December 2015

El Camino Baptist Church Growing, Serving, Reaching

What is Christmas All About From the files of Ronald L. Rushing, Th.D. Senior Teaching Pastor December 2015

This inspiring story of Rick and Dick Hoyt was originally published in Sports Illustrated (June 20, 2005) by Rick Reilly entitled “ Strongest Dad in the World” Eighty-five times Dick Hoyt pushed his disabled son, Rick, 26.2 miles in marathons. Eight times he's not only pushed him 26.2 miles in a wheelchair but also towed him 2.4 miles in a dinghy while swimming and pedaled him 112 miles in a seat on the handlebars – all in the same day. Dick's also pulled him cross-country skiing, taken him on his back mountain climbing and once hauled him across the U.S. on a bike. Makes taking your son bowling look a little lame, right? And what has Rick done for his father? Not much – except save his life. This love story began in Winchester, Mass., 43 years ago, when Rick was strangled by the umbilical cord during birth, leaving him brain-damaged and unable to control his limbs. "He'll be a vegetable the rest of his life," Dick says doctors told him and his wife, Judy, when Rick was nine months old. "Put him in an institution." But the Hoyts weren't buying it. They noticed the way Rick's eyes followed them around the room. When Rick was 11 they took him to the engineering department at Tufts University and asked if there was anything to help the boy communicate. "No way," Dick says he was told. "There's nothing going on in his brain." "Tell him a joke," Dick countered. They did. Rick laughed. Turns out a lot was going on in his brain. Rigged up with a computer that allowed him to control the cursor by touching a switch with the side of his head, Rick was finally able to communicate. First words? "Go Bruins!" And after a high school classmate was paralyzed in an accident and the school organized a charity run for him, Rick pecked out, "Dad, I want to do that." Yeah, right. How was Dick, a self-described "porker" who never ran more than a mile at a time, going to push his son five miles? Still, he tried. "Then it was me who was handicapped," Dick says. "I was sore for two weeks." That day changed Rick's life. "Dad," he typed, "when we were running, it felt like I wasn't disabled anymore!" And that sentence changed Dick's life. He became obsessed with giving Rick that feeling as often as he could. He got into such hard -belly shape that he and Rick were ready to try the 1979 Boston Marathon. "No way," Dick was told by a race official. The Hoyts weren't quite a single runner, and they weren't quite a wheelchair competitor. For a few years Dick and Rick just joined the massive field and ran anyway. Then they found a way to get into the race officially: In 1983 they ran another marathon so fast they made the qualifying time for Boston the following year. Then somebody said, "Hey, Dick, why not a triathlon?" How's a guy who never learned to swim and hadn't ridden a bike since he was six going to haul his 110-pound kid through a triathlon? Still, Dick tried. Now they've done 212 triathlons, including four grueling 15-hour Ironmans in Hawaii. It must be a buzz kill to be a 25-year-old stud getting passed by an old guy towing a grown man in a dinghy, don't you think? Hey, Dick, why not see how you'd do on your own? "No way," he says. Dick does it purely for "the awesome feeling" he gets seeing Rick with a cantaloupe smile as they run, swim and ride together. This year, at ages 65 and 43, Dick and Rick finished their 24th Boston Marathon, in 5,083rd place out of more than 20,000 starters. Their best time? Two hours, 40 minutes in 1992 – only 35 minutes off the world record, which, in case you don't keep track of these things, happens to be held by a guy who was not pushing another man in a wheelchair at the time. "No question about it," Rick types. "My dad is the Father of the Century." And Dick got something else out of all this too. Two years ago he had a mild heart attack during a race. Doctors found that one of his arteries was 95% clogged. "If you hadn't been in such great shape," one doctor told him, "you probably would've died 15 years ago." So, in a way, Dick and Rick saved each other's life. Rick, who has his own apartment (he gets home care) and works in Boston, and Dick, retired from the military and living in Holland, Mass., always find ways to be together. They give speeches around the country and compete in some backbreaking race every (continued on page 3)

CHRISTMAS IN THE LIBRARY

CHRISTMAS DVDs

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey When a broken-hearted boy loses the treasured wooden nativity set that links him to his dead father, his worried mother persuades a reclusive, ill-tempered woodcarver to create a replacement, and to allow her son to watch him carve it. As Christmas approaches, the three of them struggle to come to terms with each other, their painful memories, and the process of putting their unhappiness behind them. Based on the award-winning children’s book (also in our library), this story of love, redemption, and hope is a great family movie experience.

