Watermark Blogs

“Hate was eating me like cancer. But through a moment of obedience, the Lord healed me, and my life was never the same.”

Carlos Ramirez heard the rattling of chains against the concrete floor before the door ever opened. Fighting the urge to run, he settled into the hard metal chair in a Mexico City jail. As the sound drew closer, the memories of cold, lifeless bodies came flooding back. The only thing Carlos remembers about coming face to face with the murderer who devastated his family was the touch of his grandfather’s hand.

Carlos’ father is a Christian minister in Veracruz, Mexico. Carlos’ late grandfather, Rafael Reyes, was also a pastor for more than 65 years. Their faithfulness helped Carlos embrace Christ as a child. “I knew being a Christian was more than being a preacher’s kid. It was about having a personal relationship with Jesus.

God’s love and my grandfather’s example planted in me a desire to eventually serve the Lord in church ministry.” But when Carlos was 23 years old, a tragedy struck the family that would make him question the foundation of his faith.

In 1996, Carlos’ aunt, uncle and two young cousins were kidnapped in Mexico City. The kidnappers never contacted anyone or requested ransom. As months passed and no one knew if the four were dead or alive, Carlos questioned whether God was present or cared.

The police later asked Carlos to come identify four bodies suspected to be his family. “It was the most horrific moment of my life. As I saw the brutality of their deaths, bitterness and hatred instantly manifested in my heart. I wanted to destroy anyone capable of such an unforgivable act.”

Consumed with thoughts of revenge, Carlos says he stopped living and began merely existing. One of the worst moments came at the funeral when his grandfather stood before the caskets and prayed for the salvation of the murderer. “I wanted to leave— I was so angry. Salvation was something this murderer didn’t deserve.”

When Carlos heard that the murderer, Alex Tovar, was apprehended, feelings of relief were short-lived. A lengthy jail sentence seemed totally insufficient. Carlos wanted him to suffer. But what he discovered next shook Carlos to the core. Carlos’ grandfather had been visiting Alex in prison, and he began encouraging Carlos to do the same. “I knew he was sharing Christ with Alex. In my heart, he didn’t deserve the forgiveness of my God!” But the prison visits continued, and Alex eventually trusted Christ.

As his battle with anger raged on, Carlos felt he was living a double life. “On the inside, hate was poison that kept me from the fullness of God’s purpose. During that time, I was living in Dallas and serving in Watermark’s Celebrate Recovery ministry. God put me into a position where my failure to forgive was exposed. I had to do something.”

In the windowless room of a Mexico City jail, only a small table separated Carlos and Alex. The guard explained the rules: stay calm, no touching or fighting. After Carlos’ grandfather prayed, Alex began to speak. “I was bound by the chains of sin all my life, and today I’m paying the price,” Alex said. “I struggle with  accepting God’s forgiveness because I’ve destroyed so many lives. But I am begging you to accept my  apology and forgive me. I want to be at peace with  your family and with God.”

As Carlos struggled for words, he felt God’s presence like never before. “I struggled for years to accept that you’re not only a part of the body of Christ, but now my brother in Christ. But today, I choose to forgive.”

Then Carlos made a request: to wash Alex’s feet, just as Christ washed the disciple’s feet. At first, Alex refused. Carlos explained that it was a symbolic demonstration of his humility before the Lord. Just then, a prison guard appeared with a towel and a bowl.

“When I rolled up his pant legs, I saw for the first time the chains that bound him,” said Carlos. “I wept and slowly poured water on his feet. In that moment, I felt something heavy leave me. I knew healing was taking place. For the first time in 10 years, I smiled on the inside.”

Today, Carlos is convinced God can use anything for good. “He wanted more for me than pain and bitterness, but I had to be willing. I didn’t desire to walk into a maximum security prison. I took the first step, and God did the rest. I didn’t want to forgive, but I obeyed and He gave me enough faith to trust Him. A willing heart was all God needed to fully restore me.”

“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)

This year, Watermark is kicking off a new partnership with CF Carr Elementary School in West Dallas. Sequoyah Elementary, where many Watermark members served last year, was recently closed. CF Carr Elementary is a school that many are familiar with because Watermark volunteers worked there at Service Day over the last three years. Carr Principal, Christian Ruiz hopes Watermark volunteers will come to help tutor students, serve as mentors and support teachers in the classroom.

“The need at CF Carr is great, and the principal and staff are thrilled to have the support and assistance of Watermark volunteers,” said Stephanie Schweinfurth who coordinates Watermark’s West Dallas outreach efforts. “You cannot imagine the difference that just a few hours a week of tutoring or mentoring can mean in the life of a child. It can be the difference in a child staying in school long-term, learning to read, or hearing the words, ‘God loves you.’ Often, a child experiences that love through the consistent involvement of a Christ-follower. These activities and the relationships really make a difference.”

