Know Your New Parkway Members

My name is Esteban Jauregui Perez, I am from Santa Cruz, Bolivia. I was born on February 21st 1986. My parents are Esteban Jauregui Navajas y Edith Perez de Jauregui. My dad is a gynecologist and he owns a clinic, which my mom manages. I have one brother and one sister. My sister is 22 years old and is already coursing her 5th year of med school, after graduating she plans to become a plastic surgeon. My brother is 18, just started law school, and plans to study international law and idioms when he graduates. The fifth member of my family is my dog, an american huskee named Balto, we got him 6 years ago and he is kind of my father's grandson. I am very happy to say that we are a very close and united family always ready to help and support each other.

I like to hang out with my friends, I love a good conversation, an interesting debate or reading a book with a good story and a touch of science fiction. On my free time I also like to play computer games that involve strategy and role-play.

I like to always give my best at whatever I do. Back home I got an Industrial Engineering degree. Then I found out about the ESLI scholarship so I came to TAMUCC to get a Masters in Business Administration. I plan to graduate and get a job in the U.S for a while, to get to know how American industrial companies work, because I would like to establish my own Industrial Consulting company based on American standards back in my country.

Right now this MBA program is kind of overwhelming for me, the language is sort of a barrier sometimes so I have to study twice as hard, but I love it here, I am learning new things and understanding concepts that were unknown to me before.

Well, like I said before, I am glad to be here, I have met amazing people that have transformed this journey into a beautiful experience, and for this, I thank all of you.

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The Sacrifice of Leadership

Nehemiah had a problem with his workers. They were suffering because a famine had caused a food shortage. Additionally, they had mortgaged their properties to wealthier Jews, who were charging them interest, and they had sold some of their own children into servitude just so they could pay the King’s taxes. Selling children was an accepted practice among Jews, however, every seven years all the servants were set free.

Knowing this, the wealthier Jews were buying up Jewish servants and selling them to the “nations”… gentile nations. Thus, they could get a better price because they would not have to be returned at the arrival of the sabbatical year (a seventh year cycle).

So the workers had a great burden, the burden of taking time off to build the wall and facing the danger of attack from foreigners and the burden that their own countrymen were placing on them.

Nehemiah had a big problem… his workers were dejected and impoverished.

How did he address this? First, he called a big meeting and publicly accused the wealthy Jews of the sins of usury (charging interest) and selling Jewish slaves to Gentile nations.

Then, he used himself as a positive example; he had been loaning money with no interest to the impoverished Jews and he was purchasing back Jewish slaves who had been sold to Gentile nations.

In addition, to further illustrate his concern for the Jews, in his position as a Governor, he did not take the food allowance that King Artaxerxes had authorized, which amounted to one ox, six sheep and whatever poultry he might need every day.

Nehemiah had made huge sacrifices for the people. Ultimately he resolved the issues of the impoverished Jews and he corrected the sinful behavior of the wealthy Jews. His reward was that he had happier more productive workers and God was happy with a nation that was made more righteous through effective leadership.

Leadership sacrifices itself not its people.

I read an article the other day that the most profitable Veterinary clinics also had the highest payrolls. The article said that happy workers are more productive workers. We’re about to find out at Tejas.

How to Help with the International Students

1. Make cookies for the meetings.
2. Have students into your homes on Friday nights.
3. Take students to lunch.
4. Give rides to services.
5. Pray.

Members in Action

Here are a few things members are doing behind the scenes…

A member bought Oscar and Steven Bibles (written in English) so they could participate in class better.

I sent out an e-mail about Darlene Mesa moving and needing a few things. One member donated a couch and another donated a bed and a chest of drawers.

A family took three international students (Steven, Hilary and Ming) to lunch today.

And I probably know only a tenth of what everyone is doing… maybe less.

Sept. 24 Conversation Group

Jeff had 15... the largest yet.

More Leadership from Nehemiah

Nehemiah 2:12-13.

“And I arose in the night, I and a few men with me, I did not tell any one what my God was putting into my mind to do for Jerusalem and there was no animal with me except the animal on which I was riding.

So I went out by night… inspecting the walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and its gates which were consumed with fire.”

Nehemiah took on the job of rebuilding the walls surrounding Jerusalem based on some intel he had received when he was in King Artaxerxes court. Shortly after he arrives in Jerusalem he makes a personal inspection of the wall at night… in secrecy. Nehemiah, as a great leader, recognizes that you can’t just rely on reports… you have to have on-the-ground information.

Too often leaders are inundated with information which is out of context, overstated, understated or just completely wrong. It is imperative that leaders carefully assess the problem and make sure to hear all the sides of the story before acting. Other wise we can make decisions based on faulty information that cause more harm than good.

In addition, Nehemiah gathered his intel in secrecy. Nehemiah had enemies… enemies from the outside and enemies from the inside. Sometimes it’s best not to reveal a plan of action until you have all your ducks lined up. Think about the number of times an idea has died in infancy because someone said… “that’s a stupid idea” or “that will never work”. Focus your energies in the planning and let the idea mature before you trot it out for public inspection. Leaders formulate solid plans based on solid information and then deal with obstacles as they arise.

