"Not Of This World": When Everyone Praises the First Male Gay Athlete in US Sports

"If you find the godless world is hating you, remember it got its start hating Me. If you lived on the world’s terms, the world would love you as one of its own. But since I picked you to live on God’s terms and no longer on the world’s terms, the world is going to hate you." - John 15:18-19

This week, Jason Collins, a reserve basketball player for the NBA's Washington Wizards, became the first male athlete of one of the four major U.S. sports to announce publicly that he is gay. Collins, made his announcement in Sports Illustrated by saying "I'm a 34 year old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay."

Since then, all the major American news outlets, including ESPN, athletes such as Kobe Bryant, and even President Obama and the First Lady, have praised Collins' "courage" and "bravery." He has been hailed as a "pioneer" and has even drawn comparisons to Jackie Robinson, who endured discrimination and abuse for his willingness to be the first black athlete in American sports.

Public figures who have spoken out against Collins' lifestyle choice have been criticized sharply. Chris Broussard, an NBA analyst for ESPN, was asked how he felt about Jason Collins calling himself a gay Christian and he responded "If you're openly living that type of lifestyle, then the Bible says 'you know them by their fruits,' it says that that's a sin. And if you're openly living in unrepentant sin, whatever it may be, not just homosexuality -- adultery, fornication, pre-marital sex between heterosexuals -- whatever it may be, I believe that's walking in open rebellion to God and Jesus Christ, so I would not characterize that person as a Christian."

The Bible calls homosexuality "sin" from Old Testament to New Testament. "Don't you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people-none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

The Jason Collins announcement is more about stopping abuse and discrimination against people than it is about calling the gay lifestyle "right." In the past, gays and lesbians were physically assaulted and even killed because of their lifestyle. They have endured verbal abuse and mockery, been denied housing and jobs, even in professional sports, because of their lifestyle. Gay athletes have been afraid to go public for fear of abuse or losing the chance to compete.

Jesus was very clear that we should love everyone. God loves people. He made every single person. God doesn't classify people they way this world does. He doesn't see "rich" or "poor," "educated" or "ignorant," "Latino" or "White," "gay" or "straight." These distinctions are invented by man to help us characterize differences.

Abuse, physical or verbal, of any kind is detested by God and should have no place in the life of a follower of Jesus Christ! Every human deserves respect because they are created in the image of God. Jesus tells us that we should take care of the ones who are social misfits and outcasts. It should be His followers who protect from harm.

We all know John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." God sees two kinds of people: sinners who have put their trust in Jesus to save them and sinners who haven't. He loves both enough to die for. John 3:17 says "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." God did not send Jesus to "hate" on anyone or condemn anyone.

God loves people but does not love and accept all behavior. He is God. He makes the rules. If we don't like the rules, than our fight is with Him, the King. God gives sun and rain to everyone, even if they disobey His rules. His goodness is extended to all. However, Judgement Day is coming where every single person will stand before Him to answer for how they lived. There will be a penalty for disobeying God. God is good but He is not mocked.

Jesus talked about this in John 3:19 - 21 "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God."

American TV news outlets and newspapers operate to make money. ESPN and ABC News are owned by Disney. Disney is a for-profit corporation. They are in business to make money. That is their goal. Would you expect them to say anything that might characterize Disney as "hating" anyone - black, gay, or elderly? They make money by making sure EVERYONE likes them. In order to make money from everyone, they cannot afford to offend anyone. 

Politicians, like President Obama and the First Lady, need public approval - especially the approval of their political supporters - to keep their jobs. Staying in office is their goal. Would you expect them to do anything that might characterize them as "hating" people who gave money, campaigned, and voted for them?

Jesus Christ is in the business of being God. He does not care about public approval. He made "the public," they did not make Him. He's the Creator and the Sustainer of all life. He's the Boss. He did not come to conform to the values of this world. He didn't come to win a popularity contest. He doesn't need anyone to be God. He doesn't need money, fame, or power.

