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KEENE CHRONICLEVolume 01, Issue 7 Thursday, January 24, 2013www.KeeneChronicle.com

KC

Serving God while serving others page 3

John Read got started in real estate about 35 years ago. John was not able to keep regular office hours at another office because of his teaching duties at the Southwestern Adventist University. John sought help from his mother and stepfather (Ella and Henry Billingsley) who ran Billing-sley Real Estate in Lufkin, Texas. They opened a branch office in Keene so John could keep his own hours. It became known as Read-Billingsley Real Estate.There is a connection be-

tween the Keene office and the commercial office (Billingsley Real Estate) in Dallas, TX. The Dallas office is managed by Henry Billingsley (grand-son to Read’s step father, Hen-ry Billingsley), who is married to Lucy Crow (daughter of the late International real estate tycoon, Trammell Crow.)Read-Billingsley Real Estate

has sold property in Ft. Worth and the mid-cities as well as all over Johnson County. “Most of our activity how-ever,” says John “has been in the Keene area, a number of homes having been sold by this office two or three times.“Around the year 2000,” adds

John “we opened an office at 101 Old Betsy, unit #5. In 2007 we relocated in our pres-

ent facility at 300 S. Old Betsy Road, which had formerly been the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Mohr. It was re-furbished to accommodate the real estate office, containing a reception area and kitchen and four offices with plenty of room for storage.Samantha Gillin of Gillin

Realty and Dan Zacharias of Zacharias Real Estate, LLC both started out working in the Read-Billingsley office.”Read-Billingsley also does

property management and has 35-40 properties in its inventory.Ruben Hernandez is a bilin-

gual agent in the Read-Billing-sley office and as such he is able to do translations for all Hispanic clientele. His num-ber is 817-517-8237. Betty Price, John’s sister, works as the office receptionist and manages the books.John is quite active in local

civic affairs and is a member of the Keene Chamber of Commerce and the Johnson County Association of Real-tors serving on numerous committees. He is the vice president of the Keene Pioneer Heritage Foundation as well as vice president of the Vibrant Life Foundation. He is also an active board member of Arts Unlimited Southwest. John and his wife, Aquila,

have been joint-chairmen of the Program Committee for the Keene Retirees for the past several years and Read-Billingsley, for the past several years has sponsored “A Night at the Meyerson,” the culmination of the annual Music Fest by Southwestern Adventist University.John would also like the

Keene area residents to know that “Read-Billingsley is dedicated to maintaining the highest integrity in all its client dealings and maintains a five-star rating in the real estate industry. We will take you from beginning to closing with a pleasant experience. Keene is a city of character. We pride ourselves in our integrity.”Read-Billingsley office is

open Monday through Thurs-day, 9 am to 5 pm and Fridays, 9 am to 3 pm. Sundays by appointment only. The office phone number is 817-645-8785, Fax, 817-645-6315. Read-Billingsley Real Estate website: www.ReadBillings-ley.com

Did You Know: Read-Billingsley Real Estate takes you from begin-ning to closing with a pleasant experience

Mic Thurber New Ministerial Director Mid-America UnionRumors no more, Mic is out

and is heading to Nebraska to serve the Mid-America Union as their new Ministe-rial Director. Mic has been the Keene SDA church senior pastor since 2002 replacing Ron Halvorsen, Jr. Ron Hal-vorsen, Jr. is now the senior pastor of the College View Church in Lincoln, Nebraska. Thomas Lemon, president of the Mid-America Union and son-in- law to Keene’s Stanley and Dorothy Elmendorf made the announcement this past week. In his announcement he stated that “We believe that with Mic’s many years of service—both as a pastor and as a ministerial director—he is uniquely positioned to encour-age, inspire and support pasto-ral ministry in our territory.”As most preachers that have

served in Keene just a little too long…the local “saints and the faint at heart” become a little restless. And Mic is no exception. The Keene Chronicle went out this week and interviewed a few people to get a random public reac-tion. Here are some of the comments. “Personally, I think it’s time

for Pastor Mic to move on. I have only been a member of this the church for a few years. But my observations and as-sessments is that Mic Thurber delivers good sermons, but during his tenure at the Keene church he has never quoted from the Spirit of Prophecy. I was wondering why. I often believe that he himself doesn’t believe in the spirit of proph-ecy.” “…year after year there is no

nominating committee. Offi-cers have been there year after

year and there are so many members with lots of poten-tial to actually take responsibilities and they are not being utilized. They are not being involved. And that’s why the members are discouraged or not really discouraged but complacent. You don’t really get their fervor in work-ing for the Lord.” “Another thing is

that there is no actu-ally proper decorum

in church. Some deacons are wearing casual wear and col-lecting the offering. And then no necktie or suit or anything! And then there are participants of the church who get up front and wear sleeveless dresses and short skirts and dresses.”“And then, on the Praise