The True Christmas Story (Ray Vander Laan/ Focus on the Family) A video exploration of two kings--the ruthless and wealthy Herod, and Jesus, creator of the universe. Teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan travels to the land of Israel to discover fascinating truths--biblical, archeological, and historical--about the events surrounding the birth of Jesus.

Silent Night (Timeless Tales for Children) This animated film is a story of the first Christmas through the eyes of a donkey named Abib who is purchased by Joseph to transport his wife Mary to Bethlehem for the birth of their baby. Along the way, Abib plays a vital role in the greatest story ever told - the birth of Christ.

The Star of Bethlehem This documentary is a scientific and biblical exploration of what the Star of Bethlehem was. The author uses scripture for clues and state-of-the-art astronomy software to look at the actual skies in Jerusalem to actually see what the planets and constellations were doing at Christ's birth. The DVD is very easy to follow as the author shows us step by step what he was looking for and why, as well as why other hypotheses (such as meteors or comets) can be discarded as being the Bethlehem Star. Excellent for sharing with family and friends.

Christmas Child (A Max Lucado Story) An updating of Max Lucado's book "A Christmas Cross." This film brings us into the life of Jack Davenport, a journalist who is at a crossroads in his life. Jack's adoptive father has passed away, he and his wife are simply not getting along, and he is turning 40. With many heart questions and quite a bit of emptiness, Jack hits the road for another inconvenient assignment from his magazine. He finds himself in a small town, complete with a large nativity in front of the church and open and helpful people, where he is able to reflect on his life and its meaning. This is a great Christmas film with a heart-warming message about the importance of faith and family, forgiveness and redemption.

The Nativity Story The Nativity Story basically tells the story of Mary and Joseph from the time Mary is betrothed and then finds out she is to give birth to God's Son up through the time of Jesus' birth and the family's evacuation to Egypt. The details about Jewish life are amazing as the film portrays the turmoil of the world into which Jesus was born. They represent the reality of the hardships and difficulties the key figures would have experienced and felt - Mary would have been shamed and shunned, Joseph would have been looked down upon for still taking her as his wife, the trip to Bethlehem was long and hard, etc. These are facts that easily get lost in the excitement of Christmas. Highly recommended as an evangelism tool.

The Crippled Lamb This animated DVD is based on Max Lucado's story of Joshua, a little lamb who is different, who is left out and left behind. Joshua longed to keep up with the flock, but God had a very special place for him – just as He does for everyone. One cold starry night, Joshua was in the right place at the right time to watch history’s greatest event unfold…. and to play a part in it. There he learns a lesson that is true for us all: “Don’t be sad…God has a special place for those who feel left out.”

VISIT OUR SPECIAL DISPLAY AREA FOR CHRISTMAS BOOKS AND DVDs DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER. Let us help you and your family keep a special Christ-centered focus during this busy season! 2

(What is Christmas-continued from page 1) weekend, including this Father's Day. That night, Rick will buy his dad dinner, but the thing he really wants to give him is a gift he can never buy. "The thing I'd most like," Rick types, "is that my dad sit in the chair and I push him once." Pastor’s Note: This inspirational story may not seem like a Christmas story. But I think it reminds me of the true meaning of Christmas. Our Father in heaven looked down upon us who are spiritually dead, immobile, and unable to do anything of merit. So He sent Jesus to do all the work for us. As man He took the entire burden of mankind’s sin upon Himself. Now we run spiritual marathons. They are all in His power and strength. But remember, He is carrying us the whole way. We are made alive through Him and sense life as we sense life passing by us. He carries us step by step through the race of life – the joys and hardships. He is our strength. We are the ones in the wheelchair of life. He delights in giving us the satisfaction of feeling life and knowing we are alive in Him. To me that is Christmas – Jesus coming to earth to carry my sin away and carry me through life. Have a blessed and Merry Christmas!

Pastor Ron

Join us at El Camino Baptist Church

for our Christmas Celebrations!

Sanctuary Choir & Orchestra Sunday, December 13th 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM “Light Looked Down”

Christmas Sunday Services Sunday, December 20th 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM

Christmas Eve Services Thursday, December 24th 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM

7777 E. Speedway Blvd (520)886-7770 www.elcaminochurch.org

Next Newsletter The Torch is a publication for the members and friends of El Camino Baptist Church, Deadline: 7777 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85710. Phone: (520) 886-7770. Monday, Email: [email protected]. All submissions need to be received no later than January 18, 2016 5:00pm on the date specified.