God was God before the universe was created and would be God if the universe was destroyed.  Jesus did not come to take "sides", He came to take over. The fact that He has given humanity time to change their mind about their behavior and humbly come to Him is mercy on His part. It should not to be mistaken for weakness.

Jesus came to bring a new Kingdom. He says "You are either for Me or against Me." We can join His Kingdom or be a part of the kingdom of this world. If we are a part of this world, take note, it is scheduled for destruction.

This world's values are constantly changing. They are based on public opinion and human values. Unless, those values are based on the everlasting and unchanging law of God, they will always be in flux.

Do not be discouraged when this world praises people who have a lifestyle choice that is contrary to the Word of God. Of course they do, that's how this world works.

You are not of this world! You are here to announce that a new Kingdom is here - a new system, a new way of doing things - the Kingdom of God. If you are hated because you are loyal to another King, remember, they hated Jesus for the same reason.

Keep being a light. Stay faithful to His Word. Be bold. Keep showing God's goodness and love to everyone. Look for opportunities to help and bless, knowing that it is the KINDNESS of God that touches our hearts and brings us to Him. Then you will be just like your King and your Father in Heaven. This is how He treats everyone, everyday.

Tracking Terror: What Does God Say About Government's Role in Bringing Justice to the Boston Marathon Bombers?

"We were lifeguards together. He was hilarious. The community loved him and he loved the community." - Co-Worker of Tamerlan Tsarnaev (Alleged Boston Marathon Bomber)

As details pour in about the two suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing, people are in shock about how "normal" and "likable" these alleged killers were. It is causing the nation to wonder who else might be here pretending to be an average American with intentions to kill and destroy. Where is God in all of this? Does He have anything to say about it? 

The answer is, yes, God does have something to say about it. He is at work. Jesus Christ is not a little man dead on a cross. He is not merely a historical figure who healed blind people and taught His followers to love each other. Jesus is Lord of all the world, not just inside the four walls of the church. 

The two suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing killed an MIT police officer and hurled explosives at police in a car chase and gun battle overnight that left one of them dead and his brother on the loose, authorities said Friday as thousands of officers swarmed the streets in a manhunt that all but paralyzed the Boston area.

The suspects were identified by law enforcement officials and a family member as Dzhokhar, 19, and Tamerlan, 26,  Tsarnaev, brothers from a Russian region near Chechnya, which has been plagued by an Islamic insurgency that has carried out deadly bombings.

A U.S. law enforcement official and the uncle of the suspects in the Boston Marathon bombings are confirming that the name of the second suspect is Tamerlan Tsarnaev, the older brother of Dzhokhar A. Tsarnaev, 19. Tamerlan Tsarnaev was killed in a gun battle with police in Massachusetts overnight.

All Government Is Established By God

"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.The authorities that exist have been established by God." (Romans 13:1)

Every kind of government is established by God. Wait, that can't be right. That must mean only godly government, where people pray, stop abortions, and say "one nation under God" right? Wrong. It means every government. 

This scripture was written by Paul in his letter to Christians in Rome. Rome was ruled by Caesar. It was a government that worshiped Caesar as "god" and filled with idol worship. The Roman empire was corrupt, brutal, and violent. Paul was writing about the Roman government. 

God hates chaos. He would rather have ungodly order than godly chaos. God decides who comes to power in every generation. He also decides what nation will fall out of power. Every great empire, from the Mongols to the Babylonians, the British to the Soviet Union, was established by God himself.

"From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries." (Acts 17:26)

Government: Agent of God's Wrath to Punish Evildoers

"For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer." (Romans 13:4)

Government is given a sword. Today, swords have been replaced by guns. God has given them a gun to bring punishment do those who do evil. 

The law enforcement agencies - federal, state, and local - and their full complement of investigative and police resources serve the purposes of God in pursuing and punishing evil. 

God Is At Work

This is God's world. Every person, animal, and all of the powers in creation are under God's control. He knows the future. He knows your future. He has already seen it. "Many are the plans of a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." 