This year, the Watermark External Focus Team will partner with Greater Mount Hebron Baptist Church, located near Carr Elementary, to help reach out to families and children at the school. The involvement of a local church will give us deeper roots in the community

and more support to serve the 450 students at Carr Elementary School and their families. If you’re ready to help, email Stephanie Schweinfurth at sschweinfurth@watermark.org and see the list of volunteer opportunities below.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

LOCATION: CF Carr Elementary • 1952 Bayside • Dallas Texas • 75212

SIGN UP: Contact Stephanie Schweinfurth at sschweinfurth@watermark.org

• Provide school supplies/uniforms – Needs are listed on the Impact Education Blog, http://watermarkblogs.org/impacteducation/
• Reading Buddy – Help students improve reading skills during the school day
• Week Day Tutor – Help students with a variety of skills during the school day, materials provided
• Saturday School Volunteer – Help students with a variety of skills during Saturday School on Saturday mornings, materials provided
• Classroom/Teacher Support – Help provide hard working teachers with classroom assistance (making copies, bulletin boards, etc.)
• Library Support – Help the librarian with special projects and ongoing support
• Education Advocate – Become part of a team that will be committed to be part of an awareness raising and advocacy campaign for quality education especially in West Dallas
• Become a Mentor – Find out more at our Mentoring Event on October 14. Details at the Impact Education Blog, http://watermarkblogs.org/impacteducation/.

A VOLUNTEER STORY: KYDIE SHARP

“Serving as a mentor and tutor in West Dallas has been the most incredible experience for me,” said Kydie Sharp. “I saw the 1st graders I tutored three or four times a week. We worked on reading, letter recognition and other skills. When we started, many didn’t know their alphabet and numbers, or even how to write. These kids were behind before they ever started school. But working with a child, and seeing the light in their eyes as they begin to learn something for the first time was just priceless.”

“Overall, West Dallas was an eye opener for me. Many of the kids we work with aren’t taught at home, or even really talked to until they get to school. Many kids have been yelled at 24/7. They’ve been shuffled from place to place, living with relatives, and there’s no consistency in their lives. To be able to come in and give these precious kids a hug is such a privilege. The other volunteers

and I were there for them every week, either at school or at Mercy Street mentoring ministry. And by being ‘safe’ and consistent, we were representing the Lord. Being there for these children every week sends the message that there’s also a Savior who will never leave them. No matter where I served, I was unapologetic about telling the children that Jesus was the reason I was there, and that there was a God who cared for them.

“As a mentor or a tutor in West Dallas, what you’re really respon­sible to do is to show God’s love. Most are unchurched and do not know Christ. Teaching them about the Lord and helping them learn is a wonderful thing. I can’t get back to these kids fast enough. It’s one of the most rewarding things of my life.”

“When our daughter, Annalise was born, things were different from the start,” said Chad Pinson. “From day one, she struggled to eat – something my wife Crystal and I initially shrugged off as just a bump in the road. Then at six months, we learned her vision was impaired, and that she’d have to wear either glasses or contacts. Later, Annalise took a long time to learn to roll over, sit up and crawl. Over time, we realized things were going to be more challenging for our little girl than they were for other kids.

“As Annalise passed all of those milestones at her own determined pace, we learned what “global developmental delay” was. It’s a fancy term for a child who hits milestones at a slower pace — if they ever hit them at all. We’ve been through countless tests and doctors appointments searching for answers. And we’ve learned that there are still mysteries that science is unable to detect, diagnose or treat.

“That’s why one of the most amazing moments was when Annalise, after months of dogged effort, finally learned to walk. She put so much into it (and had the bumps and bruises to prove it). When she finally mastered taking those little steps, it was one of the biggest blessings God could give us. Even now, I look back on those tough times and thank God for my wife, who put so much into the challenging task of helping Annalise.

“We’ve also faced the challenge that Annalise needs nearconstant supervision. There are few breaks from ‘fully on, fully observant’ parenting. Annalise doesn’t go to the playroom by herself. Crystal can’t ‘pop in a video’ or give Annalise a book while she catches a shower. We must be right there. I know parenting is a ‘full time’ job, but our required level of vigilance is different than most parents experience.

“As Annalise has grown, things have become more challenging. Her peer group continues to outpace her to the point that it’s often not realistic to be with kids her own age. That makes it hard to leave Annalise in the care of anyone else except our family. Turning Annalise over to others is tough for us, for Annalise, and sometimes for ‘the others’ too.

“You can imagine the emotional rollercoaster these issues can cause – and the stress, fatigue and constant struggle for time we face for everyday errands, duties, work, and our son, Asher. By Sundays, we’re ‘out of gas’ for the kids, for each other and for ourselves.

