A General goes Home!

Reverend Severiano M. Menchaca

REVEREND SEVERIANO M. MENCHACA born on July 16, 1908 was called to be with the Lord on December 21, 2007, during his 100th year on earth. Just as we mark the birth of God's greatest gift to man, his only Son, Jesus Christ, we celebrate the homecoming of one of His most devoted servants. Rev. Menchaca was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Velia Flores and by his parents. He is survived by 8 children & their spouses, 26 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. He graduated from the Latin American Bible Institute and became an ordained minister of the Assemblies of God in 1931. He and his wife founded and pastored a number of churches in Texas. Early in his ministry he became an avid musician and instilled an appreciation of music in his children and in his congregation. He became a US Citizen at the age of 85. He was known for his sparse but carefully selected words for every occasion. A Celeebration of Life Service will be held Sunday, December 23, 2007 at 6:30PM at El Tabernacle Assembly of God 10020 Bauman Rd, Houston, TX 77076. Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM, Monday, December 24, 2007 at El Tabernacle Assembly of God. Interment will follow in Earthman Resthaven Cemetery. At his request in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the: LABI Scholarship Fund c/o Linda Menchaca Trevino 2114 Domal Lane San Antonio, Texas 78230.


Published in the Houston Chronicle on 12/23/2007.

Lakota Sioux delegation renounces all Treaties with U.S. Declare Independence

Incredible! I find it interesting that I was discussing the topic (of Native People's in general) with a total stranger yesterday. As I remarked about the sadness of so many broken treaties with First Nations peoples, we discussed that it would be a hard thing for those wrongs to ever be made right... such as reparations and all that. The delegation making this announcement is not an official spokesgroup for the Lakota Sioux. I feel we should begin to pray for all leaders to have wisdom in the decisions they will make that will affect these nations.
=== NEWS RELEASE: Thursday, December 20, 2007 ====

Lakota Sioux representatives have announced they are a total sovereign nation now and have renounced and are withdrawing from all treaties they have signed with the US Federal government. They have already met with the representatives of several other foreign nations following their delivery of the declaration to the State department..." Lakota Sioux Indian representatives declared sovereign nation status today in Washington D.C. following Monday’s withdrawal from all previously signed treaties with the United States Government. The withdrawal, hand delivered to Daniel Turner, Deputy Director of Public Liaison at the State Department, immediately and irrevocably ends all agreements between the Lakota Sioux Nation of Indians and the United States Government outlined in the 1851 and 1868 Treaties at Fort Laramie Wyoming.
“This is an historic day for our Lakota people,” declared Russell Means, Itacan of Lakota. “United States colonial rule is at its end!” "...more at their press release. http://www.lakotafreedom.com/media.html

Interesting Illusions...

I'm not really sure where this originated, but I have enjoyed it everytime I watch it... (a real twist at the end)

comments.. anyone, anyone?

The Atheist in the Woods

A wonderful revisit of a classic piece. Thanks R.Z.!!

An atheist was walking through the woods.
"What majestic trees"!
"What powerful rivers"!
"What beautiful animals"!
He said to himself.
As he was walking alongside the river, he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. He turned to look. He saw a 7-foot grizzly bear charge towards him. He ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder & saw that the bear was closing in on him. He looked over his shoulder again, & the bear was even closer. He tripped & fell on the ground. He rolled over to pick himself up but saw that the bear was right on top of him, reaching for him with his left paw & raising his right paw to strike him.
At that instant the Atheist cried out, "Oh my God!"
Time Stopped.
The bear froze.
The forest was silent.
As a bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky. "You deny my existence for all these years, teach others I don't exist and even credit creation to cosmic accident." "Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?"
The atheist looked directly into the light, "It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps you could make the BEAR a Christian?"

"Very Well," said the voice.
The light went out. The sounds of the forest resumed. And the bear dropped his right paw, brought both paws together, bowed his head & spoke:

"Lord bless this food, which I am about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord, Amen."

Navidad en el Barrio

Thousands of children from the Houston Area were assembled for Navidad en el Barrio on December 15, 2007 for a benefit sponsored by many Houston Police Officers. The Carnales M/C & La Familia M/C escorted Santa Claus in to greet the children.

Deputy Israel Gomez (retired HPD officer) has been leading this community initiative for 20 years. Thank you to all the donors, volunteers and sponsors for this very successful event!