We do not have to be anxious or afraid. God is not surprised. He is not shocked. He is at work. Even when we wonder where He is. When the final chapter is written in history, it will be HIS-story.

Boston Bombings: "It Was Such A Beautiful Day. Suddenly, An Explosion, Screaming, and Blood Everywhere..."

By now you've all heard the reports. The news probably found you on Facebook or Twitter. You have all watched the round-the-clock coverage on TV. It was Patriots Day in Boston, on a beautiful spring day. The kids had the day off from school and their parents were on holiday from work. The Boston Red Sox had just played a baseball game in legendary Fenway Park. Families came in from the suburbs to the city to celebrate the famed Boston Marathon.

Two bombs went off near the finish line of the race. Later, another bomb went off near the John F. Kennedy Library. Three people have died and over one hundred and seventy were hurt, including over twenty-five people who needed a leg amputated. The bombs were filled with nails, pellets, and ball bearings. They were designed to inflict maximum injury  on their victims.

These were runners. One moment jubilant, having finished a 26 mile race. The next moment, stunned and shocked. Many will only have one leg.

Where is God in all of this? Is this His judgement? Was He asleep? Was He busy doing something else? Why didn't He stop this? What are we to make of tragedies like this?

Do we hide? Where do we look for security? Will the government give it to us through more police presence, cameras on every street corner, or more careful screening of people? Do we need to be more aware of our surroundings, looking for suspicious duffel bags and weird people everywhere we go? Should we throw up our hands in despair?

"Fear not, for I am with You." This is what God says to us. Jesus said "In this world, you will have trouble but be happy because I have overcome the world." What!?!?

There is no security in this world. No government can give it to us. No spouse can give it to us. Money cannot. Religion cannot. Not science, medicine, or technology.

There is no room or place in this world where we are completely safe. Our heart may fail us. We can contract a disease. An accident can occur or an enemy can carry out evil deeds against us.

Jesus said "Whoever hears my word and puts it into practice is like a man who builds his house on the rock. When the storms come, his house stands.." When the storms come... Jesus told us that storms would come. He tells us to build our lives on His Word. He says "Whoever tries to save his life will lose it." If we spend our energy worried about how to keep from dying and ensure we survive, we will lose our lives.

Jesus said "Life is more than food, shelter, money, and clothes." Life is more than our hearts continuing to beat. Life is more than just physical.

"I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in me, though he dies, yet will he live." Is Jesus saying that we will never die? Yes and no. He is not saying that we will never have our hearts stop beating and cease to have brain waves. He is saying that you, the real "you", will live, if you trust Him to take care of your life.

You are a spirit who has a body. Not the other way around. You are eternal even though your body will one day die. Jesus said "Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body. Instead, be afraid of Him who can kill the body and send your soul to hell." 

Jesus is telling us to care more about what God thinks about us than what some terror group or malevolent individual can do to our bodies through bombs. He wants us to be more mindful of God's presence than of suspicious duffel bags. 

God was present in every moment of the bombings. He knows who did it and why. His angels were there, guarding and protecting. He has a purpose for this event. "He causes all things to work together for good..." It does not say that He causes all good things. "Many are the plans of a man's heart but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails..."

So how do we respond? First, we trust God. We know He is in control of His world - the 7 billion humans, the animals, the insects, the energy, all of it. Nothing happens without His knowledge. "He knows the number of hairs on your head." God's grasp of the details are beyond our comprehension.

Second, we trust what God tells us about our world and the people in it. "Be sober minded because your enemy, the Devil, is looking for someone to devour..." God tells us we have an enemy who wants to destroy us. He's not human. The devil does not sleep. He is the "god of this world."

The Devil deceives the world through manipulating the minds and hearts of people. He's that voice telling you to kill yourself because everyone would be better off without you. He is the author of false religions that advocate violence. Satan does it in millions of ways all over the world. His purpose is clear: devour and destroy what God loves - men and women, boys and girls.

Third, we become the hands and feet of Jesus showing love and compassion to this broken world. We pray. We run to the hurting and the bleeding. We clean their wounds and nurse them back to health. We give time, money, and energy. We put our arms around people who are weeping and scared. We show the world that God loves them and He has not abandoned them. We cry with them.