Team the same singers are involved over and over again. And there are so many mem-bers with so much talent and are not being utilized.”“I’ve never seen the pastors’

wives dressed appropriately when on the rostrum. They

are always wearing pants!” “And our pastors are be-

ing paid maximum salaries, I don’t know what kind of visitation or Bible study they have done.” “I don’t really see an active

women’s’ ministry, either. I have sat in some of their Bible studies and it’s just secular philosophy and very little Bible based philosophy. It’s very questionable.” “It’s my opinion that the

youth are not very much in-volved in the church.”As in every case…there is

much good and some negative vibes from the congregation in Keene as the parishioners contemplate the past ten years of service from the Thurber family. “Well basically I would

say that Mic has been a good pastor to the church. It was just unfortunate that the com-munity was fairly well aware that he was leaving and then we had to hear about it in a publication in his new confer-ence prior to the local church getting the official word of his departure. That’s pretty much my comment right there.” “He was a good pastor and

now he’s going to move on. It’s just unfortunate that the people of Keene knew for a week or two but no confirma-tion from the pastoral staff. And the first confirmation that we got came from a publica-tion issue of another confer-ence.” “Well…we love Mic, we

love Mic! We all have. He does good preaching and he’s a good person. And so is Janna. Good sermons! We will all miss him.” “He’s a very good orator.

Good sermons. He was very helpful to me in family mat-ters counseling.”“Very helpful! He was very

insightful. We love him!” “We love him and we will

all miss him. God bless him in all of his endeavors. I’m sure he’ll do well at his new assignment.” “He was a good pastor and

he got the Easter pageant started. If it weren’t for Mic we wouldn’t have an Easter pageant. He’ll be successful at whatever he does. He has good vision.” “I like the man. I do appreci-

ate his Bible study. He helped my family out during a very

difficult time in our lives.” “I’m very happy for his new

assignment and I have appre-ciated his leadership here all these years. He’s done some very creative things for our church. He’s a very creative man.”Mic gets to add to his vast re-

sume, senior pastor of Keene SDA Church (no easy task), along with his ministerial di-rector of Southeastern Califor-nia Conference, senior pastor of Pacific Union College Church, Calimesa Adventist Church near Loma Linda and the San Diego area Tierrasanta Church. He has also taught music and bible in the Sun-nydale Academy in Missouri and at Mt Pisgah Academy in North Carolina.He is expected to begin his

new assignment in the Mid-America Union on March 1, 2013. It is not known as of press time when his last sermon will be in Keene. The Keene Chronicle was un-able to make contact with the president of the Texas Confer-ence for his remarks.

Mic Thurber

At the Keene City Coun-cil meeting held on January 10, 2013 Casey Davis, EMS Coordinator gave presenta-tion to the Council Members and attendees on the New Life Pack 15 that the Keene Fire Department recently acquired. “I would personally like to thank you for the purchase of the LIFEPAK 15,” stated Davis. “This is a vital piece of equipment that is used mul-tiple times a day, every day. It has multiple features that can mean the difference between life and death. I believe this was one of the most impor-tant investments that you have made in the lives of our citizen. I would like to outline some of the capabilities of this device.”

1. Defibrillator – This device can shock a heart that is in a lethal rhythm back into a perfusing rhythm.2. Pace Maker – This device

can pace a heart just like a pace maker in someone’s body.3. 12 Lead EKG – This de-

vice can give us an EKG and help us determine if someone

is having a heart attack.4. Data Transmission – This

device can transmit the EKG directly to the hospital to a waiting Cardiac Surgeon and he can be ready to take the patient directly to the Cath Lab and fix their heart attack. It can also transmit all the data directly into our medical chart.5. Carbon Monoxide Poison-

ing – This device can give us

an accurate blood gas and de-tect if an individual has been exposed to carbon monoxide. This is new technology we have not previously had avail-able to us.

6. Vitals – This device can take and track all of our need-ed vital signs. Blood pressure, DPO2, pulse and respirations.“There is so much more the

device can do as well. These are just the most important features that I wanted to highlight today. Once again, I thank you for providing the tools and the equipment we need to serve the community. I know I speak for Chief Gil-lin, myself and the rest of the department when I say we appreciate your support and service to the community.”

City of Keene purchases $33,000 life saving machine

Subscription noticeThank you for your kind words of support for the Keene

Chronicle over the past few months in our infancy. We would like to be your local newspaper and we have at-tempted to show you that we can. This is our 7th edition and we are ready to begin February

1, 2013 to be published on a weekly basis. Many have re-quested how they can continue to receive the Keene Chron-icle.You now can be certain to get your paper in the mail by

subscribing at $25 per year in Johnson County and $35 outside of Johnson County.