Church News

Dot Miller is home from the hospital.

Laura Yzaguirre had a visit to the hospital and is doing much better now.

Brandon

Many of you know that I'm in the Big Brother Program and many of you have met my "little brother" Brandon. Sunday was a big day for Brandon... his mom, brother and sister came for services. Julie and I were sitting in front of them and Brandon was "amening" after every prayer and explaining the Lord's Supper to them. We heard him say, "this cracker represents Jesus' body and this grape juice represents his blood". He was very excited and maybe a little loud but I didn't have the heart to "shush" him.

It was a big day for me too.

The Flood

It was raining cats and dogs during services this morning. Several people had difficult times getting home. Some were stranded at various places and a few had to abandon their cars and walk home. Polly Miller made it to her street but blew two tires somehow and had to wade through high water to her home (Imagine). A neighbor saw her and helped her. Others were just on the roads for a long time, finally getting home by circuitous routes. We were in our Prius with three international students (Oscar, Stephen and Hilary) going to lunch. We made it through high waters at SPID and Kostoryz and then decided to head straight home. We hit more high water at the underpass where Leopard crosses NPID but made it home safely. Gus called and volunteered to take them back in his 4X4 later in the afternoon.

I think everyone is safe and sound. Thank you Lord.

Conversation Groups with the International Students

Our Conversation Groups are doing well and seem to be building. Jeff met with five students from Thailand this past Friday. We have had two students, one from Columbia and one from Bolivia, in regular attendance at Parkway and this morning we had a young lady from Viet Nam.

Many people (4-5) have been involved in this but the point man has been Jeff Carr. Jeff makes all the meetings, sets the study, has students into his home and takes students during the week to various stores to help them out with their needs. Commendations are due to Jeff.

Jeff told me that he is always discussing the Lord with everyone he meets but no one seems to care like these international students.

This is a great work for us. It’s like doing missionary work at home. Get to know these students and get involved. I promise you, it will be rewarding.

New International Student

This is Hilary, I'm sure her momma didn't name her that. Most of the international students take american names when they come over. Hilary has been here one month and is from Hanoi, Viet Nam.

Church News

Dot Miller was scheduled for knee replacement but that has been postponed because she has had some falling issues and broke a shoulder. This is from Gay…

“DOT HAS BEEN MOVED TO A ROOM NOW ROOM 2301 in Spohn Shoreline SHARON SAYS FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. THANKS FOR PRAYERS AND CONCERN gay west”

From Ruth Lara…
Please keep my brother, Rosendo Robledo in your prayers, he is in ICU in Harlingen for blockage of artery, and is on medication, Lord willing this will clear him up and wont require surgery.
Also, my daughter Melissa Marcell in SanAntonio is going thru some medical tests, please keep her in your prayers, that all will be well soon.
THANK YOU! and God Bless

Jana and Jeff Carr are expecting this week. Jana’s mom is in from California. They are having this baby at home… prayers are in order.

Leadership from Nehemiah

A long time ago I heard an Elder say about another Elder… “He’s the perfect government inspector; he identifies problems but never does anything to solve them.”

It’s easy to identify a problem or to offer criticism. However, it is far more virtuous and beneficial to not only recognize a problem but to take personal responsibility for the correction of the problem… like Nehemiah.

Consider Nehemiah, he was a Jew with an official position in the court of the Persian Empire which dominated the world at the time. He was the cupbearer for King Artaxerxes II and his queen. That meant he tasted the wine to make sure it wasn’t poisoned. He was with King Artaxerxes every day.

Nehemiah had a great concern for his homeland, a homeland he had never seen. He made inquiry about Jerusalem and learned that the city walls were still broken down and the people were downcast and dejected. It troubled him deeply and he spent four months in prayer about it and prepared himself for the opportunity to do something about it. When that opportunity came with King Artaxerxes, he identified the problem, offered a time frame for its completion, requested letters for travel and materials and got an armed escort.

Whether we have problems in the congregation, the home or the work place don’t make the mistake of being critical without offering well thought out remedies and personal involvement. The world is full of critics.

From Wikipedia…
A cup-bearer was an officer of high rank in royal courts, whose duty it was to serve the drinks at the royal table. On account of the constant fear of plots and intrigues, a person must be regarded as thoroughly trustworthy to hold this position. He must guard against poison in the king's cup, and was sometimes required to swallow some of the wine before serving it. His confidential relations with the king often gave him a position of great influence. The position of cup bearer is greatly valued and given to only a select few throughout history. Qualifications for the job were not held lightly but of high esteem valued for their beauty and even more for their modesty, industriousness and courage.

Church News

Hope Mosely is recuperating from hip replacement surgery.

Dot Miller had cataract surgery.

Landon Nuckles had tubes put in his ear drums.

Amy Torno's dad, Gene Mabry, who is awaiting liver transplant is having some health issues. Please pray for him and Mrs. Mabry.

Julie and I are going to be in San Diego, Calif. this week-end visiting relatives.