legalizing MURDER of children born alive! And letting children, even too young to go to school, choose their “gender”? The most radical Militant Leftists have taken over the Democrat Party. The Militant LBGTQ now have laws to punish people for using wrong pronouns, much less saying anything is against Natural Law, God, and dangerous to children. What Free Speech? What Freedom of Religion? The Left call Trump a “Racist!” with no evidence, and all Trump Supporters are automatically guilty? Where is Rule of Law on Libel, or even any sanity left? Just “Death by Accusation” from the Lefty Media. All the Radical Lefty Cliques – Criminal Invaders, Commies, Alternative Genders, and Abortionists, pull together. Anything goes as long as it is Anti-Capitalist, Anti-Christian, Anti-American, Anti-Constitutional and Anti-Common Sense.

The Robber Barons hire their Clique of Lobbyists, bribing Swamp-critters for cheap labor, wage suppression, and govt hand-outs. The Marxist Professors run Universities like gulags, nothing but Party PC allowed! UniParty RINOS love the Swamp more than America, or the Constitution they swore to protect. The Dem-Socs are quite openly protecting illegal voting and passing laws to expand it. Their Marxist take-over is working, and a whole new round of ‘Promising Free Stuff” has already begun. $97 Trillion for a Green New Deal that won’t work, and will never be paid for; while the FED raises Interest Rates and paying that debt is already surpassing Defense Spending to become the Largest Govt Expenditure. But the Cliques are going to unite to try and stop Trump from stopping Illegal Immigration at small cost of what Illegal Immigrants costs the Govt & Taxpayers now! And those costs are rising by several times more EVERY YEAR than Trump asked for. Not to mention the Citizens killed directly by illegals, or the 70,000 O.D. deaths mostly attributed to Border Drug Smuggling.

But, Trump is Bad! He Must Be Stopped! Stopped from getting any credit for solving this problem, or any others. He has already done too much to boost the Economy, Employment, Energy Production, and bring back Manufacturing Jobs. How can the Commies and Elitist Globalist Totalitarians ever win, if he keeps Making America Great Again? The Dysfunctional Cliques have become Dystopian Cliques, not only are they not interested in making anything better for Americans, but are willing to risk War in Korea, destroy America to gain power for their Clique, or simply to protect the Swamp. The Constitution was written to protect the Natural Rights of all American Citizens regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, income, and social position, as long as they respect and defend the Rights of other Citizens. Not to use Criminal Invaders to “Fundamentally Change” our Govt, economy, and culture to suit their Marxist Theories, that fail miserably every time.