Jesus has given us His Spirit that energizes His body, the Church - that's us - to be "Jesus" in Boston, on 9/11, in DWI accidents, or wherever tragedy occurs in our family, friends, or neighbors. They may not make the headlines but are no less painful and devastating.

Ask God to show you how to look at tragedy through His eyes. You'll be amazed at what you will see and the impact it will make on your heart.

One of Satan's Favorite Songs

If you choose to "do life" using your own wits and strength, you will end up making the same mistake that Satan made. It actually got him kicked out of heaven. Frank Sinatra sang the anthem "I Did It My Way." That song might be on Satan's Top Ten list. It's message is subtle and seemingly harmless. It even sounds admirable. Therein lies it's devastating power.

Lucifer's choice to live independently of God was his demise. For those of you who don't know, Satan was originally known in heaven as Lucifer. He was an archangel. There are three archangels mentioned in the Bible. Gabriel is the messenger of God, he told Mary that she would give birth to Jesus. Michael is the general of the angelic army. He is seen in scripture fighting against fallen angels, also called demons. Lucifer, the Bible teaches, was responsible for the worship of God. He was beautiful and full of light.

In the book of Isaiah, Lucifer said "I will exalt my throne above the stars of God..." In his heart, he chose to believe that he could go his own way. He thought himself to be self-sustaining and no longer needing God for his life. His began to look at his own beauty, wisdom, and strength. Instead of being humbled and grateful for God's work in his life, he became proud. For this, he was thrown out of heaven and down to Earth, banished from the presence of God forever.

On Earth, Lucifer, taking the form of a talking serpent, tempted Eve by saying "When you eat the fruit...your eyes will be opened and you will be like God..." Did you catch that subtle move there? Your eyes will be opened. The presupposition is that Eve's eyes were closed and that God knew about it. "He is purposely keeping you in the dark" is what the serpent is really saying. Lucifer tells Eve to "Break free and do your own thing. Be independent." She did. Adam followed. We have been doing the same thing ever since.

Cain brought the work of his own effort to please God and God rejected it. Adam and Eve's sons, Cain and Abel are infamous for being part of the first murder in human history. Cain was a farmer and Abel was a shepherd. Abel worshiped God by killing the first-born of one of his flock. Cain worshiped God by offering harvested fruit and grains to Him.

Abel's offering symbolized the death of Christ on the cross - the Lamb of God that takes away our sin. The animal was killed. It's blood was spilled. Cain's offering was the result of his own sweat and work. After rejecting Cain's offering, God spoke to him "Why are you so upset? If you give me the right offering, I will be pleased." Instead, Cain was jealous and angry with Abel. He ultimately killed his brother.

Shouldn't God have been happy? At least they were both worshipping, weren't they? Look closer. Cain's offering was out of his own effort. Abel's offering was from the sacrifice of something else. One is based on independent human effort. The other is giving God what He asks for and trusting that it's enough.

Religion is man's attempt to please God. Christianity is God's work alone. God reaches into history and sends His Son to die for our sins. We do not deserve the goodness, mercy, and love of God.  The opposite was true - mankind ignored Him, mistreated each other, and rejected all of His attempts at getting our attention. It has nothing to do with our effort or promises to be good in the future. We simply put our faith and trust in His love and mercy demonstrated in the broken, bleeding Son of God on the cross, taking our punishment for us so our relationship with God could be restored.

Independence versus dependence. They have always been at war. Remember, it was the religious leaders who schemed to kill Jesus. It is interesting, isn't it, that the Bible says that Satan entered into Judas to betray Jesus to the religious leaders? He seems to always be lurking around the independent spirit in man, pouring fuel on the fire.

A life lived without depending on and trusting God puts you in the same boat with Satan. "God rejects the proud, He gives grace to the humble."  From the time we are children, everything in us wants to do things our own way, powered by our own wisdom and strength: "Look what I can do." We strive for financial security through networking and education. Workaholics are praised and admired. Stories about "pulling ourselves up by our own bootstraps" are best sellers and leave us inspired when the movie comes out.