Please send your subscription form and check to:Keene Chronicle

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Keene Chronicle

PO Box 135Keene, Texas 76059

817-645-9808

Managing Editor - Robert Rael

robert@keenechronicle.com

817-701-8148

www.keenechromicle.com

Question - What has caused more long term destruction: The A-bomb or Government Welfare Programs?

Let’s compare Hiroshima and Detroit 68 years after Hiroshima and Nagasak were destroyed by the A-bomb.

HIROSHIMA - 68 YEARS LATER

DETROIT - 68 YEARS LATERWhat happened to the radiation that lasts thousands of years?We all know that Hiroshima and Nagasaki were destroyed in August 1945 after the explosion of atomic bombs.However, we know little about the progress made by the people of that land during the past 68 years.What has caused more long term

destruction:The A-bomb

or Government welfare programs created to buy the votes of those who want someone to take care of

them?

Japan does not have a welfare system.

Work for it or do without.

HIROSHIMA 1945 HIROSHIMA 1945

gET YOURS

www.BamaWebs.com

These are possibly the five best sentences you’ll ever read. 1. You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating

the wealthy out of prosperity.2. What one person receives without working for, another

person must work for without receiving.3. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the

government does not first take from somebody else.4. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it!5. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have

to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that is the beginning of the end of any nation.

Can you think of a reason for not sharing this? .........

Neither could The Keene Chronicle

Your Opinion KCREAD THE

KCONLINE @www.KeeneChronicle.com

WWW.KEENECHRONICLE.COM • THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013 • 3

The Sheriff you say???Monday, Jan. 07, 2013, was

not a good day for Johnson County Jail Inmate Tab John-son; who was already incar-cerated for criminal offenses, involving his estranged wife, with bonds totaling $100,000.It seems that Mr. Johnson,

solicited, negotiated with & hired a” Hit Man” to com-mit two additional criminal offense of Capital Solicitation, that being the Murder of his estranged wife & her male friend, and Mr. Johnson did this while behind the bars at the Jail.JCSO Lt. Brian Peterson,

received information that Johnson had attempted to hire other inmates to com-mit the two murders. Lt. Peterson then worked with Texas Ranger Don Stoner & the Johnson County District

Attorney’s office and were able to determine that Tab Johnson had indeed solicited fellow inmates to commit the murders & had offered money & vehicles to get the murders done.Peterson & Stoner, then

contacted a man with prior experience as a known “Hit Man”. Arrangements were made to connect Johnson with the” Hit Man” & after a series of conversations & relayed instructions from Johnson to the “Hit Man”, the contract was established & agreed upon, with Johnson putting up personal property as collateral, until he could bond out of jail & actually pay the “Hit man”.Tab Johnson, had a difficult

time believing & being con-vinced that the “Hit Man” that he had talked with over the

course of four days, negotiated the contract with & agreed to pay was in reality, Johnson County Sheriff Bob Alford.Tab Johnson now faces two

additional charges added to his list, Capital Solicitation of Murder, with two additional $500,000. Bonds added to his tally.

Service for Mildred Prater Birge, 87, of Cleburne was conducted at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013 in the V.O. Schneider Memorial Chapel in Keene Memorial Park.. Burial will follow in the Keene Memorial Park.Visitation will be from 6-8:00

P.M., Wednesday, at the fu-neral home.Mrs. Birge passed away

Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013 in Ft. Worth. She was born May 4, 1925 in Grand Island, Neb. to John Hunter and Olive Leona Weishaar Gorin.Mrs. Burge was a L.V.N. She

received her nursing degree from Southwestern Jr. College in Keene. She was a member of Cleburne Seventh-day Ad-

ventist Church.Survivors include her

daughters, Eunice Gentry and husband Harold and Ronnie Prater and wife Melinda; four grandchildren, Erin Gentry, Dean Prater, Daisy Prater, and Zoey Prater; and several other relatives and friends.She was preceded in death by

her parents; husband, Gerald Dean Prater in 2000; second husband, Gerald Raymond Birge in 2007; twin sister, Vira Marie Gorin; sisters, Colum-bia Ruth Gorin and Hazel Katherine Gorin; and brother, Cecil Hunter Gorin.You may sign guest book,

view photo and obituary at www.cpcleburne.com.