Well, you better watch out, you better not cry. No vas a chiyar, I'm tellin you why.. [Pancho Claus ya viene pa'l barrio.]3X Well, he's makin a list, yeah, he knows how to write. Gonna find out if you stayed up all night. [Pancho Claus ya viene pa'l barrio.] 3X He sees you when you're in the street. He knows the games ya play. Si has estado molestando to Ama, 'Hey vato, you better clean up your act today.' You better watch out! No vas a chiyar. No te lo digo para jugar. [Pancho Claus ya viene pa'l barrio.] 3X

Navidad - TexMex Style

"'Twas the Night" - TexMex Style!

(Pancho Claus)
T'was  the night before Christmas and all through la casa
Not a creature was  stirring, CARAMBA! Que Pasa?

Mama making tamales con mucho cuidado
In  hopes old Santa would feel obligado
To bring all the hijos, both buenos y  malos
A nice batch of dulces and other regalos

Mis hermanos and I went  to sleep in our camas
Some in calsones, some in piyamas
Cuando out in the  yard I heard un gran grito
That I jumped to my feet like a frightened  cabrito

And who in the world do you think que era?
El mero mero with  his venados estaban afuera
Santa Claus in a sleigh with a big  sombrero
Came dashing along like a little bombero

I watched as they  came, and this little fat hombre
Was shouting and whistling, and calling by  nombre
"Ay PEPE, AY JESSE, AY CUCA, AY BETO
AY PANCHO, AY CHATO, CHUY Y  NETO!"

Then standing straight up, with his hands on his pecho,
He flew  to the top of our very own techo
With his round little belly like a bowl of  jalea
He struggled to squeeze down our old chimenea

Then huffing and  puffing, and a little cansado
He picked up a bag that looked so pesado
He  filled all the stockings with lovely regalos
For none of the hijos had been  very malos

Then chuckling aloud, seeming very contento
He turned like  a flash and was gone like the viento
As I heard him exclaim and this is  verdad,
"MERRY CHRISTMAS A TODOS! FELIZ  NAVIDAD!"

 

Toys for Tots Run

We had a great time on Saturday with the USMC Toys for Tots Run from League City, TX to Pasadena Fairgrounds.  Over 1000 scooters rallied for this cause.  Gulf Coast loves to bike!!

Check the pix: http://motorcycle.meetup.com/10/photos/260901/2755676/

TRAIL OF HOPE IS COMING!!!!

Some of you have asked before about this event coming up... hope you can join us.

PAX,

-max-

Trail of Hope is Coming!!!! by Chuck Harper
What is it? Its more than a Conference. Its Synergy… Its connecting with other youth leaders. Its learning whats going on in Native America. Its a chance to love on some kids and youth leaders like you will never have a chance to do otherwise. Its a chance to lift up the Name Of JESUS to hundreds of young people who might never see Him anywhere else.

In short, its a chance to serve HIM.

The conference will take place at Fort Lewis College, Durango CO on

June 29-July 2, 2008.

We anticipate 350 Native American Students from the I 40 window – and from Canada and other places, even other countries. But our focus in on the I 40 window. Those youth ministries in Native America from the Grand Canyon to the Rio Grande, along I 40.

It takes an army of people to Pray, to Give and to help.

We would love for you to join us if God might lead. Please make the decision prayerfully and carefully.

God bless…

Chuck and Cindy Harper Ofc 505-792-9629 Cell 505-235-6580


READ ABOUT THE LAST CONFERENCE:

TRAIL OF HOPE
SUMMER 2004 – CONFERENCE REPORT

It’s hard to believe that Trail of Hope Conference has come and gone. There are so many special ways we saw God at work, and on many levels. Many responded to a challenge to make their life count –and maybe full time service for Christ. A gigantic THANK YOU to all the special people who made everything possible!

There are many who came to Christ for the first time. One girl comes from a single parent family, (most kids on Reservations do) and a very traditional background. She told her youth leader just before the conference that she was not a Christian, nor would she ever be… but today- she is excited to be part of God's family after “getting her faith in Jesus”. Another young man – recently released from jail – mysteriously had the serious charges he faced dropped just days before the conference and was able to come with his cautious youth leader. He too came to Christ after hearing how Jesus can change a heart of vicious anger toward an abusive father.

Tears choked my breathing – the first time I walked into our youth leader training room, filled with “wall to wall” youth leaders from all across the US, Canada, Ireland, Mexico, and Australia. This was the first time in my life where I had been in the same room with almost 100 (yes, one hundred) of my heroes - those who work with kids in Native America! I could only picture their lives back on their reservations and cities, working with the kids they know! This group represented thousands of kids – who need to know Jesus! The room was stunningly adorned with many discipleship resources – most of which were “Free” to these unsung agents of HOPE. The many comments from the youth leaders were so refreshing and hopeful – “this is great stuff", “this will help me keep going”, and “I’m stayin' in the game!”

