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Tyler Morning Telegraph - Galdámez brings church planting, education experience to Grace Español

Here are two articles written by Emily Guevara ( Twitter: @TMTEmily)  on our background and on  Grace Español .   Tyler Morning Telegraph...

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

The Issue with the Rick Warren is the Question

It seems that the issue with Rick Warren praying during the inauguration of Barak Obama is not making too many people happy. On the one hand are the gay activists who feel betrayed by Obama. They can't stand the fact that the current president-elect chose a pastor who opposed gay marriage to give the invocation. To them, it is anathema. Everyone who does not conform to their view is homophobic and intolerant. Holding this view is on par with denying them basic civil rights. So, to have someone representing such view is reprehensible. Let's give them credit, they are trying to be consistent. Barak Obama is not worried about being consistent in his view. In my opinion, he is looking for political expediency.
On the other hand are the Christians who oppose Rick Warren involvement in the inauguration. To them, it is also anathema that he would take part in a ceremony of a man who is pro-abortion. In their view, it is inconsistent with Christianity. Praying during the ceremony is equated with conforming, supporting and agreeing to some degree with Barak Obama's view. To say it strongly, Rick Warren is a hypocrite.
But here is the question. Does praying at the inaugural ceremony equal to supporting Barak Obama in some form? I think this is the question that must be answered. I think it is hard to answer unless you are Rick Warren. Let's play hypothetical. If his intent is to take part because he believes this is what every one ought to do for those in power ([this is what the Apostle Paul instructed Christians to pray, “… for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives” (1 Timothy 2:1b-3a)-by the way Nero was in power around this time.] then I think he is right. If his intent is to, in some way, support Barak Obama in any of the views contrary to Scripture and Christianity, then he is wrong to do it. My guess is that it is the former. Furthermore, I think the prayer is ceremonial in nature and says very little about what association Warren and Obama have with each other. We will have to wait and see what happens after.

Sunday, December 07, 2008

Helping the Needy, the Poor and the Hungry


For many years I have been supporting three children from World Vision. One girl from Mexico, one boy from Africa and one girl from Albania. For about $30 bucks they are able to provide help for poor communities that don't have their basic necessities, such as food, water, health aid, and education. One can also give a monetary gift that can go directly to the sponsored child. They assess their needs and they give the money. In return, you get a letter, pictures of what was bought and the satisfaction of helping someone in need. This has brought great joy to me and my family. I know my money is is being used for someone who really needs it. I also give to other local organizations such as Fred Jordan Mission who feeds hungry people in LA, The Long Beach Rescue Mission and the Orange County Food Bank. I have to other organizations as well: Samaritan's Purse, The Salvation and the Red Cross.

Why do I this? I do it because I count myself blessed and cannot fathom the fact that there are so many people close and far who don't have their basic necessities. We in this country, no matter what financial status we are, are rich. We have so much. Why not give a little this Christmas season and fulfill its true meaning: Giving and blessing others as the God has given us everything in his Son.