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Ministering to families with children from Birth - High School

December Dates to Remember

6th, 13th Awana 9th, 16th Good News Club 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th High School Youth Group 11th, 18th Middle School Youth Group 11th, 18th Wildside Preteen Youth Group 13th Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra Christmas Service 24th Christmas Eve Services at 4:00pm & 5:30pm

December 4th Middle School Service Night *Festive Fridays * 7pm - 9pm *

Our first hour will December 11th be fun filled and Christmas insightful. Celebration December 18th Our second hour Bring a wrapped gift Christmas we will help for our gift exchange, Light Night clean up the $5 or less, for a Community We will head out boy or a girl. to look at lights Christmas Dinner. Also, bring a snack and enjoy a to share. Christmas surprise!

*High School Winter Wednesdays 7pm - 9pm * December 9th Holiday Happenings! December 23rd Invite your friends for Family Night holiday fun! December 16th Invite your Active Winter Games friends, family, your Christmas Light Night and your friends’ Decorate Christmas families Cookies **7pm - 9:30pm** to come enjoy our final Winter We’ll head out to Wednesday. Make Christmas gifts look at lights & Lots more festive Plenty of hot chocolate with enjoy a holiday stations, whipped cream Christmas surprise. Christmas caroling and a hay Plus more! (whatever!) we plan together ride! (Continued on page 4

(Family Ministry-continued from page 4) Great News! You can access our Homefront Monthly Magazine on line at https://homefrontmag.com

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Arny Humble GO Team Chairman

PRAYING FOR OUR EL CAMINO MISSIONARIES December, 2015

TAPULLIMA, Max/Stephanie (Kids Alive - Peru) Praise: Discipleship and relationship building opportunities the past couple months: Max is guiding the teenagers in homework club through The Purpose Driven Life. This past week, they discussed different purposes God has for their lives; Stephanie hosted an afternoon of baking cupcakes with five teen girls from homework club. We all had fun and the girls enjoyed learning how to bake cupcakes and decorate them. We reviewed how to use measuring cups, follow a recipe, test the cupcakes with toothpicks, and decorate them. Most important, it was a time of getting to know each other, which opens the door to discipleship down the road. Celebrating 1 year of marriage on September 6. We found a good, used pickup with 4 wheel drive that will serve us very nicely. Two teams (from California and Pennsylvania) came to serve alongside us in Oct. and Nov. Prayer Request: Remaining 25% of financial support. Meaningful relationships with the teens and that God would use us to impact their lives eternally for Christ. Hole in Emalyn’s heart to close. We are very thankful for your support, which makes these ministry opportunities possible. In Him, Max, Stephanie, and Emalyn Tapullima

MARBLE, Joni (SPAIN World Venture) Prayer Requests: Our whole team has been experiencing Spiritual attack. We feel this is largely due to the depth of relationships forming with our Moroccan families and with key leaders in the local Mosque. Please pray for protection and wisdom moving

forward. Also for strength of mind and emotions as the team enters into difficult spiritual territory on a regular basis. Physical relief and continued healing. In 2015 I endured surgery to replace a major ligament in my knee. Since the initial surgery I needed a secondary procedure so that proper bending was possible. All this has caused significant atrophy in my affected leg. Please pray for strengthening of my right leg to full capacity and the easing of pain in the process. Pray also for insurance to approve more physical therapy visits. Syrian Refugees have poured into Europe. Various neighborhoods of Madrid are to be deemed "Cities of Refuge." The Friendship House, our community center for North African Immigrants, is located in one of the deemed Cities. As we gear up for hosting and/or contributing to the relief efforts, we are attempting to boost our infrastructure. This requires manual labor, funds, and many volunteer hours. Please pray that God provides local and global support in a measure necessary to accomplish what he has put before us. Joni Marble The Friendship House (North African Immigrant Outreach) Madrid, Spain

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MONDAY EVENING STUDY Cost of the book will be $15.00. Classes will begin on Monday, Janu- The world's brand of womanhood is being tossed off by thousands as they join a ary 11th, 2016 quiet counterrevolution. Dig into the heart of true manhood and womanhood, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. and discover the beauty, joy, and fulfillment of being exactly who He created you Class taught by: Pam Torbet to be. If you're tired of cliched advice, shallow caricatures, and cookie-cutter solutions--then this eight-week Bible study with foundational teaching and insight from God's Word by Mary A. Kassian and Nancy Leigh DeMoss is for you! The eight weeks in this study are each divided into five lessons--it will take approximately twenty minutes to complete each lesson.