At the same time the leadership had their training sessions, the students were at their breakout training time. Max Torres and Fred Lynch hosted this “grand slam” training time.

The general sessions were incredible moments at the Conference too. Many said how they had never seen such a “professional” and well thought through program. Every light, video clip, song, and every word was carefully crafted to highlight the Biblical theme for each session. It was a special joy as all our speakers and musicians were especially chosen for their giftedness and expertise – not just because of Native heritage – though most of them were. I wish you were there to see Darren Nez – and his group of kids from his Church in Shiprock – leading the auditorium – filled with hundreds of kids and their leaders worshipping their Creator – Jesus. Dr. Don Bartlett opened the speaking with his famous “Macaroni at Midnight” story – and then challenged kids to receive Christ as savior. John Lynch taught us about Grace, and choosing to trust. Dobie Weasel in his humorous and eloquent way- used the story of Joseph to remind us of who we are in Christ and how we will never loose our value and worth, no matter how bad things may be. Dino Butler – wrapped it up with a tremendous challenge – to take the next step in our walk on this Journey. There is Hope, and a life: not just after the funeral, but an abundant life along the way!

Each evening was topped off with some high energy – and stirring concerts. We were so blessed to have the Supertones, Marcus EmCeeOne, Redcloud, The Sonflowerz, Rachael Washington and Tom Bee. The entire program was a “dream team”!

Each afternoon we were able to host some great recreation time. Some of the attendees were able to visit some of the local attractions like the US Olympic training center, Garden of the Gods, the Air Force Academy, etc. All those that stayed back enjoyed great sports and activities. The Twiss family coordinated the basketball program. We had some great ice hockey games, and the pool made a big splash.

Just before the recreation times, we had great workshops, hosted by some outstanding leaders. The topics included: Purity = no regrets, Dating and Relationships (“abandon the snaggin wagon”), Dealing with Grief and loss, Partnerships with Native and Non Native Ministries, Developing Summer Mission Teams, etc. We were also blessed to have three of these taught by qualified leaders from Focus on the Family staff.

We have often said that Trail of Hope is but a brief moment, but a monumental part of the journey. As our team looks back at the two years it took to put the conference and the follow-up plan together, we can’t believe how fast it came … and went. But now as we reminisce in all the special stories, and things we saw God do, we anticipate even greater stories resulting from the life changing moments that took place in those brief, short days just two weeks ago. Our days and months ahead are full: a youth leadership mentoring program launched at the conference, many events are on the same drawing board for times of encouragement and training with the same youth leaders. We hope you will continue to pray with us, so that we will know how to answer all the many questions: to know Gods leading IF and WHEN and WHERE the next conference will be.

We were briefly disappointed that we didn’t have 800 students and leaders that we planned for, but we were thrilled that over 300 students, and close to 100 youth leaders attended from at least 30 various tribes, and from 5 countries. Financially, we also have good news, although we don’t know the bottom line just yet, we will be very close to meeting budget. God’s promises are real!

We can’t thank you enough! It happened because many of you prayed. Many of you gave financially, and some of you came to Colorado Springs and helped! It took a mighty army of people to pave this trail, and we are so grateful for each one.

Thank you for making Trail of Hope possible!
On the journey together!

Chuck and Cindy Harper
For all our Team

Houston Area Navidad Resource-TIME SENSITIVE

Per the Houston Chronicle:

GOODFELLOWS
If you need help with toys for your children this Christmas, please write to:

• Goodfellows
• P.O. Box 4260
• Houston, TX 77210-4260

Please include your childrens’ names and ages, (Goodfellows serves children between the ages of 2 and 10), as well as your name, address and telephone number. And please keep in mind that Friday, Dec. 9, 2005, is the deadline for requests.

You can access additional Goodfellows information by calling
(713) 362-2273 (C-A-R-E)

EVIL KNIEVEL believed in Jesus Christ

watch video Video Description Robert Craig "Evel" Knievel, Jr. is an American stuntman, best known for his public displays of long distance, high-altitude motorcycle jumping. On April 1, 2007, Knievel announced to a worldwide audience that he "believed in Jesus Christ" for the first time. Personal Message I'm glad my friend JohnO sent me this link... hope you enjoy it. THE POWER OF PRAYER

Mentor's Needed

Hello one and all...
Project Grad Houston has a mentoring program at Wheatley & Reagan High Schools here in Houston and are in need of mentors. If you are interested in this opportunity, please visit their web-site and apply with them. I know I need you at Wheatley!!!! Thanks for considering it!