“But when we bring Annalise to church she has a place where people know, love and care for her, and have her best interest at heart. Watermark’s Kaleidoscope ministry offers one-on-one care for children with special needs. When I leave Annalise with Peggy or Rachel or Casey or Malen (her Kaleidoscope buddies), I trust she is being loved like Jesus would love her and taught in a way she can understand how much Jesus loves her. My wife and I can then focus on Christ, worship and have a peace that we rarely get any other time.

“The time I get to sing praise songs, worship and hear a great message recharges me, and that allows me to serve God in other areas. I’m a lawyer, and I serve with Watermark Justice, and help out with the curriculum we’re developing for people in the justice system in Africa. I’ve been able to work on lawsuits to help protect religious freedoms, shut down drug houses, brothels, and drug dens in West Dallas. I’ve also served on the JointheJourney.com editing team. All these things add up to a big time commitment. And we could not do those them without the respite that the Kaleidoscope team gives us every week. Annalise’s Kaleidoscope buddies have made an enormous impact on our ability to serve the Lord and leave a spiritual legacy for our children.

“Annalise is experiencing a lot of victories. She is sweet, gentle and innocent in a way that only someone with her special issues can be. Crystal and I wouldn’t trade our situation for anything, because our beautiful little girl is a true gift from God. Through it all, God has grown us and taught us a lot about His character.

“I know God is at work in this. He’s working to bring our marriage closer together, as we depend on each other to raise our children. God reminds me constantly that He has given each of us – including Annalise – the life we’re supposed to have. The Lord knows the hairs on my head, and His plans for Annalise. I’ve grown as God has allowed me to appreciate the life we have. And it’s a beautiful thing.”

Whenever the four families in this community group get together, it’s “controlled chaos.” There are 15 children in the group so far — seven biological and eight adopted children, to be exact. But there’s no need to make that distinction. “Whether we share DNA and bone structure or not, these children are ours when they come to our home,” said Brandy Butler.

Each family has a different story about how adoption became a part of their lives. Wes and Brandy Butler talked about adoption before they were married, but didn’t expect it would play such a large role. “After a year of marriage, infertility became part of our lives,” Wes said. “We quickly jumped into the adoption process.” Today, the Butlers have adopted Josiah (6) through a frozen embryo adoption program. Their daughter Selah (5), came to them via domestic adoption. In 2009, they traveled to Ethiopia and brought home Malachi (2), and plan to return soon to adopt a daughter from Ethiopia.

Beau and Natalie Fournet had two biological children, Caleb and Hannah, before adopting. After multiple miscarriages, conversations about adoption, which began before marriage, came to the forefront. They later brought twin siblings, Beck and Deshi, home from Ethiopia, in July 2009. They also recently began the process to become foster parents.

David and Missy Leventhal hadn’t thought that adoption would be a part of their lives. “We had two healthy children, Daniel and Caroline, and life was very manageable,” David said. “But through a series of events, we realized that God’s goal for our lives was not comfort. We’d created this little world in our Dallas bubble. We were serving, but it wasn’t costing us much.” David and Missy adopted their daughter, Abigail from China in 2007, and began the process to adopt a threeyear- old boy from China 7 months ago. They also have a two-year-old daughter named Lilly.

Cary and Sarah Tucker were also perfectly happy with two kids. “We were in community with the Fournets as they were processing adoption. We enjoyed talking about it, but adoption wasn’t something we wanted.” But after learning more about the needs of orphans on a trip to Africa, things changed. “Within a year, we went from a firm ‘no’ to a ‘maybe’ to a ‘yes.’ Our son, Wolasa, has been with us for about 9 months, and this month
we adopted our daughter, Rediet (9), from Ethiopia.”

The Tuckers had a lot of fear about adopting — fear that it would be hard or that they simply couldn’t do it. But God changed their hearts. “We went through Scriptures and learned to not sit back in our comfort and pass up opportunities because they might be hard,” said Cary. Sarah said God stretched her faith and helped assure her that she’d be able to nurture the hearts of her adopted children.

Despite the challenges, this community group agrees on one thing: Adoption was God’s ‘Plan A’ for their families, and caring for orphans is also God’s plan for the Church. “Adoption is not the only way – or even the best way – to advocate for orphans,” said David Leventhal. “If adoption isn’t where God is leading your family, there are many other ways to help. You can sponsor a child, like many families at Watermark do through Watermarkworldwide. com. That’s one of many options.”

Watermark also offers an adoption ministry, Tapestry, that encourages and supports those considering the adoption process. Monthly events promote a sense of community among those opening their homes to orphans both internationally and domestically.