THURSDAY MORNING STUDIES Cost of Book will be $20.00. Classes will begin Precept upon Precept Inductive Studies . . . on January 21, 2016 in room D1 Acts Part 2 - Precept Workbook (NASB) - Paul, Jesus' Witness to the 9:00 am - 11:30 am. Class will be taught by: Marge Miller & Linda Stewart. Gentiles - (chapters 13-28) (8 lessons) Jesus promised His disciples that they would take the gospel to the remotest parts of the earth. Observe Paul's transformation from persecutor of the church to preacher. Join him on his journeys across the Roman world to proclaim the saving message of Jesus to Jews and Gentiles. Learn how to witness and how to live an authentic Christian life in all circumstances in the power of the Holy Spirit. Learn to be like Paul, to be bold in proclaiming the name of Jesus and to trust our sovereign Lord who enables us to endure persecution and suffering at the hands of those who hate Jesus...and therefore, hate us.

Cost of Book will be $8.00. Classes The six people featured in this study guide are truly “characters” of Old Testament will begin on January 21, 2016 in times. Each has experiences in growing with God, some eagerly, some reluctant. As you room C7 at 9:00 am - 11:30 am. Class taught by: Ellen Johnson. become acquainted with them expect to find that you are being challenged in much the same way as they were. They became “characters” in God’s plan as their faith matured. You can too! Caleb, Gideon, Samson, Ruth, Elijah, and Jehoshaphat help us to learn how we can trust God.

Bible and Book Study January 11, 2016 - March 28, 2016 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm

First of all, many 'points' to the group of men who are faithfully attending the Men's Studies. The coach is mighty proud of you!

Our fall study session ended November 22. We are currently on holiday break and will resume meetings on January 11, 2016.

The new book study will be from material created by Dr. Robert Lewis, "33 The Series." It's a study of authentic manhood modeled by Jesus Christ in his 33 years on earth.

The Bible study in Matthew will also resume then, led by Mike Haggerty.

There are many of you men sitting on the bench when you could be helping your team by sharing your own life experiences. Are you

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El Camino El Camino Missionary Fellowship meets on the first Monday of the month, in the next meeting on December 7th, Missionary Fellowship we will hear from two short term mission teams, the Mexico team with David and Olivia Wolf, and Malaysia/ Vietnam trip with Vietnamese Family Ministry. Come hear how your prayer and financial support helped minister to people in Mexico, Malaysia, and Vietnam. There are some exciting stories! You will also hear how you may become involved next year. Or is God calling you to go on a short term mission trip??? We meet at 9 AM to work on Mission projects. At 10:20 we will begin our presentations followed by a potluck lunch and fellowship at 12:00 pm.

Please come to this fun and exciting time top hear what God is doing.

Invite your friends and family to join the Sanctuary Choir

and Orchestra as we present a message of hope; a proclamation of peace; and redemption offered to us through the birth of a baby on the day that

Light Looked Down

Sunday, December 13, 2015 8:30 am and 11:00 am

627 N. Swan Rd Tucson, AZ 85711 Phone: 520-308-8990 Hours: Monday 1pm-7pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays 11am-5pm

The rummage sale is over!! Thank you all for the wonderful help you gave to make it a success and a success it was, God is so good! He overflowed our cup - and our expectations.

Please pray for us as we get ready to open our new material assistance building. We look forward to the wonderful miracles God has in store for us as we help clients with material and spiritual needs. What a blessing to pray with our clients for their concerns in the name of Jesus and see how He answers these prayers.

The month of October we serviced 222 client visits, had 92 spiritual discussions and 8 accepted Jesus as their Savior.

Please prayerfully consider Answers for Life in your year-end giving as we qualify for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit. With any donation, you are helping to save babies but more importantly you are sharing in a Ministry that shares the Gospel regularly with unbelievers. Ruth Applegate

Jeremiah 33:3 NIV Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

Your contribution statements will be mailed no later than January 31st. If you do not receive your statement please contact the Accounting Office at 886-7770 ext. 13.

Please complete a request form for your Offering Envelopes for 2016. Request forms will be available at the Front office/Greeters desk. Once requested your envelopes will be available also at the Front office/Greeters desk.

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