VISIT THIS SITE:
Project Grad - GEAR UP Mentoring

Quarterbacking While Mexican

Please take an opportunity to visit Rudy Carrasco's Urban OnRamps weB-LOG to check out this (and many other) poignant articles: Quarterbacking While Mexican [USC's Mark Sanchez] has created a media frenzy by simply wearing a mouthpiece that connects to his cultural heritage.

other news: USC Scout

Low Performance..

Without apologizing, simply informing, I want to make sure I direct any visitors to meaningful input at the links over here on your right.
Especially take a look at the postings from Chris Brooks, Jeremy Del Rio, Rudy Carrasco & John Liotti .

PAX,
Max -the Fat Boy-

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T.N.T (Dunamis)

tonite the XRD Youth ministry presented a Hallelujah alternative to Halloween. Several Urban Preachers for the hip-hop gen got the rhymes flowin for a wonderful outreach night.

PAX,
Max [from Treo]

So help me God.

PAX,
Max [from Treo]

Citizenship

This morning I attended a swearing-in ceremony to receive naturalized citizens of the United States of America.
I was invited by Pastor Elizandro Sanabria who moved here from Belize. He serves a community with his congregation here in Houston. Listening to his youthful vision, the U.S.A. Is fortunate to have a service minded person desiring to be part of this nation. As I slowly looked across the full Coliseum I saw husbands, wives, children & friends who were anticipating the oath of allegience that so many would make to this country. With all the political rhetoric surrounding the immigration issues in our country, I admire the tenacity of so many who labored through beuracracies (sp?) and frustrations to arrive at this moment in their process. As the sounds of Loretta Lynn wafted through the air [this is Texas after all], I wondered if
'Coal Miner's Daughter' was appropriate and realized that many of the jobs these new citizens have chosen are as much a benefit to the strength of our nation as were the menial jobs that European arrivals toiled through several centuries ago.
When I returned from my first world travels, I remarked to my father how so many of the things I took for granted here, were absent from the Middle Eastern culture I had been living in. He listened calmly and said these words that I have reiterated so many times since: ''To love America, leave it.''

PAX,
Max [from Treo]

Sittin on my Softail!

IMG_3673.JPG
Originally uploaded by VozCast.

Well, the title may be misleading - but suffice it to say that my 52nd Birthday was filled with a wonderful surprise. My BFF&E of 30 years gave me the most incredible hook-up. Thanks Dahlia! The 100 year Anniversary Edition, 2003 Fat Boy is smooooooth with the 1450 c.i. balanced engine and EFI (fuel injection). Even stop lights wouldn't spill my coffee (not that I drink coffee while I'm driving:)

INTROSPECTION:
I hope you're enjoying each day that we are given. Lately, I have been reflecting on the sacrifice that my parents experienced as I deal with the students at my school. If you're a parent, know that every miniscule contribution you make into your child's life is critical. Consistency is the key.
I like riding. It gives me time to think and be grateful. I'm not a fair-weather rider. No matter if it is Hot/Cold, Sunny/Cloudy, Day/Night and Dry/Rainy - I wanna ride. In life, I desire to be as consistent. As a parent, I desire to be consistent. As a servant, I am committed to be consistent.

Happy 52nd Bday

2003 100yr Anniversary Fat Boy

thanks Dahlia!

PAX,
Max [from Treo]

Living the Legacy!

Reload 2007
Wish you were here!
PAX,
Max [from Treo]

ReLoad '07

o yeah!
PAX,
Max

SHOUT Houston

KSBJ will spotlight a newly established Training Institute called SHOUT! at the October 19, 2007 concert of Casting Crowns. SHOUTHouston.org is sponsored by the DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative in cooperation with the Urban Youth Workers Institute. Come check out our website and consider coming to the RELOAD Conference tomorrow morning at St. John's UMC in downtown Houston (details on the SHOUTHouston.org site).

If you are interested, please send an email to info@shouthouston.org so we can keep in touch with you and plug you into a learning community in your area. See ya at the Well!

PAX

Wow! Pow-Wow!

the beat of 1st Nation Hearts

PAX,
Max [from Treo]

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My City, My God

IBS is allowing Urban Youth Workers Institute (UYWI) to post the designs to gather feedback from teens from our respective youth ministries. IBS needs to choose a cover that will most appeal to urban youth. They have 4 mock-ups and they want our youth to choose which one is best. The rub is we don’t want only youth leaders’ feedback but your teens also.

Please link to their site from your blog or myspace to get your youth’s input on the cover artwork. Thank you in advance for your help and your feedback (as well as the feedback of your youth).    Click HERE to go to the UYWI page.