Crosier-Pearson Cleburne Funeral Home512 N. Ridgeway DriveCleburne, TX 76033817-648-0522

Service for Mildred Prater Birge

Sheriff Bob Alford

Southwestern Adventist University’s Classic Film Series features My Fair Lady (1964), with Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison. Directed by George Cukor, the film is a gloriously witty adapta-tion of the Broadway musical about Professor Henry Hig-

gins, who takes a bet from Colonel Pickering that he can transform unrefined Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle into a lady, and fool everyone into thinking she really is one, too! My Fair Lady is #8 on the

American Film Institute’s list

of “Greatest Movie Musicals of All Time.” The film will be shown Saturday night, January 19, at 6:30 p.m. in Wharton Auditorium on the campus of Southwestern Adventist University and is

free to all, though seating is limited

My Fair Lady to be shown January 19th

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Serving God while serving othersIn the summer of 1985 a

frightened, destitute and down on her luck 22 year old single mother of 3 moved to Keene with only three pieces of lug-gage as her sole possession. She moved in with relatives to an already overcrowded mobile home. “There were 11 family members living there at the time” she relates, “and then the 4 of us moved in!” Three months later she was able to locate an apartment through HUD assistance and in December of 1985, relo-cated there with her children. “I met a lady” she recalls, “at a local flea market, which recognized me from church. She had compassion on me and decided she was going to provide everything that we needed to make our lives comfortable and complete in our new apartment. By December the 24th, and after many phone calls, my apart-ment had a bed, dresser, tow-els and blankets, washer and dryer, wall pictures, vacuum cleaner, a decorated Christmas tree and baskets with lots and lots of food donated by the local Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church. We had everything that a family would ever need to be comfortable! People even came from the church to my apartment to do caroling! By Christmas day, so many angels had come to my house through service that the meaning of giving and serving became to me a year-round thing.“From that day forward”

Carmen Curubo continues, “I myself started bringing in ‘situationally disadvantaged’ people into my own home

to share with them what the Lord, through His people had shared with me from their hearts. When Jesus Christ came to this earth, he came to serve others - not just those who are ‘worthy in his sight’ - but to all who are in need.“Over the years” Carmen

adds, “I have been privileged to have been able to bless countless others in the ways that I was blessed. The good Lord has enabled me to bless families, friends and even total strangers in need. Some of these have been from other countries. I’ve been blessed with my humble home. At times we have had up to 14 people under one roof. What a joy!“Through the years I have

been so blessed in so many ways” Carmen testifies, “my passion and awareness for ser-vice to others came 27 years ago and through the years the Lord has been so good to me that I feel compelled to share with others my bounti-ful blessings. We should all count our many blessings and be ever vigilant of the needs of others around us daily, and how we can make a positive difference in their lives by being of service to them. We must all learn to do for others and not wait for others to do for us. Service is more than monetary – it is also spiritual, emotional and physical help and support. Crying with a grieving soul, listening, lov-ing, showing empathy and even rejoicing in the victories of others – that’s our mission here on earth!”Since moving to Keene 28

years ago, Carmen has re-

mained a Keene resident. She is bi-lingual (English/Spanish) and is very active in civic and church affairs. She is a Keene Independent School District Board Member and a member of the Keene Spanish Church where she assumes an active leadership role. She is the Director of the SDA Hispanic Singles (VAS – Verdaderos Adventistas Solteros) of the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists established in February of 2002. Carmen is also the Director for Ladies Ministries (Directiva de Ministerio de Damas) and the Director for Health Ministries (Directiva de Ministerio de Salud).Carmen would like to share

with the residents of Keene the “5 languages of love” -which she has obviously mastered- as a way of serving others:1. With words of affir-

mation2. With acts of service3. By giving of quality

time4. With the physical

touch5. By reflecting the

love of Jesus Christ in all our words and actions“Each day I pray that the

Lord will put in my path people who need me” she con-cludes, “when someone asks me what they can do to re-pay me for my acts of charity, I simply tell them to share with others as the Lord has shared with them. If I am asked the question of why I serve others, my answer would be because there is no better way to serve our Lord. ‘Mi Casa es su Casa,’ my house is your house,

Continued Page 5

4 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013 • WWW.KEENECHRONICLE.COM

Our first line of defense has always been God, and we continue to ask Him for his protection. He is a mighty God and with his Angels patroling our campus daily, we are thankful of what they have done in the past, present and will continue to do in the future. Without Him, none of us are safe. Please keep praying for the protection of the students and staff here at Keene Adventist Elementary School. He is our Fortress, Our Strength, and in Him will we Abide. A meeting took place the