"I....did ittt....  myyyyy....wayyyyy..." Can you hear it? You look around at the career you have built by working and going to school as a single mom. You started at a job beneath what your male ego said you deserved and worked your way up. You think of the sacrifices you have made to climb the ladder of success. As you look at your beautiful home far from the scary neighborhood you used to live in, slide into the soft leather seats of your luxury car, raise the steaming cup of premium coffee to your lips, hear the booming bass and digital clarity oozing from the Bose sound system, it hits you. You made it. Did you catch that? You made it.

It's sneaky isn't it? How could this be a bad thing? It's the American Dream, right? Should we be lazy and mooch off others? The achievement isn't the killer. The pride is. Pride intoxicates like alcohol or drugs. It distorts reality. Pride has you believing you did it on your own. And, man, it feels so good.

The smirk. The knowing glance as you nod your head and say "Oh yeah, I did this. My work paid off." Right there, the seed of independence is planted. "If I did this? What else am I capable of? Sky's the limit, baby!" Look at the language. Who does that sound like?

Lucifer smiles. "See, I told you that you could do it. I have been saying the same thing for millennia. We don't need God. We got this."

The Bible teaches that no one will be able to brag in God's presence that they did anything on their own. "In Him we live and move and have our being." Even Jesus, who showed us what humanity was supposed to look like, said "By myself I can do nothing." Read that again. This is God, in the flesh, saying this. In the Garden of Gethsemane, before His death, He says "...not my will but your will be done." Jesus trusted God. "Even though He was God, He did not use it for His own advantage. He gave up His divine privileges and became nothing - a slave - and obeyed God even to death on a cross."

Abraham trusted God. Moses trusted God. Noah trusted God. David trusted God. It's like God is trying to make sure there would never be another Lucifer. Salvation comes by faith. The attitude is, basically, "Without you, God, I can do nothing. I am utterly, completely dependent on you. My food, future, and family come from you." Just like a tree must be connected to the soil to survive and thrive, we must must be connected to God. Break the connection and it's over.

So what will it be? Are you going to figure it out, chase the paper, and get all you deserve? Or will you stop depending on your own understanding, seek God's will first, find pleasure in God's presence, and trust Him to care for all of your needs?

One thing is certain, Lucifer will be looking for his next opportunity with you. "You got this..."

"The Last Letter - Part 3: Continuing the Journey"

I went to visit Agnes recently.  She is very weak. She has lost so much weight that she almost doesn't look like herself anymore.  She continues to keep the faith even though she has had to walk through other valleys besides her health. Her brother died a couple of weeks ago. Please continue to pray for her.

- Part 3 of a series featuring a letter written by one of Pastor Ann's best friends who is a stage 4 cancer patient. - 

(Hebrews 12:1-2) "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.   Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith."

As we continue on in our journey of faith, we must fight against any hindrances and sins that seek to invade our life.  We need to fight to keep our eyes fixed on Christ and not on the hindrances, sins and temptations that Satan puts in front of us.  Now this is not nearly as easy as it sounds.  This is why it is a fight.  It is difficult and requires that we strive and contend.

“Finishing Well” not only requires fighting the good fight, but also requires “finishing” the work God has given you to do. Paul said, “I have finished the race.” Does that mean just getting to the end and dying? No. In Acts 20:23-24, he gives further explanation “I consider my life worth nothing to me if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me. The task of testifying to the Gospel of God’s grace."

Pastor Ann Ulibarri leads Women's Ministries at Family Worship Center in Albuquerque, NM.

"The Final Letter" Part 2

I still remember the day I found out that my precious friend, Agnes, called me and said that the cancer had spread throughout her body.  Stunned, I asked her how she was doing emotionally after receiving the diagnosis.  She said, "Ann, I'm in a win-win situation.  If I live, I win and if I die, I win. I will see Jesus!"  I was still reeling from her diagnosis, trying to process it, feeling the weight over the words "cancer spread throughout my body." I was not emotionally prepared for her "win-win" statement. Agnes is not the kind of woman who speaks frivolously. When she says something, she means it with every fiber of her being.


