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Dr. Brian Nixon loves the beauty of God’s creation. He is also fascinated by how other artists observe and interpret beauty. Living in New Mexico, he and his wife Melanie make frequent trips to The City of Holy Faith (Santa Fe) to enjoy the rich culture, art, landscape, and food. Brian takes us on a tour of Santa Fe and shares his favorite things about “The City Different.” Brian says, “Santa Fe offers more high-quality art than almost any other small city in the country!”

Dr. Brian oversees Education and Publishing for Calvary Church. He is also a musician, author, husband, father, and grandfather.  Here is one of my favorite quotes from his Book Tilt: Finding Christ in Culture.” To take it deeper, God—in Christ—is present in people, places, things, and ideas. His fingerprints are extant throughout creation and culture, leaving signs of interaction and interest in individuals and things. And, like a good forensic scientist, humanity can discover those fingerprints grazed upon the world.”

Nixon, Brian C., Tilt: Finding Christ in Culture, Cascade Books, 2020.

Marcy Patten is the New Mexico Operations Manager for Joni and Friends and the Organizer of the “Virtual Warrior Run” Event.  The Virtual Warrior Run is a fundraiser scheduled for April 18th – 25th, helping to fund Warrior Getaways for combat-wounded veterans and their families. Marcy said, “Pick the day you want to run/walk and pick your own course for a 5k, 10k, or a half marathon. Come back to the registration website and put in your time.” Registration includes T-shirt and medal. Register to run in support of our “American Warriors” and their families at https://bit.ly/JAFWarriorRun.

Warrior Getaways are specifically designed for American servicemen and women who have visible and invisible wounds as a result of war; these getaways are a place for respite and spiritual refreshment,” Marcy said. “Joni and Friends provide Warrior Getaways at NO COST to the warrior or their families. This is why we fundraise for the Warrior Getaway.”

Lone Tree Camps have a unique Old West atmosphere, combined with modern activities and amenities.  Joni and Friends partner closely with camp staff alongside their volunteers to provide a safe and fun-filled experience. https://www.joniandfriends.org/new-mexico.

Amenities:

  • Family Rooms with private bathrooms
  • Family-style meals
  • Rustic camp setting
  • Shuttles available for mobility assistance

Activities:

  • Horseback riding
  • Waterslide
  • Zipline, giant swing, rappelling, and alpine tower
  • Basketball and volleyball
  • Rifle Range
  • Giant chess set

 

“The Navigators is an international ministry that shares the gospel of Jesus and helps people grow in their relationship with Him through Life-to-Life® discipleship.” Dale Coffing and Karen Warin are part of the Navigators Workplace Staff in Albuquerque. The Navigators team in Albuquerque host regular “Faith at Work” meetings (via Zoom at this time). They are also involved in individual Life-to-Life discipleship, group Bible Studies, marriage retreats, and more. For information, contact Dale or Karen through their website at https://www.navigators.org/.

Shelley is the Director of the New Mexico Dream Center. The ministry provides services to survivors of human trafficking and youth experiencing homelessness. It is an agency that believes that every human life is valuable to God. Their mission is to restore the dreams of the hopeless, the helpless, the hurting, and the broken. Shelley said, “The largest percentage of trafficked people in the United States are born in the US.” Volunteers are needed to help! Reach out to the New Mexico Dream Center by going to  https://www.nmdreamcenter.org/.

Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. Romans 15:1 NASB

 

Awaken Church in Rio Rancho is 8 months young! Pastor Matt Flores and ministry volunteer Kyle Stevenson talk about their families sharing life in “authentic community.” Matt said, “We want to do what Jesus did. He lived life with people. You are going to all these things in life, just bring people with you and make Jesus the center of it.” Services for Awaken Church are at 2:00 and 4:00 pm Sundays at the MAC (Macdermott Athletic Center), 801 Loma Colorado Dr. NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124.

Ray Mondragon is a Bible and creation science teacher with Christian Science Fellowship and Chafer Theological Seminary. “Miracles” are the topic of our conversation in this episode. Ray defines miracles as “God deliberately demonstrating His glory and His ability to go beyond the natural realm. He is beyond creation. He is the creator.” For more information, go to http://forhisglorynm.com/ or http://www.csfnm.org/.

Judge Vance Day is the President of Promise Keepers, and Dennis Poper is the Co-Chair of New Mexico Men of Honor. The two ministries are working together to unite, equip, and encourage men in New Mexico. New Mexico Men of Honor is hosting quarterly events that focus on worship, prayer, and Bible teaching. Their next event is Friday, April 30, 2021, at New Beginnings Church, 4770 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM. Food trucks at 5:00 pm, worship starts at 6:30 pm. Judge Vance Day will be the featured speaker at this month’s event. The event is FREE. Find out more at https://www.nmmenofhonor.com/.

Promise Keepers Men’s Conference 2021: July 16-17, AT&T Stadium, Home of the Dallas Cowboys. Sign up at https://promisekeepers.org/.

Charlotte Rose Marie is a Christian singer-songwriter. Her song “The One Who Saves” is now available on most major music streaming platforms. Charlotte said,  “I have never written a song so raw in my life. Some of the actual lyrics are from my diary extract written the night I got a letter from my husband saying he wanted a divorce. The way I write all my songs is pretty much a direct extract out of my journal. I pour everything I have in there. It is very personal when I write my music. It is very much me sharing my heart with whoever will listen.”

Listen to “The One Who Saves” at https://www.charlotterosemarie.com/.

Brian, Katherine, and Nelson invite us to be a “Student for an Evening” to experience onsite classes, review course materials and discuss Calvary College with currently enrolled students.  Join Calvary College at 6:30 pm in the Plex on Monday, April 12, for Theology with Dr. Nelson Walker; Tuesday, April 13, for The History and Authenticity of the Bible with Dr. Brian Nixon; or Thursday, April 15, for Spiritual Foundations with Dr. Nelson Walker. Registration is required. Visit calvarynm.church/events to register.  Katherine Gardner is the Registrar for Calvary College. Call 505-344-0880, and ask for Calvary College.

Talking about end-of-life issues is difficult. Gail Rubin calls herself a “Death Educator.” She is the author of three books on planning for end-of-life issues:

All bring a light touch to what many consider a dark topic. Find out more at https://agoodgoodbye.com/.