Monday after the shooting in Connecticut, between the Chief Rocky Alberti, Captain Dean Turk, A Police detective of Keene, and the Principal of KAES, decisions and upgrades were made to help insure the safety of the students at Keene Adventist Elementary School. Locked Doors...When guests

arrive they have to be let in the front door by the office personel. They must be able to identify you, also what you

are carrying and reason for your visit if necessary. Then they will unlock the front doors to allow entrance. You will need to proceed directly to the office. This process has been on our campus for many years. New Cameras...The school

has installed 4 new color cameras to the front of the campus. These cameras will help in identification of people who wish to enter the build-ing. These new cameras give us a view of the people that are coming up to the front door for entrance. We have a new camera installed inside and directly at the front of the doors to give us a better view of our guests. More cameras will be purchased and installed around the campus to help us in identifying our guests here at Keene Adventist Elemen-tary School.Identification...All guests

have been asked to come to the office to be identified and properly welcomed to our campus and then helped in

pointing them to the proper area they wish to visit. They are screened by the office personnel and then given a name tag and this notifies all teaches that this person has been properly welcomed and may be on campus. We are being more cautious

about the entry process, instill-ing in all of our visitors that this is for the safety of our stu-dents, staff and other individu-als who are presently visiting our school. We welcome all of you to our campus, and hope that you will be greeted with love, respect and a warm Christian Spirit. “Lockdown” procedures

were discussed in depth by all members present at the meeting. The information was shared with every fac-ulty member at KAES, an they are aware of Lockdown procedures and the school will continue to practice these drills to help the faculty and students be proficient with the procedures.

KAES Upgrades Security Measures

Southwestern Adventist University

January 166 - 7:00 PM Youth Prayer Meeting, Youth Center7 – 8:30 PM Prayer Meeting, ChapelJanuary 188 - 9:00 PM University Ves-pers, SanctuarySabbath, January 199:00 AM – 12:30 PM Church Services, SanctuarySABBATH SCHOOL LOCA-

TIONS AND TEACHERSTV Class/Middle Front (Sanc-tuary): Lloyd Willis, Karl KonradSouth Side (Sanctuary): Frank Blanco, Bonnie EderSouth Front under Balcony (Spanish): Felipe Porras, Juan EnriquezSouth Rear under Balcony:

Chester Baker, Norm MartinNorth Side (Sanctuary): Dale

Anderson, Milt Siems, Carl Johnston, Wilmer RomeroNorth Front under Balcony:

Edith Willis, Connie Cross11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Church Service - 2nd Service (Sanctu-ary)11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Church Service - 2nd Service (Sanctu-ary)4:00 – 6:00 PM Kanta Re-hearsal, Fellowship Hall 5 – 6:30 PM Distinct Sounds Practice, Choir Room 5:30 – 6:30 PM Evensong, SanctuaryJanuary 216 – 8:00 PM Pathfinders, Youth Center 7 – 9:30 PM Healing Heart, Fellowship Hall January 226:30 – 8:00 PM Adven-turers, Fellowship Hall January 236 - 7:00 PM Youth Prayer Meeting, Youth Center7 – 8:30 PM Prayer Meeting, Chapel

January 24 7 – 8:30 PM Kanta Rehearsal, Chapel January 258 - 9:00 PM University Ves-pers, SanctuarySabbath, January 269:00 AM – 12:30 PM Church Services, SanctuarySABBATH SCHOOL LOCA-

TIONS AND TEACHERSTV Class/Middle Front

(Sanctuary): Lloyd Willis, Karl KonradSouth Side (Sanctuary): Frank Blanco, Bonnie EderSouth Front under Balcony (Spanish): Felipe Porras, Juan EnriquezSouth Rear under Balcony:

Chester Baker, Norm MartinNorth Side (Sanctuary): Dale

Anderson, Milt Siems, Carl Johnston, Wilmer RomeroNorth Front under Balcony:

Edith Willis, Connie Cross11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Church Service - 2nd Service (Sanctu-ary)11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Church Service - 2nd Service (Sanctu-ary)4:00 – 6:00 PM Kanta Re-hearsal, Fellowship Hall 5 – 6:30 PM Distinct Sounds Practice, Choir Room 5:30 – 6:30 PM Even-song, Sanctuary January 286 – 8:00 PM Pathfinders, Youth Center 7 – 9:30 PM Healing Heart, Fellowship Hall January 306 - 7:00 PM Youth Prayer Meeting, Youth Center7 – 8:30 PM Prayer Meeting, ChapelJanuary 31 7 – 8:30 PM Kanta Rehearsal, Chapel

January 15 12:30 PM Food Ministry Dis-tributes food, church lobbyJanuary 16 6:30 PM Adventurer Club Meeting7:00 PM Prayer Meeting 7:00 PM IMVO Bags of LoveJanuary 17 & 187:00 PM Choir PracticeJanuary 18-20 Pathfinder Winter Campout / Ambassador Winter CampoutSabbath, January 199:15 AM – 12 PM Church Services, Fellowship Dinner following the serviceChoir Sings for ChurchJanuary 20 2:30 & 6:30 PM The Lusho-mo Health Education Center will be showing Hell and Mr. Fudge at the Keene Senior Center. Tickets are available at Keene ABC.3:00 PM Pathfinder staff meeting4:00 PM Pathfinder meeting