It has been about two years since that phone call. Here is part two of the message she wrote to her local church:




"I want to encourage you that no matter how you have been doing on this journey of life, there is still time to finish well. And for those who have been running the race well, maintain your focus, because you don't want to slip up now and finish poorly.


One of the greatest Biblical examples of finishing well in the journey of life is the Apostle Paul.  Paul did not start out so well.  He was a persecutor of the first Christians.  He was even there at the stoning of Stephen, giving his approval. But the Lord gave him the opportunity for a fresh start.  He then took the next steps of faith and he continued on the journey.  He stood firm when things did not seem fair and he finished well.  His last act of life on planet Earth was one of faithfulness even as he faced execution from a Roman soldier.  He finished well.


Paul, nearing execution, was concerned for others to come to salvation.  How is it that Paul is able to face knowing his end was coming, yet he confronted the end of his race, the end of his journey of life and still be focused on winning others to Christ?  It is because Paul is focused on the eternal, not the temporary.  If we are going to finish well, we need to keep our focus on eternity as well.  Keeping our focus on the eternal is what is going to enable us to do the other things that are required for finishing well.


What other things are required to finish well? First, Fighting the Good Fight.  Notice this does not say fight each other, but fight the good fight.  What is fighting the good fight?  Hebrews describes fighting the good fight as running with perseverance."


Part three of Agnes's final letter to her church will be continued.  I want us to take each part and really digest what is being said.  Remember the last words someone shares are imbued with all their life and soul.

Pastor Ann Ulibarri

The Last Letter - Pt.1

One thing in life is certain: You and I will all die one day. There is nothing we can do about that. So, in a sense, we are all "dying." We have all heard of people who live well. They give to others, have a positive attitude, and trust God every day. How many times have you heard a story about someone who is "dying" well? What if you knew that you had six months, two months, one month to live? How would you or I handle that? How about when your body starts shutting down and writhing in pain? When your hair begins to fall out? How would you and I handle that? Would we trust God? Could we still be joyful and hopeful?

I am witness today of this happening in one of my best friends. Agnes, a woman who I have known for over thirty years. Recently, she was asked to share a message with her local church. She was so weak and frail that she decided to write it out instead and have someone read it to the congregation. Over the next few days, I will be sharing the text of that message.

Agnes's body is in the brutal final stages of cancer. She has been told that she can go at anytime. She, and her husband, Johnny, were a vital part of our ministry in a tiny rural village in northern New Mexico. They were amazing armor bearers for us as we pastored our first church. They were there for us during the good times and the rough times. They were always there to encourage us to keep on going.  We began leading that church when we were just twenty-six years old.  They are a little older than us and  were still willing to respect the spiritual authority of their young pastors.

Steve and I have kept a strong bond with Johnny and Agnes even though we moved to Albuquerque. We have spent many of our wedding anniversaries with them. I can go on and on about our sweet friendship and fellowship with them. I feel that this message will encourage you because even though she is walking through the valley of the shadow of death, she is determined to "finish strong." 

"Life's Journey" - Pt. 1

Hebrews 11:10

". . . for he waited for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God."

2 Timothy 4:7-8

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.  Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that day, and not to me only but also to all who love His appearing."

In this life, we may enter many races to win many different kinds of crowns, medals, or prizes, but it is only those who are serious and will work hard who will win anything.

How is it that we can finish the journey of life well? 

Finishing well requires:

• Fighting the good fight
• Finishing your work
• Faithfulness in Christ

Throughout the Bible we find people of God who began well and finished poorly, who were running well but stumbled along the way, and those who may have began badly but finished well. We need to maintain our focus if we are going to finish well...

Pastor Ann Ulibarri and her husband, Steve, oversee the ministries of Family Worship Center in Albuquerque, NM. Ann leads the women's ministries at FWC.