While adoption has blessed each family in different ways, there’s one thing that’s consistently been an encouragement to each member of the group: the shared experience. “There probably aren’t many community groups that look like this, but there is a larger group of families at Watermark who are experiencing the journey of adoption together,” Cary says. “God has been immensely gracious in putting us with a very small community of folks to help us through this experience.”

David Leventhal agrees. “There are highs and lows in adoption. It’s been one of the best things we’ve ever done but also one of the most difficult. Our children are coming out of tough environments. They have needs that require us to ‘give’ a lot more than we’re comfortable giving. That’s part of the deal when you decide to adopt. And it’s also how the Lord has chosen to refine us through the process.” – Written by Michelle Devereaux

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction.” – James 1:27

On Saturday, August 14, from 9 am – 12:45 pm Watermark is offering parents the opportunity to be trained in how to effectively disciple your kids at every stage of development. Training Camp for Parents is designed to equip parents with practical information on everything from training preschoolers to parenting with a biblical worldview of technology. The goal of Training Camp for Parents is straight-forward: to help you consistently initiate with your children and disciple them in Christ.

“Many parents want to disciple their kids but they’re overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin,” said Kyle Kaigler, Senior Director of Watermark’s Family Ministry. “A training opportunity like this is designed to get you on track, and in touch with others families who can partner with you. What I’ve learned is that effective discipleship doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. You don’t have to know everything. You just have to start.”

Throughout the year, the Watermark Family Ministry team receives feedback from parents on topics they’d like more information on. “Training Preschool Boys” and other classes are specifically offered to address those needs. The “Parenting with a Biblical Worldview of Technology” session will give parents practical guidelines on managing media and technology. Co-taught by Scott Sedberry and the Watermark IT Team, the class will include a ‘technoloy lab’ (note: bring your laptop) where you can get hands-on knowledge on things like how to track web history on a computer and other practical tips. Below is a complete list of all classes.

Practical Principles for Nourishing Your Newborns

Teacher: Sarah Crotty

We’ll look at the practical and scriptural ideas of nourishing your newborn in the first days and weeks for moms and dads.

Training Preschool Boys (Ages 2-5)

Teachers: Paul and Sarah Stehlik

If you have preschool boys, you’ve likely said the words, “Don’t put that in your mouth” more times than you ever thought possible. We’ll talk about the wonder of boyhood and how to sow the seeds of character that will help them become godly men.

Training Preschool Girls (Ages 2-5)

Teachers: Christman and Sarah Fifer

What does discipline look like in the preschool years? What Scriptures can we cling to in this season of life? Join us as we look at a biblical perspective for raising your preschool daughters.

Discipline for Elementary Aged Kids

Teachers: Scott and Julie Breedlove

Need help training the heart of your elementary aged child? We’ll at how to “discipline” our children ages 5-12 – including rebuking, training, correcting and encouraging their maturing hearts!

Parenting in Community

Teachers: Wisner Community Group

We’ll walk through the biblical principles of parenting and how, through community, to address the “gray” areas that we all face in parenting. Learn how the differences in a diverse community group can move you toward a place of spiritual growth and mutual support.

How to Love Your Teen

Teachers: Grant and Carol MacQuilkan, David Penuel

Hear from experienced parents who have struggled well living out their own priorities, passing them on to their teen, and eventually releasing them to college and beyond. Discuss how to initiate, communicate, and set boundaries during the teen years.

Parenting with a Biblical Worldview of Technology

Teachers: Scott Sedberry and IT Team

Get equipped with biblical principles and technical knowledge about personal computers, home networks, cell phones, social networking, gaming systems and internet browsers. This class will improve your understanding of technology, the pitfalls and some best family practices.

Allowing Your Faith to Balance Your Life

Teachers: Kirk and Cathy McJunkin

How often do the demands of work, busy schedules, extended family, etc. take priority to making disciples in our own homes? This class will remind all of us of biblical principles that should guide our homes and guidelines for prioritizing the important over the urgent.

Purity (Elementary, Pre-Teen, Teen)

Teachers: Brett and Sheri Johnston

Join us as we discuss how to give your children a vision for God’s best in purity. We will answer questions such as: When do you start having the sex talk? What if I am a single parent and my ex has different values? Who should have it with boys/girls? Do you ever tell your children of your past? When does modesty begin? Is there ever an issue with modesty for boys? Should my teens date? How can I monitor their web usage? How do you ask your children “how far they will go” with the opposite sex?

Connecting With Your Adopted Child

Teachers: Wes Butler and David Leventhal

This class will provide insight into why connecting with your adopted child can be difficult as well as some practical steps to help bridge the gap. You’ll hear from families currently walking this road and to ask questions in a safe environment. This class is open to those who are already adoptive parents as well as those who may be considering whether adoption is right for their family.