January 21 7:00 PM Church Board Meeting8:00 PM 12-Step MeetingJanuary 237:00 PM Prayer MeetingJanuary 23 – 26 SWAU Basketball Tournament for AcademicsJanuary 25 & 26 Astronomy and the Bible, with Jim Burr. Friday evening @ 7:00 PM, Sabbath afternoon @ 2:00 PM followed by potluck supper, with evening meeting @ 5:30 PMSabbath, January 269:15 AM – 12 PM Church Services, Fellowship Dinner following the serviceJanuary 287:00 PM Church Board Meeting8:00 PM 12-Step MeetingJanuary 297:00 PM Men’s Ministry MeetingJanuary 307:00 PM Prayer Meeting

January 166:30 PM Adventurers & Pathfinders7:30 PM Prayer Meeting Speaker: Alvaro MontalvoJanuary 187:00 PM The Upper Room (Youth Prayer Group)Sabbath, January 199:15 AM Church Services Speaker: Mark A. Valdez4:30 PM Sociedad de Jovenes (Youth Group) January 236:30 PM Adventurers & Pathfinders7:30 PM Prayer Meeting Speaker: Jesus Bochita

January 257:00 PM The Upper Room (Youth Prayer Group)Sabbath, January 269:15 AM Church Services Speaker: Isaac Lopez 4:30 PM Sociedad de Jovenes (Youth Group) January 306:30 PM Adventurers & Pathfinders7:30 PM Prayer Meeting Speaker: Jerry Pinzon

January Church and School CalendarThursday, January 17 Departmental AssemblyFriday, January 18 Sunset 5:468:00 PM - 9:30 PM Friday Night WorshipSaturday, January 19 Sunset 5:475:30 PM - 6:00 PM Evensong6:30 PM - 10:30 PM Clas-sic Film SeriesSunday, January 206:00 PM - 8:00 PM Student RecitalMonday, January 21Martin Luther King DayAll Day School Holiday: Mar-tin Luther King’s BirthdayTuesday, January 22Enrollment Census8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Last Day to Withdraw from Class Without Receiving a “W”

Wednesday, January 23Start Time 3:00 PM Basketball Tournament (Multi-Day Event)Thursday, January 24All Day Basketball Tourna-ment (Multi-Day Event)1:00 PM - 2:00 PM AssemblyFriday, January 25Sunset 5:52All Day Basketball Tourna-ment (Multi-Day Event)8:00 PM - 9:30 PM Friday Night WorshipSaturday, January 26Sunset 5:54End Time 11:30 PM Basketball Tournament (Multi-Day Event)5:30 PM - 6:00 PM EvensongThursday, January 311:00 PM - 2:00 PM Assembly

Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church Joshua Seventh-day Adventist Church

Keene Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church

Keene Independent School District

January 175:00 PM BasketballJanuary 21 School HolidayJanuary 23 Career DayJanuary 24 8:00 PM Basketball

January 283:00 PM Gymnastics Pro-gramJanuary 315:00 PM Basketball

Keene Adventist Elementary School

Joshua Adventist Multigrade School

January 7 School BeginsJanuary 18 School out at noon

January 21 No School – MLKJanuary 25 Brain Games

January 7 School Begins January 21 No School – MLK

8th GradeA Honor RollPayton Denning

A & B Honor RollKaitlin Baker Abneris Castro

Amelia Godec Jimmy HesaLesly Limon Heather LindseyYochabel Lisboa Macy MurrayLesly Palafox Destiny Remedies

Gabriel Reyes Denny Rosado Gabriella Rosendo Neyshla Sebastian Sherina Thomas Luis Tique Kimberly WoodJerel Yama

Keene Junior High 2012-2013Honor Roll: 2nd Six Weeks

Keene Junior High 2012-2013Honor Roll: 3rd Six Weeks6th GradeA Honor RollBelle KruzanLuciano PieroniEmely Valasquez

A & B Honor RollJose Arriga Ritock Bokadrik Janice Castro Christopher DavisGenesis Elias Nency Gonzalez Tyrez Hines

Lexie KirkCameron Lewis Rigel Osorio Deanna Ozuna Narabi RomanLucas Rosendo Stefanny Sandoval

7th GradeA & B Honor RollBrandon Coto Sadie Crane

Takesha Gonzalez Gladys MarchellaHazel Marquez Litsy Mendoza

Hensley Mulina Celin OngraJosue Ramirez Bricellda Taylor

On Friday Dec 21st Keene Junior High joined in a Moment of Silence in remembrance of the tragedy that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Keene ISD joined communities around the country to participate in a nationwide endeavor

to hold a moment of silence in remembrance of the lives lost in this tragic event.

Moment of Silence

WWW.KEENECHRONICLE.COM • THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013 • 5

my food is your food and your needs are my concerns. If I have it then you have it, because everything that I have come to me from our heavenly Father.”“If you can lay down at night

knowing in your heart that you made someone’s day just a little bit better, you had a good day!”-Author unknownAfterthoughts for reflectionWebster defines the word

“blessing” as “a means of hap-piness; that which promotes prosperity and welfare; a beneficent gift.”This is that time of the year

to give pause and to reflect on the many and countless “beneficent gifts” that God has bestowed upon us over the past twelve months. I am reminded of an old standard gospel song that suggests that life is better than one might at first believe, and that by look-ing at the good things one has received, one can find happi-ness. It is the classic hymn “Count Your Blessings,” writ-ten by Johnson Oatman, Jr., and so familiar to all of us:

“When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

“Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your many blessings, see what God hath done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

“Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,

And you will keep singing as the days go by.

“When you look at others with their lands and gold, Think that Christ has prom-ised you His wealth untold; Count your many blessings.

Wealth can never buyYour reward in heaven, nor

your home on high.“So, amid the conflict

whether great or small,Do not be disheartened, God

is over all;Count your many blessings,

angels will attend,Help and comfort give you to

your journey’s end!”Few gospel lyrics can be

more spiritually and morally uplifting than the words of this classic hymn!I have two resolutions for

the coming year. For the year 2013, my first resolution is to count and document my many blessings daily, and then when Thanksgiving Day rolls around I can review my blessings list and be reminded of everything I have to be thankful for! I think I will be amazed and pleasantly sur-prised at all the things I have been so blessed with once I start counting them!My second resolution for the

year 2013 is to personally seek out way to serve others. Jesus Christ said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). We lay down our lives every time we put someone else’s needs before our own. But who are my “friends” mentioned in the scripture above? Can this be understood to mean everyone we meet, since Jesus also commanded us to “love one another?”We “lay down our lives”

through daily service. Chris-tians have many opportunities to serve. One doesn’t have to be a multimillionaire to serve others. One doesn’t have to travel to Cochabamba, Bo-livia, South America in order to fulfill the need for serving others! People are in need all around us - in our own extended family, in our neighborhood, and in our very own community of Keene, Texas. We can perform small, random acts of kindness for our own neighbors or take part in serving others by fulfilling responsibilities within our own local community. These actions, whether great or small, let us feel the happiness of connecting with our brothers and sisters and remind us that God often allows us to be the answer to someone else’s prayers.The call to service that comes from the heart.Some of the most rewarding activities one can

take part in are those designed to help friends in need. Because as the proverb goes: “A friend in need is a friend indeed!” The possibilities for serving others are endless, limited only by one’s imagination, one’s sensitivity to others’ needs, and one’s willingness to give. Discover the satis-faction that comes in helping others.Here are some suggestions to

keep in mind as one considers giving service to others:1. Carefully, even prayer-

fully, think about the needs of those close to you. Do not overlook those you know best. If you want to visit an elderly person, for example, remem-ber those in your own family.2. Remember that an un-

needed or unwanted service may not be a service at all. Also, keep in mind that what you would appreciate may not be what another would appreciate, or even be able to use. For example, a gift of a sack of wheat might be merely confusing to a refugee family unfamiliar with Western foods and cooking methods.

3. Consider serving anony-mously. This can help you and your children feel the pure joy of giving without concern for recognition or reward. Also, anonymous service is sometimes easier for others to accept. Often, though, your personal delivery of a gift will make it even more meaning-ful to the person who receives it.4. Help the whole family feel that the service activity is their project, not one you are imposing on them.

Let each person contribute ideas and help make final plans for the activity. Chil-dren, who often have great spontaneity and natural gener-osity, can make a real contri-bution to your planning.Choose from the following

activities:1. Choosing an elderly and/or

infirm person or couple who needs some kind of help. As a family, decide what you could do to help the person you have chosen—for example, raking leaves, caring for a lawn or garden, cleaning or repair-ing a house, or reading aloud to one who cannot see well. You might also prepare and present a talent show, invite an elderly person to family home evening, or buy something the person needs. And remember that the elderly will appreci-ate your friendship, as well as your help.2. Sharing dinner with a new

neighbor or one who is alone. You could also take dinner to a shut-in or a grieving neigh-

bor. A neighborhood potluck supper could help those who live around you feel a spirit of friendship and acceptance.3. Sharing a gift or even

money with someone who needs help. Each member of the family could contrib ute a certain amount toward a gift of money or an item that the person could not afford. Also, consider sharing fruits and vegetables from your garden or other goods your family may have.

Homemade gifts of food—a loaf of bread or canned fruit—may also be appreciated. And remember that every family has two precious resources—time and energy—that they can use to help others. A day’s yard work might be the most welcome gift you could give.4. Helping with transporta-

tion for someone in need. This includes a ride to and from work, to an important appointment or to the super-market.5. Assisting with researching

resources (local, Federal and State) for assistance.6. Assisting with filling out

important documents, e.g., im-migration, entitlements, DMV, school, scholarship and work applications.7. Providing food and shelter

for the needy homeless. 8. Teaching basic reading and

writing skills to those wishing to upgrade their skills.9. Gathering unneeded cloth-

ing, toys, and other items.

Then take these things to the Vibrant Life Thrift Store in Keene (a charitable business).10. Preparing a musical pro-

gram to take to a foster home, hospital, or local nursing home. You could invite an-other family to join you. Your program could include vocal or instrumental solos, duets, trios, or quartets; and be sure to include some familiar sing-along tunes that the residents could join you in singing.11. Cleaning up an outdoor

area near you—a park, road-side, or neighborhood. Pick up litter in any public area.12. Making simple puppets to

take to a children’s ward of a local hospital. Put on a puppet show of a favorite children’s story. Then let the children keep the puppets. 13. Volunteering to spend some time working on a Church welfare project to gether. “For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited

Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.“Then the righteous will an-

swer Him, saying, Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took Thee in? Or naked and clothed Thee? Or when saw we Thee sick, or in prison and came unto Thee? “And the King shall an- swer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the

least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:35-40 (NKJV)I am convinced that one’s

personal service to others is the best way to guarantee a happy new year to all parties involved! So go out, serve your “friends” (John 15:13) and have a happy new year!

Carmen has since been mar-ried and widowed. Her late husband’s name was Alfonso Curubo. They were together for 18 years. “He was a very wonderful, spiritual and sup-portive husband” says Car-men. They were both very involved with church activi-ties. Carmen has 5 children rang-

ing in age from 20-33 years old. Three of her children are SWAU graduates. Natasha, 22 will be graduating this year from SWAU with a degree in Education. She is very involved in extracurricular activities including basketball and volleyball. Joanna, 33 is an SWAU graduate, class of ‘98. She later studied in Spain and received a Master’s in Education from La Sierra University in California. She is now attending Andrews University for her Master’s in International Community De-velopment with an emphasis in finance. Her son, Yannick, 20 attended SWAU, is now enrolled at Hill College and works at Home Depot. Car-los, 31, is currently studying to become a missionary pilot for a tour in Bolivia. Jose, 30 is owner/operator of a tractor trailer and works for J7. He worked at Huguley Hospital for 16 years prior to that.

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Continued from page 3: Serving God while serving others

KCONLINE @www.KeeneChronicle.com

6 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013 • WWW.KEENECHRONICLE.COM

Keene Senior Center was a hub of festive activity on December 31, 2012. Festivi-ties for ringing in the new year Keene, Texas style began at 6 PM with a generous, nutritious potluck dinner which included a variety of delicious desserts and refreshments. The cel-ebration culminated with the traditional new year “count-down” formally announced by former Keene Mayor, Gary Heinrick. This was followed by the traditional serving of black eyed peas and fresly baked cornbread. The guests enjoyed entertainment for the entire evening provided by the gifted due of John Tidwell and Tony Cooper. Other impromptu guests also shared their talents and contributed to the musical entertainment that evening.Around 127 Keenites par-

ticipated in the food, fun and games activities. Many fami-lies also brought out of town family members who were visiting for the holidays. “The usual turnout,” stated Joyce

Shaw, the host and coordina-tor for this event, “has been around 200. But I think the heavy fog discouraged a lot of folks from attending this year.”“My late husband, Raymond

and I” informs Joyce, “started this event about 20 years ago. We have always hosted it at his cabinet shop on Highway 67. This is the first year we have held it here at the Keene Senior Center. We have al-ways invited the Keene police, fire department and City work-ers. It’s for the purpose of giving back to the community type thing! It’s always been about family and community coming together for fun and games.” Joyce would like to ex-

press “a special thank you to Beverly and Bob Hamilton, Kim and Mike Rose, the entire Shaw family and other family, friends and the entire com-munity - all who pitched and assisted to make this event possible.”

Keene residents traditional “ringing in the new year” gets new venue with the same wholesome fun, festivities and fanfare

ALEXA SHAW, JOYCE SHAW’S GRANDDAUGHTER.TONY COOPER AND JOHN TIDWELL, LEFT TO RIGHT RESPECTIVELY

Longtime Keene resident Glenda Schram will be mov-ing to be closer to her daugh-ter in Maryland. George and

Sharon Shaw are also moving from Keene to Florida to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Farewell party

will be held Jan 19th at the Senior Center on First St. Not everybody is leaving... Lillian Davis was glad to have her

daughter Kathy and husband Randy from Greeneville, TN visit her two weekends ago.

JUST SO YOU WILL KNOW....